Classical Civilisation

ART & DESIGN CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

60% COURSEWORK

40% CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT 100% EXAM

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

Assessment of work:

Students are assessed on four main criteria: the ability to research; the ability to develop design ideas from looking at the work of artists and designers; the ability to experiment with, review and refine their own work; the realisation of ideas. Coursework related to the first two projects contributes 60% of the final assessment. The other 40% is for the final project. All work is marked internally and externally moderated at the end of the course when an exhibition is mounted of every candidate’s work.

Further study:

Completing a GCSE in Art is essential preparation for A levels in Art & Design and History of Art (Critical & Contextual Studies in Art). It is also good preparation for Photography A level.

The study of Art & Design promotes and encourages the development of imagination, creativity and critical thinking. Students will work individually and together developing ideas and exploring creative processes. Students will learn to develop further their use of sketchbooks to gather ideas that interest and inspire them, and refine these ideas into more resolved outcomes. They will gain experience of working broadly across a range of disciplines within the design fields, learning about the building blocks of visual language, and covering work in the following areas: • Drawing and photography • Painting and printmaking • Textile and fashion design • Ceramics and sculpture • Graphic design • Contextual studies

The Art & Design GCSE comprises three projects spread across the two years. Each one is themed and students will be supported to produce a sketchbook of research and ideas, as well as a body of classwork for each. The themes are very much open to interpretation and the development of personal and individual imaginations will be promoted and encouraged.

EXAM BOARD: OCR

Assessment of work:

Students do two written papers. The first is a comparative study of ancient Greece and Rome, and combines literary and visual/material sources. In the second paper, students couple an in-depth cultural and archaeological study with the study of a related body of literature.

Further study:

Classical Civilisation can be continued at A level. A study of Classical Civilisation also complements further study of other humanities subjects such as English, History, Politics and Philosophy

Classical Civilisation is a wide-ranging humanities subject, which explores the ancient world through original sources, both literary and archaeological. All sources are studied in translation, so no knowledge of Latin or Greek is required. The course provides an excellent introduction to the classical world and its legacy. Students will study material from ancient Greece and Rome, and other societies with which they came into contact. Many learners come to Classical Civilisation due to a love of Greek mythology, and this forms a central part of the GCSE. In the first year of the course, learners will study myths about the role of gods and heroes such as Hercules. They will also explore links between myth and the exercise of power, rituals surrounding death and burial, and festivals. Other topics that run through the modules include gender, politics, and morality; these foster creative thinking and encourage students to make comparisons between ancient and modern society. They also learn skills of rigorous interpretation of evidence, and of analytical analysis and discussion.

COMPUTER SCIENCE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

100% EXAM 50% EXAM

50% COURSEWORK

EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS

Assessment of work:

Students are assessed through two examinations. The first assesses knowledge of computer hardware and architecture, logic, communication, the organisation and structure of data, software, principles of programming, security and ethics. The second exam is screen based and will test the students ability to write algorithms, create web pages, work with graphical environments and think computationally.

Further study:

Students are able to go onto study A level OCR Computer Science.

The study of Computer Science encourages students to understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science through of a combination of practical activities, algorithm design, problem analysis and studying real world applications. Through logical discipline and imaginative creativity, students can develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts. The course encourages students to extend their horizons beyond the school environment in order to appreciate the effects of computer science on society and individuals. Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examination.

EXAM BOARD: AQA

Assessment of work:

Students do one written exam and coursework. In the exam there is a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions. It is split into sections assessing breadth of Technical knowledge, Specialist technical principles and Designing and making principles. In the Non-Exam Assessment students will undertake a single ‘design and make’ activity, which will arise from investigating one of five contextual challenges set by AQA. Students will produce a working prototype and a portfolio of evidence (max 20 pages). Work will be marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

Further study:

Students who gain GCSE Design & Technology can go on to study the subject at A level, where students study 3D Design: WJEC Art and Design.

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. The new GCSE Design and Technology course will give students the opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems. Whilst considering their own and others’ needs wants and values, students can learn about a wide variety of contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices.