KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL SOU T HAMP TO N
Second to Third Year Options 2022-2023
Second to Third Year Options All students (whether currently at King Edward’s or new applicants) entering into the Third Year (Year 9) are asked to make choices about the range of subjects that they will study. All pupils study, or continue to study,
Languages
the subjects below:
All pupils study at least two languages in the Third Year.
ENGLISH
Current pupils will continue to study their Modern Foreign Language 1, that being the language first started in the First Year. For their Modern Foreign Language 2 they have the option to continue to study their current Modern Foreign Language 2, i.e. the language started at the beginning of the Second Year, or switch to Italian or Latin.
HISTORY MATHEMATICS GEOGRAPHY BIOLOGY RELIGIOUS STUDIES CHEMISTRY PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES PHYSICS We then ask pupils to choose a further five subjects to study alongside the mandatory ones listed above. This can be either
Two languages + 3 option subjects or
Three languages + 2 option subjects
Pupils joining the school next year must pick two languages from French, German, Spanish, or Italian. It is expected that one language will have been studied for at least two years, and that the other will have been studied for at least one year – unless opting for Italian which is taught as a beginners language. It is possible to study three languages, in which case one will be Latin. If you decide on two languages, you can add any three subjects from the list below, whilst if you decide on three languages, you can add two subjects from the list below: Art*, Design Technology*, Music*, Drama*, Computer Science, or Classical Civilisation. Please note that whether choosing two or three subjects from this list, at least one must be a creative subject, marked *.
Deputy Head (Academic): Dr B M Waymark bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Thinking Ahead to GCSE Options Please note that it will not be possible to begin a new additional language at the beginning of the Fourth Year. It is preferable, but not essential, for those intending to take Design Technology, Drama, Music, Art, Classical Civilisation, or Computer Science at GCSE to study the subject in the Third Year. You will be making more wide-ranging option choices next year, before entering the Fourth Year (Year 10). However, you will be able to make more important decisions about your languages. If in twelve months’ time you decide you want to take only one modern language to GCSE, you will only be able to choose a language that you have studied in the Third Year.
For students joining King Edward VI School in the Third Year: - Although two languages must be studied in the Third Year, only one needs to be taken through to GCSE. This decision is made in twelve months’ time. - If you have only studied one language in your current school you must pick that and Italian. - Should you need any advice regarding language options please do not hesitate to contact Mr A J Sinclair (Head of Languages) ajms@kes.hants.sch.uk
For current Second Year King Edward VI School students: All pupils must study at least one modern European Language at GCSE, which will have been studied during the Third Year. - If you do carry on with your second modern language or Latin, or you take up Italian as a new language in the Third Year, you don’t have to follow it right through to IGCSE – you make the decision whether to carry on with it in twelve months’ time. - If you wish to take other non-language subjects at GCSE in the Fourth Year it is preferable to take it as an option subject in the Third Year, although not essential. Deputy Head (Academic): Dr B M Waymark bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk
- Take lots of advice – from your tutor, your teachers, heads of department, Mrs Burnett or Dr Waymark. Visit the Guidance Centre and talk to the careers team. Although every effort will be made to match everyone’s choices, unfortunately it is impossible to guarantee that you will be given all your preferences. Various timetabling pressures mean that a few people may be unable to do their preferred combination, which is why we ask you to list alternatives.
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Subject Options
King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ
King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Art The Art course in the Third Year is
behind the scenes. We also exhibit students
predominately technique-based, the main
finished pieces so they see their work in a
aim to give pupils the opportunity to explore
professional setting.
as many different materials and processes as possible in preparation for GCSE but also to make the year dynamic and fun. The topics are designed like an art foundation course and aims to encourage experimentation as having investigating materials and process.
The department is well equipped in a new building with spacious creative open studios. The department has excellent printmaking facilities, large kiln, ceramic wheels, small darkroom and specialist Apple iMac suite running Adobe Creative Cloud and giclée
Typically, a Third Year artist will get the
printer. We have one the best art libraries of
experience of working in plaster casting and
any school with titles covering Fine Art to
carving, clay modelling, lino relief printing, dry
Sculpture, Graphic design and Art History.
point, painting and drawing in the broadest
The studios are regularly open after school
sense.
and lunchtimes for students to work in lovely
Projects usually last half a term and considerable emphasis is placed on pupils
creative environment. We have a dedicated gallery.
gaining awareness of the work of different artists and cultures. We look at a wide range of influences from Fine art to fashion illustration and everything in between. We have also taken students on trips such as a visit to the Harry Potter film studios to see the artwork that is Head of Department: Mr G L Piggott glp@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Classical Civilisation This course is ideal for students who enjoy
for research, project work and student
the classical world of the Greeks and the
presentations and students will develop a
Romans but who do not necessarily wish to
wide range of transferable skills, including
pursue the language. A variety of topics will be
assessment of ancient visual and written
studied. These will include the early Minoan
material and critical and evaluative writing.
Civilisation with the Myth of Theseus and The
During the year there will also be a museum
Minotaur, Sparta and Classical Theatre, along
visit to the Roman Baths in Bath to support the
with the Romans in Britain, their leisure and
topics studied.
entertainment activities and the notion of the Roman hero in mythology. This is a very diverse subject with something for everyone. The ancient world still informs the present and there will be plenty of discussion on comparison of values and lifestyles as well as appreciation of the influences on our own culture. There will be opportunities
Head of Department: Mrs J M Meredith jmm@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Classics - Latin Your foundations of Latin grammar have been
along the road to GCSE, since everything done
already been laid and therefore the Third
so far counts towards it. If Latin is discontinued
Year consolidates this within the familiar story
at this stage, it cannot be picked up again later
approach of the Cambridge Latin Course. The
and there will be few opportunities to study it
background element provides more fascinating
in later life. Latin is a very broad subject and
information about Roman society and the Third
provides training in several valuable skills,
Year material is some of the best in the course.
linguistic, literary and historical, which make it
The whole object of the Cambridge Latin
highly regarded.
Course is to prepare pupils to read some gems of real Latin Literature, which are begun in the Fourth Year and studied for GCSE. It is then possible to see tangible rewards for learning Latin, in reading some of the greatest writings of ancient Rome, which have relevance even today. Those who enjoy Latin are encouraged to bear in mind that they are already two years
Head of Department: Mrs J M Meredith jmm@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Computer Science A science certainly, but also about art and language.
This year will develop the following: Problem solving skills: Understanding how to
For current Second Year students at King
break larger problems down. How to express
Edward VI School, computer science develops
these in a formal manner using Pseudocode
many of the themes introduced in Years One
ready to automate using a machine called a
and Two in IT and Computing. It is though
computer.
more akin to GCSE Computer Science and this year aims to prepare you for GCSE using a practical approach in class. Think about this. The more challenging problem is not to play chess but to write the code that will play chess.
Learn a Computer language: You will be able to instruct a computer using the Python language and also explore the languages of the web. Physical Computing and robotics: The Internet of things is upon us! Smart toasters are no
Even though it is technical, it is a work of art.
longer a dream! Learn how microcontrollers
This is a creative subject. You will get a level
coupled with sensors and motors are in
of satisfaction in developing the tools and
increasingly more things from cars to fridges
language to create.
- what is their impact in an increasingly connected and automated world? - the Internet of things. Cyber Security: One of the fastest and highest paying industries. Learn about how computers, mobile phones and networks are attacked and safeguarded.
Head of Department: Mr DG Cutler dgc@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Design Technology Design and Technology in the Third Year gives
This year acts as a foundation to GCSE study
pupils the chance to build on the skills and
and allows pupils to experience a blend of the
knowledge acquired previously. The increased
three GCSE Design and Technology areas
complexity and challenges of the course
offered at King Edward’s.
allow pupils to gain further insight into Design and Technology in its many forms. This year sees students utilising design and practical experiences to develop their own styles and ideas. Students will be expected to apply experiences from their personal and social lives and a wide variety of other creative areas within their work when designing and making products. The Third Year course increases the complexity of practical tasks and the design work for students.
Head of Department: Mr S H Barker shb@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Drama The Third Year Drama course offers students
In addition to the practical aspects of the
a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of
course, students will study the work of a
drama and the theatre. The course has been
leading contemporary theatre company and
designed to provide a well-rounded education
will analyse live theatre, either through visits
for all students and is especially useful
to local productions or by viewing recorded
preparation for those considering Drama
theatre productions.
GCSE.
Students are assessed through a combination
Through practical workshops, students have
of performance, design and written tasks
the opportunity to develop their performance
throughout the year, including a written
skills, as well as exploring costume, set, lighting
examination in the Summer Term.
and sound design. They will learn how to approach scripted and devised performances and explore different staging techniques, including mask work and storytelling. Students will build their confidence when working with different groups and will learn how theatre production teams work to create each performance.
Head of Department: Mrs L A Gilmour lag@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
French French at King Edward’s is taught in a lively
French teachers work closely together to
and communicative way and the Third Year
encourage and challenge all pupils. At this stage,
programme should prove stimulating and
all classes are mixed ability, allowing all pupils
rewarding to all pupils, whether studying French
to access materials evenly. French teachers
as their first or second modern language. By
aim to open students’ eyes to the possibilities
the end of the year, all French pupils should feel
and opportunities of studying French at IGCSE.
confident enough to continue with French in the
We are lucky to have two French assistants
Upper School.
who offer French speaking clinics twice a week
Pupils in the Third Year continue the ‘Studio’ course which they began earlier in the Lower
and also see pupils in lessons to work on their spoken French.
School. They have access to two digital books:
We have an annual visit from a French speaking
‘Studio 3 Vert’ and ‘Studio 3 Rouge’. All students
theatre group, which allows students to
follow the same course, whether it is their first
appreciate the progress they have made in their
or second modern language. Those who have
French-learning journey and this coupled with
studied less French at KES meet six times a
further opportunities in the Upper School to
fortnight rather than four, allowing them to go
explore the language, such as a biannual trip to
more in depth into some of the material. The aim
Paris, means that our students truly grow in their
is that all students will have a solid foundation
knowledge and understanding of French culture
before they embark on their IGCSE.
and language.
As well as the textbooks, pupils have access to
French is the first or second language of many
complimentary resources on the Studio website
countries; France is our nearest continental
and teacher can assign tasks and assignments
neighbour and an important business partner
accordingly. There are videos that accompany
and provides many leisure opportunities.
the course and pupils enjoy following a group of
Fluency in such a major language is an asset
French teenagers and their adventures. As pupils
in many careers and the French department
will have become familiar with the Studio books
aims to engender passion from the outset in this
already, this is a natural and straightforward
excellent subject.
progression for them.
Head of Department: Ms K M Clement kmc@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
German German is the EU language with the largest
the King Edward’s intranet and to Google
number of native speakers and the second
Classroom, which can be accessed from home
most commonly used scientific language in
as well as in School, providing extra practice
the world. Germany is also the world’s largest
when it is needed.
exporter and the financial capital of Europe, so a knowledge of German makes good business sense as well as providing the key to an understanding of much of our shared European literary and musical heritage.
The course also focuses on the culture and customs of the German-speaking nations of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and encourages contact with these countries. The Department offers a weekend trip to a
The German Third Year continuers’ course at
Christmas market In Germany to the Lower
King Edward’s continues the lively approach
School and we also run an Upper School
to language learning experienced by Second
residential trip.
Year beginners, using a range of up-to-date materials: course-books, frequent use of ICT, whether on individual devices or school computers, many online materials and DVDs. It continues to cover topics most likely to be of interest and relevance to young people - such
This is a stimulating course for pupils with the desire to acquire a major European language, which will be increasingly marketable in the UK as a direct result of the current national climate of low language uptake at GCSE.
as holidays, TV and film, food and hobbies with a firm emphasis on communication and understanding. This approach is supported by an appreciation of language structure and regular access to our German language assistant, providing an ideal foundation for the Edexcel IGCSE course in the Fourth and Fifth Years. Extra resources are uploaded to
Acting Head of German: Ms M J Gorbat mjg@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Italian In the Third Year, a beginner’s Italian course
have gained a good grasp of the language by
is offered as a second Modern Language.
the end of the Third Year. Additionally, we have
Students are quickly introduced to the basics
a native language assistant who works closely
of this beautiful, musical language, spoken by
with the group on a fortnightly basis.
about 70 million people natively and around a further 150 million worldwide as a non-native language.
Learning Italian, knowing a language different from the more typical foreign languages taught at schools, allows students to stand out from
This course is particularly suitable for strong,
the crowd, and will enable access to a fantastic
keen linguists, who already have a foundation
country, culture and people.
in the romance languages. An intensive but enjoyable first year can lead to study of the language as an IGCSE in the Upper School,
A study trip to Italy of four or five days is offered during February half-term.
although at present no A level is offered. Grammatically, Italian shares roots closely with French and Spanish, however studies of Latin also help significantly, particularly with recognition of vocabulary. Lessons are taught over six periods per fortnight and students will
Head of Department: Mrs S Rugge-Price srp@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Music Music in Third Year (Year 9) shifts focus to
Music in the Third Year offers a creative
performance and practical music making.
approach to homework as students can
Through topics such as: film and video game
use their co-curricular contributions to KES
music; Rock and Roll of the 1950’s and musical
ensembles towards their homework. We
theatre students explore how these styles are
encourage all our Third Year to take part in one
created. Through practical tasks such as whole
or more musical activity in the School, (such as
class performances or group project work,
Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, Senior Choir,
students can better understand the musical
Chamber Choir, Swing Band or Big Band) as
elements that make these genres successful
this supports musical literacy and key skills
and utilize the skills learnt in performing to aid
such as resilience, organisation and creative
their musical literacy.
problem solving.
Although many students who play musical
In preparation for GCSE Music students will
instruments/ voice select the course, there is
build composition skill and begin to master
no requirement to learn a musical instrument/
software such as Sibelius and Logic Pro for
voice in the Third Year. Students should have
notation. The topics are designed to prepare
a curiosity for the subject and be willing to
students for the continued study of academic
enjoy the performance element. The course
music into GCSE whilst maintaining a focus on
also includes workshop and concert trip
practical, engaging music making above all.
opportunities specifically tailored to the topics and enrichment of Third Year Music. Head of Department: Miss C E Forsey cef@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information
Spanish Studying Spanish allows you to become
is supplemented by online resources and the
increasingly competent in a major world
corresponding section on the school website,
language, it also means that at the end of
which students can access both at School
the Third Year you will be able to choose
and at home, as well as fortnightly contact
which Modern Language to take as your core
with the language assistant in order to practise
language for IGCSE.
speaking.
The main advantage of Spanish is that it
Third year pupils traditionally travel to Spain
enables you to communicate with the 400
with the Fourth years at the beginning of
million people who have Spanish as their
the Easter holidays. Students take part in a
first language, whether that be on holiday in
Homestay programme in Córdoba, where they
Spain or Latin America or in a work-related
stay with families in pairs and attend Spanish
environment. The course also gives you an
lessons at a specialist language school.
insight into some of the liveliest and most vibrant cultures on the planet. The course in the Third Year is fast-moving and practical. The textbook Mira 2 gives you a firm basis of the grammar and structure of the language for you to build on successfully. This
Head of Department: Mrs E M Ladislao eml@kes.hants.sch.uk
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Third Year Options
In Summary All Third Year pupils study the core subjects:
ENGLISH HISTORY MATHEMATICS GEOGRAPHY BIOLOGY RELIGIOUS STUDIES CHEMISTRY PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES PHYSICS They then decide on the rest of their curriculum, i.e. either
Two languages + 3 option subjects or
Three languages + 2 option subjects
Please note: The second modern languages courses assume a minimum of one year of previous study. If your son or daughter has taken only one modern language in their current school, please opt for Italian which is taught as a beginner’s class. It will not be possible to begin a new additional language at the beginning of the Fourth Year.
King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ