KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL SOU T HAMP TO N
IGCSE & GCSE Options 2022-2023
IGCSE & GCSE OPTIONS You and your parents have choices to make about the range of subjects that you will study next year in the Fourth Year (Year 10). You will continue to study those subjects in the Fifth Year, i.e. to GCSE level. All Fourth Year (Year 10) pupils study the core subjects: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENGLISH LITERATURE MATHEMATICS BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS RELIGIOUS STUDIES* PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES A MINIMUM OF ONE MODERN EUROPEAN LANGUAGE A MINIMUM OF ONE HUMANITIES SUBJECT The first choice is your Modern Language 1 which you must have studied in Third Year (Year 9). This is the same if you opt for a second language—it is not possible to start a new language in the Fourth Year.
Pupils then choose THREE additional subjects. You can then choose three additional subjects from the options. The first must be a Humanities subject; after that you may choose any two other subjects, including a second Humanities and a second language if you wish.
Humanities HISTORY GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS RELIGIOUS STUDIES* CLASSICAL CIVILISATION
Further Option Subjects FRENCH GERMAN SPANISH ITALIAN LATIN ART
DANCE COMPUTER SCIENCE DRAMA DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY** MUSIC SPORT SCIENCE
* Pupils who opt for RS will also study for the Higher Qualification in the Fourth Year. Pupils who do not opt for RS will still study for and sit the RS (Short Course) GCSE at the end of the Fourth Year. ** Three separate GCSE courses are available within Design & Technology—Resistant Materials, Graphic Design, Textiles.
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Remember the following points You have to continue with at least one modern European language through to IGCSE. If you currently study only one modern language, you will follow it through to IGCSE. If you currently study two modern languages you can continue with either or both to IGCSE. • You cannot begin to study a new language in the Fourth Year. You can choose whether or not to carry on with a second modern language, or Latin if you currently study them. If you do not currently study any of the languages studied at King Edward’s (French, German, Spanish, Italian), please contact Dr Waymark (bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk) • You can choose to take any non-language GCSE course even if you haven’t studied that subject in the Third Year (Year 9). • When, in two years’ time, you are making A level choices, the only option subjects that you must have also taken at IGCSE or GCSE are the languages – modern and classical. • Information about the option subjects is provided in this booklet to help you decide what to do. Current King Edward VI School students are encouraged to discuss your choices with staff. Every effort will be made to give all pupils their first choice of subjects. However, 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. If there is a problem with your preferences, we will discuss it with you individually.
Deputy Head (Academic): Dr BM Waymark bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk
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Subject Options
King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ
King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Art Art is both a form of communication and a means of
The course is designed to be highly personal and
expression of ideas and feelings. It forms a language
encourages students to articulate their ideas and
which complements those of the literary, mathematical,
understand the cultural and contextual reasons artist
scientific and factually based subjects and a language
continue to reflect on the world around them. It is
as humans that is as old as mankind itself.
hoped that many of the skills practised and concepts
The course encourages pupils to perceive, understand and express concepts and feelings in visual and tactile form; to develop manipulative skills and technical competence and to record from direct observation and personal experiences. We follow the AQA Fine Art course which allows a broad range of skills to be explored from printmaking to painting, sculpture and digital media; essentially the spectrum of work you might see in any major art gallery. We start the course with a field trip to a place of interest such as Lulworth Cove or Kew Gardens, to draw and collect images for the first topic of Natural Forms. Each year involves a trip to a major exhibition. Recent visits have been to the Royal Academy, Saatchi
understood during the two years will encourage the pupils to study the subject into the VI Form and beyond, especially for courses such as architecture as well as Art School. 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 printer. We have one the best art libraries of any school with titles covering Fine Art to Sculpture, Graphic design and Art History. The studios are regularly open after school and lunchtimes for students to work in lovely creative environment. We have a dedicated gallery space so students can get used to seeing their work presented in a professional context.
Gallery, NPG, and Tate’s Modern and Britain. During the Fourth and Fifth Years, pupils are given two main projects (portfolios) to carry out. These tasks are assessed throughout the course, NEA Coursework Portfolios 60% and NEA Examination 40%. The Examination element is set in early January of the second year and the exam is over two days in the art studios at the end of April.
Head of Department: Mr G L Piggott glp@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Classical Civilisation This course is ideal for students who have a passion for the classical world but do not want to pursue the language. However, it can also supplement the study of Latin. GCSE Classical Civilisation is also a valuable platform for pursuing the study further at A Level. A variety of topics can be studied, including Homer’s wonderful Odyssey and the vibrant mythology which saturated the ancient world. There are two components, both culminating in examination of an hour and a half.
2 Literature And Culture The Homeric world: Key sites; The Mycenean World; Decorative arts; Tombs, graves and burial; Study of the Odyssey - Literary techniques and composition; Themes; The character of Odysseus; The portrayal of key characters. Literary sources studied are all in translation – there is no requirement for any Latin or Greek.
These comprise a mixture of Greek and Roman themes:
1 Thematic Study Myth and Religion: Gods; The Universal Hero: Heracles; Religion and the city: temples; Myth and the city: foundation stories; Festivals; Myth and symbols of power; Death and Burial; Journeying to the Underworld.
Head of Department: Mrs J M Meredith jmm@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Computer Science A modern course for a modern world. The IGCSE
Looking to the future. Information technologies
Computer Science (CIE) course will provide
continue to have a growing importance. This
students with an in-depth understanding of how
means there will be a stronger demand for
computer technology works and a look at what
professionals who are qualified in this area.
goes on ‘behind the scenes’. As part of this, they
If learners want to go on to higher study and
will investigate computer programming.
employment in the field of Computer Science
The fun of computing. Through this study of computer programming, the course will help learners develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills. For many, it will be a fun and interesting way to develop these skills which
they will find that this course provides an excellent stepping stone. Learners who have taken a Computing GCSE and who then progress to study the subject at A Level or at university will have a sound fundamental knowledge of this subject area.
can be transferred to other subjects and even
The critical thinking, analysis and problem solving
applied in day-to-day life. In this way, the course
skills developed are at the centre of a 21st century
will stimulate interest and engagement with
skill base, regardless of the discipline pursued.
technology and technology-related careers.
Head of Department: Mr D G Cutler dgc@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Dance Following the AQA GCSE curriculum, dance pupils
also choreograph a solo or group piece with
will learn to choreograph, perform and appreciate
particular focus on action, dynamic, spatial and
dance as an art form. This holistic engagement
relationship content whilst exploring structural and
with dance informs pupils’ development as
choreographic devices. Worth 60% of the GCSE,
creative and artistic individuals, and broadens
(30% performance, 30% choreography) this
their aesthetic, social and cultural experience.
element is assessed internally and moderated by
The course focuses on the aesthetic and artistic
the exam board.
qualities of dance and the symbolic use of movement to express and communicate ideas
Dance Appreciation
and concepts through the interrelated processes
In this element, pupils gain knowledge and
of performance, choreography and appreciation.
understanding of choreographic processes and
Dance is a powerful and empowering form of
performing skills. Through written work and
nonverbal communication and it is both physical
appropriate terminology, candidates critically
and expressive, which makes it similar to and
analyse, interpret and evaluate their own work in
different from other art forms and physical
performance and choreography and demonstrate
activities. Dance develops creative, imaginative,
their knowledge and understanding of professional
physical, emotional and intellectual capacities.
practice by studying six set professional pieces.
Performance & Choreography
The study of this anthology of professional pieces
The practical component of the course enables
in performance and choreography as well as
pupils to study by ‘doing’ and they will learn set
broadening their knowledge and understanding
phrases through a solo performance and with
of dance and ability to critically appraise dances
a duet/trio performance. Assessment of these
of different styles and cultural influences. This
focus on physical, technical, expressive and
component is through a written exam of 1 hour 30
mental skills attributed during performance. Pupils
minutes worth 40% of the GCSE.
Head of Department: Miss S T J Barnett stjb@kes.hants.sch.uk
will facilitate the development of pupil’ skills
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Design & Technology Design is not just what it looks like and feels like.
Textiles: Pupils will develop a wide range of
Design is how it works. - Steve Jobs
decorative techniques based around the design
The GCSE courses offered in D&T gives pupils at King Edward’s the chance to shape the future and are focused on authentic D&T in the real world. All options encompass design, manufacture and evaluation and utilise a wide range of ICT school tools including design packages and CAD/CAM, from 3-D printing
and manufacture of textile products and polymers. Students will undertake practical processes such as hand dying, embroidery, block printing and pattern cutting. Students will also learn how to create fashion illustrations both by hand and using Adobe Illustrator on the PC and Sketchbook Pro on the iPad.
to laser cutting. The GCSE courses in D&T allow
All of the courses are split 50% examination and
pupils to turn their thoughts and ideas into reality. The
50% none examined assessment (a project carried
subject is offered through one of three materials areas
out under the supervision of the School). As part of
at GCSE:
the GCSE specification, as well as learning about
Graphics and Polymers: Concerned with all aspects of two and three-dimensional modelling, whilst this course is not exclusively computer aided design, students will focus on the use of industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as realising their virtual SolidWorks models using CNC equipment such as the 3-D printer and laser cutter. Woods and Metals: Pupils will develop their application, knowledge and skills and understanding of resistant materials applying these to designing and making a product. Pupils will design in the three-
materials and processes theory linked to the students individual material area choice (resistant materials, graphic products or textiles) students will study and be examined on the theory of a number of core Design and Technology skills which will be taught to all students taking a GCSE in Design and Technology irrespective of their area choice. We would also encourage further study up to A Level Design and Technology leading on to university courses in subjects as varied as interior design, engineering, product design, robotics, architecture or computer aided design.
dimensional application SolidWorks and look to realise their product based on this.
Head of Department: Mr S H Barker shb@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Drama The GCSE course in Drama is an exciting,
Pupils will demonstrate their knowledge and
inspiring and practical course. The specification
understanding of drama, including their ability
promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama,
to interpret texts for performance, in a written
as performers and/or designers. Additionally
examination. However, in preparation for this
it provides opportunities to attend live theatre
assessment, students are encouraged to study
performances and to develop skills as informed
their chosen text practically as a performer,
and thoughtful audience members.
designer and director.
Through following this specification, learners
Students will be given the opportunity to attend a
will be given opportunities to participate in and
workshops with a leading contemporary theatre
interpret their own and others’ drama. Pupils have
company. They will also analyse live theatre, either
the option to work practically as performers and/
through visits to local productions or by viewing
or designers in Components 1 and 2. Students will
recorded theatre productions.
investigate a practitioner or genre of drama, work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions, forms and techniques to produce and realise a piece of original theatre. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the performance of an extract from a play text.
Head of Department: Mrs L A Gilmour lag@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Economics The IGCSE syllabus seeks to explain the workings
The course is both topical and relevant to the
of the economies of developed and developing
pupils’ lives, providing a valuable insight into a
nations. It provides pupils with a grounding
key area of current affairs. It is a useful stepping
in the basic analytical skills and vocabulary of
stone for those wishing to study the subject in the
the economist, and encourages them to apply
Sixth Form, although it is not a pre-requisite for A
the subject’s core models and theories to
level Economics. There is no externally assessed
contemporary economic problems.
coursework in this subject and assessment is by
Candidates must be able to think logically, handle
two examination papers.
data in various forms and express themselves with clarity and understanding. The topics for study include the determination of prices and wages in markets, unemployment, inflation, exchange rates, the balance of payments, money and financial institutions.
Head of Department: Mr P Sheppard ps@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
French French students sit the Edexcel IGCSE (9-1).
All students use the websites ‘Quizlet’ and ‘This
The four skills of listening, speaking, reading and
is Language’ to help them develop their listening
writing are all worth 25% and all examinations take
and reading skills. Every other year, the French
place in the Fifth Year. The course is topic based,
Department takes students to Paris for a four-day
with the grammar forming an integral part of how
visit. Students attend lessons on two mornings at a
the students acquire the language.
language school in Paris and spend the afternoons
The four topics across the two-year course are:
exploring the city and visiting the sites. French is the first or second language of many
• Everyday life at home and school
countries; France is our nearest continental
• Self, family and friends – at home & abroad
neighbour and an important business partner and
• The world around us
provides many leisure opportunities. Fluency in
• Life from infancy to adulthood
such a major language is an asset in many careers
There are opportunities to watch and review films, get to know French music and learn about French culture. There is a strong emphasis on spoken French and students are able to work with the French assistants on a fortnightly basis to help to improve their spoken French and develop their
and the aim of the next two years is to provide pupils with the confidence to communicate effectively and with a platform on which they can build at a later stage. French teachers aim to encourage all linguists and hope that many will continue to take French at A Level.
confidence.
Head of Department: Ms K M Clement kmc@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Geography The key ideas within the IGCSE Geography course
include the interpretation of maps at both 1:50000
are arranged as a series of units which are studied
and 1:25000 scales, atlas work and the geographical
at a variety of scales ranging from the local to the
representation and interpretation of geographical
international. A variety of topical case studies are
data. The inclusion of oblique aerial photographs,
integrated within the units to provide a sensible
satellite and weather maps provides a diverse range of
balance between both Physical and Human
teaching and learning activities which will encourage
Geography. The topics studied on the Physical
the development of a range of enquiry skills, including
side include Plate Tectonics, Weather and Climate,
those relating to practical fieldwork investigations and
Marine and River Processes, as well as Ecosystems.
the use of the internet and ICT. There is, however, no
On the Human side of the subject the students
formal written coursework or controlled assessment.
study topics which include Settlement, Population, Tourism, as well as Energy and Water Resources. The interaction of these processes is realised by studying the interrelationships between natural and human activities, which also considers resource conservation and management. As a whole, the teaching units constitute a balanced view of Geography that is relevant in today’s world, which is concerned with patterns in the landscape and the recurrent processes contributing to them; in particular the link between humans and the land. The IGCSE course can be seen as a series of practical skills and key ideas which build logically on the work undertaken in the Lower School. These skills
Head of Department: Mrs L-J Gibbs lig@kes.hants.sch.uk
If Geography is to be studied in the Sixth Form then it would be beneficial, though not essential, to follow the IGCSE course. An integral part of the course is fieldwork, as this gives students the opportunity to prepare for their Alternative to Coursework examination paper and a series of trips will be run in order to equip students with the necessary fieldwork skills. The study of Geography complements other humanities and students can study up to three humanities at IGCSE. Further information may be found on the Department’s web pages.
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
German The Edexcel IGCSE German course in the Fourth and
The Edexcel IGCSE course is assessed at the end of
Fifth Year at King Edward’s is a natural progression
the Fifth Year in three units: Paper 1: Listening; Paper 2:
from the Third Year German experience, with a
Reading and Writing; and Paper 3: Speaking. There is
firm emphasis on providing pupils with the skills for
no coursework or controlled assessment at any stage.
effective communication, whether in School or beyond. As German is the EU language with the largest number of native speakers and Germany is the world’s largest exporter, German should be considered an important language both within Europe and on a global stage. Knowledge of German makes you an unusual and
The German course also provides a window on the civilisation and culture of German-speaking countries and seeks to stimulate interest in travel abroad to the country of study. With this in mind, we run an Upper School trip to Germany, where students can
therefore highly marketable commodity!
experience the culture first hand.
During the German course in the Upper School, you
Whether you are considering the Edexcel IGCSE
will study topics that are chosen to be relevant to young people and will give you the ability to survive in everyday situations in a German-speaking country. You will also acquire all the basic grammatical constructions needed to communicate accurately and to access a top grade at this level.
course with a view to continuing the language at Advanced Level or to complement and balance a study of other disciplines, e.g. Science and Mathematics, it is a stimulating option that offers variety and challenge and will suit all those who are enjoying their Third Year course.
We use a new, fully resourced coursebook which is further supplemented by articles from a wide variety of other sources, by language software and DVDs. In addition, we will regularly use online resources which may be accessed in School using individual devices or computers and at home on King Edward’s intranet and Google Classroom. There is also regular speaking practice with a German language assistant, which really helps to build oral confidence.
Acting Head of German: Miss M J Gorbat mjg@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
History History provides a fascinating and varied introduction
The course continues with the study of international
to many of the major historical, political and economic
relations throughout the twentieth century. This
issues and events that have helped to shape the world
involves investigation of the causes of World War Two,
in which we live today and is designed to flow on
with a particular focus on Nazi foreign policy, and
naturally from the 3rd Year work on the First World
the study of the Cold War from 1945 onwards, under
War. History goes far beyond simply learning facts and
the title of “Superpower Relations”, covering such
dates. Rather, it requires judgement and analysis of
absorbing topics as the nuclear arms race, the Korean
why events took place, and why they should be seen
War, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.
as significant, together with a willingness to discuss and dispute different explanations and interpretations. History is for those who like debate and argument; it is very much for those who enjoy the analysis of intriguing and important people and events, and the challenge of cut and thrust conversation. It provides not only interest but also huge enjoyment to those who
So as to reduce the number of written papers, we have recently introduced a piece of coursework into the course; this will involve no extra factual material and should turbo-charge the results given that pupils will have the opportunity to research a known question in their own time and discuss their findings with the
study it.
their teacher. In the past, IGCSE historians took three
We take the “Modern World History” course which
two; the question format ranges from short answers
covers topics from the twentieth century. IGCSE
of just a few lines to more developed pieces of writing
History has two main factual units. The first centres
of about a side or so. The days when History involved
on Germany from 1918-1945. This includes an analysis
writing essays several pages long are now long gone.
of the impact of the First World War on Germany and
Anybody who has coped effectively with the writing
an in-depth study of Nazi Germany, covering both the
requirements of 3rd Year History lessons at King
rise to power of Hitler and the reality of Nazi rule in
Edward’s will find no difficulty in moving on to IGCSE.
Germany from 1933-1945; the Nazi Police State, the social policies of the Nazis, Germany and the Second World War and, chillingly, finishing with the Holocaust. The department runs a popular trip to Berlin for the Fifth Year IGCSE historians in the spring term half term break every year in an effort to bring the nature of Nazism more alive.
Head of Department: Mr N J Diver njd@kes.hants.sch.uk
examined paper but this has now been reduced to
Taking History at IGCSE level is a useful, but not essential, preparation for the Sixth Form course. With a more general eye to the future, History is a well-respected IGCSE, developing as it does skills of analysis, organisation and written and oral communication and one with a reputation for genuine academic rigour.
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Italian In the Upper School an IGCSE in Italian is offered for
A study visit to Italy is offered every year in the half
those who have studied the language in Year 9. We
term of the Spring Term, and students would be
use the Cambridge IGSE Italian text book and related
encouraged to make the most of this opportunity.
resources, which provide a solid grammar base along
The culture of Italy is rich and varied and students will
with an insight into Italian life. These are accompanied
develop a good knowledge of its historical importance
by use of topical, authentic Italian resources from
in Europe.
the Internet, access to DVDs and a personal copy of Ragazzi, our Italian half termly language magazine, which includes interesting articles and games based around relevant Italian customs, events and personalities. There is emphasis on regular listening and speaking practice, and students will develop language skills for effective communication on a wide variety of topics. Students will have the opportunity to work with our native language assistant on a
This is a stimulating course, and a great opportunity to develop skills in one of the most beautiful, and less widely spoken, European languages, knowledge of which may also give an edge in a future employment market. Please note, Italian is not currently offered as an A Level subject at King Edward’s.
weekly basis in order to develop these communicative skills, and this enables students to practise using the language for a variety of purposes, as well as help increase their fluency and exposure to the authentic sounds of the language.
Head of Department: Mrs S Rugge-Price srp@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Latin By the end of the Third Year, students have covered
Language work continues throughout the course
most basic elements of Latin grammar and syntax and
and a great deal of practice is given in the technique
are ready, in the Fourth Year, to put them into practice
of answering comprehension questions. There is the
by reading some Roman authors in the original, which
opportunity to translate five short sentences from
is the whole aim of the Cambridge Latin Course. To
English into Latin on the examination paper for which
stop Latin at this point is almost like learning to drive
students are meticulously prepared.
and never taking the test! All that has already been covered in the first three years of Latin represents a major part of the GCSE course and it is a shame not to put this knowledge to good effect: students are already well on the way to a qualification. A variety of authors is read in the Fourth and Fifth years, depending upon the set text in any particular year, but this will include some poets, such as Martial, Virgil and Ovid, and some prose writers, such as the provincial governor Pliny or the historian Tacitus. The
Students will follow the WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9-1 grading) qualification which comprises three components, each culminating in an examination: • Latin Language (One and a half hour examination) • Latin Literature and Sources (Themes) (One and a quarter hour examination) • Latin Literature (Narratives) (One hour examination)
selection of works is carefully chosen so that the
The variety of skills developed by this GCSE are easily
subject matter is interesting and gives a taste of some
transferred to benefit other subjects, both linguistic and
stimulating authors. Those interested in mythology
historical, and its broad range ensures that it is of full
are likely to enjoy some of Ovid’s stories from the
interest and guaranteed to keep active minds busy. It is
Metamorphoses, while historians find that Tacitus’
a very highly regarded qualification.
description of the outrageous Emperor Nero or Pliny’s eye-witness account of the eruption of Vesuvius are totally gripping.
Head of Department: Mrs J M Meredith jmm@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Music It is a creative and imaginative outlet for musically minded students or those with a passion for
Composing
performing. The Music GCSE course is open to
With dedicated step by step teaching, you will learn to
everyone, provided they have either an instrumental or
compose in musical styles that inspire you. Whether
singing teacher on their first instrument. It is strongly
that is popular music, classical or jazz influence, you
advised an instrument or voice is at grade 4 standard
will complete two compositions using Sibelius or
or above when beginning the course.
Logic Pro software. These are submitted as controlled assessment tasks and make up 30% of your GCSE.
The Music GCSE course combines the best elements of music with performance and composition coursework making up 60% of the overall GCSE. It is based on the OCR specifications so best suits students who want to develop as both academic and creative individuals, learning how pieces are built and performances shaped and delivered. As GCSE musicians, students also have the opportunity to attend concert trips and workshops specifically tailored
Listening This is the only part of the GCSE that takes the form of an examination, worth 40% of your overall GCSE. You listen to recorded extracts of music from four areas of study: classical concerto, rhythms of the world, popular song, film and video games. Basic music theory knowledge is required. Questions are designed
to them.
to test your understanding of musical elements such as
Performing
instrumental performing as part of the course, allowing
tempo, rhythm and melody. We also explore vocal and you to be creative whilst exploring techniques like song
Over the two year course you will develop your
writing.
performance skills and record a solo and ensemble piece as part of your coursework. This should be around a Grade 5 standard by Fifth Year. It will make up 30% of your GCSE.
Head of Department: Miss C E Forsey cef@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Religious Studies with HPQ This option affords students a splendid opportunity to
The qualification is examined through the submission
discover the joys of independent learning, and develop
and presentation of the student’s findings at the end
new life and study skills. It leads to a full RS GCSE
of the Fifth Year. It is only available alongside the top
alongside a freestanding Higher Project Qualification,
up units which lead to a ull course in GCSE Religious
helping pupils prepare for the Extended Project
Studies. This means students do not sit the Short
Qualification in Sixth Form.
Course in Fourth Year.
Pupils are required to choose an area of interest for
In religious studies, pupils extend their study to
a project, plan, research and carry out the project,
incorporate the practices of the two religions already
deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience and
studied. They can also the follow further themes in
provide evidence of all stages of project development
philosophical and ethical studies. There are options
and production for assessment. The project can
to study religion and life; the origins and value of the
come from a wide range of areas of interest; it can be
universe including religion and service, evolution, the
based on the creation of an artefact, the creation of a
Big Bang theory, the use and abuse of the environment
game, an area of history not currently studied in the
and animals. The concepts of sanctity of life and the
curriculum, a charity event… the possibilities are only
quality of life i.e. abortion, euthanasia and life after
limited by your imagination and the assessment criteria
death will also be covered. The existence of God and
of the examination board.
revelation; philosophical arguments for and against
Pupils will identify, design and complete an individual project, applying a range of organisational skills and strategies to meet agreed objectives, obtain, critically select and use information from a range of sources. They will analyse data, apply it relevantly and demonstrate understanding of the topics. They then evaluate outcomes both in relation to agreed objectives and to their own learning and performance.
the existence of God, religion, crime and punishment; the death penalty, forgiveness, crime and the causes of crime, religion and punishment, and the aims of punishment. The treatment of criminals, including: prison, corporal punishment, the death penalty. Religion, human rights and social justice; Prejudice and discrimination in religion and belief, including the status and treatment within religion of women and homosexuals, racial prejudice and discrimination. Wealth and poverty and people-trafficking.
Head of Department: Mrs C A Lane cal@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Spanish An IGCSE level qualification in any language is
spoken and written language, as well as a knowledge
extremely valuable nowadays, but one in Spanish
of, and enthusiasm for, things Spanish and Hispanic.
will guarantee you have an excellent basis for
Students will be well prepared not just for IGCSE,
communication with the over 400 million native
but also for the real world. Pupils who wish to study
Spanish speakers around the globe.
Spanish in the Sixth Form must take the IGCSE course
During the Fourth and Fifth Years, skills are built up
in the Fourth and Fifth Years.
gradually with exposure to many different forms of
Fourth Year students are invited to travel to Spain
Spanish, from spoken and written journalistic material,
for five days at the beginning of the Easter holidays
interviews and extracts from films to short stories.
and take part in a homestay programme in the South
Spanish students will sit the Edexcel International
of Spain. There, students stay in families and attend
GCSE examination at the end of the Fifth Year and,
daily Spanish lessons in a specialist language school.
to prepare for this, they will cover a number of topics
Something to look forward to if they follow on to A
which are relevant to today’s young people and master
Level is the very popular trip to the university town of
a variety of skills. Regular use is made of the ICT suite,
Salamanca.
enabling students to listen to genuine Spanish material. Students are allocated a fortnightly slot when they can practise their oral skills with the language assistant and prepare thoroughly for the oral examination. The content of the course not only teaches about the Spanish language, but also gives a considerable amount of information about Spanish and South American life, history and culture. Much of the language used is genuinely communicative, not merely classroom routine, and we aim to produce fluency in
Head of Department: Mrs E M Ladislao eml@kes.hants.sch.uk
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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information
Sports Science • 50% of the examination - 1.45 hour written paper • 50% assessed via their practical performance in four different sports
Theoretical written papers include: • Anatomy and Physiology • Psychological Aspects (e.g. Motivation and Mental preparation) • Relationship between Heath, Fitness and practical
Sports Science is a popular course with our students and would be an excellent choice for anyone who has a keen interest in sport. The large coursework element means that students who take this course must be actively participating in a number of sports. The course is an exciting and challenging introduction to some important aspects of Sports Science such as how the respiratory and muscular systems are effected by exercise, the relationship between arousal levels and performance and how technology is changing the way we play and view sport. Sport is becoming ever more
activity ( e.g. Diet, Drugs, Training Methods, Training
important in Britain, due to such events as London
Principles)
2012, and the course helps the students understand its role in British and World societies.
• Factors affecting Participation in Physical Activity (e.g. Family Background and Race) • Technology and it’s effect on sport • Safety Aspects of Physical Activity.
Head of Department: Mrs C Kelly ck@kes.hants.sch.uk
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IGCSE & GCSE OPTIONS In Summary All Fourth Year pupils study the core subjects: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENGLISH LITERATURE MATHEMATICS BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS RELIGIOUS STUDIES* PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES AT LEAST ONE MODERN EUROPEAN LANGUAGE AT LEAST ONE HUMANITIES SUBJECT Pupils choose THREE option subjects from: HISTORY GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS RELIGIOUS STUDIES* FRENCH GERMAN SPANISH ITALIAN
LATIN DANCE CLASSICAL CIVILISATION ART COMPUTER SCIENCE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY** DRAMA MUSIC SPORTS SCIENCE
* Pupils who opt for RS will also study for the Higher Qualification in the Fourth Year. Pupils who do not opt for RS will still study for and sit the RS (Short Course) GCSE at the end of the Fourth Year. ** Three separate GCSE courses are available within Design Technology – Resistant Materials, Graphic Design, Textiles.
Please note: All pupils must include at least one of the Humanities subjects *History, Geography, Economics, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation among their options. It will not be possible to start a new language in the Fourth Year.
King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ