GCSE Curriculum

GCSE Curriculum

Shaped by King’s

Biology

Chemistry Physics

English Language

English Literature MFL Mathematics Art & Design

Classical Civilisation

Computer Science

DT Drama

Geography History

Latin Music

PE

Religion & Philosophy

Introduction

The move from the Lower Remove into the Upper Remove is a ve�y exciting tim e. The challenge and academic dem ands of your subjects wil l grow and provide you with the opportunity to deepen your un derstanding and explore areas of interest. As you embark on your I/GCSE courses you will be en courage d to push yourself to achieve your potential in order to give yourself the best possible platform for the next stage of your education.

At King's there is a mix of GCSEs and IGCSEs (International GCSE). This year we are offering a broader range so that every pupil will study between 9 and 11 qualifications. The usual offering is nine I/GCSEs which comprises our core curriculum plus three options to choose from a further 12 subjects. Those wishing to study triple science will achieve an extra IGCSE and, for those in the top two Maths sets, there is an additional Further Maths Qualification. Double Science has been introduced so that our pupils can fully embrace all their subjects and cocurricular opportunities whilst still being able to take A Levels in any one of the three sciences.

Along with the core curriculum, you have the chance to make some subject choices that will allow you to optimise what you study for your particular aptitudes and aspirations. These choices are important and should be carefully considered because they can have an impact on future study and career paths. If you feel uncertain or unsure about what subjects to follow, please remember that this is absolutely normal at this stage.

To reach a final decision, you should read about the courses set out in this booklet and make use of the advice available from the many sources in school including your Year Group Tutor, House Tutor and subject teachers. The Careers Department would also be very happy to talk to you about any careers related enquiries you may have.

In addition to what you study in your timetabled subjects, the Upper Remove and Fifth Form are an ideal time to pursue your academic interests beyond the classroom. I would encourage you to continue to be curious about the world in which you live. To support you in this endeavour, there are numerous super-curricular opportunities on offer at King's including studying for the HPQ, academic enrichment and many academic clubs and societies. I hope you find that this booklet gives a sense of the excitement of the next two years and is helpful in guiding your choices to set you on the path to future success.

Katie Beever Deputy Head (Academic)

Science (Edexcel International GCSE)

The course aims to give pupils a very good understanding of the living world and beyond. We start the course in the Lower Remove and aim to provide pupils with as much experience of practical work as possible.

How Pupils Are Assessed

Pupils sit 3 exams at the end of Fifth Form; one two-hour exam in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Introduction:

We offer two different Science courses for our pupils: Double Award Science and Triple Award Science. Science is an enquirybased discipline involving practical and investigational skills with an emphasis on hands-on experimental work.

Double Award Science is a science examination pathway where pupils study all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and achieve two GCSEs. The Double Award Science specification covers approximately two thirds of the content covered by separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Double Award Science is designed to be an appropriate course for pupils wishing to take and of the Sciences at A-Level. Pupils will study each Science for 3 periods each week in the Upper Remove and 4 periods per week in the Fifth Form.

Students will sit one paper in each science and are awarded two GCSE grades based on their overall performance across all three science subjects

How Can Families Help?

• Encourage pupils to take an active interest in Science happening around them. There are always articles on the news or television programmes that focus on wider science topics.

• Encourage regular consolidation of topics through mini quizzes or the production of flashcards.

• Encourage your son or daughter to ask for help in class or attend subject clinics if they are struggling.

Some pupils may wish to opt for the Triple Award Science which is a separate IGCSE in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This will be for our most enthusiastic scientists who will enjoy the challenge of the pace and extra content which is delivered in the same amount of curriculum time as the Double Award Science. The curriculum for these can be found on the following pages for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Please note that pupils do not have to decide whether they wish to remain on the Double Science pathway until the summer of Lower Remove and do not need to indicate this on their options form.

Course Content for Double Award:

Biology Chemistry Physics

The Nature and Principles of Forces and Motion

Variety of Living Chemistry Electricity

Organisms Structure and Waves

Structure and Bonding Energy Resources

Functions in Living Inorganic Chemistry and Energy

Organisms Physical Chemistry Transfers

Reproduction and Organic Chemistry Solids, Liquids and Inheritance Gases in the Gases

Ecology and the Atmosphere Magnetism and Environment Chemical Reactions Electromagnetism

Use of biological Radioactivity and Resources Particles Astrophysics

For further Information, please contact: Miss K Arnold (Head of Curriculum, Data and Reporting) karnold@ksw.org.uk

Chemistry (International GCSE)

The International GCSE course seeks to challenge the pupil to seek the explanation behind the way substances behave, using practical work to illustrate the key ideas and develop the experimental skills of the pupil. As with the other sciences, the Chemistry International GCSE is an ideal qualification to help prepare pupils for Chemistry at A-level should they wish to study it.

Course Content

There are four main sections to the course:

l Principles of Chemistry - including atomic structure and bonding, states of matter, the periodic table and writing word equations and balanced symbol equations for chemical reactions.

2. Inorganic Chemistry - studying in more detail the reactions of specific elements, e.g. group 1 & group 7 elements in the periodic table, how metals are extracted or manufactured and how to carry out chemical tests to prove the presence of certain elements and/or ions in reactions.

3. Physical Chemistry - including energetics, rates of reaction and reversible reactions.

4. Organic Chemistry - including an introd uction to hydrocarbons and crude oil, and reactions of compounds with specific functional groups e.g alkanes, alkenes and carboxylic acids.

Assessment: :Edexcel IGCSE 4CH1

'' I really enjoyed the challenge of starting to explain why reactions happen as they do. The practical work is always interesting, but to be able to understand why and how is much rewarding. The area of pharmaceutical Chemistry could be a possible career path in the future.

Current Fifth Form Student

Two papers are sat to get an IGCSE Chemistry qualification

Paper 1 -a 2 hour paper, with a total of 110 marks, providing a mixture of different question styles. These include multiple choice, short answer questions, calculations and extended open response questions This paper contributes 61.1% to the overall score.

Paper 2 - a 1 ¼ hour paper, with a total of 70 marks. The question styles are as above, and the paper contributes 38.9% to the overall score.

There is no coursework component. However, there are some core practicals which will be done over the teaching of the course in lessons. Questions will be asked on these practicals. There are no foundation or higher tier papers. All students will sit the same ones.

How Can Families Help?

• Encourage good use of the textbook -the answers can be found if they look!

Help test some of the factual material - revIsIon cards are very helpful.

Encourage them to see where the subject can lead - the world needs Chemists.

For further Information, please contact: Mr L Ison (Head of Department) lison@ksw.org.uk

English Language & English Literature (International GCSE)

In the Upper Remove, you will continue to study a combination of English language and English literature throughout the year, in preparation for the two separate IGCSEs that you will be taking in these subjects at the end of the Fifth Form. You will have twelve lessons each fortnight (usually blocked together as double lessons) with each week alternating between having five lessons per week or seven lessons per week.

In the Upper Remove and Fifth Form, you will have twelve lessons per fortnight, concurrently studying both English Language and English Literature. You will have one teacher for all these lessons and we aim for the same teacher to teach you in both the Upper Remove and the Fifth Form.

It is our aim that you should. through the study of English language and English literature. develop your skills of communication in written

English Language (!GCSE)

Course Content

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE Specification A 4EA1

This has one exam paper and a coursework element, in which you complete two assignments for assessment.

Paper 1: Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing

The focus of this component is the study and analysis of selections from a range of non-fiction texts and the exploration and development of transactional writing skills. Throughout the qualification, you will develop skills of interpretation and analysis. Paper 1 assesses 60% of the total English Language qualification in a two hour, fi�een minute exam.

Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Coursework

The focus of the coursework is the study and analysis of selections from a range of fictional poetry and prose texts and the exploration and development of imaginative writing skills. The coursework assesses 40% of the total English Language qualification. with two assignments being submitted.

�� The English course made me appreciate that just a single sentence can change the meaning of a book, and how its events will unfold. Through all the different styles of writing we looked at on the course, it really improved my analytical and writing techniques.

Current Lower Sixth Student

How can Families Help?

• Encourage students to discuss and/or read their literary texts with you

• Promote reading of current articles from newspapers, magaz1 nes and websites.

and spoken English and explore the way in which a wide variety of non-fiction and fiction texts communicate their message and achieve their purpose to inform, argue, describe. persuade or entertain. As you will understand. such skills of communication and analysis are relevant to all the subjects you will be studying, as well as to your wider lives. At the same time, there is the opportunity to develop your own creative writing. We also study a range of texts from the rich cultural heritage of English literature, including works from all three genres. poetry, prose and drama; we hope by doing so to provide you with an understanding and delight in reading such texts that will stay with you for life.

English Literature (!GCSE)

Course Content

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE Specification 4ETI

This has one exam paper and a coursework element in which you complete t wo assignments for assessment.

Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose

This is a two-hour exam paper, worth 90 marks i n total. You will answer three questions on t w o texts: Section A - U n seen Poetry: one 20-mark e ss ay question exploring the meaning and e f fects created in an unseen poem. Th e poem will be reproduced in the question paper. Section B - Anthology Poetry: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two, comparing two poems from Part 3 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology. Section C - Modern Prose one 40-mark essay question from a choice of two on the set text you have studied.

It is a "closed book" exam: texts are not allowed in the examination. However, you will be provided with the anthology poems in the examination.

Paper 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Coursework

The focus of the literature coursework is the study and analysis both modern ~and literary heritage dramatic texts; this will include the study of one Shakespeare play and literature qualification with two assignments being submitted.

For further Information, please contact: Mr E Low (Head of Department) elow@ksw.org.uk

Art and Design

The Art Department is committed to developing and supporting the skills and interests of all pupils, whatever their ability, through a structured programme of activities which promotes the learning of technique, whilst nurturing confidence, individuality and creativity. The department is friendly and welcoming but demands high standards and ambition amongst its pupils.

Course Content

Assessment: Edexcel GCSE 2AD01

The GCSE course provides a wonderful opportunity for keen pupils. regardless of their initial ability, to explore a personal creativity whilst acquiring skills which will enable them to produce lively and ambitious work. The Upper Remove course explores further the full range of media available in the Art School. These include drawing, painting, textiles. mixed-media, printmaking, sculpture and digital media. The Fifth Form builds upon the good practices established in the Upper Remove. but places an emphasis on a personal response. The course culminates in an assessment exhibition. There are two units of work

Component 1 (part 1): Personal Portfolio 60%:

The Cornish Experience

Pupils undertake four practical projects inspired by Cornwall in all its diversity. Pupils might explore aspects of the elements, myth and legend. weather and erosion. light, environmental issues or the passage of time. An emphasis is placed on drawing and the acquisition of skills and techniques using a range of media.

Component 1 (part 2):

Pupils are encouraged to attend a five-day residential trip to St Ives. Cornwall, during the autumn half term. Pupils visit the Tate St Ives. smaller galleries and studios. Well-known artists deliver lectures and workshops. On return to school. the pupils produce a painting, textiles or sculpture which reflects their St Ives experience. A sketchbook is produced in St Ives.

Component 2: Externally set Assignment 40%

Pupils complete a two day practical examination in a medium of their choice. responding to a theme set by Edexcel. There is a preparation period allowing every pupil to undertake observation. recording, research, experimentation and the study of related artists. Throughout the course pupils learn from the work of a wide range of artists and maintain written and illustrated documentation folders. Photography and computers may be used creatively throughout the course. Most pupils find the opportunity to train as a young artist stimulating, good fun and very satisfying.

'' Art is amazing. The level of support and encouragement you receive from your teachers makes the subject brilliant fun. As well as the coursework being super the St Ives trip was a highlight and one of the best weeks ever. I would highly recommend Art to anyone if interested.

Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation offers you the chance to study the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome. If you have a curiosity about and interest in these two highly influential cultures, then you will enjoy this subject and gain a great deal from it. You may well be surprised by both what has changed over the past two thousand years or so and what has not.

Course Content

There are two key areas that the course focuses on:

Myth and Religion

The mythology of the Greek and Roman world - you will explore the hero Heracles/ Hercules and the foundation stories of Greece and Rome.

The role of religion in the lives of the Greeks and Romans - you will study the pan theon of gods and their temples. as well as the beliefs and practices of death and burial and of the journey to the afterlife.

�� Studying Classical Civilisation really improved my knowledge of how ancient cultures have influenced how we live our lives today. It helped with my essay writing in general, which benefited my other subjects. ''

Lower Sixth Student

How Can Families Help?

• Take a family holiday to one of the cities/towns we study

• Ask your child to teach you what they have learned.

Roman City Life

This topic deals with everyday life in Roman cities. such as Rome, Pompeii and Ostia, by looking at objects buildings and literature. You will learn about Roman housing and the types of homes lived in by the rich and poor. You will discover how Romans entertained themselves in theatres. watching chariot races and gladiator fights, as well as how they relaxed in the many impressive bath houses available to them.

Classical Civilisation develops your research skills. your ability to evaluate evidence and construct a clear argument. It encourages more flexible thinking, more open-mindedness a nd more effective communication.

Assessment:

OCR GCSE J199

There a r e tw o papers each worth 50% of the qualification. There is n o controlled assessment.

For further Information, please contact: Mrs S Bradley (Head of Department) sbradley@ksw.org.uk

Design Technology

GCSE Design Technology will prepare pupils to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. The Department is very well resourced, and, alongside developing traditional designing and making skills, pupils make full use of CAD and 3D modelling software, often outputting to the laser cutter or class set of 3D printers.

Course Content

Pupils will gain awareness of and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Pupils will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

The subject allows Design Technology pupils to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.

Assessment: AQA GCSE 8552

1. Exam Paper -2 hours (50%)

What's assessed:

Core technical principles, specialist technical principles, designing and making principles.

How it's assessed:

There are three sections comprising a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding. An extended question assesses more in depth knowledge in a specialist technical area.

One half of the exam assesses understanding of designing and making principles.

2. Non-examined assessment (NEA> (50%)

Pupils complete a substantial design and make task. This involves investigation of design possibilities and producing a design brief and specification before generating and developing design ideas. This is followed by the realisation of the design ideas and evaluation. Pupils will produce a prototype and a portfolio recording the design process.

How Can Families Help?

• Encourage problem-solving.

Use examples of creativity seen in everyday life to initiate discussion and curiosity.

Question why the things around us have been designed and made the way they have.

'' DT is the one subject where I've been able to let my creativity flow and see my idea become a reality with the help and support of my DT teachers. It may be tough at times but it has given me essential life skills.

Current Lower Sixth Student

For

Drama

GCSE Drama is an attractive course for any pupil who loves the whole all-round process of how theatre is made.

There is a ·conventional' performance element - conventional in as much as candidates study a text and prepare and perform two extracts from it (with the option for design candidates to create the relevant production elements). These extracts are performed to a visiting examiner from Eduqas and the mark awarded is worth 20% of the total GCSE.

Another component centres on devising theatre: working from a choice of stimuli provided by the exam board to explore a range of theatrical ideas and create a piece of original drama. This is internally assessed and then moderated by Eduqas. The devising component is worth 40% of the total GCSE. although not all the pressure is on a 'one-off' performance. There are three aspects to the mark awarded - 30 marks for a 750-900 word portfolio that

Course

charts the development process. 15 marks for the staged realisation of the ideas - working as either performer or designer, and 15 marks for a timed written evaluation of the success of the performance.

The final element is the written exam. This is worth 40% and is a nicely balanced paper divided into two parts. The first section explores staging decisions for a set text studied during the course across a series of questions worth 45 marks in total. The second section involves answering one question, from a choice of two, assessing analysis and evaluation of a live theatre production seen during the course. This section is worth 15 marks.

'' GCSE Drama hugely developed

Content my confidence, and allowed

Component 1: Devising Theatre

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated

40% of qualification

Learners will be assessed on either acting or design Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus set by WJEC

Component 2: Performing from a Text

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner

20% of qualification

Learners will be assessed on either acting or design Learners study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre Learners participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre

Written examination:

1 hour 30 minutes

40% of qualification

Section A Set Text

A series of questions on one set text studied throughout the course

Section B: Live Theatre

Review

One question, from a choice ot two, requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course

me to continuously step out of my comfort zone. It sparked my passion for acting and has helped develop skills that are not only useful in productions and plays, but interviews and general everyday life as well.

How can Families Help?

Engage with live theatre as a family. The School has a Digital Theatre Plus subscription so some theatre productions can even be streamed to enjoy at home.

• Context is everything! Help your child widen their general knowledge, discussing current affairs and cultural and historical backgrounds to events as a family.

For further Information, please contact:

Mrs S Parry (Head of Department) sparry@ksw.org.uk

Geography

Geography is a subject that holds the key to our future. It involves the study of people, places and interactions with their environment It features many of the key issues and global challenges that face us all. Studying Geography will allow you to appreciate the opportunities, challenges, and constraints that people face in different places and help you develop as a citizen in the rapidly changing twenty-first century.

Statistics show that Geography graduates are among the most employable. This is because they have the skills that employers look for (source: Royal Geographical Society). Pupils can expect to debate ideas, develop deeper thinking skills and become confident at analysing data. Having curiosity for global issues and being able to write fluently will be important to thrive at GCSE.

Course Content

Assessment: GCSE AQA 803S

The GCSE course involves the study of human and physical topics using real examples from around the globe at a range of scales.

UNIT 1 (35%; 1½ hrs):

Natural Hazards - tectonics. tropical storms, extreme weather in the UK and climate change.

Physical Landscapes in the UK - coastal and river landscapes.

The Living World - ecosystems, tropical rainforests. hot deserts.

UNIT 2 (35%; 1½ hrs):

Urban Issues and Challenges - urbanisation, study of a city in the UK and in a lower income country.

The Changing Economic World - quality of life, contrasts in global economic growth.

Challenge of Resource Management - energy, food & water.

UNIT 3 (30%; 1 hr):

Geographical Issue Evaluation - critical thinking and problem solving_ Fieldwork - geographical skills and questions based on your experience of fieldwork.

Two compulsory fieldwork days will be provided during the course. and an optional residential trip to the French Alps in the summer holiday is normally offered to UR pupils

tt Geography GCSE has given me more confidence to share opinions and debate ideas. It is a very useful subject as you learn about real issues in the world and it broadens your general knowled ge.

Fifth Form Student

tt The reason geography is such an enjoyable subject for me is you learn about real life issues that affect our lifestyles.

Fifth Form Student

How Can Families Help?

Encourage an interest in current geographical issues e.g. diminishing environmental resources. ma1or planning projects such as HS2 and global events such as COP26.

• Explore new places and locate where they are on a map

Refer to the geography resources on Firefly to reinforce understanding and develop confidence in the subject

Music

The Edexcel GCSE Music course is designed for musicians of all abilities to develop their skills in performing, composing and appraising. The course is diverse and inclusive yet stretching and rewarding for all pupils. They will study music from a wide range of musical styles and will learn about aspects such as the context in which the music was written, structure, harmony, melodic construction, use of technology and texture. The course serves pupils very well for further study at A-level or beyond.

Course Content

Over the two years, pupils will cover the following:

Performing (30%)

You will record two performances during the Fifth Form; one will be a solo, the other an ensemble piece such as a duet. vocal ensemble, jazz band etc.

Composing (30%)

Much of the Upper Remove will be spent developing composing skills using Cubase and Sibelius software. Coursework involves producing two compositions, one of which will be based on a brief set by the exam board.

Listening and Appraising (40%)

The written exam will be based on the study of eight set works. You will study the social and historical context of each piece and learn the key features of each composition. There are four areas of study:

Instrumental Music 1700 - 1820

3rd movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 - JS. Bach 1st movement from Piano Sonata no 8 in C minor - Beethoven

Vocal Music

Music for a while - Purcell

Killer Queen - Queen

Music for stage and screen

Defying Gravity, from Wicked - Schwartz

Main titles from Star Wars - John Williams

Fusions

Release - Afro Celt Sound System

Samba Em Preludio - Esperanza Spalding

Assessment: GCSE Edexcel lMU0

Performing and Composing is Non-Examined Assessment and is marked internally and moderated externally.

Listening and appraising is assessed through a listening exam that will take place in the Elgar Room at the end of the course.

Throughout the course pupils learn from the work of a wide range of artists and maintain written and illustrated documentation folders. Photography and computers may be used creatively throughout the course. Most pupils find the opportunity to train as a young artist stimulating. good fun and very satisfying.

How Can Families Help?

• Encourage your son/daughter to listen to a wide variety of music.

• Ensure pupils practise their instruments as regularly as possible.

�� Such a fun and interesting course! I learnt loads about the art of composition as well as all the core elements of each creative style of music which have been played for centuries. It was really fascinating to discover how music has evolved and then use the new artistic techniques I had learnt about in my own composition. The course really opened my eyes to the fantastic world of music and inspired me to achieve my ambitions as a musician.

Current Lower Sixth Student

PE

GCSE Physical Education is an excellent option for students who have a keen interest in all aspects of sport. The course covers a wide range of topic areas that encourage the development of different methods of enquiry, with the focal point being the performer and the performance. The course is based on the interaction between the theory and practice of physical education.

course content

OCR GCSE Physical Education is based on four components.,that will be taught across four periods per week.

Component 1: Physical factors affecting performance. This component is worth 30% of the course and is assessed across a 1 hour paper. It covers the following areas:

Applied anatomy and physiology

Physical training.

Component 2: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology. This component is worth 30% of the course and is assessed across a 1 hour paper. It covers the following areas:

Socio-cultural influences

Sports psychology

Health fitness and well-being

Component 3: Practical performances. This component is worth 30% of the course and is assessed through core and advanced skills across three approved sports.

One from the approved list of individual sports

One form the approved list of team sports

One from either list

Component -4: Analysis and evaluation of performance. This component is worth 10% of the course and consists of a written task produced under controlled conditions.

This component draws upon the knowledge, understanding and skills a student has learnt and enables them to analyse and evaluate their own or a peer's performance in one activity.

The course takes a multi-disciplinary approach, encouraging the development of different methods of enquiry, with the focal point being the performer and the performance. The course is based on interaction between the theory and practice of physical education.

How Can Families Help?

• Find documentaries. podcasts and articles that are related to sport and physical education. This could be performance based or topics like training or health and fitness.

• Help with testing of course content

• Encourage pupils to keep playing and training In their chosen sports throughout the two years.

ksw.org.uk

The King’s School

5 College Green

Worcester WR1 2LL

t: 01905 721 700

e: info@ksw.org.uk

The King’s School, Worcester: A company limited by guarantee, registered in England. Registered office: 5 College Green, Worcester WR1 2LL. Company No: 4776324. Registered charity No: 1098236.

The information, terms and conditions set out in this prospectus and all occasional papers may be amended from time to time, and their provisions, subject to any such amendments, shall continue to apply for the whole period during which a boy or girl continues to attend the School, irrespective of his or her age.