Senior School & GCSEs Online Prospectus 2018/19
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Introduction
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Overview Years 7-9
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Curriculum Years 7-9
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Overview Years 10-11
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Curriculum Years 10-11
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Sports Leadership
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GCSE Prospectus
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Achieving Success
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Courses
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Preparing for Sixth Form
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Preparatory School
SENIOR SCHOOL
Introduction
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Sixth Form
Senior School
For those pupils in their teenage years, we deliver the excellent academic provision that you would expect from a leading independent school.
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But, above and beyond that, we have a particularly strong emphasis on close partnerships with families. That means fostering close personal relationships with long-standing tutors who really know your child and their individual needs. We also offer staff-parent workshops that help bridge the gap between School and home – addressing challenges such as screen time, revision strategies and body image issues. Not to mention all the other factors that modern teenagers have to grapple with.
Independent Schools Inspectorate
Age 11-16
Throughout the School, the pupils display an excellent attitude to their studies and an active involvement in the process of learning.
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Preparatory School Home
Sixth Form
Senior School
Years 7–9
Overview
Senior School Ages 11 to 14
At this key stage of development, our main academic aim is to embed all the skills and habits required for study success in later years. By laying firm foundations, your son or daughter will be far better prepared for subsequent exam demands. Our approach to pastoral care is similar – by Year 10, we want our pupils to have achieved a balanced and relatively mature attitude to the many conflicting social and academic pressures they face. Through facing potential problems and issues early in Senior School life, we can help your child prepare for GCSEs and beyond with personalised help and support.
GCSE Prospectus u 19
Preparatory School Senior School
Years 7–9
Curriculum
Senior School Ages 11 to 14
In a similar way to our Preparatory School, we offer a broad and balanced curriculum for your child with ability settings in the core subjects of Maths and English.
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In addition to Spanish, pupils also have the opportunity to study French or Latin. In the creative and practical subject areas, pupils have a myriad of exciting options to explore everything from Fine Art through to the latest coding techniques.
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Preparatory School Senior School
Years 10–11
Overview
Senior School Ages 14 to 16
During these GCSE years, we continue honing study skills but with a natural shift in focus towards the specific requirements of exams.
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Likewise, our pastoral care develops from basic lessons about handling work and personal pressures to more specific guidance on exam and career related challenges.
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The small class sizes allow pupils to develop strong relationships with staff.
We place mock exams at Easter of Year 10 and November of Year 11 so as to identify any individual problems sooner rather than later. Where these exams show individual pupils to be struggling personal mentoring is provided. It’s all about delivering the right support at the right time.
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Quote from parent
GCSE Prospectus u 21
Preparatory School Home
Sixth Form
Senior School
Years 10–11
Curriculum
Senior School Ages 14 to 16
In Year 10, your child will continue with their core subject areas and will also be able to choose three additional subjects from the published GCSE option blocks.
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All pupils have the opportunity of studying up to ten subjects to GCSE and most will include a language at GCSE level (although this isn’t compulsory).
The pressures of the exam years can be overwhelming at times. We feel the School were always ready to help, listen and offer guidance and kindness to our daughters when needed. Quote from parent
GCSE Prospectus u 22
Senior School
Preparatory School
SENIOR SCHOOL
Sports Leadership Sports Leadership is an exciting, fun and practical course which develops vital skills for employment, further education or training. The course develops skills such as self-confidence, organisation, planning, communication and teamwork through the medium of sport.
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In Year 10, within the core PE lesson, all pupils will get the opportunity to gain the Sports Leaders Level 1. Sports Leaders is a nationally recognised awarding body that enables learners to assist in leading purposeful and enjoyable sport and physical activity.
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GCSE Prospectus 24
Senior School Preparatory School
SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School
Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS
Achieving GCSE success Making GCSE choices is often more difficult than decisions at A Level – because your child is obviously at a much earlier stage of their educational journey with us. To reach the best decision, we encourage you and your son or daughter to come in and talk to us about their future A Level, degree and career aspirations.
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Where appropriate, after mock results, we can arrange individual academic mentors for anyone struggling with revision or exam technique.
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Preparatory School Senior School
GCSE courses Core subjects
Optional subjects
English Language
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Art, Craft & Design & Textiles
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English Literature
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Design & Technology
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Mathematics
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Food & Nutrition
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Religious Studies
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French
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Sciences
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Geography
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ICT (Level 2 ECDL)
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History
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Games
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Music
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PSHE, Careers, Citizenship
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Physical Education
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Spanish
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Additional Information Preparation for Sixth Form
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SENIOR SCHOOL
Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | CORE SUBJECT
Senior School
English Language English Language is a creative and engaging subject. Equipping you with core skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening; it is integral to success across the curriculum as well as in future life.
Over the duration of the GCSE English course, you will have the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts from across the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. You will have the chance to find your own ‘voice’ when writing creatively or expressing a viewpoint. Approaches to learning in lessons are varied, with experienced and enthusiastic teachers tailoring lessons to the needs of the individuals within their groups, preparing you to meet the challenge of the 100%
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terminal examination. In addition, you will have the opportunity to make a formal spoken language presentation, which is endorsed separately by the examination board.
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | CORE SUBJECT
Senior School
English Literature English Literature is a subject that affords you the opportunity to travel to different times, places and cultures, without ever having to leave the classroom. Throughout the GCSE course, you will explore a rich variety of texts from Shakespeare’s chilling tale ‘Macbeth’ to Blake’s dystopian representation of ‘London’ to Priestley’s realist drama ‘An Inspector Calls’.
Through a diverse range of activities, you will be encouraged to express your interpretations of the texts you encounter, supporting these with close analysis. Lessons are tailored carefully to the needs of the individual
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and enable a robust preparation for the 100% terminal examination, which is the means by which the course is assessed. Perhaps most crucially, literature is about deepening our understanding of the world in which we live and what it is to be human. Consequently, our aim is to inspire a love of literature that will last a lifetime.
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YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | CORE SUBJECT
Senior School
Mathematics The course consists of a wide range of topics including: number work (percentages, standard form, proportionality); algebraic work (expansion of brackets, rearranging formulas, sequences); spatial work (transformations, angles and area) and data handling topics (probability, averages and spread).
You will acquire and develop a variety of skills including problem solving
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and decision making. You will learn how to process information efficiently
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he knowledge of T which Mathematics aims is knowledge of the eternal.
in order to follow strategies that lead to successful solutions and you will be able to present solutions within the context of a problem. You will follow the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Mathematics course. This consists of three equally weighted papers each 1 hour 30 minutes in duration, the first of which is a non-calculator paper.
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Plato
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | CORE SUBJECT
Senior School
Religious Studies Whilst studying Religious Studies you will develop an enquiring, critical and sympathetic approach to the study of at least two living religions (Judaism and Christianity) and how they express themselves in individual and social life.
You will be introduced to the challenging and varied nature of religion, and to the ways in which this is reflected in experience, belief and practice. You will identify and explore questions about the meaning and purpose of life and consider such questions in relation to religious traditions. You will have to produce evidence and arguments to support your
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points of view on religious concepts, beliefs and practices.
Exam board: AQA GCSE RE Judaism and Christianity
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | CORE SUBJECT
Senior School
Sciences The study of GCSE Science helps you to understand how Science works in the world around you. It will allow you to improve your practical skills, critical thinking and encourage you to develop your opinions through debate.
You will be introduced to the ethics behind current affairs and encouraged to evaluate scientific theories that have been developed throughout the history of Science.
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YOU WILL FOLLOW ONE OF TWO SCIENCE GCSE ROUTES:
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Whether you are a budding astronaut, doctor, vet, midwife, forensic criminologist or physiotherapist of the future, the study of Science will inspire you to follow your dreams.
1. Separate Sciences
2. Combined Science: Trilogy
This route leads to two, 1 3/4 hour,
This route includes two
examinations in each of the Science
examinations, 1 1/4 hour in length,
disciplines: Biology, Chemistry and
in each of the disciplines: Biology,
Physics and to three separate
Chemistry and Physics with two
GCSE grades.
GCSE grades awarded for Science.
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YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | CORE SUBJECT
Senior School
ICT We offer the OCR Level 1 / 2 Cambridge National Certificate in ICT which will equip you with sound ICT skills for everyday use. It will provide you with essential knowledge, transferable skills and tools to improve your learning in other subjects.
The content of each unit is taught through a variety of practical and theoretical activities during lessons and homework tasks. The course covers four units, each weighing 25% of the final qualification.
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THE FOUR UNITS COVERED ARE; R001:
Understanding computer systems (1 hour written examination)
R002:
Using ICT to create business solutions (Assessed coursework tasks)
R005:
Creating an interactive product using multimedia components (Assessed coursework tasks)
R006:
Creating digital images (Assessed coursework tasks)
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YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | CORE SUBJECT
Senior School
Games Games is important for the physical wellbeing and character formation of all pupils. As such it is considered important enough to be a compulsory subject in Years 10 and 11.
You will experience a range of activities which cater for those pupils who may prefer individual sports/activities - such as badminton, aerobics, athletics and tennis - and for those whose preference is team sports such as basketball, football and volleyball.
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The aim of the PE Department for Year 10 and 11 pupils is to ensure
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that you not only develop your sporting skills, but also learn to lead others and appreciate the benefits and enjoyment to be derived simply from ‘taking part’.
Teamwork, cooperation, competition, enjoying victory, coping with defeat may be seen as integral aspects of Games, but they can be carried over into other areas of School life and indeed into the wider world outside - making this subject very important indeed.
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | CORE SUBJECT
PSHE, Careers, Citizenship Careers Education is an important part of the curriculum. Throughout the School you are encouraged to become aware of the world of work and gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage your own lifelong learning and career development.
The Justham Library affords access to careers information. University prospectuses and UCAS information is also available via the School network. Computer aided guidance programmes enable you to investigate your individual likes and dislikes and consider appropriate career pathways. All pupils are encouraged to take the Morrisby Psychometric Tests of ability,
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aptitude and personality in Year 10 and benefit from the opportunity to participate in a work experience placement in Year 11. A full programme of Personal, Social and Health Education operates throughout Years 10 and 11, covering topics such as healthy living, drug awareness and sex and relationships education. Experienced professionals come into School to give guidance and advice. In addition to this the Citizenship programme deals with issues including law, democracy,
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human rights and fundamental British values.
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
Art, Craft & Design & Textiles
Senior School
Studying Art and Textiles allows you to explore your creativity, stretch your imagination, increase confidence in your own ideas and engage with a highly visual society.
Throughout the course you are encouraged to experiment with wide ranging materials and techniques, evaluating work as it progresses; developing your ideas through to a conclusion. This course requires you to be experimental, to be able to plan; refine your ideas and be selective, it will enhance your learning and provide lifelong confidence in self-expression. Techniques often explored include painting, printmaking, 3D studies, photography, multimedia, surface decoration, batik, silk painting,
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fabric manipulation and fashion studies. Assessment is via portfolio (60%) and an externally set task (40%), which
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is a project based on a chosen subject, with a final 10 hour practical exam.
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. Scott Adams
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
Design & Technology
Senior School
Do you love solving problems and being creative? Then studying Design and Technology (edexcel 1DT0) could be for you. You will be given the opportunity to develop your designing and making skills using both manual and computer aided techniques.
You will study new and emerging technologies, energy use, systems design, mechanical devices and a range of materials; considering their working properties and how they are used in manufacturing. The course is taught through practical activity where possible and will involve the designing
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and making of a number of products.
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I made 5,127 prototypes of my vacuum before I got it right. There were 5,126 failures. But I learned from each one. That’s how I came up with a solution. So I don’t mind failure.
Focusing on planning, designing and creating products; this course will enable you to develop your problem solving, planning, organisation, communication, manufacturing and evaluation skills. Assessment is based upon a written examination paper (50%) and a nonexam assessment in the form of a substantial design and make task (50%).
James Dyson
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YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
Food & Nutrition
Senior School
This is an exciting and largely practical GCSE course; excellent if you have an interest in food preparation and science.
It provides a sound basis to move on to higher level qualifications and a wide range of careers, including food marketing, nutrition, product development, nursing or teaching. The course promotes time management skills and an analytical approach to problem solving and decision making, thereby enabling you to become an effective independent learner. You will master practical cookery skills while developing your knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles involved. You can undertake: cooking, product analysis, experimental work and sensory analysis of dishes made. You will also develop a deeper understanding of the importance of
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diet, health and wider environmental issues associated with living in today’s
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Development is where my heart is focused because eating is the only thing that we do that involves all the senses. We eat with our eyes and our ears and our noses.
multicultural society.
ASSESSMENT TAKES PLACE IN YEAR 11: • Food Science investigation, 10 hours (15%) • Food practical task, 20 hours including a 3 hour practical (35%) • Food Preparation and Nutrition, written exam (50%)
Heston Blumenthal
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YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
French
Senior School
Did you know? French is spoken by over 200 million people on five continents and is the official language in 32 countries. French and English are the only languages taught as a foreign language in every country.
THINK FRENCH IS ONLY SPOKEN IN FRANCE? HOW CLICHÉ! With French you can open many doors. Lots of university courses require at least one modern foreign language at GCSE. French is central today in many a field, and will improve your job prospects in science, medical research, cutting edge technology, law, business, food industry and more. Learning French you will acquire invaluable transferrable skills that will make you stand out as a candidate (communication, interpersonal, problem solving, logical and analytical). You will also discover the francophone
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culture and explore its lifestyle.
COURSE CONTENT:
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One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.
• Identity and culture • Local area, travel and international dimension • Studies and future aspirations EXAMINATION:
Listening, reading, speaking and writing
Frank Smith
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
Geography
Senior School
At the heart of studying Geography is the desire to find out more about why, and how, different elements of the world work.
DURING THE GCSE COURSE YOU WILL STUDY: Physical Geography topics: The Challenge of Natural Hazards; The Living World; Ecosystems, Tropical Rainforests and Cold Environments. The Physical Landscapes in the UK are Rivers and Coasts. Pupils undertake a compulsory residential fieldtrip to conduct two fieldwork investigations which are examined in the third written paper. Human Geography topics: Urban Issues and Challenges; The Changing Economic World; The Challenge of Resource Management.
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The key to understanding the world around us is to get out and experience
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Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.
it first hand, which is why fieldwork is vital. You will develop a range of key, transferable skills such as how to analyse data, evaluate different ideas and reach informed conclusions, and how to research effectively. The Geography GCSE is assessed by two written examinations each of which are 1 hour and 30 minutes in length and worth 35% of the GCSE. You will also complete a third written paper which examines your fieldwork skills. This paper is 1 hour and 15 minutes in duration and is worth 30% of the GCSE.
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Michael Palin
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
Senior School
History The GCSE course offers a varied and exciting study of the world in which we live and will help you to understand why it is the way it is. You will study four very different topics: Germany 1890-1945; Elizabethan England 1558-1603; Conflict and Tension in Asia 1950-1975; Britain, Health and Medicine through Time.
You will also learn to use, understand and assess evidence, to analyse sources such as posters, photographs and diary entries, and to sift important information from the trivial in order to formulate judgements and construct logical arguments. These are transferable skills which are of vital
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importance in higher education. You will be assessed through two examinations, each of which are 1 hour and 45 minutes and worth 50% of the GCSE. Each examination includes a combination of source analysis and essay questions.
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
Music
Senior School
Music IGCSE is a lively and fascinating course, where you will learn to listen to, perform and compose music, encouraging aesthetic and emotional development, self-discipline and, importantly, creativity. As a result, you will enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of music, an achievement that forms an ideal foundation for future study and enhances life-long musical enjoyment.
It provides an excellent knowledge base if you are intending to study Music A Level, or Music Technology A Level and beyond, but it is equally beneficial and interesting as a course in its own right, giving you a greater
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understanding of the music that you encounter in everyday life.
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All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music. Walter Pater
The course develops the skills of listening and analysis, composing and performing over three components;
LISTENING
A written paper based on a number of recorded extracts.
PERFORMING You will prepare two performances (one as a solo; one as a member of a group). COMPOSING
You will select two compositions from your work over the course and produce scores and a recording of each
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composition at the end of the course.
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
Senior School
Physical Education This is a practical and engaging course. You will develop your knowledge, understanding, skills and values to enhance your performance in physical activities, and understand the benefits to health, fitness and wellbeing.
Through studying four key theoretical components you will develop your knowledge and understanding of factors underpinning physical activity
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and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance.
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This qualification is suitable for anyone intending to pursue A Levels, Higher Education or any career for which an understanding of the human body or human behaviour is desirable.
YOU WILL DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF: • How the physiological and psychological state affects performance in physical activity and sport • The positive contribution which physical activity and sport make to health, fitness and wellbeing • The key socio-cultural influences, which can affect people’s involvement in physical activity and sport • How to analyse your own and others’ performances in great detail, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in performance and developing strategies to ensure that improvements can be achieved
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Preparatory School
YEARS 10 – 11 | GCSE PROSPECTUS | OPTIONAL SUBJECT
Senior School
Spanish Spanish is the official language in 20 different countries in the world and has nearly 500 million native speakers.
In the GCSE course you will not only develop your target language knowledge, you will also learn about these countries’ traditions, culture and lifestyle. Learning a modern language is investing in your communication skills and these are vital in any kind of professional role in an increasingly global market.
THE CONTENT IS DIVIDED INTO THREE THEMES: • Identity and culture
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• Local, national, international and global areas of interest • Current and future study and employment.
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All of the course content is externally assessed and each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) contribute to a 25% of the final grade.
A different language is a different vision of life. Federico Fellini
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Senior School
Preparing for Sixth Form During Year 10 and 11, your son or daughter has the opportunity to experience Sixth Form lessons and spend two full days as a member of Year 12 – which is a thoroughly worthwhile process for everyone. Throughout the GCSE years, we offer extensive expert guidance on A Level choices. It’s about creating a gradual and natural transition into the next stage of your child’s educational journey.
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Loughborough Amherst School Gray Street Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2DZ 01509 263901 amherst.admissions@lsf.org www.lsf.org/amherst Loughborough Schools Foundation is a Company Limited by Guarantee, number 4038033 and is registered in England and Wales. It is also a Registered Charity, number 1081765. The Registered Office is 3 Burton Walks, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2DU
LEGAL DISCLAIMER The prospectus and further information booklets describe the broad principles on which the School is presently run. Although believed to be correct at the time of printing, the prospectus or further information booklets are not part of any agreement between parents and Loughborough Schools Foundation. Parents wishing to place specific reliance on matters given in the prospectus or further information booklets should seek written confirmation of that statement before accepting the offer of a place. August 2018