Grove School and Sixth Form Options 2024

GCSE OPTIONS 2024

THIS IS YOUR FUTURE. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?

Choosing subject options for Year 10 can be challenging. This is an important decision for students and is easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice. That’s why it’s important that students think carefully about what they enjoy, what they’re good at and what they might like to study after GCSEs.

Along with the compulsory core subjects, we encourage students to choose a broad, balanced mixture so that their future choices are as wide as possible.

The aim of this booklet is to provide an overview of what’s on offer in Year 10 and Year 11. Please take time to read all the information carefully and contact teaching staff if you have any questions. Students will be able to discuss option preferences and will receive further information on subjects during their normal lessons, assemblies and as part of their Discovery Curriculum, including Daily Discovery (Form Tutor time) and Discovery Days.

As you will see from this booklet, we offer a broad range of options at GCSE in addition to the compulsory core subjects. We advise students to play to their strengths and choose subjects they know that they will enjoy and are good at, whilst maintaining a broad and balanced curriculum. We want to help them ensure that they develop the essential skills needed for future study at Grove Sixth Form, colleges, university, on an apprenticeship or in the world of work.

Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s form tutor or their Head of Year, Mr Duerden, if you have any questions during this process.

Mr Mitchell Allsopp Headteacher

KEY DATES

Wednesday 24th April 2024

Options 2024 launch assemblies and information

Visit our website for information and guidance on Key Stage 4 options

groveschoolmarketdrayton.co.uk/options2024

Thursday 25th April 2024

Year 9 Options Evening 18:00-19:30

Options selection window opens

Selections are to be completed through the virtual link emailed to them.

Friday 17th May 2024

Options selection window closes.

June 2024

Consultation period takes place

July 2024

Options confirmation letters sent home in the final half term of the academic year.

If there are any questions regarding this process, these should be directed to tutors in the first instance, who will be fully informed about the process and who can support their students

TALK TO US

The following staff are available to speak to both students and parents/carers throughout the options process.

Hugh Jackson

Deputy Headteacher Quality of Education

Hugh.Jackson@gro.mmat.co.uk

Paul Duerden

Head of Year 9

Paul.Duerden@gro.mmat.co.uk

Amy Roberts

Assistant Headteacher

SENDCO and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Amy.Roberts@gro.mmat.co.uk

James Pledger

Assistant Headteacher Careers, Community and Communication

James.Pledger@gro.mmat.co.uk

Keith Downie

Director of Science

Keith.Downie@gro.mmat.co.uk

Elizabeth Porritt

Lead Practitioner Mathematics

Elizabeth.Porritt@gro.mmat.co.uk

David Rafferty

Director of English and Drama

David.Rafferty@gro.mmat.co.uk

Chloe Graff

Director of Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages and Music

Chloe.Graff@gro.mmat.co.uk

Anna Willis

Director of Creativity, Enterprise and Health (CEH)

Anna.Willis@gro.mmat.co.uk

Key Stage 4 Courses

When students enter Year 10 in September 2024, they move into Key Stage 4, the next phase of their compulsory school education. At the end of this two-year period, public examinations are taken. Key Stage 4 concludes when all public exams have been completed at the end of Year 11.

In some cases, public examinations will be completed in Year 10.

The National Curriculum requires all students to study the following subjects throughout Key Stage 4 (although not necessarily to GCSE level):

⦁ English (Language and Literature)

⦁ Mathematics

⦁ Science

⦁ Physical Education

⦁ Religious Education

⦁ PSHE/Careers (Discovery)

There is also a requirement to maintain a balanced curriculum through to the age of 16. Our school curriculum for Key Stage 4 is intended to combine this important principle of balance together with a degree of flexibility and choice. This booklet aims to explain how this applies to each student in Year 10. It is also intended to act as a handbook for future reference.

Optional Courses:

Art I Business Studies I

Child Development & Care I

Creative iMedia I

Drama I Engineering (D&T) I

Film Studies I German I

Geography I History I

Hospitality and Catering I

ICT I

Music I

Photography I

Psychology I

Religious Studies I

Sociology I Sports Studies I

Travel and Tourism I

Triple Science* I

* Teacher recommended pathway

General Information

All students study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Humanities (History OR Geography). In addition, all students will continue with their Discovery Curriculum, which covers aspects of Citizenship, Fundamental British Values, Work-Related Learning and Careers Guidance, Issues, Drugs Awareness and Relationships Education.

Students will then choose to study up to three additional option subjects. Students may opt for an English Baccalaureate pathway, where studying German will be compulsory. The English Baccalaureate is a measure of student achievement where students must achieve a good pass in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, a Modern Foreign Language and a Humanities subject. The UK Government and Department for Education’s expectation is that 90% of pupils are studying this subject combination by 2025.

All examination subjects studied can lead to a recognised qualification at Level One or Level Two of the National Qualification Framework meaning that students will follow eight academic courses with the possibility of up to ten or more GCSE passes or equivalent. Level 1 qualifications are equivalent to GCSE grades 3-1 and Level 2 qualifications are equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4.

Methods of assessment vary considerably between courses. You can find specific details on each subject’s page in this booklet. For further information, please visit The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Authority’s website www.qca.org.uk

A small number of students might benefit from an alternative curriculum of additional support. If the school feels that your son or daughter would benefit from this provision, we will make contact with you to arrange a meeting. If you would like more information about this, please contact the school’s SENDCO, Mrs Amy Roberts Amy.Roberts@gro.mmat.co.uk

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into 25 lessons per week (as part of a 2-week timetable):

Qualifications

GCSE Qualifications

⦁ Graded 9–1.

⦁ Accepted by all post-16 providers depending on the grade achieved and the suitability of the course content for future study.

⦁ An academic focus with one exam at the end.

⦁ Some subjects have coursework or controlled assessments.

⦁ Students will currently be expected to continue with GCSE English Language and Maths if they do not achieve a Grade 4 in these subjects at the end of Year 11.

Technical Qualifications

⦁ Graded Distinction D* to U.

⦁ Accepted by all post-16 providers depending on the grade achieved and the suitability of the course content for future study.

⦁ A vocational focus: all courses are assessed through a series of internally assessed tasks and one external exam which have one external exam (which has one re-take opportunity).

⦁ All subjects have exam assessment tasks to complete in school time which make up part of the final grade.

Grading structure explained:

Course descriptions

Compulsory core subjects:

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

Science (Combined)

Physical Education (Core)

Geography

OR History

German*

*Essential for English Baccalaureate

**Teacher recommended pathway.

Optional subjects:

Art

Business Studies

Child Development & Care

Creative iMedia

Drama

Engineering (D&T)

Film Studies

Geography

German (Extended students only)

History

Hospitality and Catering

ICT

Music

Photography

Psychology

Religious Studies

Sociology

Sports Studies

Travel and Tourism

Triple Science**

English Language & Literature

What is involved?

You will learn to further develop your skills in the following areas:

• Reading a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding, from 1789 to the present day

• Reading critically, and using knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve your own writing

• Expressing your views, presenting arguments and writing creatively

• Using grammar correctly, punctuating and spelling accurately

• Listening to and understanding spoken language, and using spoken Standard English effectively

Qualifications available

Every student will sit both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature, both of which are graded 9–1.

Assessment

GCSE English Language will feature two written examination papers worth 100% of the qualification. 50% of the qualification assesses reading skills and 50% of the qualification assesses writing skills. Students will also have to complete a speaking and listening task throughout the course.

GCSE English Literature will also feature two written examination papers worth 100% of the qualification. These will cover pre-19th century texts, post19th century texts and a Shakespeare play.

There are no tiers of entry for either English Language or English Literature which means that all students will complete the same paper at the end of Year 11.

Mathematics

What is involved?

GCSE Mathematics aims to enable you to enjoy and become confident in using and applying mathematical techniques. You will learn to develop your skills in the following areas:

• Number

• Algebra

• Ratio and Proportion

• Geometry and Measures

• Statistics and Probability

Qualifications available

There are two tiers of GCSE examination – Foundation and Higher.

The Foundation-tier exam allows a student to gain a GCSE grade between 5–1. The Higher-tier exam allows a student to gain a GCSE grade between 9–4.

Assessment

GCSE Maths is examined by written papers at the end of the two-year course. There are three papers: one non-calculator and two calculator.

Science (Combined)

What is involved?

Most students at The Grove will follow the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy specification. The course:

• leads to two GCSE qualifications, awarded at the end of Year 11

• highlights the scientific process and the implications of Science for Society

• provides a balanced Science curriculum ensuring appropriate knowledge and skills for progression to A Level Science subjects in the Sixth Form

Biology Topics: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, Variation and Ecology.

Chemistry Topics: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding and the structure of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes, The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic analysis, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and Using resources.

Physics Topics: Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter and Atomic structure and radioactivity.

Qualifications available

Combined Science: 2 GCSE grades in Science (9–1) following the AQA Combined Science Trilogy course.

Assessment

This course has separate examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics in May/June of Year 11 the results of which are then combined to produce two GCSE grades. There are two examinations in each subject area, each comprising a specific set of topics. Each examination is 1 hour 15 minutes long and is worth 70 marks.

Students will complete compulsory practical experiments during the course and each examination may feature some questions relating to them.

Physical Education (Core)

What is involved?

Physical Education (PE) is a core subject and all Grove students undertake 1 hour per week in both Year 10 and Year 11.

The aim of the course is to encourage students to improve their tactical knowledge, consolidate their skill base, take part in further physical activity outside school and to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Within the hours allocated in Year 10, students are given time to work on their individual fitness and play in team and individual games. The time is spent on activities with the emphasis on participation and enjoyment.

Some students may use core PE to enhance their GCSE practical grades.

In Year 11, students are able to focus on their individual fitness and play in team and individual games. Our emphasis on participation and enjoyment means that PE is an inclusive subject; some students may use core PE to enhance their GCSE practical grades.

Qualifications available

Statutory core PE has no qualification. Students are able to select ports Studies as an additional qualification course as one of their option choices.

Assessment

Students’ individual progress in core PE will be monitored by teaching staff during lessons and all students are expected to participate fully.

Geography (or History)

What is involved?

Geography makes up part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate. This GCSE course follows the AQA specification. It provides the opportunity to consider geography-related issues on regional, national and global scales.

The areas studied are:

• Living with the physical environment

• Challenges in the human environment

• Geographical applications

• Geographical skills

Qualifications Available

GCSE grade 9-1

Assessment

• Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (35% of GCSE)

This paper will cover: the challenge of natural hazards; Physical landscapes in the UK; The living world; Geographical skills.

• Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (35% of GCSE)

This paper will cover: Urban issues and challenges; The changing economic world; The challenge of resource management; Geographical skills.

• Unit 3: Geographical applications

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (30% of GCSE)

This paper will cover: Issue evaluation; Fieldwork; Geographical skills.

Note: Geography can also be selected as a ‘optional subject’ if you choose History as a ‘compulsory core subject’.

History (or Geography)

What is involved?

History makes up part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate. This GCSE course follows the Edexcel specification. It offers a broad and diverse study of the history of Britain and the wider world and gives students skills that will support progression to further study of the subject.

Paper 1: Thematic Study and Historic Environment

• Medicine and Britain, 1250–Present

• The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches.

Paper 2: Period Study and British In-Depth Study

• The reign of Henry VIII and his ministers, 1509–1547

• The American West, 1835–1895

Paper 3: Modern In-Depth Study

• Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39

Qualifications available

GCSE grade 9-1

Assessment

Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment

• The examination is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• The question paper is out of 52 marks and is worth 30% of the overall qualification

Paper 2: Period study and British In-Depth study

• The examination is 1 hour and 50 minutes.

• The question paper is out of 64 marks and is worth 40% of the overall qualification

Paper 3: Modern In-Depth study

• The examination is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• The question paper is out of 52 marks and is worth 30% of the overall qualification

Note: History can also be selected as a ‘optional subject’ if you choose Geography as a ‘compulsory core subject’.

German

What is involved?

The study of German is now part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate. Students studying languages can benefit from the use of the dedicated ICT suite and subscriptions to various languages websites to enrich their enjoyment and knowledge of language.

All students have the option to continue with German in Key Stage 4. It is highly recommended for students who might be considering going into Further and/or Higher Education to continue learning at GCSE level.

Students will follow a programme of content and skills on the German course. They will be studying a range of topics which can be broadly categorised under the following headings:

• People and Lifestyle (Identity and relationships with others; healthy living and lifestyle; education and work)

• Popular Culture (free-time activities; customs, festivals and celebrations; celebrity culture)

• Communication and the world around us (travel and tourism; media and technology; the environment and where people live)

As part of the GCSE course, students will also revisit topics which they have already studied in Key Stage 3, but in greater detail.

Qualifications available

GCSE grade 9-1

Assessment

Each of the four skills contributes towards the final GCSE grade in the following way:

• Listening 25%

• Reading 25%

• Speaking 25%

• Writing 25%

All skills are assessed as an examination at the end of Year 11.

In the Speaking exam, there will be a short passage to read out loud and in the Listening exam, students will hear some short sentences, which they will have to write down in German. The Reading and Writing exams also include a translation question from German to English and vice versa.

Discovery Curriculum

What is involved?

Our timetabled Discovery curriculum, enables students to experience a broad range of careers-themed lessons intertwined within other sessions whereby students link their learning of careers to various PSHE/RSE themes. These themes also form the basis of Discovery Days where employability skills and qualities such as effective communication, empathy and equality are demonstrated. This fusion of both PSHE and Grove’s ‘Future Me’ careers programme is a valuable opportunity for students to explore and reflect upon their own place within the world and consider their options for character and their potential futures as they prepare for a life and world beyond our school.

Within our Daily Discovery programme, students follow a comprehensive programme incorporating the school values and British Values with their Form Tutor. Time is given for students to reflect on their own experiences and world-views through articles from ‘The Day’ and other platforms. Students are encouraged to push and develop their sense of self through an extensive extracurricular programme and House Competitions.

Qualifications available

Statutory Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE), Religious Studies Education (RSE) aligned to our SACRE guidance, and Careers content have no specific qualification that is completed. Students will receive this content through a range of speakers, workshops and experiences that will be experienced through a combination of Daily Discovery (Form Tutor programme), Discovery Days and elements such as Work Experience in Year 10.

Assessment

Students’ individual progress in Discovery will be monitored by teaching staff and all students are expected to participate fully throughout this statutory programme of age-related content.

THEN YOU CHOOSE UP TO THREE SUBJECTS FROM HERE...

Art

What is involved?

Students opting to follow the GCSE Art course will enjoy the opportunity to develop their creative, observation, organisational, critical and communication skills through the practical study of one or more art and craft techniques. A widening understanding of cultural, historical art and material properties should develop as the course progresses to both enrich and stimulate personal ideas and outcomes.

During the course students need to develop and demonstrate an ability to:

• observe and record information from natural or man-made forms

• work independently

• use materials and processes in a systematic and disciplined manner

• compose the visual elements of tone, colour texture, line form and space in a creative and imaginative manner

• sustain a chosen study from conception to realization

• identify characteristics of Art and relate these to their own work or social context and make critical judgements, where necessary.

Art is also a subject that is delivered in a Session 3 slot, weekly after school, as an additional GCSE qualification. Please see Mrs Clarke for further details.

Qualifications available

GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment

Students are required to produce a portfolio (60% of marks available) and complete a final set task (40%).

The portfolio of work will be developed from personal or centredevised starting points. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of techniques and skills. Students will have 45 hours to complete their portfolio.

For the final set task students select one question from an early release question paper to which they produce a personal response. Students will be given ten hours of controlled time in which to work on developing their ideas to outcome.

Business Studies

What is involved?

You will be introduced to the world of small businesses and will look at what makes someone a successful business person and the qualities and skills they use. You will find out how to develop an idea and spot an opportunity as well as the processes to turn that into a successful business. You will understand how to make a business effective, and how a business needs and uses money. You will also see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved.

You will learn more about how small businesses are developed and discover how businesses promote themselves and keep their customers happy. You will explore how businesses manage both their finances and the people who work for them. Where possible we try and deliver the course in a practical way.

Theme 1: Investigating Small Business

• Entrepreneurship

• Spotting a business opportunity

• Putting ideas into practice

• Making the business effective

• Understanding external influences

Theme 2: Building a Business

• Growing the business

• Making marketing decisions

• Making operational decisions

• Making financial decisions

• Making human resource decisions

Qualifications Available

GCSE grade 9-1

Assessment

• Theme 1: Investigating a Small Business 1 hour 45 minute examination, 90 marks, 50% of qualification

• Theme 2: Building a Business 1 hour 45 minute examination , 90 marks, 50% of qualification

Child Development & Care

What is involved?

This is a vocational qualification from CACHE, the leaders in childcare and education. At Level 2, the course gives a basic introduction to working with children within a nursery setting. It has been designed to meet the needs of learners from the age of 14 years. It includes the knowledge and understanding of child development and well-being necessary for working with children in a variety of settings. The course aims to:

⦁ provide an understanding of holistic child development,

⦁ identify factors that influence child development,

⦁ understand legislation in the early years,

⦁ promote care routines and activities to support the child,

⦁ provide an understanding of the expectations of an early years practitioner and their roles and responsibilities in a childcare setting.

⦁ provide an understanding of the importance of observations in early years childcare,

⦁ understand the purpose of planning in early years childcare.

Qualifications available

CACHE Vocational Qualification (Level 1 or Level 2)

Assessment

Two assessments take place in Year 11 and are graded from Level 1 Pass through to Level 2 Distinction*.

o The first assessment is a 16-hour internal controlled written assessment.

o The second assessment is a 1.5 hour externally set exam.

Both assessments are based on 9 content areas of learning which students will complete throughout Year 10 and 11.

Creative iMedia

What is involved?

Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sectorfocused, including film, television, web development and gaming, and have IT at their heart. They provide knowledge in a number of key areas in this field from pre-production skills to digital graphics, games design and have a motivating, handson approach to both teaching and learning.

Cambridge Nationals deliver skills across the whole range of learning styles and abilities, effectively engaging and inspiring all students to achieve great things.

Students will follow 3 units of study:

Examination

• Unit R093: Creative iMedia in the Media Industry Coursework

• Unit R094: Visual Identity and Digital Graphics

• Unit R097: Interactive digital media

Qualifications Available

Cambridge National Level 2 Vocational Qualification (Level 2)

Assessment

• External examination forms 40% of the course

• Coursework is worth 60% of the course and weighted with Unit RO94 worth 35% and Unit RO97 worth 25% of the course.

Drama

What is involved?

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Drama is an exciting, inspiring and practical course. The specification promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama, as performers and/or designers. Additionally, it provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members.

You have the option to work practically as performers and/or designers in Components 1 and 2. You will investigate a practitioner or genre of drama, work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions and techniques to create a piece of original theatre. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the performance of an extract from a play text.

You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of drama, including your interpretation of texts for performance, in a written examination. However, in preparation for this assessment, learners are encouraged to study their chosen text practically as a performer, designer and director.

If you love expressing yourself in a fun and creative way, enjoy working with others, have a passion for stage productions, want to develop your confidence and are enthusiastic about writing and producing plays then GCSE Drama is definitely for you!

Qualifications available

GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment

There are three core elements:

• Component 1: Devising Theatre (Coursework, performance and evaluation, using drama to explore a theme, 40%)

• Component 2: Performing from Texts (Performance examination, using sections of text, 20%)

• Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (Written examination, set text and live theatre review, 40%)

Engineering (D&T)

What is involved?

Engineering manufacture is a discipline of engineering dealing with different manufacturing practices and processes using the machines, tools and equipment that turn raw materials into new products. This qualification will enable students to study these processes. It will also allow them to operate the tools and equipment used to make products from the requirements of a design specification using the lathe, milling machine and drilling equipment, as well as use relevant computer applications such as CAD/CAM and CNC equipment.

This course will help you develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the engineering manufacture and development sector. You will also develop learning and skills relevant in other life and work situations, such as:

• Problem solving

• Planning, time management and evaluation

• Safe working practices

Qualifications available

Cambridge National Vocational Qualification in Engineering Design (Level 2)

Assessment:

The current assessment format for this course is as follows:

• R014 - Externally assessed written examination at the end of year 11 (1 hour 15 minutes).

The question paper has two parts. Part A includes 10 multiple choice questions and part B includes short answer questions and extended response questions.

• R015 - Manufacturing a one-off product: Internally assessed and externally moderated controlled assessment, set assignment that must be completed by Easter of Year 10

• R016 - Manufacturing in quantity: Internally assessed and externally moderated controlled assessment, set assignment that must be completed by January of Year 11.

Film Studies

What is involved?

GCSE Film Studies is designed to draw on students' enthusiasm for film and introduce them to a wide variety of cinematic experiences. Students will develop their knowledge of US mainstream film by studying films from different stages of Hollywood's development. In addition, students will be studying recent films – a US independent film as well as films from Europe, including the UK, South Africa and Australia.

Production is an important part of this course and is integral to students' study of film. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts is designed to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting. This is intended to support students in producing creative films and screenplays as well as enable their production work to provide an informed filmmaker's perspective on their own study of film.

This course is designed to provide a foundation for further study by encouraging students to explore, through formal study and their own productions.

Qualifications available

GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment

The course is made up of two examinations (both worth 35% each) and a coursework component worth 30%:

There are three core elements:

• Component 1: Key Developments in US Film (1hr 30mins written examination, 35%)

• Component 2: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style (1hr 30mins written examination, 35%)

• Component 3: Production (coursework focusing on an understanding of a film extract or section of a screenplay with an evaluation, 30%)

German

What is involved?

The study of German is now part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate. Students studying languages can benefit from the use of the dedicated ICT suite and subscriptions to various languages websites to enrich their enjoyment and knowledge of language.

All students have the option to continue with German in Key Stage 4. It is highly recommended for students who might be considering going into Further and/or Higher Education to continue learning at GCSE level.

Students will follow a programme of content and skills on the German course. They will be studying a range of topics which can be broadly categorised under the following headings:

• People and Lifestyle (Identity and relationships with others; healthy living and lifestyle; education and work)

• Popular Culture (free-time activities; customs, festivals and celebrations; celebrity culture)

• Communication and the world around us (travel and tourism; media and technology; the environment and where people live)

As part of the GCSE course, students will also revisit topics which they have already studied in Key Stage 3, but in greater detail.

Qualifications available

GCSE grades 9-1

Assessment

Each of the four skills contributes towards the final GCSE grade in the following way:

• Listening 25%

• Reading 25%

• Speaking 25%

• Writing 25%

All skills are assessed as an examination at the end of Year 11.

In the Speaking exam, there will be a short passage to read out loud and in the Listening exam, students will hear some short sentences, which they will have to write down in German. The Reading and Writing exams also include a translation question from German to English and vice versa.

Hospitality & Catering

What is involved?

This qualification will provide learners with experience of using different cooking techniques and methods and will give them a basic understanding of the skills required for a career in food. This Level 2 qualification is appropriate for learners who are looking to develop a significant core of knowledge and understanding and apply that knowledge in preparing and producing dishes.

This qualification shows learners:

• the characteristics of real work in the sector

• many work-related activities in the hospitality and catering sector

• to modify recipes for health for balanced diets

• to assess a diet and make recommendations

• to plan and produce dishes for a purpose

Learners will know about safe and hygienic preparation of the cooking environment, the sources and seasonality that can affect food choices, food labels and cooking for a range of purposes.

They will develop skills in:

• creating menus to meet a brief

• selecting ingredients to cook dishes

• adapting recipes for health

• evaluating their own work

• literacy, numeracy and ICT

• the modern workplace, such as planning, research skills, communication, problem-solving skills and health and safety

Assessment

There are two units, one external examination and a coursework portfolio:

• Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry (online examination, 40%)

• Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in Action (coursework, 60%)

ICT

What is involved?

The Cambridge National qualification in ICT is an attractive, practically-based qualification intended to stimulate and interest candidates in the practical use of ICT.

You will study three mandatory units:

• R050: IT in the Digital World.

Topics include:

• Design Tools

• Human Computer Interface (HCI) in everyday life

• Data and testing

• Cyber-security and legislation

• Digital Communications

• Internet of Everything (IoE).

• R060: Data Manipulation using Spreadsheets.

Topics include:

• Planning and designing the spreadsheet solution

• Creating the spreadsheet solution

• Testing the spreadsheet solution

• Evaluating the spreadsheet solution

⦁ R070: Using Augmented Reality to Present Information.

Topics include:

• Augmented Reality (AR)

• Designing an Augmented Reality (AR) model prototype

• Creating an Augmented Reality (AR) model prototype

• Testing and reviewing.

Qualifications available

Cambridge National Vocational Qualification in ICT (Level 2)

Assessment

⦁ R050: IT in the Digital World

This is assessed by taking an exam (40%)

⦁ R060: Data Manipulation using Spreadsheets

This is assessed by completing a set assignment (30%)

⦁ R070: Using Augmented Reality to Present Information

This is assessed by completing a set assignment (30%)

Music

What is involved?

The AQA GCSE Music qualification is a mix of theory and practical work that is based around the three core areas of music; Listening, Performing & Composing.

GCSE Music is a practical course with 60% of the final grade generated through compositions and performances. The course is designed to develop creative, social, practical, technical and confidence skills as well as creating exciting opportunities to showcase your work around the School and in the community.

In order to do GCSE Music, students need to be able to play an instrument or sing. You do not need to be a graded musician to do the GCSE course, but you will need to demonstrate a dedication and enthusiasm for improvement through practice.

Qualifications available

GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment

There are three core components of work:

• Component 1: Understanding Music (Examination: 40%)

• Component 2: Performing Music (Coursework: One solo, one group, 30%)

• Component 3: Composing Music

(Coursework: Two compositions, 30%)

Photography

What is involved?

It is hoped that students opting to follow the GCSE Photography course will enjoy the opportunity to develop their creative, observation, organisational, critical and communication skills through the practical study of light-based or digital techniques. A widening understanding of cultural, historical and compositional properties should develop as the course progresses to both enrich and stimulate personal ideas and outcomes.

During the course students need to develop and demonstrate an ability to:

• observe and record information

• work independently

• use materials and processes in a systematic and disciplined manner

• compose the visual elements of tone, colour texture, line form and space in a creative and imaginative manner

Qualifications Available

GCSE grades 9-1

Assessment

Students are required to produce a portfolio (60% of marks available) and complete a final set task (40%).

The portfolio of work will be developed from personal or centredevised starting points. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of techniques and skills. Students will have 45 hours to complete their portfolio.

For the final set task students select one question from an early release question paper to which they produce a personal response. Students will be given ten hours of controlled time in which to work on developing their ideas to outcome.

Psychology

What is involved?

The AQA Psychology GCSE applies the principles of science (development of theories and use of evidence to provide proof) to explain, understand and make sense of a wide variety of human behaviours

You should consider this subject if you:

• enjoy science and the scientific process and would like to use it to explain a different element of the world around us

• are a critical thinker who can see strengths and weaknesses in different views, accepting that there may not be one right answer

• are able to express yourself clearly in your writing, with the ability to use challenging terminology

• are interested in Mathematics and like to interpret the meaning from statistics

• are prepared to spend time learning in detail fascinating but complex research and theories – Psychology is not an easy option!

Topics of behaviour covered include memory, perception, development, research methods, social influence, language, thought and communication, brain and neuropsychology and psychological problems.

Qualifications available

GCSE grades 9-1

Assessment

There will be two 1 hour 45 minute examination papers, each worth 100 marks and representative of 50% of the final GCSE grade awarded.

• Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour (Memory, Perception, Development and Research Methods)

• Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour (Social influence, Language, Thought and Communication, Brain and Neuropsychology and Psychological Problems)

Religious Studies

What is involved?

This course aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and philosophical and ethical themes, through a variety of intriguing subjects to explore to help students better understand the world that they live in. Students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own values and attitudes towards religious issues. Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills. All of these will help prepare them for further study.

You will work in groups, complete discussion work and evaluate the impact religion can and does have on the world

The specification specifically explores the following content:

Component 1: The study of religions:

An exploration of beliefs and teachings of several religions, including:

• Christianity (beliefs, teachings and practices)

• Islam (beliefs, teachings and practices)

Component 2

Thematic studies: religious, philosophical and ethical studies:

• Core Theme 1: Relationships and relationships

• Core Theme 2: Religion and life

• Core Theme 3: Religion, peace and conflict

• Core Theme 4: Religion, crime and punishment

Qualifications available

GCSE grades 9-1

Assessment

This qualification is 100% exam-based

• Component 1: The Study of Religions –Beliefs, teachings and practices (written examination, 96 marks + 6 marks SPaG,1 h 45 mins, 50%)

• Component 2: Thematic Studies (written examination:; 96 marks + 3 marks SPaG, 1 h 45 mins, 50%)

Sociology

What is involved?

Sociology helps students to gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification.

Students will develop their analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues, constructing reasoned arguments, making substantiated judgements and drawing reasoned conclusions.

By studying Sociology, students will develop transferable skills including how to:

• investigate facts and make deductions,

• develop opinions and new ideas on social issues analyse and better understand the social world.

Qualifications Available

GCSE grade 9-1

Assessment

• Paper 1: The Sociology of Families and Education

Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50% of GCSE

• Paper 2: The Sociology of Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification

Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50% of GCSE.

Sports Studies

What is involved?

This is a vocationally-related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The Cambridge National in Sport Studies provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of different aspects of sports studies, from looking at contemporary issues in sport and the relationship between sport and the media to developing the practical skills essential for progression into the sports industry.

The Cambridge National in Sport Studies take a more sector-based focus, whilst also encompassing some core sport/Physical Education themes. Students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge about different types of sport and physical activity, skills development and sports leadership to their own practical performance. They will learn about contemporary issues in sport such as funding, participation, ethics and role models, and sport and the media. Students will develop an appreciation of the importance of sport locally and nationally, different ways of being involved in sport and of how this shapes the sports industry.

Qualifications available

Cambridge National Vocational Qualification in Sports Studies (Level 2)

Assessment

3 units to be completed:

• R184 Contemporary Issues in Sport A 1-hour external exam.

• R185 Performance and Leadership in Sports Activities Coursework assessed through external moderation. Your two selected activities may be any of the following:

• Two individual activities

• Two team activities

• One individual and one team activity

• R186 Sport and the Media Coursework assessed through external moderation

Note: PE staff will have the final decision if this course is the best Physical Education course for you based on academic and practical ability. We will guide you to the course we feel you will be most successful in.

Travel and Tourism

What is involved?

The Pearson BTEC Travel and Tourism is a Level 2 qualification which will help create a path to potentially working in the industry. It gives students the opportunity to explore key areas which make up the industry, ranging from customer service, travel planning, working as a tour guide or hospitality.

Learners will develop transferable skills needed to progress further in education or employment.

The areas studied are:

• The Travel and Tourism Industry

• Customer Service in the Travel and Tourism Industry

• Travel Planning

• Working as a Tour Guide

Qualifications available:

BTEC Level 2 Qualification

Assessment:

Students will be assessed both by internal assessments (which are set by teachers) and Pearson Set Assignments (which are set by the exam board).

Triple Science

What is involved?

As an alternative to Combined Science, students can choose to study three separate GCSE Science qualifications: GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics.

All students taking this course will study the topics described in the Combined Science section (page 17). The topic areas will be studied to a greater degree of depth and with more advanced content than Combined Science. Students will also study the Physics topic of ‘Space’, which is exclusive to Triple Science.

Students will take ALL THREE Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) throughout each year of the course. Each subject will count for one GCSE.

Qualifications available

• 1 GCSE (grade 9-1) in Biology following AQA GCSE Biology

• 1 GCSE (grade 9-1) in Chemistry following AQA GCSE Chemistry

• 1 GCSE (grade 9-1) in Physics following AQA GCSE Physics

Assessment

• Each subject will have two examinations (worth 50% each) at the end of Year 11.

• Each paper will be on half of the topics studied, will be 1 hour 45 minutes long and will consist of 100 marks.

• A specific and distinct GCSE grade is awarded for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Students will complete compulsory practical experiments each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics and each examination may feature some questions relating to them.

Note: This course is significantly more demanding than the Combined Science route and it is excellent preparation to study Science beyond GCSE level. Students will be recommended for this course by their teachers on the basis of their results and performance in class. Science staff will have the final decision if this course is the best Science course for you based on academic ability.

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENS NEXT...

What’s next?

Once you have narrowed down your options to a list of possibilities, the next step is to complete the link that you will be emailed to your initial preferences form between Thursday 25th April 2024 and Friday 17th May 2024.

Ensure that when you are making your options choices that you are basing your decision upon what you will be studying and not who else has chosen the subject. Remember, this is part of your own personal learning journey as you prepare for the next stage of your life. Make sure that you would also be happy to study your reserve choice, in case you need to study this.

Where possible this survey should be completed with parental guidance. If internet access is not available at home, please see your Tutor who will arrange access.

The survey must be completed by Friday 17th May 2024. After this time, it will be closed.

Students are reminded that we will endeavour to deliver individual student preferences, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Please take time to make sure that you are happy to study your insurance choices.

Final confirmation of options choices will be shared with parents and students in the final half term of the year.

Except in exceptional circumstances, students will not be able to change their final options choices after the October half term in Year 10 as too much content will have been missed for students to be successful. Again, these requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Beyond Key Stage 4

Once you have completed your Key Stage 4 studies, you will need to start thinking about your next steps into Level 3 qualifications, such as A Level and Cambridge National (Level 3) vocational subjects. As part of your Year 10 and 11 experience, you will be entitled to participate in Work Experience placements and have an independent careers interview to discuss your options to ensure that you are making the right choices for you and your futures.

The Grove School Sixth Form

For many of our students this learning journey will continue at The Grove as they enter the Sixth Form.

Our students develop strong, working relationships with teachers and the Sixth Form is about meeting their needs, through the provision of post-16 education, in an environment where they have already achieved.

Whereas a school Sixth Form will be right for some students, we fully appreciate it will not suit all and we pride ourselves on delivering effective and impartial advice and guidance to all our students. Students have direct access to an Information, Advice and Guidance Advisor to discuss college and university applications, careers paths and opportunities for the future.

We have a strong Alumni network at The Grove Sixth Form and are always delighted to hear from past students and learn of their successes. Many students have gone on to study at some of the country’s leading Universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, Durham, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, University College London and Imperial College London. Here at The Grove Sixth Form, we pride ourselves on laying strong, dynamic learning foundations that students can continue to build on, whichever path they choose next.

Please talk to Mrs Warrender, our Associate Assistant Headteacher responsible for Sixth Form Studies or your teachers to get further information about how we can support you on the next steps of your journey.