
G C S E
C U R R I C U L U M
B O O K L E T
G C S E
C U R R I C U L U M
B O O K L E T
Deputy Head Academic: Mr J Sidders
C O R E S U B J E C T S
The core subjects you will study throughout A and O Block are English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and a core Modern Foreign Language (either French, German or Spanish) You will also have a timetabled lesson in PSHE each week
O P T I O N A L S U B J E C T S
In addition to the core subjects, you will choose three other subjects from the following: Art, Business, Design, Drama, French (as a second modern foreign language), Geography, History, Latin, Music, Physical Education and Religious Studies
C H O O S I N G Y O U R S U B J E C T S
During the Lent Term of B Block, you will discuss possible GCSE choices with a wide variety of staff at Repton: teachers, Heads of academic departments, Tutors and Houseparents You will be asked to provide an initial indication of subject choice so that the process of timetabling can begin. Timetable constraints may prevent a completely free choice of GCSE courses, so a provisional column structure is produced to make your final choice of subjects based on that column structure Whilst we naturally attempt to satisfy the desired combination of courses chosen by each individual pupil, we are not able to guarantee that every combination can be made available. Moreover, we may not offer a course if the number of pupils opting to take that subject is low.
The choice of the optional GCSEs is important and should not be based solely on your likes and dislikes You should select a combination of subjects appropriate to your academic abilities and taken into consideration your future plans for the Sixth Form and beyond.
A very high GCSE points average is essential for entry to some courses at prestigious universities, and it may be that some GCSE subjects are considered to provide a more rigorous preparation for further study than others The Deputy Head (Academic), the Heads of Higher Education and Careers, Houseparents and Tutors will be able to offer advice if required, and Heads of department can give detailed information about their subject areas
The curriculum is revised regularly; changes are therefore likely from time to time
S E C T I O N A
C O R E
S U B J E C T S
English Language and English Literature are both core subjects at GCSE, exposing pupils to a diverse and exciting range of written texts, encompassing poetry, prose, drama and literary non-fiction.
Pupils develop their ability to read, understand and analyse, formulating detailed and cogent written arguments
The coursework component of the course provides pupils with significant opportunities for self-expression and creative writing, allowing them to hone and craft their ideas
When examining larger literature texts, such as Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Of Mice and Men, pupils are taught to consider the impact of social, historical and literary context upon the writers’ work, deepening and enriching their understanding
The English department holds twice-weekly clinic sessions where pupils can gain oneto-one support and additional feedback on their work, and there are numerous additional revision classes as the examination season approaches
English Extension sessions and more informal book clubs take place regularly, enhancing pupils’ engagement with the subject by exploring a wide range of texts beyond the syllabus.
For those who are interested, Oxbridge English sessions also take place, aiming to provide pupils with a rigorous diachronic understanding of the development of literature in English
Beyond this, there are regular theatre trips and additional lectures to further stimulate pupils’ love of literature
I T E
P R E P A R A T I O N E X A M I N A T I O N B O A R D
The best possible preparation for English study at this level is to read a quality newspaper regularly, especially the editorial and comment sections. It is also very useful to see as much theatre as possible and to seek personalised recommendations for reading based on the novels and poetry you have enjoyed in English so far
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Maths remains an extremely important subject and one which is highly regarded by potential universities and employers. At GCSE, Mathematics involves the study of geometry, algebra, number, shape and space, and data handling. These five strands of study provide skills which can be used in other school subjects and gives a deeper understanding of how the world we live in works
A Further Mathematics course is offered to pupils who are on the accelerated GCSE course. This course serves as a good introduction to A Level mathematics but is by no means a prerequisite
The Maths department holds twice-weekly clinic sessions for pupils to drop in with specific problems and questions, and there are numerous additional revision classes as the examination season approaches. Repton’s Mathematics Society, the Ferguson Society, meets weekly for a number of activities which include computer programming, lectures, STEP/MAT problem-solving and other extension activities Our Junior Mathematics Society is a weekly occurrence and is well attended We enter pupils into the UK Mathematics Trust Competitions at both junior and senior levels. Repton teams have reached national finals a number of times.
All pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics to GCSE with a total of seven 55minute lessons being taught every week in B, A and O Block allowing opportunities for extended practical investigations
Biology is a core subject at GCSE and all pupils will study it either as a standalone qualification or as part of the combined science specification
Biology is a highly regarded and rigorous academic subject, developing scientific literacy skills as well as reinforcing numeracy and mathematical work. GCSE Biology provides a fundamental understanding of the world around us, looking in detail at biological processes such as the physiology within the human body, genetics and inheritance and climate change, to name but a few Included in the course are ethical discussions on stem cell use and embryonic screening for genetic diseases, as well as “how science works” in the form of exploring the development of the theory of evolution There is no practical exam, instead, core practical investigations are incorporated into the course that pupils prepare for and their competency in completing the investigation assessed in class
Chemistry is a core subject at GCSE, either as a standalone qualification or as part of the combined science specification.
Chemistry is a challenging academic subject, with an emphasis on problem-solving, mathematical skills and the ability to carry out practical work accurately and safely
Topics covered include atomic structure and bonding, rates of reaction and organic chemistry
Physics is a core subject at GCSE, either as a standalone qualification or as part of the combined science specification.
Physics is a highly regarded and rigorous academic subject, developing scientific literacy skills as well as reinforcing numeracy and mathematical work Physics provides a robust introduction to problem-solving which is valuable in any scientific or mathematical study beyond GCSE The topics covered include energy, forces, waves and electricity.
The Biology department provides drop-in clinics from 8-8.30 am on Mondays for B and A Block, and on Fridays for O Block. In order to extend beyond the syllabus, the Biology department also runs a Medical Society and Biology Society that meet regularly each term as well as offering opportunities to achieve external awards via the Royal Society of Biology's Olympiads and Challenge competitions as well as essay, art and photography competitions. Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in the Beekeeping Club and volunteer at a local hospital. The Biology Library (located next to SciPri 26) is well stocked and refreshed with new books on a termly basis
There are weekly Physics clinics available to all pupils There is a Physics Society which meets once a term, as well as an Astronomy club which meets weekly. In recent years, physicists at Repton have reached the finals of national competitions including The Big Bang, Shell's Big Ideas, the ICE's CitiZen, the Schools' Aerospace Challenge and Talent2030 Pupils have achieved gold certificates in the British Physics Olympiad and the department has run trips to a local observatory, Derby Velodrome and CERN, Geneva.
There are three chemistry help sessions available every week, available to all pupils Chemistry Society meets every Half-Term and consists of a mixture of lectures, experiments and Olympiad training The department visits universities for various competitions and has achieved gold certificates in British Chemistry Olympiad papers.
All pupils follow AQA Science specifications and are entered either for two GCSEs in Combined Science: Trilogy or three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
A Modern Language (French, Spanish or German) is a core part of our curriculum, with language skills and communication skills highly prized by employers All pupils select at least one language to study at GCSE and a number will choose two languages
Each language incorporates Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing work; skills which are beneficial across all subjects and encourage accuracy of communication Additionally, pupils develop their literacy through the study of grammar in a foreign language and will gain an appreciation for a foreign culture and different points of view to their own.
E N R I C H M E N T
Departmental support is typically run by individual teachers, so that key messages for that set can be consolidated, with each teacher making themselves available to their sets at specific times during the week. Additionally, there is a central French clinic session for pupils to drop in, either for consolidation, revision or with specific questions
At GCSE, we offer a French trip to Nice and are looking to offer a Spanish trip to Murcia in the near future, also for GCSE.
More widely, the Modern Languages Society meets once every term for academic presentation evenings or more cultural activities We enter pupils into the UK Linguistics Olympiad, with pupils regularly placing highly This is in addition to the weekly Modern Foreign Languages Clinics.
Time spent abroad where the foreign language is spoken is always valuable, as is listening to music and films in French, Spanish or German. A thorough revision of all vocabulary and grammar covered in B Block is essential and must be completed over the summer holiday
E X A M I N A T I O N B O A R D
AQA for French, Spanish and German.
S E C T I O N B
O P T I O N A L
S U B J E C T S
Fine Art is the umbrella term for Art (painting, sculpture, architecture etc), Textiles (fashion, haute couture, textiles design etc) and Photography (digital, AI, film, game design, analogue) so if you are interested in learning about any or all of these media or following a career with any kind of creative element, Fine Art at GCSE is a highly important subject, whatever you study later.
A cultural awareness, confidence with materials and manual dexterity, as well as the structured and rigorous empowerment of critical independent creative thought not foregrounded elsewhere in the academic profile, provides effective thinking skills and develops the self-aware visual intelligence essential in so many of today's careers in the creative sector and, crucially, can give individuals the ability to stand out in any career beyond these
Pupils can specialise in any of the above areas in their independent coursework They will develop a broad range of practical and problem-solving skills and will become proficient in a variety of processes and techniques, using these to develop their own ideas critically and building their concepts and imagery in a chosen medium in the form of an extended practical coursework project developed and refined into an ambitious and accomplished final artwork Contemporary cultural context and aspects of art history will be taught as it applies to the practical inquiry of each pupil. There are two such projects over the two years (with no written exam), each beginning with an independently chosen theme and ending with a final artwork in any medium at all including all types of paint and drawing materials, ceramics, plaster, plastics, wood, found materials, digital imagery, moving image, soft materials and textiles, installation, performance, sound and more.
There are a total of 16 flexible hours over seven days each week on top of timetabled lessons for you to drop in and receive one-to-one support or independently extend work set, so that in effect there need be minimal isolated evening prep if you wish These Extra-curricular hours are an informal time for progressing your creative journey in your own way and with guidance and using our all-encompassing facilities, and are also for support clinics, technique workshops, and off-timetable study There are Art, Textiles and Photography clubs for anyone to attend and events such as Studio-FilmSoc for Art Cinema showings You can also choose to make work or a collection for the Repton Fashion Show or for exhibition. There are lectures and exhibition openings throughout the year showing pupil work alongside the work of contemporary artists as well as workshops with these artists in the galleries Each year-group will take a trip to explore art galleries such as the Tate Modern and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park Those who enjoy making the most of all these possibilities can also contest for the prestigious award of Repton Art Colours.
The GCSE course gives a broad introduction into the business world It starts with the fundamental concepts of customer needs, profit, competition, ownership and growth, before moving to examine the functional areas of Marketing, Operations, HR and Finance. This is drawn together by exploring some of the issues in the wider business environment, such as ethics and the economy
There is a weekly booster clinic, where pupils can drop in for help with specific topics; we also run regular small-group tutorials when necessary, particularly in the run-up to public exams There is a range of business and entrepreneurship competitions available to pupils, and the Economics and Business Society runs talks and sessions through the year.
The most useful preparation for GCSE Business is to get an understanding of ‘real world’ businesses – what they are doing, and why. This can be done by reading the business section of a quality newspaper or news website, and by watching some of the business documentaries available on the BBC iPlayer or channel4.com. As Business is not part of the B Block curriculum, parents are invited to contact the Head of Business, Mrs Court, for more information (mcourt@reptonorguk)
Design is a subject that allows creative problem-solving to meet technological innovation As we look towards a future that will be full of change this subject enables pupils to formally start their journey with destinations as diverse as engineering, architecture, and interior, product, theatre, exhibition, jewellery, and digital design. It is a 100% practical subject where pupils will be active in the workshop and using CAD to explore ideas around these areas in Design The subject offers an exciting, unique and complementary approach to the study of other academic subjects but also enables access to the functional side of the ever-growing creative industries.
This GCSE course is split into two units: it starts with an introduction to key practical skills Pupils will develop an awareness of contemporary, modern and historic design and will use this knowledge to help influence the development of their own work, with a specific focus on the understanding of ideas and processes. They will use and refine skills such as model making, prototyping, constructing, surface treatment, assembling, drawing, 3D CAD and CAM in materials such as wood, metal, concrete, plaster, plastics, clay and found materials Students will go on to develop their coursework portfolios in a chosen personal area of Design and this will complete the 1st unit of the course (60% of the final grade). The 2nd unit (40% of final grade) starts from the January of O Block (Year 11) as an Externally Set Assignment that concludes the course with a 10-hour final piece in the summer term.
In addition to timetabled lessons, The Design Centre is open to all pupils on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Weekends are also a popular time for pupils to use the facilities where pupils can use the opportunity to progress their exam coursework projects or complete their own individual self-guided projects
All facilities including brazing, casting, 3D printing, CNC equipment and lathes are open to use by pupils with staff on hand to provide advice and support.
Weekly support clinics are also offered to pupils for advice and guidance on their work
Further initiatives include our department society, Arkwright Club and department involvement in the Repton Senior “Formula Repton” Greenpower.
Outside of the Design Centre, trips and industrial visits are organised to enrich pupil experience, including visits to Aston Martin, JCB, Triumph, Pektron, London’s DesignMuseum and the V&A.
3D Design
Drama is an increasingly popular course of study at GCSE, offering pupils an exciting, inspiring and practical course as they explore how theatre is made and communicated to an audience
The specification promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama, as performers and/or designers as well as opportunities to attend live theatre performances to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members As pupils progress through the course, they will be given opportunities to participate in and interpret their own and others’ drama Pupils will investigate a theatre practitioner or genre of drama, work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and to produce and perform a piece of original theatre.
E N R I C H M E N T
The Drama department offers afternoon drop-in clinics where pupils can benefit from specialist direction for acting performance, support with written coursework, and technical theatre development through regular workshops in the theatre
Pupils also benefit from frequent visits to watch live theatre which supports an understanding of how theatre is made and communicated, as well as personal enrichment and the joy of going to the theatre. Pupils’ craft as an actor is supported and developed through the extremely popular study of LAMDA, where drama is used to develop self-confidence, physical presence, and a strong speaking voice, when performing character to an examiner
E X A M I N A T I O N B O A R D
Geography is a very popular option subject at GCSE Here, pupils study a number of contemporary Geographical themes Physical geography includes the study of rivers and coastal environments as well as the examination of ecosystems Furthermore, there is nearly an entire topic devoted to climate change and the associated causes and impacts which provides a very modern feel to the qualification.
Human geography examines topics such as cities, resource management and global development The latter topic, specifically, grapples with the concepts of underdevelopment and foreign aid which allow Repton pupils to gain a unique perspective on the world around them.
Fieldwork and more adventurous offerings form the basis of the department provision outside the classroom All pupils at GCSE complete fieldwork in the local area and at A level, pupils spend a week in South Wales completing work on their own geographical projects. The department also offers a regular expedition to Iceland.
The department also runs a programme of clinics and support sessions on a weekly basis Furthermore, there is a Geography Society which meets regularly to explore areas off the specifications
You are advised to keep an eye on current global issues within the newspapers. Of particular interest would be articles looking at climate change and the management and mitigation of this. Furthermore, there are a myriad of documentaries and films that would be of interest such as the BBC’s series ‘Perfect Planet’, ‘Race Across the World’ as well as any of Simon Reeve’s travel documentaries P R E P A R A T
The History GCSE course focuses on some of the key events and periods of the Twentieth Century. Pupils study four areas of European and World history: the origins and course of the First World War, the history of Germany between the world wars, the development and key events of the Cold War and the history of conflict in the Middle East
As such the subject not only provides pupils with a knowledge of the twentieth century, but it also gives them an excellent understanding and context for events today and of the world around them.
E N R I C H M E N T
As well as weekly clinics available to pupils in all year groups, the Marriott Society meets regularly to consider historical and political issues. The department also organises regular educational visits, with a trip to the First World War battlefields of northern France and Belgium open to all lower school pupils (B, A and O Block), and a visit to the United States of America, which includes sites in Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York, open to those in the Sixth Form
No specific preparation is required for those thinking of studying IGCSE History and elements of the course build on work that has been covered in B Block However, you may enjoy reading the following:
P. Baker, Regeneration
J. Boyne, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
S. Faulks, Birdsong
The department’s ethos is one of “Latin for all”, with some pupils coming to Repton with a number of years of study under their belt, and some starting the language from scratch
In B Block (Year 9), the focus is on ensuring that pupils are confident in the basic tenses of verbs, to give them a grounding for GCSE, though we also explore the politics, sociology, theology, mythology and architecture of the ancient world.
At GCSE, pupils develop their command of the language to be able to translate extended passages of Latin accurately and read Latin authors, such as Vergil, Pliny and Tacitus, in the original.
The department offers extra lessons each week to those interested in pursuing their interest in the Classical world beyond the curriculum, and, in particular, in Classical Greek We regularly have pupils studying and sitting for qualifications in Classical Greek
Classical Society meets regularly for talks by visiting speakers, teachers and pupils, films, quizzes and interactive sessions.
In recent years the department has taken trips to Rome and the Bay of Naples, as well as within the UK to Hadrian’s Wall, Bath and the British Museum
The Classics Department at Repton is very keen to welcome anyone interested in learning Latin, whether they have studied the language previously or not If you have never learnt Latin before, please contact the Head of Classics, Mr Dammers (cdammers@repton.org.uk), and he will be happy to discuss how you can start your Classical journey! The books listed below will also help offer a flavour of the course.
Percy Jackson: 5 Book Collection by Rick Riordan
The Roman Mysteries Epic 10 Books Collection by Caroline Lawrence
The Eagle of the Ninth Pompeii by Robert Harris
Music surrounds us in our everyday lives and can translate feelings and desires that are sometimes difficult to express using spoken or written language – it truly is a universal language, and one that the study of music at an academic levels aims to understand.
At GCSE, pupils develop their skills in three areas of Music: performing, composing and appraising We study a very wide variety of works ranging from art song from the seventeenth century through to musical theatre still on the stage today. Pupils will perform on their instrument or as a singer, and also compose their own pieces of music
Music is hugely enjoyed by the pupils who opt to study it at Repton, who enjoy the benefits of specialist staff, state-of-the-art resources, and small class sizes.
Advanced musicians have the option of starting the GCSE course in the B Block year, and following an accelerated course, taking the GCSE a year early at the end of A Block
Study in the classroom or the practice room is complemented by frequent trips to see professional concerts (both in Repton and further afield) as well as lectures and workshops delivered by world-leaders in their field
Working on Music Theory (either through the ABRSM workbooks or Dorothy Dingle’s ‘Pass Grade 5 Theory’) would be good preparation for this course, as would listening to a wide range of music both as recordings and in live performance. Additionally, plenty of instrumental or singing practice is always advisable! P R E P A R A T I O N
PE is one of the most popular and successful subjects in the Repton GCSE curriculum
In their first year of study pupils engage in the anatomy and physiology of the human body. They will learn how their body responds to exercise and how best to prepare it to increase their own performances on the sports field. Later in the course they begin to look more broadly at the sporting world – psychological aspects that impact performers, the barriers to participation faced by certain groups and societal issues associated with professional sport
Through their coursework task, pupils gain an appreciation of how to evaluate themselves as a performer, recognising strengths and planning detailed training programme to develop their weaknesses
The Twigg Society runs on a regular basis throughout all three terms and invites guest speakers to discuss their specialism with our pupils. Some aspects of these talks will supplement the study of PE theory while others simply offer a look at one of the numerous careers open to those working in sport today
Pupils are also able to arrange individual or group catch-up sessions with their class teachers, especially in the lead up to internal assessments and external exams.
The academic study of Religious Studies remains a very popular subject choice at GCSE Pupils study the beliefs, practices and philosophies of Buddhism and Christianity, as well as non-religious ethical approaches to a range of contemporary moral issues including euthanasia, capital punishment, and nuclear weapons.
We also build on some of the philosophy studied in B Block to develop critical thinking and philosophical reasoning skills Religious Studies at GCSE emphasises the importance of debating skills, the forming of balanced arguments, and the consideration of differing opinions.
No personal belief is required or expected, just empathy and respect for the views of others
The Religious Studies department holds weekly clinics for pupils to drop in with anyquestions, revision support, and help with university applications
Our Hampshire Philosophy Society meets on a regular basis to look at philosophical and theological ideas and thinkers outside the curriculum, and produce an annual journal of philosophical writing from pupils across all year groups Departmental trips include local places of worship, the Holocaust Galleries at the Imperial War Museum, and European international trips e.g. Rome.
The best preparation is to have an open mind and to start engaging critically with issues that you see in the news. You could read the novel Sophie’s World, by Jostein Gaarder, as a good basic introduction to philosophical thinking. You are welcome to come along to a Hampshire Philosophy Society meeting too; sessions are open to all members of the school P R E P A R A T I O N
S E C T I O N C
A C A D E M I C
S U P P O R T
Monitoring Support: This support is adhoc, and will support the individual as and when required Pupils have access to the Head of Department through Teams, and will be able to make appointments to get some assistance. The HoD offers support during all free time periods throughout the day, and visits Houses in the evenings.
Tier 1 Provision: Prep Support is open to all It provides an area for pupils to work and get on with their prep, with the ability to access support from the SEND department, or sometimes peer support in a relaxed environment.
Tier 2 Provision: Personalised Learning, Tier 2, is not an optional pathway for pupils It is a specific pathway for pupils designed to help them with their underlying needs (Literacy and Numeracy) as well as study skills as a result of a Specific Special Educational Need and/or Disability. The Tier 2 provision is timetabled against modern foreign languages, and so it is not a decision taken lightly, and is taken in consultation with parents, Houseparents, MFL colleagues as well as the Maths and English departments
The literacy and numeracy support is delivered by the Maths and English department colleagues, who provide pre-teaching or over teaching of specific topics which pupils struggle with. The study skills are delivered by SEND-trained colleagues. Support is provided in preparations for reasonable adjustments and the exam season whether in B Block or O Block The group sizes follow the ratio of 1:6
Tier 3 Provision: On an agreement with parents, when the needs of the individuals are not been met through Tier 1, and Tier 2 provision, Tier 3 (and chargeable) level of support can be on offer This provision is for a specific six week period with a review at the end of the time
The department is open 8 am – 6 pm daily, and is often used as a safe location for pupils to get their work completed if they are having difficulties with anxiety etc.
It is the aim of the English as an Additional Language (EAL) department that pupils whose first language is not English are helped to become increasingly fluent in speaking, reading and writing English You will be given support in developing the skills needed in GCSE subjects, for example in building up subject-specific vocabulary and planning and writing essays
A pupil’s GCSE results profile is an important aspect of the selection process for university courses. So the decision about which subjects to take should be based on strengths and interests, while also taking into account the need to keep doors open to as many degree courses and careers as possible To help with the decisions on which subjects to opt for, there is a Parents Information Evening in the Lent Term at which not only are subjects and their courses outlined but also careers and higher education advice is provided.
The careers programme is led by the Head of Careers, with oversight from the Assistant Head Academic and the Deputy Head Academic, supported by the Head of Higher Education, the Oxbridge Coordinator, the International Coordinator, and the Medical Admission Coordinator.
The Careers Team is accessible to all pupils and contains advice on a range of careers as well as recordings of recent talks. This is a useful starting point as well as a resource for those with a clear idea of what they want to do when they leave Repton.
A Block pupils are given an academic talk in the Michaelmas Term which includes a look ahead to careers Again, a range of inspirational speakers will come to school to engage pupils in thinking about their futures.
The focus for the O Block, outside of external exams, is getting their subject choices right for Sixth Form Naturally, this will involve a large careers element, especially for those wanting to study certain subjects at university (medical, engineering etc) There are multiple pupil and parents information evenings to inform all of the requirements for certain careers.
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