GCSE Options Guide 2019
Contents Principal’s welcome message Planning for the future Pathways explained GCSE options choices Art, Craft and Design Business Studies BTEC Computer Science Drama English Language English Literature Food Preparation and Nutrition French Geography Graphic Products History Latin Mathematics Music PE Religious Studies Resistant Materials Combined Science: Trilogy Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Sociology Spanish Textile Design
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A warm welcome from our Principal, Mark Malcolm The choices that students make for GCSE are critical in terms of their future academic and/or career path as well as their potential achievement. Courses should be chosen to maximise achievement and ensure that your child’s preferred career options remain open. There is a lot of information on hand and expert advice available from our teachers over the coming weeks that will ensure that the correct curriculum choices are made for each and every student. The City Academy, Hackney recognises the importance of parents/carers and the school working together to establish the best route for each student to achieve their potential. The school expects parents/carers to play a key role in supporting their children as they make their options choices, providing the support and encouragement needed at this important stage in their education, helping them to achieve their aspirational target grades. The quality of all we do is extremely high - there is no compromise. The importance we place on creativity and the expressive subjects mean that our standards and achievement in technology, drama, music, art and physical education are exceptional. We also model and actively promote the broader personal development of students to adulthood and see those values as integral to our success. This is an academy where a child’s talent can flourish in tandem with the important personal characteristics of kindness, good manners and professional conduct. Mark Malcolm Principal
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Planning for the future Most students will not have decided what they would like to do as a career in the future but many will know which subjects they excel in, giving themselves the widest possible chances and opportunities to achieve. Expecting to go to university is a really important start. You cannot get to university without three or more very good A level qualifications (or equivalent) and you cannot begin A level courses unless you have at least five or more 9 - 5 GCSE grades including English, maths and science. In addition, it is considered that studying a foreign language and either history or geography provides a good indicator that you are able to think for yourself and work independently of teachers’ and other adults’ help.
Job/ career University degree/ High quality apprenticeship
Good A level grades ** 9 - 5 GCSE grades incl. English, maths, science, a language and a humanities subject plus subjects of your choice ** or equivalent level 3 qualification
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Pathways explained
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The academy offers three distinct pathways - Foundation, Core and Extended - that are recommended to students/parents and designed to help all students fulfil their potential, achieve the very best results they can and ensure all future opportunities are open to them. All Core pathway and Extended pathway students will study for the English Baccalaureate comprising English, maths and science, French or Spanish, and geography or history. Extended pathway students will take biology, chemistry and physics as separate science exams. A maximum of 15 students will follow the Foundation pathway. They will be given additional support in English, maths and science, and a structured programme of support with a vocational qualification in place of one option choice. In addition, they will have the opportunity to continue to study a language and achieve a level 1 qualification.
Timetable
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In year 10 and 11, all students have extra maths and English periods two days per week.
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Typically, 22 out of the 32 periods of a student’s weekly timetable are dedicated to the English Baccalaureate subjects; three periods per week per options subject; two periods of core PE, plus two periods of pastoral time including tutor period and an assembly on Mondays.
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English Baccalaureate Nearly all students will study for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc). The EBacc is a collection of very important subjects including:
English
Maths
+ a modern foreign language
Spanish
+ either geography or history
Geography
Science
History
In addition, all students will have two hours of PE per week.
Options choices Having chosen a modern foreign language and a humanities subject, students will then be able to study two options subjects alongside the English Baccalaureate. Options choices are as follows (A - Z):
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Art, Craft and Design Business Studies BTEC Computer Science Drama D&T: Resistant Materials D&T: Graphic Products Food Preparation and Nutrition French (Accelerated) Music PE Religious Studies Sociology D&T: Textile Design
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Art, Craft and Design
Business Studies BTEC
OCR J170
EdExcel 603/1916/1
GCSE Art, Craft and Design is an exciting programme which aims to introduce you to many aspects of art. This course requires students to create a portfolio of coursework based on a theme. The portfolio must demonstrate that the student has: made accurate drawings and studies of what they see; experimented with a wide range of materials, techniques and processes; developed their skills and modified their work as it progresses.
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Enterprise, is for learners who wish to acquire skills through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, behaviours and skills related to researching, setting up, running and reviewing an enterprise as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.
Every week the department runs Additional Studies sessions for GCSE students to receive extra tuition, use the materials in the department and complete or improve work. Students who attend these sessions and spend time completing independent research achieve higher grades at GCSE. The academy offers A level Art and Design. You could also study design or photography. Future career opportunities include graphic design, architecture, animation, fashion, jewellery design, painting, printmaking and illustration.
The qualification enables learners to develop their technical skills such as market research skills, planning, promotional and financial skills using realistic work scenarios, and personal skills (such as monitoring own performance, time management and problem solving) through a practical and skills based approach to learning and assessment. There are 3 units to cover: Unit 1 Exploring Enterprises and Unit 2 Planning for and Running an Enterprise are internally assessed and are worth 60% of the qualification, whilst Unit 3 Promotion and Finance for Enterprise is a 2 hour supervised exam which is worth 40% of the qualification.
Computer Science
Drama
OCR J276
EdExcel 1DR0
Exploring new technologies, computer systems, programming and coding, this course covers a range of topics through both theoretical and practical assignments. The course gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works; provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in Computer Science; develops critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills.
Lights, camera, action! Drama builds confidence, nurtures creativity and develops empathy - our understanding of the experiences and viewpoints of others. Students develop emotional intelligence through the actor’s process and improve vocal and physical skills, equipping them for challenges beyond the classroom. A range of theatrical styles and forms are explored, including key practitioners such as Brecht and Stanislavski. Students devise original work for examination and create a portfolio documenting its journey as well as studying a set text for written examination. All GCSE drama students participate in our annual Key Stage 4 production and whole school events. The academy Sixth Form offers A level Drama and Theatre, with many performance opportunities. For those interested in following this route, future career pathways might include: acting, writing, directing, stage management, teaching, drama-therapy, broadcasting, theatre /TV design, arts management, publishing, PR and advertising.
It is recommended that students applying for this course should be in set one/two for both English and maths. Homework will be set on a weekly basis. Students will be required to do extensive self-guided study to ensure high grades in this subject. Computing is available as an A level course in the academy’s Sixth Form, potentially leading to degree courses in computer science, mathematics and engineering, and professional careers in these same fields as well as programming and software design.
Drama isn’t just for aspiring actors, but anybody who is happy to explore creative possibilities, enjoys team work and problem solving and would like to increase personal presence and confidence.
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English Language 10
EBacc
English Literature EBacc
AQA 8700
AQA 8702
This linear specification is assessed through examination and covers the functional elements of English as well as creative writing, and speaking and listening.
The specification develops students’ enthusiasm for literature by taking a skillsbased approach to the study of English Literature that is consistent across the genres. It is a linear specification that is assessed through examination.
The study of English Language requires regular independent study from all students. This should amount to at least 1 ½ hours each week. This will take the form of reading, writing and research. The study of English Language will naturally lead to the study of English at A level. It also benefits students wanting to study humanities subjects. Students should be aware that most employers will expect prospective employees to have achieved at least a grade 5 in GCSE English Language. A secure grasp of English Language will help you in any career. Attaining a higher grade can lead students into a wide range of careers including journalism, publishing and broadcasting.
The study of English Literature requires regular independent study from all students. This should amount to at least 1 ½ hours each week. This will take the form of reading, essay writing and research. Students are encouraged to read other books written by the author they are studying. The study of English Literature will naturally lead to the study of A level English Literature in the academy’s Sixth Form. It also benefits students wanting to pursue humanities subjects such as History or Religious Studies. English Literature GCSE helps develop students’ critical thinking skills which will help them in any career. Attaining a higher grade can lead students into a wide range of careers including journalism, law, publishing and broadcasting.
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition AQA 8585 Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative GCSE course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. The core of this qualification focuses on nurturing students’ practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics; food, nutrition and health, food science, food safety, food choices and food provenance. Students are assessed through one exam and two pieces of Non-Exam Assessment (NEA). The exam is designed to assess a student’s theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition, covering a wide range of topics that will be taught over the three years. For the first NEA task, students will undertake an investigation and be assessed on their understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. The second NEA task will assess their knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food, with nutrition the key factor.
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French
Geography
EdExcel 1FR0
AQA Geography 8035
French as an accelerated three-year programme is available as a GCSE option. This course will only be run if a viable number of students choose it. During this course, five themes are explored: Identity and Culture; Local Area and Travel; School; Future Aspirations; The International and Global Dimension. These core topic areas will continue to build on the curriculum of Key Stage 3. Students are encouraged to participate in a trip to France as its impact on all four skills cannot be underestimated.
The course consists of 3 papers (Living with the Physical Environment, Challenges in the Human Environment, Geographical Skills) . It also includes a Strategic Decision Making Exercise (SDME) unit which requires students to analyse and interpret previously unseen resources using their knowledge and understanding from their studies throughout the course. There will be two field trips, one around Hackney studying the quality of urban living and another in Walton-on-the-Naze assessing coastal management schemes.
EBacc
It would be expected that students studying French would spend at least one hour per week on set homework and one hour of independent study. During this time they would be expected to engage in reading for pleasure in French, using online resources and, most importantly, expanding their vocabulary. “Graduates without a second language are disadvantaged when looking for a job� (Michael Palin, interviewed for the Independent Newspaper, 2009). The nature of the study of a language means that it can be successfully combined with any other course of study.
EBacc
Students will be expected to complete a minimum of one hour of homework every week and are encouraged to read widely including current articles as well as guided work materials. Independent study is vital for preparation for their controlled assessment. This GCSE will equip students with the necessary skills to take A level Geography. The breadth of study covered in geography leads to many different employment opportunities such as work in the charitable sector, conservation, journalism, town planning, international development, project management, and a range of jobs within the public sector or the business world.
Graphic Products (GCSE History Design and Technology)
EBacc
AQA 8552
WJEC/Eduqas GCSE (9-1) History
Through the Graphic Products pathway, students design and manufacture using compliant materials and focus upon manipulating visual aspects of products. A range of skills are developed such as sketching, pictorial drawing, production drawing, information graphics, typography, CAD applications and CAM (computer aided manufacture). Assignments cover packaging disassembly, analysis and redesign exercises. Following the design process students are required to produce an outcome, in the form of a working solution to a perceived problem.
Students will study four units in the GCSE History course: 1B. The Elizabethan Age, 1558-1603 1H. The USA: A Nation Of Contrasts, 19101929 2B. The Development Of Germany, 19191991 2E. Changes In Crime And Punishment In Britain, c.500 to the present day.
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on design and technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. The course lays an excellent foundation for further study of design and technology or related subjects such as graphic design, multimedia design, illustration, web design, print industries, publishing, architecture, animation, interior design.
Students will be expected to complete a minimum of one hour of homework every week. This GCSE will equip students with the necessary skills to take a range of A levels in humanities and the arts. The breadth of study covered in history leads to many different employment opportunities such as work in the charitable sector, journalism and a range of jobs within the public sector or the business world.
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Latin
Mathematics
OCR J282
EdExcel 1MA1
City of London School for Girls will continue to run a pilot GCSE Latin course with The City Academy, Hackney. Latin is a subject highly regarded by universities as it shows that the student is able to translate a complex and challenging ancient language. This course would suit students who enjoy understanding how language works and, as it contains a literature component, it would also appeal to students who enjoy English literature.
The course will cover the following areas: Number, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Geometry and Measures, Statistics and Probability. All these areas will be covered in detail, linking directly to real life situations and problem solving. The foundation course is made up of 50% problem solving questions and students can achieve grade 1-5. The higher course is made of 60% problem solving questions. 50% of the paper is pitched at grade 7 and above and students can achieve grade 4-9. Students will be required to complete one piece of written homework as well as online homework each week.
EBacc
Studying Latin and its complex structure helps students appreciate fully how grammar works both in English and in other modern languages. A large number of English words, particularly formal terms, come straight from Latin and so the subject has a beneficial effect on students’ knowledge of English vocabulary. The course runs over three years starting in year 9 with one session a week being held at City of London School for Girls during Additional Studies. The Cambridge Latin Course will be used for this course, which has a great deal of extra online resources which students can use for private study.
EBacc
GCSE Further Mathematics is also offered to students working at grade 9. In today’s world, mathematics has an important role in providing key skills needed in many different careers. It provides a logical approach and intellectual rigour that contribute to an ability to solve a wide variety of problems. The subject has become a popular pre-requisite to many career paths and programmes of study at higher levels of education.
Music
PE 15
Eduqas (9-1) Music
EdExcel 1PE0
GCSE Music is a largely practical subject involving minimal writing. It is a perfect choice for students who enjoy actively engaging in the study of music and will build on students’ creativity, selfconfidence, self-discipline and ability to work independently and with others.
Studying GCSE PE will allow students to receive a well-rounded and full introduction to the world of PE, sport and sport science by developing an understanding of how the mind and body works in relation to performance in physical activity. There is a wide ranging scope of topics from anatomy and physiology, physical training and movement analysis to sports psychology, socio-cultural influences and healthy lifestyles all of which will be covered in the 60% theoretical side of the course. This is assessed using two exams: Fitness and Body Systems (1hr45min) and Health and Performance (1hr15min). Another 30% of the GCSE will be examined through 3 practical sports where you must do at least 1 team sport and 1 individual activity. The final 10% is a piece of coursework that consists of a Personal Exercise Programme that requires to you analyse the effectiveness of a created training programme. Future studies include A level PE, BTEC National Diploma Sports, and Exercise Science Degrees. Career opportunities include physical education teacher/lecturer, physiotherapist, nutritionist, sports/ leisure manager, sports analyst and sports journalist.
The course is broken down into three key areas: 1) Performing (30%) – 2 pieces, one of which must be an ensemble 2) Composing (30%) – 2 compositions. 3) Listening and Appraising (40%) – 1 hour 15 minute exam focusing on 4 areas of study. Students will be required to complete one hour of homework a week and practice their performance and composition skills regularly. Instrumental/Vocal lessons are strongly advised. After successfully completing the GCSE, students may continue studying music through A-level Music or A-level Music Technology. There are a wide range of jobs available in the music and entertainment industry, from musician to composer, producer to events or venue management.
Religious Studies
Resistant Materials (GCSE Design and Technology)
16 Edexcel 1RBO
AQA 8552
The Edexcel Religious Studies GCSE reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving religious studies environment. The GCSE deals with a range of moral, ethical, social and political dilemmas, and looks at what different religions have to say about these. You will study the two major religions of Christianity and Islam. This subject is examined wholly by examination sat at the end of year 11.
The Resistant Materials pathway offers a practical approach that encourages students to design and make products with creativity and originality in a variety of practical activities, using a range of materials and techniques. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the tools, machines and equipment used in the production of working products, including the use of CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacture).
This GCSE will foster in students analytical and critical thinking skills to enable them to present a wide range of well-informed and reasonable arguments. This will aid them in progression to successful A level study in subjects as diverse as biology and religious studies. Students will develop academic skills such as evaluation and analysis alongside other important skills such as empathy and compassion. The breadth of study covered in religious studies leads to many different employment opportunities such as work in the charitable sector, journalism and a range of jobs within the public sector or the business world.
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on design and technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. The course lays an excellent foundation for further study of design and technology or related subjects such as architecture, engineering, product design, furniture design, interior design, 3D design and manufacturing.
Combined Science: Science (Biology, Trilogy Chemistry, Physics) EBacc
EBacc
AQA 8464
AQA 8461, 8462, 8463
Combined Science: Trilogy gives students a broad, coherent course of study that develops their knowledge and understanding of the living, material and physical worlds. Each of the three sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) are taught separately and success in this course leads to a double award of two GCSEs. Practical skills are developed throughout the course and assessed as part of the end of course exams.
GCSE Biology gives students the chance to gain a good understanding of human biology, organisms, evolution and the environment. GCSE Chemistry enables students to explore the nature of substances and how they react together; how chemistry is used in industry and how our use of raw materials in fuels and manufacturing can affect the environment. GCSE Physics provides the chance to gain a good understanding of the use and transfer of energy, waves, radiation and space and the application of physics.
Combined science contributes towards the English Baccalaureate qualification. The academy offers A levels in all three sciences and future science career paths could include: medicine, engineering, pharmaceuticals, banking and accountancy, food or nutrition industries.
Similar to studying Combined Science: Trilogy, the three core sciences contribute towards the English Baccalaureate, but the students get 3 GCSEs, one in each science. In this instance, the best two grades form part of the qualification. Students will be set weekly homework of about an hour. The academy offers A levels in all three sciences and future science career paths could include: medicine, engineering, pharmaceuticals, physics, banking and accountancy, food or nutrition industries.
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Sociology
Spanish
AQA 8192
EdExcel 2SP01
Sociology helps students develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about society, and how sociologists study and understand its structures, processes and issues. Sociology is exciting, interesting and relevant to students’ lives. Students look at topics including: Education; Why do girls outperform boys in education? and Crime; Why are some social groups more likely to appear in crime statistics than others?
During this course, five themes are explored: Identity and Culture; Local Area and Travel; School; Future Aspirations; The International and Global Dimension. These core topic areas will continue to build on the curriculum of Key Stage 3. Students are encouraged to participate in a trip to Spain as its impact on all four skills cannot be underestimated.
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The GCSE full course is fully examined, with no coursework. Students are encouraged to question evidence and issues and develop their critical and evaluation skills. There is a smooth progression from GCSE to A level Sociology. This GCSE develops skills of analysis and interpretation through the study of society using the lens of different sociological perspectives. Students’ skills of debate are developed in this course and these skills can support a transition to A-Level subjects in the humanities and also in the arts and sciences.
EBacc
It would be expected that students of Spanish would spend at least one hour per week on set homework and one hour of independent study. During this time they would be expected to engage in reading for pleasure in Spanish, using online resources and, most importantly, expanding their vocabulary. “Graduates without a second language are disadvantaged when looking for a job” (Michael Palin, interviewed for the Independent Newspaper 2009). The nature of the study of a language means that it can be successfully combined with any other course of study.
Textile Design 19 AQA 8552 Through the Textiles pathway students are given the opportunity to explore their creativity through a range of practical design and make activities. They will be competent in the use of specialist materials and equipment and will be introduced to key processes including pattern cutting, garment making and surface decoration. They will explore the impact that the fashion industry has on the environment and how we can design products to solve these issues. GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on design and technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. The course lays an excellent foundation for further study of design and technology or related subjects such as fashion design, fashion buying and merchandising, print and surface design and interior design.
The City Academy, Hackney, Homerton Row, London, E9 6EA 020 8525 5440 admin@thecityacademy.org www.thecityacademy.org Principal: Mark Malcolm
The City Academy, Hackney is sponsored by KPMG and the City of London Corporation. The City Academy, Hackney is a registered charitable company. Registered office: The City Academy, Hackney, Homerton Row, London, E9 6EA.