GCSE Options Guide 24

GCSE Options Guide 2024

A warm welcome from our Principal, Anna Sarchet

Choosing GCSE options is an exciting point in your child’s education. We want to ensure that you and your child are well-informed and empowered to make choices that ensure the best opportunities are available in the future.

There is a lot of information on hand and expert advice available from our teachers over the coming weeks that will ensure that you understand the pathways and subjects on offer. We will support you to make decisions that will maximise your child’s achievement and engagement as they move into Key Stage 4.

Here at The City Academy, Hackney we know it is vital that parents/carers and the school work together to establish the best route for each student to achieve their potential. You have a key role in supporting your child as they make their options choices, providing support and encouragement as well as challenging them to set aspirational goals.

Our ethos is one of high expectations and high support. We are proud of our record of academic excellence. Equally, the importance that 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 students’ success.

We look forward to working with you to support your child on the next stage of their journey at The City Academy, Hackney.

Anna Sarchet Principal

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 or equivalent level 3 qualifications and you cannot begin these 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.

5 - 9 GCSEs or equivalent at grade 5 or above

Good grades at A level or equivalent

University degree/ High quality apprenticeship

Pathways explained

The academy offers four distinct pathways - Foundation, Core, Academic and Extended. A pathway is 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 Academic 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 and can choose Latin as one of their options.

All Core pathway students will study English, maths and science and can choose a humanities subject (history or geography) OR a language (French or Spanish).

A maximum of 15 students will follow the Foundation pathway. They will be given additional support in English and maths, and a structured programme of support with more vocational qualification choices as their options.

Timetable

In year 10 and 11, intervention and enrichment opportunities are offered twice per week during Additional Studies.

Online Options Form

Opens Wednesday 17 April | Closes Friday 26 April

Logins and a link to the form will be emailed to parents & students after Parent Day.

• Your child should follow the emailed link, log in & make their choices.

• Parents will then be emailed and asked to login & confirm they are happy with the options selected.

The form link will be avaliable on the website: https://tcah.applicaa.com/2

The form will open after you have had the chance to speak to each of your child’s subject teachers at Year 9 Parent Day (Tuesday 16 April).

• Further step by step guides are available on the website

• For any queries you can email: gcse.options@thecityacademy.org

The form will close at 5pm on Friday 26 April

English Baccalaureate

The EBacc is a group of important subjects which are regarded as a useful foundation for future academic study and career options. They include:

• English Language & Literature

• Maths

• Science

• French or Spanish

• Geography or History

At least 60% students follow the full EBacc curriculum. Almost all students take at least four EBacc subjects.

Options choices

All students get two option choices. The combination of options depends on which pathway they follow.

• Academic & extended pathways: two options from below

• Core foundation & foundation pathways: Any one from below & one more vocational or an additional EBacc subject

• Art, Craft and Design

• Business Studies BTEC*

• Computer Science

• Drama

• French (Accelerated)

• Geography

• Graphic Products (Design & Technology)

• History

• Hospitality & Catering*

* Vocational qualifications

• Music

• PE

• Religious Studies

• Resistant Materials (Design & Technology)

• Sociology

• Spanish (Accelerated)

• Sports Studies*

• Textile Design

Art, Craft and Design Business Studies

BTEC

OCR J171

GCSE Fine art, is an exciting programme which will introduce you to many aspects of art. Students create a portfolio of coursework that must demonstrate they have: made accurate drawings & studies of what they see, experimented with a wide range of materials, techniques & processes, and developed skills & modified work as it progresses.

Pupils are introduced to a wide range of artists and techniques, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photoshop, photography and more. The course is designed to focus on pupils strengths and coach them towards making personal and informed decisions within their work.

Additional Studies sessions give students access to extra tuition, materials and opportunity to 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. Future study and career opportunities include graphic design, architecture, animation, fashion, jewellery design, painting, printmaking and illustration.

Edexcel 603/1916/1

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.

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 three units to cover:

1. Exploring Enterprises (30%) - Internal assessment

2. Planning for an Enterprise (30%)Internal assessment

3. Promotion and Finance for Enterprise (40%) - Exam

The academy offers Level 3 BTEC and A level Business Studies, as well as A level Economics at Sixth Form. These may lead to a degree or top apprenticeship, and ultimately a career, in finance, accounting, business management, economics, hospitality or tourism.

Computer Science Drama

OCR J277

Exploring new technologies, computer systems, programming and coding, this course covers a range of topics. 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.

There is a heavy emphasis on programming with Python 3; 50% of the course is about programming theory and application. It is recommended that students applying for this course should be in set one/two in 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. Students who have a keen interest in technology and solving problems do well in this course.

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.

Edexcel 1DR0

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.

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.

The academy Sixth Form offers BTEC Performing Arts, 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.

English Language

EBacc

AQA 8700

This specification is assessed through examination and covers the functional elements of English as well as creative writing, and speaking and listening.

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.

English Literature

AQA 8702

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 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.

EBacc

French EBacc

AQA 8658

Students who studied French at KS3 will continue to study French as a GCSE. During the GCSE course three themes are explored: Identity and Culture; Local, national and global areas of Interest, Current and future study and employment . 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. Students studying French would spend at least one hour per week on set homework. Independent study is also highly recommended, for example reading for pleasure in French, using online resources and, most importantly, expanding their vocabulary

French as an accelerated two-year programme is available as a GCSE option.

“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.

AQA Geography 8035

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.

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 Design & Technology)

AQA 8552

Through the Graphic Products pathway, students design and manufacture using compliant materials. They 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.

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.

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History

Students will study four units in the GCSE History course:

1.

Crime and Punishment in Britain

c.1000 - present (including the Historic Environment of Whitechapel c.18701900)

2P.

2B.

Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91

Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88

3. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of one hour of homework every week.

The USA 1954-75: Conflict at home and abroad

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.

Hospitality & Catering

Eduqas WJEC 5409QA

Hospitality and Catering is a creative and innovative course which focuses on nurturing students’ understanding of research and the development of food skills. It is 40% written exam, 60% non exam assessment. Student cover the application of the principles of food science and nutrition and the understanding of local and global hospitality and catering industries.

Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering will prepare students with the practical skills necessary to pursue any role or further education within the industry, as well as equipping students with the essential transferable skills of problem solving, organisation and time management, planning and communication.

The hospitality industry is the 3rd biggest employer in the UK. It accounts directly for approximately 3.2 million jobs; a number that is continuing to grow. A qualification in Hospitality and Catering would lead perfectly into A-levels in Food and Nutrition, Level 3 vocational courses in Food, Hospitality or Catering, or apprenticeships in the hospitality industry, food service management or travel and tourism. At degree level students could go on to study Food and Nutrition management, Business and Industry, Food journalism, Clinical Dietetics or International hospitality.

Prince’s Trust

The Prince’s Trust Achieve programme helps learners to develop skills and experience for life, whilst building their confidence to realise their potential. This programme aims to provide young people with relevant, engaging and informative lessons that provide them with a range of transferable skills for the world beyond school. It supports pupils to develop healthy habits in attainment, attendance, personal and social skills and engagement with education. Students will gain a recognised qualification in personal development and employability skills, as well as benefits to their emotional health and well-being.

Examples of the topics your child can expect to cover during their Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme are:

● Career planning

● Enterprise project

● Managing Money

● Personal development

● Teamwork skills

On successful completion of 9 units, students will gain a level 1 Extended certificate. Assessment is entirely through a portfolio of evidence, consisting of written work, photos and videos. Additionally, students will be supported through the post-16 transition receiving individual and tailored support through college/6th form visits, 1:1 meetings with the careers advisor, as well as the development of interview skills, independent travel and community awareness.

Mathematics

Music

EBacc

Edexcel 1MA1

GCSE Maths covers Number, Ratio and Proportion; Algebra; Geometry and Measures; Statistics and Probability. All these areas are covered in detail, linking directly to real life situations and problem solving.

Students are entered for different tiers of exam as follows:

Higher tier: 60% problem solving questions with 50% of the questions pitched at grade 7 and above. Students can achieve grade 4-9.

Foundation tier: 50% problem solving questions. Students can achieve grade 1-5.

There are a range of booster classes, one-to-one sessions and Saturday School lessons. Students also have access to many resources that support independent study skills, including Sparx Maths.

AQA Certificate Level 2 Further Mathematics

8365

The course covers Number, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus and Matrices.

This course is more challenging than GCSE Mathematics, with topics from A Level Mathematics being introduced. Acquiring a qualification in AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics will not only provide a smooth transition into A Level Mathematics but it will also build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts which will support their current GCSEs understanding. This will be delivered as a Year 11 intervention class, for students in the top Maths set.

How it’s assessed:

Two written exams: 1 hour 45 minutes each. 80 marks per paper.

Eduqas (9-1) Music

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 creativity, self-confidence, self-discipline and ability to work independently and with others.

The course is broken down into three key areas:

1.

2.

3.

Performing (30%) - two performances, one of which must be as part of an ensemble Composing (30%) - a free composition and one in response to a brief

Listening and Appraising (40%) - an exam based around two set works and six unknown pieces across a variety of genres

Instrumental/Vocal lessons are strongly advised and involvement in as many performances as possible is encouraged. Students complete one hour of homework a week and should practice their performance and composition skills regularly. The more confident pupils are practically, the more chance they have of achieving higher grades

After successfully completing the GCSE, students may continue through to A-level Music, BTEC Performing Arts 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.

PE

Religious Studies

AQA GCSE PE

GCSE PE includes a wide range of content which makes it a popular subject. There are strong links with science and students who enjoy science, especially biology, find PE very interesting. The course is split into three parts, two exam papers (70%) and a practical element 30%).

There are a wide range of topics covered in GCSE PE, which are assessed through the two 75 minute exams:

· Applied anatomy and physiology

· Movement analysis

· Physical training

· Sports psychology

· Sociocultural influences

· Health, fitness and wellbeing

The practical element is assessed by participation in three sports (one team sport, one individual sport and a third of your choice), suit those who are competing in sport regularly, either in or out of school as well as those students who enjoy science.

Future studies include A level PE, BTEC National Diploma Sports, and Exercise Science Degrees.

Career opportunities include: sports coach/ manager, physical education teacher/lecturer, physiotherapist, nutritionist, sports doctor/ surgeon, sports journalist/ commentator, sports agent, sports marketing, sports

Edexcel 1RBO

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.

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 humanities and the arts. 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.

Resistant Materials

(GCSE Design & Technology)

AQA 8552

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. Students use a range of materials and techniques. They 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).

GCSE Design and Technology helps to prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students have 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.

Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

EBacc

AQA 8461, 8462, 8463

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, space and the application of physics. Practical skills are developed throughout the course and assessed as part of the end of course exams.

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.

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.

Combined Science: Trilogy

AQA 8464

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.

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.

Sociology

AQA 8192

Sociology helps students develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about society. Students look at how sociologists study and understand society’s structures, processes and issues. Sociology is exciting, interesting and relevant to students’ lives.

Students look at topics including:

• Education

• Families

• Crime

• Social hierarchies

• Research Methods

Each of these topics are explored in the context of what they mean to those in different social classes, of different ethnicities and cultures, and genders.

The GCSE full course is fully examined. Students are encouraged to question evidence and issues and develop their critical thinking 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.

Spanish

AQA 8698

Students who studied Spanish at KS3 will continue to study Spanish as a GCSE. During the GCSE course three themes are explored: Identity and Culture; Local, national and global areas of Interest, Current and future study and employment. 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. Students studying Spanish would spend at least one hour per week on set homework. Independent study is also highly recommended, for example reading for pleasure in Spanish, using online resources and, most importantly, expanding their vocabulary

Spanish as an accelerated two year programme is available as a GCSE option.

“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.

Sport Studies

OCR Cambridge National

This course suits those interested in sport and PE who prefer assignments rather than exams. The course will help students to develop transferable skills such as research, working with others, planning training programmes, evaluating and making recommendations, creating and delivering presentations, writing reports and leadership skills.

There are three units of study

· Contemporary issues in sport (written exam) –Participation, values, implications of major events, governing bodies and technology in sport.

· Developing sporting skills (coursework) – includes performance, improving sport activities, organising and planning sports activities, leading and reviewing a planned sports activity

· Optional unit - Sports and media or Increasing awareness of outdoor and adventurous activities (coursework)

Textile Design

OCR J174

GCSE Textiles is an exciting programme which will introduce you to many aspects of textiles and art. Students create a portfolio of coursework that must demonstrate they have: made accurate drawings & studies of what they see, experimented with a wide range of materials, techniques & processes, and developed skills & modified work as it progresses.

Pupils are introduced to a wide range of artists and techniques. They are required to work in one or more area(s) of Textile Design, such as those listed below.

Combinations of these areas are also possible:

Constructed textiles, Digital textiles, Dyed fabrics, Printed fabrics Fashion design, Installed textiles, Soft furnishingStitched and/or embellished textiles.

Techniques Learners must demonstrate the ability to work creatively with processes and techniques appropriate to the chosen area(s) of study such as: weaving, surface printing (block, screen or digital), pattern making, pattern cutting, embroidery (machine or hand), knitting, batik, appliqué and collage. Additional Studies sessions give students access to extra tuition, materials and opportunity to 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. Future study and career opportunities include graphic design, architecture, animation, fashion, jewellery design, painting, printmaking and illustration.

We strongly advise that this option should not be chosen with GCSE Art.