Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
Year 9 Options GCSE Choices
2013-15
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
Introduction This booklet is produced to help students choose from the options subjects available, together with giving information about the core subjects which will be studied such as Mathematics and English. With regard to options it is important that each student’s curriculum be well balanced as future plans can change and it is imperative to keep the range of choices for later life open. However, in Years 10 and 11 it is appropriate to begin to specialise in some subjects that match interest and ability, and possible future career and educational aspirations. Please can students… • • •
Read this prospectus carefully Show it to people at home Discuss it with people at home
Over the next few weeks, students will need to think carefully about the options subjects that they would like to choose to study in Years 10 and 11. If they require more information about the options system or any of the subjects described in this prospectus, then they should speak to Mr Marshall. Form tutors will make sure that students have understood how the option system works and will provide help if required. Due to student choices, courses may require modification. Therefore it is possible that not all courses will run, particularly if student uptake is low. Every effort will be made to allocate the highest preferences, however, in any open system we cannot guarantee this. If it is necessary to discuss options further, Mr Marshall or other senior staff will see students individually. What do students have to take? All students must take: • • • •
English Language (and English Literature for most students) Mathematics Science (double award) Physical Education
Students should then choose their preferred option subjects. This will result in a selection of subjects which have been chosen because: • • •
Students enjoy them Students are good at them Students may need them for a career or further education courses.
What are GCSE and Vocational qualifications? All options subjects for 2012-14 are GCSE courses that will lead to a GCSE qualification. There are three types of GCSE qualification: • • •
Single Award (Full Course and Short Course) GCSE Double Award (Science only) GCSE Triple Award (Science option only)
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
What is a GCSE? Most of the subjects available in Years 10 and 11 lead to GCSE qualifications. GCSE subjects are awarded grades from A* to G depending on attainment in examinations and controlled assessment. All GCSE courses have a final examination. These are usually between 1 and 2½ hours in length. Many subjects have two papers. The examinations will test knowledge, skills and understanding. Some subjects have a controlled assessment component worth at least 20% of the final grade. The exact weighting between controlled assessment and examination papers varies considerably from subject to subject. Some GCSE Subjects are offered as short courses. These are equal to half of a full GCSE. What is a vocational course (e.g. BTEC)? Almost all students will take GCSE options but a small number may take alternative vocational qualifications like BTECs and City and Guilds Certificates. Students will be approached on an individual basis by Mrs Seickell or Mr Marshall if they will be following an alternative vocational pathway. Vocational courses are quite like GCSEs, except that there is no final examination. Students are assessed entirely on the portfolios of evidence that are produced to show that they have achieved an appropriate standard. BTEC qualifications at level 2 are divided into Diploma, Extended Certificate and Certificate courses. • • •
A BTEC Diploma at a Pass level is equal to four GCSEs, Grade C. A BTEC Extended Certificate at a Pass level is equal to two GCSEs, Grade C. A BTEC Certificate at a Pass level is equal to one GCSE, Grade C.
The grading system is divided into Distinction, Merit, Pass or Fail. A pass is equal to a grade C at GCSE. Further and Higher Education Advice For nearly all university courses students need to get 3 A levels or equivalent but students also need to have at least 5 GCSE’s at grades A*-C including English, Maths and Science. If students want to continue studying a subject at university which they currently do at school, like Maths or French, they should be aiming to get a grade A at GCSE in that subject but for most university courses it does not matter which GCSE’s students have, as long as they have good grades. However, there are some university courses which have very specific requirements, such as medicine or law and for these very competitive courses it is also important to get good grades across the board. If students know what you want to do then it is worth researching what qualifications they need to do that job and to be accepted into a University for that type of course. If they are not sure then they should keep their options open by taking a range of subjects and getting the best grades they can get!
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
Choosing option subjects The option pathways for 2013-15 are outlined below. Each student will be placed into a pathway which best fits their academic potential. Each student will then choose one subject from each option block. Most students will be selecting from these subjects but a small number of students will be directed to follow the vocational pathway. There are a slightly different range of options in the vocational pathway.
Pathway 1 All GCSE
Option A Sciences Block
Option B Humanities Block
Option C Languages Block
Compulsory Block
Triple Science (GCSE)
History (GCSE) Geography (GCSE)
French (GCSE) Spanish (GCSE)
English Language (GCSE) English Literature (GCSE) Media (GCSE)* Mathematics (GCSE) PE (GCSE)
Pathway 2 Students allocated to this pathway will select Mixed three subjects from: GCSE • Art • Design Technology (Resistant Materials, Graphics, Textiles, Catering) • French • Geography • Health & Social Care • History • Religious Education • Spanish
English Language (GCSE) English Literature (GCSE)* Mathematics (GCSE) Science (GCSE double) PE (GCSE) or Sport (BTEC)
Only one Design Technology and one Language subject can be chosen. A maximum of two Humanities subjects can be chosen.
Pathway 3 Students allocated to this pathway will study up to Vocational three vocational subjects (including BTEC Sport) and will have additional literacy and numeracy lessons.
English Language (GCSE) Mathematics (GCSE) Science (GCSE) Sport (BTEC)
* Some students may have the opportunity to study these subjects within their pathway. The English Baccalaureate You may have heard about the English Baccalaureate. The English Baccalaureate was introduced by the government as a performance measure for schools. It is not a qualification in itself. The measure recognises where pupils have secured a C grade or better across a core of academic subjects – English, Mathematics, History or Geography, the Sciences (Triple Science) and a Language. The subjects that are included are designed to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to study a broad core of subjects, ensuring that doors are not closed off to them in terms of future progression. With a number of schools encouraging their students to choose subjects from the English Baccalaureate, Sixth Form colleges are seeing an increase in students with academic subjects from the English Baccalaureate. If you want to find out more about the English Baccalaureate and what it could mean for the students, please arrange a meeting to see Mrs Seickell or Mr Marshall. 4
Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
COMPULSORY English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Mrs Stephens Examination Board: AQA Examination Type: Linear About the English Language and English Literature Course Topics include a study of pre-20th Century and 20th Century poetry, a modern play, a Shakespeare text and a post-20th Century novel. Language-based units look at media, writing and speech-making. During the course, pupils develop skills in reading, speaking and listening, and writing. There are opportunities for individual, paired and small group work as well as whole-class activities. Accuracy and developing a creative, fluent style of writing are particular emphases. Pupils are taught to adapt their writing, and speaking to a variety of audiences and situations. English Language and Literature GCSE High achieving students who demonstrate an aptitude for English Language and are able to cope with the rigours and fast pace of the English and English Literature course will be able to study for two GCSE’s in both English Language and English Literature. It is important to remember that the GCSE English Language qualification is vitally important and as such the school places a high degree of emphasis on this qualification to enable students to achieve the highest possible grade. Colleges, universities and employers will expect students to have a grade C or above in English as it shows students have good Literacy skills to equip them for further studying or the workplace. Without this GCSE, students will find it very difficult to secure a college or university place or gain their chosen field of employment. Examinations: GCSE
Paper
English Language
Understanding and Producing Non-Fiction Texts
English Literature
Exploring Modern Texts
Taken when? June 2015
%
Duration
Content
60% of total grade
2h 15m
• •
June 2015
40% of total grade
1h 30m
•
• English Literature
Poetry Across Time
June 2015
35% of total grade
1h 15m
•
•
Reading Section Writing Section (two tasks – one shorter task and one longer task) One question on the short stories from the Anthology One question on Of Mice and Men. One question on the Conflict poetry cluster from the Anthology One question responding to an unseen poem. 5
Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
There are two levels of exams: Foundation (slightly easier) and Higher (slightly more challenging). On Foundation papers, students can achieve from a grade U to a grade C. On the higher papers, students can achieve grade D to grade A*. The teacher and student can decide which level is appropriate based on the student’s performance in mock exams. Controlled Assessments Controlled Assessments count for 40% of the total English Language grade and 25% of the total English Literature grade. These assessments will be completed within the English classroom in exam conditions. Students will know the titles beforehand and will be able to produce a plan that they can use in the Controlled Assessment. They will complete two Controlled Assessment Units (which adds up to six pieces of writing in total if they study for both English Language and English Literature). The assessments are: English Language
English Literature
Understanding Spoken and Written Texts and Writing Creatively For this, students will complete four pieces of writing on: • Of Mice and Men • Two pieces of Creative Writing • World War 1 Poetry** • Spoken Language Study*** • Macbeth **For candidates studying English only *** For candidates studying for both English Language and Literature The Significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage For this students will complete two pieces on: • Macbeth • Pre- 1914 poetry
40% of total GCSE grade
25% of total GCSE grade
Speaking and Listening Speaking and Listening will be given a mark of 1 (top) to 5 (bottom). This component will not count towards the final grade but will be recorded separately on the English Language GCSE certificate.
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
COMPULSORY Mathematics GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Miss Jones Examination Board: Edexcel Examination Type: Linear (Higher or Foundation) What will I learn? At the International School GCSE Mathematics encourages you to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards mathematics. You will be taught to recognise the importance of mathematics in your own lives and to society. The GCSE course builds upon the KS3 curriculum and prepares you to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices. You will be helped to talk about Mathematics and use mathematical language correctly. Helping you to read and understand mathematical information given in tables, graphs and diagrams will not only build your own confidence, but give you the skills to pass on information to others and make yourself understood in a clear, concise and logical way. There is no coursework for Mathematics. However, throughout the course there will be opportunities for developing your confidence and the skills required in order to be able to handle unfamiliar challenges. The units are: 1. Number – the four rules, applying maths to everyday situations 2. Algebra – generalising mathematics in order to be able to apply skills and knowledge to any situation 3. Geometry – All about shapes 4. Measures – Weights, lengths, time, 5. Statistics – analysing patterns and trends to understand the world around us 6. Probability- using maths to make predictions about what may or may not happen in certain circumstances Examination • • • • •
Two written papers: each contributes 50% of the final grade o Paper 1F and 1H: Non-calculator o Paper 2F and 2H: Calculator Tiered papers o Foundation Tier grades C-G available o Higher Tier grades A*-D available (E allowed) 1 hour 45 minutes (Foundation papers) / 1 hour 45 minutes (Higher papers) 100 marks on each paper The functional elements of mathematics are assessed on each paper: o 30-40% of the Foundation Tier papers o 20-30% of the Higher Tier papers.
The functional elements of maths are those where existing knowledge and skills have to be applied in order to understand real life problems taken from the world of work, personal finances and running a household.
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
COMPULSORY Science GCSE – Double Award STAFF CONTACT: Miss Nhenga Examination Board: Edexcel Examination Type: Modular What will I learn? Core Science is taught as a separate GCSE as the first part of the suite of two GCSEs with GCSE Additional Science that make up Double Award Science. Year 10 Unit P1: Universal physics
Unit B1: Influences on life
This unit is split into six compulsory topics:
This unit is split into three compulsory topics:
• • • • •
•
Visible light and the Solar System The electromagnetic spectrum Waves and the Universe Waves and the Earth Generation and transmission of electricity Energy and the future
• • •
Classification, variation and inheritance Responses to a changing environment Problems of, and solutions to a changing environment
Unit C1: Chemistry in our world
Unit SCA: Science controlled assessment
This unit is split into five compulsory topics:
For this unit students will complete one or more controlled assessment tasks related to Unit B1, C1 or P1 content.
• • • •
•
The Earth’s sea and atmosphere Materials from the Earth Acids Obtaining and using metals Fuels
Each task consists of three parts. Part A is a planning activity; Part B is an observation, collecting primary and secondary evidence. Part C consists of conclusions related to the primary and secondary evidence collected in Part B. Assessments: •
•
ALL units are externally assessed at the end of Y10. ALL units are worth 25% of the total GCSE.
Year 11 Unit B2: The components of life
Unit C2: Discovering chemistry
This unit is split into three compulsory topics:
This unit is split into six compulsory topics:
• • •
The building blocks of cells Organisms and energy Common systems
• • • • •
•
Atomic structure and the periodic table Ionic compounds and analysis Covalent compounds and separation techniques Groups in the periodic table Chemical reactions Quantitative chemistry 8
Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
Unit P2: Physics for your future
Unit ASCA: Additional Science controlled assessment
This unit is split into six compulsory topics: • • • • • •
Static and current electricity Controlling and using electric current Motion and forces Momentum, energy, work and power Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive materials
For this unit students will complete one or more controlled assessment tasks related to Unit B2, C2 or P2 content. Each task consists of three parts. Part A is planning activity. Part B is an observation, collecting primary and secondary evidence. Part C consists of conclusions related to the primary and secondary evidence collected in Part B. Assessments: •
•
ALL units are externally assessed at the end of Y11. ALL units are worth 25% of the total GCSE
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Triple Science GCSE – Biology, Chemistry, Physics STAFF CONTACT: Miss Nhenga Examination Board: Edexcel Examination Type: Modular Why study Triple Science? Students achieving GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics often progress to GCE A level Biology, Chemistry and Physics in Higher education. What will I learn? The course comprises all the Biology, Chemistry and Physics content from GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science courses, plus specialist extension units. The course helps students develop their questioning, analytical and evaluative skills alongside core practical skills. Biology Unit B1: Influences on life
Unit B3: Using biology
This unit is split into three compulsory topics: • Classification, variation and inheritance • Responses to a changing environment • Problems of, and solutions to a changing environment
This unit is split into three compulsory topics: • Control systems • Behaviour • Biotechnology Unit BCA: Biology controlled assessment
Unit B2: The components of life This unit is split into three compulsory topics: • The building blocks of cells • Organisms and energy • Common systems
For this unit students will complete one or more controlled assessment tasks related to Unit B2 or B3 content. Each task consists of three parts. Part A is a planning activity; Part B is an observation, collecting primary and secondary evidence. Part C consists of conclusions related to the primary and secondary evidence collected in Part B.
Chemistry Unit C1: Chemistry in our world
Unit C3: Chemistry in action
This unit is split into five compulsory topics: • The Earth’s sea and atmosphere • Materials from the Earth • Acids • Obtaining and using metals • Fuels
This unit is split into five compulsory topics: • Qualitative analysis • Quantitative analysis • Electrolytic processes • Gases, equilibria and ammonia • Organic chemistry
Unit C2: Discovering chemistry Unit CCA: Chemistry controlled assessment This unit is split into six compulsory topics: • Atomic structure and the periodic table • Ionic compounds and analysis • Covalent compounds and separation
For this unit students will complete one or more controlled assessment tasks related to Unit C2 or 10
Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
• • •
techniques Groups in the periodic table Chemical reactions Quantitative chemistry
C3 content. Overview of content: For this unit students will complete one or more controlled assessment tasks related to Unit C2 or C3 content. Each task consists of three parts. Part A is planning activity, Part B is an observation, collecting primary and secondary evidence. Part C consists of conclusions related to the primary and secondary evidence collected in Part B.
Physics Unit P1: Universal physics
Unit P3: Applications of physics
This unit is split into six compulsory topics: • Visible light and the Solar System • The electromagnetic spectrum • Waves and the Universe • Waves and the Earth • Generation and transmission of electricity • Energy and the future
This unit is split into five compulsory topics: • Radiation in treatment and medicine • X-rays and ECGs • Production, uses and risks of ionising radiation from radioactive sources • Motion of particles • Kinetic theory and gases
Unit P2: Physics for your future
Unit PCA: Physics controlled assessment
This unit is split into six compulsory topics: • Static and current electricity • Controlling and using electric current • Motion and forces • Momentum, energy, work and power • Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion • Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive materials
Over view of content For this unit students will complete one or more controlled assessment tasks related to Unit P2 or P3 content. Each task consists of three parts. Part A is planning activity; Part B is an observation, collecting primary and secondary evidence. Part C consists of conclusions related to the primary and secondary evidence collected in Part B.
Why choose Triple Science? Students achieving GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics often progress to GCE Biology, Chemistry and Physics in higher education. This would then lead to jobs in many scientific based professions such as: Medical science, Veterinary Science, Forensic Science, Laboratory research, Industrial research and development, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical engineer etc.
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
COMPULSORY PE GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Miss Collett Examination Board: Edexcel Examination Type: Linear Why study PE? If you like sport then GCSE PE gives you the opportunity to participate more and maybe try out some different sports. The theory part has links with Science and will give you a better understanding of how your body responds to different situations. You do not have to be a fantastic sportsperson to take GCSE PE. Units: The course is divided into 4 units: • • • •
Unit 1.1: Healthy Active Lifestyles Unit 1.2: Your Healthy Active Body Unit 2.1: Practical Performance Unit 2.2: Analysis of Performance
Examinations: The course is examined at the end of Year 11 with a written exam covering units 1.1 and 1.2. Controlled Assessment: A controlled assessment assesses unit 2.1 in four different physical activities. Unit 2.2 can be examined verbally, by presentation or by a written piece of work carried out in controlled conditions. Why choose PE? • • •
•
Move onto AS level PE or a Level 3 BTEC sport course in Post 16. Gain Additional coaching qualification and coach in a variety of sports. Work in areas such as the leisure service, private leisure sector, teaching, coaching grass roots and professional, physiotherapy, sports massage and sport scientist just to name a few. Physical Education can give you the skills most employers want.
Some students in Pathway 2 and 3 will complete Sport BTEC ~ more information about this course can be obtained from Miss Collett (Head of PE).
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Geography GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Mr Franklin Examination Board: OCR Examination Type: Linear Why study Geography? The Geography course is a popular GCSE subject. You will study rivers, coasts, population, settlement, population changes, earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, employment and ecosystems. What will I learn? The course is divided into three areas: • • •
Sustainable decision making. One from the four themes: Rivers and coasts, population and settlement, Natural hazards and Economic development. Geography Fieldwork. Key Geography Themes. Three from the four themes: Rivers and coasts, population and settlement, Natural hazards and Economic development.
Examinations: Two examinations including a Sustainable Decision Making (SDM) exercise. Controlled Assessment: The controlled assessment will take place over year 10 and 11 this will require field work to Dovedale National Park in the Peak District. Why choose Geography? Employers and colleges value the wide-ranging computer, research, and analytical skills that geography students bring to the market. Geography is a natural tie-in with urban or city planning.
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION History GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Mr Mann Examination Board: OCR Examination Type: Linear About History Our History course is a popular GCSE subject in which committed students do very well. You will study history through the eyes of the people who lived at the time. Units: • • •
In Unit 1 you will learn about a period of history in detail through a depth study called Elizabethan England. In Unit 2 you will learn about History around Us and how local historical sites present opportunities for historical study using Kenilworth and Warwick castles. In Unit 3 you will learn about change and continuity through a development study called Medicine through Time.
Examinations: • •
Paper 1 (50%) is on Elizabethan England and Medicine Through Time Paper 2 (25%) is on Medicine Through Time
Controlled Assessment: •
One essay (25%) written about History Around Us (on Kenilworth castle)
Why choose History? • •
Apart from enjoying the course and being more aware of the world around you, GCSE History can lead you onto many things. History can lead onto Post-16 studies or employment in journalism, tourism, law, government, teaching, media research to name just a few. History also goes well with subjects like English and the other humanities like Geography and Citizenship as we use the same skills.
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Religious Education GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Mr Dawati Examination Board: WJEC Examination Type: Linear Why study RE? The course explores a variety of modern issues, focusing on Christian, Muslim and nonreligious responses. What will I learn? The issues and key questions include: • • • •
Relationships – What is love? Is marriage out-of-date? Is it right to allow same-sex marriages? Is it Fair – What is justice and fairness? Is it ever right to discriminate? Looking For Meaning – Does God exist? What is the purpose of our existence? Our World – How did the universe come into existence? What is our place in it?
How will I be taught? You will have 3 hours a week of teaching, over 2 years. Catch up classes will also be available. Examination Assessment is by 100% written examination. This will be delivered through 2 x 1 3/4 hour exams. Both examinations will be written at the end of Y11. Why choose RE? The skills developed in this course will prepare you for further study in 6th form in a range of subjects including AS/A level, English, Sociology and Philosophy and Ethics. In addition it will be useful in any career choice, especially ones which require you to regularly communicate with other people. This includes law, teaching, social care, journalism and tourism to name a few.
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Art GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Mrs Gray Examination Board: Edexcel Examination Type: Linear About Art •
•
Art and Design will enable you to learn how to organise and self- express visually. You will increase your range of skills working in different media and contexts. These skills will help to give you access to a host of Art related careers. You will be asked to interact and base your own personal response to art movements, fashion and historical events as well as utilizing your own personal experiences.
Units: Unit 1: You will develop a portfolio of Art Work by creating two projects: •
•
In Year 10 you will look at the theme of ‘food and drink’, a subject that has been studied in Art by all of the successful artists to date. Gathering research from artist that work now and historically, experimenting with ideas and materials to support these ideas. You will be expected to design and create a final outcome that sums up all that you have learned. In Year 11 you will look at the theme of ‘opposites’ again looking at the people who already explore this idea. You could research literature, art, theatre, poetry for you inspiration and develop your ideas from there.
Unit 2: You will have the examination unit and theme set by Edexcel and unknown to the school until the release date. You will then have a restricted time limit to complete a project. Examinations: •
Unit 2 Controlled Assessments and 10 Hour Examination
Controlled Assessment: A small timed project set by the examination board and given to you in the final year of the course. You will have to create a sketchbook based on the unit set by Edexcel and then complete a 10 Hour examination (usually creating your final outcome). There are four assessment areas: A01: Develop A02: Refine A03: Record A04: Produce each area is worth 20 marks which is a total of 80 marks per project. Why choose Art? • •
•
There are many jobs that involve a competent knowledge and demonstration of visual language. Currently we have successful past pupils who have gone on to study fashion, computer games design, shop window dressing, automotive illustration as well as fine art painting, drawing and sculpture and photography. Chosen career pathways could include: painter, designer, photographer, sculptor, illustrator, museum curator, web designer, window dresser and architect.
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Design Technology [Product Design] GCSE - Graphics STAFF CONTACT: Mrs Gray Examination Board: OCR Examination Type: Linear About Graphics Study graphics if you enjoy: • • • • •
Thinking creatively Problem solving Designing products of the future Making models Using the Apple Mac Computers
What will I learn? • • • • •
Learning how to use the Apple Mac’s Designing software. Learning Hand Drawing Skills. Designing Innovative Products, Advertising and Marketing them. Making Packaging, Point of Sale displays and Magazine Covers. Using the Laser Cutter, Plotter Cutter and Modelling products in Wood, Clay, Mod rock and Foam Board.
How will I be taught? • • • • • • • •
Doing practical work; making several graphics products in a variety of materials Using computer design software; CAD/CAM Investigating aspects of manufacturing industries; Making products from design briefs. Working individually and as part of a team for 3 hours per week over 2 years. Assessment is by both examination and coursework. The controlled coursework is 80% of the GCSE. There will be one short written examination in the second year- 20% of the final grade.
Examination •
There will be one short written examination in the second year
Controlled Assessment •
The controlled coursework will be completed within the two year period.
Why choose Graphics? • •
Many of the students who enjoyed studying GCSE Graphics have gone on to study A Level Graphics. GCSE Graphics gives students a broad knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing sector and can lead to A Level Art and Design, Media and/or Film, BTEC National Diplomas in Art and Design or Media the Diploma in Creative and Media
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Design Technology [Product Design] GCSE - Textiles STAFF CONTACT: Mrs Gray Examination Board: OCR Examination Type: Linear About Textiles Study Textiles if you enjoy: • • • • •
Thinking creatively Problem solving Designing products of the future Making models Testing your ideas
What will I learn? • • • • • •
Learning a range of surface decoration techniques. Learning Hand Drawing Skills. Designing & Making Innovative Garments, Home ware & Children's Toys. Using Computerised Embroidery Machines. Learning pattern cutting skills. Textiles isn’t just for Girls!
How will I be taught? • • • • • • • •
Doing practical work; making several products in a variety of materials Using computer design software; CAD/CAM Investigating aspects of manufacturing industries; Making products from design briefs. Working individually and as part of a team for 3 hours per week over 2 years. Assessment is by both examination and coursework. The controlled coursework is 80% of the GCSE. There will be one short written examination in the second year- 20% of the final grade.
Examination •
There will be one short written examination in the second year
Controlled Assessment •
The controlled coursework will be completed within the first year
Why choose Textiles? • • •
GCSE Design Technology Textiles gives students a broad knowledge and understanding of the designing and manufacturing sector. Students with grades A* - C can progress to a AS and A2 GCE Textiles The career opportunities for students with qualifications in Design are wide and varied. Many students go on to work in the textiles and the fashion industry.
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Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Design Technology [Product Design] GCSE - Resistant Materials STAFF CONTACT: Mrs Gray Examination Board: OCR Examination Type: Linear About Resistant Materials Study Resistant Materials if you enjoy: • • • • •
Thinking creatively Problem solving Designing products of the future Making models Testing your ideas
What will I learn? • • • • • •
Working with a range of materials including wood, metal & plastic & electronics. Learning Hand Drawing Skills. Designing & Making Innovative Products. Using the Laser cutter, plotter cutter and computer designing software. Learning how to use hand tools. Resistant Materials isn’t just for boys!
How will I be taught? • • • • • • • •
Doing practical work; making several products in a variety of materials Using computer design software; CAD/CAM Investigating aspects of manufacturing industries; Making products from design briefs. Working individually and as part of a team for 3 hours per week over 2 years. Assessment is by both examination and coursework. The controlled coursework is 80% of the GCSE. There will be one short written examination in the second year- 20% of the final grade
Examination •
There will be one short written examination in the second year
Controlled Assessment •
The controlled coursework will be completed within the two year period
Why choose Resistant Materials? • •
GCSE Resistant Materials gives students a broad knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing sector. Many of the students who enjoyed studying GCSE RMT have gone on to study A Level Product Design: RMT. You can also study any Design and Technology related course post-16.The career opportunities for students with qualifications in manufacturing are wide and varied. Many students go on to work in the aerospace, automotive, biotech, electronics and engineering. 19
Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Design Technology [Product Design] GCSE - Food STAFF CONTACT: Mrs Ashiq Examination Board: OCR Examination Type: Linear About Food Study Food if you enjoy: • •
It’s a course for those interested in pursuing a career in the Catering industry. It provides a sound foundation for GCE A Levels and further education courses.
What will I learn? • • • • •
Working with a range of ingredients, developing cooking skills and use of kitchen equipment. Learning about foods from different cultures. Designing & Making Innovative Food Products. Learning how to advertise and brand your food products. This course requires you to pay for your own ingredients.
How will I be taught? • • • • • • • •
Doing practical work; making several different dishes (some that you will perhaps not like yourself but that are necessary) and using advanced cooking methods Completing portfolio of evidence using ICT skills Using CAD/ CAM to create food packages Planning and hosting events within the school. Working individually and as part of a team for 3 hours per week over 2 years. Assessment is by both examination and coursework. The controlled coursework is 80% of the GCSE. There will be one short written examination in the second year- 20% of the final grade
Examination •
There will be one short written examination in the second year
Controlled Assessment •
The controlled coursework will be completed within the two year period
Why choose Food? The specification offers a unique opportunity for candidates to develop knowledge and extend their skills within catering in a vocational context. It is a suitable qualification for those who want a broad background in this area and for those who wish to progress to further education. It will offer valuable preparation for those entering the world of work. The specification encourages the investigation and study of catering in a variety of contexts using a range of assessment techniques to enable the candidate to respond through practical and investigative work. This course can set the foundation for you to continue studies at Sixth Form or College in Catering. It can also create a basis for you to pursue a career within the Catering Industry straight from school and perhaps even open up possibilities of further training. 20
Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION French and Spanish GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Miss Crofts Examination Board: AQA Examination Type: Linear Why study French or Spanish? Did you know that 95% of the world’s population don’t speak English? By taking a language GCSE you will be able to communicate with more people and open doors to new and exciting opportunities in the future. As well as being very rewarding and enjoyable, the French and Spanish GCSE qualifications are extremely well regarded by employers, colleges and universities. You will have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and broaden your horizons, on top of learning how to communicate in a foreign language. What will I learn? There are four topic areas which build on the vocabulary and structures learnt at Key Stage 3. • • • •
Lifestyle Leisure Home and environment Work and education
How will I be taught? • • • •
You will have 3 hours a week of classroom teaching. You will complete speaking and writing controlled assessment tasks during lessons over both years of the GCSE course. We have partner schools in countries where French and Spanish are spoken and you will many opportunities to travel, as well as going on language focused visits in the UK. Half term and Easter schools will be held.
Examination •
Listening (20%) and Reading (20%) will be assessed at the end of the course in Year 11.
Controlled Assessment • •
Writing will be assessed by 2 pieces of controlled assessment (30%) Speaking will also be assessed by 2 pieces of controlled assessment (30%)
Why choose French or Spanish? •
•
You can go to college/Sixth Form to take an “A” level in a Foreign Language. You can work in areas such as Tourism, Journalism, Translating and Interpreting, Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Teaching, Performing Arts, Business and Sports to name but a few. Many employers actively recruit people with language skills. In some jobs, you are paid up to 20% more for having a qualification in a Foreign Language. 21
Year 9 Options Booklet 2013-15
OPTION Health and Social Care GCSE STAFF CONTACT: Ms Stedmon Examination Board: AQA Examination Type: Linear Why study Health and Social Care? • • •
This subject examines issues which affect the nature and quality of human life including an appreciation of diversity and cultural issues. It encourages students to understand aspects of personal development, and the health, social-care and early-years sectors through investigation and evaluation of a range of services and organisations. It is an expanding area for employment opportunities.
What will I learn? The course is divided in to two units of study which cover: • •
The physical growth and intellectual/social/emotional development through all of the life stages The needs of client groups, access and barriers to services and the roles of people who work in health, social and early years services.
How will I be taught? • •
You will be taught in a group with other students who have chosen this subject for 2 hours per week. You will be given tasks which will include writing reports, answering questions, making charts and drawing diagrams or tasks such as designing a leaflet, poster or booklet.
Examination •
One Unit is externally assessed, by a 1 hour 15 minutes written examination paper which will be a mixture of short-answer, structured and free-response questions.
Controlled Assessment •
The other Unit is assessed by the completion of two tasks, which are Controlled Assignments. This means you will be expected to draft work before hand and then complete under examination conditions in the classroom. These will be marked by your teacher and then moderated by the examination board.
Why choose Health and Social Care? • • •
You could take the Advanced Course in Health and Social Care in the Sixth Form or go to college to take a BTEC course in Caring/Early Years or an NVQ in Early Years Care and Education. You could take up employment in the National Health Service. By continuing your study of this subject at a higher level you could go on to be a nurse, social worker, teacher, which are just a few of the any career option.
Some students will be able to complete a double award in Health and Social Care ~ more information about this course can be obtained from Ms Stedmon. 22