Ullswater Community College
Year 9 Options
2019-2020
Introduction
The options process in Year 9 arrives at an important point in your learning at UCC. Now is the time to focus on your aspirations and future goals and make decisions that will help you to achieve these aims. The idea of making decisions that will impact on your future can be extremely daunting. We understand this and have put together a programme of information, advice and guidance to help you make the most informed decisions possible. One of the most important factors to consider whilst making your choices is the progress that you are making in your different subjects. This makes your most recent CPGs and ATLs exceptionally important as these will form the basis of the conversations that you will have with your form tutors, teachers and parents over the coming weeks. This booklet includes information that will support you in making your options choices. You should use it to understand what different subjects have to offer and to see how each fits in with your future aspirations. Alongside reading the important information enclosed, I would also advise you to explore the “Futures In…” booklet which will help you develop an idea of the different jobs and careers that each subject can lead you towards.
Mr Gilby Headteacher
Year 9 is a very important time in your school life. The subjects and qualifications you study over Years 10 and 11 will affect how you spend your time during your next two years at UCC. It could also help set you up for the career or college course you want later on. If you have a firm career idea, research it and choose your options accordingly. Remember, no qualification is ever wasted. If you don’t have a career in mind at this stage – you just need to choose subjects and courses that will give you plenty of choice later on. Choose subjects that you enjoy! Please remember that the more information you have the easier and better your decisions will be. So ask lots of questions of staff and students and I look forward to seeing you all on the 16th January.
Mrs Jones Head of Year Year 9 Options
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What are the new GCSE grades?
GCSE grades have been switched from letters to numbers. English and maths changed first in 2015 (with the first set of results in August 2017) and the majority of other subjects will change from 2016 (results being awarded in 2018). At UCC, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be graded using the same number scale as GCSE, with a plus (+) or minus (–) to indicate how secure they are within that grade. The majority of students in Years 10 and 11 will be graded using the new 9-1 grades, although a small group of vocational subjects are graded on pass, merit, distinction and distinction*. This new system may take a little getting used to! From summer 2019 all GCSEs have been awarded a grade from 1 to 9. The legacy A* to G system does not directly mirror the new number system, the new grade 4 is approximately in line with the old grade C and a grade 7 roughly equates to an A grade.
New GCSE Grading Structure New GCSE Grading Structure
Legacy GCSE Grading Structure
9
A*
8 7
A
6 5 4
B Grade 5 = Strong pass Grade 4 = Standard pass​
C
3
D
2
E F
1
G
U
U Entry Level Year 9 Options
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Key Dates Year 9 Data Collection – Tuesday 19th Nov 2019 Year 9 Reports – Friday 20th Dec 2019 Year 9 Parents & Options Evening -
Thursday 16th Jan 2020
Options to be returned by Wednesday 12th Feb 2020 Year 9 ATL grades – Tuesday 4th Feb 2020 Ongoing 1v1 Options support 6
Ullswater Community College
Making your options
The Key Stage 4 Options at Ullswater Community College are designed to provide students with a broad and balanced curriculum that best meets the individual needs and aspirations of all students. We aim to provide our learners with the skills and qualifications to carry onto the next stage in their career; whether it’s sixth form, college or further training.
There Academic are three Academickey Vocational routes through Access Key Stage 4 Students will take GCSEs and aim to achieve the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), a measure of higher grade passes (9-4) in English, maths, science GCSEs, computing, one humanity and one modern foreign language.
This route is essential for students entering sixth form with a probable focus on Higher Education.
Students will opt for GCSEs and BTEC/ vocational subjects. Support in English and maths is likely to be recommended by the key departments to maximise the student’s potential in these important subjects.
Students will be guided in their options for Entry Level / Level 1 and 2 in vocational subjects along with skills for personal and working life. Additional support for numeracy and literacy is built into their curriculum provision.
Year 9 Options
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The Core Option Subjects
The core of the curriculum includes all of the statutory qualifications that all students should study in Key Stage 4. This includes examinable subjects such as English, mathematics and sciences. Students will also study history in this block. All Students will also take part in statutory Physical Education in the core.
This block contain the other subjects within the curriculum. All students in the access pathway will study ICT, drama, art and food. They will also get a choice between studying construction or Hair and Beauty.
Making your options
We are extremely proud of the wide-ranging curriculum that we offer. To help you make the most of the options that are available, you will need to make an option between entry level construction or entry level hair and beauty. Options Subjects – You should pick two subjects from the range provided that you wish to study that will help you towards reaching your future aspirations. In addition, you should select two reserve options as course popularity can vary from year to year. If you wish to do Separate Science, you will need to choose this as an option. Furthermore, you may only pick one from Graphic Products, Resistant Materials and Textiles as these are the same qualification. Course uptake will be reviewed in February 2020 after all option forms have been returned. A decision will then be made based on sufficient student numbers opting for a course as to whether a course is viable to run. It may also be that some subjects clash within the timetable which would mean that in some instances, you may need to take a reserve subject, so it is important that you would be happy with your reserves as an option. 8
Ullswater Community College
Key Stage 4 Curriculum 2020 English Language Entry Level English Literature Entry Level Mathematics Entry Level
The Core
Science GCSE Entry Level History Entry Level Physical Education (Core)
ICT Entry Level Drama Entry Level Art Entry Level
Option
Subjects
Food Entry Level Construction Entry Level / Hair and Beauty Entry Level
Year 9 Options
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ENTRY LEVEL ENGLISH
Core
What will I study?
The Step up to English is aligned to the new GCSE English Language. It covers some of the same text types as GCSE. During the course, you will develop skills in reading and understanding a range of texts as well as writing clearly, using a range vocabulary. There are two components; Component 1 Literacy topics and Component 2: Creative reading and writing
How will I be assessed?
You will progress through the levels. Silver Step will be awarded Entry Level 1 or Entry Level 2. Gold Step will be awarded Entry Level 3. This prepares you for GCSE. Each literacy task has a maximum mark of 60. Reading and Writing are equally weighted with 30 marks available for each. You will complete three reading tasks, reading in different ways for different purposes and comparing and evaluating content. One task will cover spoken language. Writing for different purposes and audiences. Interpreting and identifying themes, ideas and information. You will be assessed at the end of each topic.
How will the subject help me in the future?
English looks at a range of topics, issues and emotions that are as relevant to people today as they were four hundred years ago: adventure, travel, confusion, relationships and love, to name just a few. Alongside this are the practical skills that any employer would be seeking, such as the ability to understand instructions, retrieve information, inference skills and presentation of written work.
Is this a suitable course for me?
This qualification allows progression through the different Entry Levels and then on to GCSE.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
You can speak to any member of the English department or Ms Pickup.
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Ullswater Community College
What will I study?
You will study the AQA Mathematics qualification. This will require you to: • Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts, including
Core
– Properties of number – Ratio – Money – The calendar and time – Measure – Geometry – Statistics • Apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations. There are three levels that you can gain the qualification: Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3.
How will I be assessed?
You will make a portfolio of evidence during the course and take a series of end of unit assessments under controlled conditions; these will take place throughout the course. Combinations of these two elements are then sent to the exam board for verification.
How will the subject help me in the future?
Mathematics is one of the most widely used subjects in the world. Every career uses some degree of maths. More importantly, doing mathematics helps the mind to reason and organise complicated situations or problems into clear, simple, and logical steps. Also: • It is a qualification valued by employers, colleges, and universities. • Gaining an entry level qualification will put you on the right pathway to gaining a level one qualification in the future.
Is this a suitable course for me?
Entry Level Maths is for those not yet ready to achieve the foundation tier of GCSE Maths (5-1)
Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
You can speak to any member of the Mathematics Department or see Mrs Ridley directly.
Year 9 Options
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ENTRY LEVEL MATHEMATICS
– The four operations
ENTRY LEVEL SCIENCE
Core
What will I study?
You will study a combination of biology, chemistry and physics, completing small units in all three areas.
How will I be assessed?
There are 3 elements to assessment: • End of item tests (70%) • Can do tasks (10%) • Practical tasks (20%)
How will the subject help me in the future? • Part of the English Baccalaureate family of subjects. • A qualification valued by employers, colleges and universities. • Introduces and develops a range of analytical and practical skills transferable to other subjects and professions. • Enables entrance to GCSE Science. • Generates an interest in the role that science plays in all of our lives.
Is this a suitable course for me?
Entry Level Science is for those not yet ready to achieve the foundation tier of GCSE Science (4-1).
Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
If you would like to know more about entry level science talk to Mr Bambury or Mr Davidson in the Science department.
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Ullswater Community College
What will I study?
Core
We offer the OCR Entry Level Course. Units include: • A Thematic Study - People’s Health. • A Depth Study - Elizabethans1580-1603
How will I be assessed?
ENTRY LEVEL HISTORY
• Study of a Site/Individual - To be decided by the student and their teacher once the course content has been covered so that it can match a topic of their interest.
Each unit has an assessment which is set, completed and marked internally and then moderated externally.
How will the subject help me in the future?
History is about people. Studying history shows that you are interested in people, able to make decisions, write reports and use evidence carefully to support a belief as well as to see both sides of an argument.
Is this a suitable course for me?
History is a challenging, yet rewarding, subject - there are no specific criteria by which we identify suitable applicants.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
Talk to Mrs Greenhalgh. She is more than willing to chat about the course in more detail. You can look on the OCR website for further information by following the links to qualifications and then choosing ‘Entry Level.’
Year 9 Options
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What will I study?
Option
Core Subjects
You will study the Entry Level Functional Skills ICT qualification. This will require you to: • Recognised and use interface features and computer hardware. • Understand how to use a computer safely and correctly • Use different software application for a specific purpose • Know how to use different input and output devices. • Understand how to ensure security and safety online. • Find and assess the suitability of information. • Understand how to formation text, images and information to achieve a required outcome.
ENTRY LEVEL ICT
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a series of short, real-life scenario tests. These are completed in the classroom using commonly used software such as Microsoft work and common web-browsers. Each of the tasks within the tests can be contextualised to need your individual needs.
How will the subject help me in the future?
Functional Skills qualifications give students a practical grounding in how to apply ICT skills to everyday situations. With a strong focus on explanation and problem solving, using real-life contexts they allow students to apply their ICT skills in a variety of situations.
Is this a suitable course for me?
Entry Level ICT is for those not yet ready to achieve at Grade 1-4 in Computing or Level 1 In iMedia.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
You can speak to any member of the ICT Department or see Mrs Ridley directly.
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Ullswater Community College
What will I study?
Option
Core Subjects
You will be following Edexcel BTEC Entry Level Award in Performing Arts You will complete two of the three units: • Introduction to the performing arts • Starting to develop performance skills
How will I be assessed?
All units are assessed by a centred devised assessment. Each unit has specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria. To pass an internally assessed unit, learners must meet all the assessment criteria.
How will the subject help me in the future?
Drama can help you see the world in a different way. It helps develop your creativity and gives you analytical skills. Drama works on developing your ability to explore the emotions, gain confidence, develop social skills and improve speaking and listening skills.
Is this a suitable course for me?
Entry level drama is for those not yet ready to achieve drama GCSE but still have an interest in drama.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
If you are interested in the creative arts package talk to Mrs Pickup in the learning support department.
Year 9 Options
ENTRY LEVEL DRAMA
• Taking part in a performance
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Option
You will be following OCR Entry Level Art qualification. Students can choose to work in any of the following areas: • Drawing • Installation • Photography • Mixed-media • Printing • Painting • Sculpture
How will I be assessed?
ENTRY LEVEL ART
Core Subjects
What will I study?
This qualification is made up of 100% internally assessed tasks. There are two areas of assessment: • Portfolio (60%) • Externally set task (40%)
How will the subject help me in the future?
This course builds on the foundations and skills gained through the Key Stage 3 curriculum. It also provides learners with a perfect opportunity to progress onto further educational pathways such as GCSE (9–1) / vocational qualifications in Art and Design or directly into employment.
Is this a suitable course for me?
This course is ideal to enable learners of all abilities to access a qualification and grow in confidence. It enables students to progress at their own pace so that they can develop their knowledge and skills. It is designed to be accessible and relevant, and to provide learners with recognition for their achievements.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more? Mrs Robertson (R27) in the Art department.
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Ullswater Community College
What will I study?
The courses which we run are practical based giving students a good basic knowledge of food preparation and nutrition and the skills to become more selfsufficient.
Option
Core Subjects
How will I be assessed?
How will the subject help me in the future?
ENTRY LEVEL FOOD
The courses which we currently run are all assessed internally by your teachers. They are then sent to the exam board for subject verification and final marking. There is no formal, external exam on any of the courses that we currently run.
Food preparation skills and knowledge of basic nutrition are an important life skill allowing students to become more independent and also providing a platform for employment or further study in the future.
Is this a suitable course for me?
If you like cooking and have an interest in food and ingredients, possibly with a view to moving into the hospitality and catering trade in the future, then one of the courses that we run could be for you.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
Mr Hutchinson or Mrs Albert in the Food Department will be happy to discuss your requirements and answer any questions which you might have about the courses.
Year 9 Options
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Option
ENTRY LEVEL CONSTRUCTION
Core Subjects
What will I study?
You will study Construction and the built environment with the opportunity to work with a variety of materials including timber, metal, stone and concrete. You will learn how to construct smaller household items in the workshops as well as being involved in group projects around the school site and learning about how buildings are made.
You will study these units
AQA Unit Award Scheme: Pupils will compete a number of unit awards over the course. These include; constructing wooden products, decorating household goods, erecting fence posts, groundwork and workshop health and safety.
How will I be assessed?
Units are assessed in two ways. Your own work will be submitted for assessment in school (and if needed, assessed by an examiner also). At other times your teacher will carry out visual assessments of your practical skills in class and record this as evidence. There is no exam.
How will the subject help me in the future?
On completion learners will gain the skills and knowledge that may enable them to progress onto a Level 1 course. It will also provide learners with valuable life skills.
Is this a suitable course for me?
The course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in construction.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more? Speak to Mr Wright for advice and information.
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Ullswater Community College
What will I study?
You will study and Introduction to Hair and Beauty. In this course, you will explore the hair and beauty industry, what it is like to work in a salon and a range of salon specific skills such as hair care, shampooing and condition, skin care and how to create different styles.
Option
Core Subjects
Units are assessed in two ways. Your own work will be submitted for assessment in school (and if needed, assessed by an examiner also). At other times your teacher will carry out visual assessments of your practical skills in class and record this as evidence. There is no exam
How will the subject help me in the future?
On completion learners will gain the skills and knowledge that may enable them to progress onto a Level 1 course. It will also provide learners with valuable life skills.
Is this a suitable course for me?
The course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in Hair and Beauty.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more? Mrs Crocker or Mrs Ridley
Year 9 Options
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ENTRY LEVEL HAIR AND BEAUTY
How will I be assessed?
Ullswater Community College Wetheriggs Lane, Penrith, CA11 8NG Phone: 01768 210206 Email: admin@ullswatercc.co.uk Web: www.ullswatercc.co.uk