Year 9 options bookletb

everyone achieving their full potential

Key Stage 4 Pathways Booklet 2018-2021

Contents

3

Introduction

6

Our Curriculum

7

Subject Guide

8-11

Core Subjects

12-28

Option Subjects

29

Timeline and deadlines

30

Notes

9 English & Literature 10 Mathematics 11 Science 13 Art & Design 14 Dance 15 Drama 16 Food & Nutrition 17 Geography 18 Health & Social Care 19 History 20 ICT & Computing 22 Philosophy and Ethics 23 Photography 24 Physical Education 25 Science (Triple) 26 Spanish 27 Textile Design: Fashion 28 Tourism

Introduction Dear Parent / Student This is an important and exciting time for students as they look towards Key Stage 4, consider their aspirations and start to plan their future.

The academy continuously reviews its provision at Key Stage 4 to keep up to date with current government, university and workplace requirements as well as providing for the wide range of interests and abilities of our students, ensuring they are well placed to succeed in the future.

In addition to the compulsory courses, we have an exciting range of optional courses on offer. The details of each Key Stage 4 course are outlined in this booklet and also on the academy website (www.waltongirls.co.uk). The purpose of this section is to provide you with some more general information to help with the decision-making process.

Read this booklet and focus on courses you enjoy and excel in

Speak to your teachers about specific subjects

Do your research into careers and what you need to go into them

Talk to your parents, carers, family and friends about what you would like to do

Compulsory Courses The majority of our students will study the following compulsory GCSE courses. These are:

• GCSE English

• GCSE English Literature

• GCSE Mathematics

• Two GCSEs in Science as follows:

o Many students will take two Science GCSEs during Key Stage 4. The most able students, however, will

have the opportunity to take the Triple Science course over the two years, offering the potential to gain

qualifications in each of the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

• Core PE - this is a non-examination course.

• Life Skills and Choices – delivered through ‘Curriculum Days; and incorporating Personal, Social and Health

Education as well as Careers Advice, Information and Guidance.

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Optional Courses As always, we will offer a wide range of optional courses and students are invited to choose four of these, one from each of the option blocks. It is important that students have a breadth of qualifications and so students will be asked to choose a humanities subject as part of their four subjects – Geography, History or both.

Students need to be aware that recent changes to the examination system mean that all GCSE courses entail final examinations.

English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) The English Baccalaureate, commonly referred to as the Ebacc is a performance measure and not a stand-alone qualification. The measure shows where students have secured C grade or above across a core of academic subjects which at Walton include: English, two Sciences (which may include Computer Science), a Modern Foreign Language and either History or Geography. Our option blocks ensure that students who wish to can follow this strongly recommended academic pathway. The Russell Group of Universities (a collaboration of 20 leading UK universities) generally consider the traditional academic subjects such as those included in the EBacc as more appropriate for entry to their universities.

GCSE or BTEC? GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is a mainly theory based qualification which is highly valued by schools, colleges and employers, so will be useful whatever students are planning to do afterwards. Some subjects also involve practical work.

BTEC qualifications are particular types of work-related qualifications, which are usually offered in practical or vocational subjects. Courses have been designed in collaboration with industry, so they can equip students with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. The qualifications offer a mix of theory and practice.

Triple Science Many of our students follow a Science course which takes them through two separate Science GCSE qualifications. For students considering taking Science A Levels in our Sixth Form and possibly taking Science at university, or those who have a real interest and aptitude for Science, we strongly recommend taking Triple Science. Students who do so will be taught in a Triple Science set and must take Triple Science as one of their optional subjects, which will provide the additional lesson time required for this triple GCSE course.

Students expressing an interest in this course must seek advice from their Science teacher or the Faculty Leader for Science, Mrs J Wright.

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Making Choices With so much to choose from it is important that students give careful consideration to what will work best for them over the next two years. It is worth keeping the following points in mind: • Consider courses that are most likely to keep your interest through three years of study; it is much harder to achieve your potential when you are not really enjoying the subject.

• Think about your preferred way of working. Is it more suited to the coursework style of BTEC or the final examination revision of GCSEs? Do you prefer a practical way of working?

• Keep in mind your eventual career aspirations and which subjects might help you achieve these goals. If you are already thinking about a specific course in the future, take a look at the entry requirements for the courses at different universities and work back from there.

• At this stage in your education it can be a good idea to keep a broad base to your options by choosing a variety of different subject areas.

Help is on hand All subject teachers will be happy to discuss with students and parents any queries about the Key Stage 4 courses and a student’s aptitude for them, but in particular: • Mrs Etherington, our Careers Ninja, can give careers and options advice.

• Mrs Sharp, Miss Gilbert and Mrs Pearce, the Sixth Form leadership team, can advise on how Key Stage 4 choices lead to further study in our Post 16 and Post 18 courses, including apprenticeships and university.

• Your Form Tutors have an overview of the progress and achievement of individual students in their Tutor Group.

• Mr Wright, Vice Principal, and Mr Hoad, Assistant Principal, can support you through the specifics of the options process.

Please ask if there is anything you feel unclear about.

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6

Subject Guide The following section details all of the courses which can be chosen on your preferred pathway. There are a wide range of subjects to cater for all interests and to support your future aspirations.

The information in this section answers five key questions. The answer will hopefully enable you to decide if that particular course will become one of the options you choose at Key Stage 4.

The course?

A brief outline of what the course aims to give you.

What will I study?

An overview of what you will be studying.

Why study...?

An explanation of why you may wish to choose this subject.

Future pathways?

The potential future study paths or careers you could go into.

Career opportunities?

Exemplar jobs you could aim for if this is a subject you thrive in.

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Core Subjects

8

English & Literature GCSE The Course

Future Pathways

You will receive two GCSEs in English: English Language

Studying English will help you succeed in any other subject

and English Literature. Language is the study of different

you study for GCSE, A Level or even in Higher Education.

text types and takes into consideration accuracy of

The key is being able to communicate successfully through

your writing and your comprehensive skills. Literature is

your writing and having the confidence to structure writing

the analysis of different books and writing throughout

for any purpose or audience, from essay writing to writing

history.

a persuasive letter or a newspaper article.

Each year English Literature proves to be one of the most

What will I study?

popular A-Level subjects at the Walton co-educational

Language

Post-16. It could help you on your way to studying

You will read a mixture of different text types and

Journalism, Advertising, Theatre, Creative Writing,

will be improving skills such as location and retrieval,

Script Writing, English Literature or English Language at

deduction and comparison. You will also be taught how

University.

to successfully write in many different forms, such as: letters, reviews, speeches and articles.

Literature You will study texts such as: Romeo and Juliet, An Inspector Calls, Jekyll and Hyde and an anthology of

Career Opportunities • Journalism • Writer (Author, playwright, poet etc.)

• Teaching (in the UK or abroad) • Public Relations

poetry.

Assessment Why study English?

The qualification is assessed by written examinations at

Studying English really improves your communication

the end of the course.

ability which is an important life skill when you leave education. It helps you understand characters from different backgrounds and countries which will help you understand people in the outside world. Being able to read-between-the-lines will enable you to problem solve and gain valuable information in any walk of life. English Language and Literature will also introduce to you a lot of different texts, allowing you to practise reading skills such as skimming and scanning, crucial in any career you may take.

For more information on computer English, contact Mrs Lindley via email: llindley@walton-ac.org.uk

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Mathematics GCSE The Course GCSE Mathematics lessons build on the mathematical ideas and learning skills acquired in earlier years, whilst new topics of a more advanced level are introduced.

What will I study?

This is determined according to the tier of entry and covers five main areas: • Number • Algebra • Geometry and Measures • Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change • Probability and Statistics

GCSE grade in Mathematics to be vital.

Career Opportunities • Accountancy • Engineering • Teaching • Market research • Banking • Computer programming

Future Pathways

Assessment

Studying Mathematics shows that you can think logically

The qualification is assessed in three written examination

and that you can solve problems. A Mathematics GCSE

papers at the end of the course.

Why study Mathematics?

The importance of Mathematics in society and employment is recognised by all. Employers consider a

would lead to A-Level Mathematics and University degrees as well as aiding the understanding of Science, Psychology and Geography A-Levels.

For more information on Mathematics, contact Mrs Owen via email: lowen@walton-ac.org.uk

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Science GCSE The Course The majority of students will undertake the equivalent of two GCSEs in Science during Key Stage 4 as part of the core curriculum. Some students will choose Triple Science from the option blocks which will lead to three separate Science GCSEs, in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (see separate Triple Science details).

What will I study?

The course incorporates Biology, Chemistry and Physics modules that cover a range of topics. These include how we inherit different characteristics, chemical analysis – finding out what substances are present in mystery chemicals and how radiation is used in medicine.

Why study Science?

The Science curriculum teaches students to question ideas and theories. It also develops problem solving skills ensuring that students acquire a transferable skill set that prepares them for whatever pathway they chose to move onto.

Career Opportunities • Medicine and pharmaceuticals • Forensic Science • Engineering • Astronomy – the sky really is your limit!

Assessment Students are examined by written examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Practical work is also an essential part of the curriculum and knowledge of practical skills are examined as part of the written assessments.

Future Pathways Science gives all students a broad and valuable understanding of Science, which will prepare them for life in a scientific and technologically based society.

GCSE Science offers valuable support to those going on to study Social Sciences such as Psychology and Sociology and also vocational courses such as animal care.

For more information on Science, contact Mrs Thomas-Wright via email: jthomas-wright@walton-ac.org.uk

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Option Subjects

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Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE The Course Art and Design is all about experimenting and having fun with materials. We want you to express your thoughts and ideas through Art. You will produce three major projects: 1. Textiles, sculpture 2. Painting, drawing and printmaking 3. Your exam project where you choose your preferred area, or combine a bit of everything together!

Career Opportunities • Photographer • Car designer • Fashion designer • Fashion buyer • Interior designer • Animator • Video games designer • Make-up artist • Web site designer • Architect

OPPORTUNITIES - take part in workshops and gallery

What will I study?

Assessment 1. Skills building in Yr9 2. Coursework project 60% 3. Exam project 40%

Through responding to the work of creative practitioners

The ‘exam project’ is still a sketchbook based project

and the wider world around you, you will develop

which is completed during class and homework time, the

ideas for projects. Anything can inspire you from films

difference is, the theme is set by the exam board.

visits.

and music videos to a walk in the countryside. In order to develop your ideas further you will explore many materials and media including fabrics, wire, paint, photography and drawing media to create interesting and imaginative work. You will then make creative final pieces which conclude your project.

Why study Fine Art? You are creative and imaginative.

You love making things and looking at art work.

You are not afraid to try new things and take risks.

You like working on projects rather than ‘exams’.

Future Pathways Everything in the world is designed by a creative person from the clothes you are wearing to the font style that you are reading now. There are hundreds of jobs in the creative industries.

For more information on Art & Design, contact Mrs Volley via email: lvolley@walton-ac.org.uk

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Dance BTEC The Course If you are currently enjoying dance and are a confident

Future Pathways

performer, then the BTEC Technical Award in Performing

A BTEC in Dance is an excellent basis from which to enter

Arts: Dance is the option for you.

the world of work, progress to further education and access university. Walton Co-education Post-16 offers a

What will I study?

highly successful and popular Level 3 course in Performing

You will study three Components: • In Component 1 you will get a taste of what it is like to be a professional dancer. You will explore performance styles, creative intentions and purpose, investigate how practitioners create and influence what’s performed and discover performance roles, skills, techniques and processes.

• In Component 2 you will develop skills and techniques in Dance. You will take part in workshops, classes and rehearsals to gain and refine new skills in a range of genres. You will have the opportunity to apply these skills in various performance settings and reflect on your work.

• In Component 3 you will consider how practitioners adapt their skills for different contexts, and put this into practice as you work as a company member to create a performance based on a set brief. The skills developed throughout the course; choreography, rehearsal, performing and evaluation will culminate in a final performance to a chosen audience at the end of the course.

Arts with specialist options in Musical Theatre, Dance and Acting.

Career Opportunities • West End Performer • Choreographer • Freelance Dance Teacher • Education • Health and Fitness Instructor • Holiday or Cruise Ship Entertainer Assessment The BTEC course is assessed with performance-based tasks and assignments, rather than written exams. Two of the Components are internally assessed and one externally assessed.

Why study Dance?

Dance encompasses many skills such as interpersonal and group working skills, creative and improvisational skills, communication, evaluative skills and problem solving skills, all of which are important in many areas of employment. Dance will improve your confidence, presentation, creative and personal fitness skills and will allow you to be stretched academically and practically to reach your full potential.

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For more information on Dance, contact Mrs Gleave via email: mgleave@walton-ac.org.uk

Drama BTEC The Course If you enjoy being creative and have a passion for performing, the theatre and different styles of acting, GCSE Drama is the course for you.

What will I study?

You will study three units within the course, these will focus on the following skills: • Devising • Characterisation • Performance • Analysis and evaluation Lessons will be highly practical and there will be a range of group and individual work to allow you to develop the skills and fulfil your potential within the subject.

Why study Drama?

This course allows you to improve and refine your practical performance skills as well as stretching you academically, so this course real does have a bit of everything. Drama also focuses on improving your confidence, presentation and communication skills all of which are key for your future whichever pathway you decide to follow.

Future Pathways A GCSE/BTEC in Drama is an excellent basis from which to enter the world of work, progress to further education

Career Opportunities • The media • Theatre • Television • Radio • The film industry • Arts administration • Drama therapy • Education Assessment Within each unit you will be assessed on both your devising and development during class time, written evaluation and analysis work and of course your performances. You will complete both a written and practical examination which will be assessed externally by the examination board.

and access university. Walton Co-education Post-16 offers a highly successful and popular Level 3 course in Performing Arts Musical Theatre and A level Drama.

Drama is not just about improving acting skills or fulfilling dreams to appear on stage, it includes many other skills such as interpersonal and group working skills, creative

For more information on Drama, contact Mrs Leonard via email: jleonard@walton-ac.org.uk

and improvisational skills, communication, evaluative skills and problem solving skills, all of which are very important in many areas of employment.

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Food & Nutrition GCSE The Course You will learn how to prepare and cook a really wide

Future Pathways

range of dishes with varying skills for variety of people’s

You could find an apprenticeship with a major food

food needs. It includes healthy eating, nutritional

manufacturer or gain a vocational qualification in Food

needs of our bodies and some fun food science with

manufacturing and science or catering.

experiments using ingredients.

What will I study?

Food Preparation and Nutrition will allow you to be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills and encouragement you need to cook using real life situations and consumer needs. You will study a vast range of culinary techniques, as well as knowledge of nutrition, food traditions and kitchen safety. You will have skills in meat and fresh fish preparation, sauce making, pastries and breads as well as sweets and cake making.

Career Opportunities • Product developer • Nutritionist • Dietician • Personal trainer • Animal nutritionist • Food marketing or sales • Teaching Assessment There are three assessments in this qualification: • Paper 1 Food preparation and nutrition 50% of the GCSE with 100 marks and a written examination for 1 hour 45 minutes.

You will have a mixture of theory/ written and practical

Two Non-exam Assessments, worth 50% of the final

lessons to learn the key points and skills in Food. There

qualification: • Task 1 Food investigation One practical investigation of 1500 – 2000 words including practical food experiments.

• Task 2 Food preparation assessment You will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes which will be cooked in one session of three hours. This includes a portfolio of work with photographs to show your practical work.

will be mini assignments which cover the main areas and include relevant practical work to enhance and demonstrate your skills. There will be short tasks and groups work to ensure you develop the level of skills you need to succeed.

Why study Food and Nutrition?

This course helps you to develop a whole range of useful skills for life including knowing how to be a wise consumer to your body’s nutritional needs. You have the chance to be independent and organise yourself to complete tasks to a deadline – a very valuable life skill.

It also allows you to show your creative side and to be adventurous and try new things by experimenting and trialling ideas.

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For more information on Food, contact Miss Elson via email: jelson@walton-ac.org.uk

Geography GCSE The Course Geography is about trying to understand the world we live in through studying people and places and how they interact. Geography also incorporates a wide range of academic skills that are very useful in a number of different subject areas.

What will I study?

• Global Geographical Issues: Topics in this unit include Plate tectonics, Tropical storms, a study of a developing country, and a study of modern issues in a global mega city.

• UK Geographical Issues: Studies of coastal and river landscapes and issues, studies of changing inner cities and changing rural landscapes, also two separate fieldwork investigations. These will require the students to work away on a field trip for two separate days.

• People and Environment Issues: Including people and the biosphere, forests under threat and consuming energy resources. Particularly how humans can damage but also protect natural environments.

Why study Geography?

Geography is a fun and engaging subject which will accommodate a wide range of students due to the variety of topic areas that they will study. Geography

Career Opportunities • Nature conservation officer • Tourism officer • Transport planner • International aid/development worker • Landscape architect • Market researcher • Cartographer • Environmental consultant • Geographical information systems officer • Planning and development surveyor Assessment All written examinations will be taken at the end of the three year course.

allows students to understand a variety of current affairs issues and make sense of the world they live in.

Geography offers two separate field trips as set out by the exam board.

Future Pathways Due to the wide range of skills that students will develop, Geography can open up a variety of potential career paths.

For more information on Geography, contact Mr Tudor via email: jtudor@walton-ac.org.uk

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Health & Social Care BTEC The Course

Future Pathways

If you are a caring, hard working and supportive person

Courses are available to gain further vocational

then a career in health and social care is just for you.

qualifications up to NQF Level 5. The next step is to

If you are keen and interested in helping the elderly,

progress to a Level 3 National qualification.

working with children and young people or supporting the disabled and contributing in a worthwhile way to making life happier and enjoyable for others. Then this is the course for you to start you on one of the most rewarding careers available... Health and Social Care.

What will I study?

Three compulsory units are undertaken. The course consists of topics such as Human Lifespan Development,

Career Opportunities • Adult nurse • Ambulance care assistant • Ambulance paramedic • Anaesthetist • Art therapist • Audiologist • Care assistant • Care home advocate • Early Years Practitioner

Health and Social Care Values, and Health and Wellbeing. Independent vocational experience will be

Assessment

encouraged to enable the students to gain experience of

Each unit of work contains statements of the evidence

working within a wide variety of Health and Social Care

you need to produce in order to achieve a Pass, Merit or

settings.

Distinction grade. The depth of your study determines

A wide variety of activities will be undertaken in lesson

your final assessment for each unit you do with Distinction

time. Research, investigation, practical activities, visits as

available for high quality work. One unit of work will

well as interactive sessions will take place to cover the

also be examined by an externally marked test marked

units that will be set.

by the examination board.

Why study Health and Social Care?

The course incorporates the key skills which future employer’s value. For example, communicating, working as individuals and as teams, use of ICT and problem solving. Students may undertake work experience.

Outside speakers where possible are incorporated into the units of work during the course to gain valuable experience.

For more information on H&SC, contact Mrs Hare via email: rhare@walton-ac.org.uk

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History GCSE The Course

Future Pathways

During the autumn and first half of the spring term of

Apart from enjoying the course and being a lot more

Year 9 students will study the following topics: Civil

aware of the world around you, GCSE History is a

Rights in the USA, Votes for Women and World War

solid basis for many A level subjects. Students who have

One. Though this content is not covered in the new GCSE

done well in History often study higher qualifications in

specification there will be a great focus on developing

subjects such as Politics, Law, Economics, and Sociology.

certain historical skills such as source analysis and

History also goes well with subjects such as English and

historical enquiry, forming and supporting historical

languages. Many people working in law and accountancy

arguments and writing clear and well-structured

have studied History because of the skills that can be

explanations and judgements. Students will then start

developed in reasoning and arguing your point.

studying the GCSE content from the second half of the spring term of year 9.

What will I study?

• Thematic study and Historic Environment: You will study Medicine in Britain, c1250–present. You will also study the British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches.

• Period Study and British Depth Study: You will study a British Depth Study option on AngloSaxon and Norman England, c1060–88, AND a Period Study option on The American West c1835–c1895.

• Modern Depth Study: You will study Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918–39.

Career Opportunities • Travel and tourism • Museums • The media industry • Journalism • Libraries • Government research • Teaching Assessment All examinations will be taken at the end of the course in the summer of year 11 and there are no tiers of entry.

Everyone takes the same papers and has the opportunity to get any grade 9-1. Students will be given a variety of questions that assess their knowledge and understanding.

Why study History?

There will also be source and interpretation questions

Studying GCSE History will help you to answer important

to assess and evaluate as well. Some questions are

questions such as: • Why do wars happen?

• Why do we have a welfare system?

• How have we come to live in a multi-cultural society?

compulsory but students will also be given choice for

Learning about past events and the people who’ve

various parts of the examination.

For more information on History, contact Mrs Wells via email:

influenced history will allow you to understand how the world got to the point it’s at now and how it will continue

rwells@walton-ac.org.uk

to develop in the future.

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ICT & Computing BTEC & GCSE The Course A qualification in ICT/Computer Science is the same size and level as a GCSE and is aimed at everyone who wants to find out more about how computers work and how computing skills are used in the real world.

Computing is fundamental within today’s society and it is crucial that every individual has the ability to work with technology and understand how to use software.

What will I study?

You will learn about the IT product development process and how to apply this process to develop solutions

Engineering, Design and Science. Or you might want to

to analyse and manage data. You will also develop

find work in an IT sector as an apprentice or a trainee.

important skills that are useful in any industry, such as

The best option for you will depend on the grades

problem solving, decision making, innovation, project

you achieve in this qualification and others you have

management, team working and communication. Through

taken, what you enjoy doing and the advice you can

acquiring knowledge of ICT systems, technologies and

access about further learning and training opportunities

security issues, you will develop digital design skills in the

available in your area.

use of ICT software tools and techniques.

Why study ICT/Computer Science?

Social network games, music, shopping, microblogging, news and movies are a part of all of our lives today.

Information technology and the hardware and software

Career Opportunities • Computer programmer • Database designer • Website designer • Graphic designer • Teaching

associated with the computing industry are a vital part of nearly every major industry.

Assessment This qualification will be assessed through written

Future Pathways

assignments and examinations.

Skills in computing are vital within today’s world and you will find that any job will require you to use technology in some form. Specifically you may follow a career within the Information and Technology or programming sector. After you have finished the course you may want to go on to further study, such as A Levels, BTECs, or a mixture of both, in areas such as Computer Science, IT,

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For more information on ICT, contact Mrs Justice via email: rjustice@walton-ac.org.uk

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Philosophy and Ethics GCSE The Course

Why study Philosophy and Ethics?

This subject is suitable for anyone who enjoys thinking

The study of Philosophy and Ethics at GCSE is fascinating

critically, playing with abstract concepts and challenging

and excellent preparation for a wide range of A-Level

received wisdom. Philosophers ask fundamental

courses and at degree level. Highly regarded by

questions about our own nature, and of the world we

universities, the subject involves a study of philosophical,

live in. It is a challenging and exciting process, helping

theological and ethical theories which underpin and

you to grow and develop intellectually while developing

structure our world today.

valuable and transferable skills in analysis, imagination, problem solving and communication.

Future Pathways An understanding of Philosophy and Ethics is essential to

What will I study?

an engagement with key themes in politics, law, medicine,

Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern

education, human rights and religion. Every year many

World • Theme 1: Issues of • Theme 2: Issues of • Theme 3: Issues of • Theme 4: Issues of

students choose to continue studying this subject at A-Level Relationships Life and Death Good and Evil Human Rights

Study of Christianity Candidates will learn about the belief, teachings and practices of Christianity. Students will study practices such as pilgrimage, evangelism and the work of the

at the highly successful co-educational Walton Post 16 Centre.

Career Opportunities • Journalism • Publishing • Law • Teaching • Psychotherapy and counselling

world church such as working for justice of those facing persecution. Views will be explored such as beliefs

Assessment

about creation, salvation and the afterlife.

You will be assessed at the end of the course by written examinations.

Study of Judaism Views within Judaism in the way beliefs and teachings are understood and expressed will be included throughout the course of study. This will include practices such as festivals and life cycle rituals and beliefs such as the covenant and the chosen nation.

For more information on Philosophy & Ethics, contact Mrs McKeown via email: cmckeown@walton-ac.org.uk

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Photography GCSE The Course Photography is all about learning how to compose a striking and creative photograph. We want you to express your thoughts and ideas through Photography.

You will produce three major projects: 1. The Formal Elements of Photography 2. Developing your own creative project 3. Your exam project where you respond to a theme set by the exam board OPPORTUNITIES - take part in workshops and gallery visits.

What will I study?

Through responding to the work of creative practitioners and the wider world around you, you will develop

Career opportunities • Photographer • Film maker • Graphic designer • Fashion buyer • Point of sale designer in high street shops • Set design • Location scout for film/TV Assessment 1. Skills building in Yr9 2. Coursework project 60% 3. Exam project 40% The exam project is a project which is completed during class and homework time, the theme is set by the exam board.

ideas for projects. Anything can inspire you from films and music videos to a walk in the countryside. You will learn how to use a digital camera without working on automatic! You will also learn how to edit your photographs using a range of techniques including Photoshop. You will then make creative final pieces which conclude your project.

Why study Photography?

You are creative and imaginative.

You love documenting the world around you.

You are not afraid to try new things and take risks.

You like working on projects rather than ‘exams’.

Future Pathways Everything in the world is designed and documented by a creative person from the clothes you are wearing to the font style that you are reading now. There are

For more information on Photography, contact Miss Williams via email: nwilliams@walton-ac.org.uk

hundreds of jobs in the creative industries.

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Physical Education BTEC The Course You will receive a well-rounded and full introduction into the world of PE, Sport and Sport Science by developing an understanding of how the mind and body works, in relation to performance in physical activity.

What will I study?

Theory You will learn about various sectors of PE and Sport including: anatomy and physiology, fitness, health, injuries, performance, training principles and psychology.

Career Opportunities Practical

Studying PE is an ideal stepping stone into many sport

You will not be assessed on your practical ability,

related careers such as: • PE Teaching • Sports Nutrition • Sport and Exercise Science • Sports Coaching

however some components of the course will be taught in a practical setting.

Why study Physical Education?

You should choose a qualification in Physical Education if you have a love of being active and enjoy sports.

You must have an interest in sport and in learning about the many factors that contribute to a successful sporting performance.

Assessment You will be required to sit one exam and you will complete 3 units of coursework throughout the length of the course

Future Pathways You can progress from this subject into further study of PE and Sport at Level 3, an apprenticeship or employment in the Sport Sector.

For more information on PE, contact Miss Sandell via email: ksandell@walton-ac.org.uk

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Science (Triple) GCSE The Course

Future Pathways

Students will either undertake two Science GCSE

Every year many students choose to continue studying

examinations as part of the core curriculum or opt to

Biology, Chemistry and Physics at AS and A2 at The

study Triple Science which will lead to three separate

Post 16 Centre at Walton and Science is an increasingly

Science GCSE’s, in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

popular university choice as are science based vocational courses.

By taking this option, students will follow three separate GCSE programmes through their ‘core’ science lessons and their option block lessons in order to gain sufficient hours to achieve separate GCSE grades.

What will I study?

There are Biology, Chemistry and Physics modules covering diverse topics ranging from how cloned embryos could donate cells to cure diseases, to how scientists use data to look for links between air quality and illnesses, right up to our position in the Universe!

Why study Triple Science?

The Triple Science course is suitable for those students

Career Opportunities • Medicine and pharmaceuticals • Forensic Science • Engineering • Ecology and environmental Sciences • Cosmetics industry • Astronomy – the sky really is your limit!

Assessment Students are examined at the end of the two year course by written examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Practical work is also an essential part of the curriculum and knowledge of practical skills are examined as part of the written assessments.

who love sciences and may wish to consider A Level Science at Key Stage 5. If you think you will want to take any one of the three Science subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A Level then you must choose Triple Science. It is also a good companion for the Computer Science course offered at Key Stage 4.

Science gives all students a broad and valuable understanding of Science, which will prepare them for life in a scientific and technologically based society.

GCSE Science offers valuable support to those going on to study social sciences such as Psychology or Vocational courses such as animal care.

For more information on Science, contact Mrs Thomas-Wright via email: jthomas-wright@walton-ac.org.uk

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Spanish GCSE The Course

Future Pathways

GCSE Spanish helps students develop their Spanish

Studying a language will help you be successful in any

language skills in a variety of contexts and a

other subject you study for GCSE, A-Level or even in

broad understanding of the culture of countries and

Higher Education. Learning a new language strengthens

communities where Spanish is spoken. It encourages

memory because the brain has built its ability to associate

enjoyment of language learning and the recognition that

information with mnemonics and retains information better.

language skills enable students to take their place in a

As a consequence, performance in other academic areas

multi-lingual global society. This course requires students

is often enhanced.

to develop their ability to write and speak in Spanish and to understand Spanish when it is written down or spoken.

A qualification in Spanish is required to qualify for the

Career Opportunities • Journalism • Travel and Tourism • Teaching (in the UK or abroad) • Public Relations

EBacc.

Assessment What will I study?

You will be assessed at the end of the course by speaking,

Students study all of the following themes on which the

listening, reading and writing examinations. Each

assessments are based. Theme 1: Identity and Culture.

examination paper is worth 25% of your final GCSE

Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global

grade.

Areas of Interest. Theme 3: Current and Future Study and Employment.

Why study Spanish?

Using a language at work could raise your salary by between 8 – 20%! Learning a language helps your memory, creativity, listening skills and self-confidence.

By taking a language qualification you don’t just learn the language, you get to find out about other people, countries and cultures, making it an interesting and varied subject. A foreign language means business – being able to speak a language will make you really stand out.

For more information on Spanish, contact Mrs Byrne via email: sbyrne@walton-ac.org.uk

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Textile Design: Fashion GCSE The Course

Future Pathways

Textiles Design: Fashion is all about experimenting and

Everything in the world is designed by a creative person

having fun with textile media /materials. We want you

from the clothes you are wearing to the font style that

to express your thoughts and ideas through fashion

you are reading now. There are hundreds of jobs in the

making. You will produce three major projects, and have

creative industries.

opportunities to take part in workshops and gallery visits.

1. Textiles techniques: printing, heat processes, fabric manipulation and hand and machine embroidery. Pattern cutting and construction techniques; seams, darts, fastenings.

2. Dying techniques: fabric painting and printing, refinement and extension of techniques learnt in Yr 10.

3. Your exam project: developing skills and techniques in response to a theme set by the exam board.

Just some of the creative career opportunities; • Textiles designer • Fashion designer • Fashion buyer • Art & Design teacher or lecturer • Pattern Cutter • Visual Merchandiser • Clothing / textiles technologist Assessment 1. Skills building in Yr9 2. Coursework project 60% 3. Exam project 40%

What will I study?

The exam project is a sketchbook based project which is

Through responding to the work of creative practitioners

completed during class and homework time, the difference

and the wider world around you, you will develop

is, the theme is set by the exam board.

ideas for projects. Anything can inspire you such as films, literature, news, social issues, music videos even a walk in the countryside. In order to develop your ideas further you will explore many materials and media including fabrics, wire, paint, photography and drawing media to create interesting and imaginative work. You will then make creative final pieces which conclude your project.

Why study Textiles Design; Fashion?

• You are creative and imaginative.

• You love making things and looking at both Fashion and Art work.

• You are not afraid to try new things and take risks.

• You like working on projects rather than ‘exams’.

For more information on Textiles, contact Mrs Volley via email: lvolley@walton-ac.org.uk

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Tourism BTEC The Course The Level 2 Award in Tourism qualification enables you to learn about the tourism industry in an interesting and practical way. It makes the issues affecting the sustainability and development of tourism within the UK understandable.

What will I study?

Three compulsory units are undertaken. The course consists of three key units: Customer Experience, The Business of Tourism and Developing UK Tourist Destinations. The units explore why customer service

destinations attract visitors from around the world.

Career Opportunities • Cabin Crew • Resort Representative • Tourist Information Advisor • Travel Agent • Travel Guide

Why study Tourism?

Assessment

It helps to gain an understanding about the tourism

Your understanding will be assessed through two

industry and how it contributes to society and the

controlled assessments, Customer Experience and

economy. You will develop transferable skills which

Developing UK Tourist Destinations, as well as an external

are valued by both employers and educational

examination on The Business of Tourism.

is so important and the impact good/bad service can have on the tourism industry, why the business of tourism is so important to the UK economy and how key tourist

establishments, therefore, helping prepare students for the world of work.

Future Pathways Level 2 Tourism students often go on to study Level 3 Travel and Tourism, Level 3 Applied Business and A-Levels.

For more information on Tourism, contact Mr Wright via email: awright@walton-ac.org.uk

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Timeline and Deadlines 8 February 2018

Options launch during Life Skills & Choices Day

28 February 2018

Options Evening

14 March 2018

Deadline for options forms

Summer term

July 2018

Final confirmation of option choices by letter

Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 transition

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Notes

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Walton l Harlaxton Road l Grantham l Lincolnshire l NG31 7JR tel: 01476 563251 l email: enquiries@walton-ac.org.uk