Year 8 Options Booklet 2023-2026

Curriculum & Options Information

November 2022

Dear Year 8 Student

Key Stage 4 in 2023-26

At the end of this academic year, you will have successfully completed Key Stage 3. In September 2023, you will be starting Key Stage 4 and studying a variety of subjects leading to your GCSE examinations.

This booklet aims to give you information about the GCSE options you can choose to study here at Wycombe High School.

Core GCSE subjects

In the compulsory core subjects, you will begin GCSE study right at the start of Year 9. These subjects are

· English Language and Literature

· Maths, · Biology, · Chemistry · and Physics.

·

All students will also complete an additional Maths qualifications alongside their GCSE course.

Non-core GCSE subjects

We should like to invite you to opt for five subjects to take in Year 9. You will start studying the GCSE course in all of them. This allows you to maintain a broad curriculum and then make informed choices about your final four GCSE options as at the end of Year 9, you drop one of these subjects. So, by the end of Year 11 you will have GCSE in the six core subjects and four optional subjects.

The non-examined

courses

Simultaneously, you will follow a set of non-examined courses to enrich your curriculum. In Year 9 you will have lessons in a carousel of subjects such as First Aid, Digital Literacy and PSHEE. In Year 10, you will study Citizenship, Computing and core RS. In Year11, you will study Citizenship and core RS. In all three years you will also have Core PE lessons too.

To help you …

We have designed this information booklet to support you and your parents in discussing your options, and to enable you to make your final choice with confidence. You should read all the information that departments have provided about both the compulsory subjects and the option courses, to help you gain an idea of what is involved.

During the next two months you can discuss your GCSE choices with your tutor and older students in your tutor group where possible. You can also discuss your choices with your subject teachers and with our Careers Adviser, Miss Spiteri. You can visit web sites and eClips and Unifrog to which we subscribe .

Option changes

We try very hard to accommodate everyone's choices, but there are sometimes hitches.

· Occasionally we are not able to run a particular course at all because there are timetabling or staffing restrictions, or because only a very small number of students have chosen that subject. If this happens you will be told as soon as possible, and we will use your reserve choice, or discuss the best alternative for you.

· We might think that the choice of subjects you have made is not in your best interests, and we may therefore want to suggest a different set of options to you.

If, at a later date, you change your mind about a subject you have chosen, you should talk to Mr Howells, who will advise you what to do.

Please remember that we are here to help and support you through this process. The information in the booklet should be self explanatory but, if you have any concerns, do ask your tutor or Mr Howells for clarification.

The deadline for submitting your option choices is 9.00 am Tuesday 18 January 2022.

Yours sincerely

Mr B Howells Miss A Drysdale Head of Bronte House and Year 8 Assistant Headteacher

Where to find further information

If you want to find out more about GCSE courses, or about the qualifications you might need for a particular occupation or university course, there are a number of things you can do.

Careers Advisor

For help and advice in school, you can talk to the School’s Careers Advisor, Miss Spiteri. She can answer any questions regarding options or any other careers related matters during break or lunch time. Her office is in the Careers Library, located in the mezzanine of the Learning Centre.

Unifrog

Unifrog is not just about applying to University it is so much more. You have been saving your Careers tutor time activities here, and can use it to log Activities and Competencies. There is a wealth of information about different Careers, and information listed by school subject too, as well as by skill. Webinars are also available, with previous webinars available to view on demand. You can also find advice and guidance about your wellbeing, along with advice of the practicalities of life such as simple household tips and recipes. This is an excellent time to really make time to explore the huge range of material that is available on Unifrog.

University entrance

If you have questions about the current entry requirements for university courses, the best place to look is the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

By using the Course Search, you can find out what university courses are available, which subjects are needed at A Level, and at what grades. Remember that you can only find out what universities require now their requirements may not be the same by the time you are thinking about applying to university in four or five years time!

Other sources

Use the other sources of information that were shared with you on your Post-14 Options Day, listed in your booklet for the day.

Examination boards

Much of the information on the websites is aimed at teachers, but there are sections giving information for students and parents. It is also possible to look at the specifications for GCSE courses.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Summary 2023

During Years 9, 10 and 11 you will study courses leading to the following core qualifications:

· GCSE English Language

· GCSE English Literature

· GCSE Mathematics

· GCSE Biology

· GCSE Chemistry

· GCSE Physics

In addition, your Key Stage 4 timetable will include some compulsory non-examined courses:

· Core Physical Education

· PSHEE which will cover careers education, work related learning, relationships, health and wellbeing

· Non examined courses: in Year 9 these will be on a carousel and may include, for example, First Aid and Digital Literacy; in Years 10-11, these are Citizenship and Core RS

· Intervention sessions: in Years 10 11 you will have study periods, and you may be invited to attend Intervention session in the core subjects, aimed at helping you to improve your grade

Finally, Key Stage 4 includes the Optional Curriculum …

In addition to the compulsory GCSEs at the top of this page, you have the opportunity to choose five subjects to study. At the end of Year 9, you will drop one of these. You will then take the remaining four subjects through to GCSE at the end of Year 11.

You have an almost completely free choice, but you must abide by two rules:

1. At least one of your optional GCSEs must be modern language (French or Spanish). You may choose to study French and Spanish if you wish. You must continue to with one modern language into Year 10 and 11.

2. You must take at least one humanity from a choice of Ancient History, Geography or History. This will enable you to qualify for the EBacc. You may choose to study more than one of these GCSEs if you wish. You must continue to with one humanity into Year 10 and 11.

In addition for Design and Technology you can take either Fashion & Textiles, or Product Design in Year 11, so when refining your choices in Year 9 you may only choose one of these.

Please choose your five GCSE subjects in total, from this list:

Ancient History History

Art Latin

Design & Technology: Fashion & Textiles Music

Design & Technology: Product Design Physical Education

Drama Religious Studies

French Spanish Geography

Things to think about when making your choices

· Aim for a balance of subjects across different areas. An ideal balance would include one humanity, one language, one performing arts, and one technology / art subject.

· Choose subjects you are good at you should feel confident and capable of succeeding.

· Choose subjects you believe you will enjoy studying for three years.

· Consider the requirements of any career plans you might already have in mind. If you have no firm career plans as yet, that’s fine: just aim for a broad spread of options.

· Talk to the teachers of the subjects you are thinking of choosing, and to other students in your tutor group.

The EBacc

The EBacc was introduced by the Government in 2010. A student who takes English, Maths, two sciences (Biology, Chemistry, & Physics), a language and a humanity (Ancient History, History or Geography) has taken the group of qualifications known as the English Baccalaureate, as long as she achieves GCSE grades 9 5 in all of these subjects.

Subject information

On the following pages you will find detailed information about each GCSE course offered at Wycombe High School, and the enrichment components of the curriculum.

At the end of the booklet you will find tables that give the number of hours for each component of the curriculum through Years 9 to 11.

GCSE Core Subjects

Subject

Leader: Mrs Jewell

Edexcel English Language – Specification 1EN0

Edexcel English Literature – Specification 1ET0

This is a core subject and students are entered for two GCSE qualifications: English Language and English Literature. Both are taught in English lessons and this is how the subjects will appear on student’s timetable.

English Language

Studying English Language helps you to improve your communication skills and develop creative and analytical approaches to both fiction and non fiction texts.

You will be required to explore how a text’s form, structure and language influence readers. You will also hone your ability to adapt the style of your writing to suit a particular purpose and audience, have lots of opportunities to write creatively, and develop your presentation and debating skills!

‘I’ve always associated the moment of wri ng with a moment of li , of joy, of unexpected reward.’

Seamus Heaney

English Literature

‘I’m only really alive when I’m wri ng.’

Tennessee Williams

The aim of the English Literature course is to develop your knowledge and understanding of how to explore literary texts analytically and how to evaluate different viewpoints. You will study a 19th -century novel, a range of poetry from 1789 onwards, a Shakespearean play and a post 1914 novel.

‘A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.’

Italo Calvino

Shakespeare ‘was not of an age, but for all me!’

Jonson

In preparation, you should read a range of increasingly challenging fiction and non-fiction texts. Read plays and poetry, as well as novels. If you can include some 19th century novels all the better! You should also familiarise yourself with the context of the texts you read: what social and historical factors might have influenced the writer’s choices?

In addition, aim to read a quality newspaper once a week, to familiarise yourself with how writers adapt their style and language to suit the purpose and audience and how they write to engage and influence the reader.

GCSE English & English Literature

Shakespeare dickens Hardy Austen

Shaw

Priestly

Chaucer

Tennyson

Rosse

Blake Wordsworth

Keats

Clare Marvell

Milton Gray Don

ne Browning

Byron

Owen Heaney Hughes

Ben

I’ve really enjoyed studying Shakespeare. The content is so relevant to us even now!’

Alisha, Year 10

I really enjoy English because I love analysing language and literature. Studying English makes you appreciate the books you read even more.’

Lo y, Year 10

‘English opens your mind to all sorts of interpretations and it’s a really dynamic course.’

Sophie, Year 10

GCSE English & English Literature

‘I really love writing my own poetry so studying other poets has really helped me.’

Emily, Year 10

"Mathematics is the queen of science, and arithmetic the queen of mathematics."

Mathematics is a powerful tool for understanding the world around us and our perspective of the important issues we face in the modern world. Whether you are analysing data for a clinical trial or developing new technological advances, Mathematics really is all around us

Gauss

Where can

Mathematics

take you? A strong background in Mathematics will open doors to a wide range of career opportunities including

What skills do you develop in Mathematics?

Numeracy Critical thinking Problem solving Analytical thinking Quantitative reasoning Ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas Construct logical arguments and expose illogical arguments Communication Time Management Teamwork Independence

Other Subjects

Yes it complements STEM but also helps in STEM as well as developing a wide range of skills. It will compliment your other subjects including:

Carl Friedrich

“I would never have thought that I would have favourite topics within Maths like trigonometry and pi.” Laura, Year 11

“No matter how hard a problem seems, once you have been taught how, it becomes easy.” Ciara, Year 10

“This is actually fun. I really like algebra.” Zoe, Year 11

“It’s a skill for life!” Anna, Year 10

“I like the feeling when you finally understand how to apply methods.” Tineshia, Year 11

GCSE Mathematics

“Maths is one of my favourite lessons.” Reann, Year 11

“It’s really fulfilling when you understand how to solve problems.” Rebecca, Year 11

“To infinity and beyond!” Hannah, Year 10

Subject Leaders: Mrs Çatalağaç and Mr Nadeem

Edexcel Biology – Specification 1BI0

Edexcel Chemistry – Specification 1CH0

Edexcel Physics Specification 1PH0

Students will take three separate GCSEs one in each of the science disciplines, which will each be awarded their own grade.

The courses all place an emphasis upon:

· core scientific knowledge and the freedom to use practical time to explore science rather than coursework tasks

· providing the necessary preparation required for progression to A Levels in science

All students start their science courses in Year 9. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught as separate subjects by specialist teachers. In Year 10, students will be placed into four mixed ability groups in each half of the year group.

GCSE Science Courses

Students will have access to an online textbook which they will be able to access on their tablets. The specifications are available to view online, via the Edexcel website.

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel gcses/sciences 2016.html

Assessment

For each subject, students will sit two examination papers (so there are six examinations in total).

All examinations will take place at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework or controlled assessment element which means we have additional time at the end of Year 11 to do plenty of preparation for the examinations.

The following extract from the Edexcel website gives more detail about the exams:

· Students must answer all questions

· The papers will include multiple choice, short answer questions, calculations and extended open response questions

· Calculators may be used in the examination

· Available at foundation tier and higher tier

· Students must complete all assessments for this qualification in the same tier

· The foundation tier paper will target grades 1 5

· The higher tier paper will target grades 4 9

Practical Tasks

There will be ample opportunity throughout the year to study all three sciences through core practical skills.

Application of the skills practised will be assessed in the written examination papers.

GCSE Science Courses

GCSE Optional Subjects

You will need to select five of the following subjects to study in Year 9

ANCIENT HISTORY

OCR - Specification J198

Subject Leader: Mrs Williams

When it feels like the world is going crazy, it is important to reflect how far our values have changed, how past certainties melt like snow with the passage of time.

3 REASONS YOU MUST STUDY ANCIENT HISTORY

Fun and enjoyment

If the following seem interesting, then Ancient History is for you:

Heroic deeds, gods, omens, doomed romances; gory details like murder, incest, cannibalism and torture; stunningly beautiful art and palaces.

Become a fabulously erudite person who knows (amongst many other things) why Iran and t get on, the origins of Israel, the architecture, drama and democracy we have

shaping Asians, Africans, even women too!

GCSE Ancient History 2023

Ancient History is a recognised EBacc subject, valued by employers and universities.

Topics

Ancient Persia – learn how Cyrus and his heirs built the world empire, which governed 40% of the world’s population at its height, and has become a model

for tolerant, enlightened rule ever since.

Alexander the Great sometimes one individual can change the world forever. Alexander united the Greeks, destroyed the Persian Empire and led his army as far as India. He spread Greek culture throughout the middle east, tried to become a god, then died with no more lands left to

Rome

few are as From discover grew to rule

GCSE Ancient History 2023

Cleopatra Pharaoh of lover of Roman Her romance with Mark Antony is one the world ambitious queen not only fascinated and outraged her contemporaries, but continues to do so to this day.

Subject Leader: Ms

Gadd

AQA Art & Design (Fine Art) - Specification 8202

Course overview

Wycombe High School offers GCSE Art and Design. Our exam board is AQA. GCSE Art and Design promotes learning across a variety of experiences and through various processes, tools, techniques, materials and resources to generate different kinds of evidence of working and outcomes.

Students who study Art and Design at Wycombe High School will have the opportunity to learn and develop expertise in the following key art forms:

Drawing and painting

Printmaking (lino, monoprint, dry point etching)

Painting

Ceramics

Digital art and media, and more.

You will also learn about a wide range of artists, designers and craftspeople, who will inform your practice and help you develop ideas of your own.

GCSE Art 2023

Course structure

Component

1: Portfolio

(60% of your final grade)

Each student must select and present a portfolio representative of their course of study. The portfolio must include both:

A sustained project developed in response to a subject, theme, task or brief evidencing the journey from initial engagement with an idea(s) to the realisation of intentions. This will give you the opportunity to demonstrate, through an extended creative response, your ability to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding from across their course of study.

A selection of further work resulting from activities such as trials and experiments; skills based workshops; and mini projects

Component 2: Externally set assignment (40% of your final grade)

AQA will provide a separate externally set assignment for each title, each with seven different starting points. You must select and respond to one starting point from your chosen title.

This will give you the opportunity to demonstrate, through an extended creative response, your ability to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding in response to your selected starting point.

ENJOYMENT and COMMITMENT are the key factors to succeeding in GCSE Art and Design. If you have a love for drawing, painting and expressing yourself visually then this is the course for you.

Subject Leader: Mr Nevard

You may choose from two areas of DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY in which to specialise at GCSE: Product Design or Fashion and Textiles.

We have put together an exciting, practical, hands-on programme of work for you when you choose a Technology subject for GCSE. The work will build on the skills you have already learnt at Key Stage 3 and introduce you to new techniques, ideas and ways of presenting your work.

Whether you are working in small groups or on your own project, we are sure that you will enjoy designing your own items to make.

subject is taken as a full GCSE course and assessed in the same manner, the assessment

The coursework comprises of a Design folder and a 3D practical item, which you have;

Need some help? Bring yourself along to the Technology Block and we will show you all the projects you will be making throughout the course.

We have a strong tradition of performing very well in national competitions, where you can win amazing prizes. Do you think you have what it takes to be the next BIG thing!

GCSE Design & Technology 2023

More about the specialisms

Product Design

Product Design is all about creating new three dimensional products through efficient design, development and evaluation. As a Product Designer, you will have an excellent understanding of the relationship between Technology, Maths, Art and Science and be able to make an impact on the world around you. Woods, Metals, Plastics, Paper, Text and Inkthese are the basic raw materials of the Product Designer. Together with innovative Smart Materials and CAD/CAM Technology, you will transform your ideas into realistic and workable prototypes.

On this course, you will produce a creative portfolio (100 marks) where you will Investigate, Design, Make and Evaluate a product, developing skills in researching, designing, reviewing, planning, modelling and testing. You will spend time in the workshop utilising all of the machinery we have on offer, as well as designing your own logos, graphics and text to compliment your products.

Of course, no GCSE would be complete without the written part of the exam, a 1hr 45min paper (100 marks). This will test your design skills and the theory knowledge of ‘core’ theory (40 marks) and a specialist materials theory of your choice (60 marks). The experience gained from this course will be an asset not only in this specific field of design, but also in the wider industrial and business applications such as; Engineering, Architecture, Interior and Furniture Design.

Fashion and Textiles

If you enjoy working with or admiring fashion, costume and textile products, and you would like to extend your experience of creative and technical skills, then you will enjoy the GCSE course.

You will have the opportunity to design and make a prototype for target markets chosen by yourself, including garments, textile products (including costume) and interior decorations. You can use as much imagination as you like, but do not have to be an expert to do well in this course. Throughout the course you will increase your knowledge of materials, construction and decorative processes. You will discover how products are made in industry, and as part of a team will simulate a production line. Textiles compliments Art, Maths, and Engineering particularly well and would suit anyone considering a career involving Fashion in a creative or business field.

The course is made up of an NEA (coursework) task worth 50% of the final grade. This is a design and make project that is completed in the Autumn and Spring terms in the second year of the course. There is also an examination paper worth 50% of the final grade. This is a 2 hour paper that covers Core technical principles (20 marks), Specialist technical principles (30 marks) and Designing and making principles (50 marks).

GCSE Design & Technology

Drama

Subject Leader: Mr Bellars

AQA Drama – Specification 8261

What is GCSE Drama all about?

GCSE Drama is an opportunity to study all the different aspects of theatre. You will understand what it is like to put yourself in somebody else's shoes. You will play many parts in different imaginary situations, creating your own work as well as looking at plays written by other people. You also get the opportunity to explore the technical sides of theatre, looking at areas such as costume design, make-up, lighting and many more. You can even have your practical exam in these areas.

The GCSE Drama course is in three parts: 1. Understanding drama 2. Devising drama 3. Texts in practice

Component Weighting How is it assessed?

Understanding Drama:

Study of a set play

40%

Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes Open book

80 marks

Devising Drama:

Process of creating devised drama

Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer) Analysis and evaluation of own work

Texts in practice:

Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer)

Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1

40%

Devising log (60 marks) Devised performance (20 marks) 80 marks in total

GCSE Drama 2023

20%

Performance of Extract 1 (25 marks) and Extract 2 (25 marks)

50 marks in total

Will I enjoy this course?

If you enjoy work which is exciting, practical and creative, and you like to express your ideas in a theatrical way, you will! GCSE Drama offers you the chance to explore playwrights' ideas as well as create original drama to communicate your own. You will enjoy this course if you enjoy working as part of a team as Drama involves a lot of group work.

How does it follow on from what I have learned previously?

GCSE Drama relates well to Drama work that you have done in Key Stage 3. You will develop your improvisation and acting skills to a higher level. You will also look at plays in more detail and look at different ways of bringing a script alive on stage. There will be more opportunities to develop technical skills, such as lighting and set design.

What other skills might I develop?

As well as acquiring the skills involved in creating and performing Drama, you will also be able to develop skills in working with others, problem solving and communication. You will also find that Drama will help you feel more self confident and prepare you to deal with a range of different situations and people.

What could I do next with GCSE Drama?

There are many things you can go on to do with a GCSE in Drama. If you are unsure about what to do next, the best thing is to speak to your Drama teacher who will know about the choices on offer.

You could go on to take an A Level course in Drama and Theatre Studies in our Sixth Form. Other institutions offer an Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education in Performing Arts or a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Performing Arts.

You may wish to take a GCSE in Drama for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest or as part of a range of other subjects. Or you might wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of Drama, or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this course. These might include careers in such fields as law, medicine, sales and marketing or any career that involves meeting people face to face. The study of Drama can help you develop transferable skills you can take into any career or job.

What do previous Year 10 Drama students say?

"Drama GCSE is a lot of fun but you still have to work hard. It's good for your confidence, and your ability to work with a team improves greatly." "There is a lot of practical work which is really fun. The good thing is you don't have to be a brilliant actress."

GCSE Drama 2023

Why should I study GCSE French?

Oh, là là! There are very good reasons why France is the most visited holiday destination in the world. It has a certain je ne sais quoi. With miles of glorious coastline, picturesque villages, two mountain ranges for hiking or winter sports and Mediterranean sun, the attractions are evident.

France is our nearest neighbour and our ties with the country go back a long way. Our business links with the country continue to grow as does the demand for French speakers. Indeed, French is still the most requested language by many employers in the UK.

In this competitive world of employment, knowledge of French may well set you apart from other candidates and enhance your careers prospects. Indeed, many universities require an MFL at GCSE, so join the crème de la crème and learn more of the delights of this beautiful language.

One of the top five!

French is one of top five languages the UK will need the most in the years ahead, according to a report recently released by the British Council.

What will I study?

You will use the skills and language you have studied at KS3 and develop them further studying the following topics:

Theme 1 - Identity and culture:

Me, my family and friends · Relationships with family and friends · Marriage/partnership

Technology in everyday life

Social media · Mobile technology Free time activities

Music

Cinema and TV

Food and eating out · Sport customs and festivals in French speaking countries / communities

Theme 2 - Local, national, international and global areas of interest:

Home, town, neighbourhood and region

Social issues

· Charity / voluntary work

· Healthy / unhealthy living / global issues

· The environment Poverty / homelessness

Travel and tourism

French

Theme 3 - Current and future study and employment:

· My studies / life at school / college

· Education post 16

· Career choices and ambitions

Will I have the opportunity to visit France?

Yes - probably on a home stay visit where you pay to stay with a host French family for several days. During the stay, you go on a programme of excursions with other students from our school, returning to your host family for a meal and accommodation each evening.

Do you recognise any of the

How is the course assessed?

All students are assessed in four skills by final examination. Each skill carries equal weighting towards the GCSE.

Some of our best Universities may request the study of a language at GCSE as an entrance requirement for certain degrees, and numerous degrees are offered with the study of a foreign language alongside, and the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad.

And don’t forget the long-term benefits it will bring:

· Languages are a life skill

· Languages teach you communication skills and adaptability

· Cultural awareness

· A Social Skill

· Languages give you the edge in the job market

· Greater opportunities to travel and work abroad

· Languages combine well with virtually any other subject for further study

To name but a few

GCSE French 2023

Geography

Subject Leader: Mrs Raheel

AQA Geography - Specification 8035

What is Geography and why should you study it?

Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places & environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live.

Do you want to understand the world? Are you therefore interested in studying Geography further? You should be, because Geography tackles the big issues:

Environmental responsibility

Our global interdependence

Cultural understanding and tolerance

Commerce, trade and industry

The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why this is and helps to prepare you for those changes.

If you enjoy studying Geography and are good at it – carry on studying it! You are more likely to obtain your best results in a subject you enjoy and are good at!

"The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, apprecia ng the diversity of cultures that exists across con nents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together."

President Barack Obama (2012)

Is Geography useful when you come to getting a job?

The answer is a resounding YES!

Studies have shown that Geographers leaving university are amongst the most employable of any graduates. Why? Because Geography equips them with transferable skills for the complex world of employment today check out the headlines!

GEOGRAPHERS ARE: · Good communicators · Spatially aware · Socially and environmentally aware · Problem solvers · Good team players · Computer literate

· Well rounded, flexible thinkers

GEOGRAPHERS CAN: · Make a concise report · Handle data to develop numeracy skills · Make decisions and think independently

Analyse material · Manage themselves

Solve problems · Utilise new technologies

Few subjects equip you for as broad a range of careers as Geography. Further studies can lead to careers in law, investment banking, accountancy, market research, management consultancy, aid work, landscape architecture, countryside management, field studies work, environmental consultancy, civil engineering, social work, cartography, surveying, town planning, retail, finance, travel, tourism, heritage management and most importantly Geography teaching!

GCSE Geography 2023

What will you study?

You will follow the AQA Geography specification, new in 2016. This is split into four units and three exams as follows:

Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment (35% 1h 30m exam)

The challenge of natural hazards

Tectonic hazards earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes

Tropical cyclones, extreme weather and climate change

Unit 2:

Challenges

Physical landscapes in the UK

Two of:

Coastal landscapes and change

River landscapes and change

The living world

Ecosystems

Tropical rainforests

Hot deserts

in the Human Environment (35% - 1h 30m exam)

Urban issues and challenges

Popula on and migra on

Social, economic and environmental challenges

Management and sustainability

The changing economic world

Reducing the development gap

Globalisa on and economic change

Economy of the UK

Resource management

Global distribu on of resources Energy

Unit 3: Geographical Applica ons and Skills (30% - 1h 15m exam)

Geographical applica ons:

Issue evalua on from a pre release paper. You will receive this 12 weeks before the exam

Fieldwork enquiries from two field trips, one human based and one physical

Geographical skills:

Cartographic (map) skills

Graphical, numerical and sta s cal skills

Literacy skills

Will you get out of the classroom?

Of course! Fieldwork forms an essential part of the specification. Fieldwork helps to bring Geography to life, expanding your horizons and putting what you learn into practice. You will perhaps be glad to hear there is no coursework for the GCSE specification following the trip, although you will be examined on some of the techniques and skills used at the end of the course. You will attend two field trips, one likely to be a coastal investigation to Chichester Harbour, the other a study in an urban environment, likely to be the London Olympic Site. There is no coursework required following your field work you will be asked questions relating to your fieldwork as a part of Unit 3.

Where will Geography take you?

GCSE Geography 2023

Subject

Leader: Mr Binks

Edexcel History - Specification 1HI0

Why choose GCSE History?

GCSE History is fascinating. You will be studying some of the major turning points as well as some of the most exciting, and the most tragic, events from across the last 1000 years. You will increase your knowledge and understanding of the world today and understand why different nations, religions and cultures establish the different views they have and contribute to the diverse world we live in today. For example, how were minorities persecuted in Nazi Germany? How and why was race crime not illegal before the 20th century? Is John Hawkins’ role in the English navy and the defeat of the Spanish Armada negated by his links with the slave trade? The course is also valuable in other ways. You will be developing such historical skills as how to assess a source’s utility, reliability and bias, and how to write a coherent and logical analysis. These skills are used in a wide range of careers including law, journalism, advertising, publishing, the social services, policies and personnel management. The study of History is very well regarded by Higher Education institutions and employers.

The course consists of five Units.

Unit 1a Thematic Study (21% of GCSE)

Migrants in Britain, c800-present

An interesting look at both the voluntary and forced migration to and within Britain and the factors that influenced this movement.

GCSE History 2023

Unit 1b Historical Environment Study (9% of GCSE)

Notting Hill, c1948-c1970

Looks specifically at the reasons for Caribbean migration to the area and the impact this community had both on the local area and nationally.

Unit 2 Period Study (20% of GCSE)

International Relations 1941-91: The Cold War

We chart the relationship between the USSR and America in the late 20th Century, from the fallout of the Allies at the end of the Second World War to the pivotal crises of the Cold War, ending with the collapse of the Soviet Bloc and the emergence of the world we live in today.

Unit 3 Pre 1600 British Depth Study (20% of GCSE)

Early Elizabethan England 1558-1588

This unit examines a woman who was probably the most powerful female monarch in British History, Elizabeth I. We look at how she dealt with religion, a time of exploration, issues with the poor and threats from foreign powers.

Unit 4 Modern Depth Study (30% of GCSE)

Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1939

Students will examine one of the most difficult questions in History: ‘Why would an educated and cultured country choose Adolf Hitler for a leader?’ when we study Nazi Germany.

GCSE History 2023

Latin

Subject Leader: Mrs Williams

OCR Latin - Specification J282

Why study Latin at GCSE?

‘We learn not just for school but for life.’

We study some of the finest and most influential literature ever written, by the greatest writers of antiquity, the study of which will give you a thorough

· Are you a keen reader?

· Do you want to extend and develop your passion for literature?

· Do you like to be challenged to see the world through different perspectives?

Latin opens options

Latin is highly respected as a GCSE choice by the leading Russell Group of universities.

Latin is not a spoken language. Like English, it is a literary language, the study of which encourages students to reflect on truth of the human condition and nurses a love and

In short, Latin is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

How will Latin get me a job?

Will the ‘job for life’ exist in the future? With the advent of robot technology, the majority of today’s jobs will be obsolete in a few decades. It is increasingly important to develop your mental agility and gain the kind transferrable skills needed for success that a subject like Latin can provide.

GCSE Latin 2023

Latin has breadth and studying it opens up options for you. It marries well with almost every other subject, complimenting essay based humanities like History and English, as well as logic based sciences like Biology and Chemistry. A knowledge of Latin is an advantage not only in Law and Medicine, but also for students studying other languages.

COURSE CONTENT

The course is split into three units, examined after three years in three examinations.

Verse Literature – 25%

Study Baucis and Philemon, an old married couple who were the only ones in their town to welcome disguised gods Zeus and Hermes thus embodying the pious exercise of hospitality. How were they rewarded? They were turned into intertwined trees and therefore died together as they wished!

Language - 50%

The exam consists of stories from Roman history and mythology. Questions are a mix of comprehension and translation.

We continue with the Cambridge Latin Course, following Quintus and Salvius from Britannia to Rome.

The grammar builds on the foundations of Y7 and Y8, and you have a set vocabulary list, most of the words you already know.

Prose Literature - 25%

Ever wondered how we know so much about the Romans and the eruption of Vesuvius? Well, it was thanks to this chap Pliny the Elder. Learn about the events and details of the days leading up to the eruption and what happened after...

Our second text is about Messalina, the Emperor Claudius' third wife. By the time our narrative starts, she and Claudius have two children. A powerful and influential woman with a reputation for promiscuity she allegedly conspired against her husband and was executed on the discovery of the plot.

GCSE Latin 2023

"Not knowing what happened before you were born is to be stuck in childhood forever. What does a person's life amount to without the historical consciousness that weaves one's life into the life of earlier generations?" Cicero, Orator XXXIV [120].

Music

Subject Leader: Mr Bell

Edexcel Music - Specification 1MU0

What is GCSE Music all about?

GCSE Music is about performing, composing and listening to music. It covers a wide variety of musical styles (popular music, world music and classical music) and builds on foundations laid at Key Stage 3.

You will enjoy the course if you want to study a subject that: involves performing involves listening to a variety of styles of music involves composing or arranging music gives you the opportunity to play music with others in groups, bands, choirs, orchestras both in and out of school develops your creative thinking, critical awareness, self-confidence and self-motivation, as well as your own musical interests and skills

Paper 1 (30%) Solo and Ensemble Performing

There are no set pieces the choice is yours. You do not have to have reached a specific grade you are assessed at whatever level you reach. However, it is recommended that you have instrumental lessons before starting on and during the GCSE course. The standard level of marking is approximately Grade 4, but you do not need to have taken, or be preparing for, any ABRSM or other related practical exams. Performances are assessed internally, recorded and sent to an external examiner to be moderated. The total duration of your performances must be at least 4 minutes.

Paper 2 (30%) Composition

You will compose two pieces. One of these will be to a brief set by Edexcel, and the other will be a free composition. The combined duration of your music must be at least 3 minutes. Work is assessed internally and sent to an external examiner to be moderated.

Paper 3 (40%) Listening and Appraising

Written paper lasting 1 hour 45 minutes at the end of the course

Questions will relate to eight set works studied under four Areas of Study (see over). The paper will be in two sections. In the first section you will listen to extracts of the set works, and some unfamiliar music on a CD and answer compulsory questions. The second section will involve more extended writing, comparing your set works to other unfamiliar pieces of music.

What other skills might I develop?

The course will develop your ability to communicate and work with others, for example by taking part in rehearsals and performing. You will also develop your ICT skills, using different kinds of Music software. You will learn about recording techniques and how technology is used in contemporary music.

GCSE Music 2023

What benefits will a GCSE in Music bring to my future plans / career choices?

You may wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of music or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this course. These might include careers in the music industry, publishing, entertainment and teaching or any job which involves communication and expressive skills. Employers in many fields of work, and also universities view the skills acquired by musicians very highly team work, problem solving, self confidence, the ability to present publicly, analytical skills, and negotiating and planning skills, amongst them.

Area of Study 1 Area of Study 2

Instrumental Music 1700 1820

J S Bach: 3rd Movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major

L van Beethoven: 1st Movement from Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor ‘Pathétique’

Vocal Music

H Purcell: Music for a While Queen: Killer Queen (from the album ‘Sheer Heart Attack’)

Area of Study 3 Area of Study 4

Music for Stage and Screen

S Schwartz: Defying Gravity (from Wicked)

J Williams: Main title/rebel blockade runner (from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope)

Before starting the course you should be able to:-

Fusions

Afro Celt Sound System: Release (from ‘Volume 2: Release’) Esperanza Spalding: Samba Em Preludio (from ‘Esperanza’)

· Play an instrument or sing with a potential to reach Grade 4+ by the time coursework is submitted in order to give yourself the chance to achieve successful grades in GCSE Music. Please note: you do NOT have to have reached this standard to start the course!

You should also be prepared to perform and listen to music in a wide range of styles. Some will be familiar to you; others may surprise or even shock you!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask us and we will do our best to answer them and sort out any problems.

GCSE Music 2023

Physical Education

Subject Leader: Miss Williams

AQA Physical Education - Specification 8582

Why do GCSE PE …

If you enjoy PE, then GCSE PE is the course for you. The course comprises of two aspects, the practical work and the theoretical work, and you will even have the opportunity to be examined on sports you do outside of school, for example skiing or horse riding.

The practical side

The practical component is worth 40% (25% of this will be a written analysis and evaluation of performance) of the final grade. You will learn how to perform and analyse movement as well as increasing your knowledge and skills. Your practical performance will be in three different physical activities in the role of player/performer: one in a team activity; one in an individual activity; and a third in either a team or individual activity. You are only able to do an activity once, so you couldn’t do Tennis singles and doubles, for example.

These are the activities you will choose from:

Individual Activities

Amateur Boxing Athletics

Badminton (singles)

Canoeing / Kayaking (slalom)

Canoeing / Kayaking (sprint) Cycling Dance Diving Equestrian Golf Gymnastics Rock climbing Sculling Skiing Snowboarding Squash (singles) Swimming Table Tennis (singles) Tennis (singles) Trampolining

For example you might do:

Team Activities

Badminton (doubles) Basketball Camogie Cricket Dance Football Gaelic Football Handball Hockey Hurling Lacrosse Netball Rowing Rugby League Rugby Union Squash (doubles) Table Tennis (doubles) Tennis (doubles) Volleyball

Specialist Individual Activities

Bocciia Polybat

Specialist Team Activities

Blind Cricket Goal Ball Powerchair Football Table Cricket Wheelchair Basketball Wheelchair Rugby

GCSE Physical Education 2023

Netball (Team), Swimming (Individual) and Athletics (Individual) or you might choose:

Hockey (Team), Badminton doubles (Team) and Golf (Individual)

Please let your teacher know if you do any sports outside of school at the start of the course and you can start working on your dvd evidence!

Five lessons are timetabled for GCSE PE in the two week timetable and two of these will be spent on practical sport. This is in addition to your usual core PE lessons. Additionally, you should be taking part in at least one sport in or out of school and attending school clubs on a regular basis.

The theoretical side

This is worth 60% of the final grade and will be examined at the end of the course in two 75 minute exam papers. You will study health, fitness and well being, applied anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training, sports psychology, use of data, and sociocultural influences.

This course has been developed with you in mind and therefore has great flexibility to meet your needs. It truly is an exciting, informative and interactive course, covering anatomy including the skeleton, muscles, heart and lungs. It looks at how the body’s systems respond to exercise. We will look at the reasons why people participate in sport, what motivates people to achieve success, how we develop skill, what factors affect fitness and how we can measure it. Ways of safely training the body to improve sports performance and how athletes are supported by local and national provision are also learnt. We will even analyse what a healthy diet is and look at what makes us want and need to exercise.

If you enjoy sport or learning about sport, GCSE PE is a really good way to develop your

knowledge of your body and how you improve performance. It is also a great basis from which to go on to A Level PE.

GCSE Physical Education 2023

If you are interested in this course, then you can speak to any PE teacher for advice or to answer any questions you may have. You can even email a message to them! They are more than happy to help.

Religion and Life Issues – content:

The GCSE covers six religions and five contemporary ethical themes, enabling you to explore a wide variety of religious issues. Two religions have to be studied in more detail in component 1.

You will:

· be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth

· gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture.

· develop knowledge and understanding of religions and non religious beliefs, such as atheism and humanism

· develop knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom and authority

· develop an ability to construct well argued, well informed, balanced and structured written

· arguments, demonstrating depth and breadth of understanding of the subject

· reflect on and develop personal values, belief, meaning, purpose, truth and consider the influence on these have on human life

· reflect on and develop values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of study which will contribute towards better understanding and participation in a pluralistic society and global community.

Component 1 - The Study of Religions: Beliefs, Teachings and Practices

What's assessed

Beliefs, teachings and practices of two religions: Christianity Islam

The questions within each religion have a common structure of two five part questions of 1, 2, 4, 5 marks plus one 12 mark question.

Component 2 - Thematic Studies

What's assessed

Four religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes from the following list

Theme A: Relationships and families.

Theme B: Religion and life.

Theme C: The existence of God and revelation.

Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict.

Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment.

Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice.

Each theme has a common structure of one five part question of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks.

GCSE Religious Studies 2023

Spanish

Subject Leader: Mr de Souza

AQA Spanish - Specification 8698

Why Spanish? It’s relevant … captivating … enjoyable! ¡Olé!

Not only is Spanish extremely relevant as the world’s third most spoken language, it is vibrant, lively and fun to learn. Spanish is spoken in twenty other countries besides Spain. Of course the attraction of Spanish is probably due, in some part, to it being straightforward in terms of phonetic pronunciation and basic grammar. However, it is the fascinating culture surrounding the language that ‘brings it alive’ and leads so many to want to discover the delights of everything Hispanic. Through study of the language, you will quickly become aware that the ‘Hispanic way’ is to have a zest and passion for life unrivalled by other cultures.

“¿Preparadas? ¿Listas? ¡Ya!” (Ready? Steady? Go!)

One of the top five

Spanish is one of the top five languages the UK will need the most in the years ahead, according to a report recently released by the British Council.

21 Countries? Oh, wow!

Spanish is spoken by approximately 400 million people in 21 countries around the world. You will always have somebody to talk to.

What will I study?

You will use the skills and language you have studied at Key Stage 3 and develop them further studying the following topics:

Theme 1 - Identity and culture:

Me, my family and friends

· Relationships with family and friends

· Marriage / partnership

Technology in everyday life

· Social media

· Mobile technology Free-time activities

· Music

· Cinema and TV

· Food and eating out

· Sport customs and festivals in Spanish-speaking countries /

Theme 2 Local, national, international and global areas of interest:

Home, town, neighbourhood and region

Social issues

· Charity / voluntary work

· Healthy / unhealthy living / global issues

· The environment

· Poverty / homelessness

Travel and tourism

Theme 3 Current and future study and employment:

· My studies / life at school / college

· Education post 16

· Career choices and ambitions

GCSE Spanish 2023

How is the course assessed?

All students are assessed in four skills and by final examination.

Each skill carries equal weighting towards the GCSE.

Will I have the opportunity to visit Spain?

We run trips to Spain bi annually and immerse ourselves in all things Spanish.

Did you know? English speakers are able to recognise over 3,000 Spanish words.

And don’t forget the long term benefits it will bring

· Languages are a life skill

· Languages teach you communication skills and adaptability

· Cultural awareness

· A social skill

· Languages give you the edge in the job market

· Languages combine well with virtually any other subject for further study

· Greater opportunities to travel and work abroad

To name but a few

Thinking ahead (university options)?

Some of our best Universities may request the study of a language at GCSE as an entrance requirement for certain degrees, and numerous degrees are offered with the study of a foreign language alongside, and the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad.

Do you recognise any of the celebrities below?

They all speak Spanish.

GCSE Spanish 2023

Non-Examined courses

Non-Examined Courses in Year 9

Collectively, the courses on the Year 9 Enrichment Carousel are intended to help your spiritual, mental and physical well being and to equip you for the modern world. The courses for 2022 23 include the following:

First Aid

With the help of a qualified First Aid Instructor, you will cover what to do in some important scenarios, like how to deal with unconsciousness, fainting or breathing problems, wounds and bleeding, choking, and anaphylaxis. You will learn about how to resuscitate adults and children who have stopped breathing and the treatment of bone, muscle and joint injuries, burns, scalds, and poisoning, plus much more. First Aid skills save lives. Everybody should learn it!

Personal Social Health & Economic Education

All students receive timetabled PSHEE lessons each fortnight and will also study PSHEE as part of Enrichment carousel. The curriculum helps to develop students that are increasingly confident in discussing controversial issues, for example really safe’, ‘County Lines and their online presence keep themselves safe. The compulsory elements of the Relationships and Sex Education curriculum are delivered during the carousel, providing the students with the knowledge and communication skills necessary to ensure that they are ready to handle a healthy relationship in the future.

Digital Literacy

Within the carousel students will study a rotation on digital literacy in which they will begin to learn how to use coding language of Python and create interactive applications. They will learn how to write coding instructions capable of controlling and maneuvering a real world robot and put this into practice. This course will provide students with a platform to take computing further academically at a later stage.

Core Religious Studies

In Year Nine Core Religious Studies you will be given the opportunity to explore some critical questions in Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics in our Enrichment Carousel. We want you to be able to investigate challenging Religious Studies that is relevant, topical, and interesting. Our major case study for this unit of work is the Holocaust and Human Rights Education. Through securing a historical understanding of how a liberal democratic state could quickly fall into the horrors of the Holocaust we will then be able to examine human rights around the world. This is in reference to the Partition of India and its consequences, the Refugee Crisis, and Uyghur’s in the Xingang. Through these studies of the shadow in human nature we will then look at responses from world religion, psychology, and philosophy to think carefully about what it means to be human. Within these units of work your sense of philosophical interest in some of the deepest questions and your spiritual sensitivities to world religion will all be enriched.

Subject Number of lessons a fortnight

Student groupings

Content

English 6 Teaching groups, 8A F Begin English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE

Mathematics 6 Teaching groups, 8A F Begin Maths GCSE

Science 9, 3 per science Teaching groups, 8A F Begin Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE

Core PE 4 Teaching groups, 8A-F Core PE

PSHEE 1 Teaching groups, 8A F PSHEE

Enrichment 4 Teaching groups, 8A-F Carousel of activities

GCSE Option 1 4 Option groups

GCSE Option 2 4 Option groups

GCSE Option 3 4 Option groups

GCSE Option 4 4 Option groups

GCSE Option 5 4 Option groups

Begin GCSE courses in five of:

Ancient History Art DT: Product Design DT; Fashion and Textiles Drama French Geography History Latin Music Physical Education Religious Studies Spanish

Subject Number of lessons a fortnight

Student groupings

English 6 8 mixed ability groups

Mathematics 6 8 mixed ability groups

Content

Continue English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE

Continue Maths GCSE and FSMQ Maths

Science 12, 4 per science 8 mixed ability groups Continue Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE

Core PE 4 8 mixed ability groups Core PE

PSHEE 1 8 mixed ability groups PSHEE

Core RS 1 8 mixed ability groups Core Religious Studies

Citizenship 1 8 mixed ability groups Citizenship

GCSE Option 1 4 Option groups

GCSE Option 2 4 Option groups

Continue GCSE courses in four of: Ancient History Art

GCSE Option 3 4 Option groups

GCSE Option 4 4 Option groups

DT: Product Design DT; Fashion and Textiles Drama French Geography History Latin Music Physical Education Religious Studies Spanish

Study periods plus Intervention 3 Study groups Independent study