GCSE Choices 2022 - Channing School
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GCSE Choices
2022
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 1
Girls
enjoying
success
2
Your GCSE years
– a time to grow intellectually and personally
Intellectual growth
The two-year GCSE course offers different kinds of challenge from any you have been used to until now. We offer a wide choice
of GCSE subjects, allowing you to maintain a broad and stimulating academic base. Flexibility is ensured as we have no set option
blocks, meaning that you will have a timetable unique to you. Our dedicated, passionate and highly experienced teachers will help
you to achieve academic success and they often stretch and challenge beyond the confines of the GCSE syllabus. Academically,
you will develop intellectual curiosity, learn to challenge and be challenged and develop skills and techniques vital to life far
beyond school.
There is an opportunity from January 2022 for current Year 10 students to embark upon a Level 2 Project Qualification with
AQA. Students will spend one year learning higher academic research and writing skills with a member of staff, before producing
an extended piece of project work on a topic of their choice in Year 11. The process is an excellent means of developing
independent learning skills and accessing more academically challenging material. Upon completion, students receive a GCSE-style
qualification accredited by AQA.
Personal growth
With your unique timetable and greater independence, you will need to learn to be more responsible for yourself. Working
with different groups throughout the week will widen your circle of friends and experiences. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 play an
important part in the leadership of the school and you will develop confidence and maturity. Our supportive and caring pastoral
team will guide each of you through your GCSE years and encourage you to enjoy all the opportunities and challenges presented
to you.
Looking ahead
Planning for your future becomes increasingly important at each educational stage and the careers focus prepares you for choices
at 16. In Year 10, you will have bespoke careers talks, a workplace insight morning, and you will take part in the ‘Take Your
Daughter To Work Day’ to give you a taste of the world of work. In the summer after your GCSE examinations, you will be
encouraged to take up a work placement. Over the two years, you will be invited to attend careers talks and events at which you
will meet professionals from different fields of work. You will complete Morrisby Vocational Guidance aptitudes and psychometric
testing and receive a tailor-made report containing A Levels, degree course and career suggestions which you will discuss with
the Head of Careers. You will also have A level choices interviews with members of our senior team.
And finally, academic success is, of course, important, but there is much more to life at Channing than exams!
We hope you enjoy it all.
Miss L Zanardo Miss S Della-Porta
HEAD OF YEAR 11 HEAD OF YEAR 10
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 3GCSE Choice
The start of Year 10 marks the beginning of your GCSE In addition, Classical Greek (a twilight GCSE course) is
courses and a new stage of your school career. During on offer and is delivered over approximately two years,
the next few weeks, you will be making important subject beginning in May Year 9, running after school on Tuesdays.
choices, which you will want to think carefully about and Provisionally, Further Mathematics IGCSE will be on
discuss with your parents. Miss Zanardo, Ms Della-Porta, Ms offer and involves attending extra lessons and completing
Newman and Mrs Hughes are always ready to offer advice additional homework. Since these are additional subjects,
and you are also welcome to consult Ms Pavlopoulos in the you need to be mindful of musical, artistic or dramatic
Careers Library. commitments that may preclude taking an additional subject.
Please note: it is almost always best to choose a broad range Each optional subject takes up three teaching periods. The
of subjects because this leaves as many options as possible weekly timetable will also include non-examination subjects
open to you in the future. The decisions you make now are and enrichment subjects including PSHE and PE. You are
really important for the future. We strongly recommend encouraged to maintain your involvement in clubs, sports and
that you study one humanity one creative/practical subject music, to give the necessary breadth to your education and
and one other. The choice of two or more creative/practical to provide contrast with the formal academic programme.
subjects is perfectly possible, and for some pupils is highly
Some subjects carry an element of assessed coursework and
appropriate. This, however, should be discussed with Ms
this should be considered when subjects are chosen, so that
Newman or Mrs Hughes.
a balance can be achieved. It may not be possible to cater
You will study the core curriculum: English Language, English for all subject combinations and students are asked to add
Literature, a Modern Foreign Language (French, German a standby subject that will be taken into consideration if a
or Spanish), Mathematics and Science. All three Sciences proposed programme proves impossible. Certain subjects
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are studied for three will have to run against others but, as far as possible, majority
periods a week each, leading to three separate Science choices will influence the organisation of the final timetable.
IGCSEs. We reserve the right not to offer a particular subject if
demand for it is too low. We may also have to limit numbers
As well as the seven core subjects, you may choose up
in practical subjects. Please ensure that option forms are
to three more GCSEs from the following: Art, Classical
completed online and submitted within the deadlines set.
Civilisation, Computer Science, Drama, Geography, History,
This booklet has been prepared to help you. In the following
Latin, a second Modern Foreign Language, Music, Physical
pages, you will find information on the core subjects and on
Education and Religious Studies.
each of the option subjects, to help you make your decision.
4 Girl s enjo ying successYour choices
Core Curriculum
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
MFL (French/German/Spanish)
Sciences (all 3)
Choose up to 3
Art
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Drama
Geography
History
Latin
Music
Physical Education
Religious Education
Optional Extra
Classical Greek
Further Mathematics (top set only)
In any cases where a course is undersubscribed, the School reserves the right to withdraw the course.
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 5Core Curriculum 6 Girl s enjo ying success
English Language and
English Literature
All pupils will follow courses in English Language and English
Literature, which will result in two GCSE grades. A Speaking
and Listening mark will also be reported separately. The two
AQA courses are designed to be complementary and we
will integrate them and teach them simultaneously. Both the
Language and Literature courses are entirely exam based
and contain no coursework. Pupils are taught in mixed ability
groups.
The students will read a wide range of literary, non-literary
and media texts, including Shakespeare and other pre-
twentieth century material. Literary texts are chosen for
their merit and cover all genres. As pupils annotate their
copies, it is department policy to buy the best and most
reasonably priced editions for pupils to purchase as their
own.
The English department aims to produce keen, independent
readers and confident writers. We enjoy developing our
pupils’ skills and enthusiasms when teaching GCSE.
Examination board: AQA
Mathematics
All pupils will study for the International GCSE Mathematics concepts, and become confident in using mathematics to
(Higher Tier) qualification. solve problems
The specification will be assessed by two equally weighted • appreciate the importance of mathematics in society,
examination papers, each lasting 2 hours. Calculators may be employment and study
used in both papers. Both papers will be taken at the end of
Year 11. Students develop their problem-solving skills by translating
problems in mathematical or non-mathematical contexts.
Pupils are set in groups that are matched to their pace and Pupils will develop reasoning skills through exercises such
ability. Setting is reviewed regularly and set moves are made as presenting arguments and proofs, and making deductions
when appropriate. and drawing conclusions from mathematical information.
In addition, the study of Mathematics has several cross-
The mathematical content of the specification is divided curricular benefits, in particular in Science and Geography.
into Number, Algebra, Proportion and Rates of Change,
Geometry and Measures, Calculus, Probability and Statistics. Examination board: Pearson International GCSE
Studying Mathematics enables students to: Mathematics Syllabus number: 4MA1 (Higher)
• develop their knowledge and understanding of
mathematical concepts and techniques
• acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further
study in the subject or related areas
• enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 7Modern Foreign Languages (French/German/Spanish)
Communicating your needs, feelings, impressions and to do lots of independent practice.
opinions to people who speak a foreign language and
understanding their requirements and emotions in return, Reading – to enable you to understand all kinds of notices
is both personally satisfying and, in the twenty-first century, from train timetables to instructions on medicine bottles and
increasingly necessary in business and industry. It is this also accounts, letters, newspapers and magazine articles.
ability to communicate and understand that is tested by Writing – so that you can write letters, formal and informal
the IGCSE examinations in Modern Foreign Languages. The accounts, complete forms, leave messages, write poems and
school offers Spanish, French and German at IGCSE, and stories and also acquire an awareness of how the language
many pupils choose to study two modern languages. All of works.
the skills you will learn to develop in the next two years are
already familiar to you: You can see from the above that by the end of your IGCSE
course, you will be able to use the language effectively in
Speaking – so that you can use the language to seek and situations already familiar to you and you will have gained
provide information, hold a conversation and express an understanding of the country and of the people whose
opinions. In Year 11, in addition to your language lessons, language you have learnt.
you will have an oral lesson in a smaller group to help you
develop that very important communication skill. In the final examination, each of the four skills is tested,
reading and writing being examined in a single paper.
Listening – so that you understand what is said either to you
personally (telephone conversations, instructions etc.), or Examination board: Pearson IGCSE Reading: Reading
generally, as in radio and television broadcasts. You will have (25%) Listening (25%) Writing (25%) Speaking (25%)
a subscription to the This is Language website to enable you
Science
Pupils have already covered part of the IGCSE courses • a logical approach to problem-solving in a wider context
in Years 8 and Year 9 (such as atomic structure, chemical • the ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate data and
forensics, biological molecules and heat) and, in the experimental methods
next two years, pupils will continue to build on these • practical techniques relating to experimental design and
fundamentals as they complete each course. All pupils implementation
have three lessons per week in each of the three subjects • the ability to select and apply mathematics that is
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics), and all classes are mixed relevant to everyday scenarios.
ability. Lessons are taught by subject specialists and consist
of both theory and practical work. The topics covered in the course include force and
motion, electricity, waves, heat, energy, density, pressure,
Physics electromagnetism, radioactivity and astrophysics. The
course is structured and delivered in a detailed and engaging
manner and is designed to ensure good preparation for those
Students will continue to follow the Edexcel IGCSE Physics
continuing to further study and for those wishing to work in
course which guides them to learn about unifying patterns
a Physics-related field, as well as those pursuing other career
and themes in Physics and challenges them to use these
paths.
ideas in new situations. Students will acquire knowledge and
understanding of physical facts, terminology, concepts and At the end of Year 11, students will take a two-hour paper
principles. In addition, studying Physics will allow students to (covering most aspects of the syllabus) and a one-hour
develop a range of skills including: and 15-minute paper (covering all aspects of the syllabus).
Although practical work is a vital part of the course, the final
assessment does not include any coursework component.
8 Girl s enjo ying successBiology
Pupils will continue to follow the Edexcel IGCSE Biology The topics covered in the course include cell structure;
course, which takes them on a journey from the cellular level, biological molecules; specialised cells; transport across
through the study of whole organisms, and on to the nature membranes; gas exchange; respiration; photosynthesis;
of ecosystems and the biological challenges that we face in circulation in humans; transport in plants; the nervous
the future. Pupils will acquire knowledge and understanding system; the endocrine (hormonal) system; inheritance; and
of biological facts, terminology, concepts, and principles. In excretion. The course is structured and delivered in an
addition, studying Biology will mean pupils develop a range of interesting and engaging manner and is designed to ensure
skills including: good preparation, both for those continuing to further study
and for those wishing to work in a Biology-related field, as
• a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context well as those pursuing other career paths.
• the ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate data and At the end of Year 11, pupils will take a two-hour paper
experimental methods (covering most aspects of the syllabus) and a one-hour
• practical techniques relating to experimental design and and 15-minute paper (covering all aspects of the syllabus).
implementation Although practical work is a vital part of the course, the final
assessment does not include any coursework component.
• the ability to select and apply mathematics relevant to
everyday scenarios.
Chemistry
Pupils will continue to follow the Pearson/Edexcel IGCSE The topics covered in the course include states of matter;
Chemistry course that they began in Year 9. This allows them atomic structure; the Periodic Table; chemical formulae,
to gain a good understanding of the nature of substances and equations and calculations; ionic, covalent and metallic
how they react together, how Chemistry is used in business bonding; the reactivity series; extraction and uses of metals;
and industry, and how our use of fuels and raw materials can acids, alkalis and titrations; chemical tests; energetics; rates
affect our environment. Pupils will acquire knowledge and of reaction; reversible reactions and equilibria; and organic
understanding of chemical facts, terminology, concepts, and chemistry.
principles. In addition, studying Chemistry will mean pupils
develop a range of skills including: The course is structured and delivered in an interesting and
engaging manner and is designed to ensure good preparation,
• a logical approach to problem-solving in a wider context both for those continuing to further study and for those
wishing to work in a Chemistry-related field, as well as those
• the ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate data and pursuing other career paths.
experimental methods
At the end of Year 11, pupils will take a two-hour paper
• practical techniques relating to experimental design and (covering most aspects of the syllabus) and a one-hour
implementation and 15-minute paper (covering all aspects of the syllabus).
• the ability to select and apply mathematics that is Although practical work is a vital part of the course, the final
relevant to everyday scenarios assessment does not include any coursework component.
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 9Choose up to 3 10 Girl s enjo ying success
Art
The Art Department offers a wide-ranging visual experience an awareness of contemporary issues. We encourage
in well-appointed, specialist studios. There are facilities discussion of recent developments in art and design. In the
for painting, photography, printmaking and construction, first term, students take a course in visual research methods
mixed media work, textile design, screen-printing, batik and to strengthen their basic skills. Although we encourage
ceramics/sculpture. There is a network of Apple computers students to attend galleries and museums in their own time,
with scanners, a colour laser printer, a photocopy machine there is an organised trip to a London exhibition such as at
and digital and video cameras available for design and a Tate Modern, Tate Britain or the V&A. Working on a theme,
working photographic darkroom. There are also three they produce a sketchbook of observation drawings from the
printing presses. The ceramics and 3D studio offers skills in visit, supported by research over a period of time.
hand-building techniques, sculpture and glaze techniques.
In the studios they learn to develop and sustain their studies
Life Class takes place each week after school. This is a and to handle materials in a skilled and professional manner
popular activity, with pupils from Years 11, 12 and 13 taking through workshops in painting, sculpture, printmaking,
part. Pupils have the opportunity to paint and draw from a ceramics and textiles. The portfolio is completed before
model with short poses to develop observation skills, and the end of the Spring term in Year 11. The examination or
longer poses for more ambitious studies. We offer a variety controlled test is developed over a 10-hour session, after a
of additional activities, including photographic clubs, where period of preparation, at the end of the Spring term.
students can learn to use the school darkroom and develop
their photographic skills in both traditional and digital Pupils mount their own exhibition of work at the beginning
photography. of the Summer term to include units of the portfolio, plus
examination preparation and controlled test; these are
The AQA examination board offers a broad art syllabus marked internally and moderated externally. The exhibition
that allows students to experiment with ideas and media represents the individuality of each student through their
while developing skills in observational work and the use of various sketchbooks, gallery reviews, drawings and finished
traditional and more recent techniques. art works. Pupils should find the course both exciting and
challenging, and enjoy creating their own work, as well as
There is a developing emphasis on critical and contextual evaluating other artists’ work.
studies, with much value placed on ‘first-hand’ experience of
art works through museum and gallery visits, demonstrating Examination Board: AQA Portfolio: 60% Examination:
40% (maximum marks).
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 11Classical Civilisation
Why study Classical Civilisation today? The course would appeal particularly if you have enjoyed
studying the cultural background to the Cambridge Latin
Classical Civilisation is the study of the history, literature, Course or if you have a strong interest in myth and ancient
society and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans from civilisations.
the time of the Minoan civilisation of Crete through to the
fall of the Roman Empire, a span of some 3000 years. These No knowledge of Latin or Greek is required.
two civilisations are of great interest in themselves and are
also important in understanding the roots of literature and How will I be assessed?
culture of later times, including the present day. Examination board: OCR External examinations: 100%
What will I learn? written papers (2 papers in total)
The two areas that you will study are as follows: Myth and
Religion: The gods of Greece and Rome, Heracles, temples,
the mythical founding of Athens and Rome, religious
festivals, symbols of power, death and burial, journeys to the
Underworld. The Homeric World: life, sites, arts and tombs
of the Homeric World, the story of Odysseus in Homer’s
Odyssey: his encounters with the Cyclops and Circe, and his
return home to Ithaka.
Computer Science
Why study Computer Science? will help them to progress to further/higher education
where practical knowledge and experience will be
The fun of computing! This course will stimulate interest and required.
engagement with technology and technology-related careers.
Looking to the future, information technologies continue • Programming languages – Python.
to have a growing importance, with a huge demand from Pupils will develop the ability to:
employers for people with a computer science skill set.
• apply the fundamental principles and concepts of
This qualification provides students with the opportunity to computer science, including abstraction, decomposition,
operate confidently in today’s digital world, enabling students logic, algorithms and data representation;
to apply computational thinking in context.
• analyse problems in computational terms through
The content and assessment approach for this qualification practical problem-solving experience. This will include
has been designed to meet students’ needs in the following designing, writing and debugging programs;
ways:
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and
• Develop computational thinking skills – this qualification critically apply mathematical skills relevant to computer
provides students with the opportunity to operate science.
confidently in today’s digital world, enabling students Examination board: Cambridge
to apply computational thinking in context, across both
written and practical examinations. There are two written papers: Paper 1: Theory 60%
Paper 2: Problem Solving and programming 40%
• Provide practical opportunities – students will be
encouraged repeatedly to design, implement and test
programs that provide solutions to problems. They will
apply their skills to produce robust programs and this
1 2 Girl s enjo ying successDrama
This is an exciting, inspiring and practical course that aims ask about a short section of the set text and you will write
to develop your knowledge and experience of drama. The about: how you would communicate a role as an actor; how
specification promotes involvement in, and enjoyment of, you would direct performers in the chosen section; and
drama as performers and designers. Additionally, it provides how you would design set, costume, sound and lighting for
opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to the section. You will also evaluate a professional theatre
develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members. production you have seen in terms of acting, direction and
design elements.
The course is in three parts:
You will be set practical and written homework. Written
1. Devising Theatre. homework will be research, description and analysis of
You will create and perform a piece of original drama as practical work done in class, notes on your devised or
a small group. You will choose a stimulus from a selection scripted piece, a theatre review, designs for costumes
set by the board and you will use the techniques of a and set or explaining how you would perform characters
theatre practitioner, theatre genre or a specific theatrical or evaluation of your own work and the work of others.
style to develop your piece. Your understanding will be Practical homework will involved attending a rehearsal,
complemented by theatre trips and practical workshops. You learning lines or going to the theatre.
will create a portfolio of supporting evidence and write an Assessment
evaluation of the devising process in controlled conditions
(approximately 750 words). Component 1: Devising Theatre (40%); Performance (10%);
Performance report and written controlled assessment
2. Performing from a text (30%). Component 2: Performing from a Text. Externally
You will prepare and perform two extracts from a published assessed in April or May (20%). Component 3: Interpreting
text to an examiner. You can choose to be assessed on acting Theatre. Written examination (40%) Section A: Analyse
or nominate a theatre design skill: costume, lighting, sound or one set text as an actor, designer and director. Section
set design. B: Evaluate a live theatre production in terms of acting,
direction and design elements.
3. Interpreting Theatre.
Examination board: EDUQAS
Written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes. You will
study a set text in detail and evaluate how the play can be
interpreted in a practical way. The examination questions
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 13Geography
“Geography is a force for broadening the mind” - Michael What does the GCSE include?
Palin
The AQA GCSE course that we have chosen complements
Why study Geography? what have you learned in Years 7, 8 and 9.
GCSE Geography is exciting and inspiring and will help you The course covers both human and physical elements of
understand the complex issues affecting people and the Geography as well as geographical skills.
natural environment. It is the only subject to bridge the
interactions between the human and natural world. Studying Paper 1 (Living with the physical environment) includes
Geography will widen your horizons and help you to become natural hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, ecosystems,
a more informed world citizen. Geography is the study of rivers and glacial environments (35%)
landscapes, people, places and environments. It is quite
Paper 2 (Challenges in the human environment) includes
simply about the world in which we live, and how and why it
urban issues and challenges, changing economic world and
is changing.
resource management (35%)
Most of the world’s problems on a local, national or global
Paper 3 (Geographical Applications: Issue evaluation,
scale have links to Geography and are relying on future
Fieldwork and Geographical Skills) (30%)
geographers to understand them. These range from
climate change to sustainable development to migration to Field Trips (compulsory): Year 10 to the Olympic Park to
natural hazards which all feature prominently in the news. look at urban regeneration and Year 11 to Flatford Mill to
Understanding these contemporary issues is what Geography undertake a river study.
is all about.
Examination board: AQA Specification. Written
Geography gives you a variety of skills that will complement examination: 100%
your other subjects and are also valued by your future
employers - in fact it has one of the highest rates of graduate We also lead optional international trips for Geography
employability! Skills you will develop include decision making, students to exciting geographical destinations. Recent
problem solving, GIS and developing a variety of numerical destinations include Iceland and Morocco and help you to
and literacy skills. understand and explore different places and cultures.
Geography is the study of landscapes, people, places and
environments. It is quite simply about the world in which we
live, and how and why it is changing.
1 4 Girl s enjo ying successHistory
Why study History? Paper 1
The History GCSE is designed to have a broad range of British Thematic Study with Historical Environment.
appeal and topics covered include: The Russian Revolution Thematic Study - Crime and Punishment in Britain, c1000 to
of 1917, the impact of Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin on Russian present - How has the nature of law and order changed over
society, the Norman Conquest and transformation of time in Britain?
England from 1066-87, the Rivalry between the Soviet Union
and the United States from 1945-1991 and we explore Historic Environment - Whitechapel, c1870-1900 - What
various development in our society in our Crime and were the local conditions in Whitechapel that led to it being
punishment unit including: the Witch trials, Trial by combat, so crime ridden in the 1870s-1890s?
foundation of Australia, Jack the Ripper, the creation of the
Paper 2
police and the abolition of the death penalty.
Period Study and British Depth Study Period Study -
We have devised a GCSE course that covers key aspects of
Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91? - What
History from the last 1000 years right up to the present day.
caused the Cold War and how did it develop over time?
There are British, European and World History components,
with strong political, social, cultural and economic themes. British Depth Study - Anglo-Saxon and Norman England,
This complements our units of study through Years 7 to c1060-88 - Why did William the Conqueror manage to take
9. Candidates undertake one Thematic study, two Depth power in 1066?
studies and a Period study that focuses on the development
of the Cold War over a period of around 50 years. Paper 3
GCSE History is designed to deepen and extend pupils’ Modern Depth Study - Russia and the Soviet Union, 1917-41
interest and understanding of the past. It provides - Why and how the communists seized power in 1917?
background knowledge to help students understand the
Examination board: Pearson. Written examination: 100%
world we live in today. It also helps them to think and write
logically and relevantly, and to use evidence accurately and In order to enhance pupils’ understanding and skills we have
critically. led trips for GCSE students to: Cuba, Budapest, Berlin and
the Whitechapel area of London to investigate the so called
There will be three written examinations all of which contain
Jack the Ripper murders.
source questions and structured questions:
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 15Latin
Latin was the language spoken and written by the also study two literature papers and be introduced to the
Romans two thousand years ago. great works of Latin authors. In the verse module you will
study one of the world’s most famous epic poems - Virgil’s
Why, then, study it now?
Aeneid - in which the Trojan hero Aeneas travels down to
Latin is sometimes described as a ‘dead’ language, but in the Underworld in search of his father and find out about
fact is alive in the words we use today, with more than the glorious future of Rome. In the prose module you will
20,000 of the 40,000 words commonly used in the English study the supernatural story of ‘The Witches of Thessaly’
language derived from it. It is also a language from which and what they do to the unfortunate Lucius. You will read
many European languages derive and so will give you a good these accounts largely in the original Latin, studying the
foundation for learning these. different ways in which the authors Apuleius and Virgil use
the language to convey drama, mood and character.
It helps you develop your ability to analyse, judge and
communicate and it will encourage you to be a lively and Latin at GCSE is an enjoyable and challenging subject that
independent thinker; all of which are key skills in the world combines both linguistic, literary and historical elements
today. But perhaps the most important reason for studying throughout the two-year course.
Latin is that you will be able to read and appreciate some
Examination board: OCR Written examination: 100%.
of the best works of world literature, in their original Latin
No coursework.
written 2000 years ago.
The GCSE Latin course covers both language and literature
elements. There is one language paper which will build on the
language already covered in your first three years and you
will continue to use the Cambridge Latin Course. You will
16 Girl s enjo ying successMusic
Why study music? Area of study 1 – Instrumental music 1700-1820
J S Bach: ‘3rd Movement from Brandenburg Concerto No:5’
• Music encourages higher-order thinking skills Beethoven: 1st Movement from Piano Sonata No:8,
• Music helps us to express our deepest emotions and ‘Pathétique’
thoughts
• Music helps us to understand our cultural heritage as Area of study 2 – Vocal Music
well as other past and present cultures Purcell: ‘Music for a while’
• Music encourages teamwork Queen: ‘Killer Queen’ from ‘Sheer heart attack’
• Music fosters creativity and individuality
• Music education fosters discipline and commitment Area of study 3 – Music for stage and screen
You will learn how to improve your performing skills and Steve Schwartz: ‘Defying gravity’ from ‘Wicked’
through your work in composing you will gain an insight into John Williams: ‘Star Wars: Episode IV’ Main Title
how music is constructed from initial ideas through to the
finished product. You will also learn how to analyse music Area of study 4 – Fusion
in a variety of styles and discover the social and historical Afro Celt Sound System: ‘Release’
context in which music has been composed over the past Esperanza Spalding: ‘Samba Em Preludio’
400 years or so. All GCSE musicians are expected to join a
school ensemble group. If you are having lessons on a musical instrument and have
reached a level equivalent to grade III or above and you like
Assessment comprises of three units: performing you what you have read above, then Music is for you. For further
will need to play one solo piece and one ensemble piece. information go to:
Composing you will need to compose two pieces. Listening
and appraising this is assessed through a 105-minute written https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edex- cel-
paper with questions on your prescribed set works and one gcses/music-2016.html
question comparing a set work with an unfamiliar piece.
Examination board: Pearson: Examination: 40%
There are four areas of study with two works in each area Coursework: 60%
that you will be studying. Listed are the four areas with the
eight works to be studied.
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 17Physical Education
Why study Physical Education? Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical
activity and sport 78 marks; 30% of GCSE mark
GCSE PE allows students the opportunity to further
develop their passion for sport and exercise as well as Topics covered - Applied anatomy and physiology, movement
their performance across a range of different sports and analysis, physical training and use of data
physical activities. This is reinforced by developing students’
knowledge and understanding of the human anatomy and Paper 2: Socio-cultural influences and well-being in
physiology, biomechanics, physical training, sports psychology physical activity and sport 78 marks; 30% of GCSE mark
and sociology of sport. The practical aspect of the course
accounts for 30% of the total assessment. This requires Topics covered - sports psychology, socio-cultural influences,
pupils to be assessed in three different sports from the AQA health, fitness and well-being and use of data
accredited list of activities. Each assessment will require the
student to demonstrate a set of core skills in both training Non-exam assessment:
and competitive contexts, and the students will also develop
Practical performance in physical activity and sport
the skills to analyse and improve their own and others’
performance. • 3 assessments: 1 Team, 1 Individual and 1 other, all as
In addition, students will be able to develop leadership skills, player/performer role
resilience, interpersonal and communication skills. Studying
• Total 100 marks; 40% of GCSE mark
GCSE PE could provide students with enhanced career
opportunities in a range of different industries including • For each of their three activities, students will be
the sports industry, allied health services, medicine and
assessed in skills in progressive drills (10 marks per
education.
activity) and in the full context (15 marks per activity).
Students who wish to study GCSE PE should have a
• Students will be assessed on their analysis (15 marks)
background of regular participation in sport and physical
activity. Ideally, they will be participating in sport outside of and evaluation (10 marks) of performance to bring about
school and/ or in a school club or team. improvement in one activity.
Exam: Examination board: AQA
• 2 x 75-minute written papers: a mix of multiple
choice, short and extended answers.
1 8 Girl s enjo ying successReligious Education
Why study Religious Education? thinking and reasoning skills. Specific areas of study
include family life, gender equality, peace and conflict and a
Religious Education (RE) enables you investigate the ‘Big
comparison with non-religious world views in the form of
questions’. It provides a platform for you to explore the
Humanism and secularism.
most pressing and polarising issues, from matters of faith
to morality. You will study the perspectives of others but Religious Education provides pupils with a range of high
more importantly, develop your own place within debates.
order thinking skills and a detailed awareness of the diverse
RE builds emotional intelligence, awareness and resilience, by
beliefs and values which are located not only globally, but
empowering you to form and express your views and have
also evident in our local communities. A Religious Education
them questioned.
qualification is looked upon favourably by employers in the
RE equips you with the ability to build, critique and fields of Law, Education, Medicine and Politics, amongst
interrogate arguments, and to understand causal links others.
between beliefs, circumstance and religious practice.
If you are a deep thinker with an interest in the metaphysical
What will I study? and spiritual dimensions of life and sharing your views as well
as listening and responding to the opinions of others then
i) Beliefs and Practices. This theme leads pupils on a journey
this is the course for you!
into the beliefs and practices of two major world faiths
(Christianity and Islam). Pupils will consider classical religious Examination board: OCR. 3 external examinations. 100%
teachings and assess how these impact the lives of adherents of assessment. No coursework.
in today’s modern society. By means of studying Christianity
and Islam at this level, pupils will be well versed in the
traditions and teachings of the two largest religions both
globally and nationally.
ii) Philosophy and Ethics in the modern world from a religious
perspective (Christianity). The second section of the course
examines a range of of the major philosophical and ethical
issues in the world today from a Christian perspective.
This contrasts well with the initial phase of the course
enabling the development of both analytical and evaluative
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 19Optional Extra: Classical Greek
The Classics Department offers a GCSE in Classical Greek. and the Phaeacian king, Alcinous, upon whom he depends
This is a ‘twilight’ course that will take place after school on to get back to Ithaka after 20 years at war and being held
a Tuesday, beginning in May Year 9. Additional time will be hostage by the nymph Calypso. Along with ‘The Iliad’, this
given to you to work on your Greek in one Latin lesson per poem is regarded as a masterpiece of world literature and
fortnight in Year 10 (with accompanying homework time) to has influenced writers, musicians and artists over the past
study the literature and culture element of the course. For millennia.
this reason, it is strongly recommended that if you wish to
Examination board: OCR: 3 written papers. No
study classical Greek, you should also opt for Latin as one of
coursework
your GCSE choices. If this is not possible, your teacher will
spend some time with you one lunchtime a fortnight as this
additional time.
You will take a paper exploring Greek civilisation, studying in
depth Women in Athens and Sparta and the Olympic Games.
You will also have the opportunity to read part of Homer’s
epic poem, ‘The Odyssey’, in the original Greek. It is believed
that the poem was passed down the generations orally and
was only written down in the 8th century BC. In Book 7 of
the poem, we explore the interaction between Odysseus
Optional Extra:
Further IGCSE in
Mathematics
Many students within the top set are extremely enthusiastic
about Mathematics and have the appetite to study beyond
the IGCSE requirements. It is not anticipated that all
students within the top set would take the further
qualification (and it is entirely optional). While some time
within existing lessons would be used to cover the content
of the specification where it builds upon topics within the
IGCSE Mathematics curriculum, attending two extra lessons
per week would be required and additional homework would
be set. We recognise that many students have a large number
of extra-curricular activities and this would need to be taken
into account when deciding whether to participate.
Examination board: Pearson Edexcel International
Further IGCSE in Mathematics
2 0 Girl s enjo ying successLife in the GCSE years
Physical Education
All pupils benefit from an exciting programme of physical education in the Upper School, helping them to maintain their healthy lifestyle
and encouraging them to engage in a variety of sporting activities. Pupils in Year 10 can choose from a varied and stimulating set of activ-
ities that can include basketball, volleyball, football, trampolining, fitness and outdoor games. The activities run in blocks with each block
lasting for half a term.
Students also have the opportunity to choose to take part in Sports Leaders Level 2 course. This is a formally recognised qualification
that involves both guided and peer-to-peer learning and supervised leadership to ensure that learners have all the skills they need to
lead basic physical activities to other people.
PSHE - What to expect in Year 10 and beyond
Autumn term
Pupils will attend lessons devised to help them deal with worries, see day-to-day setbacks in perspective and reduce anxiety. In Drug
Awareness Education, pupils will learn about the dangers and health risks associated with taking cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine and legal
highs. As part of Relationships and Sex Education pupils will investigate different methods of contraception and how they can prevent
pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Spring term
Pupils will learn how to recognise teenage relationship abuse and they will attend a seminar examining the potentially damaging impact
of pornography in relation to the expectations and experiences of young people. Pupils will develop skills to recognise and evaluate
arguments, defend rights and understand conflicts in a scheme of work designed by the Head of Critical Thinking at Channing.
Summer term
Pupils will follow a programme devised by the Head of Careers to provide current and relevant information about presentation skills
and possible career choices. In Drug Awareness Education, pupils will learn about alcohol units and alcoholism. In addition, pupils will
investigate how mindfulness could help them stay calm and reduce day-to-day stress. Pupils will also attend a first aid session designed
to teach them basic life-saving skills. For exam preparation, pupils will learn about effective summarising, identifying key words on exam
papers, dealing with stress and preparing for the day of the examination. Pupils will fill out self-evaluation questionnaires to help them to
reflect on their learning and to see what progress they have made this year in PSHE.
Mr P Gittins
HEAD OF PSHE
G i r l s e n j o y i n g s ucces s 21Channing The Bank, Highgate London N6 5HF T: 020 8340 2328 www.channing.co.uk INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 4-18 Although all statements in this prospectus are believed correct at the time of going to press, details may naturally change from time to time.
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