GCSE Options 2021 A guide for Year 9 pupils and their parents on GCSE subject choices - Alderley Edge School for Girls
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GCSE Options 2021 A guide for Year 9 pupils and their parents on GCSE subject choices
Message from the Headmistress
Dear Year 9,
During the first three years in the Senior School at AESG, you
have followed a broad and balanced curriculum, designed to
further your education. Most of the subjects are specified by the
Government at this stage, to ensure a balanced education, and
there is little scope for individual choice.
Then, in the course of Year 9, you are given the chance to select
some of the subjects you wish to study in Key Stage 4, the next two
years up to the GCSE examinations. GCSE options are the first
important academic decision that you will make as you progress
through your time at AESG and beyond to your future careers. It
is an exciting time and an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate
academic strengths and achievements.
Mrs Smillie
This booklet sets out all of the important information to guide Headmistress
and support you through this process, and to help you and your
parents make well-informed decisions that will enable you to
flourish. At AESG, we have an enviable record of success at GCSE
level, and behind these excellent outcomes are, of course, superb
value-added results which demonstrates the incredibly hard work
of students and staff.
During the GCSE options process it is vital that you receive
excellent support, advice and guidance. For some students, the
decisions are easy and quick to make; for others, the choices pose
questions and challenges that are not so easily resolved. Wherever
you are on this scale, there is always someone at AESG to talk to.
You can talk to your teachers, form tutor, Head of Year and, of
course, your parents at home. It is important that you are at the
centre of this options process, making informed decisions for the
right reasons. During the GCSE years, it is important to balance
academic rigour with a fully rounded experience that enables you
to make the most of our extensive extra-curricular programme. By
doing this, you will be able to continue to develop important life
skills that will be invaluable outside of the classroom.
GCSEs are designed to test the whole range of ability, and hard
work will bring success; the next two years should be very exciting
as well as tough and challenging at times. We are all here to help
you. You are embarking on the next stage in the great, lifelong
adventure of learning. I wish you all every success as you embark
upon this next stage of your time at AESG.
Enjoy it and good luck!
Mrs Smillie
How to make your choice of
GCSE subjects
This booklet has been prepared Some points to remember are:
to help you in your choice of
GCSE subjects. For the first • choose subjects which you
time in your school career you like and want to do
are being asked to make a
major decision, namely which • choose subjects which you
optional subjects you will are capable of doing and with
continue to study. The decision which you feel at ease
is an important one and you
must discuss it with your • do not choose a subject just
parents and teachers. It is because your friend is doing it
important that you read this
booklet carefully and if you are • do not choose a subject just
unsure of anything you must because you like the teacher
ask for help.
• choose subjects which
give you a wide choice for
the future.
Timeline for making your choice
of GCSE subjects
1. PSHE lessons in the Autumn 5. On Thursday 12 January, It is very important that you
Term will focus on GCSE you are invited to attend the seek help and advice from your
Option Choices. Year 9 Parents’ Evening with teachers. If you have a particular
your parents. You will have career in mind you must check
2. The School’s GCSE Option the opportunity to discuss with the Careers Advisor or
Choices Booklet will be your choice of GCSE subjects your subject teachers that you
available electronically at the with your subject teachers. have chosen the correct subjects.
end of the Autumn Term.
6. Friday 22 January is the Remember it may not be
3. On Friday 4 December, there latest date for handing in possible to change subjects
will be a GCSE Options Fair your GCSE Option Choices once you have made your
in the Millennium Hall at Form to your Form Tutor. choice.
lunchtime. This will provide
pupils with the opportunity
to speak to subject teachers
about what is involved in
each GCSE subject.
4. You will have an individual
appointment with the
School’s Career Adviser,
during school time.
Curriculum for Years 10 and 11
Examined Subjects Core Subjects Non-Examined Subjects
These subjects are divided into You must study all of these It is important for your general
two groups: subjects at GCSE level: education that you follow
courses in non-examination
• Core Subjects • English Language subjects. You will have such
• Optional Subjects • English Literature lessons in PE and PSHE.
• Mathematics
• Science – either Double or
Triple Award.
You will choose six subjects,
ranked in order of preference
from the 17 optional subjects on
offer.
If you wish to study Triple
Science, this should be one of
your six choices. You will study
four optional subjects. Most
students will be able to study
four of their top five subjects.
Occassionally, if you have an
unusual combination of
subjects or choose several
subjects which only a few pupils
study, we may place you in your
sixth choice.
Mrs Millar will see you to
discuss your options if we are
using your fifth and sixth
choices. Your subject choices
will be confirmed in writing by
the end of the Spring Term.
It may not be possible to offer
all of the subjects listed if there
is not sufficient demand.
Information on GCSE reform
and the grading system
“New” GCSE Grading System (reformed)
U 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
U G F E D C B A A*
“Old” GCSE Grading System (non-reformed)
The process of reforming all GCSEs will be graded from 9
GCSE qualifications began (the highest) to 1 (the lowest).
in September 2015. The The chart above shows how
government’s stated intention the current grading of GCSEs
in reforming GCSEs is to make compares with the new grading
the courses more rigorous, by system. The proportion of
introducing a new grading pupils who achieve a grade 4
system and by moving away and above will be the same as
from Controlled Assessments the proportion who currently
towards longer final achieve a grade C or above.
examinations at the end of the A grade 4 will count as a
two year course. ‘standard’ pass; a ‘good pass’
will be a grade 5. In addition, the
proportion of pupils achieving
grade 7 and above will be the
same as the proportion who
currently achieve a grade A or
A*, making the new grade 9
equivalent to an A** grade.
Non–Examination subjects in the curriculum
Physical Education – PE about alcohol to succeeding in Relationships and sex education
their first job, PSHE education (RSE)
All pupils throughout Key helps pupils to manage many of The Relationships and Sex
Stage 4 will continue to have the most critical opportunities, Education programme aims to
timetabled lessons of PE and challenges and responsibilities to support our pupils’ through
will participate in a variety of they will face growing up. their physical, emotional and
activities including Hockey, moral development from
Netball, Athletics, Tennis, Pupils’ are in a safe environment childhood to adolescence and
Rounders, Badminton, where opinions can be expressed, into adulthood. We explore the
Volleyball and Fitness. shared, challenged and developed. importance of healthy
Although there is no formal relationships and how to
Pupils are made aware of the assessment involved in these areas manage conflict successfully.
many benefits of regular of study, pupils are encouraged This may lead to challenging
exercise to their health and as to develop key skills of problem offending behaviour, prejudice,
a purposeful way in which to solving, communication and bullying, racism and
use their leisure time. Pupils working with others. These discrimination assertively and
will continue to be encouraged support mental wellbeing and take the initiative in giving and
to attend extra-curricular academic achievement. receiving support.
activities and may represent
AESG in matches. Health and Wellbeing Our program will offer a holistic
The PSHE programme aims to PSHE learning journey
PSHE advance and support each pupils’ spanning the pupils high school
personal and social development career, with a progressive, spiral
PSHE education gives pupils’ the and to raise awareness of a varietycurriculum that addresses real
knowledge, skills, and attributes of health issues. needs in a rapidly changing
they need to keep themselves world. The underlying aims of
healthy and safe and to prepare We promote the importance of the programme are to encourage
them for life and work in modern good mental health and wellbeing pupils to develop mutual respect
Britain now and in the future. and on the importance of and support, think about issues
The Department for Education personal safety, how to manage concerning themselves, social
(DfE) says: grief and bereavement and social problems in society and the
anxiety. We also consider environment and to develop
‘All elements of PSHE are Internet safety and the dangers of informed opinions. It also
important and the government excessive screen time and social encourages pupils’ to be aware of
continues to recommend PSHE media. Pupils’ complete a and care for others, to talk about
be taught in schools’. comprehensive study skills unit feelings and be sensitive to the
(PSHE association 2020) which explores the power of mind feelings of others.
and memory in preparation for
In Years 10 and 11 the pupils internal and external
follow a PSHE course. During examinations.
this course they follow a
programme of study relating to Living the Wider World
three key areas; Heath and The Living World programme
Wellbeing, Living in the Wider incorporates our Careers
World and Relationships and programme with specialist
Sex Education (SRE). Since sessions delivered by our Head
September 2020 Relationships of Careers. Pupils undertake
and Sex Education has become activities which aim to increase
statutory for all schools. their self-development, manage
their careers and explore
PSHE helps pupils’ to develop opportunities available to them.
the knowledge, skills and We focus on writing CV’s,
attributes they need to thrive as applying for jobs, interviews and
individuals, family members and applying for College and
members of society. From University.
making responsible decisions
Homework and School Examinations
The homework allocation for Homework Allocation Year 10 and Year 11
each subject is shown here.
You must remember that in Art and Design Up to 2 hours
some GCSE subjects there is Business 2 x 40 minutes
an element of Controlled Design and Technology 2 x 40 minutes
Assessment. In some subjects Drama 2 x 40 minutes
}
pupils will have to hand in English Language 3 x 40 minutes
their homework the next day, English Literature
in others they may be given Food Technology 2 x 40 minutes
an extended period of time French 2 x 40 minutes
to complete the work. It is Geography 2 x 40 minutes
obviously very important that German 2 x 40 minutes
pupils organise their time History 2 x 40 minutes
carefully and meet any given Information Technology 2 x 40 minutes
deadlines. Latin 2 x 40 minutes
Mathematics 2 x 40 minutes
Pupils will have school Music 2 x 40 minutes
examinations in all subjects in Religious Studies 2 x 40 minutes
November and May in Year 10. PE 2 x 40 minutes
These are internal examinations Sciences
to assess progress and, although Physics double 1 x 45 minutes
important, do not count towards triple 2 x 40 minutes
the final GCSE grade. Chemistry double 1 x 45 minutes
triple 2 x 40 minutes
Mock examinations will be held Biology double 1 x 45 minutes
in November of Year 11 and if triple 2 x 40 minutes
you achieve a satisfactory mark
in these examinations you will Spanish 2 x 40 minutes
be entered for the appropriate
tier in the GCSE examinations Allocations are minutes per subject per week.
in May and June.
Additional Information
GCSE Controlled Entry Tiers at Support available for
Assessments GCSE/IGCSE level GCSE pupils
The importance of the work For some GCSE subjects, All departments provide
carried out during Year 10 Mathematics, Science and lunchtime clinics for pupils who
and Year 11 cannot be over- MFL, two levels of entry are need extra help with revision,
emphasised, particularly possible: Foundation Level and homework, exam questions or
because Controlled Assessments Higher Level. The vast majority some other aspect of their GCSE
form part of many GCSE of entries at AESG are made at course. In addition, some pupils
courses. A Controlled Higher Level, but occasionally receive support from Mrs Ripper
Assessment may take the form the Foundation Level is our Learning Enhancement
of a project, a piece of research recommended for a particular Co-ordinator.
or some fieldwork. pupil in a particular subject.
Pupils who have been identified
Controlled Assessment tasks The final level of entry is as Gifted or Talented in a
are time limited and are decided upon in consultation particular GCSE subject are
carried out in lessons during between the subject teacher, encouraged to attend lunchtime
the school day. the pupil and her parents. masterclasses, complete
extension tasks and attend
In general, performance in a Grouping for GCSE relevant events publicised by
Controlled Assessment task is subjects Mrs Billington, who, alongside
assessed by teachers in school Mrs Millar and Mrs Dawson,
and then moderated by the You will be taught in ability co-ordinates our Gifted,
Examination Board. sets for: Talented and Interested
programme, ‘Symposium’,
For subjects in which English and ‘Lunch and Learn’ events.
Controlled Assessment is an
integral part of the GCSE Mathematics
course, failure to complete this
work could mean that a pupil Double Award Science
would not be awarded a GCSE
grade for the subject. For all other subjects your
groupings will depend upon
your choice of subjects.
Accuracy of information
in this booklet
All of the information in this
booklet is correct at the time of
printing. However, examination
specifications can change.
Pupils will be notified of any
major changes to the content or
structure of any GCSE course
they choose.
Core Subjects
GCSE English Language
AQA Specification A
Why study GCSE English The preparation and assessment of Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints
Language? Spoken Language is also a and Perspectives
GCSE English Language is a compulsory requirement of the This paper examines a response to
compulsory subject for all pupils course of study. You will develop one non-fiction text and one literary
and the skills which you will gain are speaking and listening skills and be non-fiction text in Section A and
transferable across the curriculum. encouraged to use spoken Standard writing to present a viewpoint in
You will learn how to read texts English effectively through a range Section B. Non Examination
actively and critically, employing of activities. Assessment: Spoken Language You
close reading skills to retrieve will also receive a separate grade for
information. In the course of your How will you be assessed? Spoken Language. For this unit, you
studies, you will be encouraged to This is a linear course and as such, will be assessed on your ability to
make inferences and give informed is designed to be taken over two present, respond to questions and
comments on language in use. You years with all assessments taken at feedback and on your use of
will also produce your own writing, the end of the course. There will be Standard English. The tasks will be
experimenting with different two terminal written examinations, set and assessed by the teacher
audiences and purposes. In short, each comprising 50% of the final throughout the course and will be
studying English Language will mark. Each exam is 1 hour 45 separately endorsed at the end. This
develop crucial reading, writing, minutes long and worth 80 marks. does not contribute to your final
speaking and listening skills which Both papers will assess Reading in GCSE English Language grade.
are fundamental to any further Section A and Writing in Section B.
studies.
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative
What will you study? Reading and Writing
You will read and be assessed on This paper examines a response to
high-quality, challenging texts from one literature fiction text in Section A
the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. and descriptive or narrative writing
The texts will be taken from a range in Section B.
of genres and types and will act as
stimulus material to help develop
your own writing by providing
effective style models. The texts will
include literature and extended
literary non-fiction, and other writing
such as essays, reviews and
journalism (both printed and online).
The literary fiction texts will be used
to help pupils consider how
established writers use narrative
and descriptive techniques to
capture the interest of readers. You
will also explore how writers have
particular viewpoints and
perspectives on issues or themes
that are important to the way we
think and live our lives. You will be
taught how to produce your own
creative text to demonstrate your
narrative and descriptive skills in
response to a written prompt,
scenario or visual image. You will
learn how to write for a specified
audience, purpose and form.GCSE English Literature
AQA Specification A
Why study GCSE English How will you be assessed?
Literature? Assessment takes the form of two
GCSE English Literature is an external examinations. Paper 1 is
excellent course for developing entitled Shakespeare and the
analytical skills and improving your 19th-century novel. This is a
ability to present an argument in an written paper of 1 hour 45 minutes
academic style. By studying GCSE in length and constitutes 40% of the
English Literature, you will become final GCSE mark. In Section A you
more aware of the cultural, social will answer one question on a
and political context in which Shakespeare text and in Section B
literature was created. Not only will you will answer one question on a
this course widen your reading, it 19th century novel. In both sections,
will also help increase your you will be required to write in detail
confidence to offer and deliver your about an extract from the texts and
own opinions. GCSE English then to write about the texts as a
Literature is a compulsory subject whole.
for all pupils at AESG.
Paper 2 is entitled Modern texts
What will you study? and poetry and comprises 3
This course allows you to sections: modern texts, poetry and
experience a range of Literature with unseen poetry. This is a written
a wide variety of appeal drawn from paper of 2 hours 15 minutes in
contemporary and modern texts, length and constitutes 60% of the
texts from across the globe and final GCSE mark. In Section A:
texts which have had a significant Modern Texts, you will answer one
influence on our literary and cultural essay question from a choice of two
heritage. To that end, you will study on your studied modern prose or
one Shakespeare text and one drama text. In Section B: Poetry, you
nineteenth century novel alongside will answer one comparative
more modern prose and drama question on one named poem
texts. The focus is on you engaging printed on the paper and one other
with your reading through exploring poem from your chosen anthology
key themes, ideas and issues, cluster. Section C requires you to
characterisation and settings in respond to an unseen poem and to
order to build confidence in your compare this poem with a second
skills of critical evaluation. Poetry unseen poem.
will also be studied in preparation
for an examination module; you will
study a cluster of thematically linked
poems from the anthology.
Throughout the course, you will also
learn the skills necessary to enable
you to respond to a previously
unseen poem. You will learn to read
in depth, critically and evaluatively,
so that you are able to discuss and
explain your understanding and
ideas and make connections across
your reading. In addition, you will
develop your writing skills to
produce work which is accurate,
effective and analytical. You will be
encouraged to acquire and use a
wide vocabulary, including the
grammatical terminology and other
literary and linguistic terms.Mathematics
Edexcel GCSE
Why study GCSE Mathematics? What will be studied? How will you be assessed?
Mathematics is all around us in GCSE courses build on the work There are two Tiers of entry in GCSE
everyday life. In fact, the world as studied in Years 7 to 9, developing Mathematics:
we know it would not exist without and extending topics already met
mathematics! The apps on your and introducing new concepts and Foundation Tier (aimed at grades
phone, the prices you pay, the cars techniques. These fit into four broad 1- 5) and Higher Tier (aimed at
on the streets and the gas and areas: grades 5-9).
electricity bills for your homes all rely
on mathematics. However, studying Number: At Foundation Tier, around half
Mathematics has far wider benefits. Including indices, surds, proportion, the marks are targeted at grades 4
It helps develop logical thinking, ratio, fractions, decimals and and 5; at Higher Tier around half the
pattern recognition, reasoned percentages. A large focus on this marks are targeted at grades 7-9.
argument and clear communication, part of the course is an appreciation A grade 5 has the same value at
for example. Harder topics help of ratio and proportional change. both Tiers; it doesn’t matter how
develop abstract ideas and you earn it!
speculative questioning. Algebra:
Including linear equations, quadratic Your examination is taken in the
Many of the techniques you learn equations and simplification of summer of Year 11. There are three
will be useful in other subjects algebraic expressions. Questions examination papers; one non-
including Physics, Design, may use algebra to model real life calculator paper and two calculator
Geography, Business, Economics, situations. papers. Each paper is worth 80
Computing, Psychology and marks, and your final grade is based
Biology. Shape, Space and Measure: on the total score from all three
Including area, volume, similar papers. Some of the questions will
Mathematics is a compulsory shapes, Pythagoras’ theorem, be set in the context of ‘real-life’
subject and there is the opportunity trigonometry, circle theorems and situations; it is important that you
for able and interested students to vectors. This is a key topic in any learn how to identify important
study extra courses in Further design-related activity. information, plan your route through
Mathematics and/or a solution and communicate your
Statistics. Handling Data: steps clearly.
Representation and interpretation of
What happens next? data and the study of probability. GCSE Statistics
Many Sixth Forms, Universities or Information is all around us – it is This is an optional course which is
careers require you to have reached important to know how to analyse studied after school, one hour per
a minimum standard in Mathematics. and interpret it correctly. week, over two years. For this
If you achieve a high grade and enjoy reason, there is a high degree of
the subject, you may choose to take The new style GCSE places an independence and responsibility
A Levels in either Mathematics or increased emphasis on problem- expected from pupils choosing to
both Mathematics and Further solving questions. study this course.
Mathematics.
The course delves more deeply than
GCSE into information collection,
processing, interpretation and use in
making inferences. As such, the
ability to communicate clearly in
writing is an essential feature of this
course.
GCSE Statistics is not only an
excellent preparation for those
considering studying A Level
Mathematics but also useful for
further study in such subjects such
as Geography, Psychology, Biology
and Economics.
The course leads to an Edexcel GCSE
Higher Level qualification, taken
through two terminal examination
papers of 90 minutes each.GCSE Combined Science – Trilogy (Double Award)
AQA
Why study GCSE Combined What will you study? In your Physics lessons you will
Science – Trilogy (Double Award)? In your Biology lessons, you will learn about forces, energy resources
Studying Science will help you to learn about organ systems in the (including the use of fossil fuels and
learn about how and why things human body, including the nervous global warming as critical problems
work in the way they do. From the system and the digestive system. for this century), waves (including
complex functioning of the human The specification also includes modern technologies such as
body to the development of the topics on the environment, imaging and communication
most sophisticated means of inheritance and photosynthesis. systems), electricity, magnets, the
modern communication; Science There are opportunities to learn particle model of matter and finally
is all around us. It is not just about about relatively new techniques radioactivity and nuclear physics.
learning facts; Science is also about and technologies, such as genetic
developing the skills of critical engineering and the therapeutic How will you be assessed?
thinking, data analysis, problem use of stem cells. The course is divided into Biology,
solving and application. Chemistry and Physics topics
In your Chemistry lessons you will that will be assessed via six
It is, therefore, not surprising that learn why chemical reactions occur. examinations taken at the end of
Science is a core subject of the The specification includes topics on Year 11. Each examination is 1 hour
National Curriculum and that a combustion, extraction of metals 15 minutes long. Questions testing
GCSE Science qualification is a and neutralisation. Factors such as experimental and investigative skills
minimum requirement for entry to how to alter the rate of a reaction are also included in each
many university courses. The and how to analyse substances are examination.
Double Award Science course also covered. You will also find out
combines the study of Biology, how chemists strive to minimise the Biology Paper 1 16.67%
Chemistry and Physics and leads to use of limited resources and energy Biology Paper 2 16.67%
the award of two GCSE grades. You consumption in the manufacture of Chemistry Paper 1 16.67%
are taught by three different subject useful products and how chemists Chemistry Paper 2 16.67%
specialist teachers and have 12 develop ways of disposing products Physics Paper 1 16.67%
Science lessons per fortnight. at the end of their useful life in ways Physics Paper 2 16.67%
that ensure that materials are used
If you take the Double Award course sustainably. There are no Controlled
and later wish to continue a Science Assessments.
subject to A Level, you will be able
to do so, provided you achieve the Remember
required grades. You must choose either Double
Award or Triple Award Science.GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Triple Award)
AQA
Why study GCSE Biology, How will you be assessed? Is this for you?
Chemistry, Physics (Triple Award)? Each Science GCSE covers a range Triple Award Science is a course
Following the GCSE Triple Science of topics that are examined in two that is designed for pupils who have
course gives pupils the opportunity written papers at the end of Year 11. a genuine interest in Science and
to spend more time on their study Questions testing experimental and are keen to learn more about
of Science (18 periods per fortnight, investigative skills are also included Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
compared with 12 periods per in each examination. Each In order to succeed you will need
fortnight for Double Award Science) examination is 1 hour 45 minutes to have already demonstrated an
and leads to the award of three long. This means that you will have a aptitude for Science. You are
separate GCSE grades in Biology, total of 6 Science examinations at expected to have strong analytical
Chemistry and Physics. The the end of Year 11. and evaluation skills as well as the
transition from Science GCSEs to ability to apply your knowledge to
Science A Levels may be easier for Biology GCSE unfamiliar problems.
pupils who have followed the Triple Biology Paper1 50%
Science course, as several topics Biology Paper 2 50% It is also important to remember that
for each Science are covered in taking the Triple Award Science
more detail and additional topics are Chemistry GCSE option gives you one fewer option
introduced. Chemistry Paper 1 50% choice. If you wish to follow a
Chemistry Paper 2 50% broader curriculum and keep your
What will you study? future options open, the Double
Biology – the specification covers all Physics GCSE Award Science course may be more
of the Double Award Biology GCSE Physics Paper 1 50% suitable for you.
topics, plus some further topics Physics paper 2 50%
including the structure of DNA, Remember
cloning methods in plants and There are no Controlled You must choose either Double
animals, evolution and a study of Assessments. Award or Triple Award Science.
ecosystems.
Chemistry – the specification covers
all the topics studied in the
Chemistry sections of the Double
Award Science GCSE plus further
topics including the properties of
transition metals, chemical cells and
fuel cells, synthetic and naturally
occurring polymers and additional
quantitative chemistry.
Physics – the specification covers all
the Double Award Science GCSE
topics plus further topics including
moments, pressure, lenses, static
electricity and space physics.Optional Subjects
GCSE Art and Design (Fine Art)
AQA
Why study GCSE Art and Design? What will you study? Unit 2 – Externally Set Task
Choosing Art and Design enables The Fine Art endorsement will allow This is the examination element
you to explore your creativity and you to explore and produce work provided by AQA. You will receive an
develop your skills in a diverse range using a range of the following examination paper with a choice of
of media through an exciting techniques: drawing, painting, seven starting points. You will
practical based course. printmaking, mixed media, collage, choose one question from the paper
assemblage, sculpture and and produce work on it in a very
Art and Design has increasing photography. Your teacher will similar way to the sustained project
relevance to many aspects of our guide you in order to develop your for the portfolio. The examination
daily lives. Virtually everything that technical skills, and support you will be carried out over a number of
we own or look at has been in trying new processes and weeks beginning in January of Year
designed. We now live in a visual techniques so that you can develop 11 and will conclude with a final
world that has its roots in Art and the confidence required to realise piece of work undertaken during
Design. Think about television and your ideas. 10 hours of supervised time.
film, web pages, interior design,
architecture, cars, fashion and much, Unit 1 – Portfolio How will you be assessed?
much more. Art is everywhere; it’s This is the coursework element, in You will be assessed on your
not just a painting on a wall. Modern which you will complete a sustained portfolio, which is worth 60% of
businesses need people who have project in response to a given your total mark, and the externally
the ability to think creatively and theme. You will demonstrate your set task, which is worth 40% of your
adopt a disciplined approach to knowledge, skills and understanding total mark.
difficult situations. Many of the of methods of recording,
study skills that you learn in Art and experimenting with materials and Is this for you?
Design can be used in a lot of your techniques and the work of other If you answer yes to some of the
other subjects. In fact, Art is very artists documenting your journey following questions, then GCSE Art
cross curricular as every subject from the initial starting point through and Design could be for you.
expects you to think creatively, to to your final piece/s. You will also
explore, experiment and be curious. be required to present a selection • Do you enjoy expressing yourself
of further work that has resulted creatively?
from mini projects, workshops and • Do you enjoy having more
responses to gallery, museum or freedom to develop your own
site visits. ideas?
• Are you independent, motivated
and determined?
• Do you have a willingness to
experiment and explore?
• Do you enjoy working in a
creative and progressive working
environment?
• Do you struggle with revision
based courses?
• Are you hoping to go into an Art
and Design based career?GCSE Business
Edexcel
Why study GCSE Business In Year 11, we move on to look at the How will you be assessed?
Business is an accessible and growth of business, focusing on the There are two written examinations
fascinating subject which has an four main functions in the context which are taken at the end of Year 11.
impact on every area of our of larger businesses: marketing,
everyday lives. In the GCSE course operations, finance and human Theme 1 on Investigating Small
we apply knowledge to different real resources. You will look in more Businesses is a 90 minute, 90 mark
world organisations ranging from depth at successful marketing – the paper with a variety of multiple
small enterprises to large product life cycle, building a brand choice, short answer and extended
businesses which operate across and how to build an effective answer questions.
the globe. marketing mix. In operations, you
will learn about the importance of Theme 2 which is about Building a
You will already be familiar with research and development, how we Business has a similar structure and
many of the concepts and ideas manufacture quality products, is also 90 minutes long and worth 90
we discuss and should find it manage stock, stay competitive marks. The papers have equal
easier to add more depth to your and deliver good customer service weighting and there is no Controlled
understanding and analysis. We that meets legal requirements. You Assessment as part of the course.
also use a mixture of qualitative and will also revisit some of the financial
quantitative data so, whether you concepts from Year 10 including Is this for you?
prefer essay based or numerical cash flow, revenue, costs, break This GCSE is fun, lively and thought
subjects, there is something which even and profit. In the topic on provoking – we look at product
links to your personal strengths. people, you learn about motivation, development, talk about what is
how organisations can be happening in the business world
What will you study? structured, remuneration and the and review marketing campaigns.
As shown in the course details vital role of communication. Finally, By the end of the course you will
below, the design of the course you will look at the wider world of have a solid understanding of how
starts with small businesses and business: ethics, environmental businesses operate.
more simple concepts which issues, economic issues and
gradually build into a thorough and international trade, and the impact
detailed understanding of the world of government and the EU.
of business by the end of Year 11.
In Year 10 we focus on the start up
of small businesses. The topics
includes what inspires
entrepreneurs to start a business
and what skills they need to have to
be successful; for example,
understanding customers,
researching the market and thinking
creatively. You will also learn about
the use of social media, the
reliability of data in market research
and how businesses use
technology.GCSE Computer Science
OCR
Why study GCSE Computer What will you study? Is this for you?
Science? Computer Science is an intellectually Computer Science is at the centre
Take a look at the world around you. challenging yet very practical and of a STEM (Science Technology
How close to a computer are you? rewarding subject. It is an intensely Engineering and Maths) education.
When was the last time you used creative subject where you can Studying this subject will give you a
one? Life without computers is apply the knowledge and skills real advantage in today’s technology
almost unimaginable. The power learned in the classroom in exciting driven world. You will make the leap
of computers is utilised in all areas and inventive ways. from using other people’s software
of life, from medicine to space to being able to design and create
exploration. Computer Science You will learn to: your own. Maybe you could invent
goes way beyond just writing code. • think creatively, innovatively, the next Facebook or Snap Chat?
analytically, logically and critically GCSE Computer Science will give
Steve Jobs (Apple Co-Founder) • apply the principles of computer you the skills to become a
once remarked... science, including abstraction, Technology Entrepreneur… but
“Everybody in this country should decomposition, logic and data even more than this, it will give you
learn how to program a computer… representation the skills you need for any career
because it teaches you how to think”. • analyse problems in because Computer Science teaches
computational terms and solve you how to think.
By studying this highly valued them by designing, writing and
subject you will develop the skills debugging programs
and knowledge to give you that • apply mathematical skills relevant
competitive advantage in any to computation.
future career. You will develop
computational thinking skills such How will you be assessed?
as analysis, decomposition, logic You are assessed by two written
and algorithmic thinking. papers:
“Computational thinking will be a Unit 1: Computer Systems (50%)
fundamental skill used by everyone
by the middle of the 21st Century. Unit 2: Algorithms, Computational
Just like reading, writing and Thinking and Programming (50%)
arithmetic”. Wing (2011)
You must also complete a range of
programming tasks during your
course of study using a high-level
text-based programming language
such as Python or Visual Basic.
Your skills in this will be assessed in
the unit 2 written paper.GCSE Design Technology
OCR
Why study GCSE Design How will you be assessed?
Technology? The examination will make up 50%
Every product is designed. of your final mark. The examination
Designers find solutions to brings together your core
problems, make our lives better and knowledge of all material areas and
enhance our lives aesthetically. The in-depth knowledge of textiles. A
Design Technology GCSE course minimum of 15% of the paper will
allows you to explore the design assess your mathematical and
process to create products that science skills as applied within a
meet real life needs. design and technology context. The
controlled assessment project will
What will you study? make up the final 50% of your mark.
In Year 10 you will be taught all the
key skills you need to succeed. We Is this for you?
will build on the knowledge you have If you are interested in the world
already and you will become familiar around you, curious about how
with woods, metals, plastics, papers products develop and reach the
and boards as well as our specialist market and are keen on problem
area of textiles. You will use this solving then you will enjoy Design
knowledge to develop product Technology. The course has a 15%
design ideas and solutions and you design related mathematics content
will make prototypes using our so you should be comfortable with
Laser cutter, 3D printer and sewing basic mathematics. The course can
machines. In Year 11 the exam support you in many future careers
board will release a ‘context’ upon including fashion, engineering,
which you will base your controlled architecture, industrial design and
assessment project. You will business.
develop your own design brief and
work through the design process to
create your final product. Your
project will have a textiles focus but
can also incorporate any of the other
material areas as part of your final
product. Your controlled
assessment will be worth 50% of
your final mark.GCSE Drama
Edexcel
Why study GCSE Drama? How will you be assessed? Is this for you?
In Drama lessons you are encouraged Component 1: This course is perfect for you if you
to explore and engage actively in a Devised Performance have a genuine interest in theatre
wide range of creative activities to • 40% of the GCSE – 60 Marks and performance. A willingness to
enable you to develop as a successful • Internally assessed (by your work collaboratively and creatively
and independent learner. You will be Drama Department) and Externally with your peers is essential!
given the opportunity to demonstrate Moderated.
competence in a range of practical,
creative and performance skills. You There are two parts to the
will learn how to work imaginatively assessment:
and creatively in collaboration with 1) A portfolio examining the entire
others; generating, developing and devising process
communicating your ideas. You will 2) A performance of the devised
develop a multitude of skills, including performance
collaboration, communication and
an understanding of how to evaluate Component 2:
and make progress. The course Performance from Text
has a balance between engaging • 20% of the GCSE – 48 Marks
prescribed texts and stimulating • Externally assessed by a visiting
devising work; this will provide you examiner.
with variety, challenge and fun.
Component 3:
You may not wish to pursue a Theatre Makers in Practice
career as a performer but many • 40% of the GCSE – 60 Marks
career paths will benefit from the • Written examination 1 hour and
study of Drama, for example, 30 minutes.
marketing, advertising, the law and
teaching; indeed, anything which Section A
requires public speaking or good • 45 Marks
communication skills. • One question (broken into six
parts) on an unseen extract from
What will you study? the chosen performance text
Component 1: (40%) Devised studied.
Performance
– Create, rehearse and perform a Section B
piece of drama • 15 Marks
– Evaluation of the devising process • Two questions on a live theatre
and performance performance you have seen
• Pupils may take notes of up to 500
Component 2: (20%) Performance words into the examination for this
from Text section.
– Presentation of two key extracts
from a performance text
Component 3: (40%) Theatre
Makers in Practice – Written
examination
– Practical exploration and study
of one play
– Live Theatre EvaluationGCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
Eduqas
Why study GCSE Food This new GCSE in Food Preparation How will you be assessed?
Preparation and Nutrition? and Nutrition is an exciting and Written examination
The food industry is one of the creative course which ensures
world’s fastest growing industries. you will develop a thorough Paper 1:
In fact over 20% of the top 100 understanding of nutrition, food Theoretical knowledge of food
British Companies are in food provenance and the working preparation and nutrition and from
manufacturing. characteristics of food materials. the five core topics (above)
At its heart, this qualification 1 hour 45 minutes
The food and drink industry is focuses on nurturing your practical 100 marks
booming, with employment cooking skills to give you a strong 50% of GCSE
reaching the heights of 650,000 understanding of nutrition.
people and an annual turnover of NEA – Non-exam assessment
£66 billion. The opportunities to Food preparation skills are 100 marks
work within the food industry really integrated into five core topics:
are endless. • Food, nutrition and health Task 1:
• Food science Food investigation - understanding
Some examples of careers in • Food safety the working characteristics,
food are: • Food choice functional and chemical properties
food scientist, dietician/nutritionist, • Food provenance of ingredients. A written or
food sales and promotion, product electronic report (1500 – 2000
development, consumer What will you study? words) including photographic
technologist (sensory analysis and During the course you will be given evidence of the practical
product tasting), chef / baker / the opportunity to practise a wide investigations.
caterer, food journalist / food critic, range of skills along with developing 30 marks
environmental health officer, health a greater understanding of nutrition;
& safety inspector, food service the science behind food as a Task 2:
management, delicatessen / material, and wider environmental Food Preparation Assessment –
restaurateur, food wholesaler, aspects associated with food. knowledge, skills and
production & manufacturing, quality understanding in relation to the
assurance / standardisation, This qualification is linear, and planning, preparation, cooking,
purchaser (buys and sells food from consists of examination assessment presentation of food and application
around the world), packaging and non-examination assessment at of nutrition related to the chosen
technologist, teacher. the end of the course. task. Pupils will prepare, cook and
present a final menu of three dishes
The course is taught in a “hands on” within a single period of no more
practical way; consequently the than 3 hours, planning in advance
purchase of additional ingredients is how this will be achieved. 70 marks
essential. Time will also need to be
allocated to visiting the supermarket. Task 1 and Task 2 together will count
for 50% of the GCSE.
In Year 10 you will cook
approximately once a week along Is this for you?
with completing a series of modules You will enjoy Food Preparation and
involving written work and food Nutrition if you are organised and
experiments. enjoy experimenting with food.
When choosing this course, it is
In Year 11 you will concentrate on more important to enjoy a large
completing two Non-Examination variety of foods than have a natural
Assessments (NEAs) using a variety flair for cooking: we will teach you
of research and investigation how to cook! You will also have an
methods. You will respond to one inquiring mind and want to know all
of three specified tasks set by the about the food you eat and what it is
exam board. You will experiment needed for in the body.
and trial ideas for the NEA and
prepare for your examination in
the Summer term. You will work
independently on the task which
is set by the examination board.GCSE Geography
AQA
Why study GCSE Geography? Fieldwork Investigation How will you be assessed?
Geography is a varied and wide Pupils need to undertake two days You will take three examination
ranging subject which incorporates of Fieldwork. This will enable you to papers at the end of Year 11:
aspects of both the physical and gain an understanding of the
human environments. It develops environment by first hand Paper One:
written, graphical and oral skills and investigation and by applying Living with the physical environment
it also helps us to understand the knowledge and concepts learned in (worth 35% of GCSE)
world in which we live. Geography is the classroom. The two Fieldwork
an excellent ‘bridging’ subject inquiries will be carried out in Paper Two:
between the Arts and Sciences and contrasting environments and will Challenges in the human
allows pupils to keep their options include aspects of both physical environment (worth 35% of GCSE)
open when considering A Level and human geography. There will
studies in the future. be a compulsory overnight Paper Three:
residential trip to Cranedale in North Geographical applications (worth
What will you study? Yorkshire in Year 11 (usually towards 30% of GCSE) Is this for you?
This exciting and relevant course the end of September but this is
presents geography in a balanced subject to availability and approval: Yes if:
framework of physical and human approximate cost is £235 per pupil). • You enjoy learning about people
themes and investigates the link This specialist centre has an and their societies, economies,
between them. You will travel the excellent academic reputation cultures and managing their
world from the classroom, exploring and Health & Safety record – environments
case studies in the United Kingdom see https://cranedale.com/ • You are keen to learn and develop
(UK), newly emerging economies a wide range of skills.
(NEEs) and lower income countries Geography Field Trip
(LICs). Topics of study include We run a biennial residential trip to
climate change, poverty, Iceland which will give you the And finally... If you are interested in a
deprivation, global shifts in opportunity to develop your career that involves travel, you will
economic power and the challenge knowledge and understanding of not be disappointed. Geographers
of sustainable resource use. the topics covered in class and to really can work anywhere in the
improve your fieldwork techniques. world!
In lessons, we aim to provide you In four days we visit many features
with a variety of activities to meet of the island in order to build up real “Geography is a living, breathing
your needs. We pay particular life examples in preparation for your subject, constantly adapting
attention to examination technique examinations. We also make sure itself to change. It is dynamic and
alongside group and pair work there is time to enjoy the geothermal relevant. For me geography is a
activities that develop your learning pools the island has to offer! great adventure with a purpose.”
and confidence in the subject. Michael Palin
Mentoring sessions will also provide
you with an opportunity to ask for
further help and advice. We
encourage you to order ‘Wider
World’ magazine to extend your
wider reading within the subject. We
also encourage the use of ICT and
video clips to help improve your
understanding of the patterns and
processes we investigate.GCSE History
AQA
Why study GCSE History? Section B: Section B:
History is amazing – it’s the story of Wider World Depth Study – Conflict British Depth Study including the
people and their lives! It also helps and tension, 1918–1939 Historic Environment: Elizabethan
us understand the world that we live This study covers the aftermath of England, 1568–1603
in today. This course enables you to World War I and the failed attempts You will study Elizabeth's character
study the most interesting parts of to prevent World War II. You will and the difficulties of being a female
British, European and World History. study the attempts to make a fair ruler at the time (e.g.the problems of
Diversity is assured and it offers peace settlement after WWI, the marriage and succession), together
something for everyone! Treaty of Versailles and its impact with living standards and fashions
(e.g. German resentment). You will and the Elizabethan Theatre and its
What will you study? also look at the formation and achievements, the reasons for the
You'll study people’s lives in a successes and failures of the new increase in poverty during her reign
range of historical periods both international peace-keeping and atttitudes and responses to it.
inside and outside the classroom. organisation, the League of Nations You will also study religious
Recent trip destinations have and the reasons for its final collapse. intolerance, Puritanism and Catholic
ranged from the People's History Finally, you will look at the growing Plots to assassinate Elizabeth (e.g.
Museum in Manchester to international tension following the execution of Mary Queen of
Washington DC and New York City Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor, Scots). This topic also covers crises
and the department is planning to how this escalated and the events such as the Spanish Armada and
run more trips. immediately preceding WWII. the development and growth of
empire (e.g. the voyages of Sir
The course is divided into four Paper 2: Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh),
sections which are examined in two Shaping The Nation A castle/stately home or historical
papers. The topics that you will be site specific to the Elizabethan period
taught are as follows: Section A: must also be studied and referred to
Britain: Power and the people: in your examination.
Paper 1: c.1170 to the present day
Understanding The Modern World The story of how British people How will you be assessed?
fought to gain the rights that we You will sit two examinations at the
Section A: enjoy today. You will look at end of the two year course. Both will
America, 1920-1973: medieval constraints on kingship last 2 hours and will be worth 50%
Opportunity and inequality (e.g. Magna Carta), the origins of of the GCSE.
You will study how America became parliament (e.g. role of Simon de
so rich in the 1920s and how Montfort) and popular revolt (e.g. Is this for you?
American society changed, looking Peasants’ Revolt). You will also History is an extremely popular
in detail at the changing role of examine popular uprisings in the subject which provides excellent
women, the growth of the Early Modern era (e.g. Pilgrimage support for anyone thinking about
entertainment industry (Hollywood) of Grace), ‘Divine Right’ vs. careers in management, business,
and American attitudes towards Parliamentary authority (e.g. the media, law, journalism or
racism, immigration and organised English Civil War) and the right politics, to name but a few! History
crime (Al Capone). You will also to representation (e.g. American develops study skills and thinking
study the impact of The Wall Street Revolution). You will look at the skills and is therefore outstanding
Crash on American lives and the extension of the vote in the 19th and preparation for life in the Sixth Form.
attempts by President Roosevelt to 20th centuries (e.g. Chartism) and
help America recover. (The “New various forms of popular protest
Deal”) You will also learn about the (e.g. the Anti-Slavery Movement).
impact of WWII and how it changed Finally, you will study women’s
American Society. Finally, you will rights (e.g. Suffragettes), workers’
study post-war America and the rights and minority rights and
development of television, Rock and Britain’s development as a multi-
Roll, Martin Luther King Jr and racial society.
racism. You will also look in detail at
the social policies of Presidents
Kennedy and Johnson and the
campaign for racial, gender and
human rights. (e.g. Abortion: Roe
vs. Wade).BTEC First Qualification in Information
& Creative Technology
Pearson
Why study GCSE Information and What will you study? Unit 3: A Digital Portfolio
Creative Technology? You will study 2 core units and 2 Digital portfolios can be viewed by
The BTEC First Qualification in optional units: anyone with a computer and an
Information & Creative Technology is internet browser. You will learn how
an exciting, ‘hands-on’ and practical Unit 1: The Online World to create a digital portfolio that
qualification. This two-year course is How do websites work? How do includes a series of web pages with
equivalent to one GCSE and offers emails reach your computer? links to content that you have
an alternative qualification that How does the use of computer created. You will learn how to make
focuses on key skills required for applications affect your daily life? use of multimedia assets such as
employment or further study in the This unit provides an introduction to images, sound and video to make
creative industries e.g. multimedia the modern online world. Starting your portfolio appealing and
production. with your own experiences, you will engaging.
extend your knowledge of online
The objective of this qualification is services and investigate the Students then pick 2 units from
to inspire and enthuse pupils to technology and software that following options:
become technology savvy producers supports them. You will learn more • Creating Digital Animation
of technology products and systems about a range of services including • Creating Digital Audio
and not just consumers. Pupils email, online data storage, • Creating Digital Graphics
will explore the fundamentals of collaborative software, search • Creating Digital Video
technology and gain the practical engines and blogging. • Spreadsheet Development
skills, knowledge and understanding • Database Development
to design, make and review: • Website Development.
• creative technology products,
e.g. a digital animation, audio and How will you be assessed?
graphics Unit 1 is externally assessed
• products that combine through an on-screen test. Unit 3
information technology and and the optional units are internally
creative technology, e.g. assessed through project work.
website development Pupils will be graded Distinction*,
Distinction, Merit, Pass or Ungraded.
Is this for you?
This course is for you if you enjoy
using computers in a creative and
practical way. The majority of the
marks for this qualification are for
coursework assignments rather
than an examination. This course
will particularly suit you if you are
well-organised, able to work to
deadlines and enjoy project based
work. You will need to have good
problem solving and evaluation skills.GCSE Latin
OCR
Why study GCSE Latin? How will you be assessed? Is this for you?
Latin is not just challenging but The final assessment is by If you like learning new words,
great fun and the set texts are highly examination and there are 3 papers. reading and discussing literature,
entertaining. Learning Latin All the examinations are taken you will thoroughly enjoy taking
develops the ability to grasp at the end of Year 11. There is no Latin at this level. This subject is for
grammar and to comprehend Controlled Assessment or you if you enjoy studying for exams
language. It also helps to develop coursework. rather than completing Controlled
the skills to respond to texts in a Assessment. If you want to make
sophisticated way. Language: yourself stand out from the
1hour 30 minutes, 50% thousands of other applicants to the
A Latin qualification helps a person top universities then Latin can help
to stand out from the crowd as it is a Prose Literature: you do that as it is a subject that not
very specialised subject. Latin 1hour, 25% everyone has the chance to study. If
goes well with all manner of A Level you enjoy a challenge, are ready
subjects, degrees or career choices Verse Literature: to work hard and most importantly
such as Law, Philosophy, History, 1hour, 25% have a good sense of humour, then
Archaeology, Languages, English Latin is for you.
Literature and many more. Latin is
growing in the 21st century as more
and more educators realise its
massive benefits to young people.
What will you study?
In the Latin Language component,
you will discover how the language
works, improving your skills and
vocabulary in English as you
develop your knowledge of Latin.
You will be expected to learn 10-20
words per week from the vocabulary
list provided. A small part of the
language paper requires either
translation into Latin or answering
grammar questions. For Latin
Literature you will study texts by real
Roman authors which have some
very unusual story lines. Prose texts
are based on investigations into a
murder by poison and stolen
inheritance money. The verse text
consists of selections from the first
half of Virgil’s Aeneid, an epic poem
following a flawed hero as he battles
to fulfil his destiny.You can also read
