Northgate School Subject option summaries 2021/22
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Northgate School Subject option summaries 2021/22 1
Contents Core subjects Subjects Page English language 3 English Literature 4 Maths 6 Science 7 PSHE (Unit Awards) 8 Functional skills 9 - 10 Option subjects Subject Page Art 11 Citizenship 12 Drama 13 History 14 Religious Studies 15 Sociology 16 Other information Subject Page Careers 17 Options form 17 Remember – These are only some of the courses that are on offer. If you are interested in studying a different subject, please talk to Angela or Anna. 2
AQA English Language GCSE Course overview What will I study? GCSE English Language will help you develop a range of skills to read, understand and analyse a wide range of different texts covering 19th, 20th and 21st century time periods. It will also develop your written communication enabling you to write clearly, coherently and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. English is an essential subject in the curriculum and will support your progression onto a range of courses and further study. How will I be assessed? • You will be assessed through two exams. • Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long • The total mark for each exam is 80 marks Paper 1: Examination worth 50%: Creative reading and writing. Paper 2: Examination worth 50%: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives Resources that will support my learning AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification Seneca - https://www.senecalearning.com/en-GB/ Seneca learning has online tutorials for different areas of the specification. It covers both Language and Literature through short online modules. Seneca is a GREAT resource. GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zcbchv4 GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies with short quizzes at the end of each topic. Key texts Key texts for literature • For English language read as • A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) much and as widely as you can. • A Taste of Honey (Shelagh Delaney) This includes newspapers, articles, • Romeo and Juliet (William journals, literature and poetry. Shakespeare) • Animal Farm Top tips for success in English Language 1. Read as much as you can! Read everything! 2. Practice writing to time as frequently as possible 3. Expand your vocabulary. Try to use as many new words as you can in your writing. Reading more will help you to do this. 3
AQA English Literature GCSE Course overview What will I study? GCSE English Literature is taught in combination with GCSE English Language and encourages a world of creativity. Through studying a variety of texts you will explore the characters, plot and language techniques the authors have used and this will help you to develop your skills of analysis, critical thinking and self expression. How will I be assessed? • You will be assessed through two exams. Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel: • Examination worth: 1 hour 45 minutes • 64 marks - 40% of GCSE Questions Section A Shakespeare: students will answer one question on their play of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole. Section B The 19th-century novel: students will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole. Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry: • Examination worth: 2 hour 15 minutes • 96 marks - 60% of GCSE Questions Section A Modern texts: students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text. Section B Poetry: students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster. Section C Unseen poetry: Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem. 4
Resources that will support my learning AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification Spark notes - https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/romeojuliet/ https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/christmascarol/ https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/animalfarm/plot-analysis/ Provides a great summary of the plot and characters to be used in conjunction with the text. YouTube – Search: ‘Mr Bruff Romeo and Juliet’ ‘Mr Bruff A Christmas Carol’ ‘Mr Bruff Animal Farm’ You’ll find lots of useful information here, including summaries, analyses and example essays Seneca - https://www.senecalearning.com/en-GB/ Seneca learning has online tutorials for different areas of the specification. It covers both Language and Literature through short online modules. Seneca is a GREAT resource. GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zcbchv4 GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies with short quizzes at the end of each topic. Key texts Key texts for literature • For English literature read • A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) extensively This includes • A Taste of Honey (Shelagh Delaney) newspapers, articles, journals, • Animal Farm (George Orwell) • Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare) literature and poetry. • AQA Poetry Anthology The poetry theme we will be looking at is Power and conflict. Top tips for success in English Literature 1. Read as much as you can! 2. Practice writing to time as frequently as possible 3. Analyse what you read. Look at the language the author uses and consider the impact it has on you as a reader. 5
AQA Mathematics GCSE What will I study? GCSE Mathematics will help you to develop basic skills that are used daily. Skills such as problem solving, analysing data, communication, logical thinking, and attention to detail. The course has a foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) and a higher tier (grades 4 -9). The topics covered are: • Number • Algebra • Ratio, proportion, and the rates of change • Geometry and measures • Probability • Statistics Mathematics is an essential subject in the curriculum and will support your progression onto a range of courses and further study. How will I be assessed? • You will be assessed through three exams. • Each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long. • The total mark for each exam is 80 marks. • Each paper may contain content from any part of the specification. Paper 1: Examination worth 33.3’%: Non – calculator paper. Paper 2: Examination worth 33.3’%: Calculator paper. Paper 3: Examination worth 33.3’%: Calculator paper. Resources that will support my learning AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics AQA has a range of past papers online and has a copy of the full specification. MathsWatch - https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/ MathsWatch has learning videos, worksheets, tests, and assignments that cover all topics for the both foundation and higher tiers. Top tips for success in Mathematics • Practise, practise, practise! • Revise at home as much as possible. • Use the available resources, including pass papers. • Time yourself when completing pass papers. 6
AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Course overview What will I study? In GCSE Combined Science Trilogy, you will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Biology will give you a fundamental understanding of living organisms (such as animals, plants and bacteria) from their cellular structure through to the effect they have on our planet. You will look at human and plant tissues, organs and organ systems in more detail, as well as our current understanding of genetics and evolution. Chemistry will give you a solid grounding in what matter is fundamentally made of, that is, atoms and molecules. You will also learn how and why these atoms and molecules come together to make the millions of substances that make up the universe as we know it. Physics is concerned with those things we cannot directly touch and see, forces and energy, such as gravity, magnetism and electricity to name just some. You will learn that it is these forces along with energy that underpin what takes place in Chemistry and Biology. As well as studying the theory, you will also do practical work in all three sciences. The practical work will give you the skills to analyse and evaluate data you have obtained from your own and others experiments. This will give you a fundamental grasp of how science is conducted in the real world. Science is an essential subject in the curriculum and Combined Science Trilogy will support your progression onto a range of courses and further study. How will I be assessed? • GCSE Combined Science Trilogy is a double award. This means you will be awarded two GCSE’s. • You will be assessed through six exams papers, two in Biology, two in Chemistry and two in Physics. • Each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes long • The total mark for each paper is 70 marks • Each of the six papers is worth 16.7% of the total mark. Resources that will support my learning AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/combined-science-trilogy AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies with short quizzes at the end of each topic. Top tips for success in Combined Science Trilogy • Do your homework regularly. Make a note of what you are not sure of and ask a classmate or your teacher for help. • Revise a little and often. Fifteen minutes of revision each evening will make a huge difference to your final grades. 7
AQA PSHE Unit Awards Course overview What will I study? AQA PSHE Unit Awards will offer you the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills to help you live safe, confident, healthy and responsible lives. You will study units across three core themes: health and wellbeing, relationships, and living in the wider world, including economic wellbeing and aspects of careers education. These PSHE Unit Awards will act as a stepping stone towards further education, employment, training or independent living. How will I be assessed? All PSHE units are accredited by AQA and will be Level 2 (equivalent to Higher Level GCSE) • Each completed PSHE unit will initially be assessed by your teacher. • All completed PSHE units will then be sent to the AQA exam board for moderation. • AQA will accredit you with a certificate listing all your completed PSHE units. There is no examination for PSHE. Resources that will support my learning AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/programmes/unit-award-scheme AQA explains about the Unit Award Scheme and all the PSHE units can be found here with a description of each one’s criteria and evidence required. GCSE BBC Bitesize https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z3ckjxs GCSE Bitesize offers a range of great videos on all the PSHE topics being studied. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers BBC Bitesize also offers a range of resources specifically on careers including what to study, taking your exams, planning a career, the world of work, with lots of great tips and advice. AQA Units (Autumn Term) AQA Units (Spring Term) • Emotional Wellbeing • Sex and Relationship Education • Healthy Lifestyles • Personal Finance • Making Informed Career Choices • Personal Safety • Applying for Jobs and Courses Top tips for success in PSHE • When completing the PSHE units, read the criteria for each unit carefully and make sure you provide all the evidence required. • Try and include examples based on your own views and experience. • Complete all the AQA Unit Award assignments in your own words. 8
Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills ICT Level 1/Level 2 Course overview What will I study? The Functional Skills Information and Communication Technology (ICT) qualification is designed to give learners the skills to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in education, work, and everyday life. It has been created in response to employers’ perceptions that many learners are not achieving a sufficiently firm grounding in the basics. The Functional Skills ICT qualification will allow you to develop your confidence and ability when using ICT systems and tools. You will learn how to find and select information, as well as how to develop, present and communicate in both everyday life and work. How will I be assessed? You will be assessed through one exam lasting two hours. The total mark for the exam is 50 marks. During the exam you will be assessed on your ability to: • Use ICT • Find and select information • Develop, present, and communicate information Resources that will support my learning Edexcel https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-functional-skills/ict.html Edexcel has a range of past papers online and has a copy of the full specification. REVISE Functional Skills ICT https://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/secondary/Revision/Functional-Skills- ICT/Revise-Edexcel-Functional-Skills-ICT/Revise-Edexcel-Functional-Skills-ICT.aspx Pearson offers revision guides and workbooks suitable for independent study and exam practice. CGP Functional Skills ICT: Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2 - Study & Test Practice https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/functional-skills/ict/isra3-new-functional- skills-ict-entry-level-3 CGP offer a study guide providing explanations, examples, tips, and practice questions to help you prepare for your exam. GCSE BBC Bitesize https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zdjphbk GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies with short quizzes at the end of each topic. Top tips for success in Functional Skills ICT • Familiarise yourself with the specification • Practise using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel • Make the most of the resources provided by your teacher and ICT study guide 9
AQA Functional Skills English Levels 1/2 What will I study? This specification for Functional Skills English Level 1 and Level 2, is designed to equip learners with the life skills they need to succeed. It aims to ensure learners can communicate with confidence and independence and offers excellent preparation for employment and further education. All students at Northgate have the opportunity to take functional skills qualifications. How will I be assessed? • 1 x 60 min reading paper • 1 x 60 min writing paper • 1 x speaking, listening and communication task Resources that will support my learning AQA Functional Skills - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/functional-skills/english- 8720-8725/specification-at-a-glance AQA Functional Skills Maths Levels 1/2 What will I study? This specification supports the development of maths skills and complements our GCSE curriculum offer. Topics you will study include: 1. Use of number and the number system 2. Use of measures, shape and space 3. Handling information and data How will I be assessed? How it's assessed • 1 x Non calculator paper 30 minutes. • 1 x Calculator paper 1 hour 30 minutes Resources that will support my learning AQA Maths Functional Skills - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/functional- skills/mathematics-8361-8362/specification-at-a-glance 10
Art GCSE What will I study? The AQA art and design programme promotes student’s learning by offering a variety of experiences in which to use a range of processes, tools, techniques, materials and resources to evidence working methods and outcomes. The GCSE will be delivered through the title of Art, Craft and Design and students will work within two or more of the following areas of study: • Fine art • Graphic communication • Textile design • Three-dimensional design • Photography How will I be assessed? Assessment Objectives AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources. AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes. AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses. AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language. Component 1: Portfolio 60% • Students are requires to submit a portfolio that comprises a sustained project and a selection of further work which represents their course of study. • This will be continually developed over the course of the GCSE. Component 2: Externally set assignment 40% • Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their chosen title. • 10 hour supervised time. Resources that will support my learning AQA Subject Specific Vocabulary https://www.aqa.org.uk/resources/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design/teach/subject- specific-vocabulary Past Question Papers and Mark Schemes https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201- 8206/assessment-resources Top tips for success in GCSE Art 1. Familiarise yourself with the 4 assessment objectives. 2. Develop a genuine interest in the subject – visit art galleries, listen to relevant podcasts, follow artists on social media. 3. Experiment! 11
Citizenship GCSE What will I study? Citizenship studies teaches you a range of skills such as debating, advocacy and how to engage and plan active citizenship activities. You will also gain a range of knowledge about aspects of British society including voting, elections, the legal system, human rights and responsibilities and media. Questions you will explore include: 1. Should the voting age be lowered to 16 years? 2. What should the age of criminal responsibility be? 3. How can we encourage the government to take more action on climate change? 4. How can I be an active citizen in my community? Resources that will support my learning UK Parliament website: https://learning.parliament.uk/en/resources/360-tour/ Law and sentencing : https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/you-be-the-judge/ BBC news: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news Paper 1 Paper 2 What's assessed? What's assessed Section A: Active citizenship Section A: Life in modern Britain Section B: Politics and participation Section B: Rights and responsibilities How it's assessed • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes How it's assessed • 80 marks • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes • 50% of GCSE • 80 marks • 50% of GCSE Questions • Section A: Active Citizenship (40 Questions marks) • Section A: Life in modern Britain • Section B: Politics and participation questions (40 marks) question (40 marks) • Section B: Rights and responsibilities • Question types: multiple-choice, questions (40 marks) short answer, source-based • Question types: multiple-choice, short questions, extended answer answer, source-based questions, extended answer 12
AQA Drama GCSE What will I study? GCSE Drama encourages creativity, explores practical work and theoretical appreciation of aspects of theatre. In drama you will You will have the opportunity to explore practitioners and performance texts from this century through performance, design and academic study and also to experience live theatre. How will I be assessed? • You will be assessed through three components. Component 1: Devising: • a devised performance created and developed from a free choice of stimulus (15 marks) • a portfolio covering the creating and developing process and analysis and evaluation of this process which can be handwritten/typed/video recording (45 marks) • 60 marks - 40% of GCSE Component 2: Performance from Text: • Students will either perform in and/or design for two key extracts from a performance text chosen by the school • Externally assessed by a visiting examiner • 48 marks – 20% of GCSE Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice: • written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes • 60 marks - 40% of GCSE Questions Section A: Bringing Texts to Life: This section consists of one question broken into five parts (short and extended responses) based on an unseen extract from a chosen performance text (45 marks) Section B: Live Theatre Evaluation This section consists of two questions requiring students to analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance they have seen (15 marks) 13
AQA History GCSE What will I study? GCSE History will teach you the importance of not just learning history but learning from history. Understanding past events and people and their significance will give you a better insight into the world around you. You will cover four major studies: Germany 1890-1945, Conflict and tension 1918-1939, Health and the People c1000 to the present day and Elizabethan England c1568-1603. Studying history will help you develop essential skills for further study. How will I be assessed? You will be assessed through two exams Each exam is 2 hours long The total mark for each exam is 84 marks Paper 1: Examination worth 50%: Understanding the modern world Paper 2: Examination worth 50%: Shaping the nation Resources that will support my learning AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/gcse/history-8145 AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification. Seneca - https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free&Subject=History Seneca learning has online tutorials and standardised assessments for all the AQA GCSE history topics being studied. This is a GREAT resource. GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zxjk4j6 GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies of the AQA GCSE history topics being studied with short quizzes at the end of each topic. Key texts for Paper 1 Key texts for Paper 2 Hodder Education: Hodder Education: AQA GCSE History: Understanding the modern world Shaping the nation Engaging with AQA GCSE (9–1) History: Germany, 1890–1945, Democracy and Engaging with AQA GCSE (9–1) History: dictatorship Health and the people, c1000 to the Conflict and tension, 1918–1939 present day Elizabethan England, c1568–1603 AQA Hodder Workbook on each topic GCSE History Revision Guides (various) AQA Hodder Workbook on each topic GCSE History Revision Guides (various) Top tips for success in History 1. Take an enquiry-based approach to your learning. 2. Learn important dates/events, the really key ones! 3. Recall information through repeated revision and practice. 4. Apply the information to different contexts (ultimately exam questions). 14
AQA Religious Studies GCSE What will I study? GCSE Religious Studies will help you to understand how religion, philosophy and ethics from the basis of our culture and will prepare you for further study. For this course you will study the beliefs, teachings and practices of two religions, chosen from Christianity, Judaism, Islam You will also study four religious, philosophical and ethical themes chosen from: religion and life; relationships and families; the existence of God and revelation; religion, peace and conflict; religion, crime and punishment; religion, human rights and social justice. How will I be assessed? • You will be assessed through two exams • Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long • The total mark for each exam is 96 marks Paper 1: Examination worth 50%: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices Paper 2: Examination worth 50%: Thematic studies Resources that will support my learning AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062 AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification. Seneca - https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free&Subject=Religious+Studies Seneca learning has online tutorials and standardised assessments for the whole AQA GCSE Religious Studies course. This is a GREAT resource. GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zjgx47h GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your study of AQA GCSE Religious Studies (the beliefs, teachings and practices) with short quizzes at the end of each topic. Key texts Oxford University Press: AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1) GCSE Religious Studies for AQA A: Christianity Workbook: Christianity and Islam for GCSE Religious Studies for AQA A: Judaism Paper 1 GCSE Religious Studies for AQA A: Islam AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1) AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1): Workbook: Themes through Christianity Christianity and Islam Revision Guide and Islam for Paper 2 AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1): AQA GCSE Religious Studies A Revision Christianity and Judaism Revision Guide Guides (various) Top tips for success in Religious Studies 1. Learn key terms and vocabulary. Try not to get terms confused between religions! 2. Use quotations to support your writing and know where they come from. 3. You can use the point, evidence, explain technique in this subject. 4. Give your opinion on the themes and if you don’t have one, make one up! 15
AQA Sociology GCSE What will I study? GCSE Sociology will help to develop your knowledge and understanding about society. You will study the sociology of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification. The course is exciting, interesting and relevant to your lives! It will also develop your skills of investigation and constructing balanced arguments, as well as strengthen your analytical and research skills, all of which will support your progression onto a range of courses and further study. How will I be assessed? • You will be assessed through two exams • Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long • The total mark for each exam is 100 marks Paper 1: Examination worth 50%: The sociology of families and education Paper 2: Examination worth 50%: The sociology of crime & deviance & social stratification Resources that will support my learning AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/gcse/sociology-8192 AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification Seneca - https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free&Subject=Sociology Seneca learning has online tutorials and standardised assessments for the whole AQA GCSE Sociology course. This is a GREAT resource. GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zbbw2hv GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your GCSE Sociology studies with short quizzes at the end of each topic. Key texts Hodder Education: AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology, Updated Edition My Revision Notes: AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology Workbook Paper 1: The sociology of families and education AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology Workbook Paper 2: The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification Top tips for success in Sociology 1. Learn sociological definitions. 2. Make sure you have a good knowledge and understanding of the main theories. 3. Be able to apply the main theories to the four main topic areas. 4. Be aware of different research methods (even though there is no separate question on these!) as you will be asked about them in the four main topics. 16
Careers websites and resources http://www.plotr.co.uk – Games, and activities which are matched to you to get you thinking about your next steps www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk - The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. The service offers confidential and impartial advice. This is supported by qualified careers advisers. www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ - The official government website to find out about apprenticeships. https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship - National database of apprenticeship vacancies. www.careersbox.co.uk/ - A free online library of careers related film, news and information. Case study films show real people doing real jobs, giving viewers insight into careers across all sectors and helping them to find the right career. https://www.careerpilot.org.uk Career pilot offers quick videos and impartial information and advice about options and different types of qualifications. FAQ. Q. What grades do I need to study A Levels? A. For 3 A Level subjects most providers require 6 GCSEs grades 9-4 in academic subjects. In addition, there are subject specific entry criteria which relate to the specific demands of the subject. Some highly competitive post 16 providers may have higher entry requirements? Q. What grades do I need to study a L3 BTEC? A. Most L3 BTEC courses require five GCSEs, with four of these being grade 4 or above including maths, and one being GCSE English language at 5 or above. Note: For entry requirements for L2 courses and apprenticeships visit the website of the provider or speak with Stuart or Anna for further information. 17
Option choices Name of student: Instructions: Please select whether you would like to study GCSE Science Trilogy or GCSE Biology. GCSE Science trilogy GCSE Biology Instructions: Write down the names of the two option subjects that you would like to take. If you want to take one option subject write study support under the option 2 choice. Option choice 1. Option choice 2. Signed by student: ______________________________________________________ Signed by parent/ carer: __________________________________________________ 18
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