Compulsory Subjects
Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus No. 3702
Staff to contact: Ms Hillier or Ms Bain
Course Content:
The GCSE English course is geared towards the needs of young people in the modern world. It is focused on reading and writing skills. Students complete four pieces of coursework:
1. Shakespeare – an oral assignment on ‘Othello’
2. Prose – an essay on ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens
3. Media – analysis of how teenagers are represented in the media or another topical issue.
4. Original writing – Creative writing ‘The Assassin’ / ‘Your Shoes’
Group Organisation and Setting:
Classes are set by ability at the beginning of term. Movement between classes is possible as students progress.
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
Students will study a range of non-fiction texts and poetry from the anthology. They will also study a play by Shakespeare and poetry from different cultures. The English department run after school sessions on Tuesdays.
Assessment:
Speaking and listening coursework: 20%
Reading and writing coursework: 20%
Exam (two papers): 60%
How Parents Can Help:
Parents can help by taking a positive interest in their child’s study, discussing their own reading and writing – however casual – as well as the child’s.
Parents can be particularly helpful with their child’s coursework, discussing work in progress and encouraging him or her to meet the set deadlines and redraft coursework to raise grades.
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Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus No. 3712
Staff to contact: Ms Hillier or Ms Bain
Course Content:
The GCSE English Literature course is designed to give students some experience of the rich variety of poetry, drama and prose in the English language.
Students complete three pieces of coursework, two of these pieces count towards the language GCSE course:
1. Shakespeare – an oral assignment on ‘Othello’
2. Prose – an essay on ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens
3. Post 1914 drama: An assignment analysing the dramatic techniques used by the writer of ‘A View from the Bridge’ by Arthur Miller / ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley / ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller
Group Organisation and Setting:
Classes are set by ability at the beginning of term. Movement between classes is possible as students progress.
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
Students will study a play by Shakespeare, a play by a twentieth century playwright, a selection of complete prose texts and a variety of poems. The English department runs after school sessions on Tuesdays.
Assessment:
Coursework: 30%
Exam (one paper): 70%
How Parents Can Help:
Parents can help by taking a positive interest in their child’s study, discussing their own reading – however casual – as well as the child’s.
Parents can be particularly helpful with their child’s coursework, discussing work in progress and encouraging him or her to meet the set deadlines and redraft coursework to raise grades.
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Examination Board: AQA Syllabus No. 4307 (B)
Staff to contact: Ms D. Ogun
Course Content:
Module 1 (18% of GCSE) Data handling
Module 2 (27% of GCSE) Number
Module 3 (55% of GCSE) Algebra, Shape and space
Group Organisation and Setting:
Students are set according to ability. Movement between sets takes place where necessary.
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
Oxford AQA Modular GCSE Mathematics Higher Course
Collins AQA Modular GCSE Mathematics Foundation Course
The Mathematics Co-ordination & CGP Past Papers Group: Revision Guide for GCSE Mathematics – Foundation & Higher Level and workbook.
Assessment:
The course will be assessed throughout year 10 and 11 by modular examinations. In year 10, two exams will be completed making up 45% of GCSE. In year 11, one examination worth 55% will complete the GCSE.
How Parents Can Help:
Supporting the College homework policy
Purchasing a textbook for use at home in addition to a calculator.
Purchasing the revision guide and workbook at the appropriate level.
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| Science: Double/Single Award GCSE |
Examination Board: OCR 21st CENTURY SCIENCE Syllabus No. J631
Additional Science A: Double Award or J630 Science A: Single Award
Staff to contact: Ms Akintunde or Ms McIntosh
Course Content:
The course is divided into units of work called modules, and each module has a different theme. The modules will be chosen to give a ‘balanced science’ course. This means you will study equal amounts of biology, chemistry and physics.
Every module counts towards your GCSE grade. From the first module onwards your work is always important.
DOUBLE AWARD SCIENCE (Science A + Additional Science A)
• Is a course based on the full science National Curriculum
• You will study Science for 5 lessons per week and complete 18 modules over 2 years
• At the end of the course you will have earned two separate GCSE grades
• Success in this course will allow you to study any science at a more advanced level or obtain jobs and college places which ask for Double Science or separate GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics.
• This qualification will be useful for a wide range of careers and essential for many.
SINGLE AWARD SCIENCE (ScienceA)
• Is a course based on the core modules of the National Curriculum
• You will study science for 3 lessons per week and complete 9 modules over a 2 year period
• This award will not allow you to progress to A level science
Group Organisation and Setting:
Students are set in groups according to ability based on their Year 9 National Curriculum test results.
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
Pearson 21st Century Science text books, Lonsdale 21st Century revision guides
Visit to the City of Science in Paris (optional)
Assessment:
Three unit exams, each incorporating objective questions on three teaching modules, set and marked by OCR
An ideas context examination, based on pre-release material, set and marked by OCR
A skilled assessment unit. Internally marked and moderated by OCR
The final qualification grade awarded will be independent of tier and based on the total UMS score.
External Units Exam to test – 66.7%
Coursework – 33.3%
How Parents Can Help:
By encouraging students to attend after school coursework and revision clubs.
Be aware of ends of unit test dates and skills assessment deadlines.
By buying KS4 science revision guides
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| BTEC: Science Diploma/Certificate courses at level 2 |
Examination Board: Edexcel
Staff to contact: Ms Akintunde
Course Content:
Diploma:
The course is divided into units of work called modules, and each module has a different theme.
The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Diploma is a 360 guided learning hour qualification comprising of core and specialist units, which covers aspects of knowledge, understanding and competency necessary for employment within the sector. The course provides a vocational emphasis within their programme of study compared to the academic route of doing GCSEs.
The BTEC offers a focused qualification for learners who wish to follow a programme of study that is directly related to their work experience or to an aspect of employment that they wish to move into in due course.
Progression:
This course would allow smooth progression to the Level 3 qualifications such as Medical Science, Forensic Science, Beauty Therapy Sciences, Pharmacy Services, Engineering, Construction and Animal Management. BTEC National in Applied Science or GCE Applied Science. Or they can enter employment.
Certificate:
The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Certificate is a 180 guided learning hour qualification, which offers a bite-sized opportunity for learners to experience a vocational course at a shorter programme of study compared to the Diploma. The programme of study is related to an aspect of employment that they may wish to move into.
Progression:
All learners may progress into the following Level 3 courses, BTEC National in Applied Science or GCE Applied Science. Or they can enter employment.
Group Organisation and Setting:
Students are set in groups according to ability based on their Year 9 National Curriculum test results.
Assessment:
The Diploma course is 100% internally assessed and it is worth 4 GCSEs.
The Certificate course is 100% internally assessed and it is worth 2 GCSEs.
How Parents Can Help:
By encouraging students to attend after school coursework and revision clubs.
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| ICT : BTEC First Certificate |
Examination Board: EDEXCEL
Staff to contact: Mr Stanley
Number of GCSEs this is equivalent to: 2 grades A* - C
Course Content:
This course offers students an exciting opportunity to gain an understanding of how 21st century organisations and businesses communicate and make decisions. During the two years of study, students will develop a wide range of academic, ICT, social and communication skills.
All students will use ICT working in a business, for themselves or for the government. This course will be invaluable in enhancing their career prospects.
This course is made up of three modules:
Compulsory units:
• Using ICT to present information
Then students select TWO from the following units:
• Installing and maintaining a home entertainment system
• Develop an animated advertisement / story
• Spreadsheet & Database development
• Setting up a Business on-line
• Creative Graphics
• Website development
Group Organisation and Setting:
Mixed ability
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
1. Electronic whiteboard and OHP’s
2. Multimedia presentations
3. Internet / DVDs / CD-ROMs
4. Group discussions and role play
5. Project work
6. Educational visits to business and organisations that use ICT to communicate
7. News and ICT programmes, newspapers and magazines
Assessment:
A combination of externally assessed test and internally assessed project work. Each unit is worth 16.7%
How Parents Can Help:
Encourage students to use computers as an essential skill to complete all homework, and encourage them to understand how ICT affects the individual and society
Progression:
Those students with five A* - C grades can progress onto either the more academic AS/A2 GCE in ICT or the Vocational BTEC National Diploma worth 2 A levels.
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Staff to contact: Ms Lewis
All students study a P.E. course. Students who have not chosen an examined P.E. course in their options will study the course described on this page.
Course Content:
The activities covered will be similar to those studied in Key Stage 3. In addition students will have theory lessons which will focus on the importance of fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. The typical activities groups will include:
• Athletics – track and field events
• Games – Football, hockey, netball, basketball, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, rugby
• Trampoline
• Dance – Boxercise, Pilates
• Adventure and Outdoor activities - Climbing, cycling, archery
• Swimming – Life saving and survival
• Fitness activities
• JSLA – Junior sports leadership award
Group Organisation and Setting:
Mixed Ability/Separate boy and girl groups for most of the activities
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
Sport Examined.
Work with local primary schools for Sports Leadership
Visits to local university fitness testing
CD Rom World of Sport
JSLA guidelines
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on practical performance as well as ability to recognise the links between a healthy lifestyle and performance.
Specific activity standards will be set for students to obtain and improve upon.
A high level of participation is essential for overall progress to be made.
How Parents Can Help:
Ensuring student attends every practical lesson with the full kit and participates. The majority of the course is based on practical ability and students are continually assessed. Regularly attend parents’ evening.
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| Personal, Social & Careers Education: PSE and Careers |
Examination Board: N/A
Staff to contact: Ms K Hill or Ms A. Hine
Course Content:
PSE seeks to build on the skills and knowledge gained by the students in their Key Stage Three course. The emphasis in the work is the development of the individuals, both personally and as a member of society. Students also examine those issues important in the development of citizenship and harmony within the local and wider community. Throughout the course students will develop their own self esteem and be able to make informed decisions in regard to:
• Personal health
• Sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS
• Discrimination
• Power and Politics
• Parenting
• Development
• Career pathways
• CV’s and the interview process
• Preparation for work experience
• Progress file
• Crime and community
• Sex and relationships
In conjunction to the PSE/Citizenship component of the year 10 course, students study a number of integrated careers units of work (work, college, training). These focus upon career paths, the construction of a CV and extensive preparation for students’ 2 week block of work experience. Students also study about the benefits gained in going to university.
Group Organisation and Setting:
All PSE classes are grouped according to mixed ability - students split their time between PSE and careers.
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
• Text/work sheets
• Films/videos
• Outside speakers
• Games/group work
• Newspaper/magazines
• Practical demonstrations
• Role play
• 2 week work experience placement
Assessment:
N/A
How Parents Can Help:
• Research and discuss Career pathways with students.
• Discuss with pupils relevant issues from the course.
• Encourage pupils to watch current affairs programmes and read a newspaper.
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| Religious Education – Philosophy and Ethics: GCSE |
Examination Board: OCR Syllabus No. 1031 (B)/1931
Staff to contact: Miss K. Clark
Course Content:
This course will enable you to develop your knowledge of Christianity and Islam and also to develop skills in philosophy and thinking skills.
In year 10 all students will study 4 units:
Good and evil – which is all about the concepts of good and evil, whether humans are born evil or become so due to their backgrounds.
Medical ethics – which investigates difficult issues such as abortion, euthanasia, animal experiments and suicide from a religious perspective.
Religion and science – which considers whether science can really provide all the answers or whether there is still a place for religion in the world.
Nature of God – this unit involves consideration of whether God actually exists and if so how can we prove it / disprove it.
Year 11 South side students will go on to study four more units:
Religion, peace and conflict – an investigation of the idea of religious wars, crime and punishment, and prejudice.
Religion and relationships – students consider religious attitudes to marriage, divorce and families.
Death and the after-life – a consideration of the religious views about death rituals and what happens to us afterwards.
Religion and equality – students will consider issues about racism, discrimination and prejudice from a religious perspective.
Group Organisation and Setting:
Students are placed in sets according to year 9 results in RE and English.
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
All materials used are produced in-house. These include stimulus booklets, revision materials, exemplar answers etc.
Assessment:
100% Examination
How Parents Can Help:
Check homework, discuss issues, encourage attention to current affairs.
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| Citizenship: Half GCSE Course |
Examination Board: OCR Syllabus No: 1048
Staff to Contact: Mrs F. Fox
Course Content:
• Legal and human rights.
• Religious and ethnic diversity in the U.K.
• Living in a democracy – rights and responsibilities.
• The Economy.
• The Media
• World issues e.g. globalisation, global warming and sustainability.
Skills:
The course consists of the 3 main elements of citizenship.
(a) Knowledge and understanding to become informed citizens.
(b) The development of the skills of enquiry and communication.
(c) The development of the skills of participation and responsible actions.
Group Organisation and Setting:
Mixed ability.
Books/Other Materials/Visits/Field Trips etc:
Core text book for each student. videos, the internet, visits e.g. House of Commons, the courts, plenty of discussions and formal debates
Assessment:
60% Examination.
40% Coursework (2 pieces).
How Parents Can Help:
Check homework, discuss issues, encourage watching and reading about news and current affairs. Try and have a daily newspaper in the home.
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Curriculum 
