www.ysgolmaesydderwen.co.uk

No doubt you are aware of the importance of success in GCSE, BTEC and other qualifications as a way of your child continuing on to the next phase of his or her education or career. In summary, our minimum expectations are:

Your child attains at least 5 A* to C passes or equivalent in GCSE, BTEC and Key Skills qualifications. Last year 98% of our learners met this target - up 9% on the previous year.

Your child endeavours to get a C or above in GCSE English, English Literature and Maths or a suitable qualification according to ability - this is increasingly important for entry to College and 6th Form. Learners who wish to enter the teaching profession require B grades or above and those wishing to enter medical or veterinary professions would need A* grades

Attendance needs to be as close to 100% as possible.

Attend the relevant after-school revision sessions (see the Autumn Term Revision Timetable 2015). If there are clashes, attend every other week to ensure progress can be made.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any guidance or support.

I am pleased to present our Curriculum Booklet for the Autumn Term and I hope it will be of value in supporting your child to achieve the highest grades possible in each subject.

Dear Parent,

If your child wishes to follow an apprenticeship, applications must be made as soon as possible. Further guidance will be given during the Autumn Term and information may be found on www.careerswales.com

Croeso Welcome

Yours sincerely,

Mr R Lashley

Deputy Headteacher

The English Language course covers the vital skills of Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening These are not only essential in many careers, they also underpin successful study at all levels, and proficiency in them can add immeasurably to an individual’s general quality of life. Students will follow the new WJEC English Language course. Main Topics in the Autumn Term are: Approaches to GCSE Reading question Descriptive Writing Argumenation Editing Proof Reading Main Assessments: Sample examination questions (in class). A copy of the syllabus and sample papers can be found by using the following link: http://www. wjec.co.uk/supporting/english-language-gcse-in-wales.html Useful websites for revision are: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zr9d7ty

English Language

English Literature English Literature requires learners to become critical readers. Through prose, poetry and drama, they experience different times, cultures, viewpoints and situations, exploring how this context may reflect or influence values, assumptions and identity. The course comprises of the study of two prose novels, two drama texts (including one by Shakespeare) and many poems. The main topic in the Autumn Term is: Study of ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck. Main Assessment: Mock in class examination covering an extract and essay question similar to section A of the exam to be sat in May 2016. A useful website for ‘Of Mice and Men’ revision is: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/prosemicemen/ Various study guides are available through bookshops or online sites such as Amazon or Ebay.

CORE SUBJECTS

Maths

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0Z_65cyWiU

GCSE Maths is now a double award which means pupils will get two Maths GCSE’s. One is GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy which will build on and progress from the levels of numeracy expected at key stage 3 and will assess the mathematics that learners will need in ‘everyday life’. GCSE Mathematics will extend to aspects of maths that learners will need for progression to scientific, technical or further mathematical study. The four main areas of maths studied are number, algebra, geometry and measures and probability and statistics. The first topic studied will be number, including its application to solving problems. Copies of the syllabi, sample exam papers and revision help may be found by using the following link: http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/mathematics/mathematics-gcse/

BTEC Science

GCSE Science WJEC pre 2016 change syllabus School based diagnostic assessment is in the form of core homework for each module. End of module tests at appropriate milestones, pupils are given at least a fortnight notice of these class tests. Biology 1: Adaptation, Evolution and Body Maintenance 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2016

Chemistry 1: The Earth and its Resources 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2016 Physics 1: Energy, Radiation and the Universe 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2016 Science Controlled Assessment: Research skills, hypothesis testing and safety 25% 63 marks (80 UMS) Internal assessment October 2015 All three areas (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are being taught throughout the year, however, there is a focus on Biology and Chemistry this term until January 2016 when it will be Chemistry and Physics focus - part of a rota system. To support revision: https://drive.google.com/a/maesydderwen-hs.powys.sch.uk/folderview?id=0B3pa_EKej-qxZXVKencxQ05GdFk&usp=drive_web&tid=0B3pa_EKej-qxUTY4dHBiQmh2WkU

EXAM: external , contributes 25% towards final award which are available for March and June. We will advise students when they will be sitting the exam Units of work that students cover include Principle of Science (externally examined ) Chemistry and our Earth (internally assessed) Energy and our Universe (internally assessed) Biology and our environment (internally assessed) Miss James’ and Mr Lewis’ classes are currently working on the Unit 4, which include these projects: Threats to the Ecosystem Explore the factors that affect human health Impact of Industry on ecosystems

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel/

Chemistry

Physics

School based diagnostic assessment is in the form of core homework for each module. End of module tests at appropriate milestones, pupils are given at least a fortnight notice of these class tests. Overview Chemistry 1: The Earth and its Resources 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2016 Chemistry 2: Atoms, Bonding and Chemical Change 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2017 Chemistry 3: The Chemical Industry and Analysis 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2017 Chemistry Controlled Assessment: Investigation 25% 48 marks (80 UMS) Internal To support revision: https://drive.google.com/a/maesydderwen-hs.powys.sch.uk/folderview?id=0B3pa_EKej-qxZXVKencxQ05GdFk&usp=drive_web&tid=0B3pa_EKej-qxUTY4dHBiQmh2WkU

Biology

School based diagnostic assessment is in the form of core homework for each module. End of module tests at appropriate milestones, pupils are given at least a fortnight notice of these class tests. Year 10 are working on B1 this term. Overview Biology 1: Adaptation, Evolution and Body Maintenance 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2016 Biology 2: Cells and Metabolism, Digestion and Respiration; Biodiversity 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2017 Biology 3: Transport in Plants and Animals; Homeostasis; Microorganisms and Disease 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) External exam May 2017 Biology Controlled Assessment: Investigation 25% 48 marks (80 UMS) Internal assessment 2015 -16 To support revision: https://drive.google.com/a/maesydderwen-hs.powys.sch.uk/folderview?id=0B3pa_EKej-qxZXVKencxQ05GdFk&usp=drive_web&tid=0B3pa_EKej-qxUTY4dHBiQmh2WkU

School based diagnostic assessment is in the form of core homework for each module. End of module tests at appropriate milestones, pupils are given at least a fortnight notice of these class tests. Overview Physics 1: Energy, Radiation and the Universe 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS). External exam May 2016 Physics 2: Electricity, Forces and Nuclear Physics 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS). External exam May 2017 Physics 3: Electromagnetism, Waves, Kinetic Theory and Nucleosynthesis 1 hour 25% 60 marks (80 UMS). External exam May 2017

Physics Controlled Assessment: Investigation 25% 48 marks (80 UMS) Internal To support revision: https://drive.google.com/a/maesydderwen-hs.powys.sch.uk/folderview?id=0B3pa_EKej-qxZXVKencxQ05GdFk&usp=drive_web&tid=0B3pa_EKej-qxUTY4dHBiQmh2WkU

Art Art is offered to expand creativity and imagination and use a wide range of materials and techniques to develop pupils skills. ‘Natural forms’ is the theme for both Year 10 and 11 where pupils build up their coursework portfolio in preparation for the final exam in Year 11. Term 1

Creative making

Observational drawings

Mixed media experimentation

A visit to a sight of natural interest to collect and record images for future studies Term 2

Contextual understanding

Artist research

Exploring techniques used by artists Term 3

What is an art form?

Exploring ideas

Design development

Five hour Mock Exam A helpful website to look at is www.lightboxresource.co.uk Each week for homework, it is expected that pupils will continue to work on ideas, presenting class work, further research etc. This can also be done in after school sessions in the Art department.

DT Resistant Materials

DT Resistant Materials is divided into 2 units - a written exam paper and a controlled assessment task in Year 11. Year 10 pupils will be entered for the exam at the end of the Summer Term. DT Resistant Materials offers an unique opportunity for candidates to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products from a range of different materials/ingredients. It is a practical activity which will demonstrate pupils ability in the subject. Year 10 Design Make Activity Pupils design and make a ‘Garden Product’ project. Assessment takes place after each section of the project. e.g. research, specification, designing, planning, making and evaluating. Each pupil will receive an end of term grade for the project. Theory will be carried out from January until the theory exam in May. A mixture of topics will be covered such as Product Analysis; Joining Methods; Designers; Design Question; Materials and their Properties. Past papers handed out throughout term and an after school club is offered to improve exam technique. The theory exam counts for 40% of the overall GCSE grade. Help can be found at : www.wjec.co.uk www.technologystudent.com www.techitoutuk.com www.dtonline.org

Option Choices

DT Food Technology

DT Food is divided into 2 units - a written exam paper and a controlled assessment task in Year 11. Year 10 pupils will be entered for the exam at the end of the Summer Term. DT Food Technology offers an unique opportunity for candidates to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products from a range of different materials/ingredients. It is a practical activity which will demonstrate pupils ability in the subject. In Year 10, food techniques, processes and skills are focussed on through a variety of recipes and disciplines. Theory is taught alongside, with a focus on 2 professional chefs. For the academic year 15/16, these are; Jamie Oliver Heston Blumenthal The exam paper worth 40% of the overall mark will be sat at the end of Year 10 to enable students to focus on their Controlled Assessment Task in Year 11. Help can be found at : www.wjec.co.uk www.technologystudent.com www.techitoutuk.com www.dtonline.org

DT Graphics

DT Graphics is divided into 2 units - a written exam paper and a controlled assessment task in Year 11. Year 10 pupils will be entered for the exam at the end of the Summer Term. DT Graphics offers an unique opportunity for candidates to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products from a range of different materials/ingredients. It is a practical activity which will demonstrate pupils ability in the subject. Year 10 DMA External competition - Wales Rally GB. Pupils are designing either advertising merchan-dise to be sold at the event e.g. Mugs, Phone cases etc. or they are designing the graphics to go onto one of the rally cars. This will be due by October. Internal competition - Pupils will be asked to design a logo for the new school initiative ‘Step Up’. The winning designer will get to work with a professional Graphic Designer to get their design made. Help can be found at : www.wjec.co.uk www.technologystudent.com www.techitoutuk.com www.dtonline.org

French

At KS4, pupils will develop the ability to use French for the purpose of practical communication. They will therefore study a variety of topics designed to enable them to cope with a variety of situations. The first topic to be covered will be “Mes études” (My studies) which the pupils will use to develop their vocabulary and improve the quality of their Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing skills. The pupils’ progress will be assessed through various short spelling tests as well as a mock speaking exam towards the end of the unit. Websites to aid with the course : www.languagesonline.org.uk www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/

Cymraeg—Welsh

In Year 10, pupils continue to develop their communication skills in Welsh. They learn to speak individually and to be able to discuss a wide range of topics in a group. Reading skills are devel-oped through response to a wide range of reading materials. Pupils are taught to write clearly and accurately in a range of forms and a variety of purposes. The topics covered in Year 11 are: Leisure Time, Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking, The Environment, Healthy Lifestyle, TV and Media, Home and Friends, Technology, Celebrations and School Experiences. Assessment Unit 4 - Mock Exam in December Unit 3 - Group Oral Examination in April (25% of GCSE course) Unit 4 - Reading and Writing in May/June It is possible to re-sit Unit 1 in May. The completion of the GCSE Full Course provides students with an excellent platform for further study of the language at A Level. WJEC GCSE Revision Guide (Collins) Websites:

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/gcse/welshsecondlanguage https://hwb.wales.gov.uk http://cymraeg.llyw.cymru/?lang=en

This website is also very useful for adults learning Welsh. We encourage pupils to watch a wide range of Welsh language programmes catered for their age group on S4C eg Rownd a Rownd, Dyma Fi, #Fi. See listings on http://www.s4c.cymru/

Media Studies

Media Studies allows learners to draw on their existing experience of the media and to develop their abilities to explore and create a wide variety of media, drawing on the fundamental concepts informing the study of the media: texts, organisations and audiences/users. In Year 10, the key concepts of genre, representation, camerawork, editing, audience positioning, media platforms and theories are taught and assessed through a range of media. Main Assessment: Genre Investigation (10%) A copy of the syllabus can be found by using the following link: http://www.wjec.co.uk/uploads/publications/19416.pdf A useful website to aid with the course : http://www.mediaknowall.com/gcse/keyconceptsgcse/keycon.php?pageID=keyterms

Geography The course covers topics which are often in the news and make GCSE Geography relevant for students today and in the future. Students develop an understanding of the relationships between people and the environment in an ever changing world. Pupils will sit one GCSE exam paper in May which accounts for 40% of the final GCSE mark. There are 6 topics of study in Year 10. The topics covered in the Autumn Term are Rivers and Flooding, Climate Change and Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Pupils started the GCSE course last term and studied Ecnomic Development. There will be class tests during the term on key words and diagrams and pupils will complete past GCSE questions where they will need to focus on the command terms. The GCSE Geogra-phy Bitesize revision website is here : http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/

Please note that this site covers a range of topics so will include some subjects that are not covered in the WJEC spec A syllabus.

Another useful revision website is here: http://croesy-gcse-geography.doomby.com/pages/rivers.html There is a revision book available which is most suited for those pupils who will be sitting the Higher Tier paper, details are here: http://shop.wjec.co.uk/index.php?nav=shop&pID=18142&langID=1 There is also a free revision booklet available online here: https://rctmoodle.org/pontyhigh/mod/resource/view.php?id=615

History

The WJEC GCSE History course comprises of 4 units of study. Two of these units are studied in Year 10 and two in Year 11. The units are as follows: Year 10: During the Autumn Term, students study Sport, Leisure and Tourism which is a study of the changes in holiday patterns, entertainment and sporting activities since 1900. There are 3 unit tests during the Autumn Term as each unit is completed and pupils receive feedback on progress and targets for improvement with each assessment. In the Spring term students study Crime and Punishment which looks at the development of Crime and Prevention of crime since c1500. Here pupils look at how crime and policing has changed through time and how they are affected by society, economic and political change There are actually three areas of study in the WJEC syllabus but because pupils only answer 2 questions on the exam paper we focus only on the aforementioned and DO NOT teach ‘Punishment’. Pupils sit this exam in the Summer (2016) of teaching. There are also tests on each area of study as the pupils progress through the course. Throughout the course of study the skills of history are developed, namely, chronology, interpretation, source evaluation, use of historical knowledge and organisation and communication. Pupils are required to write clearly and effectively and each examination has extended writing questions which carry additional marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Revision is provided for the Crime and Punishment examination, starting in the Spring Term. Websites that may help with revision are: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/gcse www.wjec.co.uk/studies

Performing Arts

Pupils should have chosen one performing arts skill to develop throughout the year. The course works to develop the pupils’ chosen skills by analysing different techniques and observing and analysing professionals at work. Pupils complete two controlled assessment tasks in this term. The first task will consist of a professional development plan, a recording of a performance and a self-analysis. The second task which will be completed after October will be an essay in which they will have to plan two different performances and choose which one they prefer and why. It would be extremely useful for pupils to do as much research on their chosen skill as possible as they need to understand how to improve their technique and skill. They can find out more about the skills they should be researching in the specification and on the following websites. They can also find out more about the course and the upcoming tasks. http://www.wjec.co.uk/uploads/publications/5872.pdf?language_id=1 http://www.skillsup.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

The GCSE course is made up of 60% controlled assessment and 40% written examination. Year 10 will consist mainly of completion of the 2 controlled assessments tasks. During the Autumn Term pupils will complete their IT2 Controlled Assessment - which includes elements of the creation of their own spreadsheets, databases, presentation, catalogue and detailed evaluation. Due to the year consisting of controlled assessment work which has to be undertaken during lessons pupils are encouraged to attend the after school catch up sessions on a Wednesday if they are absent from lessons or feel they need extra support, as outside help is not allowed.

Computer Science

GCSE is made up of 3 units; written external exam (45%), practical external exam (30%) and controlled assessment (25%). Pupils will complete their Controlled Assessment in Year 10. During the Autumn Term they will continue to learn Python programming language as well as algorithms and pseudocode in preparation for starting their controlled assessment. Homework will be to continue with learning the code at home. After school sessions are held on a Wednesday if they require further support or catch-up due to absences. Websites to aid with the course: www.python.org www.codecademy.com www.greenfoot.org www.computingatschool.org.uk www.youtube.com

BTEC Business

BTEC Level 2 Ext. Cert. Enterprise Skills Pupils will have a course handbook which outlines the assessment and assignments during the 2 years. The course is continually assessed through assignments. 3 assignments to be completed in Year 10. Autumn Term - Unit 1 (The Entrepreneurial Mindset) Spring Term - Unit 2 (Creating a Vision for your Business Plan) Summer Term - Unit 5 (The Marketing Plan) Homework is continuous with research for each of their assignment tasks required prior to lessons. Learners should also be watching the news and business related programmes such as Dragons Den, etc to aid with terminology. Websites to help: www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts.html

Physical Education

http://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/pe-physical-education/ocr-gcse-physical-education-pe

GCSE Physical Education enables candidates to participate in physical activity in a number of different types of activity and in different roles within activities through practical performance. They also require candidates to underpin their practical performances with theoretical knowledge of the anatomical, physiological and psychological demands of physical activities. Four practical areas must be selected for internal moderation. Portfolios to be started on:

Analysis of Lifestyle

Moderation will take part in swimming and will be continues throughout the year in all areas.

Rugby

Football

Swimming

Life Saving

Hockey

Netball

Weight Training

Circuit Training

Horse Riding

Dance

Practical areas for assessment will need to be identified by the end of Year 10. Pupils will have

an opportunity to participate in a number of sports to help identify best selection for practical

assessment.

Useful revision guides can be found at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/znyb4wx

Religious Studies In the increasingly smaller global environment, studying Religious Studies is more important and relevant than ever. It allows students to investigate and question the beliefs, teachings and val-ues of other people that they share the world around them with. In Year 10, pupils follow the WJEC Religion and Life Short Course syllabus and sit an exam at the end of the year. There are no controlled assessments. There are 4 topics of study from the perspectives of Christianity and Hinduism: Unit 1 - Relationships Unit 2 - Fairness, Equality and Justice Unit 3 - Belief in God and Life after Death Unit 4 - Creation and the Environment There are end of unit assessments as well as the mock exam which are all completed and as-sessed as GCSEs. 50% of the marks are based on pupils knowledge and understanding of the religious beliefs, teachings and attitudes of the religions studied. The other 50% comes from pupils ability to evaluate and respond to the attitudes and beliefs they have studied. There are also 5 marks awarded for accuracy in spelling , punctuation and grammar. Students can bring their learning and ideas from a range of other subjects to develop their own critical ideas, such as History, Science and Geography. Homework - past paper assessments Independent research A revision book is available to buy from CGP for this paper. A copy of the syllabus can be found at : http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies/religious-studies-gcse/religious-studies-b.html Websites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/ www.rerevision.com

Welsh Baccalaureate Students in Year 10 will undertake the new Welsh Baccalaureate which is based on a Skills Challenge Certificate alongside Supporting Qualifications. The requirements of both the Skills Challenge Certificate and Supporting Qualifications must be met in order to achieve the overarching Welsh Baccalaureate. The Skills Challenge Certificate consists of four components which are followed by all learners:

Individual Project

Enterprise and Employability Challenge

Global Citizenship Challenge

Community Challenge The Supporting Qualifications include GCSE English Language, GCSE Maths - Numeracy plus a further three GCSEs of which two may be equivalent qualifications such as BTECs. To obtain the National Welsh Baccalaureate, A* - C grades must be achieved. Students achieving grades D - G will receive the Foundation Welsh Baccalaureate. The topics covered in Year 10 are:

Enterprise and Employability Challenge (By January)

Global Citizenship Challenge (By July)

Community Challenge (By July) Website: http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/welsh-baccalaureate/welsh-bacc-from-2015/

BTEC MySkills

There are several pathways that a pupil could follow under the My Skills Suite. Pupils will study one pathway in Year 10, and a second pathway in Year 11. The pathways currently available are;

Sustainability Sustainability Skills are flexible, personal development qualifications designed to teach learners what it means to be a global citizen. Students will develop a range of knowledge, skills and understanding that is essential for successful performance in work and life. Learning is based around 4 central themes: • personal skills • citizenship skills • workplace skills • sustainability skills In the Autumn Term pupils will complete the following units Unit 30 - Sustainability Unit 31 - Healthy Lifestyles Work Skills BTEC Work Skills prepares learners for the world of work, through various units. In the Autumn Term learners will study the first two units from below. YEAR 10 UNIT SEQUENCE 3 – Managing money 4 –Searching for a job 5 – Applying for a job 6 – Prep for interview 22 – Managing Health 26 – Preparing for a work placement www.pearsons.co.uk http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15573447 https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ https://www.gov.uk/browse/working/finding-job

Specialist Teaching Centres

ASD Centre

We provide individualised and flexible programmes for pupils with Autism and Social, Emotional and Communication Difficulties. Interventions in the Centre focus on improving a young person's’ wellbeing whilst also supporting and improving academic progress and social integration into mainstream school. The Life Skills Programme is aimed at supporting young people build the life skills they need to achieve independence and succeed in everyday life. The programme focuses on basic life skills such as handling money, succeeding at school, using the Internet safely, getting and keeping a job, and much more. The Life Skills sessions are not only important to promote self-care and sufficiency but also to allow young people to feel empowered, improve socialisation, reasoning, and help develop healthy self-esteem. The Social Skills Programme is a flexible program to help young people build the social skills they need to interact effectively with others and learn how to apply these skills to various real–life settings, situations, and problems. The programme focuses on topics such as being a good listener, "reading" other people, accepting rules and authority, relating to peers, and developing positive social skills. Each lesson places a specific skill within the context of real–life situations and enables the young person to complete activities, think about, discuss, and practice the taught social skill in and outside of the classroom. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions introduces techniques in order to help young people understand and improve their wellbeing. The CBT programme helps pupils discuss self-perception as well as understand how thoughts and feelings affect the ability to achieve and interact with others. The programme teaches young peoples to; spot negative thinking, chart emotions, set wellbeing goals, combat anxiety and stress, remove roadblocks to progress and establish new core beliefs.

Academic Support and BTEC Sessions build on supporting any difficulties that a young person

may be experiencing in mainstream school. These sessions are individualised, specific and

taught to enable pupils to complete topics and tasks which are set in mainstream lessons. The

Centre also offers the teaching of the BTEC My Skills Suite which enables the pupils to develop

and gain qualifications in life and personal skills.

MLD/SLD Centre

At KS4, a bespoke curriculum and timetable can be put in place for all pupils at the MLD/SLD Centre which is tailored to suit their individual needs. This curriculum may include attending mainstream subjects, or alternative courses for the pupil delivered at the Centre. Specific interventions to further improve literacy and numeracy skills and a personal, health and social education programme to help with life skills are also offered to complement pupils’ learning and wellbeing. All individual programmes and interventions will be delivered at the Centre in small groups or one to one, will be specific to the needs of the pupil with the main aim of maximising their possible outcomes and future opportunities.