english - kingdown school...an overview of science at ks4 there are two main pathways through...

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English Head of Subject: Mr R Price Syllabus Information Students are examined by: English GCSE Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 4700 English and English Language: Oral Controlled Assessments 20% Written Controlled Assessments 40% End of Year 11 Exam 40% English Language GCSE Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 4705 English Literature GCSE Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 4710 English Literature: Written Controlled Assessments 25% End of Year 11 Exam 75% Media Studies GCSE Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 3571 Media Studies: Written Controlled Assessments 50% End of Year Exam 50% Time spent on this subject – 7 lessons per fortnight Areas Studied: A balanced programme of speaking, listening, reading and writing. A range of literature which will include novels, short stories, plays, poetry as well as non-literary material such as newspapers and magazine articles. More able students read complex, demanding literature, closely analysing a writer’s style and technique. Less able students will read less demanding texts. They will complete structured work, but will be required to write at less length. Spoken activities which express feelings and opinions. Students will be assessed in pairs, small groups and independently. A range of controlled assessments undertaken in exam conditions. There will be one exam for English and English Language, two for English Literature and one for Media Studies. Students are taught in: The top two groups in each cohort will study for two GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. Groups 3, 4 and 5 study GCSE English.

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English Head of Subject: Mr R Price

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: English GCSE Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 4700

English and English Language: Oral Controlled Assessments 20% Written Controlled Assessments 40% End of Year 11 Exam 40%

English Language GCSE Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 4705

English Literature GCSE Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 4710

English Literature: Written Controlled Assessments 25% End of Year 11 Exam 75%

Media Studies GCSE Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 3571

Media Studies: Written Controlled Assessments 50% End of Year Exam 50%

Time spent on this subject – 7 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: A balanced programme of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

A range of literature which will include novels, short stories, plays, poetry as well as non-literary material such as newspapers and magazine articles. More able students read complex, demanding literature, closely analysing a writer’s style and technique. Less able students will read less demanding texts. They will complete structured work, but will be required to write at less length.

Spoken activities which express feelings and opinions. Students will be assessed in pairs, small groups and independently.

A range of controlled assessments undertaken in exam conditions.

There will be one exam for English and English Language, two for English Literature and one for Media Studies.

Students are taught in: The top two groups in each cohort will study for two GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. Groups 3, 4 and 5 study GCSE English.

Mathematics Head of Subject: Mr G Murray

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: 2 Linear exams:

Paper 1 : Non Calculator (50% of grade) 1hr 45mins Paper 2 : Calculator (50% of grade) 1hr 45mins

Mathematics Examination Board: Edexel Syllabus: Error! Reference source not found. -Linear(1MA0)

Time spent on this subject – 7 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: The syllabus covers ‘Number’, ‘Algebra’ and ‘Shape and Space’, ‘Handling data’ and ‘Using and Applying Maths’. The level of sophistication of the material studied depends upon the ability level of the group. The top 2 groups in each cohort study the Higher Level syllabus, available grades being A*, A, B, C and D. Students hoping to study A Level Maths need a Higher Level grade B or better. All other groups will take the Foundation Level course, allowing for grades C, D, E, F and G. If we feel that there is a possibility that a student may not be able to achieve a grade G at Foundation Level, they will also be entered for the Entry Level Certificate to ensure that all students leave Kingdown with a Mathematics qualification. Both the Higher and Foundation Level groups take Linear courses with exams in June of Year 11

Students are taught in: Four Higher Level groups.(Two in each half year) Six Foundation Level groups.(Three in each half year)

An Overview of Science at KS4

There are two main pathways through Science:

o Separate Science which will result in 3 GCSEs; Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

This course if for those who obtain a level 6 or above in science SAT and may wish to take a

traditional A level in science. This route also qualifies you for receiving the English Baccalaureate

when taken with the other valid GCSE’s.

o Science in Context and Applied Science which results in 2 GCSEs.

This course is for pupils who do not wish to do A level Biology Chemistry or Physics, but they can

still do Applied A level if they wish.

If you have any interest in taking Biology, Chemistry or Physics at A level we strongly recommend that you

take Science as an option and complete the 3 separate sciences.

Separate Science ( Red and Purple route)

Double Science (Purple, Green and blue route)

Year 10

Biology GCSE

Chemistry GCSE

Physics GCSE

Science in Context

GCSE

Year 11

Additional Science

GCSE

Additional Applied Science

GCSE

Separate Sciences Head of Subject: Mrs N Hill

Syllabus Information Exam board AQA Biology code: 4411 http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/pdf/AQA-4411-W-SP-11.PDF Chemistry code: 4421 http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/pdf/AQA-4421-W-SP-11.PDF Physics code: 4451 http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/pdf/AQA-4451-W-SP-11.PDF

Students are examined by: The new Government changes to GCSE have not been officially confirmed but it is highly likely that all Science GCSE will be assessed as terminal exams at the end of the 2 ½ year course ( May 2014). There will still be a coursework component that is set and assessed in class time. Worth 25% of the course.

Time spent on this subject – 15 lessons a fortnight, 3 specialist teachers for Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Areas Studied: Biology: Senses, Homeostasis, Healthy bodies, Drugs, Infectious diseases, Immunity, Ecology, Selective Breeding, Classification, Evolution, DNA, transport, Photosynthesis, Enzymes, Kidneys, Microorganisms, Inheritance, Energy in the Ecosystem and Human’s impact on the environment. Chemistry: Metals, Building materials, Crude Oil, Products from the oil, Atoms, Compounds, Rates of reactions, Molar calculations, Energy in reactions, Electrolysis, Periodic table, Acids and Alkalis, Mains Water, Chemical analysis, The Earth and its Atmosphere. Physics: Thermal Energy, Energy Efficiency, Electrical devises, Generating Electricity, Electromagnetic spectrum, radioactive substances, motion, Nuclear fission and fusion, Forces, Light, Sound, Electricity, and the origins of the universe.

Additional Information: This course allows you to choose any of the 4 Science A levels we offer. It can be studied at a Higher or foundation level but is aimed at the most able students who have an interest in Science.

Science in Context (Science B) Head of Subject: Mrs N Hill

Syllabus Information Exam board AQA 4462 (Science B) http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/pdf/AQA-4462-W-SP-11.PDF

Students are examined by: June in Year 9 Unit 1 written exam (45 minutes) 25%

January in Year 10 Unit 2 written exam (45 minutes) 25%

June in Year 10 Unit 3 written exam (45 minutes) 25%

March in Year 10 Controlled Assessment coursework 25%

Time spent on this subject – 10 lessons a fortnight, 2 science teachers

Areas Studied: Students study a mixture of all 3 sciences at a higher or foundation level (GCSE Grades A*-G). Each Science covers a range of topics that are linked to how science works in Society. Biology: Senses, Homeostasis, Healthy bodies, Drugs, Infectious diseases, Immunity, Ecology, Selective Breeding, Classification, Evolution and Human’s impact on the environment. Chemistry: Metals, Building materials, Crude Oil, Products from the oil, The Earth and its Atmosphere. Physics: Thermal Energy, Energy Efficiency, Electrical devises, Generating Electricity, Electromagnetic spectrum, radioactive substances and the origins of the universe.

Additional Information: Students will receive a GCSE qualification at the end of Year 10. They will then complete a second GCSE in Science in Y11.

Please see overview sheet for available routes

BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport Head of Subject: Mrs R Bishop/Mr S Widger

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: BTEC First Award Equivalent to 1 GCSE – Grade A* - C Examination Board: Edexcel Syllabus: Unit code TBC

A portfolio of evidence covering: Two mandatory units Two optional units 75% Coursework 25% Exam

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight + 5 lessons per fortnight for Green Route students (who must also select ICT DiDA)

Areas Studied: The learner is required to complete two mandatory units and two optional units from the list provided. A combined total of 120 guided learning hours is needed to complete the qualification. Two Mandatory Units: Unit 1: Health and Fitness for Sport and Exercise Unit 2: Practical Sport Performance Two Optional Units: Unit 3: The Mind and Sports Performance Unit 4: The Sport Performer in Action Unit 5: Training for Personal Fitness Unit 6: Leading Sports Activities Additional information:

BTEC First qualifications are designed for use in colleges, schools and the workplace as an introductory level 2 course for learners wanting to study in the context of a vocational sector. They are intended primarily for learners in the 14–19 age group, and have a clear progression route to a level 3 course (sixth form) or to an apprenticeship.

BTECs are vocationally related qualifications, where learners develop knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context. BTEC Firsts have become increasingly popular and effective. They engage young learners in taking responsibility for their own learning, and develop essential work-related skills, such as working to deadlines and presenting information effectively. BTEC Firsts motivate young learners, and open doors to progression into further study or the workplace.

Art Head of Subject: Miss Mills Course Leader: Mr D Pallett

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: FINE Art – Main subject. 3D Design – Graphics - If taken as the double option in tandem with fine art Examination Board: Edexcel

Portfolio (unit 1) consisting of 2 projects 60% Exam (Unit 2) (from February until May) 40%

Time spent on this subject – 5 (single) or 10 lessons per fortnight (double option).

Areas Studied: Students will use some or the entire list below to create a Portfolio of a range of works demonstrating their abilities to: Develop, Refine, Record and Present.

Painting and Drawing: These will be from direct observation and imagination in a range of media.

Sculpture: A range of materials are available including, clay, paper mache, wire and card.

Graphics: This is incorporated into the projects but students are offered extra clubs after school in using ‘Photoshop’ on the computer and black and white photography.

Textiles: A full range of constructed and applied techniques are available.

Keeping a Journal: Documentation of the work covered during the course.

Available to red, purple and green route students

BTEC Level 1 / 2 First Award in Business Head of Subject: Mr K Murphy

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Business Studies Examination Board: Edexcel Syllabus: 500/6745/x Equivalent to 1 GCSE

Three units of coursework (75%) One External exam unit (25%)

Time spent on this subject – 10 lessons per fortnight Areas Studied: The aim of the subject is to help students to understand why business decisions are made, how they affect a variety of people, both within and outside a business, and to be analytical in their thinking. A business course prepares you for living in today’s society in the broadest sense. You are all going to be consumers, employees – some of you may become employers, producers and even entrepreneurs. We will investigate how business operates through the use of case studies, visits, visual resources and speakers. Coursework will be a mixture of reports and presentations. Topics covered will include:

Unit 1: : Business Enterprise The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand the skills needed to set up and run a business, the regulations to be met and the need for a detailed business plan.

Unit 2: Finance (External Unit) This unit focuses on Profit, Revenue and different costs involved in running a Business You also assess different sources of Finance a Business can use. The unit also examines the concept of Break Even and various Financial Accounts Unit 3: Promoting a Brand This unit aims to give learners the understanding and skills needed to develop a promotion plan for their own small start-up business.

Unit 4: Customer Service This unit aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to become an effective member of staff in a customer facing situation in business. It looks at how reliable customer service benefits a business by contributing to customer satisfaction, and how customer service can be monitored and evaluated.

Additional Information: The skills and knowledge taught are relevant to a wide range of careers and further education courses such as:

Business – Industry and Commerce

Professions such as banking and accountancy

Management/administration posts in areas such as leisure, sport and the arts

Self - employment

Applied A Levels, AS/A2 levels It can be combined with a wide range of subjects such as a foreign language, humanities and technology.

Available to Green and Purple route students

Business Studies Head of Subject: Mr K Murphy

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Business Studies Examination Board: OCR Syllabus: 1951

Controlled Assessment 25% Year 11 June Exam 25% Year 11 June Exam 50%

Please see Mr Murphy for additional information on the course.

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied:

The aim of the subject is to help students to understand why business decisions are made, how they affect a variety of people, both within and outside a business, and to be analytical in their thinking. A Business course prepares you for living in today’s society in the broadest sense. You are all going to be consumers, employees – some of you may become employers, producers, and even entrepreneurs. Topics covered will include Human Resources, Production, Finance and Marketing. We will investigate how Business operates through the use of case studies, visits, visual resources and speakers:

Unit 1 Marketing and Enterprise Controlled Assignment 25% This involves setting up your own business and researching your marketing strategy Unit 2 Business and People 25% This is a one hour exam Unit 3 Production, Finance and External Environment 50% This is assessed through a case study which will be given out 10 weeks prior to the exams taking place in June Year 11

Available to red and purple route students

The skills and knowledge taught are relevant to a wide range of careers and further education courses such

as:

Business – Industry and Commerce

Professions such as banking and accountancy

Management/administration posts in areas such as leisure, sport and the arts

Self employment

Applied A levels, AS/A2 levels

It can be combined with a wide range of subjects such as a foreign language, humanities and technology.

Business Studies is one of the most popular subjects at University

GCSE Computing Head of Subject: Mr T Holman

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Students will study for the OCR GCSE Computing course. http://bit.ly/ocrcomputing

The final changes to the qualification has not been officially confirmed at present (Jan 2012). However, indication is that 40% will be through an a written exam paper and 60% by controlled assessment.

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight.

Areas Studied: Unit A451: Using Digital Tools 40% of final GCSE Grade 1hr 30mins exam Unit A452: Practical Investigation 30% of final GCSE Grade Controlled assessment Unit A453: Programming Project 30% of final GCSE Grade Controlled assessment

The course will give learners a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Learners will no doubt be familiar with the use of computers and other related technology from their other subjects and elsewhere. However, the course will give them an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming, which many learners will find absorbing.

.

Additional information: Students who choose to study GCSE Computing as a single option will achieve one GCSE.

Available to red route students only.

Design and Technology – BTec Engineering Head of Subject: Mr N Webster

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: BTec First Award in Engineering Exam Board: Edexcel

Coursework 75% Exam (1 hour) 25%

Time spent on this subject – 10 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: The Engineering world

Understanding the different fields of engineering and how they impact on people and the economy

Looking into career pathways in Engineering Investigating an Engineering product

Drawing skills using traditional techniques or CAD (computer aided design)

Developing your skills in metalwork including welding, brazing, sheetmetalwork and using metalworking machines

Understanding the use of specialist equipment

Looking into the types of engineering materials available

Gaining a knowledge of industrial practice

Machining techniques

Learning to use specialist tools and equipment

Manufacturing a range of engineering products

Taking part in a bigger group project

Gaining a knowledge of industrial practice

Available to purple and green route students

Design and Technology – Food Technology Head of Subject: Miss A Gavin

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Design and Technology – Food Technology Exam Board: AQA Syllabus: 4545

Coursework 60% Exam (2 hours) 40%

Time spent on this subject – 5 or 10 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: Designing Skills

Understanding the needs of the user, through market research, leading to the production of a specification for the product

Drawing up design ideas using traditional techniques or CAD (computer aided design)

Evaluating products – consideration of the function, appearance and manufacture of a product Making skills

Manufacturing in food and understanding the function of ingredients

Understanding food science, nutrition and diet related disease and illness

Understanding the use of specialist equipment

Understanding CAM (computer aided manufacture)

Gaining knowledge of industrial practice

Available to red, purple and green route students

Design and Technology – Graphic Products Head of Subject: Mr C Adkins

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Design and Technology – Graphic Products Exam Board: AQA Syllabus: 4550

Coursework 60% Exam (2 hours) 40%

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: Designing Skills

Understanding the needs of the user leading to the production of a specification for a Graphic Product

Drawing design ideas using traditional hand drawn techniques and CAD (computer aided design)

Evaluating products – consideration of the function, appearance and manufacture of a product Making skills

Use traditional hand drawn techniques and CAD (computer aided design) to produce illustrations.

Manufacturing in card and plastic together with relevant equipment.

Understanding the use of specialist equipment

Using CAM (computer aided manufacture)

Gaining a knowledge of industrial practice

Available to red, purple and green route students

Design and Technology – Textiles Head of Subject: Mrs J Dyson

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Design and Technology – Textiles Exam Board: AQA Syllabus: 4570

Coursework 60% Exam (2 hours) 40%

Time spent on this subject – 5 or 10 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: Designing Skills

Understanding the needs of the user leading to the production of a specification for the product

Drawing up design ideas using traditional techniques or CAD (computer aided design)

Evaluating products – consideration of the function, appearance and manufacture of a product

Designing with environmental and ethical issues in mind Making skills

Drawing skills using traditional techniques or CAD (computer aided design)

Manufacturing in textiles

Understanding the use of specialist equipment

Using CAM (computer aided manufacture)

Gaining a knowledge of industrial practice

Available to red, purple, green route students

Drama and Theatre Studies Head of Subject: Mr P Partington

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Drama and Theatre Arts Examination Board: Edexcel Syllabus: 2DR01

Coursework (Practical) 60% End of Year 11 Practical Exam 40%

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied:

Improvisation

Scripted performance

Devised work for performance to an audience

Theatre in education The main emphasis is on making drama through two drama explorations.

Exploration 1 looks at social issues from a variety of stimuli.

Exploration 2 looks at the performance of a substantial play. Two written portfolios accompany the practical work.

Available to red, purple and green route students

French Head of Subject: Ms P Quayle

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: French GCSE Examination Board: AQA (Linear) Syllabus: 4658

Written Controlled Assessments 30% over 2 years Listening 20% exam at the end of Year 11 Reading 20% exam at the end of Year 11 Speaking – controlled assessments 30% over 2 years

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied:

Leisure – free time and media, holidays.

Home and Environment – local area, environment.

Lifestyle – health, relationships and choices.

Work and Education – school, jobs and future plans.

Available to red and purple route students

Geography Head of Subject: Mr O’ Callaghan

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Geography Examination Board: OCR Syllabus: J385

Unit B561 (Sustainable decision making) is externally assessed, 1 hour written paper 25% Unit B562 (Geographical Enquiry) is an internally assessed Controlled Assessment 25% 1200 word assessment on Fieldwork task 800 word assessment on Research task Unit B563 (Key Geographical Themes) is externally assessed, 1 hour 30 minutes written paper 50%

Time spent on this subject – 5 or 10 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: Three units which provide opportunities for students to give evidence of a range of geographical skills. Unit B561: Sustainable Decision Making This exercise will be based on pre-released material linked to one of four key themes and will develop real life skills relevant to future decision making. This unit aims to test students’ ability to apply the ideas contained in the four key themes to a particular scenario, i.e. How to regenerate our cities? : Where to locate a wind farm? : How to feed the worlds people? Unit B562: Geographical Enquiry Fieldwork and issues analysis required for the Controlled Assessment unit focus on the development of an enquiry and its associated skills in the context of fieldwork and nine geographical themes (disease, trade, ecosystems, sport, fashion, energy, new techniques, crime and tourism). Fieldwork Focus The question or hypothesis will be based on tasks set for rivers, coasts, people and settlement and economic development. The task requires the collection of primary data and therefore Fieldwork is necessary. Geographical Investigation Students choose a topic from one of the nine issue-based geographical investigation topics and produce a written report from their own research. Unit B563: Key Geographical Themes There are four key themes

Rivers and Coasts

Population and Settlement

Natural hazards

Economic Development

Available to red, purple and green route students

Hair and Beauty (Certificate) An Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector

Head of Subject: Mrs H Gordon

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: If you want to work in the Hair and Beauty sector, you will need great people skills and have lots of stamina. Most importantly, you will need to be excited and enthusiastic about your job!

City and Guilds Certificate equivalent to 1 GCSE at grade D - G

Time spent on this subject – 10 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: If you are interested in:

Improving your health and appearance

Looking and feeling your best

Dealing with the public

Meeting and talking to people

Caring for people

Helping people to improve their health and appearance

Listening to people’s problems

Being active and creative

Communicating ideas

Helping people to reduce the stress in their lives Or you think you might be good at:

Practical activities and using your hands

Organising people

Being patient and considerate

Offering help and advice

Demonstrating confidence

Listening and communication

Selling treatments and products

Being creative During the 2 years, the course will cover:

Shampoo and conditioning

Hair plaiting

Hair colouring

Skin care

Hand and nail care

Styling women’s hair

Make-up

Nail art

Dressing hair

Available to green route students

BTEC First Certificate in Health and Social Care Level 1/2

Head of Subject: Mrs M Bolwell

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Health and Social Care Examination Board: Edexcel A BTEC First Certificate is equivalent to 1 GCSE grade. This qualification is awarded as a pass, merit, distinction or distinction*.

Three units of coursework (75%) One External exam unit (25%) External Exam: Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development

A Portfolio of evidence based on a range of units. For example: Unit 2: Health and Social Care Values Unit 3: Effective Communication in Health and Social Care Unit 5: Promoting Health and Wellbeing Unit 6: The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Wellbeing Unit 7: Cultural Diversity in Health and Social Care

Time spent on this subject – 10 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: To gain knowledge and understanding of the skills involved in communication in order for

the students to develop appropriate interpersonal skills.

To explore the needs of individuals and investigate the risks to health if these needs are not met.

To investigate the different aspects of physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects of growth and development that occurs across the main life stages.

To understand what is good practice in health and social care.

To explore the benefits of health promotion and investigate how health risks can be addressed through health promotion.

To understand the diverse needs of service users in health and social care.

This is an ideal subject for those students considering a career in health, social care, early years and teaching. In this economic climate it is worth considering that the NHS is one of the largest employers currently at more than 1.7m people.

Available to red and purple route students

History Head of Subject: Mr M Whittock

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: History Examination Board: OCR Syllabus: BJ417A

A973/02 Historical Enquiry – Russia 1917 – 1941 – The role of individuals in History. 25% Exam – 2 papers 75% A971/11 International Relations and Germany Depth Study. A972/12 Britain 1890 – 1918, Source based paper.

Time spent on this subject – 5 or 10 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: Germany 1919-45: From the birth of a Republic to the defeat of Hitler. This involves exploring: the

impact of defeat in WW1 on Germany, the ideas of the Nazis, why German people supported Hitler, the impact of the Nazis on Germany, treatment of the Jews, the effects of WW2 on Germany and why Germany lost the war, the Holocaust (genocide of the Jews) during WW2.

International Relations 1919 - c.1939: From the Peace Treaties to the Second World War. It explores the question ‘Why did the Second World War ever happen’? We look at the effects of the peace treaties at the end of WW1 on Europe, attempts to keep peace in the 1920s, the effects of the Wall Street Crash on world peace and ‘Appeasement’ and the causes of WW2.

Britain 1890-1918: British Society and the impact of reform; women’s rights and the First World War. It explores a key period of change in British 20th Century history. This also involves the development of important history – skills in critically examining evidence and using these historical sources to understand and assess the issues and questions arising from this important period of history.

Additional Information: Historical Enquiry (completed under controlled conditions): Russia 1917-1941 The role of individuals in History (focussing on the impact of Lenin and Stalin and other key figures in Russia in the 1920s,30s and 40s). This explores the impact of these individuals on the huge changes in Russia. It involves critical use of evidence and why historians’ interpretations differ. This unit covers areas as different as the use of posters as propaganda, Stalin’s murderous use of terror against opponents and the modernisation of Russia. Exam Paper 1: International Relations and Germany Depth Study Exam Paper 2: Britain 1890-1918, Source based paper This varied course explores some of the key themes and events which have helped make the modern world. It involves skills in critically examining and using sources as evidence, expressing ideas in extended writing and backing up conclusions with relevant historical evidence.

Available to red and purple route students

ICT: DiDA Head of Subject: Mr T Holman

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Students will study for the DiDA (Diploma in Digital Applications) suite of qualifications. http://www.edexcel.com/dida

The final changes to the qualification has not been officially confirmed at present (Jan 2012). However, indication is that 25% will be through an on screen exam and 75% by coursework.

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight.

Areas Studied: Unit 1: Using Digital Tools 25% of final GCSE Grade 75 min on screen exam and one of the optional units below through consultation with the teacher and class: Unit 2: Creative Multimedia 75% of final GCSE Grade Coursework based Unit 3: Artwork and Imaging 75% of final GCSE Grade Coursework based Unit 4: Game Making 75% of final GCSE Grade Coursework based In addition students will learn to use industry standard web development, animation and graphics manipulation packages from Adobe.

Additional information: Students who choose to study ICT as a single option are expected to achieve the equivalent of one GCSE (CiDA).

Available to red, purple and green route students

Music Head of Subject: Mrs E Murray

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Music Examination Board: Edexcel Syllabus: 2MU01

Unit 1: Performing Music 30%

1 Solo Performance

1 Group Performance Unit 2: Composing Music 30%

2 compositions lasting 4-6 mins in total. The compositions will be composed in a style from different areas of study.

Unit 3: Listening and appraising music 40%

A 1 ½ hour exam - listening questions of excerpts of the set works and an essay question about the musical features of a set work.

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight

Is this course for you: To help you decide if this course is for you, think if you are the type of person who:

Enjoys creating music and exploring how sounds can be combined, changed and developed

Performing on an instrument or singing

Listening and learning about different types of music and understanding how they relate to time and place

Areas Studied: The course is based on four areas of study, with three set works in each. Each set work is used as a starting point to explore composition and performance as well as analysing each set work. Area of Study 1: Western Classical Music 1600 – 1899

G.F. Handel - Chorus: and the glory of the Lord from Messiah

W. A. Mozart - 1st

movement from Symphony No. 40 in G minor

F. Chopin - Prelude No. 15 in D flat Major

Area of Study 2: Music in the 20th Century Schoenberg - Peripetie from Five Orchestral Pieces

L. Bernstein - Something’s Coming from West Side Story

S. Reich - 3rd

Movement (fast) from Electric Counterpoint

Area of Study 3: Popular Music in Context Miles Davis - All Blues from Kind of Blue

Jeff Buckley - Grace from Grace

Moby- Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? from Play

Area of Study 4: World Music Capercaille - Chuir M’Athair Mise Dhan Taigh Charraideach (Skye Waulking Song)

Rag Desh – Various Artists

Koko - Yiri

Available to red, purple and green route students

Philosophy Head of Subject: Miss V Bunting

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Philosophy and Ethics Examination Board: OCR Syllabus: J621

Exam 100%

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: During the GCSE course we study religious and non-religious views on a range of issues, including those listed below: Philosophy

Does God exist?

How might God reveal himself?

How do people behave if they believe in God?

What is the relationship between religion and science?

What is ‘good’ or ‘evil’?

Can we be ‘evil’?

How are we rewarded or punished?

What happens when we die? Ethics

What laws should govern sexual relationships?

When should divorce be allowed?

Should abortion and euthanasia be allowed?

Should fertility treatments be available to everyone?

Should we be allowed to experiment on animals?

Is everyone equal?

How should we react to discrimination?

How is money created and spent?

Is this fair?

When should we go to war?

How should criminals be punished?

Is the way religion is presented in the media fair? No religious viewpoint is assumed or necessary for this GCSE.

Available to red, purple and green route students

Statistics Head of Subject: Mr G Murray

Syllabus Information Students are examined by: Statistics Examination Board: AQA Syllabus: 4312

Unit 1: Written examination 75% Unit 2: Controlled Assessment – Statistics in Practice 25% This is divided into: Investigation 12.5% Written Assessment 12.5%

Time spent on this subject – 5 lessons per fortnight

Areas Studied: This course expands upon the Handling Data Section of the GCSE Mathematics syllabus and will therefore consolidate the understanding of the basic Mathematics course. It serves as an excellent introduction for students considering going on to take A Level Pure Mathematics and Statistics or Further Mathematics. It also helps to prepare students for A Levels in subjects such as Geography, Biology and Business Studies. Areas of study include:

Collection of data – sampling, questionnaires, surveys.

Graphical representation of data – cumulative frequency diagrams, histograms, comparative pie charts.

Numerical analysis of data – index numbers, averages, measures of spread including interquartile range and standard deviation.

Probability – basic events, combined events, tree diagrams.

Analysis of bivariate data – scatter diagrams, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient, regression lines.

Students are taught in: One option group

Available to red or purple route students