Loretto www.loretto.com

GCSE COURSE INFORMATIONCommencing September 2016

GCSE Course Curriculum

Core and Options

Core English (+ English Literature)MathematicsFrench or Spanish*

Options EitherSeparate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)OrCombined Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), and one other choice, either Art,Geography or Music. These are outlined in the column structure below.

*Pupils wishing to study both languages should choose French here, and chooseSpanish in Option columnsPupils for whom English is an additional language to their native language may not haveto do the core Modern Language (French or Spanish).

Please chose one option from each column. Separate Sciences are chosen in the first3 columns, Combined Science are chosen in the first two columns.

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Science column 1

Separate Sciences

Science & additionalScience

Science column 2

Separate Sciences

Science & additionalScience

Science column 3

Separate Sciences

ArtHistoryMusic

Options column 1

DramaHistoryMusic

GSCSE PEStudy

Options column 2

GeographySpanishStudy

Options column 3

ArtGeography

LatinGCSE PEGCSE RS

SUBJECT CHOICES FOR GCSE (4th Form)

At Loretto we try to provide a curriculum that caters for all students with sufficient breadth to allowlater specialisation. All pupils will study three Sciences at GCSE, many will do three separateSciences. However, we have included the options of Art, Geography and History within theScience columns in acknowledgement that some pupils who naturally lean towards a mixture ofexpressive arts and humanities subjects will benefit from moving from 3 separate Sciences to takethe Combined Science course. They thus take up another subject in lieu. This increases choice ofnon-science subjects in the Options columns. This option does not exclude access to A-levelSciences either and it provides greater breadth for students. At the time of writing this guide anumber of the GCSE courses are in draft only, and there may be changes to the content in future,prior to ratification.

Pupils requiring Support Learning for identified literacy difficulties may also consider dropping aModern Foreign Language or from three Sciences to Combined Science subjects to make time tosee, on a regular basis, our Support for Learning teachers. This decision must only be taken inconsultation with the Director of Teaching and Learning and Head of Support for Learning. It isimportant that parents do not sign up for Support for Learning without first discussing this with thesetwo curriculum managers. Support for identified numeracy difficulties is currently timetabledalongside mainstream Maths.

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BIOLOGY (AQA GCSE 8461)The new Biology qualification is linear, meaning all content is assessed at the end of the two year course.

Subject contentThe course is subdivided into 7 broad topics

� 1. Cell Biology� 2. Organisation� 3. Infection and response� 4. Bioenergetics� 5. Homeostasis and response� 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution� 7. Ecology

Written Exam papersPaper 1 assesses topics 1–4: Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response and Bioenergetics.Paper 2 assesses Topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution and Ecology.

How it's assessed – both papersWritten exam: 1 hour 45 minutesFoundation and Higher Tier100 marks, 50% of GCSE

Biology will be graded on the new nine-point scale: 1 – 9 – where 9 is the best grade. A student taking higher tier paperswill be awarded a grade within the range of 4 to 9. A student sitting foundation tier papers will be awarded a grade with therange of 1 to 5.

Practical ComponentPractical work plays a key role in the Biology course. Practical work helps to support and consolidate scientific concepts,to develop investigative skills and to master key biological practical skills.

Over the two years students will be expected to take part in practical lessons and develop key skills and show competentuse of equipment. There are ten set practicals, designated by AQA, which students must complete. Concepts andtechniques from these practicals will be assessed in the written papers.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461

BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

ENGLISH LITERATURE

ENGLISH AS A SECONDLANGUAGE

GEOGRAPHY

HISTORY

COMPUTER SCIENCE

MATHEMATICS

LATIN

FINE ART

MUSIC

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PHYSICS

MODERN LANGUAGES

COMBINED SCIENCE

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

DRAMA AND THEATREARTS

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INDEX

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CHEMISTRY GCSE 8462 DRAFT Two Year linear course

Content:� 1. Atomic structure and the periodic table� 2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter� 3. Quantitative chemistry� 4. Chemical changes� 5. Energy changes� 6. The rate and extent of chemical change� 7. Organic chemistry� 8. Chemical analysis� 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere� 10. Using resources

Assessment:Paper 1:Topics 1–5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitativechemistry, Chemical changes and Energy changes.

Paper 2:Topics 6–10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistryof the atmosphere and Using resources.

Both papers are:Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutesFoundation and Higher Tier100 marks, 50% of GCSE

QuestionsMultiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

The practical componentBy carrying out carefully considered practical work, students will enhance their investigative thinking, improvetheir mastery of techniques and consolidate their understanding of key scientific concepts. The eight practicals tobe carried out are:

� 1. Making salts� 2. Neutralisation� 3. Electrolysis� 4. Temperature changes� 5. Rates of reaction� 6. Chromatography� 7. Identifying ions� 8. Water purification

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

The qualification will be graded on a nine-point scale:1-9 - where 9 is the best grade.

Foundation Tier papers are made up of low demand questions (aimed at grades 1-3); and standard demand questions(aimed at grades 4-5). A greater proportion of questions will be low demand.

Higher Tier papers are made up of: standard demand questions (aimed at grades 4-5); standard/high demandquestions (aimed at grades 6-7); and high demand questions (aimed at grades 8-9).

GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

We will be following the OCR syllabus. Pupils will be awarded 1-9 (instead of a grade) at the end of fifth form.

There are 2 exams, taken in the summer of Fifth form. Each exam lasts 2 hours.

1. Exploring effects and impact. 50% of GCSE. There are two equally weighted sections.Reading and comparing two literary 20th or 21st century prose texts, one may be literary non-fiction.Writing one piece of original creative writing.

2. Communicating information and ideas. 50% of GCSE. There are two equally weighted sections.Reading and comparing one 19th century non-fiction text and one 20th or 21st century textWriting one piece of original non-fiction (from a choice of two tasks).

GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

We will be following the OCR syllabus. Pupils will be awarded 1-9 (instead of a grade) at the end of fifth form.

There are 2 exams, taken in the summer of Fifth form. Each exam lasts 2 hours.

1. Modern and heritage. 50% of GCSE. There are two equally weighted sections:Prose or mod Drama. Compare a studied text with an unseen extract.19th century prose. Choose either an extract-based, or discursive question on a studied text.

2. Shakespeare and poetry. 50% of GCSE. There are two equally weighted sections:Comparing a studied poem with an unseen poem, plus a free choice question on any other studied poem.Choose either an extract-based, or discursive question on a studied Shakespeare play.

For both GCSE courses, pupils will be set and their progress will be monitored, helping student and staff to best addresseach individual’s learning.

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/168588-gcse-9-1-english-summary-brochure.pdf

IGCSE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Students studying in their second language can take English as a Second Language classes.At GCSE this can lead to the IGCSE ESL.

The syllabus assesses candidates’ ability to use English as a medium of practical communication and is designedfor students for whom English is not a first language/ mother tongue, but for whom it is the language of study.

It is a two - year course which aims to develop the four basic language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening andSpeaking) required for studying GCSE subjects.

Although the scheme is tiered (Core and Extended) students sit the Extended tier which allows A*-C passesto be gained.

The papers taken are:Reading and Writing – 70% (of final mark)Listening – 15%Speaking – 15%

For more information:

www.cie.org.uk

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GEOGRAPHY

Edexcel GCSE Geography A: Geographical Themes and Challenges 1GA0Geography is a two year linear course where pupils sit their exams at the end of the 5th form year.

The exam includes multiple-choice questions, short open, open response, calculations and extended writing questions.Extended writing questions will assess students’ ability to develop extended written arguments and to draw well-evidencedand informed conclusions about geographical questions and issues.

The paper will assess spelling, punctuation, grammar and use of specialist terminology which will contribute 4 markstowards the overall mark for each paper.This GCSE qualification will be graded and certificated on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1 using the total subject markwhere 9 is the highest grade.

Please note: The draft qualification has not yet been accredited by Ofqual and the above is subject to change.

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/geography-a-2016.html

Content overview

Assessmentoverview

The Physical Environment

The changing landscapesof the UK

� 2 studies from coastal,river or glaciatedlandscapes

Weather hazards andclimate change

� 2 studies of tropical stormsand drought

Ecosystems, biodiversityand management

� 2 studies of tropicalrainforests and temperatedeciduous woodlands

37.5%, 94 marks1 hour 30 minutes

The Human Environment

Changing cities

� 2 studies including a UKcity and a city in adeveloping or emergingcountry

Global development

� A study of a developing oremerging country

Resource management

� A study of energy or water

37.5%, 94 marks1 hour 30 minutes

Geographical Investigations:Fieldwork and UK Challenges

Fieldwork

� One physical and onehuman investigation

UK Challenges

� A study drawing across ThePhysical Environment and TheHuman Environment. Studentsuse geographical skills toinvestigate a contemporarychallenge drawn from one ormore of key themes:

� Resource consumption andenvironmental sustainability

� Settlement, population andeconomics

� Landscape� Climate change

25%, 64 marks1 hour 30 minutes

GCSE HISTORY (Edexcel 1HI0)

This is a new specification with three externally examined papers at the end of Fifth Form.There is no controlled assessment.

Paper 1 Crime and punishment in Britain, c1000–present, with Whitechapel, c1870–c1900:crime, policing and the inner city

� The nature and changing definitions of criminal activity� The nature of law enforcement and punishment� Case studies (e.g., trial by ordeal, the Gunpowder Plot, witch-hunts, Pentonville prison,

conscientious objectors)� Whitechapel (including gangs, policing, the Ripper murders, and the press)

Assessment overviewThis unit is assessed through a 1 hour 15 minute written examination. It is worth 30% of the GCSE.

Paper 2 Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88� Queen, government and religion, 1558–69� Challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad, 1569–88� Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration, 1558–88� British America, 1713–83: empire and revolution� British settlement in North America, 1713–41� A disrupted society, 1742–64� The loss of an empire, 1765–83

Assessment overviewThis unit is assessed through a 1 hour 45 minute written examination. It is worth 40% of the GCSE.

Paper 3 Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39� The Weimar Republic 1918–29� Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33� Nazi control and dictatorship, 1933–39

Assessment overviewThis unit is assessed through a 1 hour 20 minute written examination. It is worth 30% of the GCSE.

For further details, see the specification at http://bit.ly/1peN0XSor email Dr Tidswell: dtidswell@loretto.com.

COMPUTER SCIENCE (EDEXCEL 1CP1)

Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science consists of two externally-examined papers and anon-examined assessment component.

Students must complete the non-examined component in March and all external assessments in May/June in anysingle year.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:� Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction,

decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation� Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including

designing, writing and debugging programs� Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically� Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another

and with other systems� Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society� Apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/computer-science-2016.html

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GCSE MATHEMATICS (EDEXCEL)

Students follow the New Linear GCSE Mathematics course called“EDEXCEL Mathematics (9-1) from 2015”

All students will sit GCSE Mathematics at the end of the 5th form.

The course is assessed through three examination papers taken in the summer term of the 5th form.One paper will be non-calculator and the other two will be calculator papers.Each paper is 1.5 hours long making the total assessment time 4.5 hours.

There are two tiers of entry namely;

Foundation Tier - Grades available 1 to 5Higher Tier - Grades available 4 to 9

Although the names of the Tiers are the same as previous GCSE courses the content, assessment and gradesavailable are very different with Foundation Tier now including mathematics that was previously labelled as grade Band even grade A level material.

A decision about Tier of entry will be made in September and this will be reviewed regularly.

The GCSE syllabus has been greatly expanded with over 20 challenging topics currently only taught on theHigher Tier course now being examined on the Foundation Tier as well as around 15 new areas being addedto the Higher Tier course.

There is going to be a lot more emphasis being placed on problem solving to test deeper understanding of themathematics and the ability to apply knowledge.There are also a lot more formulas that need to be memorised rather than given in a formula sheet at thebeginning of the exam.

The broad areas of study are Number, Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, Geometry & Measures, Probability andStatistics. The full specification can be found here;

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.htmlThere is also support material available on the school’s VLE.

Knowledge and understandingThe course aims to ensure that students are able to;

� Develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts� Use their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts� Apply the functional elements of mathematics to solve problems in real-life situations

SkillsAt the same time we hope to develop the ability of the students to be able to;

� Acquire and use problem-solving strategies� Select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, every day and real-world situations� Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions� Interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information

and context.

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LATIN (OCR New Syllabus 2016) GCSE Latin

GCSE Latin will continue to follow closely the OCR J281 specification, although some amendments are beingintroduced for those beginning the course in 2016. This course can be hugely intellectually rewarding, butrequires considerable application and a readiness to pay close attention to detail.

There are 2 main areas of study, each counting for 50% of the final mark. There is no coursework.

1: Latin LanguagePupils will advance their knowledge of Latin, through reading a variety of Latin texts, and the regular learning andpractice of vocabulary and grammatical forms. The OCR board specifies a fixed list of words that must bememorised; other words will be supplied on the question paper to aid translation and understanding. The examtakes the form of short Latin texts, some to be translated and some on which questions will be asked (includingidentifying English derivative words).

2: Latin LiteraturePupils will be required to study in detail set Latin texts, in order to demonstrate not only their understanding of theactual meaning, but also their ability to comment on the authors’ techniques and on the background context of thetexts. For the exam in 2018, texts include Virgil’s account of Dido’s downfall, in “Aeneid 4” and Horace’s narrationof the familiar “Town Mouse and Country mouse” story; the choice of texts will depend on the interests of thosetaking the course.

The texts will be tested through a variety of questions, involving comprehension, translation and literary appreciation.Some will be multiple-choice in format.

The course builds on the foundation knowledge of Latin and the Classical World established in Forms 2 and 3. InForm 4 students are taught the syntax necessary to tackle GCSE level passages of Latin by the end of the year,but there is also scope for exploring more fully the world of the Romans, in order that any language learning has acontext. Students are encouraged to note the close links between Latin and the English language, and to discussthe significance of the ancient world for our own.

In Form 5, much time is devoted to the study and discussion of the set texts, together with the social and historicalcontexts in which they are embedded. This is also the time for building up confidence and competence in thelanguage elements.

For those who have enjoyed the challenge (and coped with the academic rigour) of the earlier years, this is anextremely rewarding course!

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FINE ART (OCR Syllabus J171).

This scheme is untiered, and comprises two Components 01 and 02: Portfolio (60%) and Externally Set Task (40%)

A variety of processes and techniques can be explored when using differing approaches to making images and /or objects.Two or more of the following activities must be explored:

� Painting� Drawing� Printmaking

Component 01 – Art and Design PortfolioFor this unit a candidate needs to produce a portfolio of work showing their personal response to either a starting point,brief, scenario, or stimulus devised and provided by the centre. Candidates will produce their portfolio over four terms.This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated by OCR.

Component 02 – Art and Design OCR-set taskThe early release question paper will be issued in January and will provide candidates with a range of written and visualstarting points, briefs, scenarios and stimuli. From these one must be selected upon which to base their personal response.Candidates will have a preparatory period determined by the centre, followed by a supervised ten-hour period in which tocomplete their personal response outcome(s). One timetabled session must last at least 3 hours. This unit is internallyassessed and externally moderated by OCR.

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-art-and-design-j170-j176-from-2016/

� Sculpture� Lens-based imagery� Other forms of two-dimensional or three-dimensional imagery

MUSIC

We are changing course to the OCR GCSE Music course in September. All the boards divide their specificationinto three parts – Performing, Composing and Listening. The new course looks very attractive and it is hoped thatthose currently learning a musical instrument and are involved in co-curricular music in some way sign up for it.Results are particularly strong for those children already competent on a musical instrument when they beginGCSE music in fourth form.

It is a requirement of GCSE Music that:

� Learners take weekly instrumental lessons on ONE instrument, for example, lessons on piano, violin,singing or guitar.

� Learners take part in either the choir or a weekly music ensemble.

Performing: 30%Learners have to perform two pieces about Grade 4 standard on one instrument. It is essential that pupils are alreadycomponent on their instrument before the course begins. For those playing at a competent level at Grade 4, full markscan be awarded. The minimum length of performing is 4 minutes.

Composing: 30%Learners have to do two compositions, one in the fourth form and one in the fifth form. One brief is set by the boardand one by the student. Compositions can be recorded and/or written down (both are encouraged). Work is usuallycomputer generated but need not be.

Listening: 40%There are no set works on the OCR course, but pupils are required to study certain areas of music. These include rockand pop from the 1970’s to the present day, the classical concerto through time and world music.

In the summer term in the fifth form a listening exam will take place featuring music from the above topics. Questionsare asked on the historical background to the music, including influences. There will also be questions as an analysisstyle focussing on music features and devices.

� The set works demand an ability to read music.� It is strongly recommended that either piano lessons or keyboard skills lessons are opted for on an individual

basis. The advantage of having keyboard lessons is so strong in some cases it can be the differencebetween a C and an A. The course becomes considerably more manageable to those who can work theirway round a piano keyboard.

The Director of Music as always happy to answer questions from parents regarding the suitability of their child takingGCSE Music. For those new to the school in the fourth form, please email the Director of Music, Edward Coleman, foradvice on colemane@loretto.com

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION (OCR Syllabus J587)

The course is an excellent, although not compulsory, introduction to the AS/A2 PE course which has beenrunning for a number of years at Loretto.

Content Overview

Applied anatomy andphysiologyPhysical training

Socio-cultural influencesSports psychologyHealth, fitness and well-being

Practical activity assessmentEvaluating and AnalysingPerformance (EAP)

Physical factors affectingperformance (01)60 marks1 hour written paper

Socio-cultural issues andsports psychology (02)60 marks1 hour written paper

Performance in physical education(03)* 80 marksnon-exam assessment

Assessment Overview

30%of total GCSE

30%of total GCSE

40%of total GCSE

� Location of major bones� Functions of the skeleton� Types of synovial joint� Types of movement at hinge

joints and ball and socket joints� Location of major muscle groups� The roles of muscle in movement� Movement analysis� Structure and function of the

cardiovascular system

� Structure and function of therespiratory system

� Aerobic and anaerobic exercise� Effects of exercise on body

systems� Components of fitness� Principles of training� Optimising training� Prevention of injury

� Physical activity and sport inthe UK

� Participation in physical activityand sport

� Commercialisation of sport� Ethics in sport� Sports psychology� Health, fitness and well-being

Content:The content of OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Physical Education is divided into three components. Each componentis further sub divided into topic areas and the detailed content associated with those topics.

Component 01: Physical factors affecting performance1.1 Applied anatomy and physiology1.2 Physical training

Component 02: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology2.1 Socio-cultural influences2.2 Sports psychology2.3 Health, fitness and well-being

Component 03: Performance in physical education (NEA)3.1 Performance of three activities taken from the two approved lists.

� one from the ‘individual’ list� one from the ‘team’ list� one other from either list.

3.2 Analysing and Evaluating Performance (AEP), task-based Non Examinable Assessment.The content of this specification uses practical examples from physical activities and sports to show howtheory can be applied and to reinforce understanding. This specification contains the use of data analysis skills,which are spread across the components and topics

Summary of Content Topics.

Full details of the specification can be found from the link below:http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/234822-specification-accredited-gcse-physical-education-j587.pdf

PHYSICS (AQA, 8463)

The Physics qualification involves successful completion of 2 written papers and 10 prescribed assessedpractical exercises. The qualification is linear with exams sat at the end of the course. Pupils have theoption of taking the subject at Higher or Foundation Tier, depending on their ability level. The graderange for Higher Tier is A*-D and for Foundation Tier, the range is C-G.

Subject Content1. Forces2. Energy3. Waves4. Electricity5. Magnetism and electromagnetism6. Particle model of matter7. Atomic structure8. Space Physics

AssessmentPaper 1 (1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50% of GCSE)

� Energy� Electricity� Particle model of matter� Atomic structure

Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50% of GCSE)� Forces� Waves� Magnetism and electromagnetism� Space physics

http://www.sciencelab.org.uk/gcses/physics-unit-1.php

MODERN LANGUAGES

French, Spanish and Mandarin are offered to GCSE. Pupils who only studied one language in 3rd form willcontinue that language to GCSE. Pupils who studied French AND Spanish in 3rd form may study either languagein 4th form, or continue with both. Pupils in set 1 or 2 for French and Spanish in particular are encouraged totake both languages to GCSE as they clearly show linguistic aptitude. Depending on demand, Italian and Germanmay also be taken to GCSE, in lessons arranged outside of the timetable.

For all languages, AQA’s new GCSE course is followed. Topics covered include:� Identity and culture (Me, my family and friends; technology; free-time activities; customs and festivals)� Local, national, international and global areas of interest (Home town and region ‘Social issues; Travel

and Tourism)� Current and future study and employment (My studies; School Life; Education post-16; Jobs, Career

choices and ambitions)

Different grammar points are studied with each topic, and reinforced using Grammar workbooks that accompanythe courses that we follow.

For the new GCSE exam, pupils sit exams in all 4 skills – Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading. There is no longer‘Controlled Assessment’ for Speaking and Writing – this has been replaced with an end of year exam. Each unit is worth25% of the final grade, and they are all sat in Summer Term of 5th form.

The courses followed in each language are enhanced with various web-based language learning programs that the schoolsubscribes to, and language assistants provide speaking practice in small groups, usually for 1 lesson a week.

GCSE pupils are also encouraged to take part in the department’s language trips that are organised each year.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Head of Languages if you have any queries regarding GCSE languages, and whichones your son/daughter should study.

Mr J.D.Burnet, Head of Modern Languages burnetj@loretto.com

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COMBINED SCIENCE TRILOGY 8464 DRAFT Two Year Linear Course

Content:

Biology1. Cell biology2. Organisation3. Infection and response4. Bioenergetics5. Homeostasis and response6. Inheritance, variation and evolution7. Ecology

Chemistry8. Atomic structure and the periodic table9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter10. Quantitative chemistry11. Chemical changes12. Energy changes13. The rate and extent of chemical change14. Organic chemistry15. Chemical analysis16. Chemistry of the atmosphere17. Using resources

Physics18. Forces19. Energy20. Waves21. Electricity22. Magnetism and electromagnetism23. Particle model of matter24. Atomic structure

Biology Paper 1Biology topics 1-4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.Biology Paper 2Biology topics 5-7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution and Ecology

Chemistry Paper 1Chemistry topics 8-12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and theproperties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes and Energy changesChemistry Paper 2Chemistry topics 13-17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry;Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources

Physics Paper 1� Energy � Electricity � Particle model of matter � Atomic structurePhysics Paper 2� Forces � Waves � Magnetism and electromagnetism

How each paper is assessedWritten exam: 1 hour 15 minutesFoundation and Higher Tier70 marks16.7 % of GCSE

Questions Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

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RELIGIOUS STUDIES AQA Religious Studies [Specification B] 8063

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.

Subject content1. Catholic Christianity 2. Perspectives on faith

Assessments Component 1: Catholic Christianity

What's assessedCatholic beliefs, teachings, practices, sources of authority and forms of expression in relation to six topics:� Creation� Incarnation

How it's assessedWritten exam: 1 hour 45 minutes96 marks (plus 5 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar)50% of GCSE

QuestionsIn each exam series, questions will be set on any four of the topics listed above.Students must answer all the questions.Each topic is marked out of 24 marks.There will be one five-part question per topic of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks.The 12 mark questions will require extended writing and test analysis and evaluation.

Component 2: Perspectives on faith

What's assessedOne religion chosen from either Islam or Judaism and either two religious, philosophical and ethical studiesthemes chosen from:� Theme A: Religion, relationships and families� Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict� Theme C: Religion, human rights and social justice.

How it's assessedWritten exam: 1 hour 45 minutes96 marks (plus 5 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar)50% of GCSE

QuestionsSection A: Islam or JudaismStudents must answer questions on one religion:� Islam � Judaism

There will be two five-part questions per religion.

Section B: Themes Students must answer questions on two themes.One question will be set on each theme. There will be five parts to each question. In both Section A and B:

Each five-part question will be marked out of 24.Each group of five questions will follow the same structure of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks.The 12 mark questions will require extended writing and test analysis and evaluation.

There are two routes through this specification. Students should enter either Route A or Route B.Component 1 is common to both routes.

In Route A Component 2A requires students to answer questions on either Islam or Judaism, plus tworeligious, philosophical and ethical studies themes (chosen from Themes A-C).

In Route B Component 2B requires students to answer questions on either Islam or Judaism, plus bothtextual studies themes (Themes D-E).

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-b-8063

� The Triune God� Redemption

� Church� Eschatology.

or two textual studies themes:� Theme D: St Mark's Gospel - the life of Jesus� Theme E: St Mark's Gospel as a source of spiritual truth.

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DRAMA

The course provides students with a wide variety of stimulating theatrical experiences. Challengingand high quality practical work lies at the heart of what we do.There is a great deal of scope for creativity and the importance of being able to work as part of a teamis paramount. We place emphasis on developing confidence and skill within a supportive environment.

COMPONENT 1: Understanding DramaWhat's assessed

� Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre� Study of one set play from a choice of six� Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers

How it's assessedWritten exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes

� Open book� 80 marks� 40% of GCSE

Questions� Section A: multiple choice (4 marks)� Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen (46 marks)� Section C: one two part question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single

live theatre production (30 marks

COMPONENT 2: DEVISING DRAMAWhat's assessed

� Process of creating devised drama� Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer)� Analysis and evaluation of own work

How it's assessed� Devising log (60 marks)� Devised performance (20 marks)� 80 marks in total� 40% of GCSE

This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

COMPONENT 3: TEXTS IN PRACTICEWhat's assessed

� Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer)� Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1

How it's assessed� Performance of Extract 1 (25 marks) and Extract 2 (25 marks)� 50 marks in total� 20% of GCSE

This component is marked by AQA.

www.loretto.com

Loretto Senior SchoolLinkfield Road, Musselburgh,East Lothian, Scotland, EH21 7RET: +44 (0)131 653 4455E: admissions@loretto.com

A small School,big on heart,big on ambition

Loretto School Limited:A company limited by guarantee.Registered in Scotland No: SC059599Registered Office: 16 Heriot Row, Edinburgh.Registered Charity No: SC013978

Loretto