gcse options booklet 2018 · 2020-04-14 · examinations and coursework • reading and writing –...

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2020-2021

LIME HOUSE SCHOOL

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET

2018

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Contents Lime House School Options ............................................................ 3

My Options .................................................................................. 4

Art, Craft and Design ..................................................................... 5

Computer Science ......................................................................... 6

EAL Department ............................................................................ 7

Cambridge IELTS .......................................................................... 8

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language ............................ 10

Cambridge Preliminary (PET) ....................................................... 11

Cambridge A2 Key (KET) .............................................................. 11

English Language ....................................................................... 12

English Literature ....................................................................... 13

Food Preparation and Nutrition ..................................................... 14

Geography ................................................................................. 15

Global Perspectives ..................................................................... 16

German ..................................................................................... 17

History ....................................................................................... 18

IGCSE Sciences ........................................................................... 19

ICT ........................................................................................... 21

Italian ....................................................................................... 22

Mathematics .............................................................................. 23

Music ........................................................................................ 24

Performing Arts .......................................................................... 25

Physical Education ...................................................................... 26

Statistics .................................................................................... 27

3D Studies .................................................................................. 28

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Lime House School Options

A warm welcome to Year 10, and beyond, from the Headteacher

At this stage in Year 9, you need to make Option Choices

regarding the subjects you wish to study for GCSE.

At LHS we make a number of subjects compulsory for all

pupils so you can continue to study a broad, balanced

curriculum.

We also recognize, however, that by Year 9 you may have

certain subject strengths or interests and from these you

may select four Option Choices.

If you have clear ideas on a career this may also influence your choice of

GCSEs and it is also worth remembering that if you wish to study a subject at

A-Level, for some subjects, it is better to have studied them at GCSE first.

You will receive plenty of advice as you make your Option Choices and I

hope that you find this booklet useful.

Mrs. M Robertson-Barnett

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My Options All pupils will follow a common core which includes:

• English

• Mathematics

• Science

Pupils may select one choice from each of the option blocks below. GCSE

Statistics in an invitational subject and for those with significant mathematical

ability, participation in this subject will be dependent upon the outcome of a

departmental assessment.

Block 1 • Citizenship

• ICT

• Italian

Block 2 • 3D Studies

• History

• Physical Education

• Statistics

Block 3 • Art

• Computer Science

• Food Preparation and Nutrition

• Music

Block 4 • German

• Performing Arts

• EAL

• Geography

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Art, Craft and Design Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

The skills you gain make it a great complement to other subjects. Art and

Design is a way of seeing things and making sense of the world around you.

It can help you with further study and prepare you for the world of work. Art,

Craft and Design is a general course, which will involve you developing your

skills in these forms: Fine Art, Photography, Textiles and Graphics.

Examinations and Coursework

Component 1 Portfolio: Produce a sustained project and a selection of further

work that represents the course of study. This is worth 60% of your overall

marks.

Component 2 Externally set assignment: There is a separate externally set

task paper for each title. It features seven tasks and you have to choose and

complete one of them. You get preparation time, plus ten hours of

supervised time (examination). This is worth 40% of your total marks.

Course Content

• Developing your drawing, painting and making skills, using a range of

media and forms

• Developing your analytical and critical skills – looking at your work

and the work of others

• Planning, research and realisation of final pieces

• Visits to Art Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions

• Knowledge of the world of art, art history, visual language and

contemporary issues in art

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Computer Science Exam Board

OCR

Overview of Subject

Students will follow the OCR specification for Computer Science, sitting 2

exams at the end of Year 11 and submitting one piece of controlled

assessment during the course.


Unit 1: Examined Unit (50%) 1 Hour 30

Unit 2: Examined Unit (50%) 1 Hour 30

Unit 3: Practical Project and Coursework- does not count towards final grade

but is a compulsory element of the course

Course Content

• Unit 1: Computer Systems

• Unit 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and Programming

• Unit 3: Programming Project

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EAL Department The EAL team works hard to ensure that every pupil at Lime House School

follows a course that is appropriate to them. Each new pupil is given a

placement test to ensure that they are placed in the correct class. Pupils’

progress is monitored through regular formal and informal assessment.

Lime House School offers the following Cambridge ESOL examinations:

• Cambridge IELTS

• Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language

• Cambridge B1 Preliminary (formerly known as PET)

• Cambridge A2 Key (formerly known as KET)

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Cambridge IELTS The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s

most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and

global migration.

More than 10,000 organisations globally accept IELTS test scores including

educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies. It

is accepted by UK and US universities and most universities in Australia,

Canada and New Zealand, as a measure of English language competence.

Lime House School prepares pupils for the IELTS Academic examination as

our pupils are planning to attend university.

Band scores accepted vary from university to university and because of this

we encourage pupils to research the entrance requirements of their chosen

universities. IELTS exams are generally taken at Newcastle College or the

University of Cumbria in Lancaster.


• Reading – 1 hour

• Writing – 1 hour

• Listening – 30 minutes

• Speaking – 11-14 minutes

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Band Scores Skill Level Descriptors

Scores for each of the four skills are equally weighted. The overall band

scores are calculated by taking the mean result for each part of the test and

are calculated to the nearest whole or half band.

Band

9

Expert user You have a full operational command of the language. Your use

of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show

complete understanding

Band

8

Very good

user

You have a fully operational command of the language with

only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate

usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar

situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well

Band

7

Good user You have an operational command of the language, though

with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate use and

misunderstandings in some situations. Generally, you handle

complex language well and understand detailed reasoning

Band

6

Competent

user

Generally, you have an effective command of the language

despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and

misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex

language, particularly in familiar situations

Band

5

Modest user You have a partial command of the language, and cope with

overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to

make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic

communication in your own field

Band

4

Limited user Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You

frequently show problems in understanding and expression.

You are not able to use complex language

Band

3

Extremely

limited user

You convey and understand only general meaning in very

familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in

communication

Band

2

Intermittent

user

You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written

English

Band

1

Non-user You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated

words

Band

0

Did not

attempt test.

You did not answer the questions

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Cambridge IGCSE English as a

Second Language The aim of this qualification is for students to achieve a level of practical

communication which they can also use as a basis for further language study

in order to progress in their education. Apart from being one of the most

popular international qualifications for 14 – 16-year old’s, it is also

recognised by a number of leading universities and employers.

Throughout the syllabus, students will improve their ability to understand

and use English in a range of situations and for a range of purposes.

Coursework is covered with a class textbook, student work book and the

Cambridge International online syllabus. The final examination includes two

papers, one for reading and writing skills, the other for listening skills as

well as a separate speaking component.


• Reading and Writing – 2 hours, 60% of marks

• Listening - 50 minutes, 20% of marks

• Speaking - 10-15 minutes, 20% of marks

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Cambridge Preliminary (PET) Cambridge Preliminary is targeted at Level B1, which is Intermediate on the

CEFR scale. At this level users can understand factual information and show

awareness of opinions, attitudes and mood in both spoken and written

English. It can be used as proof of a candidate’s ability to use English to

communicate with native speakers for everyday purposes.

The Cambridge English Preliminary certificate is recognised around the

world as proof of intermediate level English skills for industrial,

administrative and service-based employment. It is also accepted by a wide

range of educational institutions for study purposes.


• Reading and Writing – 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of marks

• Listening – 36 minutes (including 6 minutes transfer time), 25% of

marks

• Speaking – 10-12 minutes per pair of candidates, 25% of marks

Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Cambridge Preliminary is targeted at Level A2, which is Basic or pre-

intermediate on the CEFR scale.

An A2 Key qualification is proof of ability to use English to communicate in

simple situations. The exam tests all four English language skills – reading,

writing, listening and speaking. It should give pupils the confidence to go on

and study for higher-level exams such as B1 Preliminary and B2 First.


• Reading and Writing – 1 hour 10 minutes, 50% of marks

• Listening – 30 minutes (including 8 minutes transfer time), 25% of

marks

• Speaking – 8-10 minutes per pair of candidates, 25% of marks

• Culture and Identity

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English Language Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

This subject enables students to develop the skills they need to read,

understand and analyse a wide range of different texts and write clearly


Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (50%) 1 Hour 45

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives (50%) 1 Hour 45

Course Content

Paper 1

• Section A-Reading- One literature fiction text

• Section B- Writing-descriptive or narrative writing

Paper 2

• Section A- Reading-one non-fiction text and one literacy non-fiction text

• Section B- Writing-writing to present a viewpoint

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English Literature Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

This subject inspires, challenges and motivates every pupil no matter what

their level of ability may be.


Paper 1- Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel (40%) 1 Hour 45

Paper 2- Modern Texts and Poetry (60%) 2 Hours 15

Course Content

Students will study one play from the list of six texts and should study the

whole text:

• Macbeth

• Romeo and Juliet

• The Tempest

• The Merchant of Venice

• Much Ado About Nothing

• Julius Caesar

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Food Preparation and Nutrition Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

This course gives students the opportunity to carry out and develop a wide

range of practical skills and above all to foster enjoyment in and a love for

cooking


A written exam of all of the modules which contributes to (50%) 1 Hour

45mins

Food Investigation Coursework (15%)

Food Preparation Coursework and 3 Hour practical exam (35%)

Course Content

• Food Nutrition and Health

• Food Science

• Food Safety

• Food Provenance

• Food Choice

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Geography Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

The subject content of the course focuses on developing a detailed

understanding of the physical and human landscapes across the globe.

Geography teaches you all about the world in which we live. It is the study of

the world’s societies, and gives you insight into economics and cultures far

flung from your own.


• Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment (35%) 1 Hour 30min Exam

• Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment (35%) 1 Hour 30min

Exam

• Unit 3: Geographical Applications (30%) 1 Hour 15min Exam

There is no coursework required for this subject however you will be

required to take part in 2 fieldwork trips for both Physical and Human

Geography as part of Unit 3.

Course Content

Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment

• Section A- The Challenge of Natural Hazards

• Section B- The Living World

• Section C- Physical Landscapes in the UK

Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment

• Section A- Urban Issues and Challenges

• Section B- The Changing Economic World

• Section C- The Challenge of Resource Management

Unit 3: Geographical Applications

• Section A- Issue Evaluation

• Section B- Fieldwork

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Global Perspectives Exam Board

IGCSE

Overview of Subject


Component 1: Written Exam (35%)

Component 2: Individual Report (30%)

Component 3: Team Project (35%)

Course Content

The individual report requires pupils to research one topic of personal, local,

national significant and produce a report of between 1500-2000 words.

Topics include:

• Belief

• Biodiversity and ecosystems

• Changing communities

• Family

• Sustainable living

The team project requires pupils to work on both a team and individual

outcome including independent research, report writing and reflective

writing. The team element is to produce an explanation of between 200-300

words whilst the personal reflective writing is 750-1000 words. Topics

include:

• Conflict and Peace

• Disease and Health

• Human Rights

• Sports and Recreation

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German Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

In German, students will cover three themes. These themes apply to all four

question papers. Students are expected to understand and provide

information and opinions about these themes relating to their own

experiences and those of other people, including people in countries.

Communities where German is spoken.


Paper 1- Listening (25%) 45 Mins

Paper 2- Speaking (25%) 20 Mins

Paper 3- Reading (25%) 1 Hour

Paper 4- Writing (25%) 1 Hour 15mins

Course Content

Theme 1: Identity and Culture

• Family and Relationships

• Technology

• Activities

• Customs and Festivals

Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest

• Home

• Social Issues

• Global Issues

• Travel and Tourism

Theme 3: Current and Future study and Employment

• Studies

• Education

• Jobs and Careers

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History Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

GCSE History comprises of looking at one period study, one thematic study,

one wider world study and one British depth study including the historic

environment.


Paper 1: Understanding the Modern World (50%) 1 Hour 45

Paper 2: Shaping the Nation (50%) 1 Hour 45

Course Content

Paper 1

• Section A- Period Studies (Germany, 1890-1945, Democracy and

Dictatorship)

• Section B- Wider World Depth (Conflict and Tension, 1918-1939)

Paper 2

• Section A- Thematic Studies (Britain: Health and the People c.1000 to

the present day)

Section B- British Depth Studies including the Historic Environment (Norman

England, c1066-c1100)

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IGCSE Sciences Exam Board

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)

Overview of Subject

All the sciences aim to develop the skills our students need to make

informed decisions on scientific and technological matters in their adult

lives. Biology is the effort to define and understand the natural world and our

place in it. Chemistry helps us understand and explain the world at a particle

level. Physics offers us the chance to define and understand the natural laws

which govern everything in our universe.

All students at Lime House study all three sciences at various points during

Years 10 and 11.

We initially aim to deliver the content of what is termed Coordinated Science

which leads to a ‘double award’ (two grades at IGCSE) in Science. Students

who show aptitude and a strong work ethic (measured by performance in

tests and production of work relating to directed independent study) will be

considered for entry at IGCSE for the three separate sciences (‘triple

award’). Where appropriate, a small number of students may be entered for

the Combined Science award which assesses a lower volume of the content

and results in a single IGCSE grade being awarded.


All pathways are linear in nature and all assessment takes place at the end of

Year 11. There is no coursework.

• Combined Science (single award) - 3 written papers: multiple choice

(45 mins, 30%), structured questions (1h 15mins, 50%), alternative to

practical (1h, 20%)

• Coordinated Science (double award) - 3 written papers: multiple

choice (45 mins, 30%), structured questions (1h 15mins, 50%),

alternative to practical (1h, 20%)

• Separate Sciences (triple award) - 3 written papers IN EACH SUBJECT:

multiple choice (45 mins, 30%),

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Course Content

Students will build on their knowledge and skills from KS3 and will cover in

detail the following topics:

Biology: The nature and variety of living organisms; Structures and functions

in living organisms; Reproduction and inheritance; Ecology and the

environment; Use of biological resources.

Chemistry: The particulate nature of matter; Experimental techniques; Purity;

Stoichiometry; Electricity and chemistry; Chemical energetics; Chemical

reactions; Acids, bases and salts; The Periodic Table; Metals; Air and water;

Sulfur; Carbonates; Organic chemistry.

Physics: Forces and Motion; Electricity; Waves; Energy Resources; Energy

Transfer; Solids, Liquids and Gases; Magnetism and Electromagnetism;

Radioactivity and Particles.

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ICT Exam Board

OCR

Overview of Subject

The OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in IT has been

developed to recognise learners’ skills, knowledge and understanding of

information and communication technology functions, environments and

operations. This will result in a qualification that is equivalent to two GCSE’s.


There are no examinations in this qualification but students must complete

Centre-assessed and externally moderated units.

Course Content

Year 10 and Year 11:

• Unit 1: Communicating in the IT industry

• Unit 2: Working in the IT industry

• Unit 12: Presenting Information using IT

• Unit 21: Doing Business online

If sufficient times allows students will aim to complete:

• Unit 3: Business IT Skills

• Unit 24: Animation Techniques

• Unit 30: Understanding Cloud Computing

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Italian Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

Students study across a variety of contexts relevant to their age and interests

as well as developing a greater awareness of the culture of Italian-speaking

communities and countries. The course allows students to develop their

ability to communicate with native Italian speakers in both speech and

writing. Grammar structures and vocabulary are studied progressively

throughout the course.


• Reading exam 45 mins or 1 hour - 25% of marks

• Writing exam 1 hour or 1 hr 15 mins - 25% of marks

• Listening exam 35 mins or 45 mins - 25% of marks

• Speaking exam 7-9 mins or 10-12 mins - 25% of marks (internally

assessed, externally moderated)

Course Content

Identity and Culture

Local, national and International and global areas

Current and future study and employment

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Mathematics Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

A new linear structure has now replaced the previous approach to GCSE

Mathematics. This structure gives the students three examinations at the end

of Year 11, one without a calculator. Students are grouped on ability.


Paper 1: Non-Calculator- 1 Hour 30

Paper 2: Calculator- 1 Hour 30

Paper 3: Calculator- 1 Hour 30

Additionally, for those students who have difficulty achieving higher grades,

we offer a certificate in ‘use of Mathematics’ and similarly for those at the

other end of the spectrum we offer the certificate in Further Mathematics.

This recent innovation if beneficial for those aspiring to sixth form

Mathematics.

Course Content

There are three main topic areas:

• Number and Algebra

• Statistics and Probability

• Geometry and Measures

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Music Exam Board

EDUQAS

Overview of Subject

GCSE music encourages an integrated approach to the three distinct

disciplines of performing, composing and appraising through four

interrelated areas of study. The Western Classical Tradition forms the basis

of Musical Forms and Devices (area of study 1), and learners should take the

opportunity to explore these forms and devices further in the other three

areas of study. Music for Ensemble (area of study 2) allows learners to look

more closely at texture and sonority. Film Music (area of study 3) and

Popular Music (area of study 4) provide an opportunity to look at contrasting

styles and genres of music.


Assessment consists of 60% ‘coursework’ and 40% of written exam.

Component 1- Performing (Non-exam assessment: internally assessed,

externally moderated, 30% of qualification)

Component 2- Composing (minutes Non-exam assessment: internally

assessed, externally moderated 30% of qualification)

Component 3: Appraising Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes

(approximately) 40% of qualification. This component is assessed via a

listening examination.

Course Content

AoS1: Musical Forms and Devices

AoS2: Music for Ensemble

AoS3: Film Music

AoS4: Popular Music

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Performing Arts Exam Board

Pearson BTEC Level 1 and 2

Overview of Subject

The award in Performing arts is for learners who want to acquire technical

knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying

acting, dance or musical theatre as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.


1. Exploring the Performing Arts- Internal Assessment

2. Developing skills and techniques in the Performing Arts- Internally

Assessed

3. Performing to a brief- Synoptic externally assessed

Course Content

Exploring the Performing Arts:

Explore performance styles, creative intentions and purpose

Investigate how practitioners create and influence what’s performed

Discover performance roles, skills, techniques and processes.

Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

Take part in workshops, classes and rehearsals

Gain physical, interpretative, vocal and rehearsal skills

Apply these skills in performance

Reflect on their progress, their performance and how they could improve.

Performing to a Brief

Use the brief and previous learning's to come up with ideas

Build on their skills in classes, workshops and rehearsals

Review the process using an ideas and skills log

Perform a piece to their chosen audience

Reflect on their performance in an evaluation report.

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Physical Education Exam Board

OCR

Overview of Subject

This qualification is designed for students wanting to specialize in the wider

contexts of coaching skills, techniques, tactics, anatomy and physiology.

Along with several optional units this qualification will also enable students

to develop other skills such as critical thinking, communication, leadership

and motivating others.


There are no exams for this subject however students must complete 7 units.

Course Content

Mandatory Units:

• Unit 1: Practical Sport (10 Points)

• Unit 2: Anatomy and Physiology (5 Points)

Optional Units:

• Unit 4: Nutrition for Sports Performance (10 Points)

• Unit 5- Development of Personal Fitness (5 Points)

• Unit 8- Injury in Sport (10 Points)

• Unit 9- Planning and leading sports activities (10 Points)

• Unit 11- Psychology for Sports Performance (10 Points)

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Statistics Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

Statistics and Further Maths GCSE

We are offering to the more able students an exciting additional option.

Students are invited by the Mathematics Department to undertake the course

following success in an initial departmental assessment.

Students study Statistics in Year 10 and take the GCSE at the end of that year

In Year 11, they will be encouraged to enter for a more advanced Further

Mathematics GCSE. This course involves a little extra content in the syllabus

but generally combines the normal GCSE disciplines in a more complex

manner.

Both aspects of this option provide additional support for possible future A

level study.

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3D Studies Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

Three-dimensional design is defined here as the design, prototyping and

modelling or making of primarily functional and aesthetic products, objects,

and the environments, drawing upon intellectual, creative and practical

skills.


Portfolio Coursework (60%)

Exam (40%) 10 Hours

Course Content

In Component 1 and Component 2 students are required to work in one or

more areas of three-dimensional design, such as those listed below:

• Architectural design

• Sculpture

• Ceramics

• Product design

• Jewelry and body adornment

• Interior design

• Environment/landscape/garden design

• Exhibition design

• £D digital design

• Designs for theatre, film and television

gcse options booklet 2018 · 2020-04-14 · examinations and coursework • reading and writing –...

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