gcse options booklet · 2020. 4. 16. · gcse sports science is more academic with a greater...

GCSE Options Booklet April 2020

1

Table of Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

Our Courses ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

GCSEs ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ............................................................................................................. 3

Compass Pathway ............................................................................................................................................ 4

Courses you may choose ................................................................................................................................. 5

How do I choose? .............................................................................................................................................. 6

Further Study .................................................................................................................................................... 7

The process of choosing .................................................................................................................................. 8

Compulsory courses ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Humanities ...................................................................................................................................................... 20

Open Option Choices ..................................................................................................................................... 23

GCSE Option Choices: Next steps.................................................................................................................. 28

Where to find help? ........................................................................................................................................ 29

2

Introduction

Dear parents and carers,

At Compass School Southwark our vision is to ensure that every member of the Compass community

confidently reaches the destination to which they aspire. This means equipping all students with the

skills, qualifications and experiences to ensure that they can successfully apply to a sixth form, higher

level apprenticeship or university.

This is an exciting but daunting time for the students. The options process is their first step to securing

a good range of qualifications for their future. It is important that students think about the subjects

that they are successful in and also those that they enjoy.

Students - Be aspirational in your choices and don’t be afraid to explore new subjects! If you have any

questions at all, please email your Learning Family Tutor or any of your subject teachers who will be

happy to help.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Huntley

Principal

3

Our Courses

This booklet contains information about the courses that you will study in Year 9, 10 and Year 11 at

Compass School. Please read it very carefully. In a competitive market place for jobs, universities and

training courses it is important to ensure that you select the combination of subjects that keeps your

future options open.

GCSEs

Most of the qualifications that you are able to study for at Compass School are GCSEs. These are

assessed through external examinations which are taken in the summer of Year 11. Your work is graded

using numbers 9 – 1, with 9 being the highest grade.

English Baccalaureate (EBacc)

We expect most of our students to study for the EBacc. This was introduced by the Government in 2013.

It is not a qualification but recognises where students have achieved a Standard Pass or Strong Pass

(grade 4 or 5) in the following subjects:

• English

• Mathematics

• Humanity: History or Geography

• Science

• Modern Language: French or Spanish

4

Compass Pathway

We are passionate about ensuring that all students achieve an all-round education that ensures they

are as well prepared as they can possibly be for the next stage of their education or training.

Using a combination of progress data and pastoral information, we have produced a pathway to ensure

your child is on a route to achieve aspirational results in three years’ time.

* Pupils will study the language they are currently studying in Year 8 for their GCSE

* *Pupils opting for Sports Science (GCSE) will not need to study VCERT Health and Fitness

*** Triple Science, or also known as separate sciences, is a more demanding qualification than

Combined Science. It is a recommended for those aspiring to study science subjects at A-level in the

future.

Block 1 Compulsory

Subjects

English Language

English Literature

Maths

Combined Scienceor

Triple Science ***

iMedia

Block 2 choice

French or Spanish*

Geography or History

Block 3 choice

VCERT Health & Fitness

Sports Science **

Block 4 choice

Art and Design

Drama

Citizenship

Business Studies

5

Courses you may choose

You are required to choose a subject from each of the option blocks below. In Block 4 you will be asked

to indicate a preferred option and a reserve option.

Block 1 Option

• Combined Science or

• Triple Science

Block 2 Option

• History or

• Geography

Block 3 Option

• VCERT Health and Fitness or

• GCSE Sport Science

Block 4 Option

• Art and Design

• Drama (it may be appropriate for some learners to do a vocational performing arts choice, but

this will be determined as part of the options process)

• Citizenship Studies

• Business Studies

Additional Options

We may identify that some students are capable of studying for a GCSE in their mother tongue. This will

be discussed with families if we feel that it may be appropriate.

From Year 10, pupils in maths set 1 will have the opportunity to study Additional Mathematics, which is

a qualification between GCSE and A-Level

PLEASE NOTE: We will do our best to ensure that you get the options you have chosen, but it is not

always possible to guarantee you a place on all of your preferred option choices.

This is because:

• Some courses may not run if too few students choose it

• It is often impossible to timetable every possible combination of subjects

• An option subject selected might not be in the best interests of your child

6

How do I choose?

Your GCSE choices can make a difference to what you'll be able to do after your GCSEs, so you have to

think carefully and not make any rushed decisions.

DO:

• choose courses you know you will enjoy

• choose courses you are interested in

• choose a range of different courses, so that you keep your options open in future

• read the subject information on the next few pages very carefully

• ask the advice of your subject teachers and your learning family tutor

• discuss it with your parents

• THINK VERY CAREFULLY about the subjects you choose. It is very difficult indeed to change

course once you have started.

DON’T:

• choose a course simply because your friends have

• allow either like or dislike of particular teachers to influence your choice

• choose a course because you think it might be easy

• make your decision hastily

• drop any subject you may want to study after Year 11

• drop any subject you may require for entry to a particular career or course of further study.

7

Further Study

Applying for Sixth Form

Admission to sixth forms or colleges is conditional on meeting the entry requirements for the individual

institution. In order to study A Level, pupils can expect a minimum entry requirement of grades 5 and

above including English and mathematics. In addition to these, pupils will need to achieve the individual

entry requirements for their chosen subjects. For example, they are likely to need at least a grade 7 in

mathematics to study mathematics or in many cases, sciences.

Applying for University

It may seem like a long time away, but if you are considering applying to university in the future then

your GCSEs really matter. Universities no longer have AS grades (previously taken in year 12) on which

to base their offers of places, so there is now an increasing emphasis on the grades achieved at GCSE.

They will expect to see a suite of at least 8 good qualifications and the more competitive universities or

courses will select candidates with grades 7-9.

Many courses at university level build on knowledge which you will gain while at school. Where this is

the case, universities need to make sure that all the students they admit have prepared themselves in

the best way to cope with their chosen course.

For this reason, some university courses may require students to have studied a specific subject at

advanced level prior to entry, others may not. However, there are some subjects that are required more

often than others.

These subjects are:

• Maths and Further Maths

• English (Literature)

• Physics

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Geography

• History

• Modern Foreign Language (like French or Spanish).

8

The process of choosing

1

15 April 2020

•Year 8 Options Booklet issued to parents and students

w/c 20 April 2020

•Week of 20th April - options queries by parents and students addressed to subject teachers and heads of year and submission of options

1 May 2020

•Final Deadline for submission of Options

5 June 2020

•GCSE option choices shared with students

July 2020

•End of KS3 reports

9

Compulsory courses The subjects that you must study are:

English Language

The study of English language is compulsory in all schools. All students are expected to gain at least a

grade 4. If this is not achieved, you will have to keep studying English at sixth form or college.

English Literature

English Literature is the study of a range of different texts, written in the English language. This GCSE

helps you to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking, which are valuable in

all subjects.

Studying GCSE English Literature also helps to encourage reading for pleasure and develops pupils’

quality of written English.

Mathematics

The study of mathematics is compulsory in all schools. All students are expected to gain at least a grade

4. If this is not achieved, you will have to keep studying mathematics at sixth form or college.

Science Double Award (a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics) or Triple Science (Biology,

Physics and Chemistry studied as separate subjects).

Combined Science is the study of GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics that results in two GCSEs.

Those passing their GCSEs in double award science can progress to A Levels in all of the three natural

science subjects.

Triple Science is an award that rewards the students with 3 GCSEs in the sciences, Physics, Chemistry

and Biology. As a result, the subjects are studied to a greater depth than in the Combined Course and

is an ideal preparation for A Level.

VCERT Level 2 Certificate in Health and Fitness or GCSE Sports Science

This is a vocational course where pupils develop a significant core of knowledge and understanding of

topics such as diet, exercise and lifestyle and will be able to apply that knowledge in preparing,

planning and developing a health and fitness programme. The course has an externally assessed unit

and elements completed within lessons at school.

GCSE Sports Science is more academic with a greater emphasis on examinations than coursework.

This would suit pupils who might be interested in studying the subject at A Level.

iMedia

This qualification is aimed at learners interested in working in the creative and digital media sectors. It

provides them with the core skills for scoping, planning and creating products and assets for the

sector and encourages creativity and originality with a vocational focus.

The course has four units, one which is externally assessed, this will be studied at the start of Year 10

alongside one other coursework unit and the exam will be taken at the end of Year 10. In Year 11

students will complete two other coursework units.

Non-examinable subjects

Relating is studied over the course of Year 9 and 10 and is not examined. In modern Britain students

must be equipped with skills, values and experiences that will allow them to compete in a global

community. During the weekly Relating lesson, students cover a wide range of topics that allow them

to relate to people, places, the past and possibilities. They will learn about themselves and their

community as well as different cultures, different communities and all of their possible future pathways.

10

GCSE English

Language Email: [email protected]

Units Studied

The GCSE in English Language ensures that students

can read fluently and write effectively. By studying a

range of fiction and non-fiction literature, and through

creative writing, students will be able to demonstrate

a confident use of standard English.

The GCSE is broken down into the following units:

English Language:

• Literature fiction

• Literary non-fiction

• Non-fiction

• Descriptive and narrative writing

• Writing to present a viewpoint.

Proposed Exam Board and Method of

Assessment

Students will follow the AQA GCSE English Language

and English Literature courses.

English language GCSE comprises of two exams:

• Paper 1- Explorations in Creative Reading and

Writing – 105min exam (50%)

• Paper 2- Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives

– 105min exam (50%).

In both exams, all texts are unseen.

There is also a non-examined assessment:

• Spoken language assessment which assesses

presenting, responding to questions and use

of Standard English

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Students can take advantage of the following

experiences during the course:

• Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

• Shakespeare Film Festival

• Guardian newspaper visit

• Theatre trips

• Expert speakers.

Skills Developed and Future Careers

This course provides an excellent basis for the study

of any academic subject at A Level, more specifically;

History, Philosophy, Theatre Studies and Media

subjects.

Skills developed in this subject:

• Communication in the verbal and written form

• Analysis

• Develop higher order reading

• Develop higher order thinking skills.

It is a subject that if studied can lead to many career

paths including:

• Law

• Jobs within the media

• Journalism and teaching.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCLKSw5uSkskCFcG2GgodPUEBdQ&url=http://www.ool.co.uk/subject/international-gcse-english/&psig=AFQjCNFT8j16jAZg4eQB95Y717NAnQdezA&ust=1447667016102998

11

GCSE English

Literature Email: [email protected]

Units Studied

The GCSE in English Literature supports students to

develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and

critical thinking. Through literature, students have a

chance to develop culturally and acquire knowledge

of the best that has been thought and written.

Studying GCSE English Literature should also

encourage students to read widely for pleasure, and

as a preparation for higher level study.

The GCSE is broken down into the following units:

English Literature:

• Shakespeare – whole text study

• 19th century novel – whole text study

• Unseen poetry

• Poetry anthology

• Modern play – whole text study.


Assessment

Students will follow the AQA GCSE English Language

and English Literature courses.

English Literature GCSE comprises of two exams:

• Paper 1- Shakespeare play and the 19th century

novel – 105min exam (40%)

• Paper 2 – Modern text and poetry – 135min

exam (60%).




• Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

• Shakespeare film festival

• Guardian newspaper visit

• Theatre trips

• Expert speakers.


This course provides an excellent basis for the study of

any academic subject at A Level, more specifically;

History, Philosophy, Theatre Studies and Media

subjects.

Skills developed in this subject:

• Communication in the verbal and written form

• Analysis

• Develop higher order reading

• Develop higher order thinking skills


paths including:

• Law

• Jobs within the media

• Journalism and teaching.


12

GCSE Mathematics

Email: [email protected]

Units Studied

Four main strands of mathematics are studied:

number, algebra, geometry, ratio and proportion &

statistics.

Students will focus on skills such as:

• Using and applying standard mathematical

techniques

• Reasoning, interpreting and communicating

mathematically

• Solving problems within mathematics and

other contexts requiring decision making and

logical thinking.

Students are expected to apply their knowledge to

both real world contexts and abstract problems.


Assessment

Students will follow the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics

course.

Students will sit three equally weighted examinations

at the end of Year 11:

• Paper 1 - Non-calculator - 90mins (33.3%)

• Paper 2 - Calculator allowed - 90mins (33.3%)

• Paper 3 - Calculator allowed - 90mins (33.3%)


Mathematics is closely linked to all STEM subjects and

students will be provided with cross-curricular

examples and projects. Students will also study the

history of mathematics and famous mathematicians

as well as the mathematics needed in everyday adult

life.

Students will have access to a variety of online

resources to aid their learning and to support plenty

of independent work both at school and outside of the

classroom. Examples of the resources are My Maths

and Maths Watch.


This course will provide an excellent basis for the study

of any STEM subject at A-Level and will develop the

following skills:

• mathematical reasoning

• creative problem solving

• logical thinking

• ability to present complex information simply.

Mathematics leads to many exciting careers including:

accountant, animator, astronaut, astronomer,

banking, car designer, computer games designer,

computer scientist, cryptanalyst, doctor, engineer,

environmental consultant, forensic scientist, journalist,

meteorologist, political scientist, roller coaster

designer, special effects creator and statistician. More

importantly, Mathematics is learnt for enjoyment and

fulfilment. Mathematics enriches all other subjects and

at Compass we aim to support students in securing a

concrete foundation of understanding around

Mathematics.


13

GCSE Combined

Science (Trilogy) Email: [email protected]

Units Studied

Biology:

Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response,

Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and Response,

Inheritance, Variation and Evolution, Ecology.

Chemistry:

Atomic Structure and the periodic table, Bonding,

Structure, and the properties of matter, Quantitative

chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy Changes, The

rate and extent of chemical change, Organic

chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the

atmosphere, Using Resources.

Physics:

Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism and

Electromagnetism, Particle model of matter, Atomic

Structure.

Engaging Practicals:

There are 21 required practicals that will need to be

written up following the scientific method.


Assessment

Students will follow the AQA GCSE Combined Science:

Trilogy (8464) course.

Six Papers:

Two biology, two chemistry and two physics papers. All

will be sat at the end of the course. Each paper

assesses different topics in each subject.

Duration:

Each paper is 1 hour and 15 minutes long.

Weighting:

Each paper is worth 16.7%, they are all equally

weighted and have 70 marks.

Question Types:

Multiple choice, structured, closed, short answer and

open response.


Students will have lots of opportunities to learn

beyond the classroom. These include but are not

limited to:

• Workshops at university labs

• External STEM ambassador presentations at

Compass School

• Exploration research projects on the history of

the major scientists (E.g. Newton, Einstein, and

Galileo) and their discoveries

• Trips to STEM institutions to explore STEM in

action

• STEM competitions and activities.


This course will provide an excellent basis for the study

of any STEM subject at A Level and will develop the

following skills:

• Scientific literacy skills

• Practical skills

• Mathematical skills

The study of science can lead to a wide range of

careers including:

Doctor, chemist, botanist, nurse, research analyst,

pharmacist, forensic scientist, lab assistant, medical

representative, tissue culture technician, sports

scientist, biochemist, engineer, astronaut, banker,

lawyer, builder, theoretical physicist and architect.


14

GCSE Biology (8461)

Triple Science Email: [email protected]

Units Studied

Biology:

Cell Biology; Organisation, Infection and Response;

Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and Response;

Inheritance, Variation and Evolution; and Ecology.


There are 10 required practical’s that will need to be



Assessment

Students will follow the AQA GCSE Biology (8461)

course.

Two Papers:

Paper 1: Topics 1-4: Cell biology; Organisation;

Infection and response: and Bioenergetics.

Paper 2: Topics 5-7: Homeostasis and response;

inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology

Duration:


Weighting:

Each paper is worth 50%, they are all equally weighted

and have 100 marks.

Question Types:

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and

open response.




limited to:



Compass School



Mendeleev) and their discoveries


action



This course will provide an excellent basis for the

study of any STEM subject at A Level and will develop

the following skills:




The study of Biology can lead to a wide range of

careers including:

Doctor, chemist, botanist, nurse, research analyst,

pharmacist, forensic scientist, lab assistant, medical

representative, tissue culture technician, sports

scientist, biochemist, genetic engineer, astronaut,

banker, lawyer.


15

GCSE Chemistry

(8462)


Units Studied

Chemistry:

Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding,

Structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative

chemistry; Chemical changes; Energy Changes; The

rate and extent of chemical change; Organic

chemistry; Chemical Analysis; Chemistry of the

atmosphere; and Using Resources.





Assessment

Students will follow the AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)

course.

Two Papers:

Paper 1: Topics 1-5: Atomic structure and the periodic

table; Bonding, Structure and the properties of

matter; Quantitative chemistry; chemical changes;

and energy changes.

Paper 2: Topics 6-710: The rate and extent of

chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical

analysis; chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using

resources.

Duration:


Weighting:


and have 100 marks.

Question Types:


open response.




limited to:



Compass School



Mendeleev) and their discoveries


action









The study of Chemistry can lead to a wide range of

careers including:

Analytical Chemist, Chemical Engineer,

Chemistry Teacher, Forensic Scientist,

Geochemist, Hazardous Waste Chemist,

Materials Scientist, Pharmacologist, Pharmacist


16

GCSE Physics

(8463)


Units Studied

Physics:

Energy; electricity; Particle model of matter; Atomic

structure; Forces; waves; Magnetism and

electromagnetism; and Space physics





Assessment

Students will follow the AQA GCSE Physics (8463)

course.

Two Papers:

Paper 1: Topics 1-4: Energy; electricity; Particle model

of matter; and Atomic structure.

Paper 2: Topics 5-8: Forces; waves; Magnetism and

electromagnetism; and space physics.

Duration:


Weighting:


and have 100 marks.

Question Types:


open response.




limited to:



Compass School



Galileo) and their discoveries


action









The study of Physics can lead to a wide range of

careers including:

Academic researcher, Acoustic consultant,

Astronomer, Clinical scientist, medical physics,

Geophysicist, Higher education lecturer, Metallurgist,

Meteorologist, Nanotechnologist, Radiation

protection practitioner, Research scientist (physical

sciences), Secondary school teacher, Sound engineer,

Technical author, Doctor, Lawyer, Banker, Builder,

Medical representative


17

ICT - OCR Creative

iMedia


Units Studied

Level 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative

iMedia

Progression

Level 2 Creative iMedia can lead to further study of the

subject, i.e. A-level ICT, Level 3 Creative iMedia.

Future Careers

Study of Multimedia Computing can eventually lead to

employment in Web Design, Digital Media

Development, Video Games Design and many other

fields.

R081 – Pre-Production

Skills

(Mandatory Unit)

(Year 10)

Externally assessed

Written Paper - 1hour 15

mins

60 Marks

RO82 – Creating Digital

Graphics

(Mandatory Unit)

(Year 10)

Coursework Unit

Centre assessed tasks

Controlled assessment

10 hours

60 Marks

OCR Moderated

R085 – Creating a

multipage website

(Year 11)

Coursework Unit



10 hours

60 Marks

OCR Moderated

RO87 – Creating

interactive multimedia

products

(Year 11)

Coursework Unit



10 hours

60 Marks

OCR Moderated


18

VCERT Level 2 in

Health and Fitness


Subject content

For the VCERT PE Course, pupils will have theory

lessons of PE with some practical elements. The

course takes place over two years and consists of

theoretical

components.

Theory components:

Unit 1 – Principles of health and fitness.

Unit 2 – Healthy Lifestyles.

Unit 3 – Preparing and planning for health and fitness

(external exam).

Unit 4 – Develop a personal health and fitness plan.

Although there is an element of

practical activity, please be aware

that the main focus of this course is

academic study.


Assessment

Course Detail: NCFE V-CERT level 2 certificate in

health and fitness Exam Board: NCFE.

This is a level 2 course equivalent to 1 GCSE at grades

9-4

ASSESSMENT: The course is assessed internally

through a portfolio of evidence including posters,

leaflets and log entries. One of the units is assessed

under exam conditions.

There are some practical elements to the course but

students are NOT assessed in terms of practical

ability only written.

75% of the course is assessed through written

coursework. Students are assessed in four units.

25% of the course is an externally assessed written


Students will also be expected to carry out research in

their own time into regarding the four units of course

work required.

Students can learn a great deal about the world of

sport by reading sports magazines and newspapers on

a regular basis and even support their course work via

the internet.

In addition to students being given an opportunity to

take part in competitions outside of school. Compass

School actively encourages students who study VCERT

PE to join local sports clubs in their preferred sports.


Anyone who would like to further their academic

knowledge of health and wellbeing, sport

management and leadership. This course will provide

a good foundation for further employment or further

study.

You will develop a range of skills including:

• Desire to succeed and resilience

• How to lead a healthy lifestyle

The knowledge that candidates gain will be invaluable

for those choosing to follow a Physical Education

related career. Here are just a few careers paths you

could follow:

Physiotherapist; Referee/Umpire; Sports Manager;

Sports Medic; Fitness instructor; Dietician/Nutritionist;

Coach; PE Teacher; Marketing (Leisure or Sport);

Healthcare professional; Massage Therapist.


19

GCSE Sport Science


Subject content

This course equips students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to develop their own performance in sport. They develop their understanding of socio-cultural influences on participation in sport, and the benefits of physical activity to health, fitness and well-being. During this course you will have the opportunity to enhance your practical skills through an in depth look at selected sports. You will also gain an understanding as to the theory that underpins good sports performance, health and wellbeing through covering the following topics; Applied anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training, use of data, sport psychology, social-cultural influences and health fitness and wellbeing.


Assessment

AQA GCSE PE:

60% written exams: Paper 1- The Human Body and Movement in physical activity and sport and Paper 2- Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport. Both exams are 30% each and will be 1hour 15 minutes long and worth 78 marks each. 30% practical performance: Assessment in 3 different sports each worth 10% of overall grade. You must have 1 team sport, 1 individual sport and 1 sport of your choice. 10% controlled assessment: written report on a personal exercise plan where you analyse your performance in a sport and suggest a training programme of improvements.


Students will also be expected to carry out research in

their own time into regarding the four units of course

work required.

Students can learn a great deal about the world of

sport by reading sports magazines and newspapers on

a regular basis and even support their course work via

the internet.

In addition to students being given an opportunity to

take part in competitions outside of school. Compass

School actively encourages students who study GCSE

PE to join local sports clubs in their preferred sports.


Anyone who would like to further their academic

knowledge of health and wellbeing, sport

management and leadership. This course will provide

a good foundation for further employment or further

study.



• How to lead a healthy lifestyle

The knowledge that candidates gain will be invaluable

for those choosing to follow a Physical Education

related career. Here are just a few careers paths you

could follow:

Physiotherapist; Referee/Umpire; Sports Manager;

Sports Medic; Fitness instructor; Dietician/Nutritionist;

Coach; PE Teacher; Marketing (Leisure or Sport);

Healthcare professional; Massage Therapist.


20

Humanities

21

GCSE Geography


Units Studied

Geography helps you to make sense of the world

around you. It is hands on, it is relevant and it is fun.

The GCSE course is a good mix of topics such as urban

issues, world development, extreme environments,

rivers and hazards to name but a few.

The course will give you the chance to get to grips with

some of the big questions which affect our world and

understand the social, economic and physical forces

and processes which shape and change our world.

There are three main strands:

• Living with the physical environment

• Changes in the human environment

• The living world


Assessment

Students will follow the AQA GCSE Geography course.

Students sit three exams incorporating structured

questions covering all the topics studied throughout

the course.

The exams are as follows:

• Paper 1 - Living with the physical environment

- 90mins (35%)

• Paper 2 - Challenges in the human

environment - 90mins (35%)

• Paper 3 - Geographical skills and fieldwork -

75mins (30%)


Geography is a subject that often makes news and our

case studies will be drawn from all over the world.

Students will travel the world from within the

classroom, exploring case studies. We will study

countries from around the world, processes affecting

the Earth and its atmosphere, the diversity of human

environments and the sustainable management of

these.

It is very practical with opportunities to learn new skills

such as modern computer based mapping (called GIS),

map skills, interpreting photographs, fieldwork skills,

presenting, role play and debating techniques.

Fieldwork, or working outside the classroom, is a really

important part of geography. We will travel, both

locally and further away, offering a brilliant

opportunity to experience some of the things you have

learnt about in class, see things differently and of

course have fun.


The types of skills that you will develop include:

• Communication and teamwork, as you’ll often

work on group projects

• Research and analysis skills including in IT, lab

and fieldwork, which means you will be able to

collect and look for patterns in data.

Employers like the mix of technical and social skills

people get from studying geography, which they see

as very transferable, i.e. useful for a whole range of

jobs.

Popular careers for people with geography

qualifications include: town or transport planning,

surveying, conservation, sustainability, environmental

planning, tourism, and weather forecasting. The army,

police, government, research organisations, law and

business world also love the practical research skills

that geographers develop. Because geographers learn

about human and population development,

geography can be useful for jobs in charity and

international relations too.


22

GCSE History Email: [email protected]

Key questions historians will be able explore over

their GCSE course • Who became a grave-digger to improve their

medical understanding?

• How did the First World War advance medical

knowledge and surgical techniques?

• Who dared to try and stop Hitler in his tracks

with a briefcase bomb?

• Why did people begin to build nuclear bomb

shelters in the 1960s?

• What tactics did Elizabeth 1st use to defeat her

rivals?

Units Studied

The GCSE History content comprises the following

elements:

Component 1: Understanding the modern world

• One period study: Germany 1890-1945:

Democracy and dictatorship

• One wider world depth study: Conflict and

tension between East and West, 1945–1972

Component 2: Shaping the nation

• One thematic study: Health and Medicine

• One British depth study including the

historical environment: Elizabethan England,

c1568-1603


Assessment

Students will follow the AQA History GCSE course.

Each component is assessed by a written exam:

• Component 1 – 120mins (50%)

• Component 2 – 120mins (50%).

Therefore, the qualification is linear, meaning that

students sit both exams at the end of the course.



study of History at A Level and will develop the

following skills:

• Critical thinking and analysis skills

• Great knowledge of the World and how

historical events shape the present and

future

• Learning how to view characters and

situations from multiple perspectives

• Improves literacy

• Helps students tackle mature and

controversial topics.

A GCSE in History can lead to many exciting careers

including: media and publishing, working in museums

and historical sites, archaeology, tourism,

finance/business/economics, teaching and education,

government and public administration.

History is a very well-regarded GCSE and A-Level

course by Universities and students can learn many

transferable skills.


In order to maximise their exposure to the topics they

will be studying, students will have the opportunity to

go on the following trips over the course;

• Imperial War Museum, Holocaust Exhibition.

• Museum of London

• First World War Battlefields in Belgium

• Museum of London and Charter House Museum.

• Historic sites of Elizabethan England such as

Speke Hall and the Globe Theatre

We are currently exploring options for a trip to Berlin

to supplement the study of Germany from 1890-1945.


23

Open Option Choices

24

GCSE Fine Art Email: [email protected]

Units Studied

GCSE Fine Art is a broad and flexible course that

requires students to develop an appreciation of the

creative process, using a variety of two-dimensional

and three-dimensional media, materials, techniques

and processes.

Students should explore critically how artists,

craftspeople and designers from diverse cultures,

times and societies have arrived at solutions and

communicated meaning using the formal elements.

Students should use this knowledge when developing

new ideas, recording observations and creating

outcomes which fully realise their personal intentions.


Assessment

AQA GCSE Fine Art

Part 1: Personal Portfolio (internally set) 60%

Year 10 Coursework Project & Year 11 Mock Exam

Part 2: Externally Set Assignment 40%

Year 11 Exam Project (Begins January): TBC

Assessments include a sketchbook and final

outcome:

A01: Develop ideas demonstrating critical

understanding of sources. A02: Refine work by

exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with

appropriate media, materials, techniques and

processes. A03: Record ideas, observations and

insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

A04: Present a personal and meaningful response

that realises intentions and demonstrates

understanding of visual language


As part of GCSE Fine Art students will be required to

develop their knowledge and skills through

experimentation with media, research and

photography inside and outside of lessons.

Students will also have the opportunity to:

• Visit a range of galleries and museums for

research

• Produce a range of photo-shoots for projects

• Develop an understanding of culture and

context and the role of art, craft and design

within modern society

• Attend Open Days for a range of foundation

courses and universities.


Creative courses provide a range of skills that are

extremely valuable to employers such as: • Conceptual thinking

• Problem solving

• Independence and initiative

• Sophisticated communication skills

• Cultural and social awareness and

understanding.

Possible careers from the course include: • Architect

• Illustrator

• Advertising

• Costume designer

• Textiles/ fashion designer

• Interior/furniture/print designer


25

GCSE Citizenship

Studies


Units Studied

GCSE Citizenship Studies has the power to motivate

and enable young people to become thoughtful,

active citizens. Students gain a deeper knowledge of

democracy, government and law, and develop skills

to create sustained and reasoned arguments,

present various viewpoints and plan practical

citizenship actions to benefit society.

They will also gain the ability to recognise bias,

critically evaluate argument, weigh evidence and

look for alternative interpretations and sources of

evidence, all of which are essential skills valued by

higher education and employers.

Subject Content

Theme A; Living together in the UK

Theme B: Democracy in the UK

Theme C: Law and Justice

Theme D: Power and Influence

Theme E: Active Citizenship Project

Proposed Exam Board and Method of Assessment

Students will follow the EDEXCEL GCSE Citizenship and

the qualification is linear. Linear means that students will

sit all their exams at the end of the course.

Paper 1:

What's assessed

Theme A

Theme B

Theme C

Paper 2:

What's assessed

Theme D Theme E

Both papers;

• - have a written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

- worth 50% of GCSE




• Visit to parliament

• Visit to court

• Inter-school debating opportunities

• Pop-up lectures

• Expert speakers


This course provides an excellent basis for the study of

any academic subject at A Level, more specifically;

Religious Studies, English, History, Sociology, Philosophy

and Ethics


paths including:

• Law

• Teaching

• Charities

• Counselling and Social Work

• Journalism

• Politics


26

GCSE Drama Email: [email protected]

Entry Requirements:

An interest and commitment to Drama and

performing.

Subject content

Student will cover three core components for Drama

GCSE: devising, acting and interpreting theatre.

Students will create their own piece of theatre based

on a stimulus material whilst using the techniques of

an influential theatre practitioner. The devising unit is

accompanied by a portfolio mapping the progress,

development and realisation of their work.

For the acting unit students will perform a selection of

extracts from a key text using their understanding of

physicality, voice, characterisation and stage craft.

Finally interpreting theatre component enables the

students to take on the role of either the director,

actor or designer in the staging of selected text. They

will also analyse, reflect and document their

responses to a number of live performances during

the course.


Assessment

Students will follow the WJEC Eduqas Drama GCSE

course, which consists of practical and theoretical

components.

Practical component – 60%

Students are assessed in two practical activities. One

must be a devised group performance (Unit 1) and one

a scripted paired or group performance (Unit 2)

Written component – 40%

• Paper 1 – Responding as an actor, director or

designer to the set text.

• Paper 2 – Reflecting on one live performance

you have experienced during the course.


27

VCERT Level 2

Business Studies


Subject content

For the VCERT Business Studies Course, pupils will

have theory lessons of Business Studies and an

opportunity to practically apply their knowledge to a

Synoptic Project. The course takes place over two

years and consists of theoretical

components.

Subject content will include;

- Enterprise

- Marketing

- Human resource management

- Finance

- Operations management

- Internal and external influences on a

business

- Customer service

- Business research


Assessment

Course Detail: NCFE V-CERT level 2 Business Studies

Exam Board: NCFE.

This is a level 2 course equivalent to 1 GCSE at grades

9-4

ASSESSMENT: The course is assessed internally

through a synoptic project as well as an external

assessment component.

60% of the course is assessed through the synoptic

project.

40% of the course is an externally assessed written

examination


Students will be able to take advantage of a variety of

learning experiences that will include trips to a

business environment and speakers for example. This

is all aimed at giving the students a holistic and

practical view of the concepts that they will cover in

lessons.


This course will provide a good foundation for further

employment or further study and to pursue a

business-related career.



• Financial awareness

• Customer service

• Creative thinking

• Commercial awareness

A few careers paths you could follow:

Retail management, customer services manager,

hospitality industry, marketing officer, management

consultant, sales manager, Book-keeper.


28

GCSE Option Choices: Next steps Please complete your child’s options using Options Online as follows (please note that Options Choices should be completed by Friday 1st May 2020):

All students will be sent an email to sign up for Options Online to their School email address. Please register for Options online and then use this

account to login at www.sims-options.co.uk. Parents will also receive an email invitation, which will be needed to approve your child’s option choices.

Options Online requires a Google, Microsoft or Office 365 email account, or a Facebook, or Twitter Account to log on. Students will be asked to provide

their Date of Birth for Verification.

Once logged in, please select your Option choices by clicking on the name of the subject for your first choice – this will turn blue and then click on the

reserve button to select a reserve – this will turn orange (one reserve in the Science, Humanities and PE lists and two in the Open List). The order of

reserve choices can be changed by clicking on the choice and then clicking on the correct position in the list (there is no need to change the order of

your main choices). Add any comments if required. When choices have been completed, click on Save.

http://www.sims-options.co.uk/

29

Where to find help?

If you have any questions on any of the information enclosed in this booklet you can:

Email Mr Ngwenya : [email protected]

Email Mr Haverty - Head of Year 8 [email protected]

Email the subject teachers

Discuss with your family

If you have any problems logging in to Options Online, you can:

Email Mrs Vickers: [email protected]

You can also find more information at:

www.plotr.co.uk

www.successatschool.org

www.careerpilot.org.uk




http://www.plotr.co.uk/

http://www.successatschool.org/

http://www.careerpilot.org.uk/

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