preparing for gcse’s in year 11 information...

Preparing for GCSE’s in Year 11Information Booklet

‘Achiev ing Exce l lence Together ’

Year 11 Information Booklet 2019-20

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

1 25 18 10 3

2 Staff Training 26 19 11 4

3 Staff Training 27 20 12 5

4 28 21 13 6

5 29 22 14 7

6 30 23 15 8

7 OCTOBER 24 16 9

8 1 25 17 10

9 2 26 18 Internal Exams 11

10 3 27 19 12 Post-16 Options Evening

11 4 28

HALF TERM

20 13

12 5 29 21 14

13 6 30 22 15

14 7 31 23 16

15 8 NOVEMBER 24 17

16 9 1 HALF TERM 25 18

17 10 2 26 19

18 11 3 27 20

19 12 4 28

CHRISTMAS BREAK 23.12.19 – 06.01.20

20 13 5 29

21 14 6 30

22 15 7 DECEMBER

23 16 8 1

24 17 Information Evening 9 2

CALENDAR – IMPORTANT DATES


JANUARY JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

6 30 22 16

7 GCSE Exams 31 23 17

8 FEBRUARY 24 18

9 1 25 19

10 Report 2 26 20

11 3 27 21

12 4 28 22

13 Science Practical Exam 5 29 23

14 6 MARCH 24

15 7 1 25

16 Parents’ Evening 8 2 26

17 9 3 27

18 10 4 28

19 11 5 29

20 12 6 30

21 13 7 APRIL

22 14 Staff training 8 1

23 15 9 2

24 16 10 3

25 17

HALF TERM

11 4 Staff Training

26 18 12

EASTER BREAK 04.04.20 – 20.04.20

27 19 13

28 20 14

29 21 15


APRIL MAY JUNE JUNE

20 13 5 29

21 14 6 30

22 15 7 JULY

23 16 8 1

24 17 9 2

25 18 10 3

26 19 11 4

27 20 12 5

28 21 13 6

29 22 14 7

30 Record of Achievement Presentation 23 15 8

MAY 24 16 9

1 25

HALF TERM

17 10

2 26 18 11

3 27 19 12

4 GCSE exams 28 20 13

5 29 21 14

6 30 22 15

7 31 23 16

8 BANK HOLIDAY JUNE 24 17

9 1 25 SUMMER BREAK

10 2 26

11 3 27 AUGUST

12 4 28 20 GCSE Results

**IMPORTANT - Contingency Timetable dates have been scheduled by the exam board up to and including Wednesday 24th June 2020. These dates will be used in the event of widespread, sustained national or local disruption to examinations. We must therefore remind candidates that they must remain available until Wednesday 24 June 2020 should the awarding body need to invoke its contingency plan.


WELSH LANGUAGE Subject structure There are no tiers for this subject - everyone will do the same paper Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Non-exam assessment Unit 2: Written examination Unit 3: Written examination

UNIT 1: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT

30%

Oral Tasks Task 1 (15%) – Individual Researched Presentation One individual, researched presentation, which may include responses to questions and feedback, based on WJEC set themes. Task 2 (15%) – Responding and Interacting One group discussion to written and/or visual stimuli provided by WJEC to initiate the discussion.

UNIT 2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 06.05.2020 Time: MORNING

35%

Exam length: 2 hours Description, narrative and exposition Section A: Understanding of at least one description, one narration and one exposition text, including continuous and non-continuous texts, assessed through a range of structured questions. This section will also include an editing task focusing on understanding short texts at word, sentence and text level (2.5% of qualification total). Section B: One writing task to be selected from a choice of two that could be either description, narration or exposition. This section will also include one proofreading task focusing on writing accurately (2.5% of qualification total). Half of the marks for this section will be awarded for communication and organisation (meaning, purpose, readers and structure) and the other for writing accurately (language, grammar, punctuation and spelling).


35%

Exam length: 2 hours Argumentation, persuasion and instructional Section A: Understanding of at least one argumentation, one persuasion and one instructional text, including continuous and non-continuous texts, assessed through a range of structured questions. Section B: One compulsory argumentation writing task and one compulsory persuasion writing task. Half of the marks for this section will be awarded for communication and organisation (meaning, purpose, readers and structure) and the other half for writing accurately (language, grammar, punctuation and spelling).


WELSH LITERATURE

Subject structure This qualification has two tiers - higher tier and foundation tier It is possible to sit a combination of different tiers for different units. Possible grades for higher tier: A*; A; B; C; D; Possible grades for foundation tier: C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Written examination Unit 3: Non-exam assessment Unit 4: Non-exam assessment


25% Exam length: 1¼ hour Poetry - Candidates will be expected to appreciate and compare one of the set poems and a poem not previously studied.

There will be an opportunity to resit this paper on 08.06.2020 if necessary

UNIT 2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 11.06.2020 Time: AFTERNOON

25%

Exam length: 1¼ hour Novel – structured questions on one of the set texts below:

• Llinyn Trons • Ran • I Ble’r Aeth Haul y Bore

**This exam was completed in Year 10. The date above is a resit opportunity

UNIT 3: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: 01.04.2020 (Foundation Tier) 02.04.2020 (Higher Tier)

25% Oral examination – approx. 20 mins Discuss and appreciate one piece of visual literature from the selection below:

• Tylluan Wen • Y Mynydd Grug • Dihirod Dyfed


25% Two written tasks: Task 1: Short stories – prose appreciation, comparing two short stories. Preparation done as homework, then task completed in school. Task 2: Drama – creative interpretation of a text. Preparation done as homework, then task completed in school.


Subject structure There are no tiers for this subject - everyone will do the same paper Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Non-exam assessment Unit 2: Written examination Unit 3: Written examination

UNIT 1: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: to be completed by November 2019

20%

Oral Tasks Task 1 (15%) – Individual Researched Presentation – COMPLETED IN YR.10 One individual, researched presentation, which may include responses to questions and feedback, based on WJEC set themes. Task 2 (15%) – Responding and Interacting One group discussion to written and/or visual stimuli provided by WJEC to initiate the discussion.


40%

Exam length: 2 hours Description, narration and exposition Section A (20%): Understanding of at least one description, one narration and one exposition text, including continuous and non-continuous texts, assessed through a range of structured questions. This section will also include an editing task focusing on understanding short texts at word, sentence and text level (2.5% of qualification total). Section B (20%): One writing task to be selected from a choice of two that could be either description, narration or exposition. This section will also include one proofreading task focusing on writing accurately (2.5% of qualification total). Half of the marks for this section will be awarded for communication and organisation (meaning, purpose, readers and structure) and the other for writing accurately (language, grammar, punctuation and spelling).


40%

Exam length: 2 hours Argumentation, persuasion and instructional Section A (15%): Understanding of at least one argumentation, one persuasion and one instructional text, including continuous and non-continuous texts, assessed through a range of structured questions. Section B (20%): One compulsory argumentation writing task and one compulsory persuasion writing task. Half of the marks for this section will be awarded for communication and organisation (meaning, purpose, readers and structure) and the other half for writing accurately (language, grammar, punctuation and spelling).

ENGLISH LANGUAGE


Subject structure This qualification has two tiers - higher tier and foundation tier Possible grades for higher tier: A*; A; B; C; D; Possible grades for foundation tier: C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Written examination Unit 3: Non-exam assessment


35%

Exam length: 2 hour Prose from different cultures and contemporary poetry Section A: Individual Texts In Context (studying one of the following):

• Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck); • Anita and Me (Syal); • To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee); • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Angelou); • Chanda’s Secrets (Stratton)

Section B: Comparative Study Contemporary unseen poetry comparison, the preparation for which will include the study of contemporary poems. This exam was sat in Year 10. The above date is a chance to resit. There will also be a chance to resit on 13.05.2020 if necessary.


40%

Exam length: 2 hours Unit 2a: Literary heritage drama and contemporary prose (one of each) English/Welsh/Irish Literary Heritage Drama:

• Othello (Shakespeare); • Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare); • An Inspector Calls (Priestley); • Hobson’s Choice (Brighouse); • A Taste of Honey (Delaney)

Contemporary Prose: • Paddy Clarke, Ha Ha Ha (Doyle); • Heroes (Cormier); • Never Let Me Go (Ishiguro); • About a Boy (Hornby); • Resistance (Sheers)

OR

Unit 2b: Contemporary drama and literary heritage prose (one of each) Contemporary drama:

• The History Boys (Bennett); • Blood Brothers (Russell); • A View from the Bridge (Miller); • Be My Baby (Whittington); • My Mother Said I Never Should (Keatley)

English/Welsh/Irish Literary Heritage Prose: • Silas Marner (Eliot); • Pride and Prejudice (Austen); • A Christmas Carol (Dickens); • Lord of the Flies (Golding); • Ash on a Young Man’s Sleeve (Abse)

UNIT 3: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: To be completed by February 2020

25% Section A: Shakespeare A play by Shakespeare chosen by the centre (but not Othello or Much Ado About Nothing) Section B: Welsh writing in English Stipulated poetry from the Library of Wales anthology Poetry 1900-2000: One Hundred Poets from Wales. Candidates study fifteen specified poems listed for the chosen theme

ENGLISH LITERATURE


Subject structure This qualification has three tiers - higher tier, intermediate tier and foundation tier Possible grades for higher tier: A*; A; B; C; Possible grades for intermediate tier: B; C; D; E Possible grades for foundation tier: D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Written examination


50% Exam length: 1½ hour (foundation tier) / 1¾ hour (intermediate and higher tier) Calculators are not permitted for this paper.


50% Exam length: 1½ hour (foundation tier) / 1¾ hour (intermediate and higher tier) Calculators are permitted for this paper.

IMPORTANT:-

All candidates should bring pencil, ruler, compass and protractor to EVERY exam.

A calculator is required for Unit 2 only.

MATHEMATICS


Subject structure This qualification has three tiers - higher tier, intermediate tier and foundation tier Possible grades for higher tier: A*; A; B; C; Possible grades for intermediate tier: B; C; D; E Possible grades for foundation tier: D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Written examination


50% Exam length: 1½ hour (foundation tier) / 1¾ hour (intermediate and higher tier) Calculators are not permitted for this paper.


50% Exam length: 1½ hour (foundation tier) / 1¾ hour (intermediate and higher tier) Calculators are permitted for this paper.

IMPORTANT:-

All candidates should bring pencil, ruler, compass and protractor to EVERY exam.

A calculator is required for Unit 2 only.

MATHEMATICS - NUMERACY


Subject structure This qualification has two tiers - higher tier and foundation tier It is possible to sit different tiers in the three separate subject. Possible grades for higher tier: A*; A; B; C; D Possible grades for foundation tier: C; D; E; F; G These examinations will lead to TWO separate GCSE Science grades. Units 1 - 6: Written examination Unit 7: Non-exam assessment


15% Biology 1 Exam length: 1¼ hour This exam was completed in Yr. 10. The date above is a chance to resit if required.


15% Chemistry 1 Exam length: 1¼ hour This exam was completed in Yr. 10. The date above is a chance to resit if required.


15% Physics 1 Exam length: 1¼ hour This exam was completed in Yr. 10. The date above is a chance to resit if required.


15% Biology 2 Exam length: 1¼ hour


15% Chemistry 2 Exam length: 1¼ hour


15% Physics 2 Exam length: 1¼ hour

UNIT 7: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: 6 January – 13 February 2020

10% Practical assessment. This assessment is held during the first half of the Spring term (January-February)

SCIENCE (DOUBLE AWARD)


Subject structure This qualification has two tiers - higher tier and foundation tier It is possible to sit different tiers in the three separate subject. Possible grades for higher tier: A*; A; B; C; D Possible grades for foundation tier: C; D; E; F; G These exams will lead to separate GCSE Science grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Written examination Unit 3: Non-exam assessment

BIOLOGY


45% Exam length: 1¾ hour This exam was completed in Yr. 10. The date above is a chance to resit if required.

UNIT 2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 12.05.2020 Time: AFTERNOON 45%

Exam length: 1¾ hour

UNIT 3: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: 6 January – 13 February 2019 10%

Practical assessment

CHEMISTRY UNIT 1: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 10.06.2020 Time: AFTERNOON


UNIT 2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 15.05.2020 TIME: AFTERNOON 45%




PHYSICS UNIT 1: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 12.06.2020 Time: MORNING


UNIT 2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 20.05.2020 Time: AFTERNOON 45%




TRIPLE SCIENCE


Subject structure This qualification has two tiers - higher tier and foundation tier Possible grades for higher tier: A*; A; B; C; D Possible grades for foundation tier: C; D; E; F; G These examinations will lead to TWO separate GCSE Applied Science grades. Units 1 - 3: Written examination Units 4 - 5: Non-exam assessment (practical assessments)

UNIT 1: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 10.06.2020 TIME: AFTERNOON

22.5% Energy, Resources and the Environment Exam length: 1½ hours This exam was completed in Yr.10. The date above is an opportunity to resit


22.5% Space, Health and Life Exam length: 1½ hours This exam was completed in Yr.10. The date above is an opportunity to resit


25% Food, Materials and Processes Exam length: 1½ hours

UNIT 4: TASK-BASED ASSESSMENT Date: 4 November – 20 December 2019

20% A task based assessment which will be externally assessed by WJEC. It will take place in the second half of the autumn term (November – December), during approx. 5 lessons.

UNIT 5: PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT Date: 6 January – 13 February 2020

10% Practical assessment that will be carried out in centres, but will be externally marked by WJEC. It will take place in the first half of the spring term (January – February)

Thorough revision and preperation is essential for these assessments.

APPLIED SCIENCE (DOUBLE AWARD)


Subject structure There are no tiers in this qualification Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Non-exam assessment - portfolio Unit 2: Practical exam – externally set assessment

UNIT 1: Portfolio Date: 18.12.2019 and 20.12.2019

60%

Pupils will develop sketching, typography, photography and computer skills. They will also develop visual material, and analyse and evaluate other artists’ work. This work will develop the learners’ skills in: Contextual Understanding – develop their ideas through investigations enriched with contextual and other sources, showing an analytical and cultural understanding Creative making – adapting their ideas by experimenting with resources, media, materials, techniques and appropriate processes and their selection. Reflective Recording – Recording ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions in visual and / or other forms. Personal presentation – Introduce personal, informed and meaningful response, by highlighting analytical and critical understanding, realizing intentions and, where appropriate, making connections between visual, written and oral or other elements.

UNIT 2: Externally Set Assignment Date: 20.04.2020 and 27.04.2020

40% Candidates must choose one assignment only from the paper set by WJEC. They will have time to prepare and then the school will arrange 10 hours of time under exam conditions to complete their final piece of work.

ART & DESIGN


Subject structure There are no tiers for this subject - everyone will do the same paper Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Written examination


62.5% Exam length: 2 hours The Business World A mixture of short answers and structured answers based on stimulus material covering all of the specification content


37.5% Exam length: 1½ hour Business Perceptions Data response questions covering all of the specification content

BUSINESS


Subject structure This qualification has no tiers. Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Non-exam assessment Unit 3: Non-exam assessment


40%

Exam length: 1½ hour PRINCIPLES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT Revision work:

• The family and the child: Types of families, functions/responsibility, roles, relationships, disability, support for the family and child.

• Food and health: Principles of a healthy diet, dietary aims and targets, special diet needs, food safety.

• Pregnancy: Preparing for pregnancy, development of the foetus, pre-natal care, birth, post-natal care.

• Physical development: Stages of physical development, factors affecting physical development. • Intellectual development: Stages of intellectual development, learning aids, learning through

play, types of play, factors affecting learning • Social and Emotional Development: Stages of social and emotional development and the factors

affecting them.

UNIT 2: CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT Date: completed in year 10

30% Child Study - 15 hours One task chosen from three set by WJEC to include research and a product with focus on child development.

UNIT 3: CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT Complete by: Easter 2020 30% Child focused task - 15 hours

One task chosen from two set by WJEC, to include research, planning, producing and evaluating.

• You must answer EVERY question – there is no choice.

• Use the space on the exam paper to answer the questions.

• Note how many marks there are for each question.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT


Subject structure This qualification has no tiers Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Non-exam assessment


50% Exam length: 2 hours Design and Technology in the 21st Century A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates' knowledge and understanding of product design

UNIT 2: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Completed by: March 2020

50%

Approx. 35 hours under exam condition during lesson time A sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by WJEC, assessing candidates' ability to:

• identify, investigate, analyse and outline design possibilities • design and make prototypes and evaluate their fitness for purpose

Essential equipment for this course: Writing pen, pencil, ruler, colouring pencils, eraser, compass, protractor, calculator.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN


Subject structure This qualification has no tiers Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Non-Exam Assessment Unit 2: Non-Exam Assessment Unit 3: Written Examination

UNIT 1: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Complete by: March 2020

40%

Devising Theatre • Internally assessed practical examination • 4-part assessment – Create, Develop, Perform, Evaluate • Candidates are assessed on either acting or technical skills. • The performance is based on 5 minutes per candidate. So, a group of 3 would need to be a 15 minute

performance.

UNIT 2: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Complete by: March 2020

30%

Performing Theatre • Practical examination, externally assessed • Candidates work in groups of 2 to 5. • Based on two pieces of performance texts, roughly 10 minutes in length. • Performances should be based on 5 minutes per candidates. • Candidates are assessed on either acting or technical skills.


40%

Section A: Set text A series of questions on one set text explored as an actor, designer and director from a choice of five:

• Romeo & Juliet (William Shakespeare) • 100 (The Imaginary Body - Diene Petterle, Neil Monaghan and Christopher Heimann) • 1984 (George Orwell, adapted by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan) • Dau Wyneb (Manon Steffan Ros) • Cysgod y Cryman (Islwyn Ffowc Elis, adaptation by Sion Eirian)

Section B: Live Theatre Review One question, from a choice of two, requiring analysis and evaluation of one live theatre production seen during the course.

IMPORTANT

Group work is essential, and ensuring everyone has equal participation. REVISION WORK: Learn scripts and have independent rehearsals

DRAMA


Subject structure This qualification has no tiers. It is a vocational qualification Level 1 and 2; Level 2 is equivalent to one GCSE. Possible grades: Level 1 – Pass; Level 2 - Pass; Merit; Distinction Unit 1: Controlled Assessment Unit 2: Controlled Assessment Unit 3: Written examination

UNIT 1: CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

25% Engineering Design The purpose of this unit is for learners to analyse engineered products in order to propose design solutions to meet requirements.

UNIT 2: CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

50% Producing Engineering Products The purpose of this unit is for learners to use skills developed to produce an engineered product. Following Health and Safety rules is vital in this unit


25% Exam length: 1½ hour Solving Engineering Problems The purpose of this unit is for learners to use their knowledge and understanding of engineering processes and material properties to solve problems.

The subject is assessed on the standard of presented work and an exam.

IMPORTANT: Health and Safety rules must be followed at all times due to the nature of the work being completed and teaching environment.

ENGINEERING


Subject structure This qualification has two tiers – higher tier and foundation tier It is possible to sit a combination of different tiers for the different units. Possible grades for higher tier: A*; A; B; C; D Possible grades for foundation tier: C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Non-exam assessment Unit 2: Written examination Unit 3: Written examination Unit 4: Written examination

UNIT 1: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: Spring Term

25%

Oral test Length: 7–9 mins (Foundation) / 10-12 mins (Higher)

• Role-play • Photo card discussion • Conversation – Part 1 and Part 2


25% Listening Length: 35 min (Foundation) / 45 min (Higher) Listening comprehension tasks with non-verbal and written responses


25% Reading Length: 1 hour (Foundation) / 1¼ hours (Higher) Reading tasks with non-verbal and written responses, including one translation task from French into Welsh


25% Writing Length: 1¼ hour (Foundation) / 1½ hours (Higher) Writing tasks including one translation task from Welsh into French

• Learners are not permitted to use dictionaries in any part of the assessment.

FRENCH


Subject structure This qualification has no tiers Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Written examination Unit 3: Non-exam assessment


40% Changing Physical and Human Landscapes Exam length: 1½ hour

• Landscapes and Physical Processes • Rural-Urban Links • Coastal Hazards and their Management


40%

Environmental and Development Issues Exam length: 1½ hour

• Weather, Climate and Ecosystems • Development and Resource Issues • Environmental Challenges

UNIT 3: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: To be completed November - December 2019

20% Fieldwork Enquiry Up to 2½ hours Unit 3 requires a written report from the learner, to include evidence of their understanding of the enquiry process and their independent ability to process/present data and complete extended writing. The report must be written in response to specific questions set by WJEC.

Remember when REVISING:

• Map and atlas skills are important in both papers • You will need to draw sketch-maps and simple

diagrams – you must practise these • You must use as many examples of places and/or

data as possible

• Learn geographical terms to use in your answers

Remember, in the exam: • To use all the lines available when answering

a question

• Try to include information about your course work, if appropriate

• Read the command words carefully! e.g., describe, explain, justify.

GEOGRAPHY


Subject structure This qualification has no tiers Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Controlled Assessment Unit 2: Written examination

UNIT 1: CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT Completed in Year 10

40%

Unit 1: Health, Social Care and Children’s Services Candidates will learn about:

• care needs of individuals; • types of care services; • the ways of obtaining care services and the barriers to access; • the main work roles and skills of people who provide health, social care and children's services; • the principles of care.


60%

Exam length: 1¼ hour Unit 2: Human Growth and Development Candidates will learn about:

• human growth and development; • the factors affecting growth and development; • the development of self concept; • life changes and sources of support.

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE


Subject structure This qualification has no tiers Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Written examination Unit 3: Written examination Unit 4: Non-exam Assessment

UNIT 1: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Date: 01.06.2020 Time: MORNING 25% Exam length: 1 hour

Wales and the wider perspective - Depression, War and Recovery, 1930-1951


25% Exam length: 1 hour History with a European / world focus - The USA: A Nation of Contrasts, 1910-1929 **This exam was completed in Year 10. The date above is a chance to resit.


30% Exam length: 1¼ hour Thematic studies from a broad historical perspective - Changes in Crime and Punishment, c.1500 to the present day


20% The non-examination assessment will involve the completion of two separate tasks, one with a focus on source evaluation within the creation of an historical narrative and one with a focus on the formation of different historical interpretations of history.

Revision tips • How to spell names of important people and places • Revise the cause and effects of important dates • Remember to revise and learn about various aspects of evidence e.g. note different types of evidence • How dependable and useful different types of evidence are; Remember to practice by using old questions papers • C.A.P: Content? Author/source? Purpose? • What is the strength of various types of evidence? • Attend revision sessions

Examination tips • Note how many marks are allotted to each question • Read the question carefully. Does it ask you to describe or explain? • Try to include dates, names of people, names of policies in your answers • Don’t write everything you know about the subject – think about what information the question requires – be relevant • Remember to write about both sides to the argument/story • Education materials are also available on the BBC website, on WJEC’s website in the educational resources section, and

on Hwb’s website.

HISTORY


Subject structure This qualification has no tiers Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Controlled assessment Unit 3: Written examination Unit 4: Controlled assessment


20% Exam length: 1½ hour Understanding ICT This exam was sat in Year 10. The above date is a chance to resit. There will also be a chance to resit on 03.06.2020 if necessary.

UNIT 2: CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT 30% Solving ICT Problems

22.5 hour of portfolio work, to be completed during lessons.


20% Exam length: 1½ hour

ICT in Organisations There will also be a chance to resit on 10.06.2020 if necessary.

UNIT 4: CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT 30% Developing Multimedia ICT solutions

22.5 hour of portfolio work, to be completed during lessons.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY


Subject structure There are no tiers in this qualification Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Non-exam assessment Unit 2: Non-exam assessment Unit 3: Written examination

UNIT 1: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: by December 2019

35%

Performing (total performance time: 4-6 mins) Section A - At least two contrasting performances. One solo and one ensemble piece. - Total performance time no longer than 6 mins. - One piece should be connected to the Area of Study from Unit 3. - The work is internally assessed and externally moderated. - You should practice weekly and keep a log of all practices. Section B - Programme Notes for one of the chosen performance pieces, connected to the area of study from unit 3 It is important for all pupils who follow this course to have instrumental or singing lessons weekly – either in school or privately. There will be regular assessments to make sure that pupils are working diligently on this aspect of the course. The final exam will be recorded and sent to WJEC.

UNIT 2: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date: April 2020

35%

Composition (total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes) Section A - Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to a different area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. - The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief. Section B: Evaluating An evaluation of the piece composed in response to a brief set by WJEC. Sibelius 7 software is used within the department to write music scores. There will be at least one music teacher available one evening a week specially to help with composition work. The department is open until 5pm almost every evening. The pupils will be made aware of the evenings available.


30%

Exam length: 1 hour This unit is assessed via a listening examination. Eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study. Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble Area of study 3: Film Music Area of study 4: Popular Music Two of the eight questions are based on prepared extracts set by WJEC, which are Abdelazer Suite II: Rondeau: Purcell (1695) a Handbags and Gladrags: Stereophonics (2001)

MUSIC


Subject structure There are no tiers for this subject - everyone will do the same paper Possible grades: A*; A; B; C; D; E; F; G Unit 1: Written examination Unit 2: Non-exam assessment


50% Exam length: 2 hours Introduction to Physical Education

UNIT 2: NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT Date to present written work: November 29th 2019 Practical assessment: Spring term 2020

50% Learners will be assessed in three different activities in the role of performer in at least one individual sport, one team sport and one other. One activity will be a major activity which will have a personal fitness programme linked to the activity.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION


Subject structure Certificate / Extended Certificate in Work Skills (Level 2) Possible grades: Distinction, Merit, Pass There is NO exam, all work internally assessed 2 hours (certificate) or 4 hours (extended certificate) of lessons per week.

Much of the work is practical. This is done to provide the pupils with experiences as well as develop their life skills.

Many tasks undertaken outside school, to prepare the pupils for life after school.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 100% UNITS Number of credits

Managing my own money 2 credits

Looking for a job 1 credit

Making an application for a job 1 credit

Preparing for an interview 1 credit

Interview skills 1 credit

Voluntary work 1 credit

Develop personal leadership skills 2 credits

Working within a team 3 credits

Safeguarding the workplace 1 credit

Planning an enterprise activity 1 credit

Managing your health in the workplace 2 credits

WORKSKILLS (BTEC Level 2)


WELSH BACCALAUREATE - NATIONAL The Welsh Baccalaureate is an exciting qualification for students in Wales that adds a valuable new dimension to the subjects and courses already available for 14 to 19 year old students.

• It combines personal development skills with existing qualifications like GCSEs and BTEC to make one wider award that is valued by employers and universities.

• The Welsh Assembly Government introduced the Welsh Baccalaureate to transform learning for young people in Wales. It gives broader experiences than traditional learning programmes, to suit the diverse needs of young people.

The Welsh Baccalaureate is based on a Skills Challenge Certificate alongside Supporting Qualifications (GCSE Mathematics – Numbers, Welsh Language or English Language together with another two qualifications). The requirements of both the Skills Challenge Certificate and Supporting Qualifications must be met in order to achieve the overarching Welsh Baccalaureate. The Skills Challenge Certificate consists of four components which are followed by all learners:

• Individual Project – 50% • Enterprise and Employability Challenge – 20% • Global Citizenship Challenge – 15% • Community Challenge – 15%

All components are internally assessed and externally moderated The focus of the Skills Challenge Certificate will be on the essential and employability skills young people need in their future lives and these skills will be developed and assessed through an Individual Project and three Challenges. The seven essential and employability skills are:

• Literacy • Numeracy • Digital Literacy • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Planning and Organisation • Creativity and Innovation • Personal Effectiveness


GCSE RESULTS DAY

The results will be available for collection at the school Thursday 20.08.2020 between 9.00am and 12.00pm.

If you are unable to collect them, you can call the school on the day, or they can be posted to you so long as you provide Miss Gwennan

Roberts with a stamped, addressed envelope

The official certificates will arrive at the school in early November 2020. You, or another responsible person, should collect them from

the school.

preparing for gcse’s in year 11 information...

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