st george’s school · 2014-11-05 · research in sketch books will be developed into 4 to 6 a2...

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL

FOUNDED IN 1907 AS A CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL

GCSE CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

GUIDANCE 2013 – 2015

GCSE Controlled Assessment at

St George’s School 2013-2015

Index

Page

CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE INFORMATION .......................... 3

YEAR 10 CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT MAP ................................................... 5

Blank Year 10 Controlled Assessment Map for Students to Complete ..................................... 6

YEAR 11 CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT MAP ................................................... 7

Blank Year 11 Controlled Assessment Map for Students to Complete ..................................... 8

ART ........................................................................................................................... 9

BUSINESS STUDIES ............................................................................................. 10

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY – A Generic Plan ............................................... 11

D & T – FOOD TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................... 12

D & T – GRAPHICS ............................................................................................... 13

D & T – SYSTEMS AND CONTROL & RESISTANT MATERIALS ................ 15

D & T – TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY ................................................................... 17

DRAMA .................................................................................................................. 20

ENGLISH, ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE ................ 21

GEOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................ 23

HISTORY ................................................................................................................ 25

ICT ........................................................................................................................... 26

MFL ......................................................................................................................... 27

MUSIC .................................................................................................................... 28

PE ............................................................................................................................ 29

SCIENCE – Double and Triple Science ................................................................. 30

APPEALS PROCEDURES ..................................................................................... 31

JCQ Notice for Candidates ...................................................................................... 32



CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE INFORMATION

Introduction We hope that the information within this booklet will provide the sort of information

that students and parents will find very useful. The guidance should support you

through your GCSE controlled assessment to help raise attainment. We also hope it

will make these next two years a more enjoyable, enriching and less arduous period

of study. That said you must also appreciate of course that it will involve endeavour

and plain “old fashioned” hard work too.

Aims The aim of this information is to:

provide a clear overview of the timings of each subject’s controlled

assessment individually and in relation to your other subjects’ controlled

assessment commitments

clarify and exemplify the controlled assessment content that will need to be

covered and the style of presentation required

clarify the nature of the controlled assessment faced and the skills needed to

complete it

give a clear signal of the demands of controlled assessment so that students

and their families can plan and organise themselves, to support quality

controlled assessment submissions

make it more interesting and tangible than it is at present

help you meet your deadlines – without fuss and strain!

Using the

Booklet

At the front of the booklet are two pages called “Year 10 or 11 Controlled

Assessment Maps”. These are there to show you three things:

When the controlled assessment will be in progress.

When the deadlines are.

What periods of time will arise when particular focus needs to be given to

controlled assessment as you may have more than one subject on at a time.

All controlled assessment is important but some will bring greater pressure than

others. The controlled assessment map will show when the clashes are. When you

see a clash coming you can either get some work done earlier to ease the busier

period or clear the decks of other social activities as this time approaches so that you

can give the time it will require to produce quality work.

The timings given on the timelines are given as accurately as possible. Obviously

with a busy School with many trips and enrichments opportunities there can be

disruption caused by such events or even illness. The time guide will be adhered to

as directly as possible but the start and end points could vary occasionally, but by no

more than a week. A “termly overview” will be given at the start of each term and

these will more specifically give dates of the start points and deadlines for each

piece. Thanks needs to be given to Mrs J Ansell in the Learning Support

Department for co-ordinating this work.



Finally

All deadlines must be met! Students at St George’s have a tradition of producing

lively and engaging controlled assessment on which we have been complimented by

the various exam boards. The students who achieve the best results are inevitably

those who use the full time made available to them to complete pieces. There will

be a great deal of support during the controlled assessments and all students have

the opportunity to produce their very best standard of work regardless of ability.

Most students do but wouldn’t it be better for all concerned if all students could and

we hope this document helps make this possible!

Students and parents should be aware that completion of all controlled assessment

within the specified deadline dates is part of the entrance requirements for

St George’s Sixth Form. The overall deadline will be the 13th March 2015.

GCSE Controlled Assessment at St George’s School 2013-2015

YEAR 10 CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT MAP

PLEASE NOTE: School examinations take place from 28th April to 9th May 2014. Science ISAs generally take place in the Summer Term after the end of year exams

Many School activities take place in the Summer Term. (will take up to 9 lessons).

Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Feb March April May June July Aug Additional Information

Art

Business Studies Pupils will be introduced to the controlled

assessment topic at the end of the Summer Term.

They will begin the research process in School and

continue during the summer holidays.

D & T – Food Tech A controlled assessment guideline booklet with

individual guidelines is given out to the students in

June of Year 10.

D & T – Graphics

D & T – Resistant Materials

D & T – Systems & Control

D & T – Textiles A controlled assessment guidelines booklet with

individual guidelines is given out to the students in

March of Year 10.

Drama

English – Single Entry

English – Double Entry

Geography

History The Department has a controlled assessment policy,

which is issued to all students.

ICT

MFL Speaking and Writing skills will be examined by

continuous assessment. All assessments are to be

completed by mid March of Year 11.

Music Students will complete 2 compositions which will

then be revisited in Year 11.

PE Year 10 pupils will complete their PEP during the

second half of the Autumn Term as part of their

controlled assessment.


Blank Year 10 Controlled Assessment Map for Students to Complete

Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Feb March April May June July Aug Additional Information

Art

Business Studies

D & T – Food Tech

D & T – Graphics



D & T – Textiles

Drama



Geography

History

ICT

MFL

Music

PE

PLEASE NOTE: School examinations take place from 28th April to 9th May 2014. Science ISAs generally take place in the Summer Term after the end of year exams

Many School activities take place in the Summer Term. (will take up to 9 lessons).


YEAR 11 CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT MAP

PLEASE NOTE: Grade Predictor (mock) Examinations take place in December. Science ISAs should be completed before February Half Term (will take up to 9 lessons).

The work load in the Autumn Term is very heavy and the summer holidays should be used for research for Technology.

Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Feb March Additional Information

Art Mock Exam – Second Half of the Autumn Term of Year 11.

In Year 11 a continual process of improving each unit takes

place.

Business Studies Pupils will do the write up for the controlled assessment in the

first half term of Year 11. They will use the research that has

been conducted over the summer holidays. This will have

been directed prior to the summer holidays.

D & T – Food Technology All pupils have been given an individual controlled

assessment guideline booklet. Weekly deadlines and

activities are included in that. Final Date for Submission –

February in Year 11

D & T – Graphics 30th November: Deadline for when all major practical work

should be constructed. Final Date for Submission – First

day back after February Half Term – Year 11. D & T – Resistant Materials


D & T – Textiles All pupils have access to a controlled assessment guideline

booklet available in the shared area. Weekly deadlines and

activities are given at the start of each new term. All

controlled assessments should be completed prior to the

February Half Term break in Year 11. Final Date for

Submission – First day back after February Half Term.

Drama Parents will be invited to the final performance assessment in

March/April of Year 11.



Geography Any outstanding work (page numbers and contents etc) will

be completed in September of Year 11.

History

ICT

MFL Speaking and Writing skills will be examined by continuous

assessment. All assessments are to be completed by mid

March of Year 11. Reading and Listening skills are still

examined in May/June of Year 11.

Music All composition and practical work completed by 1st March

of Year 11.

PE Analysis of performance will take place during the Autumn

Term of Year 11.


Blank Year 11 Controlled Assessment Map for Students to Complete

PLEASE NOTE: Grade Predictor (mock) Examinations take place in December. Science ISAs should be completed before February Half Term (will take up to 9 lessons).

The work load in the Autumn Term is very heavy and the summer holidays should be used for research for Technology.

Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Feb March Additional Information

Art

Business Studies

D & T – Food Technology

D & T – Graphics



D & T – Textiles

Drama



Geography

History

ICT

MFL

Music

PE



ART

General

Information

The majority of all the work completed on the GCSE Art course is controlled

assessment. Controlled assessment accounts for 60% of the GCSE grade. There are

2 units, each worth 30%. Each unit is assessed on the following criteria:

1. Ability to record Observations

2. Ability to analyse and Evaluate

3. Ability to develop Ideas

4. Ability to realise intentions and make connections with the work of others

Unit 1

Autumn and First Half of the Spring Term in Year 10

This unit will be based around the 4 day trip to Paris, focusing on the work of the

impressionists. Research in sketch books will be developed into 4 to 6 A2 sheets.

These A2 sheets will normally take the form of the following:

1. A2 Artist study

2. A2 tonal pencil observation sheet

3. A2 Colour study

4. A2 Development of Ideas

5. A2 textual or mixed media study

6. A2 Final idea, further Artist link and review sheet

These sheets will normally be completed as homework but with substantial staff

support, assessment and advice. They will support the class activity which will be a

sculptural outcome, based on the experience of the 4 day trip to Paris. For example,

a large shoe or a Flora sculpture based on the work of the impressionists.

Unit 2 Second Half of the Spring, Summer Term of Year 10 and First Half of the

Autumn Term in Year 11

This unit will be based around a theme such as “animals” or “food” and will

comprise the same format as Unit 1, with again 6 or so A2 sheets and an outcome

such as a Batik. The Year 10 drawing exam will take up the latter part of the Spring

Term and the First Half of the Summer. It will feed into the unit and provides

valuable drawing and observation experience.

Year 11 Mock

Exam

Second Half of the Autumn Term of Year 11

This mock exam will be a free choice, preparing students for their actual exam,

issued in the Spring Term. Normally students tend to choose a subject that will fit

into one of their existing units, perhaps addressing a weakness.

In Year 11 a continual process of improving each unit takes place. Staff review all

the controlled assessment of each student and targets are set and copied to the

student. For instance they may need to work back into an A2 tonal study completed

in Year 10 for their Unit 1, or an Artist study for their Unit 2 may need better

analysis.

Exam Prep

There will inevitably be a “peak” period prior to the handing in of controlled

assessment and exam work before study leave begins. Therefore completing other

practically based subjects like technology, music and drama would be wise.



BUSINESS STUDIES

General

Overview

GCSE Business Studies courses all now require that students attain 25% of their

final mark through controlled assessment. The OCR Business Studies controlled

assessment comprises a business scenario with three compulsory investigations for

assessment.

Controlled assessment requires students to produce their own work in controlled,

examination-style conditions. A taught course covering the selected unit

(Unit A291: Marketing and Enterprise) will be provided during Year 10, and then

the scenario/investigation will be released to the students in July of Year 10. They

will be given the sources and information they need to complete the questions but

their approach and their responses will be their own. Students will complete three

investigations; investigation one is marked out of a total of 10 marks and

investigations two and three are each marked out of a total of 25 marks. The time

allowed for this work is: up to 10 hours for the research/data collection, and up to

6 hours for the report write up. All the writing of the tasks will be done under exam

conditions and will be collected in at the end of each session. OCR recommends

that the final report be approximately 2000 words.

Investigation 1

This requires pupils to use the data provided by OCR to arrive at a recommendation

concerning the business scenario described. The data will be provided in written as

well as numerical form and requires pupils to use their own knowledge of marketing

and enterprise to make reasoned suggestions.

Investigations 2

and 3

This gives pupils the opportunity to make use of local resources and collect

appropriate additional primary and secondary research in order to arrive at their

recommendation(s). Appropriate methods of primary research may include a

questionnaire, interview or visit to local businesses. The class teacher will advise

how many questionnaires need to be conducted to be considered appropriate.

Secondary data may be collected through the internet, books and journals. This

stage of the work may be completed outside of the classroom without the direct

control of the teacher.

Pupils may bring notes and charts/graphs (that they have produced themselves)

regarding their research into the classroom for the ‘controlled’ element of the

assessment, but these must be in ‘note’ form, not a ‘first draft’ and must be brought

to the classroom in paper form, ie not in electronic format.

Timescale 10 hours research

6 hours write up (in controlled conditions)

The theory part of the unit (A291) will be taught during Year 10.

Pupils will begin Investigation 1 and their own independent research in July of

Year 10.

The controlled write up will take place in September and October of Year 11.

The submission date for reports will be during October of Year 11. Pupils will be

advised of the exact date by their class teacher at the end of Year 10.



DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY – A Generic Plan

General

Information

The controlled assessment produced throughout Year 10 in Graphic Products,

Resistant Materials, Systems and Control does not count towards the student’s

examination marks at GCSE. Instead the work covered has been carefully planned

to extend their experience, expertise and confidence in as wide a range of tools and

materials as possible so that they can attempt a challenging but realistic Major

Project from March of that year. The major project, with its supporting electronic

design folio, counts for 60% of the whole subject. The other 40% is by way of a

written examination in June of Year 11. All controlled assessment must be

completed and submitted by the end of the February Half Term break in Year 11.

The practical outcome and its accompanying design folder are equally weighted in

terms of marks.

Basic breakdown of Major Project:

1A

March to July of Year 10:

Identification of a Need / Customer.

Introduction to the Problem and Time Plan.

Design Brief.

Analysis of the Problem leading to a full Product Specification.

Brainstorming and Proposal of Initial Ideas.

Research into Customer Needs, Materials and Market Opportunities.

Analysis of Research.

Analysis / Development of initial ideas.

Comparison of ideas against Product Specification.

Chosen Solutions in detail.

Planning of Manufacture.

2A

Summer Vacation – A good time to research and develop final plans prior to

making in the Autumn Term.

3A Autumn Half Term – Year 11 – Manufacture to be finished prior to the Mock

examinations in December.

Detailed manufacture process with constant evaluation of success.

Production of photographic / digital record of making process.

Comparison against Product Specification throughout.

Full testing, evaluation and suggestions for improvement of product.

Consultation with user / customer.

Comparison against Time Plan.

Acknowledgements of assistance received.

Final Date for Submission – First day back after February Half Term –

Year 11.



D & T – FOOD TECHNOLOGY

General

Overview

Controlled assessment is worth 60% of a student’s final mark. The controlled

assessment consists of one major design and make project. The task will be

provided by AQA near the start of Year 11.

Content All students are given a controlled assessment booklet which provides them with

timeframes. It breaks the project into sections providing advice, exemplar material

and grade descriptors. It should therefore be clear to the student exactly what is

expected for each module.

Here are the headings.

Front Cover (followed by project plan)

Task Analysis

Research Analysis

Design Criteria

Ideas

Trialling of Ideas

Trial Conclusion

Product Criteria (Product Specification)

Product Development

Final Product

Final Evaluation and Testing

Presentation The written work will be presented electronically using PowerPoint. Students are

expected however to show a wide range of software applications including the

nutrition data base to help with product analysis, graphs to visualise the

questionnaire results, and digital images to present evidence of all of their practical

work.

Finally The students are encouraged to complete as much food practical work as is possible.

They will cook the majority of their ideas. Students will be awarded marks for the

skilful, safe and hygienic preparation of food. In order to access the higher level

marks they are encouraged to show a wide variety of food production and

presentation skills. Students will be expected to cook once a week during the

controlled assessment task. All of the practical work during the controlled task will

be assessed. It must be photographed and submitted as part of their portfolio

as it contributes to their final GCSE grade.

This Full Course controlled assessment should represent 45 hours work.

Final Date for Submission – February 2015.



4A Completion,

Testing &

Evaluation

Year 11 – First Half Term of Spring Term

All finished models to be photographed at this stage with a label showing

Examination Centre, candidate’s name, candidate’s number and syllabus number.

D & T – GRAPHICS

General

Overview

Controlled Assessment is worth 60% of the student’s final mark. It should consist

of an electronic PowerPoint folder of about twenty slides of A3 sketches and notes

which follow the design process taught previously in Year 10 topics. Work for each

section should be started on a clearly labelled page so that the examiner can see that

the entire process has been addressed. Two design solutions, one 2D and the other

3D should be completed. Design solution models should be photographed and

included with the project – not the original model.

1A Project

Identification –

Problem,

Research and

Brief

June / July of Year 10

Write problem and brief so that students know why they have chosen their particular

topic and have a rough idea of how they intend to solve it. Over the summer

holiday collect materials to include in the research.

2A Presentation

of Ideas, Designs

& Planning

Year 11 – Second Half of Autumn Term

Using material collected over the summer complete the research, include

information from the internet, questionnaires, leaflets and original material

such as photographs. This section can be added to throughout the topic.

Using information from the research students can then complete a

specification. After completing this it may be found that more research is

required.

Working from the specification and using information gained in the

research students should produce three initial ideas, ie three complete

solutions that could solve the original problem, these should be correctly

annotated.

The best initial idea should then be extended in the Development of Ideas.

Improvements, methods of construction of the model and materials to be

used be considered, all sketches and decisions should be justified.

When fully developed a 3D pictorial solution and a working drawing should

be completed.

At this stage the student should write a short review justifying the solution.

A schedule should now be completed relating to completing both the 2D

and 3D design solutions.

3A Manufacture

of Final Product

Year 11 – Autumn Term

Using the working drawing and the schedule a 3D model can now be

completed by using the materials and techniques outlined in the

Development of ideas.

The 2D design should be completed using a desktop publishing program

and, if possible, the CNC vinyl cutter.

At this stage it is a good idea to take photographs of the work in progress.

Complete prior to the Christmas break.



Produce flow charts, systems and control - with feedback loops - showing

how the student’s 3D design was completed and how the 2D design would

be produced using industrial applications.

Extend the systems and control flow chart onto a full page giving details of

materials, processes and health & safety issues at each stage. Any

photographs taken at the making stage can be included here.

Using the finished designs test the solution. This could take the form of

observing the solution in use, a questionnaire and showing that the solution

was checked for quality at critical points of manufacture.

Using information gained by testing evaluate the design against the original

brief and specification and suggest, using sketches and notes relevant

modifications.

A title page should then be produced and the project bound.


Year 11.



D & T – SYSTEMS AND CONTROL & RESISTANT MATERIALS

General

Information

The controlled assessment content consists of a single design and make task

equivalent to 40 hours of work where students must demonstrate designing and

making skills. The maximum controlled assessment weighting accounts for 60% of

the total marks available for the course, and is to be presented in an electronic

PowerPoint folio of approximately 20 to 25 A3 slides. It is expected that all

students demonstrate fully their design and technology capability and combine their

skills, knowledge and understanding to produce a quality manufactured outcome.

All students are given the opportunity to explore real-life needs for projects based

and subsequently select a problem on which to base their controlled assessment.

There is vast scope for students to create innovative and effective solutions to

everyday problems where the only limitation is the imagination!

1A Project

Identification

Ideas, Research and Design – March of Year 10

Students recognise a situation for potential design development.

Write a detailed design brief identifying a product and potential users in a

target market group.

Select and display data relevant to both users and the product using a

variety of media – eg existing products, market survey, manufacturing

processes, user preference, product function etc.

Analyse the research data and develop a specification used later to evaluate

and test the final solution. The specification should include criteria relating

to form, function, costing, moral and environmental issues.

2A Presentation

Designs & Planning – Year 10 Second Half of Summer Term

Investigate a range of suitable electronic circuits that fulfil the need of the

design specification.

Present a range of imaginative design ideas that are both feasible and meet

the needs of the specification.

Develop, model, and test potential ideas and provide details of manufacture.

Review potential design ideas against the specification and modify as

appropriate.

Incorporate a wide range of ICT throughout the folio to include DTP,

CAD/CAM etc (Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacture).

Produce a detailed working schedule for the manufacturing process taking

into consideration the time constraints they are faced with.

Produce outline systems diagrams showing manufacture of the product and

highlighting inputs, outputs, processes and potential feedback loops.

Show that the production is planned by way of a working schedule and

carefully checked at frequent intervals to monitor progress and quality.

Identify where environment issues relate to the design proposal.

3A Manufacture

of Final Product

Year 11 Autumn Term

Make a high quality product by applying skills, knowledge and

understanding gained throughout the course. Select the correct tools,

processes and equipment including CAM. Record progress throughout

production process.



Develop tests and quality control checks at regular stages throughout the

making to ensure the resulting product is of as a high a quality as possible.

Produce an accurate parts/components list that allows costing to be

achieved.

4A Completion,

Testing &

Evaluation

Year 11 First Half Term of Spring Term

Complete, test and evaluate the final product by referring back to the

original design specification and taking into account both the views of users

and the results of checks made during manufacture.

Review the evaluation findings and suggest how the product could be

modified to improve performance. Finish – Spring Half Term.


Year 11.



D & T – TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY

General

Information

Controlled assessment is worth 60% of a student’s final mark and must consist of

45 hours worth of work. The controlled assessment involves producing a high

quality design folder created on a maximum of 26 A3 slides using PowerPoint and

including a 3-dimensional outcome. The main controlled assessment folder is

started in the Spring Term of Year 10.

All students will need to provide photographic evidence of a 3-dimensional

outcome at various stages of making and of the finished outcome. All sources

used by students are to be clearly recorded to show their depth of study.

Throughout the year the Textiles room is opened one evening a week to provide

students an opportunity to use the facilities and ensure set deadlines are met.

Textiles staff are on hand to provide assistance and guidance as necessary. The

Textiles room is also open on a number of lunch times to provide students with

further opportunities to use the room.

Part A

Developing and Demonstrating Knowledge, Skills and Understanding –

Autumn Term of Year 10

This term involves students demonstrating the skills which they have learnt

throughout Year 9. Students will be using their information and technique sample

folder as a reference guide for the practical work. Some areas will recap and expand

upon work from Year 9.

Printing and dyeing methods in industry, product life cycle, smart and modern

fabrics and components. Manufacturing systems, labelling and risk assessments.

Quality control and quality assurance.

From October students will be introduced to how they can create a high quality

design folder. The folder will be completed using PowerPoint to give students

experience of the format which will be used for the controlled assessment project.

Each student will receive a project guide book which will contain the requirements

of each section of work, the schedule of work, deadline information and a folder

checklist. The focus of work is introduced through the design brief which is based

around the production of a summer garment which they can personalise through the

Target market, trend/theme, colour scheme, etc. Students will undertake appropriate

research, analysis, creation of designs, modify, sample techniques and then make

their chosen product.

This term continues the production of the design folder, looking in detail at the

design process. Focused lessons on the various areas of the design folder will

provide students with a sound understanding of the requirements of the controlled

assessment design folder. Each required section of the design folder will be

carefully examined to ensure the student can gain the highest possible marks eg each

research area, analysis of research and results, creating detailed criteria check lists,

quality control, etc. The unit will allow students to gain experience of creating a

high quality design folder and to develop their technical skills through the

development and testing and making of the final product. The folder should contain

quality work; clear explanations behind decisions made and show good presentation

eg spelling, punctuation and grammar plus appropriate communication methods.

This unit will be completed in early March.



Part B

Spring Term of Year 10

Having completed their garment creation and accompanying PowerPoint folder,

students will commence working upon their GCSE controlled assessment.

Part 1A

Project Identification – Investigating the Design Opportunity – March of

Year 10.

Students will be introduced to a range of AQA Board-set tasks. Students must

choose one to act as a basis for their controlled assessment folder. Each design brief

focuses on a different product area: fashion, interior furnishings and children’s

products. The briefs allow students to choose the area they feel most enthusiastic

about and develop their already acquired skills further.

Each student will receive access to a Controlled Assessment guidance booklet via

the shared area. Inside the booklet the requirements of each section of work,

deadline information and a folder checklist. At the start of each half term students

will receive a plan for the term lesson by lesson indicating the area of focus, prep

work to be completed and deadlines.

Using the design folder which was created during the garment project students will

have a reference guide as to what needs to be included within each required section

of their folder. Students will carry out selective forms of research which will

influence their design criteria. Development will also be negotiated relating to the

end products use. All research, analysis and criteria of the controlled assessment

will be completed during this term. The initial and developed ideas will be

completed by the end of the Summer Term.

Part 2A

Development of Design Proposals (including modelling) – First Half of Autumn

Term of Year 11

During this time lessons will be entirely controlled assessment based and focused on

the appropriate stage of the design process.

Part 3A

Making – Second Half of Autumn Term of Year 11

By the end of September students will have completed and evaluated their testing of

techniques and be starting to create a prototype of their chosen product. Students

will then consider modifications and create a manufacturing specification prior to

commencing work on their final textiles product. Students should collect their

materials and components for their final product as soon as they have been finalised.

Part 4A Testing & Evaluation – Spring Term of Year 11

All students will have completed their Textile product by the early part of February.

Product testing will help give students an understanding as to how they could

modify their product to improve it, provide an insight into views of potential

consumers and also to consider adjustments which may need to be made for the

product to be made in industry. This will be achieved through a variety of methods

eg against the student’s own design criteria, consumer questionnaires and

modelling/testing the product.

All controlled assessment should be completed prior to the February Half Term

break in Year 11. Hand in is likely to be the first day back after February Half

Term in Year 11. This date will be confirmed at the start of Year 11.



The exam board issues a pre-release Preparation Sheet in early March which will

give advance notice of the design context of section A. Section B of the exam will

cover all aspects of the specification. All lessons remaining will be focused on exam

preparation this will allow students to comprehensively prepare for their written

exam (40% of the total marks).



DRAMA

General

Overview

Practical controlled assessment makes up 60% of the student’s final grade. There is

a range of performance based options including acting, improvisation, theatre in

education and scripted work. From the four practical performances over the two

year course, the best two sets of marks will go forward to make up the overall

practical mark. Students are assessed on how well they prepare for their roles, their

use of rehearsal time and cooperation with others during lessons, as well as the final

performances of practical work.

Year 10 Autumn Term

Acting assessment – a group performance from ‘Blue Remembered Hills’.

Year 10 Spring Term

Acting assessment – a duologue from ‘A Taste of Honey’.

Year 11 Autumn Term

Devised Thematic assessment – a group performance using a Brechtian style.

Year 11 Spring Term

Acting assessment – a group performance from ‘The Crucible’. This is moderated

by an external examiner from AQA.

The written paper accounts for 40% of the student’s final GCSE grade. It comprises

two sections:

A – Practical work completed during the course.

B – Study of live theatre productions seen.

It is strict requirements of the exam board that all students see live theatre

performances during the GCSE course – this can include school shows and local

theatre as well as West End productions. Students will see at least one production

per term.



ENGLISH, ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE

Overview The English, English Language and English Literature Specifications:

There are 3 different GCSE specifications and students will either undertake single

entry GCSE English or dual entry GCSE English Language and GCSE English

Literature. The selection of single or dual entry is made by the English Department

staff.

All controlled assessment tasks will be prepared in class and then produced under

timed, controlled conditions in line with exam board regulations.

English Controlled Assessment: is worth 60% of total marks. This is broken down

into:

Speaking and Listening – 20%. A variety of activities the three best to be

selected to illustrate a variety of situations and purposes, including a drama

activity.

Imaginative Writing - 20%. This is made up of two linked continuous

writing responses from a choice of Text Development or Media.

Reading Literary Texts – 20%. This is a response to three texts: one task

on a play by Shakespeare; one on prose or literary non-fiction and one on

poetry.

OR

English Literature Controlled Assessment: is worth 25% of the total marks. This

is made up of two tasks.

Shakespeare and Film/Audio/Live Performance. – 10%. This is a

response to one Shakespeare play and a film, audio version or live

performance of the same play.

Poetry - 15%. This is a response to a task on one poet.

Please note that the Government has proposed changes to all

of the GCSE English specifications and, at the time of going

to print, these are still awaiting ratification by Ofqual. As a

guide, below is last year’s specification. Once the new

English specifications have been confirmed these will be sent

to parents.



AND

English Language Controlled Assessment: is worth 60% of the total marks. This is

broken down into:

Speaking and Listening and Spoken Language – 30%

Section A; Speaking and Listening: A variety of activities the three best to be

selected to illustrate a variety of situations and purposes, including a drama

activity.

Section B; Spoken Language: One written activity, either the study of use of

Spoken Language of a Public Figure, the study of Language, Media and

Technology or Language and Society.

Extended Literary Text and Imaginative Writing – 30%

Section A; Extended Literary Text: Response to one text, prose, drama poetry

or literary non-fiction.

Section B; Imaginative Writing: Two linked continuous writing responses

from a choice of Personal and Imaginative Writing and Prose Fiction.

English

Department

Controlled Assessments will take place during lesson time and students need to be

aware of the importance of these sessions and the impact that the outcomes will have

on their overall GCSE results. A detailed ‘map’ of when each task will be taught and

taken will be made available at the beginning of the new academic year.



GEOGRAPHY

General

Information

The controlled assessment unit is worth 25% of the GCSE mark. The title for the

unit is set by the exam board and changes each year. It is an investigation based on

the Tourism module they have studied during the Autumn Term. Although the

controlled assessment should include secondary information ie information taken

from internet, maps and books, the majority of the work is based on primary data

they have collected individually and in groups.

Stage One

First half of the Summer Term

Fieldwork Visit to Snowdonia in May of Year 10

In the weeks before the visit takes place students formulate their ideas and begin the

process of planning their investigation. In class they are taught a variety of

fieldwork techniques they can use to collect data and produce data recording sheets

and questionnaire survey sheets.

During the visit students will spend one day collecting field work data which they

need in order to complete their controlled assessment project. They will work

largely in groups and by the end of the visit they will have collated most of the data

they have collected in groups. Although pupils share the same data from their

group activity, each student needs to include some originality in their work by

including some data they collected separately and individually They will also

increase their understanding and knowledge of other modules which form part of

their GCSE eg Glaciated Landscapes and Farming and the Countryside.

Stage Two

Fieldwork Write Up – Second Half of the Summer Term Year 10

Following the visit to Snowdonia lessons and homework time is used to work on

their assessment. The aim is to complete the majority of the work before the end of

Summer Term of Year 10.

The marking of the investigation is broken down into its constituent parts:

a) Introduction and Geographical Understanding (12 marks) a definition of the

question or issue and the location of their investigation.

b) Methods of collecting data (12 marks) a description and explanation of the

methods used.

c) Presentation of findings (12 marks) data presentation techniques including

maps, graphs, photographs, sketches.

d) Description, interpretation, analysis and conclusions (12 marks) findings

based on the data collected and conclusions to the question.

e) Evaluation (12 marks) an evaluation of the accuracy, reliability of the data

collection, presentation techniques, analysis and conclusions drawn.

60 marks in total

Students will be taught how to complete sections d) and e) in class but the

writing up of these sections has to be done under exam conditions (High level of

Control). Students are NOT ALLOWED to complete any part of this work at

home, nor may they work on it in School unless under the close supervision of a

Geography teacher. The writing up of this last part is expected to take 6 hours

of lesson time (8 lessons), although it may be spread over a number of weeks.

The finished report should be approximately 2000 words long.



Stage Three

First Half of the Autumn Term in Year 11

Any outstanding work (page numbers and contents etc) will be completed during the

first two weeks of the Autumn Term of Year 11. Students who have missed lessons

through absence or who are entitled to extra time may need to do this during lunch

time or after School supervised by their Geography teacher.



HISTORY

General

Overview

GCSE History courses all now require that students attain 25% of their final mark

through controlled assessment. The AQA History controlled assessment requires

students to study 2 units of British History. At St George’s we have chosen to study

British People in War. This will be a comparative study of the impact of both

World Wars on the home front.

The teaching of the content for controlled assessment will start at the end of the

Autumn Term 2013, in December, finishing by Easter 2014. Students will then be

entered for this unit for the 2015 series, receiving their marks in the Summer of

2015.

Controlled assessment requires students to produce their own work in controlled,

examination-style conditions. A taught course covering the selected units will be

provided, and then the questions will be released to the students. They will be given

the sources and information they need to complete the questions but their approach

and their responses will be their own. Students will be required to record their plans

and research in a research diary which will be submitted with their controlled

assessment. They will complete two questions, one for each unit, totalling around

2,000 words, although there is no penalty for excessive wordage. They will have a

suggested time of 5 hours to complete both questions, although provision will be

made to allow students to complete their work. All the writing of the tasks will be

done under exam conditions, although the writing of the answers will be

word-processed and saved in a secure area.

Part 1

(15 marks)

Utility Enquiry: British People in War in the First and Second World War

(around 4 weeks)

There will be a taught course of around 2 weeks about people’s lives in Britain in

the First and Second World Wars. Students will then evaluate how significant these

changes were to people’s lives in the First World War compared with the Second.

They will be given 5 sources about public attitudes towards war in Britain during

World War One and Two and students will be given a utility question about the

sources selected. They will then plan and research their answer, recording all notes

in their research diary. Any feedback given by staff will also be recorded. Drafts of

essays are not allowed to be completed. They will then have around 2 hours to

complete the writing stage of the task, of around 800 words, though there is no

penalty for excessive wordage.

Part 2

(25 marks)

Interpretation Enquiry: British People in War in the First and Second World

War (around 6 weeks)

There will be a taught course of around 2 weeks about British people’s lives in the

First and Second World Wars. Students will then be given 8 sources and they will

prepare for an interpretations question. Their research and plans will be recorded in

their research diary. However, drafts of essays will not be allowed to be completed.

They will need to use all of these sources together with their own knowledge when

they undertake the writing stage. The students will have around 3 hours to complete

the writing stage of the task, of around 1200 words, although there is no penalty for

excessive wordage.

The Department has a controlled assessment policy, which is issued to all

students making clear exactly what the expectations of them will be.



ICT

General

Information

This is a full GCSE course taught over two years. The Controlled Assessment

element comprises 60% of the final mark and will be undertaken during class time in

School, and two one hour papers (40%) are taken at the end of Year 11.

Controlled

Assessment

Controlled Assessment tasks are split into two sections:

Section 1: 8 hours

Preparation, research and collection of evidence

(low control)

Candidates can undertake this part of the process without direct teacher supervision

and outside of School as required. Students must work in collaboration during this

stage. During this phase students can be given support and guidance. Teachers can

explain the task, advise on how the task could be approached, give advice on

available resources and alert the student to key things that must be included in their

final piece of work.

Section 2: 12 hours

Candidates create an ICT solution using ICT applications

(medium control)

This section will be produced under direct teacher supervision and all work must be

evidenced individually.

Unit B062:

Practical

applications in

ICT

Controlled Assessment Task 1: to be commenced Spring Term of Year 10

Students will undertake a data handling task set by the exam board to demonstrate

their practical ICT ability.

Unit B064:

Creative use of

ICT

Controlled Assessment Task 2: to be commenced Autumn Term of Year 11

Candidates solve a problem set by the exam board by creating and developing a

multimedia solution with appropriate creative elements.



MFL

General

Information

The GCSE examinations for Modern Languages now include 60% of controlled

assessment. There will still be a Listening and Reading exam in May/June of

Year 11 but students will no longer be required to sit a final oral and writing exam.

The Speaking and Writing skills will be examined by continuous assessment.

This means that students will be required to submit 3 recorded speaking tasks and

3 written tasks that have been completed under exam conditions in term time

during Years 10 and 11. The two best samples will be forwarded to the Edexcel

Examination Board.

Speaking and

Writing

Assessments

It is important that students use lesson time effectively and prepare well for these

assessments since together they count for a significant amount of the overall exam

grade (Speaking 30%: Writing 30%). The assessments will usually take place after

2 weeks of class preparation and will give students the opportunity to demonstrate

their communication skills. This means that students will need to use a range of

vocabulary, structures, and tenses in both spoken and written French or German.

The programme of assessment is as follows:

Exam Assessment Date

Speaking Task 1

Writing Task 1

Summer Term – Year 10

Speaking Task 2

Writing Task 2

Autumn Term – Year 11

Speaking Task 3

Writing Task 3

Spring Term – Year 11

ALL ASSESSMENTS ARE TO BE COMPLETED BY MID MARCH OF

YEAR 11.

This change in the GCSE examination will mean that students will need to adopt a

good routine of study right from the beginning of Year 10. In addition to the

homework, students will need to spend time learning new vocabulary and structures

and practising how to use the different tenses correctly. Since the assessments are to

be completed under exam conditions, students will only be able to use dictionaries

during the written assessment.

Students will be given plenty of support and advice in lessons, but need to practise

independently at home on a regular basis.



MUSIC

General

Overview

There are three papers in GCSE Music, of which two consist of controlled

assessment. The three papers are Paper 1: Performing (30% controlled assessment),

Paper 2: Composing (30% controlled assessment), Paper 3: Listening and

Appraising (40% written paper).

The course is based around four Areas of Study:

1. Western Classical music 1600-1899

2. Music in the 20th Century

3. Popular music in context

4. World music

Paper 1

Performing (30%) including one solo (15%) and one ensemble (15%)

Students perform an ensemble piece during the exam period in December of

Year 11 and this performance is recorded. The solo performance will be recorded in

February of Year 11.

Solo performing

The piece should not exceed five minutes duration. The piece should be of

sufficient length and difficulty to represent adequately the student’s

standard of performance. To reach the highest grades students should play a

piece of grade 4 standard.

Ensemble performing

Students should perform a piece with two or more players. The examined

part must not be doubled.

Paper 2

Composing (30%)

Students submit two pieces which can either be arrangements of pieces which

already exist or new compositions. They must be based on an area of study.

Composition/arrangement 1 will be recorded before the end of the

summer of Year 10.

Composition/arrangement 2 will be recorded by February of Year 11.



PE

General

Information

The controlled assessment element of the PE GCSE is combined with the

Observation and Analysis criteria which will account for 12% of the final mark.

Controlled

Assessment

Personal Exercise Plan (PEP) – Autumn Term of Year 10

During the second half of the Autumn Term pupils will complete their 6 week

exercise programme. Two sessions will be allocated to performing fitness activities

and one lesson will be used to write up their progress and results under controlled

conditions. In the first half of the Spring Term students will analyse and evaluate

the effectiveness of their programme. Their PEP will be completed and handed in

by the end of the Spring.

The PEP is the only piece of written controlled assessment that students will

have to do!

Observation and

Analysis

The students will be required to observe and analyse performance in the same

activity that they focused on for their PEP. This is a verbal assessment that will be

completed during the Autumn term in Year 11.

Practical

Assessment

Ongoing assessment of their practical sports will happen across the whole 2 years

and be completed by the end of the Spring Term in Year 11.

Students will also take part in a Practical Moderation Day which is worth 48% of

their final mark. This happens in March/April of Year 11.



SCIENCE – Double and Triple Science

General

Overview

All of our GCSE Science courses are examined by AQA. Most students study for a

(Core) GCSE in Science in Year 10 and a second (Additional) Science GCSE in

Year 11. Hence students will receive two (‘Double’) awards in Science at the end of

Key Stage 4. These courses have elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics built

in to them. Some students have been invited to study for separate (Triple) GCSEs in

Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will receive separate GCSEs in these subjects.

In all of these GCSE Science courses, the controlled assessment accounts for 25%

of the final mark.

The controlled assessment in each course consists of three Investigative Skills

Assignments (ISAs) – practicals and exams written by the exam board. Only the

best of these marks counts in the final exam. These take place over a period of 5

or so consecutive lessons in the lab throughout the course. The controlled

assessment is designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the way

practical work is undertaken in Science.

Crucial to students’ success in this unit is their use of various key technical terms as

they are applied to practical Science. These are defined in their prep books. During

the course students will develop a range of practical skills, building on their lower

school work, which will be examined in the ISAs.

Skills

1. Planning – identifying variables & measurements, hypothesising, fair testing,

choosing appropriate methods & technology, risk assessments.

2. Collecting data – making repeated, precise observations using the correct

equipment & technique over a suitable range.

3. Process data – draw suitable results tables, calculate means & plot appropriate

graphs.

4. Analyse and interpret data – distinguish between fact & opinion, recognise

random & systematic errors as well as causes of anomalous results, identify

patterns & draw conclusions.

ISAs

The ISA exam consists of 2 sections.

Prior to taking Section 1 of the ISA, students work independently to develop their

own hypothesis and research possible methods for carrying out an experiment to test

their hypothesis. During this research, students need to do a risk assessment and

prepare a table for their results.

Section 1 of the ISA exam (45 minutes, 20 marks) consists of questions relating to

the candidate’s own research.

Following Section 1, students carry out their investigation and record and analyse

their results.

Section 2 of the ISA exam (50 minutes, 30 marks) consists of questions related to

the experiment students have carried out. They are also provided with a data sheet

of secondary data by AQA, from which they select appropriate data to analyse and

compare with their own results. Students will be asked to suggest how ideas from

their investigation and research could be used within a new context.

Malpractice by students during any of these stages will be taken extremely seriously

and may result in the ISA becoming null and void, as well as further actions being

taken by the School as it deems fit.



APPEALS PROCEDURES WITH REGARD TO THE ADMINISTRATION

OF CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT, PROJECTS AND PORTFOLIOS

Policy on Internal Assessments for Qualifications with English Awarding Bodies

If at any stage during your examination courses you have concerns about the procedures used in

assessing your internally marked work for public exams (eg coursework / controlled assessment /

portfolio / projects) you should see the Examinations Officer as soon as possible.

You cannot question the actual marks awarded by the School and submitted for moderation by the Board.

Remember a mark awarded by the School can be moderated up or down by the Board to ensure a

consistent standard between centres.

If you decide to make an appeal:

You must apply in writing to the Examinations Officer at the School at least two weeks before

the date of the last external exam in the subject.

The enquiry (which will be into whether the procedures used conform to the published

requirements of the Board) will be carried out by the Examinations Officer and the Assistant

Headteacher (14-19) within the School.

The findings will be binding, and the candidate will be provided with a written report of the

investigation including details of any relevant communication with the Examination Board and of

any steps taken to further protect the interests of the candidates.

A full copy of the Appeal procedures can be obtained from the Examinations Officer.



JCQ Notice for Candidates

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