THE URSULINE ACADEMY ILFORD A Catholic Academy for Girls aged 11—19

in the Diocese of Brentwood

OPTIONS INFORMATION BOOKLET Year 9

(2020 - 2022)

The Ursuline Academy llford

Year 9 GCSE Op�ons' Evening

24th March 2020

6.00 – 7.30p.m.

1. Introduc�on by the Headteacher.

2. A presenta�on for Core Subjects: Religious Studies, English, Maths and Science.

3. The rest of the �me can be used to visit the Op�on choices available in Year 10.

Option Subject Location Art & Design S2 Computer Science F6 Design & Technology Main Hall Drama G1 (Drama Studio) Food Preparation and Nutrition Main Hall French G6 Geography G3 History G2 Information Technologies F6 Music S5 Physical Education Main Hall Spanish G5 Careers Library Support Study Library

Background Information The Core Curriculum will be as follows: English Language and Literature (2 GCSEs) Mathematics (1 GCSE) PSHCE Physical Education Religious Education (1 GCSE) Science (2 or 3 GCSEs) Students will take two Science awards and some students may be given the opportunity to study/take the three separate Sciences at GCSE i.e. Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Much discussion has taken place between staff and students alike with regard to the ‘Option subjects’ available, and the degree of choice offered to you as students. Every student in Year 9 will have to choose 3 ‘optional’ subjects. The option subjects are detailed on the form that will be handed out with this booklet. One subject must be from the option 1 column. Two additional subjects should be chosen from the list provided and written in column 2. As we cannot guarantee 1st choice preferences, 2 reserve subjects should also be chosen and written in column 3. Please read the contents of this booklet carefully and seek advice and guidance from a range of sources before you decide on the GCSEs you wish to study. You will need to choose three, ideally with one language and one humanity subjects, and have some reserves in mind if a course does not run or is over subscribed. Students will be interviewed/given further information about what is available to them in the event of a course not running or if the course is oversubscribed and it is not possible to generate a second group in the block. Career intentions and prior attainment/achievement/aptitude may be taken into consideration if necessary. AQA, OCR or Edexcel in the titles on subject pages refers to the likely examination board used for this subject. Year 9 Options Process Key Dates. 24th March 2020 Issue of the Options Booklet and forms this week. Students should now research subject areas and ask Subject staff/Subject Leaders about them. 2nd April 2020 Option Choice form to Dr Nguyen via the Reception. Any students who have not been allocated all of their choices will then be interviewed and a letter detailing the results of the discussions sent home. Confirmation of GCSE option choices should then be made at the beginning of the Summer Term.

Choosing your GCSEs

As an adult, you will be working in a fast changing job world. Achieving your potential by getting the highest grades possible will give you the edge in a competitive job market. Your GCSEs will demonstrate that you can pick up knowledge, understanding and skills such as numeracy, literacy, communication and team-working skills and that you are ICT competent, multi-skilled and flexible – skills all highly sought after by employers and universities. Remember:

• Some degrees and careers areas require high grades in particular GCSEs. • When applying to universities you will need to state all your examination results.

In order to help you keep your future options open, you will take a range of both compulsory and optional subjects. You may find it difficult to decide what to study, so consider the following:

• subjects you like. • subjects you are good at. • subjects you need for a particular degree course and/or career. • Think carefully and honestly about your skills. • List the subjects which interest you and why.

Research is vital so: • Talk to your tutor, the Careers Co-ordinator (Ms Finlay) and the Careers Adviser • Go to the Library/internet to find out if your choices are suitable for your career idea • Talk to the subject teacher/s concerned, to find out more about that particular GCSE course.

Helpful websites: htps://www.careerpilot.org.uk/ www.prospects.ac.uk htps://na�onalcareers.service.gov.uk/ www.russellgroup.ac.uk (Informed Choice) Important advice

• Choose the subject and not the teacher as you may not have that teacher throughout. • Choose the subjects that suit you regardless of what your friends choose as we all have

different talents.

Choosing a Career ask yourself: What am I good at? What do I like doing? Where do I want to work? What is important to me?

Subject Related careers

English An essential subject, required for most courses and careers. If you particularly enjoy English, you may be interested in publishing, teaching, journalism, legal work, public relations or advertising.

Maths

Another essential subject, required for many courses and careers. If you have a strong interest in maths, you could think about careers in engineering, financial services, teaching, market research, economics, quantity surveying – to name just a few.

Science

Lots of jobs require an understanding of science. Some examples include engineering, healthcare, environmental work, architecture, construction, food science. Teacher training for primary level also requires 9 - 5 grades in GCSE science, in addition to maths and English.

RS A basis for courses and careers in arts and social sciences, as well as caring work and jobs in the community.

Art & Design

Studying Art at GCSE creates a balance in your education, no matter what your higher education or career ambitions may be. Those of you who intend to follow a degree course and career in art and design will certainly opt to study Art. The creative industries are the fifth largest earner for the country, earning £84 billion every year. An Art and Design education will lead to a wide variety of careers including graphic design, illustration, textiles, fashion design, photography, interior design, design of products such as furniture, jewellery, ceramics, architecture, industrial design, website design, film, theatre design, set design in television, animation, digital arts, careers such as game design and many more.

Design & Technology

Combined with Maths and Science, your research, design and development skills could help you get into careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) such as Architectural, Civil, Structural Engineering, Construction management, Industrial design, Fashion, Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Website design and the Gaming industry . They could also be the basis for ‘craft design’ careers, e.g. furniture, jewellery, ceramics or surface design.

Drama Helps to develop self-confidence and the ability to express yourself. It will also help you to develop teamwork and cooperation. These skills and personal qualities are useful in most careers.

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Could be useful for careers in food manufacturing, catering, care work and health services. To become a dietician or food scientist, it would also be important to do well in science.

Geography

Geography provides you with an important range of skills from data analysis to critical thinking that can be utilised in all careers. Careers include logistics, town planning, land management, surveying, environmental conservation, consultancy, architecture and engineering. Jobs within the civil service, education and finance industries are also common.

History

Can lead to specialist jobs in archaeology, heritage, archives and Museums. Also develops skills which are useful for a far broader range of careers in arts, social sciences, law, journalism, politics and management.

ICT

Whatever you do in the future, you will need to know how to use computers and other digital devices. It’s possible to work with computers or study computer science without ICT at GCSE but the GCSE will help you to develop your skills. There are a wide range of careers using computers, ranging from servicing to programming to web and app development.

Modern Languages

Will increase your chances of being able to live, study or work abroad. Being able to communicate in a modern foreign language is becoming more and more useful for careers in industry, technology and engineering, as well as many business careers.

Music

Music helps to develop teamwork, self-expression and spatial intelligence. Students have the opportunity to gain self-confidence and exercise creativity. Could provide useful background for a range of careers in areas such as Music education, performance, composition, Music Production, Music business/management, recording engineer, Music therapy, Music lawyer, booking agent, Bio acoustician and many more.

PE

This subject can be important for anyone who is aiming for a career in teaching or coaching, sports science, physiotherapy, sports development work, sports law or sports journalism. Everyone participates in Core PE lessons in years 10 and 11, but you may have the option of taking it as a full GCSE. This subject closely links with other subjects such as Biology, Food Technology and Psychology.

Copyright: eclips.co.uk/Babcock International

ART

Exam board: EDEXCEL The coursework is worth 60% of marks. We will make one major unit of coursework. There is also a timed examination which is worth 40%. The examination is a 10-hour practical examination and follows a structured period of research and preparation. Assessment is continuous with formal one to one portfolio reviews happening twice a term. Pupils are at liberty to request a review at any time. Work is practical and theoretical, with students being able to develop skills at analysing artists work. There is no revision in Art, but the teaching in the coursework element is developed during the externally set assignment period in preparation for the 10-hour practical examination. Students mount up an exhibition after this period, usually in May, when both members of Art staff will mark the entire submission independently and will meet for a period of internal standardisation. In late June or early July an external moderator from Edexcel will visit the school to moderate the teacher examiners marks, and then report back to Edexcel at which time grades will be awarded. It is important that students develop good time management skills and meet short term deadlines, as the coursework element of the course will finish at February half term, at which point we are able to issue examination papers. The success rate in Art is consistently high. For example, results over the last ten years show that students have consistently achieved higher than their target grades. Recently, some have gained three grades higher.

COMPUTER SCIENCE Exam Board OCR J277 This qualification will build on the knowledge,

understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study. The new specification will enable learners to develop computational thinking skills built on a sound base of conceptual learning and understanding. Students will learn: • How to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science,

including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation • How to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of

solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs • How to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically • Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they

communicate with one another and with other systems • Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society • How to apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science

Content Overview Assessment Overview

Computer systems • Systems Architecture • Memory • Storage • Wired and wireless networks Network topologies, protocols and layers • System security • System software • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Computer systems (01) 80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes Written paper 50%

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Algorithms Programming techniques Producing robust programs Computational logic Translators Data representation System analysis System Design System Development Testing and evaluation

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (02) 80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes written paper 50%

DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY

Exam Board: AQA Unit 1 written paper 50%, Unit 2 Controlled Assessment 50% Design & Technology GCSE is a new, exciting and innovative examination subject to study. The new GCSE Design & Technology GCSE promotes creativity and problem solving in the form of designing and making a three dimensional (3D) product in a wide range of materials of your choice. Learning takes place mainly through the development of specific design projects, which are varied each year in keeping with changes in modern technology. Pupils will use 3D printing technology, Computer Aided Design/ Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) Photoshop in several areas of their work. Design and Technology gives pupils an insight into what it is to work as a ‘real’ designer in industry. The classroom becomes a design studio where you will present your concepts and ideas to a chosen client. Pupils experience a wide range of STEM activities and visits (which meets the Gatsby careers benchmark) including entering and winning design prizes for the school on many levels including trips to ‘BIG BANG’ events etc. Through this, we have established many important and prestigious links with industry, (including work experience) to encourage our young women into new fields of design and STEM. DT can lead you to a wide range of interesting and worthwhile careers such as Engineering which cuts across all life from addressing some of society’s pressing challenges like climate change to building and designing new technology like mobile phones or apps (for improving health and wellbeing). Product Design, Architecture, Town Planning, Publishing, Theatre/Set Design and several areas of Science and Medicine where dexterity, creativity and innovative thinking is required. Pupils interested in achieving a Crest award can use their GCSE coursework towards gaining a Bronze/ Silver certificate, which is valued on UCAS applications and in personal statements. CREST is a UK award scheme run by the British Science Association, which recognises success and personal achievement. James Dyson... “Design and Technology should be the subject where mathematical brainboxes and science whiz kids turn their bright ideas into useful products.”

“Creativity is intelligence having fun”. Albert Einstein

DRAMA

EXAMINATION BOARD: EDUQAS If you would like further information, please contact Ms Milne What is GCSE Drama all about? GCSE Drama is all about understanding what it is like to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as look at plays written by other people. You will also see plays performed by others. The GCSE Drama course is in three parts: In part one of the course you will be assessed on either acting or design. You will participate in creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus set by the exam board. This component is worth 40% of the GCSE course In part two of the course you will be assessed on either acting or design. You will study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre. You will participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts. This component is externally assessed by a visiting examiner. It is worth 20% of the course. In part three of the course you will take a written examination lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will answer a series of questions on one play studied in class and one question, from a choice of two, requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course. This component is worth 40% of the GCSE course.

Will I enjoy this course? You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that is both practical and creative. You may have always wanted to have a go at creating a play, performing, making costumes, building a set or operating the lights but never had the chance. You will enjoy this course if you enjoy working as part of a team as drama involves a lot of group work.

ENGLISH: Language and Literature

Exam Board: AQA Students are being entered for two GCSEs:

• English Language GCSE • English Literature GCSE

Students will sit four exams in Summer 2022, two for English Literature and two for English Language.

English Language

Percentage Focus Assessment Type

Assessment date

Unit 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

25% 25%

Reading Writing

1 hour and 45 minutes’ examination

Summer 2022

Unit 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

25% 25%

Reading Writing

1 hour and 45 minutes’ examination

Summer 2022

Unit 3: Spoken Language

0% of GCSE (separate endorsement)

Speaking & Listening

Non-examination assessment

Teacher assessed throughout the course

English Literature

Percentage Focus Assessment Type

Assessment date

Unit 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel

20% 20%

Shakespeare The 19th Century Novel

1 hour and 45 minutes’ examination

Summer 2022

Unit 2: Modern Texts and Poetry

22% 22% 16%

Modern Texts Poetry Anthology Poetry Unseen

2 hours and 15 minutes examination

Summer 2022

FOOD PREPARATION & NUTRITION

AQA 8585 This new GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which uses cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials and food science. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students' skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. · Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics: · Food, nutrition and health · Food science · Food safety · Food choice · Food provenance. Assessment: Task 1: Food investigation 15% of overall grade Students' understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this task. Task 2: Food preparation assessment 35% of overall grade Students' knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved. Task 1 and 2 contribute 50% of overall grade. Written exam 1 hour 45 minutes 50% of overall grade Completion of the course can lead to a wide variety of careers and further study routes i.e. Food science, Nutrition, Dietician, Food developer, Food forensics, as well as vocational courses in Health and Nutrition, Environmental health, Catering and Hospitality.

GEOGRAPHY

Exam Board: AQA Geography (8035) The GCSE syllabus aims to build upon Key Stage 3 work and to lay a foundation for A Level Geography. In this course, students will investigate the main themes and topics that are of concern to geographers in the 21st century. Students will build upon their geographical skills, including the use of geographical information systems (GIS) to help interpret geographical data, whilst learning about a number of places and processes at a range of geographical scales. The course also explores the possibilities and challenges in moving toward a sustainable future. Unit Title Method of

Assessment Topics covered (in brief) Weighting

Paper 1: Living with the physical environment

Exam (1 hour 30 min)

Hazards: tectonics, extreme weather, climate change. Ecosystems: tropical rainforests, deserts, coastal landscapes, river landscapes

35% of GCSE

Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment

Exam (1 hour 30 min)

Urban issues: population growth, urban growth, sustainability. Economic: development, change, sectors. Resource management: water access and availability

35% of GCSE

Paper 3: Geographical applications

Exam (1 hour 15 min)

Pre-release analysis (received 12 weeks before exam), fieldwork, graph skills, map skills, data analysis

30% of GCSE

HISTORY

We believe in the importance of learning from History. This new GCSE enables students to study different aspects of the past so they can engage in key issues such as conflict and understand what drives change and how past influences present. The challenging and exciting new topics will resonate with students, helping them gain new insights into the world around them. The course involves much debate and discussion and there are excellent career opportunities as History is a traditional subject with high academic credibility. Skills needed: Analysis, engaging in debate, literacy and an interest in thinking for yourself and avoiding bias through studying sources. Exam Board: AQA Final Exam Weighting 100% Two exam papers Other Information: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/gcse/history-8145 Possible careers: Very wide ranging, but include law, journalism, management and local government and of course teaching.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

OCR Cambridge National Certificate in Information Technologies

The Cambridge National in Information Technologies improves students’ knowledge of the digital environment and their confidence with IT. They learn about data management issues and develop practical skills by planning and creating an integrated technological solution to communicate information.

Unit Assessment Content Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions

Written paper 1 hour 45 minutes 50% of the total marks Externally assessed examination

Project Management: Project life cycle, planning tools, risks, analysis and testing Business communication systems: How data is collected, processed and stored, Big data, Cyber security, Legal framework, Ethics and morals and Distribution channels, including social media

Creating Data Management Systems for Business (Building on the knowledge gained from the exam theory)

Controlled assessment 50% of the total marks Internally assessed and externally moderated

Spreadsheet Create and use spreadsheet systems to help businesses model, collect & analyse data and identify trends, using Microsoft Excel. Database Create and use relational databases to accurately store, retrieve, and professionally present business data, using Microsoft Access. Presenting Creating complex professional documents using desktop publishing and word processing software. Design and implement a digital marketing artefact that combines media creatively. Use HTML and CSS to create websites. Project Management Planning and managing a project using project management software and planning tools.

MATHEMATICS

Examination Board: Edexcel The qualification in Mathematics encourages students to develop confidence in mathematics in their own lives and to society. This qualification prepares students to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices. Overview of Content: 1. Number 2. Algebra 3. Geometry and Measures 4. Ratio, proportion and rates of change 5. Statistics 6. Probability Assessment will be in the form of three equally-weighted written papers which will both be sat in May/June 2018. Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes. Paper 1 Non Calculator Paper 2 Calculator Paper 3 Calculator There are two levels of entry and students are entered for the appropriate level based on ability. The levels are Higher Level and Foundation Level. The qualification will be graded on a nine grade scale from 9 to 1 using the total marks from all three papers where 9 is the highest grade. Foundation Tier: Grades 1 to 5 Higher Tier: Grades 4 to 9 Revision: Booklets at the relevant level of entry are issued to all students. As tools for revision, students can use their individual logins for Mathswatch website htps://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/ and Collins connect website htps://connect.collins.co.uk/school/portal.aspx

MODERN LANGUAGES: French and Spanish

Examination Board: AQA GCSE French and Spanish have a Foundation Tier (grades 1-5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4-9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series. Number of examination papers sat and duration: 1) Listening 35 minutes (Foundation Tier) 45 minutes (Higher Tier) 2) Reading 45 minutes (Foundation Tier) 60 minutes (Higher Tier) 3) Speaking 7-9 minutes (Foundation Tier) 10-12 minutes (Higher Tier) 4) Writing 1 hour (Foundation Tier) 1 hour, 15 minutes (Higher Tier) Overview of Specification: The four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are tested on three themes: Theme 1: Identity and culture Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest Theme 3: Current and future study and employment Weighting: Listening: 25% Reading: 25% Speaking: 25% Writing: 25% Higher/Foundation tier where appropriate. All students take the Higher mock exam in December of Year 11 and, depending on the results, are then entered for the appropriate level.

MUSIC

The Music option at GCSE aims to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of a wide range of musical genres and styles. This course encourages students to develop critical thinking, aesthetic sensitivity, critical awareness, self-confidence, self-motivation and their own musical interest and skills, including the ability to play music individually and in groups. Students are also taught how to compose music. Composing music emphasises the creative aspect of music and allows students to appreciate the process of creating music. This course enables students to understand and appreciate a range of different kinds of music. Exam Board: Edexcel Unit 1: Performing Music This unit covers 30% of the GCSE course and consists of two submissions – a solo performance and an ensemble (group) performance. Unit 2: Composing Music This unit covers 30% of the GCSE course. Students compose two pieces of music linked to the set works they have studied. Unit 3: Listening & Appraising This unit covers 40% of the GCSE course and is examined in a 90-minute written examination set and marked by the Exam Board at the end of the year. GCSE Music is an exciting course for anyone wishing to develop and improve their musical skills.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

If you have an interest in PE and sport, enjoy being active and appreciate the benefits of keeping fit and healthy, then this is the course for you. Skills needed

• You will be able to develop your knowledge and practical skills in a range of physical activities

• examine the effects of exercise and how training can improve performance • show knowledge and understanding of the factors affecting participation and

performance in physical activity • find ways to improve your own performance in a variety of roles • identify ways to develop and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through

participation in physical activity • A good level and interest required for Biology and the human body

Exam Board: AQA– full course Coursework Requirement: Three practical performances in the role of a player/participant or performer. Analysis of performance in one of the chosen activities Planning, performing and evaluating a Personal Exercise Programme Coursework completed in Year 11: Analysis of performance throughout years 10 and 11 under exam conditions. Final Exam Weighting Unit 1: Written exam 1 hour and 15 minutes, 30% Unit 2: Written exam 1 hour and 15 minutes, 30% Unit 2: Practical Assessment 40% Activities/Sports: Cycling, Mountain Biking, Personal Survival, Rock Climbing, Netball, Trampolining, Handball, Fitness, Cross Country, Swimming, Basketball, canoeing, Football, Volleyball and Badminton Possible careers: Sports Coach, Personal Trainer, Marketing Manager, Physiotherapist, Sports Development Officer, Sports Therapist, Leisure Manager, Psychologist and Sports and Exercise Scientist. How can PE contribute to careers outside of Sport: Universities and colleges all like to see students that have gained a range of skills through GCSE PE such as a creative side, good at communication, leadership skills and clear determination.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES Exam board: Edexcel Syllabus A GCSE Religious Education Full course, leading to one qualification 100% written exam Linear course—exams are at the end of year 11 Exam 1 – Roman Catholic Christianity – 50% Exam 2 – Philosophy & Ethics – 25% Exam 3 – Judaism – 25% Topics studied Christianity

Trinity and Creation Good and evil Sacraments The existence of God and problem of evil

Judaism The nature of God Messiah Covenant Life on earth Afterlife Worship Synagogue Rituals Daily life Festivals GCSE RE allows students to learn more about the history and origins of the Catholic faith through the study of 2 religions. It will also develop students’ social, moral, cultural and spiritual understanding of the world. It develops skills in evaluation and literacy and this supports work in other subjects. It is a rigorous and academic discipline that encourages philosophical thought, decision making skills, collaboration and independent working skills and the search for compromise and conflict resolutions that work. Time is set aside for reflection and contemplation which can help all students grow in their own faith.

COMBINED SCIENCE

Students will gain a certificates in science worth two GCSEs. The whole course will be examined at the end of year 11. There will be two exams each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each with the same structure:

• Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes • 70 marks • 16.7% of the double GCSE • Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions

Biology Paper 1 Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response and Bioenergetics Biology Paper 2 Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution and Ecology Chemistry Paper 1 Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes and Energy changes Chemistry Paper 2 The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources Physics Paper 1 Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter and Atomic structure Physics Paper 2 Forces, Waves and Magnetism and electromagnetism

TRIPLE SCIENCE

Students will gain a certificates in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The whole course will be examined at the end of year 11. There will be two exams each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each with the same structure:

• Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes • 100 marks • 50% of each GCSE • Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions

Biology Paper 1 Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response and Bioenergetics Biology Paper 2 Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution and Ecology Chemistry Paper 1 Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes and Energy changes Chemistry Paper 2 The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources Physics Paper 1 Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter and Atomic structure Physics Paper 2 Forces, Waves, Magnetism and electromagnetism and Space Physics

Summary of Exam Options

EDEXCEL/PEARSON

OCR

AQA

WJEC (EDUQAS) Drama C690QS

Art 1FA0 Maths 1MA1 Music 1MU0 Religious Studies A1RAO

Computer Science J277 Information Technologies J808 Level 1/2 Award OCR Cambridge National Certificate Information Technologies

Design & Technology 8552 English Lang. 8700 English Lit. 8702 Food Preparation & Nutrition 8585 French 8658 Geography 8035 History B 8145 Combined Science 8464 Biology 8461 Chemistry 8462 Physics 8463 P E 8582 Spanish 8698

CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS (GCSE) Controlled assessment is a new form of internal assessment of the work of the course. Replacing coursework, controlled assessment:

• Encourages a more integrated approach to teaching, learning and assessment • Enables teachers to confirm that students carry out the work.

Increased control over students’ work is applied at three points:

1. Task setting – tasks may be set by the centre or awarding body, depending on the subject.

2. Task taking – this sets out the extent of supervision in carrying out tasks and conditions under which assessment takes place.

3. Task marking – this is usually teacher marking according to exam board schemes and criteria, followed by exam board moderation.

Controlled assessment levels of control: LOW MEDIUM HIGH TASK SETTING

Centre set task N/A Exam board set task

TASK TAKING Research (outside classroom)

Informal supervision in school

Exam conditions in the classroom

TASK MARKING

N/A Teacher marked followed by exam board moderation

Marked by exam board

DEADLINES • Parents and students should be notified when controlled assessments are taking

place. • Parents should be informed if students have not made adequate preparation for

controlled assessments. PLAGIARISM Students should consult the guidance produced by the examining bodies - JCQ Notice to Candidates for a detailed explanation of plagiarism. A copy of the Notice will be given to each student before they begin their controlled assessments. Any work found to be plagiarised in whole or in part will be reported to the examination board when the work is submitted or the exam board may detect the plagiarism at the moderation stage. In such instances, the examination board procedure is to disqualify the student from this component of the examination.

This will prevent the student from achieving an examination grade in the current examination session.

Some questions you might want to ask

Many of you will doubtless have questions to ask during the course of your visit as your daughter considers her options for next year. In order to help you work through these, we have put together some 'Frequently Asked Questions' about the Key Stage 4 Curriculum. We hope that these will cover most of the points that you will be thinking about, however we will be happy to answer any further questions as they are raised.

1. What are Key Stages 3 and 4?

Students go into Key Stage 3 in Year 7, their first year at Ursuline, and during this period (two to three years) they will study the widest possible range of subjects. As they move into Key Stage 4 students will still study the core curriculum (see below) and in addition they will choose some optional subjects. Students complete their KS3 Mathematics and Science courses over two years and then embark upon GCSE courses in these subjects at the beginning of year 9.

2. What is the Core Curriculum at Key Stage 4?

The core curriculum - which is studied by all students - consists of Religious Studies, English, Mathema�cs, Double Science or Triple Science, PE and PSHE, this takes up 70% of a student's weekly �metable. Addi�onally, PE may be taken as an Op�onal course for GCSE.

3. What is the English Baccalaureate and who should aim to get it?

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a school performance indicator linked to GCSEs. It measures the percentage of students who receive 5 or more A*-C grades or 9-5 grades at GCSE in subjects traditionally deemed to academic. The subjects are: English, Mathematics, 2 Sciences, a Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish) and a Humanity (History or Geography). The EBacc success rate at Ursuline is very high and is far in excess of the national figure.

4. How will my daughter's GCSE be graded?

The long-established grading of A* to G (with Grade C and above recognised as the 'passing' benchmark) is being replaced by Grades 9 to 1 (Grade 9 being the highest level of attainment) and this will be the grading system used for your daughter's GCSEs.

5. What is the difference between Double Science and Triple Science?

Double Science is worth two GCSEs and is comprised of equal amounts of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In Triple Science students study the three distinct disciplines separately and together they are worth three GCSEs. All Science A Level

specifications assume that students will have studied at least Double Science at GCSE.

6. What is the difference between a Vocational course and GCSE? They are both academic qualifications that are awarded in England. The OCR Cambridge National Certificate is awarded for vocational subjects, and the GCSE is awarded for a large number of both academic and applied subjects. The Cambridge National Certificate is for students who wish to acquire technical skills through vocational contexts as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The assessment for the Cambridge National Certificate course involves 50% controlled assessment and 50% written paper.

7. How is PSHE taught?

Students will be taught PSHE through activities in Form time and through occasional 'collapsed timetable' days. PSHE is taught throughout the Academy using the same model at each Key Stage.

8. I have a daughter in Year 10. Will there be any changes for her?

Students currently in Year 10 students are already half way through their options subjects and will continue with them unchanged into Year 11.

9. When are the exams in each subject?

All GCSE exams are taken at the end of Year 11.

10. When will the teaching of the options start?

Teaching will start at the beginning of Year 10. And run throughout the two years.

11. What are the facilitating subjects?

Facilitating subjects are Humanities (Geography, History and Languages) together with the core subjects of English, Maths, Religious Studies and Science.

St Angela Merici

Notes: