GCSE Information

2016-2018

Highworth Warneford School

Year 10

Changes to GCSE Grading structure

The vast majority of GCSE subjects will now be awarded a numeric

result grade instead of a letter grade as before.

(This does not apply to Media Studies, some DT courses and

Business Studies GCSE starting in Sept 2016)

Students studying Combined Science will receive a combination of

numbers e.g. 9-9, 7-6 reflecting the two distinct elements of the

qualification.

Controlled Assessment (Coursework)

Pupils will no longer complete written Controlled Assessment

(Coursework) tasks. Students will continue to complete field

work and focus studies in certain subjects, but this research will

be included in the formal examinations which pupils will sit at

the end of Year 11.

There will continue to be a practical assessment element within

Art, Digital Photography, DT, Music, Drama and PE.

Exams & Revision

Content: New and more challenging content

Structure: All exams at the end of the course

Assessment : Mainly by examination

Non-exam assessment only where necessary

Tiering: Foundation and higher tier permitted only in maths,

science and modern foreign languages

With the vast majority of assessment taking place at the end of

the courses in Year 11, pupils must ensure their note taking and

revision resources are accurate and up-to-date. The school

would recommend pupils revise and review their learning

throughout Year 10 and 11. Students can use this booklet to

ensure they know the course content of all non-core subjects.

Pupils should make use of revision material and past papers held

on the school VLE and exam board websites.

ART AND DESIGN

(AQA : Art & Design: Specification 8201 )

The AQA GCSE Art and Design full course requires students to submit work from at least

two or more areas of study, chosen from:

* Fine Art - Painting, Drawing and Digital Media

* Three-Dimensional Design

* Textiles

Pupils are encouraged to purchase the basic Art materials so that work may be completed at

home.

There are two main units to the GCSE Art and Design syllabus:

* Unit 1: Art and Design Portfolio = 60%

* Unit 2: Art and Design AQA Set Task = 40%

Pupils have up to 45 hours in which to produce their portfolio of work. They will be given

the Set Task in January of Year 11.

ART AND DESIGN (DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY)

(AQA Art & Design: Digital Photography : Specification 8206)

The AQA GCSE Art and Design Digital Photography full course requires students to submit

work from at least two or more areas of study, chosen from:

* Digital Photography * Portraiture * Still Life * Macro-photography

* Experimental Imagery * Video

There are two main units to the GCSE Art and Design syllabus:

* Unit 1: Art and Design Portfolio = 60%

* Unit 2: Art and Design AQA Set Task = 40%

BUSINESS STUDIES

(AQA: Specification 4130)

Content

* Business Structures and ownership* Marketing in businesses

* Employment and retention* Management and control of production

* Financial forecasting and analysis* Government and the UK economy

Assessment Process

The course is assessed via 2 exams and a controlled assessed piece of coursework:

Exam 1- written paper:Setting up a Business 40% 1 hour

Exam 2 – written paper Growing as a Business 35% 1 hour

Controlled Assessment: Investigating Businesses 25% 8 hours Planning and research and

3 hours Report write up.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

(OCR: Specification J276)

Content

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

·Algorithms Programming techniques Producing robust programs

·Computational logic

Translators and facilities of languages Data representation

Programming project

·Programming techniques Analysis

·Design Development Testing and evaluation and conclusions

Computer systems 80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes- Written paper (no calculators allowed)

40% of total GCSE

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming 80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes -

Written paper (no calculators allowed) 40% of total GCSE

Programming project 40 marks Totalling 20 hours - Non-Exam Assessment 20% of total

GCSE

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY - CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(AQA: Child Development: Specification 4582)

Content

* Parenthood - the family, planning for the family, preparing for the baby, provision of a

safe environment

* Pregnancy - reproduction, pre-conceptual care, pregnancy, preparation for birth, labour

and birth, the new born baby, postnatal care

* Diet, health and care of a child - a healthy diet, feeding the baby, weaning, feeding the

young child, food related problems, child care, child heath

* Development of the child from 0-5 years - physical development, intellectual

development, social and emotional development, learning and play

* Support for the parent and child - child care provision, education and development

provision, the early stage curriculum

.There are 3 assessment areas:

* Unit 1: A written paper worth 40% of the final mark, lasting 1½ hours

* Unit 2: Research task worth 20% of the final mark. This is completed under supervision

within the classroom and will take about 10 hours to complete

* Unit 3: Child study worth 40% of the final mark. This will take about 20 hours to

complete.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY: FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

(AQA – Specification 8585)

Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:

• Food, nutrition and health • Food science • Food safety • Food choice

• Food provenance

Assessment

1. Food Science investigation worth 15% of the total marks, estimated to last 10 hours.

* Students produce a written report of between 1500 – 2000 words which explains the

findings of the practical investigations. The report could include a variety of communication

methods including charts, graphs and diagrams, etc. The report must include photographic

evidence which supports the investigation.

Practical investigation is a compulsory part of this task.

2. Food preparation assessment worth 35% of the total marks. It is estimated to last 20 hours

including a 3 hour practical exam.

* Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes and plan in advance

how this will be achieved. Students will prepare, cook and present their dishes in one final 3

hour period.

* The bulk of the marks available are for practical making.

* Pupils will be expected to produce a written or electronic portfolio including photographic

evidence. Photographic evidence of the three final dishes must be included.

3. Written Exam 50%, 1 hour 45 minutes

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY – GRAPHIC PRODUCTS

(AQA – Specification 4550)

During Year 10 students will work on skills and techniques through a series of design and

make projects.

* Understanding graphic materials * Developing practical skills

* Understanding the link between Designer and Manufacturing

* Recognising Social, Moral, Cultural and Environmental issues related to design

* Looking at Corporate Identity/Logo design/Branding

* Various drawing techniques both hand drawn (3D/Isometric/Orthographic/ Rendering) as

well as computer based design

* Use of CAD and CAM for developing and modelling

* Various drawing techniques both hand drawn (3D/Isometric/Orthographic/ Rendering) as

well as computer based design Year 11 will see the students continuing and completing

their GCSE coursework which consists of one major piece of work. Students will be free to

respond to a selection of “briefs” (set by the exam board). They will produce a design folder

that investigates the brief;

develops the product and tests and evaluates the outcome. Alongside this students will

need to produce 3 dimensional prototypes of their designs.

There are 2 parts to the assessment of this course:

1) A single tier written examination lasting 2 hours, worth 40% of the final grade

(Taken in the summer term of Year 11).

2) The coursework project outlined above, lasting 45 hours, worth 60% of the final

grade. This course will require some specialist equipment and an A3 folder. These may

be purchased from the department at the start of the course.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY – RESISTANT MATERIALS

(AQA : Specification 4560)

Content

* Where resistant materials come from, how they are made, what products are made

from them

* Different construction and finishing methods e.g. Plastic coating, casting metal

* Use a variety of hand and machine tools

* Smart materials – how new technologies can develop new materials

* Studying the work of designers

* Develop graphical, ICT, CAD and CAM knowledge, use the laser cutter and router

* Moral and environmental issues associated with manufacturing, such as recycling and

waste reduction, ethical production

During Year 11 students will complete one major piece of coursework. The brief for

this coursework will be set by the AQA exam board. Students will produce a folder of

work around 40 sides of A4, showing the design process from research through to the

evaluation of the final product, the students will manufacture their chosen design.

There are 2 parts to the assessment of this course:

1) A single tier written examination lasting 2 hours, worth 40% of the final grade.

2) The coursework project set by the exam board lasting approximately 45 hours, worth

60% of the final grade.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY – TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY

(AQA: Specification 4570)

Content

* Where textiles come from, how they are made, what products are made from them *

Smart materials (how new technology can develop new textiles)

* Different construction techniques * How to finish textile items, dye, batik, embroidery,

etc

* Using ICT to present work * Different production methods used in industry

* Studying the work of designers

* Moral and environmental issues associated with textile production, such as recycling,

waste reduction, organic and Fair Trade cotton

* Use of CAD and CAM in the classroom, laser cutting, sublimation printing and heat

pressing

Students will gather these skills through a variety of design and make projects.

Pupils will be expected to produce one final piece of coursework. They will be set a variety

of briefs to choose from. The folder will be around 40 sides of A4 and will show the design

process from analysis, research to development of a solution or range of solutions.

Students will be expected to pay towards the cost of fabrics or provide their own.

There are two parts to the assessment of this course:-

* A single written examination lasting 2 hours, worth 40% of the final GCSE grade.

* A project worth 60% of the final GCSE grade.

Homework will be set every week.

DRAMA

(AQA : Specification 8261)

Component 1 – Understanding Drama Written Examination (80 marks) (40%)

Thorough preparation is done for the written examination – 1 hour 45 minutes and open

book (clean copy) of the set text will be provided. Students will have to answer all the

following sections:

* Section A – Multiple choice – theatre roles and terminology* Section B – Study of a set

text

* Section C – Study of a live theatre production seen

Component 2 – Devising Drama – practical and written (80 marks) (40%)

Devising Drama – devised performance, in groups (20 marks) and devising log (60 marks)

Both elements are marked by teachers, and externally moderated

Component 3 – Texts in practice (50 marks) (20%)

Two performances from one scripted play (contrast to the set text) - monologue, duologue

or group performance: Performance of Extract 1 (25 marks) Performance of Extract 2 (25

marks)

Marked by a visiting examiner.

FRENCH AND GERMAN

(AQA: Specification 8658 and 8668)

Themes and Topics covered:

Identity and Culture: Me, my family and fr iends * Relationships with family and

friends * Marriage/partnership Technology in everyday life * Social media * Mobile

technology Free-time activities * Music * Cinema and TV * Food and eating out *

Sport

Local, national, international and global areas of interest:

*Home, town, neighbourhood and region *Social issues * Charity/voluntary work *

Healthy/unhealthy living *Global issues * The environment * Poverty/homelessness

*Travel and tourism.

Current and future study and employment: My studies Life at school/college

Education post-16 Jobs, career choices and ambitions.

AQA GCSE French/German has 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 at the same time.

There are four papers – each worth 25% of the total grade.

Listening Paper : Understanding and r esponding to different types of spoken

language * Questions in English * Questions in French/German Written exam: 35

minutes (Foundation Tier), 45 minutes (Higher Tier)

Speaking Paper: Communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a

variety of purposes * Discussion of a photo * Role Play * General Conversation 7–9

minutes (Foundation Tier) + preparation time 10–12 minutes (Higher Tier) +

preparation time

Reading Paper: Understanding and responding to different types of wr itten

language * Questions in English * Questions in French/German * Translation into

English Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation Tier), 1 hour (Higher Tier)

Writing Paper: Communicating effectively in writing for a var iety of purposes

Foundation Tier * Message (four sentences in response to a photo) * Short passage (40

words) * Translation into French or German (minimum 35 words) * Structured writing

task (90 words) Higher Tier * Structured writing task (90 words) * Open-ended writing

task (150 words) * Translation into French or German (50 words)

GEOGRAPHY

(AQA: Specification 8035)

The course is divided into 3 main units: Unit 1. Living with the physical environment

Unit 2. Challenges in the human environment Unit 3 Geographical applications

Assessment

Students will take all exams at the end of year 11

Paper 1: (35% of marks)

A written paper of 1 hour and 30 minutes consisting of questions from Unit 1.

Section A – The challenge of natural hazards including: Tectonic hazards, Tropical storms,

Extreme weather in the UK, and Climate change.

Section B – Physical landscapes of the UK including: Coastal landscapes, and River

landscapes.

Section C – The living world including: Ecosystems, Tropical rainforests, and Hot deserts.

Paper 2: (35% of marks)

A written paper of 1 hour and 30 minutes consisting of questions from Unit 2.

Section A – Urban issues and challenges including: Urbanisation, and opportunities and

challenges in cities.

Section B – The changing economic world including: Variations in global development,

and Economic futures in the UK.

Section C – The challenge of resource management including: The distribution and

demand for food, water and energy.

Paper 3: (30 % of marks)

A written paper of 1 hour and 15 minutes consisting of questions from Unit 3.

Section A – Issue evaluation. Questions based on pre-release resources.

Section B – Fieldwork. Questions based on students’ fieldwork.

Students will undertake two pieces of fieldwork, organised by the Geography department,

in order to answer questions in Paper 3. The course is entirely exam based, there is no

element of coursework. In all three papers questions will include Geographical skills such

as the interpretation of Ordnance Survey maps, atlas maps, photographs, charts and graphs.

HISTORY

(AQA: Modern World History, AQA Syllabus B (8145)

Paper 1 - Understanding the Modern World. This is worth 50% of the final grade &

the written exam is 1 hour 45 minutes.

Section A: Germany 1890—1945: Democracy & Dictatorship.

In essence this looks at a turbulent period of change in Germany with the development

& collapse of democracy, followed by the rise & fall of Nazism.

Section B: Conflict & Tension, 1918—1939.

This is an opportunity to look at an international conflict, this includes peacekeeping

after the First World War & the causes of the Second World War.

Paper 2—Shaping the Nation

Section A: Thematic Study: Britain: Health & the People: c1000 to the present day.

This is worth 50% of the final grade & the written exam is 1 hour 45 minutes.

This section looks at the development of medicine & public health in Britain. This

will explore changes & the impact of these changes.

Section B: British Depth Study: Norman England, c1066-c1100.

This looks in depth at the arrival of the Normans, how they established their rule &

what life was like in Norman England. You will also study a historic site through a

case study.

Both exams are sat at the end of Year 11 & marks are allocated for good spelling &

grammar.

An Overview: The main method of assessment in the exams is knowledge based essay

questions. Pupils will complete regular assessments throughout the course & their

homework will encompass essays, factual tests, source questions & research/enquiry

work. This means they will have attempted each key skill and build up a clear picture

of their strengths & weaknesses. They will receive feedback and be expected to use

this to make further progress. They will do an internal exam in Yr 10 & a mock exam

in Yr 11 these will provide them with an opportunity to develop their exam skills &

get used to revising & sitting exams. They will do their actual exams in May/June of

2018.

Resources: Pupils will have a ‘Student Guide’ which contains all of their homework

tasks, exam practice questions, general advice & further details about the course. In

addition to this they will have their own notes, classwork & homework assignments to

refer to. Prior to any exams they will have access to a ’Revision Guide.’ An additional

textbook can be accessed via the school network.

What can you do to support your child? Please familiarise yourself with the ‘Student

Guide’ & be aware of when exams & happen. All pupils will need to make a personalised

set of revision cards. Please encourage them, clearly there are challenges ahead! Good luck

& many thanks for all of your ongoing support.

The History Department.

MUSIC

(AQA Specification 8271)

30% Performing (Solo & Group) - Practical

30% Composing (2 pieces) - Coursework

40% Understanding Music - (1hr 30min) - Exam

Pupil Expectations outside of lessons:

Pupils are expected to practice a musical instrument/voice/DJ every day for a minimum of

15mins.

They are expected to undertake regular aural training via aural training books/apps/websites

to improve their listening abilities.

They are required to work on their compositions outside of lesson times, a minimum of

30mins per week.

- They must take an active role in at least 1 school ensemble or extra curricular music

activity i.e. Big Band, Concert Band, Rock bands, Choirs, Music Theory classes etc.

Parents can support students by funding instrumental tuition through Swindon Music Co-

operative or Swindon Music Service, purchasing of instruments, and encouraging them to

take part in the groups and concerts. Financial support may be available in cases of

financial hardship.

Resources:

CPG: GCSE AQA Music. For the Grade 9-1 Exams (recommended)

Additionally, ABRSM / Rock School / Trinity Publications are very useful for instrumental

study and music theory study

Students need to already play an instrument / sing / DJ or rap. Students should aim to reach

Grade 5 practical on their first instrument and also in Music Theory by the end of the

course, as this is the standard required by AQA in order to achieve Grade 9 in that

component. Students who do not play an instrument / sing / rap or DJ must be willing to

learn to, within the two years. These students will find the course a lot harder as they will

struggle to reach grade 5 within the two years.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

(AQA - Specification 8582)

Programme of study and assessment

Practical performance = 40% Written Examinations = 60%

There are two written papers that include a variety of questions including:-

* Multiple choice questions * Short answer questions * Extended answer questions

(Each exam is 1¼ hours)

Pupils will learn the key theory linked to each of the sports chosen to be assessed in as

well as the following topics:-

Exam 1 (30%) Exam 2 (30%) Applied anatomy and physiology Sports psychology

Movement analysis Socio-Cultural influences Physical training Health, fitness and

well-being Use of data

Practical component

This will be assessed over three different activities. You will be assessed as a performer

ONLY. One activity must be a TEAM game, one must be an INDIVIDUAL

ACTIVITY and the third could be either. The list of activities for this new course has

been greatly reduced from previous years. In these activities pupils will be assessed in

isolated skills and drills practices, as well as in a full game situation.

Controlled Assessment: As part of their practical assessments, pupils have to complete

an analysis and evaluation of performance for one of their assessed activities. We

prepare for this in Year 10 and complete the assessment in Year 11.

BTEC LEVEL 1/LEVEL 2 FIRST AWARD IN SPORT

(Edexcel)

The BTec Level 1/ Level 2 Certificate in Sport is a course designed to give learners the

opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of health, fitness and leadership.

The topics that will be covered are:

* fitness for sport and exercise (exam)* practical sports performance

* leading sports activities* sports injuries* psychology in sport

Pupils will have 5 lessons of BTec over 2 weeks: about half of the lessons will be

practically based; the other half will be based on coursework tasks in a classroom.

Assessment

There is an exam in unit 1 (fitness for sport and exercise) which is worth 25% of their

overall marks. However students must pass this exam to pass the course (equivalent to

a C grade or above). The rest of the assessments are done through coursework tasks. If

they have enough points to gain a level 2 award, the more points they achieve will

determine how they are graded - a pass, merit or distinction.

The level 2 award is equivalent to one GCSE grade A*-C.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

(Eduqas (WJEC) Religious Studies)

Assessment: 100% final examination

Subject Content

Component 1 (Weighting 50%) Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern

World Theme1: Relationships Theme 2: Life and Death Theme 3: Good and Evil Theme 4:

Human rights

Component 2 (Weighting 25%)

Study of Christianity

The beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity

Component 3 (Weighting 25%)

Study of a World Faith

The beliefs, teachings and practices of one world faith - Islam

Skills needed in GCSE RE:

* To be able to remember factual information about the teachings and practices in two

major world religions – Christianity and Islam

* To be able to interpret and evaluate religious practice – why do religious people behave

the way they do?

* To be able to form opinions on different issues and to explain the reasons for those

opinions

* To understand and explain why people have different opinions on issues and to relate

these to religious beliefs

Some of the issues studied are quite topical so it is useful for pupils to have a general

overview of current events and issues.

KEY DATES FOR YEAR 10 2016-17

October 11: GCSE Evening for Parents of Year 10

November 14: Shakespeare Schools’ Festival

November 16: Year 10 Art /Digital Photography Trip to National Portrait Gallery

November 23,24: Year 10 & 11 Listen and Play

December 2: Academic Review Day

January 18: Swindon college Open Day

January 19: New College Open Day

Feb 2: UKMT Maths Challenge year 9,10,11

Feb 9: Science Lectures in Oxford Year 10 G&T

March 1: GCSE Drama Trip to Bristol

March 13: Year 10 GCSE English mock exam (am)

March 16: Year 10 GCSE English mock exam (am)

March 29-7April: Year 10 German exchange in Highworth

April 4:YEAR 10 PARENTS’ EVENING

May 3: Year 10 Pitt Rivers Trip (Art)

June 5 –16: Year 10 Exams

June 21: Year 10 Trip to Lacock (Digital Photography)

June 26-29: Year 10 Work Experience

July 5: Sports Day

July 16-21: Year 10 Pencelli