Year 10 Option Booklet Making the right choices

Transcription

1 Year 10 Option Booklet Making the right choices

2

3 CONTENTS MAKING CHOICES FOR THE FUTURE 4 QUALIFICATIONS 5 CORE SUBJECTS 6 GCSE ENGLISH GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE 7 GCSE MATHEMATICS GCSE STATISTICS 8 GCSE CORE SCIENCE GCSE ADDITIONAL SCIENCE 9 GCSE GEOGRAPHY 10 GCSE HISTORY 11 OPTION 2 SUBJECTS 12 GCSE FINE ART 13 GCSE CATERING 14 GCSE PHOTOGRAPHY 15 OPTION 3 SUBJECTS 16 GCSE CATERING 17 BTEC LEVEL 2 FIRST CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 18 BTEC LEVEL 2 FIRST CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION AND CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY 19 GCSE PERFORMING ARTS 20 GCSE SOCIOLOGY 21 APPLICATION PROCESS 22 Whitley Academy 3

4 Making Choices for the Future Over the next few weeks you will be making decisions which will begin to shape the rest of your education, and the early years of your working life. Making sure those decisions are the right ones for you is vitally important. In Key Stage 3, from Year 7 to Year 8, you all studied the same subjects. You now have the opportunity to choose two other courses which we call Option Subjects. Ebaccalaureate Certificate Students who get a grade C or above in the following subjects English, Maths, Core and Additional Science, A language, History or Geography will be awarded an Ebaccalaureate Certificate. As you move into the next phase of your education in Year 9 and 10, there are still subjects which all students will study. We call these Core Subjects: Core Examination Subjects GCSE English/GCSE English Literature GCSE Mathematics/GCSE Statistics GCSE Core Science GCSE Additional Science GCSE History or Geography Non Examination Subjects Physical Education/Health and Fitness 4 Whitley Academy

5 Qualifications Key Stage 4 Qualifications All students will have the opportunity to gain qualifications that have national recognition. They will be able to achieve the following: 1. The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Grades - The GCSE has eight levels of achievement - A*, A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Coursework for most GCSEs there will be controlled coursework elements, these are completed under exam conditions. Pupils will be fully prepared prior to all controlled assessment and the dates of these will be published for parents information. 2. BTEC Courses All students taking a BTEC will study the BTEC First Award or Certificate/Diploma equivalent to the GCSE. In each subject, students must complete all core units and several optional units which are teacher assessed through ongoing coursework which has to be completed at school and home. Each subject also has a piece of work externally assessed by the exam board Edexcel. The external assessment can range from a portfolio, an online test or an exam. Whitley Academy 5

6 Core Examination Subjects GCSE English GCSE English Literature GCSE Maths GCSE Statistics GCSE Core Science GCSE Additional Science GCSE History or Geography Other Subjects Physical Education/Health & Fitness 6 Whitley Academy

7 GCSE English and GCSE English Literature English is a Core subject and is taken by all students. Students will take English Language and English Literature (2 GCSEs). All students will take the same examinations in English Language and English Literature. Exam Board AQA English Language Paper 1 is an external examination exploring creative reading and writing. Paper 2 is an external examination exploring writer s viewpoints and perspectives. Students are also assessed on spoken language which is a separate endorsement and does not contribute to the overall English Language grade. English Literature Paper 1 is an external examination on Shakespeare and a nineteenth century novel. Paper 2 is another external examination on a modern text and poetry. Study is supported by online videos and DVDs and resources, some of them interactive, drawn from the internet and the examination board s own website. Many year 11 students have an opportunity to attend the annual Poetry Live event in Birmingham in which poets featured in the anthology, including the current Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, read from and discuss their work. They also have opportunities to visit the theatre as part of their course. Further Information Contact: Mrs Secker in the English Department Whitley Academy 7

8 GCSE Mathematics GCSE Statistics What will I learn? To look for patterns and solve problems logically To use and apply Mathematics To manipulate Algebra To work with shapes and measurement To handle data effectively, using appropriate diagrams to represent it To analyse Statistics How will I be assessed? GCSE Mathematics: Under new government proposals with effect from September 2015, students will be assessed by 3 written exams worth 100% of the final GCSE grade. These exams will be taken at the end of Year 11. GCSE Statistics: Students will be assessed in 2 ways, both through a piece of coursework and a final exam. The coursework is worth 25% of the final grade, and the exam at the end of Year 11 is worth 75% of the final grade (Provision for GCSE Statistics will be reviewed based upon information and guidance received from the government). Both qualifications currently have a 2 tier entry and this is expected to continue, but students will be graded as shown below: Foundation Course: Grade 5-1 Higher Course: Grade 9-4 A current Grade A will be a new Grade 7 A current Grade C will be a new Grade 4 A current Grade G will be a new Grade 1 Are there any extra resources available to support my studies? The Maths department has invested heavily in providing additional online resources and guidance, all accessible through the schools website and portal. Revision Guides and scientific calculators can be bought at school. Extra revision classes will be led by staff throughout Year 10 and Year 11. Further Information Contact: Mr Tibke or Mr Skelton in the Maths Department 8 Whitley Academy

9 GCSE Core and Additional Science At Key Stage 4, pupils follow the AQA Science A and GCSE Additional Science Course, both examined in the summer of Year 11. The top cohorts of pupils are entered for GCSE Science A in Year 10, followed by GCSE Additional Science in Year 11. What will I learn? GCSE Science A Biology 1 Keeping healthy Nerves and hormones The use and abuse of drugs Interdependence and adaptation Energy and biomass in food chains Waste materials from plants and animals Genetic variation and its control Evolution Chemistry 1 Fundamental ideas Rocks and building materials Metals and their uses Crude oil and fuels Products from oil Plant oils Our changing planet Physics 1 Heat is transfer Efficient use of energy Electrical devices and their use The electromagnetic spectrum Emissions from radioactive substances How the universe continues to change. GCSE Additional Science Biology 2 Cells and simple cell transport Tissues, organs and organ systems Photosynthesis Organisms and their environment Proteins their functions and uses Aerobic and anaerobic respiration Cell division and inheritance Speciation Chemistry 2 Sub-atomic particles and the structure of substances How structures influence the properties and uses of substances Controlling the rates of chemical reactions Chemical reactions and energy The uses of ions in solutions Physics 2 Describing the way things move Velocity and acceleration Momentum Static electricity and electrical currents Using mains electricity safely The decay of radioactive substances nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. How will I be assessed? The external assessment in GCSE Science A and GCSE Additional Science consists of two examinations for each course. Written paper 1½ hours 90 marks 35% Written paper 1½ hours 90 marks 40% Controlled assessment 2 written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing 50 marks 25% By the end of Year 10, students will have completed the GCSE Science A course. During Year 11 students will complete the course for GCSE Additional Science. By the end of Year 11, students will have completed GCSE Science A & GCSE Additional Science and will be awarded a grade for both qualifications. Further study These courses will equip students with skills to go out into the world of work as well as preparing them well for post 16 studies. Students who have successfully completed the qualification will be able to continue to A Level separate science or study Level 3 applied science. Further Information Contact: Mrs Akram in the Science Department Whitley Academy 9

10 GCSE Geography Exam Board AQA Specification A What will I learn? Physical Geography including Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Rivers, Coasts, Rocks and Weather/Climate. Human Geography including Population, Globalisation (industry around the world), Development and Tourism. Geographical Information Systems related to Websites, Photographs, Satellite Images and Mapwork. How will I be assessed? Coursework 25% based on a fieldwork excursion. The project will be word processed and produced during lesson time only in exam style conditions. The maximum number of words for the project is 2000 words Exam - 2 Exam Papers Unit 1 - Physical Geography % 1 Hour 30 minutes Unit 2 - Human Geography % 1 hour 30 minutes Are there any extra resources available to support my studies? There are many revision guides including online interactive revision resources (such as and the BBC Bitesize has covered the whole course using TV clips. Fieldtrips Day trip to Dovedale for Controlled Assessment Revision trip to North Wales Who should take GCSE Geography Anybody who enjoys the subject or wants to work in a related career should take geography but it is a useful subject for anyone who is considering higher education as it develops a wide range of transferable skills which universities are looking for. Further Information The course is offered at Foundation and Higher Level. The subject content is the same for each level of the exam. At foundation level the highest grade that can be gained is a grade C. The higher level paper goes from D to A*. Contact: Mrs Burton in the Geography Department. 10 Whitley Academy

11 GCSE History Exam Board WJEC - Syllabus B What will I learn? Crime and Punishment present Germany Sport, Leisure and Tourism present. How will I be assessed? Are there any extra resources available to support my studies? Variety of revision guides on all topics Bitesize History Leeds SHP Website Learn History Schools History Further Information Contact: Mr Butt in the History Department. Coursework 25% Controlled Assessment Exam 75% Three examinations. I Crime and Punishment II Germany III Sport, Leisure and Tourism present. All exams at the end of Year 11. Whitley Academy 11

12 Option 2 Subjects GCSE Fine Art GCSE Catering GCSE Photography 12 Whitley Academy

13 GCSE Fine Art The AQA GCSE Art and Design Fine Art course is entirely practical in content, involving no written examination. Students will be assessed on a portfolio of course work containing at least two projects and one other project which is taken under exam conditions. During the course, students will be introduced to a variety of Fine Art media and processes. Both traditional and experimental techniques will be studied and applied to the coursework projects, for example: different types of printing, painting, clay work and photography. The focus of the course encourages research and development of ideas through a variety of creative processes, including drawing and experimentation with different media and processes. Students also need to research the subject from a historical, cultural and contemporary perspective using this research to inform and develop their ideas and outcomes. Work can develop and evolve in either two or three dimensions and there are opportunities to produce both small and larger scale pieces. There are also opportunities to work to areas and themes of personal interest as the course progresses. Throughout the two years students are encouraged to develop a personal style involving research and exploration of ideas and a processing of these ideas into resolved Fine Art pieces. GCSE Fine Art Course structure (60% of final mark) Internally set and marked; assessed. Unit 2: Externally set assignment (40% of final mark) 10 hour control conditions final piece. Externally set theme and internally marked. Both units are assessed using the four revised assessment objectives. These are summed up as: Develop, Review, Record and Present. After GCSE; Choosing Fine Art is a rewarding and challenging course for any student that wants to develop self confidence, creative thinking and practical skills for life. This course can lead to an A Level or BTEC level 3 and then an Art Foundation or BA (Hons) degree and many career possibilities in the creative industries. Possible careers that use your Fine Art skills include Animator, Games designer, Ceramics designer, Exhibition designer, Fashion designer, Fine artist, Furniture conservator/ restorer, Furniture designer, Glass blower/ designer, Graphic designer, Illustrator, Industrial/product designer, Interior and spatial designer, jewellery designer, Make-up artist, Museum/gallery conservator, Photographer, Printmaker, Production designer, theatre/ television/film, Textile designer teaching or lecturing. Further information Contact: Mrs Bradshaw in the Art Department Unit 1: Personal Portfolio in Art and Design Whitley Academy 13

14 GCSE Catering Exam Board Welsh Board What will I learn about? Are there any extra resources available to support my studies? Resources available to support revision and coursework. The industry - food and drink Job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training. Health, safety and hygiene Food preparation, cooking and preparation Nutrition and menu planning Costing and portion control Specialist equipment Communication and record keeping Environmental considerations Further Information Contact: Mrs Devgun in the Catering Department. How will I be assessed? Coursework 60% 30% Year 10-15% Practical Assessment 15% Written Documentation 30% Year 11-15% Practical Assessment 15% Written Documentation You will prepare, cook and present a range of food products in exam conditions Exam 40% One written paper in Year 11. All questions are compulsory. 14 Whitley Academy

15 GCSE Photography Lens and Light Based Media The Aqa GCSE Photography course is entirely practical in content, involving no written examination. Students will be assessed on a portfolio of course work containing at least two projects and one other project which is taken under exam conditions. During the course, students will be introduced to a variety of Photographic media and processes., including digital and traditional wet based processes. Both traditional and experimental techniques will be studied and applied to the coursework projects, for example: different types of image capture and manipulation. The focus of the course encourages research and development of ideas through a variety of creative processes, including drawing and experimentation with different media and processes. Students also need to research the subject from a historical, cultural and contemporary perspective using this research to inform and develop their ideas and outcomes. Work can develop and evolve in either two or three dimensions (yes 3D Photographic outcomes are possible, I will show you how) and there are opportunities to produce both small and larger scale pieces. There are also opportunities to work to areas and themes of personal interest as the course progresses. Throughout the two years students are encouraged to develop a personal style involving research and exploration of ideas and a processing of these ideas into resolved Photographic pieces. (60% of final mark) Internally set and marked; assessed. Unit 2: Externally set assignment (40% of final mark) 10 hour control conditions final piece. Externally set theme and internally marked. Both units are assessed using the four revised assessment objectives. These are summed up as: Develop, Review, Record and Present. After GCSE; Choosing Photography is a rewarding and challenging course for any student that wants to develop self confidence, creative thinking and practical skills for life. This course can lead to an A Level or BTEC level 3 and then an Art Foundation or BA (Hons) degree and many career possibilities in the creative industries. Possible careers that use your skills include Animator, Games designer, Ceramics designer, Exhibition designer, Fashion designer, Fine artist, Furniture conservator/restorer, Furniture designer, Glass blower/designer, Graphic designer, Illustrator, Industrial/product designer, Interior and spatial designer, jewellery designer, Make-up artist, Museum/gallery conservator, Photographer, Printmaker, Production designer, theatre/television/film, Textile designer, teaching or lecturing. Further information Contact: Mrs Bradshaw in the Art Department GCSE Fine Art Course structure Unit 1: Personal Portfolio Whitley Academy 15

16 Option 3 Subjects GCSE Catering BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Health and Social Care BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Information and Creative Technology GCSE Performing Arts GCSE Sociology 16 Whitley Academy

17 GCSE Catering Exam Board Welsh Board What will I learn about? Are there any extra resources available to support my studies? Resources available to support revision and coursework. The industry - food and drink Job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training. Health, safety and hygiene Food preparation, cooking and preparation Nutrition and menu planning Costing and portion control Specialist equipment Communication and record keeping Environmental considerations Further Information Contact: Mrs Devgun in the Catering Department. How will I be assessed? Coursework 60% 30% Year 10-15% Practical Assessment 15% Written Documentation 30% Year 11-15% Practical Assessment 15% Written Documentation You will prepare, cook and present a range of food products in exam conditions Exam 40% One written paper in Year 11. All questions are compulsory. Whitley Academy 17

18 BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Health and Social Care What will I learn? The course involves looking at social issues surround health and also links closely to human biology. How will I be assessed? or Employment within the health and social care sector, such Care Assistant, Hospital Porter or Health and Social Care Apprenticeship (Intermediate or Advanced) Nursery Nursing, Youth and Community Work Students must complete 1 Mandatory Unit ( Communication In Health and Social Care ) and 2 Core units, such Cultural Diversity in Health and Social Care and Individual Rights in Health and Social Care. The 2 Core and the 1 Mandatory units are coursework based and will be assessed internally. The mandatory unit is also assessed externally as a 1 hour exam including short and long answer questions. Further Information Contact: Mrs Elliott or Miss Ryan What it can lead to? Pupils can continue to do further qualifications including; Level 3 vocational qualifications, such as BTEC Nationals, specifically the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care (QCF) or the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 National in Children s Play, Learning and Development Academic qualifications, such as GCE in Health and Social Care, or Design and Technology: Food Technology 18 Whitley Academy

19 BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Information and Creative Technology Examination Board Edexcel What will I learn? The skills learnt in studying a BTEC First will aid progression to further study and prepare learners to enter the workplace in due course. Potential employment opportunities, such as an apprenticeship or a supervised role (depending on the specific job requirements) should be available in the Information Technology sector and appropriate parts of the creative industries, such as computer games development. This BTEC First qualification provides learners with a taste of what these sectors can offer, enabling them to make informed choices about their future career. How will I be assessed? Learners must sit: Unit 1 The Online World (Exam) Unit 3 A Digital Portfolio (Coursework) 11 Computer Networks 12 Software Development 13 Website Development The exam comprises 25% of the qualification. This takes the form of an online exam with a mixture of multiple choice questions, drag and drop and full written answers. You will be graded: Pass (Grade C Equivalent) Merit (Grade B Equivalent) Distinction (Grade A Equivalent) and Distinction * (Grade A* equivalent) Where can I find out more? Website: information-and-creative-technology/pages/ default.aspx Further Information Contact: Mr N Patel or Miss Brown in the ICT and Computing Department And a choice of two optional units to be equivalent to one GCSE qualification: Optional units include: 4 Creating Digital Animation 5 Creating Digital Audio 6 Creating Digital Graphics 7 Creating Digital Video 8 Mobile Apps Development 9 Spreadsheet Development 10 Database Development Whitley Academy 19

20 GCSE Performing Arts Exam Board AQA What will I learn about? Performing Arts can prepare you for a variety of careers both within the creative arts industry as well as within other industries. This is because through Performing Arts, you will develop a variety of skills that are transferable to other areas such as confidence, leadership, delegation, working to deadlines and time management, team work, collaboration of ideas, problem solving and empathy for others. How will I be assessed? The AQA Performing Arts GCSE course is made up of two units: Unit 1 Is worth 60% of the total marks and is assessed through practical work and a written portfolio of skill development. You will learn new skills in all areas of Performing Arts including acting, stage management, set design, make-up design and costume design. You will perform or design as part of performance briefs set by your teacher and then write up coursework about the practical elements. Unit 2 Is worth 40% of the total marks and is assessed at the end of the course as a showcase performance, with supporting coursework. AQA will send a production brief to the school and you will perform or design elements of the showcase performance. You can choose to be assessed in a variety of areas within Performing Arts. You will also write an evaluation of your contribution to the practical exam. What careers can Performing Arts lead to? Actor, animator, arts administrator, broadcast engineer, journalist, choreographer, musician, costume designer, dancer, teacher, DJ, entertainer, lighting or sound technician, makeup artist, media researcher, music promotions manager, music therapist, photographic stylist, prop maker, radio broadcast assistant, screenwriter, set designer, stage manager, director, producer or TV presenter Further Information Contact: Mrs Latue in Performing Arts 20 Whitley Academy

21 GCSE Sociology Exam Board AQA Full Course. What will I learn? Unit 1 Studying Society. Education. Families. Research Methods. Are there any extra resources available to support my studies? Online websites will support your studies and help revise what you have learnt in class. Resources are available as magazines and textbooks in the LRC You are encouraged to discuss the topics you have studied at home and regularly read newspapers. Unit 2 Crime and Deviance. Mass Media. Social Inequality. Further Information: Contact: Miss Carroll. How will I be assessed? Exams: 100% Unit 1, 50% Written Paper 1 hour 30 mins. 90 marks 50% Unit 2, 50% Written Paper 1 hour 30 mins. 90 marks 50% Whitley Academy 21

22 Application Process Receive booklet on Thursday 12th February 2015 at the Options Evening - read through carefully with parents/carers highlight the subjects that you are interested in. Speak to staff about the courses, visit displays and talk to students currently on the course. Written confirmation will be given to you regarding your choices. A discussion may be needed if first choices are not available/suitable. Check confirmation, if there are any problems, contact Mrs Wright immediately. Consult teachers, Parents/Carers about possible choices - check that the course is suitable for you and your ability. Complete Options Application Form carefully. Hand in Options Application Form to Mrs Maule - Main Office, signed by your Parents/Carers - All forms must be in by Wednesday 25th February Make sure you have put your FULL NAME and TUTOR GROUP on the application form. Decisions will then be made in consultation with your teachers. 22 Whitley Academy