WELCOME TO THE NEXT PHASE OF YOUR EDUCATION

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2 WELCOME TO THE NEXT PHASE OF YOUR EDUCATION This is a very important time in your education as you are in a position to begin shaping the rest of your life. Over the next few weeks you will be making important decisions that will help you to achieve your very best as well as to develop the skills, attributes and knowledge to help you to succeed in future life. This is the beginning of your plan for the future and with the help and support of your tutor, subject teachers and careers advisor we will help you to make the right decisions that suit you as an individual. To do this, the academy will be holding an Options Information Evening that will give you the opportunity to discuss your future aspirations. Some of you will already know which subjects you excel in and which subjects you will require in order to achieve your future career goals. Making the right choice of subjects for study at GCSE or BTEC should start with careful reading of this booklet. All students have different abilities and aptitiudes and it is essential that you are guided appropriately towards your future qualifications and careers. For this reason you will have an interview with your Form Tutor in order to ensure that you are making the right option choices for you. You have already had assemblies to provide you with information about all of the subjects available to you as an option. There are many academic (GCSE) and vocational (BTEC) courses available. When you are deciding which options to take, you should ensure that you gather as much information as possible to ensure that the content of the course is right for you and your future ambitions including Sixth Form, apprenticeships and colleges of further education. Choose subjects that you enjoy and are good at. Don t let your friends choices influence yours. Wishing you every success for the future. Paula Mathieson Vice Principal 2

3 DEFINITIONS ON COURSES OFFERED GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education by the end of Y11 all students should achieve at least eight GCSE s or equivalent qualifications including English and Maths. There are currently eight GCSE Grades ranging from A* - G although this will change in 2017 to a new grading system 9 1. BTEC stands for Business and Technology Education Council Course. These qualifications are more work related and practical. They are designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to do a particular job or work in a particular industry. Level 1 BTEC courses are the equivalent of GCSE grades D G Level 2 BTEC courses are equivalent to GCSE grades A*- C The grades awarded are Level 1, Level 2 Pass, Level 2 Merit, level 2 Distinction and Level 2 Distinction*. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS What are my choices? This booklet takes you through the full curriculum that you will study along with your optional choices. It is important that you enjoy learning. We want you to pick courses that you find interesting, play to your strengths and develop your skills. Students and their parents should consider carefully how these choices will affect their future at North Liverpool Academy and beyond. Many programmes of study will link directly into Sixth Form courses. 3

4 Can I change my mind later? When you have made your choice, numbers have to be balanced in teaching groups and then the timetable is prepared. This is a long process and it cannot be readily changed. Occasionally, a few changes are permitted in the first few weeks of the new course but only when numbers allow this. Will I automatically secure a place on my first choice courses? Not necessarily, for three reasons: a. The range of subjects offered now, at the planning stage, may have to be modified because of staffing or other constraints. b. In some subjects, especially those requiring practical room spaces, it may be necessary to limit numbers for safety reasons and for access to equipment. c. Student s levels of attainment and progression in Year 8 will be taken into consideration before confirmation of final choices. 4

5 THE YEAR 9-11 CURRICULUM It is important to view Key Stage 4 as a three year programme. The curriculum that you will follow is in two parts: PART 1: THE CORE CURRICULUM Everyone will study the CORE subjects which are compulsory. They are: English (5 Lessons). Maths (5 Lessons). Science (Double or Triple) (5/6 Lessons). P.E (2 lessons). ICT (3 lessons). PART 2: THE OPTION CHOICES PATHWAYS There are four pathways that you will be guided towards. The pathway that you follow will be based upon your previous achievements and progress in Y7 and Y8 in order to ensure progress and that you are successful in your future ambitions. ORANGE PATHWAY: This is the Ebacc Pathway. The Ebacc (English Baccalaureate), was introduced by the government in order to recognise the achievements of students who obtain GCSE grades A*-C across a core of academic subjects. The subjects that count towards the English Baccalaureate are: English GCSE. Mathematics GCSE. Science and /or Additional (Double) Science GCSEs or all three single 5

6 sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Computer Science can count towards this component. Humanities GCSE (Geography or History). Languages GCSE (French or Spanish). Computer Studies (GCSE). RED PATHWAY: This Pathway is to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum and is designed to include both EBACC subjects and vocational qualifications. BLUE PATHWAY: This Pathway is designed to focus upon experiencing a breadth of subjects and qualifications. These will be BTEC or GCSE qualifications. You will be guided in your choices to ensure that you have selected subjects in which you can achieve a good grade. GREEN PATHWAY: This is the Vocational Pathway and designed for students who are aiming for more work related learning and focussed study. Again, you will be guided in your choices of BTEC qualifications to ensure that you are successful. THINGS TO DO/CONSIDER WHEN MAKING CHOICES: 6 Your current strengths and areas for development in school work. What you enjoy. What you are interested in and what are you good at. Any ideas you may have about possible future careers or further courses such as apprenticeships. Talk to your subject teachers and ask about your suitability for the course that you wish to study. Use the internet to research careers that interest you and make sure that you know which subjects would best suit your career aspirations. Do not choose a subject to study because your friends are their ambitions, strengths and needs are different to yours. Talk to a variety of people in order to help you make the right choices older students who are currently following the courses that you are interested in, parents/carers, your Form Tutor and subject staff. Any future plans that you may have including potential study at post 16 and post 18 education.

7 ORANGE PATHWAY Maths (5) English (5) Science (6) ICT/CS (3) PE (2) Option 1: Y9-11 (3) French or Spanish GCSE (3yrs) RED PATHWAY Maths (5) English (5) Science (6) ICT/CS (3) Option 1: Y9-11 (3) French Spanish Geography History (3yrs) Option 2: Y9-11 (3) Geography or History GCSE (3yrs) Option 2: Y9-11 (3) GCSE or approved BTEC course to be continued to Y11 (3yrs) Option 3: Y9-11 (3) GCSE or approved BTEC course of 1 option to be continued to Y11 (3yrs) Option 3: Y9-11 (3) GCSE or approved BTEC course to be continued to Y11 (3yrs) 7

8 BLUE PATHWAY Maths (5) English (5) Science (6) imedia ( 3) PE (2) Option 1: Y9-11 (3) GCSE or approved BTEC course to be continued to Y11 (3yrs) Option 2: Y9-11 (3) GCSE or approved BTEC course to be continued to Y11 (3yrs) GREEN PATHWAY Maths (5) English (6) Science (5) imedia (3) PE (2) Option 1 : Y9 - Y11(5) BTEC Business Studies BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Child Care BTEC Sport BTEC Travel and Tourism Option 2: Y9-11(5) BTEC Hospitality BTEC Business Studies BTEC Engineering BTEC Sport BTEC Travel and Tourism Option 3: Y9-11 (3) GCSE or approved BTEC course to be continued to Y11 (3yrs) 8

9 BTEC QUALIFICATIONS Art and Design Business Studies Children s Play, Learning and Development Engineering First in Sport Health and Social Care Hospitality Music Performing Arts Design Technology: Product Design Travel and Tourism Engineering GCSE OPTIONS Art and Design Business Studies Dance Drama Economics Food Technology French * Geography * Health and Social Care History * Media (Orange Pathway only) Music Physical Education Design Technology: Product Design Psychology Sociology Spanish * Design Technology: Textiles * Orange Pathway students are to choose either History or Geography and continue to study either French or Spanish. * Red Pathway students are to choose at least one of: Geography, History, French or Spanish. 9

10 WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO NOW? KEY DATES Tuesday 31st March 6pm - 8pm: Y8 and 9 Option Choices Information Evening Complete and return your options choices form by: Thursday 2nd April to Student Services. This must be signed by both parent/carer and Form Tutor. USEFUL WEBSITES The courses offered by North Liverpool Academy are awarded by the following examination boards: AQA EdExcel OCR WJEC The above websites contain syllabus information for all courses offered by the North Liverpool Academy. INFORMATION WEBSITES Apprenticeships: Future Study Options: Young people s information: 10

11 CORE SUBJECTS 11

12 ENGLISH LITERATURE (GCSE) ENGLISH LANGUAGE (GCSE) THE COURSE Students who began GCSE Literature in Year 9, will continue with this programme of study, integrating GCSE Language topics of study with Literature. For students who have completed their Functional Skills certification, students will now begin their GCSE English Literature study programme, reading key exam texts whilst integrating GCSE English Language examination skills of writing for specific genres, audiences and purposes as required on the GCSE Language paper. Whilst studying Literature, the Faculty organises trips to visit theatre performances of the texts studied or organises for theatre productions to visit the Academy. Our aim is to bring literature to life, relating the texts we study to the world around us. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED GCSE English Literature Unit 1 : Exploring modern texts exam Unit 2 : Poetry across time exam 12

13 ENGLISH LITERATURE (GCSE) WITH FUNCTIONAL SKILLS Level 1/Level 2 certificate in Functional Skills English, preparation for GCSE English Literature. THE COURSE Students will study Functional Skills within English at a certified level, whilst beginning the GCSE English Literature course. Whilst studying Literature, the Faculty organises trips to visit theatre performances of the texts studied or organises for theatre productions to visit the Academy. Our aim is to bring literature to life, relating the texts we study to the world around us. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY Within Functional Skills, the programme of study focuses on key literacy skills, building upon essential exam skills needed for success at GCSE. Within the course we deliver modules on: Successful speaking and listening Writing for a variety of purposes Text varieties: analysing the purpose of texts. Within GCSE Literature, students study a range of texts and authors. Possible texts to study are: 19th Century Novel: A Christmas Carol Great Expectations Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Frankenstein 13

14 Shakespeare: Macbeth Romeo and Juliet Poetry: Conflict Relationships Drama: An Inspector Calls Blood Brothers The History Boys DNA The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (play script) A Taste of Honey Prose: Animal Farm Anita and Me Lord of the Flies Pigeon English HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED 14 Functional Skills Level 1/2 External Reading Exam: 45 minutes External Writing Exam: 1 Hour Internal Assessment: Speaking and Listening Discussion. Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry.

15 MATHEMATICS (GCSE) THE COURSE The Mathematics Department are following the AQA Linear examination syllabus. Students will sit their GCSE in June of year 11. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY There are two tiers in GCSE Mathematics : Foundation; with grades 1-5 Higher; with grades 4-9 The maths department will decide which tier you will be entered for. This will be based on the standard of maths you will have achieved by the end of Year 9. In addition the department offers Levels 1-3 proficiency exams in: Algebra Number and Measure Statistics HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED The examination structure is as follows: Paper 1 - Non Calc 33.3% (80 marks) Paper 2 - Calc 33.3% (80 marks) Paper 3 - Calc 33.3% (80 marks) 15

16 SCIENCE (GCSE/BTEC) THE COURSE Studying Science will encourage you to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course. Science will prepare you for a job that will put you in the driving seat; giving you skills and knowledge to improve the world around us, and even the future of the planet. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY There are three different pathways for a student within science, with all three covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics and packed with practical work to improve your investigative skills. GCSE Triple Award Science In this course you will study all three science disciplines, Biology Chemistry and Physics. You will be awarded a separate GCSE with a separate grade (from 1-9) for each course. Biology: The content will include the human body, cells and the environment Chemistry: Including a wide variety of topics from properties to polymers and matter to molecules. Physics: The units to be studied include energy, motion, space and time. This pathway leads directly to the further study of these subjects at A level. GCSE Combined Science (Double award) This new combined science course is designed to give all students a broad understanding of all three sciences at a level that will allow you to be an effective citizen in the 21st century and also leads to further study in science. It follows similar content to that in the triple sciences but to a more basic level. 16

17 BTEC Firsts in Applied Science (Level 2) You will be studying for a BTEC First in Principles of Applied Science with the possibility of further study in BTEC first in Applications of Science. A variety of units will be studied including compulsory units of Chemistry and Our Earth; Energy and Our Universe; Biology and Our Environment; and a range of optional units. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED Assessments in GCSE All GCSE assessments will take place at the end of the course, the GCSE examination period will be during May and June of Year 11. The method of assessment will be in written examination with a big focus on practical skills. Assessments in BTEC Three of the four units are portfolio based with regular assessment and grading. There is one externally assessed (by an examination) unit that contributes 25% to the overall grade. The qualification is awarded upon completion of all the units. 17

18 Breakdown Higher GCSE 20% Ratio, proportion and rates of change 30% Algebra 15% Number 20% Geometry and measures 15% Statistics and probability Foundation GCSE 25% Number 25% Ratio, proportion and rates of change 15% Geometry 15% Statistics and probability 20% Algebra ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES A01 - Using and applying (50% Foundation / 40% Higher) A02 - Reasoning, interpreting and communicating (25% Foundation/30% Higher) A03 - Solving non-routine problems (25% Foundation / 30% Higher). 18

19 COMPUTING (GCSE) Did you know that the new Euro-Fighter is so unstable that it can t operate without the computer software to run it? We live in a digitised, computerised, programmable world and to make sense of it we need to understand how computers work. You will already have some knowledge of computing through your ICT lessons, but in this course you will delve deeper, learning how to make software that others use every day. If you want to compare computing to ICT, ICT is learning to drive the car, computing shows you how to build the car from the ground up. The Fun of Computing There are two parts to this course, theory and practical. You will learn the theoretical knowledge to understand how the bits inside a computer work and how to make the right choices in software when setting up your own computer. Through the study of computer programming, the course will help you develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills. For many it ll be a fun and interesting and challenging way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life. In this way the course will stimulate interest and engagement with technology and technology related careers. What is the difference between ICT and Computing? Computing is designed to complement ICT, but this course is designed to show you how computers work on an in-depth level. We teach you how to program, which involves writing software and the theory required to take you into a computing related job. The purpose of computing is to train the digital creative of tomorrow. With this course you could go into a job in Web Development, Games Programming or Mobile Phone App Creation. You could be the next Bill Gates, Mark Zukerberg or Steve Jobs! 19

20 What if I m thinking about doing Computing at A-Level? Computing at A-level is a challenging course however GCSE computing provides you with the background and the basic knowledge that will give you a smooth transition into A-level. Still not sure? Talk to your ICT Teacher about this course to find out more! 20

21 IMEDIA (BTEC) We are influenced by Digital Media on a daily basis. For example, watching a movie trailer on YouTube will persuade us to go and watch the movie, listening to a podcast on the latest iphone will influence us to purchase the phone or even purchasing a new game after playing a small online sample. Businesses nowadays pay huge amounts of money to people who can develop websites, video/radio adverts, animations and games. The course in Creative imedia is aimed at students who want to: Have a quality creative digital media education which will eventually lead to a highly-paid career; Set up their own creative digital media business in the future; Study an advanced level creative digital media course at college before they start work. What will I get from this course? This course will give you the opportunity to gain understanding, knowledge and skills across the creative digital media sectors, e.g. moving image, audio production, games design, website design and publishing. As an example, you will have the opportunity to: Explore different creative media sectors Plan and pitch a new media product to a client Make a digital animation for a TV advert Make a radio advert for a new mobile phone Make a movie trailer to be shown in cinemas Make a website for a famous business, such as Ferrari Make a simple computer game plan for an online games website. 21

22 HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? The course is 25% exam and 75% controlled assessment. Internet access at home would be of real benefit. This course will be delivered through our Moodle Virtual Learning Environment. Students will submit their work electronically for marking. All individual units are graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*. The final course is graded in the same way. What career path can I get into from this? Web Designer/Developer Graphic Designer Games/APPS Designer Film/Video/Sound Developer Multimedia Developer Cartoon/Movie Animator Photographer Digital Media Consultant/Manager. 22

23 OPTIONAL SUBJECTS OPTIONAL SUBJECTS 23

24 ART AND DESIGN (BTEC) LEVEL 1-2 QUALIFICATION THE COURSE You will be working following a foundation course that will introduce you to Art and Design, alongside formal elements. You will learn how to develop your own ideas after researching interesting artists and exciting art works. You will also then experiment with a wide range of approaches, techniques, materials and media, producing artworks in 2D, 3D and digital forms. You will gain important new skills during the course that will reflect the way real artists and designers work. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY Foundation Course Four mini assignments introducing specialist art techniques and materials. These could include: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Textiles, Photography, Digital Art, Animation, Graphic Design. Major Projects Two major art projects that are based upon the work of real artists. Pathways in Art and Design 2D 3D Exam (external). HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED All units of coursework will be set and marked by your art teachers. This qualification has an externally set assignment at the end of the course. 24

25 ART AND DESIGN (GCSE) THE COURSE The GCSE Art and Design course is flexible and stimulates creativity by offering a high degree of choice, allowing different approaches to be followed. This course enables students to explore a range of different media, processes or techniques, ensuring that there is something suitable for all interests. It also offers students the opportunity to produce a portfolio of work that they can show to prospective employers or use to help secure a place in higher education. GCSE Art and Design provides students with a wide range of creative, exciting and stimulating opportunities to explore their interests in ways that are both personally relevant and developmental in nature. This two unit specification enables students to develop their ability to actively engage in the processes of Art and Design to build creative skills through learning and doing, to develop imaginative and intuitive ways of working and develop knowledge and understanding of media, materials and technologies in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY Two assignments introducing specialist art techniques and materials. These could include: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Textiles, Photography, Digital Art, Animation, Graphic Design. Major Projects Unit 1: Portfolio of Work Unit 2: Externally Set Task. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED Assessment Unit 1: 60% and Unit 2: 40%. All units of coursework will be set and marked by your art teachers, then externally verified by a moderator. 25

26 BUSINESS STUDIES BTEC Why choose Business Studies? Business studies will equip you for a career in a wide range of industries, as business underpins more or less any job you might have in the future; from starting your own business to working for a large multinational company. THE COURSE Do you.? Like asking questions? Enjoy using maths? Have good writing skills? Enjoy using your own initiative? Enjoy working in a team? Are you.? Creative? Practical? Responsible? Motivated? If so, then Business Studies is the right subject for you! WHAT YOU WILL STUDY 1. Enterprise in the Business World 2. Finance for Business Optional units include Promoting a Brand and Business Support. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED Majority of units are internally assessed through the completion of coursework. An hour long externally assessed computer based exam. 26

27 APPLIED BUSINESS STUDIES (GCSE) The Business and Economics department follow the WJEC syllabus. Students have the opportunity to sit exams in June of Year 11. Why choose Business Studies? Business studies will equip you with for a career in a wide range of industries, as business underpins more or less any job you might have in the future; from starting your own business to working for a large multinational company. THE COURSE Students have to complete two core units: Unit 1 The Business and its Environment. This covers: Aims and Objectives Ownership Business Activity Business Location Functional Areas Business Communications and Changing use of ICT. Unit 2 Business Finance and Decision Making. This covers: Flow of Financial Documents Making and Receiving Payments Budgets Financial Statements - Cash Flow, Profit and Loss Accounts and Balance Sheets Financial Ratios. 27

28 HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED The examination structure is as follows: Unit 1 is assessed through a Controlled Assessment that is equivalent to 60% of the total grade. Unit 2 is assessed through an external exam to be taken at the end of Year 11. The exam lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes and is equivalent to 40% of the total grade. 28

29 CHILDREN S PLAY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT BTEC LEVEL 2 THE COURSE If you are interested in looking after children, how they learn, play and develop between the ages of 0-8. This course will hopefully enthuse you to consider a career in early years, or related sectors where knowledge of child development is relevant. It will give you the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge, understanding of, and develop skills in, the early years sector. It will also support the progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic course, such as in early years, health and social care or psychology, or an apprenticeship. Unit 1: Patterns of Child Development: This unit aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of child development. You will learn about five different areas of development physical, cognitive, communication and language, emotional and social and how these areas are linked. Unit 2: Promoting Children s Development Through Play: In this unit you will look at how early years settings use play to promote children s learning and development at different ages and stages, including babies, and the types of play opportunities that early years settings usually provide. Unit 3: The Principles of Early Years Practice: In this unit you will look at some of the key principles that are reflected in best practice in early years. You will learn about ways of valuing children and ensuring that they can benefit from the opportunities within the setting. You will also explore how children are empowered to ensure that they learn to become independent and develop a strong self-image, as well as ways in which this is put into practice. HOW WILL YOU BE ASSESSED All units are assessed and graded and an overall grade for the qualification is then awarded. 75% is assessed by your classroom teacher as coursework and 25% is the examination unit externally assessed in the form of an examination by Edexcel. 29

30 GCSE DANCE THE COURSE GCSE Dance helps students develop technical and expressive skills as well as knowledge and understanding of dance through performance, choreography and critical appreciation of dance. In addition to helping students acquire subject knowledge, this specification promotes: Fitness A healthy lifestyle Teamwork Creativity. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY Unit 1: Critical appreciation of dance written examination, (20%) The aim of this unit is to describe, analyse, interpret and evaluate features of dance using appropriate terminology. They will compare and contrast different choreographers, dance works, styles and cultural influences. Learners will be able to understand the relationship between choreography, performance and production including aural and physical settings, costume and dance for camera. Unit 2: Set dance practical examination, (20%) Learners will perform one of two solo dances. The dances are choreographed by professional dancers in styles from within the contemporary dance genre. This unit explores the physical, technical and mental skills necessary for an effective performance. Learners will also gain knowledge and understanding of health, fitness and safe working practice. 30

31 Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance, (20%) Candidates will perform in a group dance that relates to a piece of professional work. The task is open-ended, allowing learners to answer the task in a variety of ways. The learners will gain an understanding of how to achieve a high quality performance using the expressive skills necessary for an effective performance. Unit 4: Choreography (40%) In this unit learners will demonstrate their increasing effectiveness as a choreographer and their ability to appreciate dance. With guidance from the teacher, candidates select three motifs and will develop them to create a short solo dance, with clear form and structure. Learners will understand how to explore and synthesise ideas, thoughts and meaning through movement and be able to select and use actions, dynamics, space and relationships to convey an artistic intention. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED Pupils will be assessed in an on-going fashion, with the exception of unit 1: critical appreciation of dance and unit2: set dance, which is marked externally. 31

32 DRAMA (GCSE) THE COURSE GCSE Drama encourages students to develop a personal interest in why drama matters and be inspired, moved and changed by studying a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. Students will work imaginatively and creatively in collaborative contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas. They will be encouraged to consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama texts and activities. The course gives the opportunity for students to reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others, develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills. Students will develop a basis for their future role as active citizens in employment and society in general, as well as for the possible further study of drama. They will actively engage in the process of dramatic study in order to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY The course comprises of two units, one which is a written exploration of performance works studied, the other is a practical performance unit. Unit 1-The written paper consists of inquiry in the following elements: Practical work completed during the course Study and performance of a scripted play Study of a live theatre production scene. 32

33 Unit 2-The following list is presented as options to be explored practically: Devised Thematic Work Acting Improvisation Theatre in Education Physical Theatre Set Design Costume Make-up Properties Masks Puppets Lighting Sound Stage Management. Candidates may choose two performance options, for example Acting and Physical Theatre. Students will then be encouraged to develop the ability to use exploration skills in a range of drama contexts. Students will prepare for, and perform in two pieces of theatre within their chosen options. They will be encouraged to be experimental, creative and collaborative at all times, and will create project based performance work that will be shared and celebrated. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED Pupils will be assessed in an on-going fashion; with the exception of unit 1 which is an externally marked exam. 33

34 ECONOMICS (GCSE) Why choose Economics? Economics will equip you for a career in a wide range of industries, as economics underpins more or less any job you might have in the future; from starting work for a large multinational company to working for the Government. THE COURSE The Business and Economics department follow the AQA syllabus. Students have the opportunity to sit exams in June of Year 11. Students have to complete two core units. These are: Unit 11 Personal Economics. This covers: Work Money The National and Global Economy. Unit 12 Investigating Economic Issues. This covers: Managing Money Current Economic Environment. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED The examination structure is as follows: Each unit is assessed through an external exam to be taken at the end of Year 11. Both exams are for 1 hour and 15 minutes and have equal weightings. 34

35 ENGINEERING (BTEC) THE COURSE The BTEC Firsts in Engineering provide an engaging, robust, broad-based introduction to engineering. Learners can gain knowledge, skills and understanding through practical participation in engineering activities. This allows them to become familiar with the language, skills and processes required to work in the engineering industry. The BTEC philosophy of learning through doing remains at the heart of these qualifications. Learners are given the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of skills in engineering. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY The BTEC First (Level 2) Award in Engineering has two core units: Unit 1: The Engineered World provides an introduction to the underpinning knowledge and understanding in the world of engineering. It covers engineering processes, developments in engineering materials and technologies, and how engineering contributes to a sustainable future. This unit is externally assessed. Unit 2: Investigating an Engineered Product looks at how a designer s ideas get transformed into a finished article that is fit for purpose. Learners will investigate the form of the product, the function it must fulfil, its performance characteristics, and what materials will be most effective in its manufacture. This unit is internally assessed. Further units of study covered will be: Unit 5: Engineering Materials, which covers areas such as a range of common materials that you may encounter in engineering, as well as their properties, uses, availability, and how they contribute to a sustainable environment. 35

36 Unit 6: Computer-aided Engineering, which covers use of a CAD (Computer Aided Design) system to produce engineering drawings, and using a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) system to manufacture an engineering component. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED The core unit, Unit 1: The Engineered World is an externally assessed on-line examination. The remainder of the units are internally assessed coursework assignments, which are project based requiring a range of outcomes including ICT, written and practical outcomes. These are sampled by the examination board to check the standard of the work. 36

37 FOOD TECHNOLOGY (GCSE) THE COURSE In this subject you have an opportunity to use your imagination to create and develop your own dishes through experimentation. It can lead to exciting and well paid career opportunities such as catering, food marketing, product development, diet related industries and more. Food Technologists are much sought after and it is estimated that there are three jobs for every graduate leaving university. The course will also help to develop many more important skills. In addition to academic and vocational routes, Food Technology teaches many life skills which are invaluable to all. These include: Teamwork, Organisational skills, Independence and Information and Communication skills. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY The course is split into coursework controlled assessment and Examination. 60% Controlled assessment portfolio documenting, developing and evaluating practical solutions to a design brief. Being able to demonstrate skill and technique to create and develop products of your choice understanding the working properties of the food items. 40% examination : You will learn about the function and properties of ingredients, nutritional properties of food, how to combine ingredients helping you use ingredients properly, working characteristics, processing techniques when designing and making food, effects of acids, alkalis, food processing in standard components. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED 60% controlled assessment practical/portfolio 40% Written examination. 37

38 38 GEOGRAPHY (GCSE) This is a GCSE course with grades from 1-9. It is an exciting new qualification which supports students in gaining the English Baccalaureate. The first examinations will be in June Why Choose Geography? Geography is part of the English Baccalaureate measure recognised by the Government. This demonstrates the importance placed on the skills and knowledge taught in the subject. Employers and Universities hold the subject in high regard and often look for the qualification specifically. In a rapidly changing world it is vital that students study and understand their place in it and how these changes may affect their future. THE COURSE Amongst the many skills that Geographers hold, the new GCSE develops three main aspects: Thinking Like a Geographer: Holding knowledge of places and understanding how people interact with the big wide world around them; Studying Like a Geographer: Developing skills that support the collection, application and analysis of data and information, often using ICT skills; Acting Like a Geographer: Utilising this knowledge and understanding to develop well-evidenced arguments which address key global issues. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY In Year 9, students will be taught the skills and background knowledge to enable them to be successful in the GCSE examinations. During this year students will complete fieldwork as part of the requirement that students complete a study visit to at least two contrasting environments.

39 Years 10 and 11 will include: Location Knowledge: Students will study, in depth, the key geographical aspects of the UK and will compare these with two other significant countries around the world. Physical Geography Processes and Change: Understanding that the world is dynamic, students will either choose to study the changing processes, landforms and issues associated with rivers, glaciers or coasts and will understand the impacts of the changing global climate. People and Environment Processes and Interactions: Students will study the changing ways in which people use the environments around them such as rainforests, oceans and deserts and the impacts this may have in the future. Human Geography Processes and Change: With a global population of seven billion and counting, students will study how cities are changing and the impacts this has on the lives of people. Students will compare the effects of processes such as migration and will analyse possible solutions to issues which can occur. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED The course is assessed through external examinations at the end of Year

40 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (BTEC LEVEL 2) THE COURSE If you are interested in your own health, the health and well-being of others and have a kind and caring nature then this course is for you. A career in health can open up a wide range of opportunities to help and support individuals at all stages of life. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY All students will complete the following four units in order to gain the BTEC First Level 2 Award. Human Lifespan and Development: This is an examination unit set and marked by Edexcel. Completing this unit will provide you with the opportunity to explore how we grow and develop throughout our lives and to investigate the factors that affect this growth and development. Health and Social Care Values: Completing this unit will enable you to understand what is good practice in Health and Social Care settings. How good practice is carried out in a range of different health and care settings and the advantages to both the service user and the healthcare professionals. Effective Communication in Health and Social Care: Completing this unit you will have the opportunity to improve your own communication skills. You will have a good understanding of different forms of communication, barriers to communication and how to communicate effectively with different individuals in a range of care settings. The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Wellbeing: Completing this unit you will have a better understanding of the importance of a well-balanced diet. You will investigate the health problems related to over and under eating and plan a healthy balanced diet for two individuals with different dietary needs. 40

41 HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED All units are assessed and graded, an overall grade for the qualification is then awarded. Each unit is worth 25% of the overall qualification. 75% is assessed by your classroom teacher as coursework and 25% is the examination unit externally assessed by Edexcel. 41

42 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (GCSE) THE COURSE In this subject you have an opportunity to: Learn about different factors that affect health positively and negatively Improve your own health and well-being Learn about different Health and Social Care services Investigate the Health and Social Care needs of a friend or family member Learn about different needs across the lifespan. Which can lead to A healthier life for you A level or BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care A Job in the Health Service. There are a wide variety of jobs in Health and Social Care ranging from surgeons to hospital porters. All these jobs are essential to ensure your health is looked after. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY You will study 2 units of work. Unit 1: This is an examination unit worth 40% of your overall qualification. In this unit you will learn about Human Development This includes life stages and types of development such as infancy, childhood, adolescence, later adulthood. You will also look into coping with life events and influencing factors of life. 42

43 Unit 2: This is worth 60% of your final grade. It is completed in school as two elements: Needs and services which is coursework, and job roles and skills which is a controlled assessment piece of work. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED The qualification is split into 60% coursework This is in two parts. 40% External examination at the end of the course. 43

44 GCSE HISTORY This is a GCSE course with grades from 1-9. It is an exciting new qualification which supports students in gaining the English Baccalaureate. The first examinations will be in June Why Choose History? History is part of the English Baccalaureate measure recognised by the Government. This demonstrates the importance placed on the skills and knowledge taught in the subject. Employers and Universities hold the subject in high regard and often look for the qualification specifically. There are many exciting career paths that History can lead into including law, journalism, writing, education and museums/galleries. Regardless of the career path that students take, History develops a critical and analytical mind that can support students to be successful in their future. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY In Year 9, students will be taught the skills and background knowledge to enable them to be successful in the GCSE examinations. Years 10 and 11 will include: A thematic study over time Students will study a period of time and will analyse and evaluate how things have changed, and how and why things have stayed the same over a long period of time. A period study of at least 50 years Students will choose a 50 year period over which they will study the story of how the period developed. They will analyse the impacts of these developments and start to evaluate their importance both at the time, and in modern society. One British depth study Choosing from Medieval, Early Modern or 44

45 Modern British History, students will understand the significant events that shaped the country we live in today. One European/wider world depth study Building on their knowledge of British history, students will be given the opportunity to compare and contrast this to significant events which happened worldwide. A study of the historical environment Students will be given an opportunity to investigate the relationship between a place and historical events or developments. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED The course is assessed through external examinations at the end of Year

46 HOSPITALITY BTEC LEVEL 2 THE COURSE Choosing to study for a BTEC hospitality qualification is a great decision to make for lots of reasons. The hospitality industry is very diverse and offers a wide variety of exciting careers here in the UK or on an international scale. So, whether you want to be a top Sous chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant, an events co-ordinator running big named corporate events or a front office manager for a large international hotel chain, this qualification can help you achieve your dream job in the sector as well as sharpen your skills for employment or further study and help you take that first step. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY All students will complete the following four units in order to gain the BTEC First Level 2 Award. Introducing the Hospitality Industry: In this unit you will investigate the structure, size and different areas of the hospitality industry, as well as the products and services it offers. You will also investigate the trends that affect hospitality businesses and impact of these trends. Working in the Hospitality Industry: This unit will give you an opportunity to look at the working skills needed for a number of roles within the hospitality industry. You will learn of the importance of team working, customer services, and effective communication with customers. Food Safety and Health and Safety in Hospitality: In this unit you will learn about the importance of following and maintaining food safety procedures. You will also build your knowledge of the procedures for storing, preparing, cooking and serving food and will explore how food safety hazards can be prevented. 46

47 Planning, Preparing, Cooking and Finishing Food: In this unit you will cook, prepare and finish a wide range of dishes with different levels of complexity working towards a practical based controlled assessment which will showcase the variety of skills you have learnt. HOW WILL YOU BE ASSESSED All units are assessed and graded then an overall grade for the qualification is then awarded. Each unit is worth 25% of the overall qualification. 75% is assessed by your classroom teacher as coursework, practical assessments and controlled assessments, and 25% is the examination unit externally assessed by Edexcel. 47

48 MEDIA STUDIES (GCSE) - ORANGE PATHWAY ONLY THE COURSE Today we re surrounded by media wherever we look. There s the internet, TV, film, radio, magazines, papers the list goes on. Not only is Media Studies interesting and relevant, it gives you valuable skills to help understand the world around you. You can apply many of these skills to GCSE English too, students often do better in English when they take Media Studies as well. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY Unit 1: Investigating the Media Students will have been taught aspects of style, presentation, values, audience and representation and will learn the relevant codes and conventions of different media types. Students will be made aware of new technologies involved in the production and consumption of the media. We will also study current debates and audience issues, as well as issues of bias and representation. Production skills are explicitly taught, so that students can show effective practical skills such as storyboarding, scripting, selection and editing and other design skills. The external assessment will take a case study approach and build upon media knowledge and skills developed and demonstrated in Unit 2. Each year the case study will be based on a specific media topic. The brief will be prereleased four weeks prior to the external assessment date, giving students time to research and plan for the examination. Unit 2: Understanding the Media In Unit 2 students will produce one introductory assignment, one assignment that requires candidates to look closely at cross-media platforms which more closely reflects the media industry today and one Practical Production and Evaluation, each chosen from a different bank of assignments. 48

49 Assignment 1: Introduction to the Media This assignment aims to introduce you to the analysis and interpretation of media texts through the analysis of media language and the application of media terminology and techniques. The consumption of media texts by different audiences will be considered. Understanding will be demonstrated through a pre-production activity. Assignment 2: Cross-Media Study This assignment aims to encourage you to consider the interdependence of media texts and how producers seek to achieve synergy where a particular text can be seen to appear on different media platforms. The release of a new film, for instance, will result in a media-wide campaign with material generated across different forms such as Television, Magazines, Radio, Newspapers and the Internet. You will be expected to consider the relationship between different forms and how the form itself influences the nature of the product. You will be required to study a particular topic across two media forms. Assignment 3: Practical Production and Evaluation You will undertake a practical production which addresses all four key concepts, from conception to realisation, together with an evaluation of words. You will choose one of the production tasks set by the exam board. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED External exam Unit 1: Investigating the Media, Written paper, 40%. Internal controlled assessments Unit 2: Understanding the Media, Controlled assessment, 60% 49

50 MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES GCSE (SPANISH/ FRENCH) THE COURSE The Modern Foreign Languages Department are following the OCR examination syllabus. Students have the opportunity to sit exams in May of Year 11. There are two tiers in GCSE Modern Foreign Languages: Foundation and Higher What will the course cover? Each topic provides a context where learners explore the target language countries and communities. Topic area 1: Home and local area Life in the home; friends and relationships. Local area, facilities and getting around. Topic area 2: Health and sport Sport, outdoor pursuits and healthy lifestyle. Food and drink as aspects of culture and health. Topic area 3: Leisure and entertainment (includes online) Socialising, special occasions and festivals. TV, films and music. Topic area 4: Travel and the wider world 50

51 Holidays and exchanges. Environmental, cultural and social issues. Topic area 5: Education and work School life in the UK and in the target language country or community. Work experience, future study and jobs, working abroad. HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED The examination structure is as follows: 2 pieces of writing controlled assessment (<200 words) = 30% of overall grade 2 pieces of speaking controlled assessment (4 minutes each) = 30% of overall grade Listening exam = 20% of overall grade Reading exam = 20% of overall grade. 51