British Section. GCSE subject brochure

Transcription

1 British Section GCSE subject brochure Course details from September 2014 C:\Users\ppetit\Desktop\MAJ DU NOUVEAU SITE\British section\gcse handbook all levels doc

2 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 3 HOW TO DEVELOP GOOD STUDY SKILLS 4 REVISION IDEAS 5 ART 6 SCIENCES 7 BIOLOGY 8 CHEMISTRY 9 ENGLISH FRENCH 12 GEOGRAPHY 13 GERMAN 14 HISTORY 15/16 ITALIAN 17 LATIN 18 MATHS 19 PHYSICS 20 RUSSIAN 21 SPANISH 22 2 / 23

3 Introduction The purpose of this booklet is to give parents and pupils a clear idea of what is involved in each of the subjects offered at GCSE Level in the British Section of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle. In 3eGCSE all subjects are compulsory, except Art and Latin which are optional. In 2eGCSE pupils study 9 subjects. Of these, the following are compulsory: French, Maths, and English and English literature, which count as 2 subjects. Students then select 5 further subjects from those on offer to make the total of 9. More details and advice will be offered before the choices are made. 3 / 23

4 How to develop good study skills Have a good study routine go over work done during the day Learn from your mistakes find out where you went wrong Find out how to improve from friends and teachers Use your time wisely divide time evenly between your subjects Don t waste free time during the school day ask for a study room from Mme Feurtet or the Vie Scolaire or go to the library Don t work if you are over- tired - you won t retain information Identify key points, ideas, techniques practise using them Look, cover, check, write from memory redo if you get it wrong Have a folder for each subject divide into topics Use index cards to write key points of topics Be organised with filing avoid building up messy piles of paper Highlight key information in colour - green for I know this, orange for I need to go over this again and red for Help! Develop a study timetable and stick to it Set yourself short term goals write them up and tick them off Develop checklists of things you need to know and revisit them Use a variety of study materials revision guides, internet, textbooks Find a good learning technique and stick to it if it works for you Read round the subject find articles, newspapers Find the right place to work in distraction free and quiet Turn off electronic devices unless you need them for work Ensure you are clear about exam requirements e.g. what you need to know for an A* and put the key elements into any work regularly use the exam board specification materials Work with a friend or family member to help you remember Work in timed conditions at times for essays or past papers Improve your timing develop exam technique 4 / 23

5 Revision Ideas 1. Arrange a working group meeting of friends doing the same subject. You will be able to teach one another. Ask Mme Feurtet or the Vie Scolaire for a free room. 2. Work with a friend to do revision. 3. Get someone at home to test you. 4. Use post-it notes to plaster your walls, the mirror, the fridge and even the toilet door with key facts and words. 5. Create mind maps to link key ideas. IDEA 1 Idea 2 Idea 3 Idea 4 Idea 5 Idea 6 6. Create A3 posters to highlight key points and use colour. 7. Record oral/key ideas on MP3. Playback before going to sleep. 8. Develop memory techniques. Put knowledge in a certain building e.g. the British Section building. Allocate ideas to particular rooms and help you remember them. 9. Use symbols, codes, abbreviations in bright colours in large fonts and display prominently. 10. Write notes. Highlight in pink things to do again and in green things you remember. 11. Draw up a revision timetable. Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday French Chemistry Maths etc etc 12. Put in times when you can revise. Give yourself breaks. Put fewer slots in at first and then increase as you get more time. Reward yourself with a little treat after a period of revision 5 / 23

6 ART AT GCSE LEVEL AQA 4202 Fine Art Exam Paper codes: Unit /1 & Unit /2 The GCSE Art is a two year course with 60% of the marks going to coursework and 40% for the final examination. The topics taught are: fine art drawing and painting. The skills taught are: observation, analysis, perspective, tone, colour, history of painting and sculpture. The coursework (Unit 1) consists of two projects that result in one unit which the Examining Group defines as a portfolio of work that satisfies six main objectives. These are: drawing from observation, developing ideas, using different media, making critical judgements, analyzing the work of other artists, and bringing work to a conclusion. These criteria are assessed on quality and quantity. The Art Department aims to meet these objectives at the same time as encouraging an individual and creative response in all pupils. Art at this level can be a rewarding and creative activity that complements other subjects in the curriculum as well as adding to and balancing the list of qualifications for further study. The examination (Unit 2) consists of then questions given out from the 1 st January to allow a sketchbook of preparation work for the answer to one chosen question. The preparatory work must meet six main objectives as the coursework. The exam is spread over ten hours, usually on two or three sessions/days in May. The preparation and the ten hour examination are marked as a whole. Although skill is rewarded and some pupils have more natural talent than others in Art, there is still room to enjoy and be creative in Art whatever the level of ability and get good results as well. Reference book: Story of Art by E.H. Gombrich Useful websites: Workshops in local galleries: - National Portrait Gallery - Wallace Collection - V & A Museum 6 / 23

7 SCIENCES IN THE BRITISH SECTION All students in 3GCSE begin a 2 year course in the three separate sciences leading to the International GCSE (IGCSE) qualifications in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The separate IGCSE science subjects are designed to have depth and breadth of material, and will provide a challenge for our students. It will give them an excellent foundation for progress to AS and A2 in the sciences, and is a valued and respected qualification by universities worldwide. All 3GCSE pupils will take the three separate sciences, and the large majority continue all three in 2GCSE. Two sciences are normally continued in 2GCSE. Full details of the specifications can be found on the Edexcel website. 7 / 23

8 Exam codes and exam papers: BIOLOGY IGCSE (Edexcel 4BI0) Paper 1 4BI0/01 untiered 2hrs 66.6% of total Paper2 4BI0/02 untiered 1 hr 33.4% of total Percentage in examination : 100% The Biology IGCSE is designed to have depth and breadth of material, and include aspects of science appropriate for the 21 st century, providing a challenge for our students. It will give them an excellent foundation for progress to AS and A2 in this subject, and is a valued and respected qualification by universities worldwide. The course has a straightforward linear, single tier assessment, and the assessment of investigate skills is done through the examinations. There are two externally assessed examinations, taken at the end of the two year course. The Biology IGCSE enables students to: acquire knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles develop an appreciation of the significance of biological facts, concepts and principles and the skills needed for their use in new and changing situations appreciate the importance of accurate experimental work to scientific method and reporting form hypotheses and design experiments to test them sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the study of living organisms evaluate, in terms of their biological knowledge and understanding, the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments, including those related to social, environmental and economic issues. All 3GCSE students will take Biology IGCSE, and the majority continue it in 2GCSE. A minimum of two sciences must be continued in 2GCSE. Full details of the specifications can be found on the Edexcel website ( 8 / 23

9 Exam codes and exam papers: CHEMISTRY IGCSE (Edexcel 4CHO) Paper 1 4CH0/1 untiered 2hrs 66.6% of total Paper2 4CH0/2 untiered 1 hr 33.4% of total Percentage in examination: 100% This specification enables students to: - Learn about the unifying patterns and themes of Chemistry. - Appreciate the practical nature of Chemistry, acquire experimental and investigative. - Form hypotheses and design experiments. - Develop a logical approach to problem solving. - Understand the widespread importance of Chemistry and the ways materials are used in the world. - Appreciate how the work of the Chemist has social, industrial, technological, environmental and economic consequences for the community. - Prepare for more advanced courses in Chemistry and for courses which require them to have knowledge of Chemistry. The IGCSE in Chemistry comprises TWO externally assessed papers at the end of the class of Seconde. There is no coursework in this specification. Chemistry is essential and compulsory if students want to undertake Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary studies. 9 / 23

10 ENGLISH AT GCSE LEVEL - What is 'English'? 'English' is a compulsory subject at GCSE. 'English' at GCSE in the British Section consists of two examinations English and English Literature. Therefore you will finish 2 e GCSE with two separate qualifications and you will receive a grade for each exam. The examination board is OCR and the syllabus, or specification as it is now called, is J355 for English Language and J360 for English Literature; is the web site. - What is the course like? The GCSE course is studied over both 3 e GCSE and 2 e GCSE years (years 10 and 11) starting on the first day of 3eme to the start of the GCSE exams in May in the 2nd year. All work you do in these two years can 'count' towards your final grade at GCSE in terms of controlled tests and exams. In both English Language and Literature there will be a number of Controlled Tasks and Exams. What does the course consist of? English Language Unit A651 Extended Literary Text and Imaginative Writing Controlled assessment - 30% of GCSE English Language. Section A: Extended Literary Text Response to one text (prose, drama, poetry or literary non-fiction). Section B: Imaginative Writing Two linked continuous writing responses from a choice of Personal and Imaginative Writing and Prose Fiction. Unit A652 Controlled assessment - Section A: Speaking and Listening this will not form part of a GCSE grade but will be awarded as a separate speaking level from 1 (lowest) 9 (highest) Three activities: a drama-focussed activity. a group activity. an individual extended contribution. One of the three activities must be a real-life context in and beyond the class room. Section B: Spoken Language 10% One activity (written assessment). Either response to studying use of Spoken Language of a Public Figure, the study of Language, Media and Technology or Language and Society. 10 / 23

11 Unit A653 Information and Ideas Written exam. 60% of GCSE English Language. Section A: Non-Fiction and Media Responses to unseen authentic passages. Section B: Writing Information and Ideas One continuous writing response: candidates choose one task from a choice of two tasks. English Literature Unit A661 Literary Heritage Texts Controlled assessment - 25% of the qualification. Shakespeare and Film/Audio/Live performance (10%) Candidates respond to one task on one of the set plays and a film, audio version or live performance of the same play. Poetry (15%) Candidates respond to one task on one of the set poets. Unit A662 Modern Drama Written Paper Examination 45 mins 25% of the qualification. Candidates respond to one question on one of the set texts. Unit A663 Prose from Different Cultures Examination 45 mins 25% of the qualification. Candidates write respond to an essay type question on a set text. Unit A664 Literary Heritage Prose and Contemporary poetry Written Paper Examination 1 hour and 30 minutes 25% of the qualification. 11 / 23

12 AS FRENCH (2GCSE only) AQA 2650 Exam board: AQA Exam Code: 2650 Exam codes and exam papers: Unit 3 French 1 Listening Reading and Writing (AS) Unit 4 Speaking Test (AS) Unit 3 French 3 Listening Reading and Writing (A2) Unit 4 FRE4T/V Speaking test (A2) Percentage in examinations: 100% Percentage in controlled assessment: N/A Topics taught: AS Les médias, la culture populaire, une vie saine, la famille et les relations personnelles. A2 Environment, the multicultural society, contemporary social issues. + choice of 2 cultural topics amongst a target language speaking region/community. A period in the 20 th Century, an author, a dramatist, or poet, a director, architect, musician or painter. Skills taught: Communication, information technology; working with others, improving own learning and performance, problem solving. European dimension Environmental Education Avoidance of Bias. Textbook: AQA French AS: Student s Book. Nelson Hornes. Les dossiers de l actualité Phosphore, ça m intéresse. Harrop s English/French dictionary. Useful websites: / 23

13 GEOGRAPHY AT GCSE LEVEL (AQA A 4032) Exam Paper codes: 40301H, 40302H, Examination: 75% Controlled Assessment: 25% In the British Section Geography is taught as a separate subject in its own right. We follow the AQA Specification which covers physical geography in the first year of the GCSE. Students will study the natural world including ecosystems, earthquakes, volcanoes, rivers and coastal areas and investigate how they affect us and how we try and manage the hazards they create. In the second year we concentrate on human geography looking at population change, urban environments and tourism. During the two years, students will learn through a variety of media including films, the Internet and fieldwork visits whenever possible. Students will develop practical geographical skills such as using different types of maps, constructing and interpreting graphs, using and extracting information from a range of sources including written articles and photographs (aerial and satellite) from newspapers and magazines. There will also be opportunities to develop and use ICT skills. During the second year the students will complete a Controlled Assessment worth 25% of the GCSE qualification based on their own fieldwork investigation and written up under controlled conditions in school as a 2000 word project. At the end of the two years they are assessed in two exams, one physical geography and one human geography, which are worth 37.5% each. Students are encouraged to watch news programmes and documentaries about the natural world, to visit museums and travel as much as possible and sometimes to present their own photographs from personal holidays to their classmates to encourage them to develop their interest in the world in all its aspects. Geography provides an ideal foundation for a range of A Level subjects, both scientific and humanities. Textbook: AQA A GCSE Geography by Judith Canavan, Alison Rae and Simon Ross published by Nelson Thornes. They are also given the opportunity to subscribe to an excellent magazine called Wide World. 13 / 23

14 GERMAN AT GCSE LEVEL (Edexcel 2GN01) 5GN02, 5GN03H, 5GN04 Exam codes and exam papers: Unit 1: Listening and Understanding 5GN01 (20% of total GCSE) Unit 2: Speaking in German 5GN02 (30% of total GCSE) Unit 3: Reading and Understanding 5GN03 (20% of total GCSE) Unit 4: Writing 5GN04 (30% of total GCSE) Percentage in examinations: 40% Percentage in controlled assessment: 60% Topics taught: Media and culture, sport and leisure, travel and tourism, work and employment. Skills taught: - Develop the ability to listen to and understand spoken German in a range of contexts and a variety of styles. - Communicate in speech for a variety of purposes. - Read and respond to different types of written language. - Communicate in writing for a variety of purposes. - Understand and apply a range of vocabulary and structures. - Develop language learning. Textbook: Edexcel GCSE German Higher. Useful websites: Other information: Dictionaries can be used in written controlled assessments. 14 / 23

15 HISTORY AT IGCSE LEVEL (3GCSE) (Edexcel 4HIO) Exam codes and exam papers: 4HI0/01 (Options 5 and 8, 4HI0/02 (Options A5 and B2) Percentage in examinations: 100% across two 90 minute exams In 3GCSE students are prepared for Paper 1: Option 5 Development of Dictatorship Germany Option 8 Superpower Relations In the second year students will be prepared for Paper 2: A5 - Nationalist Challenge in India B2 Medicine Focus of History Teaching: Teaching relies on discussion and evaluation. Documentaries and film footage are used to embed and embellish knowledge whilst lessons seek to develop students writing and argumentation skills. Students will gain a broad overview of the twentieth century and, crucially be able to recognise both trends and factors affecting the whole globe. Students will soon grasp ideas like Communism, Nazism and Imperialism; they will further explore developments like Post-Colonialism and regime change. Students will gain an invaluable overview of international social and political dynamics. They will be considerably better informed for having studied this course and better able to understand the world around them, if not current affairs. This subject sharpens a useful range of skills which are not only useful in Higher Education but are highly prized by employers. Required Textbooks: Waugh, Steve Waugh & John Wright Germany (GCSE Modern World History for Edexcel) Waugh, Steve Waugh & John Wright Peace and War: Internaitonal Relations GCSE Modern World History for Edexcel) Robert Carr British India (E book through Waterstones and Amazon) Useful websites: BBC GCSE Bitesize (Modern World History select topics) Spartacus Schoolnet (History) Johndclare.net Stuff You Missed in History Class Podcast Other information: Involves trip to Swaminarayan Mandir and or the Imperial War Museum 15 / 23

16 HISTORY AT GCSE LEVEL (2GCSE) (Edexcel 2HA01) - Modern World History During the two years of GCSE History students will follow a very exciting modern history programme. Our learning begins after the turn of the 20 th Century while Britain is still very much a nation of Victorian values and ideals. And conclude our studies in 1991, by which time many empires and regimes have fallen to the wayside notably Hitler in Germany, Britain in India and the USSR in Europe. Be prepared for discussion around the dinner table! Exam codes and exam papers: 5HA01 (Options 4, 5, 6), 5HA02 (Option 2A), 5HA03 (Option 3A), 5HA04 (CA7) Percentage in examinations: 75% (Paper 1,2 and 3 all worth 25% of final grade and all taken in June last year of GCSE 2 GCSE) Percentage in controlled assessment: 25% (CA7) In 2GCSE they then prepare for their last examination and their controlled assessment, 1(4,5,6) Superpower Relations CA7 Indian Independence Focus of History Teaching: The study of History teaches students both an understanding of our past and an awareness of historiography. This second focus of learning is a new set of skills for students in the British Section. They will be taught and carefully guided through exam expectations of these new skills, using direct feedback from the Principal Examiners at Edexcel. An awareness of historical sources and the ability to discuss them using strong communication will place them in good stead for other subjects and make for more purposeful learning. The learning of History ensures individuals better understand the world around them and can make sense of current affairs. The subject promotes evaluation, analysis, interpretation, organised writing skills and a keen sense of understanding. Required Textbooks: 1. Waugh, Steve Waugh & John Wright War and the Transformation of British Society (GCSE Modern World History for Edexcel) 2. Waugh, Steve Waugh & John Wright Germany (GCSE Modern World History for Edexcel) 3. Waugh, Steve Waugh & John Wright Peace & War: International Relations (GCSE Modern World History for Edexcel) Suggested: Rob Bicher Revise Edexcel: GCSE History A The Making of the Modern World Revision Guide Ben Walsh Edexcel GCSE: Modern World History (History in Focus) Robert Carr British India (E-book through Waterstones & Amazon) Useful websites: BBC GCSE Bitesize (Modern World History select topics) Spartacus Schoolnet (History) Johndclare.net Stuff You Missed in History Class Podcast Other information: The course involves a trip to Swaminarayan Mandir 16 / 23

17 ITALIAN AT IGCSE LEVEL (CIE 0535) Exam papers: Paper 1: Listening 25% Paper 2: Reading and directed writing 25% Paper 3: Speaking 25% Paper 4: Continuous writing 25% Percentage in examinations: 100% Topics taught: -Everyday activities -Personal and social life -The world around us - The world of work - The international world Skills taught: - Understanding of spoken and written Italian. - Ability to communicate effectively. - Knowledge of grammar and how to apply it. - Develop some knowledge of, and feel for Italy through relevant articles, documentaries, films, and visiting the country. This course provides a suitable foundation for further study at AS and A2. Text book: Amici 3 rd year. Material: Various handouts are distributed during the year. Useful websites: / 23

18 LATIN AT GCSE LEVEL (OCR J281) Exam Paper Codes:A401HP/02, A402H/02, A403H/02, A404H/02 This course gives students the opportunity to study the language and literature of ancient Rome; it will help develop analytical skills and intellectual flexibility. 3 e GCSE The number of students allows this year the creation of an independent Latin class in 3eGCSE. We are therefore working on the part of the British syllabus the pupils are not familiar with: students' comprehension of and ability to translate a previously unseen Latin story as required for Language 1 and Language 2 units. This implies a more active knowledge of grammar and vocabulary that will in turn enable them to approach more easily the preparation of the Prose and Verse set papers. 2 e GCSE Given the small numbers of students wishing to continue this subject in 2eGCSE, the arrangements for this are reviewed each year. We study set texts and concentrate on translation. The exam is taken at the Higher Tier level with the OCR board. There are four papers: 1942/1 Paper 1: Language 1-1 hour 15 mn This paper consists of a linked set of Latin Passages for translation and comprehension. 1942/2 Paper 2: Verse Literature - 1 hour 15 mn There is a choice between two verse texts. This paper consists of two passages of Latin and you will answer comprehension, evaluation and translation questions. 1942/3 Paper 3: Language 2 hours 45 mn Translation from Latin into English. 1942/4 Paper 4: Prose Literature - 45 mn You will have a choice between two prose texts. This paper consists of two passages of Latin taken from the set texts and you will answer comprehension and evaluation questions. Latin is offered as an extra subject in addition to the other / 23

19 Exam codes and exam papers: 1MA0-1H (Non-calculator) 1MA0-2H (Calculator) Percentage in examinations: 100% Percentage in controlled assessment: 0% Topics taught: The course covers 6 areas of study. MATHEMATICS AT GCSE LEVEL (Edexcel 1MOA) Linear Specification A (A) Number (B) Algebra (C) Geometry (D) Measures (E) Statistics (F) Probability Skills taught: Numeracy, solving equations, logic, problem solving. Textbook: GCSE Mathematics Edexcel 2010: Spec A Higher Student Book - GCSE Maths Edexcel 2010 Useful websites: Other information: In Year 1, students are taught in 3 mixed ability groups of approximately 20 pupils. In Year 2, students are streamed according to ability and attainment. There is a 'fast' stream of approximately 25 pupils and two parallel slower streams of approximately students each. Exams are available at Higher Tier for nearly all of our students (and the grades awarded are A* - D). All students are taught the material to A* level throughout the course. The course aims to provide the skills and knowledge required to achieve the highest possible GCSE grade for each individual student, while also laying firm foundations for those likely to study Maths at AS or A2 level. We take pride in developing an in-depth knowledge of each student s strengths and weaknesses in order to guide them towards achieving their full potential. Approximately three-quarters (or more) achieve A or A* at GCSE and a similar proportion opts to continue to study Maths or Further Maths at higher level clear evidence that the course is enjoyable and that we are successful in achieving our aims. 19 / 23

20 Exam codes and exam papers: PHYSICS AT IGCSE LEVEL (EDEXCEL 4PH0) Paper 1 4PH0/1P untiered 2hrs 66.6% of total Paper2 4PH0/2P untiered 1 hr 33.4% of total Percentage in examination 100% Topics taught: - Forces and motion. - Electricity. - Waves. - Energy resources and energy transfer. - Solids, liquids and gases. - Magnetism and electromagnetism. - Radioactivity and particles. Skills taught: - Application of scientific knowledge to new and changing situations. - Develop experimental and mathematical skills. Textbook: Edexcel IGCSE Physics Student Book by B. Arnold, S Woolley and P. Johnson. 20 / 23

21 RUSSIAN AT GCSE LEVEL (Edexcel 2RU01) Exam Paper codes: 5RU01, 5RU02, 5RU03, 5RU04 The GCSE specification combines an emphasis on communication skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) with reward for a practical knowledge and understanding of language structures and grammar. The syllabus covers 5 topic areas such as: - At home and abroad. - Education, training and employment. - House, home and daily routine. - Media entertainment and youth culture. - Social activities, fitness and health. The aims of this GCSE specification are to: - Develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of the language in a range of contexts. - Develop the ability to communicate effectively in the language, through both the spoken and written work, using a range of vocabulary and structures. - Develop knowledge and understanding of the grammar of the language, and the ability to apply it. - Develop knowledge and understanding of the country and communities where the language is spoken. - Provide a suitable foundation for further study and/or practical use of the language. Mocks in February. The examination is divided into 4 papers: - Paper 1 Listening (50 mn) - Paper 2 Speaking (8-12 mn) - Paper 3 Reading (55 mn) - Paper 4 Writing (1h15 mn) Each paper is equally weighted and provides a maximum of 25% of the marks. There is a single tier of entry for this specification. All papers have been designed to reward performances from grades G to A*. - Dictionaries may be used in the writing examination. - There is now greater emphasis on the accurate use of grammar. - There are no role-plays for the oral. - Paper 2 Speaking): conversation on 3 (out of 5) topic areas. Candidates have a free choice of first conversation topic. 21 / 23

22 SPANISH AT IGCSE LEVEL (CIE 0678) Objectives: - To enable the students to develop understanding of the spoken and written language. - To reinforce and enrich the knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and structures. - To develop knowledge and understanding in a variety of relevant context which reflect their previous learning and maturity. The IGCSE examination consists of four papers: - Paper 1: Listening - Paper 2: Reading and directed writing - Paper 3: Speaking - Paper 4: Continuous Writing Topic areas: - Everyday activities - Personal and social life - The world around us - The world of work - The international world Aims: - To prepare the students for the IGCSE exam. - To give students enough confidence to be able to use the grammar structures and the oral skill in the country where the language is spoken. Assessments: - Understand and respond to spoken language (Listening). - Communicate in speech showing knowledge of grammatical structures and extend range of vocabulary (Oral). - Understand and respond to written language (Reading and Comprehension). - Communicate in writing (Essay writing). Textbook: Cambridge IGCSE Spanish Hodder Education / ISBN: / 23