Pupils then select a further three subjects from the following option

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1 M4 Curriculum Options

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3 epsom college M4 Curriculum Options CURRICULUM CHOICES FOR PUPILS JOINING MIDDLE FOURTH (YEAR 9) All pupils are required to study at least one modern foreign language as a compulsory part of their GCSE curriculum at Epsom College. Some of our pupils choose to continue studying two modern foreign languages or one modern foreign language and Latin through to GCSE, whilst a smaller number with the strongest interest and ability in languages can study two modern foreign languages and Latin through utilising more of their option choices. At GCSE, pupils study a core group of compulsory subjects: Mathematics English Language English Literature Biology Chemistry Physics One Modern Foreign Language (chosen from French, German, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese) Pupils then select a further three subjects from the following option list to take GCSE: Art Classical Civilisation Computer Science Design & Technology Drama French Geography German History Latin Mandarin Chinese Music Photography Physical Education Religious Studies Spanish 3 w w w. e p s o m c o l l e g e. o r g. u k

4 M4 Curriculum Options The M4 curriculum at Epsom College aims to prepare the pupils for the GCSE choices they will need to make later in the year, whilst also providing the flexibility for pupils to have a greater number of lessons in subjects that they may wish to continue with. There are, therefore, some options within the M4 curriculum. Option 1: Which MFL? Every pupil must study at least one Modern Foreign Language in M4 and it is requested that pupils give a preference of which language they would like to study and an indication of their experience of learning that language. Option 2: A second MFL/Latin/CC or additional Creative Arts? The second option in M4 is whether to choose a second language or additional creative arts. One option is to choose a second Modern Foreign Language, Latin or Classical Civilisation. It is possible to study German, Mandarin, Spanish and Latin at beginner level. An advanced languages option allows French, Spanish and Latin to be studied for those pupils already proficient in all three languages. Alternatively, pupils with interest in creative subjects can take additional lessons in two practical and creative subjects (Art, Design Technology or Music) in lieu of the second language. These lessons are in addition to a core programme in these subjects which all pupils study. For some international students, for whom English is not their first language and who would benefit from further support in this area, English as an Additional Language is provided and can be combined with either a modern foreign language, Latin or additional lessons in the creative and practical subjects as their second choice. In summary, the following curriculum combinations in M4 (Year 9) are available: Two Modern Foreign Languages One Modern Foreign Language and Classical Civilisation or Latin Two Modern Foreign Languages and Latin (This option is only available to those who are proficient in French & Latin) One Modern Foreign Language and additional lessons in two of Art, DT or Music English as an Additional Language plus a Modern Foreign Language or Latin English as an Additional Language plus additional lessons in two subjects out of Art, DT or Music Once you have read through the choices in this booklet please complete the The M4 Curriculum Choices Form and return it to Nicola Elliott at n.elliott@epsomcollege.org.uk. If your son or daughter has advanced language skills, or would like to take an exam in a language that they are proficient in, then please also complete and return the Supplementary Language Form and return it to Nicola Elliott at n.elliott@epsomcollege.org.uk 4

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7 modern language choices The M4 curriculum is designed to broaden and inform the GCSE language choices that the pupils will need to make in the following year by providing each pupil with the opportunity to study two modern languages, in order to have a better choice regarding which one or two to take forward to GCSE. Pupils should select their first choice modern language as option 1 and then list their choices of their second language in order of preference. No previous experience of the second language is required apart from French, so if your child has not studied French before, he/she will need to choose two other languages. Languages are taught at Epsom with a clear view to future relevance and use assessed in a wide range of qualifications from IGCSE, CEFR B1, A-Level and CEFR B2/C1. French tends to be the most widely taught Modern Language prior to year 9, and is predicted to have 225 million speakers by German is the language with most speakers within Europe; Due to the economic and technological appeal, demand for German speaking skills at graduate level has increased in UK universities by over 50% in recent years. Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world; only Mandarin, English and Hindi have more speakers. Mandarin was introduced into the College s curriculum 5 years ago and is offered to non-native speakers as a GCSE, Pre-U, and HSK level 4 qualification. If your child has already learned French, German, Spanish or Mandarin at school before joining Epsom College it would be usual for your child to continue with those languages. Please remember that choices will go through to GCSE, and a new modern language cannot be taken up in Year 10; since the French IGCSE course starts in Year 9, taking French up again after a hiatus of one year will prove difficult. Modern Languages provisions for pupils with advanced skills in Modern Foreign Languages Should any of the criteria below be applicable to your child we would be very grateful if you could fill in the supplementary language form (Form II) so that we have as much information as possible in order to provide him/her with the best possible arrangements for Modern Language learning at Epsom. 1. Your child (entering any year group) wishes to complete public exams in non-taught Modern Foreign Languages (e.g. Thai, Russian, Chinese). 2. Your child (entering any year group) has advanced skills in one or several taught Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Mandarin, Spanish) and might wish to take public examinations in them. Following an assessment in a range of criteria (including writing skills and grammatical knowledge of the language) the School will endeavour to provide teaching for her/him towards the qualification deemed achievable with a top grade within one year. Qualifications include CIE IGCSE French, German, Spanish, Edexcel IGCSE Mandarin, AS-A2 OCR in French and German AS A2 AQA Spanish, CIE Pre-U Mandarin, DELF-DALF, DELE, ZDF. Languages are one of the most highly valued skills in recruitment. Almost all pupils are beginners in the second language, but provision will be made for those who are considerably more advanced. If this is applicable to your child, please complete Form II. 7

8 epsom college M4 Curriculum Options Latin Some pupils will prefer to take one modern foreign language plus Latin as their second option. No previous knowledge of Latin is required. In M4 Latin, students consolidate the grammar and vocabulary studied for Common Entrance before developing further knowledge and understanding of the language and how it works. This is complemented by looking at how the Romans lived, the Roman rule of Britain and how the British reacted to being conquered. The study of Latin is open to all abilities - complete beginners, intermediate students and advanced and work will be differentiated accordingly within classes or sets. Beginners will start the language from scratch, learning key vocabulary and grammar and how the language pieces together in order to complete translations. The advanced linguists who choose to study Latin for one lesson a week will also consolidate the grammar and vocabulary studied for Common Entrance before expanding their understanding but with a more accelerated programme. Classical Civilisation The Classical Civilisation programme of study in M4 allows pupils to explore a range of fascinating myths from the Ancient World and gain an appreciation of what life was like in the Ancient Empires of Greece and Rome. Students will study the events of the Trojan War, considering how heroic the participants really were and what role women played, before reading about Odysseus journey home from the war, focusing on the adventures he faced, the leadership qualities he showed and the characters of the people and monsters he met. Later in the year, pupils will compare and contrast the foundation myths of Greece and Rome, and what like to live in each Empire. Two Modern Foreign Languages and Latin There will be the opportunity for students who are already at a good level in both French and Latin, to study both of those subjects in conjunction with a second modern language. English as an Additional Language In M4, the aim is to support the pupils in their knowledge and use of English. They concentrate on learning vocabulary and developing structures. Various sources are used for comprehension texts to help expose pupils to a wide range of topics and vocabulary. Pupils complete an extensive range of grammar exercises until they are confident with all aspects of tenses and sentence structure and can transfer their knowledge into their written work. Spelling tests are part of their prep. The classes are small and the students are encouraged to express themselves verbally and increase in confidence. The standard of written English of international students is assessed during the course of their application to Epsom College, and is based on written assessments taken during the year and in Common Entrance. The College then selects which pupils need to take English as an Additional Language on their arrival. 8

9 Additional Lessons in Art, Design & Technology or Music Art During the weekly set lesson, you will focus on establishing and developing a range of core skills, based around drawing, printmaking, painting and three-dimensional work. If you opt for additional Art lessons, you will extend these skills further, with the potential for real experimentation. Projects might include shadow puppetry, screen-printing, textiles, animation, mixed media and photography, as well as further opportunity to develop a more sophisticated understanding of a wider range of drawing and painting techniques. You will appreciate the enormous potential of this subject and master a far wider bank of techniques, materials and approaches, finding a creative direction that appeals to you. Introducing these techniques and materials will ensure that as you revisit them through the year you will be able to refine them further. You will be encouraged to see the value of this creative approach across the wider curriculum. The Art School is a lovely space that encourages creativity, it is light and airy, with some of the best views across the College, and pupils enjoy working here. The chance to spend more time here will encourage greater ambition and momentum will build as time in the Art School is sustained. Design and Technology All pupils in the M4 will have the pleasure of taking Design and Technology. Current projects include bird boxes made from pine using finger joints, post-modern inspired mp3 speaker docks utilising our 2D CAD software and the laser cutter, Art Nouveau inspired pewter casting and sports bottle logo design. The aim is to introduce key core skills for this level of study in wood, metal, plastics, electronics, compliant materials and advance them alongside fostering an enjoyment of learning through practical, hands-on, application of taught theory. The department is very well resourced and pupils will find that they are able to access a wide range of traditional process as well as up-to-date technologies. Opting to study additional Design and Technology will give pupils the opportunity to become better acquainted with the various materials, machines and techniques the department has to offer. Pupils will have more freedom over their designs and practical outcomes as well as learning how to use the more complex processes and equipment. Pupils will be able to develop their projects into more demanding outcomes, extending their knowledge and experience further. Pupils will develop their graphical and modelling communication skills, use of CAD to include 3D and, potentially, output to one of our 3D printers, implement smart technology within their projects and look to existing designers for inspiration. Pupils may also wish to undertake their own project work within activity time during the Michaelmas and Summer terms. Current projects include small dragster cars to be raced in the summer and an FM radio, which was the project selected by the pupils. 9 w w w. e p s o m c o l l e g e. o r g. u k

10 epsom college M4 Curriculum Options Music Those opting for an additional lesson in Music will follow a parallel, practical course designed to allow them to pursue individual creative interests and to discover and develop new skills. These will involve composition and performance skills, and may include elements of recording and music production, if required. It will be useful for those who are already learning a musical instrument but also valuable for those who have an interest in music which they have not yet fully pursued. Composition tasks will extend skills on Sibelius and Garageband, and other, network based, resources, whilst production skills could also involve Digital Performer and Logic software. Topics covered could include composing for film and TV images. Performance work will involve coaching and preparation for performance. Those with limited performance experience will be given the opportunity to start learning an instrument. The material covered will be tailored to individual needs within the group, so that everyone is working independently on their own projects. There will opportunities to showcase the work produced throughout the year. 10

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