GCSE Curriculum at Rydal Penrhos
GCSE glossary Begun 2015 - English Edexcel (new format) Modular/Linear England and English boards all linear (no modules) Wales and WJEC modular available Two tiers in some Foundation Higher Coursework Controlled assessment, supervised in class IGCSE International GCSE; linear and no coursework in most
GCSE grades Available Grades A* - G (Higher tier : A* - D Foundation Tier : C - G) For DT, and Science who are to remain with the Welsh Board 1-9 (For all revised GCSEs) Pass level C/4 IGCSE Maths (No information yet) Benchmark 5 GCSEs A* - C or 4-9 Sixth Form Subjects At least Grade B/6
Science at GCSE 10 modules available in total: Physics P1, P2, and P3; Biology B1, B2, and B3; Chemistry C1, C2, and C3. Practical Assessment Separate sciences (10 Units) Each is a separate, standalone qualification. Physics = P1 + P2 + P3 Biology = B1 + B2 + B3 Chemistry = C1 + C2 + C3 + Practical Examination = 10% Double Award (7 Units) Physics = P1 + P2 Biology = B1 + B2 Chemistry = C 1 + C2 + Practical Assessment = 10% Single award = Unit 1 Double = Unit 1+Unit 2 Separate Science = Ph+Bio+C P1 P2 P3 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3
Learning Support Exam Access Arrangements Extra time Readers Scribes Computers Educational Psychologist s Report Option choices (recommendation Head of Learning Support) Small group support, sometimes instead of MFL 1:1 by arrangement
RPS Curriculum English Language Mathematics Religious Studies Science (Core) Additional Science Science (Triple) Option x French/German/LS/EFL Option y Humanity/Creative/Practical Option z Humanity/Creative/Practical Latin / Welsh / Art / other
RPS Curriculum RPS core curriculum delivers 8 GCSEs RPS extended curriculum delivers up to 11 GCSEs This would include English Literature, Triple Award Science and Latin/Welsh (extracurricular) Top universities want 7 A/A* GCSEs
Option subjects Art Business Studies Design Technology Drama English as a Foreign Language (EFL) French Geography (IGCSE) German History (IGCSE) Home Economics (food and nutrition) Latin* Learning Support (LS) Music PE Welsh*
Option blocks x y z English as a Foreign Language (EFL) French German Business Food Preparation and Nutrition Geography Art Business Design Technology Learning Support (LS) History Music Physical Education Drama Music Physical Education
Making Options Choices A balance of subjects is recommended Look at how the subjects are examined: exam or coursework? How do my choices fit within the blocks rydalpenrhos.com/academic/senior_school_curriculum
Timeline March 1. Options presentation to pupils 2. Options presentation to parents 3. Parents Evening discussions 4. Pupil discussion with parents March 1. Individual interviews with Head of Middle school and Headmaster 2. Choices form signed and returned by Friday 31 March April onwards Late submission choices or changes of heart will be limited by set size restrictions
A-levels Changes to qualifications in England and Wales New courses at both GCSE and A Level are being introduced between September 2015 and September 2017. Transition phase - introduction of these new courses is being staggered in three stages from September 2015 to September 2017. During the transition phase, pupils will probably be taking a mixture of new and old courses. Present Year 9 Pupils will miss the transition phase and all new A Levels will have begun by September 2018
How will the new A-level system be different from the present one? The new A-levels will be fully linear, with all A-level examinations being sat at the end of two years of study in May-June of the Upper Sixth. Physics and Chemistry may stay with the Welsh pattern next year which is still modular. The AS qualification will still exist but it will no longer count towards the final grade of an A-level and will instead be a separate qualification in its own right. There will be less coursework, with the amount of coursework for English and History reduced to 20% for A-level and coursework removed from AS levels entirely with the exception of Art & Design. More extended writing and more Maths in other subjects where appropriate No change in the grades A* to E
GCSEOptions at Rydal Penrhos