GCSE Course Handbook 2013-2014
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ART AND DESIGN BIOLOGY BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (BCS) BUSINESS STUDIES CHEMISTRY CORE SCIENCE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE GEOGRAPHY HISTORY INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) MATHEMATICS MUSIC PHYSICS SPANISH
INTRODUCTION The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the standard examination taken by all British school students at the end of Year 11 (typically aged 16). Students generally take between five and ten subjects at this level; 5 grades A-C at GCSE including English Language and Mathematics are the minimum entry requirement for British universities. GCSEs are examined by a mixture of written papers, coursework assignments and, where appropriate, practical assessments. GCSEs are graded on a scale from A* (best) to G (lowest), plus an ungraded U. Grades A*, A, B and C are considered to be pass grades for University entry purposes. Students in British schools take standard GCSE examinations in which coursework assignments are a compulsory component. Students outside Britain normally take the international version, the IGCSE, which is now set by two examination boards, Cambridge (UCLES/CIE) and Edexcel. Coursework is always optional in IGCSE courses. Padworth offers a mixture of IGCSE and home-based GCSE courses, as indicated under each individual subject in this prospectus. The range of IGCSE/GCSE courses on offer is constantly under review, and new subjects are offered from time to time. Equally, it cannot be guaranteed that all the subjects listed in this prospectus will run in any particular year, as this depends upon the number of students who wish to take them.
GCSE ART AND DESIGN Exam Board: AQA 4536/1 (Full Course) and 4479/5 (Short Course) GCSE Art and Design is a two year practical course focusing on developing drawing, painting and design skills. A one year practical short course is available for students new to the College. Students will learn to draw and paint from observation and experiment with a range of media. Students will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and to produce a body of work on set and chosen themes. Students will also analyse work by other artists to help inform their own ideas. Coursework - a minimum of 2 projects (minimum of one project for the short course) based on topics from different areas of study (Graphic Design, Fine Art and Textiles) such as a - 3D project based on natural forms, e.g. plants or shells - Batik project based on the theme of the sea or landscape - Poster design project based on the theme of African or Chinese Art and produced using computer aided design. Exam Unit 2 nd year The students from early February, work on specific preparation for their examination unit. Preparation includes recording of ideas, analysing other artists and developing own ideas to create a final piece. Exam - 10 hour practical exam in which students create their final piece. Entry requirements Whilst an aptitude for art and design is desirable, no previous experience in art and design is necessary to embark on this course. For more information on this course, please go to www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE BIOLOGY Exam Board: AQA 4401 Biology is a practical subject and practical skills will be developed through the course and will be assessed by an investigative skills assessment and a practical skills assessment during lesson time. Topics include: Diet and exercise; defence against disease; nerves and hormones; control in plants; use and abuse of drugs; adaptations; environmental change; biomass; decay; carbon cycle; genetic variation; reproduction; evolution. Cells and cell structure; dissolved substances; animal organs; plant organs; photosynthesis; distribution of organisms; proteins and enzymes; aerobic and anaerobic respiration; cell division and inheritance; variation; genetic disorders; speciation. Movement of molecules in and out of cells; gaseous exchange; exchange in plants; the blood system; transport in plants; homeostasis; humans and the environment; waste; deforestation; biofuels; food production. This consists of four units all worth 25% of the total mark. Units 1-3 are assessed by external exams at the end of the academic year. Unit 4 is a practically based centreassessed unit. Written papers are 1 hour. Units 1-3 can be taken at Foundation or Higher level. Entry requirements Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Science and Mathematics in Year 10 or the equivalent. For more information on this course, please go to www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (BCS) Exam Board: AQA 4134 The course is designed for candidates to understand the importance of business and communication systems which contribute to the success of a business achieving its objectives. It supports candidates to explore a range of software applications used to support each function of a business. It helps candidates to understand how a business can use software to capture, store, retrieve and analyse data so as to meet its requirements. There are three assessments in this course. Written Examination this is a one hour external examination for 60 marks, which comprises 40% of the total GCSE mark (Unit 8 ICT Systems in Business 413008). There is a mixture of short and long answer questions. Practical Examination this is an externally assessed examination for 60 marks, which comprises 35% of the total GCSE mark (Unit 9 - Using ICT in Business 413009). The examination comprises a series of practical activities carried out on a computer. Controlled this is an assessment conducted with-in school which is externally assessed. It is out of 40 marks and this comprises 25% of the total GCSE mark (Unit 10 Investigating ICT in Business 413010). The assessment takes place within class over 12 hours. Entry Requirements Students should be confident in their use of English. This is a one year IGCSE course which students may take in either Year 10 or Year 11, depending on their overall course of study.. For more information on this course, please go to www.aqa.org.uk
IGCSE BUSINESS STUDIES Exam Board: Edexcel 4BSO Business Studies concerns the business aspects of organisations within their economic, political and social contexts. It involves the investigation of how enterprise adds value by organising the production of goods and services. The performance of business is studied from a range of perspectives. Using case studies, Business Studies ensures that candidates have knowledge, understanding and experience of the real world of business organisations. The following are studied: Production Marketing Accounting and Finance Human Resources Business Activity and the Changing Environment There is a two hour externally assessed examination. Entry Requirements Students should be confident in their use of English. No previous study is required for this course. This is a one year IGCSE course which students may take in their last year of GCSE studies. For more information on this course, please go to www.edexcel.org.uk
GCSE CHEMISTRY Exam Board: AQA 4421 Chemistry is the science which looks at matter and the way it behaves. The world of Chemistry is intriguing and absorbing and full of possibilities. The course explores the behaviour of atoms and molecules and how this behaviour affects and influences the world around us. Topics include: Atoms, the periodic table, chemical reactions, limestone, metals and their uses, extracting metals, alloys, crude oil and substances that can be made from it, plant oils, the earth s crust and the earth s atmosphere. Structure and bonding, molecules, ionic compounds, covalent structures, metallic structures, polymers, nanoscience, analysing substances and quantitative chemistry, rates of reaction, energy transfer in reactions, electrolysis, acids and bases. The periodic table, water, calculating and explaining energy change, further analysis and quantitative chemistry, ammonia production, alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters. There are three one hour papers sat at the end of the academic year. Each paper is of one hour duration and comprises structured and closed questions, assessing the quality of written communication in a science context. Each paper is 25% of the total qualification. Paper 4 is a Controlled assessment. This comprises two written papers plus practical work and data processing with at least 1 question assessing the quality of written communication in a science context. This paper is 25% of the total qualification. Entry requirements Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Science and Mathematics in Year 10 or the equivalent. For more information on this course, please go to www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE CORE SCIENCE Exam Board: AQA Specification 4405 Science A Route 1 or 4406 Science A Route 2 This is the first part of the suite of GCSE Science subjects. It is compulsory for all Year 10 students and is the preferred prerequisite for students intending to study separate science GCSE s. Students entering into Year 11 may do this as a full year course and is especially suitable for international students who are new to the UK system. Science GCSE Science A covers the content that enables centres to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum at KS4. In GCSE Science A, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are be taught separately by subject specialists, since the content is not integrated but is presented in discrete units. The foundations in all three sciences are covered but this is not enough to allow progress to A Level without further study. Topics covered include: Keeping healthy, nerves and hormones, the use and abuse of drugs, independence and adaption, energy and biomass in food chains, waste materials from plants and animals, genetic control and its variation, and evolution. The fundamental ideas in chemistry, limestone and building materials, metals and their uses, crude oil and fuels, useful substances from crude oil, oil from plants, changes in the earth and its atmosphere. Energy transfer, energy and efficiency, electrical appliances, methods of generating electricity, the use of waves for communication and to provide evidence that the universe is expanding. This is through a mixture of externally assessed papers and an internally assessed Controlled. Two written papers, containing some Biology, Chemistry and Physics, are sat at the end of the academic year. Each paper is one hour and 30 minutes long and each comprises 35% of the final mark. Each paper has structured and closed questions, with at least 1 question assessing the quality of written communication in a science context. There is a Controlled which comprises two written papers plus practical work and data processing, with at least 1 question assessing the quality of written communication in a science context. 25% of the total qualification. Entry requirements Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Science and Mathematics to the equivalent of Year 10 level. For more information on this course, please go to www.aqa.org.uk
IGCSE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) Exam Board: EDEXCEL 4357 IGCSE in English as a Second Language is designed primarily as a qualification either for candidates obtaining their secondary education through English as a medium of instruction, or studying English in order to enhance their future educational or employment prospects. Candidates will be expected to communicate formally and informally in a range of contexts, but will be expected to understand a wider range of texts, styles and registers than they can produce. The aims of the course are for candidates to - understand a wide variety of complex reading texts, recognising implicit meaning and adapting own style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes - understand standard spoken language normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational contexts - write clear, well-structured texts using an appropriate style - express themselves fluently and spontaneously - develop the skills necessary for further study or employment either in English speaking countries or where English is used as the main medium of communication develop an understanding of different cultural contexts. Reading, writing and listening skills are tested through two examination papers in May - Paper 1 (2 hours) Reading and Writing - Paper 2 (45 minutes) Listening.Entry requirements A pre-intermediate level of English. Non-native speakers who are following GCSE courses in other subjects will take IGCSE English as a Second Language For more information on this course, please go to www.edexcel.org.uk
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE Exam Board: Edexcel 4360 and 4355 Part A. Literature: The specification gives students the opportunity to: - engage with and develop a critical appreciation of the writer s craft through close textual study - through wide reading explore through literature the cultures of their own and other societies - find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies - explore literature as a means of emotional and intellectual growth. Students need to demonstrate - a close knowledge of texts and the contexts in which they were written - understanding and appreciation of the craft of the writer - a focused, sensitive, lively and informed personal response. Part B. Language This study is based on an anthology of fiction and non-fiction texts which have been carefully chosen to extend the range of reading. Through studying these texts, students will learn about the conventions of different forms and styles of writing and can use these as models for their own writing. This approach has the added benefit of helping students to prepare for their final exams as they are assessed on both the anthology pieces they have studied, and their responses to unprepared reading materials. Part A. Literature. Paper 1: Drama and Prose (1 hour 30 minutes) This paper is taken by all candidates. It is divided into two sections: Drama and Prose. Students must answer one question from each section. Paper 2: Poetry from the Anthology (45 minutes) There will be two questions on the paper. Students must answer one question. OR Paper 3: Poetry coursework (School based assessment) Students will be required to submit one unit of coursework based on the poems in the anthology. Part B Language Students can be entered for either coursework or for the exam alternative. Those choosing the coursework option are additionally required to submit two assessments to demonstrate their competence at speaking and listening and are assessed by the teacher. Entry requirements A good command of the English Language is necessary but no previous study of English literature is required to undertake this course. For more information on this course, please go to www.edexcel.org.uk
IGCSE GEOGRAPHY Exam Board: Edexcel 4370 Geographical skills, including map work, graphs and other data presentation methods, are covered in the first term. This provides an essential basis for the rest of the course. We then move on to study three major themes: 1. The natural environment and people - completing two of the three topics - River environments - Coastal environments - Hazardous environments 2. People and their environments - completing two of the three topics - Economic activity and energy - Ecosystems and rural environments - Urban environments 3. Global issues - completing one of the three topics - Fragile environments - Globalisation and migration - Development and human welfare The assessment of this qualification is through a 2-hour 45-minute examination paper. The total number of marks available is 150. The paper will contain a variety of question types such as multiple-choice questions, short and extended answer questions, graphical and data questions and fieldwork questions. Entry Requirements A good command of the English Language is necessary but no previous study of Geography is required to undertake this course. For more information on this course, please go to www.edexcel.org.uk
IGCSE HISTORY Exam Board: Edexcel 4H10 This course is delivered intensively in one academic year. IGCSE History requires students to: acquire knowledge and understanding of selected periods and aspects of history, explore the significance of historical events, people, changes and issues; use historical sources critically, in context, recording significant information and reaching conclusions; organise and communicate their knowledge and understanding of history and finally, be able to draw conclusions and make historical judgements. Students complete - two depth studies from 9 choices: at Padworth College these are the Development of Dictatorship in Germany 1918-45 and a Divided Union Civil Rights in the USA 1945-74. - one historical investigation from six choices and one breadth study in change from eight choices. At Padworth College the historical investigation is the Origin and the Course of World War One 1905-18 and the breadth study is changes in Medicine 1845-1945. This Edexcel International GCSE in History comprises end of year examination papers of 90 minutes each. Entry Requirements A good command of the English Language is essential but no previous study of English literature or British history is required to undertake this course. For more information on this course, please go to www.edexcel.org.uk
IGCSE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) Exam Board: Edexcel 4ITO This course of study aims to encourage the exploration and study of ICT in a variety of contexts: home, community, business, industry, recreation and education. In any given situation students will be given the opportunity to acquire competence, ability and critical skills through the implementation, use and evaluation of a range of ICT systems. Students can develop their interest in, enjoyment of and critical reflections about ICT as an integral part of modern society. Written Examination 50% of the total IGCSE marks. The paper is 90 minutes long and is out of 100 marks. There are a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Practical Examination 50% of the total IGCSE marks. This is a three hour examination, containing structured and specified activities carried out on a computer under supervised examination conditions. For more information on the course, please go to www.edexcel.org.uk
IGCSE MATHEMATICS Exam Board: Edexcel 4MAO The IGCSE in Mathematics aims to give students a foundation in mathematical skills and develop their knowledge and understanding of how to use and apply mathematical techniques and concepts to solve problems. The topics covered include Number, Algebra, Statistics (includes basic ideas of probability) and Geometry. There are two available tiers of entry. Foundation (F) Tier grades C-G available. Higher (H) Tier A*-D. is via two external examinations each totalling 100 marks. Entry requirements Students should have studied Mathematics to the equivalent of Year 10 level. For more information on this course, please go to www.edexcel.org.uk
GCSE MUSIC Exam Board: OCR J535 This is a course which is designed to give students the opportunity to develop their composing and performing skills and to develop their knowledge of Music of varying genres. Areas of study include - My Music (spotlight on my instrument ) - Shared Music (musical relationships and roles) - Dance Music - Descriptive Music Coursework Performing - 30% of total marks comprising one solo and one ensemble performance. may be conducted at any stage of the course and the recorded evidence retained for submission. Coursework Composing - 20% of total marks from two compositions. One will be for a composition for the student s own instrument. The other will be a composition for an ensemble, or a Dance or piece of descriptive Music. Creative Task - 15% of total marks. The student will have 45 minutes to communicate a short piece of music in response to a given stimulus. Commentary, Brief and Log - 10% of total marks Listening Examination - 25% of total marks comprising a listening and written paper based on the areas of Study Entry Requirements Instrumental or vocal skills and a genuine interest in Music For more information on this course, please go to www.ocr.org.uk
GCSE PHYSICS Exam Board: AQA 4451 This course is aimed at students with prior scientific experience wanting to gain a first qualification in Physics. It makes the subject relevant to the modern world and includes work related learning and how science works. It is rigorous enough to provide a good foundation for those aiming to study A level Physics. Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy and how they interact with each other. This energy can take the form of motion, light, electricity, radiation or gravity. Physics deals with matter on scales ranging from sub-atomic particles (i.e. the particles that make up the atom and the particles that make up those particles) to stars and even entire galaxies. The topics covered include: The transfer of energy by heating processes and the factors that affect the rate at which energy is transferred, energy and efficiency, electrical appliances, methods of generating electricity, the use of waves for communication and to provide evidence that the universe is expanding. Forces and their effects, the kinetic energy of objects speeding up or slowing down, currents in electrical circuits, using mains electricity safely and the power of electrical devices, what happens when radioactive substances decay and the uses and dangers of emissions, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Medical applications of Physics, uses of light, using Physics to make things work, hydraulics, circular motion, electromagnetism and transformers. The GCSE Physics consists of four units all worth 25% of the total mark. Units 1-3 are assessed by external exams at the end of the academic year. Unit 4 is a Controlled assessed internally. This comprises two written papers plus practical work and data processing with at least 1 question assessing the quality of written communication in a science context. This paper is 25% of the total qualification. Entry requirements Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Science and Mathematics in Year 10 or the equivalent. For more information on this course, please go to www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE SPANISH Exam Board: Edexcel 1246 The language is normally approached via a series of general topics which as follows: - At home and abroad - Education, training and employment - House, home and daily routine - Media, entertainment and youth culture - Social activities, fitness and health The various skills- listening, reading, speaking and writing- are developed within the context of the topics mentioned. A variety of books, tapes, films will be used. The assessment scheme is based on three papers: listening, reading, oral and written coursework on two levels, Foundation and Higher. Entry requirement No previous study of Spanish is required. For more information on this course, please go to www.edexcel.org.uk