Core Entitlement Subjects ENGLISH All students will be entered for English Language and English Literature (Two GCSEs). In English Language, students will develop skills of analysis in their reading of a range of different text types from different times and cultures. They will also develop skills of writing a range of text types, for different purposes and audiences. Finally, students will develop the skills of speaking and listening in a range of contexts and roles. In English Literature, the texts that we study allow students to engage with a wide range of literary themes and characters, across a number of time periods. Our English syllabus challenges students' views of the world around them, and aims to prepare them for effective participation in the everchanging world. SCIENCE Students study the AQA GCSE Trilogy Science course in Years 9 to 11, allowing them to achieve a double award qualification worth two GCSEs. All students will be required to sit a number of examinations at the end of the Year 11 which assess Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately. In Biology, students will study body systems, inheritance and evolution. Chemistry topics include reaction rates, acids and alkalis and chemical analysis. In Physics students will study radioactivity and electromagnetism among other topics. Throughout the course students will complete required practical skills which will involve planning, carrying out, analysing and evaluating practical activities. These skills are examined during the terminal examinations in Year 11. MATHEMATICS GCSE Mathematics is studied at one of two tiers of entry. Students will sit either the Higher or Foundation tier. The Mathematics curriculum is broken down into six main areas of study: Number, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability and Statistics. The GCSE being studied is assessed through three equally weighted examinations, two with, and one without a calculator. Each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long. CORE PHYSICAL EDUCATION All students have one session a week of Physical Education, which is part of the National Curriculum. In year 10 a range of different activities are can be chosen. These include an invasion games, health and Fitness, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities, dodgeball, Trampolining, Athletics and Rounders. There are also opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills. There is a dual focus for KS4 PE both at participatory and competitive level. The year 10 programme will prepare students for the year 11 programme which is much more focused on life-long participation.
EFFECTIVE LEARNING The Effective Learning Centre (ELC) and staff supports students who may have difficulties accessing the curriculum for a variety of reasons, as well as those who are entitled to receive additional support. This may be in the classroom or through the Effective Learning Centre. Some students, who have specific needs will follow a personal learning package, which will be individually arranged. These students will spend time in the ELC where they will receive additional and highly focused support. The Centre aims to provide a structured learning environment, with work tailored to meet each individual s needs. The ELC also work with a large number of external professionals who come to MAP to provide specialist advice and support. Option Subjects GEOGRAPHY GCSE Geography has some of the highest GCSE results at Marine Academy Plymouth! Geography is an interesting and relevant GCSE that can offer you a variety of skills that would be well suited to further education and employment. The topics range from disastrous earthquakes, volcanoes and floods to living in cities and differences in development. The course involves 2 fieldtrips. This year students have visited the south coast of Devon and Plymouth city centre. The course is divided as follows: Section A: The challenge of natural hazards Section B: The living world Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK Section D: Urban issues and challenges Section E: The changing economic world Section F: The challenge of resource management If you enjoy finding out more about the world that you live in then Geography is for you. HISTORY GCSE History is the subject of the enquiring mind. A subject that enables students to develop their understanding of the present by immersing themselves in the past. History is a well sought after subject in further and higher education and can lead to a job in a variety of careers owing to the analytical skills that the course develops. The topics that the students will study at GCSE have been selected to help them progress into A-level History seamlessly and also reflect on the topics completed in Key Stage 3. The History GCSE comprises five units that will be assessed by examination; Crime and Punishment through time, the Norman Conquest, Life in Germany 1933-1945, The Making of America and the History Around Us. I believe students will find History is a simulating, challenging and engaging subject.
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH This new and exciting project-based course, designed by Mrs Cox and Miss Burge is aimed to support students in using the language in authentic situations and improve communicative competencies. An example project is asking students to explore festivals in French-speaking countries and compare these with our own celebrations. We want to enable students of all abilities to develop their language skills to their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge to communicate in a variety of contexts with confidence, as well as having fun along the way. To complete the course successfully, you need to be prepared to engage fully in the lessons and take every opportunity to practise and hone your language skills. There are three main themes: 1. Identity and culture. 2. Local, national, international and global areas of interest. 3. Current and future study and employment. Assessment is via four examinations taken at the end of three years of study. There is no coursework. Each component listed below is worth 25% of the total mark. 1. Listening. 2. Reading. 3. Speaking. 4. Writing and translation. For further details, please contact Mrs Cox.
ART AND DESIGN This course involves learning to work with design briefs. You will research and analyse the work of artists and designers, develop imaginative and creative thinking and go on to develop your own design ideas. This will culminate in producing your own professional 2D and 3D art work including sculptures, drawings, paintings, stencils and prints. The qualification is predominately coursework based and is completed during a ten hour practical exam. This course is designed to develop your artistic ability, open your horizons to new ways of thinking and seeing and understand the world around you. BUSINESS Students who select Business will follow the BTEC Business course. While studying this course you will be introduced to the world of small businesses and will look at what makes someone a successful business p e r s o n. You will find out how to develop an idea and spot an o p port u n ity, an d turn that in t o a successful business. You will also understand how to make a business effective and manage money whilst seeing how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved. You will learn more about how small businesses are developed and discover how businesses promote themselves and keep their customers happy. Finally you will learn how businesses manage both their finances and the people who work for them. In this course you will learn to: communicate and explain your ideas think creatively and make decisions work with numbers to solve business problems learn about the world of business through research and investigation.
FINANCE LIBF Level 2 Certificate in Financial Education The Certificate of Financial Education consists of three mandatory units: Unit 1 - Finance, the Individual and Society Unit 2 - Practices of Managing Money Unit 3 - Financial Capability, Work and Enterprise Students will learn how to understand and read payslips; develop their knowledge of taxation and benefits; develop their knowledge of the range of different bank accounts and other financial products on offer; create personal budgets and many more useful life skills throughout this course. The course is assessed through 3 examinations, 2 multiple choice and one written paper. The course is graded A*-C and all exams must be passed to gain the qualification. There is also the opportunity to take part in a range of extra-curricular activities from share investing, film making and essay writing national competitions that our students have a good track record in. FOOD & NUTRITION This is a very practical course using knowledge and skills learned during the course, applying them to realistic situations. Students will learn about the catering industry, food hygiene, nutrition and meal planning, as well as developing practical skills in food preparation. Organisation, planning, scientific investigations and problem solving skills are involved in this subject. The course consists of two internally assessed controlled assessments which are together worth 50%, and a theory examination worth 50% of the final grade. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Are you interested in working with children and caring for others? Do you want a career in one or more of the health care professions? A Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care will give you the opportunity to learn the theory of health care and develop practical skills in a variety of settings. You will study units including; 'Human lifespan development', 'The impact of nutrition on Health' and 'Developing effective communication'. There will be opportunities to meet health care professionals and gain valuable insights into the health care profession. Health and Social Care is a modular qualification and is both internally and externally assessed. This BTEC Level 2 Award is the equivalent of a GCSE. Upon completion of the course students are able to progress to Level 3 study in Year 12.
I-MEDIA Creative I-Media is a brand new subject available at Marine Academy Plymouth. This exciting qualification is designed for learners who have an interest in interactive media, design or animation. This course will enable you to achieve a good GCSE in a creative and interesting subject whilst learning about key software such as Flash, Dreamweaver and Photoshop. You will learn about: Animation Graphic design Web design Design briefs Storyboarding You will develop skills: in literacy, numeracy and ICT that are essential for the modern workplace in using digital technology safely and competently when responding to a design brief when experimenting with materials and techniques in adapting your own ideas and responding to feedback. in evaluating your own work Creative imedia is an excellent course for anyone interested in using and developing a range of graphic techniques whilst using a computer. It will complement other subjects such as Photography, Art and Design and English. If you would like any further information on this subject, please talk to Mrs Nichols or Mr Dyer. We hope you join us for Creative imedia in September 2018
MUSIC Rock school Ltd Students who opt for this Music course will explore their creative passion for music through the following pathways: Performing Composing Music technology Music Business This will give our students the opportunity to explore and develop skills within their chosen area. Assessments are based on practical skills and knowledge. Mandatory units cover core industry skills such as Live Performance, Live sound recording, Music sequencing and Music marketing and promotion. PERFORMING ARTS (DRAMA) or PERFORMING ARTS (DANCE) Both courses provides students with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge aimed not only at those who want to work in the performing arts industries but also those who enjoy dance and drama and see it as a way of developing their confidence. Whether you follow a dance pathway or an acting pathway you will need to complete 3 components one of which is an performing to a brief, an exam unit in which you will perform a piece of work to an examiner via recording. This BTEC qualification will give you the opportunity to perform to a range of audiences in your chosen discipline. These are popular and successful BTECs that help you to be prepared to perform and work with others in groups.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION BTEC Tech Award in Sport Activity and Fitness can help you take your first steps towards a career in sport and fitness. You ll learn essential skills / knowledge in the principles of training, nutrition as well as the psychology benefits of participating in physical activity. It will also provide you the starting point for a route to employment into many diverse areas of sport, including junior level roles in the sport and active leisure sector, such as recreation assistant or sports leader. The Btec Sports Award is 120 guided learning hours and is equivalent to one GCSE. Students will be assessed both internally (written, presentation, practical) and externally (test). Students will complete 3 units in total. Core units: Unit 1: Internally assessed: Understand the body and the supporting technology for sport and activity. Unit 2: Externally assessed: Principles of training, nutrition and psychology for sport and activity. Unit 3: Internally assessed (synoptic): Applying the principles of sport and activity. PRODUCT DESIGN GCSE Product Design involves students in activities which develop products with innovation and flair. The specification has no material bias, it anticipates that students will develop their skills through working with any appropriate material including, where and when appropriate, the use of ICT. Students will learn about product analysis, research skills, designing for needs, materials, design skills and product modelling. The course has two internally assessed controlled assessments worth 50% of the final grade, and an externally assessed exam worth 50%. RELIGIOUS STUDIES In GCSE Religious Studies we explore a wide variety of issues including; early life and care of the elderly, discrimination, pollution and care of the planet. Throughout the course you are encouraged to think independently, study a range of different points of view, argue persuasively and develop your own beliefs and opinions. This GCSE is designed to make you think about the world in which you live and understand what other people believe and why. We explore controversial issues including religious attitudes to drugs, crime and punishment, and wealth and poverty in the UK today. We visit local religious buildings and have opportunities to question and discuss issues with faith leaders. Religious Studies is a useful qualification when applying for jobs or looking to study further at A level or at University; it supports you in developing and defending your own views and learning how to argue your case. If you are interested in the world, about the way we live and why we live this way this is the GCSE for you!
Option Blocks Option Block E Geography History Dance Drama Food and Nutrition Physical Education Option Block F French History Business Drama Finance Music Product Design Physical Education Option Block G History Art and Design Finance Health and Social Care I-Media Music Option Block H Geography Art and Design Business Food and Nutrition Health and Social Care I-Media Religious Studies