Year 9 Option Choices For Year 10 2011/2012
GCSE Art and Design Specification Code: 4201 - Examination Board: AQA You will be required to develop an understanding of Art, Craft and Design through the practical activities of making and investigating. You will learn how to evaluate your own work and the work of artists, craftspeople and designers from different periods, cultures and traditions. You will learn how to improve your skills of observation, co-ordination and presentation. Unit 1: Portfolio of Work (42011) 60% Coursework (marked out of 80) - Two or more specific themed projects Unit 2: Externally Set Task (42012) 40% Exam (marked out of 80) - Preparation time and a 10 hour exam The course of study will be broadly based on the development of knowledge and understanding, as well as making and investigating and will include work from two or more of the following areas: Drawing and Painting, Printmaking, Graphics, Textile design, Photography, and Three-dimensional work. You must be willing to work outside of class, attend galleries and art club in your own time. If you wish to progress to a Level 3 (AS/A2, BTEC) in this subject, you are required to have a minimum of a C grade at Level 2 (GCSE). GCSE Art and Design may be required in a number of training programmes by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level. GCSE Dance Specification Code: 4232 - Examination Board: AQA Performance - Physical, technical and mental skills necessary for effective performance. Safe Practice - Knowledge and understanding on health, fitness and safe working practices Choreography - Exploring ideas, thoughts and meaning through movement Critical Appreciation - Develop critical evaluative and reflective skills. Knowledge and understanding of the work of different choreographers and professional dance works. Appreciating the relationship between choreography, performance and production Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance Written Paper - 1 Hour 50 Marks - 20% Unit 2: Set Dance Practical Examination - Solo Performance (1-1.5 mins) 30 Marks - 20% Unit 3: Performance in a Duo/Group Controlled Assessment (3-3.5 mins) 30 Marks - 20% Unit 4: Choreography Task 1 - Solo Composition (1-1.5 mins) 20 Marks (15%)Task 2 - Choreography - solo/duo/ group 40 Marks (25%) You should have a keen interest in dance with some practical experience You should be prepared to always bring your Dance kit to practical lessons You must be willing to work hard in the written aspects of the course Successful completion in this subject at Level 2 (GCSE C or above) will allow you to have a range of options in the future. If you wish to progress to a Level 3 (AS/A2, BTEC) in this subject, you are required to have a minimum of a C grade at Level 2 (GCSE). GCSE Dance may be required in a number of training programmes, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level.
GCSE Drama Specification Code: 5210 - Examination Board: EDEXCEL GCSE Drama requires students to develop knowledge and understanding of: The ways in which ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed through the language of drama. A range of drama techniques and forms, using them in their own work and recognising them in the work of others. At least one play by exploring it from the perspective of an actor, director and designer. How to analyse and evaluate both orally and in written work. How plays and ideas in drama relate to their social, cultural and historical context. Unit 1: Drama Exploration 30% of GCSE Unit 2: Exploring Play Text 30% of GCSE Unit 3 Drama Performance 40% of GCSE You must be enthusiastic and committed to developing existing knowledge and skills of drama and theatre at a higher level. 75% of the course is practical so you must be able to work with others in a co-operative and supportive manner. A good attendance record is essential as 75% of the course is interactive. You must be willing to develop your written drama skills. You need to be interested in going to the theatre - both as part of the course and independently. Successful completion in this subject at Level 2 (GCSE C or above) will allow you to have a range of options in the future. If you wish to progress to a Level 3 (AS/A2, BTEC) in this subject, you are required to have a minimum of a C grade at Level 2 (GCSE). GCSE Drama may be required by a number of training programmes, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level. GCSE French Specification Code: J730 - Examination Board: OCR You will have a meaningful and enjoyable experience by developing the ability to communicate effectively in French in a variety of topics. The new French GCSE means less pressure is upon you as the assessments are spread out: you can take your speaking and writing exams when you are ready in Y10 or Y11 and choose your own tasks! While any language will be beneficial to your future, French is the only foreign language that can be useful throughout the world because French is the only language other than English spoken on five continents. Unit:1 Speaking skill - 30% (two tasks only) Unit 2: Listening skill - 20% (one end of course exam) Unit 3: Reading skill - 20% ( one end of course exam) Unit 4: Writing skill - 30% (two tasks only) You will already have a basic knowledge of French: ideally, you will have studied it at KS3. You will be curious, open-minded and interested in other cultures and lifestyles. You should be keen to develop your communication skills and be enthusiastic about participating actively in all class activities, being as ready to listen as to speak! Successful completion in this subject at Level 2 (GCSE C or above) will allow you to have a range of options. If you wish to progress to a Level 3 (AS/A2, BTEC) in this subject, you are required to have a minimum of a C grade at Level 2 (GCSE). We believe French is the language that will give you the most choices later on in your studies or your career.
GCSE Food Technology Specification Code: 4545 - Examination Board: AQA The role of the Food Technologist in designing foods. Industrial preparation and manufacture of food. Design Skills. The nutritional value of food and how foods are used in the body. Diets for people with special needs. How to carry out a range of practical skills, and how to cook a wide variety of different savoury and sweet dishes. Food presentation how to make food look appetising and attractive. Food preservation how to make foods keep for longer. Health and hygiene. Unit 1: Written Paper 2 hours - 120 marks - 40% Candidates answer all questions in two sections. Pre-release material issued. Unit 2: Design and Making Practice Approximately 45 hours - 90 marks - 60% Consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of board set tasks. If you want to enjoy this course, it is vital that you have a real interest in cooking and preparing food. You will have enjoyed Food Technology in Years 7,8 and 9 and you will enjoy cooking at home. You will have an interest in Nutrition and will be keen to develop your knowledge of food materials in order to design original products. You must be prepared to bring ingredients for practical lessons. GCSE Design & Technology: Food Technology may be required by a number of training programmes, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level. Future career opportunities could be as a Catering Manager, Packaging Designer, Chef, Events Organiser, Dietician or a Nutritionist. GCSE Geography Specification Code: 2GB01- Examination Board: Edexcel This specification gives students opportunities to: actively engage in the process of geography to develop transferable skills such as becoming an effective and independent learner, and a critical and reflective thinker with an enquiring mind develop their knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts and appreciate the relevance of these concepts to our changing world develop a framework of spatial awareness in which to appreciate the importance of the location of places and environments from local to global appreciate the differences and similarities between people s views of the world, its environments, societies and cultures understand the significance of values and attitudes to the development and resolution of issues develop their responsibilities as global citizens and recognise how they can contribute to a future that is sustainable and inclusive through a process of problem solving and decision making develop and apply their learning to the real world through fieldwork and other out-of classroom learning use geographical skills, appropriate technologies, enquiry and analysis Unit 1: Dynamic Planet - 1 hour written exam 25% Unit 2: People and the Planet - 1 hour written exam 25% Unit 3: Making geographical decisions 1 hour and 15 minute written exam 25% Unit 4: Researching geography Written task following fieldwork 25% You will need to be interested in learning about different groups of people and their relationship to the environment. Higher Education courses and careers progression pathways GCSE Geography can lead on to A level geography or employment opportunities in marketing, finance, journalist/ researcher, leisure, tourism, real estate appraisal, GIS urban planning and many other related fields.
History: Modern World History Specification Code: 4047 (Full Course) - Examination Board: AQA You will be learning about a variety of thought provoking issues within the history of the twentieth century. Areas covered include the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia under Lenin, Stalin s dictatorship in Russia, the Middle East in the 1970s, Neville Chamberlain s appeasement of Hitler and the Nazis, the First and Second World Wars. Furthermore you will learn vital skills such as the ability to analyse and evaluate source material, why interpretations of the same event can differ, the causes and consequences of events, identifying of continuity and change across time periods, clear expression in both oral and written forms and organising information in a logical and coherent way. Unit 1: International Relations: Conflict and Peace in the 20th Century - Written Exam 37.5% Unit 2: 20th Century Depth Study - Written Exam 37.5% Unit 3: Historical Enquiry: British History - Controlled Assessment 25% An interest in the past, an enquiring mind and determination to succeed are very important. GCSE History can lead to any level post-16 course as long as the requirements for the Level 1,2 or 3 course are met. In the longer term history is vital or very useful in the following fields of work: Advertising executive, archaeology, archivist, broadcaster, campaign worker, the civil service, consultant, editor, historical researcher, intelligence work, law, legal assistant, library and information work, museum work, parliamentary aide, publishing, postgraduate study, secondary school teacher, tour guide, university lecturer. Information Communication Technology Option With GCSE ICT you will learn about digital devices in learning and earning, leisure, shopping connecting people on the move health, well being and money management. It will develop confidence and competence in the use of computers and in the application of Information Communication Technology. Nearly all employers will expect cants to have some ICT skills.. Unit Title Unit 1: Living in a digital world - In this unit students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. Unit 2: Using Digital Tools - This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. Assessment Methods Unit 1-1 hour 30 minute exam set and marked by Edexcel. Unit 2 - is internally assessed under controlled conditions. Additional Course specific entry criteria Students must have an interest to further ICT qualification, sufficient skills and knowledge to be able to cope with the demands of this advanced course. It is advantageous that you have access to a PC for work outside of school. Higher Education Courses and Careers Progression Pathways If you wish to progress to a Level 3 in this subject, you are required to have a minimum of a B grade at Level 2 (GCSE). GCSE ICT may be required in a number of training programmes, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level.
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Creative Media Production Examination Board: Edexcel This course is designed to enable you to develop the fundamental research skills which underlie all media production, gain a basic understanding of employment opportunities, job requirements, and working practices in the media sector and develop an understanding of how media products are constructed for specific audiences or markets. Unit 1: Unit 2: Unit 5: Unit 7: Research for Creative Media Production - Portfolio of Coursework Communication Skills Video Production - Portfolio of Coursework Print Production - Portfolio of Coursework An interest in film and video, gaming and publishing. The BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Creative Media Production will allow progression onto the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Creative Media Production. Employment in the Media Industry. GCSE Physical Education Specification Code: 4892 - Examination Board: AQA How individual differences can affect performance How Psychology affects your performance. Preventing and treating injuries The benefits of leisure and recreation Maintaining and improving health and fitness (including diet and training). The influence of school, family and peers on participation The effects of the media and sponsorship on sport Differences between Aerobic and Anaerobic exercise Learn to take on a range of responsibilities, including performer, coach and official in a range of practical activities. There may be the option for the highest performers to be entered for the Double Award worth 2 GCSEs. Unit 3: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant - Written Exam 40% - Multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions - including a pre-released scenario. Unit 4: The Active Participant - Practical Assessment 60% taking into account your best 4 practical activities If you achieve at least a C grade (and meet general entry requirements) you could follow a level 3 course such as AS Physical Education or a BTEC National Diploma. If you achieve a D - G grade you could follow a level 2 course such as the BTEC First Diploma in Sport. Possible careers include Sports Coaching, Sports Management or Physiotherapy.
GCSE Textiles Specification Code: 4570 - Examination Board: AQA This course follows on directly from KS3 Textiles Technology. You will learn more about:- The textiles industry how fabrics, furnishings and clothing are designed and made in industry. Properties of different fibres and fabrics. Design skills. Using and adapting paper patterns. Hand and machine sewing skills. Fabric decoration embroidery, printing, silk painting etc. Unit 1: Written Paper 2 hours - 120 marks - 40% Candidates answer all questions in two sections. Pre-release material issued. Unit 2: Design and Making Practice Approximately 45 hours - 90 marks - 60% Consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of board set tasks. If you want to enjoy this course, it is vital that you have a real interest in textiles either fashion, dressmaking or decorative textiles. You should have enjoyed the Textiles lessons at KS3 level. GCSE Design & Technology: Textiles Technology may be required by a number of training programmes, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level. Future career opportunities could be in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Fabric Design, Retail Buying, Fashion Journalism, Interior Design and Merchandising.