Supporting Success Mr Solly Mr Joy Mr Brooks Mrs Cooley Mrs Duffy Dr Major - Principal - Progress Leader - Deputy Principal - Head of Maths - Head of English - Head of Science
New Grading for GCSE All subjects 9 1 (9 is the top grade)
New Grading for GCSE Grade 7 = Grade A Grade 4 = Grade C Greater emphasis on progress
What are the basics? Basics Old Grades Position Maths C English C Current Position Maths 4 English 4
What are good results? Expected grade Challenge grade
Very few Controlled Assessments Art Product Design Drama Food and Nutrition Music PE Much greater emphasis on the final exams
Reporting and tracking progress Year 10 Autumn + Full Parents Evening 30 th November Spring June -Year 10 mocks + Statistics External Exam Summer
Mock Exams in Year 10 June 2018 Treated like the real exams: Formal exam timetable Sports Hall Seating plans Invigilators
2017-2018 Assessment / Exam Start Date Deadline/ End Date DT Controlled Assessment Sept April SEPTEMBER GCSE Drama Trip to Milton Keynes Theatre 12th Sept English Language Assessment Paper 1 Section A W/C 25 th Sept OCTOBER Maths Assessment English Language Assessment Paper 1 Section B 2 nd Oct W/C 9 th Oct Year 10 Exams and Assessment NOVEMBER DECEMBER MARCH French & German Assessment 1 - Role Play Speaking Spanish Assessment 1 Listening & Reading Maths Assessment English Literature A Christmas Carol Essay French & German Assessment 2 Photo Card Speaking Spanish Assessment 2 Listening & Reading English Literature Romeo & Juliet Essay W/C 13 th Nov W/C 13 th Nov 11 th Dec W/C 11 th Dec W/C 12 th March W/C 12 th March W/C 5 th March Maths Assessment 5 th March English Spoken Language W/C 20 th March French & German Assessment 3 General Conversation W/C 21 st May MAY German Assessment 3 General Conversation English Language Assessment Paper 2 Section A W/C 23 rd May W/C 7 th May English Language Assessment Paper 2 Section B W/C 21 st May JUNE Year 10 Exams June June JULY English Literature An Inspector Calls Essay W/C 2 nd July
Reporting and tracking progress Year 11 Autumn Reference requests from colleges January - Year 11 mocks February (Full report + Parents evening - date TBC) March May and June GCSE exams
Mathematics Exam Board: OCR Course code: J560 Course Aims: A sound understanding of mathematical concepts Fluency in procedural skill The competency to apply mathematical skills in a range of contexts Confidence in mathematical problem solving. Assessment: Tiered assessment: Foundation graded 1 5, Higher graded 4-9 3 papers at each tier, all equal length and equally weighted towards the qualification at the end of year 11. Subject content is equal across papers at each tier. Two papers at each tier where candidates are allowed access to a calculator. One non-calculator paper at each tier. 100 marks per paper, giving a large scope for awarding more method marks within questions, so candidates can, and will, be rewarded for each correct step on the way towards an answer, even if their final answer is incorrect.
corbettmaths.com BBC Bitesize mymaths Keep on top of homework tasks Use websites such as corbettmaths.com to consolidate understanding Keep clear notes do not lose your exercise books!
English Language Exam Board: AQA Course code: 8700 Course Aims: Read and evaluate a wide range of 19 th, 20 th and 21 st century texts. Make comparisons between texts. Summarise information/ideas from texts. Write effectively using grammar correctly. Write using a wide vocabulary and varied linguistic conventions. Use Spoken Language effectively. Assessment: 2 non-tiered exams with equal weighting at the end of year 11, graded 1-9. Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes. Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing 5 questions. Paper 2: Writers Viewpoints and Perspectives 5 questions. Increased focus on technical accuracy. Non-examined assessment of Spoken Language a presentation on a choice of topic graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.
English Literature Exam Board: AQA Course code: 8702 Course Aims: Read and understand a wide range of classic literature in relation to context. Read in depth, critically and evaluatively, so as to be able to explain understanding. Write accurately and analytically about their reading using textual references. Use a wide literary/linguistic terminology in their analysis of texts. Assessment: 2 non-tiered closed book exams at the end of year 11, graded 1-9. Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19 th Century Novel 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 40%. 2 essay questions. Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry 2 hours 15 minutes and worth 60%. 4 questions. Increased focus on technical accuracy. Imperative that students know the texts really well all are encouraged to have their own copies if possible: A Christmas Carol; An Inspector Calls; and Romeo and Juliet.
Revision sites sparknotes BBC Bitesize AQA Exam practice Students will sit practice exam questions at the end of every unit. They will also complete a full mock exam for each paper, either in year 10 or 11. Top Tips Read the set texts more than once and try to learn quotes. Keep your notes organised ready for revision. Read widely to improve your vocabulary and writing skills e.g. The Guardian news app. Be a critical reader what is the writer trying to achieve and why? Keep your notes organised and clear
Science Exam Board: AQA Course code: 8464 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Course Aims: to suit students of all abilities and all aspirations to encourage the development of knowledge and understanding in science learn how science is advancing and impacting on the world around us. to keep practical at the heart of science Assessment: All by external examination Six separate examinations are taken Two in each subject Biology, Chemistry and Physics Tiered assessment: Foundation graded 5 1, Higher graded 9 5 Students will receive two grades Students are required to sit all Foundation tier papers or higher tier papers All papers are one hour fifteen minutes in length There are 21 required practicals
Separate Sciences Exam Board: AQA Course code: Biology 8461 Chemistry 8462 Physics 8463 Course Aims: to provide the best preparation for A- level. develop a deeper understanding into the application and theory of scientific principles. develop practical skills in all three areas learn how science is advancing and impacting on the world around us. Assessment: All by external examination Six separate examinations are taken Two in each subject Biology, Chemistry and Physics Tiered assessment: Foundation graded 5 1, Higher graded 9 5 Students are required to sit all Foundation tier papers or higher tier papers All papers are one hour forty five minutes in length There are 28 required practicals.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463 Substitute physics for biology-8461 or chemistry-8462 www.my-gcsescience.com BBC Bitesize SMH RMShared documents
Find a good place to study: Comfortable Well lit Free from distractions
Plan out a study timetable: Put in school first Then add in any extra curricular clubs / jobs Use your homework timetable in your planner Leave room to increase study time later in year 10 Make sure you include down time
Reduce screen time A study by Cambridge university found that: An extra hour a day of television, internet or computer game time in Year 10 is linked to poorer grades at GCSE The average impact in the study was equivalent to dropping two GCSE grades
Read Conversely, pupils who spent an extra hour a day doing homework or reading did better in their GCSEs; increasing their results by the equivalent of between 4 and 5 grades across all of their exams Read for pleasure Read news articles Read wider in chosen subjects Read ahead before the lesson
Get organised Write notes clearly in lessons Keep notes organised Different folders for different subjects Refer back to notes when doing homework Improve them if they are not good enough be a perfectionist Keep on top of deadlines Keep old exercise books
Theme Days October Study Skills March Motivation / Preparation for Year 11 June University Visits
Supporting Success Each of the Heads of Subject have put together information slides relating to the qualifications on offer here at UCC
History Exam Board: OCR Course: HISTORY A (EXPLAINING THE MODERN WORLD) J410 Key features OCR s GCSE (9 1) in History A has been designed to help learners explain and understand the world around us today. Students will study a wide range of content options, and consider key themes which demonstrate the relevance of the past in understanding the present. Learners will be required to study history from: Three eras: Medieval (500 1500), Early Modern (1450 1750) and Modern (1700-present day); on three timescales: short (depth study), medium (period study) and long (thematic study); and in three geographical contexts: a locality (the historic environment), British, and European and/ or wider world settings. All topic combinations result in a course that will ground and expand on learners understanding of the world around us today.
Component Group I Period study with non-british depth Study International Relations: the changing international order 1918 c.2001 and USA 1919 1948 The People and the State. J410/06 1 hour 45 minute written paper 50% of total GCSE Component Group 2 British thematic study Power: Monarchy and Democracy in Britain c.1000 to 2014 J410/09 1 hour written paper 25%of total GCSE YEAR 10 YEAR 11 Component Group 3 British depth study with a study of the historic environment The English Reformation c.1520 c.1550 with Castles: Form and Function c.1000 1750 J410/12 1 hour 15 minute written paper 25% of total GCSE GCSE HISTORY - HUMANITIES DEPT
History Study Tips 1. Start revising ASAP - little and often as there is so much to learn and remember. 2. Timelines - buy some cheap lining paper from Homebase/Wilko's and make relevant time lines for each period and put on bedroom wall. 3. Post it notes with dates on - again on bedroom wall. 4. Date tests/ck tests - test each other, discuss at home over the tea table.
Geography Exam Board: OCR Course code: J383 Course Aims: Encourage learners to think like geographers through the study of geographical themes applied within the context of the UK and the wider world. The qualification gives a prominent position to fieldwork ensuring they are embedded within teaching and learning. Skills are contextualised through the thematic content studied. Assessment: This qualification covers three key aspects of Geography: Living in the UK Today. This includes landscapes, people and environmental challenges for the UK. One hour 30% The World Around Us. This includes Ecosystems, people and environmental threats to the world. One hour 30% Geographical Skills and applied Fieldwork techniques. One hour 30 minutes 40%. GCSE (9 1) qualifications are graded on the scale: 9 1; where 9 is the highest.
Geography Study Tips 1. Re-reading your classwork notes throughout the year will help you. It will then be fresh in your mind when you need to revise. Little and often as there is much to learn and remember. 2. Keep up-to-date with current affairs. Geography is all around you. 3. Buy the Revision book Published Feb. 2018
Citizenship Exam Board: OCR Course code: J270 Course Aims: Encourage learners to think about their rights and responsibilities and how the law and legal system work To make learners aware of the UK s relationship with the wider world including the E.U. Provides learners a chance to participate in citizenship through speaking to decision makers about citizenship issues in school, and local community Assessment: This qualification covers three areas of Citizenship: Rights, the law and Legal System Democracy and Government UK & Wider World GCSE (9 1) qualifications are graded on the scale: 9 1; where 9 is the highest. Paper One Multiple choice assessing all three units 25% ( 50 Marks) Paper Two Assessing units one and two 50% (100 marks) Paper Three Assessing units one and three 25% ( 50 Marks)
Citizenship Study Tips 1. Watch the News - keep up to date with things going on around the world 2. Use Practice Questions section in the book to go over each section 3. Revise key terms 4. Listen to others - test each other, discuss at home or with friends.
R.E. Exam Board: Edexcel B Course code: 1RBO Course Aims: Develop learners understanding and knowledge of religious and non-religious beliefs Reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes Understand the influence of religion on people, communities and society Assessment: This qualification covers two parts of Religion: Religion & Ethics through Islam Religion, Peace & Conflict through Christianity GCSE (9 1) qualifications are graded on the scale: 9 1; where 9 is the highest. Paper One Assesses all aspects of Islam covered paper is worth 50% - (102 marks) Paper Two Assessing aspects of Christianity covered - paper is worth 50% - (102 marks)
Statistics Exam Board: AQA Course Aims: A sound understanding of the Data Handling Cycle The ability to apply statistical understanding to a range of contexts All knowledge is applied to contextual situations Assessment: One formal written exam paper worth 75% of award Two hour exam in June 2017 Controlled Assessment makes up the other 25% of the award Practice for controlled assessment starts in January, with formal task being completed during lessons in March. Calculators can be used for all aspects of the course
All students have a copy of this diagram in their folders and we will refer to it regularly during lessons and when completing the Controlled Assessment task.
MFL Exam Board: AQA Course code: French = 8658 German = 8668 Spanish = 8698 Course Aims: An ability to converse confidently in the target language An ability to understand written and spoken language An ability to communicate clearly in writing using the target language A sound understanding of culture of target language speaking countries Assessment: Tiered assessment: Foundation graded 1 5, Higher graded 4-9 Four papers, each covering one skill: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing All set and marked by the exam board Teacher to conduct speaking exam (7-9m foundation, 10-12m Higher) 25% equal weighting for each skill and all undertaken at the end of Y11. 30% of the listening and reading exam will have questions and answers in the target language Reading will include Target language to English translation Writing will include a 90 word answer, a 150 word answer (Higher) and an English to target language translation
Free rice Languages online BBC Bitesize Memrise Duolingo Top tips Buy a dictionary don t rely on google! Keep a vocab list in your book Make a revision aid of key vocab after each unit Start learning your speaking presentation/questions well in advance of your exam Learn vocab and grammar structures as you go along Ensure you understand key grammar points if not, ask your teacher. Build your confidence by speaking to your family/friends/pet/mirror in the target language Watch animated films in the target language with English subtitles
Computer Science Exam Board: OCR Course code: J276 Course Aims: Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. Assessment: Three units combining two theoretical paper and one practical tasks Work is weighted at 40% for each of the written papers and 20% for the practical task Unit 1 Computer systems. Question paper that includes long and short answer questions. Unit 2 Computational thinking, algorithms and programming. Question paper that includes long and short answer questions. Unit 3 Programming project. Students create solutions to computing tasks set by the exam board
Useful Links: Teach ICT BBC technology news Tips: Ask your child to explain what they have been learning in class. This will help them to retain more of the knowledge they have acquired. Bitesize Encourage your child to look at the latest developments in technology news paying attention to the impact it is having on society.
Business Studies Exam Board: AQA Course code: 4133 Course Aims: A sound understanding of business concepts Competent use of business terminology The ability to apply business skills to given situations and make logical judgements Assessment: 2 papers worth 75% in total: Unit 1 based on Y10 work is worth 40% Unit 2 based on Y11 worth 35% Controlled assessment: 25% of total grade Work in class on research then produce report under controlled conditions
BBC Bitesize Tutor2U Audio revision resources and videos on YouTube search Joanne Hirst http://bit.ly/2c7iclm All topics are on revision notes available to students in UCC shared area and on Show My Homework Follow business news on radio, in newspapers and social media
Art & Design Art, Craft and Design Exam Board: AQA Course code: 8201 Course Aims: The course has been designed to allow students to develop knowledge and understanding through a variety of learning experiences and approaches, including engagement with sources. This will allow them to develop the skills to explore, create and communicate their own ideas. Students will demonstrate these skills through the development, refinement, recording, realisation and presentation of their ideas through a portfolio and by responding to an externally set assignment. Assessment: The GCSE Art & Design consists of two assessment components. Component 1: Portfolio 60% of total marks 96 marks A portfolio that in total shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives Component 2: Externally set assignment 40% of total marks Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time 96 marks Work will be moderated and assessed by the class teacher (AQA)
All students completing this course will need to create: A sustained project developed in response to a subject, theme, or brief evidencing the journey from initial engagement with an idea(s) to the realisation of intentions. This will give students the opportunity to demonstrate, through an extended creative response, their ability to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding from across their course of study. A selection of further work resulting from activities such as experiments; skillsbased workshops; mini projects; responses to gallery, museum or site visits; work placements; independent study and evidence of the student s specific role in any group work undertaken. Helpful Links: Pinterest BBC Bitesize Various National Galleries V&A Tate Modern Goldmark Gallery
Design & Technology Product Design Exam Board: AQA Course code: 8552 Course Aims: To foster awareness and understanding of the importance of Design and Technological applications in our lives. To develop technological capability, work creatively and collaboratively, engage in high-level thinking and decision making through stimulating contexts. Assessment: The GCSE Product Design consists of two assessment components. Component 1: Written Paper 50% of total marks 2 hours Examination 100 marks Candidates answer all questions in 3 sections Core Technical principles, Specialist technical principles and design and making principles Component 2: Design and Making (NEA) 50% of total marks Approximately 35 hours of allocated time 100 marks Contextual challenge released annually by AQA on the 1 st June. Work will be moderated and assessed by the class teacher (AQA)
All students completing this course will need to: Be able to solve problems and take risks Be prepared to fail and learn from mistakes Understand the design principles of form, function and fitness for purpose Design products that meet the needs of clients and consumers Be able to reflect critically when analysing, developing and evaluating Consider and anticipate all possible constraints Become an independent learner Helpful Links: Technologystudent.com BBC Bitesize Data.org The Design Council The Design Museum
Food Preparation and Nutrition Exam Board: Eduqas Assessment: Course Aims: Food Preparation and Nutrition equips learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. It encourages learners to cook, enables them to make informed decisions about food and nutrition and allows them to acquire knowledge in order to be able to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously, now and later in life.
By studying food preparation and nutrition learners will: be able to demonstrate effective and safe cooking skills by planning, preparing and cooking a variety of food commodities whilst using different cooking techniques and equipment develop knowledge and understanding of the functional properties and chemical characteristics of food as well as a sound knowledge of the nutritional content of food and drinks understand the relationship between diet, nutrition and health, including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health understand the economic, environmental, ethical and socio-cultural influences on food availability, production processes, diet and health choices demonstrate knowledge and understanding of functional and nutritional properties, sensory qualities and microbiological food safety considerations when preparing, processing, storing, cooking and serving food understand and explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions (traditional British and international) to inspire new ideas or modify existing recipes. Helpful Links: British Nutrition Foundation Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Food Preparation & Nutrition Food Fact of Life Meat & Education
Drama Exam Board: AQA Course code: 8261 Course Assessment Objectives: Create and develop ideas to communicate meaning for theatrical performance. Apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions for live performance. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed. Analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others. Assessment: Component 1 Written exam, end of Yr11, 1hr 45mins, 40% of GCSE: Short multiple choice section (4 marks) Four questions on our set text, Blood Brothers (44 marks) One extended question giving personal analysis and evaluation of a live performance seen (32 marks) Component 2 Devising drama, practical work undertaken in Yr10, 40% of GCSE: Devising log (60 marks) Devised performance (20 marks) Component 3 Performance of two extracts from one play (20 marks each), practical work undertaken in Yr11, 20% of GCSE.
Top tips for success: Experience live theatre Perform get involved both in and out of school Approach practical work with a creative mind Keep on top of Devising log book Be prepared to put in extra rehearsal time for assessments
Music GCSE Exam Board: OCR Course code: J536 Course Aims: To engage actively in musical study To develop performing skills To develop composing skills To broaden musical experiences, develop imagination and creativity Develop musical knowledge Assessment: Assessment now graded from 9 1. Integrated portfolio. (Comprising a solo performance and a composition.) 30% of GCSE Practical component. (Comprising an ensemble performance and a composition to an OCR set brief.) 30% of GCSE Listening and appraising exam. (A 90 minute exam featuring familiar and unfamiliar music from the Areas of Study. 40% of GCSE
bbc bitesize youtube playlist Top tip for success: Perform! get involved both in and outside of school
GCSE PE Exam Board: AQA Course code: 8582 Course Aims: Develop Theoretical PE knowledge in a wide range of topic areas Be able to explain, identify and analyse theoretical content using practical examples Develop and improve Physical skills and performances for practical assessment Assessment: 40% Practical, 60% Theory Practical- 3 Sports: 1 Team Sport, 1 Individual Sport plus one other Sport (team or individual) Assessed on skills and performance Non Examination Assessment (NEA)- Analysis and Evaluation of performance Theory- 2 written exam papers out of 78 marks 75minutes each Based on all areas of theoretical study
BTEC PE Level 1/2 Award Exam Board: Edexcel Course Aims: Develop Theoretical PE knowledge in a wide range of topic areas Be able to describe, explain, identify and analyse theoretical content using practical examples Develop and improve Physical skills and performances for practical assessment Assessment: 70% Theory and 30% Practical Theory- 4 units across the 2 years Topics include: Practical Sports Performance, Sports Leadership and Sports Psychology. 1 hour exam, marked out of 50 Coursework assessed. Grading criteria Pass (6), Merit (7), Distinction (8) and Distinction * (9). Practical- 2 Sports chosen, one team and one individual.
www.edmodo.com www.pe4learning.com AQA GCSE PE-Double Award-Useful links http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/znyb4wx http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physicaleducation/gcse/physical-education-8582 https://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/pe-physicaleducation/aqa-gcse-physical-education-pe