Supporting Your Child Through Their GCSE Courses

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Venerable Bede CE Academy Soar to the heights together Supporting Your Child Through Their GCSE Courses A guide for Parents/Carers

Introduction Dear Parent/Carer Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this guide. It is essential that our Y11 pupils are well prepared for the GCSE examinations which they will be taking in the summer of 2018. As I am sure you will agree, this is a journey where everyone needs to understand the role they have to play. We also need the tools as well as the key information which is likely to bring about success for each learner. This partnership between pupils, home and school is critical to everyone s success. This guide consists of several sections. As well as subject specific information, there is a generic section explaining how parents can support their child on the lead up to, and during the exam period itself. The last year of secondary education will go extremely quickly for the pupils. One of the key things is to understand is that time is precious, and each pupil should make sure that they take every opportunity to work together with staff on any areas of their studies which are identified as requiring support. This will mean that pupils in Y11may be required to do work in addition to their lessons. This additional work may be after school, or at home in the form of revision. This work is critical to their future success. There is very firm evidence which shows the direct link between pupil success at GCSE and the preparations which they make in advance. My advice to everyone is to take part and make use of every opportunity presented to them, both in school hours and after school. This is where parents / carers can really make the difference. If we are going to enable each pupil to fulfil their true potential we need to work together to ensure that they fully engage in all aspects of school including revision, even if they may not enjoy all aspects of it! All that remains, is for me to wish our pupils good luck in their GCSE studies. I believe that each one of them has the potential to achieve beyond their imagination. What they need to do now is take control of the situation and do whatever it takes to be the best which they can. If you would like to discuss your child s education further, please do feel that you can speak to your child s teacher, a Head of Subject or a Senior member of staff. Kindest regards David Airey Head of School

GCSEs a survival guide for parents/carers Preparing for GCSE examinations is challenging for families as well as students! Young people are under pressure to succeed and families are under pressure to help in any way they can. However, many parents and carers are unsure how to best support young people. Maybe you aren t comfortable with helping out because you are unsure of your knowledge of the subjects your son/daughter is studying. Maybe you are confused by the GCSE system particularly following the changes to the grading system! Or maybe you didn t do GCSEs and believe you cannot offer any help or advice. It s usual for all parents and carers to feel this way. But, do not let this get in the way of supporting your son or daughter during this important period of their school life. Studies have shown that students with parents and carers who take an active role in their child s education generally do better in exams than those who don t the good news is, you don t need to be an expert to get involved! Showing an interest, engaging and motivating your child to study, even providing a shoulder to cry on when things get tough are all useful ways to help. Why is revision important? How much revision should they be doing? It reinforces what they already know Helps to identify weak points and problem areas Helps them gain a solid understanding of the subject Boosts exam confidence It s essential that students do NOT leave revision until the last minute. Many studies show that revision should start 16 WEEKS before the exams begin. Many students underestimate the time needed for revision; leaving it too late adds to stress and anxiety! The following revision calculator is a quick way to figure out how much revision time is needed: Step 1 Find out how many GCSEs you child is taking Step 2 Find out how many topics are examined per subject (For example, for English Language it is FOUR topics, for English Literature it is FIVE). Step 3 Each topic should be allocated 1 hour of revision time across the revision period so 1hour x total number of topics (For English Language and Literature 9 hours worth of revision should be allocated)

GCSE English Language GCSE English Language Specification Title: Edexcel GCSE English Language (9-1) Specification Code: 1ENO GCSE English Language is made up of three components: Unit 1 Exam (50%) and Unit 2 Exam 2 (50%) and a Spoken Language Endorsement (separate award). Students must complete all assessments in the same series. Component One Exam (40%): 1 hour 45 minutes (64 marks) Section A: Reading questions on an unseen 19 th -century fiction extract. Section B: Writing a choice of two writing tasks, linked by theme to the reading extract. Component Two (60%): 2 hours (96 marks) Section A: Reading questions on two thematically linked, unseen non-fiction extracts. Section B: Writing a choice of two writing tasks, linked by theme to the reading extracts. AO1: 7.5% Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas Select and synthesise evidence from different texts. A02: 15% Explain, comment on and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views. A03: 8.75% Compare writers ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts. A04: 18.75% Evaluate texts critically and support this with textual references. AO5: 30% Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. AO6: 20% Candidates must use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. Component Three Spoken Language Endorsement The preparation and assessment of spoken language is a compulsory requirement of the course and this will appear as a separately reported grade. Students will be awarded: pass, merit or distinction for this component. The criteria for assessment are as follows: AO7 Demonstrate presentational skills in a formal setting AO8 Listen and respond appropriately to spoken language, including to questions and to feedback. AO9 Use spoken Standard English effectively in speeches and presentations. How you can support your child: Students should access a range of reading material to revise AO1-4. Can they summarise the content and select any effective features? Encourage writing and proofreading to improve technical accuracy and develop creative flair. In preparation for Spoken Language, encourage your child to speak clearly to others, perhaps socially and in more formal settings. This will help with their confidence. Revision website: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-language-2015.html

GCSE English Literature GCSE English Literature Specification Title: Edexcel GCSE English Literature (9-1) Specification Code: 1ET0 GCSE English Literature is made up of two components: Unit 1 Exam (50%) and Unit 2 Exam 2 (50%). All exams are closed book, meaning students will NOT have a copy of the texts with them in the exam. Component One Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes. Section A: Macbeth by William Shakespeare Section B: An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley Component Two: 2 hours 15 minutes. Section A: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Section B: Part 1: Relationship Poetry Section B: Part 2: Unseen Poetry Assessment Objectives: AO1: 37% Read, understand and respond to texts by: o o maintaining a critical style and develop an informed personal response use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations A02: 42% Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate A03: 16% Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written A04: 5% Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. How you can support your child: Students will need to learn key quotations from the texts they have studied. Helping them to memorise quotations can be very helpful. All exam questions are based on students responding to an unknown extract of a text they have previously read. Give them a page of a book, ask them to read it and then ask questions to see if they have understood. Students have to compare to unseen poems. Give your child a poem they have never read and ask them to summarise its meaning for you. Revision website: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-literature-2015.html

GCSE Mathematics Mathematics Course Aims: To develop the confidence to use mathematics to tackle problems in the work place and everyday life; To develop an ability to think and reason mathematically; To begin to understand the application of mathematics in the world around us; To develop a firm foundation for appropriate further study. Course Description: The course will cover the following content headings: Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics How will I learn: Candidates learn through a range of activities, both practical and theoretical, which cover the whole content of the course. These activities help to develop an understanding of mathematics and give an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their ability to use and apply mathematics. The qualification is assessed through examination and two tiers are available; Foundation and Higher (content is defined for each tier): The qualification consists of three equally-weighted written examination papers at either Foundation tier or Higher tier. Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment and a calculator is allowed for Paper 2 and Paper 3. Each paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. Each paper has 80 marks. Foundation tier: Grades 1 to 5. Higher tier: Grades 4 to 9. EXAM DATES - Paper 1-24 May, Paper 2-7 June, Paper 3-12 June. Support your child: Morning intervention for Year 11 Access to past, practice and specification papers to be used for weekly assessments and homework. Online revision Mathswatch access for all pupils Revision guides Possible Career Pathways: Candidates gain skills that are useful in further study and in jobs in many different areas. In the world of work, the importance of mathematics is growing daily. It is key to science and engineering, and is indispensable to the commercial world. Besides these obvious applications, there is also a growing use of mathematics in areas such as history and geography, particularly in the form of statistical analysis.

GCSE Religious Education KS4 Religious Education 2017-2018 GCSE EDUQAS RE is made up of 3 components and 3 examinations (there is no coursework or controlled assessments). Component 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical studies in the modern world. It is worth 50% of the pupil s grade and it is based on a 2 hour written exam and includes four themes: 1. Issues of Relationships 2. Issues of Life and Death 3. Issues of Good and Evil 4. Issues of Human Rights Component 2: Study of Christianity. It is worth 25% of the pupil s grade and it is based on a 1 hour written exam. It includes two sections: 1. Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings 2. Christianity: Practices Component 3: Study of a world faith: Islam. It is worth 25% of the pupil s grade and it is based on a 1 hour written exam. Revision guides: We provide comprehensive free guides that are aimed specifically at our students. It is important that the students know all of the key words for each unit and how to answer questions using denominations (types of Christians and other beliefs systems including Islam and Humanism). Students have been given revision packs and will be given more nearer the time. Revision sessions: Ever week pupils can arrange a time that suits them at lunch or after school as a drop in session with their RE teacher. Revision website: http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies/gcse/eduqas-gcse-rs-sams-full-from-2016.pdf? language_id=1 Please contact Mr Johnson, Mrs Tanjong-Pendry, Mr Goodman, Mr Roddy or Mrs Wynne for more information.

GCSE Science Year 11 GCSE Science GCSE Science has two pathways. Most students will study Combined Science and achieve two GCSE s graded 9-1. Some students will study for three separate science qualifications and achieve GCSE s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics graded 9-1. There is now no controlled assessment, only exams at the end of each course. Combined Science Combined Science is a double award course containing equal amounts of Biology, Chemistry and Physics content. The course concludes with six exams, two in each of the three sciences. Each exam is worth 1/6 th of the overall double GCSE grade. Details of the topics in each exam are as follows: Paper 1 Biology 1 - Key concepts in biology, Cells and control, Genetics, Natural selection and genetic modification, Health, disease and the development of medicines. Paper 2 Biology 2 - Key concepts in biology, Plant structures and their functions, Animal coordination, control and homeostasis, Exchange and transport in animals, Ecosystems and material cycles. Paper 3 Chemistry 1 - Key concepts in chemistry, States of matter and mixtures, Chemical changes, Extracting metals and equilibria. Paper 4 Chemistry 2 - Key concepts in chemistry, Groups in the periodic table, Rates of reaction and energy changes, Fuels and Earth science. Paper 5 Physics 1 - Key concepts of physics, Motion and forces, Conservation of energy, Waves, Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, Radioactivity. Paper 6 Physics 2 - Key concepts of physics, Energy - Forces doing work, Forces and their effects, Electricity and circuits, Magnetism and the motor effect, Electromagnetic induction, Particle model, Forces and matter. Triple Science Triple Science awards specific GCSE qualifications in each of the three main sciences. As for Combined Science the course concludes with six exams (although they are a little longer because the result is three GCSE grades), but in Triple Science each exam is worth ½ of the grade for that science. Details of the topics in each exam are as follows: Paper 1 Biology 1 - Key concepts in biology, Cells and control, Genetics, Natural selection and genetic modification, Health, disease and the development of medicines. Paper 2 Biology 2 - Key concepts in biology, Plant structures and their functions, Animal coordination, control and homeostasis, Exchange and transport in animals, Ecosystems and material cycles. Paper 3 Chemistry 1 - Key concepts in chemistry, States of matter and mixtures, Chemical changes, Extracting metals and equilibria, Separate Chemistry 1. Paper 4 Chemistry 2 - Key concepts in chemistry, Groups in the periodic table, Rates of reaction and energy changes, Fuels and Earth science, Separate Chemistry 2. Paper 5 Physics 1 - Key concepts of physics, Motion and forces, Conservation of energy, Waves, Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, Radioactivity, Astronomy. Paper 6 Physics 2 - Key concepts of physics, Energy - Forces doing work, Forces and their effects, Electricity and circuits, Static electricity, Magnetism and the motor effect, Electromagnetic induction, Particle model, Forces and matter. Revision guides All students have been provided with a revision guide that suits the course they are following. Teachers will refer to sections of the revision guide as the year progresses. Revision websites for both Combined and Triple Sciences Biology - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z9ddmp3 Chemistry - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw Physics - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zpm6fg8

GCSE Art Year 11 Art & Design GCSE GCSE Art & Design is made up of 2 units: Portfolio of work (60%) and externally set assignment (40%) Work for final submission begins immediately and is a combination of classwork and homework. Due to the practical nature of the course it is essential that pupils consistently work in their own time as well as in class. Pupils should be spending a minimum of 2 3 hours of their own time each week on their Art work. This could be a set piece of homework but more frequently, as the course progresses pupils will have an individual to do list and feedback personal to them that should inform the work they do independently. Unit 1: Portfolio of work (60%) consisting of at least 2 projects (The best to be chosen from work undertaken in Years 9 and 10).! Theme = Natural Form, Human form, Food, Environment, People & Places etc.! Initially teacher led then develops into an individual project. Emphasis on broadening and developing pupils skills and experience using a variety of media, materials and techniques as well as their ability to analyse and understand the work of other artists.! As the course progresses pupils are expected to become increasingly independent. They will gradually be given the opportunity to take ownership of their work indwell be able to choose more personal and individual themes as starting points. Pupils will be encouraged to use the skills they have developed creatively to explore their own ideas.! Finished project = completed final piece of work + sketch book containing: In depth research exploring the theme and demonstrating a wide range of skills and techniques. Evidence of having looked at and analysed the work of other artists (minimum of 2 or 3) per project. Evidence of experimenting with a range of materials, techniques and ideas inspired by the work of the artists studied. Evidence that having considered different possibilities pupils have been able to review and refine their ideas to develop and complete a creative and individual final outcome. Deadline date for completion of Portfolio of work is January 2018 Unit 2: Externally set assignment (40%) This consists of 8/9 weeks sketchbook/prep work (75%+ of final mark) and a 10 hour practical exam where pupils create their final outcome under exam conditions.! Theme/starting = chosen from an externally set exam paper issued in the January of year 11.! Sketchbook/prep work is a combination of classwork and homework.! Finished project consists of the same elements as required for a coursework project but must be completed within the time allowed (there is NO opportunity to redo or extend). Final 10 hour practical exam takes place over 2 days towards the end of spring term 2018. You will be informed by letter when exam prep begins and told the dates for the final practical exam. Support and additional tutorial time:! Pupils are encouraged to make use of the Art rooms, materials and equipment outside of lesson times, at lunch times and after school! Pupils can receive additional teacher support and individual tutorial time at lunch time and after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and any other day by arrangement. Useful websites: www.artchive.com www.ngca.co.uk (Northern gallery for Contemporary art) www.ibiblio.org.uk www.artcyclopedia.com www.moma.org (Museum of Modern Art) www.nationalgeographic.com www.vam.ac.uk (Victoria & Albert Museum) www.tate.org.uk (Tate Gallery) www.balticmill.com www.nationalgallery.org.uk www.twmuseums.org.uk (Tyne & Wear Museums) www.artnet.com www.nationalglasscentre.com www.npg.org.uk (National portrait gallery) www.waygood.org www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk Please contact Miss Whinn at school for any more support or information.

GCSE Business Year 11 GCSE Business GCSE Business is made up of 3 units split into the first written examination (50%); the second written examination (25%) and a Controlled Assessment (25%): Controlled Assessment Unit A291 Marketing and Enterprise (25%) This controlled assessment tests a pupil s understanding of the role of entrepreneurs, stakeholders, government, and factors which can lead to success or failure for a business enterprise. First Written Examination Paper Unit A292 Business and people (50%) This examination expects pupils to understand the structure and needs of businesses and their workforces. Second Written Examination Paper A293 Production, finance and the external business environment (25%) This examination looks at managing resources to produce goods and services; financial information and decision making and external influences on business activity. Study group support and revision sessions/ Controlled Assessment support: Every week with Miss Hill in Room 27: Wednesday 3.00 4.00 Every week with Mrs Goodrick in Room 26: Tuesday 3.00-4.00 Revision support and guides: Revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support revision guides. Pupils receive particular exam questions for homework which relate to a topic being covered. Pupils will complete past examination papers and receive examples of examination board mark schemes to assist their understanding of how marks are allocated. Revision guides: Teacher s revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support revision guides If you would like to purchase revision guides independently: (amazon/ebay/ bookshops etc ) https:// www.cgpbooks.co.uk/school/books_gcse_business they are CGP books and include all the content they need along with exam questions and tips. Revision websites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zpsvr82 Please contact Mrs Goodrick or Miss Hill at school for any more support or information.

GCSE Geography GCSE Geography is made up of 3 units split into three examinations: Unit 1: Living with the physical environment 1hr 30 35% of GCSE Taught in Year 9/10 Section A: The challenge of natural hazards Tectonic hazards, Tropical Storms, Extreme weather in the UK and Climate Change. Section B: Physical landscapes in the UK Rivers and Coasts Section C: The living world Ecosystems, Tropical Rainforests and Hot Deserts Unit 2: Challenges in the human environment 1hr 30 35% of GCSE Taught in Year 10/11 Section A: Urban Issues and challenges Population and Urbanisation. Section B: The changing economic world Economic Development Section C: The challenge of resource management Resource management and water management Unit 3: Geographical applications 1hr 30% of GCSE Taught in Year 9/10/11 Section A: Issue Evaluation - a critical thinking and problem-solving element. Pupils will demonstrate geographical skills and applied knowledge and understanding by looking at a particular issue derived from the specification. Section B: Fieldwork - Pupils need to undertake two geographical enquiries outside of school, each of which must include the use of primary data, collected as part of a fieldwork exercise. Pupils understanding of the enquiry process will be assessed within an exam Geographical Skills - Pupils are required to develop and demonstrate a range of geographical skills throughout their study of the specification. Skills will be assessed in all three written exams. Assessment Opportunities All pupils sit mid-topic and end of topic tests within each topic. If students do not reach their minimum expected grade or above, they are expected to resit or attend intervention sessions. Study group support and revision sessions: Every week: Tuesday 3.15-4.15 Wednesday 3.15 4.15 Or pupils can arrange a time that suits them at lunch or after school as a drop in session. Revision support and guides: Pupils regularly receive past exam questions as homework to consolidate learning from lesson.. Revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support revision guides and pupils can also use GCSE Geography websites to support and aid their independent learning. Revision guides: Revision guides are available from school - 3.25 handed into Mrs Pallas in an envelope with name, year group and Geography written on. Revision workbooks are also available for 2.75. If you would like to purchase independently: (amazon/ebay/ bookshops etc ) GCSE Geography AQA A Revision Guide they are CGP books and include all the content they need along with exam questions and tips. Revision websites: http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/gcse http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/ http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography http://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/geography Please contact Mrs Pallas at school for any more support or information.

BTEC Health and Social Care (award) GCSE Health and social care is made up of 4 sections, examination (30%) and 3 Units (70%) Exam: Unit 1 Human Lifespan Development Pupils will be sitting their exam in January 2018. Pupils are currently completing exam preparation activities in lessons to prepare for this exam Unit: Unit 2 Care Values activities in HSC Explore the care values that underpin current practice in health and social care Demonstrate the use of care values in selected health and social care contexts Two pieces of controlled assessment are to be completed for this unit. Study group support and revision sessions/ Controlled Assessment support Monday and Thursday from 3-4pm, or pupils can arrange a time that suits both the student and teacher at lunch or after school if the pupil would like to stay later than 4pm. Revision support and guides: Pupils have started to receive exam questions as homework; this is to prepare pupils for the exam and revise all topics are covered, this will be in the form of a pre-prepared booklet. Revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support pupils. Revision guides: Revision guides are available for student s loan from school or to purchase online shops. EDECEL exam board, the full course titles and course codes are; BTEC Health and Social care- 600/4782/3 Please contact Mrs Williams (Teacher of HSC) for any more support or information. HOD contact Email kirsten.rutherford@venerablebede.co.uk

GCSE History Year 11 GCSE History GCSE History is made up of 3 units split into three examinations: Paper 1: Thematic Study and Historical Environment Study Medicine through time 1 hour 15 minute exam contributing to 30% overall mark Paper 2: Period Study and British Depth Study Elizabethan England American West 1 hour 15 minute exam contributing to 40% overall mark Paper 3: Modern Depth Study The USA 1945-75 (Race relations and the War in Vietnam) 1 hour 20 minute exam contributing to 30% overall mark Controlled Assessment: British people at War Q1 Dangers of attack and invasion across both wars. Q2 Use of propaganda in World War One and Two. Pupils will complete this in school under exam conditions. Study group support and revision sessions/ Controlled Assessment support: Every week: Tuesday 3.15-4.15 Wednesday 3.15 4.15 Or pupils can arrange a time that suits them at lunch or after school as a drop in session. Revision support and guides: Revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support revision. Pupils can also use GCSE history websites to support and aid their independent learning. Revision guides: Ø Revision guides are not yet published. Further information will be given by the History Department when guides become available. Revision websites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/ http://www.johndclare.net/ http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/gcse.html http://www.mrallsophistory.com/revision/ Please contact Miss Fox, Miss Tones or Miss Eager at school for any more support or information.

GCSE ICT Year 11 GCSE ICT GCSE ICT is made up of 4 units split into two Examinations (40%) and two Controlled Assessments (60%): Examination Paper 1: Unit 1 Understanding ICT This examination assesses pupil s understanding regarding the use of ICT in a business and industrial context. Examination Paper 2: Unit 3 ICT in Organisations This examination assesses pupil s understanding regarding the use of ICT in the home and school context. Controlled Assessment: Unit 2 Solving Problems with ICT Pupils have been completing this in school under exam conditions. Pupils will be required to demonstrate ability in the practical application of ICT skills. Controlled Assessment: Unit 4 Developing Multimedia ICT Solutions Pupils have been completing this in school under exam conditions. Pupils will be required to demonstrate ability in the practical application of ICT skills using multimedia software. Study group support, revision sessions and Controlled Assessment support: Every week with Mrs Goodrick in Room 26: Tuesday 3.00-4.00 Wednesday 3.00 4.00 Friday 3.00-3.45 Revision support and guides supplied by ICT department: Revision guides will be given for the two examination papers. Pupils will be given exam questions for homework to complete. Revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support revision guides. Pupils will complete past examination papers and receive examples of examination board mark schemes to assist their understanding of how marks are allocated. Pupils can also use GCSE ICT websites to support and aid their independent learning, BBC Bitesize for GCSE ICT for example. Revision guides: Revision guides are available from school for free from Mrs Goodrick. There are CGP books, WJEC also have their own GCSE ICT book and include all the content they need along with exam questions and tips. Revision websites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zqmtsbk Please contact Mrs Goodrick or Miss Hill at school for any more support or information.

GCSE Music Year 11 GCSE Music Music at GCSE is an exciting and engaging course that involves Performing, Composing and Listening & Appraising. The course is split into three components: 40% Understanding Music 30% Performing 30% Composing Music Areas of Study: Ø The Western Classical Tradition 1650-1910 Ø Popular Music Ø Traditional Music Ø The Western Classical Tradition Since 1910 Controlled Assessment: Ø Component 2: Performing Music (30%) - Pupils must perform one solo and one group piece. They must be recorded by the end of March 2018. Ø Component 3: Composing Music (20%) - Pupils must compose two pieces of music in a chosen style. o Composition 1 - To a set brief issued by the exam board in September 2017 o Composition 2 - Free composition (can be in any style or genre) it must be recorded by the end of March 2018 Pupils will be completing this in school. Study group support and revision sessions/controlled Assessment support: Every week: Tuesday 12.30-1.00 & 3.00-4.00 Or pupils can arrange a time that suits them at lunch or after school as a drop in session. Revision support and guides: Pupils have been given a music theory work booklet to use at home and will regularly receive homework to complete certain sections. Revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support revision guides. Pupils can also use GCSE music websites to support and aid their independent learning. Revision guides: If you would like to purchase independently: (amazon/ebay/ bookshops etc ) GCSE Music Complete Revision & Practice with Audio CD (MUAS41) GCSE Music Exam Practice Work Book with Audio CD (MUQ41) Revision websites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zpf3cdm http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/elements_of_music/ http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/content.php?r=3040-gcse-music https://www.tes.com/article.aspx?storycode=6078693&s_cid=resads_musicgcse Please contact Mrs Bonner or Mr Exley at school for any more support or information.

GCSE Physical Education GCSE Physical Education GCSE Physical Education consists of seven theory units covered over two exam papers 60% Practical controlled assessment 30% Personal Exercise Programme (PEP) 10% Theory Topic 1 Applied anatomy and physiology Topic 2 Health, fitness and well being Topic 3 Movement analysis Topic 4 Physical Training Topic 5 Sports psychology Topic 6 Socio-cultural influences Topic 7 Use of data Practical Controlled Assessment Students will submit three practical activity scores. Each activity is scored out of 35. The activities must include one team activity, one individual activity and one free choice from the list of activities supplied by the exam board. Personal Exercise Programme - PEP Students must complete a written piece of coursework around the topic of fitness and training. Each student must complete a six week training programme and investigate the impact that training has on their fitness levels. The six week training is performed using circuit training, which the students will plan, monitor and evaluate. Study Group Support/Revision There will be several intervention sessions (lunchtime and after school) provided throughout the course. Support sessions will be offered when completing the PEP and in the lead up to exams. The current PE intervention session is Tuesday 3.15 4.15 Revision Support & Guides Students will receive regular homework tasks to extend their learning around topics covered and to promote independent learning/study. All GCSE PE students will be encouraged to purchase the current up to date revision resources produced by the exam board. All students will receive a letter regarding this. Revision Websites http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/znyb4wx http://www.revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/pe-physical-education http://www.teachpe.com/gcse.php

GCSE Resistant Materials Year 11 GCSE Resistant Materials GCSE Resistant Materials is made up of 2 sections, examination (40%) and a Controlled Assessment (60%): Controlled Assessment: The following marks are awarded for controlled assessment; Research 8 marks Development 32 marks Making 32 marks Evaluation 12 marks Communication 6 marks Pupils are currently completing the making element of the controlled assessment and will then go on to evaluate their product. Pupils receive regular feedback; they are expected to act on these comments for homework to make progress. Important dates All pupils will hand in their controlled assessment portfolio to be marked on the week commencing 18 th December 2017. Pupils will then be given the opportunity to improve their coursework in January and the final hand in will be on the week commencing 29 th January 2018, after this time no improvements will be able to be made. From February 2018 pupils will be focusing on the exam. Study group support and revision sessions/ Controlled Assessment support: Every Tuesday and Thursday 3-4pm. Or pupils can arrange a time that suits both the student and teacher at lunch or after school if the pupil would like to stay later than 4pm. Revision support and guides: Pupils have started to get exam questions as homework; this is to help the revision that is given during classes to ensure all topics are covered. Revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support pupils. Pupils can also use GCSE revision sites to aid themselves such as BBC Bitesize. Revision guides: Revision guides are available for student s loan from school or to purchase online shops. All subjects are AQA exam board, the full course titles and course codes are; Design and Technology: Resistant Materials (4560) Please contact Mrs Rutherford (Head of Department) or Miss Pestell (Resistant Materials teacher) for any more support or information.

GCSE Spanish Year 11 GCSE Spanish The exam board we use is WJEC and past papers can be found at: http://www.wjec.co.uk/ qualifications/qualification-resources.html?subject=spanish&level=gcse&pastpaper=true Unit 1: Listening (25%) This is a final exam in the summer of Year 11. )! regularly revise all vocabulary! watch Spanish clips films from the internet or a Spanish TV channel such as TVE and make notes about the words that they hear and a brief description of the topic! www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish! BBC bitesize http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/spanish! Listening activities http://oye.languageskills.co.uk/intermediate/year10.html! Listen to Spanish radio e.g. http://www.rtve.es/radio! Spanish Extra watch episodes on u tube about the adventures of Sam. Unit 2: Speaking (25%) and Unit 4: Writing (25%) periods of intense revision is required. This is examined throughout the two year course and! Pupils should learn key generic structures and opinions to use across all topics.! They should highlight and learn key verbs and vocabulary to then be able to construct an answer.! Pupils should practice writing essays on different topics and create and learn mind maps for each. Unit 3: Reading (25%) This is a final exam in the summer of Year 11. Complete online activities www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/spanish http://oye.languageskills.co.uk/intermediate/year10.html www.linguascope.co.uk www.languagesonline.org.uk! Read Spanish books from library or an article from a Spanish newspaper online e.g. El País! Learning vocabulary regularly from specification booklet and vocabulary booklet.

GCSE Textiles Technology GCSE Textiles is made up of 2 sections, examination (40%) and a Controlled Assessment (60%): Controlled Assessment: The following marks are awarded for controlled assessment; Research 8 marks Development 32 marks Making 32 marks Evaluation 12 marks Communication 6 marks Pupils are currently completing the making element of the controlled assessment and will then go on to evaluate their product. Pupils receive regular feedback; they are expected to act on these comments for homework to make progress. Important dates All pupils will hand in their controlled assessment portfolio to be marked on the week commencing 18 th December 2017. Pupils will then be given the opportunity to improve their coursework in January and the final hand in will be on the week commencing 29 th January 2018, after this time no improvements will be able to be made. From February 2018 pupils will be focusing on the exam. Study group support and revision sessions/ Controlled Assessment support: Every Tuesday and Wednesday 3-4pm. Or pupils can arrange a time that suits both the student and teacher at lunch or after school if the pupil would like to stay later than 4pm. Revision support and guides: Pupils have started to get exam questions as homework; this is to help the revision that is given during classes to ensure all topics are covered. Revision resources and information will be distributed throughout the year to support pupils. Pupils can also use GCSE revision sites to aid themselves such as BBC Bitesize. Revision guides: Revision guides are available for student s loan from school or to purchase online shops. All subjects are AQA exam board, the full course titles and course codes are; Design and Technology: Textiles Technology (4570) Please contact Mrs Rutherford (Head of Department and Textiles teacher) for any more support or information.

Y10 Key Dates Date Event 06/11/2017 Pupil Progress Review 20/11/2017-23/11/2017 Year 11 Art Mock Exam Week 24/11/2017 Inset for Staff 27/11/2017-08/12/2017 Year 11 Mock Exams 10/01/2018 Year 11 Mock Exam Results 18/01/2018 Year 11 Parents Evening 05/03/2018 r Year 11 Report to Parents 23/04/2018 Pupil Progress Review 14/05/2018 Start of Year 11 GCSE Exams 13/06/2018 Year 11 Celebration Afternoon 22/06/2018 Year 11 Prom

Exam Timetable