Course Guidance Booklet 2017-18
CONTENTS Numerical Grading English Language & English Literature Mathematics & Statistics Science: Core & Additional, Biology, Chemistry, Physics Art & Design Business Studies (GCSE or BTEC) Design & Technology: Food, Product Design, Textiles Drama Geography Health & Social Care (BTEC) Child Development History Computer Science CiDA (Certificate in Digital Applications) Media Studies (GCSE) Modern Foreign Languages: French, German, Spanish Music Physical Education Religious Studies
New GCSE grades (9-1) In summer 2017, across the country students' GCSE English and GCSE Maths exam results will be graded from 9-1 instead of from A* - G. From summer 2019, all GCSE subjects will be graded this way. Why is the current system changing? The new GCSEs, which began teaching in September 2015, are intended to be more challenging. The changes to the grading system have been put in place to help to provide more differentiation between the highest and lowest performing students, and the standard for a 'good pass' is slightly higher than before. How does the numerical system work? Schools currently use eight letter grades (A* - G) and when the new numerical grading is introduced we will have nine, with grade 9 being the best available grade. How will the new system correlate to the old one? The new system allows for greater differentiation, having nine numerical grades in place of eight letter grades The new numbered grades will not translate directly from the old grades A* - G, but we do know that approximately the same proportion of students who currently achieve: grade A or higher will receive a grade 7 or higher grade C or higher will receive a grade 4 or higher Grade 9 will be a new grade for very high performing students, to be set as the top fifth of the current A grades Grade 5 will be the benchmark for a 'good pass' The bottom of grade 1 will be the same as the bottom of grade G New GCSE Grading Structure 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 U A* A B C D E F G U Current GCSE Grading Structure
ENGLISH LITERATURE (AQA) Course: GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19 th Century novel. 40% - preparation for exam to be sat in year 11. Overview: In this unit students will explore the following aspects of a Shakespeare text ( Macbeth ) and a 19 th Century novel ( A Christmas Carol ) in preparation for Paper 1 of their Literature examination in Year 11: Plot, structure, characterisation, setting, the historical and social context of the text, themes, language and style. At the end of the study of each text, students will sit an assessment in the style of the final examination. How to prepare for the assessment: This is a closed text examination and students must therefore be very familiar with the texts. This means that students should read and re-read their texts, be able to find their way around them with ease and be able to memorize key quotations and references. The exam question takes the form of a given extract to be analysed in detail for a particular aspect (theme, style, character, relationships,) and then the same aspect to be explored in the wider text with reference to context throughout. Students will undertake a range of different tasks in order to prepare them for the exam. These will include note-taking in various forms, discussion work, group and paired reading activities and the development of essay writing skills. Independent work will be required at home as guided by the teacher. External Exam dates during : None all exams will be sat in May/June of Year 11.
ENGLISH LITERATURE (AQA) Course: GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry 60% - preparation for poetry section of the exam to be sat in Year 11. Overview: In this unit students will study one cluster of poems Love and Relationships - taken from the AQA poetry anthology, Poems Past and Present. Students will explore the following aspects of several of the 15 poems in this chosen cluster: content, language, structure, themes, tone and mood. Students will also be prepared for the unseen poetry section of the examination by analyzing a wide range of poems in order to develop their ability to closely analyse unseen poems. They should be able to analyse and compare key features such as their content, theme, structure and use of language. At the end of the study of this unit, students will sit an assessment on poetry in the style of the final examination. How to prepare for the assessment: This is a closed text examination and students must therefore be very familiar with the poems studied. This means that students should read and re-read their poems and be able to memorize key quotations and references. The exam questions will be divided into two parts anthology poetry and unseen poetry. For the anthology poetry, students will be given a poem from the anthology cluster already studied, and will be asked to compare it to another poem from the same cluster. For the unseen poetry questions, students will be given a poem they will not have studied, and will be asked to analyse its impact. They will then be given another unseen poem, and will be asked to compare the two unseen poems from a given point of view, such as theme or characterisation. Students will undertake a range of different tasks in order to prepare them for the exam. These will include note-taking in various forms, discussion work, group and paired reading activities and the development of essay writing skills. Independent work will be required at home as guided by the teacher. External Exam dates during : None all exams will be sat in May/June of Year 11.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE (AQA) Course: GCSE English Language Speaking & Listening is now assessed and awarded separately. Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing 50% - preparation for exam to be sat in year 11. Overview: The set texts for the Literature syllabus will be used to help build the skills required for this Language paper. These skills include the ability to analyse creative (fiction) texts and to write creatively as well. The work in, to be revisited in Year 11, leads to an exam which has the following format: Section A: students are expected to read a literature fiction text in order to consider how established writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to capture the interest of readers Section B: students are expected to write their own creative text, inspired by the topic that they have responded to in section A to demonstrate their narrative and descriptive skills in response to a written prompt, scenario or visual image. At the end of the study of this unit students will sit an assessment in the style of the final examination. How to prepare for the assessment: Section A Reading: Students will study a wide range of different fiction extracts. These will be drawn from either the 20th or 21st century. These will include extracts from novels and short stories and focus on openings, endings, narrative perspectives and points of view, narrative or descriptive passages, character, atmospheric descriptions and other appropriate narrative and descriptive approaches. They will develop analytical skills and answer an increasingly challenging set of questions. Students will need to read a great deal, both in class and at home, to sharpen their analytical skills and respond under timed conditions. They will also need to develop key understanding of the requirements of each type of question: information retrieval, analysis of language, analysis of structure, and evaluation of a given perspective. Section B Writing: As a stimulus for students own writing, there will be a choice of scenario, written prompt or visual image that is related to the topic of the reading text in section A. Students will do a range of creative writing activities, often related to texts they have read in class. Students will be focusing on developing creative and imaginative approaches in their own writing but also writing with precision and accuracy. External Exam dates during : None all exams will be sat in May/June of Year 11.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE (AQA) Course: GCSE English Language Speaking & Listening is now assessed and awarded separately Paper 2: Writers Viewpoints and Perspectives 50% - preparation for exam to be sat in year 11. Overview: The set texts for the Literature syllabus will be used to help build the skills required for this Language paper. These skills include the ability to develop insights into how writers have particular viewpoints and perspectives on issues or themes that are important to the way we think and live our lives. The work in, to be revisited in Year 11, leads to an exam which has the following format: Section A: students are expected to read two linked sources from different time periods and genres in order to consider how each presents a perspective or viewpoint to influence the reader Section B: students are expected to produce a written text to a specified audience, purpose and form in which they give their own perspective on the theme that has been introduced to them in section A. Students will sit a practice assessment in the Paper at the end of. How to prepare for the assessment: Section A Reading: Students will explore a range of non-fiction and literary non-fiction texts. They will be drawn from the 19th century, and either the 20th or 21st century. The combination selected will always provide students with an opportunity to consider viewpoints and perspectives over time. During the course of study, students are expected to read high quality journalism, articles, reports, essays, travel writing, accounts, sketches, letters, diaries, autobiography and biographical passages or other appropriate non-fiction and literary non-fiction forms. A range of activities on these types of texts will help them to sharpen their analytical skills and respond under timed conditions. They will also need to develop key understanding of the requirements of each type of question: information retrieval, analysis of language, analysis of structure, and comparison of viewpoints expressed. Section B Writing: In section B, there will be a single writing task related to the theme of section A. It will specify audience, purpose and form, and will use a range of opinions, statements and writing scenarios to provoke a response. They will need to structure their arguments with clarity and due consideration of audience and purpose and also to write with precision and accuracy. In order to develop the necessary skills, students will engage in discussion work, practice writing in a variety of forms, but should also be aware of issues in the world around them and be given every opportunity to develop and express their views. External Exam dates during : None all exams will be sat in May/June of Year 11.
SPOKEN LANGUAGE ENDORSEMENT (AQA) Course: GCSE English Language This is an endorsed component which does not contribute to the result of the GCSE English Language qualification. Tasks: Prepared Formal Presentation This is a prepared task, with students being given the time to research, plan and rehearse with support and guidance from their teacher The presentation will not take more than 10 minutes The presentation will involve a question and answer session from the teacher and peers The topic of presentation will need to be approved by the teacher. The task will be assessed in the summer term of. How to prepare for the task Students should read widely and discuss contemporary issues to help broaden their understanding of different attitudes and viewpoints. There will be many opportunities to do so throughout the GCSE courses in English Language and English Literature. Continuing discussion and debate beyond the classroom will help to develop the ability to talk about a range of topics with confidence and flair. External Exam dates during : None. This is an internally assessed qualification, with marks submitted to the AQA examining board.
MATHEMATICS (EdExcel) Course: EdExcel GCSE Mathematics (9-1) Controlled Assessment: (Mathematics) No controlled assessment for Mathematics (100% exam). External Exam dates during : None (due to new GCSE there will be no early entry opportunities for ). How to prepare for GCSE Mathematics All students will have an online new Edexcel GCSE (9-1) textbook for revision and homework. A one off payment of 4 must be paid via ParentPay before the September 2017 term commences in order for students to receive their personalised log in and thus be able to access this resource. Students will also have access to MathsWatch videos and interactive questions at home and on their mobile devices. Details on how to use MathsWatch will be given via class teachers and is displayed in every maths classroom. Sample papers for the new GCSE, along with revision lists and problem solving resources will also be available to students on the school s shared network area. In Year 11, the students are also given hard copies of various GCSE resources released by EdExcel. Teaching Staff Head of Maths: Miss C Harding Deputy Head of Maths: Mr L Horsell
STATISTICS (Edexcel) Course: GCSE Statistics EdExcel Controlled Assessment: Only some students will study for the GCSE Statistics in addition to the GCSE Mathematics. The controlled assessment for Statistics GCSE is completed at the end of. Learn statistical methods (e.g. box plots) and be able to apply these. Students will also have access to MathsWatch videos at home and on their mobile devices. Details on how to use MathsWatch will be given via class teachers and displayed in every maths classroom. Sample Statistics GCSE papers and textbooks will be given to students in Year 11. Past papers are also available on the school s shared network. All resources and guidance for the Statistics coursework is available on the school s shared network. External Exam dates during : None for GCSE Statistics. Teaching Staff Head of Maths: Miss C Harding Deputy Head of Maths: Mr L Horsell
SCIENCE(S) (AQA) Course: GCSE Trilogy Science (9-1) Controlled Assessment Date & % of final grade: No controlled assessment for Science (100% exam). Assessment: End of terms tests only External Exam dates during : None (due to new GCSE there will be no early entry opportunities for ). How to prepare for GCSE Science: Students can access a wealth of resources on the schools SharePoint System. This includes past exam questions, revision resources, PowerPoints amongst many others. Revision guides are available to purchase via ParentPay. There are many other resources available online including mygcsescience.com which (for a small fee) gives you access to video tutorials and activities. External Exam dates during : No exam Teaching Staff Head of Science: Head of Biology: Head of Chemistry: Head of Physics: Mr C Gibbons Miss S Anastasi Mr D Matthews Mr R Smith
SCIENCE(S) (AQA) Course: GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Separate Science) Controlled Assessment Date & % of final grade: No controlled assessment for Science (100% exam). Assessment: End of terms tests only External Exam dates during : None (due to new GCSE there will be no early entry opportunities for ). How to prepare for GCSE Science: Students can access a wealth of resources on the schools SharePoint System. This includes past exam questions, revision resources, PowerPoints amongst many others. Revision guides are available to purchase via ParentPay. There are many other resources available online including mygcsescience.com which (for a small fee) gives you access to video tutorials and activities. External Exam dates during : No exam. Teaching Staff Head of Science: Head of Biology: Head of Chemistry: Head of Physics: Mr C Gibbons Miss S Anastasi Mr D Matthews Mr R Smith
ART & DESIGN (AQA) Course: GCSE Art & Design Coursework Unit is worth 60 % of the final grade. The Art and Design course is a broad course which provides students with the opportunity to explore practical and contextual work through a range of 2D and/or 3D processes and materials. Students will complete two thematic units over the two years; Natural Forms and Identity/Portraiture. Students will begin their studies with the theme Natural Forms. Within this unit students will develop their skills and expertise in a range of media in response to set tasks by the teacher. As the unit progresses, students will have more autonomy over their choices of artwork. In the summer term, students will start their second unit, Identity/Portraiture which will form part of their final unit in Year 11. Within the units, students will be introduced to a variety of experiences which require them to work in a range of media, processes and techniques. As the course progresses, students will learn how to select appropriate processes and resources to develop their own personal ideas in response to a theme. Alongside the practical work, students will also develop analytical skills as they develop their knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design from around the world. Critical theory (independent research and analysis) is a key skill to develop on the course. As part of the course students will have the opportunity to visit a gallery or museum to view art work first hand. All work produced during this year will be assessed as part of their final coursework grade. How to prepare for the tasks: Students need to ensure that they: Have the correct equipment an A3 sketchbook, sketching pencils and a small pack of acrylic paints for home use. Meet deadlines and using the provided revision sessions to gain further support when needed. Complete all work to the best of their ability and allowing time to review their work and make improvements. Develop their ideas independently. Visit galleries and museums. Internal Mock Exam date during : Summer Term. External Exam dates during : There are no External exams in.
BUSINESS STUDIES GCSE (Edexcel) Course: GCSE Business Studies Exam Theme 1: Investigating small business: (50% of GCSE) The students will learn about a wide range of topics including finance and marketing. The learning will take place in Y10 for preparation of the final exam in Y11. Task: Topic tests in Y10 in preparation for Y11 exams. Assessments in Year 11: Theme 1: 90-minute written exam answering case study questions with a total of 90 marks. (50% of the GCSE grade). How to prepare for the exams: By attending revision sessions organised by your teacher and completing past exam papers, which can be accessed online at Edexcel s website or SharePoint, will help develop the exam techniques required. Additionally, students can use their revision guides, revision workbooks and use interactive websites listed below. External Exam dates during : There will be no external exams in however students will start practicing exam techniques and knowledge tests in preparation for their Theme 1 paper next year, which contributes 50% to the final grade. Websites: www.edexcel.org.uk www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/ www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice/ www.tutor2u.net/business/gcse www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk/ Teaching Staff Mr A Sundaram In Charge of Department
FOOD SCIENCE AQA Course: GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Assessment: EXAM: Paper 1: Food preparation and nutrition (50%) What is assessed Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from subject content. How it's assessed Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks; 50% of GCSE Questions Multiple choice questions (20 marks) Five questions each with a number of sub questions (80 marks) NON EXAM ASSESSMENT: (NEA) What is assessed Task 1: Food investigation (15%) Students' understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task. Task 2: Food preparation assessment (35%) Students' knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved. Task: You will be taught the science behind what makes food tasty in a new GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition from exam board AQA. It will include the following: Food preparation skills these are intended to be integrated into the five sections: Food, nutrition and health Food science Food safety Food choice Food provenance You should always be prepared for lessons by bringing all required equipment and ingredients for lessons. Attend all lessons and keep all assessment deadlines. Research appropriate retail outlets to gather primary research as opposed to information gathered from the internet. External Exam dates during : (No official exams in )
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (AQA) Course: GCSE Textiles Technology Controlled Assessment: Unit 2 Approximately 35 hours - 100 marks 50% of overall grade. Task: Students will develop their understanding of three main areas over the two year course: - Core Technical Principles in Design and Technology - Specialist Technical Principles in Textiles Design - Designing and Making Principles in Textiles Design Students will have opportunities to experiment with a range of different materials, tools, techniques and processes to create mini prototypes of textile products. Students will be issued with a brief to work to for their coursework. - Research existing products, target market and theme. - Analyse research and produce design specification. - Attend all lessons and keep all controlled assessment deadlines. - Gather research from appropriate retail outlets to collect primary research as opposed to information gathered from the internet. - Compile a revision guide, using the lesson resources to help you for the exam. External Exam dates during Year 11: 2 hour exam totalling 100 marks. Provisional exam date: (No Exam in )
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (AQA) Course: GCSE Product Design Controlled Assessment: Unit 2 Approximately 35 hours - 100 marks 50% of overall grade. Task: Students will develop their understanding of three main areas over the two year course: - Core Technical Principles in Design and Technology - Specialist Technical Principles in Product Design - Designing and Making Principles in Product Design Students will have opportunities to experiment with a range of different materials, tools, techniques and processes to create mini prototypes of Product Design products. Students will be issued with a brief to work to for their coursework. - Research existing products, target market and theme. - Analyse research and produce design specification. - Attend all lessons and keep all controlled assessment deadlines. - Gather research from appropriate retail outlets to collect primary research as opposed to information gathered from the internet. - Compile a revision guide, using the lesson resources to help you for the exam. External Exam dates during Year 11: 2 hour exam totalling 100 marks. Provisional exam date: (No Exam in )
DRAMA (AQA 8261) Course: GCSE Drama (AQA 8261) Non-Exam Assessment: Component 2: Devising Drama (80 marks / 40% of GCSE) in March-June of. Task: You will work in a group to devise a piece of Drama in a specific style, designed for a particular target audience. This will be performed (and recorded) under professional conditions. You will keep a written log in which you reflect on the development of the work and your contributions, and evaluate the impact of the final performance. Seeing a range of live performance in your own time will give you lots of ideas to draw on. Being involved in a Drama Club or the school production will help to develop your performance experience and understanding of the professional discipline required. An awareness of current affairs will help you to create topical work. External Exam dates during : No external examination in.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (Edexcel) BTEC Level 2 First Award Course: Health & Social Care BTEC Controlled Assessment Date: Unit 3: Communicating in Health and Social Care: September December 2016. Unit 6: The impact of nutrition on health and wellbeing: January June 2017. Task: Students will prepare a portfolio of work for each unit based around a provided case study. Work is internally assessed and students will have the opportunity to improve work to ensure that they are able to raise the grades that they have achieved in the Unit. Work for the task is completed in the lessons and students will be provided with all the resources required for the task. Some research will also be set as homework. External Exam dates during : N/A
CHILD DEVELOPMENT GCSE Course: GCSE Home Economics: Child Development Controlled Assessment Date: Unit 2: September 2016 and January 2017. Unit 3: February to July 2017. Task: Unit 2: Research assignment (20%). Students will research the availability and quality of play areas in the local area. They will also consider the safety aspects of the play areas. The results of this research are then written up in the form of a report. Unit 3: Child study (40%). Students will carry out observations of a child and carry out appropriate research to assist in the research. Students will analyse and evaluate observations, recognising change and progression in development and comparing against developmental milestones. Students will be expected to collect evidence in the form of both primary and secondary research. This research is then used to complete the controlled assessment as laid out by the exam board. External Exam dates during : N/A
HISTORY (Edexcel ) Course: GCSE History Assessment: During and Year 11 you will study four units that will be examined at the end of Year 11. The GCSE is assessed by 100% exam. The four units you will study over the two years include: Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment (30% of GCSE) Crime and punishment in Britain, c1000 present and Whitechapel, c1870 c1900: crime, policing and the inner city. Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes Paper 2: Period study and British depth study (40% of GCSE) - Spain and the New World, c1490 c1555 - Early Elizabethan England, 1558 88. Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes Paper 3: Modern depth study (30% of GCSE) Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918 39 Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes In you will study Crime and punishment in Britain, c1000 present and Whitechapel, c1870 c1900: crime, policing and the inner city from September to March and Early Elizabethan England, 1558 88 from March until the end of the year. You will be expected to undertake independent study and revise frequently for knowledge tests in class. Your teacher will explain the structure of each exam question and you will practice exam style questions in class and for homework. At the end of each key topic you will complete a past paper and an in-depth knowledge test on that topic. External Exam dates during : No external examinations. All three examinations will be in May/June of Year 11 (worth 100% of the GCSE) Learning outside the classroom in : Visit to the Tower of London with a crime workshop (summer term)
COMPUTER SCIENCE GCSE (AQA) Course: GCSE Computer Science Controlled Assessment Date: There is no controlled assessment in year 10. Students will spend the year learning the fundamentals of programming and computational thinking alongside Computer Science theory. Task: There will be one controlled assessment in year 11: You will be given a scenario that you will have to decompose and then write a program in Python for. The program will also have to be evaluated. How to prepare for GCSE Computer Science: It would be really useful to download Python onto a home computer (available here PYTHON ) to enable practice to take place outside lessons. There are many free resources to support learning of Python outside the classroom such as codeacademy Google classroom is widely used and will contain many more resources to support the students in their learning. Students can also support their learning of computer science theory by using BBC bitesize External Exam dates during : No Exams
ICT CiDA (Certificate in Digital Applications) [Twilight Course] Course: CiDA The Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Certificate in Digital Applications has been designed to teach digital design skills and enable young people to use digital tools to express their creativity in an informed and responsible way. It aims to equip young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to design and make effective digital products for others to use, and to support future learning and exploit the creative digital industries. Units and % of final grade: The course comprises two units and is equivalent to one GCSE at A* - C. The two units are as follows: Developing Web Products 2.5 hour practical exam Game Making Internally assessed project Unit 1 Developing Web Products This accounts for 25% of the total marks available This unit acknowledges the increasingly significant role of the world wide web in everyday life. It develops the skills and knowledge needed to produce effective web authoring and evaluation skills. Students will learn how to design and develop web sites and multi-media assets required. They will then be assessed in a 2.5 hour online exam where students are expected to modify and use the supplied assets to create a response for a brief. This will be done on a computer. Unit 4 Game Making This accounts for 75% of the total marks This unit requires students to design, develop and create a computer-based game and to create promotional and review materials for it. Students will learn how to use a game-making engine and will develop their games on this. How to prepare for the tasks: 100% attendance to lessons. Practice the skills learn,t outside the classroom External Exam dates during : 1 online exam in February or May depending on students
MEDIA STUDIES GCSE (EDUQAS) Course: GCSE Media Studies Controlled Assessment Date: Begin in the summer term. Deadline: Aut 2018 (Year 11) Task: Component 1: Exploring the Media Section A: Exploring Media Language and Representation: This section assesses media language and representation in relation to two of the following print media forms: magazines, marketing (film posters), newspapers, or print advertisements. Section B: Exploring Media Industries and Audiences: This section assesses two of the following media forms in relation to industrial practises and audiences: film, newspapers, radio, video games (Please note that we will not cover video games and radio until year 11). Set texts we will study for this unit include: Magazines: Pride and GQ Film Marketing: The Bond Franchise (focus on 'Spectre' 2015) Newspapers: The Guardian and The Sun Print Adverts: Quality Street & This Girl Can Radio: The Archers Video Games: Pokemon Go Component 2: Exploring the Media Section B: Music Video and Online Media: This section requires a detailed study of music through focusing on two contemporary music videos and the online, social and participatory media surrounding the artists. In addition, learners study one music video from the past to enable learners to develop their understanding of media language and of how representations reflect, and are influenced by, relevant contexts. Set texts for this unit include: Katy Perry Roar (2013) Bruno Mars Uptown Funk (2014) Michael Jackson Black or White (1991) Component 3: Creating Media Products Students will draw upon their knowledge from Component 2 to create a music video or a website to promote a new artist/band. They will begin to plan this in the summer term and begin production in Autumn of Year 11. Watch a range of music videos and consider how people are represented (you could look at age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class and status, ability). Watch Spectre (2015). Check out our YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/user/coombemedia or visit the Coombe Media blog http://ocrcoombemedia.blogspot.co.uk/ External Exam dates during : None.
MODERN LANGUAGES (AQA) FRENCH, GERMAN & SPANISH Course: GCSE Modern Foreign Languages (French, German and Spanish) Paper 1: Listening. 25% of total marks Overview Students understanding and response to different types of spoken language is assessed. 35 minute exam at Foundation Tier. 40 minute exam at Higher Tier. Section A - questions and answers in English Section B - questions and answers in the target language. How to prepare: Teachers will provide students with a list of websites where they can practice listening questions online. Students can also listen to French/ Spanish/ German radio and all students can prepare by regularly revising vocabulary. Paper 2: Speaking. 25% of total marks Overview Students will be assessed on communicating and interacting effectively for a variety of purposes. The exam will include a role play card, a photo card and a general conversation section. The exam is 7-9 minutes at Foundation Tier and 10-12 minutes at Higher Tier. How to prepare: Students should revise how to ask and answer questions. Students should practice giving extended answers and opinions. Revising vocabulary, in particular directions, times and question words, is recommended. Paper 3: Reading. 25% of total marks Overview Students understanding and response to different types of written language will be assessed. Section A questions and answers in English. Section B questions and answers in the target language. Section C - Students will need to translate from the target language into English. How to prepare: Students should revise grammar and vocabulary in order to be prepared for the translation section of the exam. Students can use online resources and their online textbooks to practice reading questions. Paper 4: Writing. 25% of total marks Overview Students are assessed on communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes Students will need to translate from the target language into English. Students taking the Foundation Tier will be required to answer 4 question. Students taking the Higher Tier will be required to answer 3 questions. Foundation Tier 1 hour. Higher Tier 1 hour 15 minutes. How to prepare: Students should revise grammar and practice answering questions under timed conditions. Students should practice giving extended answers which include a range of vocabulary and grammar points. Students should revise how to give a range of opinions and how to write in a range of registers. External Exam dates during : No exam.
MUSIC (Edexcel) Course: GCSE Music Please note that these tasks are spread across and 11 with being a preparatory year for the performances and compositions. Unit 1: Performance 30% (solo and ensemble). Task: Preparing for Performance (mock recital at the end of ). Solo performance: perform one solo piece in any style for your instrument/voice. Ensemble performance: perform one group piece in any style on your instrument/voice. Start learning as many solo pieces as you can. Play things you enjoy and develop your confidence as a performer. If you don t have 1:1 instrumental / vocal lessons at the moment, it would be worth starting them. Join one of the musical clubs/shows/productions at Coombe to gain experience of group performance. Unit 2: Composing 30%. Task: Composition 1: Compose a free composition(minimum 1 minute) Composition 2: Compose a piece of music to a set brief (minimum 1 minute) Have a go at composing your own piece of music. It can be in any style and use any instrument. Unit 3: Appraising The purpose of this component is to assess students listening and appraising skills through the study of music across a variety of styles and genres. The content is grouped into four areas of study, each of which contains two set works. Area of study Set works Instrumental Music 1700 1820 J S Bach: 3rd Movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major L van Beethoven: 1st Movement from Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor Pathétique
Vocal Music H Purcell: Music for a While Queen: Killer Queen (from the album Sheer Heart Attack ) Music for Stage and Screen S Schwartz: Defying Gravity (from the album of the cast recording of Wicked) J Williams: Main title/rebel blockade runner (from the soundtrack to Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope) Fusions Afro Celt Sound System: Release (from the album Volume 2: Release ) Esperanza Spalding: Students will analyse each set work in great detailed during & 11 and will practise exam questions which will test their ability to answer long and short answers. Attend all lessons Attend KS4 clinic revision sessions
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (AQA) Course: GCSE PE Controlled Assessment: Written Analysis of Performance. Task: Written coursework analysing their strengths and weaknesses as a performer. Research the perfect model technique for all skills on practical assessment criteria. Video and play back own performance and compare to an elite performer. Attend and write up all sessions as required. Controlled Assessment: Progress tracking of theory knowledge. (Does not count towards end of Year 11 grade). Task: End of unit tests on theory areas of work. Attend all lessons. Prepare in advance for all end of unit tests. Revise at home. Practice long answer questions. Attend revision sessions. Attend all lessons. Prepare in advance for all end of unit tests. Revise at home. Practice long answer questions. Attend revision sessions. Task: End of unit assessment for each practical activity. Familiarise yourself with the practical assessment criteria for your chosen sports. Attend all lessons. Attend extra-curricular clubs for each activity in school or out of school. Join a local club to train and compete.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (Edexcel) Course: GCSE Religious Studies B The Religious Studies course is made up of two units: 1. Religion and Ethics 2. Religion, Peace and Conflict Controlled Assessment Date and % of final grade: Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 50% of the qualification Content overview Students must study all four content sections based on Islam: Beliefs Marriage and the Family Living the Religious Life Matters of Life and Death How to prepare for the tasks: Classwork must be completed in full, with as much detail as possible so that students have good revision notes in their exercise book. Homework must be completed each week so that students have up to date, relevant case studies in their books for revision. Students must revise for each end of unit test so that they are properly prepared for exam practice. An excellent level of attendance is needed so that students are confident and have a good understanding of the syllabus. External Exam dates during : None