KEY STAGE 4: YOUR FUTURE

KEY STAGE 4: YOUR FUTURE Guide to the curriculum for Year 9 students September 2017 GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS

Contents English Language and English Literature (Two GCSEs)... 4 Mathematics (GCSE)... 5 Combined Science (2 GCSEs)... 6 Art & Design (GCSE)... 9 Business Studies (GCSE)... 10 Computer Science (GCSE)... 11 Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA)... 12 Dance (BTEC or GCSE)... 13 Drama (BTEC or GCSE)... 15 Film Studies (GCSE)... 17 Food Science (GCSE)... 18 French (GCSE)... 19 Geography (GCSE)... 20 Graphics (GCSE or Technical Award)... 21 Health and Social Care (BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award)... 22 History (GCSE - Full Course)... 23 Media Studies (GCSE)... 24 Music (GCSE)... 25 Philosophy, Ethics and Beliefs (GCSE)... 26 Physical Education (GCSE, Technical or BTEC)... 28 Psychology (GCSE)... 32 Resistant Materials (GCSE or Technical Award)... 33 Spanish (GCSE)... 35 2

CORE SUBJECTS 3

English Language and English Literature (Two GCSEs) Examination Board: AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature enable students to demonstrate their ability to use English in real life contexts and uses an investigative and analytical approach to Language topics, based on personal experience. Students take English Language and English Literature in years 9-11, with all elements being examined in year 11. Throughout the Language course, students develop skills in speaking and listening, technical accuracy, reading and writing. Students will take two exams, each worth 50% of their final result. Exams will assess reading and writing as well as technical accuracy. Speaking and Listening will be awarded a separate accreditation of Pass, Merit or Distinction. The Literature course will cover a range of whole texts of different genres from both Contemporary and Literary Heritage writers. Students also study a whole Shakespeare play, a 19 th Century novel, a modern novel or play and poetry from an anthology cluster which will also help them to analyse unseen poetry. All students must be entered for both English Language and English Literature GCSE. Assessment is completed through external examination worth 100% of the GCSE grade. 4

Mathematics (GCSE) Exam Board: Edexcel Maths at Key Stage 4 is compulsory for all students. Subject Overview The Mathematics curriculum for KS4 builds on content, knowledge and skills developed in years 7 and 8. The course will focus on topics under the following headings: Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change, Geometry and Measures, Probability Statistics. Problem solving and the application of numbers in the real world are prominent features of the curriculum. Mathematics is a subject which is highly valuable to employers and all students will have the opportunity to do as well as they possibly can. Exam Board We currently use Edexcel (Pearson) as our exam board. More information can be found at the following link: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html Assessment The GCSE consists of 3 one and a half hour examinations at the end of the course there is no coursework element to the Mathematics GCSE. There are two calculator papers and one noncalculator paper and each have the same weighting. The examinations, each marked out of 80, have 2 tiers of entry (Foundation and Higher) and students will be entered into the tier most appropriate for them, which will be decided nearer to the exam. 5

Examination Board: Edexcel Specification codes: 1SC0 Combined Science (2 GCSEs) Combined Science is a compulsory subject. There is the option to extend the course on to GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics (Triple Science). Science GCSEs encourage students to be inspired and challenged by a broad course of study. There are 6 theory units, the course is linear with exams at the end of year 11 for GCSE Science. Throughout the course there are opportunities to develop practical skills to solve problems and test hypothesis. Assessment The GCSE consists of 6 examinations (at the end of the course) there is no coursework element to the science GCSE. The examinations have 2 tiers of entry (Foundation and Higher) and students will be entered to the tier most appropriate for them, which will be decided nearer to the exam. Students will sit the GCSE in year 11. Paper 1: Biology 1 (Paper code: 1SC0/1BF, 1SC0/1BH) Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes 16.67% of the qualification 60 marks Content overview Topic 1 Key concepts in biology, Topic 2 Cells and control, Topic 3 Genetics, Topic 4 Natural selection and genetic modification, Topic 5 Health, disease and the development of medicines Assessment overview A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Paper 2: Biology 2 (Paper code: 1SC0/2BF, 1SC0/2BH) Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes 16.67% of the qualification 60 marks Content overview Topic 1 Key concepts in biology, Topic 6 Plant structures and their functions, Topic 7 Animal coordination, control and homeostasis, Topic 8 Exchange and transport in animals, Topic 9 Ecosystems and material cycles Assessment overview A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Paper 3: Chemistry 1 (Paper code: 1SC0/1CF, 1SC0/1CH) Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes 16.67% of the qualification 60 marks Content overview Topic 1 Key concepts in chemistry, Topic 2 States of matter and mixtures, Topic 3 Chemical changes, Topic 4 Extracting metals and equilibria Assessment overview 6

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Paper 4: Chemistry 2 (*Paper code: 1SC0/2CF, 1SC0/2CH) Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes 16.67% of the qualification 60 marks Content overview Topic 1 Key concepts in chemistry, Topic 6 Groups in the periodic table, Topic 7 Rates of reaction and energy changes, Topic 8 Fuels and Earth science Assessment overview A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Paper 5: Physics 1 (Paper code: 1SC0/1PF, 1SC0/1PH) Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes 16.67% of the qualification 60 marks Content overview Topic 1 Key concepts of physics, Topic 2 Motion and forces, Topic 3 Conservation of energy, Topic 4 Waves, Topic 5 Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, Topic 6 Radioactivity Assessment overview A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Paper 6: Physics 2 (Paper code: 1SC0/2PF, 1SC0/2PH) Written examination: 1 hour 10 minutes 16.67% of the qualification 60 marks Content overview Topic 1 Key concepts of physics, Topic 8 Energy - Forces doing work, Topic 9 Forces and their effects, Topic 10 Electricity and circuits, Topic 12 Magnetism and the motor effect, Topic 13 Electromagnetic induction, Topic 14 Particle model, Topic 15 Forces and matter Assessment overview A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. For further information on the course please visit the Edexcel website and view the specification. http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/sciences-2016.html 7

GCSE/BTEC/ Technical Award OPTION CHOICES 8

Art & Design (GCSE) Examination Board: AQA Specification Code: 8201 Subject Overview: This course encourages and develops the ability to observe, select and interpret with imagination, understanding and feeling. Students make personal responses to experiences, environments and cultures. During the course students will be expected to develop a language that enables them to assess and interpret not only their own work but also that of other artists, designers & crafts people, including those from other countries. A high level of commitment and the ability to work hard and independently is required. This course involves study in a number of disciplines: drawing and painting, printmaking, photography, textiles, ceramics and 3-D multi-media. As the course progresses, students determine their own responses to themes and selection of materials to communicate their ideas. Final assessment is made by a combination of 3 units of coursework and a controlled practical test. Students will be encouraged to develop at least one unit using photographic materials and techniques. Homework requires students to pursue their own research, development, planning and execution of work. The GCSE course prepares students for a wide variety of careers and further education. Progress to AS or A2 Art & Design in Year 12 is an option, and other Art & Design endorsements such as Graphics, Textiles and Photography. The course provides the opportunity to compile a portfolio for interview to enter Art & Design College. Syllabus Content: 60% Coursework, 40% Exam Three coursework units: Natural and Made the Abstract World Portraiture Figures and Symbolism Theme selected by student - with strong contextual element. Exam: Students choose a theme from six externally set starting points and develop ideas over a 3 month period. The final outcomes are produced in a 10hr period (controlled test) at the end of the course. Additional Information: Candidates achieving a grade 4+ will have the opportunity to progress to the A Level. 9

Examination Board: Edexcel Business Studies (GCSE) Subject Overview: A 3 year course, Business Studies is designed to give students an understanding of how business works and how business decisions are made. The course investigates how to put a business idea into practice and how the wider world affects business decisions. Students will apply the knowledge learnt in a variety of ways: By applying their knowledge and skills to examination questions. By visiting and studying local companies and locations where business activity has had an impact. Some of the topics covered include: market research to spot a business opportunity; marketing; accounting and finance; recruitment and training; production and stock control; the impact of the wider economy on business decisions. The course consists of two themes: Theme 1 Investigating small business. (Five Topic Areas) Topic 1.1: Enterprise and entrepreneurship Topic 1.2: Spotting a business opportunity Topic 1.3: Putting a business idea into practice Topic 1.4: Making the business effective Topic 1.5: Understanding external influences on business Theme 2 Building a Business. (Five Topic Areas) Topic 2.1: Growing the business Topic 2.2: Making marketing decisions Topic 2.3: Making operational decisions Topic 2.4: Making financial decisions Topic 2.5: Making human resource decisions Assessment: Theme 1 Written examination paper (50%) Theme 2 Written examination paper (50%) 10

Computer Science (GCSE) Examination Board: AQA Specification Code: 8520 GCSE in Computing gets students working with real-world programming and provides a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computing. Assessment is made up of the following: 2 externally assessed examinations each worth 40% of marks, total 80% of the overall marks Two papers: Paper 1: Computational Thinking and Problem Solving Written exam set in practically based scenario Paper 2: Written assessment A mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing a student s practical problem solving and computational thinking skills. Non-exam assessment 20% of the overall marks The non-exam assessment assesses a student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve a practical programming problem. 11

Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA) Qualification: Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA) Graded A* - C Equivalent in level to one GCSE at A* - C Number of units studied: 2 Unit 1 Developing Web Products External practical examination (compulsory unit). Unit 4 Creative Multimedia In this unit students produce a multimedia product for a given scenario. 12

Dance (BTEC or GCSE) PLEASE NOTE: BTEC: 50% WRITTEN COURSEWORK AND 50% PRACTICAL GCSE: 60% PRACTICAL AND 40% FINAL WRITTEN EXAM Examination Board: Either AQA GCSE dance or Edexcel BTEC dance Due to current spec changes, The Performing Arts department have not committed to a specification for this course yet. The spec will be decided on the number and ability of the students that wish to opt for this subject. KS4 dance helps students develop technical and expressive skills as well as knowledge and understanding of dance through performance, choreography and critical appreciation of dance As a rough guide, IF the GCSE Dance course is chosen, it will consist of the following: Performance 30% Students will learn a set work and focus on the correct techniques in this solo piece of dance to an examiner and/or live audience and a small group performance to an examiner and/or live audience Choreography 30% Students will choreograph a piece of dance (either a solo or group piece) using correct choreographic processes to a stimulus and write about the choreography and its process. Dance appreciation 40% (1.5 hour written exam) The exam (and study) will consist of: Critical appreciation of student s own work and professional works. Knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills. Technical elements such as lighting, costume, sound etc. As a rough guide, IF the BTEC Dance course is chosen, it will consist of the following: Exploring Students will examine live and recorded performances in order to develop their understanding of practitioners work (acting, dance AND musical theatre), with reference to influences, outcomes and purpose. Developing Students will develop their dance skills and techniques through the reproduction existing choreography. Performing Students will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to create a dance performance in response to a given brief and stimulus. Rehearsals and Performances Rehearsals and performances are a compulsory part of the course. Students should expect to stay behind at least once a week, as well as perhaps rehearsing during lunch and break times. Students are assessed during the rehearsals and performances and must keep a diary of their 13

progress through rehearsals. Students will not be able to pass this course without attending extra rehearsals so commitment to the course is key. Cost of course Students are expected to attend trips and performances that are related to this subject area. At times, students may need to provide costumes for their performances. Dance kit is available at an extra cost. PE kit or plain black suitable clothing is acceptable for lessons and rehearsals. 14

Drama (BTEC or GCSE) PLEASE NOTE: BTEC: 50% WRITTEN COURSEWORK AND 50% PRACTICAL GCSE: 60% PRACTICAL AND 40% FINAL WRITTEN EXAM Examination Board: GCSE drama TBC or Edexcel BTEC Drama Due to current spec changes, The Performing Arts department have not committed to a specification for this course yet. The spec will be decided on the number and ability of the students that wish to opt for this subject. KS4 drama KS4 drama helps students develop technical and interpretive skills as well as knowledge and understanding of acting and drama through performance, devising and knowledge and understanding. As a rough guide, IF the GCSE Drama course is chosen, it will consist of the following: Devising Students will create a piece of drama based on a given a theme/stimulus in small groups. Performance Students will study one or two scripted texts (through both theory and Practical) and will perform the scripts to an examiner and/or live audience. Written Exam Students will sit an exam (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours) based on live theatre and set professional works/practioners. As a rough guide, IF the BTEC Drama course is chosen, it will consist of the following: Exploring Students will examine live and recorded performances in order to develop their understanding of practitioners work (acting, dance AND musical theatre), with reference to influences, outcomes and purpose. Developing Students will develop their Acting skills and techniques through the reproduction of an existing script. Performing Students will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to devise a piece of drama in response to a given brief and stimulus. Rehearsals and Performances Rehearsals and performances are a compulsory part of the course. Students should expect to stay behind at least once a week, as well as perhaps rehearsing during lunch and break times. Students are assessed during the rehearsals and performances and must keep a diary of their progress through rehearsals. Students will not be able to pass this course without attending extra rehearsals so commitment to the course is key. 15

Cost of course Students are expected to attend trips and performances that are related to this subject area. At times, students may need to provide costumes for their performances. Dance kit is available at an extra cost. PE kit or plain black suitable clothing is acceptable for lessons and rehearsals. 16

Film Studies (GCSE) Examination Board: WJEC Specification Code: 603/0889/8 Subject Overview: GCSE Film is becoming increasingly popular as Film and Media are the biggest growth industries, employing more university leavers than any other profession. It is an exciting subject which gives students the chance to study mainstream genres as well as films produced outside of Hollywood. Students can also choose from a range of creative production options and develop their ability to research. The subject can be followed onto A Level. Students wishing to access this course should be interested in Films. The course is made up of three units, two exam based, one coursework based. Syllabus Content: 30% Coursework, 70% Examination Coursework units: Students complete a coursework project. They will write an analysis of a film sequence, pitch a potential new film, create a movie magazine and then evaluate their work. Genre will link these coursework pieces, and the current genre is Action Movies. Exam: Assessment is through two 1½ hour examinations. One examination is on US films: with a mixture of 1950 s film and more modern film. The other examination is on films that were created outside of Hollywood: one British, one global English language and a non-english language film. Please note that the specifications for the year group have yet to be finalised by the exam board and therefore some of the information above may be subject to change. 17

Food Science (GCSE) Examination Board: AQA Specification Code: 8585 Content : The aim of the AQA course is to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. Assessment: 50% coursework and 50% examination. Food. Students will understand where our food comes from and how it s grown, reared or caught. The processing involved in farm to fork and the development of traditions in Britain and international cuisines. Nutrition. In this section students will look at the guidelines for a healthy diet and the various nutritional needs depending on life stage. Students will look at the specific functions of nutrients in the diet and how to calculate energy and nutritional values. The study of the various food groups and their commodities within will also be scrutinised. Cooking and food preparation. Students will understand why food is cooked and be able to choose the appropriate method. They will also look at the functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Food hygiene will also play an important part of the course. Practical skills. There are a number of practical skills to be practiced through practical sessions and some of these will include: Making sauces, setting hot and cold mixtures, use of raising agents, making dough s, filleting of fish and the careful dissection of chickens, as well as numerous other skills and practical sessions 18

French (GCSE) Learning a foreign language is more than just a boost to your CV or handy for travelling. It will make you smarter, more decisive and even better at English. Examination Board: AQA Subject Overview The course aims to develop students ability to use French effectively for the purposes of communication and to improve their skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening. Students should form a sound base for their future work, study and leisure. Target Group Taking GCSE French at KS4 is aimed at those students who feel they want to have a language in their list of qualifications and skills. The ability to learn vocabulary easily is an advantage. Recommended Level Level S= to E+ by the end of year 8. Assessment and syllabus Students will follow a full GCSE course. (3 years) The examination consists of: The four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. They are equally weighted at 25%. Reading, writing and listening will be externally assessed exams. Writing will include translation. Grades 1-5 are available for Foundation Tier, 4-9 at Higher Tier. Topics covered: Language contexts will be organised in a specified number of broad theme, addressing relevant matters relating to: Identity and culture Local, national, international and global areas of interest Current and future study and employment There is a defined grammar and vocabulary syllabus. Cost of the course Students will be expected to have a bilingual dictionary and later to buy a revision book. 19

Geography (GCSE) Examination Board: AQA Specification Code: 8035 Course Summary: Geography is the study of where places are, what they are like, what life is like in these places and how places are changing. The course builds on topics studied during Key Stage 3. There are 3 units: Unit 1: Living with the physical environment Unit 2: Challenges in the human environment Unit 3: Geographical applications Coursework has been replaced by an exam based upon field work experiences. This accounts for 30% of the total GCSE grade, whereas Units 1 and 2 count for 70% of the total grade. Entry for the examination consists of one tier. Geography helps students develop a range of transferable skills such as decision-making, research, analysis and evaluation, and report writing. GCSE Geography is a useful subject that will help you to make more sense of some of the many changes taking place in the world that will affect you and other people. Geography bridges the arts and sciences giving students flexibility for further education courses. Choosing Geography can lead to careers in environmental management, planning, surveying, teaching, management and administration. 20

Graphics (GCSE or Technical Award) The Graphics curriculum is currently under-going a change and therefore new syllabi have not been written to take into account of these changes. Below is what is currently covered in the Graphics course. Course Outline: The course provides students with the opportunity to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of graphic and modelling materials. Students studying the course will require a passion for drawing, model making and computer aided design work. Students will be encouraged to understand and apply colour and design, to develop spatial concepts, and to understand graphic materials and their manipulation. They will design and make products using different graphic media and current manufacturing processes to prepare them for the world of work. Design and make tasks will be carried out within the following areas; Branded Packaging and Products and Digital Promotion. The course is designed to foster awareness of the need to consider sustainability and the environmental impact of their designing. 21

Health and Social Care (BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award) Exam Board: Edexcel The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care (Qualification Number: 603/0395/5) is a 3 year course. The following 3 units that need to be covered. Component Component number title 1 Human Lifespan Development 2 Health and Social Care Services and Values 3 Health and Wellbeing GLH Level How assessed 36 1/2 Internal 36 1/2 Internal 48 1/2 Synoptic External controlled assessment. Unit 1: Human Lifespan and Development Knowledge of development through the life stages is important for learners who are considering careers in health and social care because it will assist their understanding of the differing needs of individuals, including care needs. It will provide useful knowledge for health and social care workers, helping you to understand patient/service users and work with them more effectively. This unit will involve focusing on a chosen case study to study for the unit. This unit is assessed internally. Unit 2: Health and Social Care Values This unit will help prepare you for a career in any area of health and social care. You will look at the care values in health and social care and explore the effects of socialisation, in society we will look at individual rights and empowerment. This unit is assessed internally. Unit 3: Health & Well-being (external assessed unit) This unit looks at health promotion and well-being, why we have health promotion campaigns and the benefits of health promotion. This unit will involve you planning a health promotion campaign for a specific health risk and carrying out the campaign in a group. This unit is assessed externally. Useful Text Books, Websites: Text book still to be published Website: www.edexcel.com 22

Examination Board: Edexcel GCSE (9-11) History (GCSE - Full Course) Examination: Assessment takes place throughout the year and there are end of course final examinations. Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment (30%) Paper codes: 1HI0/11 Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes 30%* of the qualification 52 marks (16 for the historic environment, 36 for the thematic study). Crime and Punishment in Britain c1000-present with Whitechapel, c1870-1900: Crime, Policing and the Inner City. Paper 2: British Depth Study B3 (20%) and Period Study (20%) Paper codes: B3 and 1HIO/20/21 Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 40% of the qualification 64 marks (32 for the Period study and 32 for the British Depth Study) Henry VIII and his Ministers, 1509-40 Spain and the New World, c1490-1555 Paper 3: Modern Depth Study (30%) Paper Code: 1HIO/33 Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes 30% of the qualification 52 marks The USA, 1954-75: Conflict at home and abroad Course overview: History is a very popular option choice at Maplesden Noakes School. Lessons are engaging and thought provoking. Students are encouraged to understand and question the causes and effects of the main events that take place throughout their different study units; studying both period and development courses. Students will also have access to a thematic study of history for example, the Year 9 students will study Crime and Punishment in Britain from 1000 C.E onwards. During the course students are encouraged to use a variety of sources, including original documents, DVD and the internet to support their work. Students are encouraged to express their views and opinions in class discussions; and to concentrate on the skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation. History is a subject that can lead to a variety of career choices and options. The subject teaches research skills, interpretation and argument that can be applied in a number of careers including business, marketing, finance, media, the leisure industry, police, armed forces, teaching and the Civil Service. 23

Examination Board: AQA Media Studies (GCSE) Specification Code: 8572 Subject Overview: GCSE Media continues to attract a large number of students because it makes learning interesting, challenging, creative and fun. The course exposes students to a broad range of media texts including film, television, radio, internet, etc. Students learn how to analyse these texts, identifying how they are constructed and how they target audiences. They also learn how to create similar texts and endeavour to make these as close to industry standard as possible. This course can be followed on at A Level. Students wishing to access this course should be interested in an area of Media. The course is made up of three units, two exam based, one coursework based. Syllabus Content: 30% Coursework, 70% Exam Coursework units: Students produce a media product. This coursework project sees their work go through all the stages of production; research, pre-production and production. Typical topics for coursework projects include: Advertising and Marketing Film/Television/Music Promotion Print / Moving Image Production Video Game Marketing Exam: Students sit two formal examinations lasting 1 hour 30 minutes each, in the final year of their course. This tests their knowledge on a subject decided in advance by the exam board. For example, the current exam topic is Science Fiction Film. Students will endeavour to develop a thorough understanding of the topic, preparing to answer a range of questions and complete varied tasks related to this topic. Please note that the specifications for the year group have yet to be finalised by the exam board and therefore some of the information above may be subject to change. 24

Music (GCSE) Examination Board: AQA Specification Code: 8271 Subject Overview The Music course enables all students who have an interest in music to develop listening, performance and composition skills. Pupils need to have taken voice or instrumental lessons before the course OR must show potential as either a singer or instrumentalist and be prepared to practise regularly. The areas of study provide an appropriate focus for students to appraise, develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical context and musical language. Areas of Study 1. Western classical tradition 1650-1910 2. Popular music 3. Traditional music 4. Western classical tradition since 1910 Assessment: Component 1 - Understanding Music - Assessed through listening exam paper 40% [Externally Assessed] Component 2 - Performing Music - Solo and Ensemble Performances - 30% [Internally Assessed] Component 3 - Composing Music - Two compositions - 30% [Internally Assessed] During year 9 the music department will consider other possible course options depending on suitability. 25

Philosophy, Ethics and Beliefs (GCSE) (RELIGIOUS STUDIES A- FULL COURSE GCSE) Examination Board: AQA GCSE Religious Studies A - Full Course GCSE Religious Studies A offers students the opportunity for the thematic study of Religion and religious responses to fundamental questions of life. This specification is suitable for candidates of any religious persuasion or none. This specification encourages students to: develop their interest and enthusiasm for the study of Religion and the relationship between Religion and the wider world; develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of Religion by exploring the impact of beliefs, teachings, practices, ways of life and forms of expressing meaning; express their personal responses and informed insights on fundamental questions about identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, values and commitments. The course is made up of two components: Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices. Students should study any two of the following religions: Buddhism Christianity Catholic Christianity Hinduism Islam Judaism Sikhism. Component 2: Thematic studies Students should study a total of four themes which include: Religion, Peace and Conflict: This includes the investigation the concepts of peace, justice, forgiveness, war, terrorism, pacifism, use of nuclear weapons and victims of war. Religion, Crime and Punishment: This includes the study of good/evil actions, types and reasons for crime (addiction, mental illness, upbringing), punishments (prison, community service, corporal punishment, death penalty) and forgiveness. Religion and Life: This includes the study of the origins of the universe, environmental issues, animal exploitation and experimentation, origins of life, evolution. Also ethical issues of abortion, euthanasia, death and the afterlife. Relationships and Families: This includes the study of human sexuality, marriage, divorce, role of parents, same sex relationships, gender equality and discrimination. 26

Assessment : Both Components account for 50% of the total exam and are assessed through two written exams of 1 hour 45 minutes each. There is a total of 96 marks (plus 5 marks for Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)) for each paper. 27

Physical Education (GCSE, Technical or BTEC) PE/Sport at KS4: From September 2017 onwards the PE department will be approaching grouping the GCSE, Technical Award and BTEC differently to previous years. If your child wishes to study PE there will be a generic PE option which you will need to tick. In September any student who has opted for PE will undergo a screening process which will enable us to see which pathway is more suitable. The screening process will take place during student s normal PE lessons for the first 8 weeks of term. It will involve looking at each student s practical capabilities to ensure that they are placed on the appropriate course. Our aim is to put each student on a course which will enable them to achieve their full potential regardless of whether they are on the BTEC or GCSE pathway. At KS4 level an A at GCSE is a Distinction at BTEC, a B at GCSE is a Merit at BTEC and a C at GCSE is a Pass at BTEC. Regardless of which pathway your child takes, they will still be able to access all pathways in their KS5 choices. If you are unsure of anything please do not hesitate to contact Miss H Bennett, Head of PE at Bennett.h@maplesden.kent.sch.uk GCSE Physical Education: Course code J587 Examination Board: OCR Who is this course suitable for? GCSE is ideally suited for high performers in academic studies, this is due to 60% of this course being assessed theoretically so you will need to be very good at retaining information. As well as being assessed through the examination at the end of the three year course, 40% is assessed through practical performance in which you will need 3 top sports. Why Choose GCSE PE Sport is big business Sports contribution to the UK economy is over 10 billion each year Year after year the sports sector outperforms the rest of the UK economy Sport provides work for more than 600,000 people plus a further 5 million volunteers 28

GCSE PE: New specification content: Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport Written Paper 1 hour 60 marks 30% of GCSE What s assessed? Applied anatomy and Physiology Movement Analysis Physical training Use of data Paper 2: Socio cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport Written Paper 1 hour 60 marks 30% of GCSE What is assessed? Sports psychology Socio cultural influences Health, fitness and wellbeing Use of data Non Exam Assessment Practical Performance What's assessed? Practical performance in three different physical activities in the role of player/performer (one in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either a team or in an individual activity). Analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one activity. How it's assessed Assessed by teachers Moderated by OCR 80 marks 40% of GCSE 29

Units to be covered within the theory lessons (3 year overview) 1. Applied anatomy and physiology 2. Movement analysis 3. Physical training 4. Use of data 5. Sports psychology 6. Socio-cultural influences 7. Health, fitness and well-being AQA Technical Sport Award This is a new specification being introduced in 2017 and has not yet been accredited by the DFE. If the specification does not gain accreditation, this course will not run. Who is this suitable for? Practical able students that can show a high level of performance. Must have a sport outside of school. Theory content is assessed as an exam at the end of the course. Assessments Unit 1: Practical player performance What's assessed Practical performance Skills, knowledge and understanding within two chosen sports How it's assessed Internally assessed 36 GLH approx 60 marks 30% of Technical Award Evidence Learner evidence to include a portfolio of: Log books Session plans Evaluations Images/video evidence Unit 2: Coaching and officiating or organising What's assessed Practical performance as a coach Officiating or organising an event/activity How it's assessed Internally assessed 36 GLH approx 60 marks 30% of Technical Award Evidence Learner evidence to include a portfolio of: 30

Log books Session plans Evaluations Images/video evidence Unit 3: The sport industry What's assessed Health, physical fitness and safety Contemporary issues in sport Local and national organisations of sport Careers in physical activity and sport How it's assessed Externally assessed Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 48 GLH approx 80 marks 40% of Technical Award Questions A mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended questions BTEC Award in Sport: Examination Board: Edexcel Who is this course suitable for? Anyone who enjoys PE should choose this option. There is an element of writing as well as practical. BTEC Level 2 First will continue for 3 years. The course has changed slightly in that there is now 1 externally assessed module, it is the equivalent of a GCSE. Why Choose BTEC Sport Sport is big business Sports contribution to the UK economy is over 8 billion each year Year after year the sports sector outperforms the rest of the UK economy Sport provides work for more than 600, 000 people plus a further 5 million volunteers This course will support you to go onto college or BTEC Level 3 in the sixth form. BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport (4 units over 3 years) BTEC Award Core Units Fitness for Sport and Exercise Practical Sports Performance Specialist Units Training for Personal Fitness Leading Sports Activities Externally assessed Internally assessed Internally assessed Internally assessed 31

Psychology (GCSE) Subject Overview: Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Psychologists conduct research with human beings to try and understand how and why we behave the way that we do. By studying Psychology, you will learn how Psychologists carry out research with people and what we have learnt from this research. Subject Content: There will be a new specification for GCSE Psychology from next year, meaning you will be studying a brand new qualification. Topics include: Criminal psychology Development Psychological problems Social influence Memory Sleep and dreaming Psychology is all about studying human behaviour, and so you will also study research methods. This will teach you how to conduct experiments, and other studies with human participants, as well as how to analyse the data from your studies and use this to explain human behaviour. Prior learning: Psychology has links with Maths and Science so having a good understanding of these subjects is very important. It is also essential to have a good level in English. Exams: The current qualification is examined by 100% exam sat in year 11. 32

Resistant Materials (GCSE or Technical Award) The Technology curriculum is currently under-going a change and therefore new syllabi have not been written to take into account of these changes. Below is what is currently covered in the Resistant Material course. Course Outline: The course provides students with the opportunity to work with a range of materials including woods, metals and plastics. Students will experience various manufacturing processes using a variety of tools, machinery and equipment. The aim of this hands on approach is to develop students practical skills and their understanding of the techniques involved, while working safely in a workshop environment. Throughout the course students are encouraged to consider aspects relating to design as they create and develop their own ideas and concepts. 33

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Spanish (GCSE) Learning a foreign language is more than just a boost to your CV or handy for travelling. It will make you smarter, more decisive and even better at English. Examination Board: AQA Subject Overview The course aims to develop students ability to use Spanish effectively for the purposes of communication and to improve their skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening. Students should form a sound base for their future work, study and leisure. Target Group Taking GCSE Spanish at KS4 is aimed at those students who feel they want to have a language in their list of qualifications and skills. The ability to learn vocabulary easily is an advantage. Recommended Level Level S= to E+ by the end of year 8. Assessment and syllabus Students will follow a full GCSE course. (3 years) The examination consists of: The four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. They are equally weighted at 25%. Reading, writing and listening will be externally assessed exams. Writing will include translation. Grades 1-5 are available for Foundation Tier, 4-9 at Higher Tier. Topics covered: Lifestyle, health and relationships Leisure and holidays Home, local area and environment Work, education and future life. There is a defined grammar and vocabulary syllabus. Cost of the course: Students will be expected to have a bilingual dictionary and later to buy a revision book. 35