GCSE Studies At Brooke House College The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the examination taken by almost every student in the UK at the end of their compulsory education, at age 16. For these students, the GCSE is a two year course, in which individual examinations are taken, and grades awarded, for every subject, with the possible exception of science in which dualaward courses provide two GCSE grades covering a broad science curriculum. GCSE exams are produced and marked by external examining bodies, namely AQA, Edexcel and OCR, each of which publish specifications and examples of assessment material on their websites. GCSE results range from A to G, with A* awarded for exceptional students. Each of these grades is a pass, though grades A*-C are generally regarded as the most desirable, equivalent to the old O-levels which were replaced during the 1980s. Students applying to study at Brooke House College may opt to study GCSEs as a two year course or as a one year course. The one year course is appropriate for students approaching the age of 16 at the start of the year. All GCSE students will be expected to study Mathematics, English and Science. Students under the age of 16 will also have a compulsory Physical Education lesson once a week. Additional subjects are available as options, subject to demand. The number of subjects studied will depend on the ability and interests of each student, although the total number of subjects is fewer for students on the one year programme. Students who also enrol for Brooke House Football Academy will usually follow a core GCSE curriculum, with a much more limited choice of subjects. It is expected that GCSE students will attend classes throughout the normal school day, with few if any private study periods on their timetable and students will not normally be allowed to drop a subject unless there is a need for extra timetabled English language lessons instead. Private Study will take place during the evenings, supervised by the
students residential tutor in their accommodation. Homework exercises will be set by each subject tutor for the students to complete during this time. The college operates a 2 tiered system for GCSE: G1 (Equivalent to year 11) - This is a one year course. Some subjects are limited or unavailable. This is a good course for students who are 15 or older and intending to study A- Levels as soon as possible. G2 and GS- This is the two-year GCSE course and these are equivalent to years 10 and 11. G2 is the first year of the two year GCSE course and GS is the second year. Below are the course outlines for each subject. However, if there is a subject that you are interested in which is not offered, please enquire as we may be able to accommodate your request. Brooke House can be contacted via: enquiries@brookehouse.com Art and Design (Exam Board AQA) Three areas of Art and Design are offered depending on whether it is a one-year or two-year course. Due to the demands of the course a one year student would only be able to study the Short Course (AQA 4211) which is unendorsed, whilst two year students could study the endorsements of Fine Art (painting and Drawing, AQA 4202 and/or Graphic Communication (AQA 4203). For the Short Course coursework is made up of 1 unit of work and an externally set exam of 10 hours. For the Endorsed Course 2 units of work are required as well as the externally set 10 hour exam. Units of work might include project work that explores Natural Forms or Unusual Viewpoints or for Graphics, Typography and Stamp Design. Whichever course a student follows, technical skills are required as well as good observation. Students are expected to be able to make critical judgements about the work of artists and designers, both contemporary and from the past, as well as their own work. They should be able to express themselves both visually and with the written word. Anyone who seriously wishes for a career in any aspect of art and design for Graphic Design, Fashion, Architecture or Product Design should study one of these courses before embarking on an A Level course. GCSE Art also has benefits for those wishing to study biology, geography, medicine or engineering as art courses teach students how to be analytical, to observe, as well as how to work independently.
Business Studies (OCR Exam Board) Have you considered what you will do when your time in education comes to an end? All of us, one day, will have to earn a living and join the world of work. Will you work for a business organisation (big or small) or will you set up your own business and work for yourself? GCSE Business Studies looks at how business organisations work and what it is like to work in business. The course covers topics such as why businesses exist and how they are structured, how businesses communicate, the types of goods and services they sell and how they could be more successful. It looks at different roles within a business, such as marketing, advertising, finance, managing and motivating people, paying wages and salaries, being honest and ethical, team work, manufacturing, production, pricing the things you sell and using ICT to become more efficient and cost effective. You will develop knowledge of how 'real' businesses work and look at 'real' success stories. The course will also develop your thinking skills and challenge you to consider if businesses can do things better or differently. You will improve your numeracy skills by looking at business accounts and considering how they can become more successful. You will also improve your communication skills by discussing your ideas with the class and writing business reports. You will be expected to apply the topics you learn in class to how 'real' businesses work. English (AQA Exam board) Compulsory This course is split into two aspects-language and Literature. Language is compulsory whereas Literature is optional, and would depend on ability. The GCSE course is going through much change. Students that embark on a G2 course with us will be embarking on a new syllabus, where Controlled Assessment is no longer part of the requirements. GCSE English (Compulsory) This course is split into three units, each focusing on a particular skill area. There is one external examination at the end of the course. Unit 1: Understanding and producing non-fiction texts (external examination 2hrs 15 mins 60% of final grade) Students are expected to be able to explore and respond to a wide range of non-fiction texts as well as expanding their vocabulary. Section A of the exam focuses on reading skills and responding to a variety of non-fiction texts, whereas Section B requires students to demonstrate their ability to tailor their writing styles to suit purpose, audience and form. Unit 2: Speaking and Listening (Controlled Assessment 0%) Although this unit is not graded students are still expected to demonstrate their speaking and listening skills over three tasks: Presenting Discussion and listening Role play
Unit 3: Understanding and producing creative texts (Controlled Assessment 40% of final grade, completed over a period of 6-8 hours in total) Students must complete three Controlled Assessments set by AQA with one focusing on their literary reading skills and the other two on their creative writing skills. Task A: This requires the study of one play, one novel and a collection of poetry from the Anthology with students having to write three separate responses to a question over a period of 3-4 hours in total with a word count of 1600. This would be worth 20%. The texts being studied this year are: Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and Conflict poetry. Task B: The production of two pieces of creative writing, each worth 10% over a period of 3-4 hours in total with a final word count of 1600 for the two pieces together. GCSE English Literature (AQA Route A-Optional) This course allows students to explore a range of literature across all periods and cultures. Students will take two examinations at the end of the course and one Controlled Assessment. Students will also hone their independent studying skills. Unit 1: Exploring Modern Texts (exam 1hr 30 mins 40%) Section A: Modern Prose or Drama. This year the text is The Woman In Black by Susan Hill Section B: Exploring Cultures: This yer the text is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Unit 2: Poetry Across Time (exam 1hr 15 mins 35%) Section A: Poetry Across Time. The collection of poetry is taken from the AQA Anthology and this year s cluster is Conflict. Section B: Unseen Poem. Students must respond to an unseen poem. Unit 3: Significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage Controlled Assessment 3-4 hrs 25%) This requires the study of one Shakespeare play and a novel from the English Literary Heritage. It is a 2000 word task set by AQA. The texts being studied this year are Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Animal Farm by George Orwell. GCSE Geography (AQA route A 2 year course only) GCSE Geography offers students engaging and topical content including both human and physical aspects of Geography. Typical topics include hazards, rivers and flooding, coastal environments, population, tourism and globalisation. It includes a stimulating blend of traditional and contemporary Geography with a variety of case study material available to suit students of all abilities. Both higher and foundation tiers of assessment are available, as well as a fieldwork unit to suit those students who prefer the coursework element. Study of this course will give students of all backgrounds the opportunity to develop: communication skills graphical and cartographical skills technological skills including ICT and GIS interpersonal skills through debate and discussion literacy and numeracy skills problem-solving skills
entrepreneurial skills and awareness of career possibilities. This course has 3 units of assessment. Unit 1 Physical Geography. 1 hour 30 minute exam 75 marks 37.5% of overall grade. Unit 2 Human Geography. 1 hour 30 minute exam 84 marks 37.5 % of overall grade. Unit 3 Local Fieldwork Investigation. Controlled assessment. 60 marks 25% of overall grade. German German encourages learners to derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning, and be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. Learners will recognise that their linguistic knowledge, understanding and skills help them to take their place in a multilingual global society and will also provide them with a suitable basis for further study and practical use of the language. Successful completion of the course will also enhance their career prospective. The course enables learners to: develop understanding of the German language in a variety of contexts develop knowledge of German and language learning skills develop the ability to communicate effectively in German develop awareness and understanding of countries and communities where German is spoken. listen and respond to different types of spoken German communicate in speech for a variety of purposes read and respond to different types of written German communicate in writing for a variety of purposes use and understand a range of vocabulary and structures understand and apply the grammar of the German language, as detailed in the specification. History- Modern World (Option B) OCR Exam Board (2 year GCSE only) This course consists of two units which are taught and examined at the end of the course, and a third controlled assessment unit. The first unit consists of a three-part core on aspects of International Relations, 1919-2005, of which candidates must study one part, and a range of Depth Studies, from which one must be studied. In recent years, we have chosen to study the Inter-War Years, 1919-1923, with Germany, 1918-1945 as the Depth Study. Assessment is by one written paper lasting two hours and counts for 45% of the total marks. The second unit is a British Depth Study which focuses on the students critical use of historical sources. We study the period 1939-1975, exploring how society changes during this time. There are three main strands of study: the experiences of immigrants entering
Britain, the changing lives of women, and the changing lives of young people. Assessment is through one written paper of 1hour 30 minutes in length, counting for 30% of the total marks. The final unit is a Controlled Assessment Unit where students must research a topic they have not covered in the examinations. The final draft of this will be completed in class under controlled conditions. Recent topics studied include World War One, The Russian Revolution, and The Vietnam War. This study accounts for 25% of the total marks. Information and Communications Technology During the year, students will work towards achieving a BCS (British Computer Society) Qualification Certificate in the following areas:- Computer and on-line basics Through five clear, structured sections, learners will cover: Computer Basics - understanding the basic computer parts and terminology, and how to use the computer, keyboard and mouse Introduction to the Desktop Introduction to Documents The World Wide Web Email The above is split into two modules - Computer Basics (the first 3 sections), and Online Basics (the final 2 sections). A Workbook is provided to each student on the course and this workbook is used to complete tasks during class with the assistance of the teacher. The workbook will also allow students to understand the computer terminology used for future courses should the students stay on at Brooke House to further their education. Once the workbook has been successfully completed and marked by the teacher, the student will receive a BCS Certificate in Computer and Online Basics. There is no final exam for this course as students are assessed on an ongoing basis. E-Safety E-safety is the new qualification from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, designed to give learners the knowledge and understanding they need to protect themselves online. This qualification will benefit all learners by giving them greater confidence in using the internet safely. E-safety examines the potential risks associated with being online, how to protect yourself and your personal information online (for example when using social media websites), as well as how to behave responsibly and within the law whilst using the internet. The qualification covers four main areas:-
The benefits and risks of using the internet How to report and respond to e-safety issues How to protect yourself and your computer online The legal issues of downloading from the internet Students will sit a final exam which is taken on-line. At the end of the course, on successful completion of the exam, students will gain a Level 1 Award in E-Safety and will be provided with a Certificate to show they have successfully completed the course. Mathematics (AQA) Compulsory The Maths GCSE programme aims to help students achieve a qualification that is widely recognised and requested by institutes of further education and employers. The course covers handling of data, shape space and measures, numbers and algebra. All assessment is at the end of the course and is in the form of two examinations. These exams are differently weighted so that 60% of the assessment allows for the use of a calculator. There are two levels of assessment, higher and foundation. Any student wishing to study AS or A level mathematics must study the higher tier course. This course is designed to be taken over a one or two year course of study. For high achieving students, (who have, or are expected to achieve grades A and A* in GCSE mathematics there is the opportunity to gain an additional GCSE qualification in further maths. This will assess higher order mathematical skills, particularly in algebraic reasoning, in greater depth without infringing upon AS level mathematics, thus preparing them fully to maximise their potential in their further studies. This new qualification places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills. GCSE Maths can be studied at two tiers, Higher or Foundation. Higher level Grades A* - D Foundation level Grades C G At Brooke House we follow the AQA specification. Both tiers cover the same content, with the Higher level students taking some topics to a more complex level. The content includes: Number and algebra Geometry and measures Statistics and probability The course is designed to be taken over a one or two year course of study. There are two question papers, at the end of the course, differently weighted so that 60% of the assessment allows the use of a calculator.
All assessment is covered in two examinations taken within the same series. No examination period is overly long with a maximum of two hours at the Higher tier. For particularly able GCSE Maths students we also offer the OCR Additional Maths qualification. The Advanced FSMQ, Additional Mathematics, is worth UCAS points for university admissions, and introduces students to the power and elegance of advanced mathematics. Physical Education In PE, students will gain knowledge and understanding of what constitutes a healthy and active lifestyle. Students will investigate how the body responds and adapts to exercise, the components of physical and skill fitness and different methods of fitness training. The rationale behind carrying out fitness assessments and the protocols associated with recognised fitness tests will also be considered. Students will learn how a lifelong involvement in sport is encouraged. Future professions in the sports sector include; Fitness Professional, Football Coach, Football Development Manager, Health Promotion Officer, Journalist, Marketing, Performance Analyst, PE Teacher, Physiotherapist, School Sports Coordinator, Sports Development Manager. Spanish The course consists of a learning schedule based around a Spanish text book that takes the student from a state of "No Knowledge" through all the necessary grammatical structures and verb tenses up to and including the "Present Subjunctive". The course lasts over a two year period during which time the student is lead through assessments of Speaking, Listening, Reading and writing. At the end of the second year the student will face an external examination by an approved Board. Science-Compulsory Science education represents a significant contribution to a balanced education, and all students under the age of 16 at the start of the academic year will be expected to follow a Science GCSE programme. Whilst not compulsory, it is also highly advisable for older students to also benefit from the GCSE Science course. Lessons in science are usually divided into the three disciplines of physics, chemistry and biology, each taught by a specialist in that area. Both the one year and the two year courses have the same content. However, the two year course allows more time to introduce the basic skills for students who have not studied science before, and offers more opportunity to study the subject to a greater depth and breadth than is possible within the one year course. During the course, the ability, level of interest and progress of the student enables a choice to be made regarding the final examinations to be taken.
Exams available all externally set by CIE igcse Combined Science: Core (leading to one igcse grade C-G) or Extension (leading to one igcse grade A* to D) igcse Co-ordinated Science: Core (leading to two igcse grades CC-GG) or Extension (leading to two igcse grades A*A* to DD) In each case the course will be assessed by a combination of a practical assessment, a multiple choice paper and a written exam. Pupils should note that the examination papers each contain questions relating to all three science disciplines. Separate Sciences In the second year of a two year GCSE course, students wishing to specialise in science at A- level, or those who simply wish to develop their knowledge to a greater extent, may choose to study for the separate science qualifications: igcse Biology (Core or Extension) igcse Chemistry (Core or Extension) igcse Physics (Core or Extension) These courses will usually involve additional lessons being arranged, during which the topics not included in the Co-ordinated Science course will be taught. Students would normally be expected to complete all three separate science subjects, though it may be possible to reduce this to two, or exceptionally one, by arrangement with the Director of Studies. igcse BIOLOGY The Cambridge IGCSE qualification provides a solid foundation for higher level courses such as GCE A and AS Levels, and is generally taken over two years. Cambridge IGCSE Biology is accepted by universities and employers as proof of real ability and knowledge. As well as a subject focus, the Biology syllabus enables students to: better understand the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters recognise the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and how to apply this to other disciplines and in everyday life develop relevant attitudes, such as a concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness further interest in, and care for, the environment better understand the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, economy, technology, ethics, the community and the environment develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for both further studies at A Level and in everyday life. The assessment is by 3 examinations: Paper 1 Multiple Choice, Paper 2 Core or Paper 3 Supplement (higher) short answers, Paper 5 Practical
IGCSE Biology is often taken with IGCSE Chemistry and IGCSE Physics to obtain a wellrounded education in Science. igcse Chemistry This is a linear course with three papers taken after two years of study - multiple choice, short answer and a practical assessment. The course involves the pupils being taught an indepth knowledge of atoms, elements and compounds, both inorganic and organic. Students will have an appreciation of how they react and why they react by the end of the course. The chemistry course leads on to A level chemistry. It is an excellent grounding for the A level chemistry courses available at the college. igcse Physics This course covers a broad range of interactions between matter and energy, including mechanics, electrical circuits, heat, optics, nuclear physics and sound. It is an excellent starting point for students wishing to study Physics at A-level in future (although this can be achieved after following the Co-ordinated science course). Like the other separate science subjects, assessment is via a multiple choice paper, a written exam and a practical assessment, all at the end of the course.