GCSE booklet 2015

Dear Parents,

This booklet describes the elements of the curriculum which students currently in Year 9 will study during Key Stage 4 at St.

George’s British International School. Key Stage 4 (KS4) is the name given to Years 10 and 11. Key Stage 4 should be a

natural progression from Key Stage 3, in which students build on the skills which they have developed; furthermore, by the

end of Year 11, they should not only be thoroughly prepared for their final IGCSE examinations, they should also feel ready

to undertake the challenges of the International Baccalaureate.

At St. George’s our curriculum delivers depth of education through the academic rigour of preparation for the British

examination system. A large part of the curriculum is compulsory for all students but there is also an element of choice

which means that students can shape their own learning programme in KS4 according to their interests, future plans for IB

study, university and career aspirations. We refer to their ‘choice’ subjects as ‘options’.

The “option procedure” at St. George’s begins with the ‘Aspire’ careers questionnaire carried out at school prior to

Christmas. This process allows students to consider future careers or areas of study they may be interested in. At the

beginning of the Spring Term, students are given information about the IGCSE programme and the choices they can make.

Parents are then invited to the Year 9 Options evening where the IGCSE programme is presented and they can meet with

tutors and teachers and discuss their child’s future study plans. Following this , each student is asked to submit an ‘Options

Form’ outlining their preferred course of study in Key Stage 4. It is our aim to fully support and advise parents and students

to ensure that the right decisions are made for every individual. You will find a list of people who will be able to help you

with any questions within this booklet.

We are committed to excellence in teaching and learning at St. George’s and work hard with all students to ensure that they

achieve their potential. Progression to success at IB level is the aim of our IGCSE programme. We are proud of our

excellent IGCSE grades with 94% of grades achieved at A*-C and 55% at A* or A and look forward to helping the 2015 IGCSE

cohort build upon this success.

Yours faithfully,

Sarah Mollen

Assistant Head

Further Information: The Year 9 Options Evening and PTE will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have

about the IGCSE courses we offer. If you have any questions please do contact the staff below:

Ms. Anna Madden – Head of Year 9 [email protected]

Mr. John Talbot – Head of Year 10 [email protected]

Ms. Sarah Mollen – Assistant Head [email protected]

Further details of our Key Stage 4 curriculum, examination results and the IB Diploma are available on our website

www.stgeorge.school.it

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http://www.stgeorge.school.it/

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Following the Year 9 Options Evening in April students must choose their ‘Options’.

Some subjects are compulsory and are studied by all students. These are:

1. English Language

2. English Literature

3. Mathematics

4. Biology

5. Physics

6. Chemistry

Students must also choose at least one language, one humanity subject and one of the optional subjects.

In addition students also participate in Citizenship and Core PE sessions. Although these areas are not examined they form a

vital part of our curriculum.

Humanity subjects offered are:

1. Geography

2. History

Language subjects offered consist of:

1. Italian A Language and Literature (Pre IB)

2. Italian AS Level

3. Italian GCSE

4. French IGCSE

5. German IGCSE

6. Mandarin IGCSE

7. Spanish Beginners to IGCSE

8. Latin IGCSE

Students must then choose two other ‘Options’ from the following subjects:

1. Art

2. Design & Technology

3. Drama

4. Computer Science

5. Music

6. Physical Education GCSE

Please note that the running of any course depends upon the number of students opting for the subject and the constraints of

the timetable.

What follows is a brief description of the subjects available at IGCSE. They are organised into COMPULSORY and

OPTIONAL subjects.

Edexcel

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The Edexcel IGCSE is a two-year course designed to meet the needs of students of all abilities as they

explore the key areas of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and handling data. Students will learn to use

numerical skills both in a purely mathematical way and in real life situations; to use algebra to set up and

solve problems; to construct and use graphs of functions; to use properties of angles and shapes. They

will develop a range of statistical techniques, solve probability questions and learn to use scientific and

graphic calculators effectively when solving more demanding problems.

All sets follow the Edexcel Higher Tier course, although with different emphasis placed on topics. Sets 3a

and 3b will spend more time consolidating all Foundation Tier areas and then cover many of the Higher

Tier topics. Sets 1 and 2 will focus on additional topics such as advanced algebra and introductory

calculus, which provide a good basis for further study at IB Higher Level in years 12 and 13. It is expected

that most, if not all of the pupils will sit the Higher Tier exam. A decision on whether to enter each pupil

for the Foundation or the Higher Tier is made in Y11, following their mock examinations.

For all pupils the final assessment consists of two 2-hour written examination papers (worth 50% each)

where scientific and graphic calculators are allowed; there is no coursework component. The course

combines regular reinforcement of non-calculator skills with frequent use of calculators. Pupils are

therefore expected to bring their own calculator to every lesson, together with the rest of their

equipment. Whilst scientific calculators with trigonometric, power and statistical functions are adequate,

students are strongly encouraged to buy graphic calculators, which significantly enhance understanding

and will be required for the IB. The recommended model, which is used by teachers in lessons, is

currently the Texas Instruments TI84+.

In order to further enhance the mathematical skills and knowledge of those pupils who may then opt for

HL Maths for their IB Diploma, in Year 10 and 11 set 1 pupils will also cover additional material from

Edexcel AS and A Level modules. These additional topics include exponentials and logarithms, binomial

theorem, sequences and series, advanced trigonometry, integration. A decision on whether to enter each

pupil for any particular module or combination of modules is made in Y11, following their mocks.

% Coursework: N/A | % Examination: 100%

“Philosophy is written in that great book which ever lies before our eyes — I mean the universe — but

we cannot understand it if we do not first learn the language and grasp the symbols, in which it is

written. This book is written in the mathematical language, and the symbols are triangles, circles and

other geometrical figures, without whose help it is impossible to comprehend a single word of it;

without which one wanders in vain through a dark labyrinth.” (Galileo Galilei)

Edexcel

In this course you will study a play, a novel and twenty poems.

You will build on the skills already obtained in KS3: critical analysis

of prose, appreciation of literary features and their effect on the

reader, acting and responding to the playwright’s craft as a

writer, appreciating the dramatic significance of events, analysing

character development, writing and responding to poetry. The

English Department always encourages you to be a voracious

reader, enjoying language, literature and visual literacy in all their

forms.

Everyone now takes English as a First Language at St George’s so

you must nourish your linguistic competence/excellence by daily

reading and speaking English at every opportunity! There will be

opportunities for group work, projects, peer assessment, public

speaking, “hot seating” and creative writing in all aspects of the

English course. A happy learner is a successful learner and we

want you to appreciate the writers’ skills in prose, poetry and

drama!

40% Coursework: 40% allocated to ONE essay on the analysis and appreciation of SIX poems

60% Examination: 30% allocated to ONE essay on the play and 30% allocated to ONE essay on the novel

Students perform “A View from the Bridge”

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The English Language course is designed to build upon students’ skills with reading and writing. They

will need to be able to read and interpret a range of forms of the written word, including fiction and

non-fiction texts which are presented as articles, leaflets or letters, amongst other formats. The

examination assesses whether students are able to write in role, write analytically, comment on the

effect of literary features and the writer’s choice of words, and their ability to summarise.

The coursework component of the course is extremely rigorous, ensuring that pupils express

themselves in a range of different styles. A total of three pieces of coursework should be submitted,

including informative writing, descriptive or narrative recounts and a response to a topical article of

the student’s choice, usually about a current issue, in an argumentative essay.

% Coursework: 50% | % Examination: 50%

Cambridge International Examinations

What do the students say?

'I believe that studying the English Language will

inspire me to become a better writer, communicator

and person.'

'The English Department offers wonderful

opportunities to be exposed to something different

and to practice debating, analytical and creative

writing'.

'I love writing more than anything else; when I write, I

open up and mirror myself in my own stories'.

'The Language course offers the chance of exploring

new ideas and of challenging myself to achieve even

higher standards'.

'I am learning new vocabulary, new styles of writing

and how to improve my writing and broaden my

horizons.'

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Edexcel


Biology is the scientific study and investigation of all living things. In Biology we aim to promote respect for the

living world, encourage investigation and enquiry and develop students’ practical and analytical skills.

Studying Biology provides an excellent base for further learning at IB level. The course is challenging and

requires hard work, enthusiasm and an organised approach to study!

In IGCSE Biology we will study a range of topics including:

Cells and Tissues

Plant nutrition

Digestion and nutrition

Genetics

Human impact on the environment

There is no coursework in IGCSE Biology but you will be assessed on your knowledge of practical techniques in

the examination. We carry out a wide range of experiments and you will have opportunities to carry out

research, give presentations, design experiments, create models and analyse data. There are two

examinations to be taken at the end of the course.

Duration Weighting

Paper 1 2 hours 66.6%

Paper 2 1 hour 33.3%

“I like to define biology as the history of the

earth and all its life — past, present, and

future.”

Rachel Carson - Environmentalist

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Chemistry is about understanding chemicals. Chemists have changed our world and transformed every

aspect of our daily lives. By studying Chemistry we aim to challenge, inspire and stimulate our students.

They will be encouraged to develop scientific thinking and increase their depth of knowledge of the

subject.

Whilst only a small number will become professional scientists, all of us, as citizens, need to be able to

cope with the science that shapes our lives. The standards we will set will be high so expect plenty of

hard work - and excellent results to match!

The aim of this course is to:

Learn about patterns and themes of chemistry.

Appreciate the practical nature of chemistry by acquiring safe experimental and investigative

skills.

Form hypotheses.

Develop a logical approach to problem solving.

Understand the importance of chemistry in a worldwide sense.

Develop an appreciation that chemists have social, industrial, technological, environmental and

economic consequences for the whole community.

Topics covered include Principles of Chemistry, Chemistry of the elements, Organic Chemistry, Physical

Chemistry and Chemistry in Society. Lessons will include a mixture of problem solving and practical

based work.

Edexcel


Assessment is 100% external examination

Duration Weighting



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Edexcel

IGCSE Physics seeks to inform its students about the universe from the very small (atomic) to the very large

(astronomic), taking in more familiar areas of investigation along the way (for example how rockets work, how

we can use electricity to do things, what material is the best insulator, how cameras use light waves, why

magnets are used in motors).

Lessons are interactive and include investigation and plenty of experimentation. The topics we study are

Forces and Motion, Astronomy, Electricity, Waves, Energy, Solids Liquids Gases, Magnetism and Atomic

Physics. Graduates of this course will have skills in experimental method, reasoned thinking and critical

appraisal of scientific argument. Some mathematical skill is required but the emphasis of the course is on

Physics as an experimental science.

The course is assessed in two written papers. There is

no assessed coursework, although many examination

questions refer to the experiments we do during the

course. This IGCSE course is very good preparation for

IB Physics.

Duration Weighting



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Cambridge International Examinations

In this course you will develop not only knowledge and understanding, but also skills in creative

thinking, enquiry and problem solving, helping you to perform well and prepare for the IB Diploma.

Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international curriculum for 14 to 16 year olds and is

recognised as being a superb continuation for your geographical education.

You will develop an understanding of the impacts of both physical and human geography and develop

the following skills and knowledge:

• A sense of place and an understanding of relative location on a local, regional and global scale;

• The ability to use and understand geographical data and information;

• An understanding of how communities and cultures around the world and how they are affected and

constrained by different environments.

Coursework:

27.5%. This is a written report on a piece of fieldwork, which is normally carried out in the Abruzzo

mountains. However, if a student cannot participate for any reason, there is also an “Alternative to

Coursework” examination which may be an option at the end of the course.

Examinations:

Paper 1 – 45%. This tests your knowledge of the topics you have studied such as rivers and climate

change.

Paper 2- 27.5%. This tests your understanding of the uses of geographical resources, including maps.

% Coursework: 27.5% | % Examination: (Paper 1) 45% (Paper 2) 27.5%

Edexcel


The IGCSE History course is specifically designed for students in International schools and continues

to build on the skills already acquired during Key Stage 3. Our aim during the course is to further

develop the skills of analysis, document interpretation and deployment of knowledge to enable

students to arrive at their own judgments about issues from the past.

During the course the students will study the following topics:

Paper 1

Development of dictatorship: Germany 1918-1945

A World divided: Superpower relations 1945-62

Paper 2

The USA, 1917- 29

The changing role of international organisations: The League of Nations and UN 1919-2000

Resources

Our core text book is ‘Edexcel IGCSE History – Student Book’

This core text is supplemented by ‘Germany 1918-1945’ by Richard Radway.

Assessment

The two 90 minute exam papers focus on assessment of the following skills:

• The recollection, selection and deployment of knowledge.

• The understanding and evaluation of historical sources in context.

• The comprehension, analysis and evaluation of how and why events, people, situations and

change have been interpreted and represented.

‘History will be kind to me for I intend to write it’ - Winston Churchill

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Ed

The Italian GCSE course is designed for students who have no prior knowledge of Italian or who have

recently joined the school. It aims to develop the pupils’ ability to use the language for purposes of

practical communication, acquire the skills required for further study and develop an understanding

of the culture and civilisation of other countries. The course concentrates on authentic situations to

practise the four different skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and cover topics such as

home and family, holidays, school and future plans, visitor information, etc.

The Italian GCSE consists of 4 separate units (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) and include

some centre-devised options as well as some coursework element, for the Writing and Speaking

units.

Coursework:

30% Speaking, Controlled assessment

30% Writing, Controlled assessment

Examinations:

20% Listening Paper

20% Reading Paper


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Edexcel

No Exam Required

This course is designed for pupils who have obtained a GCSE in Italian in Year 9 and who wish to improve their

knowledge of the language and culture. It also offers a good foundation for non-native students who wish to

study the language at IB Higher Level.

The topic areas covered in this course include youth culture and concerns; lifestyle: health and fitness; the

world around us: cultural issues, travel, tourism and environmental issues; education and employment.

The course aims to deepen the pupils’ awareness of vocabulary, idiomatic structures and grammar in order to

acquire a more advanced level of proficiency.

The AS Language exam consists of 2 units.

Unit 1: Spoken expression and response. Unit 2: Understanding and written response.


% Coursework: N/A | % Examination: N/A

This course is for pupils whose first language is Italian. It is designed for students who plan to study Italian as a

first language (known as Italian A: Language and Literature) for the International Baccalaureate, and for those

who will not continue with Italian A in the IB but would like the opportunity to expand their knowledge of

Italian language and literature throughout the centuries and be exposed to different literary genres.

The aim of the course is to develop a personal involvement and a more mature approach towards reading and

analysing literary and non literary texts, familiarise the pupils with the techniques of literary criticism and to

develop their ability to use language in a variety of contexts, but principally as a vehicle for expressing ideas

and responding critically (both in written and oral form) to literary and not literary texts. Over the two years,

pupils will study a minimum of 4 works including novels, poetry, drama and other non literary texts like

advertisements, articles, visual texts, speeches, films, etc. At the end of year 10 and year 11 the pupils will be

assessed internally according to criteria published by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

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Chinese IGCSE is for pupils who have at least two years’ previous knowledge of the language.

The aim of the course is to develop the students’ understanding of the written and spoken forms of the Chinese language in simplified characters; this is the official Chinese language, as opposed to Cantonese, which uses the traditional character form. Through a range of activities encompassing the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, students will learn to communicate effectively in the target language. Topics covered by the course include home and family, hobbies and food, school and future plans, etc. Students will also learn about Chinese culture and civilisation through a series of meaningful experiences, all the while acquiring the grammatical knowledge for further study of the language at IB level (Chinese B). The Chinese exam consists of 3 externally assessed papers:

Paper 1: Listening Paper 2: Reading and Writing Paper 3: Speaking, which is awarded as a separate grade.

Edexcel

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Latin IGCSE is for pupils who already have at least 2 years previous study of the language.

Cambridge IGCSE is accepted by universities and employers worldwide as proof of knowledge and understanding of Latin language and literature. This Latin syllabus aims to develop students’ ability to understand Latin vocabulary, morphology and syntax, and to read, understand and appreciate some of the best of Latin literature. Students will develop an analytical approach to learning language, and be better equipped to compare the structure of Latin with those of other languages, as well as be able to recognise the impact of Latin on modern English. The course also encourages students to develop an appreciation of literature, both in terms of content and style, and of social and historical context. The Latin exam consists of 2 units. Paper 1: Language Paper 2: Literature* *Candidates answer questions on the prescribed texts which will consist of both poetry and prose.

Cambridge


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German IGCSE is designed for students who have at least two years previous study of the language.

The IGCSE course aims to develop students’ ability to understand the written and spoken language in a range of

familiar and practical contexts, and communicate effectively for different purposes.

The course enables students to develop their understanding of the culture of German speaking countries through

authentic situations and covers topics such as home and family, hobbies and food, school and future plans, etc.

The qualification provides students with the opportunities to acquire the grammar necessary for further study of

German at IB level.

The exam consists of three external assessments, Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3.

Paper 1: Listening Paper 2: Reading and Writing Paper 3: Speaking, which is awarded as a separate grade.


Edexcel

Edexcel

Edexcel

French IGCSE is for pupils who already have at least 2 years previous study of the language.

The IGCSE course aims to develop the pupils’ ability to use the language for purposes of practical communication,

acquire the skills required for further study and develop an understanding of the culture and civilisation of

Francophone countries. The course concentrates on authentic situations to practice the four different skills

(reading, writing, listening and speaking) and covers topics such as home and family, holidays, school and future

plans, visitor information, etc. At the end of year 11, all four skills are assessed.

The French exam consists of 3 externally assessed papers:

Paper 1: Listening Paper 2: Reading and Writing Paper 3: Speaking, which is awarded a separate grade.


Spanish IGCSE is for pupils who are beginners of the language.

The IGCSE course aims to develop the pupils’ ability to use the language for purposes of practical communication,

acquire the skills required for further study and develop an understanding of the culture and civilisation of

countries where the target language is spoken. The course concentrates on authentic situations to practise the

four different skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and covers topics such as home and family, holidays,

school and future plans, visitor information, etc. At the end of year 11, all four skills are assessed.

The Spanish exam consists of 3 externally assessed papers:

Paper 1: Listening Paper 2: Reading and Writing Paper 3: Speaking, which is awarded a separate grade.

*During May week, the department offers a trip to Seville or Granada for year 10 students to practise their skills and

participating in a Spanish language course. It is possible to combine Spanish with another language.

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We offer pupils the chance to develop their practical and critical skills to an extremely high level,

through a wide-ranging “general” Art and Design GCSE syllabus. This course is absolutely essential for

any student who is interested in any Art or Design based career such as fashion, architecture, interior

design, vehicle design and so on. This is because universities and colleges expect to see a diverse

portfolio of creative practical work from applicants. However, many students choose this subject simply

because they enjoy Art and want to undertake a fun and exciting GCSE course!

The coursework portfolio is divided into two separate, themed, projects each with one or more major

outcomes (sculpture, painting, fashion garment etc.) and is supported by a large-scale ‘work journal’.

The work journals record pupils’ experimentation and research in a range of advanced media and

techniques. These can include batik/textiles, photography, computer modeling, huge sculptural

projects, ceramics, printmaking, drawing and painting. Pupils spend a whole term on each preparatory

work journal before going on to develop their final outcomes over the following term.

The use of other artist’s work for reference and inspiration forms an essential part of the syllabus.

Gallery and practical trips and visits throughout the course enrich each pupil’s artistic evolution.

Final assessment is by a practical examination for which the students are given 8 weeks to prepare, plus

an exhibition of the coursework units along with work journals and other supporting studies.

Our excellent studio and workshop facilities allow students to produce work of uncommon scale and

complexity. To fully appreciate the diversity and quality of work produced by pupils on this course, one

should visit the displays in the main corridor and in the department itself. The consistent average of

over 90% A & A* grades and the numerous awards won by our GCSE artists, reflect their unwavering

level of commitment and enthusiasm.


“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”

Mary Lou Cook

Edexcel

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/creativity_is_inventing-experimenting-growing/152839.html

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AQA

Take the time to look around you, unless it occurs naturally in the environment, everything you see has been thought about,

designed, planned and manufactured. Everything we use, wear, live in, walk on, eat from, plan to buy and get information

from etc. is constantly being improved to create a better, more convenient, easily accessible and in recent years, a more

sustainable, ethical future.

Today’s young people are the designers and consumers of the future. The emphasis of this course is Graphic Products, giving

pupils the opportunity to design, shape and manufacture a variety of items whilst taking into account how they would plan

for industrial manufacture.

It is a great course for interested pupils who would like to work in any design area and for also those who have business

aspirations.

During the course, pupils develop proficiency in design, rendering, presentation, printing techniques, image manipulation,

layout, lettering, computer aided design and manufacture, evaluation and prototype construction skills. They begin to

investigate the techniques, materials, systems and processes which take a new product from initial sketches through full

scale commercial manufacture and marketing.

In some previous years pupils in year 10 have entered the Design Museum, London- Student Design of the Year

competition (14-16 category). On two occasions we have had pupils shortlisted and awarded the accolade of runner-up for

the Student Design of the Year. We plan to enter more of these prestigious competitions in the future.


Pupils undertake a controlled assessment project. This carries 60% of the final

GCSE grade, and should take 45 hours to complete. There is a very high

expectation for the quality of the design folder and finished product. Pupils

should also be aware that there is a substantial amount of written work involved

in this course.

The topic for the controlled assessment is set by the examination board (AQA) and

will involve detailed investigation, analysis prior to design work. Projects are then

realised through modeling using a variety of materials, techniques and processes

to create mock-ups and prototypes.

The controlled assessment is completed before Christmas of the second year and

the remaining time is given to exam preparation and revision.

Pupils sit a 2 hour design and manufacturing theory examination which carries

40% of the final grade.

Year 9 pupils will have been shown examples of excellent GCSE folders and

outcomes during their lessons and are welcome to ask for further advice.

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“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” John F. Kennedy

GCSE PE aims to:

■ encourage students to be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and

worthwhile course of study and to develop an awareness and appreciation of their own and others’ cultures in

relation to physical education

■ encourage creativity and decision-making skills to enable students to plan effectively for performances and to

respond to changing situations

■ enable students to become increasingly physically competent through being actively engaged in a range of

physical activities, and to become increasingly effective in their performance in different types of physical activity

and roles such as player/participant, leader and official

■ enable students to develop their ability to engage independently and successfully in different types of physical

activity, and to develop and maintain their involvement in physical activity as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.

Assessment

Candidates will be required to demonstrate the following assessment objectives within both the content and context of the

activities selected. Candidates are required to:

Assessment Objective 1

Perform effectively under applied

conditions in their selected activities:

• using tactics or compositional techniques;

• observing the rules and conventions of

their activities.


Analyse performance:

• to determine its strengths and

weaknesses;

• to improve its quality and

effectiveness.


Show knowledge and understanding of:

• the factors affecting participation and

performance in physical activity;

• the relationship between health, fitness

and practical activity;

• risk assessment in physical activity.

Students who study Physical Education typically continue to study paths such as Health, Biology Physiotherapy, Sport Science

and Physiology.

Edexcel

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Edexcel

Our music course is suitable for any pupil who enjoys listening to music and playing or singing at any level of

technical ability and in any style. Previous experience is not essential, but pupils must be prepared to work at

musical literacy. We aim to teach pupils how to listen analytically, to master the basic techniques of composition

and to perform music.

The course has three main elements:

Listening - the pupil learns to recognise music from any part of the world and of many different kinds,

from folk, ritual, and "pop" to "serious" music of various styles and periods. The students learn to

recognise and engage with the different styles of music through the study of twelve set works that cover

four main areas of study:

Area of Study 1: Western Classical Music 1600-1899

Area of Study 2: Music in the 20th Century

Area of Study 3: Popular Music in context

Area of Study 4: World Music

Composing - in which the pupil prepares a portfolio of work, using a wide range of styles, from

traditional melody and four-part harmony through chord "backing" to composition with computer.

Students then submit two completed compositions in contrasting styles which are printed and recorded

using the latest Sibelius 7 composition programme and Cubase software.

Performing - in which two pieces are sung or played, one as a solo piece, the other as part of a small

group of performers. Alternative options include improvisation, realisation and multi-track recording.

% Coursework: 30% Performance 30% Composition portfolio | % Examination: 40% Listening paper

“If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music”

Gustav Mahler

“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy”

Beethoven

“Music can change the world because it can change people”

Bono

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Aims and objectives:

To experience a range of practical, creative, and performance skills

To be able to work imaginatively and creatively in collaboration, generating, developing and communicating ideas

To be inspired, moved and changed by the study of theatre and theatre form

To develop a basis for your future role as active citizens

To become effective independent learners

To become critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds Unit 1 – Drama Exploration: 30% of the GCSE - assessed by Drama tutor

Devised topic/theme/issue

Explored through a programme of study drawing on explorative strategies experimenting with dramatic form

Assessed through 6 hour practical exploration

Documentary response (2000 words) Unit 2 – Exploring Play Texts: 30% of the GCSE – assessed by Drama tutor

A full play text

Explored through a programme of study looking at social and cultural contexts and an analysis of the play in performance

Assessed through 6 hour practical exploration

Documentary response (1000 words)

Theatre Visit – an analysis of live theatre Unit 3 – Drama Performance: 40% of the GCSE - assessed by visiting examiner Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of practical drama skills through their application in a live performance:

Scripted or Devised

3-9 performers

Written description of role

Assessed Performance - voice and movement/roles and characterisation/communication/content/style /form There is an opportinuty for each GCSE student to take part in the ‘London Theatre Trip’ and see outstanding West End Theatre Productions.

Edexcel

% Coursework: 60% (see Units 1 & 2 above) | % Examination: 40% (Practical Performance - Unit 3)

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can

share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

Oscar Wilde

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OCR

Computer Science

Computer Science is a course that has real relevance in our modern world. While students will no doubt already have some knowledge of computers and related areas, the course will give them an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a look at what goes on “behind the scenes”. As part of this, they investigate computer programming. Through the study of computer programming, the course will help learners develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills. The course provides a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life. In this way, the course will stimulate interest and engagement with technology and technology-related careers. Computer Science is above all a discipline that spans theory and practice. It requires thinking both in abstract terms and in concrete terms. Getting computers to do what you want them to do requires intensive hands-on experience. But computer science can be seen on a higher level, as a science of problem solving. An important skill, which will help all students reach their full potential. Ten Reasons to Study Computer Science:

Computing is part of everything we do!

Expertise in computing enables you to solve complex, challenging problems.

Computing enables you to make a positive difference in the world.

Computing offers many types of lucrative careers.

Computing jobs are here to stay, regardless of where you are located.

Expertise in computing helps even if your primary career is something else.

Computing offers great opportunities for true creativity and innovativeness.

Computing has space for both collaborative work and individual effort.

Computing is an essential part of well-rounded academic preparation.

Future opportunities in computing are without boundaries.

Key Learning Outcomes:

Develop students’ understanding of current and emerging technologies, understanding how they work and apply this knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts.

Acquire and apply knowledge and technical skills and an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems.

Develop computer programs to solve problems.

Develop the skills to work collaboratively.

Evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs/solutions and the impact of and issues related to

the use of computer technology in society.


“The purpose of computing is insight, not numbers.”

Richard Hamming

“Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes.” Edsger Dijkstra

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This is an unexamined course

In Year 10 and Year 11 there is one lesson of Citizenship per cycle. These lessons are organised in half-

term blocks, and they alternate with ICT. Pupils examine a great range of contemporary issues related

to, for example, rights, the economy, health, animal rights, and laws, with a particular focus on the

food industry. Pupils are also introduced to the workings of the UN and they develop skills necessary if

they wish to take part in the Model United Nations, for example researching a particular country,

writing resolutions and position papers, debating and lobbying. They research the role of various

NGOs, and they look at the function of governments and international courts.

The aim of these lessons is for pupils to explore the origins of a range of opinions on topical and

controversial issues, to take part in informed debate and to argue persuasively. They are encouraged

to assess situations where rights and obligations are contested and to use a range of research

strategies and sources of information.

This is an unexamined course

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All pupils at St George’s follow a core PE programme based on the following aims:

To promote a healthy lifestyle and highlight the benefits of life long exercise.

To develop the skills and tactical understanding needed to perform effectively in chosen

sporting activities.

To develop leadership, communication and organisational skills

To work effectively with others and build team spirit.

To problem-solve.

To understand and experience the different roles in sport – referee, coach, etc.

And most importantly - to have fun!

We also encourage our students to join one (or more) of the extra-curricular sports clubs available

throughout the year. This enables them to play more effectively, often against other schools, both here

in Rome and against other International schools around Italy.

GCSE booklet 2015

Documents

Transcript of GCSE booklet 2015