Key Stage 4 Options Handbook (2015)

Key Stage 4

September 2015

Highgate Wood School

Montenotte Road

London N8 8RN

www.hws.uk.com

tel: 0208 3427970

email: [email protected]

Index

Letter from Mr Hartley 4

GCSE Reforms 5

Informed Choices 6

Key Dates; types of qualifications 9

Learning Pathways 10

Student checklist 11

The Core 12

English Language 13

English Literature 14

Mathematics 15

Science 16

Ethics and Cultural Studies 18

Citizenship\PHSE 19

Physical Education (Core) 20

Computing (Core) 21

Options 22

Art and Design 24

Business Studies 25

Business and Economics 26

Computer Science 27

Dance 28

Design and Technology: Food Technology 29

Design and Technology: Resistant Materials 30

Design and Technology: Textiles Technology 31

Drama 32

Geography 33

History 34

Media Studies 35

Modern Foreign Languages (French & Spanish) 36

Music 37

Music Technology 38

Physical Education 39

Sociology 40

GCSE Options Handbook—Sept 2015

March 2015

Dear Year 9 Student,

You have some important decisions to make about your future. Over the next month we

aim to give you as much help and guidance as possible to help you make those decisions wisely.

In September 2015 you move from Key Stage 3 onto the 14 to 19 Curriculum. You will be

beginning a course of study that will take you up to your public examinations in Year 11. However,

we see this as part of your longer journey towards Post 16 courses in the Sixth Form and on to

Higher Education.

The options process is to ensure you have the information to make good decisions for your

future. It is crucial that you choose your courses very carefully in order to maintain progression

over the next four years, and also to prepare for Higher Education and for the world of work.

Though you will continue with a range of familiar subjects, a number of subjects will be

completely new to you. The Key Stage 4 Curriculum offers some vocational courses (courses

related to the workplace) as well as new academic subjects. You should discuss your potential

areas of study with your parents, tutor, Head of House and your subject teachers.

It is essential that youtake subjects that will provide the best pathways for their future. The

most important thing for you to think about is that your choice of subjects will provide the

breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding to keep as many options and progress routes open

in the future as possible. Another important consideration is to choose subjects that you are good

at and that you enjoy.

In the following pages each Head of Subject has written about what their subject offers. Be

sure to read the information carefully, and if any of it is not clear, go and talk to the staff

concerned (their names are printed at the end of each subject), and to any students in the current

Year 10 who are taking the subjects you are interested in.

First, spend time reading the information on the Core subjects. It has been made clear to

you how important these subjects are, ‘they are at the centre of everything you do’. Ask the

teachers about the course and think how it will develop your skills and knowledge and where it

can take you on your journey.

Students will be offered a particular pathway to follow; this pathway will be chosen for you

depending on what is best for you and your future. Just under half the year group will follow

Pathway A, which will be a highly challenging course including the separate sciences. About half of

the year group will follow Pathway B which is also a rigorous academic pathway but selects

“double science” at its core. A small group of students will be following a supported pathway

which is intended for students who need extra support to achieve a grade C in their English and

mathematics GCSE. These students will receive the focused support that they need in order to be

able to move forward to Further Education or employment and follow an alternative Level 2

science qualification course. Students on this supported pathway will need to complete their

options form in a meeting at school with their parents. If any parent has a question about which

pathway you are following they should contact Mr. Hartley.

After you have read all the information in this booklet and spoken to your teachers, you will

have to decide which subjects you wish to study in the option. You will be given a form to fill in

showing these choices. We will try to ensure that everyone is happy with their choices; however,

we also need to balance choices against resources, staffing and aptitude. On some occasions

students are approached to reconsider when choices cannot run.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Hartley

Assistant Headteacher


GCSE Reforms

Parents, carers and students may be aware that

September 2015 will bring the first set of the new

specification GCSEs, which will be awarded grades

from nine at the top to one at the bottom –

instead of the present A* to G.

Over the coming years all subjects will be assessed

under the new framework, but initially it will be

restricted to English Language, English Literature

and mathematics. This is happening for September

2015 so will affect you directly.

The sciences, history and geography, as well as

languages, are scheduled to come under the new

framework in September 2016 (thus coming into

force for students currently in Year 8), with the

remaining subjects following from 2017.

The intention behind these new specifications is to

raise the challenge of GCSE courses, to match and

exceed the qualifications available in the most

successful economies of the world. They will be

assessed by a final set of external set examinations

and, as a general rule, will not be tiered. Details

are still being confirmed and agreed but currently

it is understood that:

In mathematics the new specification GCSE will

have a much larger content and scope than the

current GCSE, with more emphasis on solving

problems that require multi-step solutions. There

will be new topics such as ratio and proportions.

Students will be expected to learn key

mathematical formulae by heart.

Students of the new GCSE in English Language will

be expected to read ‘a wide range of texts’ (there

will be no set texts). There will be greater

emphasis on accurate use of spelling, punctuation

and grammar.

English Literature GCSE will focus on four areas of

literature. Unseen texts will be a new

requirement.

These new specifications have yet to be fully

agreed by the Department for Education and

precise details will thus not be available until the

new Key Stage 4 handbook in September. In the

meantime please read the entries in this Options

Booklet for English and mathematics with a certain

amount of caution.

The full details of the new structure is still to be

agreed but, broadly speaking, the “new” grades

will be awarded as follows:

The same proportion of students will receive grade 4 and

above as currently receive grade C and above.

Broadly the same proportion of students will receive

grade 7 and above as currently receive grade A and

above.

The bottom grade 1 will be aligned with the bottom of

the current grade G.

Outline of changes

New grade equivalence

For further information about the GCSE reforms please visit

Ofqual at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual

For more information


Universities may ask for a specific number of GCSEs (or their equivalent). For example, a number of medical courses ask for five (sometimes more) A* grades.

GCSE English or another standard level equivalent is very often required at grade C at least. At many universities, this is a universal entry requirement for any course. Mathematics is also often required at grade C at least.

Currently University College London (UCL) is the only Russell Group institution to require a Modern Foreign Language GCSE at grade C or above for all of its programmes. However if you did not take a Modern Foreign Language GCSE, or if you got a D grade or below, you can still apply to any UCL degree programme, and it won’t negatively affect your application. You will not be rejected just because you don’t have it but you will need to complete a short course in a Modern Foreign Language, either on a summer school or in the first year of your degree, to catch up.

For many courses a B grade at least in GCSE English is needed with science and engineering courses in particular often specifying this. Equally, courses such as Business and Psychology, which may attract applicants who aren’t necessarily strong mathematicians, commonly ask for a B grade in mathematics and, in some cases, sciences.

The Russell Group of Universities consists of 24 of

the leading universities in the UK. Their

publication, “Informed Choices”, provides some

things to consider in selecting your options at Key

Stage 4. http://bit.do/hwschoice

Pre-16 Qualifications and University Entry

General Entrance Requirements

EBacc and facilitating subjects

The English Baccalaureate is not a qualification

itself but a particular group of GCSE subjects that

the Department of Education believes will provide

students with “a properly rounded academic

education.” The subjects that make up the EBacc

are English, mathematics, at least two sciences

(which can include computer science), a modern

foreign language, and a humanities subject (either

history or geography).

These subjects are highly valued by the Russell

Group, but it is not currently required for entry to

any Russell Group university. Most universities

require English and mathematics. A few also

particularly value a modern foreign language.*

All successful university applicants are normally

expected to have achieved good grades in a range

of subjects at GCSE or equivalent, and to meet any

specific requirements for their chosen course.

The Russell Group identify certain subjects as

those most likely to be required or preferred for

entry to degree courses, and choosing them at A

Level will keep more options open to you at

university.

These facilitating subjects currently include

mathematics, English literature, physics, biology,

chemistry, geography, history and languages.

If you wish to take a particular subject at A Level it

would be wise to check whether you will be

required to take the subject and achieve a

particular grade at GCSE level.

The GCSE or other standard level entrance

requirements for individual degree courses are

quite varied. In some cases, a particular subject or

grade is required at standard level if it isn’t being

offered at advanced level.

* If you speak a foreign language at home it may

be possible to sit a GCSE examination for that

language. A GCSE in a community language

means that you will have covered a “foreign

language” within your GCSE results. We do not

enter students for exams in languages that they

study outside of school—only students who are

native speakers of different languages.


The summary below gives an idea of some of the

GCSE requirements that you might come across

for certain degree courses. Remember that these

are only examples. It’s important to check

university websites for detailed requirements

before applying:

Applicants to study Medicine, Dentistry and

Veterinary Science are usually required to

have very good GCSE results in

mathematics, science and English.

Applicants to study Teacher Training are

required to have a minimum grade C in

GCSE mathematics, science and English.

For a degree in English, universities often

look for applicants to have a GCSE in a

modern or classical language.

For a business degree, sometimes a grade A,

or more often at least a grade B, in GCSE

mathematics is required.

A grade B in mathematics is often required

for a degree in psychology, and a grade B in

science may sometimes be required.

To study a science subject at university

(including biology, chemistry or physics)

applicants who are not offering

mathematics at advanced level will often

need to have achieved a minimum of a

grade C in mathematics at GCSE

If you wish to explore the sort of courses currently

available at university two sites that will help are

www.UCAS.com and www.bestcourse4me.com

Do remember that university courses and

requirements are likely to change a great deal over

the coming four years.

For general careers information please visit

www.careersbox.co.uk or www.icould.com

Useful sites

PROGRESSION TO THE SIXTH FORM

In 2017 you will be completing your Key Stage 4

courses and looking to build on those

achievements in the 6th form.

Many things will change between now and

then. It is possible that entry requirements for

some of the courses will change and it is quite

likely that new courses are going to be on offer.

Even so, it is worthwhile knowing what is

currently available and what our current Year

11 students need to achieve to get on to their

chosen courses.

All courses have specific entry requirements

and to study A Levels you will have to achieve

at least 5 GCSEs at A* - C, and usually these

include at least C grades in English Language

and mathematics.

To study mathematics at A Level students need

to have achieved at least an A in their

Mathematics GCSE. Those who are studying

Further Mathematics will have had to have

achieved an A*.

If you wish to study English Language or English

Literature at A Level you need to have achieved

at least a B in those subjects at GCSE.

Requirements for specific subjects

http://www.bestcourse4me.com/

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Level 6 to 8 Honours Degree Postgraduate qualifications

Level 5 HND/C Ordinary/Foundation Degree

Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education NVQ level 4

Level 3 AS and A levels BTEC Nationals International Baccalaureate OCR National level 3 Cambridge International Awards Level 3 Diploma NVQ level 3

Level 2 GCSEs grades A* - C BTEC First Awards, Certificates and Diplomas OCR Nationals NVQ Level 2

Level 1 GCSEs grades D - G BTEC Introductory Certificates and Diplomas NVQ Level 1

Those students studying Biology, Chemistry or

Physics A Level will have received at least a B in the

relevant science if they have studied Biology,

Chemistry and Physics GCSEs separately or would

have achieved an A in Double Science GCSE. They

will also have received either at least a B or, for

Physics, at least an A, in GCSE mathematics.

Many subjects at A Level do not require previous

study at GCSE level. These include Sociology,

Psychology, Philosophy, Government & Politics,

Economics, Business Studies and Media Studies A

Levels. Other courses do not insist on previous

study at GCSE but do require a GCSE in a related

subject. For example, you do not require Textiles

GCSE to study Textiles at A Level, but you will be

expected to have achieved a C or above in one of

the Design Technology GCSEs (Textiles, Food

Technology or Resistant Materials) or a B in Art and

Design GCSE.

Studying a modern language at A Level will require

you to have succeeded in that language at GCSE.

Similarly those students studying History or

Geography in the sixth form will have achieved a B

or above in that subject at GCSE level.

More information about requirements at A Level are

available on the Sixth Form section of the school

website and in the Highgate Wood School Sixth

Form Prospectus.

KEY STAGE 4 - TIME ALLOCATION FOR SUBJECTS (OVER TWO WEEKS)

English* Maths# Science Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 PE ECS Cit.

8 7 12 6 6 6 2 2 1

8 7 10 6 6 6 2 4 1

8 7 10 6 6 6 2 4 1

Supported Path

* English is English Language and English Literature # Students on Pathways A and B will be given the opportunity to also pursue a further GCSE course in Mathematics, either Statistics or Further Mathematics. Pathway A students will be expected to complete the full GCSE in ECS and success with this

course in the time available.

Pathway B

Pathway

Pathway A


Types of Qualifications in Key Stage 4

Between the ages of 14 and 16, you have the opportunity to work towards a number of qualifications.

They are your ‘passport’ to further and higher education, training and employment.

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) - Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum is usually

assessed in terms of GCSEs. The government has recently made a decision to change GCSEs to a linear

assessment scheme, which means students are assessed via controlled assessment coursework tasks

and a terminal exam at the end of the course. Level 1 and 2 GCSE tiers are offered.

BTEC qualifications - are Level 1 and 2 qualifications which offer on-going assessment of academic

achievement. These courses are examined through assignments at regular intervals and an exam at a

specific point in the course.

How are KS4 courses assessed?

GCSEs are assessed largely or entirely by a final exam or series of exams at the end of Year 11. All GCSE

courses are linear meaning there are no modular exams taken before the end of the course. Any

remaining part of the assessment is usually by controlled assessment; this takes different forms in

different subjects but is they are all carried out in school and under a high degree of control.

BTEC courses and some GCSEs are largely assessed by coursework which is carried out during the two

year course and submitted at the end. There is always an examined component to these courses.

What is controlled assessment?

Controlled assessment is a form of internal assessment of the work of the course. Replacing coursework,

controlled assessment:

encourages a more integrated approach to teaching, learning and assessment

enables teachers to confirm that students carry out the work involved.

Controlled assessment differs from both coursework and external examinations. It may, for example,

allow supervised access to sources, such as the internet, for research purposes.

Monday 23rd February Introduction to Options Assembly

Monday 2nd March Options Assembly

Monday 23rd March Options hand-in deadline

July Confirmation of options choices

KEY DATES

Thursday 5th March Year 9 Options Evening


Where can I get more information about options?

In order to make sound choices, students must be well informed.

Information can be obtained from a variety of sources:

The Careers Library in the LRC has many resources regarding a whole range of Careers and post-16 opportunities. The school employs a consultant on Careers Advice and Guidance: Chris Kennington.

There are Drop-in Sessions on Wednesday lunchtimes – your form tutor will have the information on these.

You can also make an individual appointment through Mr. Hartley (Wren Office).

Subject staff are happy to tell students as much as they need to know about GCSE courses in their departments. Heads of Department will be able to advise at the Year 9 Option Evening.

www.icould.com – available online will give advice on different subjects and career paths.

How much choice is there?

The remainder of this booklet describes both the “Core” subjects and the “option choices” subject by subject.

The Core Subjects = courses every student follows:

The Pathways Explained

The school will decide on whether you will be on Pathway A, Pathway B or the Supported Pathway. This is not part of the choice students have in the process.

Pathway A

Pathway A students study the three sciences biology, chemistry and physics as a part of the core offer, they study for the short course or the full course GCSE ECS

You choose three options subjects including a language if appropriate.

Pathway B

Pathway B students study double science as part of their core offer and also the full GCSE course ECS.

In addition pathway B students choose three option subjects.

The Supported Pathway

Students on the supported pathway receive extra support in their literacy and numeracy and take an alternative Level 2 course in science.

In addition to the core offer students on the supported pathway choose two option subjects . The subjects chosen must be agreed in a meeting in the Learning Support department to ensure that students take courses that are appropriate.

English Language and English Literature

Mathematics

Science Courses

Ethics and Cultural Studies (ECS)

Citizenship students (non-examination)

Core Physical Education (non-examination)


1. Which courses should I choose?

Choose courses that:

will help you keep your options open in the future

you know you can do well in

reflect your interests and personal qualities

2. Why should I not choose some courses?

Don’t choose courses because:

you like the teacher, or reject courses because you don’t like him/her – the teacher could be different next year

your friends are choosing them – they are different from you and have different strengths and interests.

3. Is it okay to not continue with some subjects?

Yes, but remember:

you can sometimes take a course, Media Studies for example at A Level, even if you haven’t taken it at Key Stage 4. You will need to have evidence of ability to achieve success, such as a good GCSE grade in another humanities subject or English

quite a few jobs which are not directly related to a subject may make use of it, for example art and music are very useful in primary school teaching.

4. What else should I consider?

If you:

have a clear idea about doing particular work-based training or a specific job – find out the most appropriate courses for it

have a general idea of the broad area of work you’d like to go into – find out whether you can do any courses which would start you on the way without stopping you from doing other things if you change your mind

want to continue in learning – find out what subjects you could do and whether you need to take certain courses to help you achieve your aim. Look at the sixth form website and handbook for subject requirements and look carefully at the list of “facilitating” subjects.

don’t have any clear ideas now? Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do in the future. It is pretty rare for someone in Year 9 who has their life-plan mapped out. And even those who do are likely to change their ideas over time. Make sure you keep your options open.

Student checklist – choices for Key Stage 4


Think of the centre of the Earth, we call this the Core.

Think of a magnificent building, it has strong core foundations.

Your learning is the same. The Core is central, it is the foundation.

You must work hard to get the core right.

The three main Core subjects are English, mathematics and science.

During Key Stage 4 you will all study Ethics & Cultural and Studies, Citizenship\PHSE and core PE.

Each Pathway differs slightly it what constitutes its core.

Which Pathway each student will follow will be determined by the school.

The Core

English Language Mathematics Biology Chemistry Physics

English Literature ECS (full) Core PE Citizenship

CORE: FOR PATHWAY A Core lessons Pathway A (bold type indicates that a full GCSE qualification is obtained)

English Language Mathematics Core Science Additional Science


CORE: FOR PATHWAY B Core lessons Pathway B (bold type indicates that a full GCSE qualification is obtained)

English Language Mathematics Science (Level 2) Literacy & Numeracy Support


CORE: FOR SUPPORTED PATHWAY Supported Pathway (bold type indicates that a full GCSE qualification is obtained)


Overview of the course

What will I learn?

GCSE English Language allows you to

demonstrate your ability to use English

in real life contexts and uses an

investigative and analytical approach

to language topics drawing on

personal experience.

You will read and understand a range of non-fiction texts, identifying the writers’ crafts and transfer

these skills into your own writing for a range of genres, audiences and purposes. You will also continue

to develop your skills in speaking and listening activities.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing - 1 hour 45 minutes; 50% of GCSE

Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives - 1 hour 45 minutes; 50% of GCSE

Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language - teacher set throughout year; carries a separate endorsement (not part of GCSE)

Progress Routes and Careers

Employers and universities want young people who can communicate effectively in both the written

and spoken word, regardless of the job they are doing or the course they are pursuing. As with the

other core subjects, English supports other job-specific skills: for example, the engineer or architect who

wants to progress will need to show a good ability in English and communication skills. Among the

graduate-level areas of employment for the English specialist are: advertising, journalism, marketing

and teaching. English Language A Level can be studied at Highgate Wood School 6th Form.

English Language GCSE Exam Board: AQA

For further information contact: Ms Ford or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

GCSE English Literature involves

analysing a range of texts including

novels, poetry and plays and

understanding how writers use

language to achieve different effects.

You also have the opportunity to

explore texts from a personal

perspective and develop an

understanding of historical and social

influences on writing.


You will be assessed through two exams at the end of Year 11:

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel - 1 hour 45 minutes; 40% of GCSE

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry - 2 hour 15 minutes; 60% of GCSE


Many students develop a love of literature and go on to study at A Level. As with English Language, it

is an excellent subject for developing the communication and analytical skills needed for many jobs

and is an excellent preparation for a range of Arts and Humanities degrees. English Literature A Level

can be studied at Highgate Wood School Sixth Form.

Exam Board: AQA English Literature GCSE

For further information contact: Ms Ford or any other teacher in the department.


Mathematics GCSE Exam Board: To be confirmed

For further information contact: Ms Payton or any other teacher in the department.


What will I learn?

The GCSE course will develop your

interest, enjoyment and understanding

of mathematics. We all realise that

mathematics plays an important part in

all our daily lives and so the course is

essential in preparing you for the future.

We will encourage you to read, write and

talk about Mathematics in a variety of situations. You will be expected to be capable of performing

mathematical operations on paper, mentally and by using a calculator. A key aspect of Mathematics is

developing resilience when problem solving and meeting new ideas.

Over the two years you will develop your knowledge and skills in key areas of mathematics including

Using and applying mathematics

Number and Algebra e.g. decimals, fractions, equations and graphs

Probability and statistics

Shape and Space

Handling Data

The details of the new specification for mathematics has not yet been fully agreed by the various

examining boards but it is understood that GCSE mathematics from 2017 onward will contain

significantly more content than current GCSE courses.


Most students will take the Higher Tier Exam. Students in set 5 usually take the Foundation Tier Exam.

Two papers sat in Summer 2017

Paper One (50%) Non-Calculator

Paper Two (50%) Calculator

.


Maths competency, often at grade C standard, is essential for most careers.

Further study at A Level is desirable for higher education in many areas such as engineering, physics,

chemistry, biology, geology, pharmacy, medicine, veterinary science, insurance, banking, business

management and many others.



What will I learn?

The Key Stage 4 Science course at

Highgate Wood School has three

pathways and students will be guided by

their teachers onto the most

appropriate path

Pathway A:

GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics.

Students will be chosen for the separate science course. Edexcel BTEC First Awards in Applied Science.

This course is also known as Triple Science and you will be taught by three separate teachers, each a

specialist. Students will be examined for this course at the end of Year 11.

Pathway B:

Double Science

GCSE Science (examined at the end of Year 10) and GCSE Additional Science (examined at the end of

Year 11)

Supported Pathway:

Alternative Level 2 Science qualification course

For a small number of students an alternative science pathway will be the most appropriate course to gain a useful science qualification and provide the foundation for further study and the world of work.

Fuller details of this course will be provided to the students for whom it is applicable.

How do I choose which course to do?

Pathway B students will follow the double science GCSE (Science and Additional Science)

Pathway A students will be chosen for Triple Science.

For a small number of students the BTEC Science will be the most appropriate course.

Science GCSE and alternative Level 2 Exam Board: OCR


What will I learn?

GCSE Science aims to develop your understanding of the science around you that affects your

everyday life. In addition, you will also be developing scientific skills and learning how science

works. This course is suitable for the majority of students. It will prepare you for further studies at

AS and A level in the sciences or vocational courses. Some of the topics:

Biology - you and your genes, keeping healthy and life on earth.

Chemistry – air quality, material choices and chemicals in our lives: risks and benefits.

Physics – the earth in the universe, radiation and life, radioactive materials.

Separate scientists will cover extra units in Year 10 and three large extension units in Year 11.

For the alternative Science qualification course we will select the course that is most appropriate

for students on the supported pathway, giving them every opportunity to achieve a positive result

whilst at the same time fully covering the required programme of study for science at Key Stage 4.


Alternative Science Pathway

Students on the supported pathway will take a science course that allows the achievement of a

Level 2 qualification in the subject.

GCSE Double Science (Science and Additional Science)

Each GCSE is examined as four Units and comprises: 75% Examination papers and 25% controlled

assessment. Each GCSE is examined at the end of each year.

Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

Each GCSE is examined as four Units and comprises: 75% Examination papers and 25% controlled

assessment at the end of the course in Year 11.

Progress Routes and careers

Students completing the Double Science and Separate Sciences GCSEs can progress to AS Levels in

any scientific subjects including biology, chemistry and physics.

Science GCSEs and BTECs provide an excellent qualification that is valued by colleges and

employers. Students are taught analytical skills which are vital for almost any sector they chose to

enter into.

For further information see…Mr Brennan or Mr Nayar

Science GCSE and alternative Level 2 (contd.)

For further information contact: Mr Brennan, Mr Nayar or any other teacher in the

department.



What will I learn?

This GCSE helps students to reflect upon ultimate questions about the meaning and purpose of life, and to develop their own reasoned response to those questions.. By evaluating ethical issues, and expressing views using reasoned arguments, you can enhance your capacity and desire to make a positive contribution to debates and decisions in society. How will I be assessed? This course is 100% externally assessed examination. Students answer four topics for each exam paper. Each question is worth 24 marks with 5 additional marks for Spelling, punctuation and grammar – a total of 101 marks. Unit 1 – Religion and life issues (50%) 1h 45min Unit 2 – Religion and Human experience (50%) 1h 45min Topic titles within Unit 1: Religious Attitudes to:

Relationships Is it fair? Looking for meaning. Our World

Topic titles within Unit 2:

Religion and Conflict Religion and Medicine Religious expression Religion and State.

Progress Routes and Careers It is a subject that fosters respect and tolerance for the beliefs and values of others. In the world of work, employers look for someone with an enquiring mind, an appreciation of different viewpoints, an ability to arrive at clear, balanced decisions. These skills are all develop through Ethics and Cultural studies GCSE. The study of Ethics and Cultural studies at GCSE lays a good foundation for further study of Philosophy at A level and will complement other related and popular A level subjects including History, Government and Politics, Sociology and English Literature. .

Exam Board: WJEC Spec B ECS GCSE

For further information contact: Ms Burniston or any other teacher in the department.


Citizenship and PHSE


In Citizenship you will build on the

learning from Key Stage 3 to

deepen your understanding of

democracy, government and the

rights and responsibilities of

citizens as well as issues of justice

and citizenship in local, national,

international and global contexts.

The new national curriculum has a focus on the following areas at Key Stage 4:

parliamentary democracy and the key elements of the constitution of the United Kingdom,

including the power of government, the role of citizens and Parliament in holding those in power to

account, and the different roles of the executive, legislature and judiciary and a free press

the different electoral systems used in and beyond the United Kingdom and actions citizens can

take in democratic and electoral processes to influence decisions locally, nationally and beyond

other systems and forms of government, both democratic and non-democratic, beyond the United

Kingdom

local, regional and international governance and the United Kingdom’s relations with the rest of

Europe, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the wider world

human rights and international law

the legal system in the UK, different sources of law and how the law helps society deal with

complex problems

diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for

mutual respect and understanding

the different ways in which a citizen can contribute to the improvement of their community, to

include the opportunity to participate actively in community volunteering, as well as other forms of

responsible activity

income and expenditure, credit and debt, insurance, savings and pensions, financial products and

services, and how public money is raised and spent

These areas will be partly covered within other subjects whilst Citizenship provides a wide range of

opportunities, both within and beyond the curriculum, to develop a range of understandings and skills,

equipping you to work in partnership with others, to solve problems, identify issues and contribute to

society. You will be encouraged to become independent learners and thinkers, approach all subjects

using a wide range of research strategies, weigh up evidence, make persuasive arguments and

substantiate your conclusions.

Sex & Relationships education as well as Drugs education will be delivered to all students in Key Stage

4.

For further information contact: Mr O’Connor or any other teacher in the department.

What will I learn?

In Physical Education lessons, many

activities will be covered. These will

include most major games and various

alternative activities.

Everyone taking part is expected to change

into School PE Kit.

In line with National Curriculum

recommendations, students as part of

their core Physical Education course will

follow a broad and balanced programme

of activities.

At Key Stage 4, this programme includes:

Basketball, hockey, football, cricket, rounders, softball, netball, badminton, table tennis, tennis,

ultimate frisbee, lacrosse and swimming

Throughout the above programmes of study, students will be encouraged to understand and

appreciate the importance of fitness and the need for a healthy lifestyle as well as life-long

participation in physical activity

In addition students are presented with a range of scenarios which will develop self-esteem, the ability

to work as part if a team and build mental capacity.

Should students have a particular interest in PE they should consider selecting the subject as one of

their Option choices. Details of the PE GCSE course are on page 39 of this handbook.

Core PE

For further information contact: Mr Ibrahim or any other teacher in the department.


What will I learn?

All students at Key Stage 4 will

develop their capability, creativity

and knowledge in computer

science, digital media and

information technology

through a series of events,

enrichment activities and

other opportunities during the

course of the two years. These

will include content and skills

delivered within the English, Science and mathematics curriculum as

well as across other subjects.

Students will be supported to develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and

computational thinking skills in many subjects in the curriculum, including within mathematics and

science.

Highgate Wood School places particularly emphasis on all students being aware of the dangers and

risks, as well as the benefits and promises, of modern technology. Through enrichment activities and

also through many subjects in the curriculum students in Key Stage 4 will be taught to understand

how changes in technology affect personal safety, including receiving guidance on new and

established ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to identify and report a range

of threats, dangers and concerns.

Should students have a particular interest in Computer Science they should consider selecting the

subject as one of their Option choices. Details of the Computer Science GCSE course are on page 27 of

this handbook.

Computing (Core) (non exam)

For further information contact: Mr Ashman


KEY STAGE 4 - TIME ALLOCATION FOR SUBJECTS (OVER TWO WEEKS)

English Maths Science Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 PE ECS Cit.

8 7 12 6 6 6 2 2 1

8 7 10 6 6 6 2 4 1

8 7 10 6 6 6 2 4 1

Supported Path

Pathway B

Pathway

Pathway A

OPTIONS AVAILABLE

For all Key Stage 4 pathways there are three Option blocks. Most students will take three different

option subjects .

*Dance is offered as an extracurricular option and is studied in addition to the other options available. +We can enter native speakers for community language examinations without any teaching input.

Modern Foreign Languages (French): ____

Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish): ___

+Community Language (please specify) : ___

Geography: _________________________

History: ___________________________

Computer Science: __________________

Art and Design: _____________________

Business Studies (Btec) : ________________

Business and Economics: ______________

* Dance: __________________________

Design and Technology: Food Technology: ___

Design and Technology: Resistant Materials: _

Design and Technology: Textiles Technology: _

Drama: ____________________________

Media Studies: ______________________

Music: ____________________________

Music Technology (Btec) : _____________

Physical Education: _________________

Sociology: ________________________

Facilitating

GCSE

BTEC

GCSE

GCSE

GCSE

GCSE

GCSE

GCSE

GCSE

GCSE

BTEC

GCSE

GCSE

Facilitating

Facilitating

Facilitating

Facilitating

Facilitating

Use this page for planning. Remember you need to select four subjects on your official Options form, and number

them 1 to 4 to indicate the order of your preference. At least one of the first three choices must be a facilitating

subject (EBacc), the fourth choice is a backup choice if needed. If you can take a community language then tick the

box and specify which language. (this satisfies the requirement to study a facilitating subject but is not counted as

one of your 4 preferences).

Dance is an extra GCSE and should be ticked if chosen. (it will not be counted as one of your 4 preferences)


Options



What will I learn?

In GCSE Art and Design you will develop

an understanding of past and

contemporary art and design and be

able to produce your own personal

response, embracing a range of ideas.

You will develop a working knowledge

of the materials, practices and

technology of art and design. You will

develop the skills to investigate, analyse

and experiment using art, craft and

design. You will develop your

imaginative powers and an understanding of the language and conventions of art and design. After

working on a series of teacher directed workshops designed to build your skills and knowledge you

will develop your own ideas and work on them in a series of three timed tests, a five hour session in

year 10 and two ten hour sessions in Year 11.


Students are assessed on controlled assessment which is worth 60% of the final grade and an

externally set assignment which is worth 40%. Controlled assessment is made up of two units,

Surfaces and Revolution.

First project: Surfaces

Second project: Revolution

Externally Set Assignment (theme set by exam board): starts in January of Year 11

Summer 2017: GCSE exhibition

Progress Routes and Careers:

Art and Design GCSE is a useful beginning qualification for careers in advertising, marketing, design,

architecture, publishing and the media.

It can lead to A Level Art and Design or Photography, and subsequently an Art Foundation or Degree

course.

Exam Board: Edexcel Art and Design GCSE

For further information contact: Mr Astrop or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

The course consists of studying four

units of work related to the world of

business:

Unit 1: Enterprise in the business world

Know how the trends and the current

business environment many impact on a

business

Plan an idea for a new business

Unit 2: Finance for business

Understand the costs involved in

business and how business make a profit

Understand how business plan for

success and measure success.

Unit 3: Promoting a Brand

Explore the use of branding in business

Unit 8: Recruitment, Selection and Employment

Know about job roles in business

Demonstrate interview skills and plan career developments


Three units are internally assessed through a coursework portfolio. Each unit consists of two

assignments. Unit 2 is assessed via an onscreen exam. You will be graded Distinction*, Distinction,

Merit or Pass. This course is broadly equivalent to one GCSE.


Business Studies BTEC provides a good practical base on which to build a strong foundation of

knowledge, understanding and skills designed to prepare students for further study or for the world

of work, including establishing their own enterprise.

Business Studies BTEC Exam Board: Edexcel

For further information contact: Ms Hastings or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

While studying the first two units

(business) of this course you are likely to

learn a lot of new things. You will be

introduced to the world of small

businesses and will look at what makes

someone a successful business person.

You will find out how to develop an idea

and spot an opportunity, and turn that

into a successful business. You will

understand how to make a business

effective and manage money. You will also

see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved.

The economic aspect of the course you will begin to think like an economist and learn how the

economy functions, the government’s role in the economy and its impact on business. You will also

examine what causes businesses to fail and how businesses grow. You will study many issues within

the world of economics such as inequality.


You are assessed through two written examinations (75% - Unit 1 25%; Unit 5 50%) and one controlled assignment (25%).


A Business Studies GCSE provides a sound foundation to a range of careers and further studies. It

could lead to work in a business-related profession such as accountancy, law, marketing or the

leisure and tourism industry. It can also help you prepare for further and higher education such as

AS/A2 Levels and BTEC Level 3 courses. You will become skilled in making decisions, being creative,

solving problems, understanding finance, dealing with data, communicating and working as part of

team. All these skills will be useful if you chose to develop your entrepreneurial skills and start up

your own business.

Exam Board: Edexcel Business and Economics GCSE

For further information contact: Ms Hastings or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

The GCSE in Computer Science will help you to

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

the fundamental principles and concepts of

computer science, develop and apply

computational thinking skills to analyse problems

and design solutions across a range of contexts

and gain practical experience of designing,

writing, and testing computer programs that accomplish specific goals. Further to this, you will

develop the ability to reason, explain and evaluate computing solutions, develop awareness of current

and emerging trends in computing technologies, develop awareness of the impact of computing on

individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues and

communicate computer science concepts and explain computational solutions clearly and concisely

using appropriate terminology.


Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science (Examination: 75%)

In this unit you will need to demonstrate:

Understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to interpret,

amend and create algorithms. Understanding of binary representation, data representation, data

storage and compression, encryption and databases; ability to use SQL to insert, amend and extract

data stored in a structured database. Understanding of components of computer systems; ability to

construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret fragments of assembly code.

Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the World Wide Web; ability to use HTML and

CSS to construct web pages. Awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, the impact of

computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues.

Unit 2: Practical Programming (Controlled Assessment: 25%)

This is a practical ‘making task’ that enables you to demonstrate their computational techniques using

a programming language. You will:

decompose problems into sub-problems

create original algorithms or work with algorithms produced by others

design, write, test, and evaluate programs.


A Computer Science GCSE is a good foundation and introduction to the world of computing which also

helps with the progression into A Level Computing as well as course other computing related courses.

Computer Science GCSE Exam Board: Edexcel

For further information contact: Mr Talbert or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

On this course you will have the

opportunity to develop skills, knowledge

and understanding of dance as a

choreographer, performer and critic.

There are five main areas of study:

Performance: Demonstrating an

increasing physical competence and

effectiveness as a performer.

Safe Practice: Developing knowledge and

understanding of health, fitness and safe

working practice relevant to performing and choreographing dance.

Choreography: Demonstrating an increasing effectiveness as a choreographer.

Critical appreciation: Demonstrating an ability to appreciate and critique dance.

Professional dance works: Studying two dance works, demonstrating an ability to appreciate and

critique each performance.

Please note that this GCSE is delivered through an extended day option – the day of the week will be

confirmed later in the year.


Written examination

Unit 1 Critical appreciation of dance (20% )

Practical examinations

Unit 2 Set dance (20% ) Solo performance

Unit 3 Performance in a duo/group (20% )

Unit 4 Choreography (40% )

Solo composition (15%)

Solo/duo/group choreography (25%)


You can progress on to AS Level Dance or a BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts.

Exam Board: AQA Dance GCSE

For further information contact: Ms Allaway or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

GCSE Food Technology gives opportunity to

learn how to cook. The course engages

students in understanding ingredients and

processes in cooking to be able to create

products that are aesthetically pleasing,

nutritious and safely produced.

The course is varied and allows students to

develop their practical skills along with

theory. Students study topics about

nutrition, hygiene and safety, practical skills, product analysis, sensory analysis and development and

modification of existing products and about food in industry. This knowledge is then represented in

the coursework portfolio.

Students participate in practical activities once per two week cycle and spend some time in addition

to these sessions doing experimental practical work. The practical work has to be supported by

theory work involving research, analysis and evaluation. All the work undertaken contributes to the

knowledge needed to complete the written examination taken at the end of the course.


Controlled assessment 60%: Design and Make Practice (Controlled Assessment, approximately 45

hours work, with 90 marks available).

Written exam 40%: One two hour paper, pre-release material available for exam preparation for

Section A; Section B is based on Specification with 120 marks available overall


You can progress into A Level Product Design Courses, or use this GCSE as a first step into careers in

catering, hospitality and environmental health and nutrition.

Design and Technology: Food Technology GCSE Exam Board: AQA

For further information contact: Ms Went or Ms Allaway



What will I learn?

In Year 10 students undertake a variety

of design and make assignments. The

purpose of this is to equip students with

a greater understanding of the design

process and to expand on their subject

knowledge as well as further developing

essential designing and making skills.

Towards the end of Year 10 and throughout Year 11, students are expected to engage in a single design

and make activity selected from a choice of controlled assessment set tasks, consisting of the

development of a made outcome and a concise design folder. Students are expected to use a variety of

information and communication technology wherever it is possible to do so and address the moral,

social, cultural and environmental issues arising from their work.


Controlled assessment 60%: Design and Make Practice (approximately 45 hours work, with 90 marks

available).


section A; section B is based on Specification with 120 marks available overall



Architecture, Product Design and Engineering.

Exam Board: AQA Design and Technology: Resistant Materials GCSE

For further information contact: Mr McDonagh or Mr Champion



What will I learn?

In Year 10 students undertake a variety

of design and make projects. The

purpose of this is to equip students with

a greater understanding of the design

process and to expand on their subject

knowledge as well as further developing

essential designing and making skills.

Students will increase their knowledge

and skills in a range of textiles areas,

including garment manufacture, dye-

work, hand and machine embellishment and industrial practice.

Throughout Year 11, students engage in a single design and make activity selected from a choice of

set controlled assessment tasks, consisting of the development of a made outcome and a concise

design folder. Students are expected to use a variety of information and communication technologies

and address the moral, social, cultural and environmental issues arising from their work.


Controlled assessment 60%: Design and Make Practice (approximately 45 hours work, with 90 marks

available).


Section A; Section B is based on Specification with 120 marks available overall



design fashion/fashion, marketing, art, clothing manufacture, interior design, theatre design,

costume design and clothing technology, fashion illustrating and textile design, cloth buying,

tailoring, merchandising and retail.

Design and Technology: Textiles Technology GCSE Exam Board: AQA

For further information contact: Ms Angove or Ms Allaway



What will I learn?

In Year 10 students develop practical

skills relating to assessments they do

in Year 11. They will use drama to

explore ideas and issues in response

to stimulus material selected from

different times and cultures; study a

published play to gain an

understanding of the ways in which playwrights, performers, directors and designers; use the

medium of drama to communicate ideas to an audience; prepare a devised performance in the

summer term of Year 10 and a scripted performance in the Spring term of Year 11. They will view a

professional play and be able to evaluate critically its worth.

Apart from the inherent performance skills that the students would learn, they would develop

generic ones which could be applied to their future work and social lives. Group interaction,

collaboration and negotiation, team and project management, and confidence in public speaking

skills would be very useful life skills.


Unit 1 Written Paper 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks 40%

The written paper comprises three sections:

A - Practical work completed during the course

B - Study and performance of a scripted play

C - Study of a live theatre production seen

Externally set and marked in the summer term of Year 11

Unit 2 Practical Work 120 marks 60%

Task one: Devised group play

Task two: Scripted group play

Task 3: Journal documentation of practical work


For a career in performance or on the technical side, it is normally necessary to think in terms of

further study. You could go on to take an AS or A2 level in Drama and Theatre Studies or a BTEC

National Certificate or Diploma in Performing Arts or the Level 3 Creative and Media Course.

Exam Board: AQA Drama GCSE

For further information contact: Mr Brown or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

This course will show give you an insight

into our ever changing world, from changes

that are happening on your doorstep to

those across the world.

Much will be new to you, but your previous

study of geography will help prepare you to

think like a geographer, so the development

of new skills and concepts will be relatively

easy.


There are three written examinations worth

75% of the marks. Controlled assessment – in the form of a geographical enquiry and research, analysis

and evaluation of a geographical issue are worth 25% of the marks.

The GCSE is based around four units:

Unit 1: Dynamic Planet

Topics include important physical processes such as the atmosphere and climate, geological processes

and ecosystems.

Unit 2: People and the Planet

This unit focuses on human geography and you will study how populations grow and change, where

people live and work and how they exploit and use resources.

Unit 3: Making Geographical Decisions

In this unit you will study a specific topic, such as Antarctica, in detail. This is designed to teach you how

to make decisions based on evidence available.

Unit 4: Researching Geography

This is the controlled assessment unit, which will involve you in a practical fieldwork study away from

school during which you will collect the data required to complete your investigation.


Geography is a valuable area of study which sits at the cross-roads of the ‘arts’, the ‘sciences’ and the

‘technology’ subjects. Above all it has an important environmental role to play and can compliment a

variety of other qualifications for a range of jobs and courses in Further and Higher Education. Possible

occupations linked to Geography include: town planning, civil service, journalism, law and civil

engineering.

Geography GCSE Exam Board: Edexcel

For further information contact: Mrs Hickey or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

The course focuses on the turbulent

history of the twentieth century, its key

events, people, and issues. Viewing

history from both a national and global

perspective, students will learn about

international relations, global conflict and

the political development of key

countries, and take a detailed look at

changes in British society. This includes the changing roles of women, changing patterns of ethnicity

and how young people’s lives have changed.

If you are interested in finding out and understanding more about the world in the past and today,

and if you enjoy discussions and arguments then History GCSE is for you. You will need to be able to

read and write well and wish to develop your essay writing and research skills further.


Paper One exam (45%): Essay based

The USA, 1945 – 1975: Land of Freedom?

African American Civil Rights Movement; Hispanic Americans, Native Americans; Fear of Communism

and McCarthyism

Aspects of International Relations: The inter-war years, 1919-39.

Peace treaties of 1919-23; The League of Nations; Origins of World War Two.

Paper Two exam (30%): Source based

How far did British society change 1939-1975?

Experiences of immigrants in Britain; Teenagers; Women

Controlled assessment –(25%) 2000 word essay

Historical Enquiry on Russia 1905-1939

Russia under the Tsars

The Russian Revolution and Lenin

Russia under Stalin


Getting a good grade in GCSE History shows you have a high level of literacy and good analytical skills,

which are highly respected by employers and universities. The skills developed through a history

qualification will prepare you for a wide range of careers and support you in the further study of all

subjects.

Exam Board: OCR History GCSE

For further information contact: Ms Kingston or any other teacher in the department.



A Media Studies GCSE is a good, solid introduction

to this diverse industry. It is an excellent

foundation for A Level Media Studies as well as a

course that will develop students’ analytical and

production skills transferable to A Level

Photography, Art and Product Design.

According to the Office of National Statistics 2013

report, people with a degree in media have the

second highest employment rate in the UK.


What will I learn?

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of print, broadcast and e-media products as well

as the areas of marketing, advertising and promotion including the institutions that create, produce

and monitor media texts. The course will build on some of the media work you will have already done

in English at Key Stage 3. You will produce drafts, plans and fully realised pieces in print, moving image

and e-media, analysing and evaluating your work. Media Studies students use Apple Mac computers to

create and edit products using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, iMovie and Publisher. All students

can borrow film and still image cameras to complete their coursework.

Students will attend GCSE Study Days at the British Film Institute as well as Film Screenings. Students

will be given the opportunity to apply for short courses at Camden Roundhouse as well as suitable

contests. Some students may be selected to apply for the National Youth Film Academy or other

extracurricular events.


Controlled Assessments 60%

Unit 2: Understanding the Media

3 assignments (Magazines, Film Promotion and Music Video)

Examinations 40%

Unit 1: Investigating the Media

Written Paper on pre-released topic

Media Studies GCSE Exam Board: AQA

For further information contact: Ms Daws-Knowles or any other teacher in the

department.



AQA GCSE Languages is all about making Languages work for you, and making it fun and relevant at the same time. You will be given all the tools you need to develop your French or Spanish (grammar, skills and vocabulary) and plenty of interesting topics so that you can talk about the things that really matter to you.

We offer French and Spanish GCSE at Highgate Wood School.

What will I learn?

You will be developing your skills of communicating in another language through four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Topics covered are: Leisure, Lifestyle, Work and Education,

Home and Environment.


For the AQA GCSE exam, you will be tested in four skills. Speaking and Writing count for 60% of your total mark (see pie-chart), so for 60% of the exam, what you will end up with in the assessment is up to you!

Listening and Reading are assessed in exams. The examiners are not trying to trick you or confuse you. All instructions will be in English.

Speaking and Writing are tested by controlled assessment. There will be two assessment tasks for each exam.


Being able to speak another language can be useful in a wide range of careers. Careers using

Languages include: Law, Travel and Tourism, Journalism, Teaching, Sales and Marketing, Banking,

Public Relations and Politics. You can also progress on to study languages at A Level or university.

Exam Board: AQA Modern Foreign Languages GCSE

For further information contact: Ms Lacroix or any other teacher in the department.


Music GCSE Exam Board: OCR


What will I learn?

Music GCSE is a course that allows you

to build and expand on your own skills as

a musician. There is a a practical focus to

much of the course where you will have

opportunities to practice, perform,

improvise and compose music. Much of

the course is flexible and allows you to

focus on your on musical style. You can

perform and compose in whichever style

you wish for the My Music module and

this allows you develop your own

musical identity. There will also be opportunities for you to rehearse and perform in groups with

other students and to use music technology.

Students will study four areas:

My Music – is an overarching module that is taught across the whole course

Shared Music – is a module that will be taught throughout Year 11

Dance Music

Descriptive Music


There is one examination worth 20%.

The Controlled Assessment consists of

Performing (playing an instrument or singing) 30%

Composing two compositions 30%

Controlled Assessment is teacher assessed and moderated by the examining body.

Creative task 20%

This is an individual controlled assessment at the end of the course. Students will produce a response

to one of a choice of musical stimuli - date set by exam board.

Please note, students should be able to play an instrument at the start of the course.


Students who take GCSE Music are provided with a challenging and firm grounding in a wide range of

music. This will enable those who wish to progress to music courses in KS5 with a good foundation.

For further information contact: Mr Harlow or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

The course will give you a grounding in

the basics of music production and an

introduction to how the music industry

works. Much of the course focuses on

you being able to develop your own

style of production. You will have

access to excellent facilities with

industry standard software applications

such as Logic for your practical work.

You will also have the opportunity to

use the recording studio.

The main unit of work is to create a music product, an album of your music, ready to be put out to

market. Students in the past have created Dubstep, Grime, Hip-Hop, Funky House, Trance, Drum n'

Bass and lots of other music for their albums. You will also research your market and audience and

look at promotion and publicity.

Other modules taught include:

Managing a Music Product

Introducing Music Recording

Introducing Music Sequencing


The course is mainly coursework which is internally assessed with work being sent away for examiners to moderate. There is also an exam focussing on the music industry and music production analysis. The final grade is given as Pass, Merit or Distinction.


A First Diploma of merit grade or above will enable the option of choosing A-Level Music

Technology, as well as the BTEC Music Technology Level 3.

Exam Board: Edexcel Music Technology BTEC

For further information contact: Mr Harlow, Mr Ekstrom or any other teacher in the

department.



What will I learn?

The GCSE in Physical Education

requires you to develop your

knowledge and understanding of how

a healthy, active lifestyle contributes

to the growth and development of

body systems, and structures

(including the cardiovascular,

muscular, respiratory and skeletal

systems), as well as general wellbeing.

This GCSE gives you the opportunity to develop skills relating to performance in physical activity,

including:

practical performance, in roles such as player/participant, official and leader

analysis of performance

personal exercise plan.


There is one examination on the theory worth 40%.

There are five pieces of controlled assessment worth 60% in total:

2 x Practical performance activities – (minimum 9 hours per activity)

1 x Coaching Performance module – (minimum 9 hours of coaching)

1 x Officiating Performance module – (minimum of 9 hours of officiating organised competition)

1 x Analysis of Performance examined in one particular area chosen by the student


As well as being the ideal preparation for many Level 3 courses, PE GCSE develops the transferable

skills and key skills that employers are looking for and can lead to a wide variety of employment

opportunities. This can include further training in areas such as recreational management, leisure

activities, coaching, officiating, the fitness industry, the armed forces, the Civil Service

physiotherapy and sports science.

Physical Education GCSE Exam Board: Edexcel

For further information contact: Mr Ibrahim or any other teacher in the department.



What will I learn?

Sociology is the study of society. The role of the sociologist is to investigate how our lives are affected by the world around us. Why are families important? Why is it that girls perform better in their GCSEs than boys? How does the media influence the way we see our own bodies? Why are there such massive differences between the richest and poorest in society? What are the different explanations for why people commit crime? All of these important, challenging questions are learnt about and discussed in GCSE Sociology.

Exam Board: AQA Sociology GCSE

Unit 1 - Year 10

The sociology of families

The sociology of education

Studying society

Unit 2 - Year 11

Sociology of crime

Sociology of the media

Social inequality

Throughout the course, you will develop a Sociological imagination; you will be able to think critically

about some of the most important issues in our society and consider the different ways in which

they can influence the way we live. To stretch the most able students, the department also boasts an

extensive selection of additional learning resources to develop your sociological thinking outside the

confines of the classroom.


The course is assessed entirely through written exam: there are two papers of 90 minutes each, to be

sat at the end of Year 11. Students should feel comfortable about this method of assessment before

choosing to take the course.


Sociology provide skills and knowledge which are desirable in a wide range of different occupations.

Sociologists have been known to enter journalism and the media, law, social work, politics, youth

work, the police force, healthcare and countless different businesses. Some have enjoyed the subject

so much that they have chosen to become full-time sociologists themselves.

For further information contact: Ms Dabrowska or Mr Robertson .

Key Stage 4 Options Handbook (2015)

Documents

Transcript of Key Stage 4 Options Handbook (2015)