Maghull High School booklet... · 2017. 1. 30. · game design, buyer, merchandiser, interior...

Maghull High School

A Specialist Academy For The Performing Arts

Aspire Achieve Enjoy

Year 8

Subject Selection

2017

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CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION 5

GCSE SUBJECTS ART & DESIGN 7

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9

DANCE 11

DRAMA 13

GEOGRAPHY 15

HISTORY 17

MUSIC 19

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 21

SPANISH 22

VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS

BUSINESS STUDIES 24

ENGINEERING 26

ICT 28

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In years seven and eight, the basic entitlement for every student at Maghull High School is as follows:

Access to a curriculum which is broad and balanced Access to teaching within a group that provides both

challenge and support A modern foreign language A range of arts based subjects A range of humanities based subjects A range of design and technology based subjects Four hours of physical education a fortnight The opportunity to develop a range of computer science/ICT

based skills to transfer into other subjects At least 21 hours a fortnight developing English, maths and

science skills, knowledge and understanding Advice and guidance in order to make appropriate and

informed choices about options for GCSE and beyond

We introduce an element of curriculum choice to year eight students for year nine. We have found that this opportunity to specialise at an earlier stage has built aspiration and achievement in our students, giving them a longer, more effective build up to their GCSE examinations.

In Year 9, all students will continue to discretely study maths, English, science, religious studies and games. Every student will continue with core science, covering the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. During Year 10, the school will determine the appropriate science pathway for each student, with some following the triple science pathway (three GCSEs) and some studying double science (two GCSEs). As well as this, students will be asked to identify three subjects they personally would like to continue to study in Year 9 and beyond.

Within this booklet, you will find information regarding all subjects, including GCSE and vocational subjects (GCSE equivalent). We would remind parents that from 2017/18 GCSE subjects are graded on a scale of 9-1, with 9 being the highest. Vocational subjects will continue to be graded on the pass, merit, distinction scale. All students must make three initial choices, one from each column of subjects available. They must also identify reserve subjects. We cannot guarantee that all

Curriculum choice for Year 9

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students will be granted their choices, as courses may or may not run, dependent on numbers. You should encourage your child to think carefully about the subjects they select, urging them not to choose on the basis of what their friends may be doing. They should choose subjects they enjoy and would like to gain a good GCSE grade in. They should consider possible pathways into higher education and training. Students will be informed in the summer term of the subjects they will

be studying in Year 9 and, should situations arise where choices cannot

be granted, dialogue between school and home will take place.

Should parents wish to seek advice on choices, they should contact Mrs Bennett in school or at [email protected]

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Art & Design

Who is the course for?

The most important qualities you need to study at GCSE level are a genuine enthusiasm for art and a commitment and eagerness to explore materials and techniques across a range of exciting projects. This course will suit you if you:

like to use different materials and processes to develop your visual

skills;

are creative, enthusiastic and imaginative;

are willing to experiment and to take risks when you are trying out your ideas;

are able to work independently and like to visit art galleries and museums to make your work more informed and interesting;

like communicating your ideas, opinions and addressing issues.

What will I study on the course?

GCSE art is an exciting course, which aims to introduce you to many aspects of art. During the course you will learn how to develop your artistic and design skills and use various art materials, processes and media, including printmaking, photography, digital manipulation, collage, textiles, and drawing; enabling you to develop confidence in your skills.

The course will also aim to introduce you to a range of artists' work and art movements, which will give you many ideas for your practical work and inspiration.

Your coursework should include research, supporting studies and work showing the development of your ideas, leading to one or more outcomes – usually finished pieces of work. Your teacher will set you assignments and tasks.

How will I be assessed?

GCSE Art and Design is made up of coursework and an externally set

assignment. You will be assessed against four criteria in each section.

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Coursework (60%): A personal portfolio of Art and Design selected

from the projects you will complete in Years 9, 10 and 11.

Externally set assignment (40%): You will be given a range of starting points from which you will make a personal response using materials and processes of your choice as your final exam in Year 11.

Where can this course lead me?

GCSE Art and Design will help you to develop your creative, technical, communication, analytical and problem solving skills, all of which are essential in a wide range of career opportunities. Most of our students continue their Art and Design studies into AS and A-Level Art and Design at Maghull High School. This has led past students to study a range of courses at university including: fashion buying, photography, animation, fine art, foundation pre-degree and teaching.

Career opportunities are also vast! They include; architecture, advertiser, animation, illustration, product design, fashion, textiles, ceramics, jewellery designer, visual media, graphics, sculptor, painter, game design, buyer, merchandiser, interior designer, photographer, teacher, production designer for theatre/television/film, costume designer, makeup artist, museum/gallery conservator, furniture conservator/ restorer, gallery/museum curator, milliner, footwear design, community arts worker and many more.

What else do I need to know?

There are many misconceptions about Art and Design, mainly that you have to be really good at drawing. This is not the case, it helps if you can draw but you can express yourself in lots of different ways.

This course is self-directed in terms of planning and completion of work.

There is a strong emphasis on completing a significant amount of

coursework at home as well as in school.

If you want more information ask your art teacher to show you a Year 9,

10 or Year 11 student’s sketchbook and final pieces. Also take a look at

the art department displays which show current and past students’ work.

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Computer Science


If you enjoy problem solving, and you are interested in learning to create programs and apps, this is the course for you. Many aspects of computer science involve similar skills and understanding to mathematics, so ideally you will be someone who enjoys and has a good ability in maths.


In OCR GCSE Computer Science you will learn how a computer system works, and how it is constructed and programmed to follow instructions. The qualification has a real focus on computational thinking, helping you to develop the skills to solve problems and design systems that do so. The theory aspects include understanding Computer Hardware, Networks, Systems, Algorithms and Programming.


As with most of the new GCSEs, the majority of your mark comes from written examinations at the end of the course:

40% Computer Systems (written exam) 40% Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming (written exam) 20% Programming Project (coursework completed in lesson time)


Students who have taken a GCSE in computer science and then study the subject at A Level or university will have an advantage over their colleagues who are picking up the subject at these levels. Besides the high demand for programmers and other ICT professionals, computing skills are highly sought after in a wide range of other fields such as medicine, electronics, engineering, financial and resource management, and science.

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GCSE computer science is one of the subjects that form part of the ‘EBacc’, meaning the government recognises it as one of the more academic subjects.

If you have any questions please speak to Mr Maddock or email [email protected].

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Dance


Students who have a technical background in dance, right through to those who share a passion and interest in the subject, both practically and theoretically.


Students will develop and improve their performance, choreographic and technical skills practically, working in a range of dance styles including jazz and urban dance through to contemporary. Students will gain an understanding of where dance styles originate from as well as study set material and create performance work. Students will also develop their communication, listening and leadership skills as lessons require students to work in groups as well as individually. Additionally, students will study a range of professional dance companies and their set works, developing their evaluative and analytical skills as well as appreciating professional performance.


Students will be assessed through practical examinations and moderations, both in group and solo performances. Students will be expected to perform group work in front of an audience, however solo work will be marked by teachers and moderators without an audience. Theory work is assessed through mock written papers, research and homework tasks.


Students will complete a GCSE in dance, examined in year 11. This leads perfectly into the A Level in Dance Studies. Due to the practical and creative nature of the subject, students have the opportunity to then study courses in any aspect of the performing arts.

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Dance students receive plenty of opportunities to visit professional

theatres, work and perform with professional companies, participate in

workshops and experience the performing arts at a range of different

venues. Students also perform in our annual dance shows and are

allowed access to the spaces after school to rehearse and practice

performance work for their studies.

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Drama


This course will suit anyone who enjoys practical drama lessons and wants to develop their skills further. You do not have to be the best performer to do well at GCSE but must be prepared to work with plenty of enthusiasm and energy. You need an interest in theatre and/or cinema and you will be expected to go and see shows out of school hours. Good attendance is absolutely vital as 60% of the final mark is based on assessed class work.


You will learn how to use research, dramatic techniques and technical elements to create your own theatre work. You will develop acting skills that help you to use voice, movement, gesture and facial expression effectively to portray a range of characters in performance. You will learn how to analyse scripts in order to explore their dramatic potential in performance and you will be given the opportunity to develop the skills needed to create a clear vision for page to stage work, to direct others and to perform for a range of audiences.


There are three components in the GCSE drama assessment.

Devising – In small groups you will devise and perform a piece of polished theatre. The research and development of your ideas will be recorded in a portfolio. Scripted Performance – In small groups you will be directed in a scripted performance which will be presented to an external examiner. You can also choose to be assessed in a technical aspect. Written Exam - You will answer questions about a piece of live theatre you have seen and about a performance text you have studied.


Direct pathways into acting, directing, media, television, social work, theatre in education, stage managing, lighting, costume and set design.

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Indirect pathways into journalism, law, retail and business, the hospitality industry and events planning and fashion design. The vast majority of colleges and employers value the generic skills that are developed in drama, for example, research, leadership, presentation, social awareness, empathy, communication and confidence.


If you want to study a subject that is both practical and creative, you will

enjoy this course. In today’s technological world, the key life skills and

personal development that any student requires is so often overlooked.

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Geography

Who is this course for?

This course is suited to any student who has a keen interest in geography. Geography is an exciting and relevant subject which involves studying the world around us and how everything interconnects. Most good geographers are inquisitive about their surroundings, and take great interest in current affairs. Students develop a wide range of skills by studying geography including; literacy, numeracy, enquiry, research skills and ICT.

What will I study?

Living with the physical environment

3.1.1 Section A: The challenge of natural hazards

3.1.2 Section B: Physical landscapes in the UK

3.1.3 Section C: The living world

Challenges in the human environment

3.2.1 Section A: Urban issues and challenges

3.2.2 Section B: The changing economic world

3.2.3 Section C: The challenge of resource management

Geographical applications

3.3.1 Section A: Issue evaluation

3.3.2 Section B: Fieldwork

Geographical skills

3.4 Geographical skills

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How is it assessed?

All GCSE work is assessed by exams at the end of Year 11 as follows- Paper 1 Living with the physical environment Written exam:

1 hour 30 minutes 35%

Paper 2 Challenges in the human environment Written exam:

1 hour 30 minutes 35%

Paper 3 Geographical applications

Issue evaluation, Fieldwork, Geographical skills

Written exam: 1 hour 30%


Geography is an academic subject. Geography is a much-respected subject with employers and with universities and so geography GCSE or A Level is a very useful qualification for a range of university courses and careers including law, environment, local government, town planning, politics, business & enterprise, marketing & market research, media & journalism and the civil service.


In the new geography specification there is an increased emphasis on skills. So being good at mathematics is a definite advantage as is taking a keen interest in global current affairs. The course will also involve separate field trips for both human and

physical geography. There is no coursework so 100% of exam grade

will be determined by written examinations.

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History

Who is this course for? In theory, this course is for anyone who has a keen interest in History. Many of our students have to take either History or Geography and so you should think carefully about which one you would prefer to study for the next three years. It might be that you choose to do both which is possible depending on your other options.

What will I study?

The new GCSE course (first exam 2018) covers a wider range of History than ever before. You will study topics over a total time span of 1000 years.

How is it assessed?

The History GCSE course is assessed by three exams at the end of Year 11-

Paper One

Thematic Study and

study of the historic

environment

Our Thematic Study is Crime and

Punishment in Britain c1000 - present day.

We look at how crime and punishment has

changed in Britain over the last 1000 or so

years and try to explain why it changed.

Part of this is a study of Jack the Ripper and

his crimes in Whitechapel in 1888 (study of

the historic environment)

Paper Two

Period Study and

British Depth Study

Our Period Study is Superpower relations

and the Cold War, 1941-1991. This unit

essentially tells the story of how mistrust

between the USA and the USSR almost led

to a deadly nuclear war as well as looking at

Cold War confrontations such as the Cuban

Missile Crisis and the Vietnam war

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History is an academic subject and GCSE History is a great foundation for all post-16 courses in the Humanities subjects and not just A level History. From here the options open up even further. History is a much-respected subject with employers and with universities and so History GCSE or A Level is a very useful qualification for a range of University courses and careers including Law, Local Government, Politics, Business & Enterprise, Marketing, Media & Journalism and the Civil Service. What else do I need to know?

History is one of the English Baccalaureate subjects and more people than ever are choosing to study it. It is an engaging, thought-provoking subject and if you opt for GCSE History you will learn about- All manner of crimes and punishment in Britain over the last 1000

years! How the Normans changed the English way of life forever What Henry Vlll was really like rather than one image of him when

he was in old age A tramp who became one of the most powerful people on the

planet! How close we came to world war 3 on so many occasions in the

20th Century

Our British Depth Study looks at the Norman

Conquest and how it changed England

forever. This involves looking at life in Saxon

England, reasons for the Norman Conquest

and the nature and of the Norman Conquest.

Paper Three

Modern Depth

Study

In this unit we look at the rise of Hitler and

Nazism and try to understand how Hitler

came to power. We also look at what life in

Nazi Germany was like.

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Music

Who is the course for? Music in Year 9 will provide you with exciting opportunities to develop your musical interests and skills. If you are interested in this course you need to be able to play a musical instrument or sing—throughout the course you will have the opportunity to develop these skills. Please speak to your music teacher if you have any questions about whether the course is for you. What will I study on the course? If you opt for this course you will be preparing for a GCSE in Music which involves developing skills in three areas; Performing, Composing and Listening. In performance you will develop skills both as a soloist and as part of a group— You will be expected to take part in live performances throughout the year to develop your confidence in this area. You will also be introduced to composing (writing) your own music, look at song writing and how you can use music technology and software to help realise and refine your pieces. Finally, you will study and listen to a wide variety of music from a range of styles and do project work to develop your analysis skills. This will prepare you for listening and analysing music set works, which is a key component of the GCSE music course. How will I be assessed? Performance will be assessed using GCSE marking criteria by video recordings of live performance. These performances will take place both in class and as part of various performance events throughout the year. Composition is assessed by written and verbal feedback and is marked against GCSE criteria. Students will also be marked on their use of technology to notate their compositions and given feedback on how to improve this process. Listening is assessed by exam-style questions which are awarded

marks for correct responses. Questions range from simple multiple

choice to full paragraph responses.

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Where can this course lead me? This course is useful is you are interested in becoming a Musician, Song-Writer, Composer, Music Journalist, Teacher, or you want to show a future employer that you have a creative side. Music develops many skills that are desirable in the workplace such as teamwork, self-discipline, organisation and communication skills.


Opting to follow a music course in Year 9 will mean that you spend the

first year developing basic skills and building yourself up to GCSE

level. From Year 10 your focus will be more on preparing

performances, compositions and completing a written examination

paper. One to one tuition is available to GCSE music students on their

chosen instrument or voice. For further information please contact the

music department.

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GCSE Physical Education

Who is the course for? If you are currently active in sports and have a good all round practical ability this could be the course for you. You will need some academic ability to successfully complete the theoretical aspect of the course. What will I study? You will study a variety of practical activities following on from Year 7 and 8. In the theory lessons you will study the human body, how the body responds to exercise, sport in society, and the benefits of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. How will I be assessed? There are two parts for the assessment; practical and theoretical. The practical assessment makes up 60% of your final mark and consists of being marked in your ability in 4 sports. The Theory is 40% of the final mark and is a 90 minute written exam. Where can this course lead me? The natural progression will be for you to continue on into the sixth form and complete the A Level course or the BTEC Level 3 Sport course. What else do I need to know? We would expect you to be playing sport on a regular basis and to be representing the school in various teams. A commitment to extra-curricular is expected with GCSE candidates.

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Spanish


The course is best suited to students who enjoy language learning and are interested in developing their language skills to a conversational level through the GCSE. Continuing the study of a modern foreign language they will develop one of the most sought after skills in employment: the ability to communicate well.


The course content is based around 3 main themes:

Theme 1: Identity and Culture

Topics-Me, my family and friends, technology in everyday life, free-time activities, customs and festivals in Spanish-speaking countries/communities

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of Interest Topics-Home, town, neighbourhood and region, social issues, global issues, travel and tourism.

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

Topics- My studies, life at school/college, education post-16, jobs, career choices and ambitions


The four skill areas are assessed at GCSE: listening, reading, speaking & writing which each account for 25% of the GCSE. The listening, reading and writing are all written exams which are taken

at the end of year 11. The speaking assessment is conducted by the

class teacher but also completed at the end of year 11.

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Successful completion of the GCSE course can lead to continuation of the study of Spanish at A level, and potentially to language study at university level.

The ability to demonstrate foreign language skills to employers is a valuable asset that can lead to enhanced career opportunities. The skills are valued in a wide variety of careers from civil servant to journalist, as well as to support your study of any university qualification abroad or working specifically with the language in the future.


Many of the best universities expect potential candidates to possess a

foreign language qualification, at least to GCSE level.

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BTEC Business Studies

Business studies provides a fantastic opportunity to learn more about

how large businesses operate and how to run a small business. Also it

will provide information about the essential skills and attitudes needed

to become an effective employee of any kind - whether you become an

entrepreneur, dancer, scientist or television presenter.


Business studies is for everyone because you will learn a range of essential transferable skills such as interview skills, numeracy, teamwork and communication skills. We do want to point out that the course is relatively challenging and although it is suitable for all, those who enjoy it most will be able to express themselves effectively in writing.


In Year 9 you have a fantastic opportunity to learn about e-business,

creating an interactive website for a small business of your choice.

Later in Year 9 you will be focusing on customer service and how vital

that is in businesses developing a competitive advantage. Students will

study John Lennon Airport and our school in attempts to draw

comparisons on the different ways in which they satisfy their customers.

In addition to this you will produce your own career plan and in later

years of the course you will focus on how businesses are financed and

develop a project relating to the operation of a small business of your

choice.


75% of the course will be based on coursework and 25% will be

examination based. The coursework comprises of 4 units.

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We offer business studies BTEC in the Sixth Form, however, business studies also fits in well with a whole host of other A Level and BTEC subjects for example, economics, psychology, sciences and even theatre studies. Many students who choose to study ICT find it very useful to have a background in business.


You should see business studies as an academic subject which provides all students with a very valuable insight into not only the world of business, but also the world of work in general. We have excellent results at this level and also at A level. If you want more information please e-mail Mr Hains on [email protected] to gain further information or organise an appointment to discuss your choice further.

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BTEC Engineering


This course is for anyone who enjoys finding out how things work, problem solving and working in metal and plastic. Demand for good engineers is high, in practically every country in the world. In the IT and electronics sectors in particular, there are world shortages of chartered and incorporated engineers, and unemployment amongst professional engineers is lower than for almost any other profession.


Apart from workshop skills you will be taught about the world of engineering, engineered products, CAD/CAM and communication techniques for technicians.


You will complete three units of controlled assessment which may include practical activities, as well as written or verbal reports. One unit is an on screen test on the world of engineering.


BTEC engineering will ideally suit anyone aiming for a practical or design based career. The qualification will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to progress to higher level qualifications such as BTEC, HND/HNC, BSc, BEng degree courses or directly into your chosen career. Engineering specialisms range from plumbing to aeronautics, micro-electronics to mechanical engineering the possibilities are endless and can include:

Architectural engineering and construction management Bio medical engineering Computer engineering Software engineering and computer science

http://www.msoe.edu/academics/academic_departments/aebc/bsae/

http://www.msoe.edu/academics/academic_departments/aebc/bsae/

http://www.msoe.edu/high_school_students/summer_programs/biomedical_engineering.shtml



http://www.msoe.edu/high_school_students/summer_programs/computerEngineering.shtml

http://www.msoe.edu/high_school_students/summer_programs/secs.shtml

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Students who have a BTEC Level 2 qualification and 5 good GCSEs increase their lifetime earning potential by 5.9%, compared to those who have just 5 or more GCSEs. BTEC helps students do better in their GCSEs. Over 60% of BTEC learners also achieve 5 A*-C GCSEs.

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ICT Cambridge National Who is the course for?

From computers to smartphones, from apps to websites, all of our lives are enhanced every day through the use of ICT. This course is for anybody interested in how ICT is used in the real world, and will give you skills and knowledge in a wide range of software applications. What will I study on the course?

The course is called the ICT Cambridge National. You will learn to design and create interactive products in creative areas such as website design, sound and video editing, and interactive multimedia.


The Cambridge National course is made up of three coursework units and one unit which combines both coursework and an exam. Each of these units is worth 25% of the overall grade. Your work will be marked by your teacher and then checked by an external examiner. Where can this course lead me? ICT forms a vital part of most jobs today. From designing publicity and marketing materials to checking a company’s finances, the chances are you will use computers on a daily basis. The ICT industry is one which changes rapidly, and by studying this course you will have all the latest skills to lead you either into further study or directly into the workplace. What else do I need to know? As this course is mainly coursework based you will need to recognise

that every single lesson counts towards your final grade, right from the

beginning of year 9. The course will also help you with your work in

many other school subjects which require the use of ICT.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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Ormonde Drive Maghull

Liverpool L31 7AW

Telephone: 0844 477 3438 Facsimile: 0844 477 3439

E-mail:[email protected]

Website: www.maghullhigh.com

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