Shire Oak Academy KS4 Core Curriculum and Options 2015 …...Page 3 Shire Oak Academy KS4 Core...

Shire Oak Academy KS4 Core Curriculum and Options

2015-2017

CONTENTS— Pathway B

Introduction Page 2 Pathway Structure Page 3 Compulsory Core Subject Information Page 4-8

English (GCSE) 4 Mathematics (GCSE) 5 Physical Education 6 Religious Education (GCSE) 6 Science (GCSE) 7

Option GCSE Subject Information Page 8-10

Child Development 8 Product Design 9

Textiles 10

Option BTEC Subject Information Page 11-16 Business 11 Engineering 12 Health and Care 13 Hospitality 14 Travel and Tourism 15

Prince’s Trust XL Club 16 Staff responsible for subjects Page 17 Glossary of examination terms Page 18


2015-2017

In September, you will start your Key Stage 4 courses.

Before that, however, you have some serious thinking to do to help you make some important decisions

which might affect your future career. It’s time for you to choose your optional subjects for Years 10 and 11.

Your designated pathway is:

Pathway B

Deciding which subjects to take is difficult, because not only will your choices determine the work you do

in the academy over the next two years, but they could also influence your career possibilities.

Think carefully about your choice of subjects. Discuss

them with your parents; discuss your plans with your form tutor and other teachers who know you, know

your capabilities, strengths and weaknesses and know

the requirements and levels for the various examinations. The advice is there — make sure you

seek it.

There is an Options Advice Evening for Year 9 parents on Wednesday 25th February, 2015 at

6.30pm.

This will give information about the different types of

exams offered and the different pathways.

The Year 9 Parents’ Consultative Evening will take place on Wednesday, 4th March, 2015.

This evening will offer your parents an opportunity to

discuss with your teachers your progress and possible

option choices. We want to do the best for you and to help you to decide which courses will suit you and

your possible career choice. It will also offer the opportunity to meet with Mr. Crowther, Mr. Beech and

Mr. Bourne to discuss your choices.

Option choice forms must be returned to the

academy by Monday, 9th March, 2015.

If you or your parents want to discuss your option choices, or if you have any problems concerning

them, then please contact Mr Beech, either by letter or by telephone on 01543 452518.

At the moment you may not be too sure about what you eventually want to do as a career and, even if you

think you know, you may change your mind over the next two years. So it does make extremely good

sense for you to choose a range of subjects which will give you a balanced and flexible course, within your

“pathway”.

The way we have organised the core subjects

and the option blocks helps you to do this.

Good reasons for making a particular choice are because you like a subject, because you are good at

it, or because you will need it for your future career. Sometimes all three of these aspects will not be true

for all subjects you wish to choose. If this is the case

you need to decide which one is most important and base your decision on that. Don’t choose a subject

because you like a particular teacher — you may have a different one next year. Also, avoid choosing a

subject just because many of your friends have chosen it; you could be in a different class!

Some subjects are still compulsory. Our focus is on English, mathematics and science. We need to ensure

that all our pupils gain good qualifications in these subjects. Physical education (PE) and religious

education (RE) are also studied by all pupils.

Within your “pathway”, where appropriate, you must

have a first choice and a second choice for each block within the option section.

I will endeavour to ensure that students get their first

choices, but students must appreciate that this is not always possible.

R.D. Beech

Vice Principal


2015-2017

OPTION PATHWAYS

The Prince’s Trust XL Programme

This is a personal development programme, which takes an informal approach to learning. It aims to develop confi-dence and a sense of achievement. Additionally the programme is designed to develop enterprise and employabil-

ity skills at the same time as improving self-esteem.

Units of work are accredited at both Level 1 and Level 2 and can cover the following 5 activity areas:

Personal, Interpersonal and Team skills

Active citizenship

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Preparation for Work

Enrichment projects

English 7 periods

Maths 7 periods

Science 10 periods

RE 2 periods

PE 2 periods

BLOCK A 6 periods

BLOCK B 6 periods

BLOCK C 10

BLOCK D periods

Textiles (GCSE)

Engineering (BTEC)

Prince’s XL

Trust programme

S

Product

Design (GCSE)

Hospitality (BTEC)

O Health &

Child

Care (BTEC)

Development (GCSE)

Business (BTEC)

Travel and Tourism (BTEC)

OPTION PATHWAY – B


2015-2017

Workshops

Students who need additional assistance to reach their target grades have the opportunity to attend twilight

workshops throughout the course; these are run on a regular basis, so please contact the class teacher or

Mrs. Baker for details. This can be to assist with

preparation for upcoming mock assessments or to focus upon specific areas of the exam.

Contact details

If you require any additional information concerning the information provided, please contact Mrs S. Baker,

Director of Learning for English.

Section A — Compulsory Core subjects — taken by all pupils.

Listed below are the details of the compulsory core curriculum subjects taken by all pupils at KS4: English Maths Physical Education Religious Education Science

English — GCSE

English is a core subject and a compulsory part of

provision at KS4. To provide the appropriate level of

support and challenge, students are placed in sets largely dependent on their ability. In order to cover

the required elements of the course, students have seen hourly lessons of English spread over a two

week timetable. All pupils study English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE, taking their ex-

ams at the end of Year 11.

English Literature

During the course, students will study two plays, one

novel and a selection of poetry. The course will in-volve students reading nineteenth century texts, in

addition to more modern examples. The study of Shakespearean text will also be covered during the

course. Additional details concerning the texts stu-dents will study can be obtained by contacting the

department.

English Language

The course will involve students focusing upon non-fiction comprehension skills and transactional writing.

Elements of creative writing will also be covered dur-

ing the lessons. Responding to and analysing the texts studied for the Literature course, will also pre-

pare students for the skills required for the English Language GCSE. Students also need to complete

speaking and listening assessments throughout year

10 and year 11.

Terminal Exams

The new GCSE specifications will be awarded via ex-ams sat at the end of year 11. The students will

complete mock assessments throughout the course

to prepare for their final examination. Both the Eng-lish Language course and the English Literature

course, culminate with two terminal exams.


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Mathematics — GCSE

Aims

Mathematics is a core subject taken by all pupils. We

aim to enter all pupils for GCSE Mathematics at the

end of Year 11.

Key Stage 4 Mathematics develops the skills covered

during Key Stage 3 in each of the four national curriculum areas:

Number and Algebra

Shape and Space

Handling Data

Using and Applying Mathematics.

We also aim to improve the efficiency of our pupils

when dealing with numbers by way of mental arithmetic techniques as well as calculator skills.

New concepts, more complex and sophisticated methods are encountered by the pupils together with

an emphasis on the application of these ideas in problem solving. Pupils should feel more confident

with the subject and enjoy the challenges offered.

Course content The content of mathematics is determined by the National Curriculum. Key Stage 4 broadens the range

of skills, knowledge and application in the four areas

outlined earlier.

Pupil groupings In all years pupils are set by ability. Sets one, two

and three aim to stretch pupils towards higher level

GCSE and prepare them for ‘A’ level courses. The students in set 1 may also have the opportunity

to take the AQA Level 2 Further Maths Qualification. Pupils in lower sets will follow a mixture of higher and

foundation courses.

Assessment The department follows the most appropriate awarding body for our Academy. Pupils can be

entered for higher or foundation tiers. This decision

will be made on the suitability of the tier for your child giving them the best opportunity to achieve a high

grade.

Assessment of the course is by examination. This consists of 2 papers, the first being a non-calculator

paper and the second being a calculator-allowed paper. Specifications are currently being reviewed.

It is felt by the department that practice of mathematical techniques by way of completing past

examination papers is of great benefit to the students. These papers, if done thoroughly, will take the pupils

up to 2 hours per week to complete.

Homework is set on a weekly basis.


2015-2017

Physical Education — Core

All pupils will have 2 lessons over the two week timetable.

Students will still be taught sports undertaken in Key Stage 3 for example, football, netball and badminton

but they will also experience a wider range of activities including table tennis, volleyball and

handball.

There is an increased focus on independent learning,

with pupils gaining a deeper understanding of each sport through umpiring and coaching as well as

organising tournaments within their classes.

There will also be opportunities to access Level 1

Governing Body Leadership, Coaching and Umpiring awards within the academy in Years 10 and 11 but

these will be out of curriculum time.

Religious Education — Philosophy

and Ethics — GCSE Philosophy and Ethics GCSE is a compulsory one hour per week subject that is studied from the beginning of

Year 9 with the WJEC: Religious Studies B

specification. All students will achieve a Full Course GCSE Grade at the end of Year 11. There is no

coursework involved in this subject.

At Key Stage 4 students will continue with their Philosophy and Ethics GCSE, debating philosophical

questions like “Does God exist?”, “Is there a life after

death?” and “How did the universe originate?”.

They will also be looking at ethical issues, discussing “Is there any war that is ‘just’?”, “Should euthanasia

be legalised in this country?” and “Should abortions be

allowed?”. Students really enjoy discussing these relevant topics that they are faced within their daily

lives, notably in the media.

The Philosophy and Ethics GCSE course is split into 8

sections. These are as follows:

1. Looking for meaning 2. Our world

3. Is it fair? 4. Relationships

5. Religion and conflict

6. Religion and medicine 7. Religious expression

8. Authority – Religion and state

Assessment

This course allows students to formulate their opinions

and thoughts on life issues. The exam centres on their knowledge and understanding of these topics and how

they can debate a variety of views, including a Christian and Jewish opinion, on these issues.

Philosophy and Ethics gives students a variety of skills, such as critical thinking, evaluating, debating, etc.

These skills can be applied to other courses required for A-level, universities and future careers.


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Science — GCSE

Recently a revised Key Stage 4 programme of study

has been developed. You will study Double Award Science.

GCSE

You will study the areas of Biology, Chemistry and

Physics with which you are familiar but the AQA

course you will study places more emphasis on the

application of your scientific knowledge to real life

situations. You won’t just learn theory, you will

learn to understand the practical side of science and

its relation to the world in which we live.

Double Award Science The course comprises of a Core Science GCSE taken in

year 10 followed by an Additional Science GCSE in year 11.

A very small group of pupils working below a GCSE grade G will take Entry Level Award.

For more information: If you have any questions please seek advice from

members of the Science department—particularly

Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Patel and Mr. Taylor.


2015-2017

Section B — OPTION GCSE SUBJECTS.

In this section you will find all of the subjects that are optional GCSE subjects.

Child Development — GCSE

The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the needs and development of young children.

GCSE Child Development is excellent preparation for

either ‘A’ level GCEs or BTEC courses. High academic standards are expected and these have been reflected

in recent examination successes. Students will also

have the opportunity to develop their ICT skills through two pieces of coursework. These pieces of

coursework make up the year 10 and 11 controlled assessments. The year 10 task will allow students to

demonstrate different practical child care skills.

The course also aims to develop life and employability

skills — for example:

flexibility and reliability;

decision making;

organising and prioritising resources;

communication with young children and

parents;

providing opportunities for young children to

play and learn;

providing a safe and healthy environment for

young children;

practical child care skills.

A qualification in Child Development can lead to a

wide variety of career opportunities. These include nursing, midwifery, teaching and careers in children’s

theatre, TV and radio.

Any student choosing this course will be expected to

take a close interest in young children. This interest is essential as 60% of the marks will come from

coursework, one piece of which is based on regular observations of a young child so all students need to

have access to a child aged 3 and a half at least on

the commencement of the course.


2015-2017

Product Design — GCSE

This course involves candidates in activities that

develop innovation and flair when designing products. It encourages learners to be inspired, moved and

challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying

and worthwhile course of study and to gain an insight into related sectors, such as manufacturing and

engineering. It will prepare learners to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and

career choices.

Key features

It encourages the use of new technology and new materials.

The course encourages candidates to explore and

develop experience and express their design ideas, valuing flair and imagination.

It provides a learning experience which is participatory and experimental in nature.

Course details

Product Design is made up of four mandatory

units.

Developing and Applying Design Skills:

Developing and writing a design brief. Drawing up a specification.

Generating design proposals. 20 hours. 30% (controlled assessment-

coursework completed during timed lessons).

Designing and Making Innovation

Challenge: A designing and making practical examination

that encourages flair, innovation and working

with a range of modelling materials 6 hours. 20% (controlled assessment-

external exam).

Making, Testing and Marketing Products: Prototype manufacture.

Testing, evaluating and marketing.

20 hours. 30% (controlled assessment-coursework completed during timed lessons).

Designing Influences:

Examination testing knowledge and

understanding of design influences, iconic products, trend setters, design eras and

design movements.

1½ hours. 20% (controlled assessment-external

exam—subject to change pending exam board confirmation.

Entry Requirements

Pupils will need to be highly motivated and

engage actively in the process of design. Be able to develop as effective and independent

learners.

Be prepared for challenging work.

Be willing to work hard both in and out of

lessons.

Plan and make good use of the controlled

assessment exam time.

Assessment and more information

As well as the written examinations a portfolio of

evidence must be produced. This can be submitted on paper, CD, in power point, or via an e-portfolio

with video and sound clips.

If you require any more information about this course

please look at the AQA website, www.aqa.org.uk or ask Mr Deavall at the academy.


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Textiles Technology: Design

Technology — GCSE As a popular subject within KS3 in Shire Oak Academy, Textiles Technology is now being offered to

KS4 pupils.

In this qualification pupils will be able to demonstrate

their creativity whilst designing and making textiles products. Student will take part in a range of small

practical projects, which will lead up to having the skills and knowledge to produce a quality and

professional product for their final assignment. They

will learn the theory behind the subject such as; fashion trend setting, fashion and textile

designers and their work, properties and decorative techniques of fabrics, and social and

ethical considerations of textiles.

Pupils who choose to undertake this GCSE must

be dedicated to hard work and independent research. They should be organised and

reflective designers. These pupils should have a prior interest in fashion and textiles and will

have enjoyed the challenges and tasks set in

KS3 Textiles Technology.

Assessment

This GCSE consists of two units:

Unit 1

A design and make task which consists of a final textiles product alongside a design folder of 20

A3 pages. This unit of work should take no

longer than 45 hours and is a controlled assessment. This piece of coursework is worth

60% of the overall marks.

Unit 2 Candidates will take part in a two hour written exam

at the end of year 11. This exam covers the pupil’s

knowledge of textiles materials and components appropriate to modelling, prototyping and

manufacturing. This paper is worth 40% of the pupils’ overall mark.

Progression Design and Technology: Textiles Technology prepares

pupils who are interested in continuing their knowledge of Fashion and Textiles in college or sixth

form. It will also be a useful subject for pupils who are

interested in a future in fashion retail, buying or merchandising.


2015-2017

Business BTEC Level 1/2 First Award If you are good at working independently, like the

idea of researching how business organisations work

and you’re definitely up for a challenge — then this is a good option for you!

This new BTEC qualification is made up of 4 units and

is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

The units are;

Enterprise in the Business World – plan an idea for

a new business.

Finance for Business - understand the costs

involved in business and how businesses make

money. Principles of Customer Service - understand how

businesses provide customer service.

Recruitment, Selection and Employment - know

about job roles and functional areas in business.

Is this the right subject for me?

The very nature of this course means that all your units apart from the finance unit will be assessed in

the academy by your teacher and you should feel comfortable producing portfolio work independently.

Feedback will be given to you as your work is

assessed so that you are aware of your progress and have the opportunity to make improvements with your

work when necessary. It goes without saying that you need to be very organised to complete the

activities on time.

The finance unit will be in the form of an external test

and will account for 25% of your final grade.

Please speak to Mrs Carter, Director of Learning for Business Studies, for more details of this course.

Section C — OPTION VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS.

In this section you will find all of the subjects that are optional vocational subjects.


2015-2017

Engineering BTEC Level 1/2 First Award The Course:

OCR Cambridge National level 1 / 2 certificate qualification is part of the new Cambridge Nationals in

Engineering suite. At Shire Oak Academy we offer the

Engineering Design pathway and the Engineering Manufacture pathway.

This course is a 120 guided learning hour qualification (equivalent to one GCSE) The course is divided into 4

units, 25% of the qualification is an externally

assessed written examination. The remaining three units are internally assessed and moderated by OCR.

The Cambridge National certificate provides the

starting point of a route to employment at a junior level in a range of engineering positions.

Two pathways are delivered in Engineering. The Students will be placed on the pathway depending on

their KS3 results.

Engineering Design:

It is aimed at students who wish to study the processes involved in designing engineered products.

Through research and practical activities, students will understand the requirements of a design specification

and how market requirements and opportunities

inform client briefs. Students will use practical skills such as drawing, computer modelling and model

making to communicate design ideas.

Engineering Manufacture:

It is aimed at students who wish to study the

processes involved in manufacturing new engineered products. It provides students with the knowledge and

skills required to operate manufacturing tools and equipment used to make products in accordance with

a design specification, and develops their

understanding of the processes and systems required to transfer a design concept into a mass produced

quality product.

.

For more information please take a look at:

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/by-type/

cambridge-nationals/

Or speak to Mr Deavall Director of Learning for Design Technology at the Academy.

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/by-type/cambridge-nationals/

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/by-type/cambridge-nationals/


2015-2017

Health and Social Care BTEC Level 1/2 First Award The BTEC level 1/2 First Award in Health and Social

Care is a vocational qualification aimed at providing

students with an introduction to the health or caring profession. It is a practical work related course. The

course is the equivalent of 1 GCSE.

How is the course assessed?

You will complete one external assessment and will work through projects and assignments that are

based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

The BTEC course is highly favoured by employers and other training institutions as it provides practical

knowledge combined with real vocational experience.

Why study health and social care?

You will gain an understanding of one of the

largest employment sectors available;

you will gain practical knowledge and

understanding of many aspects of health and

social care;

you will receive a valuable introduction to health

and social care;

you will conduct two weeks work experience in

a health and social care setting;

you will receive a qualification that is relevant to

the world of work and respected by employers.

What will I study?

You will complete 4 units altogether:

Two mandatory units Human Lifespan and Development;

Health and Social Care values.

Two optional units

Effective communication in Health and Social

Care;

Individual rights in Health and Social Care.

Do you have an interest in ……..?

Either the health or social care field

Working with people

Care or caring for others

Babies, children or older people

Helping others.

If you have answered yes to any of the above

questions then health and social care is for you!


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Hospitality BTEC Level 1/2 First Award

BTEC First Award in Hospitality provides an opportunity for pupils to learn about Hospitality from

the inside which may inspire them to consider a career in the industry, rather than just being a customer or

patron.

This course is broadly equivalent to 1 GCSE and has

been designed to form a qualification that provides knowledge and understanding of this vocational area.

This is an ideal qualification for those candidates who want a broad background in the hospitality industry

that will allow them to progress further into higher education or employment. This qualification supports

progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic hospitality and catering course or an

apprenticeship in hospitality and catering.

The qualification gives pupils the opportunity to gain a

broad understanding and knowledge of, and skills in, the hospitality industry.

It offers pupils the potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of junior job roles

across the hospitality industry, for example waiter/waitress, assistant front-of-house staff, temporary

events/match day hospitality staff, concessions

catering assistants, fast food servers.

The BTEC First Award in Hospitality consists of 25% externally assessed paper and 75% coursework. It

includes two core units and a mandatory unit that form the fundamental knowledge and understanding

of hospitality principles followed by a specialist unit. Compulsory core units

The Core Units studied will be: Unit 1: Introducing the Hospitality Industry

This unit covers the different aspects of the hospitality

industry, looking at its component parts and the different products and services that are offered as well

as the essential processes involved in operating a hospitality business.

Unit 1 is externally set and assessed by Edexcel.

Unit 2: Working in the Hospitality Industry

This unit covers the importance of team working and customer service for working in a variety of roles

within the hospitality industry, and looks at other

important aspects such as personal appearance and personal attributes necessary to work successfully.

The mandatory unit is:

Unit 3: Food Safety and Health and Safety in

Hospitality

Pupils will discover the various aspects of health and

safety, and food safety law in relation to those working in the hospitality industry.

Specialist Unit The specialist unit offered within this qualification

builds on the core and provides pupils with an opportunity to develop a wider understanding and

appreciation of the hospitality industry.

Unit 6: Planning, Preparing, Cooking and

Finishing Food

Pupils will explore the understanding and skills required for proficiency in planning, preparing, cooking

and finishing a range of food types in the hospitality industry.

Units 2, 3 and 6 are internally assessed

For more information refer to the Edexcel website (www.edexcel.org.uk/btec) or speak to

Mrs Tassell at the academy.


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Travel and Tourism BTEC Level 1/2 First Award BTEC First Award in Travel and Tourism provides a

specialist qualification in one of the fastest growing

industries in the world. The course is broadly the equivalent of 1 GCSE, and has been designed to form

qualifications that provide knowledge and understanding of this vocational area.

They are an ideal qualification for those candidates who want a broad background in the travel and

tourism industry that will allow them to progress to further and higher education or employment. These

specifications support vocational pathways in marketing, customer service, world-wide travel

destinations and tourism development, as well as

providing an appreciation of the wider travel and tourism environment through a range of optional

units.

BTEC First Award in Travel and Tourism consists of a

25% externally assessed paper and 75% coursework. Unit 1 and 2 are core units, two more option specialist

units will be studied to make up the qualification.

Compulsory core units

Unit 1 – The UK Travel and Tourism Sector

This unit will enable learners to gain understanding of the UK travel and tourism sector and start them on a

journey to explore the world of travel and tourism, an

exciting and vibrant global sector. This unit covers the concept of tourism, its importance to the UK

economy and the range of travel and tourism component industries. This unit is assessed in the

form of an external paper. Unit 2 – UK Travel and Tourism Destinations

This unit will give pupils an understanding of what the

UK travel and tourism industry has to offer different types of tourists. Pupils will learn how to locate and

plan journeys to specific destinations, investigating the range of transport options available and how they

make up the transport industry.

Option specialist units

Development of Travel and Tourism in the UK — looks at developments that have shaped the

sector and how it has changed.

International Travel and Tourism Destinations

— looks at international travel and tourism destinations, gateways and why they appeal to

travellers.

Factors Affecting Worldwide Travel and Tourism

– looks at the influential factors on tourism and how events such as natural disasters affect the

sector.

The Travel and Tourism Customer Experience

— looks at the needs and expectations of different types of customer and how these needs are met.

For more information please contact Mrs. D. Lees.


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P rince’s Trust XL Club The Programme.

The aim of the programme is to engage young people with learning in order to improve their chances of suc-

cess at school. This means increasing their confi-

dence, raising their self-esteem, adding to their social skills and confirming ways to present their selves in

various situations. The programme also helps to moti-vate students, develop enterprise and improve em-

ployability skills. Over the duration of the programme, pupils will be

able to engage in learning that is relevant to them,

along with developing their own personal skills and attributes that are essential for working life and em-

ployment. Pupils will be given the opportunity to pre-pare themselves for progression into further educa-

tion programmes, apprenticeships, or other work

based training.

The Qualification. During Year 10, pupils will be working towards achiev-

ing a Level 1 Personal Development and Employability

certificate. At the end of Year 11, they should have achieved a Level 1 Personal Development and Em-

ployability diploma. These qualifications are awarded by the Prince’s Trust who are formally approved as an

awarding body by Ofqual, the examinations regulator.

Assessment.

Assessment is by means of portfolio evidence, pro-duced by each student. The portfolio is developed

during the programme and presented for assessment to both internal and external verifiers. There are no

examinations for this qualification.

Units of Work.

There are a number of units of work for the students to engage with. Below is a sample of some of the

units currently being undertaken in Year 10;-

Interpersonal and Self-Management skills Preparing for a Healthy and Active lifestyle.

Teamwork Managing Money

Career Planning An Enterprise Project

…and in Year 11

Participation in Sport Presentation Skills

Customer Service Personal Project

Community Project


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STAFF WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUBJECTS

If you require further information contact Mr. Beech, or if you wish to discuss the suitability of specific courses, listed below are the staff responsible for each of the subjects.

Subject Member of staff responsible

Business/Business Studies Mrs. M. Carter

Child Development Mrs. S. Thomas

Engineering Mr. M. Deavall

English Mrs. S. Baker

Health and Social Care Mrs. S. Thomas

Hospitality Mrs. F. Tassell/Miss R. Skeates Lodge

Information and Communications Technology Mr. D. Eley

Mathematics Ms. C. Cheesmond

Physical Education Mrs. D. Critchley

Prince’s Trust XL Programme Mr. C Bourne

Product Design Mr. M. Deavall

Religious Education Miss C. Jefimik

Science Mrs. M. Cunningham

Textiles Technology Miss R. Skeates-Lodge

Travel and Tourism Mrs. D. Lees


2015-2017

Glossary of examination terms

Some of the exam course levels and descriptions used in this booklet can be confusing. Therefore the following

information should be useful — particularly when comparing courses.

The National Examinations framework defines GCSE, BTEC and OCR National (and other) examinations in three levels. The information on this page describes the equivalence of these levels for the types of examinations taken by

our pupils in Key Stage 4.

Level 1 GCSE grades D-G and equivalent.

Level 2

GCSE grades A*-C and equivalent.

Level 3 (Not applying to Key Stage 4 but occasionally

mentioned in this booklet.)

GCE ‘A’ Level pass grades A*-E and equivalent eg. BTEC National which is the level followed in our 6th

Form.

BTEC / GCSE Equivalence

Please note that Level 1 and 2 BTEC courses are

taught in Key Stage 4.

BTEC Level 1/2 First Award is equivalent to 1 GCSE (these are new BTEC courses which started in September 2012) Awarded at equivalence to A* - G

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