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St Margaret’s School

G C S E I N F O R M A T I O N B O O K2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 8

IntroductionIn the next few weeks you will be asked to choose which subjects you would like to study for GCSE. The purpose of this booklet is to help you make that choice wisely.

Some subjects are compulsory for everyone. These are the core subjects:

● EnglishLanguage OR iGCSE English

● EnglishLiterature(notchosenifiGCSEischosen)

● Mathematics

● CombinedScienceorSeparateSciences

Totheseyoumayaddfouroptionsubjects(ifselectingCombinedScience),orthreeoptionsubjects (ifselectingSeparateSciences),fromthefollowinglist:

The list below shows all the subjects which are offered as options at GCSE level. The subjects are in groups to help you choose a fairly balanced programme of study.

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3French History ArtSpanish Geography Computer ScienceGerman Religious Studies Food and NutritionLatin Business Studies Music

DramaPE GCSE

Youshouldchooseatleast1subjectfromeachgrouptomake4(or3)subjectsintotalincludingatleastonemodern foreign language.

Students for whom English is an additional language are not expected to select a modern foreign language. However,ifyouwishtodoso,thisshouldbediscussedwithMsCorbach(HeadofMFL).

YourcurriculuminYears10and11willalsoincludegeneralcoursesinPersonal,SocialandHealthEducation(PSHE),Citizenship,CareersandPhysicalEducation.

How to choose your option subjects

Whenyouarethinkingaboutyourchoiceofcoursesfornextyear,itwouldbesensibletoaimforabalancedset of subjects to give you the widest possible choice of careers later.

Ifyouarenotsurewhichsubjectswouldbebestforyou,theCareersAdviser-MrsGriffiths,istheretohelpyou,asarethesubjectstaffandyourformtutors.Pleaseaskanyofthemfortheiradvice.

Examinations and Controlled Assessment

InmostsubjectsyourfinalGCSEgradewillbedeterminedbyyourperformanceinwrittenexaminationsthatyou will sit at the end of Year 11.

AfewsubjectsstillrequireaconsiderableelementofControlledAssessment(formerlyknownascoursework).Lookfordetailsintheseparatesubjectentries.

ControlledAssessmentallowsyoutoshowyourindependenceofthought,researchskillsandabilitytoworkon an extended task. You will receive guidance from your subject staff but Controlled Assessment requires self-motivation and good time management.

When you make your GCSE choices one factor might be the proportion of Controlled Assessment involved in different subjects. For example if you choose Drama and Art there will be a substantial amount of Controlled Assessment.

You will receive a timetable showing deadlines for completion of Controlled Assessment throughout Year 10 and then Year 11. The deadlines are very important and failure to complete Controlled Assessment on time may lead to your withdrawal from the course. It is important to see the deadline date as the very latest time for submission of work rather than the ideal date for which to aim. It is also essential to keep backup copies throughout the production of work. It is surprising how often memory sticks get lost on the deadline day!

The rest of this booklet contains some outline information about each subject but if you want to know more talk to your form tutor or a subject specialist.

Itshouldbenotedthattheinformationiscorrectatthepresenttimebutsyllabuses,andinparticularControlledAssessmentrequirements,areunderreviewanddetailsmaychange.

Do you have an adventurous and enquiring approach to art and design and wish to develop the skills to express your own ideas? GCSE Art and Design will give you an understanding of Art - past and present - andtheabilitytoproduceworkthatshowsapersonalresponsetothemes,issues,culturesandartists.

Studentswilllearnhowtodeveloppersonalexpression,imagination,sensitivity,observationskills,practicalandanalyticalability.Opportunitiesaregiventoexploreawiderangeofdifferentmedia,both2D,suchasacrylics,pastels,watercolour,batik,silkpainting,and3D,forexampleclay,modrocandcardconstruction.Therearealsoopportunitiesforprinting,photography,textilesandnewtechnologiessuchasPhotoshop.

Art and Design is enjoyable and rewarding especially when undertaken in our excellent purpose-built facilities,theCassonArtCentre.

The GCSE Art and Design course aims to give pupils a wide awareness of the subject with a multi-media approach. Students will sit the OCR Fine Art paper producing two units of work based on given themes. The coursework element will be developed in lessons over the course of a term. Coursework accounts for 60% of thefinalmarkandtheexternallysetexaminationprojectisworth40%.Studentschooseatitlefromagivenpaperforthesecondunitandhavetimetoprepareanddeveloptheirworkbeforeproducingafinalpieceina10hourtimedtest(runovertwodays).

Throughoutthetwoyearcoursestudentsdeveloptheirabilitytomakeapersonalresponsetoatopic,recordfrom direct observation and use and compose visual elements. They also learn how to select and control materialsandprocesses,researchandcommunicaterelevantinformationandmakeandevaluatetheirown work. Students are expected to work independently and sustain a piece of work from conception to a satisfying conclusion.

Further Studies and CareersThere are many opportunities for careers in Art and Design including vocational courses as well as degree coursesatArtcollegesanduniversities.Specialistcareersincludefashionandtextiledesign,fashionjournalism,productdesign,industrialdesign,furnituredesign,interiordesign,architecture,graphicdesign,illustration,advertising,theatredesign,ceramicsandjewellery.TheusualwaytoadegreecourseisAdvancedlevelfollowedbyanArtFoundationcourse,thenapplicationtoaspecificsubjectcourseatauniversity.

Art and Design (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1) Business Studies (LegacyGCSEA*-E)

The aim of this course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the main aspects of business activity.Youwillstudydifferenttypesofbusinessorganisations,frombusinessstart-upstolargernationalandinternationalbusinesses.Youwilllookathowtheyareinternallystructured,financedandoperated.Marketingandadvertising,production,finance,communicationwithinbusiness,recruitment,trainingandmotivation of employees are just some of the areas you will study.

BusinessStudiesisabouttherealworldofwork.Lessonsfocusonreallifeexamplesofentrepreneursandenterprise.Casestudiesencourageyoutothinkandactlikebusinesswomen,tomakereasonedjudgements and to communicate them in an accurate and logical manner. You are encouraged to relate topicstotheworldofbusinessandcommercebymakinguseofnewspapersandmagazinesandbytalkingto friends and relations about their experiences of business.

Wehopetoconveysomeofthevariety,challengeandopportunitythatbusinesslifeholdsandtoshowthekey role that people play in the success of any organisation.

The subject content includes the following areas.

Starting a Business• This introduces students to issues concerning the setting up and operation of a business.

Growing as a Business• This builds upon the content of starting a business. Students study businesses as they grow and the

issues that expansion raises.

Investigating a Business (controlled assessment)• Thisunitallowsstudentstoprepareforacontrolledassessment(25%)onthesubjectcontentby

investigating a business situation.

Further Studies and CareersThecourseshouldincreaseyourawarenessandconsiderationofthesocial,ethicalandculturalissueswithin a business environment and provide you with a sound basis for progression to AS and Advanced LevelinBusinessStudiesandEconomicsand/ortouniversitydegreesinrelatedsubjects.Manycareersare open to you in business or management.

AtStMargaret’sschoolinSeptember2016wewillbeofferingGCSEComputerScienceforthefirsttime.Pupilsstudyingthiscoursewilllearnhowtocreateapplicationsthatrunonmobiledevices,operateinawebenabledenvironment.Inadditiontheywill,learnhowtocreatesimplecomputergames,gainanunderstandingofthefundamentalconceptsaroundcreatingsoftwareapplications,andhaveopportunitiesto work collaboratively while developing skills in problem solving and programming.Inanutshell,GCSEComputerScienceexplorestheprinciplesofdigitaltechnologyandawayofworkingthat’scalled‘computationalthinking’,withcodingasacoreofthecourse.

You’vegottobeabletothinklogically,solvepuzzlesandbetenaciouswhenthegoinggetstough.Butitisalsoreallycreativeandyou’llgetarealbuzzoutofgettingsomethingtoworkyourself,especiallywhenprogramming. Computer Science is a very academic based subject it will make you think. It will stretch you and test your powersoflogicandpatience.Itmightevendriveyouabitcrazyattimes.Inshort,ComputerScienceisserious fun!

Further Studies and CareersAllmajorbusinessesrequirepeoplewithhigherlevelcomputationalskills,andthereisagraveshortageofcandidates,especiallywomeninthecomputingindustry.Therearenewopportunitiesinawiderangeoffieldssuchasmobilephoneandtabletapplications,virtualreality,artificialintelligence,security,smartdevicesandsocialmedia.Aswellasworkingwithmainstreambusinesses,newstartupbusinessescantakeoffquickly,earninghugesumswithasinglenewidea.Computingisadiscipline,likemathematicsorphysics,whichilluminatesandcross-fertilisesothersubjectshoweveritisquiteadifficultanddemandingsubjectrequiringthoughtandcommitmentoverthewhole 2 years of the course.Computationalthinkingalsohasimportantresearch,developmentandinnovationfunctions.Itincreasinglyinfluencesdisciplinessuchasbiology,chemistry,physics,linguistics,psychology,economicsandstatistics,amongstothers.

Computer Science (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

Assessment Content Weighting Time Type of Assessment

Exam 1 Principles of Computer science 40% 1 hour 40 mins

Multiplechoice,shortandextended open response

questions

Exam 2 Application of computational thinking 40% 2 hours Examination based on a set

scenarioControlled

AssessmentComputer science

project 20% 20 hours Programming project

GCSE Drama is a great choice for GCSE. Itdevelopsconfidencecommunicationskillsandprovidesactingandtechnicaltrainingforthosewhomight wish to enter the performing arts professions. Pupils can extend their interest in drama fostered duringKeyStage3.Skillsinimprovisationandthegroundworkalreadyobtainedinphysicalandvocalabilityareextendedanddeveloped.AtGCSE,studyofplaysanddramaticliteratureformsacoreelementofthecourseandpupilsaretakenonseveralvisitstocontemporarylivetheatreinLondonas part of their studies. Developing critical and evaluative writing skills as well as the developmental specialismsofacting,directing,designandtechnicalexpertisearealllinkedtogetherinproject-basedwork. Here are some basic details of the course you will be studying!

Exam Board: WJEC

Unit 1: Devising Theatre Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 40% of qualification 60 marks• Learnerswillbeassessedoneitheractingordesign.• Learnersparticipateinthecreation,developmentandperformanceofapieceofdevisedtheatreusing

eitherthetechniquesofaninfluentialtheatrepractitioneroragenre,inresponsetoastimulussetbyWJEC.

• Learnersmustproduce:• a realisation of their piece of devised theatre• a portfolio of supporting evidence• anevaluationofthefinalperformanceordesign.

Unit 2: Performing from a Text Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner 20% of qualification 60 marks• Learnerswillbeassessedoneitheractingordesign.• Learnersstudytwoextractsfromthesameperformancetextchosenbythecentre.• Learnersparticipateinoneperformanceusingsectionsoftextfrombothextracts.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of qualification 60 marks Section A: Set Text Aseriesofquestionsononesettextfromachoiceoffive:1. Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare 2. 1984GeorgeOrwell,adaptedbyRobertIcke&DuncanMacmillan3. CysgodYCrymanIslwynFowcEllis,adaptedbySionEirian4. Dau Wyneb Manon Steffan Ross 5. 100ImaginaryBody(NickHernBooks).

All texts will be available in both English and Welsh.

Section B: Live Theatre Review One question from a choice of two requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course.

Further Studies and CareersThere are many opportunities for careers in Art and Design including vocational courses as well as degreecoursesatArtcollegesanduniversities.Specialistcareersincludefashionandtextiledesign,fashionjournalism,productdesign,industrialdesign,furnituredesign,interiordesign,architecture,graphicdesign,illustration,advertising,theatredesign,ceramicsandjewellery.TheusualwaytoadegreecourseisAdvancedlevelfollowedbyanArtFoundationcourse,thenapplicationtoaspecificsubject course at a university.

Drama (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

EnglishLanguageandEnglishLiterature,coresubjectsatStMargaret’s,willdevelopyourreading,writingandoralskillsthroughthestudyofawiderangeoffictionandnon-fictionmaterial,andenableyoutorespondcriticallytoliteraturetexts.Byclosetextualstudyanddiscussionofcontentandmethod,youwilllearnhowtoidentifyandinterpretexplicitandimplicitinformationandideas;communicateclearly,effectivelyandimaginatively,aswellasanalysethewaysinwhichwritersuselanguage,formandstructuretoachieveeffectsandinfluencereaders.Thecoursealsoseekstodevelopyourawarenessofhistorical,socialandculturalcontexts.

AlthoughEnglishLanguageandEnglishLiteraturearetwoseparatequalifications,theskillsdevelopedineachsubjectoverlapandcomplementtheother.Youwillthereforebetaughtbothsubjectstogether,being allocated six lessons a week in total.

English Language: EdexcelThis is a linear course. It consists of two externally examined components and one endorsement for Spoken Language:

Component 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing - Youwillstudyarangeofprosefiction,including19thCenturyfictionextracts.Youwillexploreanddevelopimaginative writing skills.Assessmentduration:1hour45minutes-40%ofthetotalGCSE

Component 2: Non-fiction and Transactional Writing -Youwillstudyandanalyseselectionsfromarangeofnon-fictiontexts(includingliterarynon-fiction).Youwillexploreanddeveloptransactionalwritingskills,forexampleletters,articles,reports.Assessment duration: 2 hours - 60 % of the total GCSE.

Thepreparationandassessmentofspokenlanguageisacompulsoryrequirementofthecourseofstudy,although it will appear as a separately reported grade.

English Literature: Edexcel International GCSEThis course consists of one externally examined component and one internally assessed coursework component.

Component 1: Poetry and Prose - Youwillstudyoneprosetextselectedfromaprescribedlist,andananthologyofpoetry;youwillalsoberequiredtowriteaboutanunpreparedpoem.Assessmentofthiscomponentisthrougha2hr15minuteexamination. This is worth 60% of the total International GCSE

Component 2: Coursework -Youproducetwocourseworkassignments,oneessayonamoderndramatextandoneessayonaliteraryheritagetext.Youwillbeexpectedtorespondcriticallyandsensitivelytothetexts,andtoshowanunderstandingofhowmeaningsandideasareconveyedthroughthewriter’s’choiceoflanguage,structureand form. Your assignment will be internally set and assessed and externally moderated by Edexcel. This is worth 40% of the total International GCSE.

EnglishLanguageandEnglishLiterature (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

TheInternationalGeneralCertificateofSecondaryEducation(IGCSE)asaSecondLanguageisofferedtointernationalstudentswhosefirstlanguageisnotEnglishasanalternativetoGCSEEnglish/EnglishLiterature;itistimetabledinparalleltoGCSEEnglishclasses.iGCSEEnglishasasecondlanguageisacoursethatenablesstudentswhosefirstlanguageisnotEnglishtofocusonimprovingallfourEnglishlanguageskills(Reading,Writing,ListeningandSpeaking);thesearetestedattheendofthecoursebyexamination rather than coursework.

This iGCSE English course provides a solid foundation for GCSE subjects and for higher level courses suchasASandA2LevelanditiswidelyacceptedbyUniversities.AtStMargaret’s,studentswhotakethiscourseareencouragedtocontinuetosupporttheirstudiesbytakingfurtherEALclassesinthesixthform.Thisleadstothenextstep,theCambridgeIELTSexamination,whichstudentstakebytheendofYear12,priortomakingUCASapplications.IELTSisregardedveryfavourablybyuniversitiesandisthegold standard for many top courses including Medicine and courses at Oxford and Cambridge.

AssessmentAll IGCSE students follow the “Extended” rather than “Core” curriculum in order to be eligible for grades A*toE.Allfourskillsareassessedbyexaminationattheendofthecourse,withthefollowingweighting:ReadingandWriting(70%),Listeninganda“count-in”oral(together30%)or,alternatively,Listening(30%)plusaseparatelyendorsedSpeakinggrade.

English as an Additional Language (EAL-for International Pupils)International pupils in Years 10 and 11 continue to be offered English language support in the form of extra EALlessonsandconversationsessionsthataretimetabledduringfreeperiodsorafterschool.Inaddition,students are strongly encouraged to practise their English by taking part in the variety of extracurricular activitiesofferedatStMargaret’s;theserangefromSpeechandDrama,CookeryandBookclubstoSports,Choir and Orchestra. Boarders are also offered varied activities in the evenings and at weekends that help to improvetheirknowledgeofEnglishcultureandcustoms,whilepractisingtheirEnglishinformally.

IGCSE English - Cambridge CIE (LegacyIGCSEA*-E)

This exciting GCSE course explores food preparation and cookery skills in depth.You will learn to interpret recipes to gain a wide variety of food preparation and cooking skills using aselectionofcommoditiesandtechniques.Hownutritionaffectsourhealth,thenutrientsourcesinourdietsandthescientificbackgroundoffoodsandcookingprocesses.Learningiscoveredbyacombinationofpracticalskillslessons,foodexperimentation,groupdiscussionsandinvestigations.

Content1. Foodcommoditiese.g.cereals,fruitandvegetables,sugars,dairy,fats,meat/fishandvegetarian

alternatives.Thecoursewilllookattheirvalueinthediet,theirworkingcharacteristics,experimentstounderstand changes occurring during cooking and also current recommended guidelines for a healthy diet

2. Principlesofnutrition-theroleofthemainnutrientsinthediet,theirsources,functionanddeficiencydiseases

3. Diet and good health4. The science of food5. Where food comes from6. Cooking and food preparation

AssessmentComponent 1: Principles of Food Preparation and NutritionWritten examination: 1 hour 45 minutes | 50% of qualificationThis component will consist of two sections both containing compulsory questions and will assess the six areasofcontentaslistedinthespecifiedGCSEcontent.Section A: questions based on stimulus material.SectionB:structured,shortandextendedresponsequestionstoassesscontentrelatedtofoodpreparationand nutrition.

Component 2: Food Preparation and Nutrition in Action Non-examination assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated | 50% of qualificationAssessment 1: The Food Investigation Assessment (8 hours)Ascientificfoodinvestigationwhichwillassessthelearner’sknowledge,skillsandunderstandinginrelationtoscientificprinciplesunderlyingthepreparationandcookingoffood.Areportof1500wordswillbeproducedAssessment 2: The Food Preparation Assessment (12 hours)Prepare,cookandpresentamenuwhichassessesthelearner’sknowledge,skillsandunderstandinginrelationtotheplanning,preparation,cookingandpresentationoffood.Areportwillbeproducedof15sidesThese assessments will be based on a choice of tasks released by WJEC annually.

Further Studies and CareersThere are many career opportunities linked to this course and not just cooking. Herearesomeideas:QualityAssuranceAdvisor,Chef,HomeEconomist,NutritionalAnalyst,FoodScientist,NutritionalAdvisor,Dietician,ProductDeveloper,ConsumerAdvisor,Marketing,SensoryAnalyst,RetailManagement,Buyer

Food Preparation and Nutrition (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

Ifyouareinterestedinknowinghowourworldischangingandthechallengesandsolutionsthatweface,then you should consider Geography GCSE. The Edexcel syllabus A course allows pupils to explore a range of current geographical issues from climate change to the way our cities can become more sustainable.Duringthelessonsweuseawiderangeofresourcesincludingvideoclips,articles,websitesand maps . Geography GCSE gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge about the world we live in as well as a huge range of skills that will be useful to your other subjects and future study.

Component 1 - The Physical Environment - Studying the topics of:ThechanginglandscapeoftheUK-includingcoastallandscapesandglaciatedlandscapes;weatherhazardsandclimatechange;ecosystems,biodiversityandmanagement.

Component 2 - The Human Environment - Studying the topics of:changing cities; global development; resource management - including energy resources

Component 3 - Geographical investigations - Residential Field VisitFieldwork is an essential part of Geography and will be an important part of this course. There will be a residentialfieldvisittoaUKbasedfieldstudiescentretoinvestigatephysicalandhumangeographythemes.Thisexperienceisthenusedtoanswerquestionsinthecomponent3examination.

How will you be assessed? There will be three examinations all sat at the end of Year 11.

Component 1 - The Physical Environment - 1 hour 30 minutes -37.5%Eachtopicwillhavea30marksectionintheexam.Thesequestionswillvaryfrom1-2markshortanswerquestions to 8 mark longer answers.

Component 2 - The Human Environment - 1 hour 30 minutes - 37.5%Eachtopicwillhavea30marksectionintheexam.Thesequestionswillvaryfrom1-2markshortanswerquestions to 8 mark longer answers.

Component 3 - Geographical Investigations - 1 hour 30 minutes - 25%SectionA-Fieldwork-Pupilswillbequestionedabouttheirfieldworkprojects.SectionB-UKChallenges;Studentswillbepresentedwithaplanningproblemorgeographicalissueandhave to use their knowledge and skills to answer a series of questions. The issue will be linked to the topics studied in Components 1 and 2.

Further Studies and CareersThecourseprovidesabasisofrelevantknowledge,understandingandskillsforstudyingGeographyin the sixth form. Due to its dynamic range of content and skills it also appeals to a huge range ofemploymentsectors.Geographerscangoontoworkineducation,NGO’s,law,financeandaccountancy,management,researchcompanies,thetravelindustry,environmentalsector,urbanplanning and many more.

Geography (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

• Do you want to become a rounded individual who develops an understanding of both past and present?

• Doyouwanttoappreciatethatpeopleinthepastwerenotjust‘good’or‘bad’,butmotivatedincomplex and inconsistent ways?

• Do you have an enquiring mind and an interest in the past and its relevance to current affairs?• Are you able to communicate your ideas effectively?• Do you like debating controversial issues? • Doyouenjoyinvestigation,researchanddiscovery?• Would you like to study a subject that encourages you to analyse the available evidence and to make

up your own mind about it?• Iftheanswersareyes,thenyoushouldconsiderstudyinghistoryatGCSE.•

ContentThenewEdexcelHistoryspecificationisawide-rangingone.Thereare3unitsthatwecoveratStMargaret’s:theyincludedepthandbreadthstudies,Britishandnon-Britishcomponents,andmeetthecriteriaof dealing with both medieval and early modern enquiries.

Unit 1 - Medicine and public health in Britain c1250AD to the present day -Thisoverarchingunitdealswiththehistoryofmedicine,treatmentandsurgeryfromaroundthe13thcenturyto the present day. Whilst studying this unit you will learn about the changing beliefs about the cause and cureofdisease,publichealthandtheimpactoftechnologyandwar.YouwillinvestigatekeyfiguresfromHippocratesandGalen,viaVesaliusandHarvey,toLouisPasteurandAlexanderFleming.AlsoyouwillhavethechancetohaveanindepthinvestigationoftheBritishsectoroftheWesternFront,1914–18withaspecificfocusoninjuries,treatmentandthetrenches.Outcome:youwillsita1h15minsexaminthesummerof2018andyourresultwillcontribute30%toyourGCSEinHistory.

Unit 2 - consist of two components:Unit 2A - The reigns of King Richard I and King John, 1189–1216Unit 2B - Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91These two units will test your ability to understand two very contrasting periods and challenge you to see similarities between them.YouwillsitacombinedpaperonUnit2whichwillbea1h45minassessmentandwillcontribute40%toyourGCSE in History.

Unit 3 -ThefinalsectionofthecourseisastudyofeventsinGermany1918-39.Justsomeoftheexcitingquestions that we will discuss in class include: What was the impact of WWI on Germany? What problems facedthenewWeimarRepublicbetween1918and1923?WasStresemannthesaviourofGermany?WhydidAdolfHitlerbecomeChancellorofGermanyin1933?HowdidtheNazisbuildadictatorship?WhatwastheimpactoftheThirdReich?-YouwillsitapaperonUnit3whichwillbea1h20minassessmentandwillcontribute30%toyourGCSEinHistory.

Further Studies and CareersThe course provides a very good foundation in the skills necessary to study history in the sixth form. It encourages an evidence based approach to learning and the organisation and construction of appropriately supported arguments. As such history is a useful subject to have for a variety of careers includingthoseinjournalism,thelawandteaching.

History (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

BythetimeyoufinishYear9youwillalreadybehalfwaytowardsaGCSEinLatinandwillknowroughly half of the necessary grammar and vocabulary. Latin:

• makes it easier to learn any other language you may need in the future• improvesyourunderstandingofEnglish-ahighproportionofEnglishwordsarebasedonLatin• trains you to think logically and precisely - useful for many other subjects and for life• is a highly respected academic GCSE which will make you stand out when you apply to university and

for jobs• is a fascinating subject in its own right - learning about the ancient world teaches us a huge amount

about our own history and culture.

ContentInYear10youwillcontinuewiththeCambridgeLatinCourseandimproveyourvocabularyandlanguageskills.ThiswillhelpprepareyouforreadingliteratureintheoriginalLatininYear11:proseauthorslikeCaesarandCiceroandverseauthorslikeVirgilwhoaresomeoftheworld’sgreatestwriters.ThepoemsmayfeaturefamousmythssuchasthestoryofDidoandAeneas,orofferadviceonfamilylifeandrelationships.Thestoriesinproserangefromhistoricalevents,suchasthedeathofJuliusCaesarorBoudica’srebellion,toRomanghoststories.

AssessmentGCSELatin(OCR)isexaminedbythreepapers.Thelanguagepaperis90minuteslongandtestsLatintranslation,comprehensionandgrammar;thevocabularyandgrammaristakenfromlistssuppliedbytheexamboard,muchofwhichyouwillalreadyknow.Theothertwopapers(anhoureach)examineunderstandingoftheliteraturewhichyouhavestudiedinclasswithyourteacher.Languageandliteratureareworth50%ofthefinalmarkeach.

Further Studies and Careers

YoucangoontostudyLatinatAlevel,and/orClassicalCivilisationifyouareinterestedinlearningmoreabout the ancient world. A wide range of university courses is available in these subjects.

AGCSEinLatinishighlyregardedbyemployersasitshowsthatyoucanthinkflexiblyandanalytically,and that you have a good vocabulary and understanding of language. People who have studied Classicalsubjects(whichincludeLatin)goontoahugevarietyofcareers,forexamplelaw,theCivilService,finance,publishingandjournalism.

Ifyouwanttostudyscience,mathsormedicineLatinwillalsohelpprepareyouforthesebecauseofthetrainingitgivesyouinlogicalthinking.AlsomanyscientificandtechnicaltermscomefromLatin.

Latin (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

Mathematics (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

French,German,SpanishThankstonewtechnologyandimprovedtravelandcommunications,theworldhasbecomeamuchsmallerplace.Itiscrucial,therefore,thatwelearntospeaktoandunderstandeachother.Youcanonly do this effectively by learning other languages and appreciating associated cultures. A GCSE in another language rewards practical communication skills and adds a European dimension to your studies.Learninganotherlanguagecanenhanceyouremploymentandmobilityprospectsaswellasyourearningpotentialinanychosencareer.Employersratespeakersofotherlanguageshighly,notjustbecauseoftheirpracticalskills,butalsobecausetheyaregenerallygoodcommunicatorsandproblemsolvers.

YouwillenjoythecoursesinFrench,GermanorSpanishifyouwanttostudyasubjectthatoffersarangeofskillsandavarietyofactivities.Thetopicsstudiedfallunderthethemesofidentityandculture,studyandfutureaspirations,localareaandtravelaswellasinternationalandglobaldimension.Thestudyoflanguageswillappealtoalltypesofstudentsincludingthoseinterestedintravel,cultureandpeoplefromdifferentcountries,aswellasthosewhoalwayshavesomethingtosay!Ifyouenjoylanguagelearning,considertakingmorethanonelanguageGCSE,possiblyFrenchandGermanorFrenchandSpanish.

You have developed important language skills and knowledge in Years 7-9. The GCSE course will build on this and introduce you to a wider range of language structures and vocabulary. At St Margaret’s the GCSE coursesinFrench,GermanandSpanisharetaughtinfourlessonsaweek.DuringYear11youwillhaveanadditional conversation lesson with a native speaker language assistant to prepare for your oral examination.

Thedepartmentisverywellresourcedandinadditiontothecoursebook,thereareusefulmaterialsonCD,DVDandICTsoftwarepackagestobeusedindividuallyaswellasontheinteractivewhiteboard.Themulti-media facilities permit individual speaking and listening practice. The department also provides opportunities forvisitstoFrance,GermanyandSpain.

Forthefinalexaminationyouwilltakepapersinallfourskills:Reading,Listening,WritingandSpeakingwhichallaccountfor25%ofthetotalmarks.TheReadingandWritingpaperswillalsoincludetranslationtasks. There is no coursework or controlled assessment.

Further Studies and CareersAGCSEinFrench,GermanorSpanishoffersaprogressionroutetofurtherstudyofaforeignlanguageatASandAdvancedLevel.EmployersarealwaysaskingforcandidateswithlanguageskillsandaGCSE in a modern foreign language will place you in a strong position for interesting employment with plenty of career opportunities. Examples of employment where language skills are particularly valued includejournalismandmedia,law,engineering,businessandmarketing,ICT,sportandleisure,travelandtourism,customerservice,civilservice(immigration,customsandexcise,diplomaticservice)andteaching(UKandabroad).

ModernForeignLanguages(ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

GCSE Mathematics is a compulsory subject. Itcoversawiderangeofconcepts,groupedasfollows:•number•algebra•geometryandmeasures•datahandling.

GCSE Mathematics aims to develop a range of skills:

• knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques• a foundation in mathematical skills for further study in the subject or in related areas• application of mathematics to solve problems• anappreciationoftheimportanceofmathematicsinsociety,employmentandstudy• the ability to present ideas clearly and logically

You will need to develop further your mental arithmetic and non-calculator skills. You will also learn how to use a calculator quickly and effectively. There will be opportunities to use ICT to solve mathematical problems.

TheGCSEcourseisacontinuationofthetopicsthatyouhaveencounteredinYears7,8and9andyouwillrecognisemanyoftheideasthatyouencounter,butinmoredepthandacrossasbroaderrangeofproblems.You will become more adept at presenting your solutions clearly and logically.

YouwillstudyfortheEdexcelMathematicsqualification(1Ma1).Thisinvolvestakingthreeexaminationpapers,attheendofYear11.Eachpaperisof1h30mindurationandcarriesequalmarks.Youarenotallowedtouseacalculatoronthefirstpaper.

Further Studies and CareersMost colleges and Sixth Form courses require GCSE Mathematics. A minimum grade “4” pass is a requirement for entry to all British universities. Many jobs and careers also enable you to make use of yourmathematicalskills;justsomeexamplesare:economics,medicine,engineering,accountancy,teaching,computing,banking,insurance,marketing,pharmacy,science,businessandmanagement.

Are you interested in developing your understanding and appreciation of different kinds of music? Doyouenjoymakingmusic,bothindividuallyandingroups?Do you enjoy creating your own music? Ifyouranswertothesequestionsisyes,thenyoushouldconsidertheGCSEMusiccourse.

There are three sections to the Edexcel GCSE Music examination: Performing(30%),Composing(30%)and Appraising(40%).Bothperformingandcomposingarecourseworkactivities,withthecompositionsection assessed during class time. There is one written examination (Appraising)lasting1hourand30minutes.

For Performing you will need to submit one solo piece and one ensemble piece which can be either sungorplayed.ThestandardlevelforperformingatGCSElevelisaboutGrade4,soifyouhavealreadytakenamusicexaminationatGrade3orahigherlevelbyYear11thenyouarevirtuallyguaranteedanexcellent mark in this section of the examination. the performing element is internally marked and externally moderated.

For Composing,twocompositionswillbeneeded.Onecompositionistoasetbrief,theotherisafreecomposition.Youwillhaveaccesstostateoftheartsequencingsoftware(Logic&GarageBand)ontheAppleMaccomputersintheMusicDepartmentaswellasthelatestnotationsoftware(Sibelius7.5),alsoonthe Apple Mac computers

For the Appraisingwrittenexaminationyouwillstudyeightsetworks,twoeachfromthefollowingAreasofStudy:

• Instrumental Music 1700 - 1820;• VocalMusic;• Music for Stage and Screen; • Fusions. •Two periods a week will be allocated to listening activities and two periods will be used for composing. Performing will take place outside of lesson times - performances can be recorded at any time during the course.

Further Studies and CareersTheGCSEMusiccourseisagoodbasisforthefurtherstudyofMusicatASorAdvancedLevel.Careerswith music can be found in the performing arts or the music industry. Whether you want to use music forwork,forfurtherstudyorforleisure,thiscoursewillhelptoprovideyouwiththenecessaryskillsandknowledge.

Music (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

• Youenjoybeingactiveandwanttofindoutmoreabouthowtoimproveyourperformanceandfitness.• You always look forward to your PE lessons.• Ifyouwanttoknowmoreaboutthebenefitsofexercise.• If you take part in extracurricular physical activity inside or outside of school.• IfyouareconsideringasportsrelatedcareerofanAlevel/highereducationcourse.

Course Components

Component 1 - Fitness and Body Systems (36% of the course)Assessment – 1 hour 45 minutes written examination. Thisincludesmultiple-choice,shortanswerandlongeranswerquestionsTopicsinclude;physicaltraining,appliedanatomyandphysiology,movementanalysis,useofdata.

Component 2 - Health and Performance (24%of the course)Assessment - 1 hour and 15 minutes written examinationTopicstoinclude;health,fitnessandwell-being,sportpsychology,socioculturalinfluences

Component 3 - Practical performance (30% of the course)Assessment is through internal marking which is externally moderatedOneteamactivity,oneindividualactivityandoneotherfromapublishedlistSkills shown in isolationSkillsinacompetitive/formalsituation

Component 4 - Personal Exercise Programme(PEP) (10% of the course)Assessment is internally marked and externally moderatedThisincludesaimandplanninganalysis,carryingoutandmonitoringthePEPandevaluationofthePEP.

Physical Education GCSE (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

Religious Studies (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

Ifyouthinkofmodernscientificissuesinthenewssuchasgeneticengineering,stemcellresearch,thenuclearpowerdebate,environmentalpollution,alternativeenergysources,IVF,DNAfingerprinting,animalconservation,advancesinSmarttechnologyandtherapiddevelopmentofcommunicationdevices,itisclearthatanunderstandingofthesciencebehindtheseissuesisessentialifyouaretobean informed adult.

Someofyouwillgoontopursuehighlevelscientificallybasedcareersbutallshouldhaveacertainamountofscientificknowledge.Thetechnologicaldevelopmentofthecountryisdrivenbyscienceandscientists.StudyofscienceatGCSElevelwillalsogiveyoutransferableskillssuchasconfidenceinpracticalwork,analysisofcomplexdataandinformation,useofICTandtheapplicationofmathematicalskills.TheGCSEscienceresultsfrom2015werethebestthatwehaveeverachieved,with88%ofYear11pupilsachievingA/A*grades.ThegovernmentislaunchingnewGCSEsciencesforfirstteachingSeptember2016and therefore St Margaret’s will be offering both combined science as well as the separate sciences for the firsttime.WearecurrentlyteachingYear9pupilsscientificcontentthatisalreadypreparingthemforthenewGCSE science courses.Inthenewspecification,therearenolongeranycontrolledassessments;insteadpupilswillcompleteasetnumber of practicals during lessons which will be examined in the written examinations. Practical questions willmakeup15%ofthemarkforeachscience.Mathematicswillmakeupafurther15%foreachsubject.AttheendofYear9,girlswillbeadvisedbytheScienceDepartmenttotakeeithercombinedscienceorthe separate sciences and this will be based on their results throughout the year as well as in the June examination.

Combined ScienceThe Edexcel combined science course chosen by the science department at St Margaret’s is divided into separatebiology,chemistryandphysicssections,eachtaughtbyahighlyskilledandspecialistscientistinthatfield.Linksbetweenthedifferentbranchesofsciencewillbeemphasizedwhereappropriate.Atotalof9periods per week is devoted to combined science.Combinedsciencepupilswillsit6examinationsintotalattheendofYear11,twoineachofthesciences.Eachpaperis1hourand10minuteslongandisworth60marks,allpapersareequallyweighted,witheachmaking up 16.7% of the total mark for combined science.Aftertwoyears,combinedsciencepupilswillthereforegaintwoGCSEsciencequalifications,Pleasenotethatifpupilsopttotakethecombinedsciences,theywillstillbeabletotakesciencesubjectsatAlevel.

Separate SciencesThosepupilswhoareofferedtheseparatescienceoptionwillstudybiology,physicsandchemistryatGCSElevel.Theseparatescienceswillbeallocated4periodseachperweekforeachofthethreesciences,givinga total of 12 periods of science.Separatesciencepupilswillsit6examsintotal,twoineachofthethreesciences.Thesepaperswilleachbe1hourand45minlongandworth100marks.Eachpaperwillcontribute50%ofthemarksinaparticularscience.Pupilstakingtheseparatescienceswillbeawardedthreeseparategrades,oneeachforbiology,chemistryandphysics,attheendofYear11.The completion of this GCSE provides a sound foundation for the study of any of the three sciences in the sixthform.ALevelsciences,(biologychemistryandphysics)havebeenpopularandsuccessfulcoursesover many years at St Margaret’s and girls who take a science subject at A2 level normally go on to excellent universities.Ourstudyofthesciencesisalwaysdrivenbypracticalworkandthecombinationofsmallclasssizeandexpert teachers allows us to carry out practical work of a very high standard. We make full use of electronic resourcessuchasICT,smartphones,iPadsandGooglesitestocompletehomework,researchprojectsandself-study.

Science (ReformedGCSE,grades9-1)

• The new RS GCSE is both academically rigorous and personally inspiring. If you enjoy debating controversialissues,investigatingsourcesandformingclearandwell-supportedarguments,thenRSisfor you.

• This fascinating course encourages you to explore and debate some of the big questions in life. Religion playsanimportantroleinoursocietyandcanhaveamajorinfluenceonwhatpeoplethinkandfeel,aswell as on how they behave.

• Issues of religion and belief frequently top the news agenda and RS helps us to make sense of them.• IntakingRS,youwillgetabroadlookathowreligionandspiritualityformthebasisofourculture.We

live in a diverse society and RS allows you to understand the views and opinions of people whose beliefs and values differ from your own.

• RS will help to equip you for future issues you may encounter both in the workplace and in your adult life.

ContentThere are two main parts to the course:• Part oneinvolvesthestudyoftworeligionswherewestudyarangeanddepthofbeliefs,teachingand

practices.• Part two of the course is philosophy and ethics. This is particularly relevant for those interested in

careerssuchaslawormedicine.WelookatthebigquestionsabouttheexistenceofGod,religiousexperienceanddebatechallengestobeliefs.Inethicswelookatreligionandlife,whichincludesastudyof medical ethics.

Assessment: There is no controlled assessment. You will sit two 1 hour papers and one 2 hour paper at the end of year 11.

Further Studies and CareersThe skills you will develop in Religious Studies will be useful to employers and could lead to careers in education,business,law,medicine,administration,journalism,themedia,marketingandadvertising.Researching,arguing,writingandreflectingareallskillswhichwillbehonedduringthecourseandyou will regularly be called upon to understand and assess the beliefs of others. You may also learn more about yourself and your own thoughts and beliefs as a result of exploring issues which bring us to theheartofwhatlifeisallabout.Youalsodevelopyouranalyticalthinking,weighingupstrengthsandweaknesses of arguments.

Awarding organisation Part one: Study of Religions 50% Part Two: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies 50%

OCR

There is no controlled assessment

Subject content:Beliefs,teachingsandpracticesfromChristianity AND one world faith chosen from:• Buddhism• Hinduism• Islam• JudaismAssessment: 2 x 1 hour papers

Study of 4 issues:• Relationships and families• The existence of God and

ultimate reality• Religion,peaceandconflict• HumanRights,Religionand

Social Justice

Assessment 1 x 2 hour paper

PSHE lessons continue weekly in the Senior School.PSHEaimstohelpyoutoleadconfidentand responsible lives as individuals and members of society. You gain practical knowledge and skills tohelpyoulivehealthilyanddealwiththespiritual,moral,socialandculturalissuesyoufaceasyouapproach adulthood. PSHE also aims to develop yourwell-beingandself-esteem,encouragingbeliefin your ability to succeed and enabling you to take responsibility for your learning and future choice of courses and career. We hope that it will help you to become responsible and caring members of your community.

Personal,SocialandHealthEducation

Careers education and guidance is an integral part of St Margaret’s preparation of pupils for the opportunities,responsibilitiesandexperiencesofadult life. It is delivered through PSHE lessons and shouldhelpyoutoknowyourselvesbetter,beawareofeducation,trainingandcareeropportunitiesandmake choices about your own continuing education and career paths.

CareersAllYear10taketheMorrisbyPsychometrictests,receive a follow-up careers interview in Year 11 and havelifelongmembershiptoaMorrisbyCareers,Guidance and Advice account which provides further support and information alongside that offered within school. Year 11 also have the opportunity to speak to an independent career adviser from Inspiring Futuresatparents’evening.TheCareersLibraryislocatedonthemezzaninelevelofthemainlibraryand is open every day where you have access toawealthofresourcesoncareers,universities,apprenticeships and gap years. You are also welcome to arrange an individual appointment with MrsGriffithstodiscussfutureplansandgainadvice.

Mostuniversitydegreesareoversubscribed,withmany having a ratio of applicants:placesofanywherefrom5:1to28:1,dependingonthepopularityofthatparticularcourse.UniversitiesarenaturallymostinterestedinAdvancedLevelgrades but all are very interested in GCSE results. It is therefore of paramount importance that you aim high and achieve the best grades you can in allyourGCSEsubjects.Inaddition,universitieswillbelookingontheUCASapplicationformforwork experience that shows commitment and other personal qualities and skills. For many degrees the admissions tutor will expect to see relevant placements which show that you have knowledge and understanding of that career.

At the end of Year 11 a minimum of one week’s work experience is required. You will be encouraged to complete a longer placement if you are able. Placements are closely monitored to ensure maximumbenefit.Someoftheaimsofworkexperience are to give you an insight into the world ofwork,todevelopyourconfidenceinrelatingtoadults,toincreaseyourmotivationandtoenableyouto make more informed choices in career planning. Many students obtain more than one placement so that they have an opportunity to “taste” several careers.

Work Experience

Physical EducationPhysicalEducationisacompulsory,non-examinationsubject in Year 10 and 11 at St Margaret’s.

The aim of the course is to broaden students sporting experience and to develop greater health andfitnessindependence.Withthisinmindpupilsare offered an option programme which incorporates new activities and develops knowledge and skills inmorefamiliarsports.Pupilschoosefrom3or4activities each half term but are required to complete one half term block of swimming. They have to complete at least one team game during the course of the year. Alongside this programme pupils take part in a health related exercise course which looks attheelementsoffitnessanditsrelationshiptoexercise.Theywilltakepartinvariousfitnesstestsand learn how to simply monitor their individual progress.Pupilswillbetaughthowtousethefitnesssuite effectively. The course involves both theory and practical sessions and encourages discussion of issues related to establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This increased awareness leads into year 11 where the students will be given the opportunity to plan and complete an individual exercise programme. In this way we hope that studentsbecomeincreasinglyfitnessindependent,whilst fully enjoying sporting activity.

There continue to be many extra curricular opportunities for Year 10 pupils both as recreational clubs and as members of team squads. They are also given the opportunity to help in activities run for younger pupils by the PE Department.

Why get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme?Itisfun,challengingandwillgiveyouagreatsenseofachievement.TheSchemeisverypopularatStMargaret’sSchool.LargenumbersofgirlsjointheBronzeAwardeachyear.Youthenhavetheopportunityto progress onto Silver and ultimately Gold during your time at the school. Each year about 10 pupils are invited with a guest to St James’s Palace to receive their Gold Award in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh.ManymoreachieveBronzeorSilver.AchievingGoldisagreataccolade,buteventheBronzeAward counts for a lot when it comes to applying for university places.

What does it involve?TheAwardisachallengingprogrammeofactivitieswhichwillhelpyoutolearnnewskills,helpothers,experienceadventureandmakenewfriends.AllgirlsatStMargaret’sSchoolstarttheAwardatBronzelevelunlessthiswascompletedatapreviousschool.YoushouldaimtocompleteBronzeinYear10withinoneacademicyear,SilverinYear11andGoldinYears12and13,whichtakeslonger.Youdoitinyoursparetimeandtherearefivesectionswhichare:

Volunteering:theaimistogivevoluntary,unpaidhelptothecommunityortoanindividualonaregularbasis over a period of months. You would gain some knowledge and understanding of the needs of those whomyouareassisting.ThiscouldmeanhelpingwithRidingfortheDisabled,workinginacharityshop,assisting at your place of worship or visiting elderly residents in a care home.

Skill: your skill may be something entirely new or an existing interest. You need to show progress and a sustainedinterestoverseveralmonths,leadingtoadeeperknowledgeofthesubjectandtheattainmentofanincreaseddegreeofskill.Examplesarelearningamusicalinstrument,havingdramalessonsorjoiningthe cookery club or choir.

Physical: you need to participate on a regular basis over several months in a physical activity of your choice andshowthatyouhaveimprovedyourpersonalperformance.Youcould,forexample,jointheschoolbadmintonclub,attendafterschoolgamespractices,ordodanceorswimminglessons.

Expedition: the aim is to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery by preparing for and carrying out two adventurous journeys as part of a team of between four and seven girls. You will need training to enable youtodothisandyoucarryeverythingthatyouneedonyourbackinyourrucksack.Bronzeexpeditionslastfor two days and you camp overnight in the Chiltern Hills and the New Forest. Silver expeditions last three days and take place in the Peak District. Gold expeditions last four days and are held in more challenging environments such as the Dark Peak district and the Brecon Beacons.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

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