GCSE Options Guide

2ContentsPrincipal’s welcome messagePlanning for the futurePathways explainedGCSE options choices

ArtBusiness Studies BTEC / ECDLComputingDanceDramaEconomicsEnglish LanguageEnglish LiteratureFood TechnologyFrenchGeographyGraphic ProductsHistoryHumanitiesICTMathematicsMusicPEPE (First Award in Sport) BTECReligious Studies and SociologyResistant MaterialsScience (A)Science (Additional)Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)SpanishStatisticsTextiles

3457

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

3A warm welcome from our Principal, Mark EmmersonThe choices that students make for GCSE are critical in terms of their future academic and/or career path as well as their potential achievement. Courses should be chosen to maximise achievement and ensure that your child’s preferred career options remain open.

There is a lot of information on hand and expert advice available from our teachers and careers advisers over the coming weeks that will ensure that the correct curriculum choices are made for each and every student.

The City Academy, Hackney recognises the importance of parents/carers and the school working together to establish the best route for each student to achieve their potential.

The school expects parents/carers to play a key role in supporting their children as they make their options choices, providing the support and encouragement needed at this important stage in their education, helping them to achieve their aspirational target grades.

The quality of all we do is extremely high - there is no compromise. The importance we place on creativity and the expressive subjects mean that our standards and achievement in technology, drama, music, art and physical education are among the best in London. We also model and actively promote the broader personal development of students to adulthood and see those values as integral to our success. This is an academy where a child’s talent can flourish in tandem with the important personal characteristics of kindness, good manners and professional conduct.

Mark EmmersonPrincipal

4Planning for the futureMost students will not have decided what they would like to do as a career in the future but many will know which subjects they excel in, giving themselves the widest possible chances and opportunities to achieve.

Expecting to go to university is a really important start. You cannot get to university without three or more very good A level qualifications (or equivalent) and you cannot begin A level courses unless you have at least five or more A*- C GCSE grades including English, maths and science.

In addition, it is considered that studying a foreign language and either history or geography provides a good indicator that you are able to think for yourself and work independently of teachers’ and other adults’ help.

Job/career

University degree

Good A level grades **

A*- C GCSE grades incl. English, maths, science, a language and a humanities subject plus subjects of your choice

** or equivalent level 3 qualification

5Pathways explained

Timetable

The academy offers four distinct pathways - Foundation, Core, Extended and Russell Group - that are recommended to students/parents and designed to help all students fulfil their potential and achieve the very best results they can.

All Core pathway and Extended pathway students will study for the English Baccalaureate comprising English, maths and science, French or Spanish, and geography or history.

Extended pathway students will take biology, chemistry and physics as separate science exams. In addition, some students identified on our Russell Group pathway may be encouraged to study facilitating subjects such as computing and economics.

A maximum of 15 students will follow the Foundation pathway and will not be expected to study a language; they will be given additional support in English, maths and science, and a structured programme of support with vocational qualifications in place of their options subject time.

GCSE statistics is offered to all students in year 10.

Typically, 20 out of the 30 hours of a student’s weekly timetable are dedicated to the English Baccalaureate subjects; three hours per week per options subject; two hours of core PE, plus two hours of pastoral time including tutor period and an assembly on Mondays.

In Key Stage 4, additional support is offered during Additional Studies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

PHSCE

Assembly/tutor

4 4

6

3

3

3

3

2

1

1

30hours

ENGLISH BACCALAU

REATE (EBACC)

SpanishHistory

GCSE Options Form

Language and Humanities subject you are studying Please tick

Your details Please complete in full

Main options choices Please indicate 1st, 2nd and 3rd preferences for both options

columns by writing a 1, 2 and 3 next to your subject choices.

To be returned to your tutor on

Monday 2 March.

Option 1

ArtArt

Religious Studies and Sociology Religious Studies and Sociology

PE (First Award in Sport) BTEC PE

Graphic ProductsICT

DanceDrama

Food TechnologyEconomics

MusicMusic

Resistant MaterialsBusiness Studies BTEC / ECDL

Textiles

Computing

French (Accelerated)

Spanish (Accelerated)

Option 2

FrenchGeography

Student’sname:

Tutorgroup:

Parent/Carersignature:

Parent/Carer’sname:

1

Adam Smith

John Smith

LGI

J. Smith

3

2

1

2

3

6

7

Options choices

English BaccalaureateNearly all students will study for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc). The EBacc is a collection of very important subjects including:

Having chosen a modern foreign language and a humanities subject, students will then be able to study two options subjects alongside the English Baccalaureate. Options choices are as follows (A - Z):

+ a modern foreign language

+ either geography or history

In addition, all students will have two hours of PE per week.

Art

English Science

Spanish

History

Maths

French

Geography

ICT

Computing PE

Business Studies BTEC / ECDL Music

Dance PE (First Award in Sport) BTEC

Drama Religious Studies and Sociology

Economics Resistant Materials

Food Technology Spanish (Accelerated)

French (Accelerated)

Graphic Products

Textiles

8Art Business

Studies BTECOCR J160

GCSE Art is an exciting programme which aims to introduce you to many aspects of art. This course requires students to create a portfolio of coursework based on a theme. The portfolio must demonstrate that the student has: made accurate drawings and studies of what they see; experimented with a wide range of materials, techniques and processes; developed their skills and modified their work as it progresses.

Every week the department runs Additional Studies sessions for GCSE students to receive extra tuition, use the materials in the department and complete or improve work. Students who attend these sessions and spend time completing independent research achieve higher grades at GCSE.

The academy offers A level art. You could also study design or photography. Future career opportunities include graphic design, architecture, animation, fashion, jewellery design, painting, printmaking and illustration.

EdExcel 600/4786/0

The BTEC Level 2 award consists of four units totalling 120 credits - equivalent to one GCSE. This is a practical course which involves looking at real life business issues as well as analysing case studies and attending field trips - 75% coursework and 25% exam - the equivalent of two GCSEs, grade A*- C.

As this BTEC is predominantly coursework-based, there is an emphasis on independent learning. However, a proportion of that time involves teacher-led learning in the classroom. Students are expected to undertake three hours per week of independent study outside of the classroom. Homework is given fortnightly and is both practical and theoretical with the aim of achieving excellent marks throughout in pursuit of a distinction (A* - A equivalent).

The academy offers A levels in both Business and Economics which could lead to degree courses in Business Studies, management and marketing and careers in finance, retail, accountancy and human resources.

9Computing Dance

OCR J275

Exploring new technologies, computer systems, programming and coding, this course covers a range of topics through both theoretical and practical assignments. The course gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works; provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in Computer Science; develops critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills.

It is recommended that students applying for this course should be in set one/two for both English and maths.Homework will be set on a weekly basis. Students will be required to do extensive self-guided study to ensure high grades in this subject.

Both Computing and ICT are available as A level courses in the academy’s Sixth Form, potentially leading to degree courses in Computer Science, mathematics and engineering, and professional careers in these same fields as well as programming and software design.

AQA 4230

Dance promotes fitness, a healthy lifestyle, team work and creativity. The content of the course is designed to allow students to develop technical and expressive skills as well as knowledge and understanding of dance through performance, choreography and critical appreciation. Students will study a range of dance styles and professional dance works and are assessed through practical coursework and a written exam. All GCSE Dance students are expected to participate in the annual GCSE productions, dance troupe and whole school events. Students will also be encouraged to watch external dance performances at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre to hone their critical appreciation of dance.

This course provides a strong foundation for courses in Dance and Performing Arts including A level Dance, BTEC courses and professional training. Future career pathways include: professional dancing, teaching, dance therapy, professions in fitness and health instruction.

10Economics

AQA 4130

This course aims to equip candidates with the basic tools of the economist to help them understand their place in, and contribution to, the local, national, and global economy as consumers, workers and citizens. They will be encouraged to investigate a range of contemporary issues, analysing evidence from different perspectives so as to make reasoned judgements and informed decisions.

It is recommended that students applying for this course should be in set one/two for both English and maths.

Homework will be set on a weekly basis. Students will be required to do extensive self-guided study to ensure high grades in this subject.

Students with GCSE Economics will be able to progress into taking any A levels of their choice. Candidates with A level Economics will be able to apply to prestigious universities for highly regarded courses.

Drama

EdExcel 2DR01

Lights, Camera, Action! Drama gives you confidence and the ability to be able to stand up and say, “This is who I am and what I’m capable of.” It helps you to see life from a different viewpoint, taking on different characters, emotions and problems whilst understanding the actor’s process. Students will explore a range of texts and themes and are assessed when they show how their practical interpretations are justified in their written evaluations.

All GCSE drama students are expected to participate in the annual Key Stage 4 production and whole school events. Students will see at least three theatre productions that develops students’ knowledge and understanding of a range of dramatic styles which showcase students’ critical and reflective thinking.

The academy Sixth Form offers A level Drama and Theatre Studies and an opportunity to be part of the KS5 theatre company. Future career pathways include: acting, stage management, teaching, drama therapy, broadcasting, costume designer, theatre management, producer, lighting/sound engineering.

11English Literature

English Language

AQA 8702

The specification develops students’ enthusiasm for literature by taking a skills-based approach to the study of English Literature that is consistent across the genres. It is a linear specification that is assessed through examination.

The study of English Literature requires regular independent study from all students. This should amount to at least 1 ½ hours each week. This will take the form of reading, essay writing and research. Students are encouraged to read other books written by the author they are studying.

The study of English Literature will naturally lead to the study of A level English Literature in the academy’s Sixth Form. It also benefits students wanting to pursue humanities subjects such as History or Religious Studies. English Literature GCSE helps develop students’ critical thinking skills which will help them in any career. Attaining a higher grade can lead students into a wide range of careers including journalism, law, publishing and broadcasting.

WJEC

This linear specification is assessed through examination and covers the functional elements of English as well as creative writing and speaking and listening.

The study of English Language requires regular independent study from all students. This should amount to at least 1 ½ hours each week. This will take the form of reading, writing and research.

The study of English Language will naturally lead to the study of English Language and Literature at A level. It also benefits students wanting to study humanities subjects.

Students should be aware that most employers will expect prospective employees to have achieved at least a grade 4 in GCSE English Language. A secure grasp of English Language will help you in any career. Attaining a higher grade can lead students into a wide range of careers including journalism, publishing and broadcasting.

EBacc EBacc

12French

EdExcel 2FR01

During this course, four core topic areas are covered: Media and Culture; Sport and Leisure; Travel and Tourism; Business, Work and Employment. These core topic areas will continue to build on the curriculum of Key Stage 3. Students would be encouraged to participate in a trip to France as its impact on all four skills cannot be underestimated.

It would be expected that students studying French would spend at least three hours a week on independent study. During this time they would be expected to engage in reading for pleasure in French, using online resources and, most importantly, expanding their vocabulary.

“Graduates without a second language are disadvantaged when looking for a job” (Michael Palin, interviewed for the Independent Newspaper, 2009). The nature of the study of a language means that it can be successfully combined with any other course of study.

EBacc

Food TechnologyAQA 4545

Food Technology is an exciting and fast moving course. It focuses on both the practical and theoretical sides of Food Technology. This course is not just cooking. The theory side of the course will focus on food materials and components, design, market influences and food production processes and manufacture. The practical side of the course will see you put your theoretical knowledge into practise as you design and create a range of food products. You will learn a wide range of practical skills which will help you develop and improve your outcomes. The course will appeal to you if: you are interested in food production, enjoy hands on practical tasks, and you like to cook.

All students are expected to complete one hour of homework per week.

The academy Sixth Form offers A level Food Technology. Future career options could include: sensory science, environmental health, cooking, catering and events management.

13Graphic Products

Geography

AQA 4550

In Graphic Products students design and manufacture using compliant materials and focus upon manipulating visual aspects of products. A range of skills are developed such as sketching, pictorial drawing, production drawing, information graphics, typography, CAD applications and CAM (computer aided manufacture). Assignments cover packaging disassembly, analysis and redesign exercises. Following the design process students are required to produce an outcome, in the form of a working solution to a perceived problem.

The course lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Design and Technology or related subjects such as product design, multimedia design, illustration, web design, graphic design, print industries, publishing, architecture, cartography, animation, interior design, web design, computer-based work in all design and manufacturing related professions.

OCR Geography B

The course consists of four main themes: Rivers and Coasts; Population and Settlement; Natural Hazards and Economic Development. It also includes a Strategic Decision Making Exercise (SDME) unit which requires students to analyse and interpret previously unseen resources using their knowledge and understanding from their studies throughout the course. Geography is a very literate subject. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of one hour of homework every week and are encouraged to read widely including current articles as well as guided work materials. Independent study is vital for preparation for their controlled assessment.

This GCSE will equip students with the necessary skills to take A level Geography. The breadth of study covered in geography leads to many different employment opportunities such as work in the charitable sector, conservation, journalism, town planning, international development, project management, and a range of jobs within the public sector or the business world.

EBacc

14Humanities

WJEC 4320 LA

This course provides students with the opportunity to continue learning about all areas of the Humanities at GCSE level. The course is split into four aspects with students studying a module based around Geography, a module of History, a module of Religious Studies (RS) and a controlled assessment.

Students will be expected to complete a minimum of one hour of homework every week. Independent study is vital for preparation for their controlled assessment.

This GCSE will equip students with the necessary skills to take a range of A levels in Humanities and the Arts. The breadth of study covered in humanities leads to many different employment opportunities such as work in the charitable sector, journalism and a range of jobs within the public sector or the business world.

History

WJEC A4270LA

The USA: students consider the main problems and challenges facing American society between 1910 and 1929 and look at the major economic problems and the development of American culture and society.

Creation and End of Apartheid in South Africa: factors which led to the creation of the Apartheid regime and the effects.

The Development of Germany: consider the developments, events and personalities which have shaped the last 100 years of German history.

Students will be expected to complete a minimum of one hour of homework every week. Independent study is vital for preparation for their controlled assessment.

This GCSE will equip students with the necessary skills to take a range of A levels in Humanities and the Arts. The breadth of study covered in history leads to many different employment opportunities such as work in the charitable sector, journalism and a range of jobs within the public sector or the business world.

EBacc

15ICT Mathematics

EdExcel 2IT01

In the exam students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. They learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts. The controlled assessment: students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability; they work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts.

Students will be set homework every week and should spend a minimum of one hour per week on independent study.

Students will be able to study A level ICT, Business Studies, Computer Science and Economics. They will also be able to study Level 3 equivalents in these subjects.

Students will have many career options after studying ICT including: computer sciences, programming, web design and network management.

EdExcel 1MA0

The maths course will cover the following areas: Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measures, and Statistics and Probability. All these areas will be covered in detail, linking directly to real life situations and problem solving.

Students will be required to complete one piece of written homework as well as online homework each week.

GCSE Additional Mathematics as well as A level Mathematics will be offered to students who achieve an A or A* grade in the subject. A minimum of Grade B in GCSE Maths is a pre-requisite for A level Economics. In today’s world, mathematics has an important role in providing key skills needed in many different careers. It provides a logical approach and intellectual rigour that contribute to an ability to solve a wide variety of problems. The subject has become a popular prerequisite to many career paths and programmes of study at higher levels of education.

EBacc

16Music PE

EdExcel 2MU01

The GCSE is a largely practical subject involving minimal writing. It is a perfect choice for students who enjoy actively engaging in the study of music and will build on students’ creativity, self-confidence, self-discipline and ability to work independently and with others. The course is broken down into three key areas: performing, composing, and listening and appraising. Students will sit a 1½ hour listening exam (40%) taken at the end of the two year course, in addition to their assessed performances and coursework compositions (60%).

Students will be required to complete one hour of homework a week and practice their performance skills regularly too.

After successfully completing the GCSE, students may continue studying music through A level Music or A level Music Technology. There are a wide range of jobs available in the music and entertainment industry, from musician to composer, producer to events or venue management.

EdExcel 2PE01

Theory (40%): in the first year of the course you will study ‘Your Healthy: Active Lifestyles’, including physical activity, exercise and fitness. You will then study ‘Your Healthy: Active Body’ including cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and skeletal systems in the second year.

Practical (60%): in this section of the course you will study a wide range of sports as a player, coach and official. You will then select your four strongest sports to be assessed in. At least two of the four performances must be as a player.

Future studies include AS and A level PE, BTEC National Diploma Sports and Exercise Science Degree.

Career opportunities include Physical Education Teacher/Lecturer, Physiotherapist, Nutritionist, Sports/Leisure Manager, Sports Analyst and Sports Journalist.

17PE (First Award in Sport) BTEC

Religious Studies & Sociology

EdExcel 600/4779/3

The BTEC Level 2 Award comprises four units totalling 120 credits, equivalent to one GCSE.

Unit 1: Fitness for Sport and Exercise focuses on key factors that lead to an athlete’s success. This unit is externally assessed in the form of an online exam.

Unit 2: Practical Sports Performance incorporates both theory and practical elements in which pupils will develop knowledge of sporting rules, regulations, scoring systems, skills, techniques and tactics.

The other units include students designing and reviewing their own personal fitness programme and the planning and leading of sports activities.

BTEC Sport allows students to develop their knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context.

Future studies include BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport, Exercise Science Degree and Sports Studies at university.

WJEC 4450 LA + AQA 4192

Religious Studies GCSE deals with a range of moral and political dilemmas, and looks at what different religions have to say about these. You will study the two major religions of Christianity and Islam. All students will sit their GCSE after one year. Students will then go on to study a GCSE in Sociology. Sociology helps students develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about society, and how sociologists study and understand its structures, processes and issues.

This GCSE will equip students with the necessary skills to take a range of A levels in Humanities and the Arts. The breadth of study covered in Religious Studies and Sociology leads to many different employment opportunities such as work in the charitable sector, journalism and a range of jobs within the public sector or the business world.

18Resistant Materials

Science (A)

AQA 4560

Resistant Materials is a practical subject area which requires the application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, manufacturing products and evaluating them. Resistant Materials offers a practical approach that encourages students to design and make products with creativity and originality in a variety of practical activities, using a range of materials and techniques.

In your GCSE course you will learn about the way Design and Technology works in the world outside school. You will also gain a more thorough understanding of the tools, machines and equipment used in the production of working products, including the use of CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacture).

The course lays an excellent foundation for further study of Design and Technology or related subjects such as architecture, engineering, product design, furniture design, interior design, 3D design and manufacturing.

AQA 4405

GCSE Science A gives students a good basic knowledge of science by studying a single unit from each of the core sciences: biology, chemistry and physics.

In addition, students learn more broadly about ‘How Science Works’, the theory behind the practice, designing investigations, making measurements, presenting data and using data to draw conclusions.

The three core sciences are taught separately and each assessed in an exam. All three sciences are equally weighted; each exam worth 25% plus the Controlled Assessment (25%).

Students will be set weekly homework of about an hour. This will include past questions when appropriate. Students should be reviewing the work covered in class.

EBacc

19Science (Additional)

Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

AQA 4408

GCSE Additional Science offers students a broad, coherent course of study that adds to their knowledge and understanding of the living, material and physical worlds, and acts as a natural follow on from the Science A qualification.

Again, the three core sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) are taught separately and each assessed in an exam. All three sciences are equally weighted; each exam worth 25% plus the Controlled Assessment (25%).

Combined, Science (A) and Science (Additional) contribute towards the English Baccalaureate qualification. The academy offers A levels in all three sciences and future science career paths could include: medicine, engineering, pharmaceuticals, physics, and the energy, food or nutrition industries.

AQA 4401, 4402, 4403

GCSE Biology gives students the chance to gain a good understanding of human biology, organisms, evolution and the environment. Chemistry: the nature of substances and how they react together; how Chemistry is used in industry; and how our use of raw materials in fuels and manufacturing can affect the environment. Physics provides the chance to gain a good understanding of: the use and transfer of energy; waves, radiation and space; and the application of Physics.

Similar to studying Science A and Additional, the three cores sciences contribute towards the English Baccalaureate. In this instance, the best two grades form part of the qualification.

Students will be set weekly homework of about an hour.

The academy offers A levels in all three sciences and future science career paths could include: medicine, engineering, pharmaceuticals, physics, the energy, food or nutrition industries.

EBacc EBacc

20Spanish Statistics

EdExcel 2SP01

During this course, four core topic areas will be covered: Media and Culture; Sport and Leisure; Travel and Tourism; Business, Work and Employment. These core topic areas will continue to build on the curriculum of Key Stage 3. Students would be encouraged to participate in a trip to Spain as its impact on all four skills cannot be underestimated.

It would be expected that students of Spanish would spend at least three hours a week on independent study. During this time they would be expected to engage in reading for pleasure in Spanish, using online resources and, most importantly, expanding their vocabulary.

“Graduates without a second language are disadvantaged when looking for a job” (Michael Palin, interviewed for the Independent Newspaper 2009). The nature of the study of a language means that it can be successfully combined with any other course of study.

EdExcel 2ST01

The Statistics course will cover the following areas: Planning and Collecting Data; Processing, Representing and Analysing Data; Reasoning, Interpreting and Discussing Results and Probability. The course will enable students to develop skills and understanding of statistical techniques and concepts, statistical problem solving and also the importance and limitations of statistics. The course is available and taught alongside GCSE maths in year 10.

Students will be required to complete to a high standard, one piece of written homework as well as online homework each week.

The course provides a direct progression to higher level statistics as well as supporting the techniques used in a wide variety of other subjects. A higher qualification in statistics is an advantage if you intend to work as a business/data analyst, actuary, econometrician, biometrician, researcher, research assistant, research associate etc.

EBacc

21Textiles

AQA 4570

Textiles Technology is a creative and practical subject. It focuses on the design and creation of textile products from many areas such as clothing and fashion, accessories and home wear. Students will learn a range of decoration and construction techniques which they will then use to turn their designs into reality. The theory side of the course will back up the practical knowledge learnt by students. Areas such as properties of fibres, fabric construction, textile manufacture and the environmental effects of the textiles industry will be studied.

Design and Making: (approximately 45 hours) 60% of the overall mark - a single design-and-make activity selected by students from a set of tasks given by the exam board. Students will create a final product that is supported by a folder of design work.

Future careers include fashion/textile/print designer, tailor, milliner, dressmaker, fashion/textile buyer, upholsterer.

22

23

24

25

26

27

The City Academy, Hackney is sponsored by KPMG and the City of London Corporation.

The City Academy, Hackney is a registered charitable company. Registered office: The City Academy, Hackney, Homerton Row, London, E9 6EA.

Printed on 100% recycled paper.

The City Academy, Hackney, Homerton Row, London, E9 6EA 020 8525 5440 admin@thecityacademy.org www.thecityacademy.org

Principal: Mark Emmerson