The Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering

OPTIONS BOOKLET

2013-14Year 10

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ContentsIntroduction 1

Core subjects GCSEs:English 2Mathematics 4Science (Double) 6

GCSE Options: Engineering/ Engineering (Double) 10English Literature 14Environmental and Land Based Science 19History 22ICT 24Business Studies 27Product Design 30Science (Triple) 32

Options choices grid 35

IntroductionYear 10 is an important school year when, in line with your growing maturity, you face option choices and have the opportunity to create an individual learning plan.

Certain subjects are compulsory, for example, English, Mathematics and Science, which are referred to as ‘core’ subjects and which are mandatory in every secondary school in the country. The option subjects, however, are for you to decide and need to be selected on the basis of your future aspirations, strengths and interests.

Coaches will discuss appropriate programmes with you in the first week of term. It is advisable to choose a broad and balanced curriculum to keep your options open. The option blocks have been created with this in mind and follow on from the preliminary preferences you made on the student induction day.

I hope you enjoy making your choices and enjoy the new chapter in your learning journey.

Donna LodgePrincipal

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CORE: English

GCSE EnglishExam Board - AQAAll students will follow the course for GCSE English. Some may opt to complete the double GCSEs of GCSE Language and GCSE Literature instead (this option choice needs to be made at the start of Year 10).

Course Content and Skill DevelopmentGood self-expression lies at the heart of any career. The purpose of this course is to provide everyone with strong literacy skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Assessment Structure

Unit 1: External Examination 40% of the total GCSE marks (80 marks)Section A: Reading Media and Non-Fiction 20% of the total GCSE marks (40 marks)Section B: Writing to Argue, Persuade and Inform, Describe, Explain 20% of the total GCSE marks (40 marks)

Unit 2: Controlled Assessment – Speaking and Listening 20% of the total GCSE marks (45 marks) 3 Speaking Assignments: Discussing, Presenting and Role-playing

Unit 3: Controlled Assessment 40% of the total GCSE marks (90 marks)Part a: Understanding Creative Texts (literary reading) 20% of the total GCSE marks (45 marks) 3 tasks on different textsPart b: Producing Creative Texts 20% of the total GCSE marks (45 marks) 2 writing tasks

Opportunities beyond Year 11Most career paths will require English as a qualification. More specifically, English may lead to a university for further study into journalism, feature writing, or creative writing.

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CORE: Mathematics

GCSE Mathematics Exam Board - OCRMathematics is another core GCSE subject, where students will sit an examination in Methods in Mathematics and Application of Mathematics.

Course Content and Skill DevelopmentThis course is designed to be inspiring, motivating and challenging. Each GCSE is distinctive and, depending on ability, some students will be entered for the first GCSE at the end of Year 10. All students will take both examinations by the end of Year 11.

Method of StudyMathematics will be taught in an interactive and engaging way, with a link to real world practical applications whenever possible.Individual and team problem solving will be developed, and there will be plenty of practice undertaking examination style questions. Online and traditional resources will be utilised.

Assessment StructureThe GCSE Mathematics examinations consist of two tiers of entry: higher and foundation. Both of these are assessed by external examinations and there is no assessed coursework component.

Application of MathematicsPaper 1: 1 hour written paper (foundation) – 40% 1 hour 15 minutes written paper (higher) – 40%Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes written paper (foundation) – 60% 2 hour written paper (higher) – 60%

Methods in MathematicsPaper 1: 1 hour written paper (foundation) – 40% 1 hour 15 minutes written paper (higher) – 40%Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes written paper (foundation) – 60% 2 hour written paper (higher) – 60%

Opportunities beyond Year 11Mathematics GCSE is vital for most progression opportunities post-16. It is an important GCSE enabling routes into employment and HE. At A Level, Mathematics supports and combines well with many other subjects and is a vital component of several university courses. Scientific and financial courses use Mathematics extensively, and the skills developed are highly transferrable.

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CORE: Science

GCSE ScienceExam Board - AQAThe Science GCSE course will allow students to study aspects of biology, chemistry and physics, leading to a Double Award GCSE in Science. The course allows students to cover different aspects of science giving them a taste of all sciences before making the choice whether to study at A Level in the future.

Method of Study- Class practical work- Class discussion- Data analysis- Formal practical assessment- Group work and presentations

Assessment StructureDue to changes made in the exam structure by the Department of Education, Science is now a linear course. Students starting the course this September will have to sit all exams in the summer of 2014.

These will be structured as:- Two biology papers

- Two chemistry papers

- Two physics papers

- Two formal practical sessions to be taken, one per year of study

Opportunities beyond Year 11Double Science will keep opportunities open for students considering A Level Sciences. These could lead to students taking science at university level. Students with an A Level in Science also have good opportunities in other fields such as sports, accounting, medical and environmental.

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OPTION: EngineeringSingle/Double Award

GCSE Engineering Single/Double AwardExam Board - OCR GCSE Engineering offers learners access to ‘real-life’ aspects of engineering practices. Students will have the opportunity to work with a range of materials to manufacture useful, well-engineered and designed products.

The GCSE specification in Engineering encourages students to be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study and gain an insight into related sectors, such as manufacturing. This subject prepares candidates to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.A study of the subject requires learners to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Engineering Materials and their properties in the following groups: Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys Polymers Ceramics Composites that combine the properties of different materials The Functions of: Mechanical components Electrical/electronic components Pneumatic/hydraulic componentsthe properties, characteristics and features of materials that affect the: Ability to be shaped and formed Ability to be treated Ability to be given a surface finish Ease of handling Cost implications Availability form and supply

Engineering processes: Material removal Shaping and manipulation Joining and assembly Heat and chemical treatment Surface finishing Quality control techniques:Information, communications and digital technologies.Modern and ‘smart’ materials and components Systems and control technology to organise, monitor and control production the impact of modern technologies:When engineering a product On engineered products On engineering industries On stages in engineering a product Advantages and disadvantages that the use of modern technology has brought to society

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Engineered products: Investigate a variety of engineered products that use modern technologyInvestigate the impact of modern technology on the design and production of a range of engineered productsDesign a product: Analysing client design briefs for engineered products Producing, using and modifying design specifications for engineered productsGenerating design solutions for engineered products Reading, understanding and creating a range of appropriate engineering drawings to current industry standards Presenting a design solution for engineered products responding to client feedbackEngineer a product: Producing and using production plansSelecting and using a range of appropriate materials, parts and componentsSelecting and using appropriate processes Applying quality control techniques Selecting and using appropriate tools

and equipmentApplying health and safety procedures Analysing and revising the completed product, taking into account how it could be improved.

Methods of Study

During the study of the subject, students completing Units 1 and 2 will gain a single award, and those completing Units 3 and 4 will gain two GCSEs. These units will be delivered through a combination of theoretical and practical study of the topics. The school curriculum, which is heavily based on project-based learning, will supplement the understanding of the topics and allow the students to apply their knowledge. Industrial visits will further augment and cement the learning.

Opportunities beyond Year 11Students gaining this qualification will have access to a range of further education and career opportunities. Students will learn and use a variety of skills throughout the course, including collecting, analysing and interpreting data, communicating findings in different ways, and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subject. These skills are in great demand and are recognized and highly valued by employers and colleges.

If students wish to continue studying in a vocational context, students can progress on to a vocational A Level in Engineering or Manufacturing. Students may want to begin to focus on a specialist pathway by taking one of a number of BTEC National courses, such as Aerospace Engineering, or Telecommunications Mechanical or Electrical. Otherwise, students may wish to study an Advanced Subsidiary or Advanced GCE in Design and Technology.

Alternatively, students can pursue a career in a range of engineering contexts, and an apprenticeship scheme allows students to continue training towards higher-level qualifications.

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GCSE (Single Award) Engineering

Unit A621A: Study of an Engineered Product

6 hours/30 marksB: Engineering a Product

14 hours/60 marks

Controlled Assessment - Mandatory

60% of the single award

+Unit 622 - Engineering Processes

1hour/60 marksExamined unit - Mandatory

40% of the single awardGCSE (Double Award) Engineering = GCSE (Single Award) Engineering and:

Unit A263A: Real World Engineering

6 hours/30 marksB: Making an Engineered Product

14 hours/60 marks

Controlled Assessment - Mandatory

30% of the double award

+Unit A624

impact of Modern technologies on Engineering

1 hour/60 marks

Examined unit - Mandatory20% of the double award


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OPTION: English Literature and Language

GCSE English Literature and LanguageExam Board - AQA

Students opting for GCSE Literature will also take GCSE Language (instead of GCSE English).

GCSE Literature:The Literature course is designed to foster a love of reading and provide analytical skills that will inform the criticism of the texts we study. Course Content: Students will work on a range of texts from Shakespeare to the modern day, covering poetry, novels and plays. There are 3 units (chosen out of 5); 2 will have an external exam and there will also be an essay under controlled conditions in class.Unit 1: External Examination - 40% of the total GCSE marks Section A: Modern Prose or Drama (An Inspector Calls) 20% of the total GCSE marks - 45 minutes (34 marks) Section B: Exploring Cultures (Of Mice and Men) 20% of the total GCSE marks - 45 minutes (34 marks)Unit 4: External Examination - 35% of the total GCSE marks Section A: Shakespeare (Macbeth) 20% of the total GCSE marks - 50 minutes (30 marks) Section B: Prose from the English Literary Heritage (Animal Farm) 15% of the total GCSE marks - 40 minutes (24 marks)Unit 5: Controlled Assessment (Poetry) - 25% of the total GCSE marks 3 – 4 hours (total for the essay to be written in class) 40 marks

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OPTION: English Literature and Language

GCSE Language:The course is very similar to the GCSE English course, with one important difference – the spoken language study (worth 20% of the final grade) which looks at how language has changed over the years. Students will complete this when studying Macbeth as it will complement the Literature modules as well.

Opportunities beyond Year 11If students have a love of reading and enjoy discussing ideas, themes and issues, this course will sharpen speaking skills, hone analytical capabilities, and provide students with endless food for thought. Students may want to progress on to study Literature at University, or students might just love getting lost in books – either way, the development of vital critical thinking skills will stand students in good stead for most careers.

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GCSE Environmental & Land Based ScienceExam Board - OCR

OPTION: Environmental & Land Based Science

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OPTION: Environmental & Land Based ScienceCourse Content and Skill

Development

This course takes a practical, hands-on approach to learning the science related to the environment and land-based industries. This qualification is well regarded for the work-related teaching approach to science.

Students will study local and worldwide environmental issues, the relationship of the soil to the animals and the plants it supports, human activities and how they impact on the environment, energy requirements, and traditional and alternative food production.

Students will also study issues relating to the care and maintenance of plants and small animals in the home, the garden and at school, as well as considering the commercial environment relating to food production.

In the science skills portfolio, students will present an annotated photo diary with an evaluation. There will also be assessed practical tasks, project and

enterprise related, and a work-related report where students will research how science is important to the environment and land-based sector.

Method of Study

This course will involve investigations, where students will work together to raise understanding of the environment and how to manage it. Students will produce a resource base for the information needed for the external tests. The practical portfolio will be constructed over the two years. Students will be collaborating on events in the calendar such as Earth Day, and will occasionally work off site with local employers and environment groups. Students will be expected to handle animals on a regular basis in the second year.


Unit 1 – Management of the natural Environment Online test – 20% of total GCSE markUnit 4 – Environmental and Land-Based Science Portfolio Skills Portfolio – 60% of total GCSE markUnit 2 - Plant Cultivation and Small Animal Care Online test – 20% of total GCSE mark

Opportunities beyond Year 11

This course will suit those who are interested in the environment and in how we manage our natural resources, food production resources and wildlife/animals. Students wishing to continue this interest into post-16 can study projects related to the environment as part of their post-16 programme. This program will give an excellent grounding for those going on to study Biology or Social Science A Levels.

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OPTION: History

GCSE History - Modern WorldExam Board - OCR

Assessment StructurePaper 1 (45%) – Written exam lasting 2 hoursConsisting of a compulsory source-based question and a structured question chosen from a choice of 2 Paper 2 (30%) – Historical source investigation A written exam paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, consisting of 6 compulsory questions to investigate an historical issuePaper 3 (25%) – A controlled assessment task of 2,000 words Based on Israeli/Palestinian conflict

Opportunities beyond Year 11- History is a highly regarded qualification for virtually any field of work- The subject is especially suitable for anyone considering law, journalism, writing

or teaching- History combines well with many subjects and offers students the opportunity

to reflect, analyse and develop skills of evaluation.

Course ContentStudents study the development of medicine through time, dating from prehistoric to modern day.Students also undertake a depth study on Germany 1919 – 1945. This focuses on the reasons for the development of totalitarianism under the Nazis and considers the impact on and the reactions of different groups in German society.

Methods of Study- Analysing a range of historical source

evidence- Discussion of concepts- Presentations and debate- Enrichment opportunities – visits and

speakers

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OPTION: ICT

Cambridge Nationals ICT Level 2Exam Board - OCR

Assessment StructureMandatory UnitsR001: Understanding Computer Systems - Written paper 1hour /60 marks (60 UMS) OCR set and marked. Learners answer all questions R002: Using ICT to Create Business Solutions - Centre assessed task (OCR set) OCR moderated. Approximately 10 hours – 60 marks (60 UMS) Business information Systems Strand - Approximately 10 hours/ 60 marks (60 UMS) All centre assessed tasks OCR moderated. R003: Handling Data using Spreadsheets R004: Handling Data using Databases Creative Strand R005: Creating an Interactive Product using Multimedia ComponentsR006: Creating Digital Images R007: Creating Dynamic Products using Sound and Vision technical Strand R008: Introduction to Computer Programming R009: Exploring Computer Hardware and Networks R010: Developing Control Systems Learner-initiated Project R011: Understanding Technology - a project approach Centre assessed tasks OCR moderated. Approximately 15 hours /60 marks (60 UMS)

Course ContentThis is a vocationally-related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The everyday use of ICT, from PCs to smartphones, now impacts all of our lives. This new qualification in ICT reflects this and provides students with a solid understanding of the subject that can be used in everyday working life. Three themes are covered in this course: business information systems, creative and technical.

Methods of StudyDuring the study of this course, students will be completing the units as set out below. These units will be delivered through a combination of theoretical and practical study of the topics. The school curriculum, which is heavily based on project-based learning, will supplement the understanding of the topics and allow the students to apply their knowledge. Industrial visits will further augment and cement the learning.

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OPTION: ICT


Students gaining this qualification will have access to a range of further education and career opportunities. Students will learn and use a variety of skills throughout the course, including collecting, analysing and interpreting data, communicating findings in different ways, and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subject. These skills are in great demand, and are recognized and highly valued by employers and colleges.

If students wish to continue studying in a vocational context, students can progress on to a vocational A Level in Computing/ICT. Alternatively, students can begin to focus on a specialist pathway by taking one of a number of BTEC National courses, such as Computer Engineering or Telecommunications Electrical or Electronic. Otherwise, students may wish to study an Advanced Subsidiary

or Advanced GCE in Computing/ICT and then continue studies in Higher Education, on a BTEC Higher National or Degree, either full-time or part-time whilst working.

GCSE Applied Business J213 (Single Award)Exam Board - OCR Qualification Number - 500/4581/7

OPTION: Applied Business Studies

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OPTION: Applied Business Studies

Course Content and Skill Development

Business is all around us, and the entrepreneurial ethos is fundamental to the culture of the Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering. In this GCSE subject, students study different forms of business ownership and consider why businesses succeed or fail. Students will look at factors impacting on business, such as the economy, technological change and uncertainty. Students also have the opportunity to tone business skills by planning how a local business could be made more successful.

Method of StudyThrough research, investigations and practical activities, students will learn how to develop business skills. Case studies will help students develop problem solving and creative thinking skills. Business Studies will focus on a lot areas of study which have practical applications to real businesses.


The course is examined in two parts:

Unit A241 - Business in Action

This is examined at the end of Year 11 via a written paper, where students are required to answer 4 or 5 questions over 1 hour 30 minutes.

This accounts for 40% of the qualification

Unit A242 - Making your Mark in BusinessThis is examined via a controlled assessment project. Students will choose one business scenario from a choice of five and then choose a local business on which to base their subsequent investigations.

This accounts for 60% of the qualification

Opportunities beyond Year 11The course sits well with the entrepreneurial culture offered by The Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering and complement most areas of study. It can help prepare students for further and higher education, through a range of routes, BTEC or A Levels. It provides an insight into the world of work and enables students to appreciate the different functional areas within business and provides helpful career guidance. The course can lead to business focused degrees and career pathways such as accountancy, law, marketing and banking.

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OPTION: Design Technology Product Design 3D

GCSE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN 3DExam Board - AQA


Unit 1: Written Paper (45551) - 2 hour paper/40% of total mark Candidates answer all questions in two sections (120 marks)

Unit 2: Design & Making Practice (45552) - Approximately 45 hours/60% of total mark Consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of broad set tasks (90 marks)


Product Design can be followed through to AS and A2 at the Da Vinci Studio School. This in turn can pave the way for a design foundation course at college, a practical, hands-on BA Degree or a more scientific BSc Degree. The management of time and resources, the ability to work independently with commitment and motivation, to overcome problems and to react positively to criticism are just some of the personal and employability skills that will be developed through the experience of Product Design. Career options in the design world are incredibly wide and varied, from designing creative iconic objects of desire, advertising campaigns, or exciting new architecture and everything in between. Subjects complementing this subject include Art & Design and Physics.

Course Content3D Product Design is a practical subject which develops an understanding and appreciation of good design within the manufactured environment. The course requires the students to apply acquired knowledge to create varied, interesting and exciting three-dimensional products. Designing and making is focused within contexts that are relevant to society today such as social and environmental issues, along with sustainability and emerging new technologies. This GCSE builds upon the work studied across all Design & Technology subjects studied at KS3.

Methods of StudyThis subject centres learning around designing and practical work. Students will work creatively and imaginatively to design improved and exciting products. Drawing upon inspirational and iconic design pieces, the students will apply their knowledge and concept of fashion, style and proportion to their own designs. Students must develop excellent skills in management and organisation using all the equipment in the workshop and ICT within the design studio. Students are challenged to produce prototypes or working models using a range of traditional, new and smart materials. Supporting work documenting the progress and development of their products will be evidenced in a design folder.

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OPTION: Triple Science

GCSE Science – Triple AwardExam Board - AQA


Due to changes made in the exam structure by the Department of Education, Science is now a linear course. Students starting the course this September will have to sit all exams in the summer of 2014. These will be structured as:- Three biology papers- Three chemistry papers- Three physics papers- Three formal practical sessions to be taken, one per topic.


Triple Science students are generally looking to further study in the sciences at university. This can lead to careers in the science industry, such as research and development, and medicine. Opportunities also occur in computing, electronics, telecommunications and electrical engineering. Scientists also form an important part of the aerospace industry, industrial chemical manufacturing, textiles and motor vehicle industry.

Course Content and Skill DevelopmentThis Science GCSE course will allow students to study aspects of biology, chemistry and physics, leading to a Triple Award GCSE in Science (a separate GCSE in each of the three disciplines). Students should select this course if they have a strong focus in science, and are seriously considering progression into studying an A Level in Science across all Design & Technology subjects studied at KS3.

Methods of Study- Class practical work- Class discussion- Data analysis- Formal practical assessment- Group work and presentations

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OPTION CHOICES GRID

Student name:

Please select one option from each option block.

If you wish to select Double Engineering, you need to also select Single Engineering.

Please complete and return the form by Friday 13 September at the latest, so that students can start their chosen study programme in week 2.

Student signature:Coach signature:

Block Options Tick Choice ü

1Triple Science

Business Studies

Construction or similar non GCSE course

2Environmental and Land Based Science

ICT

Product Design

3Double Engineering

History

Product Design

4Single Engineering

English Literature

THE DAVINCI STUDIO SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

www.davinci-school.co.uk

E: [email protected]

T: 01462 443040

The Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering

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