http://www.blandfordschool.org.uk

What your child will be learning in

Key Stage 4

Parental Guide to the KS4 Curriculum

2014-2015

Dear Parents

The purpose of this booklet is to inform you how you can support your child’s learning in at Key Stage 4.

If you have any questions about the overall curriculum, or anything contained in this booklet, please contact: Duncan Smith, Deputy Headteacher (phone: 01258 451121 ext. 243, or e-mail: dsmith@blandfordschool.org.uk). For questions regarding individual subject content, please contact the staff listed below:

Subject Subject leader E-mail address

English Mr S. Gillett sgillett@blandfordschool.org.uk

Maths Mr J. Knightbridge jknightbridge@blandfordschool.org.uk

Science Rev. T. Meachin tmeachin@blandfordschool.org.uk

Art Mrs L. Bowerman-Ellis lbowerman@blandfordschool.org.uk

Business Studies Mr R. Opalka ropalka@blandfordschool.org.uk

Child Development Mrs H. Sadler hsadler@blandfordschool.org.uk

Performing Arts Miss C. Kelly ckelly@blandfordschool.org.uk

Design & Technology Mr C. Davidson cdavidson@blandfordschool.org.uk

Drama Mrs L. Bowerman-Ellis lbowerman@blandfordschool.org.uk

MFL Ms L Guégan lguegan@blandfordschool.org.uk

Geography Miss H Buchanan hbuchanan@blandfordschool.org.uk

History Mr P Harrison pharrison@blandfordschool.org.uk

ICT Mrs K. Tylor ktylor@blandfordschool.org.uk

Music Mr J P Dubock jdubock@blandfordschool.org.uk

PE Mr A Young ayoung@blandfordschool.org.uk

PSRE Mr S. Harrow sharrow@blandfordschool.org.uk

Heads of Year: Year 10: Mr G Clarke (gclarke@blandfordschool.org.uk)

Year 11: Mr D Spry (dspry@blandfordschool.org.uk)

Deputy Headteacher: Mr D Smith (dsmith@blandfordschool.org.uk)

The Blandford Schoolhttp://www.blandfordschool.org.uk

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

How you can support your child in:

English

Within the English Faculty students are divided into new classes which are designed to meet the needs of our different students. The two routes at GCSE at present are:

AQA English Language and AQA GCSE English LiteratureStudents will study for two separate qualifications in Language and Literature and will be taught in A*- C/D grade ability classes where they will do both controlled assessments and examinations.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English and AQA GCSE English LiteratureStudents will study for two separate qualifications in Language and Literature and will be taught in C- G grade ability classes. The IGCSE course is the equivalent of the GCSE English Language course but includes coursework and Speaking & Listening assessments. The AQA GCSE English Literature has one controlled assessment and two examinations.

AQA GCSE English Language

External examination60% of the total GCSE marks2 hours,15 minutes ~ 80 marksSection A: Reading20% of the total GCSE marks ~ 40 marksSection B: Writing20% of the total GCSE marks ~ 40 marksUnit 3: Understanding spoken and written texts and

Controlled Assessment40% of the total GCSE marks ~ 80 marksPart a: Extended reading15% of the total GCSE marks ~ 3–4 hours 30 marksPart b: Creative writing15% of the total GCSE marks ~ 3–4 hours 30 marksPart c: Spoken Language Study10% of the total GCSE mark ~ 2–3 hours 20 marks

Unit 2: Speaking and Listening

GCSE English Literature

External examination ~ Unit 1: Exploring modern texts40% of the total GCSE marks - 1 hour 30 mins (60 marks)Section A: Modern prose or drama 20% of the total GCSE marks - 45 mins (30 marks)Section B: Exploring cultures 20% of the total GCSE marks - 45 mins(30 marks)PLUSExternal examination~ Unit 2: Poetry across time35% of the total GCSE marks1 hour 15 mins (54 marks)Section A: Poetry cluster from the Anthology23% of the total GCSE marks 45 mins (36 marks)Section B: Responding to an unseen poem12% of the total GCSE marks30 mins(18 marks)

Higher Tier: Candidates answer one compulsory question about the poem (18 marks).

Foundation Tier: Candidates answer one compulsory question about the poem. The question will be in two parts (18 marks).• Part a will ask candidates about the ideas in the poem.• Part b will ask candidates to write about the methods used by the poet.

Unit 3: The significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage (Controlled Assessment) 25% GCSE marks

Candidates complete one Controlled Assessment task which asks them to make links between a play from Shakespeare and any other text, of any genre, from the English (or Welsh or Irish) Literary Heritage (40 marks). They may draw on multi-modal versions of the texts, for example stage productions, film and/or audio versions to enrich and inform their understanding of the text.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English

Component 1: External examination40% of the total GCSE marks1 hours 45 minutes -50 marks

Question 1: Reading - 20 marksQuestion 2: Writing - 15 marksQuestion 3: Reading &Writing - 15 marks

Component 4: Coursework40% of the total GCSE marks 50 marks3 written assignments Candidates submit three assignments, each of

500–800 words. Component 5: Speaking and Listening Test20% of the total GCSE marks 30 marksCandidates conduct an individual task and take part in a discussion.

GCSE English Language Unit 1 Section A: general reading website links:

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/english/reading-non-fiction (Section A reading skills)http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/reading/ (Section A reading skills)http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/mainguides/nonfiction.htm (Section A reading skills)

GCSE English Unit 1 Section B: writing website links:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/writing/ (Section B skills for Questions 5 and 6 Foundation and Higher Tiers)

GCSE English Literature Revision Web links

Unit 1: Section A

Lord of the Flies

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/proselordflies/http://www.theenglishzone.org.uk/lordoftheflies.htmlhttp://www.nobelprize.org/educational/literature/golding/

The Crucible

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/dramacrucible/

Unit 1: Section B

Of Mice and Men

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/prosemicemen/http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/prose/ofmiceandmen.htmhttp://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC30080DA80562B94http://www.tusitala.org.uk/?s=of+mice+and+men

Unit 2: Section A

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/poetrycharactervoice/

Maths

Students start their GCSE course in the Summer Term of Year 9 after their KS3 SATs in the March of that year. Students will sit either the Higher Tier (grades A* to D) or Foundation Tier (grades C to G) of the Edexcel linear exam (2MB01), this is broadly based on which ability group the students are in.

Set 1 and 2

Sets 1 and 2 will always cover the Higher Tier syllabus although there may be some students in set 2 who will be entered for Foundation (a decision has to be made before the February of year 11).

Sets 3,4 and 5

Sets 3,4 and 5 will cover the Foundation tier syllabus, the highest grade students can achieve is a grade C.

Students will sit two exams at the end of year 11, a non calculator paper and a calculator paper, both 1hr 45m long. There is no coursework, no modules and no practical work required.

Every student on the GCSE course will sit a mock exam at the end of each term, the results of which are used to identify topics that the students are good at and topics that need more development. Their Maths teacher will use the data to plan interventions to help all students overcome any difficulties.

The Maths Pages of FROG have further information including;

Grade descriptors Links on how you can help your child

Link to a student copy of the syllabus via the

GCSE tab

Help is always available

There are further links at the bottom of the Maths FROG page to the MyMaths revision materials.

Science

Useful revision websites

On FROG – go to SUBJECTS then SCIENCE then GCSE Sciencehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science_and_environment/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology/http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa/http://www.footprints-science.co.uk/

Exam/coursework weighting and Controlled Assessments - what they are and how students can prepare for them

Coursework is worth 25% of each GCSE in science and takes place during normal lessons (but under exam conditions). They are called ISAs, each one takes about 5 lessons and includes 2 written examinations. You must be present for all 5 lessons in order to complete the ISA. You can’t retake an ISA. Each written exam is worth 25% of the GCSE. If you are taking Further Science you will do an ISA for each subject (i.e. 3). If you are not taking Further Science you will do an ISA for Core Science and an ISA for Additional Science. For all examinations and ISAs your literacy skills will be very important. Being able to write neatly, spell correctly and read scientific English will help you – read scientific articles to help prepare for this. The exam board

AQA Key dates

ISAs will take place in the Autumn and Spring terms during lessons. Teachers will inform students of ISAs in advance so that you can ensure that you are able to attend the lessons involved. Apart from ISAs, all of your examinations will be in the summer of year 11.

How students can prepare for exams

Working on past papers is an excellent way of doing this.

Useful Science Websites:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/

http://www.sciencelab.org.uk/support/question-papers-mark-schemes.php

We strongly advise you to buy a revision guide – you will receive information about this early in the Autumn term – we proved them much more cheaply than you could buy them in a bookshop.

Useful equipment

It is essential to bring pens (black is required for controlled assessment and examinations), pencils and an eraser, a 30cm ruler, a protractor and a calculator to all science lessons.

Newspapers/magazines to which students may wish to subscribe

Many newspapers include a section about science, environment or technology. They also have websites e.g. http://www.guardian.co.uk/science

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environmenthttp://www.guardian.co.uk/technology

Most public libraries will stock science magazines such as ‘New Scientist’, National Geographic, Scientific American, and Nature. They also often have good websites e.g. http://www.nature.com/

Art(AQA GCSE Fine Art)

Useful revision websites:

BBC BITESIZE Art and Design,

Tate Britain,

National Gallery, London,

MOMA,

National Portrait Gallery

KS4 Autumn Term Spring Term Summer TermYear 10

2013Research and Experimenting

Finding and recording patterns/ textures from our environment through. Making patterns and printing them using a variety of different techniques.Research trip; Finding and recording animals and their environments investigating different surface textures and form, using a variety of techniques and materials to explore how to achieve these elements. Techniques will involve watercolour, ink, fabric resist techniques.Researching other artists’ techniques in how they record these animal forms and textures.The Art rooms are open most lunchtimes as well as after school on a Thursday.Pizza night will be once a month

Research and ExperimentingContinued research from the Autumn Term until Half term.Developing ideas and developing patterns from the previous research work.

Exploring still life through photography and drawing using a variety of viewpoints on different materials like clay, polystyrene blocks, which will then be developed using scanners in developing ideas.Pizza night will be once a month until 7pm. Students will be notified.

DevelopingMock exam.

Developing a 3D piece of work using the research previously explored to inspire and explore a variety of 3D media.Research on sculpture and ceramics.Drawn development of ideas.

until 7pm. Students will be notified.

Year 112013

DevelopingMy Abstract World Final composition reflecting the previous research based on the different studies and artists explored. Completed by October half term.Animal final piece refined relating to GCSE course,3D or Art craft and design. Christmas.All coursework has to be completed by Christmas 2014.The Art rooms are open most lunchtimes Pizza night will be once a month until 7pm. Students will be notified.

Externally set workExternally set paper given out ; week of 12th January 2015.Each lesson will have a different research experiment and individual task. It is important that students attend all the sessions so that they have all the visual research to get a good grade. If a student misses the lesson they will be expected to complete the task in their own time. After school sessions; every Thursday. Pizza night will be once a month until 7pm. Students will be notified.

April 2014; timed 10 hour exam for final piece

reflecting all the researchcompleted on the

chosen starting point.

ART Course is completed as soon as the 10 hour timed

exam is over.

Success criteria (where appropriate)

This is the marking details produced by the exam board, AQA:

AO1 AO2 AO3 AO4

Develop their ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding.

Refine their ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes.

Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions in visual and/or other forms.

Present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating analytical and critical understanding, realising intentions and where appropriate, making connections between visual, written, oral or other elements.

Below are the assessment criteria that your art work will be marked against. Every project you complete is marked and the same marking criteria are always used. Make sure you understand what each box means so that you can work hard to reach your full potential in each area.

Exam/coursework weighting:

Coursework 60%; Exam work 40%. Students work for four terms on their coursework and one term on their exam work. Students will

complete three Units for their coursework and the best two are picked. Students have to produce a final piece that has all the research for it. This research includes thorough artist research related to the topic, experiments and media tests, subject matter investigated that informs the student's ideas and their development. Sixty out of eighty of the marks are awarded for the sketchbook research work.

For students aiming to achieve an 'A' grade in Art, students need to show: Thoroughly researched work in all areas which includes confident and competent drawing and

experimental work, very knowledgeable about the characteristics of their chosen media and the art elements, reflecting through all their research their intent and knowledge of the artists and all techniques used in their work and the work of others.

Attention to fine detail and understanding of light direction and how to achieve these elements in their work helps to make a more refined final piece.

For students aiming to achieve a 'B' grade in Art, students need to show: Sound observational recording skills using drawing as well as other methods like photography. Good research skills, reflecting their interests, experiments and knowledge of the media and materials

used works well in developing their pieces.

For students aiming to achieve a 'C' grade in Art, students need to show: How they carefully plot their projects, developing their skills to show good presentation and care in the

sketchbook. Understanding how to achieve good composition and balance in their work helps the final composition

as well as students reviewing their work using connectives helps to secure a pass grade.

Key dates: December 2015Coursework should be completed. January 2016 Exam paper handed out.

April 2016 ten hour exam time starts.

How students can prepare for exams: Completion of all tasks set are reflective of all the necessary assessment objectives . Drawings of the

chosen subject matter are important as well as the experimenting, ideas and development and artist connections. All these need to be reflected in the final piece/s along with reviews as well as justifying their choices.

Controlled Assessments - what they are and how students can prepare for them: Students have to show 45 hours worth of work in their two coursework projects. This work can be seen

in their sketchbook research work as well as their two final pieces.

The timings of lunchtime and after school clubs: Two after school sessions are held every week and often the art rooms are open during lunchtimes.

Students can work in any room and use the advice of any teacher in those particular rooms as well as their usual GCSE teacher.

Useful equipment : The Art Department puts together material packs so that all students have the main artist materials to

start the course. This includes for £12; set of paintbrushes, watercolour tin, rubbers, pencil set, A3 sketchbook, A3 wet weather plastic folder. If you tried to get the same quality of materials from a good art retailer it would cost a lot more.

We would strongly suggest that students also invest in a pack of acrylic paints so that they can complete work at home.

Newspapers/magazines: Newspaper articles about artists, art works and exhibitions are always useful to have so that students

can quote from them or stick them into their books. These could be put into a scrap book.

Business Studies

Exam board: OCR

Exam/coursework weighting:

Belief and Ethics

At KS4 students study two courses: Religion & Life and Religion & Society examined by Edexcel.

The Units studied include:

Religion & LifeBelieving in GodMatters of Life and DeathMarriage & Family LifeReligion and Community Cohesion

Assessed by a 90 minute exam at the end of Year 11: 50% of total mark.

Religion & SocietyRights & ResponsibilitiesEnvironmental & Medical EthicsConflict & PeaceCrime & Punishment

Assessed by a 90 minute exam at the end of Year 11: 50% of total mark.

Key dates:May 2015: Yr 10 Mock examNov 2014: Yr 11 Mock examMay 2015: 2 x 90 minute GCSE exams

Exam Preparation Students practise past exam questions throughout the course. Homework tasks on FROG comprising key word tests and past questions Mark schemes available on FROG for students to self assess their work Revision Guides for both courses on FROG with practice questions and key exam

information Revision sessions prior to exams

Extra study recommendations:

Students would do well to be aware of any moral issues arising in the news or in film/tv programmes. Also news items showing the impact of religion and beliefs on society/global affairs.

GCSE Child Development

Useful PSRE Websites:http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/websites/11_16/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjxT-4wFZDYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUwGaImqhZE

Child Development is a GCSE option subject available to Key Stage 4 learners (Years 10 and 11)

and is studied for 5 hours each fortnight. The GCSE grade awarded is made up of 3 units; a written

examination (worth 40%), the Research Task (20%) and the Child Study (40%). There is one tier

of entry for all learners. 

After completion of this course learners can proceed into Higher Education to study nursing (including

midwifery), social work, youth work or teacher training after studying at Post 16 level. Other learners can go on

to pursue careers as nursery workers, nannies, child minders etc.  

   

Summary of subject content

The subject content of this specification can be divided into the following sections:

Parenthood

Pregnancy

Diet, health and care of the child

Development of the child

Support for the parent and child

This content covers many topics from the nature of the family, and the stages of pregnancy from conception to birth.

Learners will be able to study the wider care of the developing child; looking at ways in which the child develops and

possible factors that may affect this development.

Meet the team

Mrs Sadler

Mrs T Carter  

Mrs V Moore

Key Stage 4

The course follows the AQA GCSE specification and consists of 3 units (one tier of assessment) as follows:

Unit 1: Written exam paper (carries 40% of final grade)

Unit 2: Research Task (carries 20% of final grade)

Unit 3: Child Study (carries 40% of final grade)

This is a study of a single child under the age of 5.

Extra-curricular and enrichment activities

During this course learners will have the opportunity to experience our ‘Virtual Baby Programme'. This parenting

simulation is designed to help young adults understand the challenge of caring for a newborn baby.  

Wherever possible, we actively seek speakers to come and talk to the classes about their field of expertise (e.g. school

nurse, ‘new mothers' etc)

Graphic DesignWhat students will study

In Year 10 students will complete a series of design and make tasks designed to build their skills in communicating and realising their design ideas. Students will have the opportunity to work with plastics, card and modelling boards, 3D printer and foam modelling to develop their 3D modelling skills. Sketching and designing tasks will be carried out using a variety of techniques, to include: CAD (Sketchup, 2D Design, Coreldraw), marker rendering, shading and tonal work, isometric and Oblique drawing and observational drawing.These skills will be applied to projects in Y10 based around the themes of Promotional Materials, Packaging, Architecture and Interior Design. In the Summer Term of Y10 students will begin their major coursework task, constituting 60% of their final GCSE grade.

How students will be assessed?

i) Written Paper - 40% of the total marks [120 marks] One paper, 2 hours, with two sections:Section A: 30 marks - A design question based on context supplied before the exam

Section B: 90 marks - Covers all aspects of the specification content and all questions are compulsory

ii) Controlled Assessment - 60% of the total marks [90 marks]. A single design-and-make activity selected from a choice of set tasks, consisting of the development of a

made outcome and a concise design folder and/or appropriate ICT evidence. These tasks are reviewed every two years.

The design folder should consist of approximately:

20 pages of A3 paper or equivalent A4 paper It is expected that students should spend approximately 45 hours on this activity. As part of the evidence submitted, students should include photographs of the finished products as well

as photographs at various stages of the process

Useful equipment:

Students must have the following; a pen, HB pencil[s], pencil sharpener, eraser, ruler, a small selection of coloured pencils. A USB memory stick is also useful for transferring files to and from CAM equipment.

Study GuidesA study guide is available from the department for £3.25 but can be found at a lower cost on line at Amazon.

Useful websites www.technologystudent.com http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/ http://www.dtonline.org/

How can parents help?It is essential that students keep up to date with the coursework for the controlled assessment task. Encourage them to use Design Club sessions which are offered after school. Regularly visiting the revision website and developing this as a habit rather leaving it until the end of the course is a good idea.

Food TechnologyYear 10 Year11Autumn TermNutrition work and Focused practical tasks related to:-

Special diets Use of meat Sauce making Use of staple foods

Design and make task.Cake making methodsDecorating techniques.

Autumn TermUnit 2 Controlled assessment work.

45 hours is given by the exam board to complete both a final portfolio of design work and associated practical work resulting in a final outcome.

This is independent work

Completion date: January/February of year 11

Spring TermBread Making skills.Design and Make a multicultural bread product.Focused practical skills related to pastry making.Functions of IngredientsSensory AnalysisProduct Analysis

Spring TermUnit 1 TheoryFocused revision work, which is guided by the pre release material from the Examination board.Included should be some related practical tasks.

Summer TermYear 10 Internal Examination.Focused practical skills related to dessert making.Working properties of setting agents.Decorating techniques Portion controlStart of controlled Assessment work

Summer termFinal revision Work on past papers.May/JuneFinal Design and Written Examination paper.

Useful websites:

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/food-technology.html - whole subject revision

http://www.foodforum.org.uk/cgi-local/glossary.pl - glossary of terms http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ - whole subject revision http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/des_tec_ft_assess.php - past papers http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/ - basic food knowledge and recipes etc. http://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/Index.aspx - Excellent all round

information

Study Guides:

A Study Guide is available from the department for £3.25 but can be found at a lower cost on line at Amazon.

http://www.food.gov.uk/- Latest news, legal aspects and law, general food info http://www.dtonline.org/apps/infopage/app?3&4&1&0&1&0 – General Food Information

Product DesignWhat students will study

In Year 10 students will undertake two projects over the course of the Autumn and Spring Terms. These projects will be aimed at building skills in readiness for starting the final GCSE coursework task. We will be exploring the areas of lighting

and storage during these two design and make exercises. The controlled assessment task will start in the summer term and run through until the end of the autumn term in year 11. In the spring term of the final year stage of the course there will be various focused tasks to explore further processes and materials in conjunction with preparation of the set study topic for the final examination.

How students will be assessed:

i) Written Paper - 40% of the total marks [120 marks]One paper, 2 hours, with two sections:

Section A: 30 marks - A design question based on context supplied before the exam

Section B: 90 marks - Covers all aspects of the specification content and all questions are compulsory

ii) Controlled Assessment- 60% of the total marks [90 marks]. A single design-and-make activity selected from a choice of set tasks, consisting of the development of a

made outcome and a concise design folder and/or appropriate ICT evidence. These tasks are reviewed every two years.

The design folder should consist of approximately:

20 pages of A3 paper or equivalent A4 paper It is expected that students should spend approximately 45 hours on this activity. As part of the evidence submitted, students should include photographs of the finished products as well

as photographs at various stages of the process

Useful equipment: Students must have the following; a pen, HB pencil[s], pencil sharpener, eraser, ruler, a small selection of coloured pencils. A USB memory stick is also useful for transferring files to and from CAM equipment.

Study GuidesA study guide is available from the department for £3.25 but can be found at a lower cost on line at Amazon.

Useful websites www.technologystudent.com http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/ http://www.dtonline.org/

How can parents help?It is essential that students keep up to date with the coursework for the controlled assessment task. Encourage them to use Design Club sessions which are offered after school. Regularly visiting the revision website and developing this as a habit rather leaving it until the end of the course is a good idea.

Textiles TechnologyExam Board: AQA - Qualification Code: 4572

Useful revision websites

On FROG – go to SUBJECTS then Design then GCSE Textiles http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/Design/textiles http://web.aqa.org.uk/

YEAR 10 Year 11Project 1: The Hoodie project!

This Design and make brief allows the pupils to add to their knowledge from KS3 textiles and re enforces the textiles practical skills.

Pupils are shown how to use a commercial pattern which they may adapt.

Pupils learn a variety of both technical and embellishment skills in readiness for their controlled assessment in year 11

Theory Work:o Pupils learn about a range of fibres and their

propertieso Fabric finisheso Variety of Decorative techniques

Unit 2: Controlled Assessment:

45 hours is given by the exam board to complete both a final portfolio of design work and a finished piece of supporting practical work to go with it.

This is independent work

Completion date: March of year 11

o Research o Mass manufacture

Project 2: The bag project

The bag project allows pupils the opportunity to extend their knowledge in textiles and

Design and develop their own pattern pieces. Draw on skills already acquired, and use them more

independently. Make more informed design decisions Work to a tight deadline in preparation for their final

controlled assessment in year 11.

Unit 1: Theory

Focused revision work, pupils are guided by the exam boards Pre – release materials and given the time to develop their answers to this section of the exam paper.

What does an A grade pupil look like?A pupil should be able to demonstrate consistently those key skills, communication, application of number and information as well as good use of communication technology along side the wider skills of ‘improving their own learning and performance, working with others effectively and being able to problem solve effectively and independently’. AQA

How can a parent help? Look at the school frog site as all the key dates for Design and technology are on the

design page for textiles. Ask to read your child’s design portfolio regularly as it develops. Encourage your child to make use of extra-curricular Design club on a Wednesday

and Thursday after school Test your son / daughter, using their revision notes. Check their homework diary regularly, they should have their homework written into

it, it is set every week. Revision guides can be purchased for £3.25 from your teacher.

There will also be revision sessions available in design club to support your revision as well as extra support for Controlled Assessment Task. See your teacher for details.

French

Studying French for GCSE enables students to continue developing the language skills they have acquired at KS3 and to learn to use the language more independently as well as gaining a greater insight into the culture of the French-speaking world.

Useful websites include:

www.languagesonline.org.uk (particularly good for grammar practice) www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/french www.aqa.org.uk (exam board website, includes past papers and

assessment criteria)

The examination comprises 4 components, namely:

listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Listening and reading each count for 20% of the total examination marks, writing and speaking for 30%. Whilst reading and listening are tested in examinations at the end of the course, there are 2 controlled assessments in speaking and writing respectively.

We complete one of these at the end of Year 10 and the remaining 3 during Year 11, when students are more confident at manipulating the French language.

All the controlled assessments require students to prepare and produce under examination conditions a piece of writing/conversation on a given topic. During the preparation phase, they receive individual help and advice on how to achieve the highest grade possible.

In order to do well your child is required to know off by heart an extended piece of complex writing. Historically pupils have found this task challenging and parental support has proved vital to their success.

In order to prepare themselves for the examinations, students need to learn the key vocabulary of each topic and build up a good understanding of basic French grammar, such as verb tenses and adjective endings. To help them in their studies, it would be a good idea to:

buy a French-English dictionary, buy a GCSE revision guide and perhaps subscribe to the magazine Ça va, which features a range of articles designed to appeal to teenage

learners of French!

German (AQA)

Controlled assessments (60%): The students complete four tasks, two written and two spoken. Each speaking assessment lasts 4-6 minutes. Writing assessments last one hour. Students know in advance what the task is and have plenty of support in doing the preparation.

Final examinations: Listening (20%) Reading (20%)

We use the Nelson Thornes AQA German GCSE textbook with additional on-line resources (Kerboodle).

Specimen exam material is available on the AQA web-site (www.aqa.org.uk)

Recommended languages sites are: www.languagesonline.org.uk www.logo.de (authentic material to stretch the more able)

In order to succeed at GCSE German students need to be prepared to work hard on preparing the controlled assessments. We provide the students with vocabulary lists so that they can learn the key language required for the final exams. Practice exams are held in Year 10 and before Christmas in Year 11.

Spanish

Studying Spanish for GCSE enables students to continue developing the language skills they have acquired at KS3 and to learn to use the language more independently as well as gaining a greater insight into the culture of the Spanish-speaking world.

Useful websites include : www.languagesonline.org.uk (particularly good for grammar practice)

www.123teachme/Spanish www.aqa.org.uk (exam board website, includes past papers and assessment criteria)

The examination comprises 4 components, namely listening, reading, writing and speaking. Listening and reading count for 40% and are tested in examinations at the end of the course.

Writing and speaking count for 60% of the total examination marks. These are controlled assessments which require students to prepare and produce under examination conditions a piece of writing/conversation on a given topic. During the preparation phase, they receive individual help and advice on how to achieve the highest grade possible. In order to do well your child is required to know off by heart an extended piece of complex writing. Historically pupils have found this task challenging and parental support has proved vital to their success.

At the start of year 10 students are given a vocabulary booklet and it is essential that they learn topic vocabulary on a regular basis. They also need to build up a good understanding of Spanish grammar, such as verb tenses, pronouns and adjective endings.

To help them in their studies, it would be a good idea to buy a Spanish-English dictionary, a GCSE revision guide and perhaps to subscribe to the magazine El Sol, which features a range of articles designed to appeal to teenage learners of Spanish!

GeographyWhy study Geography at GCSE?

The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why, and helps to prepare you for those changes.

Exam Board: AQA Geography A

Assessment:The course is spit into 3 units

Unit 1 Physical Geography Unit 2 Human Geography Unit 3 Local Fieldwork Investigation (Controlled Assessment)

Unit 1 Physical Geography (37.5%)

Unit 2 Human Geography (37.5%)

Unit 3 Local Fieldwork Investigation (25%)

90 minute written examination.75 marks.

90 minute written examination.84 marks.

A local field trip to collect information.60 mark. Approx. 2,000 words.Approximately 20 hours including the fieldtrip to be spent on this.

In Unit 1 and 2, three topics will be studied.

For Year 10 students, the topics covered this year will be:Tourism (Unit 2), The Coastal Zone (Unit 1), Population Change (Unit 2), Living World (Unit 1) and Restless Earth (Unit 1)

For Year 11 students, the topics covered this year will be:

Completion of Restless Earth (Unit 2), Unit 3 Controlled Assessment and either:Globalisation (Unit 2) OR The Development Gap (Unit 2)

Revision and exam preparationThroughout the course students will be assessed with quick knowledge tests, exam style questions, timed exam practice as well as revision worksheets and activities. After school support for Controlled Assessment Task will occur. Students to speak to their teacher during this time period.

Revision booklets will be available during this year. Revision sessions will be held during lunch times and after school.

Useful equipment:

It would be useful to have an atlas at home to familiarise yourself with the world!

There is an opportunity to subscribe to the magazine ‘Wideworld’ whichis to support GCSE geographers. Ask your teacher for details.

History

Assessment

Students follow the ‘Edexcel Modern World History A’ specification. A copy of this specification can be found in Frog (Subjects/Humanities/History/GCSE/Information for Parents) along with past papers.

Your son daughter will study four units and each unit is worth 25% of the final assessment

Unit 1: International Relations 1943-91 Unit 2: The USA 1919-41 Unit 3: Britain 1903-29 Unit 4: The Vietnam War 1965 -75 Units 1-3 are assessed through an

examination at the end of Year 11. Each examination lasts 1 hour and 15

minutes. Unit 4 (The Vietnam War) is assessed

through ‘Controlled Assessment.

Useful Geography Websites:

www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/newsround

www.bbc.co.uk/gcsebitesize www.coolgeography.co.uk

www.ciaworldfactbook www.dorsetforyou.com

www.googlemaps.com www.usgs.gov

For ‘Controlled Assessment’ students are given approximately 15 hours to carry out research and assemble relevant notes.

They are then given 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete three questions using their notes. This time is spread over a number of sessions and is carried out in Year 11.

Revision

From the end of the spring term in Year 11 we will be carrying out revision lessons in class, however students will need to ensure they have a thorough revision programme of their own.

Revision booklets are made available These booklets include a guide to the key skills, essential information and exam questions. Copies of these booklets are available in the Frog folder ‘Information for Parents’ referred to earlier. Students are made aware that reading through these booklets is only a first step to success. It is important that they use them, and any other resources, to make their own revision notes. Advice is given to students on how to do this by using record cards / mind-mapping / diagrams etc As a parent you can also play a valuable role here by testing your son / daughter, using their revision

notes. Useful websites include:

www.johndclare.net/http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh

KS4 ICT/Computing:

Year 10 ICT

There are two option groups for ICT:

BTEC First Award in Information & Creative Technology

Students will study 4 units of work over 2 years:

Core units that must be completed:

Unit 1: The Online World

Unit3: Digital Portfolios

Optional Units: students will complete 2 of these:

Unit4: Creating Digital Animation

Unit6: Creating Digital Graphics

Unit7: Creating Digital Video

Unit8: Mobile App development

GCSE ICT:

Unit 1: Living in a Digital World

In this unit, 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 (learning and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and wellbeing and on the move). They develop an awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice.

Unit 2: Using Digital Tools

This is a practical unit. 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. They learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.

Year 11 ICT

ICT (Core)

Students will continue with the Cambridge National Certificate in ICT that they started in Year 9. This is worth one full GCSE. The course is graded pass, merit, distinction, distinction*. All students are required to complete four units. Students should have completed 2 units:

In Year 9 they completed Unit 6: Creating Digital Images in year 10 they completed Unit 2: Using ICT to create business solutions

Autumn Term:

Students will be working on Unit 1: Understanding Computer Systems. This will be assessed by an external examination in Dec/Jan.

Spring & Summer term:

Students will be designing and creating multimedia content for a multimedia product. Students will complete a 10hr controlled assessment on this unit. This unit is externally assessed.

.

ICT (Option)

These students are studying for the OCR Cambridge National Diploma in ICT which is equivalent to two GCSE’s.

In Year 11 students will study two of the following units:

Unit R011: Project Management Unit R007: Creating Dynamic Products using video and

audio Unit R008: Introduction to programming.

Music

Edexcel GCSE Music (2009) Syllabushttp://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/music/Pages/default.aspx

Useful information

For a full list of useful resources please see our Virtual Learning Environment (Subject resources/Performing and creative arts/ music/GCSE year 10 and 11) http://www.frogserver.blandfordschool.org.uk/

Course Outline

Areas of study:1. Western classical music 1600-18992. Music in the 20th century3. Popular music in context4. World music

40% exam on listening and appraising the Areas of Study in one final exam. 30% performance – one solo performance, one ensemble performance.30% composition – two pieces of music in the genres associated with the Areas of Study.

Important Dates for 2014-2015 exam group (Year 11)

Performances deadline:21st December 2014

Draft Composition deadline: 21st December 2014

Compositions final deadline:28th April 2014

Listening exam:May 2015

Important Dates for 2015-2016 exam group (Year 10)First Performance deadline:19th July 2015Draft Composition deadline:20th December 2015Compositions final deadline:25th April 2016Listening exam:May 2016

How can a parent help? Take your child to visit local performances of music as often as

you can. Talk to your child about the music that they listen to. Ask to see/ hear your child rehearse their instrument Perhaps invest in extra tuition. Encourage your child to compose music - if you have a computer try to obtain music software;

there are a lot of free/reasonably pricedprogrammes available but you will need to buy a USB MIDI keyboard. (we use Logic express)

Encourage them to become involved in extra-curricular performance at school or out of school.

This will enrich their musical experience and will help them to improve their skills and results. Music staff are always available by email or telephone if you have any questions.

GCSE Performing Arts

AQA GCSE Performing Arts Qualification Code: 4882

How students are assessed:

Unit 1 – 48801: Skills developmentPortfolio evidenceControlled Assessment70 marks – 60%

Useful Websites/Background reading:

AQA GCSE Performing Arts Student Guide ISBN-13: 978-1408504222

AQA Website http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama-and-performing-arts/gcse/performing-arts-4880

Autumn TermYear 10

Spring TermYear 10

Summer TermYear 10

Autumn TermYear 11

Spring/Summer TermYear 11

The TBS Variety Show(assessed at Christmas)

Puppetry and Masks(assessed at Easter)

Devising Performance Work: Play into Production(assessed at the end of the summer term)

Preparation for Unit 2 Showcase(assessed at Christmas)

Unit 2 Showcase(externally assessed before May half term)

Submit Unit 1 Portfolio (beginning of May)

N.B: Assessment is continuous; all work is assessed from the beginning of the course and contributes towards the student’s final GCSE grade.

What does an A grade student look like?Candidates will be able to recall, select, use and communicate their detailed knowledge and understanding of the working contexts, skills and processes involved. They will demonstrate a sensitive awareness of performance works and the relationship between them and their cultural and social contexts in the generation, exploration and development of ideas. They will experiment with and apply effectively a range of skills, processes and techniques to communicate in performance and will display a high degree of creativity, originality and innovation in the execution of their work. Candidates will demonstrate a high level of awareness and contextual understanding of the relationship between their own working practices and those in the performing arts industry. They will clearly demonstrate well developed analytical and reflective skills. There will be evidence of insight and sensitivity in clear well reasoned reflections on the development and execution of their own work and that of others.

Unit 2 – 48802: Showcase performanceExternally set brief - internally marked60 marks – 40%Plus

What does a C grade student look like?Candidates will be able to recall, select, use and communicate their sound knowledge and understanding of the working contexts, skills and processes involved. They will show some awareness of performance works and the relationship between them and their cultural and social contexts in the generation, exploration and development of ideas. They will experiment with and apply securely some appropriate skills, processes and techniques to communicate ideas and some creativity, originality and innovation will be evident in their work. Candidates will show some appropriate awareness and contextual understanding of the relationship between their own working practices and those in the performing arts industry. They will use analytical and reflective skills appropriately showing critical awareness of the development and execution of their own work and that of others.

How can a parent help?

Visit local performances as often as you can. Talk to your child about the effectiveness of performance and performance support in live theatre, dance, music, film and TV. Ask your child to justify his or her opinions. Ask to read your child’s portfolio to check that he/she is being reflective and evaluative in his or her work, and

encourage them to attend one of our portfolio clubs. Check the spelling of specialist terminology. Encourage your child to become involved in extra-curricular Performing Arts at school. This will enrich

the GCSE experience.

GCSE Physical Education – Edexcel

Subject make-up

50% practical assessment – 4 sports 40% theory assessment – 1½ hour written paper 10% Analysis of Performance – sport of choice,

including Personal Exercise Plan

How to be successful in GCSE PE?

PracticalStudents will receive 2 lessons per fortnight of practical-based lessons.

The breakdown of the assessment criteria is available at the GCSE link on the PE page of the school website.

Students are expected to attend extra-curricular clubs in order to achieve their targets.

Analysis of Performance Students will examine performance through practical and theory lessons.

Developing knowledge of video analysis and the skills required for observational feedback are key in this area.

Theory

Students will receive 3 lessons per fortnight of theory-based lessons.

Exercise and Fitness Healthy Lifestyles Body SystemsDefinitions of Health, Exercise, Fitness and Performance

Understanding the reasons why people participate in sport.

Cardiovascular System

Assessing readiness for exercise Understanding the 4 stages of the Sports Participation Pyramid

Respiratory System

Components of Fitness and Testing Understanding things that influence people’s participation.

Skeletal System

Principles and methods of training Understanding the different roles available for people

Muscular System

Food for Sport Understanding different sporting initiatives.

Effects of exercice

Key Dates

Controlled Assessments – Practical assessments every 5 weeks External Practical Moderation – Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March, 2015 Theory Examination – May, 2015

Revision websites:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/pe/ http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/pe/Pages/default.aspx http://www.brianmac.co.uk http://pponline.co.uk

BTEC Level 2 Certificate First In Sport - Edexcel

Subject make-up

Students will complete: Unit 1 – Fitness For Sport and Exercise Unit 2 – Practical Sport Unit 4 – The Sports Performer in Action Unit 5 – Training for Personal Fitness

Important Information

The course is 80% coursework and 20% external examination. It is also important to understand that although we aim to make the course as practical as possible due

to the final evidence having to be written down a lot of the time there will be a number of lessons taking place in the computer rooms.

We do expect however the written part of the course to be completed as homework. A lunchtime club in the computer room is run throughout the year on Friday lunchtime to help support

pupils who may struggle with written coursework or require extra help. It is highly recommended that pupils invest in a memory stick so that they can back up their work and so

that they can carry on working on their assignments from home.

Useful Websites:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport http://www.brianmac.co.uk http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/7569006.stm

Year 10 Homework Timetable (2014-2015)

Students at The Blandford School are encouraged to become independent learners. We believe homework supports this. If, for any reason, homework is not set, students are encouraged to spend their ‘homework time’ reading or undertaking activities on our VLE (FROG) or other excellent subject-specific websites (to which your teachers will direct you).

Week A LEFT (L) RIGHT (R)

Monday MathsBelief and Ethics

Science(R1 SPR; R2 MAJ; R3 WOR)

TuesdayEnglishScience

(L1 JOB, L2 MAJ, L3 WOR)

Option DMaths

Science (R1 MET, R2 MAJ, R3 SPR)

Wednesday Option BOption C

Option BBelief and Ethics

Thursday Option DOption CScience

(R1 MAJ, R2 GRE, R3SPR)

Friday Option AEnglish

Option AEnglish

Week B LEFT (L) RIGHT (R)

Monday

MathsBelief and Ethics

Science(L1 JOB, L2 MAJ, L3 WOR)

MathsScience

(R1 SPR, R2 MAJ, R3 WOR)

Tuesday English

Option COption DScience

(R1 MET,m R2 MAJ, R3 SPR)

Wednesday Option BOption C

EnglishBelief and EthicsScience (R1 MAJ)

Thursday MathsOption D

MathsScience (R2 GRE)

FridayOption AScience

(L1 MAJ, L2 GRE, L3 SPR)Option A

Option A: Option B: Option CL Option CR Option DL Option DR

Asdan IT Bs PE Cd Ar Ls Bs

Bs Mu Fr Sport Gg Hi Pa IT

Fd Sp Hi Sp Hi Gr Sc Sc

Gg Pa

Year 11 Homework Timetable (2014-2015)

Students at The Blandford School are encouraged to become independent learners. We believe

homework supports this. If, for any reason, homework is not set, students are encouraged to

spend their ‘homework time’ reading or undertaking activities on our VLE (FROG) or other excellent

subject-specific websites (to which your teachers will direct you).

Week A LEFT (L) RIGHT (R)

Monday

Belief and Ethics (L1 COG; L3 CRB)

ICT(L2 DOR; L4 TYR)

Science (L1 KIL; L2 MAJ; L3 ROB; L4 MET)

Option D

Belief and Ethics (R2 COG; R3 ROS)

Option C

TuesdayScience

(L1 GRE; L2 WOR; L3 ROB; L4 MET)Maths

Science(R1 MAJ; R2 GRE; R3 SPR)

Wednesday Option AOption B

Option AOption B

Thursday Option CEnglish

MathsEnglish

Friday

Belief and Ethics (L2 HAO)Maths

Science (L1GRE; L2 MAJ; L3 JOB; L4 ROB)

Option D

Week B LEFT (L) RIGHT (R)

MondayBelief and Ethics (L4 ROS)

ICT (L1 TYR; L2 DOR)Option C

Belief and Ethics (R2 COG;R3 ROS)ICT (R2 TYR; R3 DOR)

Option D

Tuesday

Option BMaths

Science(L1 KIL; L2 MAJ; L3 ROB; L4 MET)

Belief and Ethics (L2 ROS)

Option BScience

(R1 WOR; R2 GRE; R3 MAJ)

WednesdayEnglishScience

(L1 GRE; L2 WOR; L3ROB; L4 MET)

EnglishMaths

Belief and Ethics (R1 HAO)

Thursday Option DMaths

Science (R3 – SPR)

Friday Option AOption AOption C

Option A: Option B: Option CL Option CR Option DL Option DR

Bs Fd Cd PA Ar Sp PA Hi

Gg Hi Gg Sport Bs Hi Sp Fd

Cd Pd Gn ICT Further Sc Bs Gg Sc

Tx El Hi Asdan ICT ICT

Fr PE Be Be

Extra-curricular clubs and activities at The Blandford School

Details of the timings of clubs will be published to students at the start of each term.