Options 2015 1 Options 2015 Dear Year 9 student, You are about to start out on a new stage in your education. So far, all the decisions about the courses you have followed have been made by the school. Now you have the chance to choose some of the subjects you will study in Years 10 and 11. Start by reading this booklet carefully. Show it to your parents, too, so that they can help you in your decision-making. If there is any further information you need, do not hesitate to ask Mr Butcher (Deputy Head), Mr Allen (Student Welfare Leader), your form tutor, your subject teachers or any other member of staff you know well. We are all available and keen to help you make the choices which will make your next two years as enjoyable, successful and rewarding as possible. Good luck. Yours sincerely Mr P Woodhouse (Headteacher) 2 Contents The Options Process 4 The Compulsory Curriculum English Mathematics Science PSHE and Careers Recreational PE 6 7 8 10 11 The Optional Curriculum High Quality Vocational Courses Art and Design Business Studies BTEC CoPE Design and Technology Geography History ICT Media Studies Modern Foreign Languages Music Physical Education GCSE Physical Education BTEC Religious Studies 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 The Options Form 32 3 The Options Process Options Evening This is a meeting for parents. They will be introduced to the scheme and the various steps which have to be taken. There will also be information available about the courses which pupils have not met before. Year 9 Parents' Evening This is the most convenient occasion for gathering advice from tutors and individual teachers. The Options Form Once the choices have been made, the forms are handed to the Year 9 tutors. We shall do our best to provide you with the courses that you have chosen, but it may be that we run out of spaces in a particular subject. If there is a problem of this kind, we shall discuss it with the pupils concerned. It is essential that all students nominate reserve subjects, so that we can do our best to accommodate students’ wishes closely in the event that they may not be able to study their original choices. Key Dates Wednesday 25th February: Options Evening for Parents 6.30pm in the Hall Thursday 5th March: Year 9 Parents' Evening 4pm – 6.30pm Monday 9th March: Deadline for return of Pathways Forms 4 The Compulsory Curriculum Some subjects are followed by all students. These form the compulsory part of the curriculum. They are: English (GCSE) Mathematics (GCSE) Science (Double or Triple GCSE) PE (non examination) PSHE and Careers Education 5 English GCSE English Language and Literature (AQA) All boys in years 10 and 11 will be taking a double GCSE in English Language and Literature. There is no longer a controlled assessment element; assessment is wholly exam-based for both strands and students are examined at the end of year 11. English Language - written exams 2 x 1 hour 45 minutes What is studied: a variety of texts from 19th, 20th and 21st centuries Explorations in creative reading and writing (50% overall) Reading (40 marks) (25%) Section B: Writing (25%) Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives (50% overall) Reading (40 marks) (25%) Writing (40 marks) (25%) English Literature – 2 written exams Shakespeare and the 19th century novel (40% overall) Exam: 1 hr 45 minutes Section A - Shakespeare: students answer one question on their play of choice (20%) Section B - The 19th-century novel: students answer one question on their novel of choice (20%) Modern texts and poetry (60% overall) Exam: 2 hrs 15 minutes Section A - Modern texts: students answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text. Section B - Poetry: students answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster. Section C - Unseen poetry: Students answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem. In addition to these, there is a Speaking and Listening element that is assessed throughout the course and students are awarded an independent level for this. 6 Mathematics The Mathematics syllabus for the GCSE examination follows the Edexcel linear Syllabus and assesses the four attainment targets of the National Curriculum: A01 Using and Applying Mathematics A02 Number and Algebra A03 Shape, Space and Measures A04 Handling Data For the few boys who have real difficulties with the subject there are alternative qualifications in Mathematics which may prove more suitable for them. Assessment (for the Edexcel syllabuses): All topics are assessed by examination at the end of the course in the June of year 11. Levels of Entry: There are two levels of entry: Foundation and Higher. Target Grades: The target grades for each level of entry are as follows: Higher Foundation A* - D C -G Boys achieving a mark below the minimum for the award of the lowest grade in each tier will be classified as ungraded. Setting - Years 10 and 11: The setting in Years 10 and 11 is aided by the levels awarded at Key Stage 3, as these levels give some guidance as to performance at GCSE. Where possible, your son will have the same teacher in Year 10 and Year 11. Sets 1, 2 and 3 will follow the Higher course. Sets 4, 5 will follow the Foundation course. It is very important that pupils bring all the necessary equipment to every lesson (this includes a scientific calculator). Note that half of the assessments are “calculator” papers. 7 Science Introduction All of our students begin studying a Double Award Science program which leads to two GCSE grades being awarded following examinations in the summer of Y11. Each of these GCSE’s contains a mixture of Biology, Chemistry and Physics with 25% of the marks awarded for a controlled assessment task completed during lesson time. We also offer the Triple Award GCSE allowing students to gain separate GCSE’s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This route requires students to attend an extra weekly session of study after school and is entirely optional. Information covering our GCSE courses can be found at the link below: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/science-2011-mixed.html Alternatively, please feel free to contact me at the school, ideally by email on [email protected] Edexcel Science GCSE’s All students taking Science GCSE’s study Core Science units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics which will be taught during Year 10. The same structure is followed in Year 11 with students studying Additional Science units. There are also Controlled Assessments based on practical work and are worth 25% of each GCSE. The controlled assessment tasks are based on practical work and are completed in lessons beginning at the end of Year 10. The following table summarises the Edexcel Science courses: Controlled Assessment 25% B3 C3 P3 25% 25% 25% B2 C2 P2 25% 25% 25% B1 C1 P1 Controlled Assessment 25% 25% 25% 25% Controlled Assessment 25% Triple Award Science Additional Science GCSE Science GCSE 8 Units B1, C1 and P1 and a controlled assessment make up a free standing GCSE in Science. Units B2, C2 and P2 and a controlled assessment make up the second, free standing GCSE in Additional Science. Good GCSEs in Science and Additional Science offer sufficient grounding to take Science Alevels in the Sixth form. The extension units B3, C3 and P3 and a controlled assessment will be taken by some students in Year 11 and will allow them to achieve separate GCSE’s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 9 PSHE and Careers The PSHE curriculum in Years 9, 10 and 11 places strong emphasis on the areas of Careers Education and Guidance, Work Related Learning [WRL] and Enterprise Education. In Year 9 students have been more formally introduced to the careers resource centre which is located in the library, and the information that it contains on post-16 and post-18 opportunities. They will have been shown how to use ‘Kudos’, which is an interactive program that will help them with their career decisions. At the end of Year 9 students have the chance to work with businesses during two Enterprise Days. In Years 10 and 11 more time is given over to WRL, which has three strands: Learning about work (developing knowledge and understanding of the workplace), Learning through work (acquiring practical skills in a real working environment) and Learning for work (knowledge and skills developed in a way that is directly relevant to the workplace). Throughout these two years students will be given more guidance on routes beyond Year 11. The majority of this work is student-led in an effort to help students develop their time management skills. Year 10 students will undertake their Work Experience in the last two weeks of the year. We encourage them to find their own placement and recommend that they begin their search well before September of Year 11. In Year 11 there will be a Practice Interview Day in the Spring Term. In addition, they will also have a minimum twenty-minute interview with our Connexions Personal Advisors. At this time, they will be able to talk about future plans, eg continuing their academic studies, following a vocational course, entering into a Modern Apprenticeship programme or beginning full-time work. More information is available on the Work Related Learning pages on the school’s website. By the time they reach the end of their compulsory education we would hope that all students will have been able to make an informed choice on the next stage in their life. 10 Recreational Physical Education Physical Education in Years 10 and 11 allows a more in-depth study of team games, athletics and health-related fitness principles. In Year 10 the boys will follow a set programme of activities that develops their understanding and skills from Key Stage 3. There is a greater opportunity for independent learning, and the development of leadership and social skills is a key feature within lessons. All of the boys will have the opportunity to use the Fitness Suite, developing their knowledge, understanding and application of fitness concepts whilst planning their own training programme. In Year 11 boys opt to participate in activities and study these sports for a term at a time to allow for the pupils to develop an enjoyment and high level of skilled performance in their chosen activity. By offering a very wide variety of sports, both in and outside school, it is hoped that every boy will be able to find an activity he will want to pursue on leaving school. 11 The Optional Curriculum In addition to the compulsory curriculum, students also study up to four further subjects. These are GCSEs, Applied courses such as BTEC, or a combination of both. It is vitally important at this stage that students select courses which are most suited to their interests, abilities and learning styles. You are encouraged to discuss your preferences with course leaders, form tutors and learning support staff. In the next section, details of the courses are set out. It should be pointed out here that student choices are a statement of preference, and whilst we will do our best to accommodate your wishes, we cannot guarantee that all choices will be available. We will contact you to discuss your courses if this is the case. The English Baccalaureate In order to satisfy the criteria for the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc), students need to study and pass a particular suite of subjects. These are: English Mathematics Science (double award) A humanity (history or geography) A modern foreign language (French or Spanish) There has been huge emphasis on Ebacc over the past few years, and there is growing evidence that in order to progress to higher education, Ebacc qualifications provide candidates with a clear advantage over those without them. Success in Ebacc subjects is regarded as evidence of a well rounded academic preparation for work or further study, and we strongly recommend that if you are capable of studying these subjects, then you should do so. All students will study English, mathematics and science, and so we recommend that two of your four choices include a humanity and a modern foreign language. This will still allow you scope to study two other subjects from our extensive list. 12 High Quality Vocational Courses What are BTECs? BTECs are vocational qualifications offered by the Edexcel exam board. They are nationally recognised by employers and further education providers, and are offered in many schools as alternatives to GCSE qualifications. All BTEC courses offered at KNBS are high quality courses, approved by the government for inclusion in 2016 performance indicators. What are they worth? BTECs are predominantly coursework based, using a mixture or projects and assignments, and offer a different learning experience to GCSEs. BTEC courses also have an examined component. Each BTEC pass is equivalent to at least a C grade at GCSE. It is possible to achieve the equivalent of a B with a "merit" in a BTEC, and an A with a "distinction". What vocational courses are offered at KNBS? From September 2014, we will be offering BTECs in PE, Science, Business Studies and ICT. Will I be studying BTECs or GCSEs? Most students who opt for PE will follow a GCSE course, but some will study BTEC if that would be a more successful option for them. Other choices are made by you after close consultation with staff at KNBS. Can I get into KNBS Sixth form with vocational qualifications? Our entry requirements for the sixth form are unchanged. Currently you need 5 A* - C at GCSE (including Maths and English), with certain subjects imposing minimum entry qualifications. Students following BTECs will be invited to consider the pathways available at KNBS sixth form, which includes a level 3 BTEC in PE. In such cases, their level 2 BTEC at KS4 will serve as entrance qualifications. What can a BTEC lead to? Level 2 BTECs are particularly good preparation for level 3 BTEC qualifications, which are specialist qualifications offered at KNBS and many further education colleges. These are equivalent to A levels and are recognised by universities, further education colleges and employers alike. There are more than 250 qualifications for students to choose from. These qualifications are suitable for students aged 16 upwards and are recommended for those who have achieved at least four A*- C grade GCSEs or have completed a BTEC at level 2 (GCSE equivalent). 13 Art and Design Examination Board: AQA Coursework: minimum 2 projects Examination: 1 project 60% 40% What am I expected to produce in the GCSE Art and Design course? You will create sketchbooks full of drawings, ideas and research which will result in several exciting larger final pieces in paint, clay and colour pencil. You will have the opportunity to explore new materials throughout the two years. What can I do with my Art GCSE after Year 11? Many students have enjoyed success in this subject with excellent examination results leading on to the Sixth Form or going on to various colleges and Universities. Five Reasons to choose Art as an Option: 1 There are over 100 jobs linked with Art and Design in the careers library. 2 Art is an opportunity for students to express visually their thoughts and opinions How much will I be expected to do over about our society and the world they live in. the two year course? 3 Art affects many aspects of our lives, You will produce 2 coursework projects and from the design of everyday objects to the one exam project. highest forms of expression. Will I be able to choose what media I work in? During the first project we will encourage you to use different media and show you lots of demonstrations. During the second project and exam project, you can choose what media you work in. 4 Art provides an opportunity to cover all the Key Skills. 5 Art is not just for the gifted. ALL boys can achieve success in this subject. However, being able to meet deadlines is very important. What will I need? What media can we use for GCSE? Painting, Drawing (in pencil, biro, crayon, pastel on paper, fabric, scratchboard) printing in various forms, sculpture (clay, wire, modrock), computer graphics, largescale ceramics and illustration. And anything you can think of! In order for boys to achieve their best work for homework they will need to purchase the following items: A sketchbook, pencils, rubber, sharpener, coloured crayons, watercolours, fineliner and an A2 portfolio. Are there any trips involved? There will be two day trips (one in year 10 and one in year 11) which will help you to gather your research. We normally travel to different galleries in London but where we go might vary. What about the exam? In Year 11 students are put to the test in a tenhour examination. Your topic will be set by the examination board. However, understanding the exam is nothing to worry about as it’s very similar to completing a piece of coursework. 14 Business Studies (BTEC Level 2 FIRST AWARD) Qualification: Pupils complete four units over the two years and gain a qualification which is equivalent to a GCSE. Below is the structure of the course: Unit Number 1 2 3 8 Unit Enterprise in the Business World Finance for Business Promoting a Brand Recruitment, selection and employment What does Business Studies involve? Assessment Method Internal (Coursework) External (Exam) Internal (Coursework) Internal (Coursework) Weight (%) 25 25 25 25 What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course? Marketing–how products are presented and sold Human resources–the role of people in business Finance–how money is essential to the business Production–how things are made It is unlikely that you will have studied Business Studies before taking this course, but that does not matter. You will have come across business terms in your ICT lessons. You may have enjoyed this part of the ICT course and you have an interest in business technology, or perhaps want to start your own business one day. You may have an enquiring mind and be interested in learning about the world Why choose business? around you, how businesses are set up, and the It is relevant to the world of work– systems that help businesses communicate Employers value the qualification. There effectively. are real opportunities to progress in education or employment. You will gain Is this the right subject for me? valuable skills When you leave school and wish to get a This course is both active and enjoyable. You need job, you will understand a little more to be good at communicating and explaining your ideas, and not afraid of learning new things and about the way a business works. If you choose not to become an working with numbers to solve business problems. employee, you will perhaps have the You will learn how to be a creative thinker and how skills and knowledge to start your own to make decisions. What’s more, you will also learn about the world of business through research and business. investigation, as well as through practical tasks. A Learning is ‘hands-on’ strong desire to develop word processing, database and spreadsheet skills through business applications is a very good reason for taking this course. If you want to know more please come and speak to Miss Day! 15 CoPE – Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (By invitation only) This is a new, nationally recognised qualification which is 100% coursework (no exams!) based, and aims to develop a wide range of personal qualities, new skills and confidence. The course is divided into 12 modules, ranging from ‘The Environment’ and ‘Science and Technology’ to ‘Expressive Arts’ and ‘Health and Fitness’. The students will build a Portfolio of Evidence over 2 years, through formal planning and reviewing of their work, which can lead to a Level 1 (GCSE Grade E) or Level 2 (GCSE Grade B) qualification. This course will be taught in a small group which boys will be invited to join after discussion with parents. As well as developing skills such as communication, problem solving and planning/carrying out research, this certificate has been proven to increase a student’s chance of achieving GCSE English and Maths by 10%. 16 Design and Technology The Department is offering students a choice of three courses to follow through Years 10 and 11. All require substantial design work, theory knowledge and written assignments. The main difference is in the materials used and the end product required from a particular course. Design and Technology: Graphic Products: AQA This is a graphics-based course where the pupils will design and make proposals for a number of design briefs. The product outcomes will take the form of two and threedimensional models, prototypes and mock-ups, both in static and dynamic form. Design and Technology: Resistant Materials Technology: AQA In this course pupils will produce design work and then make the product, using wood, metal or plastic and other materials as necessary, in one of our workshops. Design and Technology: Food Technology: AQA This is a food based course where pupils will design and make a number of products from a variety of board set tasks. Pupils will explore properties of food, understanding nutritional properties of food. Assessment: Coursework 60% Assessed through one main design project showing approximately 40-50 hours work and undertaken in Year 10/11. Examination 40% assessing both designing - A single paper in the Summer of Year 11 and making knowledge. Pre-release material issued. The terminal examination for each syllabus will consist of a written/design paper, which is set and marked by the examination board. 17 Geography Examination Board: Edexcel Specification B Is this the right subject for me? In order to answer this question, ask yourself what you enjoy about studying geography. Try these questions Do I want to: Learn about and understand the world I live in? Develop skills that will help me in other subjects and in employment, such as ICT and research? Complete practical work away from the classroom? Learn how to work in a team with other students? Learn through investigating, not just listening and reading? What will I Learn? The world is always changing. This specification gives you the chance to learn about those changes. There are four units. Unit 1: Dynamic Planet This will give you a sound understanding of important physical processes such as geological processes, ecosystems, the atmosphere and climate and the hydrological cycle. These topics are interlinked and although you may study them separately the unit is designed to show you how physical geography combines to create a ‘life support system’ for the planet. Unit 2: People and the Planet This focuses on human geography. In a similar way to Unit 1, it links together to build an overall understanding of human geography. You will study how populations grow and change, where people live and work and how they exploit and use resources. There are also options in Units 1 and 2 so you will choose to study some topics in more depth such as rivers or coasts, cities or the countryside, development or economic geography and oceans or extreme climates. 18 Unit 3: Making Geographical Decisions This is a decision-making exercise, where you study a specific topic, such as Antarctica, in detail. This is designed to teach you how to make decisions about a specific topic, based on the evidence studied. The skills you will learn in this topic will be valuable in all aspects of this GCSE in Geography, and in the rest of your life. Unit 4: Researching Geography This will involve undertaking research, carrying out fieldwork and then writing it up. The research and fieldwork can be undertaken out of class but the writing up will all be in class time. This means you have to spend less time at home doing your geography coursework. How will I be assessed? Higher and Foundation examination papers are available. For the core Units 1 and 2, exam papers are resource based. You will have maps, photographs and diagrams to help you answer the questions. Questions will range from short questions up to larger extendedwriting questions. Unit 3: “Making Geographical Decisions” is a decision-making exercise based on pre-release resources. These will consist of a colour resource booklet on a geographical issue or location. Your teacher can work with you on the resources. Questions will assess your understanding of the resources in relation to environmental issues and sustainability. Unit 4: “Researching Geography” is the controlled assessment (coursework) unit. You will complete fieldwork and data collection for this unit, and analyse and write up your results in class. Each of the four units is worth 25% of the GCSE marks. What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course? You will have learned a number of geographical skills and a body of geographical knowledge at key stage 3. These will be developed further during the GCSE course to give you a deeper understanding of the world. Much will be new but your previous study of geography will have helped prepare you to think like a geographer, so the development of new skills and concepts will be easy. 19 What can I do after I’ve completed the course? Geography really is an education for life. Employers and universities value the broad range of transferable skills that geography delivers. Geography fits neatly with science, arts and humanities. Geographers also tend to have very good ICT skills. A GCSE in Geography is excellent preparation for a career in planning, resource and country management, tourism and recreation and environmental management and development. Many geographers also move into general management careers or branch out into journalism. Next steps! If you would like to find out more about the issues and topics that modern geographers study visit the following sources: www.nationalgeographic.com/index.html www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize www.worldmapper.org www.geographyinthenews.rgs.org 20 History The course we will follow will be Edexcel History A – The Making of the Modern World Why study History? “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” – by studying History at GCSE you will make sure you always have both eyes open. As well as studying some of the most important events and people in 20th Century History, you will be learning skills for further study and employment which will stand you in good stead for years to come. Understanding the world around you is the skill most employers want to see, and by studying History at GCSE you will gain a greater understanding of the world you live in. You will study the following: YEAR TEN September-January: Outline Study International Relations 1900-39 February-June: Controlled Assessment – The USA and Vietnam 1960-1975 YEAR ELEVEN June-January:Depth Study– Germany, 1918 – 1939 January-June: Source Enquiry, Britain 1931-1951 You will have the opportunity to benefit from a range of teaching styles, as well as studying photographs, films, songs, newspapers and books. The new GCSE also has new learning resources, textbooks and methods which will make it clearer for you to gain better grades. It is crucial that you enjoy reading and can write clearly and well under test conditions. There will also be the annual 3 day visit to Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland for students, in the Winter of Year 11. This overseas visit gives students the chance to see for themselves the consequences of Nazi policy in Germany and Eastern Europe to minority groups. You will learn and develop the following skills: How to interpret and evaluate pieces of evidence from the past; How to effectively communicate and apply knowledge and skills; How to describe and analyse the key people and events of the periods studied; Problem solving, critical thinking and judgment under pressure. 21 Assessment: The GCSE specifications from September 2012 mean that assessment in Years 10 and 11 is linear. Each unit is worth 25% of the final course mark and 3 units will be taken as exams in Year 11 at the end of the course. Unit Four is a controlled assessment unit. This means research is undertaken in both class and homework time, and the final pieces of work are written up under controlled conditions in class with the use of plans and notes. Work is marked by your subject teachers, and moderated by the exam board. 22 Information Communication Technology WJEC GCSE ICT This is an option for the boys to study through years 10 and 11. The course is structured with an exam and controlled assessment unit in each year. The course is designed for students who are thinking about taking ICT long term as it will prepare them for A level ICT. The structure of the course is as follows: Year 10 Unit 2: Solving Problems with ICT Single Award 30% Controlled Assessment: 22½ hours 80 Marks (60 UMS) This controlled assessment consists of a portfolio of work which shows candidates' attainment in obtaining and interpreting different types of information; using, developing and communicating information to meet the purpose of their studies and presenting the results of their work. This assignment will assess the practical aspects of the functional elements of ICT. Unit 4: Developing Multimedia ICT Solutions Single Award 30% Controlled Assessment: 22½ hours 80 Marks (60 UMS) This controlled assessment will give candidates the opportunity to develop a piece of work using multimedia software following a single task brief issued by WJEC. Year 11 Unit 1: Understanding ICT Single Award 20% External Assessment: 1½ hours 80 Marks (40 UMS) This examination paper will assess the requirements of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for Information and Communication Technology and the functional elements of ICT in a home and school context. Unit 3: ICT in Organisations Single Award 20% External Assessment: 1½ hours 80 Marks (40 UMS) This examination paper will assess the 'application' content of ICT in a business and industry context. All students will have access to all course materials on Moodle and will provided with access to a course text book as required. 23 Media Studies Examination Board: OCR Method of Assessment: 60% coursework and 40% written examination. Background: “Children already spend more time watching television than they do attending lessons in school. We need to accept the impact of the media and appreciate their importance as elements of culture in today’s world. Arguments for the study of the media as a preparation for responsible citizenship are formidable now and with the development of communications technology ought to be irresistible. The school and the family share the responsibility of preparing the young person for living in a world of powerful images, words and sounds.” (An excerpt from UNESCO’s Declaration on Media Education) Levels of Entry: Media Studies is the analysis of mass forms of communication, ranging from the World Wide Web to television, radio, films, newspapers and magazines. For the GCSE students it involves the study of existing products as well as the creation of media texts of their own. It requires creativity, excellent written and analytical skills and an interest in independent work. The ability to interpret images, narratives and sounds provides students with the skills required to understand the world they live in and the decisions which impact directly on their own lives. The media student also benefits from improved literacy and a heightened awareness of media manipulation and the use of ICT within the media. Although it is a course which requires excellent literacy skills, it should also appeal to those students with technical and creative aptitudes. Media Studies complements most subjects within the GCSE curriculum. It has particular overlap with English, Business Studies, ICT and Art and Design. This subject is very popular on the options list and provides a clear progression route to the OCR AS/A Level Media Studies course which has been running, successfully, for several years in the school. The pass rate at AS and A2 has been over 90%. Through a variety of theoretical and practical approaches this course will enable students to develop their enjoyment of media texts and develop a framework for analysing the meaning and importance of those texts. It can provide students with a key life skill. Levels of Entry Pupils are advised to be on target for a C or above if choosing this course as the written work is substantial. Examination/Coursework Breakdown: Unit B321 (Coursework) – The Individual Media Studies Portfolio (30%) 24 This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated. In this unit candidates complete a 1500 word written assignment, detailed planning and a creative production exercise and a written evaluative commentary. (120 marks) Unit B322 – Textual Analysis and Media Studies Topic - Moving Images (40%) This is an examinable unit currently based on Action/Adventure films and TV institutions and scheduling. (80 marks) Unit B324 (Coursework) – Production Portfolio in Media Studies (30%) This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated. Candidates work in groups to create a major practical production with individual research, planning and evaluation of the product. (120 marks) 25 Modern Foreign Languages You may choose one Modern Foreign Language only or study French plus Spanish. Knowing other languages brings opportunities: Be more competitive! get a better job and earn more! extend your life options! learn about another culture! Give yourself a competitive edge! All major universities look favourably on candidates with a language GCSE for ANY course! Did you know that studying a second language can improve your skills and grades in mathematics and English and can improve chances to access many university choices? Research has shown that mathematics and verbal exam scores climb higher with each additional year of foreign language study, which means that the longer you study a foreign language, the stronger your skills become and you’ll be better equipped to succeed in school. The job advantage in a global economy. In the present global economy businesses need many different kinds of workers who can communicate in different languages and understand other cultures. No matter what career you choose, if you have learned a second language, you will have a real advantage. Learning other cultures: your world and beyond. Discover new aspects of the world: get an insider’s view of another culture and a new view of your own. Connect with other cultures: learning about other cultures will help you expand your personal horizons and become a more responsible citizen. What are you going to learn at KNBS? The Modern Foreign Language Department strongly advises all the boys in year 9 to opt for at least one foreign language as part of their GCSE studies. Boys who are considering taking GCE Advanced Level courses in any subject or are thinking about going to University could limit their future chances if they do not take a modern foreign language as one of their option subjects up to GCSE Level, and we strongly recommend that you do so. Exams. Achievement in French and Spanish will be certificated by a GCSE from the AQA Examination Board, and each course will assess the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. With the new specification Speaking and Writing are 60% of the final grade and Listening and Reading are 40%. The boys prepare for the Speaking and Writing controlled Assessments in their classes with their teachers while the Reading and Listening exams are sat in June at the end of their course. 26 Music The Music GCSE course follows the AQA Unit 3 syllabus and is based around the following Performing Music 5 areas of study: 40% of the final mark One Solo performance and one group Rhythm & Metre performance. Harmony & Tonality The recordings of these can be made at any Texture & Melody time during the course Timbre & Dynamics Unit 4 Structure & Form Composing Music These will be explored through three 20% of the final marks You will need to compose one piece of music Strands: which explores two or more of the 5 Areas of Study. a) The Western Classical Tradition b) Popular Music of the 20th & 21st It can be in any style. centuries Course Content c) World Music Students learn about a variety of styles of music from Classical, to Pop and develop There are 4 units to the course: listening, performing and composing skills using keyboards or their own instruments. Unit 1 Compositions can be created using ‘live’ Listening to and Appraising Music 20% of the final mark - 1 hour listening instruments and through the use of Sibelius and Logic Pro software in the Music examination You will need to answer questions based on Technology Suite. short musical excerpts of music from all five Can Anyone Take Music GCSE? Areas of Study Yes, but you will need to play an instrument at grade 2 standard or Unit 2 equivalent (audition may be required). Composing and Appraising Music You will need to be interested in different 20% of the final mark A. Candidates compose one piece of music types of music and be willing to be creative which explores two or more of the 5 Areas and learn new skills. of Study, and links to one of the 3 strands selected by AQA B. Candidates appraise the process and outcome in writing 27 Physical Education GCSE The Physical Education course offers students an opportunity to develop an understanding of Sports Science and apply this knowledge to their own practical performances. Lessons will focus on all aspects of physical activity, and the boys will then use this knowledge in developing their own training programmes and approaches to their sports. Assessment: 60% practical (to include the 2 analysis tasks) 40% theoretical (examination at end of Year 11) As part of the course pupils will undertake PE at various venues. Theoretical Lessons: Theory lessons investigate the following areas: Factors affecting participation and performance The relationship between health, fitness and practical activity Risk assessment in physical activity. Lessons draw on many different resources, and homework is used to further learning. Practical Lessons: The following practical activities are taught as part of the course: Football, Basketball, Rugby, Badminton, Cricket, Athletics, Table-tennis and Crosscountry. Each activity will be covered in Years 10 and 11, thereby enabling pupils to show progression in all sports. Pupils will be assessed in four of the activities, with the marks making up 50% of the final grade. Analysis tasks: Pupils are required to complete 2 analysis tasks. The first of which is a lifestyle analysis, which looks at fitness levels, dietary requirements and factors that affect health and fitness. The second is an analysis of performance task, which focuses on how well tasks are performed and how performance can be improved further. 28 Physical Education BTEC First Award Students may prefer and be more suited to the BTEC Sport course. This course is 75% assignment based with one short computer based exam. Students have the opportunity to improve work following suggestions from the teacher. Students are required to have an interest, in-depth understanding and knowledge of sport and will be required to complete a lot of practical PE also. The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Award in Sport consists of 4 units selected in response to the interests and ambitions of the group from the options below: Core units: Fitness for Sport and Exercise Practical Sports Performance Optional Units: The Mind and Sports Performance The Sports Performer in Action Training for Personal Fitness Leading Sports Activities PE staff will advise boys as to the best option for them, as to whether GCSE or BTEC will be most beneficial for each individual boy. 29 Religious Studies These are exciting times for the Religious Education department at KNBS. You will now be able to choose the option which suits YOU!! Full Course Christian Perspectives. & World Religions- Islam 4 exams, 1 hr each This aims to give you a brief introduction to GCSE RS at KNBS School and it will be a guide to show how important RS is for YOU! You have now been studying RE at KNBS for nearly 3 years. Over that time you have extended your knowledge on the world’s greatest influence; Religion. Our world has always been influenced by great religious thinkers from Muhammad to Jesus. In years 7, 8 & 9 you have been working on topics which are relevant for this GCSE subject. In years 10 & 11 we will be building on the work which we have already begun - topics which you already have a good knowledge of! RS is an academic subject and employers will know that you are thoughtful and have the ability to research, debate and argue in a mature and sensible way. Colleges and Universities will see that you are a person with experience of the world and the people who live around you. There are many professions where RS is not only useful but it is considered to be of great benefit! Here are a few examples:Law, Nursing, Childcare, Teaching, Catering, Social work, The Health Service, The Army, Navy and Air Force, police, Journalism, Dietician, Building Society/Bank work and the Retail Trade. (You will notice that most of these professions involve working with the public. RE helps people to be caring and understanding. It shows that you have taken the time, to stop and consider what makes people tick!) The course will involve spending half of the course studying Christianity and half studying Islam. The Christianity course is based around ethics, human relationships, prejudice and equality, war, peace and human rights and responsibility for the planet. In Islam where you look at the beliefs and practices of Muslims and you will be able to understand the significance of these practices. You will take your final 4 exams at the end of year 11. 30 RS will enable you to use reasoning and evaluation skills. It will include a huge amount of discussion where you can give your own view but also discover other views which will be supported by evidence and reason. Anyone can study RS as there are no right or wrong answers. You will learn important skills that will be useful when moving on to do A Levels and going to university. 31 The Options Form 2015 – 16 This form must be completed and sent to your son’s form tutor by Monday 9th March 2015. Name………………………………………………………….. Tutor Group……………… The following is a list of subjects available : Please also choose a reserve subject, in the event that we are unable to cater fully for your preferences. GCSE Art and Design Graphic Products Food Technology French History Geography ICT Media Studies Music Physical Education GCSE Religious Studies Resistant Materials Spanish Business Studies Physical Education (BTEC) BTEC Preferences: 1. 2. 3. 4. Reserve: I confirm that I approve of the preferences set out above and that I understand that although the School will endeavour to provide them, alternative courses may be allocated in some circumstances. Signed…………………………………………… (Parent / carer) Date………………………….….. 32
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