Year 9 Options Brochure For KS4
Year 9 Options Brochure For KS4 Foxford School and Community Arts College Grange Road, Longford, Coventry, CV6 6BB 1 Overview Students must stay in education and training until they are 18. Students have to study, as a minimum, English, Maths, three English Baccalaureate subjects and 3 other high quality qualifications. The English Baccalaureate subjects are: Science Additional Science (worth 2 GCSE’s) History Geography A Modern Foreign Language (from an approved list) Our curriculum has been redesigned to ensure that every student at Foxford is able to do this. We remain committed to offering our students a broad and balanced curriculum. We believe in helping our students as much as possible to make decisions about future opportunities, training and employment. We want our students to progress onto courses and careers that they enjoy and that help them fulfil their potential. The information in this booklet is subject to change in response to any further alterations in Government legislation. 2 To consider The choices students make are important. If students do not have a career in mind at this stage, they need to concentrate on choosing pathways and subjects that suit their abilities and interests and that give them plenty of choice when they need to decide on an education or training route at the end of Key Stage 4. What is likely to happen to the labour market in the future? There are very few ‘jobs for life’ - people may change jobs many times in their working lives New jobs are emerging all the time—because of technological, economic, social and political changes The number of jobs for unskilled, poorly qualified workers will continue to fall The number of jobs for skilled, well qualified workers will continue to grow The number of jobs requiring Science, Technology, Computing, Engineering and Mathematics will continue to grow The workplace is changing quickly so employers will continue to need people who are willing and able to learn and who can collaborate with others 3 National Progression Routes National Progression Routes show the qualifications that are available to students at the various points in their education. From 14 From 16 From 18 Foundation Apprenticeship Apprenticeship Employment Employment learning GCSEs and BTECs with training Foundation Employment learning with training GCSEs and BTECs Further education A levels Higher education 4 Levels of Qualification Qualifications: what the different levels mean Different qualifications are grouped together into various 'levels'. This can help you (and employers) see how qualifications compare and how one type can lead on to another. These are the qualifications offered at Foxford and their levels. Level 1 - GCSEs grades D-G or 3-1 - Vocational Qualifications at level 1 - Functional Skills at level 1 Level 2 - GCSEs grades A*-C or 9-4 - BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates - Functional Skills at level 2 - Higher Diplomas - Young Apprenticeship Level 3 - A levels 5 The Curriculum at Foxford The Key Stage 4 curriculum is for students in Years 10 and 11. All students will work towards the equivalent of at least eight GCSEs. The Compulsory Curriculum All Students will study: English English Literature Science (Core) Additional Science Physical Education (practical) PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education—delivered during Tutor Time) Religious Education (delivered through PSHE and Enrichment Days) The Choices There will be three pathways available: The English Baccalaureate Pathway (Ebacc) The Open Pathway The Foundation Learning Pathway 6 The English Baccalaureate The English Baccalaureate recognises the achievements of students who attain A*-C (or 9-4) grades at GCSE in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, a Language and History or Geography. If students achieve these grades in all five areas of their curriculum they will be certificated as having achieved the English Baccalaureate. This is a benchmark for entrance to the top Universities. At Foxford, students currently achieving a minimum of Level 6c at Key Stage 3 in English, Mathematics, Science, a Language and Humanities will be eligible to state a preference for the English Baccalaureate route. Foundation Learning We use a number of training providers in and around Coventry to deliver Level 1 Vocational programmes to those students who would benefit most. Students attend the training provider for one day a week and school for the remaining four days a week. Students will be able to state a preference for this pathway but the final decision will be made by Ms Dawson, Director of Learning for Year 9, in liaison with Mrs Canning, Work Related Learning Co-ordinator. Parents will be fully consulted if this pathway is considered suitable and beneficial for a student. 7 Pathways to Success The Director of Learning for Year 9 and all tutors are active in providing information and guidance to help students decide on the best pathway of study for them. They are asking students to think about two key questions: “Where will my studies lead?” “How am I going to gain the most success?” Tutors will also be warning about some do’s and don’ts do subjects you enjoy and are good at do try to have a balance of types of subject do think about where your studies might lead at ages 16, 18 and beyond don’t start something you’re not prepared to finish—it will be impossible to make changes in September. Find out as much as you can, then commit don’t think you’d like to do a subject just because of the teacher don’t think you want to do a subject because your friends are doing it—this is about your success 8 English Baccalaureate Pathways Students need a minimum of Level 6c at Key Stage 3 in English, Mathematics, Science, a Language and Humanities to apply. Core Subjects English Language English Literature Maths Science (Core) Additional Science or Triple Science French or Home Language Physical Education (Practical and non-exam) PSHE (non-exam) Choose TWO from Art Music BTEC Dance Drama History Geography Business Studies BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Sport BTEC Graphics Textiles Product Design Catering ICT Choose ONE from History Geography Students will be able to progress to an Apprenticeship, Employment with Training or A Levels from this pathway. It is recommended that students who aspire to apply to the top Universities in the future state a preference for this pathway. 9 Open Pathways All students eligible Core Subjects English Language English Literature Maths Science (Core) Physical Education (Practical and non-exam) PSHE (non-exam) Choose THREE from Art Music BTEC Dance Drama History Geography Business Studies BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Sport BTEC Graphics Textiles Product Design Catering ICT Choose ONE from History Geography Additional Science French Students will be able to progress to an Apprenticeship, Employment with Training or A Levels from this pathway. Students will be able to apply for University in the future. 10 Foundation Learning Pathways Students will be identified for this route by the Director of Learning for Year 9. Core Subjects English Language English Literature Maths Science (Core) Additional Science Physical Education (Practical and non-exam) PSHE (non-exam) Choose ONE from Art Music BTEC Dance Drama Business Studies BTEC Health and Social Care BTEC Sport BTEC Graphics Textiles Product Design Catering ICT Additional Core College course Geography Students will be able to progress to Vocational qualifications, Employment with Training or additional GCSE’s from this route. 11 Curriculum Contents Page English 13 and 14 Mathematics 15 and 16 Science 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 Geography 22 and 23 History 24 and 25 Languages 26 and 27 Graphic Design 28 and 29 Hospitality and Catering 30 and 31 Product Design 32 and 33 Textiles Technology 34 and 35 Music 36 and 37 Dance 38 and 39 Fine Art 40 and 41 Sport 42 and 43 Health and Social Care 44 and 45 Business Studies 46 and 47 12 GCSE English Language and English Literature (AQA) What will I study? You will study two GCSE courses English Language English Literature English Language will give you the opportunity to explore the writers’ craft and viewpoints through the study of a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts and develop your own creative writing skills. English Literature will develop your enjoyment of a wide range of literary texts from Shakespeare to contemporary novels and plays; alongside classic novels and poetry through the ages What qualification will the course lead to? A GCSE in English Language and a GCSE in English Literature from the AQA examination board. How will I be assessed? Both GCSE courses are 100% terminal examination sat in the summer term of Year 11. What will the controlled assessment involve? There is no controlled assessment for either course however, you will be required to complete a number of speaking and listening assessments throughout the duration of the English Language course. 13 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? It builds your written and spoken communication skills It teaches skills that you will need to use in ALL of your other subjects It is required for all career paths that you may want to pursue What kinds of activities take place in lessons? English lessons are not just about reading and writing. Along with discussion, debate and group work there are opportunities for drama and other creative activities. What links will help me? Additional information can be found on the AQA website: www.aqq.org.uk and revision materials are available on the BBC’s Bitesize website. Regular reading a range of texts and literature will also really help you. You should be reading every day. This has a huge impact on your vocabulary and the ability to interpret the texts for English at GCSSE as well as understanding what the exam questions are looking for. Who are the best people to contact? Director of Teaching and Learning for English: Ms Chamberlain [email protected] 14 GCSE Mathematics (Edexcel) What will I study? In GCSE Mathematics you will study: Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Statistics and probability What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE in Mathematics from the Edexcel examination board. How will I be assessed? By 100% examination. There are two tiers of entry available: Foundation (grades 1=5) Higher (grades 4-9) The assessment of each tier will consist of three externally examined papers. It is a linear qualification; all examination papers must be taken in the same examination series at the end of the course. There is one non-calculator paper and two calculator papers. Each paper is worth 80 marks. The time allocation for each paper is 1 hours 30 minutes. What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? You will emerge from GCSE Mathematics with a level of confidence and fluency that will provide a genuine foundation for the rest of your learning and working life. All employers will be looking for employees who are competent in basic numeracy skills. 15 What kinds of activities take place in lessons? During the course you will be involved in independent learning, group work, problem solving and investigations. What links will help me? www.mymaths.co.uk www.mrhegartymaths.co.uk Revision guides—purchase from the Maths office Mathswatch CD Who are the best people to contact? Miss Smith—Director of Teaching and Learning for Mathematics [email protected] 16 GCSE Science A (Year 10) and Additional Science (Year 11) (AQA) What will I study? In GCSE Science A in Year 10 you will study: Biology 1: Keeping healthy, nerves and hormones, the use and abuse of drugs, interdependence and adaptation, food chains, energy, biomass and cycles, genetic variation and its control, evolution. Chemistry 1: Fundamental ideas in Chemistry, limestone and building materials, metals and their uses, crude oil and fuels, useful substances from crude oil, plant oils and their uses, changes in the earth and atmosphere. Physics 1: Heating and cooling, energy and efficiency, waves, the expanding universe. Investigative skills assignment: Practical skills taught throughout the course. In GCSE Additional Science in Year 11 you will study: Biology 2: Cells, tissues, organs and organ systems, photosynthesis, organisms and their environment, proteins—their functions and uses, respiration, cell division and inheritance, speciation. Chemistry 2: Structure and bonding, atomic structure, analysis and quantitative chemistry, rates of reaction, exothermic and endothermic reactions, acid, bases and salts, electrolysis. Physics 2: Forces and their effects, kinetic energy, electricity, atoms and radiation, life cycles of stars. Investigative skills assignment: Practical skills taught throughout the course. What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE Science A and GCSE Additional Science both from the AQA examination board. 17 How will I be assessed? The assessments for Science consist of exams and investigative skills assessments:Science A: Science 1—written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) - 90 marks (35%) Structured and closed questions, at least one question assessing quality of written communication in a science context. Assess: Biology 1 (B1.1 to B1.3) Chemistry 1 (C1.1 to C1.4) Physics 1 (P1.1 to P1.3) Science 2—written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) - 90 marks (40%) Structured and closed questions, at least one question assessing quality of written communication in a science context. Assesses: Biology 1 (B1.4 to B1.8) Chemistry 1 (C1.5 to C1.7) Physics 1 (P1.4 to P1.5) Additional Science: Additional Science 1—written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) - 90 marks (35%) Structured and closed questions, at least one question assessing quality of written communication in a science context. Assesses: Biology 1 (B1.1 to B1.3) Chemistry 1 (C1.1 to C1.4) Physics 1 (P1.1 to P1.3) Additional Science 2—written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) - 90 marks (40%) Structured and closed questions, at least one question assessing quality of written communication in a science context. Assesses: Biology 1 (B1.4 to B1.8) Chemistry 1 (C1.5 to C1.7) Physics 1 (P1.4 to P1.5) What will the controlled assessment involve? Investigative skills assignment (for each GCSE)—two written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing—50 marks (25%) 18 Triple Science (GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics) (AQA) What will I study? Year 10 and Year 11—Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied as three separate subjects: Biology 1: Keeping healthy, nerves and hormones, the use and abuse of drugs, interdependence and adaptation, food chains, energy, biomass and cycles, genetic variation and its control, evolution. Biology 2: Cells, tissues, organs and organ systems, photosynthesis, organisms and their environment, proteins and their functions and uses, respiration, cell division and inheritance, speciation Biology 3: Movement of molecules in and out of cells, transport systems in plants and animals, homeostasis, humans and their environment. Chemistry 1: Fundamental ideas in Chemistry, limestone and building materials, metals and their uses, crude oil and fuels, useful substances from crude oil, plant oils and their uses, changes in the earth and atmosphere. Chemistry 2: structure and bonding, atomic structure, analysis and quantitative chemistry, exothermic and endothermic reactions, acid, bases and salts, electrolysis. Chemistry 3: The Periodic Table, water, calculating and explaining energy changes, further analysis and quantitative Chemistry, the production of ammonia, alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters. Physics 1: Heating and cooling, energy and efficiency, waves, the expanding universe. Physics 2: Forces and their effects, kinetic energy, electricity, atoms and radiation, life cycles of stars. Physics 3: medical applications of Physics, using Physics to make things work, keeping things moving. What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics all from the AQA examination board. 19 How will I be assessed? The assessments for Triple Science consist of exams and investigative skills assessments:Biology: Unit 1—1 written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Unit 2—written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Unit 3—written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Investigative skills assessment—two written assessment plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing—50 marks (25%) Chemistry: Unit 1—1 written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Unit 2—written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Unit 3—written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Investigative skills assessment—two written assessment plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing—50 marks (25%) Physics: Unit 1—1 written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Unit 2—written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Unit 3—written paper (1 hour) - 60 marks (25%) Investigative skills assessment—two written assessment plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing—50 marks (25%) What will the controlled assessment involve? Investigative skills assignment (for each GCSE)—two written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing—50 marks (25%) 20 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? AQA Science, Additional Science and Triple Science are GCSE courses investigating how the natural world works and are designed to engage students’ interest at every level by providing relevant in inspiring academic content, practical opportunities to undertake scientific enquiry and learn about the scientific process. Students will have the opportunity to develop the following skills: Knowledge and understanding to pose, define and solve scientific questions and problems An understanding of the continuously evolving relationship between science and society Communication, literacy and numeracy skills in a scientific context Planning skills, including the management of risk Investigative skills, including the collection selecting, processing and analysing of secondary data to provide evidence What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Lessons are a mixture of practical work to develop understanding of the topic areas, developing skills to question and investigate scientific principles and ideas, literacy activities to demonstrate student understanding and engaging activities to support learning and progress. What links will help me? BBC Bitesize www.aqa.org.uk www.gcsescience.com www.s-cool.co.uk www.docbrown.info Who are the best people to contact? Mrs Wilson-Jones—Director of Teaching and Learning for Science [email protected] 21 GCSE Geography (Edexcel) What will I study? In GCSE Geography you will study: The interaction of the natural and human world around us. You will be studying a range of human, physical and environmental Geography covering modules in tectonics, population, tourism and a watery world. During the course you will be involved in collaborative activities where peer teaching can take place. You will also be able to work independently on different enquiries. What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE Geography from the Edexcel examination board. How will I be assessed? GCSE Geography is assessed through written exams and a controlled assessment Unit 1: A skills based paper (1 hour 15 minutes) - 25% Unit 2: Physical Geography—tectonics, rivers, coasts and watery world (1 hour 15 minutes) - 25% Unit 3: Human Geography—population, settlement, economic geography and tourism (1 hour 15 minutes) - 25% What will the controlled assessment involve? Unit 4: A controlled assessment—a full day of fieldwork in Stratford-Upon-Avon followed by an investigative write-up. This will be completed within a term - 25% 22 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? The course will develop enquiry skills—where you will look in depth at different topics as well as mapping, graphing, analysing and evaluation skills. You will also develop as an independent and a creative learner. Geography is a subject that is well respected by employers as it develops so many skills. It is also part the eBacc What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Collaborative activities, where peer teaching can take place. You will also be able to work independently on different enquiries. What links will help me? ww.geography.org.uk ww.rgs.org/gegraphytoday/what+is+gegraphy.htm http:/qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/geography-a-2009.html Who are the best people to contact? Miss Owen [email protected] 23 GCSE History (Edexcel) What will I study? In GCSE History you will study: Germany (1918-1939), war and the transformation of British society (1931-1951), international relations—the era of the Cold War (1943-1991) and the USA (1919-1939) During the course you will be involved in writing newspaper reports, designing storyboards, collaborating in groups, analysing sources and creating presentations. What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE in History from the Edexcel examination board. How will I be assessed? GCSE History is assessed through written exams and a controlled assessment Unit 1: Germany (1918-1939) (1 hour 15 minutes) - 25% Unit 2: War and the transformation of British society (1931-1951) (1 hour 15 minutes) - 25% Unit 3: - International relations—the era of the Cold War (1943-1991) (1 hour 15 minutes) - 25% What will the controlled assessment involve? Unit 4: Controlled assessment—The USA (1919-1939). This work will take place across a full term. - 25% What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? You will develop excellent source analysis skills and will be able to structure a strong and effective argument. You will be able to collect, analyse and evaluate evidence and will develop your literacy and communications skills. 24 What kinds of activities take place in lessons? A range of activities take place in the History classroom. Along with preparing students with exam practice, activities range from writing newspaper reports, designing storyboards, collaborating within a group to analyse sources and creating presentations. What links will help me? There is a wealth of information available online to support your study of History GCSE. A great place to start for a general overview is BBC Bitesize, which can be accessed on the following link: http:/www.bbc.co.uk/scchools/gcsebitesize/hisrtory/mwh Who are the best people to contact? Please contact Miss Jankowski for any additional information: [email protected] 25 GCSE Languages (AQA) French / Panjabi / Urdu What will I study? French You will be able to study a range of topics including cinema, holidays, health and work. What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE French / Panjabi / Urdu from the AQA examination board. How will I be assessed? The assessment of languages consists of exams and controlled assessments. 20% of marks for listening will be in a final summer exam 20% of marks for reading will be in a final summer exam * Panjabi is a final writing exam. What will the controlled assessment involve? 30% of the marks for speaking will be through controlled assessment: 2x4 minute conversations 30% of the marks for writing will be through controlled assessment: 2 x 200 word essays The controlled assessments are taught in lessons and prepared at home and in class. You will have the title before the test and will be able to practise the questions for speaking or the paragraphs for writing. The titles are written by the teachers to fit with the strengths of the class. We will compete 3 speaking assessments and 3 writing assessments; the best 2 of each will be submitted to the exam board. What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? Students who study languages show that they are resilient, understanding and good communicators. 26 What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Speaking activities include dialogues and presentations, competitive writing, listening activities and reading passages. All are accessed with a variety of tasks including gap fill, sentence matching, translation, making up conversations, reporting back information. We work on a range of skills including speaking to people in a range of situations, writing letters emails and essays. We practise active listening and reading for gist and detail. All students will have the opportunity to visit France to practise their spoken French. What links will help me? Revise AQA GCSE French. Revision workbook ISBN: 978144791064 Revise AQA GCSE French. Revision guide ISBN: 9781447941026 Audio files from the workbook and the revision guide can be found at: www.pearsonschools.co.uk/mflrevisionaudio Who are the best people to contact? Mrs Bains—Head of Faculty [email protected] Urdu Urdu may also be available, depending on the number of students who express a preference for it. Students work towards assessment in each of the four key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students are required to attend every week for an hour. Homework and study packs are provided for extra support at home. Panjabi Panjabi is available as an after school additional course. Students work towards assessment in each of the four key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students are required to attend every week for an hour. Homework and study packs are provided for extra support at home. 27 GCSE Graphic Design (WJEC) What will I study? As a graphic design student you will build on the knowledge and skills acquired at KS3—focusing on identifying and solving real life design problems. You will develop practical skills to make high quality functional products that meet the needs of your target market. The main topics to develop your knowledge of product design are: Developing, planning and communicating ideas Product analysis Sustainability and legislative issues Designers and practitioners Commercial manufacturing practices Materials and components Tools, equipment and making What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE in Graphic Products from the WJEC examination board. How will I be assessed? The assessment of graphic products consists of exams and controlled assessments. 40% of the marks from written examination. What will the controlled assessment involve? 60% of the marks from the controlled assessment. In Year 11 you will be given a choice of design briefs to answer through the research, development and manufacture of a high quality product along with a supporting design portfolio. You will need to demonstrate excellent motivation and time keeping skills to meet the coursework deadlines. 28 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? Your experience of industry standard software and new technologies such as 3D printing will equip you to pursue further education for careers in the design industry. You will demonstrate greater capacity for imaginative and innovative thinking as well as independence; all skills that successful companies look for when recruiting. What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Graphic products will focus on developing hand drawing and CAD (computer aided design) graphic skills through many small design projects in Y10. You will acquire the necessary knowledge to understand how to best communicate through the printed media such as packaging, counter top displays, brochures and leaflets. Some of the typical projects undertaken are designing Comic book covers, smoothie and fragrance packaging as well as promotional materials for a range of themes. What links will help me? http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/design-and-technology/design-and-technologygcse/ http://www.technologystudent.com/ Who are the best people to contact? Mr Simpson or Mr Moore [email protected] or [email protected] 29 GCSE Hospitality and Catering (WJEC) What will I study? Hospitality and Catering is a thriving area of the Faculty where students follow an enjoyable, challenging curriculum. In Hospitality and Catering students gain knowledge of the food preparation and service aspects of the catering industry. What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE in Hospitality and Catering from the WJEC examination board. How will I be assessed? The assessment of graphic products consists of exams and controlled assessments. 40% of the marks from written examination. What will the controlled assessment involve? 60% of the marks from two controlled assessment tasks each with research and planning followed by a practical examination in each task. What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? Research and analysis skills. Practical co-ordination and cooking skills. Knowledge of food, nutrition and safety / hygiene best practice. What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Practical cooking lessons as well as research; learning about nutritional analysis, costings, market research and product design and development. 30 What links will help me? The Nutrition Program is an online resource we use in this course. WJEC website and online resources. Who are the best people to contact? Ms Davis [email protected] 31 GCSE Product Design (WJEC) What will I study? As a product design student you will build on the knowledge and skills acquired at KS3, focusing on identifying and solving real life design problems. You will develop your practical skills to make high quality functional products that meet the needs of your target market. The main topics to develop your knowledge of product design are: Developing, planning and communicating ideas Product analysis Sustainability and legislative issues Designers and practitioners Commercial manufacturing processes Materials and components Tools, equipment and making What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE in Product Design from the WJEC examination board. How will I be assessed? 60% marks from Controlled Assessment Task 40% marks from Written Examination What will the controlled assessment involve? In Year 11 you will be given a choice of design briefs to answer through the research, development and manufacture of a high quality product along with a supporting design portfolio. You will need to demonstrate excellent motivation and time keeping skills to meet the coursework deadlines contributing to 60% of your GCSE qualification. 32 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? Your experiences of industry standard software and new technologies such as 3D printing, will equip you to pursue further education for careers in the design industry. You will demonstrate greater capacity for imaginative and innovative thinking as well as independence; all skills that successful companies look for when recruiting. What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Product design will focus on developing your design & making skills, including the use of CAD/CAM (computer aided design/manufacture) through many small design projects in Y10. You will acquire the necessary knowledge to understand how to best make innovative products in a variety of materials (wood, metal and plastic). Some of the typical projects undertaken are designing concept cars of the future, lighting products and block modelling of hand-held devices. What links will help me? http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/design-and-technology/design-and-technologygcse/ http://www.technologystudent.com/ https://designmuseum.org/ Who are the best people to contact? Mr Simpson and Miss Thompson [email protected] or [email protected] 33 GCSE Textiles Technology (WJEC) What will I study? As a Textiles Technology student you will build on the knowledge and skills acquired at KS3, focusing on identifying and solving real life design problems. You will develop your practical skills to make high quality functional products that meet the needs of your target market. The main topics to develop your knowledge of design are: Developing, planning and communicating ideas Product analysis Sustainability and legislative issues Designers and practitioners Commercial manufacturing principles Materials and components Equipment and making What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE in Textiles Technology from the WJEC examination board. How will I be assessed? 60% marks from Controlled Assessment Task 40% marks from Written Examination What will the controlled assessment involve? In Year 11 students undertake their Controlled Assessment Task, an independent design and make project based on design briefs given by the exam board. The task this year is to make a soft furnishing or fashion garment based on exotic locations and the work of fashion designer Matthew Williams. In all instances the task will include designing, development of ideas and the modeling and making of a final practical piece. 34 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? You will develop your abilities in planning, research, and evaluation as well as increasing your practical making skills and knowledge of processes used in textiles manufacturing. These skills will equip you to pursue further education for careers in the design industry. You will demonstrate greater capacity for imaginative and innovative thinking as well independence and time management; all skills that successful companies look for when recruiting. What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Students undertake focused practical tasks such as garment making, accessories or furnishings, using textiles and specialist equipment. Use of ICT and modern industrial practices will be covered to include CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) What links will help me? Textiles4U, BBC Bitesize, MoodleDo, WJEC website Who are the best people to contact? Miss Clee [email protected] 35 BTEC Level 2 First Award in Music (Edexcel) What will I study? Unit 1: Organisations and job roles in the Music Industry; Unit 2: Creating and promoting a Music Product; Unit 5: Performance skills – performing as a soloist and in a group; Unit 7: Creating music using Sequencing programs (GarageBand and Logic). What qualification will the course lead to? BTEC Level 2 First Award in Music from the Edexcel examination board. How will I be assessed? By written examination and controlled assessment. One hour written paper on Unit 1: The Music Industry – 25% of total Unit 2: Music Product, Unit 5: Performance, Unit 7: Sequencing – portfolio of coursework including written tasks (product plan and evaluation, practice diary and evaluations, sequencing guide), video and audio recordings, presentations, and sound files – 75% of total. What will the controlled assessment involve? One hour written paper on Unit 1: The Music Industry containing a mixture of multiple choice questions, questions requiring a sentence/ short paragraph and longer questions requiring some analysis/ explanation and justification. All coursework will take place during lesson times with minimal teacher guidance, following practice assignments in class. What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? Team working, problem solving, self-confidence, planning and project management, music performance skills, technical musical and IT skills. 36 What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Practical music making with self and peer evaluation, auditing current skills and setting practice targets, learning specific instrumental and practice techniques, listening and analysis, learning and developing sequencing techniques using GarageBand and Logic, planning the delivery of a Music Project. The opportunity for visiting speakers/ visits to relevant venues, concerts and events. What links will help me? Search BTE Level 2 Music in Google or use http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts/music-2013-ngf.html Who are the best people to contact? Ms Harrisson: [email protected] 37 GCSE Dance (AQA) What will I study? GCSE Dance provides students with the opportunity to gain experience of performance and choreography and to develop critical thinking about Dance. Students will develop technical and expressive skills in Contemporary technique and experience of choreography and performance, as soloists but also as part of a group. Students will also gain in-depth knowledge of professional dance works. What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE in Dance from the AQA examination board. How will I be assessed? GCSE Dance is assessed through written and practical examinations. Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance (1 hour) - 20% Unit 2: Set Dance Practical Examination—solo performance (1—1½ minutes) (30 marks) - 20% Unit 4: Choreography Task A: Solo Composition (1–1½ minutes) - 15% Task B: Choreography – solo/duo/group (Solo – 1½ – 2 minutes; duo/group – 2½ – 3 minutes) - 25% What will the controlled assessment involve? Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group—dance (3—3½minutes) (30 marks) - 20% 38 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? Studying GCSE Dance will help you to develop intellectual, physical, creative and analytical skills. It will also allow you to increase your confidence and self-esteem, employ the skills of problem solving and creativity and make knowledgeable decisions about dances. It allows you to actively and physically demonstrate your abilities through controlled assessments and practical exams. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in dance or performing arts and / or further studies in dance or performing arts, including A Level Dance. What kinds of activities take place in lessons? The majority of the work is practical. Initially you will be developing technical skills as well as learning teacher taught material, before developing expressive and composition skills. As you develop a range of skills you will work more creatively and independently. The theory is delivered through practical tasks where possible, allowing you to develop your knowledge and understanding of you as a performer and choreographer as well studying professional dance works. What links will help me? ww.aqa.org.uk Who are the best people to contact? Miss Willis [email protected] 39 GCSE Fine Art (OCR) What will I study? A broad based course exploring practical and critical/contextual work in one or more areas of study, for example, drawing, painting, mixed-media, sculpture, ceramics, installation, printmaking, Photoshop/illustration and photography. What qualification will the course lead to? GCSE in Fine Art from the OCR examination board. How will I be assessed? GCSE Fine Art is assessed through practical examination and controlled assessment In January of Year 11 you receive a set of externally set themes to choose from. During the next 10 school weeks you produce a set of work related to your chosen theme including recording from visual observation, artist research, designing, developing ideas and practising with materials. You then produce your main piece in a 10-hour allocated exam time. During the exam you are allowed to have your research and planning work with you. Practical Exam 40% What will the controlled assessment involve? Coursework (1 unit) assessed out of 100%. In Year 10 you will be working on a timed development of art work to be presented for assessment as a portfolio, to be submitted as your assessment unit. Your art teacher will give you tasks and projects around a theme to help you develop your own ideas. Controlled Assessment 60% 40 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? Studying GCSE Fine Art will help you to develop intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive skills. You will have the opportunity to investigate, experiment, develop practical skills as well as aesthetic understanding and critical judgement. Yet perhaps more valuable than anything, you will enjoy opportunities to develop independence of mind, explore your own ideas, refine your skills and produce personal outcomes. What kinds of activities take place in lessons? The majority of the work is project based. Initially you will be taught new techniques in: drawing, painting, mixed-media, sculpture, ceramics, installation, printmaking, Photoshop / illustration and photography and shown work by inspiring artists developing your critical / contextual skills. As you develop a range of skills you will start to work more creatively and independently. What links will help me? ww.studentartguide.com ww.art2day.com ww.ocr.org.uk Who are the best people to contact? Miss Peakman, Miss Anderson or Miss Wootton [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] 41 BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport (Edexcel) What will I study? Fitness for Sport & Exercise – Components of fitness and principles of training, fitness training methods and fitness testing. Practical Sports Performance – The rules, regulations and scoring systems for selected sports. Practical demonstration of skills, techniques and tactics and reviewing sports performances. The Mind and Sports Performance – Personality and its effect on performance, motivation and self-confidence, arousal and anxiety and their effects on performance. Training for Personal Fitness – Designing personal fitness programmes, exercise adherence structures and strategies for success, implementing and reviewing a self-designed personal fitness programme. What qualification will the course lead to? BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport from the Edexcel examination board. How will I be assessed? Unit 1: Fitness for Sport and Exercise is externally assessed (25%). The remaining three units are assessed via coursework assignments. What will the controlled assessment involve? A one-hour online test (50 marks). 42 What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? How to analyse sports performance, how different psychological factors can affect performance, how to train effectively using a variety of methods and how to plan an effective training programme. Communication, Literacy and Numeracy skills as well as developing self-confidence and analysis of your own performances. What kinds of activities take place in lessons? A range of classroom based and practical based activities, including presentations, discussions, planning training programmes, analysing performance, fitness based work using the fitness suite and practical sports. What links will help me? Edexcel BTEC Sport First Award Specification Who are the best people to contact? Mr Terry—Director of Teaching and Learning for PE [email protected] 43 BTEC Level 2 First Award in Health and Social Care (Edexcel) What will I study? There are 4 units to be studied in total. Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development. How do people grow and develop throughout their lives? How can factors such as lifestyle choices, relationships and life events affect your growth and development? This unit provides you with the opportunity to explore how we grow and develop throughout our lives and to investigate the factors that affect this growth and development. Unit 2 – Health and Social Care Values. What is good practice in health and social care? What ensures that good practice is applied to support individuals who use health and social care services? These care values apply to all areas of health and social care work. In this unit you will gain an understanding of how these care values are applied in health and social care settings, and their importance to work in the sector. Unit 3 – Effective Communication in Health and Social Care. How good are your communication skills? This unit will allow you to investigate the different forms of communication and how they are used effectively in health and social care. You will look at the importance of using clear speech, body language that shows that you want to help people, and active listening skills that show you are interested in what people are saying. This unit will also provide information about alternative forms of communication such as Braille, British Sign Language and Makaton. Unit 5 – Promoting Health and Wellbeing. How can we improve the health and wellbeing of the nation? What are the benefits of doing so? Being healthy can mean different things to different people. Many injuries and diseases can be prevented if people make healthy lifestyle choices and know how to reduce risks to their health. Health promotion is the area of health that raises awareness of these issues, and educates people on how to be healthy. This unit explores some of the reasons why health-promotion activities are carried out, and the benefits of health-promotion work both for individuals and for the health and wellbeing of the nation as a whole. What qualification will the course lead to? BTEC Level 2 First Award in Health and Social Care from the Edexcel exam board. 44 How will I be assessed? Unit 1 (Human Lifespan Development) is externally assessed by examination. This is a pass or fail unit (it is not graded you either achieve it or you do not) and makes up 25% of the total course. The other three units are internally assessed by your teacher and passed by your course leader. What will the controlled assessment involve? There is no controlled assessment for this subject. What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? Skills involved in BTEC courses include the ability to explain, evaluate and analyse situations for yourself. You will develop communication skills, extended writing skills, team work, co-operation and negotiation skills when working on tasks together. Individual tasks provide the opportunity to plan effectively, to research independently and make your own decisions about what is appropriate to include in your work. You will present work in a variety of ways including PowerPoint, publisher document and oral presentation allowing you to improve any personal skills that you need to whilst also providing opportunity to use your strengths. What kinds of activities take place in lessons? Lessons are based around case studies that require a problem to be solved. Some group work is required but all coursework needs to be submitted individually. You will take part in practical lessons for the use of communication skills and illness research. What links will help me? For more information on the course, look at the unit content in the specification: http://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Firsts/Health-and-SocialCare/2012/Specification-and-sample-assessments/ BF031440_SPEC_BTEC_L_1_2_AWARD_IN_HSC_ISS_2_NEW.PDF Who are the best people to contact? Miss Mann—[email protected] 45 BTEC First Award in Business Studies (Edexcel) What will I study? Business Studies is a lively ‘real world’ subject. We want you to enjoy the course and leave in Year 11 understanding the world of business in which we all play a part. The units you will cover are: Enterprise in the Business World Finance for Business Principles of Customer Service Recruitment, Selection and Employment What qualification will the course lead to? BTEC First Award in Business from the Edexcel examination board How will I be assessed? Your work will be regularly assessed by the subject teachers and this could be in the form of one-to-one verbal reviews, written feedback and self and peer assessment. Your will submit two assignments for each unit and sit one external exam. This exam will be online and will be assessed against the exam board requirements for the course. Your final grade will be based on your achievement in these assignments. What will the controlled assessment involve? Your work will be regularly assessed by the subject teachers. What skills will I develop that will help me in the future? This is a highly vocational course. This means you will be investigating real businesses and how they work. As coursework is a major part of the course you will find that skills such as organisation, time-management and taking responsibility for your own work are vitally important. 46 What kinds of activities take place in lessons? A variety of teaching and learning styles will be used, including formal lessons, discussions / debates, group activities and presentations and practical exercises. We will use the full range of modern resources including internet, video and interactive whiteboard lessons. All students will have access to a number of textbooks to support their learning and provide opportunities for “reading around?” the subject. What links will help me? There are a number of very useful websites: www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk www.thetimes100.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize Specific information about the course http//www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts2012business/Pages/default/aspx Who are the best people to contact? Mrs Dawson—[email protected] 47 What happens next? A note to parents Staff have already begun discussions with students about which pathway they should take. A lot of time is given to making sure students understand what is on offer next yuear to enable them to make the correct decisions for their future. After the information evening for parents on Thursday, 26 February 2015 you will have the opportunity to talk with your child about the different routes of study and, hopefully, agree on the decision reached by your child and tutor. The option form will be handed out on Thursday, 26 February 2015, you will need to hand them back in by Friday, 13 March 2015. If we are all happy with your child’s chosen subject profile, and all the courses will definitely be able to run, there will be nothing more to do. However, it may be necessary for us to cancel under-subscribed courses and you will be advised if this is the case. Faculty staff and tutors will continue to support students in finalising their options as soon as we know for sure which courses will run. If you need any further information then please do not hesitate to contact school to speak with Ms Dawson, Director of Learning for Year 9, or Mr Blackwall, Assistant Head Teacher. 48 What happens next? Talk to your subject teachers, your tutors and your parents. Drop into The Futures Zone at break and lunchtime. If you find that you are still not sure which route or subjects to choose then make an appointment to speak to Ms Dawson or Mr Blackwall. Make the right decision for you! Please be aware that we may have to come back to speak to you about the subjects you have chosen. This might happen if we think that one of your choices is not the right one for you. The school might also find that it cannot timetable all of your choices – sometimes too few or too many students choose a certain subject, or a particular combination cannot be timetabled. Once your subjects are finalised by the school you will not be able to change them. 49 The Programme in brief Wednesday, 21 January 2015 Student assembly on KS4 curriculum choices from all subject areas Students discuss most appropriate routes of study with tutors Option forms issued to students on Thursday, 26 February 2015 Information booklet on School website and Foxford Moodle Do Thursday, 26 February 2015 Year 9 Parents’ Information Evening Options Forms returned to tutors by Friday, 13 March 2015 School collects all information and decides which courses will run Where courses are unable to run, alternatives agreed with students and parents Final choices confirmed with students and parents during the summer term 2015 50 51
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