GCSE and BTEC Course for Year 9 Students – 2010/2011 For the start of the next academic year, we would like to give the students who entered the Academy in 2009/10 the chance to take one full GCSE or BTEC qualification one year early. We would also like to invite students to opt for a technology pathway. This will lead to a Technology qualification in Year 11. Why have we done this? The success of our KS3 programme has resulted in us producing students who are able to work more independently and have a much better appreciation of their own learning styles. If we are correct in assuming that the students are more autonomous learners, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of this. By providing the opportunity to achieve a full GCSE or BTEC award at the end of Year 10, this will give a huge confidence boost for Year 11, as well as removing some of the pressure by sitting less exams in their final year in KS4. In Year 11 we will be able to use the 4 lessons a week in one of the following ways: For BTEC students there could be the chance to complete the full BTEC Diploma, equal to 4 GCSE passes. For some students we will offer them the chance to start AS Level courses a year early. We can use the time for independent study to enable students to focus upon other GCSE courses that are being completed in Year 11. The courses we are offering have been chosen deliberately to provide a wide range of content and different styles of learning. We invite you to visit the Academy to listen to further information about the courses and to help your son or daughter make the choice that is right for them. After the information evening, please indicate your main preference and a reserve choice that your child would be prepared to take via the online Navigator system your child is familiar with. You may be interested in what the curriculum offer is for the present Y9 students going into Y10. The option blocks these students have been asked to choose from are shown at the back of this booklet. We intend to do all we can to ensure that every preference is met but there may be instances where there might be a large or small uptake that means we cannot accommodate every choice. In this instance, we would ask that the reserve choice is made into the firm preference. Mark Allen ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 PERSONALISED LEARNING OPTIONS BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Business Introduction This is a vocational qualification which is equivalent to two GCSEs and will enable students to require the knowledge, understanding and relevant business skills to equip them for the world of work or further training. The qualification consists of two core units plus three specialist units. Core Unit 1: Business Purposes – this unit will enable students to understand the nature of business organisations and the business environment in which they operate. They will do this by looking at the range of organisations that exist locally, regionally and nationally and by considering the business framework in which they operate. Core Unit 2: Business organisations – this unit will enable students to understand the aims and objectives of business organisations and how they are organised into functional areas to meet their business aims and objectives. Specialist Unit 3: Financial forecasting for business – this unit will enable students to understand the financial aspects of running a business. They will do this through looking at the key concepts used by businesses to manage their money, and forecast their finances for the future. Specialist Unit 11: Customer relations in business – this unit will give students the knowledge and skills required to become an effective member of staff in a customer facing situation in business. It looks at how reliable customer service benefits a business by contributing to customer satisfaction, and how customer service can be monitored and evaluated. Specialist Unit 19: The Marketing plan – this unit will give students the understanding and skills needed to develop a marketing and promotion plan for their own micro start-up business or social enterprise. Skills The BTEC qualification develops skills in research, evaluation and problem solving. This is a ‘hands-on’ course with plenty of practical activities that will prepare students for the world of work. The course aims to: Increase the students’ understanding of the world of work Enable students to acquire skills for their working life Introduce students to an industry or business sector Help develop some of the skills used in business Homework Students will be given various tasks for each unit and they will be expected to complete them in class and at home. Their homework will consist of research, preparing presentations and completing reports for each unit. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 Coursework This qualification requires 100% coursework with no examinations. Each student will be given an assignment sheet that will give them a clear outline of what tasks need to be completed in order to pass the unit. They will be given deadline dates for each assignment. Assessment In order to achieve each unit, students’ projects have to show achievement against a set of outcomes. The BTEC is not an exam based qualification and the projects will form the basis of unit results and an overall result. Each unit is graded pass, merit or distinction, according to how the student has performed against a set of criteria and an overall result will also be given. What options are there at GCSE level and in the Sixth Form for Business Studies? Students can choose to take a GCSE qualification in Business Studies when they start their GCSEs in Year 10. In the Sixth Form, they can take an A Level in Business Studies or they can opt for a vocational course by completing the Level 3 BTEC Certificate (1 GCE AS Level) or Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (1 GCE A Level). Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 Dance GCSE Introduction GCSE Dance focuses on the aesthetic and artistic qualities of dance and the use of dance movement as a medium of expression and communication in the performance, creation and appreciation of dance. What is GCSE Dance? It is a qualification which is available over the full range of grades (A*-G) and students will receive two double periods (4 lessons) per week. Each lesson will be a combination of practical and theoretical work. Learning experiences are highly practical in their nature. Aims of GCSE Dance The aims of the course are to: · Develop understanding and appreciation of a range of dance styles; · Develop aesthetics and artistic sensibility to dance works; · Develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to perform, choreograph and appreciate dance, including an awareness of its artistic contexts; · To develop life skills and attributes including decision making, critical and creative thinking. GCSE Dance is made up of four main focus areas: · Performance · Choreography · Appreciation · Set work These are some of the topics and issues that are covered in each section: · Good studio practice · The technical nature of dance skills · The expressive nature of dance skills · Factors which influence performance · Creating and improving choreography · The craft of choreography · Analysis and interpretation · The historical and social context of dances Assessment Written paper Practical Examination (Set study) Performance & Choreography 20% of total marks 20% of total marks 60% of total marks Coursework a) Practical Performance (Duo/Group) b) Choreography c) Expanded Programme Notes 60% of total marks 20% of coursework mark 30% of coursework mark 10% of coursework mark This course can lead to further studies in Dance and performing arts, as well preparing students for a career within the dancing world such as teaching, performing, choreography, and dance within the community. Students will also have the opportunity to work with junior students if they choose the accredited Dance Leaders Award. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 ICT National Certificate (OCR Nationals) This qualification is worth up to 4 GCSEs. OCR Nationals are vocationally related qualifications and are recognised and valued qualifications that are suitable for all learners. Students carry out a range of tasks designed to recognise their achievements in a modern, practical way that is relevant to the workplace and university. Assessment The course is 100% coursework. Students receive a Pass, Merit or Distinction; equivalent to C, B and A grades respectively. What you will study Units include: · ICT Skills for Business · Website Production · ICT Systems · Graphics · Multimedia · Desktop Publishing · Spreadsheets · Databases · Animation · Video · And many more… Why you should consider this course You may fit one of the following descriptions: · · · · You want to learn skills that are relevant to the workplace and university. You’d like to develop your knowledge and understanding of ICT systems and programmes. You feel that getting better skills in ICT will help you in Technology, English, Business Studies and other subjects. You want to master types of programs you use outside of Academy life such as multimedia software. Results In the summer of 2009, 95% of students achieved a Grade C or above in the equivalent of this qualification. Sixth Form Opportunities Currently John Cabot offers A Level ICT and Computing. Find out more http://www.atcabot.net/nationals.html Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 Media Studies GCSE Introduction This course studies a whole range of media from film advertising, magazine covers, music video and television programmes. It is a mixture of practical and theoretical work. Students produce their own magazine front covers, film posters and music videos. Before doing this you will analyse a range of products so that you understand the features which you have to include in your own work. Assessment / Examination The examination counts for 40% of the mark. The topic changes every year but a brief is given to students two weeks prior to the exam to give them an indication of what to prepare for the practical work involved. The exam is part theoretical (you need to be able to show your knowledge of the topic in a written task) and part practical (this could be anything from storyboarding to producing a poster or layout for a magazine front cover/CD cover). Coursework You will need to produce 3 assignments - 60% of the total mark; which will enable you to research the world of media, film and TV in more depth. These assignments get progressively harder to suit how the students’ skills develop. The final assignment will involve the full production of a music video. What will you study? You will learn a range of new skills and develop existing knowledge – you will be surprised to find out how much you are already aware of about the media – GCSE Media Studies will help you to develop this. Some of the skills you will acquire will be: · Photo editing (using Photoshop) · Filming and video editing · How to design for specific audiences (film posters, magazine covers, and music videos) You will study a variety of different media texts, including television, radio, film, newspapers, magazines, comics and popular music. You will be expected to undertake your own research as well as design and produce original media texts such as film posters, television trailers, company logos, advertisements or promotions for a local pop band. Why choose this course? You will learn to be more analytical and creative; to use a number of new technologies and to analyse and understand the media better. These are all things that universities and employers are increasingly looking for in their students and employees. The mass media is playing a more and more important role in today’s society. It provides us with information and entertainment, and affects the way we think and behave. The study of the media will encourage you to ask yourself why you are attracted to certain products and how companies persuade us to buy/ read/watch their products (these can be anything from magazines and films to toothpaste!). Results Over the last few years the results for Media Studies GCSE have ranged from 90% to 100% A-C. What can a GCSE in Media Studies lead to? Students who have enjoyed this course and been successful at it, can choose to take an A Level in Media Studies. What you learn in the course will also be useful in a number of other subjects including Product Design, Business Studies and any of the English A Levels. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 Modern Languages: GCSE Spanish Introduction All students at John Cabot Academy have been learning French, German and Spanish since joining the Academy. Students now have the exciting opportunity to become dual linguists – by continuing a language in normal lessons as well as personalising their learning further by opting for GCSE Spanish. Spain is the most popular holiday destination by the British and a good command of Spanish will always be useful! If you are not sure what you want to do after you leave school, it is important to keep all your options open. Having a foreign language at GCSE shows that you have good communication skills; a quality that many employers will be looking for. Why should I choose this option? Being a native English speaker and having a qualification in a second or even a third language makes you unique in the working world. If you would like to work within the fields of ICT, law, business, fashion, the travel & tourism industry or indeed would like to converse with the locals on holiday, then a GCSE in a language is for you! Course information Students will follow the AQA syllabus, leading to examinations in Reading, Listening and modular tests in Writing and Speaking. All the Writing and Speaking skills are worth 60% and Reading and Listening worth 40% of the total marks. Students have 4 lessons per week. Generally, they can expect lessons to feature ICT at least once a week. The course uses a wide range of resources and activities to build up and develop their current skills within the language with the new opportunity of a visit to Spain. Students will develop their ability to communicate effectively in Spanish in most typical situations encountered in a short visit abroad. Through the GCSE course, they will learn to use more sophisticated sentence structures and deal with new and familiar topics on a more mature level. Studying at GCSE in a language also opens up the possibility of continuing to develop your language skills and abilities at A Level. Students will Study Spanish in a positive learning environment. Start studying from the beginner levels and develop skills that meet the requirement of the GCSE exam within 2 years. Develop thinking and communication skills. Develop their own understanding of language & how it is used. Work in pairs, teams & individually. Understand & be able to successfully use Grammar. Be able to hold a conversation with Spanish speaking people. Understand questions & respond to them. Read detailed information & understand it. Learn about facts and lifestyles of the Hispanic World. Experience food, culture & festivals of the Hispanic world. Develop an appreciation for native film and music. What are the results like? In 2010, the first GCSE Spanish students are expected to achieve 96% A* - C grade. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 BTEC Extended Certificate in Performing Arts The aim of this course is to provide you with a broad educational base in drama or music. Students who complete the course will be awarded with a qualification that is equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grades A* - C. Introduction You will take part in a number of performance based arts projects and learn about many aspects of the production process. There will be flexibility in the delivery of the course to allow you to personalise your learning experiences and specialise in either music or drama. Given the practical nature of this course, there will be several opportunities throughout the two years for you to showcase your work in performances, both informally to the rest of the group and publicly to an audience. Assessment The BTEC course is split into units and each unit is assessed through performance work and written portfolios. For example, in a project on Pantomime, you would find out about the history of this style of performance and then put together a folio of research and evidence to outline what you have learned. You will then prepare a performance for a show which is assessed as the practical part of this unit. All of the assessment for this course will come from portfolios and practical performances. There are no written examinations. At the end of the course, all of your marks are added up and you will either be awarded a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction. What can this course lead to? This BTEC course will give you a good general understanding of the performing arts subjects, and you will probably finish the course with a good idea about which areas of the arts interest you the most. If you want to pursue the arts further, there are a number of options in our Sixth Form, including BTEC Performing Arts, A Level Theatre Studies, A Level Music and BTEC Music Technology. Where can I get more information? Come and have a conversation with Mr Clarke, Miss Grainger or Mr Bridges. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 BTEC Extended Certificate in Sport Entry requirements: Teacher recommendation Course Description This programme is designed for students who want to pursue a career in Sport. It is both a practical and theoretical course which will give them the opportunity to complete assignments and activities with a focus on a sports environment. It will give students a good feel for what it will be like to work in the industry as well as developing communication, IT, time management and teamwork skills. The BTEC Extended Certificate is equivalent to 2 GCSEs at Grades A*-C. Assessment / Assignments Students will be assessed on the assignment work that they undertake throughout the year and they will be given an overall grade at the end of each year. These assignments may be in the form of written reports, case studies, presentations, practical performance or project based learning. There are no formal examinations. What will you study? The units to be studied are: 1) Fitness testing and training 2) Practical Sport 3) Anatomy and Physiology for Sport 4) Planning and Leading Sports Activities What can a BTEC Extended Certificate in Sport lead to? This course introduces you to types of work and employment in the sport sector such as training and fitness, coaching and leisure and provides a good basis to go on to more advanced vocationally based qualifications. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS Introduction Following your experiences during Y7 and Y8, you will most definitely have a preferred option/area which you enjoy the most and would like to continue during Y9. The option process for Technology will take place towards the end of Term 5 to ensure you get every opportunity to experience all areas in Technology. The options available for you at this stage are Product Design 3D, Product Design Textiles and Catering & Hospitality. The Y9 experience in your chosen area will help to prepare you for a completed GCSE by the end of Y11 and will build on your preferred skill base. Mini experiences will allow you to get used to the style of assessment and specification criteria. Product Design 3D GCSE Introduction The GCSE Product Design specification has been written to allow you to use any suitable materials throughout the course. Unlike the other focus areas, such as Resistant Materials Technology, you will not need to learn about a specific range of materials in depth. Your teacher may well have decided to restrict the range of materials available to you because the room you are working in is more suited to certain materials. Alternatively, you may well work with a group of teachers and have complete freedom of choice. Both ways are acceptable methods of learning about design and technology through Product Design. Assessment 2 hr Examination Paper: Coursework: 40% 60% Examinations The written paper will take place at the end of the course and will make up 40% of the GCSE grade. There is one single paper with two sections. You will be entered for either the Foundation or Higher Tier. Coursework You will be required to undertake a single project which involves designing, making and testing a new product. This project will take 45 hours of your lesson time. It will consist of a precise design folder which explains the problem you have chosen to look into, the research you undertake, the specification for the product, the ideas you think up and how you develop them towards a final design proposal. It will also need a work plan, which should be detailed enough for someone else to follow; the testing you do at various stages and a final evaluation of the product, which should take into account how it would be commercially manufactured. You will also need to manufacture a prototype or scale model of your design. This work will account for 60% of your final GCSE grade. It will be marked by your teacher and then seen by a moderator from the Awarding Body. What sort of things will I do on the course? This is a very flexible and wide ranging Design and Technology GCSE. At the end of the course you will be familiar with all the basic materials including wood, metal, plastics, ceramics and textiles. You will learn how to work with them accurately to make useful products. You will be taught how to work very much as a professional designer would. We will study the products we buy in the high street and investigate how they are designed, manufactured and sold. Typical major projects might involve the production of jewellery, furniture, clothes and aids to help the elderly or people with a disability. You may choose to improve an existing product that doesn’t work very well. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 Why is it useful to study Product Design? Product Design leaves your options open yet it will still provide you with a sound basis for continuing on to A Level in Design and Technology. It will give you an insight into up to date methods of manufacture and all the aspects concerned with designing, making and selling products in a modern world. What next? This course will particularly suit those students considering career paths in Engineering, Product Design, interior Design, Architecture or those thinking of moving on to Apprenticeships. Following the GCSE course, there is an opportunity to study A Level Product Design. Product Design Textiles GCSE Introduction The GCSE Product Design Textiles specification has been written to allow you to use any suitable materials throughout the course. However, the Textiles element will concentrate primarily on textile products but will also include other mediums such as paper and card. Assessment 2 hr Examination Paper: Coursework: 40% 60% Examinations The written paper will take place at the end of the course and will make up 40% of the GCSE grade. There is one single paper with two sections. You will be entered for either the Foundation or Higher Tier. The examination is the same exam as the Product Design 3D paper. Coursework You will be required to undertake a single project which involves designing, making and testing a textile product. This project will take 45 hours of your lesson time. It will consist of a precise design folder which explains the brief or problem you have chosen to look into, the research you undertake, the specification for the product, the ideas you think up and how you develop them towards a final design proposal. It will also need a work plan, which should be detailed enough for someone else to follow; the testing you do at various stages and a final evaluation of the product, which should take into account how it would be commercially manufactured. You will also need to manufacture a prototype or model sections of your design before making your final design. This work will account for 60% of your final GCSE grade. It will be marked by your teacher and then seen by a moderator from the Awarding Body. What sort of things will I do on the course? This is a very flexible and wide ranging Design and Technology GCSE. At the end of the course you will be familiar with a range of fabric constructions, paper and card. You will learn how to work with them accurately to make useful products. You will be taught how to work very much as a professional designer would. We will study the products we buy in the high street and investigate how they are designed, manufactured and sold. We follow a variety of design briefs; typical projects might involve designing and making a cushion, producing a batch of aprons, embroidered rag dolls and a printed mug with packaging. Why is it useful to study Product Design? Product Design leaves your options open, yet it will still provide you with a sound basis for continuing on to A Level Textile Design or A Level Product Design. It will give you an insight into up to date methods of manufacture and all the aspects concerned with designing, making and selling products in a modern world. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 What next? This course will particularly suit those students considering career paths in Fashion and Textiles. These include designing, manufacturing, retail, marketing and buying. Following the GCSE course, there is an opportunity to study A Level Textile Design. Catering & Hospitality Double Award GCSE Introduction This course provides a vocationally related qualification that covers Levels 1 and 2 (Foundation and Intermediate) of the National Qualification Framework. A course in Hospitality and Catering offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for students to develop their knowledge and extend their skills within hospitality and catering in a vocational context. The course encourages the investigation and study of hospitality and catering in a variety of contexts. In these contexts the students are given opportunities to acquire competence, capability and critical skills. The course uses a range of assessment techniques to enable the candidate to respond through practical and investigative work. What is a Double Award? Catering and Hospitality is a Double Award GCSE that focuses on developing awareness of the skills, functions and technicalities of the catering and hospitality industries. It is expected that the students will complete the two awards by the end of Year 11. How does the Double Award work? In Year 9, students will be introduced to the Catering elements of the course, through a series of practical themed based projects. Students will gain practical skills as well as theoretical subject knowledge. At the end of Year 9, the students will have the required skills and confidence to take the first GCSE Practical (Task 1). In Year 10, students will continue to build upon their practical skills and knowledge. They will then take their second Practical (Task 2), in February/March and their written GCSE paper in June. Therefore, completing their Catering GCSE, at the end of Year 10. In Year 11, students will start and complete the Hospitality single award by completing one event based practical during the year and a written paper in June. At the end of Year 11, the four units will be added together to achieve an overall Double Award grade. What will you learn? 1. Catering GCSE single award (Units 1 & 2) These units concentrate on the food preparation and service aspect of the hospitality and catering industry. Students will be provided with the opportunity to plan, prepare and make food dishes, for a variety of customers. Areas of study include: • • • • • • • • • The industry – food and drink. Job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training. Health, safety and hygiene. Food preparation, cooking and presentation. Nutrition and menu planning. Costing and portion control. Specialist equipment. Communication and record keeping. Environmental considerations. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 2. Hospitality GCSE single award (Units 3&4) These units concentrate on the hospitality aspect of the hospitality and catering industry and, in particular, the skills related to the preparation and carrying out of events and functions. Areas of study include: • • • • • • • • • • The industry – hospitality. Types of service provided and the related client groups. Job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training. Menu planning, preparation and presentation. Planning for functions and events. Costing menus and events. Customer care. Standards of service. Communication and teamwork. Environmental considerations. How are the Awards assessed? 1. Catering GCSE single award Assessment The Catering GCSE single award consists of completing two units: Unit 1 – Catering Skills relating to food preparation and service Two practical tasks: Task 1 (20%) & Task 2 (40%) Internally assessed (45 hours in total) Total = 60% Unit 2 – Catering Theory Food and the Customer Written Examination Paper - 1¼ hours Total = 40%. 2. Hospitality GCSE single award Assessment The Hospitality GCSE single award consists of completing two units: Unit 3 – Hospitality skills related to events and functions One controlled event based task. Internally assessed (45 hours in total) Total = 60% Unit 4 – Hospitality and the Customer Written Examination Paper - 1¼ hour paper Total = 40%. Why is it useful to study Catering & Hospitality? You will gain an awareness of the structure of the catering & hospitality industries and have an introduction to career opportunities within these areas. You will learn the basic knowledge of nutrition and understand the relationship between diet and health. You will also gain a Level 2 qualification in Food Hygiene and Safety. You will be provided with opportunities to work both individually and as members of a team and to develop the qualities of sensitivity, creativity and aesthetic appreciation, as well as an interest in and enjoyment of food preparation, presentation and service, aspects of marketing and business. What next? This course will particularly suit those students that respond to practical activities and are interested in a career in the Hospitality or Catering industry. Following the GCSE course, there are a variety of opportunities to extend your knowledge and qualifications through a variety of further studies in either Catering or Hospitality. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 Year 9 Options Choices 2011/2012 Name: Tutor Group: st 1 choice 2nd choice BTEC Public Services BTEC Sport GCSE PE GCSE Dance ICT Nationals BTEC Business GCSE Business Studies BTEC Performing Arts GCSE Photography GCSE Product Design 3D GCSE Product Design Textiles GCSE Catering GCSE Media Studies GCSE Art and Design GCSE Art PERSONALISED LEARNING CHOICES FROM THE TWO SUBJECT LISTS ABOVE, PLEASE SELECT ONE 1ST CHOICE AND 1 RESERVE FOR EACH Please return this form to your child’s Learning Co-ordinator by Wednesday 9 February 2011. Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11 Year 10 Curriculum 2011/12 Tech / Arts Plus Option 1GCSE Humanities Option English Language 1 GCSE English Language English Literature GCSE PE 2GCSE BTEC Sport English Language English Literature (2 GCSEs) GCSE Spanish GCSE Computing ICT Nationals GCSE Business Studies BTEC Business GCSE Music GCSE Drama GCSE Product Des’ 3D GCSE Prod Des’ Text GCSE Photography GCSE Media Studies GCSE Art & Design GCSE Art BTEC Health & Soc’ care English Language English GCSELiterature History 2GCSE GCSE Geography GCSE Law Core Subjects Mathematics (1 GCSE) Science Pathway 1 Core Science Biology Chemistry Physics (4 GCSEs) Science Pathway 2 Core and Additional Science (2 GCSEs) Year 8 Option Choice Students choose either Science Pathway 1 or 2 1GCSE For those students better suited to an alternative, BTEC Public Services will be offered MFL Option 1GCSE GCSE French English Language GCSE German English Literature GCSE Spanish 2GCSE GCSE Italian For students that would benefit, Study Plus Maths is offered as an alternative by invitation For students that would benefit from additional English support, Study Plus English is offered as an alternative Only students following Science Pathway 2 choose one option only 2010/11 Local Area Partnership Courses – students will be offered by Learning Coordinators Students continue to follow the courses begun early in Y9. These are: Year 8-9 Option Subjects 1GCSE English Language GCSE Media Studies English Literature GCSE Dance 2GCSE BA award Spanish OCR Nat’ Certificate IT BTEC Sport BTEC Business Studies BTEC Performing Arts GCSE Product Design GCSE Textiles GCSE Catering CORE PLUS SUBJECTS SHORT or FULL COURSE RE (GCSE) CORE PE (JSLA or DSA also available) Year 8 Option Choice 2010/11
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