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Preparing for GCSEs
A Parent/Carers’
Guide
Preparing for GCSEs
Preparing for GCSEs can be a challenging time for students, parents and carers. This booklet is
intended to give some information in order to help you support your child over the next few months.
We have also included some more detailed information on GCSE courses that your child may be
studying.
It is important that students are encouraged to work hard and ‘smart’. Spending hours ‘revising’ does
not necessarily ensure that they are revising well. Equally, it is a myth to believe that you can’t revise
for certain subjects e.g. English.
How Can You Help?
Children need plenty of emotional support during the exam period and a home life that encourages
purposeful study.
There are a number of ways you can support them with this:
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Encourage the whole family to be supportive.
Don’t ask them to do too many chores or look after younger brothers and sisters.
Make sure there is a quiet space for them to study.
Revising with the radio on or with loud music is not a good idea. But having their favourite
music in the background may help.
Too much study is not helpful, so encourage them to plan some relaxation time too.
Check how they are doing by letting them explain something they have just learned. If you can
follow their explanation then they should be able to produce a good answer in the exam.
Encourage them to keep talking to their teachers! They should feel confident about asking for
help.
Emphasise the need for plenty of sleep.
As they complete each exam encourage them not to discuss how well they did, but move on to
preparing for the next one.
Remind them regularly that this is just a short period in their life – it will be over soon!
Praise them when they are working hard.
What Does Good Studying Look Like?
Good studying is about quality not quantity. The following are practical ways your child can improve
the quality of their revision.
Plan Your Work, then Work Your Plan
• The first step is to produce a revision timetable. Ask the Head of Year for a blank copy.
• Encourage them to display the timetable in their room and around the house so that it is clear
what needs to be done each day.
• The timetable will not only ensure that all areas are being covered, but will also break up the
huge task of revising everything into manageable chunks.
• The carrot philosophy! Encourage them to plan a 30 minute or an hour session with an
incentive at the end. For instance, an hour’s revision followed by 30 minutes of a favourite TV
programme. Then two, 30 minute sessions followed by time with friends.
• In the evenings, plan to revise one or two subjects only.
• Plan to revise specific topics in each subject – not everything at once.
• Plan to cover each topic several times, revisiting as you get closer to the exam.
• Start each session with tackling the most difficult bits.
• Have all the books they need to hand, so they don’t keep getting distracted looking for the
relevant information.
• Reading is not enough. They need to make brief notes either in words and/or pictures to help
them remember.
• Use revision websites wisely. Links to good websites can be found with the subject information
in this booklet.
• Encourage them to drink plenty of water.
• Working with a friend can be helpful because it allows them to test each other and talk about
the work.
• Plan weekend activities around their schedule. A couple of revision sessions first thing
Saturday morning, followed by a family activity for instance.
During the Examination Period
During the period of the examinations, try to ensure that:
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You know the dates and start times of each exam.
You support them to get to school in plenty of time for each exam.
They are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep before each exam.
They are in school uniform.
They eat and drink well throughout this very stressful period.
They keep calm the night before – referring to notes made previously rather than ‘panic
revision’.
Wish them well. Tell them that they have worked hard and that this is their opportunity to show
what they can do!
You are around in the evening to offer support, ask about the exams that day and discuss any
concerns they might have. Show that you understand how stressful this is for them by listening
to their concerns.
Don’t allow them to reflect too deeply on the exams they have taken.
Each day is a new day with new possibilities to succeed.
When it’s all over – encourage them to relax and forget about their exams. Tell them how proud
you are.
For help getting started with revision please visit www.getrevising.co.uk
Subject/Course information
Over the next few pages you will see in detail the exact requirements for
each of your child’s GCSE subjects
Core Subjects
English
Set 1 – Ms Connolly
Set 2 – Mrs Kelly
Course Title
GCSE English Language
GCSE English Literature
Exam Board
Edexcel
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-language-2010.html
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-literature-2010.html
What the Language exam consists of
Of Mice and Men – 22.5%
Transactional Writing – 37.5%
What students will need to do/know
The exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long and it is worth 60% of your English GCSE.
We recommend that you complete the transactional writing section first.
Unit 1 controlled assessment (Butlins advert and practical caravanning article) is worth 20%
Unit 3 controlled assessment (spoken language study and writing) is worth 20%
What the Literature exam consists of
Paper 1 – Understanding prose
Of Mice and Men
Animal Farm Paper 2 – Understanding poetry
1 unseen poem
Anthology poem
What students will need to do/know
Both paper 1 and paper 2 are 1 hour 45 minutes long.
Paper 1 is worth 50% of your English Literature GCSE
Paper 2 is worth 25% of your English Literature GCSE
Unit 3 controlled assessment (Romeo and Juliet / An Inspector Calls) is worth 25% of your English
Literature GCSE.
10 marks are awarded for SPaG.
Revision information
Revision guides have been provided by your English teacher: use them!
BBC Bitesize - http://www.bbc.co.uk
Cliff Notes - http://www.cliffsnotes.com
Spark Notes - http://www.sparknotes.com
English
Set 3 – Mrs Ashton
Set 4 – Ms Worrall
Set 4 – Miss Lawson
Set 5 – Mr Airey
Course Title
GCSE English
Exam Board
Edexcel
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-2010.html
What the exam consists of
Of Mice and Men
30%
Romeo and Juliet Transactional Writing – 30%
}
What students will need to do/know
The exam is 2 hours long and it is worth 60% of your English GCSE.
We recommend that you complete the transactional writing section first.
Unit 1 controlled assessment (Butlins advert and practical caravanning article) is worth 20%
Unit 3 controlled assessment (poetry and creative writing) is worth 20%
Revision information
Revision guides have been provided by your English teacher: use them!
BBC Bitesize - http://www.bbc.co.uk
Cliff Notes - http://www.cliffsnotes.com
Spark Notes - http://www.sparknotes.com
Mathematics
Course Title
GCSE in Mathematics A
Exam Board
Edexcel
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-a-2010.html
What the exam consists of
1 Non calculator paper, 1 hour 45 minutes (50% of final grade)
1 Calculator paper, 1hour 45 minutes (50% of final grade)
What students will need to do/know
Students studying this course will need develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical
methods and concepts, including:
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Measures
• Number
• Probability
• Statistics
Revision information
Attendance at revision on a Thursday after school 3.00 pm until 4.00 pm, will enable students to
improve on their mock result.
The revision sessions focus on topics that individual students had difficulty answering in the exam, so
will help fill in any gaps in their knowledge.
www.justmaths.co.uk
www.mymaths.co.uk
www.managahigh.com
Username: RoseStudent Password: Rose
Username: Rose Password: Average
Science
Course Title
GCSE Science
GCSE Additional Science
Exam Board
Edexcel
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/science-2011-individual.html
What the exam consists of
GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science consist of 3 x 1 hour terminal examinations plus 1
controlled assessment for each course (all 4 components are worth 25% of the final grade).
What students will need to do/know
GCSE Science
Unit B1 Influences on Life (25%)
Classification and inheritance
Responding to a changing environment
Problems and solutions to a changing
environment
GCSE Additional Science
Unit B2 The Components of Life (25%)
The building blocks of cells
Organisms and energy
Common systems
Unit C1 Chemistry in Our World (25%)
The Earth seas and atmosphere
Materials from the Earth
Acids
Obtaining and using metals
Fuels
Unit C2 Discovering Chemistry (25%)
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Ionic compounds and analysis
Covalent compounds and separation
techniques
Groups in the periodic table
Chemical reactions
Quantitative chemistry
Unit P1 Universal Physics (25%)
Visible light and the Solar System
The electromagnetic Spectrum
Waves and the Universe
Waves and the Earth
Generation and transmission of electricity
Energy and the future
Unit P2 Physics for your future (25%)
Static and current electricity
Controlling and using electric current
Motion and forces
Momentum, energy, work and power
Nuclear fission and fusion Advantages
and disadvantages of using radioactive
materials
Controlled Assessment (25%)
Revision information
www.doddlelearn.co.uk
http://www.docbrown.info/
http://www.memrise.com/
Controlled Assessment (25%)
Username: studentsname11
Password: rosebridge
Option Subjects
Art and Design
Course Title
GCSE Fine Art
Exam Board
AQA
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-4200
What the exam consists of
Unit 1: 60%: Portfolio of work – a selection of sustained projects from Year 10 and 11 with samples of
work that meet the four key assessment objectives.
Unit 2: 40%: Sustained project set by the AQA exam board which will be given to students in January.
Students have until Easter to produce research and prep work to support their final exam which will
take place after Easter when they are expected to complete a ten hour piece of work that consists of
a personal response to the brief set.
What students will need to do/know
Students need to show throughout all work they are meeting the criteria:
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Show good contextual understanding of Art.
Are able to create and refine their own ideas.
Can show a strong ability to draw and record imagery accurately.
Can present meaningful personal responses to design briefs and projects.
Revision information
Students will be given all the work they need in class to succeed and with no written exam paper it is
statically proven that the students that exceed target grades and achieve the best over the past few
years are those that commit to exploring and refining work in their own time.
Art is open every lunch to Year 11 and every night allowing students time to access resources and
staff to discuss and reflect on work.
Students are expected to complete Art or develop work every week as standard.
Child Development
Course Title
Home Economics: Child Development
Exam Board
AQA
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/home-economics/gcse/home-economics-child-development-4580
What the exam consists of
Course made up of 2 pieces of coursework (a child study specification and a controlled assessment)
and a final written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
Child Study = 40%
Controlled Assessment (7 hours) = 20%
Final exam = 40%
What students will need to do/know
• The Family.
• Pregnancy, birth, new borns and premature babies.
• Development of a child from conception to 5 years.
• Play and toys.
• Health and diet.
• Child care provision.
Revision information
AQA – past papers http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/home-economics/gcse/home-economics-childdevelopment-4580/past-papers-and-mark-schemes
Let’s Revise
GCSE Pod
Computing
Course Title
Cambridge Nationals in ICT
Exam Board
OCR
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals-ict-level-1-2-j800-j810-j820/
What the exam consists of
Four units of work-three units are coursework (Using ICT to create business solutions, creating an
interactive product using multimedia components and creating dynamic products using sound and
vision) and one exam.
What students will need to do/know
Understanding computer systems
• Understand how ICT can be used to meet business needs
• Know how to work with information and data to meet specified business needs
• Know how ICT can be used to support business working practices
• Understand how legal, ethical, safety and security issues affect how computers
should be used
Using ICT to create business solutions
• Be able to use techniques to search for, store and share information
• Be able to select and use software to handle data
• Be able to select and use software to communicate information for a business
purpose
• Be able to use software tools to format information
Creating an interactive product using multimedia components
• Be able to design interactive products
• Be able to create interactive products containing multimedia components
• Be able to carry out usability testing
Creating dynamic products using sound and vision
• Be able to prepare for the production of dynamic products
• Be able to create dynamic products
• Be able to test functionality of dynamic products
Revision information
OCR past papers
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals-ict-level-1-2-j800-j810-j820/
Book – OCR Cambridge Nationals in ICT Level 1/2 ISBN 978-1-4441-7653-7
Computer Science
Course Title
GCSE Computing
Exam Board
OCR
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computing-j275-from-2012/
What the exam consists of
Course consists of two pieces of coursework (a practical investigation and a programming project)
and one final written exam (1hr 30mins).
Practical investigation = 30%
Programming project = 30%
Computer systems and programming final exam = 40%
What students will need to do/know
GCSE Computing
Unit A451: Computer systems and programming
• Computer systems
• Computer hardware
• Software
• Representation of data in computer systems
• Databases
• Computer communications and networking
• Programming
Unit A452: Practical investigation
• Practical activity
• Effectiveness and efficiency
• Technical understanding
• Testing, evaluation and conclusions
Unit A453: Programming project
• Programming techniques
• Design
• Development
• Testing and evaluation
Revision information
http://www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org/
http://mrfraser.org/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z34k7ty
http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/GCSE_A451_topics.html
GCSE Pod
Revision guide given in lesson
Food Technology
Course Title
Design and Technology - Food Technology
Exam Board
AQA
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-foodtechnology-4545
What the exam consists of
Unit 1 – 2 hour examination paper which is worth 40%
Unit 2 – Controlled Assessment which is worth 60%
What students will need to do/know
Materials and Components - Including: Understand the function and nutritional properties of food;
The Effects of combining different ingredients; Effects of acids and alkalis; Understand the use of
standard components.
Design and Market Influences – Product prototype development; Labelling, packaging, product
information and codes of practice; Social, economic, cultural and environmental considerations.
Processes and Manufacture – The use, need and effect of additives; The impact and effect of using
a range of different equipment; Storage of Food and Food Products; Manufacturing/Large Scale
Production; Technological Developments
Controlled Assessment/Revision information
Controlled Assessment:
Students complete a full Design and Make project.
Revision Information:
Students are to complete past exam questions for homework on a regular basis. .
Websites such as www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z48jmp3
Geography
Course Title
Geography B
Exam Board
WJEC
http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/geography/geography-gcse/geography-b-gcse.html
What the exam consists of
Unit 1 Exam
30% of overall grade
Unit 2 Exam
45% of overall grade
Theme 1 Challenges of
Theme 3 Development and
living in a built environment. sustainable environments.
Theme 2 Physical
processes and
relationships between
people and environments.
Controlled Assessment
Fieldwork
25% of overall grade.
Completed
Decision Making Skills
What students will need to do/know
Theme 1
Challenges of living in a
built environment.
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Housing
Services
Planning
Urbanisation
Rural Change
Revision Information:
GCSE Bitesize/Geography
GSCE Pod Geography
Ace Geography (WJEC section)
Theme 2
Physical processes and
relationships between
people and environments.
Theme 3
Development and
sustainable environments.
• Coastal Processes
and Management
• River Processes and
Landforms
• Desertification
• Ecosystems
• Weather and Climate
• Globalisation
• Development and
Development issues
with water
• Trade/Aid
• Interdependence
• Economic Activity and
the Environment
• Employment
Structures
History
Course Title
History
Exam Board
WJEC
www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/history/history-gcse
What the exam consists of
3 examination papers covering 3 key themes, each paper will be 1 hour and 15 minutes
Paper 1 - Germany in Transition 1919 – 1947, covering the following topics:
• Rise of the Nazi party and its consolidation of power 1919-34
• Changing life for the German people 1933-39
• War and its impact on life in Germany 1939-47
Paper 2 - Developments in Sport, Leisure and Tourism in Wales and England 1900 – Present
Day, covering the following topics:
• The growth and development of sport in Wales and England.
• The changing nature of entertainment in Wales and England.
• Changes in holiday patters in Wales and England.
Paper 3 - Changes in crime and punishment in Wales and England 1530 – Present Day,
covering the following topics:
• Changing crimes and their causes in Wales and England.
• Changing methods used to combat crime in Wales and England.
• Changing methods of punishment in Wales and England.
Revision information
WJEC – past papers http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/qualification-resources.
html?subject=History&level=GCSE&pastpaper=true
Let’s Revise
GCSE Pod
Performing Arts
Course Title
BTEC First Award Level1/Level 2 in Performing Arts: Music, Dance, Drama
Exam Board
Edexcel
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts/performing-arts-2012-nqf.html
What the exam consists of
3 Units to be completed throughout course.
UNIT 1: Completed in Year 10. Internally assessed unit which is externally moderated in either Music,
Dance or Drama.
UNIT 2: Started in Year 10, completed in Year 11. ‘Preparation, Performance and Production’ is
internally assessed and externally moderated. This year’s students are working on the musical ‘We
Will Rock You’ demonstrating discipline in 3 performing arts skills.
UNIT 3: Completed in Year 11. ‘Individual Showcase’ is externally assessed using a task set by
Edexcel. A written controlled assessment is also included in this unit, also set by Edexcel.
What students will need to do/know
Students will take part in preparations for live performances and demonstrate performance skills and
techniques for an effective performance. Students will develop resilience in their rehearsals, meet
targets, show commitment and attend all rehearsals prepared to allow progress to be made.
Students will develop the skills required for a solo performance in either Music, Dance or Drama. This
will require students to organise extra rehearsals to use the equipment and rehearsal space at Rose
Bridge Academy.
Complete written work to a high standard meeting all deadlines set by the Performing Arts Staff.
Revision information
‘We Will Rock You’ Scripts provided by Rose Bridge Academy.
Revision material for controlled assessment which is acquired in Performing Arts Lessons.
YouTube clips specifically chosen by the Performing Arts Staff for each Unit to help progress students
skills at home
Product Design
Course Title
GCSE Design Technology – Product Design
Exam Board
AQA
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-productdesign-4555
What the exam consists of
Unit 1 – 2 hour examination paper which is worth 40%
Unit 2 – Controlled Assessment which is worth 60%
What students will need to do/know
Materials and Components - Paper/card; Timber based materials; metals; Ceramics; Plastics;
Textiles; Food; Electronic and Control components; Manipulating and Combining Materials; New
materials
Design and Market Influences – Evolution of Product Design; Design in Practice; Design in the
Human Context
Processes and Manufacture – Product Manufacture; Industrial and Commercial Practice;
Controlled Assessment/Revision information
Controlled Assessment:
Students complete a full Design and Make project based on the theme of ‘Celebrations – Parties’.
This will involve producing a 20 sheet A3 folder which goes through the full Design Process together
with prototype models of a suite of products. As the Controlled Assessment needs to be fully
completed by 1st March 2016, sessions at lunch, after school on Fridays as well as several during
school holidays will be offered to all students
Revision information
Students are to complete past exam questions for homework on a regular basis.
Links to YouTube clips are on OneNote, which every student has access to.
Websites such as www.technologystudent.com and www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zybc87h
Religion and Philosophy
Course Title
Religious Studies GCSE
Exam Board
WJEC
www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies
What the exam consists of
2 examination papers, each paper is worth 50% of your final mark, each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes.
Religion and Life Paper 1
Religion and Human Experience Paper 2
What students will need to do/know
Religion and Life Paper 1
• Relationships.
• Looking for Meaning.
• Is it Fair.
• Our World.
Religion and Human Experience Paper 2
• Religion and Conflict.
• Religion and Medicine.
• Religion and State.
• Religious Expression.
For each of these topics students will need to know and be able to explain their key words.
They will need to be able to explain the religious teachings, Christianity and Judaism.
They will have to be able to give arguments for and against a variety of controversial issues.
Everything they need to revise is listed in their two blue revision books.
Revision information
Students are better using the revision guides provided and the data sticks which contain you tube
revision clips and revision power points.
These contain everything they need to know.
Attendance at the revision sessions every other Tuesday evening after school will boost your
examination grades.
Sport
Course Title
BTEC Sport Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Sport
Exam Board
Edexcel - https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts/sport-2012-nqf.html
What the exam consists of
4 units (3 coursework based units and 1 external examination).
Unit 1 – Fitness for Sport and Exercise (externally assessed onscreen test) November 2015
Unit 2 – Practical Sports Performance (internally assessed) Completed
Unit 3 – Training for Personal Fitness (internally assessed) January 2016
Unit 4 – Leading Sports Activities (internally assessed) Completed
What students will need to do/know
In November 2015 students will be sitting their exam. This exam is an onscreen test and test the
theory of Fitness for Sport and Exercise.
The exam is 1 hour long and is a combination of short and long answer questions
Revision information
All students will have been given two green revision books (a revision guide and example question
book), their own notes taken in class and a simplified A4 revision poster.
As this is a relatively new qualification many websites are conflicting so it is best to use materials
given.
Mock Examination Dates
Monday 14th December 2015 - Friday 18th December 2015
Monday 29th February 2016 - Friday 4th March 2016
Wednesday 4th May 2016 - English
Dates of Year 11 Parents Evenings
Wednesday 11th November 2015 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm
Thursday 28th January 2016 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm
Key Contacts for Year 11
Mr Scarborough - Deputy Headteacher
Mrs Harrison - Head of Year 11