GCSE Options
2017
A guide for Year 9 pupils
and their parents on GCSE/
IGCSE subject choices
Message from the Headmistress
Dear Girls
For the last three years, in Years 7 to 9, you have had a very full
and varied programme of subjects to study. This is because we
wanted you to have as much opportunity as possible to experience
these subjects before making your choices for GCSE.
However, now it is time for you to make some choices! This is a
very exciting time but can also worry some of you a little as you
think about the implications of these choices.
There are some compulsory subjects which you will take through
to GCSE – English Language, English Literature and Mathematics.
You will also take all three Sciences (Biology, Physics, and
Chemistry) which will result in a double GCSE award or a triple
GCSE award. You will also take a Modern Foreign Language
(French, German or Spanish).
All the other subjects that you study at present will go into the
options pot – and you must choose three (or two if you choose
Triple Science).
You must think very carefully about this and choose for the right
reasons (am I good at it, is it a subject I enjoy?) and not the wrong
reasons (is my friend doing it, do I like the teacher?).
You will have lots of help and guidance from your subject teachers,
tutors, PAL teacher and from the Heads of Year but it is really
important that you make the choice that is right for you.
Please read the booklet carefully and start to think about the
exciting opportunities which await you in Years 10 and 11. If
anything at all is unclear, please ask.
Mrs Helen Jeys
Helen Jeys
Mrs Helen Jeys
Headmistress
How to make your choice of
GCSE subjects
This booklet has been prepared
to help you in your choice of
GCSE subjects. For the first
time in your school career you
are being asked to make a
major decision, namely which
optional subjects you will
continue to study. The decision
is an important one and you
must discuss it with your
parents and teachers. It is
important that you read this
booklet carefully and if you are
unsure of anything you must
ask for help.
Some points to remember are:
• choose subjects which you
like and want to do
• choose subjects which you
are capable of doing and with
which you feel at ease
• do not choose a subject just
because your friend is doing it
• do not choose a subject just
because you like the teacher
• choose subjects which
give you a wide choice for
the future.
Timeline for making your choice
of GCSE subjects
1. PSHE lessons in December
will focus on GCSE Option
Choices.
2. The School’s GCSE Option
Choices Booklet will be
available electronically at the
end of the Autumn Term.
3. In the week commencing
Monday 9 January, your
subject teachers will advise
you about the requirements
for studying their subject at
GCSE level.
4. You will have an individual
appointment with Mr
Parker-Cook, the School’s
Career Adviser, during
school time.
5. On Monday 16 January, you
are invited to attend the Year
9 Parents’ Evening with your
parents. You will have the
opportunity to discuss your
choice of GCSE subjects with
your subject teachers.
6. Friday 20 January is the
latest date for handing in
your GCSE Option Choices
Form to your Form Tutor.
It is very important that you
seek help and advice from your
teachers. If you have a particular
career in mind you must check
with Mr Parker-Cook or your
subject teachers that you have
chosen the correct subjects.
Remember it may not be
possible to change subjects
once you have made your
choice.
Curriculum for Years 10 and 11
Examined Subjects
These subjects are divided into
two groups:
• Core Subjects
• Optional Subjects
Core Subjects
You must study all of these
subjects at GCSE level:
•
•
•
•
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
A Modern Foreign Language
– You must choose a
language you are already
studying, either French,
German or Spanish
• Science – either Double or
Triple Award.
Please note: If you choose
Triple Award Science as a core
subject, you may only choose
two optional subjects. If you
choose Double Award Science
as a core subject, you may
choose three optional subjects.
Optional Subjects
You must make your GCSE
option choices from this list of
subjects:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Art
Business
Computer Science
Design Technology
Drama
Food Preparation
& Nutrition
Geography
History
ICT
Latin
Music
Physical Education
Religious Studies
A second Modern Foreign
Language.
It may only be possible to offer
some of the subjects listed if
there is sufficient demand. In
addition, it may not be possible
to offer every combination
asked for. It is for these reasons
that we will ask you to choose a
reserve subject.
Non-examined Subjects
It is important for your general
education that you follow
courses in non-examination
subjects. You will have lessons
in PE and PAL (Preparation for
Adult Life).
Information on GCSE reform
and the new grading system
U
U
1
G
F
2
“New” GCSE Grading System (reformed)
E
3
D
4
C
5
B
6
“Old” GCSE Grading System (non-reformed)
The process of reforming all
GCSE qualifications began
in September 2015. The
government’s stated intention
in reforming GCSEs is to make
the courses more rigorous, by
introducing a new grading
system and by moving away
from Controlled Assessments
towards longer final
examinations at the end of the
two year course.
GCSEs will be graded from 9
(the highest) to 1 (the lowest).
The chart above shows how
the current grading of GCSEs
compares with the new grading
system. The proportion of
pupils who achieve a grade 4
and above will be the same as
the proportion who currently
achieve a grade C or above.
However, a grade 4 will not
count as the “good pass”
required by many employers,
colleges and universities; a
“good pass” will be a grade 5.
In addition, the proportion of
pupils achieving grade 7 and
above will be the same as the
proportion who currently
achieve a grade A or A*, making
the new grade 9 equivalent to
an A** grade.
7
A
8
A*
9
Non–Examination subjects in the curriculum
Physical Education – PE
All pupils throughout Key
Stage 4 will continue to have
timetabled lessons of PE and
will participate in a variety of
activities including Hockey,
Netball, Athletics, Tennis,
Rounders, Badminton and
Fitness.
Pupils are made aware of the
many benefits of regular
exercise to their health and as
a purposeful way in which to
use their leisure time. Pupils
will continue to be encouraged
to attend extra-curricular
activities and may represent
AESG in matches.
Preparation for Adult
Life – PAL
In Years 10 and 11 the pupils
follow a course called
Preparation for Adult Life for
one hour per week. During this
time they follow a programme
of study relating to Careers
Education and Guidance,
Citizenship, PSHE and Religious
Studies (non-examined).
The Careers Education
and Guidance programme
encourages pupils to
undertake a series of activities
which aim to increase their
self-development, manage their
careers and explore opportunities
available to them.
Pupils also pursue a period of
work experience at the end of
either Year 10 or Year 11 for
which they are prepared during
the PAL lessons.
The Citizenship programme
aims to encourage pupils ‘to
play a helpful part in the life of
their schools, neighbourhoods,
communities and the wider
world’. Topics that are covered
include Human Rights, Citizens
and the Law, Democracies in
Action and Global Concerns.
The PSHE programme aims
to advance and support each
pupil's personal and social
development and to raise
awareness of a variety of health
issues.
The Religious Studies
programme ensures that, for
those girls who do not choose
RS as a GCSE option, key areas
are covered and discussed in an
open forum. RS plays a vital
role in preparing girls to face
the society that awaits them
as young adults and to make
informed, balanced and
sensible decisions.
Although there is no formal
assessment involved in these
areas of study, pupils are
encouraged to develop key
skills of problem solving,
communication and working
with others.
The underlying aims of the
programme are to encourage
pupils to develop mutual
respect and support, think
about issues concerning
themselves, social problems in
society and the environment
and to develop informed
opinions. It also encourages
pupils to be aware of and care
for others, to talk about feelings
and be sensitive to the feelings
of others. Throughout the
programme pupils learn to be
constructively critical and
questioning. They are expected
to be responsible for their own
behaviour and learning.
Homework and School Examinations
The homework allocation for
each subject is shown here.
You must remember that in
some GCSE subjects there is
an element of Controlled
Assessment. In some subjects
pupils will have to hand in
their homework the next day,
in others they may be given
an extended period of time
to complete the work. It is
obviously very important that
pupils organise their time
carefully and meet any given
deadlines.
Pupils will have school
examinations in all subjects in
December and May in Year 10.
These are internal examinations
to assess progress and, although
important, do not count towards
the final GCSE grade.
Mock examinations will be held
in December of Year 11 and if
you achieve a satisfactory mark
in these examinations you will
be entered for the appropriate
tier in the GCSE examinations
in May and June.
Homework Allocation
Art and Design
Business Studies
Design and Technology
Drama
English Language
English Literature
Food Technology
French
Geography
German
History
Information Technology
Latin
Mathematics
Music
Religious Studies
PE
Sciences
Physics
double
triple
Chemistry
double
triple
Biology
double
triple
}
Spanish
Year 10 and Year 11
Up to 2 hours
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
3 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
1 x 45 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
1 x 45 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
1 x 45 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
2 x 40 minutes
Allocations are minutes per subject per week.
Additional Information
GCSE Controlled
Assessments
The importance of the work
carried out during Year 10
and Year 11 cannot be overemphasised, particularly
because Controlled Assessments
form part of many GCSE
courses. A Controlled
Assessment may take the form
of a project, a piece of research
or some fieldwork.
Controlled Assessment tasks
are time limited and are
carried out in lessons during
the school day.
In general, performance in a
Controlled Assessment task is
assessed by teachers in school
and then moderated by the
Examination Board.
For subjects in which
Controlled Assessment is an
integral part of the GCSE
course, failure to complete this
work could mean that a pupil
would not be awarded a GCSE
grade for the subject.
Entry Tiers at
GCSE/IGCSE level
For some GCSE subjects, two
levels of entry are possible. At
Foundation Level grades G to C
(or 1 to 5) are available, whereas
at Higher Level grades A* to D
(or 9 to 4) are available. The
vast majority of entries at AESG
are made at Higher Level, but
occasionally the Foundation
Level is recommended for a
particular pupil in a particular
subject.
The final level of entry is
decided upon in consultation
between the subject teacher,
the pupil and her parents.
Grouping for GCSE
subjects
You will be taught in ability
sets for:
English
Mathematics
Double Award Science
French/Spanish
For all other subjects your
groupings will depend upon
your choice of subjects.
Accuracy of information
in this booklet
All of the information in this
booklet is correct at the time of
printing. However, final
specifications have not yet been
published for the reformed
GCSEs commencing in
September 2017 and therefore
all the information provided is
subject to change. Pupils will be
notified of any major changes
to the content or structure of
any GCSE course they choose.
Support available for
GCSE pupils
All departments provide
lunchtime clinics for pupils
who need extra help with
revision, homework, exam
questions or some other aspect
of their GCSE course. In
addition, some pupils receive
support from Mrs Hill our
Learning Enhancement
Co-ordinator.
Pupils who have been identified
as Talented in a particular
GCSE subject are encouraged
to attend lunchtime
masterclasses, complete
extension tasks and attend
relevant events publicised by
Mrs Balfour, who co-ordinates
our Gifted and Talented
programme.
Core Subjects
GCSE English Language
AQA Specification A
Why study GCSE English
Language?
GCSE English Language is a
compulsory subject for all pupils
and the skills which you will gain are
transferable across the curriculum.
You will learn how to read texts
actively and critically, employing close
reading skills to retrieve information.
In the course of your studies, you will
be encouraged to make inferences
and give informed comments on
language in use. You will also produce
your own writing, experimenting with
different audiences and purposes. In
short, studying English Language
will develop crucial reading, writing,
speaking and listening skills which
are fundamental to any further studies.
What will you study?
You will read and be assessed on
high-quality, challenging texts from
the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
The texts will be taken from a range
of genres and types and will act as
stimulus material to help develop
your own writing by providing
effective style models. The texts will
include literature and extended
literary non-fiction, and other writing
such as essays, reviews and
journalism (both printed and online).
The literary fiction texts will be used
to help pupils consider how
established writers use narrative and
descriptive techniques to capture
the interest of readers. You will also
explore how writers have particular
viewpoints and perspectives on
issues or themes that are important
to the way we think and live our lives.
You will be taught how to produce
your own creative text to
demonstrate your narrative and
descriptive skills in response to a
written prompt, scenario or visual
image. You will learn how to write
for a specified audience, purpose
and form.
The preparation and assessment
of Spoken Language is also a
compulsory requirement of the
course of study. You will develop
speaking and listening skills and be
encouraged to use spoken Standard
English effectively through a range
of activities.
How will you be assessed?
This is a linear course and as such,
is designed to be taken over two
years with all assessments taken at
the end of the course. There will be
two terminal written examinations,
each comprising 50% of the final
mark. Each exam is 1 hour 45
minutes long and worth 80 marks.
Both papers will assess Reading in
Section A and Writing in Section B.
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative
Reading and Writing
This paper examines a response to
one literature fiction text in Section A
and descriptive or narrative writing
in Section B.
Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and
Perspectives
This paper examines a response to
one non-fiction text and one literary
non-fiction text in Section A and
writing to present a viewpoint in
Section B.
Non Examination Assessment:
Spoken Language
You will also receive a separate grade
for Spoken Language. For this unit,
you will be assessed on your ability
to present, respond to questions
and feedback and on your use of
Standard English. The tasks will be
set and assessed by the teacher
throughout the course and will be
separately endorsed at the end.
This does not contribute to your
final GCSE English Language grade.
GCSE English Literature
AQA Specification A
Why study GCSE English
Literature?
GCSE English Literature is an
excellent course for developing
analytical skills and improving your
ability to present an argument in an
academic style. By studying GCSE
English Literature, you will become
more aware of the cultural, social
and political context in which
literature was created. Not only will
this course widen your reading, it
will also help increase your
confidence to offer and deliver your
own opinions. GCSE English
Literature is a compulsory subject
for all pupils at AESG.
What will you study?
This course allows you to experience
a range of Literature with a wide
variety of appeal drawn from
contemporary and modern texts,
texts from across the globe and
texts which have had a significant
influence on our literary and cultural
heritage. To that end, you will study
one Shakespeare text and one
nineteenth century novel alongside
more modern prose and drama
texts. The focus is on you engaging
with your reading through exploring
key themes, ideas and issues,
characterisation and settings in
order to build confidence in your
skills of critical evaluation.
Poetry will also be studied in
preparation for an examination
module; you will study a cluster of
thematically linked poems from the
anthology. Throughout the course,
you will also learn the skills
necessary to enable you to respond
to a previously unseen poem.
You will learn to read in depth,
critically and evaluatively, so that you
are able to discuss and explain your
understanding and ideas and make
connections across your reading. In
addition, you will develop your
writing skills to produce work which
is accurate, effective and analytical.
You will be encouraged to acquire
and use a wide vocabulary, including
the grammatical terminology and
other literary and linguistic terms.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment takes the form of two
external examinations.
Paper 1 is entitled Shakespeare
and the 19th-century novel. This is
a written paper of 1 hour 45 minutes
in length and constitutes 40% of the
final GCSE mark. In Section A you
will answer one question on a
Shakespeare text and in Section B
you will answer one question on a
19th century novel. In both sections,
you will be required to write in
detail about an extract from the
texts and then to write about the
texts as a whole.
Paper 2 is entitled Modern texts
and poetry and comprises 3
sections: modern texts, poetry and
unseen poetry. This is a written
paper of 2 hours 15 minutes in
length and constitutes 60% of the
final GCSE mark. In Section A:
Modern Texts, you will answer one
essay question from a choice of two
on your studied modern prose or
drama text. In Section B; Poetry,
you will answer one comparative
question on one named poem
printed on the paper and one other
poem from your chosen anthology
cluster. Section C requires you to
respond to an unseen poem and to
compare this poem with a second
unseen poem.
Mathematics
Edexcel GCSE
The syllabus for GCSE Mathematics
has recently undergone substantial
revision to incorporate more
demanding material and a new
grading structure. This is a nationally
initiated change and affects all
GCSE Mathematics courses. Pupils
at AESG will follow the Edexcel
GCSE syllabus. In common with
all other examination boards, the
assessment of material involves
both calculator and non-calculator
assessment. Whilst similar to the
previous course, there is an increase
in content and more emphasis on
interpreting situations in order to
apply Mathematics in context.
Why study GCSE Mathematics?
Mathematics is a compulsory subject
studied by all pupils under the age
of 16. Mathematics is all around us
and is relevant to everyday life, from
the movement of the stock markets
to understanding a bank statement
or even a gas bill. However, studying
Mathematics is important for more
reasons than simply learning and
developing Mathematical skills.
Mathematics develops logical
thought processes and abstract
thinking as well as the ability to
apply particular techniques to many
subjects; from using Newton’s
equations of motion in Physics to
statistical analysis in Geography,
Psychology or Economics. Also,
obtaining this qualification is a
basic, yet vital, requirement for entry
to most Sixth Forms and for many
university courses or careers.
On successful completion of this
qualification, pupils gaining high
grades may choose to further
their study by taking A Levels in
Mathematics or both Mathematics
and Further Mathematics. There
may also be opportunities for able
students to take extra GCSEs
in Further Mathematics and/
or Statistics.
What will you study?
GCSE courses build on the work
studied in Years 7 to 9, developing
and extending topics already met
and introducing new concepts and
techniques.
Number:
Including Indices, Surds, Proportion,
Ratio, Fractions, Decimals and
Percentages.
Algebra:
Including Linear Equations, Quadratic
Equations and Simplification of
Algebraic Expressions.
Shape, Space and Measure:
Area, Volume, Similar Shapes,
Pythagoras’ Theorem, Circle
Theorems and Vectors.
Handling Data:
Representation and interpretation of
Data and the study of Probability.
How will you be assessed?
The course is assessed entirely by
final examination. There are three
examination papers taken at the
end of the course, one of which is
a non-calculator paper. Some pupils
in Set A will also take a Further
Mathematics examination, which
covers material assessed at the
highest GCSE grades in greater
depth and extends knowledge and
understanding into A Level topics.
At GCSE there are two tiers of
entry, Higher Tier (levels 4 to 9) and
Foundation Tier (levels 1 to 5); the
vast majority of our girls are entered
for the Higher Tier examination. The
GCSE course begins in Year 9. The
decision on tier of entry is usually
taken at the end of Year 9 in order
to allow the bulk of the course to be
taught in a structured fashion, using
dedicated textbooks and online
resources for each tier.
As in Years 7 to 9, pupils are taught
Mathematics in different sets
determined by their Mathematical
ability. Additional help is available
for all girls at the Mathematics
Clinics which are held at lunchtime
twice each week. Girls are also
encouraged to make use of revision
materials to support their progress
and help them prepare for their
examinations.
IGCSE Modern Foreign Language – French
Cambridge
You must choose a language you
are already studying: either
French, German or Spanish.
Why study GCSE French?
The ability to communicate in
French is a valuable asset in the field
of commerce and industry. In
addition, a foreign language can be
an important qualification in Travel,
Tourism, Banking, Journalism and
the Diplomatic Service. It can be
studied in conjunction with any
other subject at university, and
university courses which include
French typically include a year to
be spent studying or working in a
French-speaking country, such as
Switzerland, Canada or even La
Réunion.
What will you study?
You will be taught the language
skills necessary to enable you to
communicate in a French-speaking
country and, at the same time, you
will develop an understanding of the
culture and countries where French
is spoken. You will use the target
language actively in role-play
situations and learn to talk about
events and express opinions. The
use of authentic texts in listening
and reading activities helps to
promote your comprehension skills.
Through enjoyable and intellectual
stimulation you will acquire the skills,
language and attitudes needed
for study, work and leisure in your
adult life.
You will study five areas of
experience:
Everyday Activities:
Home life and school, food,
health and fitness.
Personal and Social Life:
Self, family and personal relationships,
holidays and special occasions.
The World Around Us:
Home town, environment,
people, places and customs.
The World of Work:
Continuing education, careers,
communication in the work place.
The International World:
Tourism at home and abroad, life in
other countries, world issues.
You will also have regular lessons
with our French assistant in small
groups, to help develop your
listening and speaking skills.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is by final examination
at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Paper 4
(Listening)
(Reading)
(Speaking)
(Writing)
25%
25%
25%
25%
Is this for you?
IGCSE French is for you if you enjoy
the structures and sounds of French
and want to build further upon the
solid foundation which you already
have. Learning the French language
gives you access to an exciting
culture of art, music, literature,
theatre and food. It will also open
doors in the world of business.
IGCSE Modern Foreign Language – German
Cambridge
You must choose a language you
are already studying: either
French, German or Spanish.
Why study GCSE German?
German is one of the most
commonly spoken languages in
Europe. An ability to communicate
in German is a valuable asset to
have when considering future
careers since many employers
actively recruit those with language
skills. As fewer people now study
German at school it is also a unique
selling point to have on your CV.
German combines well with many
other subjects at university. Girls
will have the opportunity to visit a
German speaking country during
their IGCSE course.
The IGCSE German course is an
international qualification which
aims to develop a high level of
competence in the four skills of
Speaking, Listening, Reading and
Writing.
What will you study?
You will study five areas of
experience:
Everyday Activities:
Home life and school, food,
health and fitness.
Personal and Social Life:
Self, family and personal
relationships, holidays and
special occasions.
The World Around Us:
Home town, environment,
people, places and customs
The World of Work:
Continuing education, careers,
communication in the work place.
The International World:
Tourism at home and abroad, life
in other countries, world issues.
You will build on the knowledge
gained in Years 8 and 9 and acquire
the language skills to enable you to
communicate in a German-speaking
country as well as learn about
different aspects of the culture. The
learning of grammar and vocabulary
is an integral part of the course. You
will use German actively in role-play
situations and learn to converse on
a wide range of topics. You will read,
hear and see authentic texts and
situations. You will learn to write
creatively and with a high degree of
accuracy.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is by final examination
at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Paper 4
(Listening)
(Reading)
(Speaking)
(Writing)
25%
25%
25%
25%
Is this for you?
This GCSE is for you if you have
enjoyed learning German so far,
enjoy working out puzzles and like a
challenge. Not only are you learning
a practical skill which can sit easily
alongside any career path you
decide to follow, but you are
learning all sorts of thinking skills
which will stand you in good stead
later in life.
IGCSE Modern Foreign Language – Spanish
Cambridge
You must choose a language you
are already studying: either
French, German or Spanish.
Why study GCSE Spanish?
Spanish is one of the most widely
spoken languages in the world, and
therefore, Spanish would be a useful
complement to other subjects for
future career opportunities since
many employers seek linguists.
The IGCSE is an international
qualification and provides
progression to Spanish A Level and
other equivalent qualifications.
Spanish combines well with many
other subjects at university and
offers many transferable skills.
What will you study?
You will be taught the necessary
skills to enable you to communicate
in a Spanish-speaking country
whilst simultaneously gaining an
insight into the culture of the same
communities. You will learn to use
the language actively in role-play
situations and to express your
opinions. You will understand
authentic Spanish with listening and
reading activities. Grammar and
vocabulary will be learned as part of
each language theme.
Through enjoyable and intellectual
stimulation you will acquire the
skills, language and attitudes
needed for study, work and leisure
in your adult life.
You will study five areas of
experience:
Everyday Activities:
Home life and school, food,
health and fitness.
Personal and Social Life:
Self, family and personal relationships,
holidays and special occasions.
The World Around Us:
Home town, environment,
people, places and customs.
The World of Work:
Continuing education, careers,
communication in the work place.
The International World:
Tourism at home and abroad, life in
other countries, world issues.
You will also have regular lessons
with our Spanish assistant in small
groups, to help develop your
listening and speaking skills.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is by final examination
at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Paper 4
(Listening)
(Reading)
(Speaking)
(Writing)
25%
25%
25%
25%
Is this for you?
This GCSE is for you if you enjoy
the Spanish language and culture.
Equally, if you like the challenges
presented by piecing together new
structures and possess the
problem-solving skills required to
work out the meanings of words
from the context given, this is a
good choice of IGCSE for you.
GCSE Combined Science – Trilogy (Double Award)
AQA
Why study GCSE Combined
Science – Trilogy (Double Award)?
Studying Science will help you to
learn about how and why things
work in the way they do. From the
complex functioning of the human
body to the development of the
most sophisticated means of
modern communication; Science
is all around us. It is not just about
learning facts; Science is also about
developing the skills of critical
thinking, data analysis, problem
solving and application.
It is, therefore, not surprising that
Science is a core subject of the
National Curriculum and that a
GCSE Science qualification is a
minimum requirement for entry to
many university courses. The
Double Award Science course
combines the study of Biology,
Chemistry and Physics and leads to
the award of two GCSE grades. You
are taught by three different subject
specialist teachers and have 12
Science lessons per fortnight.
If you take the Double Award course
and later wish to continue a Science
subject to A Level, you will be able
to do so, provided you achieve the
required grades.
What will you study?
In your Biology lessons, you will
learn about organ systems in the
human body, including the nervous
system and the digestive system.
The specification also includes
topics on the environment,
inheritance and photosynthesis.
There are opportunities to learn
about relatively new techniques
and technologies, such as genetic
engineering and the therapeutic
use of stem cells.
In your Chemistry lessons you will
learn why chemical reactions occur.
The specification includes topics on
combustion, extraction of metals
and neutralisation. Factors such as
how to alter the rate of a reaction
and how to analyse substances are
also covered. You will also find out
how chemists strive to minimise the
use of limited resources and energy
consumption in the manufacture of
useful products and how chemists
develop ways of disposing products
at the end of their useful life in ways
that ensure that materials are used
sustainably.
In your Physics lessons you will
learn about forces, energy resources
(including the use of fossil fuels and
global warming as critical problems
for this century), waves (including
modern technologies such as
imaging and communication
systems), electricity, magnets, the
particle model of matter and finally
radioactivity and nuclear physics.
How will you be assessed?
The course is divided into Biology,
Chemistry and Physics topics
that will be assessed via six
examinations taken at the end of
Year 11. Each examination is 1 hour
15 minutes long. Questions testing
experimental and investigative skills
are also included in each
examination.
Biology Paper 1
Biology Paper 2
Chemistry Paper 1
Chemistry Paper 2
Physics Paper 1
Physics Paper 2
16.67%
16.67%
16.67%
16.67%
16.67%
16.67%
There are no Controlled
Assessments.
Remember
You must choose either Double
Award or Triple Award Science.
GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Triple Award)
AQA
Why study GCSE Biology,
Chemistry, Physics (Triple Award)?
Following the GCSE Triple Science
course gives pupils the opportunity
to spend more time on their study
of Science (18 periods per fortnight,
compared with 12 periods per
fortnight for Double Award Science)
and leads to the award of three
separate GCSE grades in Biology,
Chemistry and Physics. The
transition from Science GCSEs to
Science A Levels may be easier for
pupils who have followed the Triple
Science course, as several topics
for each Science are covered in
more detail and additional topics are
introduced.
What will you study?
Biology – the specification covers all
of the Double Award Biology GCSE
topics, plus some further topics
including the structure of DNA,
cloning methods in plants and
animals, evolution and a study of
ecosystems.
Chemistry – the specification covers
all the topics studied in the
Chemistry sections of the Double
Award Science GCSE plus further
topics including the properties of
transition metals, chemical cells and
fuel cells, synthetic and naturally
occurring polymers and additional
quantitative chemistry.
Physics – the specification covers all
the Double Award Science GCSE
topics plus further topics including
moments, pressure, lenses, static
electricity and space physics.
How will you be assessed?
Each Science GCSE covers a range
of topics that are examined in two
written papers at the end of Year 11.
Questions testing experimental and
investigative skills are also included
in each examination. Each
examination is 1 hour 45 minutes
long. This means that you will have a
total of 6 Science examinations at
the end of Year 11.
Biology GCSE
Biology Paper1
Biology Paper 2
50%
50%
Chemistry GCSE
Chemistry Paper 1
Chemistry Paper 2
50%
50%
Physics GCSE
Physics Paper 1
Physics paper 2
50%
50%
There are no Controlled
Assessments.
Is this for you?
Triple Award Science is a course
that is designed for pupils who have
a genuine interest in Science and
are keen to learn more about
Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
In order to succeed you will need
to have already demonstrated an
aptitude for Science. You are
expected to have strong analytical
and evaluation skills as well as the
ability to apply your knowledge to
unfamiliar problems.
It is also important to remember that
taking the Triple Award Science
option gives you one fewer option
choice. If you wish to follow a
broader curriculum and keep your
future options open, the Double
Award Science course may be more
suitable for you.
Remember
You must choose either Double
Award or Triple Award Science.
Optional
Subjects
GCSE Art and Design (Fine Art)
AQA
Why study GCSE Art and Design?
Choosing Art and Design enables
you to explore your creativity and
develop your skills in a diverse range
of media through an exciting
practical based course.
Art and Design has increasing
relevance to many aspects of our
daily lives. Virtually everything that
we own or look at has been
designed. We now live in a visual
world that has its roots in Art and
Design. Think about television and
film, web pages, interior design,
architecture, cars, fashion and much,
much more. Art is everywhere; it’s
not just a painting on a wall. Modern
businesses need people who have
the ability to think creatively and
adopt a disciplined approach to
difficult situations. Many of the
study skills that you learn in Art and
Design can be used in a lot of your
other subjects. In fact, Art is very
cross curricular as every subject
expects you to think creatively, to
explore, experiment and be curious.
What will you study?
The Fine Art endorsement will allow
you to explore and produce work
using a range of the following
techniques: drawing, painting,
printmaking, mixed media, collage,
assemblage, sculpture and
photography. Your teacher will
guide you in order to develop your
technical skills, and support you
in trying new processes and
techniques so that you can develop
the confidence required to realise
your ideas.
Unit 1 – Portfolio
This is the coursework element, in
which you will complete a sustained
project in response to a given
theme. You will demonstrate your
knowledge, skills and understanding
of methods of recording,
experimenting with materials and
techniques and the work of other
artists documenting your journey
from the initial starting point through
to your final piece/s. You will also
be required to present a selection
of further work that has resulted
from mini projects, workshops and
responses to gallery, museum or
site visits.
Unit 2 – Externally Set Task
This is the examination element
provided by AQA. You will receive an
examination paper with a choice of
seven starting points. You will
choose one question from the paper
and produce work on it in a very
similar way to the sustained project
for the portfolio. The examination
will be carried out over a number of
weeks beginning in January of Year
11 and will conclude with a final
piece of work undertaken during
10 hours of supervised time.
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed on your
portfolio, which is worth 60% of
your total mark, and the externally
set task, which is worth 40% of your
total mark.
Is this for you?
If you answer yes to some of the
following questions, then GCSE Art
and Design could be for you.
• Do you enjoy expressing yourself
creatively?
• Do you enjoy having more
freedom to develop your own
ideas?
• Are you independent, motivated
and determined?
• Do you have a willingness to
experiment and explore?
• Do you enjoy working in a
creative and progressive working
environment?
• Do you struggle with revision
based courses?
• Are you hoping to go into an Art
and Design based career?
GCSE Business
Edexcel
Why study GCSE Business?
If you have enjoyed doing Enterprise
in Year 9, then you will really
enjoy GCSE Business! This is an
accessible and fascinating subject
which has an impact on every area
of our everyday lives. In the GCSE
course we apply knowledge to
different real world organisations
ranging from small enterprises to
large businesses which operate
across the globe.
You will already be familiar with
many of the concepts and ideas
we discuss and should find it
easier to add more depth to your
understanding and analysis. We
also use a mixture of qualitative and
quantitative data so whether you
prefer essay based or numerical
subjects there is something which
links to your personal strengths.
What will you study?
As you can see from the course
details below, the design of the
course starts with small businesses
and more simple concepts which
gradually build into a thorough and
detailed understanding of the world
of business by the end of Year 11.
In Year 10 we focus on small
businesses and learn about setting
up a small business. The topics
include looking at how entrepreneurs
get their ideas and what skills they
need to have to be successful; for
example, understanding customers,
researching the market and thinking
creatively. You will also learn about
the use of social media, the reliability
of data in market research and how
businesses use technology.
In Year 11, we move on to look at
how to build a business and cover
four main functions in the context
of larger businesses: marketing,
operations, finance and human
resources. You will look in more
depth at successful marketing – the
product life cycle, building a brand
and how to get the right marketing
mix. In operations, you will learn
about the importance of research
and development, how we
manufacture quality products,
manage stock, stay competitive
and deliver good customer service
that meets legal requirements. You
will also revisit some of the financial
concepts from Year 10 including
cash flow, revenue, costs, break
even and profit. In the topic on
people, you learn about motivation,
how organisations can be structured,
remuneration and the vital role of
communication. Finally, you will
look at the wider world of business:
ethics, environmental issues,
economic issues and international
trade, and the impact of government
and the EU.
How will you be assessed?
There are two written examinations
which are taken at the end of Year 11.
Theme 1 on Investigating Small
Businesses is a 90 minute, 90 mark
paper with a variety of multiple
choice, short answer and extended
answer questions.
Theme 2 which is about Building a
Business has a similar structure and
is also 90 minutes long and worth 90
marks. The papers have equal
weighting and there is no Controlled
Assessment as part of the course.
Is this for you?
This GCSE is fun, lively and thoughtprovoking – we look at product
development, talk about what is
happening in the business world
and review marketing campaigns.
By the end of the course you will
have a solid understanding of how
businesses operate.
GCSE Computer Science
OCR
Why study GCSE Computer
Science?
Take a look at the world around you.
How close to a computer are you?
When was the last time you used
one? Life without computers is
almost unimaginable. The power
of computers is utilised in all areas
of life, from medicine to space
exploration. Computer Science
goes way beyond just writing code.
Steve Jobs (Apple Co-Founder)
once remarked...
“Everybody in this country should
learn how to program a computer…
because it teaches you how to think”.
By studying this highly valued
subject you will develop the skills
and knowledge to give you that
competitive advantage in any
future career. You will develop
computational thinking skills such
as analysis, decomposition, logic
and algorithmic thinking.
“Computational thinking will be a
fundamental skill used by everyone
by the middle of the 21st Century.
Just like reading, writing and
arithmetic”. Wing (2011)
What will you study?
Computer Science is an intellectually
challenging yet very practical and
rewarding subject. It is an intensely
creative subject where you can
apply the knowledge and skills
learned in the classroom in exciting
and inventive ways.
You will learn to:
• think creatively, innovatively,
analytically, logically and critically
• apply the principles of computer
science, including abstraction,
decomposition, logic and data
representation
• analyse problems in
computational terms and solve
them by designing, writing and
debugging programs
• apply mathematical skills relevant
to computation.
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed by a mixture
of written examination (80%) and
programming project work (20%).
Is this for you?
Computer Science is at the centre
of a STEM (Science Technology
Engineering and Maths) education.
Studying this subject will give you a
real advantage in today’s technology
driven world. You will make the leap
from using other people’s software
to being able to design and create
your own. Maybe you could invent
the next Facebook or Snap Chat?
GCSE Computer Science will give
you the skills to become a
Technology Entrepreneur… but
even more than this, it will give you
the skills you need for any career
because Computer Science teaches
you how to think.
GCSE Design Technology
Examination Board TBC
The final specifications have not yet
been released for the new GCSE in
Design and Technology. We know,
however, the following information
from the government published
subject content that was released in
December 2015. This is the
information that will be used to
create the individual courses from
each examination board so should
be the same no matter what
examination board we choose to run.
A decision on the final examination
board choice will be made as soon
as the final specifications have been
agreed by OFQUAL.
Why study GCSE Design
Technology?
Every product is designed. Designers
find solutions to problems, make our
lives better and enhance our lives
aesthetically. The Design Technology
GCSE course allows you to explore
the design process to create
products that meet real life needs.
What will you study?
In Year 10 you will be taught all the
key skills you need to succeed. We
will build on the knowledge you have
already and you will become familiar
with woods, metals, plastics, papers
and boards as well as textiles. You
will use this knowledge to develop
product design ideas and solutions
and you will make prototypes using
our Laser cutter, 3D printer and
sewing machines.
In Year 11 the exam board will
release a ‘context’ upon which you
will base your controlled
assessment project. You will be able
to choose your own design brief and
work through the design process to
create your final product. You will
specialise in a textiles focus for your
final project. Your controlled
assessment will be worth 50% of
your final mark.
How will you be assessed?
The examination will make up 50%
of your final mark. The examination
brings together your core and
in-depth knowledge and
understanding. There will be
questions assessing your
knowledge of the core content and
also questions relating to our textiles
specialist area. A minimum of 15%
of the paper will assess your
mathematical skills as applied within
a design and technology context.
The controlled assessment project
will make up the final 50% of your
mark.
Is this for you?
If you are interested in the world
around you, curious about how
products develop and reach the
market and are keen on problem
solving then you will enjoy Design
Technology. The course has a 15%
design related mathematics content
so you should be comfortable with
basic mathematics. The course can
support you in many future careers
including fashion, engineering,
architecture, industrial design and
business studies.
GCSE Drama
Edexcel
Why study GCSE Drama?
In Drama lessons you are encouraged
to explore and engage actively in a
wide range of creative activities to
enable you to develop as a successful
and independent learner. You will be
given the opportunity to demonstrate
competence in a range of practical,
creative and performance skills. You
will learn how to work imaginatively
and creatively in collaboration with
others; generating, developing and
communicating your ideas. You will
develop a multitude of skills, including
collaboration, communication and
an understanding of how to evaluate
and make progress. The course
has a balance between engaging
prescribed texts and stimulating
devising work; this will provide you
with variety, challenge and fun.
You may not wish to pursue a
career as a performer but many
career paths will benefit from the
study of Drama, for example,
Marketing, Advertising, Law and
Teaching; indeed, anything which
requires public speaking or good
communication skills.
What will you study?
Component 1: (40%) Devised
Performance
– Create, rehearse and perform a
piece of drama
– Evaluation of the devising process
and performance
Component 2: (20%) Performance
from Text
– Presentation of two key extracts
from a performance text
Component 3: (40%) Theatre
Makers in Practice – Written
examination
– Practical exploration and study
of one play
– Live Theatre Evaluation
How will you be assessed?
Component 1:
Devised Performance
• 40% of the GCSE – 60 Marks
• Internally assessed (by your
Drama Department) and Externally
Moderated.
There are two parts to the
assessment:
1) A portfolio examining the entire
devising process
2) A performance of the devised
performance
Component 2:
Performance from Text
• 20% of the GCSE – 48 Marks
• Externally assessed by a visiting
examiner.
Component 3:
Theatre Makers in Practice
• 40% of the GCSE – 60 Marks
• Written examination 1 hour and
30 minutes.
Section A
• 45 Marks
• One question (broken into six
parts) on an unseen extract from
the chosen performance text
studied.
Section B
• 15 Marks
• Two questions on a live theatre
performance you have seen
• Pupils may take notes of up to 500
words into the examination for this
section.
Is this for you?
This course is perfect for you if you
have a genuine interest in theatre
and performance. A willingness to
work collaboratively and creatively
with your peers is essential!
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
AQA
Why study GCSE Food
Preparation and Nutrition?
The food industry is one of the
world’s fastest growing industries.
In fact over 20% of the top 100
British Companies are in food
manufacturing.
The food and drink industry is
booming, with employment
reaching the heights of 650,000
people and the annual turnover of
£66 billion. The opportunities to
work within the food industry really
are endless.
Some examples of careers in
food are:
Food Scientist, Dietician/Nutritionist,
Food sales and promotion, Product
Development, Consumer
Technologist (Sensory Analysis and
Product Tasting), Chef / Baker /
Caterer, Food Journalist / Food
Critic, Environmental Health Officer,
Health & Safety Inspector, Food
Service Management, Delicatessen
/ Restaurateur, Food Wholesaler,
Production & Manufacturing, Quality
Assurance / Standardisation,
Purchaser (buys and sells food from
around the world), Packaging
Technologist, Teacher.
This new GCSE in Food Preparation
and Nutrition is an exciting and
creative course which ensures
you will develop a thorough
understanding of nutrition, food
provenance and the working
characteristics of food materials.
At its heart, this qualification
focuses on nurturing your practical
cooking skills to give you a strong
understanding of nutrition.
Food preparation skills are
integrated into five core topics:
• Food, nutrition and health
• Food science
• Food safety
• Food choice
• Food provenance
What will you study?
During the course you will be given
the opportunity to practise a wide
range of skills along with developing
a greater understanding of nutrition,
the science behind food as a
material and wider environmental
aspects associated with food.
This qualification is linear, and
consists of examination assessment
and non-examination assessment at
the end of the course.
The course is taught in a “hands on”
practical way; consequently the
purchase of additional ingredients is
essential. Time will also need to be
allocated to visiting the supermarket.
In Year 10 you will cook
approximately once a week along
with completing a series of modules
involving written work and food
experiments.
In Year 11 you will concentrate on
completing two Non Examination
Assessments (NEAs) using a variety
of research and investigation
methods. You will respond to one
of three specified tasks set by the
exam board. You will experiment
and trial ideas for the NEA and
prepare for your examination in
the Summer term. You will work
independently on the task which
is set by the examination board.
How will you be assessed?
Written examination
Paper 1:
Theoretical knowledge of food
preparation and nutrition and from
the five core topics (above)
1 hour 45 minutes
100 marks
50% of GCSE
NEA – Non-exam assessment
100 marks
Task 1:
Food investigation - understanding
the working characteristics,
functional and chemical properties
of ingredients. A written or
electronic report (1500 – 2000
words) including photographic
evidence of the practical
investigations.
30 marks
Task 2:
Food Preparation Assessment –
knowledge, skills and
understanding in relation to the
planning, preparation, cooking,
presentation of food and application
of nutrition related to the chosen
task. Pupils will prepare, cook and
present a final menu of three dishes
within a single period of no more
than 3 hours, planning in advance
how this will be achieved. 70 marks
Task 1 and Task 2 together will count
for 50% of the GCSE.
Is this for you?
You will enjoy Food Preparation and
Nutrition if you are organised and
enjoy experimenting with food.
When choosing this course, it is
more important to enjoy a large
variety of foods than have a natural
flair for cooking: we will teach you
how to cook! You will also have an
inquiring mind and want to know all
about the food you eat, what it is
needed for in the body and what
happens if there is too much or too
little.
GCSE Geography
AQA
Why study GCSE Geography?
Geography is a varied and wideranging subject which incorporates
aspects of both the physical and
human environments. It develops
written, graphical and oral skills and
it also helps us to understand the
world in which we live. Geography is
an excellent ‘bridging’ subject
between the Arts and Sciences and
allows pupils to keep their options
open when considering A Level
studies in the future.
What will you study?
This exciting and relevant course
presents geography in a balanced
framework of physical and human
themes and investigates the link
between them. You will travel the
world from the classroom, exploring
case studies in the United Kingdom
(UK), newly emerging economies
(NEEs) and lower income countries
(LICs). Topics of study include
climate change, poverty, deprivation,
global shifts in economic power
and the challenge of sustainable
resource use.
In lessons, we aim to provide you
with a variety of activities to meet
your needs. We pay particular
attention to examination technique
alongside group and pair work
activities that develop your learning
and confidence in the subject.
Mentoring sessions will also provide
you with an opportunity to ask for
further help and advice. We
encourage you to order ‘Wider
World’ magazine to extend your
wider reading within the subject. We
also encourage the use of ICT and
video clips to help improve your
understanding of the patterns and
processes we investigate.
Fieldwork Investigation
Pupils need to undertake two days
of Fieldwork. This will enable
you to gain an understanding of
the environment by first hand
investigation and by applying
knowledge and concepts learned in
the classroom. The two Fieldwork
inquiries will be carried out in
contrasting environments and will
include aspects of both physical
and human geography. We will
carry out some local fieldwork
in Year 10 and there will be a
compulsory overnight residential
trip to Blencathra in The Lake
District National Park in Year 11
(usually towards the end of
September but this is subject to
availability and approval:
approximate cost is £100 per pupil).
This specialist centre has an
excellent academic reputation
and Health & Safety record –
see www.field-studies-council.org/
centres/blencathra.aspx for more
information.
Geography Field Trip
We run a biennial residential trip to
Iceland which will give you the
opportunity to develop your
knowledge and understanding of
the topics covered in class and to
improve your fieldwork techniques.
In four days we visit many features
of the island in order to build up real
life examples in preparation for your
examinations. We also make sure
there is time to enjoy the geothermal
pools the island has to offer!
How will you be assessed?
You will take three examination
papers at the end of Year 11:
Paper One:
Living with the physical environment
(worth 35% of GCSE)
Paper Two:
Challenges in the human
environment (worth 35% of GCSE)
Paper Three:
Geographical applications (worth
30% of GCSE)
Is this for you?
Yes if:
• You enjoy learning about people
and their societies, economies,
cultures and managing their
environments
• You are keen to learn and develop
a wide range of skills.
And finally... If you are interested in a
career that involves travel, you will
not be disappointed. Geographers
really can work anywhere in the
world!
GCSE History
AQA
Why study GCSE History?
History is fascinating – it’s all about
people and their lives! It also helps
us understand the world that we live
in today. This updated course
enables you to study the most
interesting parts of British, European
and World History. Diversity is
assured and it offers something for
everyone!
What will you study?
You will study people’s lives in a
range of historical contexts. You will
also be supported with additional
subject clinics to enhance your
performance (if you need them!) and
trips to develop your learning outside
the classroom. The department has
successfully run GCSE Trips to the
USA in 2012, 2014 and 2016 and
plans to run its next in 2018. The
course is divided into four sections
which are examined in two papers;
each section is worth 25% of your
final mark. The options that will be
taught are as follows:
Paper 1:
Understanding The Modern World
Section A:
America, 1920-1973:
Opportunity and inequality
You will study how America became
so rich in the 1920s and how
American society changed, looking
in detail at the changing role of
women, the growth of the
entertainment industry (Hollywood)
and American attitudes towards
racism, immigration and organised
crime (Al Capone). You will also
study the impact of The Wall Street
Crash on American lives and the
attempts by President Roosevelt to
help America recover. (The “New
Deal”) You will also learn about the
impact of WWII and how it changed
American Society. Finally, you will
study post-war America and the
development of television, Rock and
Roll, Martin Luther King Jr and
racism. You will also look in detail at
the social policies of Presidents
Kennedy and Johnson and the
campaign for racial, gender and
human rights. (e.g. Roe vs. Wade).
Section B:
Wider World Depth Study – Conflict
and tension, 1918–1939
This study covers the aftermath of
World War I and the failed attempts
to prevent World War II. You will
study the attempts to make a fair
peace settlement after WWI, the
Treaty of Versailles (e.g. Article 231)
and its impact (e.g. German
resentment). You will also look at
the formation and successes and
failures of the new international
peace-keeping organisation, the
League of Nations and the reasons
for its final collapse. Finally, you will
look at the growing international
tension following Hitler’s
appointment as Chancellor, how
this escalated and the events
immediately preceding WWII
(e.g. Poland).
Paper 2:
Shaping The Nation
Section A:
Britain: Power and the people:
c.1170 to the present day
The story of how Britain became
the society it is today. You will look
at medieval constraints on kingship
(e.g. Magna Carta), the origins of
parliament (e.g. role of Simon de
Montfort) and popular revolt (e.g.
Peasants’ Revolt). You will also
examine popular uprisings in the
Early Modern era (e.g. Pilgrimage
of Grace), ‘Divine Right’ vs.
Parliamentary authority (e.g.
English Civil War) and the right
to representation (e.g. American
Revolution). You will look at the
extension of the vote in the 19th and
20th centuries (e.g. Chartism) and
various forms of popular protest
(e.g. the Anti-Slavery Movement).
Finally, you will study women’s
rights (e.g. Suffragettes), workers’
rights (e.g. the 1926 General Strike)
and minority rights (e.g. Brixton
Riots) and Britain’s development as
a multi-racial society.
Section B:
British Depth Study including the
Historic Environment: Restoration
England, 1660–1685
You will study the relationship
between Crown and Parliament (e.g.
the issue of succession), together
with religious intolerance (e.g. the
Popish Plot) and the character of
Charles II as King. You will also look
at crises (e.g. the Great Plague) and
the development of popular culture
(e.g. coffee houses). This section
also includes a study of the growth
of empire (e.g. East India Company),
trade (e.g. slave trade) and war. A
castle/stately home specific to the
Restoration must also be studied
and referred to in your examination.
How will you be assessed?
GCSE History will be a linear
qualification from September 2016.
This means that you will sit two
examinations at the end of the two
year course. Both will last 1 hour 45
minutes and will be worth 50% of
the GCSE.
Is this for you?
History is an extremely popular
subject which provides good
support for anyone thinking about a
career in law, journalism or politics,
to name but a few! History develops
study skills and thinking skills and is
therefore excellent preparation for
life in the Sixth Form.
BTEC First Qualification in Information
& Creative Technology
Pearson
Why study GCSE Information and
Creative Technology?
The BTEC First Qualification in
Information & Creative Technology is
an exciting, ‘hands-on’ and practical
qualification. This two-year course is
equivalent to one GCSE and offers
an alternative qualification that
focuses on key skills required for
employment or further study in the
creative industries e.g. multimedia
production.
Unit 3: A Digital Portfolio
Digital portfolios can be viewed by
anyone with a computer and an
internet browser. You will learn how
to create a digital portfolio that
includes a series of web pages with
links to content that you have
created. You will learn how to make
use of multimedia assets such as
images, sound and video to make
your portfolio appealing and
engaging.
The objective of this qualification is
to inspire and enthuse pupils to
become technology savvy producers
of technology products and systems
and not just consumers. Pupils
will explore the fundamentals of
technology and gain the practical
skills, knowledge and understanding
to design, make and review:
• creative technology products,
e.g. a digital animation, audio and
graphics
• products that combine
information technology and
creative technology, e.g.
website development
Students then pick 2 units from
following options:
• Creating Digital Animation
• Creating Digital Audio
• Creating Digital Graphics
• Creating Digital Video
• Spreadsheet Development
• Database Development
• Website Development.
What will you study?
You will study 2 core units and 2
optional units:
Unit 1: The Online World
How do websites work? How do
emails reach your computer?
How does the use of computer
applications affect your daily life?
This unit provides an introduction to
the modern online world. Starting
with your own experiences, you will
extend your knowledge of online
services and investigate the
technology and software that
supports them. You will learn more
about a range of services including
email, online data storage,
collaborative software, search
engines and blogging.
How will you be assessed?
Unit 1 is externally assessed
through an on-screen test. Unit 3
and the optional units are internally
assessed through project work.
Pupils will be graded Distinction*,
Distinction, Merit, Pass or Ungraded.
Is this for you?
This course is for you if you enjoy
using computers in a creative and
practical way. As the majority of the
marks for this qualification are for
coursework assignments rather
than an examination. This course
will particularly suit you if you are
well-organised, able to work to
deadlines and enjoy project based
work. You will need to have good
problem solving and evaluation skills.
GCSE Latin
OCR
Why study GCSE Latin?
In addition to the fact that Latin is
not just challenging but great fun
and the set texts are highly
entertaining, learning Latin develops
the ability to grasp grammar and
to comprehend language. It shows
appreciation of literature and
analytical skills.
How will you be assessed?
The final assessment is by
examination and there are 3 papers.
All the examinations are taken
at the end of Year 11. There is no
Controlled Assessment.
A Latin qualification helps a person
to stand out from the crowd as it
is a specialised subject. Latin
complements all manner of A Level
subjects, degree or career choices
such as Law, Philosophy, History,
Archaeology, Languages, Religious
studies, English Literature and many
more. Latin is a growing area in
the 21st century as more and
more educators realise its massive
benefits to young people.
Prose Literature:
1 hour, 25%
What will you study?
In the study of Latin Language you
will discover how language works,
improving your skills and vocabulary
in English as you develop your
knowledge of Latin. You will be
expected to learn 20 words per week
from the vocabulary list provided.
A small part of the language paper
requires either translation into Latin
or answering grammar questions.
For Latin Literature you will study
texts by real Roman authors which
have some very unusual story lines
and promote a great deal of class
discussion. Prose texts include
descriptions of Druids and
Boudicca’s rebellion. The verse text
consists of selections from the first
half of Virgil’s Aeneid.
Language:
1 hour 30 minutes, 50%
Verse Literature:
1 hour, 25%
Is this for you?
If you like learning new words and
reading and discussing literature
you will get pleasure from taking
Latin at this level. This subject is for
you if you enjoy studying for exams
rather than completing Controlled
Assessment. If you want to make
yourself stand out from the
thousands of other applicants to the
top universities then Latin can help
you do that as it is a subject that not
everyone has the chance to study. If
you enjoy a challenge and are ready
to work hard, and most importantly
have a good sense of humour and
fun, then Latin is for you.
GCSE Music
Edexcel
Why study GCSE Music?
• Music links to your everyday life
• Music gives you the opportunity
to speak a universal language
• Music allows you to go on a
journey of discovery and expands
possibilities
• Music is challenging, puzzling,
exciting, thought provoking and
enjoyable
• Music allows you to express
yourself.
Music is an academic subject that
requires a level of self-discipline
well respected by top universities
so step out from the crowd! There
is a wealth of scientific evidence
that supports music education
as a means to develop improved
reading, better comprehension and
a higher level of processing skills. It
also helps to substantially increase
emotional responses and social
skills. Who doesn’t talk about music
at some point in their day?
Stevie Wonder (songwriter and
musician) once said that ‘music is
a world within itself, a language
we all understand’ – so what are
you waiting for?
What will you study?
You will study three main areas
which all interact with each other:
Listening and Analysing,
Composing and Performing. Much
of this is learned through practical
music making and composing
through the use of technology. It is
all linked to the four areas of study –
Instrumental Music 100-1820, Vocal
Music, Music for the Stage and
Screen and Fusion – which all use or
extend the core musical elements
studied in Years 7, 8 and 9.
How will you be assessed?
This course comprises three
different units:
Unit 1 – Performing
This unit is completed during
Year 11 and is worth 30% of the
total mark.
Unit 2 – Composing
This is a Controlled Assessment unit
completed by the end of the Spring
Term in Year 11 and is worth 30%
of the total mark. It has two
composition tasks – one to a set
brief and one free choice.
Unit 3 – Appraising Music
This assessment is completed by
the end of the Spring Term in Year 11
and is worth 40% of the total mark.
Is this for you?
You will enjoy this course if you
want to study a subject where:
• You get to listen to music every
day from all kinds of styles and
genres
• You investigate all the little tricks
that musicians use to make music
sound good
• You get to create and arrange
music using software
programmes, recording equipment
and live instruments, developing
your own style
• You get to share skills and
work with others as well as
independently.
Physical Education
Edexcel
Why study GCSE Physical
Education?
Do you enjoy the challenge of sport?
Want to know more about how
physical activity affects your body
and mind? Inspired by the
Olympics? GCSE Physical
Education provides you with
opportunities for practical
participation in sport, increased
confidence and knowledge through
umpiring and organisation of
competitions and an understanding
of the theoretical concepts behind
sport and physical activity. It will
equip you with lifelong skills to
enable you to establish a healthy
and active lifestyle.
What will you study?
This GCSE in Physical Education
will equip you with the knowledge,
understanding, skills and values
you need to be able to develop
and maintain your performance in
physical activities. You will also
gain understanding of how physical
activities benefit health, fitness and
well-being.
The aims and objectives of this
qualification are to enable you to:
• develop theoretical knowledge
and understanding of the factors
that underpin physical activity
and sport and use this knowledge
and understanding to improve
performance
• understand how the physiological
and psychological state affects
performance in physical activity
and sport
• perform effectively in different
physical activities by developing
skills and techniques and
selecting and using tactics,
strategies and/or compositional
ideas
• develop your ability to analyse
and evaluate to improve
performance in physical activity
and sport
• understand the contribution that
physical activity and sport make
to health, fitness and well-being
• understand the key socio-cultural
influences that can affect
people’s involvement in physical
activity and sport.
How will you be assessed?
Examination
(60% of overall result in the form
of 2 written papers)
Paper 1: (1 hour 45 minutes)
Applied anatomy and physiology,
movement analysis, physical
training and the use of data.
Paper 2: (1 hour 15 minutes)
Health, fitness and well-being,
sport psychology, socio-cultural
influences and the use of data.
Coursework
(10% of overall result)
Planning, carrying out and
monitoring a personal exercise
programme.
Practical
(30% of overall result)
Completion of 3 physical activities
(minimum 1 team activity and
1 individual activity).
Is this for you?
This GCSE is for you if you enjoy
participating in physical activity
and you are interested in the theory
involved.
You will be expected to maintain
high levels of physical fitness and
attend extra-curricular sports clubs,
representing the school when
required.
It is also recommended that you join
a community club.
Religious Studies: Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
EDUQAS
Why study GCSE Religious
Studies: Religion, Philosophy
and Ethics?
Philosophy is an academic study of
concepts such as truth, existence
and freedom. Ethics is about how
we make moral decisions.
Christianity is the world’s largest
religion. Together, these make a
thought provoking GCSE course
with the EDUQAS examination
board. The course provides pupils
with the opportunity to reflect on
their own beliefs, feelings and
relationships. It also allows pupils
to develop skills of evaluation and
analysis which are useful in a variety
of other subjects and careers.
The course is concerned with
people: their beliefs, actions,
practices and decisions. Together
with the skills we develop, this focus
on people makes RS: Religion,
Philosophy and Ethics invaluable in
a range of careers such as Law,
Medicine, Education, the Police,
Politics, Journalism, Business and
many others.
What will you study?
The course covers a variety of
philosophical and ethical issues
related to Christianity and Islam.
We also examine a number of moral
and social issues from Christian,
Muslim and secular (non-religious)
perspectives. We will be considering
difficult modern issues and ultimate
questions.
The first component (50%) is
Philosophy and Ethics. We will be
looking at issues about relationships
(such as adultery, divorce and
gender equality), life and death (e.g.
abortion, euthanasia, environmental
sustainability and the afterlife), good
and evil (such as crime, punishment,
sin and forgiveness) and human
rights (e.g. social justice, poverty,
prejudice and discrimination.) Some
of this, we covered in Year 9.
The second component (25%) is a
study of Christianity. We will examine
the teachings and practices of
Christianity, such as the nature of
God, the person of Jesus, salvation
and eschatology, the role of the
church in the wider world, the
sacraments and festivals.
How will you be assessed?
There is no Controlled Assessment
element to the RS: Religion,
Philosophy and Ethics course and
assessment is by final examination
only. You will sit three exams at the
end of Year 11.
Is this for you?
Do you like to consider these types
of questions?
• How did we get here?
• Why are we here?
• Did someone or something put
us here?
• Who is in charge of everything?
• Why are there good and bad
things in life?
• Why do some people suffer more
than others?
• What happens after we die?
If the answers interest you, then this
could be the right GCSE option for
you. We do not expect you to have
any religious background, just the
readiness to engage and work hard.
Notes
Notes
Headmistress: Mrs Helen Jeys – BA Hons (Dunelm); PGCE (Cantab)
Alderley Edge School for Girls, Wilmslow Road, Cheshire, SK9 7QE
T. 01625 583028 E. [email protected]
www.aesg.co.uk
@schoolforgirls
/Alderley-Edge-School-For-Girls
Registered Company No. 2659703 Registered Charity No.1006726