Huntington School
KS4 Progression Booklet
2015
Where will
your subjects
take you
?
Dear Parents and Students
It is always difficult to make decisions about which courses to follow at GCSE
and often there are no right or wrong answers. However, the more informed
you are, the easier the decision making process. Hopefully, this booklet will
give you the information you need to help you make the best possible decision
for your future.
In the following pages you will be able to read about the subjects you can study
in Years 10 and 11. When making your decisions it is important to think about:

The subjects you like. You will often be more successful at what you enjoy!

Where you want to be in the future: which subjects will help you with Sixth
Form, University or employment.

Your studies and not your social life! Don’t study a subject just because
your friends are doing so, or because you liked a teacher you had in a
subject in the past —you need to think about the best thing for you in the
future.

Asking the questions which will help you to find out as much as you can
about each course.
Good luck!
Mr Quigley
Deputy Headteacher
Deadline for return of entries is: 18 January 2016
Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee any course for any student.
The English Baccalaureate or ‘EBacc’
The Government puts an emphasis on specific subjects for recommended study, called the
English Baccalaureate, or the EBacc.
To gain the full EBacc, students must gain the equivalent of a C or above (this will change to
number grades in future) in the following subject areas:

English;

Mathematics;

a Science (including Computer Science);

a Humanities subject (Geography or History);

a Modern Foreign Language.
These subjects a perceived to give students a breadth of learning across the curriculum,
and are also amongst the subjects that the universities and employers are keen for
students to pursue.
All of our students study English, Mathematics, Science and a Modern Foreign Language at
GCSE. In order to gain the EBacc, we would like students to choose one of the following
subjects as one of their GCSE choices:

Computer Science;

Geography;

History.
These are indicated in red on the Key Stage 4 Progression Form. Students must only choose
one across the three blocks, but they may choose more than one if they wish. If you have
any questions regarding the EBacc, please ask a member of staff for help.
We believe, like the government, that EBacc subjects are important, but we believe that
every subject we offer is uniquely important, so we recommend that your child studies a
broad range of subject qualifications. Those subjects not in the Ebacc are by no means
inferior and they may prove very valuable for you.
The PROCESS
26 November 2015
Go to Key Stage 4 Progression Event
Speak to your parents, subject teachers, your Form Tutor,
Mr Quigley and the Aspirations/Careers Team.
Complete the form: choosing a subject from Block A, Block B and
Block C.
Remember to follow the conditions regarding the colour coded
subjects.
By 18 January 2016, at the latest, hand in the completed form to
your Form Tutor.
GCSE Art
Famous people who have studied Art:
Jobs you can get with an Art
qualification:

Architect

Fashion and Interior Design

Teacher

Advertising
What will you study?
In Art, you will learn new and exciting skills and improve ones you already have. Work will
be project based, where you use drawing and photography to develop ideas and work
towards a final piece, such as a painting or sculpture. You will explore digital imagery with
the departmental iPads and use various creative Apps. Artists will inspire your ideas and
you will have the opportunity to visit galleries to see how their work is made.
How might it be useful in the future?
You will develop many transferable skills in Art, not just learning traditional art skills. You
will learn how to analyse visual information and develop an understanding of colour and
composition. Discussing yours and others work will help develop verbal and
communication skills. You will become amazingly creative—a skill all employers look for!
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“I chose Art because it is calm and fun. You don’t have to be
really good at it, just as long as you enjoy it!”
“Art is a fun and creative subject. Sometimes its extremely hard
work—but it pays off! I’m really glad that I chose Art as a
GCSE.”
GCSE Business Studies
Famous people who are successful in Business:
Jobs you can get with a Business
qualification:

Successful business owner

Manager

Investment banker

Marketing

Economist
What will you study?
Setting up a business (Year 10) - This unit explores the activities of a business and the reasons for
success or failure. It encourages students to appreciate that businesses must operate within society and
that this involves businesses engaging with a wide range of stakeholders who will hold differing
perspectives.
Growing as a business (Year 11) - This unit builds upon the content of the first unit, allowing students to
study businesses as they grow and the issues that expansion raises.
Investigating businesses - This unit is a controlled assessment unit. It addresses a current business issue
and the student must research and develop an idea over a number of weeks.
How might it be useful in the future?
Everyone will end up working in some sort of business, so this subject gives an insight in to how
businesses operate. It will equip all students with the necessary enterprise skills to enter the ever
changing world of work.
A number of the GCSE Business class of June 2014 are currently running their own business through the
Young Enterprise scheme.
It is ideal for anyone thinking of starting their own business in the future.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
it gives you the opportunity
to learn about the actual
business world which you
don’t have the opportunity
to do in other lessons.“
“Business is a good
choice to make; it
presents you with a
good insight into the
working world of
business.”
Madi Smith
Josh Hardgrave
“ Business is good because
GCSE Computer Science
Famous people in coding industry:
Steve Jobs
CEO of Apple
Mark Zuckerberg
Founder of
Facebook
Jobs you can get with a coding
qualification:

System Analyst

Search engine optimiser

Software engineer

Games designer

Programmer

Networking

Security expert
What will you study?
This is a new GCSE course and forms part of a new and exciting drive across the country to
push towards a more Computing based school curriculum. The course involves hands on
practical work, problem solving, research and system design. This course is particularly
suited to those students who have logical and analytical mind ready for independent
problem solving and debugging. They should have a fascination with what goes on
“inside” computers and an ability to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar contexts. All
students will be taught introductory programming skills as part of this course. This course
has a key focus on Science and Maths skills, which is how it differs from the ICT course.
How might it be useful in the future?
Not only will this course allow you to develop your computing skills, it will also allow you
to develop your ICT and problem solving skills. This qualification will allow you to gain
experience of working to a brief and programming as you would do in a professional
environment. Students who choose GCSE Computer Science often move on to study ICT
or Computing at A Level, or Computing / Engineering based degrees.
What students say about the learning computing:
“I really enjoy problem solving”.
“It’s so challenging—I feel very proud of myself when coding”.
“Its fascinating being able to learn to code and seeing my code work”.
BTEC Construction
Famous people who have studied Construction:
Jobs you can get with a Construction
qualification:






Architectural Designer
Surveyor
Carpenter / Joiner
Bricklayer
Site Technician
Decorator
What will you study?
This course is made up of eight units – four core units that everyone takes and four specialist units. The
specialist units enable you to study particular areas in more depth.
Mandatory units:
Specialist units:
Construction Technology
Exploring Carpentry and Joinery
Applications of Construction
Sustainability in the Construction Industry
Exploring Trowel Operations—Brickwork and
Blockwork
Sustainability in the Construction Industry
Exploring Floor and Wall Tiling
Construction and Design
Exploring Building Services Techniques—Plumbing
How might it be useful in the future?
A BTEC First Diploma in Construction prepares you for employment and provides a good grounding to go
on to a more advanced course, such as:
 BTEC National Diploma, Certificate or Award in Construction
 BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in Building Services Engineering
 BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in Civil Engineering
What students say about the course:
“A valuable life experience that teaches you practical
construction skills.”
CoPE
Famous people who could have studied
CoPE:
Jobs you can get with a CoPE
qualification:

Apprenticeships

Work Related Learning
What will you study?
This is a practical course where we focus on developing independence and life skills.
You will go on a variety of trips, you will organise social events and you will find out about
the local community. You will go camping, prepare food and work with young children.
How might it be useful in the future?
This course is assessed by a portfolio showing your skills. You will be given the
opportunity to complete Level 2 in Year 11 and this is the same as achieving a B at GCSE.
There are opportunities to continue with CoPE at Sixth Form on a Work Related Learning
course in York.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“I like CoPE because it helps
me to understand things
better and has made me
more confident with my
work in other lessons too.
You get to go out on trips as
well”.
“CoPE has made me
more confident
when I am talking to
other people and
when I am in my
lessons. I also like
going out on all the
trips”.
GCSE Drama
Famous people who have studied Drama:
Jobs you can get with a Drama
qualification:

Creative and performance work
including acting

Work in Media industries including
TV and FIlm

Marketing and sales

Teaching

PR and promotion
What will you study?
Your work will nearly all be practical and you will spend most of the course creating,
rehearsing and performing. You will learn how to make successful theatre, practise acting
skills and develop a range of theatre crafts. You will be marked in performances of scripts
and performances that you have created for yourself. At the end of the course you will sit
an exam in which you will explain, analyse and evaluate the work you have done.
How might it be useful in the future?
As well as performance skills, you will develop excellent teamwork skills and become a
confident and adaptable communicator. These are very important in today’s workplaces.
Even the armed forces recognise the life-skills that are required for success in this subject.
What students say about the course:
“Taking Drama will improve your confidence”.
“You get good communication skills”.
“It’s not like normal lessons sitting at desks and you get to
express yourself”.
“It’s useful having a subject that is focused entirely on
teamwork”.
GCSE Electronic Products
Famous people who have studied Electronics:
Jobs you can get with an Electronic
Products qualification:

Electronic Engineer

Communications specialist

Product designer
What will you study?

Designing electronic products using British Aerospace design software, simulating
electronic circuits using state of the art software.

Designing and making electronic products.
An interest in Maths and Physics would be helpful when choosing this subject.
How might it be useful in the future?
Due to the logical nature of this subject, students will become well versed in processes
that can be used in many situations in both work and their lives in general. Even though
many of us do not know it, we use logic to make decisions most of the day and this
subject will enhance this skill.
What Year 11 students say about the course:
“Electronics is interesting, practical and it helps me to understand its true
importance in the wider world. Electronic products is the future….”
GCSE English
Famous people who have studied English:
Jobs you can get with an English
qualification:

Careers in advertising and the
media

Teacher

Journalist

Lawyer
What will you study?
You will study both English Language and Literature, working towards two full GCSEs.
Core areas of study include: reading a range of novels, Shakespeare, poetry and media
texts. You will also perfect your skills in writing for different audiences and purposes,
including crafting both narrative and non-fiction texts. You will also complete a separate
Speaking and Listening qualification, which will also help to develop your wider
communication skills.
How might it be useful in the future?
English is one of the most important qualifications because it shows your future employer
that you can do the basics well. You can speak effectively in group situations and you can
be relied upon to speak clearly and confidently. You can prove you write with accuracy
and good skill, so any of the many written tasks at work will be completed successfully.
Finally, you will learn to read a variety of different texts and be able to understand the
many types of texts in whatever career you pursue in the future.
What past students say about the course:
Milo Dawson: “English on the surface may appear to be
hard and dull, but it is actually a lot more interesting that
you might think”.
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
Famous people linked to Food:
Careers associated with a Food qualification:
The opportunity to work in the Food industry are
endless. A food qualification can lead to Further
Education/employment in a wide variety of areas,
such as:

Product Development

Nutrition/Dietician

Food Marketing/Production

Environmental Health

Hotel Management

Catering
What will you study?
Food Preparation and Nutrition is a creative and academic subject which you will be learning-throughmaking. You will be given the opportunity to develop and practise a wide range of skills along with
having a greater understanding of nutrition, the science behind food as a material and wider
environmental aspects associated with food. The GCSE course promotes independent thinking, forward
planning and organisational skills. Through making the course embraces and emphasises understanding
of and enjoyment of British and International cuisines.
What will I study?

Food Preparation Skills

Food Nutrition and Health

Food Safety

Food Science

Food Provenance

Food Choice
The GCSE is assessed:

50% Examination

50% Non examination
assessment (coursework)
How might it be useful in the future?
As well as learning many practical and life skills, GCSE Food involves developing skills such as: research,
investigation, problem solving and evaluation. The Food Industry continues to expand and there are a
wealth of food associated careers. The course provides excellent progression to post 16 courses.
What Year 11 students say about GCSE Food:
“I love Food lessons because it
is great to make very different
recipes and learn about the
science of food.”
Todd Bradley
“GCSE Food is fun and I really
enjoy it. You can show off your
creativity and combine
practical skills with knowledge
and it is exciting to find out
new things.”
Gemma Bradshaw
GCSE French
Famous people who speak French:
Jobs you can get with a French
qualification:

Travel Consultant

Bi-lingual Data Analysis

Customer Service Agent for a major
(on-line) Fashion Retailer
What will you study?
You will practise and enhance your language skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
You will study topics which relate to you and your life on a personal basis, e.g. teenage issues, work
related themes. You will also look at topics about the world in which you currently live, e.g. new
technologies, the environment, fashion; future lifestyles will also be studied, e.g. your personal dreams
and aspirations.
How might it be useful in the future?
Fact: Just 33% of British people speak another language – you could help increase that percentage!
You want to stand out from the crowd, especially when applying for university or jobs.
Fact: In the business world you can earn up to £5,000 more a year if you speak another language.
You could be earning more than a friend or colleague, simply by knowing another language.
What students say about learning French:
“I do two languages at GCSE and it’s great! It’s so interesting and fun. Not only do you learn
the important and impressive skill of communicating with people all over the globe, which
opens up so many more opportunities, you also learn cultural and social issues around the
world through the topics. I love it so much, I’m continuing French at A-Level!”
“Learning languages at GCSE is really fulfilling as the skills that you learn are valuable.
In addition, a language is a well-respected qualification, as well as being interesting
and enjoyable.”
GCSE Geography
Famous people who have studied Geography:
Jobs you can get with a Geography
qualification:

Almost anything! The skills you get from
Geography are widely sought after by
many different employers.
What will you study? - topics that are relevant to the world around you now and in the future.
You will study ‘Living with the physical environment’ including natural hazards, rivers, coasts and different ecosystems. You will also investigate ‘Challenges in the human environment’ including urban challenges, the future economy, development and managing our present and future food, water and energy
resources.
Decision-making, problem-solving and critical thinking skills will be developed throughout the course to
help you successfully evaluate a geographical issue in the final exam.
Fieldwork will be undertaken in two different locations and you will plan and collect primary data.
How might it be useful in the future?
The wide range of skills you practise in Geography, like decision-making and problem solving, set you up
well for the world of work and other courses you may go on to study in sixth form or at college.
You learn to plan and carry out your own investigations and you use GIS/ICT packages to help present
and analyse patterns—these are very useful for any future career using ICT and for working with people.
People around the world are becoming more aware of the impacts of changes to the environment, our
population and the resources that we use. There will be many jobs available in this sector in the future
and taking Geography GCSE will mean that you can show a real understanding of these future issues.
What past students say about the course:
Sally Lawrence
Liam Womack
"Geography is my favourite subject.
I find it really relevant to the world
around me. I enjoy the lessons as
they are varied and help me
practice a wide range of
skills. Geography links really well
with a lot of the other GCSE
subjects and has helped me to
understand those too".
"I enjoy Geography. I find the work
interesting, relevant to my life and it really
helps me to understand the world now and
how it might change in the future. You get
first hand experience of some of the course
by going on fieldwork in Year 10 to the
Yorkshire Coast and in Year 11 to Leeds
Waterfront and there are other experiences
like the Bewerley Park weekend and the
Italy trip!"
GCSE German
Famous people who speak German:
Jobs you can get with a German
qualification:

Engineer

Bi-lingual Secretary

Sales Representative
What will you study?
You will practise and enhance your language skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
You will study topics which relate to you and your life on a personal basis, e.g. teenage issues, work
related themes. You will also look at topics about the world in which you currently live, e.g. new
technologies, the environment, fashion; future lifestyles will also be studied, e.g. your personal dreams
and aspirations.
How might it be useful in the future?
Fact: German is the most widely spoken first language in Europe (not English!)
You could be working in the European Union or travelling for business or pleasure in a number of
European countries where German is spoken, or at least understood.
Fact: In the business world you can earn up to £5,000 more a year if you speak another language.
You could be earning more than a friend or colleague, simply by knowing another language.
What students say about learning German:
“Learning German at GCSE is really interesting, and therefore enjoyable. It
takes the learning from lower school further and means you have a language
under your belt!”
“Learning languages provides skills that can be used in future life. Not only,
are they useful, they’re also very fun!”
GCSE Graphic Products
Famous people who have studied Graphic Products:
Jobs you can get with a Graphics
qualification:

Architect

Interior Designer

Graphic Designer

Inventor

Illustrator/cartoonist
What will you study?



Drawing accurately in 3D;
Designing your own logo to promote a shop;
Making products such as pop up books, board games, display boards and music
promotion.
How might it be useful in the future?
Studying Graphic Products will help you to work problems out, improve your
presentational skills and make you more employable.
It will be helpful is you are looking for a creative career which uses lots of designing both
by hand or using a computer.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“Graphics is intellectually challenging but also fun, we
have a great atmosphere which makes you want to
succeed.”
GCSE Health and Social Care—Single
Famous people who have benefitted from
Health and Social Care:
Jobs you can get with a Health and
Social Care qualification:

Caring for children or the elderly

Social Worker / Speech therapist

Nurse / Nursery Nurse / Teaching

Armed Forces or the Police
What will you study?
You will learn about human growth and development through a study of the life stages;
infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and later adulthood. You will study the care
needs of each of these groups and the needs of the disabled. You will also study relationships such as marriage, parenthood and friendships.
60% of the assessment is through a Controlled Assessment 40% is from an exam at the
end of Year 11.
How might it be useful in the future?
In Health and Social Care you will learn about the care of babies, children, adolescents,
adults, the elderly and the disabled. This will be of benefit to you in the future as you
become an adult and raise your own family.
An in depth study of Health and Social Care will also prepare you for any career or job
where you will be working with people, or groups such as children, adults, the elderly or
the disabled.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“I like health and social care because it is different to any other
subject and you learn about lots of new, interesting things. We get
to do activities as well as written work. Health and social care
would be good option if you would like to be a nurse, a carer.”
Fay Milne
GCSE Health and Social Care—Double
Famous people who have benefitted from
Health and Social Care:
Jobs you can get with a double Health
and Social Care qualification:

Nursing / Midwifery

Occupational therapy

Social Worker

Teacher
What will you study?
In this GCSE you will learn about keeping yourself and others healthy. You study BMI, cholesterol levels
and blood pressure. You will learn about the effects of diet, exercise and drugs on the body. You will look
at different health promotion materials to see how effective they are. You will then complete a health
plan. You also learn about the ethical principles practitioners must implement when working with service
users or clients.
60% of the assessment is through a Controlled Assessment and 40% is an exam at the end of Year 11.
Students who choose ‘Double’ Health and Social Care must also study ‘Single’ Health and Social Care.
Therefore you gain two GCSE qualifications at the end of Year 11.
How might it be useful in the future?
From studying Double Health and Social Care you will gain a greater understanding of your body. You will
look at positive and negative lifestyle choices such as smoking, illegal drugs and the importance of a
healthy diet. This is not only useful for your life, but will give you an insight into a career in health care.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“I enjoy H&SC because we discuss topics which we face in our lives
and things that affect people everyday.” Abigail Murray
“I like H&SC because you learn about not only how to look after
others but also yourself. I also like H&SC as it is interesting and
you learn things in depth which you thought you’d never know!”
Elisha Wickens
GCSE History
Famous people who have studied History:
Jobs you can get with a History
qualification:
Anita Roddick,
Body Shop Founder
Lord Coe, in charge of
2012 Olympic bid

Lawyer

Journalist

Politician

Will help with any career
path!
What will you study?

Public Health in Britain between 1250 to the present day. Covering the Black Death,
Plague, sewers, cholera, up to the modern NHS and public health concerns

How did the Normans change England?

How has the site at Fountains Abbey changed over time? (site visit)

The Making of America—1789-1900

Living under Nazi Rule—1933-1945

The USA in the 1920s and 1930s, and the UK during the era of WW1.
How might it be useful in the future?

It will help you develop lots of skills that are really valued by employers and
universities, like being able to form a logical argument and evaluate evidence.

You will improve your writing skills, which are important in all subjects and careers.

You will learn to think critically and not believe everything you read or are told!
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“What I love about History is that the variety of the topics we get to study—it’s
just really interesting!”
“What I love about History is it’s awesome!”
BTEC Home Cooking Skills
Famous people associated with cooking:
Careers with a Catering qualification:

Chef/cook

Baker/butcher

Outside catering

Hotel and restaurant careers

Careers in food manufacturing
What will you study?
This is an exciting practical course that aims to give the knowledge, skills and confidence
to enjoy cooking meals for yourself and others. The units of work will teach a range of
knowledge and skills from making bread to creating impressive desserts. The course
involves cooking every week and learning about ingredients. You will be taught many
cooking skills by following new and exciting recipes. In addition you will learn about
sourcing food, nutrition, hygiene and food safety. The course is based on the chef Jamie
Oliver’s belief “that being able to cook is an essential life skill which empowers people to
make changes that have benefits to health and well being”.
How might it be useful in the future?
You will learn some important life and cooking skills that will allow you to be an
independent cook in the future. The qualification is an excellent springboard to other
food and catering courses. A useful practical qualification which could lead to NVQ
training at a further education college or employment.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“I love cooking and the BTEC Home Cooking course has taught me how to make lots
of new things which I have never made before. We cook every week and it is great”.
James Hall
GCSE ICT
Jobs you can get with an ICT
qualification:
Linus Torvalds
Tim Berners-Lee
Steve Jobs

Software Developer

Computer Games Technician

Animator

Computer Scientist

Network Manager

Project Manager

Website Developer
What will you study?
The course will allow you to develop an understanding of how ICT is applied in the real
world. It gives you an understanding of issues that are current in ICT and allows you to
work to brief in the same way you would in real life. The course incorporates a variety of
software packages and allows you to further develop your skills, in particular your web
development and graphics design. You will learn how to use software tools at a much
more innovative and advanced level.
How might it be useful in the future?
Not only will this course allow you to develop your skills in ICT, it will allow you to engage
with the major issues in ICT today. The course incorporates the core ICT skills required by
most businesses and further education courses. ICT is an outstanding foundation for
developing an entry route for any ICT, Business and Computing courses or jobs.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“Choosing IT was one of the best decisions I
have made so far at Huntington, it is a great
choice, you learn different skills useful in all
different subject areas and different job
categories.”
“It’s fun, but challenges you at the same time.
You learn something new every lesson.”
The Compulsory M3 Programme:
PSHE, Careers and Citizenship
What will you study?

Health and sex education;

Personal and social education;

Careers education;

Citizenship;

Economic and financial understanding.
The five subject areas are taught by subject ‘experts’ on a carousel basis.
How might it be useful in the future?
The PSHE, Citizenship and Careers programme will provide you with a rich understanding
of topics that will affect you every single day of your life. In PSHE you will tackle issues
that affect teenagers throughout the country such as eating disorders, teenage pregnancy
and financial literacy; this will in turn give you a framework of knowledge and skills that
will equip you for life beyond school. Topics such as immigration, national identity and
Britain’s role in Europe will be undertaken in Citizenship; issues which are fundamental to
understanding our country and world.
Careers education will allow you to explore your future work and education choices and
also equip you in the methods of how to produce high quality CVs and effective interview
techniques. Furthermore, the skills developed include working in groups, communication
and debating as well as forming constructive arguments and producing written material.
You will be equipped with a range of skills and knowledge that will help you in whatever
your chosen career path.
GCSE Mathematics
Famous people who have studied Maths:
Jobs you can get with a Maths
qualification:

Accountant

Engineer

Pilot

Teacher
What will you study?
At GCSE you will do number, probability and statistics, algebra, shape and geometry. The
course is split into 10 blocks, starting in Year 9 and there will be one final exam in June of
Year 11. You will learn how Mathematics can be used outside of the classroom and you
will gain problem solving skills that can be used across school.
How might it be useful in the future?
The vast majority of careers and college courses will require a good grade in Mathematics
in order to access them. Mathematics is used to some extent in everything we do and
everything we use and students must be able to leave school with the knowledge needed
to help them thrive in a changing mathematical world.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“What I love about Maths is that is challenging, in a good
way! The skills can be applied in lots of different aspects of
life”.
GCSE Media Studies
Famous people who have studied
Media Studies:
Jobs you can get with a Media
qualification:

Broadcasting

Advertising and Marketing

Journalism
What will you study?
Studying Media Studies will help you to develop a critical understanding of the role of the media
in daily life. It encourages an understanding of how to use key media concepts to analyse media
products and the opportunity for hands-on practical work. The course combines practical and
theoretical knowledge, with 60% of the marks coming from three Controlled Assessment pieces,
each demanding skills of analysis but also creative skills through which you will create your own
media products. 40% of your marks come from an examination, where you will be expected to
develop your knowledge and understanding of a specific topic that you will have studied.
How might it be useful in the future?
The media industries are worth £977 billion globally. Studying the media will not only provide
you with a skills set that will give you a great start into careers associated with this growing
industry, like planning and production skills; it will also develop important life skills, that are
transferable across jobs, such as critical thinking, decision making and evaluative skills. You will
develop a key understanding of a subject that is relevant to your everyday life, as well as a high
level of media literacy, that: “will become as important a skill as Maths or Science” -Tessa Jowell,
Former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
What Year 11 students say about the course:
“Studying Media has allowed me to develop my creativity; working on original ideas from the
research to production stage, allowing me to make Media products ranging from my own film
trailer to the front cover of my own magazine. It’s been good to use the Apple equipment and
develop my digital skills alongside my writing skills and to be able to understand exactly how
the Media works”.
GCSE Music
Jobs you can get with Music qualifications:

Any Arts/Media professions as well as
performance and teaching.

Music is one of the best transferable
GCSE and A level subjects recognised
by the Russell Group Universities so it
is both enjoyable and really useful.
Famous people who have studied Music:
What will you study?
Composition using Cubase and Sibelius;
Performance and working on performance with others;
Listening to music to develop the analytical skills we have acquired in Years 7, 8 and 9.
Don’t I have to be like grade one billion on the piano or something?
You don’t need to be of a certain standard to start the course, but you do need to be willing to work hard
to develop your playing/ singing skills. It doesn’t matter if you can’t read music at the start of the course.
You do not need to have instrumental or vocal lessons but it does help.
Why would I want to take Music if I don’t want to be a musician when I leave school?
To learn about:

working to a brief, managing logistics, working to external deadlines, self-management;

managing a team, seeing a project through, using computer software in creative tasks.
How might it be useful in the future?
Employers want people who can lead and be team players. They want proactive people who are creative,
spontaneous, imaginative thinkers. Musicians are resilient. They don’t give up. They can take positive
criticism, be reflective and thoughtful. Employers want people who are not afraid of change or new
challenges. Musicians are independent, good self-managers who aren’t afraid of hard work.
Do I have what it takes?
Everyone does, despite what you might think. As long as you are prepared to work hard, develop your
skills and get involved in live music making, anyone can make a success of this course.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“It is by far my favourite GCSE. It is great fun; we laugh a lot, learn a lot and I feel much more confident
as a person from doing this course.”
“It is really challenging but worth it.”
GCSE PE
Famous people who have studied Sport:
Jobs you can get with a P.E.
qualification:

P.E. Teacher

Physiotherapist

Sports Journalist
What will you study?
You will have a minimum of 1 classroom theory based lesson per week. Practically you
will be assessed on your ability in your 3 strongest sporting activities (you should be
performing to a club level in at least one sport outside of school). The practical is worth
40% of the GCSE( 10% of this is a written assignment). The other 60% is gained through 2
exams that cover topics such as physiology and psychology of sport.
How might it be useful in the future?
This course will give you a grounding in the skills and understanding needed to go onto
further sports studies e.g. A Level Physical Education. Alternatively you will have gained
sports specific insight and experience that may lead you towards employment in the
sports industry.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
Fin Burbidge: "I like GCSE PE because it links to
my future career choices, you get to learn about
and experience different roles and opportunities
within sport. Theory is interesting because I can
relate the topics to me and my sports."
Fay Milne: " I like GCSE PE because it's interesting
learning new things about the body. The
activities you do in practical are enjoyable as you
get to experience new and different sports."
GCSE Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
Famous people who have studied Religion
or Philosophy:
Jobs you can get with a Religious
Studies qualification:

Armed Forces, Lawyer, Doctor…
RPE helps develop skills that will
be useful in most jobs. Especially
if you are to work with other
people.

It is also helpful for entrance to
University.
What will you study?
Your quest will be two-fold: you will investigate religious beliefs, teachings and practices
from Buddhist and Christian faiths. You will then apply these to an ethical investigation
into; issues of war, violence and peace; crime and punishment; philosophical arguments
for and against the existence of God and finally religion and life in terms of the origins of
the universe and the origins of human life. Exciting stuff!
How might it be useful in the future?
This is a subject which embraces the biggest questions in life, like ‘Why are we here?’ and
‘Is there a God?’ People who study Religion, Philosophy and Ethics think deeply. The
topics we investigate will affect all of us on some level at some time in our lives.
What Year 11 learners say
about studying the course:
“RPE has broadened my horizons and I have learnt a lot
about relevant topics such as early life, war and much
more. I really enjoy it and I highly recommend it for
GCSE”.
“I love learning about different religions and their views
on different topics. The lessons are fun and the teachers
are really nice.”
“RPE is an amazing subject because of the interesting,
relevant topics. My favourite thing about RPE is that
everyone always has different opinions—there is always
great discussion.”
The Compulsory Religion, Philosophy and
Ethics Programme:
‘Philosophy for Life’
Famous people who have studied Religion
or Philosophy:
Jobs you can get with a Philosophy
qualification:

Armed Forces, Lawyer, Doctor…
Philosophy helps develop skills that
will be useful in most jobs. Especially if
you are to work with other people.

Philosophy is favoured by top
Universities.
What will you study?
You will explore the practical benefits of various ancient Greek philosophies - including
Stoicism, Cynicism and Epicureanism. You will learn about, and from, some of the greatest
minds in Western history, making links to psychological research. You will have the
opportunity to develop your emotional resilience, character and sense of wellbeing.
GCSE Resistant Materials
Famous people who have studied Resistant
Materials:
Jobs you can get with a Resistant
Materials qualification:

Architect

Product Designer

Engineer
What will you study?
Design and Technology is a subject area which requires the application of knowledge and
understanding when developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them.
It also requires being creative and innovative when designing and selecting and using
tools/equipment and processes to produce quality products.
The specification has been designed to encourage candidates to be able to design and
make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques.
It develops skills of creativity and critical analysis through making links between the
principles of good design, existing solutions and technological knowledge.
How might it be useful in the future?
Resistant Materials Technology encourages candidates to be inspired, moved and
challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study and
gain an insight into related sectors, such as architecture and engineering. It prepares
candidates to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career
choices.
The use of new technologies and CAD/CAM skills allows candidates to develop as effective
and independent learners.
What Year 11 students say about the course:
“I love Resistant Materials as it allows you to design and use your creativity to
make things which you couldn’t do in a normal classroom.”
GCSE Science
Famous people who have studied sciences:
Jobs you can get with a science
qualification:

Forensic Scientist

Hair dressing

Zoologist

Electrician

Mechanic
What will you study?
Routes through Science: In science, students gain 2 GCSEs in GCSE Combined Science Triology, or
3 GCSEs in the triple sciences Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In all cases, you will study with a
different teacher for each discipline, and sit exams for biology, chemistry and physics at the end
of Year 11.
In Biology you will discover how the human body works, how it is affected by disease and drugs
and how other living things adapt to their environment. Chemistry explores the structure of the
atom, the periodic table, chemical reactions and the use of different materials in different industries and how this affects the world around us. Physics examines different types of energy and
how we respond to our demand for energy.
How might it be useful in the future?
Your science GCSE grades show you have practical skills and problem solving ability and that you
are able to apply your scientific ideas to new situations. These skills are vital in almost every job,
even those not directly linked to science, so many employers will be interested in your GCSE
science results. Lots of careers require science qualifications, e.g., vet, doctor, midwife, sports
scientist , marine biology, forensic science and it’s really useful in others, like beauty therapy,
farming and even law.
What Year 10 students say about the course:
“The subjects stay the same but the understanding gets deeper and
there’s always more to learn”.
Thomas Grieves
Spanish
Famous people who speak Spanish:
Jobs you can get with a Spanish
qualification:

Lawyer

Journalist

Accounts Manager
What will you study?
You will practise and enhance your language skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading and
Writing.
You will study topics which relate to you and your life on a personal basis, e.g. teenage
issues, work related themes. You will also look at topics about the world in which you
currently live, e.g. new technologies, the environment, fashion; future lifestyles will also
be studied, e.g. your personal dreams and aspirations.
How might it be useful in the future?
Fact: The total Spanish-speaking population is 452,480,979 in 22 countries.
You may be working or holidaying in one of these countries.
Fact: In the business world you can earn up to £5,000 more a year if you speak another
language.
You could be earning more than a friend or colleague, simply by knowing another language.
What students say about learning Spanish:
“Spanish is a great way to start afresh! You can use skills
learnt in French or German to help you. It’s really fun
because you get to do Spanish in a small group and it’s a
good chance to learn about Spanish culture and food!”
GCSE Textiles Technology
Famous people linked to Textiles Technology:
Jobs you can get with a Textiles
Technology qualification:

Fashion Designer

Merchandiser

Wardrobe manager

Fabric and garment technologist

Fashion buyer

Display designer (window dresser)

Journalist
What will you study?
Textiles Technology is a very exciting and creative subject that encourages:

Designing and making a range of textiles products;

Investigating methods to colour, decorate and stitch products;

Learning about fibres, fabrics and components;

Understanding how designers get inspiration for design ideas;

Understanding of how textile products are manufactured;

Understanding the issues that influence textiles design and marketing.
You will have the opportunity to design, develop and make a make a creative product as
part of the Controlled Assessment.
How might it be useful in the future?
As well as learning practical skills, textiles technology involves developing study skills such
as research, design, problem solving, independent learning and evaluation. GCSE Textiles
Technology can also help you prepare for further study in Art, Design, Fashion and Science.
What Year 11 students say about the course:
“I like choosing all the
different fabrics the best.
I love making new things
and the designing is really
fun too. I love the class
and the happy working
environment.”
“In Textiles I especially like
the creativity within
designing as well as the
production. Though it can
be challenging the
construction is always my
favourite part.”
Meg Dunning
Alice Linaker
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