1

Choosing

your GCSEs

Subject Information 2017

CEIAG@ St Columb’s College

‘Proud of our past; ambitious for our future’

2

Introduction

‘It's in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.’

Anthony Robbins

This booklet is designed to provide information for our Year 10 students who are considering

their subject choices at GCSE. This is a very important time for students who need to think

about their various options and the career opportunities available to them. They need to

discuss these options with their parents and teachers and make a decision that best suits their

individual needs.

It can be a confusing time for students as they weigh up their options and make plans for their

future; yet it can also be an exciting and rewarding time, when they begin to take

responsibility and make mature and important decisions that may shape their future.

In Key Stage 3, students have developed their interpersonal and employability skills, through

the pastoral programme and by undertaking Employability as part of Learning for Life and

Work, as well as participating in the Young Enterprise Programmes.

Each Year 10 pupil will have attended three careers guidance sessions with a member of

our Careers Department by the time they make their final choice of subjects in April 2017.

Each class will have also attended an information session delivered by the Northern Ireland

Careers Service in order to discuss the importance of making choices at this stage. They

will also take part in our ‘Focus on Your Future’ series of events in order to raise awareness

of the different subjects available at GCSE, potential careers pathways and the importance of

making choices, all designed to help them to become effective career decision makers.

Choosing what subjects to study at GCSE requires careful consideration and students and

parents should take careful note of the advice given by subject teachers, form tutors and the

careers staff.

Some subjects are compulsory and must be taken; others are optional and will allow our

students to build on their academic strengths. A small number of pupils will be offered an

alternative, reduced timetable at Key Stage 4. These pupils will be selected in consultation

with parents and teacher and the decision will be based on all the evidence relating to the

pupil’s progress in Key Stage 3. The alternative programme will include extra timetabled

support in English and Mathematics and will be personalised to suit the needs of the student.

It is vital that the right choices are made so that students enjoy the learning process, are able

to maximise their potential and achieve of their best at GCSE-level. Students should choose

subjects that they like and enjoy and in which they perform well. We hope to equip our

students with the necessary knowledge, skills and experiences to develop their full potential

and prepare them for the adult world with confidence and ambition.

3

Contents

Page No.

Introduction 1

Subject information

Art & Design 4

Business Studies 7

Digital Technology 8

Engineering 10

English Language/Literature 11

French 12

Geography 14

German 16

History 18

Irish 20

Mathematics/Further Mathematics 22

Moving Image Arts 26

Music 28

P.E. 29

Religious Studies 31

Science 33

Spanish 35

Technology & Design 37

Careers Guidance 39

Useful websites 40

4

Teachers are often asked why students should study Art. Contrary to popular belief, Art & Design is an excellent choice for a growing number of students. Here are EIGHT reasons why: 1. THE INTERNET HAS CREATED AN EXPLOSION OF OPPORTUNITY FOR DIGITAL

DESIGNERS AND MULTIMEDIA ARTISTS 2. FINE ARTISTS CAN REACH A WORLDWIDE MARKET AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON 3. THOSE WITH A WIDE SKILL SET HAVE AN ADVANTAGE, IN ANY CAREER 4. STUDYING ART IMPROVES PERFORMANCE IN OTHER SUBJECTS 5. GOOD MARKS IMPRESS, NO MATTER WHAT 6. ART MARKS ARE NOT SOLELY DEPENDENT ON AN EXAM 7. COURSEWORK TEACHES YOU SELF-DISCIPLINE

8. ART MAKES YOU HAPPY

GCSE Art & Design What can I expect to do in a GCSE Art & Design

class?

You will be given opportunities to set your own

project under the guidance of your teacher.

Some of the skills you will develop are:

Photography-Pottery-Game cover design-Super-

hero design-Print Making-Photoshop work-Car

design-Furniture Design-Fashion design-

Drawing-Painting-Learning about Artists and

Designers

School trips for research-and many more.

The two-year course is in two parts

A - Coursework Project 60%:

Starts Sept in Year 11 - Ends Dec/Jan in Year 12

B - Examination Project 40%:

Starts Jan in Year 12 - Ends in May Year 12

The details of the course and list of career

opportunities in Art & Design follow.

Check out these websites for further information

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82EZJ3yu-VU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgiTX4RK528

*Talk to your Art/Design Teacher if you are

interested*

5

Unit 1: The Core Portfolio (Controlled Assessment) Coursework

Unit 2: Working to a Stimulus (Examination Unit)

Assessment (Exams and Coursework Requirements):

UNIT 1: THE CORE PORTFOLIO: Controlled Assessment (60%)

The Core Portfolio (Unit 1) is made up of one or more controlled assessment tasks. It

comprises a body of work inspired by a theme or topic theme consisting of a maximum of 20.

A2 sheets (or equivalent) to include one piece of work that has been developed to a final

outcome in either FA/D and 2D/3D that shows clear evidence that the student has carried

out a minimum of 45 hours work under informal teacher supervision.

UNIT 2: WORKING TO A STIMULUS Exam issued in January of Year 12 and to be

completed by April (40%)

Working to a Stimulus is assessed through an externally set examination. It is worth 40% of

the final award. The exam takes the form of a stimulus paper. Each student has 6-8 weeks

to complete and present preparatory work and a final outcome based on either an idea

suggested in the exam paper or the student’s own idea based on the set theme.

FINAL MODERATION & EXHIBITION: In May of Year 12 all work is displayed for

moderation by the examining board CCEA.

Skills Developed:

This specification provides students with opportunities to develop the following

skills:

Observation through artistic expression;

Investigation, Realisation and Experimentation.

Application of Number;

Communication;

Improving Own Learning and Performance;

Information and Communication Technology;

Problem-Solving;

Working with Others.

6

Career Opportunities:

GCSE Art & Design prepares students for the study of art and design and related courses at

GCE AS-level and A-level. It also can open up a wide range of opportunities for further and

higher education and provides students who have an interest in developing a career in art

and design with relevant, skills-based knowledge. It can lead to a wide range of career

opportunities such as Advertising, Architecture, Animation, Computer aided design,

Education, Interior Design, Museum Work, Theatre Work (e.g. Stage), Community Art,

Fashion, Film and Media, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewellery Design, Occupational

Therapy, Art Therapist, Photography, Printing to name just a few.

A GCSE in Art & Design develops a range of useful skills that can be transferred to other

careers.

Many careers require artistic skills and a knowledge and appreciation of Art and Design.

Every man-made object we see around us has been designed and as fashion, styles and

technology continue to change, so the opportunities for young people in the wide variety of

design or art related jobs are increasing

.

13

7

BUSINESS STUDIES

Specification – CCEA

Through studying our GCSE in Business Studies, students gain business knowledge, understanding and skills. They begin to understand current events in local, national and global contexts. They learn how to use relevant terms, concepts and methods effectively to describe business and economic behaviour. Students also consider business ethics and the impact of business on the environment.

We want our students to develop as independent learners and encourage them to use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts from opinions, form arguments and make informed judgments.

This course prepares students for further study of business and business-related subjects, including Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Business Studies, Advanced GCE in Business Studies, Advanced GCE level in Business Professional Services and Btec Business (single and double award).

GCSE Business Studies

Topics studied are:

Unit 1: Exam 35% (Year11) Unit 2: Exam 40% (Year12)

Business Start-up Finance

Production Managing People

Marketing Business Growth

Business plan

There is one Controlled Assessment worth 25% which is completed in class at the end

of Year 11/start of Year 12.

8

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Digital Technology

Digital technology incorporates aspects of computer science and information technology. It explores how we can use technology to create, store, process, analyse and present information in a digital context. This includes computer architecture, networks, web technology, digital media, programming tools and software applications.

Digital skills for tomorrow's world

Three good reasons to choose this qualification:

1. New topics include coding, cloud computing and mobile technologies. 2. Case study involves a real-world situation which will be revised each year.

3. Weighting of units changed to 80% external and 20% internal assessment.

The 2015 report Make or Break: The UK’s Digital Future, from the House of Lords Select Committee on Digital Skills, refers to these categories:

Digital citizens (37% of the total UK workforce) have the ability to use digital technology purposefully and confidently to communicate, find information and purchase goods and services.

Digital workers (46% of the workforce) are working at the higher end of digital skills, with the ability to evaluate, configure and use complex digital systems. These tasks often require programming skills such as scripting.

Digital makers (10% of the workforce) need skills sufficient to build digital technology, typically software development.

Objective of the Course is to help students:

Develop an interest in digital technology.

Gain an understanding of the systems development process.

Gain an awareness of a range of technologies and the impact they have on

individuals, organisations and society.

Develop an application while adhering to the system development

process.

Apply their skills to relevant work-related scenarios.

Develop advanced study skills and help them prepare for third level

education.

9

ENGINEERING

“Engineers create that which has never been” Albert Einstein.

The CCEA GCSE Single Award Engineering course provides a solid foundation for entrance

onto the Level 3 BTEC Engineering course. This is equivalent to one A-level.

The GCSE course has three units:

Unit 1 - Engineering Design and Graphical Communication – 30%

In this unit students produce a portfolio of work containing:

• Evidence to show how they have analysed a client brief and

selected a final design solution;

• Engineering drawings of their final solution; and

• Evidence that they have tested their final solution.

Unit 2 - Engineering Production – 30%

In this unit students make an engineered product which includes two components of

different materials. The teacher will select a product from a choice of three.

Unit 3 - Engineering Technology – 40%

Paper 1 (one hour) tests students on their knowledge and use and impact of:

ICT; Automation; Components; Modern materials; and Control technology.

Students are also tested on their knowledge and understanding of products, tools and equipment associated with the engineering industry.

Paper 2 (one hour) is based on pre-release materials. It tests students on their research into a product specified in these materials.

To be successful at GCSE you must be interested and self-motivated. You need to be focused and able to work independently; especially outside class.

1.

10

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Please note: at time of printing the new directions from CCEA have yet to be

confirmed for teaching from 2017. So below offers 2016 guidelines

Specification

Unit 1:

Personal Writing and Reading Multi-Modal Texts

External examination (1 hour 30 mins)

20%

Unit 2:

Functional Writing and Reading Non-Fiction

External Examination (1 hour 30 mins)

20%

Unit 3:

Speaking and Listening (Controlled assessment)

We give guidance on activities.

20%

Unit 4:

Studying Spoken and Written Language and Writing Creatively (Controlled

assessment)

Task 1 – The Study of Spoken Language

Task 2 – The Study of Written Language

Task 3 – Writing Creatively

40%

(We set the tasks each year)

11

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Unit 1: The Study of Prose External examination (1 hour) (25%) Unit 2: The Study of Drama and Poetry External examination (2 hours) (50%) Unit 3: The Study of Linked Texts Controlled assessment (We set the task each year - one Shakespeare play and at least one novel) (25%)

Potential Careers for English Students:

There are a few jobs where the subject matter of your English course is essential -

secondary teaching or an academic career being the main ones which spring to

mind.

However, the skills you develop through the study of English Language and

Literature (effective written and verbal communication, time-management,

organisational skills, team-work, independent study and research, developing

persuasive arguments) are marketable in a wide variety of professional areas.

At least 50% of graduate jobs do not specify a degree discipline. Some areas which

have traditionally attracted English Literature graduates include advertising,

marketing and PR work, arts administration, library and information management,

the legal profession, editing and publishing, journalism and other areas of the media.

12

FRENCH

It is worth bearing in mind that, at the end of Year 10, pupils have already learned much of the French grammar and vocabulary tested which is tested at GCSE-level. Furthermore, in Year 10, pupils are given the opportunity to practise writing tasks, similar in format to those at GCSE, in their Christmas and summer examinations. Pupils who have performed well in French examinations in Key Stage 3 should find the study of the subject at GCSE-level straightforward. CCEA GCSE Course Content: Context 1: The Individual Students’ lives, families, homes and interests and those of others in French-speaking countries and communities Context 2: Citizenship Lifestyles, attitudes and customs in students’ own countries and communities and in French-speaking countries and communities Context 3: Employability Education and employment in students’ own countries and communities and in French-speaking countries and communities GCSE French consists of four Units: Unit 1: Listening test 25% 12 questions – tasks include matching pictures or words, gap- filling, Q/A in English, Q/A in French Unit 2: Speaking test 25% 2 role-plays and a general conversation on two topics conducted by your teacher and marked by examination board. Unit 3: Reading test 25% 12 questions – tasks include selection of pictures/words, gap- filling, Q/A in English, Q/A in French, translating short sentences from French into English Unit 4: Writing test 25% 4 questions: two short written responses to given tasks, translating short sentences from English into French, one extended writing task Links to Potential Careers Increasingly, employers are seeking students who can offer good interpersonal skills; these are developed through the Programme of Study for French. Communication skills will be

13

practised in class and during two additional timetabled periods when you will get the opportunity to discuss topical issues in small groups with the French Assistant. Research has shown that there is a greater chance of securing employment with a language qualification than with any other degree, except medicine and teaching.

French with another subject, such as Law, Music, Business Studies, or even a Science subject. There are many interesting combinations available as employers and students alike realise that the study of a language provides invaluable communication and interpersonal skills, which can ultimately improve one’s chances of employment or promotion.

Many students may work abroad. French is the official language of 29 countries and dozens

of worldwide organisations. For students who would like to read French at university in

France, the University of London now offers the chance to complete a three-year degree

programme in its Paris college. A former student of St Columb's College, currently studying

French at the University of London in Paris, highly recommended the cultural and linguistic

benefits of the course when he returned to the College in 2014 to speak to Year 13 French

students.

14

The course:

GEOGRAPHY

There has never been a better time to study Geography. Studying Geography will help you get to grips with some of the big questions which affect our world and to understand the social, economic and physical forces which shape and change it. Turn on your TV almost any day of the week and you will see coverage of events such as flooding, storms or earthquakes. You will hear about issues such as sustainability, global warming and world development. Such events and issues are at the heart of Geography. Geography helps to make sense of the world around us - it is relevant and it is fun!

In Geography you will …

Develop an awareness of the world around you; Develop a wide range of skills that employers look for such as literacy, decision-making, numeracy, IT, analysis, interpretation, data presentation; Develop specific geographical skills such as field work skills and map skills; Use appropriate technologies such as GIS (modern computer based mapping); Explore the interrelationships between people and the environment; Consider the interdependence between countries and the need for international cooperation to tackle global issues; Investigate how physical and human resources are managed; Take part in fieldwork collecting data at first hand.

15

You will study…

Unit 1: Physical Geography (40% of total marks) in Year 11

Theme A: River Environments.

Theme B: Coastal Environments.

Theme C: Our Changing Weather

and Climate.

Theme D: The Restless Earth. Unit 2: Human Geography (40% of total marks) in Year 12

Theme A: Population and

Migration.

Theme B: Changing Urban Areas.

Theme C: Contrasts in World

Development.

Theme D: Managing Our Environment.

Unit 3: Fieldwork Report (20% of total marks)

External written examination

Based on fieldwork

Studying geography provides you with valuable, transferrable skills, flexibility and a firm base for life-long learning. Geography brings together lots of subjects so studying Geography can give you an oversight that no other subject can! Therefore it combines well with any other GCSE subject.

So – make the choice to go places by choosing Geography for GCSE.

16

GERMAN

If you have been doing quite well in German for the past three years, do

not waste all that you have learnt but make sure that you get the GCSE

qualification for all your hard work!

In St Columb’s College we study the CCEA specification.

GCSE German consists of four Units:

Unit 1: Listening test 12 questions – tasks include matching pictures or

(25%) words, gap- filling, Q/A in English, Q/A in German

Unit 2: Speaking test - consists of two role-plays and a general conversation on

(25%) two topics. The test is conducted by your teacher and marked by examination

board.

Unit 3: Reading test 12 questions – tasks include selection of pictures/words,

(25%) gap-filling, Q/A in English, Q/A in German, translating short sentences from

German into English.

Unit 4: Writing test – consists of four questions: two short written responses to

(25%) given tasks, translating short sentences from English into German, one

extended writing task.

There are three Contexts for Learning:

1. Identity, Lifestyle and Culture;

2. Local, National, International and Global

Areas of Interest;

3. School Life, Studies and the World of

Work.

CCEA provides resource material online such as vocabulary lists and practice questions.

What would GCSE German be useful for?

Germany has Europe’s strongest economy and in terms of language it is the biggest language

in Europe after Russian. There are over 100 million native speakers of German in Europe – a

fifth of the European Union. Germany is the UK’s largest non-English speaking trading

partner, second behind the USA. Germany is the world’s third largest exporter overall (after

China and the USA).

Germany offers excellent training/employment opportunities. Having a good knowledge of

German can open opportunities in other countries, which are dealing with Germany (for

example the USA). Studying languages develops many transferable skills which employers

in many different types of careers value highly.

17

Study abroad and save money

In Germany students do not have to pay university fees – you can also benefit from this! You

do not have to do German for A-level in order to get into an English degree in Germany but it

helps if you have a good knowledge of the

language!

Use German in your career

German companies offer excellent job

opportunities not only in Germany but in the UK

and in Ireland as well as worldwide:

Adidas, Agfa, Aldi, Allianz, Audi, BASF, Bayer,

Becks, Blaupunkt, Bosch, BMW, Braun, Carl

Zeiss, Dr Oetker, DPD, Deutsche Telekom,

Grundig, Haribo, Hoechst, Leica, Lidl, Lufthansa,

MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Milka, Osram, Opel,

Porsche, Rolex, SAP, Sennheiser, Siemens,

Swissair, Thyssen, Volkswagen, Zeiss, Zurich Financial are all big players in the global

economy - to mention but a few of the best known names.

http://www.goethe.de/lrn/prj/zgd/en867247.htm

https://www.thelocal.de/jobs/article/why-theres-never-been-a-better-time-to-find-a-job-in-

berlin

Job vacancies which required some knowledge of German, in the

Republic of Ireland:

http://www.german-irish.ie/en/business-

services/recruitment/current-vacancies/

Take a gap year

After school you can take a gap-year in Germany before you decide

whether you want to go to university or whether you want to train in

a job. Germany offers many opportunities for young people to do a

gap-year and get paid while doing this.

In St Columb’s College students who study German have a wide

range of opportunities to travel abroad and participate in projects,

which are often funded from Germany and/or the EU. One of our

most exciting projects is to go on an exchange and do a work

experience in a Germany company which will give you a fantastic insight into a career of

your choice in another country.

You can also become a UK-German Youth

Ambassador and meet other students from all

over Europe in London and in Berlin.

18

HISTORY

Outline of course content and Examinations

CCEA GCSE Unit 1

Paper 1

A: Germany life under the Nazis, 1933-1945.

B: Changing Relations NI political history,

1965-1998.

60% of GCSE.

1hr 45 mins.

CCEA GCSE Unit 2

Paper 2.

International relations 1945-2003

40% of GCSE.

1hr 15 mins.

What do all these people have in common?

Former PM Gordon Brown Newsreader Dermot Murnaghan, BBC

Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen, comedians Al Murray and

Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat), TV presenter Jonathan Ross, Five

Live’s Alan Green and Jonathan Legard?

Answer: They all studied History!! Why should you study History?

Well, its ‘enjoyable, interesting and challenging’ - according to our current Year 11 students.

On top of that it will allow you to:

Play the detective - find out how we got to where we are.

Travel back to the past – a bit like Dr Who - and find out what made people tick!

Learn about events and people that have shaped your future.

19

In addition you will be able to develop important skills that will be useful to you throughout

your life and particularly in your career. It enables you to:

Ask questions properly;

Express your own opinions;

Process information;

Think independently;

Structure arguments;

Understand the views of others.

The Higher Education Statistical Agency

places History in the top five disciplines

in terms of successful employability within

the six months of graduation. This is

because of the variety of skills acquired on

a history degree are so wide-ranging that

history graduates are excellent

employment prospects for almost every

type of employer. Many history graduates

move into jobs as researchers while

employment can also be found with a

variety of government departments and

agencies, both local and national. Further

career options can include working in libraries, museums or galleries not forgetting

archaeology. Due to their solid foundation in research and analysis, a significant number of

history graduates pursue careers in the law and management. History graduates generally

possess high levels of literacy and critical thinking abilities, so are often suited to careers in

media and journalism. Of course there’s always teaching!

20

IRISH

GCSE Irish is merely taking the material covered in Key Stage 3 a step further and

developing the topics previously covered. If you are good at Irish now, you will probably

do very well at GCSE also.

There are three Contexts for Learning:

1. Identity, Lifestyle and Culture.

2. Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest.

3. School Life, Studies and the World of Work.

Through studying the CCEA GCSE Irish specification, students: • Develop an understanding of written and spoken Irish in a variety of contexts;

• Develop the ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken Irish, using a

variety of vocabulary, syntax and structures;

• Develop knowledge of the language and language-learning skills;

• Develop an awareness and understanding of Irish-speaking communities;

• Recognise that their linguistic knowledge, understanding and skills help them to take

their place in a multilingual global society.

GCSE Irish consists of four Units: Unit 1: Listening test 25% 12 questions – tasks include matching pictures or words, gap-filling, Q/A in English, Q/A in Irish. Unit 2: Speaking test 25% Two role-plays and a general conversation on two topics conducted by your teacher and marked by the examination board. Unit 3: Reading test 25% 12 questions – tasks include selection of pictures/words, gap-filling, Q/A in English, Q/A in Irish, translating short sentences from Irish into English. Unit 4: Writing test 25% Four questions: two short written responses to given tasks, translating short sentences from English into Irish, one extended writing task. Links to potential careers At a general level, the skills developed through the GCSE Irish course are beneficial in many, if not all careers and the ability to communicate and present is priceless and necessary for any interview process.

21

With so many organisations such as Gael Linn and Forás na Gaeilge working to promote and develop the use of Irish and, with increasing numbers of parents choosing to send their children to Irish-medium primary schools, the number of careers available to people with qualifications in Irish is continually expanding. Year on year there are more jobs available to Irish speakers and the best thing about this is that these jobs are local and do not involve leaving Ireland. However, if travel appeals to you, since Irish was recognised as an official language of the European Union in 2005, jobs have been created in other countries for interpreters and translators to work on official EU documentation. It may also surprise you to learn that Irish is offered in many high profile universities around the globe including Harvard and Notre Dame, meaning that your Irish can take you further than before. And finally, a GCSE in Irish is worth exactly the same as any other GCSE course and is recognised as such by all universities. Regardless of what you want to do in the future, or whether you continue with Irish after GCSE, you need GCSEs to get you to the next stage and Irish can help to open that door.

22

MATHEMATICS Aims of GCSE Mathematics All students will study the CCEA GCSE Mathematics Specification.

The aims of the GCSE course are to encourage students to:

Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical

methods and concepts;

Acquire and use problem-solving strategies;

Select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical,

every day and real-world situations;

Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw

conclusions;

Interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms

appropriate to the information and context; and

Acquire a foundation appropriate to a further study of Mathematics and other

disciplines.

Develop the skills essential for many career opportunities in Mathematics and

in other employment areas.

What will students study? Students will study for two modules. They will sit the first module at the end of Year 11 (45%) and the second module at the end of Year 12 (55%). The content covered in each module includes:

Year Content

11 Number and Algebra

Percentages, fractions, bounds, interest, wages, indices and ratio

Manipulate algebraic expressions, solve equations, use equation of

straight line, calculate with gradients of lines, quadratic equations,

simultaneous equations

Geometry and Measures

Pythagoras, trigonometry for right angled triangles and circle theorems

Perimeter, area and volume problems in 2D and 3D

Handling Data

Calculate averages and quartiles, cumulative frequency, histograms,

sampling techniques, boxplots, Stem and Leaf diagrams and use a

variety of methods to represent data.

12 Number and Algebra

Surds, recurring decimals, Standard Form

use and rearrange formula, inequalities, simultaneous equations where

23

one equation is linear and one is quadratic, recognising graphs of

functions, loci, real-life graphs, sequences, growth and decay curves,

indices, proportion, equations of circles and interpreting graphs

Geometry and Measures

Transformations, similar shapes, surface area and volume, area of

sectors, dimensions, further trigonometry

Handling Data

Rules for probability, tree diagrams.

How will students be assessed? The assessment is by written examination papers.

Year Method of Assessment Percentage of final mark

11 External written examination with calculator

(M3 module or M4 module)

2 hours

45%

12 2 written external examinations

(generally M6 module)

Paper 1 without calculator

1 hour 15 minutes

Paper 2 with calculator

1 hour 15 minutes

55%

In both modules, students will be given opportunities to develop and apply their

mathematical skills to real-life contexts. They will need to be able to solve multi-step

problems. Students need to be able to interpret problems, make sense of the

problem and use their mathematical skills to solve it. Students must be able to show

clear working out as marks are awarded in some questions for the Quality of Written

Communication.

Why is GCSE Mathematics important?

Many subjects rely on a good sense of mathematical skills so many A-level options will look for a good grade in GCSE Mathematics. Apart from the requirement from most employers to have GCSE Mathematics many more careers are looking for applicants with a good grounding in Mathematics. Areas such as Accountancy, Law, Engineering, Medicine, Business, Computer Programming and Game Design are just a few. Many practical subjects also need good essential mathematical skills, for example electrician, plumber, mechanic, joiner and artist.

24

FURTHER MATHEMATICS

GCSE Further Mathematics involves studying Mathematics at a level beyond

GCSE Higher Tier. It can act as a stepping stone that gives students a sound

basis for studying GCE Mathematics, introducing some of the mechanics and

statistics topics that appear at AS/A2-level. It is therefore useful for some

higher degree university courses.

Who studies Further Mathematics?

The selection of candidates for GCSE Further Mathematics is based on a pupil’s work during Key Stage 3. Pupils eligible to study Further Mathematics should be capable of attaining a Grade A* or a high mark at Grade A in GCSE Mathematics.

What does GCSE Further Mathematics consist of? The Further Mathematics specification consists of two units, and students must study both.

In Unit 1: Pure Mathematics students investigate algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, logarithms, matrices and vectors.

Applications is split into three optional units. In St Columb’s, students will study Unit1: Mechanics and Unit 2: Statistics these include exploring kinematics, vectors, forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, friction, moments, understanding and using statistical terminology, measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion, probability and bivariate analysis.

What other benefits are there?

Through these units students will have opportunities to:

Develop their mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding;

Select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, every day and real-world situations;

Reason mathematically, interpret and communicate mathematical information, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions; and

Design and develop mathematical models that allow them to use problem solving strategies and apply a broader range of mathematics to a variety of situations.

25

How are students examined?

Students will take two examinations sessions (three papers)

Paper Method of Assessment Percentage of Final Mark

Unit 1: Pure Mathematics

External written examination with calculator. 2 hours

50%

Applications Unit 2: Mechanics Unit 3: Statistics

External written examination with calculator. 2 papers 1 hour each

25% each

26

MOVING IMAGE ARTS

"You shouldn't dream your film, you should make it!"

GCSE Moving Image Arts focuses on the

development and history of the moving image, film and animation, and develops students into film-makers. The two year course uses practical exercises and examples to develop skills in film-making, which leads to each student producing their own film. Knowledge of film is assessed through this coursework and through an online examination.

Component 1: Critical Understanding of Creative and Technical Moving Image Production;

Component 2: Acquisition of Skills in Moving Image Production; and

Component 3: Planning and Making a Moving Image Product. Year 11 Component 2: Acquisition of Skills in Moving Image Production (20% of total GCSE Mark) Compulsory controlled assessment tasks. Students complete four tasks specified in the Component 2 Task Booklet:

storyboarding;

camera and editing;

sound; and

animation.

27

Year 12

Component 3: Planning and Making a Moving Image Product (40% of total GCSE Mark)

Compulsory controlled assessment portfolio Students produce a live-action or animated film

portfolio from a selection of genre-specific production briefs that we provide.

The portfolio must feature:

a research analysis;

preproduction material;

a completed moving image product; and

an evaluation.

CCEA set the portfolio task, teachers mark it and CCEA moderate it.

Component 1: Critical Understanding of Creative and Technical Moving Image Production

(40% of total GCSE Mark)

Compulsory online examination- 1 hour 30 mins. The examination features:

a range of previously unseen audio and visual stimuli and short film sequences;

questions that assess knowledge and understanding of film language, practices, techniques and contexts;

scenario-based questions that assess creative and production management skills; and

questions that assess analysis and evaluation of film language, audience and purpose.

Students are prepared for this in class and through a Mock GCSE examination in January/ February of Year 12. CCEA set and mark the final online examination. Who is it for? You do not need to have any previous knowledge of film-making, but you should have an interest in creating a moving image product (film or animation). If you think you might be interested in a career in the Creative Industries this might be for you. Students who do well are creative, enthusiastic, organised, steady workers, team players and who can work to and meet deadlines. You will find out about the history of film and animation, watch lots of moving image examples, get hands-on experience of film-making and learn to see more in films than ordinary people do!

28

MUSIC

What you need to know

The GCSE Music course is divided into three areas:

1. Performing.

2. Listening.

3. Composing.

Performing

This involves a solo performance and an ensemble (group/band) performance;

An external examiner will visit the school and mark your performance;

You can perform on basically any standard instrument e.g. Tin Whistle, Recorder, Bass and Electric Guitar, Drum Kit, Decks, any Orchestral instrument (e.g. Flute, Violin, Clarinet, Trumpet ), Singing....

This part of the course is worth 35% and involves a brief talk with the examiner too.

Listening

You will study different types of music in class;

You will undertake two listening tests (45 mins each) and together they are worth 35% of the GCSE.

29

Composing

This is the coursework element of the GCSE;

The work will take place in class and will be supervised by your Music teacher;

You will compose two pieces of music and this is marked and generally submitted to CCEA;

You will be using iMacs or PCs to compose music on;

It is worth 30% of the GCSE course.

So who should do Music and what is required?

You must have a genuine interest in Music;

You enjoy listening to different styles and genres of Music;

You will be required to have a tutor for your instrument (in school or outside). No tutor = no GCSE in Music;

You enjoy performing and being creative.

If you have a particular flair for this subject or have been doing well in Music, you can still start an instrument at this stage - Please seek advice from your

Music teacher or Miss Connolly

GCSE Music is particularly useful as a starting point to the following careers:

Sound Engineer;

Music Teacher (classroom);

Instrumental Tutor;

Music Lawyer;

Disc Jockey;

Music Therapist;

Media Industry;

Composer.

30

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

From September 2017, St Columb's College will follow the CCEA specification for GCSE Physical Education. Desirable Criteria for Entry to GCSE PE:

1. A proven willingness to participate in PE through a record of

three years full PE participation.

2. Willingness to represent the school in at least TWO sporting activities/teams/roles

if so asked.

Note Pupils will be asked to complete a written ‘taster’ test in Year 10 before they choose

the subject at GCSE to make them aware more aware of the academic side of GCSE PE.

Pupils will study:

Concepts of health, physical fitness and skilled performance;

Key influences that impact on balanced, healthy lifestyles and participation in physical

activities;

The impact of exercise and training on balanced, healthy lifestyles and physical fitness;

Types of exercise and methods of training;

Principles for developing physical well-being and physical fitness;

Assessing and monitoring the development of physical health/well-being and peak

physical performance;

The effects of exercise, training and physical activity on the body;

Health and safety issues;

Exercise and training sessions; and

Exercise and training programmes.

31

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CCEA Course Content

GCSE Religious Studies (CCEA) comprises 12 topics.

Six topics are completed during Year 11 and six topics are completed during Year 12.

Year 11 Religious Studies

Students study St. Mark’s Gospel and topics include: Background to Mark’s Gospel; Jesus the

Miracle worker; Jesus’ suffering, death and Resurrection; The Identity of Jesus; The kingdom

of God; Discipleship. Students sit an in-house examination at Christmas and a modular

examination in May/June which is one hour 30 minutes in duration and is worth 50% of the

total examination.

Year 12 Religious Studies

Students study an Introduction to Christian Ethics and topics include: Personal and Family

Issues; Matters of Life and Death; Care for the Environment; Equality; War and peace.

Students sit an in-house examination at Christmas of one and a half hours duration. In

May/June they will sit a further modular examination which is worth 50% of the total

examination. There is no coursework in GCSE Religious Studies and no controlled

assessments. Pupils are assessed continually throughout the two years by formal and

informal assessments as well as common assessments.

Careers

A good grade in GCSE-level Religious Studies provides pupils with the opportunity to go on to

study a range of subjects at AS and A2-level: Religious Studies; English Literature; History;

32

Government and Politics; Ancient History; History of Art. Religious Studies also gives student

a good overall grounding in ethical values, which will equip them for any vocation. They will

also be prepared for life as a married, single or religious person. The moral values transmitted

through the study of Religious Education will not only prepare students for the challenges they

will face in this life, but will also help them to prepare for eternal life. Religious Studies also

prepares pupils for careers in teaching; law; journalism; social work; finance; the arts; politics.

33

SCIENCE

CCEA

There are two different Science courses studied at GCSE; the options are:

Double Award Science (a combination of all three Sciences = 2 GCSEs) Single award Science (a combination of all three Sciences = 1 GCSE)

Most students study Double Award Science which is worth two GCSEs.

In Year 11, Double Award Science pupils will study each of the three Sciences in turn and then complete a CCEA examination. The dates for the exams are in November, February and June. Each of the modules is worth 11% and lasts 1 hour.

The topics covered are:

Biology Unit 1: Living Processes and Biodiversity

Chemistry Unit 1: Structures, Trends and Chemical Reactions

Physics Unit 1:

Force and Motion, Energy, Moments, and

Radioactivity

Each of these modules is allowed to be re-sat only once. In Year 12 students will complete three more units, one on each of the separate Sciences and sit an examination in each of them in June. Each module is worth 14% and lasts 1hour 15min.

Biology Unit 2: Body Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms and Health

Chemistry Unit 2:

Further Chemical Reactions and Organic

Chemistry

Physics Unit 2:

Waves, Sound and Light, Electricity, and the Earth

and Universe

There is a unit which examines Practical Skills by controlled assessment. It is worth 25% and covers 2 investigation tasks. One of these tasks will be examined in June of Year 11 and the second during the first term of Year 12. A course based on this specification should allow access for the study of Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and related subjects at in the Sixth Form. For those progressing directly into employment, a GCSE in Double Award Science is relevant not only to the fields of Science and Engineering, but also to areas of commerce and public service that value problem-solving and practical skills.

34

So if you’ve got an investigative mind and want to study Science to a high level, you

might like to consider these scientific jobs. The fields you can work in are very varied

so depending on what you’re interested in you could be working with animals,

chemicals or in sport, to provide just a few examples.

One class will study Single Award Science which is worth one GCSE.

In Year 11 and Y12, pupils will study each of the three Sciences in turn and then complete a CCEA examination. The Dates for the exams are in February (Year 11) and November (Year 12) and June (Year 12). Each of the modules is worth 25% and lasts 1 hour 15 minutes.

Unit 1: Biology

[25%]

Section A: Staying Alive

Section B: Human Activity and Health

Unit 2: Chemistry

[25%]

Section A: Chemical Patterns and Our Environment

Section B: Materials and Their Management

Unit 3: Physics

[25%]

Section A: Electricity, Waves and Communication

Section B: Fossil Fuels, Road Transport and Safety,

Radioactivity and Earth in Space

Unit 4: Practical Skills

[25%]

Controlled assessment: Students complete one

controlled assessment task

IMPORTANT: Please note that an award in this Science subject alone will not be sufficient to progress to GCE in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. This specification aims to enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the material, physical and living worlds as well as develop their understanding of the nature of Science and its applications and the interrelationships between Science and society.

35

SPANISH

Spanish is the third most widely spoken language in the world

after Mandarin and English being spoken by 350 million

people. Speaking Spanish will improve your employment

potential allowing you to operate on a global platform in the

future.

You have already done most of the hard work. You have

already achieved a good understanding of the main linguistic

concepts and at GCSE you will refine and extend this

knowledge. You will continue to talk about yourself, your

family, your life in general but with greater confidence and

better understanding.

Studying Spanish will enrich you culturally and enhance your travel experiences. Knowing

the language and culture of a country will give you a real insight to the country and people.

Spain has long been the number one holiday destination for the UK and Ireland but

increasingly we have opportunities to travel to Central and South America for leisure and

business.

Learning a language is good for brain development and is believed to improve creativity. By

learning Spanish now, you will find it easier to access other languages at a later stage.

36

Interestingly, learning languages may help your understanding of the English language. A

good understanding of grammar and sentence construction in a foreign language will

improve your ability to communicate in your own language!

The newly revised GCSE course is broken into three categories: these are the topics covered

over the two-year course

1 Identity, lifestyle and culture Myself, my family, relationships, social media and

technology, free time, customs and festivals.

2 Local, National and International

and Global areas of interest

My town, places to visit, health and lifestyle, the

environment, my community, travel and tourism.

3 School Life, Studies and the

World of Work

My school life, jobs, future plans and aspirations.

The examination is assessed in the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and

Writing and each skill area is worth 25%.

Links to Potential Careers

It is a great idea to combine Spanish with other subject areas to prepare for career

opportunities in international business, government, travel or communications, where

knowledge of a foreign language and of foreign cultures is essential. Obtaining a GCSE in

Spanish will equip you with the knowledge to communicate effectively in the Spanish-

speaking world and open up rich and diverse cultures to you. The ability to speak Spanish

allows all professions to work internationally: e.g. an engineer, a medical graduate, an

accountant, an IT consultant, a journalist, etc. Spanish gives you an edge and will be a

gateway to a vast range of opportunities for you. Spanish is a global language.

37

TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

CCEA

Outline of GCSE Technology and Design

It is essentially a practical course aimed at developing skills and knowledge

associated with the Design and Manufacture of Products. Students will have

opportunities to work with tools and machines (including CAD/CAM), manipulate

materials, gain insight into manufacturing technology, develop skills in designing and

reflect on the role of the designer.

Content - Over the two years students will undertake four units, two units in Year 11

and two units in Year 12.

Year 11 - Unit 1 (Written examination). Students will study a range of topics

including materials, workshop processes, basic electronics, mechanisms, and

pneumatics and control systems. Although this is theoretical unit, knowledge will also

be developed through a range of practical activities and modelling exercises. It will

be examined through a 1 hour written paper worth 20% of total GCSE mark.

Unit 4 (Controlled assessment). Students will be given a design problem to solve

and asked to produce a mini design portfolio. This will involve students producing 3

(A4) pages of research aimed at stimulating their design thinking and then 4 (A3)

pages of design work to include concept sketches and development of a chosen

idea. The research will be completed in the pupil’s own time and the design work is

normally completed in a five hour timetabled block. This unit is worth 20% of total

GCSE mark.

Year 12 - Unit 3 (Written examination). Students will study a range of topics

including materials, components, manufacturing processes and social responsibility

of product design. Although this is theoretical unit knowledge it will also be

developed through a range of practical activities and modelling exercises. It will be

examined through a one hour written paper worth a total of 20% of total GCSE mark.

Unit 5 (Controlled assessment) Students will undertake a design project. They will

have the opportunity to identify a need and produce 15-20 (A3) pages of design work

in order to research the problem and develop their own solution. They will

manufacture their solution using a range of resistant materials. This unit is worth

40% of total GCSE mark.

38

Content

overview

Pupils’ work from Unit 5 (Design Project – Games Storage Unit)

Content Assessment When

Unit 1 – 1 hour Written

paper

20% Year 11

Unit 4 – Controlled

assessment

20% Year 11

Unit 5– Controlled

assessment

40% Year 12

Unit 3 – 1 hour Written

paper

20% Year 12

39

CAREERS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE Your choice of subject or course after Year 10 and GCSE will have important

implications for your future career. It will influence your attitude to study, your leisure

time, your ability to apply for university courses and the type of work you may do in

the future.

In making a choice, consider carefully the following questions:

Where are you now?

What is your current academic achievement?

Do your Year 10 Christmas results reflect your real ability?

Have your efforts been honest and committed?

Where do you want to get to?

What ambitions do you have?

Are you waiting for someone else to tell you?

How do you feel about further study?

Are you prepared to study each evening?

Are you prepared to make sacrifices?

What skills and attitudes do you need to succeed?

Have you found out about the effort that you will need to apply to succeed?

How do GCSE subjects differ from Year 10?

Remember that there are a number of possible routes after GCSE. Consider which

one is best for you. Don’t choose a path simply because others are following it.

Embarking on further study will be right for many pupils and is likely to give a career

advantage later, but for some it can be a struggle and therefore not always the best

option.

Opportunities at the end of your school career will be varied, complex and

competitive, and yet few people clearly know what they are capable of doing, or what

they would like to do. In this case, you can only be guided by recent personal

experience and the best information currently available.

40

CEIAG @ St Columb’s

Useful Websites

www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers

https://successatschool.org/advicedetails/508/What-are-my-GCSE-Options%3F

http://careerpilot.org.uk/info/your-choices-at-14/gcses-compulsory-and-

optional/

http://www.suttontrust.com

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk

www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

www.ulster.ac.uk

www.qub.ac.uk

http://www.cao.ie

http://www.cafre.ac.uk

www.hpat.org.uk

www.ucas.co.uk

www.admissionstestingservice.org

http://thepopejohnpauliiaward.com

http://www.volunteernow.co.uk