GCSE and IGCSE

Courses

2015 – 2017

Choosing your GCSE and IGCSE Courses

Where do you see yourself in a year’s time, or even in three years time?

As Adcote's outstanding examination results over the last few years demonstrate - fulfilling

academic potential is one of our key priorities. When pupils enter Year 10 the curriculum becomes

more selective, so that pupils may develop their particular skills, interests and understanding to the

full.

Being a pupil at Adcote means having the very best support to help you turn your hopes into

possibilities and to make those possibilities become reality. There is a very strong sense of

community at Adcote where pupils and staff get to know each other very well. There are important

decisions to be made concerning the choice of subjects pupils will take in Years 10 and 11.

Discussions both at home and with staff are important.

We have high expectations of our pupils in terms of attitude and involvement in community life as

well as in academic achievement. We want you to be working with others who share your own

commitment in making the most of every opportunity and to achieve the very best examination

results. With group sizes that tend to be much smaller you will benefit from a higher level of

personal support and guidance.

This booklet is written for pupils and their parents to provide information about the various courses

offered to pupils at GCSE level. The qualifications for some subjects are IGCSEs. IGCSE is

internationally recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent to UK GCSE. It is an

excellent preparation for A/AS level.

Pupils are required to study the following subjects throughout Year 10 and Year 11:

Core subjects

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

ICT – Cambridge Nationals

PE (non exam)

PSHE (non-exam)

PSHE (personal, social & health education) and PE all form part of the compulsory curriculum at

Adcote. All pupils attend PE, alongside two compulsory lessons of games-based activity each week.

However, for the keen sportswoman there are opportunities to opt into other sporting activities,

from fencing to horse riding, as well as playing for the school teams.

Careers provision is included in the PSHE and tutorial programme and is supplemented by a week

of work experience in Year 10. Remember that whatever your choice of career the two important

factors in your application will be: Examination results and the School’s reference.

Have a good read through this booklet and, if you have any questions, talk to your subject teachers.

Your parents will also have the opportunity to talk to Staff at Parents’ Evenings and at the

GCSE/IGCSE Information Evening in the Spring Term.

You choose seven other subjects, called OPTIONS from the list.

Choosing your subjects – optional subjects

We offer a wide range of subjects in Year 10 and 11. Subjects offered at GCSE or IGCSE Level

include:

Art & Design: Fine Art

Art & Design: Textiles

Biology

Chemistry

Child Development

Economics

Food Technology

French

Geography

History

Latin

Music

GCSE Performing Arts

Physical Education

Physics

Religious Studies

Through discussions held well before the timetable is scheduled in June, we try to tailor options to

match your own interests as an individual. This level of personalised education is a special feature of

Adcote School.

When completing your choices form, the following important issues should be remembered:

What subjects do I LIKE?

What subjects am I GOOD AT?

What subjects have I been RECOMMENDED FOR?

How will I be graded? From 2017 Maths, English Language and English Literature will be graded 1 – 9 with 9 being the

highest grade. At Adcote School each subject department will provide thorough guidelines at the

start of the GCSE course so that pupils know the grading system for their subject. Throughout the

two year course teachers will use the relevant system for classwork, prep and practice papers in

order to familiarise pupils in preparation for their examinations. Until told otherwise all other

subjects shall be operating under the current A* - G grading system.

How to apply to Adcote School

Details of the courses currently on offer at Adcote follow. Please note that, while we make every

effort to ensure accuracy and to provide the full range of courses on offer, we reserve the right to

change or cancel courses at any time depending on take up and the availability of resources.

Bursaries and scholarships are available. Enquiries about admission may be made at any time, and

there are opportunities to visit throughout the year. Please contact the School Office on 01939 260202

or email admissions@adcoteschool.co.uk to get further information or to arrange a visit.

Please note that whilst we try to run as many subjects as possible every year it is only possible to do so if there

is enough interest.

Study As a Year 10 pupil you will be expected to take more responsibility for organising your personal

study. This is an important way of preparing yourself for further study at a higher level or

university. In addition to set pieces of work there is always reading, research and reviewing to be

done. As a general rule it is expected that for every two hours of study that you do in class, you will

need to do at least one more hour either in prep or at home.

Working together Your form tutor will be the first point of contact for any concerns that you, your parents or your

teachers might have about the progress of your studies. You will join your tutor group for morning

registration and for group activities in tutor time and PSHE.

You will be set realistic, yet challenging targets for all subjects and progress will be regularly

assessed against this target grade. Regular reports are sent home so that parents can see how you are

doing, what improvements might be needed and what additional support you might need. Parents’

Evenings held in the Autumn and Spring terms provide an opportunity for in depth discussion with

personal tutors and with subject teachers. Guidance and counselling is a particular strength of

Adcote School. We make it our business to be available to you and your parents whenever you need

our help and to give you high quality personalised support to assist you to achieve your ambitions.

Boarding Arrangements Pupils can choose to become boarders. The boarding accommodation for Year 10 and Year 11 pupils

is situated in the spacious upstairs rooms of a Grade I listed building. Each room is individually

decorated and everyone is encouraged to personalise their rooms with their choice of posters and

personal belongings.

A Well Rounded Education

At Adcote we offer an excellent well-rounded education which serves as a foundation for future

achievement. Adcote girls gain experience in a wide range of subjects and the curriculum is

supplemented by a lively extra-curricular programme. Our after-school activities are available each

day until 5.45pm. We offer an exceptional all-round education and we are proud of our strong

academic performance.

Although we cater for the social, spiritual, sporting and emotional needs of our pupils, academic

work is central to life at Adcote. All of our pupils go on to University or some other form of Higher

Education, and our A-level results are among some of the best in the country.

Needless to say, throughout the curriculum, we wish to promote confidence, excellence and

achievement. At Adcote, our committed staff stretch our most able girls and nurture those who need

additional support, so that all our pupils can achieve the very best they can.

The future

It is now a good time to start asking yourself the following questions:

1. Do I wish to continue my studies beyond school at college or university?

2. In what type of employment would I be happy?

3. Do I need to study particular subjects for a certain career path?

You will receive information, advice and guidance from a range of sources to help you answer these

questions in the forthcoming months. Many people are available to help you with answers

Your teacher

Your Tutor

Your parents

Careers advisors

We see the Sixth Form at Adcote as a natural progression for many of our own Year 11 pupils who

wish to continue their studies at Advanced Level in a familiar, caring environment where they feel

known, valued and well supported. For further information about the opportunities available in the

Sixth Form, please contact the Head of Sixth Form or the Admissions team.

We encourage pupils to keep an open mind, and to consider all subjects and all possible subject

combinations equally. The pupils’ primary consideration should be which subjects they have the

most interest in. However, it is important that the combination of subjects is well balanced and

pupils should be aware of the implications of their subject choices on future career possibilities.

Pupils who maintain breadth in their curriculum are unlikely to find themselves constrained later on

in their careers or in their choice of university course.

Core Subjects

GCSE English Language

& English Literature

English Language

The course is with the WJEC board. It is a two year course. It comprises of a written exam element

(40%) and controlled assessment element worth 60% (40% written and 20% speaking and listening).

The aims of the course are to develop the pupils’ abilities to communicate effectively in speech and

in writing. They will learn to listen and read effectively and with discernment.

Learning to talk and listen in a variety of contexts is essential to a smooth and purposeful interaction

with an individual’s community. Learning to read with understanding and to express an informed

point of view clearly enables an individual to make positive contributions to that community. This

course is focussed on developing these skills.

The pupils will become familiar with a wide variety of literary, non-fiction and media texts. They

will extend their knowledge of how language in its different forms shapes their understanding. The

material studied will enhance their moral and emotional understanding.

English Literature

The course is also with the WJEC board and studied over two years. It comprises of a written exam

element (75%) and controlled assessment element worth 25% .

The aim of this course is to enable pupils to be enthusiastic, responsive and knowledgeable readers.

The pupils will study a range of texts: plays, poems, novels and short stories. The pupils will

develop their appreciation of literacy texts and construct written and spoken responses to the texts.

Good reading skills are essential. English Literature gives pupils the opportunity to develop the

skills of critical and analytical reading. They explore the power of the written word. They then apply

their knowledge, in writing and speech and express their point of view. They learn to present an

informed judgement in a clear and well organised way.

English Literature is a subject that requires pupils to consider moral issues and is studied within a

cultural and historical context.

IGCSE

English as a Second Language

At the start of Year 10, international pupils will begin studying towards the ESL IGCSE with the

EdExcel exam board using the IGCSE course book as the basis of the 2 year course. They sit their

exams at the end of Year 11.

This course comprehensively covers all the language skills that the students must be capable of

learning and delivering at exam level; Reading, Speaking, Writing and Listening.

The course book contains excellent exercises and focuses on all the relevant topics that students need

to learn about. The teachers will use every day supplementary material in order to prepare students

for use of the language outside of the classroom.

We are a fun, friendly department and offer weekly lunchtime and after school drop in sessions as well as lots of

past examination paper practise in Yr 11 (the second year of the course).

GCSE Mathematics

You have been working towards your GCSE Maths exam from the day you first learnt how to count

and you are already well on the way to knowing what you need. That’s not to say that you won’t

have to work hard for the next two years, especially if you are hoping to take the Higher Level exam.

There are 2 tiers: Higher Grades 9 to 4

Foundation Grades 5 to 1

The course at Foundation Level is very much aimed at understanding and using Maths in everyday

life. In both tiers of assessment, it will be possible for you to apply your knowledge, reason

mathematically and communicate clearly. You will get the opportunity to develop and refine your

problem solving strategies and build the confidence and skills required to tackle new challenges.

You will be prepared to function mathematically in the world and gain a thorough grounding for

further study in mathematics. It is usual to study Higher Level aiming at grades 9 or 8 if you intend

to study Maths at A Level.

You will need to be able to handle a mixture of topics on Number, Algebra, Geometry & Measures

and Probability & Statistics. The GCSE course puts a lot of emphasis on being able to solve

mathematical problems in real-life situations.

There is a focus on: applying mathematics in context

problem solving

reasoning

interpreting and communicating mathematically.

There are 3 written exam papers each 1 hour 30 minutes long:

Paper 1 is the non calculator paper

Papers 2 & 3 are the calculator papers

Maths is compulsory at GCSE for a very good reason. There will be few days in your life, if any,

when you do not use Maths. So work hard, do your best and enjoy!

OCR Cambridge National Certificate in

Information Communication Technology

This qualification aims to assess the application of students ICT skills through their practical

application. The course will provide learners with knowledge, transferable skills and tools that will

not only enhance their learning in other subjects but will enhance their employability when leaving

education.

The qualification of Certificate consists of two compulsory units and two chosen from eight other

units. The first compulsory unit is a written exam (R001: “Understanding computer systems”). The

exam is 60 minutes and students will be expected to answer questions that tests their knowledge

and understanding of the systems they use both at home and at school. The second compulsory unit

is R002: “Using ICT to create business solutions”. In this unit students will learn to develop ICT

skills that will equip them to operate effectively in a business environment. They will work with

“office” applications software to edit and format/create content to meet specified business purposes.

The two optional units are currently one from Business information systems strand (R003 “Handling

Data using Spreadsheets”). This unit builds on R001 and R002 and aims to help learners to process

and present data into meaningful information that can be used to support the decision making

process in real life scenarios. Spreadsheets are important tools used extensively in businesses for a

variety of processes such as budgeting, cost modelling, trend analysis and forecasting. The second

optional unit is from the Creative strand (R007: “Creating dynamic products using sound and

vision”). This unit will enable students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to

prepare, create, export and evaluate a time-based dynamic product.

Optional Subjects

IGCSE Biology, Chemistry

and Physics

Adcote Science Department teaches Cambridge IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Pupils should choose at least two science subjects and must study all three if they intend to take

any science subject at A level.

All three IGCSE syllabuses enable pupils to better understand the technological world in which they

live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Pupils learn about the

basic principles through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Pupils also develop an

understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, which are useful in

everyday life. As they progress, pupils learn how science is studied and practised, and become

aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals,

communities and the environment.

Assessment is by written exam at the end of the course. For each science subject, pupils sit two

theory papers and one practical paper (in place of controlled assessment). The courses are

differentiated into Core Curriculum (grades C to G) and Extended Curriculum (grades A* to G).

Over the course, students will study:

Biology:

Characteristics and

classification of living

organisms

Organisation of the organism

Movement in and out of cells

Biological molecules

Enzymes

Plant nutrition

Human nutrition

Transport in plants

Transport in animals

Blood

Chemistry:

The particulate nature of matter

Experimental techniques

Atoms, elements and compounds

Stoichiometry

Electricity and chemistry

Chemical energetics

Chemical reactions

Acids, bases and salts

The Periodic Table

Metals, air & water

Sulfur & carbonates

Organic chemistry

Physics:

General physics

Thermal physics

Properties of waves,

including light and sound

Electricity and magnetism

Atomic physics

GCSE History

If you enjoy a challenge and are interested in the recent past, then History is a good choice for

you.

From September 2015 we will be following the OCR GCSE History A – Schools History Project.

The subject will be examined through a combination of two examination papers and a

controlled assessment. The details of the units are shown below:

Unit A953: Controlled Assessment – History Around Us

This task will be based on the study of an historical site and its context. Candidates are

required to produce a 2000 word assignment which is completed during lesson time and is

worth 25% of the qualification.

Unit A954: Study in Development and Study in Depth

For the Study in Development task pupils will study a unit called Medicine Through Time. The

unit take a chronological approach exploring the continuities and changes in the history of

medicine from prehistoric times through to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. For the

Study in Depth unit Germany, c. 1919 – 1945 will be studied which explores how developments

in Weimar Germany led to the rise of the Nazi Part and the emergence of the totalitarian

regime, the political, social, economic, cultural and religious impact of this on the people in

Germany the reactions of different groups and individuals. This unit will be examined by a

two hour written paper which is worth 45% of the qualification.

Unit A955: Historical Source Investigation

In this unit candidates will analyse a range of historical sources to see how the past has been

interpreted and represented in different ways. The focus of the unit is on British History and

investigates the causes, types, aims, methods, membership, effectiveness and significance of

and the reactions to various different protests in Britain between 1800 and 1914. Examples of

riots studied include The Tolpuddle Martyrs, the Rebecca Riots and the Suffragettes. This unit

will be examined by a 1 hour and 30 minutes written paper which is worth 30% of the

qualification.

For more information on the content of the above units you may be interested in visiting the

OCR website and viewing the specification: History A - Schools History Project (Specification

J415).

History is a perfect qualification for a career in teaching, the legal profession, journalism,

medicine and many more. It is a subject which requires you to think, reason and argue and of

course it is an excellent preparation for A-level History.

GCSE Geography

Geography is a great subject to study at GCSE. It is a relevant, stimulating and useful subject giving

pupils an opportunity to understand how the world around them works and how they can make it

a better place for everyone to live in.

Some of the aims of the subject include:

• engaging pupils as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

• understanding geographical concepts and appreciating the relevance of these to our

changing world

• appreciating the differences and similarities between people’s views of the world, its

environments, societies and cultures

• developing responsibilities as global citizens and recognising how they can contribute to a

future that is sustainable and inclusive

Unit 1. Geographical Skills and Challenges.

In this unit we study a range of geographical skills including the use of maps, Geographical

Information Systems as well as data analysis and representation. A second part of this Unit

examines contemporary issues and challenges including sustainability and climate change.

Unit 2.The natural environment.

In this unit we study the physical geography topics of coasts, rivers and plate tectonics. We also

look at how water is used thorughout our world and look at solutions to environmental issues.

Unit 3.The human environment.

In this unit we study the topics of economic development, population and changing land use. We

also study the impact of tourism and migration.

Unit 4. Investigating Geography.

In this unit pupils have to carry out a first-hand investigation into a topic selected from a list given

by the exam board. This is usually based on data collected during a two day residential fieldwork

excursion to the Lake District.

Units 1,2 and 3 are each assessed through a one hour exam

each one worth 25%. These are set and marked by the exam

board. Unit 4 is also worth 25% and is marked by the teacher

and moderated by the exam board. During the course we take

the pupils on a fieldwork investigation each term to give them

first-hand experience of the topics we study.

GCSE Religious Studies

The Nature of the Subject and its Relevance:-

All pupils must study some compulsory Religious Education in PSHE however this does not lead to

GCSE. At the end of Year 9, pupils can opt to study Religious Studies GCSE. The GCSE in RS is one

of the Humanities options and a popular one. The Specification builds on work covered in KS3 RE,

particularly as the teaching in Year 9 has already covered certain aspects of the GCSE specification

so the girls will have a ‘head start’.

The course does not require any religious belief but pupils must be prepared to consider the ideas of

others as well as their own. The topics covered and the skills required are useful across the

curriculum - there are particular links to PSHE, Citizenship, Geography, History, English, Biology,

Business Studies, Critical Thinking and ICT. Skills required and developed include evaluation,

discussion, research, listening, debating, reading, essay writing, ICT and sensitivity to others.

The course allows the pupils opportunities to explore issues that interest them and to think through

important questions which reach the very heart of life. Pupils are free to think, question, and reason

for themselves, but are asked to develop an understanding of the beliefs of others. Lessons and

homework include discussion, debate, research, presentations, watching videos, use of computers,

and individual thought, besides reading, listening and, of course, taking notes and revision.

Specification:- The course follows AQA’s Religious Studies Specification B: Ethics, Philosophy

and Religion in Society (4055) which involves the study of two modules (or units) which each

consist of six topics, students will be required to study four topics from each module. These are

selected by the teacher.

Unit 2: Religion & Life Issues 40552

Religion and Animal Rights – including a discussion of the contemporary use and abuse

of animals & religious beliefs about the status of animals

Religion & Planet Earth – religious beliefs about care and responsibility for the planet

Religion and Prejudice – concepts of tolerance, justice, harmony and the value of the

individual

Religion and Early Life - including the Sanctity of Life & Abortion

Religion, War & Peace – the causes of war and religious beliefs & teachings and modern

statements about war & peace

Religion and Young People – problems and benefits associated with belief & young

people and the formation of moral codes.

Unit 4: Religious Philosophy & Ultimate Questions 40554

The Existence of God - including the cosmological argument, the argument for Design of

the Universe, the argument for Religious Experience, the argument for miracles and

arguments against belief in the existence of God.

Revelation - including a discussion of the power of revelation and its impact on those

receiving the revelation. Plus a discussion of revelation through sacred texts and a

discussion of reality & illusion.

The Problems of Evil & Suffering - including the questions that natural & moral evil

raise about the nature of God

Immortality - ideas of what would count as immortality and a discussion of evidence

against immortality

Miracles – are miracles possible? Can humans perform miracles?

Science & Religion including a discussion of the Big Bang and Evolutionary Theory

The Examination: - The course is examined by two 1 hour 30 minute examinations, each worth 50%

of the total marks. (N.B. There is no controlled assessment in either unit.)

Religious Studies has a broad subject content and a variety of transferable skills which provide an

excellent combination with Arts and Humanities subjects, such as English, Government and Politics,

History, Biology, Art and Critical Thinking.

Feedback from students who are currently studying or who have completed the Religious Studies

course at GCSE level frequently say that they have enjoyed the course and particularly liked the fact

that they could write about their own opinions on important life issues.

For more information or a look at the current course text books please ask at the RE department.

IGCSE Economics

Economics gives pupils an opportunity to study the relationship between consumers (shoppers!),

government (politicians) and producers (business owners). By looking at every day examples our

studies include why it is that a new iphone costs so much, the importance of employment and why

some countries are richer than others .

Successful IGCSE Economics candidates gain lifelong skills, including:

• an understanding of economic theory and principles. Why is it that the government make us pay

tax? What happens to that money?

• the ability to apply the tools of economic analysis. How can inflation impact me?

• an understanding of, and an ability to use basic economic numeracy and literacy.

• the ability to take a greater part in decision-making processes in everyday life

• an excellent foundation for advanced study in economics

The four assessment objectives in IGCSE Economics are:

A: Knowledge with understanding

Knowledge and understanding of economic facts, definitions and theories;

Confident use of economic vocabulary and terminology confidently.

B: Analysis

Selecting, organising and interpreting data;

Appying economic knowledge and understanding in verbal, numerical, diagrammatic, pictorial and

graphical form;

Using economic data, recognising patterns in such data and determining relationships.

C: Judgement and decision-making

Distinguishing between evidence and opinion, making reasoned judgements and communicating

those judgements in an accurate and logical manner;

Recognising that economic theory has various limits and uncertainties;

Evaluating the social and environmental implications of particular courses of economic action.

D: Critical evaluation

Drawing conclusions from economic information and critically evaluating economic data;

Communicating conclusions in a logical and concise manner.

Cambridge IGCSE Economics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and

understanding of economics to a good standard.

IGCSE French

Why study a language ?

70% of British companies conduct some business in other countries.

Companies need people with language skills.

45% of international businesses experience language and cultural issues as barriers to

international business.

Speaking a foreign language allows you to discover other cultures and to meet different people.

Languages at GCSE are useful because they help you travel, understand others, get better

salaries and are important on a CV.

During the course, pupils will learn to listen, read and write about:

Home and abroad

Education and employment

House, home and daily routines

The modern world and the environment

Social activities, fitness and health.

The exam consists of two papers:

Listening – 30 mins and worth ⅓ of total marks

Reading and writing – 1 hour and worth ⅔ of final marks

Choosing French

You will be able to use topics you already know for your written work

You will learn things that allow you to cope when on holiday, in any French speaking

country you may go to

You have more options even if you go on to study something else – what about a training

period abroad in whatever field you choose to work in?

The British are stereotyped for not speaking foreign languages – prove the stereotypes

wrong!

Learn to see the world through a different culture, it will develop your awareness and

thinking skills

'Although I'm known first and foremost as an athlete, my foreign language skills have given

another dimension to my career. I regularly use French and German when I travel to compete in

Europe.’ Paula Radcliffe

'Learning a language makes our minds stronger and more flexible. Actually using it gives us an

entirely new experience of the world’ John Cleese

GCSE Latin

NB: Latin GCSE is only suitable for pupils who have already been studying the subject.

What does GCSE Latin involve?

You will have the opportunity to study the language and literature of the ancient Romans, reading the

works of famous ancient authors such as Ovid and Pliny. You will explore the culture, language and

political life of the Roman civilization which has inspired and shaped the modern world.

Why study GCSE Latin?

As well as being inspiring and exciting, this course will help you develop analytical skills and

intellectual rigour which will be useful in a wide range of careers or in further study. It is well-

regarded by universities and is an unusual subject to have studied.

Who should study Latin?

Anyone who has previously studied Latin can opt for the GCSE course. If you are not sure about your

suitability for the subject, speak to your Latin teacher. The course will appeal to anyone with a keen

eye for detail, a good memory and an interest in language, who enjoys analysis and problem solving.

Which examination board do we use?

At Adcote we follow the OCR syllabus. You will learn:

The Latin language, to support the study of set texts. You will continue to follow the

Cambridge Latin Course. The exam board provides a vocabulary list of about 450 words

to learn over the two year course.

Literature: Pupils will study set texts during the course, one prose (eg selections from the

Cambridge Latin Anthology exploring the themes of ‘Vice and Virtue’) and one verse

(poetry, eg selections from Virgil’s Aeneid). The texts studied are first-class ancient

literature, mostly unadapted and so provide a genuinely challenging read. However,

because the number of lines to be studied is limited (about 150 lines), they are also

manageable.

How is the course assessed?

There are four papers at the end of the second year of the course, each lasting one hour:

Paper 1 – 25% - Unseen translation and comprehension based on stories drawn from Roman

mythology or society

Paper 2 – 25% - Unseen translation and comprehension based on stories drawn from Roman

history

Paper 3 – 25% - Prose Literature

Paper 4 – 25% - Verse Literature FLOREAT LINGUA LATINA

GCSE Home Economics:

Child Development.

This specification offers an interesting and stimulating programme of study over two years.

Candidates have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of human needs in

a diverse society and to work in a variety of contexts apart from the classroom.

The subject content is divided into five main sections. Within each section there are subdivisions

which help the students organise their research and work.

The sections are as follows:

Parenthood

Pregnancy

Diet, health and care of the child

Development of the child

Support for the parent and the child

The classes are delivered in a mix of practical and theoretical activities, there is opportunity to

undertake group research, to learn basic first aid and to prepare food suitable for babies and

children. The range of topics are supported by visits from professionals in the industry – midwives,

social workers and parents. Students will be expected to complete written and practical tasks

throughout the course with controlled assessments taking place in both years.

Assessment

There are three assessed units at the end of Year 11.

Unit 1: Written Paper 1 hour 30 mins-100 marks-40%

Unit 2: Research Task -30 marks-20%

Unit 3: Child Study-60 marks- 40%

Unit 2 and Unit 3 are both controlled assessments and must be completed under supervision within

the classroom. They occupy 7 hours and 20 hours respectively of supervised time.

GCSE Art & Design - Fine Art

This new two year course will appeal to all girls who enjoy designing and creating art work.

Whether it is for pleasure or a proposed career, there will be opportunities to develop independent

self expression and new skills. As a pathway to getting on in the world of the visual arts, all pupils

can expect to make choices and to contribute original ideas on this course.

Practical skills are passed on with access to a good variety of equipment and products used in the

studio. Drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking will be offered as well as a chance

to learn more about the context of Art & Design in society. Different societies, cultures and history

have helped shape the world we know today with extensive media and the internet. The ability to

use new media and to make original artwork will develop growing independence.

Keeping track of achievements and visualising potential designs in a sketchbook, will help relate

their work to that of other artists; through video, art books and the internet, further knowledge and

understanding should increase motivation.

There will be Art trips organised to promote good working practice & in depth study.

Portfolio 60%

Pupils will produce assorted pieces of work over the duration of the course, aiming to show

diversity with research, on more than one chosen topic.

Externally Set Task 10 hrs 40%

The practical examination will allow girls to develop a final project to demonstrate their abilities

and imagination. The paper is given out in January to allow planning and development, before the

date of the practical in March/April.

Final Assessment

A final exhibition of all artwork from each candidate will be marked by the teacher and externally

moderated.

Following these studies, further advances can be made if pupils wish to take Art & Design to A

level standard.

GCSE Art and Design (Textile Design)

Textile design involves creation, selection and manipulation across a variety of practices.

Contemporary practice is often a hybrid activity that brings together different disciplines freely and

often embraces both traditional and contemporary technologies.

The tools used in textile design are wide ranging, encompassing traditional handicrafts and

computer-aided technology, for example hand embroidery and computerised sewing machines,

knitting machines and looms. Natural and manufactured materials, including paper, wire, tissue,

gauze, plastics, recycled packaging and cloths such as silk, wool, cotton, polyester and hessian, are

used to address aspects of design in fashion, furnishing and fine art.

In the context of this specification, disciplines include constructed textiles, dyed textiles, printed

textiles, fine art textiles and fashion textiles.

For this endorsement, pupils will need to work in at least two disciplines for the GCSE Textile

Design.

Full Course GCSE Textile Design is made up of:

Unit 1- Personal Portfolio in Textile Design 60%

Unit 2 – Externally Set Assignment in Textile Design

40%

The Externally Set Assignment allows pupils an eight-week

preparatory period followed by a timed exam of ten hours.

The work produced is unaided and under exam conditions.

For both controlled assessment and exam work pupils are

required to submit worksheets, sketchbooks and work

journals to support their ideas through to a final outcome.

Work is graded using four assessment objectives.

Overall pupils have the freedom to explore their own lines of inquiry, experiment with different

materials to create innovative and exciting pieces of textile work.

*Please note that pupils can study both Art and Design (Textile Design) along with Art and Design (Fine Art)

The two year Design Technology Food course develops designing and making skills. The pupils will

apply knowledge and understanding so that they can design and make food products using a

variety of ingredients, techniques and equipment.

Controlled assessment will account for 60% of the final grade. The written exam is worth 40%. Tasks

are designed to extend classroom learning to give pupils the opportunity to research, develop and

generate ideas.

To achieve success all pupils will be encouraged and supported in their learning to be creative,

enterprising and self motivated to produce quality outcomes.

The aim of the course is to educate and prepare pupils to be capable of applying existing and future

technologies with confidence. There will be many opportunities to design, investigate, make and

taste recipes!

GCSE Food Technology

GCSE Music

GCSE music is for pupils who both enjoy and have ability in performing music, composing music

and listening to different styles of music.

The aim of the course is to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of music through

performing and composing in a range of styles and listening to and studying a wide variety of

music, including classical, pop and world music. It will extend your own interests and increase your

ability to make informed judgements about music.

You will need to complete a solo performance (either singing or playing a musical instrument) with

or without accompaniment and take part in ensemble performances.

You will need to compose music developing your musical ideas in relation to:

Three strands:

1. The Western Classical tradition

2. Popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries

3. World Music

And five areas of study:

1. Rhythm and metre

2. Harmony and tonality

3. Texture and melody

4. Timbre and dynamics

5. Structure and form

These three strands and the five areas of study also provide the material for the listening paper.

You will be assessed as follows:

Listening to and Appraising Music

(1 Hour Exam) 20%

Composing and Appraising Music

(Externally assessed) 20%

Performing Music

(Controlled Assessment) 40%

Composing Music

(Controlled Assessment) 20%

GCSE Performing Arts

This course builds on skills that students may have developed outside of the classroom, in either

drama, dance, music or design. The course is divided into three main areas that build up a skills

base whilst examining your strengths and needs in performance.

Section One

Students take part in a range of performing arts classes covering a range of performance skills. They

select one skills pathway and complete a diary of their progress. At the end of this unit, students

will film a presentation or audition piece to demonstrate their individual skills.

The second section asks students to plan and develop ideas for performance including the health

and safety concerns, publicity and design. The final section is a group performance that is

developed from a given title.

The classes are all practical sessions focusing on skills of acting, presentation, rehearsing and

performing. We cover performances that are devised by students themselves, improvisational

drama, scripted scenes and audition speeches. We also work on Musical Theatre, singing

performances and dance workshops. Each student is responsible for a role in the production, be it as

a performer, technical support, stage management or designer.

As part of the course, students are encouraged to take part in some of the many performance

opportunities that arise in the school; this may be choir, variety shows, dance shows or musical

performances.

The course includes visits to live theatre, viewings of filmed professional performances and visits

from companies and individuals who run workshops in a variety of performance styles.

GCSE Physical Education

PE will offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in a wide range of sport and activities and

help you improve your own performance. You will learn about exercise, how the body works to

help you exercise and then through training how performance can be improved.

The course offers greater flexibility giving pupils the option to take the short course, full course or

double award. As well as providing opportunities to be assessed in a variety of sports and roles such

as player/performer, leader/coach, organiser, choreographer or official.

There is a written exam, which will test your knowledge and understanding of the theoretical

element of the course, including factors affecting participation. There will also be a pre-release

scenario section giving the pupils the chance to complete some research tasks.

Throughout the course you will be learning and developing new skills and techniques through

a range of different activities. For the short course you will be required to complete 2

practical areas, the full course 4 practical areas and the double award you will be

assessed in 8 areas. The course is also designed to develop your ability to

observe and analyse different performances.

A good grade at GCSE will help you move on to any AS, Advanced GCE, Advanced VCE

or BTEC course. Employment opportunities where your skills will be particularly valued

include the sport and leisure industry, health care, travel and tourism and teaching.

Exam board Websites

AQA www.aqa.org.uk

OCR www.ocr.org.uk

Edexcel www.pearson.com

WJEC www.wjec.co.uk

CIE www.cie.org.uk