PARMITER’S SCHOOL

GCSE COURSES

2015 – 2017

1

English Language and English Literature

Exam Board & Specification Code: English Language AQA 8700 English Literature AQA 8702

Head of Department: Mrs S Murray

The AQA English Language and English Literature qualifications are two distinct GCSE subjects, taught alongside one another from the summer term of Year 9. The vast majority of students will study for both qualifications; a small minority may only follow the GCSE English Language course. As of September 2015, controlled assessment no longer comprises part of the English Language or English Literature GCSEs and all assessment is now by examination at the end of the course. GCSE English Language will be assessed via two written examination papers that will focus on testing reading and writing skills. Students will be required to produce a piece of descriptive or narrative writing, as well as a piece that presents a particular viewpoint. Marks are awarded for both the content and the technical accuracy with which students express themselves. In addition, they will be presented with a combination of unseen fiction, non-fiction and literary non-fiction texts and will respond to a range of questions about these. In addition, there will be a Spoken Language component to the course that will be assessed and reported on separately to the GCSE qualification. GCSE English Literature is comprised of five different components across two examinations: a play by Shakespeare; a nineteenth century novel; a modern drama text; a collection of poems and unseen poetry. Assessment will be in the form of two written examinations and across the different components, students will be required to demonstrate a range of skills, such as close analytical engagement with short extracts, understanding of whole texts and comparative skills. The course embraces the key concepts of analysis, creativity and cultural understanding and offers clear progression to the new A Level English Literature qualification (AQA) that we will offer at Parmiter’s from September 2015. At GCSE, there will be a strong focus on teaching students the skills that they need to approach any text in a thoughtful and evaluative fashion and this will be of particular benefit to those students who may wish to progress further with the subject. GCSE English Language and English Literature offer an excellent foundation for A Level study and for any Arts or Science course at university. The subjects can also lead to a wide range of careers in the long term, including work within the media, public relations, human resources, marketing, law, journalism and teaching.

Assessment – English Language

Paper 1: 1hr 45 min written examination worth 50% of the total marks. Questions on a fiction extract from the 20th or 21st centuries and a piece of narrative or descriptive writing. Paper 2: 1hr 45 min written examination worth 50% of the total marks. Questions on a non-fiction and a literary non-fiction text (one of which will be from the 19th century) and a piece of writing to present a particular viewpoint.

Assessment – English Literature

Paper 1: 1hr 45 min written examination (Shakespeare and the 19th century novel) worth 40% of the total marks. Paper 2: 2hr 15 min written examination (modern texts and poetry) worth 60% of the total marks.

2

Mathematics

Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 1MA1 Head of Department: Miss J Lloyd

Mathematics is a compulsory subject up to and including Year 11 and the specification followed is a mixture of traditional and modern mathematics complying with the National Curriculum. In Years 10 and 11, students are divided into eight sets in Mathematics. All sets follow a GCSE course, leading to examinations set by Edexcel. The topics covered in the specification are: 1. Number 10. Applications of graphs 2. Approximation 11. Geometrical drawing 3. Computation 12. Circle theorems 4. Applications of arithmetic methods 13. Mensuration 5. Algebraic notation and manipulation 14. Trigonometry 6. Formulae 15.Transformations and symmetry 7. Equations & inequalities 16. Co-ordinates and vectors 8. Proportion and variation 17. Data handling & probability 9. Functions 18. Mathematical reasoning After GCSE Mathematics, students who achieve the highest grades may wish to progress to an A Level course in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Assessment

Paper 1: 1hr 30 min written examination (non-calculator) worth 33⅓% of the total marks. Paper 2: 1hr 30 min written examination (calculator) worth 33⅓% of the total marks. Paper 3: 1hr 30 min written examination (calculator) worth 33⅓% of the total marks. Students will be entered for Higher or Foundation tier as appropriate.

3

Science

Exam Board & Specification Code: Triple Award Biology AQA 4401 Chemistry AQA 4402 Physics AQA 4403 Double Award Core Science AQA 4405 Additional Science AQA 4408

Heads of Department: Mr P Hambridge Mr A Lavin

Scientific knowledge and understanding have played a vital role in the development of humanity and are an integral part of modern society. Without knowledge of science it is impossible to understand who we are, where we are from, and how we fit into the universe around us. Furthermore, many of the important topical and political issues require knowledge of science if we are to understand them properly and make appropriate decisions as citizens. For these reasons it is a requirement of the National Curriculum that all students receive a balanced science education. The vast majority of students will study Triple Award or Double Award courses to achieve GCSE accreditation in Science. Triple Award Separate GCSE courses in Chemistry, Physics and Biology are available to the most able and committed scientists and result in the award of three GCSE grades. This is the most academically challenging route and provides essential preparation for future study of scientific disciplines at advanced level and beyond. Double Award Students will be taught Chemistry, Physics and Biology leading to the award of 2 GCSE grades (Core Science and Additional Science). This route provides a very good all-round science education and is the most appropriate GCSE route for many students. However, it does leave out some topics that are pre-requisite knowledge for A-Level courses. We set extra summer work to support any Double Award students that choose to study any of the Science A-Levels. Alternatively, in some rare cases, students may take only the Core Science qualification. This single GCSE still involves the study of Chemistry, Physics and Biology. All qualifications also involve the study of ‘How Science Works.’ This covers the practical nature of Science and procedures for conducting valid scientific experiments. Students will be carefully guided and advised by subject staff, Heads of Science and careers staff about which pathway to embark upon for GCSE. Final decisions about which GCSE pathway to follow will be advised in the latter part of the Summer term. The study of scientific disciplines at post GCSE level demands considerable ability and students will normally be expected to secure high grades in their GCSE pathway before embarking on sixth form study in science subjects.

4

Assessment – Triple Award For each science: Unit 1: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 2: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 3: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 4: Controlled assessment practical investigative skills assessment (ISA) worth 25% of the total marks.

Assessment – Double Award For Core Science: Unit 1 Biology 1: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 2 Chemistry 1: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 3 Physics 1: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 4: Controlled assessment practical investigative skills assessment (ISA) worth 25% of the total marks. For Additional Science: Unit 1 Biology 2: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 2 Chemistry 2: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 3 Physics 2: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 4: Controlled assessment practical investigative skills assessment (ISA) worth 25% of the total marks.

Assessment – Cores Science only Unit 1 Biology 1: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 2 Chemistry 1: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 3 Physics 1: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 4: Controlled assessment practical investigative skills assessment (ISA) worth 25% of the total marks.

5

Religious Studies (Short Course) Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 3RS01 Head of Department: Ms M Stylianou

Students will study a variety of moral issues from the point of view of Christianity and one other world religion. Students who attend a full course GCSE in RS will not be required to sit an examination in this course unless they choose to do so. The topics covered in the specification are:

Believing in God

Marriage and Family Life

Matters of Life and Death

Religion & Community Cohesion In the examination, students answer one question from each topic. Each question is comprised of four parts which assess a student’s knowledge and their ability to express and support personal opinion. Religious Studies provides an excellent basis for understanding some of the complex moral issues that face most people today. In addition it is an excellent foundation for occupations which involve interaction with the general public such as social work, nursing, teaching and media studies.

Assessment

Unit 1 (5RS01): 1 hour 30 min written examination worth 100% of the total marks.

6

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

French Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 2FR01 Teacher in charge:

Mr N Doherty & Mrs G McKenna-Delanoë

France is our nearest European neighbour. The country, language and culture are worth studying for many reasons:

French is a language that can be useful throughout the world and is the only language, apart from English, spoken on five continents.

It is the official language of diplomacy. Organisations such as the United Nations, NATO, UNESCO and the International Red Cross communicate in French.

More tourists visit France than any other country in the world. Our main aim at GCSE is to develop students' ability to use the language for practical communication. We also promote skills of a more general nature - ICT, dictionary use, summarising, reporting, analysing and drawing inferences. Insights into French life and culture are an integral part of the course. Assessment is predominantly in the target language and our visits abroad are some of the most enjoyable features of our learning. At GCSE level, there is the opportunity to participate in an exchange visit to Saverne in Alsace. Language qualifications are increasingly valued as an adjunct to other professional expertise in the European business context. Currently 60% of Britain’s trade is with the European Union. AS and A2 French is available to those who achieve an appropriate grade at GCSE.

German Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 2GN01 Teachers in charge:

Mr R Matthews

German is not dead! It is spoken by over 120 million people. It is the second most important business language in Europe after English and is the key to understanding many key works of art, culture and science. Skill in speaking and writing German is a potential skill for life and one which opens doors to important opportunities for us in Europe and elsewhere. Thousands of German firms have subsidiaries in Britain and in other parts of the world and increasingly British firms are realising that knowledge of German is a real asset. The purpose of GCSE German is to develop the ability to use the language for practical communication in a range of contexts as well as an appreciation of the culture of German speaking countries. Cross curricular skills such as ICT and use of dictionaries are also an important part of the course, which aims to instil in students the confidence to communicate in the foreign language. The department also has a thriving exchange with a grammar school in Munich. GCSE German is a useful qualification for those embarking on careers in many areas such as travel and tourism, but also for those embarking upon degrees in Higher Education, either within medicine, science, the arts, business, banking, education, journalism, the civil service or international law, to name a few. AS and A2 German is available to those who achieve an appropriate grade at GCSE.

7

Spanish Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 2SP01 Head of Faculty: Mrs F Frost

Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world, after English and Chinese. The number of native speakers of Spanish is growing fast, due mainly to Latin America's rapid population growth and increasing economic significance. Spanish is therefore increasingly important in international business and trade as well as being an ever-popular holiday language for tourists and holidaymakers. The purpose of GCSE Spanish is to develop the ability to use the language for practical communication besides promoting skills of a more general nature - summarising, reporting, analysing, ICT, dictionary use and drawing references. Insights into Spanish culture and enjoyment of the language are other bonuses. Testing is predominantly in the target language. The department has a well-established exchange programme with a school in Madrid. Spanish is offered in the Sixth Form at AS and A2 level for those with an appropriate grade at GCSE. Language qualifications are increasingly valued as an adjunct to other professional expertise in the European and South American business context.

The topics covered in each of the languages are: Listening and reading topics.

Out and about

Customer service and transactions

Personal information

Future plans, education and work Speaking and writing themes.

Media and culture

Sport and leisure

Travel and tourism

Business, work and employment

Assessment of all languages Unit 1: Listening examination worth 20% of the total marks. Foundation: 30 mins. Higher: 40 mins. Unit 2: Two speaking tasks completed as controlled assessment worth 30% of the total marks. Unit 3: Reading examination worth 20% of the total marks. Foundation: 35 mins. Higher: 50 mins. Unit 4: Two writing tasks completed as controlled assessment worth 30% of the total marks. Students will be entered for Higher or Foundation tier as appropriate. Students may mix tiers for listening and reading skills if they have particular strengths and weaknesses.

8

Art & Design

Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 2AD01 Head of Department: Mrs L Miah

At GCSE students follow a dynamic and challenging Art and Design course which emphasises the creative process and experimentation. Assessed coursework is completed over two years during which the students record ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions through exploring drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, textiles and ceramics. Photography and sketchbook work are essential elements of visual research and recording. Students respond to different themes, developing and refining their ideas, informed by contextual sources. Historical and cultural studies are an integral part of the working process. Every student is taught individually according to their interests and strengths resulting in inherently personal, informed and meaningful pieces of art. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a 4 day residential visit to Cornwall in the Autumn term of Year 10 where students visit galleries, art studios, and work with artists and art educators. The topics covered in the specification are:

Documentation and annotation of ideas and the work of other artists.

Experimentation through the use of different media.

Investigation through drawing and collecting reference.

Realisation of ideas into a final piece of work. GCSE Art & Design offers a natural progression to AS and A Level, but is not a pre-requisite. It may also support progression to courses in many Art & Design studies, architecture, history of art, film and television, media, fashion, photography, theatre, animation, graphic design, illustration and book art, interior, spatial and structural design.

Assessment Unit 1: Personal portfolio coursework worth 60% of the total marks. Unit 2: 10 hour timed examination worth 40% of the total marks. The examination is preceded by an 8 week preparation period.

9

Business and Communications Systems (BCS)

Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA 4134 Teacher in charge: Mrs A Holmes

Students will acquire useful practical ICT skills (word-processing, desktop publishing, presentation, web authoring software, spreadsheet and database) in business contexts. The recent rapid advances in the use of ICT have given businesses access to a wealth of information, enabling more efficient communication and reducing the time and effort required for many administrative tasks. Candidates will be encouraged to reflect on these benefits, as well as issues such as the need for safe use of ICT equipment and the importance of security of data. It will also encourage them to consider the impact of the business environment, workplace organisation, human resources management and effective communication on the running of businesses. This course of study will be of practical use and personal value in building a foundation of knowledge, understanding and skills. The course helps students understand the skills required for job applications, including writing a CV, completing an application form and developing interview techniques. As it is a skills based course it is more suited to those students considering going into employment rather than continuing in formal education at Key Stage 5 for AS and A Level studies. The course would however provide a foundation for further study in business related subjects. The topics covered in the specification are:

The Business Environment - Business administration

Workplace Organisation - Health & Safety at Work

Human Resources - Recruitment, remuneration and training

Communication – The Internet, e - commerce

The use of ICT in the Business Environment

Computer Applications in the Business Environment

Assessment Unit 8: ICT systems in Business: 1 hour written examination worth 40% of the total marks. Unit 9: Using ICT in Business: 1 hour 30 min computer based examination worth 35% of the total marks. Unit 10: Investigating ICT: One controlled assessment task worth 25% of the total marks.

10

Computer Science

Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA 4512 Teacher in charge: Mr A Baker

Computer Science is the science behind how computers work. It is about the mathematical principles that enable computers to work and the programming concepts needed to make software. Computer Science is a rigorous and complex discipline. The growth in the use of mobile devices and web-related technologies has resulted in new challenges. This is particularly true in simulation, gaming, mobile communications and web related activities and this qualification has been designed with this in mind. Students will learn practical programming, in particular in web design, mobile phone application design and computer game programming. In addition to the practical programming, the theory includes: Programming principles and pseudo code; computer structure; hardware; algorithms; software development life cycle; networking; web application concepts; use of external code sources; database concepts; web based apps; the use of computer technology in society. Students completing GCSE Computer Science would be in a strong position to study Computing or ICT at A level. It is complementary with Engineering and Mathematics as well as the Sciences.

Assessment Component 1: Two practical programming tasks completed as controlled assessment worth 60% of the total marks. Component 2: 1 hour 30 min written examination worth 40% of the total marks.

11

Design & Technology: Electronic Products

Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA 4542 Head of Department: Mr J Field

A student who enjoys designing and making products using a variety of materials and has an interest in electronics would find this subject useful and enjoyable. The course is principally concerned with design and problem-solving processes, leading to the manufacture of electronic products. It is concerned with the present and future needs of society and the use of material resources and energy. Wherever possible the knowledge listed in the specification will be taught through practical activity and using a problem-solving approach. The areas covered by the specification are:

Designing and Making

Electronics These are taught through investigations into decoders, timers, alarm systems and programming. Design & Technology GCSE Electronics offers a comprehensive introduction and natural progression to an AS or A Level in Product Design or Systems & Control. The course also offers progression to Further and Higher Education and entry onto degree courses. GCSE Design & Technology Electronics can lead to many careers including design, architecture, graphics, computing, engineering, business, construction and allied trades.

Assessment Unit 1: 2 hour written examination worth 40% of the total marks. Unit 2: One design & making controlled assessment task worth 60% of the total marks.

12

Design & Technology: Engineering

Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA 4852 Head of Department: Mr J Field

This course would suit any student with an interest in designing and making products using mechanical, electronic or pneumatic engineering skills. When possible the theoretical aspects of the course will be delivered through practical activities. The course provides the skills and understanding of engineering required for a career path into further technical or academic engineering qualifications. The areas covered by the specification are:

Designing and communications

Understanding engineering products

Manufacturing engineering products

Application of new technologies These are taught through investigations into mechanisms, electronics, hydraulics and machinery. Visits are arranged to West Herts College in order to study engines. Design & Technology GCSE Engineering offers a comprehensive introduction and natural progression to an AS or A Level in Product Design or Systems & Control. The course also offers progression to Further and Higher Education and entry onto degree courses in Engineering.

Assessment Unit 1: 1 hour written examination worth 40% of the total marks. Unit 2: One design & making controlled assessment task worth 60% of the total marks.

13

Design & Technology: Food Technology

Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA 4547 Head of Department: Mr J Field

This course aims to provide students with opportunities for investigating, designing, making and evaluating with food. Students acquire skills and knowledge through focused practical tasks and assignments. They will deal with food and understand its complexity as a material, its various properties, the effect of processing and the selection of tools and equipment to deal with food appropriately. These tasks will be related to industrial practices and processes. When possible the theoretical aspects of the course will be delivered alongside practical activities. Controlled assessment requires the design, development and making of a unique food product of the student’s choice. Students will need to provide ingredients on a regular basis. The areas covered by the specification are:

Food Product Design and Development

Food as a Material and Component

Design & Market Influences

Food Manufacturing and Processing These are taught through investigations into a wide range of food, nutrients and recipe development. Visits are arranged to support the food studies when available. The Design & Technology GCSE Food course offers a comprehensive introduction and natural progression to an AS or A Level in Food Technology. The course also offers progression to Further and Higher Education and entry onto degree courses. Careers in catering, food production, food technology, caring services, education, communication, leisure services, consumer affairs, retailing, business and industry, diet related industries and new product development.

Assessment Unit 1: 2 hour written examination worth 40% of the total marks. Unit 2: One design & making controlled assessment task worth 60% of the total marks.

14

Design & Technology: Graphic Products

Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA 4552 Head of Department: Mr J Field

This course gives opportunities for practical designing and making, focusing on the exploration of design and methods of communication. It covers simple free-hand sketching techniques up to work drawn accurately using drawing equipment and computer-aided design. The content will be taught through real-life problem-solving situations and through such contexts as illustration; advertising; reproduction; display and exhibitions; fashion and furniture design; manufacturing and printing. Practical work will involve the use of relevant materials to produce a prototype of the student's design. Examples of controlled assessment projects include the following: CD or record sleeve design; teenage bedroom design; exhibition stand design; greetings cards; product packaging. The areas covered by the specification are:

Designing and Making

Graphics These are taught through investigations into packaging, logos, printing and other related media. CAD is integral part of the course. Visits and speakers will be arranged when available. The Design & Technology GCSE Graphics Products course offers a comprehensive introduction and natural progression to an AS or A Level in Product Design. The courses also offer progression to Further and Higher Education and entry onto degree courses. Study at a higher level can lead to many careers including design, architecture, graphics, computing, engineering, model making, set design, packaging design, industrial design, art, business, construction and allied trades.

Assessment Unit 1: 2 hour written examination worth 40% of the total marks. Unit 2: One design & making controlled assessment task worth 60% of the total marks.

15

Design & Technology: Product Design

Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA 4557 Head of Department: Mr J Field

This course encourages students to design and make creative and original products using a range of materials and techniques, including new technologies such as the laser cutter. It combines many aspects of graphic products with the use of resistant materials and can include the use of other materials as well. It involves the design and making of a range of products to meet the needs of different groups of people using a range of different materials from wood, plastics, card, paper and fabric. Theoretical aspects of the course are delivered through practical exercises when possible. The areas covered by the specification are:

Materials and Components

Processes and Manufacture

Design and Market Influences These are taught through investigation and making toys, games, lights, 3D printing, CAD, laser cutting and other CNC processes. Visits will be arranged when possible. The Design & Technology GCSE Product Design course offers a comprehensive introduction and natural progression to an AS or A Level in Product Design. The course also offers progression to Further and Higher Education and entry onto diploma and degree courses leading to careers in product design, product manufacture, engineering, architecture, business and graphics.

Assessment Unit 1: 2 hour written examination worth 40% of the total marks. Unit 2: One design & making controlled assessment task worth 60% of the total marks.

16

Design & Technology: Textiles Technology

Exam Board & Specification Code: AQA 4572 Head of Department: Mr J Field

This course aims to provide students with opportunities for investigating, designing, making and evaluating with textiles as a material. They are required to design and make a variety of textile products using their knowledge and understanding. Principles of design will be explored through either fashion or furniture. Fashion should include the making of garments and accessories; furnishings are textile products which enhance indoor and outdoor spaces and environments. The course is as practical as possible, learning new techniques and skills in order to make high quality textile products. Controlled assessment requires the design, development and making of a textile product of the student’s choice. This might be a fashionable item of clothing, an accessory such as a bag or soft furnishings such as cushions. The areas covered by the specification are:

Materials and Components

Processes and Manufacture

Design and Market Influences

These are taught through investigations into fabrics and components making a range of products such as: PJ bottoms, bags, cushions and wall hangings. CAD and use of the laser cutter is also encouraged in the Textiles course. A visit to the ‘Clothes Show’ is arranged to see a first class catwalk show. The Design & Technology GCSE Textile course offers a comprehensive introduction and natural progression to an AS or A Level in Product Design (Textiles). The course also offers progression to Further and Higher Education courses. Study at a higher level can lead to progression to degree courses in fashion and textile design and careers in design, interior design, fashion and textile industry, costume design, business and industry, retailing, trend forecasting, fashion design, fashion illustration, education and the media.

Assessment Unit 1: 2 hour written examination worth 40% of the total marks. Unit 2: One design & making controlled assessment task worth 60% of the total marks.

17

Drama

Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 2DR01 Head of Department: Mr L Froy

Drama at GCSE is skills based. Candidates are encouraged to engage their own creativity and develop their powers of communication. The work they produce is essentially of their own and they therefore have more commitment to it. The work cannot succeed unless students work co-operatively and these skills are also emphasised and credited at the final assessment. The skills of listening, contributing, compromising and communicating with others are skills for life as well as skills for Drama. Students are credited for the preparation of their work as well as the presentation of it. This rewards the more thoughtful and experimental approach so that the subject is accessible to those who are not ‘natural actors’. During the course we often find that students grow in confidence and learn how to deal with self-consciousness. The new Drama suite with its state of the art technical facilities provides enhanced opportunities for those who have main interests in the technical aspects of the subject. These skills may also be separately credited should the candidate choose to select them. Visits to the theatre are a course requirement and excursions are arranged to local and London theatres. The areas covered in the specification are:

Improvisation and portfolio

Text and portfolio

Performance GCSE Drama allows progress to A level Theatre Studies, university degrees in Drama, theatre or the technical crafts associated with theatre e.g. stage management, costume design, lighting. Careers in performance, stage craft, journalism, law, management (the latter requiring good powers of oratory and confidence in presentation and positive inter personal skills). The course is valuable for the development of interpersonal skills, essential for all employment involving communication.

Assessment Unit 1: 6 hour practical exploration worth 20% of the total marks. Documentary response (~2000 words) completed as controlled assessment worth 10% of the total marks. Unit 2: 6 hour practical exploration of a play text and a documentary response (~ 1000 words) to practical exploration completed as controlled assessment. Documentary response (~ 2000 words) to live theatre completed as controlled assessment. The unit is worth 30% of the total marks. Unit 3: Practical examination examined by an external assessor worth 40% of the marks.

18

Economics

Exam Board & Specification Code: OCR J320 Head of Department: Mr P Ross

Economics is a subject that deals with the problem of scarcity i.e. why we cannot have everything we want. It describes, interprets and attempts to predict how and why consumers, producers and the government make the decisions they do. For example; why are diamonds (which have few practical uses) more expensive than water (which is essential for survival)? Why do Premier League players command such high salaries? Why can't everyone who wants work actually find a job? GCSE Economics provides a good introduction to economic theory and will help you to answer questions like these, as well as have a better understanding of current economic issues. The subject covers a range of issues from the perspective of an individual consumer, up to a national and international perspective. This course is a useful base for more advanced study of Economics, Business Studies or Accountancy. (though it is not a pre-requisite for A Level Economics). It is also possible to continue studying Economics at tertiary level and it is a relevant subject in many different career areas. Economics is a useful qualification for many careers in the business world such as banking, accountancy, retailing and management. The topics covered in the specification are: Unit A591: How the Market Works What is the economic problem? What are competitive markets? How do firms operate in competitive markets? Unit A592 : How the Economy Works What are the economic objectives of a government? How does the UK government raise and spend its money? Which policies can the UK government use? Unit A593: The UK Economy and Globalisation Why do counties trade? Why is the UK in the European Union? How is the UK’s International trade recorded? How important is the value of a currency? How does a country become competitive? Why do some less developed countries struggle to achieve growth and benefit from International trade? What measures may be used to support growth for less developed countries?

Assessment Unit A591: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit A592: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit A593: 1 hour 30 min written examination worth 50% of the total marks.

19

Geography

Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 2GA01 Head of Department: Miss K Meerabux

Geography is about the interaction between people and the natural environment. It is a subject which examines current local and global issues, ranging from the impacts and management of natural disasters, like earthquakes and hurricanes, to the explosion in world population and the growing gap in living standards between rich and poor countries. This explains why Michael Palin refers to Geography as “… the subject which holds the key to our future”. The course will engage and stimulate students to develop an understanding of and respect for the world around us. Students will acquire a range of transferable skills valuable in the work place or in their future studies, including map work, fieldwork, ICT, decision-making and the analysis and presentation of data in different formats. There is compulsory fieldwork in Year 11 in preparation for controlled assessments. The areas covered in the specification are:

Geographical Skills and Challenges

The Natural Environment

The Human Environment

Investigating Geography Many students continue with Geography A-Level in the sixth form where it is compatible with all subjects since it provides an excellent bridge between the Arts and Sciences. The understanding of geographical issues and the diversity of skills developed supports a wide variety of careers such as weather forecasting, hazard risk management, environmental law, globalisation and resource management, urban planning and international development, as well as other professions in areas such as business, commerce and industry.

Assessment Unit 1: 1 hour written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 2: 1 hour 15 min written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 3: 1 hour 15 min written examination worth 25% of the total marks. Unit 4: An environmental investigation based on coastal fieldwork. The ~2000 word report is completed as controlled assessment and is worth 25% of the total marks. For the written examinations students will be entered for Higher or Foundation tier as appropriate

20

History

Exam Board & Specification Code: OCR J417 Head of Department: Mr A Porter

History is about people - real people whose lives were sometimes exciting, like being a 'flapper' in the 1920s, and sometimes frightening, like standing in line on a civil rights march, aware that the police are authorised to use potentially lethal force. Whatever their lives were about, there is always a fascinating, and sometimes tragic, story behind them. As well as being exciting, this course will help you develop skills which will be useful in a wide range of jobs or in the further study of History. You will learn the following skills: how to interpret and evaluate pieces of information (sources); how to communicate and apply your knowledge; how to describe and analyse the key features of the periods studied; critical thinking and problem solving. You will have the opportunity to study photographs, films, videos, websites, newspapers, original written sources and to research topics on the internet. The topics covered in the specification are:

International Relations, 1945-2003

How British society changed, 1890-1918

Study in Depth: Germany 1918-1945

Controlled Assessment: USA Land of Freedom, 1945-1975 Beyond GCSE, A Level History combines well with languages, English, Politics, Psychology, Sociology and Economics. It is also an acceptable foundation subject for Archaeology. Aspirants to the civil service, the legal profession and the media, TV, newspapers, etc. find the discipline invaluable experience. Entry to other professions and careers from banking and retailing to business, commerce and industry is often enhanced if evidence of historical training, investigation and appreciation can be shown.

Assessment Unit A011: 2 hour written examination worth 45% of the total marks. Unit A021: 1 hour 30 min written examination worth 30% of the total marks. Unit A010: Controlled assessment task of ~2000 words worth 25% of the total marks.

21

Music

Exam Board & Specification Code: OCR J535 Head of Department: Ms M Bird

This GCSE course has been designed to provide structured opportunities for candidates to develop their musical understanding through the interrelated activities of performing, composing, listening and appraising. The flexible assessment structure can be tailored to the needs of candidates whatever their musical background. The areas of study include a range of music from the past and present, including popular, western classical and music from other world cultures. The listening, composing and appraising elements of the course are taught entirely within the classroom. Students are encouraged to have instrumental or vocal tuition in order to support the performing coursework (the school provides a subsidy to support this activity). The areas covered in the specification are:

Performing Skills – performing with technical control, expression and interpretation

Composing Skills – creating and developing musical ideas with technical control and coherence

Listening and Appraising Skills – analysing and evaluating music using musical terminology Post GCSE, students may wish to progress to A Level Music and/or A Level Music Technology. Career opportunities including performing, composing, conducting, teaching, music therapy, arts administration, music journalism or instrument technology.

Assessment Unit B351: Performing and composing controlled assessment worth 30% of the total marks. Unit B352: Performing and composing controlled assessment worth 30% of the total marks. Unit B353: 45 minute creative task worth 20% of the total marks. Unit B354: 1 hour 30 min listening examination worth 20% of the total marks.

22

Physical Education

Exam Board & Specification Code: Edexcel 2PE01 Head of Department: Mr B Hughes & Miss K Khosla

The specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established in Key Stage 3 Physical Education. It will give students exciting opportunities to be involved in a number of different physical activities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Students should have an interest in physical education and sport, enjoy being active and appreciate the benefits of keeping fit and healthy. Students will develop their knowledge and practical skills in a wide range of activities. The practical assessment will also include a written controlled assessment task and tests the student’s knowledge of a chosen sport, analysing performance and suggesting corrective measures to aid improvement. The theory paper examines the effects of exercise and how training can improve performance and identify ways to develop and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through participation in physical activity. The practical assessment requires students to perform in four chosen sports in one or all of the following roles: player/participant, leader or official. The topics covered in the specification are: Unit 1: The Theory of Physical Education

Section 1.1: Healthy, active lifestyles

Section 1.2: Your healthy, active body

Unit 2: Performance in Physical Education

Section 2.1: Practical performance

Section 2.2: Analysis of performance Post GCSE, students may choose to continue to A Level Physical Education, vocational courses in Physical Education, coaching courses, leisure studies and recreational management or degree course in areas such as sports studies, sports science, leisure management, education, physiotherapy etc.

Assessment Unit 1: 1 hour 30 min written examination worth 40% of the total marks. Unit 2: Practical assessment in four activities and written analysis of performance completed under controlled conditions. Together these are worth 60% of the total marks.