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Welcome to Year 10 Information and Guidance for
Parents
St Gregory the Great Catholic School
THE PARENTS’ GUIDE TO KS4
Parental support is 8 times more important than social class and can make
the difference between an A* and an also ran at GCSE (TES, 10 October
2003). The next 2 years are one of the most important times in a student’s life. This booklet is designed to help you support your child as they start Year 10, and embark on a range of courses for study over the next two years. Included is some information on the changes to assessment at GCSE and Subject Guides, these explain details of the exam board and syllabus and give a break-down of each GCSE/BTEC qualification. It is intended that this information will help you to support your child throughout Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).
Our young people can rarely achieve their best independently; best results are always achieved when a partnership is formed between student, family and school, and your support as parents is fundamental to success. The grades achieved at the end of year 11 remain with a student throughout their life no matter what else they go on to achieve. Research and experience shows that children whose parents/carers take the opportunity to be frequently interested in their child’s learning make most progress.
“It’s what parents do [with their child], rather than who they are, that counts” Sacker (2002)
Many parents feel at a loss when their children enter their examination years, known in schools as Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) confused by the complicated systems of choosing subjects and courses, coursework, entry tiers, modular exams and practical assessments. If you feel like this you are not alone! The exam system has changed greatly over the past few years, and is continuing to change and we will support you and your child through this.
You do not have to be an expert in the GCSE subjects that
your child has chosen to be able to make a real difference.
The hardest demand on our Year 10 and 11 students is that of understanding the long term importance of achieving the best they possibly can. Even if this means making some short term sacrifices to ensure they are truly successful.
We would like to wish your son/daughter every success with their studies over the next two years. Please do not hesitate to contact us for support and advice if you have any concerns during this crucial period in your child’s education. Mrs PA Wileman Assistant Principal [email protected]
Year 10 Pastoral Team
Mrs E Alexander (Director of Learning Yr10) [email protected] Miss L Budan (Pastoral Manager Yr10) [email protected] Tutors
• Miss R Millar 10RM
• Miss V Sundar 10VS
• Miss R Abbott 10RA
• Mr M Legezynski 10ML
• Mr D Nicholls 10DN
• Ms R Payne 10RPY
• Ms K Brooke-Hollidge 10KBH
• Mr L McCullagh 10LM
Subject Information Course Title: English Language and English Literature GCSE
Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown English Language: 100% Examination (2 papers) English Literature:100% Examination (2 papers) Key Texts Jekyll & Hyde An Inspector Calls Macbeth
Useful Websites www.schmoop.com www.geoffbarton.co.uk http://www.bbc.co.uk/education https://www.youtube.com/user/mrbruff/playlists
Interventions Revision after school
Contact: Ms McCabe [email protected] Course Title: GCSE Maths
Qualification and Board Edexcel (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown 100% Examination (3 papers) 1 non - calculator/2 calculator (1hr 30mins each)
Key Texts Pearson 9-1 revision guide Pearson 9-1 revision workbook
Useful Websites Pixl maths app BBC Bitesize YouTube clips Doddle GCSE maths genie
Interventions Revision sessions after School University students running interventions
Contact: Mr Holton [email protected]
Course Title: GCSE Combined Science or GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown 100% examination Key Texts Students will be advised when available to purchase.
Useful Websites BBC Bitesize s-cool.co.uk gcsescience.com revisionworld.com
Interventions Intervention groups ongoing in lessons. Tuesday revision café – by invitation General revision groups Thursday – all welcome
Contact: Mr Turner [email protected] Course Title: GCSE Religious Studies (World Religions) Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown 100% Examination (2 papers) Paper.1 – Judaism (25%) AND Christian Perspectives (25%) Paper.2 – Roman Catholic Christianity (50%)
Key Texts AQA religious Studies specification B with Judaism
Interventions Revision power points provided Exam question homework once a fortnight
Contact: Miss Jelfs [email protected]
Course Title: BTEC level 2 Award in Business
Qualification and Board Edexcel (BTEC)
Assessment Breakdown 75% Coursework 25% Examination ( Unit 2 Finance)
Coursework Deadlines Unit 8 – Recruitment Selection and Employment Assignment 1 – 14/10/17 Assignment 2 - 23/11/17 Assignment 3 – 11/11/18 Unit 2 – Finance Exam – June 2018 Useful Websites www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/gcse/business
Interventions Coursework Catch up – Wed/Thurs 3.10pm BS1 Individual progress meetings throughout the year All assignments available electronically Revision Sessions for the Finance exam will start after October half term – Wednesday, 3.10pm BS1
Contact: Mrs Lightfoot [email protected] Contact Mr Hussain until January 2018 [email protected] Course Title: GCSE Art and Design Qualification and Board Edexcel (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown Component.1 – 60% A personal portfolio of work, consisting of the best work from Year 10 and 11. Component.2 – 40% An externally set assignment for which students have time to prepare for a final piece during a 10 hour controlled assessment.
Coursework Deadlines Project.1 – 05/2/18
Key Texts The Art Book – Phaidon Press The 20th Century Art Book – Phaidon Press The Photo Book – Phaidon Press
Useful Websites www.tate.org.uk www.artchive.com
Contact: Mr Cerioni [email protected]
Course Title: Level 1 or 2 Hospitality and Catering
Qualification and Board Eduqas (level 1/2)
Assessment Breakdown 60% - Coursework 40% - Examination
Key Texts Eduqas Hospitality and
catering
Useful Websites www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes www.allrecipes.co.uk www.foodafactoflife.org.uk www.jamieoliver.com/forum http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/food-preparation-and-nutrition/
Contact: Mr Humphreys [email protected] Course Title: GCSE French Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown 100% Examination Listening exam – 25% of GCSE grade. Reading exam – 25% of GCSE grade. Speaking exam – 25% of GCSE grade. Writing exam – 25% of GCSE grade.
Key Texts AQA GCSE French (OUP: ISBN-13: 9780198365839)
Useful Websites http://www.linguascope.com/ https://www.samlearning.com/ https://www.duolingo.com/ http://www.languagesonline.org.uk/Hotpotatoes/Index.htm/ doddlelearn.co.uk
Contact: Mrs Akeh [email protected]
Course Title: GCSE Geography Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown Paper.1 (35%) Unit 3.1 – Living with the physical environment Paper.2 (35%) Unit.3.2 – Challenges in the human environment Paper.3 (30%) Unit 3.3 – Geographical applications
Key Texts AQA Geography textbook – Hodder Education, Widdowsan, Blackshaw et al
Useful Websites www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize www.geographyrocks.co.uk/gcse-revision
Contact: Miss H West [email protected] Course Title: GCSE German Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown 100% Examination Listening exam – 25% of GCSE grade. Reading exam – 25% of GCSE grade. Speaking exam – 25% of GCSE grade. Writing exam – 25% of GCSE grade.
Key Texts AQA GCSE German (OUP: ISBN-13: 9780198365877 )
Useful Websites http://www.linguascope.com/ https://www.samlearning.com/ https://www.duolingo.com/ http://www.languagesonline.org.uk/Hotpotatoes/Index.htm/ doddlelearn.co.uk
Contact: Mrs Cadle [email protected]/Mrs Akeh [email protected]
Course Title: GCSE History Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown 100% examination Paper One: Germany 1890-1945: Democracy and dictatorship and Conflict in Asia, 1945-72. 1 hour 45 minutes. 50% of GCSE. Paper Two: Health and the People, 1000- to present day and Norman England, 1066-1100. 1 hour 45 minutes. 50% of GCSE.
Key Texts Ferriby, Martin and Walsh, Understanding the Modern World. Wilkes, Germany 1890-1945. Wilkinson, Health and the People. Clarke, Norman England 1066-1100.
Useful Websites BBC Bitesize www.johndclare.net More supplied throughout the year when relevant.
Contact: Mr Scott [email protected] Course Title: Cambridge National Certificate in Information Technologies
Qualification and Board OCR Level 1 and 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Information Technologies
Assessment Breakdown Assessment is divided into two units:
1. Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions
2. Developing Technological Solution (Coursework)
Coursework Deadlines There will be many deadlines set for individual components of each coursework unit and you have to keep up to date throughout the two years to succeed.
Useful Websites Information on what you can do with a http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/vocational-education-and-skills/cambridge-nationals-information-technologies-level-1-2-j808/ All homework will be put on showmyhomework.co.uk. Another web site we will use is www.Teach-ICT.com. Please ask Mr Taggart for the student Log in. Interventions Extra support is available to students at drop in sessions after school on and Thursdays. These sessions will be compulsory if a student falls behind on coursework deadlines. Parents will be informed. Contact: Mr Taggart [email protected]
Course Title: GCSE Media Studies
Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE)
Assessment Breakdown 30% Coursework Production of a media product 70% Examination – 2 papers Useful Websites These will be provided to students according to the topics being studied.
Contact: Ms McCabe [email protected] Course Title: GCSE Design Technology Qualification and Board AQA (GCSE) code 8552
Assessment Breakdown 50% - Coursework 50% - Examination
Key Texts AQA Design and Technology Pgonline
Useful Websites WWW.AQA.ORG.UK
Interventions Parent/teacher consultations Additional workshop time Exemplar coursework/coursework guide
Contact: Mr Humphreys [email protected]
Course Title: Sport and Active Leisure
Qualification and Board BTEC Level.1 Certificate - EdExcel
Assessment Breakdown Unit 7: Investigating Rights and Responsibilities at work. (Coursework based) Unit 10: Taking Part in Exercise and Fitness (Coursework based with field trip) Unit 11: How the Body Works. (Coursework based.) Unit 16: Working in a team. (Coursework based with field trip.) Unit 17: Job opportunities in Sport and Active Leisure. (Coursework based.)
Useful Websites www.bases.org.uk British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. www.topendsports.com Advice on different aspects of sport. www.youthsporttrust.org Youth Sports Trust.
Contact: Miss Newell [email protected] Course Title: BTEC Sports Studies and Football BTEC Qualification and Board Edexcel BTEC L2 First Award in Sport
Assessment Breakdown 25% - External Exam - Unit 1 - Fitness for sport and Exercise 75% - Coursework Coursework Deadlines Unit.2 – Practical Sports Performance Assignment.1 – 20/10/17 Assignment.2 – 29/03/18 Assignment.3 – 15/05/18 Unit.3 – The mind and sports performance Assignment.1 – 05/03/18 Assignment.2 – 16/04/18 Assignment.3 – 25/05/18 Key Texts BTEC First in Sport Student Book ISBN: 9781446901618 BTEC First in Sport Revision Guide ISBN: 9781446906705
Useful Websites Edexcel BBC Sport Brianmac Topendsport
Interventions Therapy will take place at lunchtimes and afterschool for those students identified as needing additional support and will also be open to any other students wishing to attend.
Contact: Mr Hoskin [email protected]
Course Title: Child Development and Care Qualification and Board Level.2 (NCFE)
Assessment Breakdown Unit.1: An introduction to working with children aged 0-5 (Assessment task) Unit.2: Development and well-being 0-5 years (Assessment task) Unit.3: Child care and development 0-5 years (Examined unit)
Useful Websites www.surestart.gov.uk – information on Sure Start initiatives www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/ – information on Early Years Foundation Stage www.nurseryworld.co.uk – suggests activities for young children to help different areas of development www.bbc.co.uk – lots of information on all aspects of child development and caring for children Contact: Mrs Wileman [email protected]
Guidance on Snapshot Grades, Target Setting and Mentoring
The following gives a brief explanation of the information you will receive in a Snapshot report, snapshots and written targets are collected 3 times a year.
Grades Forecast grades: statistically arrived at estimates of grades based on national data about rates of progress from KS2 starting points – a background reference point for all the other types of grades shown below Current grades are based on evidence obtained from recent (over last term) classwork, homework, coursework and controlled assessments. Predicted grades are a teachers’ professional prediction of the grade the student will attain at the end of the course taking all relevant factors into account. This may be higher than the current grade, showing that the teacher thinks the student has the capacity to make improved progress, given sustained effort on behalf of the student In rare cases, it may be lower, showing that there are other aspects of the course not recently assessed, which the teacher is not yet confident the student can maintain the current grade in. At KS4 we will report “fine data”. These grades show the level of confidence in any particular grade. For example: 4C - very insecure grade 4, intervention certainly necessary to secure grade 4. 4A - secure grade 4 but with intervention could boost to a grade 5. Target Grades These represent a challenging but realistic view of what we believe students are capable of achieving in their final examinations. These grades are recorded in student’s journals . Written (Learning) Targets and Review Reports will contain brief comments on key aspects of students learning and performance that need to improve to help move them to the next level. Reviewing progress with the targets set is a key and vital part of the process.
Number grade NEW Letter grades OLD
Careers Support and Guidance Our careers advisor is Terry Bianchini. He is available in School for individual Student Appointments or student and parent appointments to discuss Post 16/18 Pathways and the vast range of qualification frameworks and routes available. [email protected] A range of resources and links to careers advice can be found on:
School Website
We also have a Careers advice and guidance area on the School website. This includes further information on; Curriculum reform, information on apprenticeships, current opportunities and information about the local labour market
Looking for online careers information you can trust? Take a look at eCLIPS Explore this easy-to-use online database of up-to-date careers information on over 1,000 jobs http://www.eclips-online.co.uk Password: OX4 3DR
Key dates PPE 1 – Week beginning 4th December 2017 Parents Evening (4pm – 7pm) - Thursday 22nd March 2018 PPE 2 – Week beginning 11th June 2018 English speaking and listening assessments – Week beginning 18th June
GCSE Reform
Changes to assessment in years 10 and 11 As you are probably aware the government has recently announced radical changes to the structure and assessment of GCSEs. We are moving away from the familiar system of A*-G grades to a new system of grading with numbers. In addition to the changes to the structure of the GCSEs, the government is also raising the expectation of the standard of GCSE that will be considered as a ‘good pass’ from a C to a new grade 5.
What do the new numbers mean?
Because the content in the new GCSEs is so different there is no simple and direct way to convert between the old GCSE A*-G grades and the new number grades. However, to ensure that the new system is fair to those students taking the new exams the government has fixed the percentages of students gaining particular grades against the old system. So for example the same proportion of students that gained an ‘A’ and above in the old GCSEs will now gain a grade 7 and above in the new GCSEs. However, this does not mean that a grade 7 is equal to an A grade as the content is so different.
Which subjects are affected?
Due to the number of different GCSEs that had to be updated, not all subjects moved to the new 1-9 system at the same time. Year 10 students will be the first year group who will receive grades 1-9 in all GCSE subjects.
Year Group GCSEs to be first graded 1-9
Examined Summer 2017 (Year 12) Maths, English Examined Summer 2018 (Year 11) Art & Design, Biology, Chemistry, Combined
Science, Food & Nutrition, Geography, History, French, German, Physics, Religious Studies
Examined Summer 2019 (Year 10) Design Technology, Media Studies
Parent Guide to 2017 results
The following guidance was published by Ofqual to support Schools in explaining the 2017 results to parents
