Year 10 Options Booklet 2015

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AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

GCSE OPTIONS 2015-2017

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AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS 2015 - 2017

CONTENTS General Information 2 - 3 Part 1 – Compulsory subjects 4 - 6 Part 2 – Optional subjects 7 - 21 Frequently asked questions 22 - 23 List of Subject Choices 24

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AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – GCSE OPTIONS General Information

This is a key period in your school career. In September 2015, you will be starting a two-year course leading to GCSE examinations. This booklet will help you to decide your choice of subjects for GCSE. In Years 10 & 11 (Key Stage 4), you will study a package of compulsory core subjects plus four options.

At Aylesbury Grammar School you are offered as much choice as possible, so that you can continue to study subjects you enjoy and may wish to consider taking in the Sixth Form. 1. Compulsory subjects All students will study the following compulsory subjects: GCSE: Subject: Periods per fortnight:

English (Language and Literature) 7 Mathematics (including Statistics) 6 Biology 4 Chemistry 4

Physics 4 Modern Language (French, German or Spanish) 5

Non Exam: PE and Games 4 Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Enterprise Education 1 Notes: 1. All students are required to choose one modern language from those studied at Key Stage 3. Please

read carefully the relevant sections of this booklet for further details. Keen linguists may select an additional language as an optional subject.

2. GCSE Physical Education may be chosen as an optional subject in addition to non-exam PE and Games.

3. PSHCEE is delivered in tutor period. 2. Optional subjects These are the subjects where you choose what you want to study. Each is studied on 5 periods per fortnight:

Ancient History Art Business Studies Computing Design and Technology:

Graphics Resistant Materials Electronic Products

Drama Economics French

Geography Geology German History Italian Japanese Latin Music Physical Education Spanish

AYLESBURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL – GCSE OPTIONS

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3. Keeping options open

One of the things to consider in making choices for GCSE is whether you are keeping options open for the Sixth Form and university. To study for ‘A’ level in the following subjects you must have taken GCSE:

Art, Design & Technology, French, Geography, German, History, Italian Japanese, Latin, Music, Spanish

Some ‘A’ level subjects do not require you to have studied them at GCSE:

Ancient History, Business Studies, Communication & Culture, Computing, Economics Physical Education, Politics, Theatre Studies

4. What happens next? Before making your choices we urge you to talk things through with your parents and read the options booklet very carefully. We have included a section on Frequently Asked Questions which you may find helpful! These choices are important so do not hesitate to talk to your tutor and your subject teachers. If you need further advice, you may also wish to speak to: Mr R O’Driscoll (Head of Year 9) [email protected], Mr G Dallas (Assistant Headteacher, Head of Middle School) [email protected] Dr K J Smith (Assistant Headteacher, Head of Upper School) [email protected] The Connexions Careers Adviser will attend the Year 9 Consultation Evening and be available to provide advice on options and careers. She will be based in the main hall and no appointment is necessary. You will need to complete your choices and return the Option Choices form, which is on the last page of this booklet, to the main school office by the end of Friday 6th February at the very latest. If you do not do this then you will be less likely to get your first choice of subjects as the teaching sets may be over-subscribed.

5. Timetable for the GCSE Options Process

January 2015 Options Booklet issued. Tuesday 27th January 2015 Year 9 Consultation Evening – opportunity for parents/students to discuss options with teaching staff. Friday 6th February 2015 Deadline for return of options choices form. Monday 23rd February Individual interviews to discuss options and to Friday 14th March 2015 make changes if necessary. Monday 23rd March 2015 Assessment tutorial & confirmation of option choices allocated.

mailto:[email protected]




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PART ONE - COMPULSORY CORE SUBJECTS

English Language: there are no controlled assessments – both exams will be in the summer of Year 11 Unit 1: fiction and imaginative writing (1 hour 45 minutes) 40% Unit 2: non-fiction and transactional writing (2 hours) 60% Spoken Language (‘speaking and listening’) is still compulsory, but students are given a separate level. It does NOT form part of the GCSE. English Literature there are no controlled assessments – both exams will be in the summer of Year 11 Unit 1: Shakespeare and post-1914 literature (1 hour 45 minutes) 50% Unit 2: 19th-century novel and poetry since 1789 (2hours 15 minutes) 50%

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & ENGLISH LITERATURE Exam Board: Edexcel Specification: 1EN0 (Language); 1ET0 (Literature)

Head of Department: Mr A Skinner


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Exam Board: EDEXCEL 1MA1 (probably) GCSE Mathematics (taken by all students – Year 11) EDEXCEL 2ST01 GCSE Statistics (taken by all students – Year 10) OCR 6693 Additional Mathematics FSMQ (Set 1 only – Year 11) AQA 8360 Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths (Sets 2 only – Year 11) Controlled Assessment: None for Mathematics One task for Statistics (worth 25%) All sets follow a Higher Tier Maths course, with all exams at the end of Year 11. The course provides a broad basis of ‘everyday’ mathematics, while also preparing the way for further study at A level. Students will cover all the national curriculum topics in number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability. This is a new GCSE, graded 9 to 1 (top grade is 9), with much emphasis on problem solving skills, and is expected to be more demanding for students than the current GCSE. Whilst maximising the GCSE grade in Maths is the priority for all sets, and expectations are very high, students in a set 1 or 2 (half the year group) usually have the additional challenge of simultaneously preparing for an extra qualification, but with no additional time. This will likely continue to be the case if the new GCSE Maths allows the time for this. The other half of the Year group (in a Standard set) will benefit from smaller class sizes, and hence increased access to their teacher to maximise GCSE performance in this key subject. Additional Maths FSMQ may be taken by Set 1 only. This Free Standing Maths Qualification aims to really stretch the most able and give an early taste of ‘A level’ type work. In a similar way the extra exam which may be taken by Set 2 groups would provide stretch and an early taste of post-16 Maths. It is likely to be the GCSE in ‘Further Maths’. Students in all sets have, since the start of Year 7, been working toward the GCSE in Statistics. This course will be completed by a final exam in the summer of Year 10, with one controlled assessment task in January of Year 10. This will give all students an extra GCSE in this very useful area, which also subsumes and reinforces all the data handling content of the GCSE Maths course. The various ‘options’ above are NOT chosen by the students; instead a variety of evidence is used by the Department to allocate students to appropriate sets for Year 10. The aim behind our setting strategy and the different routes taken in KS4, is to ensure that all students remain suitably challenged and maximise their progress and performance. (It is not usual to change routes once started.) This has proved a very effective approach for students of all abilities and parental support, whichever set students find themselves in, is appreciated. Having covered the Higher Tier GCSE course the option of future sixth form study in Mathematics remains open to students in ALL sets.

MATHEMATICS Exam Board: Edexcel / OCR / AQA Specification: see below

Head of Department: Mr C Smith


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Controlled Assessment: None Students sit three written examinations, all at the end of Year 11. These are: Paper 2: Multiple choice question paper. (45 minutes) Paper 4: Extended theory paper. (75 minutes) Paper 6: Practical paper. (60 minutes) There is neither formally assessed coursework nor any Controlled Assessment Tasks. Practical work is carried out from January of Year 9 and throughout Years 10 and 11. Knowledge of practical methods, techniques, skills, and the analysis and evaluation of results are tested in paper 6. The Biology Department sets homework every week. Unsurprisingly, successful students tend to complete homework assignments thoroughly and on time! Information for parents: please visit www.cie.org.uk/igcse or see Share Point Biology via the school website

Controlled Assessment: None Students sit three written examinations, all at the end of Year 11. There is no formally assessed coursework, nor any Controlled Assessment Tasks. Practical work is carried out throughout Years 10 and 11. Knowledge of practical methods and techniques and skills in the analysis of results are tested in the third written paper. The course starts whilst students are in Year 9. Information for parents: please visit www.cie.org.uk/igcse

Controlled Assessment: None Students sit three written examinations, all at the end of Year 11. There is no formally assessed coursework, nor any Controlled Assessment Tasks. The iGCSE course for Physics starts at the beginning of Year 9 so there will be practical work throughout the 3 years. Information for parents: please visit www.cie.org.uk/igcse

PHYSICS Exam Board: CIE Specification: 0625 (iGCSE)

Head of Department: Mr J KEMP

CHEMISTRY Exam Board: CIE Specification: 0620 (iGCSE)

Head of Department: Dr C Gardner

BIOLOGY Exam Board: CIE Specification: 0610 (iGCSE)

Head of Department: Mr M Pilkington


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PART TWO - OPTION CHOICE SUBJECTS

These are the optional subjects where you choose what you want to study. You will choose SIX subjects in order of preference and study 4 to GCSE.

Controlled Assessment: 25% and carried out in Year 11 This course will appeal to anyone interested in History and enjoyed the Classical Studies course in Year 7. NO KNOWLEDGE OF LATIN OR GREEK is required, however the course provides an excellent complement to the Latin GCSE. The course covers international politics, war and the strategy of wars, the involvement in politics and society of charismatic and powerful women, and an in-depth study of one particular ancient society. Students will be taught how to analyse and evaluate original source material. Unit A031: Alexander the Great (The Greeks at war) You will learn about the life of Alexander the Great and the impact that he had on the ancient world, and even the world in the present day, did you know Kabul was a city once named Alexandria? You will study Macedonia and its relationship with Persia and Greece, Philip II, Alexander’s father, and of course Alexander’s progress from Greece to the Indus river, including his great battles for example at Gaugamela. You will be reading sources translated into English from Greek and Latin, and using them to build your own image of Alexander. The exam will be two source questions and you will have to write an essay. Unit A032: Hannibal’s Invasion and Defeat (The rise of Rome) You will study the relationship between Rome and Carthage, including the invasion of Italy by Hannibal with his elephants. You will study why this period in history has so shaped our world today. You will be reading sources translated into English from Latin and Greek. The exam will be two source questions and you will have to write an essay. Unit A033: Agrippina the Younger (Women in Ancient Politics) You will study the life of Agrippina the Younger, who gave meddling women a bad name. You will discover her attempts to control her husband the Emperor Claudius and her son the Emperor Nero, and why it all went wrong. You will be reading sources translated into English from Latin and the exam will follow the same format as above. Unit A034: The Hellenistic World (Ancient societies through the study of original sources) You will research aspects of the Hellenistic World (the period between Alexander the Great and the Romans). You will then be given a task on the topic and expected to complete a 2000 word essay under controlled conditions and internally assessed.

ANCIENT HISTORY Exam Board: OCR Specification: J151

Head of Department: Miss S E Holliday


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Coursework: 60% Within the course there is considerable scope for students to focus on their individual strength and interests but they will be expected to open-minded enough to experiment and try new things. The initial stages of the course consist of a series of tasks that are aimed at developing the skills and ways of thinking that will be needed during the ‘Controlled Coursework Task’ which is worth 60% of the final grade. Observations skills, imaginative techniques, composition and the ability to analyse and learn from the work of other artists are essential parts of the course. Following these initial stages the ‘Controlled Coursework Task’ will begin formally during the summer term of Year 10 and run through until the end of January in Year 11 – up to 45 hours class time in total. During this time homework tasks will support the coursework but only work carried out in class can be marked and contribute towards the final coursework grade. Ambition, independence and good time management will be essential skills because students have to fully research, develop and make their own piece of work within this period. As soon as the controlled coursework period is complete, students will begin work on the final exam project which is set by the Board. The preparation for this expects similar skills and thoroughness to the coursework task but students only have approximately 8 school weeks to prepare (including homework this time) and the final piece is made in 10 hours under exam conditions.

ART Exam Board: OCR Specification: J161

Head of Department: Mrs L Tangi


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Controlled Assessment: 25% involving up to ten hours individual research and six hours

report writing. If you are opting for this GCSE you are NOT permitted to take a GCSE in Economics as well. This is a GCSE which involves a wide range of activities; it is a “hands on” course that will mean students will find themselves participating in real world business decisions via use of case studies, personal research and practical presentations. It also examines how the stock market works. As such it is for those students who have a genuine interest in the business world and is not recommended for those unprepared to commit to the workload involved. The GCSE deals with all of the major functions of business: Marketing, Production, Accounting, Finance and Human Resources. The course looks at how and why business decisions are made in both small and large businesses. The course incorporates a number of key skills: problem solving, numeracy and communication. A lot of time is spent in discussion of how to manage a particular business problem so students considering taking the GCSE must be prepared to ‘speak up’ and also not be afraid to use numbers. Calculations are an important part of business decision making. There are three examinations in the GCSE; two unseen examination papers in the standard question and answer format and a third coursework (controlled assessment) paper based on individual student research into a particular area of business. The topic is disclosed in advance by OCR. If you are unwilling or unable to work using your initiative and to meet deadlines you should not choose this subject. Business Studies is a very popular option which has seen many students achieve high grades but is not a GCSE to take if you are unwilling to show initiative and effort. If it is not selected at GCSE level it is still possible to take this subject at Advanced level.

BUSINESS STUDIES Exam Board: OCR Specification: J253

Head of Department: Mr A R Grant


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Computing is about computation, algorithms and technology. The course gives students the opportunity to develop solutions to problems through programming in Pascal, and students study the complexity behind the machines they use every day of their lives. For example students learn that hacking is sometimes simply not possible - did you know that the encryption for the internet (SSL) would take much longer than the age of universe to crack a message encrypted using it? Even 20 years from now, if computers are a million times faster it would still take longer than the age of the universe to crack it. Computing is the (rather distant) brother of ICT. If ICT is about application of existing ICT tools to solve problems, Computing is thinking how to solve a problem and producing a solution (which may, or may, not use a computer). The clear emphasis of the course is computational thinking and producing solutions to complex problems. No previous experience of computing or programming is assumed and the course avoids a mathematical emphasis. However, students should be reasonably proficient in Mathematics and have an interest in problem solving. It is also a requirement that students can demonstrate an ability to think logically and clearly. The course is necessarily practical in nature and students are encouraged to experiment with computer systems on a range of problem solving tasks, where the result of their endeavours is immediately apparent. This GCSE consists of three teaching modules assessed in three units: Unit A451 Computer Systems and Programming: Components of a Computer System, Computing Hardware, Software & Data Representation, Networking & Programming. 1½ hour written paper. Unit A452 Current trends in Computing: Candidates study from a range of topics discriminating between relevant and irrelevant information – Controlled Assessment Investigative Task. Unit A453 Programming Project: Programming Project Controlled Assessment Tasks that enable candidates to design, develop and test a solution problem.

COMPUTING Exam Board: OCR Specification: J275

Head of Department: Mr J E Chappell


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Specifications: Graphic Products - Edexcel 2GR01 Resistant Materials Technology - Edexcel 2RM01 Electronic Products Technology - Edexcel 2EP01 Coursework: 60% You may choose ONE of the following options: Examples of Year 10 and 11 projects produced by students are available to view in the department. Graphic Products (Edexcel 2GR01) If you are interested in finding out how a wide range of graphic products have been designed and made then this is definitely the course for you. In Year 10 you will gain experience and knowledge of a wide range of graphic products by analysing and evaluating existing commercial products and hands on practical tasks. Year 11 is then spent producing a project of your choice. The subject is assessed at the end of Year 11 as follows: Resistant Materials Technology (Edexcel 2RM01) If you like designing and making products using wood, metal and plastics then this is the course for you. In Year 10 you will build on your materials knowledge gained in Key Stage 3 through a series of mini projects: covering the 3 material areas, CAD/CAM and new Technologies. Year 11 is then spent producing a project of your choice. The subject is assessed at the end of Year 11 as follows: Electronic Products (Edexcel 2EP01) If you are interested in finding out how a wide range of electronics based systems work then this is definitely the course for you. In Year 10 you will gain experience and knowledge by analysing, designing and producing a wide range of electronically engineered systems using ICT based modelling, real components and programmable microcontrollers. Year 11 is then spent producing a project of your choice. The subject is assessed at the end of Year 11 as follows: On successful completion of your GCSE you may continue your studies of Design Technology through the A Level Resistant Materials Technology or Graphics with Materials Technology course offered by the Department. Studying these subjects can lead to career opportunities in advertising, architecture, industrial design, illustration, engineering, and designing and manufacturing. Further information can be obtained from the department or the examination board website: www.edexcel.org.uk

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Exam Board: Edexcel Specification: see below

Head of Department: Mr A Twissell


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Coursework: 60% Drama is a practical subject. There are two units of coursework. In the first, students will have a workshop taught over 6 lessons which will explore a topical or moral issue through the use of practical drama techniques. In the second unit of coursework students will explore in detail the ways in which a play script is transformed into a theatrical production. Both coursework units will require students to produce a portfolio of written work discussing and evaluating their progress. There is also a practical exam paper where an external examiner will mark the student’s performance in a live production. Drama encourages critical thinking, team skills, problem solving and increases confidence. Students will improve their performance skills and learn lighting, sound and set design.

If you are opting for this GCSE you are NOT permitted to take a GCSE in Business Studies as well. Economics is concerned with the behaviour of consumers, producers and the government. We study two broad areas: Macroeconomics, which is concerned with the workings of the economy as a whole. Here we study issues such as: How do firms know what to produce? Why does the government change tax rates? Why is the Bank of England in charge of interest rates and not the Chancellor? How did the ‘credit crunch’ arise? These are ‘real world’ issues and yet many people have only the vaguest notion of the answers and how they affect their everyday life. Economics will give you an insight into these issues. At Microeconomic level we look at how markets work, why they fail, for example: Why does the market produce cars but the government provide the roads to drive on? Why does the government try to control monopolies? Why does the NHS exist? The Department has achieved considerable success at GCSE level in the past and many students continue onto Advanced level. Economics will fit well with most other subjects. An aptitude for mathematics is important. Please do not choose this option if you dislike working with numerical data and graphs. It is a subject that contains a lot of theoretical concepts and, as you will not have studied any of this material before, you will need to recognise that there is likely to be more homework than in subjects with which you are already familiar. An interest in everyday business and economic matters is also a requirement; students undertaking this course must be prepared to actively debate economic issues in class. There are three written papers all of which are taken at the end of Year 11. Please do not choose this option unless you are prepared to commit to working hard at a new subject that can be highly theoretical and numerical. If it is not selected at GCSE level it is still possible to take this subject at Advanced level.

ECONOMICS Exam Board: OCR Specification: J320

Head of Department: Mr A R Grant

DRAMA Exam Board: Edexcel Specification: 2DR01

Head of Department: Mr R J Warner


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Controlled Assessments: NONE It is essential in today’s world that you have a good grasp of at least one Modern Foreign Language at GCSE level. Many employers and universities expect to see evidence of foreign language skills and French, the language of our closest continental neighbour, is one of the most sought after languages by British companies. During the GCSE course you will also be offered the opportunity to take part in the exchange to Bourg en Bresse, between the French Alps and the city of Lyon, which is run jointly with the High School and now in its thirteenth year. The course builds on the skills and grammatical understanding you will have developed in Years 7 – 9 and with no controlled assessments allows you to develop your language skills before you take the speaking, writing, listening and reading exams at the end of Year 11. The course is structured around the general topic areas of: Meeting people Personal interests Friendships and relationships Travel Holiday preferences Being a host or guest Home and local issues School and college Helping others Lifestyle choices Material choices Future plans and ambitions Each of the four language skills is worth 25% of the final mark and the reading, listening and writing can be taken at Higher or Foundation Level. Listening and Reading Comprehension will be tested by a variety of questions on texts or extracts drawn from the general topic areas. The speaking exam is a conversation in sections of about three minutes each on three of the topics studied. The writing exam at Higher Level is two short essays, one of about 100 words and one of about 150 words and at Foundation Level a short message and a text of about 80 words. Homework set over the two week cycle of lessons will be a mixture of learning vocabulary and tasks designed to hone your speaking and writing skills.

FRENCH Exam Board: AQA Specification: 8655 (iGCSE)

Head of Department: Mr T J Crapper


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Controlled Assessment: 25% “Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future” Michael Palin. Geography is a subject well regarded by employers for the skills developed, namely problem solving, using initiative, decision making and team work. Geography ranks third among the academic disciplines for the employability of graduates. With Geography sitting between economic, historical and scientific subjects, it is perfectly placed to offer the broad and practical approach to find the solutions to the world’s problems. It is this broadness that ensures geography fits in with both scientific and humanities based subjects. Unit 1: Physical Geography Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins – 75 marks –37.5% This covers the following topics: river landscapes, glaciated landscapes and tectonic hazards. Assessment – This unit is assessed through a mixture of short and long answer responses. Unit 2: Human Geography Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins – 84 marks-37.5% This covers the following topics: rural environments, tourism and Globalisation. This unit is assessed through a mixture of short and long answer responses. Unit 3. A Geography Investigation – Students will work in teams completing fieldwork based on the topic of tourism in the national parks. It is anticipated this will involve completing a residential fieldtrip to a location like the Lake District. Assessment – Students will complete a write up of the fieldwork which can be presented using video, powerpoint presentations or by producing a website in lesson time. This is a significant change to the previous coursework format in that all students will complete the same task, the fieldwork will be completed in teams, data will be shared and most importantly it will take considerably less time.

GEOGRAPHY Exam Board: AQA Specification: 9030 (Geography A)

Head of Department: Mr M Corby


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Controlled Assessment: 25% Geology GCSE is a rigorous course aimed at students who want to understand the environment which they see around them and who are prepared to study a new subject at a fast pace and engage in some additional independent work. It offers unique insights into the history of the planet using the principle ‘the present is the key to the past’ and provides understanding of management of resources now and in the future. It allies comfortably with other sciences and is very well received by all universities. Study in the field is an important element of the course and includes three essential fieldtrips over the two years, to local quarries, to Bradgate Park in Leicestershire and to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. The last one will form the basis of the controlled assessment. The following topics will be covered during the course:

Rocks: Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks The rock cycle

Weathering and erosion Geological structures Geomorphology

Plate tectonics and earth hazards The origin and development of life Climate change Economic geology

There are two final assessments:

1. An on-screen non-tiered written paper consisting of compulsory structured data and stimulus response questions.

2. A controlled internal assessment, worth 25% of the overall GCSE and involving a directed

investigation of an actual location presented as field notes and a written report.

GEOLOGY Exam Board: WJEC Specification: 4655

Head of Department: Mrs C Jiggins


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Controlled Assessment: see below Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe which is based on its large number of exports. One only has to think of names like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Bosch and Siemens, to understand why. It is no wonder that so many AGS students of German go on to work and live there, using the language acquired at GCSE and A Level at AGS to open up exciting career prospects. The German Department also has close links to UK-German Connection, an organisation sponsored by the British and German Embassies, which supports our students by offering visits and courses in Germany and other fully funded opportunities to develop their language and leadership skills.

You have completed 3 years of German, acquiring language skills which will be an essential part of the new GCSE course. This course offers you the opportunity to complete GCSE writing and speaking modules in Year 10, which if good enough, can be cashed in early, so that you can proceed at your own pace. In addition, you will have the opportunity to practice your spoken German with the Language Assistant whom we employ each year. The course is structured around the general topic areas of: Healthy living Relationships and Choices Free Time and the Media Holidays Home and Local Area Environment School and Future Plans Current and Future Employment You will do a listening and a reading exam at Foundation or Higher tier. Each of these exams is worth 20% of the final total. The speaking and writing units are worth 30% each and are not tiered. For the speaking exam you will do two assessed tasks during the two year course, each in the form of a dialogue. For the writing exam you will do two tasks under controlled conditions, on different topics to those submitted for the speaking, over the course of the two years. The dialogues you do for the speaking unit and the essays you do for the writing unit will be drawn from the general topic areas. To achieve A*- C grades you will write two essays, each of between 200 and 300 words.

GERMAN Exam Board: AQA Specification: 4665

Head of Department: Mrs J Brooker


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Controlled Assessment: 25% There will be three written papers (all are taken at the end of Year 11): Papers 1 & 2 comprise of two depth studies: a) Germany 1919-1947 b) Russia in Revolution 1905-1924 Paper 3 is an Outline Study focusing on the United States of America 1929-2000 There are also two Controlled Assessments based on the British experience of warfare in the Twentieth Century (World War One and World War Two). We believe in bringing the study of History alive by offering a range of exciting learning opportunities and study visits for all our students. The themes studied in the Controlled Assessments will be developed and extended by educational visits to either the First World War Battlefields or London, to study the Home Front (depending on the title of the Controlled Assessment).

HISTORY Exam Board: WJEC Specification: 4270 (History A)

Head of Department: Mr A Twissell


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Controlled assessments: see details below It is essential in today’s world that you have a good grasp of at least one Modern Foreign Language at GCSE level. The course is structured around the general topic areas of: Healthy living Relationships and Choices Free Time and the Media Holidays Home and Local Area Environment School and Future Plans Current and Future Employment You will do a listening and a reading exam at Foundation or Higher tier. Each of these exams is worth 20% of the final total. The speaking and writing units are worth 30% each and there is one level of entry. For the speaking exam you will do two assessed tasks during the two year course, each in the form of a dialogue. For the writing exam you will do two tasks under controlled conditions, on different topics to those submitted for the speaking, over the course of the two years. The dialogues you do for the speaking unit and the essays you do for the writing unit will be drawn from the general topic areas. To achieve A*-C grades you will write two essays, each of between 200 and 300 words. Controlled assessment is not coursework. You will be set an assessment task at the end of a unit of work, and then up to six hours of homework and class time will be devoted to your own individual detailed

preparation. N.B. Reminder for these subjects – To be eligible to study Italian or Japanese, you must be an able linguist who has already chosen another modern language, which you have studied in KS3, in your options.

Japan has the world’s third biggest economy and knowledge of Japanese language and culture could be very useful for future employment or in preparation for a joint degree course, with science or arts subjects, now offered by many universities. There are good opportunities for school leavers to gain work experience in Japan in a gap year before university. There are four skills targeted in full course GCSE Japanese; speaking, listening, reading and writing, of which the last two require learning of Hiragana, Katakana and basic Kanji – a mixture of three writing

systems, both phonetic and semantic, that are very different from any European languages. N.B. Reminder for these subjects – To be eligible to study Italian or Japanese, you must be an able linguist who has already chosen another modern language, which you have studied in KS3, in your options.

JAPANESE Exam Board: Edexcel Specification:


ITALIAN Exam Board: AQA Specification: 4630



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This course will appeal to anyone who enjoys the study of Latin and exploring an ancient culture through its language and literature. It will develop language skills in every area and expand your analytical and problem solving skills. Latin continues to be one of the most valued GCSEs and A Levels by universities for all subjects. It provides an excellent complement to the study of Modern Foreign Languages and English Literature, as well as testing logic skills. You will read stories based on the myths, legends and history of Rome in Years 10 and 11 to develop your grammar and vocabulary further, and you will also read original Latin literature and investigate literary techniques. All exams are taken at the end of Year 11 Unit A401: Latin Language 1 (25%) and A402: Latin Language 2 (25%) – You will develop your language skills further from those in Years 8 and 9, and translate passages into English. These are based around the topics of Myths and Roman history. Unit A403: Latin Prose Literature (25%) - You will study a selection of Roman prose authors, including Cicero, a writer whose influence is still in the law courts today. Unit A404: Latin Verse Literature (25%) - You will study a section of Virgil’s Aeneid Book IX, the story of Nisus and Euryalus, a key part in the most famous Roman epic and the basis for many great works of European literature.

Coursework: 60% (Performing and Composing) The exam is divided into three equal parts – listening, performing and composing. The Listening Paper is a series of questions on a dozen or so short extracts of music. For the Performing Paper students must play one solo piece ideally of Grade 4 standard or above. Students must also improvise on their instrument. For the Composing Paper students must submit one original piece; which needs to be scored out and recorded onto CD. There is also a Performance Investigation Portfolio consisting of a variety of chapters; but essentially this requirement centres around students discussing their own instrument, analysing three pieces of their own choice and recording one of these. It is a requirement that students play an instrument for GCSE Music and that they take an active part in ensemble playing / singing – either inside school or outside of school. Students need to be aware of a wide variety of musical styles and be happy listening to and studying music from the Baroque period through to the Beatles as well as more modern pop music. Good candidates will have achieved Grade II or above in the Theory of Music and Grade III or above on their instrument before starting Year 10.

MUSIC Exam Board: OCR Specification: 1919

Head of Department: Mr D C Nathan

LATIN Exam Board: OCR Specification: J281

Head of Department: Miss S E Holliday


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TWO written exam papers B451 & B453. TWO practical components (controlled assessments). In each component you will be assessed in TWO practical performances (i.e. FOUR sports) B452 & B454. TWO written analysis tasks (AL & AP). B452 Practical performance and developing fitness: Internally assessed, externally moderated. 30% weighting. TWO performances 25 marks each = 50 Analysing lifestyle task 20 marks / 2 = 10 B454 Practical performance and developing skill Internally assessed, externally moderated 30% weighting TWO performances 25 marks each = 50 Analysing performance task 20 marks / 2 = 10 There will be two written papers, each with a 20% weighting, both taken in Year 11. The practical assessment will consist of practical performance and developing fitness (30% weighting) and practical performance and developing skill (30% weighting). A good level of practical performance is essential in at least 4 practical areas of physical education (team or individual games, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, etc). The course forms a good basis for continuing to study Physical Education at AS and A2 level.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Exam Board: OCR Specification: J586

Head of Department: Mr P N Dean


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Controlled assessments: see details below It is essential in today’s world that you have a good grasp of at least one Modern Foreign Language at GCSE level. The GCSE course in Spanish builds on the skills and grammatical understanding you will have developed in Key Stage 3. There are around 500 million speakers of Spanish, which makes it the second most spoken native language in the world. It is more widely spoken as an official language than all but English. It has been predicted that by 2050, 10% of the world’s population will speak Spanish and 50% of the population in America will speak it as their mother tongue. After English, Spanish is the most spoken language in business and is the official language of 21 countries. It is a requirement for many companies all over the world.

The course is structured around the general topic areas of: Healthy living Relationships and Choices Free Time and the Media Holidays Home and Local Area Environment School and Future Plans Current and Future Employment You will do a listening and a reading exam at Foundation or Higher tier. Each of these exams is worth 20% of the final total. The speaking and writing units are worth 30% each and are untiered. For the speaking exam you will do two assessed tasks during the two year course, each in the form of a dialogue. For the writing exam you will do two tasks under controlled conditions, on different topics to those submitted for the speaking, over the course of the two years. The dialogues you do for the speaking unit and the essays you do for the writing unit will be drawn from the general topic areas. To achieve A* - C grades you will write two essays, each of between 250 and 350 words. Controlled assessment is not coursework. You will be set an assessment task at the end of a unit of work, and then up to six hours of homework and class time will be devoted to your own individual detailed preparation. It is entirely possible that you will have completed your controlled speaking and writing assessments to the standard you are aiming to achieve by the end of Year 10. Homework set over the two week cycle of lessons will be a mixture of learning vocabulary and written preparation for the controlled assessments.

SPANISH Exam Board: AQA Specification: 4655

Head of Department: Mrs H Mason


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q. What are good reasons for opting for particular subjects? You should ask yourself the following questions before choosing a subject:

Do I have an aptitude for this subject?

Do I enjoy studying this subject at the moment?

Will this subject provide enough (or too much) academic and intellectual challenge?

Do I need this subject for my higher education and career plans?

Will my choices give me a broad and balanced range of subjects? 2. Q. How likely is it that I will get my choice of options?

As long as you meet the deadline for handing in the option form, it is highly likely that you will get your option choices. Occasionally some subjects are under-subscribed. If too few students opt for a subject it will not run.

If we cannot accommodate your first set of option choices, we will contact you to discuss any changes to be made.

We endeavour to create a timetable that allows each student to opt for a portfolio of subjects which best meets their individual needs. There are, however, certain constraints that mean, in a relatively few cases, you may not be able to put together your ideal combination of subjects. In the interests of breadth and balance, it will not be possible for you to study certain combinations of subjects, such as Business Studies and Economics or Computing and ICT.

3. Q. What is the maximum number of GCSEs I can take?

The majority of students will take 11 full GCSEs. Don’t forget that you will already have a GCSE in Philosophy of Religion in addition. Some students may take more subjects following discussion with the Head of Section. However, it is not the number of GCSE passes that matter but the quality of the passes. Allowing time to be involved in the many extra-curricular activities offered at school will probably be more helpful in developing your potential in the long term and is certainly of interest to universities and future employers.

4. Q. How will GCSE results affect my long term prospects?

GCSEs are very important. Universities use the quality of GCSE passes as part of their selection process for applicants. The Higher Education Leader at the school has spoken to Year 9 about this process and the importance of top grades.

5. Q. Which Maths sets take the additional Maths FSMQ?

Set 1 takes FSMQ Additional Maths, a Free Standing Mathematics Qualification in addition to Mathematics. Students in set 2 will also have the opportunity of preparing for an additional qualification in Maths. All students study Statistics in addition to Maths GCSE.


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6. Q. I find languages difficult. Do I have to do a modern language? Yes, our Key Stage 4 curriculum includes a modern language and this breadth is an asset to our

students. 7. Q. I find science challenging. Is it possible for me to drop one of the three GCSE science

courses offered at AGS and opt for an additional subject instead?

No. Our agreed Key Stage 4 curriculum includes three GCSE science courses.

In Year 10, students struggling to cope with the demands of the three sciences will be put into smaller classes and a more supportive learning environment.

8. Q. I really like technology subjects. How many can I choose from the list of options?

In the interests of breadth and balance, we recommend that you do not choose more than one technology option.

9. Q. I wish to take a subject because I enjoy the teaching style of my current subject teacher. Can you guarantee that I get this teacher in Year 10 and Year 11?

No. Timetabling constraints and possible staff changes mean there is no guarantee that you will get the same teacher. Choosing a subject on the basis of teacher preference is not the right reason for choosing that subject.

10. Q. What are the minimum entry requirements for the Sixth Form at Aylesbury Grammar

School?

Our current minimum requirements are 362 points from the best 8 full GCSE results (A* = 58 points, A = 52 points, B = 46 points, C = 40 points etc.). You must achieve a minimum of C in Maths and English. You should have at least a B GCSE grade in the subjects you wish to take at A Level, some subjects require an A grade.

The vast majority of Year 11 students at AGS obtain at least the minimum requirements to continue their study here into the Sixth Form.


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YEAR 10 OPTION CHOICES FORM 2015

Please return this form to the main school office by

Friday 6th February 2015 at the latest NAME : TUTOR GROUP: A complete list of optional subjects can be found on page 2 My six subjects in order of preference are:

1. _______________________________

2. _______________________________

3. _______________________________

4. _______________________________

(NB: At least one of the above must be a Modern Foreign Language which you have studied at KS3).

5. _______________________________ (reserve option)

6. _______________________________ (reserve option)

The school will do its best to give my son his top four options, but I understand that this may not always be possible. Signature of Parent / Carer:

Date: ____________

Documents

Year 10 Options Booklet 2015