Calday Grange Grammar School

GCSE

Exam and Coursework Guidelines for GCSE Subjects

Starting September 2015

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CONTENTS

PAGE

3 How to succeed in GCSE coursework and controlled assessments

4 Art

7 Computer Science

9 Drama

10 English

11 Geography

13 History

14 Mathematics

15 Modern Languages:

16 French

16 Spanish

16 Chinese

17 German

18 Latin

19 Russian

20 Music

21 Physical Education

22 Religious Studies

23 Science

25 Technology

25 Electronics

25 Design & Technology: Product Design

26 Notice to Candidates, Coursework and Portfolios

26 Appendices

28 JCQ Information for Candidates – Controlled Assessments

30 JCQ Information for Candidates – Coursework

32 Timeline of GCSE reforms

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HOW TO SUCEED IN GCSE COURSEWORK/CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

1 Ensure that you are clear in your mind about the precise nature of the task you have

been set. You will receive briefing from your teacher about work tasks, but be prepared to ask questions if in any doubt.

2 Ensure that you are familiar with examination Board requirements relating to particular

pieces of work, especially the rules relating to maximum word length. The penalties for exceeding maximum word lengths can be severe.

3 Note any intermediate and final deadlines and ensure that they are met. If you know

you are going to have difficulty in meeting a deadline inform your teacher as soon as possible rather than simply waiting for the deadline to arrive.

4 Remember that presentation matters. How your work looks on paper is important. If it

is neat, clean, legible, well paragraphed and attractively set out it is much more likely to be received favourably than if it is scrappily presented.

5 Give attention to spelling and grammar for which marks are awarded in each piece of

work. Check the accuracy of your work and ask yourself whether you have found the best form of words to express your thoughts. If you have not, be prepared to do some redrafting.

6 Remember that the planning stage is of critical importance. You need to bring together

your evidence, to sift it, to organise it, to select what is relevant and then to decide the sequence in which your work is to be presented in final draft.

7 Take pride in your work. Remember that in submitting work you are, in a sense taking

your final examination. There is no place for writing which is slipshod or casual. It must be polished.

All examinations, coursework and controlled assessments are subject to the rules and regulations of the examination boards, please see the Public Examinations handbook 2015/16

for further details.

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ART & DESIGN Fine Art (AQA 4202)

Faculty Leader: Mrs A Dailey

SUBJECT CONTENT A ‘portfolio’ presentation of work selected from that undertaken during the course of study. This will enable students to effectively reflect and evidence the nature of their experiences and personal engagement with the learning opportunities provided.

Students will produce practical and critical/contextual work in one or more area(s) including drawing and painting, mixed media, sculpture, land art, installation, printmaking, lens-based and/or light-based media: animation, video and photography. They will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of Fine Art, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples which will be integral to the investigating and making process. Responses to these examples will be shown through practical and critical activities which demonstrate the students’ understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

They will explore drawing for different purposes and needs, using sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to support their work where appropriate. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING Students should adopt an integrated approach to the critical, practical and theoretical study of art, craft and design which includes first-hand experience of original work. Students must show knowledge and understanding of:

how ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed in images, artifacts and products in their chosen area(s) of study within Fine Art

a range of art, craft and design processes in two and/or three-dimensions and traditional and new media and technologies

how images, artifacts and products relate to their social, historical, vocational and cultural contexts

a variety of approaches, methods and intentions of contemporary and historical artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and their contribution to continuity and change in society in their chosen areas(s) of study within Fine Art

A working vocabulary and knowledge of specialist terms relevant to their chosen area(s) of study within Fine Art.

Students will be expected to demonstrate skills and techniques in the context of their chosen area(s) of study within Fine Art:

making appropriate use of colour, line, tone, texture, shape and form

using different approaches to recording images, such as, observation, analysis, expression and imagination

showing in their work an understanding of the conventions of representational and abstract/non-representational imagery and genres

investigating different ways of working, as appropriate to their chosen area(s) of study within Fine Art

providing evidence of an understanding of spatial qualities, composition, rhythm, scale and structure

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Students are expected to commit extra time to the subject, outside of lessons in order to complete the variety & quality of work needed to gain a pass in this subject. Lunchtime & after school skill based workshops are provided twice a week to support students with this. EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit No Title Content Duration Weighting

4242/2 Externally set Task

AQA will set a separate paper containing a selection of starting points. Candidates must respond to one starting point. Response to all assessment objectives required. Set by AQA, centre-assessed and moderated by AQA.

Unlimited preparation time for the Externally Set Task once question papers have been given out to students by their teachers. 10 hour practical exam at the end of the time. Max 80 marks Spring term Year 11 January to Easter

40%

COURSEWORK – PORTFOLIO UNIT

Unit No Content Departmental Guidance & Support

Timescale Weighting

4202/1 Candidate portfolio is selected from work undertaken during course of study and must include more than one project. We teach 3 theme based projects which form the selection for the coursework portfolio.

Students will produce practical and critical/contextual work in one or more area(s) including drawing and painting, mixed media, sculpture, land art, installation, printmaking, lens-based and/or light-based media: animation, video and photography.

Previous unit themes include

Still Life

Self-Identity

Industrial Scenes

Rural landscape

Graphic Illustration

Flora & Fauna

Derelict Structures

Gothic Architecture

Interim assessment will take place after each unit.

Sketchbooks marked on a regular basis.

Centre-assessed and moderated by AQA.

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a response to all of the assessment objectives in each component of the examination. They are equally weighted.

Lunchtime & after school skill based workshops

Each unit lasts approx 20 weeks. Max 80 marks overall.

60%

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ASSESSMENT The assessment objectives detail those qualities which can be demonstrated by candidates in their work and measured for the purposes of assessment. They are equally weighted with a total of 20 marks for each available

Students must demonstrate their ability to:

AO1: Develop their ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding

AO2: Refine their ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions in visual and/or other forms

AO4: Present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating analytical and critical understanding, realising intentions and where appropriate, making connections between visual, written, oral or other elements.

Further details: Please contact Mr McElhinney in the Art Department AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-4200/subject-content/fine-art

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COMPUTER SCIENCE (AQA 4512)

Faculty Leader Mr D Mortimer

KEY SUBJECT AIMS The GCSE Computer Science course gets students working with real-world, practical programming techniques that give them a good understanding of what makes technology work

The qualification is split into two components:

Component 1- Practical programming(controlled assessment)

Component 2 – Computing fundamentals(exam) Computer technology continues to advance rapidly and the way that technology is consumed has also been changing at a fast pace over recent years. The growth in the use of mobile devices and web–related technologies has exploded, resulting in new challenges for employers and employees. For example, business today requires an ever increasing number of technologically aware individuals. This is even more so in gaming, mobile and web related industries and this specification has been designed with this in mind. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Students will learn how to create applications that:

Run on mobile devices

Operate in a web enabled environment In addition they will:

Learn how to create simple computer games.

Gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts around creating software applications.

Have opportunities to work collaboratively. They will take controlled assessment tasks that will be chosen from areas of broad interest to them from gaming, mobile, web and more traditional systems. Within each broad area they will be given a scenario-based task to create an appropriate software solution that meets the needs of the user. PROGRESSION The specification provides progression from key stage 3 studies by building on the knowledge and skills taught and will provide excellent progression to ‘A’ Level Computer Science, vocational courses and onto degree level courses in the areas of computing, engineering and science. It provides a sound preparatory basis of study for industry standard IT qualifications. In addition the course provides the knowledge, skills and understanding that a growing number of employers are demanding.

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ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW Component 1 Practical programming

Approximately 50 hours of controlled assessment

(2 tasks of 25 hours each)

60% of the marks

126 marks (63 marks for each task)

180 UMS

Internally assessed, externally moderated.

Different tasks will be provided by AQA each year.

Each student should complete 2 tasks from a choice of 4.

Working independently students demonstrate their ability to code a solution to a given problem. The tasks will be set in engaging and relevant contexts, e.g. gaming, web, mobile phone applications.

Tasks may be completed and submitted on paper or electronically. Component 2 Computing fundamentals

1 hour 30 minutes

40% of the marks

84 marks

120 UMS

Externally assessed

All questions will be compulsory and will be taken from across the subject content.

This component will include a range of types of questions from very short to extended answers.

AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ict-and-computer-science/gcse/computer-science-4512

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DRAMA (AQA 4242)

Faculty Leader Ms C Sweet

SUBJECT CONTENT GCSE drama offers candidates the opportunity to develop practical skills and to enhance their appreciation and understanding of a range of dramatic styles and play texts. The specification builds considerably on the content covered in KS3 and lays the foundation for further study at AS/A2 level. During the course students are required to attend theatre visits organised by the department and are encouraged to take part in school or youth theatre productions. The assessment takes place over the two years and involves a scripted, a physical theatre and a devised piece. Students then have the opportunity to choose the style of their final piece. They may also study technical elements of theatre. The final examination is at the end of year 11 and questions concern the practical work completed over two years EXAMINATION – 40% COURSEWORK – 60% Examination details please contact Mr Meigh in the drama department AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-4240

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ENGLISH

Faculty Leader Ms C Sweet

ENGLISH LANGUAGE (EDEXCEL 1ENO) ENGLISH LITERATURE (EDEXCEL 1ETO) SUBJECT CONTENT The Edexcel Certificate courses develop the skills practised at Key Stage 3 and all students study for English Language and English Literature. The texts which are studied (plays, poems and novels) are more demanding and students will be expected to focus closely on the kinds of writing required for different audiences and purposes. Students will also practise, and be assessed on, their speaking and listening skills in class; a grade for this component will appear on their final exam certificates. In Year 11, students will sit four final examination papers, two for English Language and two for English Literature. There is no coursework. There are no controlled assessments. EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit No. Title Content Duration Weighting

1EN0/01 English Language Paper 1

Fiction and Imaginative Writing

1hr 45 min 60%

1EN0/02 English Language Paper 2

Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing

2 hours 40%

1ET0/01 English Literature Paper 1

Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature

2 hrs 40%

1ET0/02 English Literature Paper 2

19th – Century Novel and Poetry since 1789

2hrs 15 min 50%

Edexcel website: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-literature-2015.html http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-language-2015.html

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GEOGRAPHY (AQA 4032)

Faculty Leader Mrs A Dailey

SUBJECT CONTENT DETAILS The study of Geography at GCSE enables students to gain an understanding of local and global issues that are shaping the world. The specification is divided into Physical and Human Geography topics that are examined in the two written papers. The topics build on the foundations laid at Key Stage 3. The topics utilise a variety of case studies from the local regional, national and international scales and we try to focus on contemporary events around the world. THE PHYSICAL TOPICS STUDIED IN THE TWO YEARS OF THE COURSE ARE: The Living World- this unit considers the nature of ecosystems, the characteristics and distribution of temperate deciduous forests, tropical rainforests and deserts. We study issues relating to the management and use of these environments and the challenges of sustainable development. Water on the Land- this includes river landforms and processes, flooding and flood management, water supply issues. The Restless Earth- this considers the topics of plate tectonics, landforms associated with plate margins, earthquakes, volcanoes and their effects as well as the human responses. These topics will be examined in the unit 1 exam. THE HUMAN TOPICS STUDIED IN THE TWO YEARS OF THE COURSE ARE: Tourism- including its growth, management, advantages and environmental impacts, as well as sustainable approaches and ecotourism. Population Change- this looks at issues relating to population growth, structural change, social, political and economic implications of change and migration issues. Changing Urban Environments- looks at the concept of urbanisation, the morphology of urban areas and issues relating to urban living in rich and poor countries. Sustainable cities are also an area studied. These three topics will be examined in the Unit 2 exam. A range of skills are taught through the delivery of the subject content that help students to present and analyse information. Map skills are a fundamental part of the course. The third component of the course is Controlled Assessment. This requires candidates to answer a fieldwork based question involving the collection of primary data. 20 hours of classroom time are available for completion of this task.

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EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit No Title Content Duration Weighting

Paper 1 Physical Geography

The Living World Water on the Land The Restless Earth

1hr 30 mins

37.5%

Paper 2 Human Geography

Tourism Population Change Changing Urban Environments

1hr 30 mins

37.5%

CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

Content Departmental Support and Guidance

Time Scale Weighting

An extended writing task on one of the optional units provided by AQA. (we use the “Water on the Land” task)

Group data collection under supervision. Write up is under controlled conditions in school. Maximum word guidance of 2000 words.

Fieldwork and write up in Autumn term of second year.

25%

Further details: Please contact Mr Wilson in Geography

AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-a-9030

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HISTORY A: SCHOOLS HISTORY PROJECT (OCR J415)

Faculty Leader Ms A Dailey

SUBJECT CONTENT The course consists of 3 separate units, each covering different historical periods and each highlighting different historical skills. Thus the content varies greatly, as does the mode of assessment. The 3 units studied are as follows:-

1. Study in Depth – The American West, 1840-95 2. Study in Development – The History of Medicine 3. Modern World Study – The Arab-Israeli Conflict

The first two of these units are assessed by examination at the end of the course, and the Arab-Israeli work is done under conditions of Controlled Assessment The Depth Study focuses on an area, the American West, which saw profound change in a relatively short period of time, 50 years. The course begins by looking at the culture of the Native Americans who lived on the Plains in 1840, and then it follows the settlement of the area by different groups of white Americans. Finally students cover the struggle for control of the Plains between the Sioux and the US military. By contrast the Development Study follows a theme, the history of Medicine, from prehistoric times to the twentieth century. The study covers key individuals including Galen, Vesalius, Jenner and Pasteur, and developments in the history of medicine, and it allows students to consider the degree of change and progress through time. The Modern World Study comes right up-to-date with the current crisis in the Middle East. Students will trace the origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict, and through Controlled Assessment tasks be asked to place current issues in their historical context. EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit Number Title Content Duration Weighting

A951C/13 Paper 1 Medicine Through Time & The American West

2 hours 45%

A952A/21 Paper 2 Source Investigation – Developments in British Medicine, 1200- 1945

1 hour 30 mins. 30%

A953B/02 Controlled Assessment

Modern World Study – The Arab-Israeli Conflict

4 hours preparation 4 hours writing up

25%

Further details: Please contact Mrs Weston in History OCR website: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-history-a-schools-history-project-j415-from-2013/

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MATHEMATICS (AQA 8300)

Faculty Leader Mr D Mortimer

The specification complies with requirements as prescribed by the regulatory authorities. KEY SUBJECT AIMS The qualification in Mathematics encourages students to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society. The qualification prepares students to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The qualification requires students to:

• Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts, including: – Number – Algebra – Geometry – Measures – Statistics – Probability

• Use their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts • Apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations

Functional mathematics requires learners to use mathematics in ways that make them effective and involved as citizens, operate confidently and to convey their ideas and opinions clearly in a wide range of contexts.

SKILLS The qualification gives students the opportunity to develop the ability to:

• Acquire and use problem-solving strategies • Select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, every day and real-

world situations • Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions • Interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the

information and context.

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ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher tier (grades 4– 9). Students must take three question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series.

Unit No Type Content Length Weighting

Paper 1 Written exam (non-calculator) 80 marks available

Content from any part of the specification can be assessed

1hr 30 mins

33⅓%

Paper 2 Written exam (calculator) 80 marks available

Content from any part of the specification can be assessed

1hr 30 mins

33⅓%

Paper 3 Written exam (calculator) 80 marks available

Content from any part of the specification can be assessed

1hr 30 mins

33⅓%

A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper

AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300

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MODERN LANGUAGES

Faculty Leader Mrs A Dailey

FRENCH A (AQA 4658) SPANISH A (AQA 4698) CHINESE (AQA 4670) There are 2 levels of entry, Foundation and Higher The skills of, listening and speaking reading, writing are tested on a variety of themes:

Lifestyle

Leisure

Home and Environment

Work and Education Reading and Listening are differentiated by task and candidates will sit either foundation of higher. Speaking and writing are differentiated by outcome. EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit No. Title Content Duration Weighting

Unit1 Listening F All examinations cover the themes listed above In all 4 skills

35 mins 20%

Unit1 Listening H 50mins 20%

Unit 2 Reading F 30 mins 20%

Unit 2 Reading H 50 mins 20%

Unit 3 Speaking 2 oral recordings submitted for moderation

30%

Unit 4 Writing 2 writing tasks completed in exam conditions in class time

30%

F = Foundation H = Higher

There is no coursework element.

Further details: Please contact Mr Desse in FRENCH AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-4655 Please contact Miss Earnshaw in SPANISH AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/spanish-4695 Please contact Mrs Gan in CHINESE AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/chinese-mandarin-4670

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GERMAN (EDEXCEL KGNO) EDEXCEL CERTIFICATE COURSE (OR IGCSE) CONTENT The specification is made up of general topic areas, upon which all questions for all papers will be based. The general topic areas are:

Home and Abroad

Education and Employment

House, Home and Daily Routines

The Modern World and The Environment

Social Activities, Fitness and Health.

100% Terminal Examination No controlled assessment or coursework. One tier of entry for all. WEIGHTING OF SKILLS: Listening 25% Reading and Writing 50% Speaking 25% EXAMINATION DETAILS KGN0 / 01– Listening 45 Minutes Externally set and assessed, KGN0 / 02 – Reading and Writing 90 minutes Externally set and assessed,

Reading comprehension. Two writing tasks, one of 50 words and one of 150 words.

KGN0 / 03 – Speaking Examination. 10 minutes. Conducted by Teacher, Externally assessed.

PART 1 :One minute presentation of picture chosen by candidate, followed by 3 minutes discussion of picture and issues arising from it. PART 2: 6 minutes discussion based on 2 of the general topic areas.

Further details: Please contact Mr Wood or Mrs Earlam in German Edexcel website: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-certificates/edexcel-certificate-german.html

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LATIN (OCR J281) AREAS OF STUDY IN YEAR 10 AND YEAR 11

Language accidence – inflections and changes of spelling to differentiate use – i.e. endings.

Language syntax – grammatical structure of sentences.

Literature – selections from Roman poetry and prose.

Vocabulary – for GCSE students must learn the prescribed list of 450 words.

Roman history and topics of Roman life. EXAMINATION DETAILS The exam consists of 4 units listed below. They are all available at Foundation or Higher Tier, but the majority of our boys take Higher.

Latin Language 1 (25% 1 hour 60 marks) Comprehension questions in English, including questions about the derivation of English words from Latin. Translation into English (45-55 words Higher – 40-45 words Foundation) Answer all questions. Latin Language 2 (25% 1 hour 60 marks) A story or stories drawn from history with comprehension questions in English. Translation into English (80-90 words Higher – 65-70 Foundation) Answer all questions. Latin Prose Literature (25% 1 hour 50 marks) Understanding and appreciation of a prepared set text, chosen from Section A or B. For 2016 this will be selections from Caesar, Tacitus, and Cicero or from Pliny. Short answers in English, tick box responses and extended responses in English are required. Literary appreciation questions (10 marks) on an extract of Latin. Candidates must refer to the Latin text. (Foundation – translation provided on Literary appreciation questions, but reference must be made to the Latin.) Latin Verse Literature (25% 1 hour 50 marks) Understanding and appreciation of a prepared set text, chosen from Section A or B. For 2016 this will be Virgil’s Aeneid IX. 176-445(Nisus &Euryalus). Questions and answers as Prose Literature. Defined vocabulary is provided. Lists of accidence (nouns, verbs) and syntax (sentence structure) are provided. There is no course work. Further details: Please contact Latin OCR website: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-latin-j281-j081-from-2012/

Language 1 Unit A401 25% 1 hour 60 marks

Language 2 Unit A402 25% 1 hour 60 marks

Prose Literature Unit A403 25% 1 hour 50 marks

Verse Literature Unit A404 25% 1 hour 50 marks

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RUSSIAN (EDEXCEL 2RU01) CONTENT The aims of the course are similar to those of the other modern foreign languages. Students continue to develop their oral, written and comprehension skills. There is a single tier of entry with no coursework component in the GCSE course. We encourage students to develop research skills and analytical thinking by carrying out mini projects. Students are offered a chance to participate in the annual trip to Russia which usually takes place in February. EXAMINATION DETAILS Russian consists of four units based on the following skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Unit Code, details % of the total GCSE

Unit 1. Listening and understanding

5RU01 Timing: 45 minutes

23%

Unit 2. Speaking in Russian 5RU02 The focus of the topic could be chosen by the candidate. Timing: 8-10 minutes

27%

Unit 3. Reading and Understanding in Russian

5RU03 Working with short texts, notes or short news reports Timing: 55 minutes

23%

Unit 4. Writing in Russian 5RU04 Students should produce two pieces of writing Timing: 1 hour

27%

All language skills are assessed externally by Edexcel examining board. COMMON TOPIC AREAS:

Out and about

Customer services and transactions

Personal information

Future plans and work

Media, travel and culture

Sport and leisure Further details: Please contact Miss Trotter in Russian

Edexcel website: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/russian-2009.html

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MUSIC (EDEXCEL 2MU01)

Faculty Leader Ms C Sweet

CONTENT The course comprises of three components; Listening and Appraising, Composing and Performing. We will of course want to make the most of your own musical interests but we will also want to introduce you to new styles of music. At the end of the course you will understand a range of different kinds of music, make judgements about musical quality and think creatively and critically. EXAMINATION DETAILS Paper 1 Performing accounts for 30% of your GCSE Performing Performances will take place in October and February of the examination

year, although there are opportunities to perform earlier. Internally assessed and externally moderated.

a) Solo performance: You will perform one solo piece (15%) b) Ensemble Performance: You will perform one ensemble piece (15%)

Paper 2 Composing accounts for 30% of your GCSE Composing The compositions will take place under control and will be 10 hours in

October and 10 hours in February. Internally assessed and externally moderated.

a) Composition 1: one composition, written to a brief, based on one of the four Areas of Study (15%)

b) Composition 2: another composition,/written to a brief, but based on a different Area of Study (15%)

Paper 3 Listening and Appraising accounts for 40% of your GCSE Listening Listening paper: a 1 ½ hour written paper containing questions based on all

four Areas of Study. Section A: Students respond to short questions on the set works. Section B: Extended response to a question on one of the set works (short essay)

Area of Study 1 Area of Study 2 Area of Study 3 Area of Study 4

Structure in Western classical music 1600-1899

Music in the 20th Century

Popular music in context

World Music

Handel: And the Glory of the Lord from Messiah Mozart: 1st Mvmt from Symphony No.40 Chopin: Prelude No.15 in Db Major.

Schoenberg: Peripetie Berstein: Something’s Coming from West Side Story. Reich: 3rd mvmt from Electric Counterpoint

Davis: All Blues Buckley: Grace Moby: Why does my heart feel so bad?

Capercaillie: Chuir M’Athair Mise Dhan Taigh Charraideach Rag Desh Koko: Yiri

To do GCSE Music you must be able to play a musical instrument or sing. If you do not already have an instrumental teacher then we strongly advise you to find someone to support you with the performance aspect of the course. You will be encouraged to attend concerts of all styles and to participate in extra-curricular activities. Edexcel website: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/music-2009.html

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION (AQA 4892)

Faculty Leader Mrs A Dailey

CORE Students following National Curriculum PE are advised to plan, perform, monitor and evaluate a Health Related extensive programme to improve an aspect of fitness or to improve performance in a game. This will form part of their introduction to the multi-gym.

GCSE They also need to participate in 4 different sports as a performer and to demonstrate their ability to:

Acquire and develop skills under applied conditions and to perform effectively in the full-recognised version of the game by selecting and applying skills and tactics.

Understand, observe and apply rules, scoring systems and safety aspects of participation and competition in games.

Analyse and take action to improve their own and others games performance.

And to adopt a chosen role in a sport such as coach, official or choreographer Both components will follow into year 11. EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit No. Title Content Duration Weighting

4892 PE Unit 3 Knowledge and understanding for the active participant (written paper) Unit4 The active participant(the practical) 4 sports

1 hour 30 mins Ongoing in lessons

40% 60%

Further details: Please contact Mr Hayes in PE

AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physical-education/gcse/physical-education-4890

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RELIGIOUS STUDIES SPECIFICATION B (AQA 4057)

Faculty Leader Ms C Sweet

AIMS This course is an academic study in to the effects religion has in society. Religious Studies is a thriving subject nationally that is growing in popularity as it addresses many of the questions a student has that demand an answer It will give a student the chance to learn about other peoples points of view and form their own opinion. The subject is open to a person of any religious persuasion or none. SUBJECT CONTENT

The subject seeks to develop a pupils interest in, and enthusiasm for, a study of religion and its relation to the wider world;

develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of religion by exploring the significance and impact of beliefs, teachings, sources, practices and ways of life;

Express their personal responses and informed insights on fundamental questions about identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, values and commitments.

Two strands will be studied; Religion and Morality followed by Religion and Life Issues. Students will gain knowledge of religious and secular views in controversial fields taken from these disciplines. It would help if they took an interest in current affairs. They will learn to examine different opinions on a given issue and to form an argument to decide the best approach in their view. EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit Title Content Assessment Duration Weighting

1 40552

Religion and Life Issues Year 11

Religion and Animal Rights Religion and Planet Earth Religion and Prejudice Religion and Early Life Religion, War and Peace Religion and Young People

4 questions from a choice of 6

Written exam 90 minutes

50%

2 40553

Religion and Morality Year 10

Religious Attitudes to Matters of Life (Medical Ethics) Religious Attitudes to the Elderly and Death Religious Attitudes to Drug abuse Religious Attitudes to Crime and Punishment Religious Attitudes to World Poverty Religious Attitudes to Rich and Poor in British Society

4 questions from a choice of 6

Written exam 90 minutes

50%

There is no Coursework AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-b-4055

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THE SCIENCES

Faculty Leader Mr C Cunningham

BIOLOGY (AQA 4401) CHEMISTRY (AQA 4402) PHYSICS (AQA 4403) In years 10 and 11 you will follow separate courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The courses can lead to a range of GCSE qualifications based around exams in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These will be certificated as three separate G.C.S.E. subjects.

SCHEMES OF ASSESSMENT AND ALLOCATION OF MARKS

All papers available as:

Foundation Tier (Grades C-G)

Higher Tier (Grades A*- D)

BIOLOGY

SUBJECT CONTENT

The course is designed to enable students to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Human Body and how we interact with other organisms. The course includes the study of Human Biology, Plants, Ecology and Evolution. There is emphasis on how science works and the contribution made by Famous Scientists to our understanding of Biology.

EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit No. Title Content Duration Weighting

1 Biology1 Core Biology 1 hour 25%

2 Biology 2 Additional Biology 1 hour 25%

3 Biology 3 Further Biology 1 hour 25%

COURSEWORK

Unit No. Content Departmental Guidance and Support

Time Scale

Weighting

4 Controlled Skills Assessment Completed in lesson time

3-4 weeks 25%

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CHEMISTRY

SUBJECT CONTENT The course is designed to provide an understanding of materials, including elements & compounds & their relevance to everyday life. The course includes a study of metal extraction & rocks as a source of building materials, crude oil, atomic structure & chemical bonding, rates of reaction, equilibria, energy & chemical change, the periodic table, acids & alkalis. Emphasis is placed on an investigative approach to the subject via practical work & problem solving. EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit No.

Title Content Duration Weighting

1 Chemistry 1 Core Chemistry 1 hour 25%

2 Chemistry 2 Additional Chemistry 1 hour 25%

3 Chemistry 3 Further Chemistry 1 hour 25%

COURSEWORK

Unit No. Content Departmental guidance & support

Time Scale

Weighting

4 Controlled skills assessment Completed in lesson time

3-4 weeks

25%

PHYSICS

SUBJECT CONTENT

The course is designed to give some insight into the workings of our world and universe and how scientists have changed our understandings over time. The course includes work on sources, energy, electricity, radioactivity and space. There is also emphasis on practical work during the course which is then assessed internally during normal term time.

EXAMINATION DETAILS

Unit No. Title Content Duration Weighting

1 Physics 1 Core Physics 1 hour 25%

2 Physics 2 Additional Physics 1 hour 25%

3 Physics 3 Further Physics 1 hour 25%

COURSEWORK

Unit No. Content Departmental Guidance and Support

Time Scale

Weighting

4 Controlled skills assessment Completed in lesson time

3-4 weeks 25%

AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse

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DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Faculty Leader Mr D Mortimer

ELECTRONICS (AQA 4430)

SUBJECT CONTENT

GCSE Electronics gives students an insight into modern electronic systems in a variety of contexts. The subject is delivered through a mixture of practical and theory lessons and short mini projects, designing circuits and putting them into practice. The latter part of the course consists of a Controlled Assessment Task (CAT), through which students will develop a single circuit design to solve a problem of their choosing. EXAMINATION DETAILS The subject is divided into two Units: Unit 1: Written Paper - 2 hours – 150 marks 75%. Unit 2: Controlled Assessment Task- 50 marks, 25% AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/electronics-4430

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN (AQA 4555) SUBJECT CONTENT

GCSE Design and Technology: Product Design enables students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. The subject is delivered through a mixture of practical and theory lessons and short mini projects, designing products, modelling them and finally making them for real. Emphasis is put on the role of the designer and the place of contemporary design in everybody’s life. The latter part of the course consists of a Controlled Assessment Task (CAT), which is selected from a range of tasks set by the examination board. This forms 60% of the overall assessment in order to recognise the importance of practical work within this subject. EXAMINATION DETAILS The subject is divided into two Units: Unit 1: Written Paper - 2 hours – 120 marks 40%. Unit 2: Controlled Assessment task- 45 hours- 90 marks, 60% AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-product-design-4555

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NOTICE TO CANDIDATES

COURSEWORK, PORTFOLIOS AND CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT Please read carefully and do what you are asked. If there is anything you do not understand, ask your teacher. REGULATIONS

1. The work, which you submit for assessment, must be your own.

However, you may:

a) quote from books or any other source: if you do, you must state

which ones you have used;

b) Receive guidance from someone other than your teacher: if so you

must tell your teacher, who will record the nature of the assistance

given to you.

2. If you copy from someone else or allow another candidate to copy from

you, or if you cheat in any other way, you may be disqualified from at

least the subject concerned.

3. When you hand in your coursework or portfolio for assessment, you may

be required to sign that you have understood and followed the coursework

and portfolio requirements for the subject.

ADVICE

1. Keep to deadlines your teachers set.

2. Take care of your work and keep it safe.

3. Ask your teacher if you need guidance.

4. If you have been absent and have any problems with completing your

work talk to your teacher.

ALWAYS REMEMBER- YOUR WORK MUST BE YOUR OWN

If you wish to see your coursework/internally assessed mark for an exam unit you are able to discuss it with your Subject Teacher.

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APPENDICES

Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) Information for Candidates documents can be found on the webpages:

http://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/information-for-candidates-documents

Including:

JCQ Information for Candidates – Controlled Assessments

JCQ Information for Candidates – Coursework

Timeline of GCSE reforms

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