March 3rd 2010

All change……New Modular approach to GCSE in many

subjects

New Syllabus for many subjects

Controlled Assessment replacing Coursework

The benefits of the year 10 exam Material covered in year 10 does not need

to be revisited in year 11.

Pupils have completed a proportion of their final GCSE.

Confidence is boosted.

Pupils can see the results of their hard work before the end of the key stage.

Religious EducationYear 10 exam - 50% of final GCSE

grade

There will be a further exam in year 11 also worth 50%.

ScienceComplete GCSE in Year 10 GCSE Additional Science in Year 11.Triple Science group who will do a module

in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which is 33% towards the 3 grades received at the end of Year 11.

Controlled “Assessment of skills” is 33%:Science In The News (Drink-driving)Can Do Tasks

EnglishCoursework counts for 20% of English

marks during Year 10

Speaking and Listening assessments is 20%. Both elements of coursework will be ongoing until January of 2011, ready for February’s deadline.

Two English exams required at the end of Year 11. These count for 30% each and include both Reading and Writing responses.

English Literature:30% is assessed by coursework

essays. Both the Shakespeare and Prose assessments are also entered for English Literature.

70% is assessed in one examination. Reading and preparation for Literature exam will begin in September 2010.

MathsNo Coursework

All exams are at the end of Year 11

GeographyYear 10 2 hour exam – 50%

Year 11 – Controlled Assessment – 25%

Year 11 – External Exam – 25%

Pupils have been entered for either the HIGHER (maximum grade A*) or FOUNDATION (maximum grade C) tier paper.

History

Year 10 2 hour exam – 50%

Year 11 – Controlled Assessment – 25%

Year 11 – External Exam – 25%

MusicListening exam May 2011 - 40%

Performance controlled assessment by March 2011 - 30%

Composition controlled assessment conditions by March 2011 - 30%

DramaDrama Coursework – 60%

Unit 1 – Drama Exploration October 2010

Unit 2 - Play Exploration – Summer 2010

Drama Performance March 2011 – 40%

MFLControlled Assessment through Yr 10/11.

Two Speaking =30% of overall final grade

Two Writing = 30% of overall final grade

Examination end of Year 11Listening =20% of overall final grade Reading = 20% of overall final grade

ARTCoursework comprises of 1 unit that is

fully explored from February in Year 10 through until the end of January in Year 11 and is worth 60%

Pupils are then given the exam paper and have approximately 8 weeks to prepare for the timed exam. The preparation work and timed exam make up the remaining 40%.

Applied BusinessThe Year 10 GCSE Applied Business

examination is worth 20% of the overall qualification

Two Controlled Assessments worth 30% each

Year 11 exam worth 20%

Design and TechnologyControlled assessment accounts for 60%

and will last until February 2011

Year 11 Exam is worth 40%.

Physical EducationPractical element based on their 4 best

sports by the end of Year 11 and is worth 60% This includes a Personal Exercise plan

and a verbal discussion on training, leadership and coaching

The written part (exam) is also at the end of Year 11 and is worth 40%

Health and Social CareControlled Assessment already completed– 30% 

External Exam in Year 10 – 20%

Second Controlled Assessment – 30% by Feb 2011

 External Exam in Year 11 – 20%

GCSE is a double award and they therefore receive two grades for this – 2 GCSEs.

BTEC CoursesConstructionHorticultureEngineeringBusinessHealth and Social Care

All wholly assessed on coursework

Internal examsYear 10 Exams are happening at the

moment.

Pupils are on study leave for this week.

Results will influence entry to Foundation or Higher entry Exam Papers where applicable.

Preparation for Summer ExamsMocks will highlight key areas for revision

focusRevision Guides available in most subjectsInformation on Learning PlatformRevision Materials in lessonsRegular Homework tasksPractice papers in class

Homework / CourseworkWorrying times

Upwards of 50% towards final grade.

Do you use e-mail regularly ? We would like to keep you informed when your child does not do their homework or misses coursework deadlines via e-mail if possible.

Measuring ProgressApril Mentoring Day:

At this stage your child may be working a grade below their target. This will also give you an assessment of how well your child has performed under exam conditions.

Measuring ProgressSummer Term Reports

The grade on this report will give an indication of how well your child has achieved in a number of subjects.

The Bigger Picture

Extra-curricular activities

Sport

Enrichment

Discussing their learning with their parents

If you are concerned?Just ask a member of staff!Subject Teacher/ Head of DepartmentTutor/ MentorLearning Mentor- Kay KlymyszynYear Leader- Phil ColdicottUse the learning platform

Do the best that is possible