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Respect Resilience Responsibility Options Booklet 2021

Options Booklet 2021 - Woodlands Community College

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Page 1: Options Booklet 2021 - Woodlands Community College

Respect Resilience Responsibility

Options Booklet 2021

Page 2: Options Booklet 2021 - Woodlands Community College

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Page 3: Options Booklet 2021 - Woodlands Community College

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Table of Contents

Introduction 3 – 6

Core Subjects:

English language 8

English Literature 8

Mathematics 9

Science Combined & Triple 10

Option Subjects:

Art & Design 12

Business 13

Construction 14 Children’s Play, Learning and Development 15

Dance 16

Drama 17

Engineering 18

French 19

Geography 20

History 21

Hospitality and Catering 22

iMedia (ICT) 23

Music 24

Photography 25 Psychology 26

Spanish 27

Sport 28

Textiles 29

Travel and Tourism 30

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Dear Year 9

It has been a privilege to observe you progress throughout your time with us at Woodlands

Community College and it is now time for you to begin to consider your progression into Key Stage 4.

As a year group you really have demonstrated how committed to learning you are and how

embedded the three R’s are in everything you do inside and outside of the classroom.

It is essential that you use the options process to think hard about what choices you want to make

with regards Key Stage 4. Over the next few weeks feel free to discuss any questions you have with

any member of staff. As always, we are here to help and guide you through your journey with us. If

we can’t answer a specific question, then I’m sure we will find someone who can.

The final decisions regarding your option choices will be communicated to you in the Summer Term

and it is therefore essential that you stay focussed and committed to the subjects that you may not

be continuing with. If this is the last time you will formally study some subjects, it is imperative that

you dedicate yourself to gaining as much from those subjects as you can during the remainder of

Year 9. You are fortunate to be able to access such a broad and balanced curriculum in Key Stage 3

and you must show responsibility in dedicating yourself to every subject throughout the remainder of

the year.

Please use this booklet to discover the variety of options available to you and think carefully about

what your future holds for you. Conversations at Parents Evening, the online presentations and your

1:1 options appointment will help to guide your choices, but please ensure you involve as many

people as possible in your decision making.

When reading through this booklet and thinking about option choices, please consider the

following;

• Your academic strengths, interests and attainment

• Your career, further or higher education ambitions

• Advice from current and future teachers

• Advice and support from parents, brothers, sisters and perhaps older friends who have

already been through this process

• Even though your friends may not choose the same options as you, there will still be

opportunities to work and socialise with them

I wish you well as you embark upon some tough decisions over the coming weeks and please

remember that everyone, from parents to teachers, always want what is the best for you.

Yours Faithfully

Mrs D Sutton Deputy Head Teacher

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Education and Career Pathways

When making decisions on your options choices it is important to consider your future aspirations.

Careers and education courses have entry requirements. These relate to the subjects, grades and

level of education required to enter the profession or gain acceptance on the course.

It is important to choose subjects which support your education and career path intentions by

considering what subjects, grades and level are required to gain entry to your intended career,

further education, or higher education course. You can then work back to ensure you are making

the right choices.

Not choosing a subject at GCSE or L2 BTEC does not mean that you will not be able to study it at A-

level or L3 BTEC at college, but it can make the course more difficult as you will not have the subject

knowledge which would have been developed at KS4.

KS4 qualifications demonstrate a broad knowledge across a range of subjects and compulsory

subjects reduce the chances of your career, further and higher education opportunities being

restricted as a result of the choices you make.

It is important that you make an informed decision when choosing your options subjects. Making

use of the subject presentations available on the school website and boking parent’s evening

appointments with all of your teachers will allow you to discuss the courses available to you and

their suitability to support your future aspirations. You should also make use of the variety of

websites that we have shared with you and can book an appointment with the Careers Adviser

through Mrs Barrett if you need further support with your choices.

It is important that you research carefully the opportunities for further education, training and

careers that are available to you, considering carefully the recommended KS4 and KS5 subjects

and entry requirements. The National Careers Service and Careerpilot websites provide a great deal

of information regarding this and will also allow you to complete a personal skills audit to identify

possible career paths that may be suitable for you

Southampton is well renowned in the marine and maritime industry and there are many education

and career opportunities in this sector. The University of Southampton and Solent University offer

marine and maritime courses and there are a vast array of employment opportunities in this sector.

Currently the largest employment sectors in South Central and the South East are administration,

education, health and social care, science and technology, wholesale and retail. The sectors which

are predicted to grow include construction, health and social care, health and social work,

information and technology, professional services, wholesale and retail, support services and

transport and storage.

For more information on the labour market Access Southampton – The VIP Pass to Your Future,

the National Careers Service and Career Pilot are valuable places to begin your research.

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Important Dates

As per the schedule detailed below, the first key date in the options process is the Year 9 Options Evening. During this evening you will learn about how the options process will work at Woodlands Community College and the opportunities available to you

Quickly following on from this is the Year 9 Parents Evening. This is an ideal time for you to talk to your subject teachers and start to form an idea of what options you might want to explore.

The final decisions regarding option choices will be communicated to pupils in the Summer Term

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Pathways

All students will be asked to select four option subjects that they wish to study in Key Stage 4. In

order to provide students with the opportunity to achieve the very best outcomes we have placed

them in one of the three pathways below:

• Pathway A (EBacc) – Students recommended for this pathway will need study one language

option, one humanities option and then two further options of their own choice.

• Pathway B (Partial EBacc) – Students following this pathway will need to choose one

language or humanities option and then a further three options of their own choice.

• Pathway C (GCSE & Vocational Mix) – Students recommended for this pathway may

select four options of their own choice.

• Pathway D (Guided Choices) – Students recommended for this pathway may will

work closely with appropriate staff to ensure that their KS4 provision meets their

needs fully.

Prior to the virtual options Information evening you will receive a letter detailing the Pathway that

we believe is most appropriate for you along with details of the online options processes that will

need to be completed Thursday 4th March 2021.

Important Notes

Whilst we will endeavour to match pupils with their preferred choices, in exceptional circumstances

this may not be possible. In these cases we will attempt to match pupils with their next choice. It is

therefore important that pupils carefully consider the order in which they rank their choices.

Alternative offers may have to be considered if;

• There is insufficient demand for a particular course

• Too many pupils choose a particular course

• Courses are withdrawn by exam boards

On rare occasions it may be deemed appropriate to change from the examination providers detailed

in this booklet. If and when this occurs, we will endeavour to ensure both pupils and parents are

aware of any changes.

We hope that you find the information in this booklet useful and that it provides you with

sufficient information to start the process of choosing your options for the final chapter in your

learning journey at Woodlands Community College.

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Core Subjects

Studied by all students during KS4

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Subject Name English Literature and English Language

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Name GCSE English Literature and GCSE Language

Subject Leader Ms Rowlands

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

English Literature You will develop the study of challenging literature texts beginning in Year 10 and continuing throughout Year 11:

•Macbeth

•An Inspector Calls

•A Christmas Carol •A range of poetry from the 18th, 19th, and 20th century on the theme of power and conflict as well as developing knowledge of how to analyse Unseen poetry

The demands of the new-style GCSEs mean a greater focus on memory skills and automaticity. Pupils will be expected to memorise and use quotes in their examinations. They will not have access to the texts and there is no coursework or controlled assessments; this means pupils need to know the texts they have studied at a deep level. This can be done by re-reading texts at home, making flashcards with key themes and quotes, and discussing texts.

English Language

Pupils will continue to develop their skills of analysis of language and structure, and how to manipulate language in their writing. Pupils will sit two examinations for GCSE Language: Paper One will test their skills of analysis on 20th century fiction and how they create prose of their own; Paper Two will ask them to analyse and compare 19th and 21st century non-fiction and create transactional or persuasive pieces of writing of their own.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

English Literature and English Language GCSEs means that you gain flexible knowledge which will help you to understand how the world around us has been shaped in the present day. You will be able to apply this knowledge to a range of contexts. For example, you will be able to analyse texts for reliability, read a range of texts for pleasure, and write and communicate effectively: knowledge which is necessary for success after leaving school regardless of your choice of career.

How will this course be assessed?

English Literature and English Language is assessed by examination. English Language has an additional compulsory unweighted component for Speaking, which is assessed when you prepare and deliver a short formal speech in class.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

English Literature and English Language helps pupils to develop both their written and verbal communication skills, both of which are vital in the workplace. These skills will not only help them in their careers but also in their daily lives as adults. Furthermore, there are numerous careers in which studying English is seen as beneficial to an employer including fields such as law, advertising, journalism and teaching.

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Subject Name Mathematics

Exam Board Edexcel

Qualification Name GCSE (9-1) Mathematics

Subject Leader Miss Roberts

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

In Years 10 and 11 you will be following either a Foundation or Higher curriculum in Maths. You will continue to study the five main topics in Maths: Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Statistics and Probability and Geometry. Your work in Years 10 and 11 will build upon everything you have previously learned and you will use your prior knowledge to help you explore some new areas of Mathematics that you will not have encountered before. Just a few of the new topics you will look at are trigonometry; circle theorems; solving quadratic equations; complex graphs and statistical analysis. You will also spend time looking at proofs, these are the reasons behind some of the rules of Maths which explain why these mathematical laws can be applied, and alongside that, the limitations of these laws and when they do not work. You will increase your knowledge of how Maths is used in the ‘real world’ and how Maths can be useful in your future career as well as looking at some aspects of finance which will help you to manage your money in the future. There will be plenty of opportunity for revision during Year 11 to ensure that you are fully prepared for your exams.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of Year 11 your will be have the skills and knowledge to solve a wide range of numerical and algebraic problems in a variety of contexts. You will have a secure understanding of Geometry which will help you to understand the world around you and your knowledge of Statistics and Probability will help you to evaluate risk and chance in an unpredictable world and enable you to evaluate data from a range of sources and then draw your own conclusions about its meaning and validity.

How will this course be assessed?

You will continue to have assessments following each unit of study which will be followed by a period of time dedicated to allowing you to work on any areas of the unit which you found more challenging. At the end of the course you will sit three 90 minute written exams which will determine your final grade. There is one non-calculator paper and two calculator papers. There is no coursework for Maths.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

Maths is a core subject and it is compulsory for everyone. A pass in Maths will allow you access to Post-16 education and it is a standard requirement for most college courses. But beyond this, Maths opens the doors to many exciting career pathways including: scientific research; medicine; computer programming; cyber security; engineering; architecture; finance and even teaching.

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Subject Name Science

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Name Combined Science Trilogy/Triple Science

Subject Leader Mrs Rex

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

Triple Award Science (sometimes known as ‘Separate Sciences’) is where students study all three sciences and end up with three GCSEs. Double Award Science (also known as ‘Combined Science’) is where students study all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) but end up with two GCSEs. The majority of GCSE students follow the Double Award course, which covers approximately two thirds of the content covered by Triple Award Science students. They are awarded two GCSE grades based on their overall performance across all three science subjects. Content in year 10 and 11 is set out as follows;

Year 10: Autumn Term: Infection and Response, Quantitative Chemistry, Particle Model of Matter, Bioenergetics. Spring Term: Chemical Changes, Atomic Structure. Summer Term: Homeostasis, Energy Changes, Forces, Chemical Analysis.

Year 11: Autumn Term: Chemistry of the Atmosphere, Using Resources, Forces, Inheritance Variation and Evolution, The rate and extent of chemical change. Spring Term: Waves, Ecology. Summer Term: Organic Chemistry, Magnetism and Electromagnetism, Chemical Analysis.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

Science makes a positive impact on people’s lives. Science is always progressing towards positive and remarkable developments in a variety of areas such as health and technology. Science challenges your brain and as a result, Science qualifications are highly regarded by colleges, universities and employers alike. Studying Science at GCSE will give you transferable life skills such as critical thinking i.e. judging a newspaper article for accuracy and validity in addition to all the critical knowledge required to understand Science in our rapidly changing world. There are plenty of worthwhile, fulfilling and exciting jobs for those who study science!

How will this course be assessed?

GCSE Science is assessed by terminal exams at the end of year 11. Combined Science: six terminal exams (each 1 hour and 15 minutes), externally assessed. Separate Sciences: six terminal exams (each 1 hour and 45 minutes), externally assessed. Exam Board: AQA

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

Next steps: A Levels: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Studies, Electronics, Psychology, Sport Science & PE,

Geology or Human Biology BTECs: Applied Sciences, Computer Science - Game Design or Computer Science – Programming Diplomas: Land and the Environment, Agriculture, Ecology & Conservation, Fish Husbandry and Fishery

Management or Horticulture Your future careers: Doctor, nurse, engineer, forensic scientist, military career, computer games, space technology, environment officer, electrician, geographer, hydrologist, surveyor, dietician, sports coach, media technician, pilot, park ranger, climate change analyst, veterinary surgeon/nurse, geoscientist, industrial health and safety engineer, soil and water scientist, astronomer, botanist, criminal intelligence analyst, meteorologist, oceanographer, pharmacist, brewer or textiles designer – to name just a few!

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Additional Subjects

All KS4 students select a range of additional subjects based on their

interests and future career pathways. For most students, this will be four subjects from the range available.

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Subject Name Art

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Name GCSE Art, Craft and Design

Subject Leader Mrs Osben

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

During Year 10 and 11 you will explore a wide range of media, including: sculpture using clay, wire and other materials, drawing with a range of media, printing, photography and painting. With these materials you will learn how to draw and paint realistically but you will also explore a range of other styles including abstract, surreal and fantasy art. These skills will be taught as part of the two units of coursework: ‘Natural Forms’ and ‘Heads and Figures’. Each project is teacher led for the first half to allow the teaching of new skills, then students are encouraged to experiment and develop their own style of art and work towards a final piece. This is a great opportunity for students to work towards their own strengths and produce a piece of work in a media that they enjoy working with.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

You will be a confident and competent artist by the end of Year 11. You will have learnt a wide range of skills with different media and have developed your own personal style of art. You will also have developed some excellent life skills that will support you in further education or work, for example good research skills, being an independent learner/worker, how to manage a project and meet deadlines and how to develop creative ideas.

How will this course be assessed?

The course is 60% coursework and 40% exam. Students are assessed formally at the end of each coursework unit and given targets and time to improve their grades. In Year 11, students will undertake an exam project (a choice of 7 projects) set by the exam board. They will develop their project from January and sit a 10 hour exam in April, during which they produce a final piece by themselves. There is no written exam for art. At the end of Year 11, the coursework and the exam are assessed internally and then moderated by the AQA exam board.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

The course is suitable for anyone that enjoys art and being creative. It is essential that you have an open mind to trying many new techniques and media to provide a variety of work for your coursework folder and to find your chosen style. The course will give you the skills that you need if you would like to study art further at A’ level standard or BTEC level 3 followed by a degree in a wide range of creative course or an apprenticeship. There are many careers in the creative industry including: architect, graphic designer, jewellery designer/maker, glass designer, furniture designer/maker, ceramic designer/maker, product designer, interior designer, set designer, art teacher, stage make-up artist and many more.

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Subject Name Business

Exam Board Pearson Edexcel

Qualification Name BTEC First Award in Business

Subject Leader Miss Sutton

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The BTEC Level 2 First award has 4 separate units which all support students’ development going into the world of business.

In Unit 1 you will learn about how businesses operate and how different types of business are set up and operate. You will explore how businesses carry out market research, and how they identify and promote their products to target customers. In Unit 2 you will learn how businesses make work out their costs, create revenue and make a profit (or a loss!). You will also learn about the key financial documents that businesses use to measure their financial success. In Unit 3 you will research and propose your own small business idea, creating a business plan and identifying how successful it is likely to be. Unit 4 focuses on developing a brand – through advertising, brand identify and promotional activities.

You will be expected to take part in a wide range of assessed activities, including presentations to the class, written activities and an external exam.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of Year 11, you will have developed a good knowledge of how businesses operate, and what makes them successful. Additionally, you will have used a wide range of skills that will be required in the business world, including setting and achieving objectives, managing your personal workload, and keeping to deadlines, as well as delivering high quality presentations to groups of your peers and adults.

How will this course be assessed?

This course is assessed through an external online exam and through internal assignments. These internal assignments come in the form of written documents and video footage of work given as presentations.

Unit 1 – Introduction to Business - assessed by internal assignments Unit 2 – Finance for Business - assessed through and external exam Unit 3 – Enterprise in the Business World - assessed by internal assignments Unit 4 – Promoting a Brand - assessed by internal assignments

All work is assessed using criteria and graded either Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is suitable for those students who have an interest in working in a wide range of industries, or even setting up their own business in the future.

Students taking this course MUST be prepared to be videoed presenting their work to the rest of the class, and need be able to keep to deadlines in producing written work.

Future pathways for this course include Level 3 BTEC business, A-Levels in Accountancy, Business or Economics, or apprenticeships in a wide range of industries. Students wishing to take a specific area of their study further could go on to specialise in areas such as Marketing, Finance or Product Development.

Other skills that you develop such as communication, organisation, presentation, and evaluation will be useful for any industry that you choose to work in.

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Subject Name Construction

Exam Board BTEC

Qualification Name BTEC: Construction and the built environment

Subject Leader Mr Main

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The course is split into 4 units each representing 25% of the final outcome. Construction and Design: focusses on designing buildings for a client’s wants and needs bu analysing a client brief Construction and technology: Theory around building construction and how to build buildings efficiently and reliably. Carpentry and joinery: Students construct a series of carpentry wood joints that can be used in construction

Scientific and Mathematical application for construction: Pupils develop understanding of how both of these impact the design and construction of buildings.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of the course you will have a good understand of what is needed to work in construction and understand of why parts of a building are designed in certain ways. The course develops pupils’ knowledge of a range of tradesmen jobs including- carpenters, plumbers, electrician, plasterers etc. The course offers both theory and practical elements to help pupils develop their skills for a future career in construction

How will this course be assessed?

There are 4 assessments in this course

Unit 1 Construction Technology: A written exam paper Unit 3: Scientific and Mathematical application: A coursework portfolio

Unit 2 Construction and Design: A coursework portfolio

Unit 5: Carpentry and joinery: A practical artefact and a coursework portfolio

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is ideal for people who want to work in the construction industry and provides a stepping stone towards applying for a construction course or apprenticeship at college. This course will ultimately lead to careers including: Plumber, Carpenter, Electrician, Plasterer, Joiner, Architect, tiler and other tradesmen. Pupils should be motivated to work independently and able to stick to clear deadlines and have both the practical and academic abilities needed to complete this course.

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Subject Name CPLD

Exam Board Edexcel

Qualification Name BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 First Award in Children’s Play, Learning and

Development

Subject Leader Michelle Pearce

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

In Year 10 students will complete Unit 2: Promoting Children’s Development Through Play through the completion of 3 assignment s

2.1: How to Play Assignment Learning aim A: Understand how play promotes children’s development in early years setting. 2.2: How Play Opportunities Aid Development Assignment Learning Aim B: Understand how different play opportunities promote children’s development. 2.3: How To Structure Play Assignment Learning aim C: Understand how play is structured in early year’s settings to promote children’s development.

Students will also learn the content for Unit 1: Patterns of Child Development (External Exam Content) Learning Aim A: Understand growth and development in children Learning Aim B: Understand the characteristics of children’s development from birth up to eight years Learning Aim C: Understand how adults in early years’ settings can support children’s development.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

In Year 10 students will complete Unit 3: The Principles of Early Years Practice through the completion of 4 assignment s

3.1: Inclusive Practice Assignment Learning aim A: Understand the importance of inclusive practice in early years

3.2: Implementation of Inclusive Practice Assignment Learning aim B: Explore ways in which early years settings implement inclusive practice

3.3: Empowerment Assignment Learning aim C: Understand how children are empowered in early years setting

3.4: The Role of a Keyworker Assignment Learning aim D: Understand the importance of the key person approach in supporting children’s development

How will this course be assessed?

Unit 2 is assessed through the completion of 3 assignments which will be marked by the teacher Unit 3 is assessed through the completion of 4 assignments which will be marked by the teacher Unit 1 is assessed through a 1 hour external examination

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is suitable for anyone who is interested is going on to work with children, babysitter, nursery worker, childminder or nanny or even someone who is thinking of going into primary school teacher or assistant. The course is made up of mainly coursework and therefore will suit anyone who prefers ongoing project based work rather than all external exam recall. This course gives you a head start at college if wanting to continue with this area of study as you would be able to go straight onto a level 3 course which includes a work placement.

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Subject Name Dance

Exam Board Edexcel

Qualification Name BTEC TECH award in Performing Arts: Dance

Subject Leader Michelle Pearce

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

In Year 10 students will complete Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts

In this component students will study 3 professional works from 3 different genres, Jazz, Contemporary and Urban dance. They will complete written projects on each of the three works consisting of the following criteria for EACH of the dance pieces:

Key features

Creative intentions and purpose (purpose of the dance target audience, themes, how themes are communicated through the movements, context (political, social, historical)

Storyline, theme or ideas

Initial reactions after watching the dance

Production elements such as set, costume and lighting

Link opinions and theories together with justifications as to why the choreographer may have made particular choices

Roles and responsibilities of the dancers, choreographer and designers for EACH of the dance pieces They will also participate in workshop rehearsals in the style of each dance piece, recreate short pieces of repertoire from each of the dance pieces. Explore the techniques and approaches used by each chorographer to devise their own choreographed section and reflect on the roles and responsibilities of an actor and director from these workshops.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

In Year 11 students will complete Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

In this component students will take part in Skills workshops that will develop your dance technique and skills needed to execute a strong performance. Learn a 2 minute piece of repertoire and perform it to an audience. Provide a logbook account which evidences your progress from first workshops through to performance of the repertoire. This will include strengths, targets and regular milestone reviews.

Students will complete Component 3: Responding to a brief (which is the external exam)

As part of this they will discuss and practically EXPLORE the stimulus considering: target audience, performance space, running time and style of work. Develop ideas considering: structure of work, style and genre used, skills required and creative intentions. Work effectively as a member of the group making an individual contribution and responding to the contribution of others. Demonstrate HOW to select and develop skills and techniques that are needed for the performer and whole group and take part in the rehearsal process. Contribute to a workshop performance using physical and interpretative skills. (18 marks) This performance will last 7-15 minutes (each dancer must be on stage for at least 2 minutes) Evaluate the process and performance. Consider: the brief, stimulus and contribution from other group members. Reflect on: selection of skills used, individual strengths/areas for improvement, overall and individual contribution to the group, impact of the groups work.

How will this course be assessed?

Component 1 is assessed by the completion of a written portfolio of evidence which will be assessed by the teacher. Component 2 is assessed through practical workshops, lessons and a final performance of a chosen piece of repertoire. This will also be assessed by the teacher. Component 3 is externally assessed through a recording of a composed practical piece and 3 written pieces of work completed under controlled conditions.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

The course is suitable for anyone who enjoys dance and performing (you must have the confidence to perform in front of others) The course does not have a final written exam in the standard sense and therefore is perfect for anyone who finds written exams difficult The dance course does not require any recall of information and is perfect for anyone that finds this skill difficult From this course you could go on to study a BTEC or A level in performing arts at college. There are many choices of career that this course could lead to including being a performer, choreographer or teacher

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Subject Name Drama

Exam Board Edexcel/Pearson

Qualification Name Level 2 BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Drama)

Subject Leader Miss Westley

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

Year 10: Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts

In this component learners will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining practitioners’ work and the processes used to create performance.

Component 3: Performing to a Brief (Mock) In this component learners will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to create a workshop performance in response to a given brief and stimulus. Students will develop their ideas for a workshop performance and apply their skills and techniques to communicate their creative intentions to the audience.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

Year 11: Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

In this component learners will develop their performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting repertoire. Within this component, students will develop technical, practical and interpretive skills through the rehearsal and performance process.

Component 3: Performing to a Brief In this component learners will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to create a workshop performance in response to a given brief and stimulus. Students will develop their ideas for a workshop performance and apply their skills and techniques to communicate their creative intentions to the audience.

How will this course be assessed?

Each component is broken down into assignments and tasks. Each assignment has a clear grading criteria for Pass, Merit, and Distinction. There will also be a clear Learning Outcome (LO). Component 1 (Exploring the Performing Arts) and Component 2 (Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts) are internally assessed. Component 3 (Performing to a Brief) is externally assessed.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

The Edexcel BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts provides a good foundation for learners in post-16 education. The qualification provides a suitable foundation for further study such as the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Performing Arts. Alternatively, the underpinning knowledge, practical and vocational skills learnt on this course will enhance and support progression to a competency-based course or work in the arts. Successful learners at level 2 may also consider general qualifications at level 3 such as GCE, AS or A Levels in Drama and Theatre Studies, Dance and Performing Arts.

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Subject Name Engineering

Exam Board Cambridge National (OCR)

Qualification Name Cambridge National Engineering Design

Subject Leader Mr Wooton

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The Cambridge National in Engineering Design develops students understanding on how new products are designed, prototyped and manufactured on mass to meet the brief of clients, alongside using practical skills such as drawing, computer modelling and model making to communicate their ideas. In year 10 pupils develop their understanding of creating engineered products through the study of the design cycle, existing product and life cycle analysis, new and improved materials and manufacturing processes, and how these and other factors influence a design solution

Pupils will also complete two pieces of coursework where they will be researching and analysing a manufactured product, then using a range of drawing and computer modelling skills to design and present their own ideas. In Year 11 pupils manufacture their own design as a prototype, applying their understanding of planning and practical skills alongside considering the tools and processes which would be used to make their solution in industry.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of the year 11 you will have learnt: How the design process works to develop and create new products which meet market influences,

manufacturing and material considerations, and client’s briefs. The wider influences on the design of new products, including legislation, environmental factors, and

iconic products How to analyse existing products through disassembly How to communicate design ideas using a range of drawing techniques, CAD, and computer modelling How to plan and make realistic prototypes.

How will this course be assessed?

The course is assessed by an end of course exam and 3 pieces of controlled assignments where you are researching, designing and producing an engineered product. These are all equal weighted, accounting for 25% of the overall mark each.

Investigating an engineered product – Researching the factors which make an engineered product then applying this to disassemble and analyse an existing product.

Developing and presenting engineering designs – Developing and communicating design proposals using a range of technical drawing skills, CAD and computer modelling.

3D design realisation– Applying practical skills to make a prototype product using a range of tools and CAM.

Design briefs, design specifications and user requirements– 60 minute exam sat at the end of the course based on the design cycle and the factors which influence the design on an engineered product.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is ideal for people who are considering a career in the Engineering, Manufacturing or the Design industries; and enjoy understanding how products are made, creating and developing ideas, drawing and working practically with tools and materials. Pupils completing this course will be looking to progress into A levels in engineering or design and technology, or apprenticeships involving engineering, manufacturing, or design and technology.

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Subject Name French

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Name GCSE

Subject Leader Miss Mitchell

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The French GCSE course covers three main themes: Identity & Culture; Local, National & International Areas of Interest and Current & Future Study & Employment. The course develops the four main areas of communication (speaking, reading, writing and listening) through a number of smaller topics that vary each half term. Importantly, everything you have learnt from day one in year 7 will be useful to you throughout your GCSE course.

Through the topics above you will continue to build on the communication skills developed from year 7. You will increase your knowledge of spoken and written communication skills in French through learning how to respond to a variety of different texts and scenarios. In addition to this, you will spend time practising advanced reading and listening skills in the target language. Throughout the GCSE course mature themes are discussed such as social struggles, the environment, politics and youth culture. The course remains relevant and gives you the opportunity to discuss a range of topics all within the context of a foreign culture.

In year 10 we study six mini topics through constant use of speaking, reading, writing and listening. You will start the year consolidating your previous language skills, we look at big questions like ‘why do we study languages?’ and ‘what benefit can language learning have on my perception of the world around me?’. Throughout year 10 you will study a range of topics beginning with the environment and global issues, such as global warming and the impact that pollution has on our daily lives. Subsequent topics include future plans, healthy living, marriage and relationships before revisiting the topic of holidays towards the end of year 10. In year 11 you will study mature themes such as social and political problems like the impact of war and famine on the world around us. You will also begin to think about your future career aspirations.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

Learning a foreign language encourages you to think creatively and value the diversity of different languages and cultures. By the end of year 11 you will have learnt about a variety of topics that impact your daily life such as social issues, education and the environment. You will have had the opportunity to develop your own thoughts and opinions on the things that matter to you through lively discussions and debates with peers. In addition to this, learning a foreign language gives you many transferable skills such as confidence when speaking, communicating your opinion and problem solving skills.

How will this course be assessed?

The course is assessed through three external exams and one school based exam, each worth 25% of your overall grade. The exams are skills based and incorporate all content. You will be assessed in speaking – this is done in school with your teacher. You will then have a written exam followed by listening and reading exams. You will be entered for either the foundation tier (teacher predicted grade 3 – 5) or the higher tier (teacher predicted grade 5 – 9).

Throughout the course your teacher will build your confidence in the assessed skills and provided you personalised feedback on them every half term. We want you to feel as prepared as possible for your examinations so we introduce you to real exam questions as early as possible. You will be in a constant dialogue with your teacher around your progress and targets for learning.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is suitable for anyone who is interested in foreign languages or cultures as students develop an even greater understanding of how languages work and how people live their lives around the world. Students should therefore be willing to develop and share ideas with the class using the target language. We want students to be prepared to discuss current affairs and issues that directly impact their day-to-day lives. Students also need to consistently demonstrate an appreciation for different cultures and languages. Overall, a GCSE in a modern foreign language demonstrates traits many employers seek including resilience, attention to detail and tolerance. The course content also encourages you to think about your future and options available to you. With a languages GCSE you will be equipped with a developed understanding of how all languages work and the variety of ways in which you can share your ideas, as a result you will be prepared for whatever career path you may choose including: A-Level study, University Study, careers in politics, hospitality or even teaching!

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Subject Name Geography

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Name Geography

Subject Leader Miss Patel

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

In Year 10 students will look at the dynamic nature of physical processes and systems, and human interaction with them in a variety of places and at a range of scales. The aims of this are to develop an understanding of the tectonic, geomorphological, biological and meteorological processes and features in different environments, and the need for management strategies governed by sustainability and consideration of the direct and indirect effects of human interaction with the Earth and the atmosphere. This is directly linked to their paper 1 exam.

Students in Year 10 will specifically look at the following topics: Tectonic Hazards; Weather Hazards; Climate Change; Rainforests/Deserts/Cold Environments; UK Physical Landscapes – Coasts and Rivers

In Year 10 there is also an element of field work that is compulsory, students will look at physical and human environments and conduct an investigation. This is directly linked to their Paper 3.

In Year 11 student will look at human processes, systems and outcomes and how these change both spatially and temporally. They are studied in a variety of places and at a range of scales and must include places in various states of development, such as higher income countries (HICs), lower income countries (LICs) and newly emerging economies (NEEs). The aims of this are so students in Year 11 can look at factors that produce a diverse variety of human environments; the dynamic nature of these environments that change over time and place; the need for sustainable management; and the areas of current and future challenge and opportunity for these environments. This directly links to their Paper 2 exam.

Topics studied in Year 11 are: urban issues and challenges; the Changing economic world; the challenge of resource management

In Year 11 students will also look at map skills and geographical application, as well as studying the pre-release documents for their Paper 3 exam.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of Year 11 know about the interdependence of the physical and human environments and the need for sustainable management of these. The course also looks at the differences and similarities between people, places and cultures and aims to improve students understanding of societies and economies.

How will this course be assessed?

There are three exams which students will sit in Year 11. Paper 1: Living with the physical environment (1 hour 30 minutes - 35% of GCSE grade) Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment (1 hour 30 minutes - 35% of GCSE grade) Paper 3: Geographical applications (1 hour 15 minutes - 30% of GCSE grade)

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

Geography encourages many transferrable skills. As well as literacy skills students are required to develop and demonstrate a range of geographical skills, including cartographic, graphical, numerical and statistical skills, throughout their study of this GCSE. You will also improve your skills in understanding, enquiry and general knowledge. All of the above skills are greatly valued by potential employers in all career areas. Opportunities include (but not limited to): Environment Agency, meteorologist, pollution analyst, politician, armed forces, lawyer, travel advisor, tourism officer, town planner, conservation manager, teacher, environmental consultant, international aid worker, hydrologist, sustainability consultant., geologist.

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Subject Name History

Exam Board Eduqas

Qualification Name GCSE History

Subject Leader Miss Hicks

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The History GCSE is made up of four topic areas. We begin one of these topics, Germany in Transition from 1919-1939, in the latter part of Year 9. We choose to study this in Year 9 as we believe this topic is profoundly important for all students to learn about. This topic includes essential knowledge of the twentieth century such as the Rise of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the Causes of the Second World War. In Year 10 students go on to study two more of the four History GCSE topics. In the first part of Year 10 students will study Changes in Health and Medicine in Britain from c.500 to the present day. This topic focuses on how medicine has changed over time and gives students the opportunity to study multiple time periods. In the latter part of Year 10 students study the key political, economic and social developments in the USA from 1929 -2000*. This topic includes the study of various seminal moments of the twentieth century such as the Wall Street Crash, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the Vietnam War. In Year 11 students study the final History GCSE topic, the Elizabethan Age from 1558-1603. Students study Elizabeth I to some extent in Year 8 so already have some prior knowledge of the topic. However, in Year 11 we develop our knowledge further, preparing students in particular for the future study of History at A-level and beyond. *Current Year 11 students have had the History GCSE content reduced due to the current situation. This means they are not going to complete the exam on the USA from 1929-2000.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of Year 11 students will acquire lots of powerful knowledge on underlying key concepts such as government and human rights, which will help them to understand how the world around us has been shaped in the present day. Students will also be exposed to the methods of historical enquiry, including having to rigorously analyse a variety of sources and interpretations to produce their own judgements on the past and see how differing perspectives have been formed. Students will be challenged academically and will have to grapple with real historical debates in order to enable them to go on to study History at A-level and even further at university should they wish to do so.

How will this course be assessed?

The History GCSE is fully assessed through final exams in the Summer. Students complete four papers across two sittings: 1. Germany in Transition, 1919-1939 – This is a 1 hr paper which makes up 25% of the GCSE. It is sat alongside the Elizabeth

paper. 2. The Elizabethan Age, 1558-1603 – This is a 1 hr paper which makes up 25% of the GCSE. It is sat alongside the Germany

paper. 3. Changes in Health and Medicine in Britain from c.500 to the present day – This is a 1 hr and 15 min paper which makes up

30% of the GCSE. It is sat alongside the USA paper. 4. The Development of the USA from 1929-2000 – This is a 45 min paper which makes up 20% of the GCSE. It is sat alongside

the Medicine paper.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is suitable for anyone with a passion for the study of History. Students should be willing to share ideas and debate key concepts within lessons. The course is assessed wholly through exams and the questions require students to be able to write extended answers. They are fully prepared for this in their lessons. History is a valuable GCSE as it helps students to develop both their written and verbal communication skills, both of which are vital in the workplace. Students are also required to put forward logical arguments when studying the past, demonstrating that they can consider both sides of an argument to come to a conclusion. Additionally, students learn to comprehend and analyse sources and interpretations, a skill which employers value. These skills will not only help students in their careers but also in their daily lives as adults. We want students to be able to use their understanding of the past to become global citizens who can create positive change for the future. Finally, there are numerous sectors in which studying History is seen as beneficial to an employer including those such as law, advertising, and journalism.

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Subject Name Hospitality and Catering (Food Technology)

Exam Board Eduqas (WJEC)

Qualification Name Eduqas Hospitality and Catering

Subject Leader Mrs Clarke

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

In year 10 pupils learn and then practically demonstrate advanced food preparation and cooking skills. Pupils will learn how to best prepare for their practical exam by cooking and baking complex dishes throughout year 10 to then showcase their skills in year 11 under practical exam conditions. Pupils will study the roles and responsivities in the hospitality and catering industry to deeper their understanding of what a future career in food would look like. This course will require pupils to cook each week building on a range of skills learnt and developed in KS3. Pupils will be regularly challenged to produce high quality outcomes.

In Year 11 pupils will complete a piece one piece of coursework which includes a practical exam. Pupils will have to complete a written exam at the end of year 11. The coursework together with the written exam will evidence a pupil’s ability to work independently as they will undertake a practical exam to showcase their skills and evidence their theoretical knowledge about the hospitality and catering industry.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of the course you will have a good understand of how food relates to the hospitality industry and how to prepare a multitude of different dishes. You will now be ready to support yourself and live healthy lifestyle. You will not only be able to cook a variety of meals and bake a variety of dishes but will have the ability to adapt recipes and cook for a range of customer needs. Pupils will also be able to design menu’s and have a good understanding of health and safety procedures within the industry which greatly prepares them for a job in the hospitality and catering industry.

How will this course be assessed?

This course is very practical and pupils will cook at least once a week to be able to develop the necessary skills to achieve a good mark in their practical exam. 60% of your grade is awarded for coursework. The remaining 40% is gained through passing a written exam which is taken at the end of the course in year 11.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is ideal for people who are practically able and have a passion for food. This course suits learners of all abilities as it allows pupils to make progress and develop high levels skills before any assessments are taken. Pupils should also consider this course if they want to continue a career within the hospitality and catering industry. It will lead to a level 3 Hospitality and Catering course at college. This course also offers invaluable life skills to maintain a healthy diet and skills to independently work in a kitchen.

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Subject Name Cambridge National Creative iMedia

Exam Board OCR

Qualification Name Cambridge National Creative iMedia

Subject Leader Mr Wooton

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia will equip learners with a range of creative media skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, desirable, transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. The course involves using the computer and creative software including designing packages, photo editing and manipulation, and website design. Through year 10 and 11 students will be understanding how the creative media sector works, how ideas and concepts are produced and developed, and how media projects are run. Students will complete 3 pieces of creative coursework involving designing a digital graphic product, designing and producing a website and designing a game concept.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of year 11 you will have learnt: How to develop, manage and run a creative media project from conception of the client brief through to

developing and producing the product, to evaluating the success of the product. The types of pre-production materials, including mind mapping, visualisation diagrams, storyboards, and

scripts. The use of a range of design software and hardware. How to analyse and draw conclusions from media products How to design and produce digital graphic products, including posters, album covers, and promotional

materials Designing and producing multipage websites Designing and developing video game concepts.

How will this course be assessed?

The course is assessed by an end of course exam and 3 pieces of controlled assignments where you are managing and producing a iMedia product. These are all equal weighted, accounting for 25% of the overall mark each.

Creating digital graphics – Researching, planning, evaluating and making a graphic product to meet a set brief. Approximately a 10 hour task over lesson time.

Creating a multipage website – Researching, planning, evaluating and making a website to meet a set brief. Approximately a 10 hour task over lesson time.

Designing a game concept – Researching, planning, evaluating and designing a video/ computer/ phone game concept which meets the brief set. Approximately a 10 hour task over lesson time.

Pre-Production Skills – 75 minute exam sat at the end of the course based on the preproduction and project management skills used in iMedia and within the controlled assignments set.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is suitable for all students who are interested in the creative side of computing, media, and project management. Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media-sector focused, including film, television, web development, gaming and animation, and have IT at their heart. As a worker of the future, the ability to analyse and design systems that are used in the workplace, the ability to see relationships and the broader perspective, to develop your project management skills and understand the need for team management will all be important and marketable skills. This qualification is useful to students intending to follow Level 3 courses in media and IT. Examples include Cambridge Technical IT or Media courses, Media Studies and the Apprenticeship Framework.

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Subject Name Music

Exam Board Pearson

Qualification Name BTEC Tech Award in Music

Subject Leader Mr Bellman

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The Pearson Tech Award course covers all aspects of professional music making by applying them to vocational contexts. Students will have the opportunity to gain a detailed insight into the working methods of the professional musician. This will include composing, arranging, performing and the study of different genres, techniques and aspects of the music industry. Students will look in detail at a variety of genres to pick apart their historical contexts and how they work musically from a technique standpoint. Students will also look at the key roles of the music industry that contribute to the creation and promotion of the music we consume. The course is inherently practical in nature but will include the need to keep notes and make reports. The course will inspire creativity and offer a huge wealth of transferrable skills to any budding musician!

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

As the BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice is a practical introduction to life and work in the industry, students will explore the sector whilst: • developing skills, including teamwork, leadership and communication. • developing and presenting music to a brief. • analysing, evaluating and enhancing their learning.

Component 1: Students will explore different styles and genres of music. They will take part in practical workshops to understand stylistic features and characteristics of modern and historic genres of music. They will learn about the different musical products created within the music industry. They will develop their composing and performing techniques though creating their own music products based on what they have learned. Component 2: Students will develop musical knowledge, skills, and techniques and apply them to a music product. During the unit they will reflect on their progress and develop a range of new musical skills. They will apply these skills in a musical performance, composition or arrangement. Alongside this, they will explore the work of a specific job within the music industry. Component 3: Students will put their skills into practice by responding to a brief as a composer, performer or producer. They will explore a given brief from the perspective of a composer, performer or producer and create a product to satisfy the brief. They will use relevant resources and skills to refine their product, present it and review it.

How will this course be assessed?

The course has two internally assessed components, and one that’s externally assessed: Components 1 and 2 are internally assessed coursework. Component 3 is externally assessed by Pearson via the submission of controlled assessment practical

work and written reports.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course suits enthusiastic and creative students with secure keyboard skills (or secure skills in another instrument).

During the course, students can see whether the industry is one they want to be in, where they could go, and gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their next steps.

This is not a “soft option” and does require dedication and determination in order to succeed. Students will need to be comfortable using computers and keeping notes. Basic musical ability is an absolute must for any prospective candidate.

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Subject Name Photography

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Name GCSE Art and Design: Photography

Subject Leader Mr Main

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

In year 10 you will study a wide range of skills linked to producing Photography Artwork including the following: Low key/high key: how lighting can effect a photo

Poses: how these are used to achieve portrait photos effectively

Macro photography: close up photos of objects for example flowers

Camera settings: including ISO, aperture and speed

Manual edits to photos: including painting, ripping, drawing, sewing on etc

In year 11 you will study a range of Artists and build on the skills you learnt in year 10 to produce a portfolio of your work. This portfolio will represent 75% of your final grade and give you a valuable resource you can use if you choose to do photography in college. These artists include: Aldo Tolino, Alessandro Del Buoni, Alesso Albi, Alessa Razell, Alyssa Monks and a range of other artists.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of the course you will have developed the skills necessary to produce Photography Artwork and make a portfolio of work which you can show to colleges and potential clients if you choose a career in photography. The course will give students skills necessary for a wide range of courses and jobs along with life skills needed to take “good” photos.

How will this course be assessed?

The course is made of two elements

60%coursework portfolio: this involves building a portfolio showcasing your best work and leads to a range of “Final pieces” which represent you as an artist. 40% practical exam: The exam involves a range of topics and the pupils have to create their own artwork based on the given start points.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is ideal for creative individuals who are interested in both Photography and Art. The course has a heavy emphasis on coursework and so is suitable for pupils who will work diligently on a portfolio. It must be emphasised that as this is an art based course pupils will need to be self-motivating and able to stick to clear deadlines. Photography cannot only be used as a career it can also be used in many other professions and can also be used as a life skill.

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Subject Name Psychology

Exam Board OCR

Qualification Name Psychology

Subject Leader Mr Fitzpatrick

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

In Year 10 students will be required to study psychological ideas, processes, techniques and procedures, through the following

topics: Criminal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Influence and Research Methods.

For each of the topics, content will relate to key concepts, theories/explanations, research studies and applications.

Within each topic, learners will be required to study two core studies to support the content of related theories. For each core study, learners should ‘tell the story’ of the study by considering the following: background, method, design, samples, materials/apparatus, procedure, results, conclusions and criticisms.

In Year 11 students will be required to study psychological ideas, processes, techniques and procedures, through the following

topics: memory, psychological problems, sleep and Dreaming

As part of their study, learners will be required to develop knowledge and understanding of the five core areas of psychology

identified as:

• Biological – including neuroscience and genetics as contributors to behaviour

• Cognitive – an understanding of thought, information and mental processing as contributors to behaviour

• Social – the impact of social and environmental factors on behaviour and the influence of groups

• Developmental – an understanding of how individuals change throughout their lives.

• Individual differences – an understanding of the complex nature of human behaviour and why and how people are different.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

• Use of specialist vocabulary, psychological concepts, terminology and conventions to engage in the process of psychological

enquiry

• Acquired knowledge and understanding of psychology, an understanding of self and others, and how psychological

understanding can help to explain everyday social phenomena

• Understanding of how psychological research is conducted, including the role of scientific method and data analysis

• How to present information, develop arguments and draw conclusions through a critical approach to psychological evidence,

developing as reflective thinkers

• Developed an understanding of the relationship between psychology and personal, moral, social and cultural issues, and an

understanding of ethical issues in psychology

• Developed an understanding of psychological issues, the contribution of psychology to individual, social and cultural diversity,

and how psychology contributes to society.

How will this course be assessed?

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

Psychology provides many transferrable skills including debating, analytical study and self-awareness. This course will help you

understand yourself and other people by learning about aspects of human behaviour.

This qualification provides the ideal foundation for learners to progress to AS Level in Psychology and A Level in Psychology.

● Career opportunities include (but not limited to): Psychotherapist, Social worker, Counsellor, Educational psychologist, Human resource manager, Teacher, and Research roles.

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Subject Name Spanish

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Name GCSE

Subject Leader Miss Mitchell

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The Spanish GCSE course covers three main themes: Identity & Culture; Local, National & International Areas of Interest and Current & Future Study & Employment. The course develops the four main areas of communication (speaking, reading, writing and listening) through a number of smaller topics that vary each half term. Importantly, everything you have learnt from day one in year 7 will be useful to you throughout your GCSE course.

Through the topics above you will continue to build on the communication skills developed from year 7. You will increase your knowledge of spoken and written communication skills in Spanish through learning how to respond to a variety of different texts and scenarios. In addition to this, you will spend time practising advanced reading and listening skills in the target language. Throughout the GCSE course mature themes are discussed such as social struggles, the environment, politics and youth culture. The course remains relevant and gives you the opportunity to discuss a range of topics all within the context of a foreign culture.

In Year 10 we study six mini topics through constant use of speaking, reading, writing and listening. You will start the year consolidating your previous language skills, we look at big questions like ‘why do we study languages?’ and ‘what benefit can language learning have on my perception of the world around me?’. Throughout year 10 you will study a range of topics beginning with the environment and global issues, such as global warming and the impact that pollution has on our daily lives. Subsequent topics include future plans, healthy living, marriage and relationships before revisiting the topic of holidays towards the end of Year 10. In Year 11 you will study mature themes such as social and political problems like the impact of war and famine on the world around us. You will also begin to think about your future career aspirations.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

Learning a foreign language encourages you to think creatively and value the diversity of different languages and cultures. By the end of year 11 you will have learnt about a variety of topics that impact your daily life such as social issues, education and the environment. You will have had the opportunity to develop your own thoughts and opinions on the things that matter to you through lively discussions and debates with peers. In addition to this, learning a foreign language gives you many transferable skills such as confidence when speaking, communicating your opinion and problem solving skills.

How will this course be assessed?

The course is assessed through three external exams and one school based exam, each worth 25% of your overall grade. The exams are skills based and incorporate all content. You will be assessed in speaking – this is done in school with your teacher. You will then have a written exam followed by listening and reading exams. You will be entered for either the foundation tier (teacher predicted grade 3 – 5) or the higher tier (teacher predicted grade 5 – 9).

Throughout the course your teacher will build your confidence in the assessed skills and provided you personalised feedback on them every half term. We want you to feel as prepared as possible for your examinations so we introduce you to real exam questions as early as possible. You will be in a constant dialogue with your teacher around your progress and targets for learning.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is suitable for anyone who is interested in foreign languages or cultures as students develop an even greater understanding of how languages work and how people live their lives around the world. Students should therefore be willing to develop and share ideas with the class using the target language. We want students to be prepared to discuss current affairs and issues that directly impact their day-to-day lives. Students also need to consistently demonstrate an appreciation for different cultures and languages. Overall, a GCSE in a modern foreign language demonstrates traits many employers seek including resilience, attention to detail and tolerance. The course content also encourages you to think about your future and options available to you. With a languages GCSE you will be equipped with a developed understanding of how all languages work and the variety of ways in which you can share your ideas, as a result you will be prepared for whatever career path you may choose including: A-Level study, University Study, careers in politics, hospitality or even teaching!

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Subject Name Sport

Exam Board Pearson Edexcel

Qualification Name BTEC First Award in Sport

Subject Leader Miss Lawrence

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The BTEC Level 2 First award has 4 separate units which all support students’ development going into the world of sport. The 4 units we study at Woodlands are; Unit 1 - Fitness for Sport and Exercise, Unit 2 - Practical Performance in Sport, Unit 3 - Applying the Principles of Personal Training and Unit 6 - Leading Sports Activities. These Units will be delivered by both practical based PE sessions and theory classroom sessions.

You will learn about the effects of exercise on the body and its systems, how to test fitness and how to develop effective training programmes for a range of sporting activities. You will also learn how to develop your own performance, and that of others; as well as how to plan, lead and evaluate sporting activities.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

This course provides an engaging and relevant introduction to the world of sport. It incorporates important aspects of the industry, such as fitness testing and training for sport and exercise; the psychology of sport; practical sports performance; and sports leadership. It enables you to develop and apply your knowledge, while also developing a range of relevant practical, communication and technical skills which can be used in a wide range of situations.

How will this course be assessed?

This course is assessed through an external online exam and through internal assignments. These internal assignments come in the form of written documents, video and photo footage of performing and leading as well as presentations.

Unit 1 - Fitness for Sport and Exercise - assessed through an external online exam Unit 2 - Practical Performance in Sport - assessed by internal assignments Unit 3 - Applying the Principles of Personal Training - assessed by internal assignments Unit 6 - Leading Sports Activities - assessed by internal assignments

All work is assessed using criteria and graded either Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is suitable for those students who have a passion for sport and exercise and a general interest in the world of sport.

Students need to be comfortable taking part in a wide range of practical activities, performing, leading and presenting to other students and assessors. As the course is assessed through internal assignments students need to make sure they are organised and self-motivated to complete their work with a sense of pride.

After Woodlands, this course can help students lead onto College level course such as Level 3 BTEC Sport or A Level PE and from there studying at a University Level within the sporting sector. Additionally, the leadership and personal training elements can lead to students pursuing careers in Sports Coaching, Sports Therapy, Fitness Instructing and Personal Training or any other sporting routes that are available.

Other skills that you develop such as communication, organisation, motivation, leadership, observation and analysis will be useful for any industry that you choose to work in.

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Subject Name Textiles

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Name GCSE Art and Design: Textiles

Subject Leader Mrs Lambeth

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

In year 10 you will create a project based on yourself and your interests to give you a basis of learning a range of new skills and building on ones you learnt in year. We will research the work of Andy Warhol, Picasso and the you will investigate your own artist and designers. We will develop independence of a wide range of skills including reverse applique, free hand machine embroidery, quilting, and construction techniques. The project will be completed with a final art textiles piece or a garment, that you have designed and made.

In year 11 you will study a range of Artists and build on the skills you learnt in year 10 to produce a second project of your work. The theme of this will be Nature Vs Manmade. In this project you will be encouraged to go on your own journey and explore your own artists/designers and techniques that relate to their work. We will build on skills, but also look at new techniques like shibori, batik, fabric manipulation and using actual objects from nature in our work.

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of the course you will have developed the skills necessary to produce Textiles Artwork and make a portfolio of work which you can show to colleges and potential clients if you choose a career in Fashion or Textiles. This course will guide you into Textiles/ fashion courses at college and will have meant you have learnt a wide range of skills you can complete independently to take with you.

How will this course be assessed?

Each project and the exam is assessed against the four assessment objectives.

AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources. AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes. AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses. AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Your final and over grade is made up of 60% coursework portfolio and 40% practical 10 hour exam.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

This course is ideal for creative individuals who are interested in both Textiles and Art. The course has a heavy emphasis on coursework and so is suitable for pupils who will work diligently on a portfolio. It must be emphasised that as this is an art based course pupils will need to be self-motivating and able to stick to clear deadlines. Textiles can not only be used as a career it can also be used in many other professions and can also be used as a life skill.

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Subject Name Travel and Tourism

Exam Board Pearson

Qualification Name BTEC Level 2 First Award in Travel & Tourism

Subject Leader Miss Patel

What will I study in Year 10 and 11?

The UK tourism industry is huge and rapidly expanding, offering many career opportunities for today’s young people. In 2008 it employed over 3 million people – more than 13% of UK employees. This course has been designed for candidates who wish to gain a sound knowledge and understanding of the travel and tourism industry. This course will use a variety of examples at local, national and global scale. The students start with looking at what tourism is and what does it look like in the UK focusing on National Parks, holiday resorts and city breaks. Students then become travel agents themselves by planning itineraries for travellers. Students will also look at travel and tourist destinations and investigate the appeal of UK tourist destinations to international tourists. Students will also look at international travel, airlines, cruises and plan trips for different people to different places. During Year 11 students will look key developments of travel over time and how they have moulded and influenced UK travel and tourism into the sector it is today Explore international travel and tourism destinations. Some of the other topics we look at are:

The UK Travel and Tourism Sector

Factors Affecting Worldwide travel and Tourism

The Travel and Tourism Customer Experience

UK Travel and Tourism Destinations

International Travel and Tourism Destinations

Travel and Tourism Business Environments

What will I have learnt by the end of Year 11?

By the end of Year 11 know about the interdependence of the physical and human environments and the need for sustainable management of these. The course also looks at the differences and similarities between people, places and cultures and aims to improve students understanding of societies and economies.

How will this course be assessed?

Unit 1: The UK Travel and Tourism Sector unit is an externally assessed unit; assessed by a written examination. Unit 2: UK Travel and Tourism Destinations Unit 3: The Travel and Tourism Customer Experience Unit 4: International Travel and Tourism Destinations are all assessed internally, via assignments, linked to a travel and tourism sector scenario and unit content.

Who is this course suitable for, and where could it lead next?

Travel and Tourism encourages many transferrable skills. You will also improve your skills in understanding, enquiry and general knowledge. All of the above skills are greatly valued by potential employers in all career areas. Students completing the course will be able to undertake further study at Level 3 and/or continue into university or employment. Employment in the many sectors of the travel and tourism industry including, travel agent, travel representative.