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Tonbridge Grammar School

Year 10 & 11 Curriculum Information

January 2014

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Introduction We aim to develop students as inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The curriculum mirrors the IB philosophy and prepares students for the Diploma Programme:

Breadth Rigour Internationalism Core Experience

In Years 10 and 11 there are a range of opportunities to meet our learners’ needs; exploring subjects in depth, increasing their breadth of knowledge and following non examined courses. For many subjects students will follow an IGCSE course. These have been chosen over GCSE as their academic content and assessment objectives prepare girls better for success in the Diploma Programme.

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Subject preparation for the Sixth Form IB Diploma Programme from GCSE… … to the Sixth Form IB Group

English

English

1

EN

GLIS

H

Literature and Performance

Film

French French

2

LA

NG

UA

GE

S

German German

Spanish Spanish

Latin Latin

New subjects introduced in the Sixth Form

Ab initio Italian, Spanish, French

Religious Studies Philosophy

3

HU

MA

NIT

IES

Geography Geography

Environmental Systems and Societies*

History History

Information & Communication Technology

Information Technology in a Global Society

New subjects introduced in the Sixth Form

Economics

Psychology

Classical Greek & Roman Studies

Biology

Biology

4

SC

IEN

CE

S

Environmental Systems and Societies*

Sports Exercise and Health Science

Chemistry Chemistry

Physics Physics

Physical Education Sports Exercise and Health Science

Computer Science Computer Science

Design & Technology: Product Design Design Technology

Design and Technology: Textiles

Mathematics Mathematics

5

MA

T

HS

Mathematical Studies

Art & Design

Visual Arts

6

AR

TS

&

EL

EC

TIV

ES

Design & Technology: Textiles

Photography

Drama Theatre

Music Music

Or a second language, science or humanities subject

* Environmental Systems and Societies is only available as Science option in the Sixth Form

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The choices process

Students are asked to choose subjects that they would like to study in addition to the academic core subjects. All students will need to choose:

one language three other subject choices (plus a reserve)

We will try our best to fulfil individual requirements but choices can only be met if there are enough students choosing a particular combination to form a viable group.

Choices can only be filled in on the parent portal Remember that universities select on good grades, not on the number of grades. Universities and employers are also very interested in extra-curricular and enrichment activities. You need the time to gain the best possible grades in your chosen subjects and the time to pursue your extra-curricular and enrichment activities also.

Choices timeline

w/b 13th January Reports

29th January Curriculum Information Evening

6th February Parent Consultation Evening

w/b 10th February Learning Mentor reviews

6th – 23th February Fill in choices on the parent portal before end of February half-term

What happens after I have chosen?

March - April Analysis of subject choices by Curriculum Team and Subject Leaders.

April - May One to one discussions as required.

June Confirmation of choices.

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Year 10 & 11 Curriculum

Academic core:

English Literature

English Language Mathematics Religious Studies Biology Chemistry Physics

Enrichment curriculum:

Physical Education Health & Social Education Computer Technology

Four additional subjects to choose from:

Computer Science Design & Technology: Product Design Design & Technology: Textiles

Drama French Geography German History

Information & Communication Technology Latin Music PE Visual Arts: Art & Design Visual Arts: Photography

Spanish All students study at least one language course: French, German, Latin or Spanish.

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Academic Core

English Language & English Literature IGCSE Edexcel

Acting Subject Leader: Mrs Barker The study of English Language and English Literature leads to two separate qualifications. The course involves a wide range of literary and non-literary texts, periods and cultures, including media texts such as newspapers, magazines, television and film. All areas are taught in an integrated way and confidence in oral work is an important and examined part of the course. The course focuses on skills which are an excellent preparation for the IB courses in the Sixth Form. It will be an extension of the many skills and strands already explored in Year 9 and an important preparation for independent thought and study.

Assessment Profile: English Language: 90% Final exam; 10% Speaking and Listening English Literature: 100% Final exam

Mathematics IGCSE Edexcel

Subject Leader: Dr Billinge

The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 by two written examinations. This will be sat by all students in the year group. Some students will also sit a Free Standing Maths Qualification at the end of Year 11 in preparation for Higher Level Mathematics in the Sixth Form. This will consist of one written paper. The syllabus will be taught in line with the IGCSE course.

A calculator is required for both Mathematics courses.

Assessment profile IGCSE: 100% final written examination

Assessment profile FSMQ:

100% final written examination

Religious Studies GCSE Edexcel

Subject Leader: Miss Wood In this short course students explore ethical issues of modern life, examining questions of belief and social responsibility.

Students learn about:

Life and death Marriage and sexual ethics Prejudice and social harmony

Belief in God

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These topics are developed in detail and although contrasts are drawn, principally, between Christian and Islamic attitudes, students are encouraged to share their experiences of other religions also. There are lots of opportunities for discussion and for personal reflection. The course enhances students’ understanding of how to develop the skills and attributes of the IB Learner Profile and consequently provides a good base for the ethics and philosophy content in the IB Philosophy course. Assessment profile: 100% examination

Science IGCSE AQA

Subject Leaders: Mrs Sharp (Physics), Mrs Wade (Biology), Mr McDaid (Chemistry)

The programme of study enables students to:

Develop their knowledge and understanding of each Science Develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the scientific process Develop their understanding of the relationships between hypotheses, evidence,

theories and explanations Develop and apply their observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-

solving skills, and their understanding in laboratory, field and other learning environments

Develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions both qualitatively and quantitatively

Develop their skills in reporting and presenting information clearly and logically in different formats

Develop their skills in communication, mathematics and the use of technology in scientific contexts.

Students study scientific knowledge in detail whilst developing the skills of scientific enquiry essential to these subjects. Experimental and investigative skills are still integral to the course, but are assessed through examination papers rather than coursework. All students begin their course by studying the three separate sciences. Each science subject is assessed by two 90 minute examinations consisting of both structured and open questions, each taken at the end of the course (a total of 6 papers). There are three assessment areas:

A01: recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding of each Science

42.5%

A02: apply skills, knowledge and understanding in practical and other contexts 35%

A03: analyse and evaluate evidence, make reasoned judgements and draw conclusions based on evidence

22.5%

Assessment profile: 100% Examination

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Enrichment Curriculum

Physical Education

Subject Leader: Miss Duncan All students take general PE with the aim of maintaining a basic level of health and fitness. The variety of available activities, both indoor and outdoor, increases in these two years. Students have the opportunity to develop their skills further in a variety of activities including trampolining, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, table tennis, badminton, self-defence, yoga, tennis, rounders and athletics. All students have the opportunity to take the Level 1 or Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership in Year 10.

Health and Social Education

Subject Leader: Mr Sullivan Health and Social Education encompasses a range of issues and how they affect individuals, human development and interactions. It includes an appreciation of these effects in different cultural settings and at different times. It also provides students with opportunities to inquire into physical, social and emotional health and intelligence; key aspects of human development that can lead to a complete and balanced lifestyle.

Through the area of Health and Social Education, students can identify and develop skills that will enable them to function as effective members of societies, as well as learning about how they are changing and how to make informed decisions that may relate to their welfare.

The aim is to develop in students a sense of responsibility for their own well-being and for their physical and social environment. Health and Social Education will be integrated into subject teaching within the normal curriculum as well as being a focus for development in Interdisciplinary Weeks.

Computer Technology

Subject Leader: Mr Owen

The development of computer technology has given rise to profound changes in society, transforming how we access and process information, how we communicate with others and how we work and solve problems.

All students learn Computer Technology to help them become skilful problem solvers, to appreciate the role of technology in everyday life and society and to respond critically and resourcefully to real-life challenges.

Students learn:

to apply practical and creative-thinking skills to solve problems in computer technology to explore the role of computer technology in both historical and contemporary contexts to develop awareness of their responsibilities as world citizens when using new

technologies

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Options Subjects

You choose four of these subjects

You must include one language (French, German, Latin or Spanish) You must choose a reserve subject

Computer Science IGCSE CIE

Subject Leader: Mr Owen Computer Science gives students an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Students learn what goes on “behind the scenes” to investigate computer programming. The course develops critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and applied in everyday life. The course will stimulate interest and engagement with technology and technology-related careers and provides good preparation for further study in the Sixth Form. This syllabus aims to encourage students to develop computational thinking, that is thinking about what can be computed and how, and includes consideration of the data required. Learning computational thinking involves learning to program and write computer code, because this is the means by which computational thinking is expressed. Paper 1: The Theory of Computer Science. Paper 2: Practical Problem Solving and Programming. Although assessment is by written papers, the learning is done in a mainly practical way: problem solving and programming. Questions will require the student to think, use knowledge with understanding and demonstrate understanding gained through practising practical skills. Questions will not revolve around pure recall. Assessment: 100% examination

Design & Technology: Product Design GCSE Edexcel

Subject Leader: Mr Owen The Design & Technology course prepares students to become product designers. Key to this is learning how products are designed and manufactured as well as experiencing this at first hand by designing and making things. Students start by making simple objects such as a push-along toy, but the products will become increasingly sophisticated as the course progresses. This year, students have designed and made MP3 docks and have even soldered their own circuits. Throughout the course students learn a number of different concepts by:

Examining the work of some of today’s leading product designers Visiting a modern manufacturing facility in the UK – the Mini factory is a possibility

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Learning new skills when designing and making a variety of products Disassembling products to find out how they have been made Discovering more about the materials used to make products and look at some of the

new and exciting SMART materials that are becoming available In Year 11, students complete an internally assessed coursework project, in which each student selects a suitable design brief and then designs, plans, makes and evaluates their own product.

There is also a written examination at the end of Year 11 in which students answer questions related to the coursework content. Assessment: 60% coursework; 40% examination

Design & Technology: Textiles GCSE AQA

Subject Leader: Mr Owen

In the first year, students will undertake a skills programme, covering research, sampling of decorative and construction techniques and learning about materials and components. The work will involve:

Presenting a wide range of design ideas

Designing and making a fashion item of clothing Researching techniques from around the world and producing a furnishing or accessory Learning about different fibres and fabrics Carrying out product analysis tasks Understanding industrial practice

A single design and make project will form 60% of the overall mark. This will be started in term 5 of Year 10 and completed by 31 March of Year 11. There is a written examination at the end of Year 11 that will examine design issues and students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject content of the specification. Assessment: 60% coursework; 40% examination

Drama IGCSE Cambridge

Subject Leader: Mr Vickers

Drama is a practical course which offers students the chance to understand and enjoy theatre by developing their performance skills, individually and in groups. Working on both scripted and devised material, students will also explore the ways in which ideas and feelings can be communicated to an audience as actors, designers and directors. The course is designed to support learners in becoming confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged individuals. The course is structured into 2 components: For Component 1, students sit a written exam based on practical work conducted in class in response to pre-release material. This consists of three stimuli (such as short titles, poems,

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pictures and songs) and an extended extract from a play. Before the exam, students work in groups of between two and six performers to devise and perform a piece of drama based on one of the stimuli, lasting no more than fifteen minutes. They also study the play extract in order to understand the text and explore the practical aspects of production. In the exam, students answer several short-answer questions on both the play extract and their chosen stimulus. They also answer one longer-answer question from a choice of three on the play extract and one longer-answer question from a choice of three on the drama they have devised from their chosen stimulus. Questions will cover a variety of aspects of acting, devising, directing and design. For Component 2, students submit a total of three pieces of practical work: one individual piece and two group pieces. The individual piece must be an extract from a play and must last between three and five minutes. One group piece must be an extract from a play and the other group piece must be an original devised piece. Each group piece must last no longer than 15 minutes. The prescribed group size is between two and six candidates. Candidates will be assessed individually on their practical understanding of repertoire, their ability to devise and reflect on performance material, their acting skills and ability to communicate effectively to an audience. Coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated. Assessment: 40% written exam; 60% coursework

French IGCSE CIE

Subject Leader: Mr Pennells French is spoken by over 120 million people in 40 countries. The course offers insights into the rich and varied culture of France and other Francophone (French-speaking) countries and communities. French is spoken at all times in the classroom and for everyday communication when working in pairs, groups and with the teacher. Students use a range of materials, through lively and practical activities and we encourage students to use French imaginatively and creatively as well as using ICT skills. The current coursebook is Edexcel Higher Level IGCSE French. The students also have the opportunity to communicate in French with students at our partner school ‘Lycée international de Ferney-Voltaire’; to take part in an educational visit to Paris and to take an active role clubs and language activities held within school.

Assessment: 100% examination Listening 25%; Reading and directed writing 25%; Speaking 25%; Continuous writing 25%

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Geography IGCSE AQA

Subject Leader: Mr Chadwick The course includes a balance of Physical and Human Geography. In Physical Geography, students learn about Tectonic Activity and Hazards, Ecosystems and Global Environments, River Processes and Pressures, and Coastal Processes and Pressures, focusing on physical processes, landforms and how people interact with and manage their natural environment. In Human Geography, students learn about Contemporary Population Issues, Contemporary Issues in Urban Settlements, Globalisation in the Contemporary World and Contemporary Issues in Tourism. The focus here is on contemporary and topic issues. Geographical skills are taught throughout the course and include map-work, satellite imaging and use of GIS as well as constructing, using and interpreting graphs, diagrams, maps and photographs. Fieldwork is an integral part of the course and during the course we undertake a minimum of three days of fieldwork, visiting The East Sussex Coast, Seven Sisters Country Park and Haysden Country Park. Geography is wide-ranging in nature and develops a very wide variety of skills as well as knowledge of the world in which we live. It is also a bridge between the Sciences and the Humanities and reinforces a range of skills learnt in other subjects.

Assessment: 100% examination

German IGCSE CIE

Subject Leader: Mr Ruge

German, alongside Russian, is the most widely spoken language in Europe, with well over 100 million native speakers. It also ranks among the 10 most important languages worldwide. A look at job advertisements shows that fluency in German is a much sought after skill in the U.K. With Germany’s influence within the U.K. economy growing, and less and less British school leavers speaking any German, an ability to do so can provide a crucial head start in one’s career. For confident linguists who relish a challenge this accelerated two year course aims at equipping our students with all the skills necessary to successfully pass the IGCSE exams, and opens up the opportunity to take the language all the way to IB. While not for the fainthearted, this two year immersion in spoken and written German will lay solid grammatical foundations, drawing on previous language learning experiences, and provide ample opportunity to develop oral as well as aural skills through role-play and the use of the target language in class. The current course book is Edexcel Higher Level GCSE German. Integral part of the course is the exciting opportunity to participate in an exchange with girls from our partner school, the St.-Ursula-Gymnasium in Freiburg (medieval university town in the South-West of Germany) towards the end of Year 10. In our experience, a week’s immersion in German family and school life, combined with visits and excursions, provides a

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considerable boost to our student’s linguistic confidence and fluency and sets them up beautifully for Y11 and the IGCSE. Often, lifelong friendships are forged which enrich our students’ lives and stand them in good stead for IGCSE and beyond.

Assessment: 100% examination Listening 25%; Reading and directed writing 25%; Speaking 25%; Continuous writing 25%

History IGCSE Edexcel

Subject Leader: Ms Anderson History is a key subject for the worlds of university study and employment, giving you essential skills such as in the analysis of varied types of information, the ability to summarise, the ability to present a coherent and articulate argument, and the ability to criticise thoughtfully the arguments of others. It opens up a wide range of career options, from politics to journalism, law to research because it equips you with the skills to succeed. The course chosen, and the options within it, is designed to give you the opportunity to explore a range of topics in history which are interesting and stimulating. You will explore some of the key periods, events and ideas of 20th century history from a British, a European and a world perspective. The course, and the teaching methods used, will provide excellent preparation for sixth form study of History and of related subjects. For IGCSE History, you will study:

The origins and course of the First World War, 1905-1918 (an historical investigation) Development of dictatorship: Germany, 1918-45 (a depth study) Dictatorship and Conflict in Russia, 1924-53 (a depth study) Conflict, Crisis and Change: China, c1911-c1989 (a breadth study in change)

Assessment: 100% Examination

Information and Communication Technology IGCSE CIE

Subject Leader: Mr Owen This is a course that is updated every year to reflect this constantly developing subject. It gives students the opportunity to develop lifelong skills including:

The ability to understand and implement new and emerging technologies. How to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems. Consideration of the impact which new technologies will have on ways of working and

the social, economic and ethical issues associated with them. Awareness of the ways ICT can help in practical and work-related scenarios.

The course builds upon work started in Years 7 to 9, developing students’ competencies and experiences of ICT. There are two modules which explore software applications as well as theoretical concepts which underpin the subject:

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Practical skills; two examinations that enable students to demonstrate their ability to use a range of software packages (web design, word processing, presentations, databases and spreadsheets) in practical and work-related contexts. Knowledge and understanding; an end of module examination in which students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the structure of ICT systems, the roles of these systems in organisations and their impact on society. Assessment: 60% practical examination; 40% written examination

Latin GCSE OCR

Subject Leader: Miss Johnson Latin involves a systematic study of the Latin language as well as reading selections of literature by Roman authors. A substantial proportion of the grammatical content will have been covered by the end of Year 9; in Year 10, therefore, students will soon begin to encounter unadapted Latin literature and start to discuss the style and content of what they have read. Previous literature selections have included Virgil’s account of Dido’s doomed love affair and subsequent suicide, Pliny’s letter describing the eruption of Vesuvius, Catullus’ love poetry, and the Druids’ practices of human sacrifice. There is also a short “background topic” which teaches candidates about the society of the Roman world and puts their language studies into context through the study of historical primary sources from ancient times. The examination consists of separate papers on language, literature and background. The Latin course provides students with a varied educational experience; the language elements of the course encourage clear thinking and logical problem-solving, the literature elements encourage interpretation and creativity, and the background topic encourages an enthusiasm for the personalities, ideas and achievements of the ancient world. Studying Latin creates a broader perspective on the cultural and linguistic heritage of Europe, and engenders a systematic approach to grammar and meaning in all languages, including English. It enables students to develop a deeper understanding of today’s issues through the discussion of ideas prevalent in classical times and their influence on modern civilisation. Latin is well-respected at university and beyond. Assessment: 100% examination 25% Language 1; 25% Language 2; 25% Verse Literature; 25% Sources for Latin

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Music GCSE Edexcel

Subject Leader: Mr Hayward Students are expected to perform on their instrument or sing, both as a soloist and in ensembles. They are also taught to develop composing techniques in a variety of styles. Over the two years, six to eight pieces will be composed. These will vary from music technology pieces to classically-influenced music and pop songs, experimental and world music. An anthology of set works are studied to develop listening skills for the examination in Year 11. There is a range of extension opportunities including choirs, orchestras and bands as well as links with other schools for music technology and performing. The school is proud to link with the London Chamber Orchestra for concerts, workshops and community events as part of the Music Junction project in 2014. Performing 30% (Controlled Assessment) There are opportunities for playing and singing. Students do need to be taking lessons for an instrument or for voice and are encouraged to join in relevant school music groups. Those students who have regular instrumental tuition will have a greater enjoyment of this subject. Composing 30% (Controlled Assessment) Two compositions (total about three minutes) will be submitted as coursework at the end of the course. Listening and Appraising 40% (Examination) Students explore a variety of styles of Western Classical Music, Twentieth Century Music, Pop Songs and World Music. There are questions about knowledge and understanding of these styles following the playing of musical extracts from the twelve set works. This is the only written exam in the course. This is a practical and varied course suiting all who like and enjoy music. Assessment: 60% controlled assessment; 40% examination

Physical Education GCSE AQA

Subject Leader: Miss Duncan Physical Education offers students the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sporting activities whilst developing an understanding of the benefits to living a healthy and active lifestyle. The course provides flexibility for all students as there are so many practical options. The course is divided into practical and theoretical units. In practical lessons students will participate, and be assessed, in a range of activities throughout the course. They are able to select from the following forms of participation: player/performer; organiser, leader/coach, choreographer or official. The final practical assessment will consist of their four highest assessment grades, which are submitted to the examination board as controlled assessments. The four activities must be chosen from at least

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two of the following groups: games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, lifesaving, outdoor and adventurous, fitness and health activities. In theory lessons the course includes a range of physiological, psychological and social and cultural aspects relating to participation in physical activity. Much of this theory is taught through practical lessons and projects. The written examination consists of three sections – multiple choice questions, short answer questions and extended answer questions and is taken at the end of Year 11. Assessment: 60% controlled assessment; 40% examination

Spanish IGCSE CIE

Subject Leader: Mrs Luco Spanish is spoken in 21 different countries and is the world’s third most widely spoken language after English and Mandarin. It is also increasingly important as a business language in many parts of the globe. By the end of the two-year course, IGCSE Spanish students will be able to communicate effectively in a wide range of practical situations in a Spanish-speaking country. Students will also gain an insight into everyday life in Spain and Latin-America. Furthermore, the course will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the contrasting cultures of the UK and the Spanish-speaking world. Students will sit examinations set by the Cambridge board. The four final exams are based on five topic areas: Everyday activities; Personal and social life; the world around us; the world of work; the international world. Students will be encouraged to learn independently. They will collaborate with the teaching staff in regular target-setting and will be continuously monitored against these targets. There will be minimal use of English in lessons and students will have the opportunity to further develop their oral skills in sessions with our Language Assistant. IGCSE Spanish students also have the opportunity to participate in an exchange visit to the Nueve Valles School in Cantabria, Spain. Assessment: 100% examination

Listening 25%; Reading and directed writing 25%; Speaking 25%; Continuous writing 25%

Visual Arts : Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE AQA

Acting Subject Leaders: Mr Williams/Mrs Close-Geer The Visual Arts course is designed to develop skills in personal artistic expression through the practical exploration of relevant media, techniques and processes. The course is comprised of four projects in total (3 coursework plus final examination) with each requiring the student to demonstrate their abilities by developing thoughtful and imaginative conclusions from research into various art forms, media and recorded ideas and observations. Students are expected to keep an A3 sketchbook as they develop and experiment and purchase an A1 portfolio for the safe storage of their work.

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Students opting for this course also have the opportunity of a residential visit to Paris at the end of Year 9 to give them a more purposeful start in Year 10. Those attending will explore this subject through studio-based workshops and visits to important and inspirational cultural sites. Assessment: 60% Controlled assessment; 40% Examination

Visual Arts: Photography GCSE AQA

Acting Subject Leaders: Mr Williams/Mrs Close-Geer

The course is designed for those who want to explore themes and ideas creatively and primarily through digital media. The course is comprised of four projects in total (three coursework plus final examination) with each requiring the student to demonstrate their abilities by developing thoughtful and imaginative conclusions from recording their ideas in mindmaps and moodboards, research into photographers/ artists and experimenting with other media and processes. In addition, students undertaking Photography should have an interest in the subject in its broadest sense as the study of Photographers’, artists’ and designers’ work is a key part of the course. Students are expected to keep an A3 sketchbook and to have an A1 portfolio for the safe storage of their work. Assessment: 60% controlled assessment; 40% examination