PAIGNTON COMMUNITY & SPORTS ACADEMY

Year 8 Options Book

Options EveningTuesday 19th April 2016

4pm - 7pm Waterleat Road Hall

Guidance for Year 8 Pupils

This book is to help you and your parents choose the best subjects to study in Years 9, 10 and 11. It details the necessary information to help you make the best choices.

It is important that you make the right choices and to help you to do this the Academy has organised:

• An Options Evening - on Tuesday 19th April 2016, in the Hall at our Waterleat Road Centre. At this event you will be able to get more detailed information on each subject available.

You need to ask yourself some of the following questions before making your choices and think about what is best for you.

• What are my best subjects?

• What subjects do I enjoy most of all?

• What do I need to take if I have a particular 6th Form course or career in mind?

• What do my teachers think I am best at?

If you plan ahead and discuss your choices with your parents and teachers you should enjoy all your courses in Years 9, 10 and 11 and succeed in your studies.

All the staff at the Academy will be happy to help you with your OptionchoicesandIhopeyoufindtheiradviceandthisbookhelpful.

GUIDA

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E FOR PUPILS

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Guidance for Parents

What are the choices to be made?The table on page 3/4 shows how the Year 9 curriculum at Paignton Community & Sports Academy is built.

Details of Option choices are on page 4 and the largest part of this book is devoted to describing what each of these courses involves. More detailed information on each subject will be provided to students and parents attending the Options Evening on Tuesday 19th April 2016, which will be held at our Waterleat Road Centre in the Hall.If you have any queries regarding the Options process please feel free to contact me at the Academy and I look forward to meeting you at our Options Evening in April.

Mr M Smith Deputy Principal Borough Road Centre

PCSA Year 9 Core Curriculum 2016-2017

Subject time (per week)Subject Time (per week)English 4 HoursMathematics 4 HoursScience 4 HoursPhysical Education 2 HoursEthics 1 Hours5 Option Choices 2 Hours Each

GUI

DAN

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FOR

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PCSA Year 9 Options 2016-2017

At least one option from the following is mandatory:(Students may select more than one)

Computer Science

French Geography History

Remainder of options from the following:

Subject Qualification awarded if studied for 3 years

Art & Design GCSE

Computer Science GCSE

Dance BTEC

Drama GCSE

Engineering BTEC

Food & Nutrition GCSE

French GCSE

Geography GCSE

History GCSE

Information & Creative Technology BTEC

Music BTEC

Sport BTEC

Textiles GCSE

CURRIC

ULUM 2016-2017

4

Computing Science

Computinghasbeen identifiedasanareawhere there is anationalskillsshortage.Thisqualificationwillprovidestudentswith these valued skills to prepare them for higher education and employment.

The principle aims:Students will study a theory based unit and will cover computer componentry as well as considering computer networks and security systems.

Mr D Lewis Head of ICT and Computer Science

CO

MPU

TING

5

French

There are over 1700 French companies in the UK and 75% of UK companies want to employ people with a language qualification. On average employees who have a foreignlanguage can earn 8% more in the workplace. Gary Linekar, who ended up playing for Barcelona and Nogoya, said: “My wife and I spent hours in tuition yet we could have learned either language at school. Modern languages prepare you for modern life.”

The principle aims:• Learn and understand the French language in both verbal

and written context.• Develop students communication and presentation skills.• Learn and develop problem-solving skills.• Students will develop organisational skills and independence.

Mrs J A Browning Head of Modern Languages

FRENC

H

6

Geography

This course has been designed by a team of Geographers to help interested students explore and understand the world around them. It is a course for students of all abilities to look at issues and problems which arise when people misuse their environment.

The principle aims:• Students will learn and develop their knowledge of physical

Geography covering topics such as: Rivers and Coasts, Natural Hazards, Ecosystems and Climate Change

• Students will learn and develop their knowledge of human Geography covering topics such as: Population, Urban Issues and Economic Development.

• Students will learn and develop their Geographical skills by studying a range of style of maps and graphs and through the interpretation of geographical data. Students will have practicalexperienceoffieldworktechniques.

Mrs B Mantell Head of Geography

GEO

GRA

PHY

7

History

History brings fun, mystery and challenge into the classroom. Students will learn marvellous tales of some of the most colourful, curious and fascinating people from past societies. Weaimtodeliveractiveandinterestinglessonsthatfiretheircuriosity, develop thinking and communication skills. History will help students to appreciate their own potential to lead a creative and inspirational life. History will provide you with a solid foundation for further study or employment such as working in law, media, tourism and education.

“History is made up of people. When you understand people, you can live a full life.” Charles Miller Smith, Chair of ICI.The principle aims:Students will…• Learn about The American West, 1789 – 1900.• Have an understanding of Crime and Punishment through

time.• Gain depth and insight into the Elizabethan period.• Acquire knowledge of life in Germany under Nazi rule,

1933-1945.• Alsotakepartinafieldtriptoalocalhistoricalsite.

Mr N Williams Head of History

HISTORY

8

Art & Design

Art & Design is the fastest increasing industry in the World. Creative Industries are worth £8 million an hour to the UK Economy. Everything has been designed by an Art & Design specialist, from magazines to websites, architecture to computer games and every aspect of the Fashion Industry. Art & Design is an exciting and innovative course that will prepare you for working within the World of Art & Design.

The principle aims:• Students will be working in sketchbooks for their preparatory

studies and development of ideas.• Theywillproducefinaloutcomesatalargerscale.• Students will encompass art, craft and design• Students will explore a range of 2 or 3 dimensional

approaches to their studies.

Miss K Julian Head of Art & DesignMiss S Parsons Teacher of Art

ART

& D

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9

Drama

It is important for students to experience a wide range of theatre styles and genres during their course. Each term a theatre trip will be offered to see a live production.

The principal aims:• Developing time management skills• Planning and researching written and practical work• Articulating knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts

and theories• Leadingandparticipatingindiscussionsandhavingconfidence

in your own opinions• Working with others when presenting ideas, information and

practical work• Effectively conveying arguments, opinions and encouraging

independent and creative thought• Having tolerance of others’ opinions and ideas• Working towards a solution using negotiation skills• Using judgement when weighing up different options and

alternative perspectives• Developing skills in critical reasoning and analysis• Conveying meaning precisely and picking out the essential

points from text• Confidencewhenspeakinginpublic• Presenting skills and interview techniques

Mrs S DaleHead of Creative Arts

DRAM

A

10

Food Preparation & Nutrition

This exciting course is ideal for students seeking to start or explore a career in a food based environment. It will cover many topics that are current in today’s society such as nutrition and health eating.

The principle aims:• Demonstrate effective and safe cooking skills different cooking

techniques and equipment• Develop knowledge and understanding of the functional

properties and chemical characteristics of food as well as a sound knowledge of the nutritional content of food and drinks

• Understand the relationship between diet, nutrition and health, including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health

• Understand the economic, environmental, ethical and socio-culturalinfluencesonfoodavailability,productionprocesses,dietand health choices

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of nutrition and microbiological food safety when preparing, processing, storing, cooking and serving food

• Understand and explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions to inspire new ideas or modify existing recipes.

Mrs L IgoeHead of Food

FOO

D &

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11

Design Technology: Textiles

Textiles are an essential part of our lives. We use them, wear them and cannot exist without them. Textiles designers are inventing new and exciting textiles for the modern world. They are using new technologies to create textiles that change shape, colour, temperature and even digital images. If you are interested in exploring new ideas in textiles design, this is the course for you.

The principle aims:• Fashion and theatre costume design.• Manufacture of a textile product.• Understanding and developing creative techniques.• Influenceofculturaltraditions,contemporaryandhistorical

artists and designers.• Design skills: drawing, sampling and fabric experiments and

Computer Aided Design (CAD).• Techniques covered: dyeing, weaving, printing, appliqué,

quilting, machine and hand embroidery, fabric painting, garment design and making.

• Fashion photography and illustration.

Ms F Pursell Head of Textiles

TEXTILES

12

Dance

This course helps support careers in childcare, teaching, public relations, customer service, care and other avenues.

The principle aims:To develop your versatility as a dancer. You will be encouraged to develop your physical skills to help you become a stronger andmoreflexibledancer.

Mrs E Waldock Head of Dance

DAN

CE

13

Engineering Studies

ENGINEERING STUDIES This qualification is designed for learners with an interest inengineering. It will provide learners with experience of using different tools and materials to enable them to use these within further education or apprenticeships. It will give them a basic understanding of what engineering may involve.

The principle aims:• To introduce the learner to engineering in the industry and

the wider community. • To introduce learners to engineering drawing and how

to use measurements, scale and proportion. Learners will demonstrate their ability to apply this to 2D and 3D engineering drawings.

• To introduce learners to the common tools and equipment used in an engineering environment. Learners will be able to handle tools in a correct and safe manner, and how to demonstratesufficientmaintenancetechniques.

• To introduce the learners to engineering materials and their properties. They will learn about the suitability of the materials foraspecifiedtaskandtheprocessesofmanufacturing.

Mr M McKenna Head of Enterprise Education

ENG

INEERIN

G STUDIES

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Music

This course will allow the student to gain a good understanding of the scope of the music industry. They will investigate music organisations tofindoutabouttheworktheydoandhowtheyrelatetoandrelyononeanother.Studentswillalsobegiventheopportunitytofindoutabout the people who work in these organisations, from performers to people who work in technical, production and administrative roles.

The principle aims:Students will discover a range of compositional techniques and produce contrasting musical ideas to develop your compositional expertise.

Mr J Heard Head of Music

MUS

IC

15

INFORMATION & CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Students can select to study a range of different IT areas to satisfy their interests and subject preferences with each unit of study allowing for pupils to specialise and harness their skills.

The principle aims:Develop

• Digital Audio• Website Development• Spreadsheet Development• Digital Animation

Mr D Lewis Head of ICT and Computer Science

ICT

16

Sport

This course has become increasingly popular and effective. It engages young students in taking responsibility for their own learning and develop essential work-related skills, such as working to deadlines and presenting information effectively.

The principle aims:Develop

• Health and Fitness for Sport and Exercise • Practical Sports Performance• The Sports Performer in Action• Leading Sports Activities

Mr M Godfree Director of Physical Education

SPO

RT

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Paignton Community & Sports Academy01803 403005

Important information:This book was correct at the time of print. On occasion subjects/courses may change as we are continuing to improve in line with the qualification units and specification.

“When you make your choice,you change your future.”