YEAR 8 HOI ES AVAILA LE Options guide – Pathway 1 2013 2014

YEAR 8 CHOICES AVAILABLE Options guide – Pathway 1 2013 - 2014

Cowley International College Year 8 Options Booklet 2013 - 2014 Page 2 of 23

CONTENTS Introduction to the Year 8 Options Booklet 3 Process of choosing Options 4 Questions I need to ask 5 Year 8 Options Programme 6 Career Connect 7 GCSE Optional Courses 9 BTEC Optional Courses 20 Checklist 23


INTRODUCTION TO THE YEAR 8 OPTIONS BOOKLET

This booklet is a guide to help you make the right decisions about the courses you choose to study over the

next 2-3 years. Do not forget you will have the opportunity to make a further choice during Year 9. There is a

lot of useful information that you will need throughout the process of choosing your options. The booklet is

divided up into four easy to use sections:

1. The white section of the booklet contains general information about the process of choosing options,

careers advice and activities.

2. The yellow section contains the GCSE subjects that are optional

3. The peach section contains information on vocational subjects that are optional

4. The lilac section contains a checklist to help you make your decisions

Remember to consider the following points when choosing your courses to study:

You would find the subject enjoyable and interesting

It is a subject (or related to a subject) that you are achieving your target in

It is a subject that you think you could do well in

You like the method of assessment and teaching

It is a subject that is related to a possible future career interest that you may have

GOOD CHOICES HELP YOU TO PROGRESS AND ACHIEVE

The courses available are matched to your ability and predicted grades. Your progress will be monitored

carefully through Years 9, 10 and 11 – the level or subject content may be changed to allow you to progress

and achieve.

Contact for further information

Head of Achievement – Mrs J Hughes

Learning Co-ordinator – Miss T Lawson

Curriculum Director – Mr M Irwin

Useful Link: www.connexionslive.com

Please keep this booklet in a safe place - you will only be given one booklet.

WARNING

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BEAR IN MIND THAT ALL COURSES LISTED IN THIS BOOKLET MAY NOT RUN.

AN OPTIONAL COURSE WILL ONLY RUN IF IT HAS SUFFICIENT STUDENT NUMBERS TO MAKE THE COURSE

VIABLE.


PROCESS OF CHOOSING OPTIONS

The process of choosing options to study in Year 9 is as follows:

STAGE 1

Students will be given the Option Blocks Pro-forma which will show the subjects that we might be able to

offer. They will then need to select a first and second choice for each block. The pro-forma will be given to

students on the week beginning 17th March 2014 in Tutorial time. This can then be taken home to discuss with

parents/carers, ready for the one-to-one interview that take place week beginning 31st March 2014.

STAGE 2

Monday, 31st March to Wednesday, 2nd April 2014 are the dates scheduled for students to make final choices

for the Year 9 subjects to be studied next year. Students and their parents/carers are invited to make an

appointment with the College to discuss the subjects available within each ‘Pathway’.

WARNING

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BEAR IN MIND THAT ALL COURSES LISTED IN THIS BOOKLET

MAY NOT RUN.

AN OPTIONAL COURSE WILL ONLY RUN IF IT HAS SUFFICIENT STUDENT NUMBERS

TO MAKE THE COURSE VIABLE.


QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK

Use this page to write down any questions you now need to ask after having read through the booklet:

My Questions How will I find this information?


COWLEY INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

YEAR 8 OPTIONS PROGRAMME 2014

EVENT DATE

Assembly - Year 8 Pathways Programme

Week beginning 24th February 2014

Workshops at lunchtime to research possible progression routes

Thursday, 27th February 2014

Taster lessons for existing KS3 subjects and new KS4 subjects

Week beginning 3rd March 2014

Distribution of Year 9 course booklet

Week beginning 3rd March 2014

Assembly - Introduction to Year 9 course booklet and new courses

Thursday, 6th March 2014

Year 8 Parents’ Evening and presentation for Year 9 courses and Pathways

Thursday, 13th March 2014

Deadline for return of Pathway 2 ‘Jobs For You’ proformas

Friday, 14th March 2014

Pathway 1 Option Blocks proforma distributed to students

Week beginning 17th March 2014

Assembly - Future Jobs with MFL

Week beginning 17th March 2014

Interviews for Year 9 pathways with students and parents

Week beginning 31st March 2014

Final deadline for Pathway 1 choices

Thursday, 3rd April 2014

Feedback to students and parents

Week beginning 2nd June 2014


CAREER CONNECT

Career Connect offers independent and impartial careers information, advice and guidance. At present, two

Careers Advisors work at Cowley.

All Year 8 students will have a classroom session with the Careers Advisors. Students can also visit the Careers

Office on Level 1 of East Wing if they require help with decision making about which courses to study.

SOME ADVICE FROM THE CAREERS ADVISERS AT COWLEY

The courses and subjects you decide to study in Years 9, 10 and 11 can affect what you do in the future, so choose your options with care.

Find out which subjects you will need. If you have a course or a job in mind, check out the ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. These are not always as obvious as you might think, so check carefully.

Some A level subjects cannot be taken unless you have achieved the required GCSE grade in those subjects. Other A level subjects don’t require you to have taken them at GCSE. Find out more about this by asking your teachers or looking at the Sixth Form Prospectus.

Taking a vocational course doesn’t mean that you are committing yourself to a particular type of job (just as taking History doesn’t mean that you are going to become a historian). It simply means that you have chosen one subject which is more about the world of work than traditional subjects.

Don’t forget how important modern foreign languages will be for jobs in the future. You are as likely (maybe even more likely) to travel abroad in your work if you are an engineer or scientist as you are if you work in the tourism industry!

It is never too early to start finding out about jobs and courses. If you can’t find the information you need ask

the Careers Advisers or use the Connexionslive website www.connexionslive.com. To have full access to the

site including the ‘Connected Portal’, you will need to create an account on the Home page (in order to do

this, you will need a ‘Connected Portal Access Code’ which is available from the Careers Advisors, Mr.Irwin, or

your Head of Achievement). Register with your school username and password so that you are less likely to

forget it in the future.

http://www.connexionslive.com/


OPTIONAL

COURSES



GCSE ART AND DESIGN CONTACT: MRS KAY

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a well-resourced, very high achieving department offering a wide range of opportunities to students of

all abilities who are willing to learn, research and develop as art creators.

This course develops art skills in painting, photography, ICT, printing, research, sculpture, relief, textiles,

ceramics and drawing. Students will also gather evidence to display in portfolios, sketchbooks, videos or

exhibitions. Students may have the opportunity to visit local and national galleries and produce a portfolio of

photography work to complement their Art work.

ASSESSMENT:

The course consists of 60% Coursework (Unit 1) and 40% Examination (Unit 2).

Coursework consists of three units to complete: two coursework projects plus a mock exam.

There are four Assessment Objectives:

Artist research and influence (research, inspiration and evaluation)

Techniques, processes and idea development – experimentation with materials, styles and techniques

Observational drawing and photography – methods of recording

Final piece – conclusion of investigations through the production of one piece of informed work.

Unit 1: Coursework (60%) is marked by teacher throughout the course and marks are assessed by the external

examiners at the end of the course.

Unit 2: The examination (40%) is externally set and consists of a specified preparation time and 10 hour exam

(split over 2 days).

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Students will develop:

Visual communication – looking, interpreting, visualising, recording.

Verbal communication – use of subject based terminology, evaluation, research and annotation

Practical abilities – drawing, technical drawing, painting, 3D making, exhibition of work, photography, ICT

image manipulation.

Research and idea development – artist reference and influence and consideration of various multicultural

faiths and histories.

PROGRESSION ROUTES AT COWLEY:

AS/A2 Level Art and Design, International Baccalaureate.

POSSIBLE CAREERS RELATED TO THIS SUBJECT:

Photography, illustration (books and magazines), animation (cartoons/films), teaching – nursery, primary and

secondary, architecture, interior design, theatre design and management, film and video production, product

design, graphic design, fashion/textile design and jewellery design, industrial design, ceramics, graphic

illustration/magazine layout.



GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE CONTACT: MR ALSTON

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course involves practical computer programming. Students will have to complete coding tasks in one of

three programming languages: Java, Python or a C-derived language.

Entry level requirements - Level 6 in Mathematics and ICT.

ASSESSMENT:

Written exam worth 75% and a 15-hour Controlled Assessment worth 25%. The written exam doesn’t just test

knowledge and understanding, it also tests the ability to apply programming and problem-solving skills.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Students will develop knowledge and an understanding of Computer Science and programming through the

application of computational thinking skills to analyse problems and design solutions.


BTEC National in ICT, BTEC Computer Games Development, AS/A Level ICT course, International Baccalaureate


Software engineering, computer games development, engineering and manufacturing, website development,

robotics and artificial intelligence, law, network and database management, data analyst.



GCSE GEOGRAPHY CONTACT: MS FRANCIS

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Geography will give you an understanding of aspects of life in the local region, the UK, Europe and the World.

It will help you to understand the world you live in and the cultures of other countries. Geography is regarded

highly by employers and universities. GCSE Geography students have achieved excellent grades over recent

years.

You will study for the AQA GCSE Geography specification A. You will develop your geographical skills and an

understanding of the world through the study of six topics. These are: earthquakes and volcanoes, ice, rocks,

population, cities and tourism. There are fieldtrips throughout the course.

ASSESSMENT:

Controlled assessment based on fieldwork – 25% of the final grade.

Examination – 75% of the final grade. Examinations in Year 11.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

ICT, map reading, collecting data, analysis of data, use of data, fieldwork, report writing, discussions


A Level Geography, International Baccalaureate

Due to its physical and human elements, Geography is considered as both a scientific and humanities subject

at university.


Advertising, banking, meteorology, architecture, law, sport and recreation, environmental health, tourism,

vulcanologist, conservation, civil engineering, town planning.



GCSE GRAPHIC PRODUCTS CONTACT: MISS HARVEY

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Graphic Products is a three year course based on interesting design briefs, examination and coursework.

In Year 9 and part of Year 10, students may complete projects such as movie marketing and corporate identity

for an airline. Halfway through Year 10 and throughout Year 11, students design and make a final project from

a list set by the exam board. This could include making point of sale displays, packaging and other promotional

materials for their chosen task, which could be related to a major sporting event or a school music band task.

ASSESSMENT:

60% Coursework (by February half term in Year 11) 25 – 30 pages of A3 (45 hours – 90 marks). Controlled

assessment

40% Examination (2 hours – 120 marks)

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Research and analysis

Ideas and drawing skills

Model making and evaluation

ICT/CAD CAM/Smart materials


AS/A2 Level Product Design


Designer, graphic designer, product development, product designer, production manager, commercial

illustrator, interior/exhibition designer, advertising person.



GCSE HISTORY CONTACT: MRS WILLIAMS

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Students will study the OCR Modern World GCSE History specification B. Students will develop their historical

skills and understanding of the Modern World during the twentieth century through the study of a number of

topics. These include the USA 1919-41, Nazi Germany and the Cold War.

ASSESSMENT:

Examination 75%, Controlled Assessment 25%.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Recall, selection and organization of knowledge

Use of historical sources

Comprehensive, analysis and evaluation


AS/A Level History, International Baccalaureate.


Entrance into occupations requiring analysis, interpretation and considering a range of views e.g. police force,

retail, administration, journalism, personnel, advertising, law and archeology.



GCSE ICT (SINGLE AWARD) CONTACT: MR ALSTON

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course covers two units of work:

UNIT 1: Living in a Digital World Students will learn about how digital technology is used in everyday life. Focusing on areas such as leisure, shopping, education, entertainment and health; students will consider how the use of technology has had a positive and negative affect on these areas. UNIT 2: Using Digital Tools This is a practical unit that will develop a range of practical skills using a variety of tools such as databases, spreadsheets, desk top publishing, website development, video editing, graphic design and animation.

ASSESSMENT:

UNIT 1: Living in a Digital World – an externally assessed unit of work in the form of one written paper.

Students will have 90 minutes to complete the paper. Weighting 40%

UNIT 2: Using Digital Tools – assessed through a ‘Controlled Assessment Brief’ (CAB). The brief is provided by

the exam board and students have a total of 40 hours to complete the brief. Weighting 60%

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Students will be required to develop a wide variety of ICT related skills including desk top publishing, graphic

design, spreadsheet modeling and database design to name just a few. Students will also develop basic

communication skills and an ability to write reports.


BTEC National in ICT, AS/A Level ICT course, International Baccalaureate


Graphic designer, web designer, computer games developer, computer programmer, systems analyst,

network technician, sound engineer, animation, accountant, manufacturing (CAD/ CAM), media production,

architecture.



GCSE PE / BTEC SPORT CONTACT: MR GORDON

MR POTTER

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is an opportunity for enthusiastic and keen Physical Education students to achieve a qualification in PE.

Students will be entered onto either the GCSE or BTEC course depending on suitability. Both have practical

and theory elements.

These courses are only suitable for students that have a keen interest in Physical Activity and Sport and have

demonstrated this through representing school teams, attending at least one extra-curricular club every week

and /or have an outstanding record of participation in PE and Games lessons.

ASSESSMENT:

GCSE PE- this course is based on 60% practical controlled assessments and 40 % theory (1 hour 15min

examination).

BTEC Sport - this course is based on 25% external examination and 75% coursework.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Coaching

Fitness testing

Dealing with injuries

Assessing risks

Performance analysis

Techniques and tactics in a wide range of team and individual sports.


AS/A Level PE, BTEC National Sport, BTEC National Public Services


PE Teachers, sports coaches, sports development officer, nutritionist, physiotherapist, sports journalist,

outdoor adventure leader, sports marketing/event management, armed forces.



GCSE SPANISH CONTACT: MISS HALE

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Being able to communicate in another language can open doors most would not think imaginable!

Spanish is becoming increasingly important as a global language, needed by business and commerce

throughout the world.

In Year 9, Spanish starts with booster units to prepare for GCSE. This leads to a course with external and

controlled assessments in Year 10 and 11.

ASSESSMENT:

External examinations in listening and reading, controlled assessments in writing and speaking.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Verbal/written, communication in a foreign language, greater cultural understanding, use of technology.


AS/A Level or International Baccalaureate.


Banking, commerce, tourism, leisure, teaching, law, industry, engineering, media.



GCSE TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY CONTACT: MRS CHAPMAN

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A three year course providing opportunities to produce Fashion/Textile products which are unique and

creative. This course gives students the opportunity to develop practical skills and the confidence to complete

design and make tasks.

A three year course providing students with ‘real life’ textile and design skills relevant to today’s environment.

Projects include:

Fashion shows, fashion design, interior design, decorative techniques, CAD/CAM and digital printing.

Halfway though Year 10 and throughout Year 11, students design and make a fashion/textile product chosen

from a list set by the exam board.

ASSESSMENT:

Coursework based on a 3 dimensional fashion/textile project and a design folder: 60% of total GCSE mark.

(controlled assessment)

Written examination: 40% of total GCSE mark.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Portfolio production

Designing and making skills

Problem solving

Working with others

Creative and decorative textile techniques


BTEC Level 3 Art and Design: Textiles


Fashion designer, textile designer, costume designer, fashion buyer, quality control in the fashion industry.



GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY RESISTANT MATERIALS

CONTACT: MR PURCELL

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course builds on the knowledge and understanding you have developed in design and technology from

KS3.

This three year course will involve the design and production of a number of products using wood, metal and

plastic. These projects are aimed at preparing students for the design and production of a major project

halfway through Year 10 and throughout Year 11. The major project allows students to design and make a

product that will satisfy the specification of a set of design briefs set by the exam board, e.g. modern tables,

iPod docks or garden furniture

Students also sit an examination at the end of the course.

ASSESSMENT:

Major project (controlled assessment) – This requires students to design and make a product that satisfies a

specific problem and is worth 60% of the total marks available. It should take 45 hours to design and make the

task, using no more than 20 sheets of A3.

Examination – This tests a student’s knowledge and understanding of resistant materials and is worth 40% of

the total marks available and will last 2 hours.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Students will develop confidence in the design and making of products that satisfy a specific problem.

Design skills are developed in the form of sketches, isometric, orthographic and 3D modelling.

Practical skills are developed through the realisation of practical assignments.


AS/A Level Design and Technology: Product Design.


Carpenter, joiner, shop fitter, engineering technician, metal engineer and electrician.



GCSE TRIPLE SCIENCE CONTACT: MR GRIMSHAW

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a three year course with exams in Year 10 and 11. This course leads to three separate GCSEs in Core

Science, Additional Science and Further Additional Science. Students will complete practical assessments and

theory work.

The entry requirements for this course are:

Consistently reaching level 6 in KS3 science assessments

A record showing that homework and class work is completed consistently

Good or excellent for effort on the OMR grades

ASSESSMENT:

Each GCSE has:

Three Units (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) assessed by three examinations at the end of Year 10

and Year 11

Assessed practical work during the course (ISA’s).

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Practical skills, independent learning, ICT Skills


AS/A-Level sciences in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, International Baccalaureate.


Engineering e.g. chemical, electrical, mechanical, civil. Medicine e.g. doctor, optician, biomedical scientist, nurse, paramedic. Dentistry e.g. dentist, orthodontist, dental hygienist, dental technician. Pharmacy e.g. pharmacist, dispenser, research scientist. Veterinary sciences e.g. zoologist, vet, surgeon, veterinary nurse.



BTEC ENGINEERING CONTACT: MR PURCELL

MISS HARVEY

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

BTEC Engineering is a vocational course consisting of three units of work that cover health and safety,

understanding machinery and selecting materials. Students may have the opportunity to visit various

manufacturing plants e.g. Land Rover/Jaguar.

ASSESSMENT:

All units are assessed in college with one unit externally moderated. Grades are Pass, Merit, Distinction and

Distinction *

There is an external assessment set by the exam board that will be assessed by Edexcel.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

You will learn to use a wide range of tools, machinery and equipment. This is done through high quality

practical projects and written assignments.


A Level Design Technology

BTEC Level 3 Engineering


Manufacturing and industry e.g. production worker, quality control inspector, craft machinists and machine

operator. Engineer e.g. mechanical, chemical, electronics, and civil engineering.



BTEC LEVEL 2 FIRST AWARD IN HOSPITALITY

CONTACT: MISS MASON

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a three year course covering various aspects of hospitality such as preparing, cooking and finishing

dishes, the hospitality industry, customer service, food safety and healthy lifestyles, as well as planning and

producing meals and serving food and drink at events. Students may have the opportunity to visit food

outlets, hotels, leisure facilities and tourist attractions, as well as working with professionals from the industry.

Successful students will achieve a BTEC Level II first award in Hospitality. This is the equivalent to a single

GCSE.

ASSESSMENT:

75% coursework assessed and a single, externally assessed examination, contributing to 25% of overall grade.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Practical skills developed through food preparation, cooking and finishing dishes. Independent research,

including use of the internet, hospitality data, industry magazines, interviewing, experiments, surveys and

visiting speakers. ICT, literacy, numeracy skills and communication skills (written and verbal). Work related

skills, for example: using initiative, organization, timekeeping, customer service etc.


Level 3 courses in: Food Science and Nutrition, Hospitality, Health and Social Care, Travel and Tourism.


The hospitality industry is one of the largest employers in Britain. Jobs include working as chefs, of course, but

also in reception, administration, customer services in the food and drink and accommodation sectors.



BTEC PERFORMING ARTS CONTACT: MR CHAMBERS

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Performing Arts course allows students to develop their interest and skills mainly in the area of Music.

Students will complete 3 units.

Unit 1 – Music Performance Skills Develop skills on a musical instrument or voice and present various performances as part of a band. Unit 2 - Preparation, Production, Performance Take part in the organisation and delivery of a live performance event of your choice. Unit 3 – Individual Showcase Perform a solo piece for camera that shows off individual skills as a musician, actor or dancer.

ASSESSMENT:

Units 1 and 2 are assessed by your teacher and verified both internally and externally. Unit 3 is externally

assessed. There is very little written work, and assessments of performances, rehearsals and practice sessions

make up your assessment portfolio.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Ability to play an instrument or sing either solo or as part of a group

How to plan , rehearse and perform in a performing event

You will also develop confidence, presentation, organisational and creative skills


BTEC Level 3 Diplomas in either Music, Acting and Dance.


Acting, music, media, TV, sound recording, lighting technician, journalism, arts administration, education,

theatre management.

The skills developed in Performing Arts also benefit members of other professions such as teachers, lawyers

and managers who regularly have to demonstrate confidence and creativity when speaking in front of others,

giving presentations or solving problems.


CHECKLIST

MAKING YOUR DECISIONS

Use this 8 point checklist - tick the box when you have done each of the following

I have read this course booklet carefully.

I have asked my subject teachers to fully explain what I will do in Year 9, 10 and 11.

I have discussed with my subject teacher how much coursework and how many examinations I must complete.

I have talked to my Head of Achievement and/or Form Tutor for advice and suggestions.

I have discussed my interests and choices with parents / carers.

I have talked to the Careers Advisers/researched some careers online using www.connexionslive.com (or other careers websites)

I have researched information about my progression route.

I have chosen subjects that I enjoy and have been successful in during Year 7 and Year 8.

http://www.connexionslive.com/

Documents

YEAR 8 HOI ES AVAILA LE Options guide – Pathway 1 2013 2014