CONTENTS Core Curriculum Page 3 Page 4-5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8
English Language English Literature Mathematics Combined Science Trilogy Core PE/PSHE/RS
Block A Page 9 Page 10
Geography History
Block B Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14
Enterprise and Marketing Child Development Creative iMedia 3D Design
Block C Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20
Music Performing Arts (Drama) ICT Enterprise and Marketing Sports Science Sociology
Block D Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26
Food & Catering Photography 3D Design Art Computer Science Psychology
Page 27
Notes
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English Language Exam Board and Specification AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in English Language Main Course Content This course allows students to study English Language in the written and spoken form. Students complete a variety of tasks that enable them to explore and examine the effects of English Language within texts and communication. The texts will range from the 19th to the 21st century covering various genres and types. These texts will include literature and extended literary non-fiction, and other writings such as essays, reviews and journalism (both online and print). Students will complete these studies through reading, writing and spoken language external examinations. Students will also be required to take a GCSE in English Literature. Assessment Methods Examination (100%) Students will sit two separate examinations: 
Component 1 (50%): Either 20th or 21st Century Literature reading and creative prose writing. (1 hour 45 minutes)

Component 2 (50%): 19th and 21st Century non-fiction reading and writing for a particular viewpoint. (1 hour 45 minutes)
Recommended Resources New GCSE English Language AQA Revision Guide - for the Grade 9-1 Course ISBN-13: 978-1782944140 Additional Support Revision sessions are available at the end of the Academy day on Thursdays. Students and staff arrange these when necessary. Sessions during holidays are also arranged at the discretion of the teaching staff. Further Study/Career Pathways GCSE English Language qualifications are often an essential requirement for Post 16 education, apprenticeships and the majority of school leaver jobs.
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English Literature Exam Board and Specification AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in English Literature Main Course Content This course allows students to study English Literature at an in-depth level, developing their knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. Students will be expected to read widely for pleasure across a range of text genres (prose, poetry and drama), developing an understanding of how literature is both rich and influential. Students will be required to study one Shakespearian play in detail along with a 19th Century and post 1914 drama or prose text. In addition, they will study poetry from 1789 to the present day.
This course is both challenging and enjoyable. Students will not have access to the texts they study in their examinations; a need for an in-depth understanding/knowledge of their texts is a necessity to succeed. Students will also be required to take a GCSE in English Language. Assessment Methods Examination (100%) Students will sit two separate examinations: Component 1. 1 hour 45 minutes. (40%):
Shakespeare (section a): One extract question based on a text they have studied, followed by an essay question. Students will not be permitted to have access to the texts in the examination.
The 19th Century novel (section b): students will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole
Component 2. 2 hours 15 minutes. (60%):
Modern texts (section a): students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text.
Poetry (section b): students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster.
Unseen poetry (section c): Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.
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English Literature continued Recommended Resources All students will be studying the following texts.
Macbeth
Blood Brothers OR An Inspector Calls
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde OR A Christmas Carol
Students will have access to these texts during their lessons; however they are not allowed to leave the classroom. We recommend that students purchase their own copy of the texts to help aid with revision outside of the classroom. (Note: Individual class teachers will decide whether students study ‘Blood Brothers or ‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ or ‘A Christmas Carol’. It would be advised to wait until students know their individual class teacher and that teacher has informed them of what text they will be studying, before you decide to buy a copy.) If you wish to purchase any texts, Amazon or Waterstones are popular stores that might hold copies. Revision guides for all texts are also available online. Additional Support Revision sessions are arranged for the end of the Academy day on Thursdays. Students and staff arrange these when necessary. Sessions during holidays are also arranged at the discretion of the teaching staff. Additional Resources A Christmas Carol text ISBN 9780141324524 and CGP revision guide ISBN 9781782943099 Dr Jekyll text and CGP revision guide ISBN 9781782943082 Blood Brothers text ISBN9780413695109 and CGP revision guide ISBN 9781782943112 An Inspector Calls text ISBN 978014118534 and CGP revision guide ISBN9781841461151 Macbeth text ISBN 9781841461205 and CGP revision guide ISBN 9781841461168 AQA Love and Relationships poetry CGP revision guide ISBN 9781782943624 Further Study/Career Pathways GCSE English Literature qualifications are often an essential requirement for Post 16 education, apprenticeships and the majority of school leaver jobs.
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Mathematics Exam Board and Specification: Pearson EdExcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics Main course content The aims and objectives of the Mathematics course offered are to:
Develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems
Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions
Comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.
Assessment Methods Examination (100%)
Students will sit three equally-weighted written examination papers at either Foundation or Higher tier. The first paper will be a non-calculator paper and the other two will allow the use of a calculator.
Recommended Resources
A scientific calculator (Casio fx-83) is recommended for GCSE mathematics lessons.
A revision guide (sold by the Academy for £2.50).
Additional Support Students can access online lessons via www.MyMaths.co.uk and video tutorials are also available on the Academy’s VLE. Further Study/Career Pathways GCSE Mathematics prepares students for further study of mathematics at A level. GCSE Mathematics is a requirement for progression to a wide range of post 16 courses. Students are expected to continue with their study of GCSE Mathematics after the age of 16 if they do not achieve the required level at GCSE.
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Combined Science Trilogy Exam Board and Specification: AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Combined Science: Trilogy Main Course Content This course covers the three areas of Physics, Biology and Chemistry. The Physics course consists of: Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetisms and Electromagnetism, Particle Model of Matter and Atomic Structure. The Biology course consists of: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and Response, Ecology, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution. The Chemistry course consists of: Atomic structure, Bonding, Structures and the properties of matter, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes, Energy Changes, The Rate and Extent of chemical change, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry and the Atmosphere and Using Resources. More able students will be given the opportunity to extend their learning in the subject by completing extension work and being entered for the Triple Award Science exam. This will lead to students achieving a separate GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Assessment Methods Examination (100%) There will be two examinations for each of the three subject areas. Each examination will be 1 hour 15 minutes. Additional Support Students are strongly encouraged to purchase revision guides available through the Science Department at a cost of ÂŁ2.50 each. Further Study/Career Pathways
Many employers and colleges prefer students to have qualifications in Science as it demonstrates that the students have an understanding of the world around them.
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Core PE/PSHE/RS Core PE All students will take part in core PE which will develop their physical competence in a range of activities. Students will also improve their knowledge and understanding of the rules within the activities studied. There is no examination. Examples of activities offered:
Football
Basketball
Volleyball
Netball
Fitness
Cricket
Badminton
Handball
Rounders
Core PSHE/RS All students will take part in core PSHE/RS. This subject will develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for work and life in modern Britain. Our programme of study aims to develop skills such as resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, team working and critical thinking in the context of learning grouped into three core themes: health and wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world (including economic wellbeing and aspects of careers education). There is no examination.
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Geography Exam Board and Specification: WJEC Eduqas Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Geography B Main course content Over two years students study topics split into three themes: Theme
Key Ideas
1: Changing Places - Changing Economies
1. Urbanisation in contrasting global cities. 2. Urban and rural processes and change in the UK. 3. A global perspective on development issues.
2: Changing Environments
1. Shaping the landscape - coasts and coastal management. 2. Shaping the landscape - rivers and river management. 3. Weather and climate. 4. Climate change - cause and effect.
3: Environmental Challenges
1. How ecosystems function. 2. Ecosystems under threat. 3. Water resources and management. 4. Desertification.
Assessment Methods – Examination. Paper 1: Investigating Geographical Issues (40%) 1 hour 45 minutes. Paper 2: Problem Solving Geography (30%) 1 hour 30 minutes. Paper 3: Applied Fieldwork Enquiry (30%) 1 hour 30 minutes. Additional Support Revision guides are made available to students to support exam preparation. Details of the specification can be obtained from the following website: http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/geography/gcse-b/ Further Study/Career Pathways GCE A Level courses in Geography, Environmental Studies or Geology. Geography works well alongside A Level subjects such as Sociology, Law, Mathematics, Citizenship, and Environmental Science. Geography can be useful in many careers such as: Leisure, Tourism, Travel, Business, Finance, Television, Journalism, Retail management, Geology, Telecommunications, Social work, Law, Meteorology, Landscape architecture, Regeneration, Environmental research and Exploration.
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History Exam Board and Specification: AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in History Main Course Content Paper 1 – USA 1920-1973 Opportunity and Inequality with Conflict and Tension 1919-1939 Paper 2 – Health and the People c.1000-present day with Norman England 1066-1100 Assessment Methods The assessment is two external examinations at the end of Year 11, both of which are 1 hour and 45 minutes. Recommended Resources All recommended textbooks and resources are supplied for students. Details of the specification http:// www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/gcse/history-8145 Additional Support Revision Guides are created and supplied to all GCSE History students in preparation for the examinations. Further Study/Career Pathways Careers for people with History qualifications include: Teacher Lecturer Journalist Politician Customer service clerk Researcher (TV, etc.) Community support worker Office manager Account executive
Doctor Lawyer Cashier Public services Armed forces Tour guides Librarian
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Shop/Hotel manager Financial and business Entrepreneurs Museum Curator TV Presenter Writer Managing Director
Enterprise and Marketing Exam Board and Specification: OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Enterprise and Marketing. You CANNOT choose BOTH Enterprise and marketing from Block B and from Block C Main Course Content R064: Enterprise and Marketing Concepts By completing this unit, learners will understand the main activities that will need to happen to support a start -up business and what the key factors are to consider when starting up a business. Learners will understand how and why customer segmentation is used and how to target a customer market. They will also develop an understanding of how to attract and retain customers, the techniques to use when developing products and how to investigate what makes a product viable. R065: Design a Business Proposal This unit will provide learners with the skills and knowledge to design a product proposal to meet a business challenge scenario. Learners will be able to identify a customer profile for their own product design, develop market research tools and use these to complete market research for their product. Learners will use their research outcomes to generate product design ideas, assess their strengths and weaknesses and work collaboratively with peers to gain feedback to inform final design decisions. Learners will complete financial calculations to select a pricing strategy and determine whether their proposal is viable. R066: Market and Pitch a Business Proposal This unit will provide learners with the skills and knowledge to create a brand identity and promotional plan for their product proposal, developed in Unit R065. They will be able to pitch their product proposal to an external audience after completing a practice pitch, and complete a review of both their pitching skills and product proposal, using their learning from this qualification, self-assessment and feedback generated. Assessment Methods R064: Enterprise and Marketing Concepts – Written Paper – 50% R065: Design a Business Proposal – Controlled Assessment – 25% R066: Market and Pitch a Business Proposal – Controlled Assessment – 25% Recommended Resources There is a full range of support material designed to support this qualification. This includes: Sample assessment materials; chief Examiner reports from the OCR website – www.ocr.org.uk
Additional Support Extra curricula support sessions are available at lunchtime and at the end of the Academy day. Resources will be uploaded to the Academy VLE for the students to access to assist with learning at home. Further study/ Career Pathways A Level Business Studies, Accountancy and Economics.
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Child Development Exam Board and Specification: OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Child Development Main Course Content All students will learn the essential knowledge and understanding for child development, covering reproduction, parental responsibility, antenatal care, birth, postnatal checks, care, conditions for development, childhood illnesses and child safety. Students will gain knowledge of the equipment needs of babies and young children and an understanding of the factors to be considered when choosing appropriate equipment to meet all these needs. They will also gain knowledge of nutrition and hygiene practices and will be given the opportunity to evaluate dietary choices. Students will gain knowledge of, and skills in, developing activities to observe development norms in children up to the age of five. Students will research, plan and carry out activities with children and make observations of their development. Assessment Methods 50% Examination. Health and well-being for Child Development 50% Controlled Assessment: Split into 2 units worth 25% each Understanding the equipment and nutritional needs of children from birth to five years Understanding the development of a child from birth to five years
Recommended Resources Recommended Resources: Specifications and example assessment materials can be found on the website: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/vocational-education-and-skills/cambridge-nationals-childdevelopment-level-1-2-j818/ Additional Support Access to observe a child under 5 would be beneficial to the controlled assessment tasks. This could be a younger sibling, relative, friend of the family. Further Study/Career Pathways Cambridge Nationals provide a strong progression to Further Education. College courses include: Childcare, health and social care, early years education – both BTEC and level 1/2 This is an ideal course for anyone considering a job in early years’ childcare, nursery teaching, nursing, social working.
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Creative iMedia Exam Board and Specification: OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia Main Course Content Creative iMedia lets learners gain knowledge in a number of key areas in the media field, from preproduction skills to digital animation, and offers a hands-on approach to learning. The Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia will also provide opportunities to develop useful transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. Assessment Methods Examination (25%) There is a 1hr 15minute examination at the end of the course. Centre Assessed Tasks (75%) There are 3 centre assessed tasks that are moderated by OCR Recommended Resources For further information see: http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/350596-parents-and-students-guide.pdf http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/creative-imedia-level-1-2-award-certificate-j807-j817/ Additional Support Individual support and mentoring sessions may also be arranged to provide student support. Further Study/Career Pathways OCR Cambridge Technicals Qualifications Related careers include web developer, games designer, network administrator, software architect.
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Design: 3D Design Exam Board and Specification AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Art and Design (Three-Dimensional Design)  
You CANNOT choose BOTH 3D Design from Block B and from Block D You CANNOT choose BOTH 3D Design from Block B and Art from Block D
Main Course Content 3D Design is ideal for students who are interested in the ways in which products are designed for the public. The course enables students to generate creative and original work from a range of set design problems. Ideas can be realised in three dimensions using a wide range of materials and processes. Assessment Methods Coursework (60%) Students will have nine weeks to create four design sheets and then two five hour days to create their final piece/s. Examination (40%) Students will complete three coursework projects exploring Product Design and Interior Design. The projects will be presented as a portfolio at the end of the course and marked alongside the exam.
Recommended Resources The following software packages: Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements Suitable reference books include: Graphic Design Pocket Essential, 20th Century Design and The Graphic Design Cookbook. Additional Support Each student will receive a copy of the course handbook and will have access to an extensive range of resources and help sheets. All students are encouraged to attend additional sessions at the end of every Academy day. Further Study/Career Pathways Stourbridge and Dudley both have new Art Schools which offer a range of Post 16 courses. The course can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries, such as advertising, product design, artist, education, graphic design and fashion.
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Music Exam Board and Specification: Pearson EdExcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Music Main course content Unit 1: Performing Students rehearse and perform one solo and one ensemble performance on an instrument of their choice or using music technology. Unit 2: Composing Students compose two pieces of music, one in a style of their choice and another based on a given genre. Unit 3: Listening and Appraising
Students study twelve pieces of music from four different periods in history. Assessment Methods Examination (40%) This is a one hour and thirty minute listening and appraising exam at the end of course. Controlled Assessment (60%) Two performances and two compositions completed throughout the course conducted under controlled conditions. Recommended Resources www.edexcel.com http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/ Additional Support GCSE students have access to the Music room at break time, lunch time and at the end of the Academy day, where they can rehearse performances or discover areas of Music Theory. Further Study/Career Pathways A Level/ BTEC in Music or Music Technology Employment opportunities include: Sound Engineering, Live Performance, Stage Crew, creating music for video games and television, Song Writing, Retail and Music Journalism.
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Performing Arts (Drama) Exam Board and Specification Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts Main Course Content COMPONENT 1: Exploring the Performing Arts This component will help you understand the requirements of being an actor or dancer across a range of performances and disciplines. You will develop your understanding of the performing arts by examining practitioners’ work and the processes used to create performance. COMPONENT 2: Developing Skills and Techniques In this component you will develop performance skills and techniques. You will have the opportunity to specialise in one or more of the following disciplines: acting, dance or musical theatre. You will take part in workshops and classes where you will develop technical, practical and interpretative skills through the rehearsal and performance process. COMPONENT 3: Performing to a Brief In this component you will have the opportunity to respond to a brief. Working as part of a group, you will develop your ideas for a workshop performance and apply your skills and techniques to communicate your creative intentions to your audience. Assessment Methods The course has two internally assessed components and one that’s externally assessed. These components build on each other to motivate you by helping you to put what you have learnt into practice and grow in confidence. Component 1 - Internal Assessment - Exploring the Performing Arts (30 %) Component 2 - Internal Assessment - Developing Skills and Techniques (30%) Component 3 - External Assessment - Performing to a Brief (40%) Additional Support The drama room is available for rehearsals during lunch and at the end of the Academy day and is open until 4.15pm every Thursday. Further Study/Career Pathways A level, BTEC National or Advanced Diploma. Undergraduate Degree, BTEC Higher National or Foundation Degree.
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ICT Exam Board and Specification Pearson EdExcel Level 2 Certificate in Digital Applications Main Course Content Unit 1: Developing Web Products This unit aims to give students the knowledge and skills they need to produce attention grabbing web products using web authoring software, multimedia assets and navigation features. Students demonstrate their ability to design, build and test a web product in a practical computer-based examination set by Pearson. Students will need to complete a 2.5 hour practical computer-based examination. There will be one task divided into two activities. In the first activity, you have to use web authoring software and other software tools to create a web product for a specified audience and purpose, using a client brief. In the second activity, you have to evaluate your product. Unit 2: Optional Unit Students pick one from the following options: Creative Media; Artwork and Media; Game Making. Creative Media This unit aims to give you the skills to use the tools and techniques provided by multimedia authoring software to design and create effective multimedia products for specified purposes and audiences. You will demonstrate your ability to plan, design, build and test interactive multimedia products through your work on a major project set by Edexcel. This will include the development of an e-portfolio that exhibits your achievements and is in itself an effective multimedia product. Artwork & Media This unit aims to give you the skills to use the tools and techniques provided by artwork and imaging software to design and create effective graphic products for specified purposes and audiences. You will investigate a range of graphic products to find out how images are used to convey a particular message. You will discover that you like some of these products more than others and you will need to consider why this is the case. You will demonstrate your ability to create effective images and graphic products through your work on a major project set by Pearson. This will include exhibiting your work and supporting evidence in an eportfolio. Game Making The computer game industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. Some games have crossed over into blockbuster entertainment territory, with people queuing overnight to get the latest releases. What makes some games better than others? How do designers come up with good ideas and how do these initial ideas get transformed into games that people want to play? In this unit you will learn about different types of computer games, investigate what makes a game successful and learn how to plan, design and create great games for others to play. Assessment Methods Unit 1: Examination 25% Unit 2: Controlled Assessment 75% Recommended Resources There is a full range of support material designed to support this qualification. This includes: Sample assessment materials; chief Examiner reports from the Edexcel website – qualifications.pearson.com. Additional Support Extra curricula support sessions are available at lunchtime and at the end of the Academy day. Further study/ Career Pathways A Level Computing course are offered by local further education colleges. Possible careers include Web Design, Computer Games and Software Development, Graphics Designer, and Systems Analyst.
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Enterprise and Marketing Exam Board and Specification: OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Enterprise and Marketing.
You CANNOT choose BOTH Enterprise and marketing from Block B and from Block C Main Course Content R064: Enterprise and Marketing Concepts By completing this unit, learners will understand the main activities that will need to happen to support a start-up business and what the key factors are to consider when starting up a business. Learners will understand how and why customer segmentation is used and how to target a customer market. They will also develop an understanding of how to attract and retain customers, the techniques to use when developing products and how to investigate what makes a product viable. R065: Design a Business Proposal This unit will provide learners with the skills and knowledge to design a product proposal to meet a business challenge scenario. Learners will be able to identify a customer profile for their own product design, develop market research tools and use these to complete market research for their product. Learners will use their research outcomes to generate product design ideas, assess their strengths and weaknesses and work collaboratively with peers to gain feedback to inform final design decisions. Learners will complete financial calculations to select a pricing strategy and determine whether their proposal is viable. R066: Market and Pitch a Business Proposal This unit will provide learners with the skills and knowledge to create a brand identity and promotional plan for their product proposal, developed in Unit R065. They will be able to pitch their product proposal to an external audience after completing a practice pitch, and complete a review of both their pitching skills and product proposal, using their learning from this qualification, self-assessment and feedback generated. Assessment Methods R064: Enterprise and Marketing Concepts – Written Paper – 50% R065: Design a Business Proposal – Controlled Assessment – 25% R066: Market and Pitch a Business Proposal – Controlled Assessment – 25% Recommended Resources There is a full range of support material designed to support this qualification. This includes: Sample assessment materials; chief Examiner reports from the OCR website – www.ocr.org.uk Additional Support Extra curricula support sessions are available at lunchtime and at the end of the Academy day. Resources will be uploaded to the Academy VLE for the students to access to assist with learning at home. Further study/ Career Pathways A Level Business Studies, Accountancy and Economics.
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Sports Science Exam Board and Specification OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Sports Science Main Course Content Unit 1 Reducing the risk of sports injuries Unit 2 Applying principles of training Two Optional Units
The Body's Response to Physical Activity
Sports Psychology
Sports Nutrition
Sporting Injuries
Assessment Methods Examination (25%) There is a one hour written examination. Controlled Assessment (75%) All other units are internally assessed assignments which may include written tasks, presentations, practical demonstrations or interviews. Additional Support There are a wide range of resources available through the PE area on the Academy VLE. Individual advice and support is also provided by the PE team. Further Study/Career Pathways Linked careers include: Sports Coaching, Sports Coaching Science, PE Teacher, Sports Massage, Physiotherapy, NVQ's and Diploma's in Personal Training and Leisure Management, Apprenticeships, A-level PE level 3, Cambridge Technicals in Sport level 2 & 3.
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Sociology Exam Board and Specification: AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Sociology Main Course Content Students develop a knowledge and understanding of social issues within British society by studying the following units. Studying Society Education Families Crime and Deviance Mass Media Social Inequality Assessment Methods Examination (100%) There are two one hour and forty-five minute examinations at the end of the course. Recommended Resources Students have access to the following textbooks: Sociology GCSE for AQA (Collins) Sociology Alive (Nelson Thornes) Additional Support A revision guide is provided for all students to support exam preparation. Individual support is available at key stages of the course. Further Study/Career Pathways A level and degree level study. Related careers include Community Worker, Journalist, Probation Officer, Public Sector Administrator, Social Worker, Housing Manager, Lecturer, Police Force and Social Researcher.
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Food and Catering Exam Board and Specification: AQA Level 1/2 Technical Award: Food and Catering Main Course Content This qualification is intended for learners aged 14-16 who are interested in food preparation in a commercial catering environment and wish to develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for further study and employment within this sector. It will particularly appeal to learners who are looking for a course that is practical in nature. The Technical Award in Food and Catering will give learners the opportunity to develop an understanding of: • Practical food preparation skills and techniques • Meal and menu planning • Cooking methods and recipes • Commercial practice • Career opportunities in the catering sector • Food hygiene and safety. Assessment Methods Internal Assessment (60%) Unit 1: Practical skills in Food and Catering (30%) Learners will create a number of practical projects to demonstrate their competency in 12 core skills outlined in the specification. A portfolio will be created as evidence. Unit 2: Extended making project (30%) Learners will undertake an extended making project that showcases the skills they have developed in Unit 1 and the knowledge they have acquired in Unit 3. The project will be in response to a brief. Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in planning and development, making, testing, evaluation and communication. Externally Assessed Examination (40%) 1 hour 30 minutes. Unit 3: Fundamentals of Food and Catering Learners will study the essential information relating to food and catering including: • cooking methods and recipes • meal and menu planning • commercial practice • career opportunities • food hygiene and safety. Recommended Resources It is advisable for students to have access to a wide range of recipe books. Specification and Sample assessment materials can be viewed on the website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/food/technical-award/food-and-catering-3725/introduction Additional Support Parents should encourage students to cook regularly at home, in order to consolidate their skill base and ability to work independently. Parents must support their child throughout this course in providing ingredients for practical sessions each week. Further Study/Career Pathways There is a natural progression into a level 3 diploma in Food Science and Nutrition. The food industry is vast and this qualification to lead into areas such as Health Promotion, Nutrition & Diet, Chef, Food Production, Food Teacher, Environmental Health, Food Science and Microbiology, Product Design, Retail, Food Researcher.
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Design: Photography Exam Board and Specification AQA Level1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Art and Design (Photography) Main Course Content The photography course allows students to not only master the technical skills of how to take good images but also encourages them to use the medium of photography, to explore ideas and themes that they are interested in. Students will look at the work of contemporary and historical photographers and will develop a deeper contextual understanding of photography. All students produce a personal portfolio of work that contributes to a major exhibition of work and CD Portfolio. Assessment Methods Coursework (60%) completed in Year 10 Students will complete 2 projects exploring contemporary and historical photography. Examination (40%) completed in Year 11 Students will have nine weeks to create four design sheets and then two five hour days to create a final piece. Recommended Resources The following software packages: Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements Suitable reference books include: Art Today, 20th Century Art, Photography of the 20th Century and Photography Now. Useful websites Careers in Art & Design www.gettingtodesign.org Careers in Art & Design www.creative-choices.co.uk Design Museum www.designmuseum.org Tate Gallery www.tate.org.uk Art 2 Day www.art2day.co.uk AQA www.aqa.org.uk Additional Support Individual support is provided at all stages in the development of individual projects. Further Study/Career Pathways Stourbridge and Dudley both have new Art Schools which offer a range of Post 16 courses. The course can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries, such as advertising, product design, artist, education, graphic design and fashion.
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Design: 3D Design Exam Board and Specification AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Art and Design (Three-Dimensional Design)  
You CANNOT choose BOTH 3D Design from Block B and from Block D You CANNOT choose BOTH 3D Design from Block B and Art from Block D
Main Course Content 3D Design is ideal for students who are interested in the ways in which products are designed for the public. The course enables students to generate creative and original work from a range of set design problems. Ideas can be realised in three dimensions using a wide range of materials and processes. Assessment Methods Coursework (60%) Students will have nine weeks to create four design sheets and then two five hour days to create their final piece/s. Examination (40%) Students will complete three coursework projects exploring Product Design and Interior Design. The projects will be presented as a portfolio at the end of the course and marked alongside the exam. Recommended Resources The following software packages: Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements Suitable reference books include: Graphic Design Pocket Essential, 20th Century Design and The Graphic Design Cookbook. Additional Support Each student will receive a copy of the course handbook and will have access to an extensive range of resources and help sheets. All students are encouraged to attend additional sessions at the end of every Academy day. Further Study/Career Pathways Stourbridge and Dudley both have new Art Schools which offer a range of Post 16 courses. The course can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries, such as advertising, product design, artist, education, graphic design and fashion.
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Design: Art & Design Exam Board and Specification AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Art and Design (Art, Craft and Design)  
You CANNOT choose BOTH 3D Design from Block B and from Block D You CANNOT choose BOTH 3D Design from Block B and Art from Block D
Main Course Content Art and Design allows students to experiment and explore a wide range of materials and processes to create their own work. Students are encouraged to generate their own ideas from a starting point then to develop them in a variety of ways. Students will look at the work of contemporary and historical artists and designers and will use this information to create new work. All students produce a personal portfolio of work that contributes to a major exhibition of work and CD Portfolio.
Assessment Methods Coursework (60%) completed in Year 10 Students will complete 2 projects exploring contemporary and historical art. Examination (40%) completed in Year 11 Students will have nine weeks to create four design sheets and then two five hour days to create a final piece. Recommended Resources The following software packages: Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements Suitable reference books include: Art Today, 20th Century Art and Vitamin P. Useful websites Careers in Art & Design www.gettingtodesign.org Careers in Art & Design www.creative-choices.co.uk Design Museum www.designmuseum.org Tate Gallery www.tate.org.uk Art 2 Day www.art2day.co.uk AQA www.aqa.org.uk Additional Support Individual support is provided at key stages in the development of individual projects. Further Study/Career Pathways Stourbridge and Dudley both have new Art Schools which offer a range of Post 16 courses. The course can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries, such as advertising, product design, artist, education, graphic design and fashion.
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Computer Science Exam Board and Specification: Pearson EdExcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science Main Course Content The Pearson Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science consists of two externally-examined papers and a non-examined assessment component. UNIT 1: Principles of Computer Science Paper 1 In this unit, students explore what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work. They will develop a better understanding of the requirements for writing program code, binary representation, and construction of truth tables. They will develop an awareness of merging trends in computing technologies. UNIT 2: Application of Computational Thinking Paper 2 In this unit students will develop an understanding of how to develop program code and construct data types, structures, inputs/outputs, operators and sub programs. UNIT 3: Project Paper 3 Students will develop a computer program. The content for this component will draw on: Algorithms, decomposition and abstraction Design, write, test and refine a program Data Assessment Methods Paper 1 Examination (40%) This paper consists of multiple-choice, short open response, open response and extended open response answer questions. All questions are mandatory. Paper 2 Examination (40%) This paper is based on a scenario. It consists of short open response, open response and extended openresponse answer questions. All questions are mandatory. Paper 3 Project (20%) The assessment will be carried out at a computer under supervision. The assessment may take place over multiple sessions up to a combined duration of 20 hours. Students have to produce a report. Recommended Resources Pearson GCSE Computer Science Student Book Publisher: Pearson Author: Ann Weidmann, David Waller, Alex Hadwen-Bennett, Chris Charles, Shaun Whorton, Jason Welch. Further Study/Career Pathways A level Computing courses are offered by local further education colleges. Possible careers include Computer Programmer, Software Tester, Games Developer, Software Engineer, Project Manager, Network Engineer and Systems Analyst.
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Psychology Exam Board and Specification: AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Psychology Main course content
The course consists of two units:
Unit One – Cognition and behaviour
Unit Two – Social Context and behaviour
Memory Perception Development Research Methods
Social Influence Language, thought and communication Brain and neuropsychology Psychological problems
Assessment Methods Examination (100%) There is an examination for each unit at the end of the two year course. Each examination is 1 hour 45 minutes and is made up of multiple choice, short and long answer questions. Recommended Resources The following websites are a useful source of research and revision materials: http://www.simplypsychology.org http://www.virtualpsychology.co.uk/gcsehome.php http://www.getting-in.com/guide/gcse-psychology Additional Support Individual support and mentoring sessions may also be arranged to provide student support. Further Study/Career Pathways This is a sound foundation for A Level Psychology. It is a good choice for anyone considering a career in clinical, forensic or educational psychology. It is also useful for Teaching, Counselling, Business Management, and the Probation or Police Service.
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