Introduction
Dear Year 9,
Making curriculum choices in Year 9 is a very important part of your time in school. It is an opportunity for you to take control of your education and shape the way you want your future to be. The options you choose for Years 10 and 11 will affect how you spend your time at school for the next two years. The choices you make may also influence what course or job you decide to do after Year 11.
You now have fantastic opportunities available to you that will help you get the future that you want.
It is important to choose subjects that will interest you and motivate you. Spend some time thinking about what you enjoy doing, what keeps you interested in something and what makes you work hard. Remember that you are not alone in making these decisions; everyone in Year 9 is going through the same process. Teachers, friends, parents, carers and family will be able to guide, advise and support you in this important decision-making process.
Good reasons for choosing an option:
• You are good at the subject
• You think you will enjoy the course
• It fits your career ideas and plans
• It goes well with your other choices
• It helps to give you plenty of choice for 6th form and beyond.
• You think you might want to continue studying it post-16
• Your research shows that it will interest you and motivate you to learn.
Bad reasons for choosing an option
• Your friends have chosen it
• You think it will be easy
• You think it’s a good option for a boy/girl
• Someone else thinks it is a good idea
• You like the teacher you have now
• You did not have time to research your options properly
We believe that education is not a ‘one size fits all’ system. We believe that you need a curriculum which has a mix of academic, creative, practical and social skills to fit for life in the fast-moving world of the 21st century. Our aim is such that you can follow a personalised learning plan which is as broad and balanced as possible, both in terms of the range of subjects you can study and also with regards to the type of learning style involved
Compulsory subjects are:
English Language and Literature
Mathematics
Biology, Chemistry and Physics
PSHE, Careers and Games
Option Subjects:
Students are to indicate their 4 preferred subjects, 1-4 being their top 4 choices in order and 5/6 reserve choices should the option not be available to run a course. This will then be used to form option blocks looking ahead to next year’s timetable. Further consultations will be made afterwards with students and parents which will then lead to the final option choices being made by pupils. We would always aim to fulfil the first 4 choices of GCSE, but this can’t always be the case so reserve options are still important.
Option Choices
History
Geography
Business Studies
Photography
GCSE
Music
PE
French
Art
RE
Spanish
Music GCSE
Exam board: AQA
The specification encourages students to:
• Develop their own musical interests and skills, including the ability to make music individually and in groups.
• Evaluate their own and others’ music.
• Understand and appreciate a range of different styles of music, including music from the year 1700 to the present day.
• Actively engage in the process of music study in order to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out through three components.
Component 1: Understanding Music
Written Examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes – externally assessed. (40%)
The exam is split into two sections:
1
Listening to, and answering questions about, previously unheard music from genres and composers studied during the course.
2
Answering questions in more detail about specific pieces studied during the course.
Component 2: Performing Music
Two performances: a minimum of four minutes in length – internally assessed and externally moderated (30%)
One solo performance and one as part of an ensemble. For maximum marks, pieces performed should be of Grade 5 standard.
Component 3: Composing Music
Two pieces to be composed with a total duration of 3 minutes - internally assessed and externally moderated (30%)
One free composition and one written to fit a brief.
Students must be able to compose using methods appropriate to the style/genre of their composition and may use a combination of vocals and any instruments. Technology can be used including the use of score writing software.
Why Choose Music?
GCSE Music helps students to develop subject knowledge, understanding and skills through listening to music, playing music and creating their own music.
GCSE music introduces students to a wide variety of music from different eras and different genres. It gives them the opportunity to develop their appreciation and understanding of these different musical styles. They will develop the vocabulary and knowledge they need to discuss music in a more academic way, whilst also enjoying the music they listen to and perform.
As part of the course, students will listen to recorded music, and have the opportunity to attend live performances of music of different styles. They will have the chance to perform their own music in class and where appropriate, in public.
Students have the opportunity to gain self-confidence, develop their analytical skills, and exercise their creativity while engaging in enjoyable activities. The course provides the opportunity for students to develop other valuable transferrable skills such as concentration, teamwork and evaluation.
General Information
Although suitable for any student with an interest in Music, it is helpful for students considering GCSE music to be working towards Grade exams in an instrument or voice.
Religious Education GCSE
Exam board: AQA
Aims of the Subject
To gain a knowledge and understanding of two living religions
To help you gain a clearer picture of your own beliefs and those of others
To encourage you to think about the ‘big questions’ in life
To consider the ways in which people have attempted to answer these questions
To understand and explore cultural and ethical issues that are in the news today
The GCSE RE content comprises the following elements:
Paper 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices
Paper 2: Thematic studies
paper 1 paper 2
What's assessed?
Beliefs, teachings and practices of:
Christianity
Islam
How it's assessed
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
96 marks, plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
50% of GCSE
Questions
Each religion has a common structure of two five-part questions of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks. Each religion is marked out of 48.
What's assessed?
Four religious, philosophical and ethical studies from a choice of:
Theme A: Relationships and Families.
Theme B: Religion and Life.
Theme C: The Existence of God and Revelation.
Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict.
Theme E: Religion, Crime and Punishment.
Theme F: Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice.
How it's assessed
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
96 marks, plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
50% of GCSE
Questions
Each theme has a common structure of one five-part question of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks. Each theme is marked out of 24.
French GCSE
Exam board: AQA
Students during their two years of study will cover three distinct themes. Students will have already met some of these areas in Key Stage 3.
Aims
of the subject:
To develop the ability to communicate confidently, coherently and with increasing accuracy with native speakers in speech and writing;
To deepen knowledge about how language works and enrich vocabulary to increase independent use and understanding of extended language in a range of contexts;
To enable students to express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently;
To enable students to recognise that their linguistic knowledge, understanding and skills help them to take their place in a multilingual global society and also provide them with the suitable basis for further study and practical use of the language. They will now be extended and developed to increase the range of expression and understanding in the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language.
Due to the small size classes we are fortunate to have in Year 10 and 11, students will have many opportunities, within the course of their two years of study, to develop and consolidate their skills which will be of great benefit for their final examination.
Assessment
The GCSE specification for Languages has changed this year, so the themes and exam content is slightly different to previous years.
Foundation Tier: Possible grades 1 - 5
Higher Tier: Possible grades 4 - 9
paper 1 paper 2
Listening (Understanding and responding to spoken extracts comprising the defined vocabulary and grammar for each tier. Dictation of short, spoken extracts)
Foundation Tier: 35 minutes – 40 marks
Higher Tier: 45 minutes - 50 marks
25% of GCSE
Speaking (Speaking using clear and comprehensible language to undertake a roleplay. Carry out a reading aloud task. Talk about visual stimuli)
Foundation Tier: 7 – 9 minutes – 50 marks
Higher Tier: 10 - 12 minutes - 50 marks
25% of GCSE
paper 3 paper 4
Reading (Understanding and responding to written texts which focus predominantly on the vocabulary and grammar at each tier. Inferring plausible meanings of single words when they’re embedded in written sentences. Translating from French into English.)
Foundation Tier: 45 minutes – 50 marks
Higher Tier: 1 hour - 50 marks
25% of GCSE
Topics to be covered
Theme 1: People and Lifestyle
Topic 1: Identity and relationships with others
Topic 2: Healthy living and lifestyle
Topic 3: Education and work
Writing (Writing text in the language in a lexically and grammatically accurate way in response to simple and familiar stimuli. Translating from English into French.)
Foundation Tier: 1 hour 10 minutes – 50 marks
Higher Tier: 1 hour 15 minutes - 50 marks
25% of GCSE
Theme 2: Popular Culture
Topic 1: Free-time activities
Topic 2: Customs, festivals and celebrations
Topic 3: Celebrity culture
Theme 3: Communication and the world around us
Topic 1: Travel and tourism, including places of interest
Topic 2: Media and technology
Topic 3: The environment and where people live
Spanish GCSE
Exam board: AQA
Students during their two years of study will cover three distinct themes. Students will have already met some of these areas in Key Stage 3.
Aims of the subject:
To develop the ability to communicate confidently, coherently and with increasing accuracy with native speakers in speech and writing;
To deepen knowledge about how language works and enrich vocabulary to increase independent use and understanding of extended language in a range of contexts;
To enable students to express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently;
To enable students to recognise that their linguistic knowledge, understanding and skills help them to take their place in a multilingual global society and also provide them with the suitable basis for further study and practical use of the language. They will now be extended and developed to increase the range of expression and understanding in the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language.
Due to the small size classes we are fortunate to have in Year 10 and 11, students will have many opportunities, within the course of their two years of study, to develop and consolidate their skills which will be of great benefit for their final examination.
Assessment
The GCSE specification for Languages has changed this year, so the themes and exam content is slightly different to previous years.
Foundation Tier: Possible grades 1 - 5
Higher Tier: Possible grades 4 - 9
paper 1 paper 2
Listening (Understanding and responding to spoken extracts comprising the defined vocabulary and grammar for each tier. Dictation of short, spoken extracts)
Foundation Tier: 35 minutes – 40 marks
Higher Tier: 45 minutes - 50 marks
25% of GCSE
paper 3
Reading (Understanding and responding to written texts which focus predominantly on the vocabulary and grammar at each tier. Inferring plausible meanings of single words when they’re embedded in written sentences. Translating from Spanish into English.)
Foundation Tier: 45 minutes – 50 marks
Higher Tier: 1 hour - 50 marks
25% of GCSE
Topics to be covered
Theme 1: People and Lifestyle
Theme 1 covers the following three topics:
Topic 1: Identity and relationships with others
Topic 2: Healthy living and lifestyle
Topic 3: Education and work
Speaking (Speaking using clear and comprehensible language to undertake a roleplay. Carry out a reading aloud task. Talk about visual stimuli)
Foundation Tier: 7 – 9 minutes – 50 marks
Higher Tier: 10 - 12 minutes - 50 marks
25% of GCSE
paper 4
Writing (Writing text in the language in a lexically and grammatically accurate way in response to simple and familiar stimuli. Translating from English into Spanish.)
Foundation Tier: 1 hour 10 minutes – 50 marks
Higher Tier: 1 hour 15 minutes - 50 marks
25% of GCSE
Theme 2: Popular Culture
Theme 2 covers the following three topics:
Topic 1: Free-time activities
Topic 2: Customs, festivals and celebrations
Topic 3: Celebrity culture
Theme 3: Communication and the world around us
Topic 1: Travel and tourism, including places of interest
Topic 2: Media and technology
Topic 3: The environment and where people live
Art and design: Fine art or photography GCSE
Exam board: AQA
The Art and Design: Fine Art program allows students to develop their own individual skills and produce personal, creative work based on a variety of different starting points. Within the course students are exposed to a wide range of artists and techniques and are introduced to the use of many different media. They are supported in developing and discovering their own personal, creative strengths which they can then develop into interesting and original projects. The work is structured so that students are fully supported and provided with a wealth of knowledge and skills whilst also giving them the freedom to study their own interests and make their own choices.
Component 1 – Coursework Portfolio
The Portfolio is worth 60% of the overall GCSE grade and consists of one extended project and other supporting work which may include work produced in response to a gallery visit, a technique or skills workshop or another short project. The extended project will begin with directed work, set by the teacher, to introduce artists, techniques and media and will progress to allow students to begin to develop their own preferences and ideas, making use of their strengths to complete the project with one or more final pieces. Through this project, students will develop their understanding of how to structure a cohesive and successful project.
Component 2 - Externally Set Task (Exam)
The Exam accounts for the remaining 40% of the overall GCSE. Students will be given the exam paper on the first day back at school after the Christmas holidays in Year 11. The exam paper consists of eight starting points from which the students must choose one to develop a project. Using the knowledge they have gained during the extended project, students must structure and develop their projects independently, choosing artists, techniques and media which are suitable for the exam question they have chosen and take into account their creative strengths. Students will work on a sketchbook for their exam project from January until the end of April/beginning of May, when they will complete the project by producing the final piece during a 10-hour exam session which will take place over the course of two days.
Geography GCSE
Exam board: AQA
GCSE Geography is, potentially, everything students want to know about the world in which we live. A variety of topics are studied which relate to both the physical and human sides of the subject as well as a range of geographical skills. Overall, Geography is about understanding links between people and environments on a global scale and the issues which arise.
All students carry out both a human and a physical fieldwork investigation.
Assessment is via three exam papers.
paper 1
Living with the Physical Environment, 1 hour 30 minutes, 88 marks, 35%
Section A - Challenge of natural hazards
Section B – The Living World
Section C – Physical Landscapes in the UK (choose any two from coasts, rivers and glacial landscapes)
paper 3
Geographical Applications – 1 hour, 15 minutes, 76 marks, 30% Pre-release booklet (12 weeks before)
Section A – Issue Evaluation, Section B –Fieldwork Investigation
paper 2
Challenges in the Human Environment- 1 hour 30 minutes, 88 marks, 35%
Section A – Urban Issues and Challenges
Section B – The Changing Economic world
Section C – The Challenge of Resource Management (choose one from food, water or energy)
Business Studies GCSE
Exam board: AQA
Course description
Students apply their knowledge and understanding to different business contexts ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts. Students develop an understanding of how these contexts have an impact on business behaviour.
Students will apply their knowledge and understanding to business decision-making including: The interdependent nature of business activity, influences on business, business operations, finance, marketing, human resources and how these interdependencies underpin business decisions.
How different business contexts affect business decisions. The use and limitation of quantitative and qualitative data in making business decisions.
The specification requires students to draw on the knowledge and understanding to:
Use business terminology to identify and explain business activity. Apply business concepts to familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills relevant to business. Investigate, analyse and evaluate business opportunities and issues. Make justified decisions using both qualitative and quantitative data including its selection, interpretation analysis and evaluation.
Assessment
Students will sit two examinations.
Paper 1 is 1 hour 45 minutes and 50% of the GCSE.
Paper 2 is 1 hour 45 minutes and 50% of the GCSE. Both papers have three sections:
Section A – multiple choice and short answer questions.
Section B – one case study/data response stimuli with a range of questions.
Section C – one case study/data response stimuli with a range of questions and a long written question.
Business in the real world – purpose of business, functions and ownership types, enterprise, the business environment, technology, economics, legislation and environmental impact, aims and objectives, stakeholders, location, business plans, methods of expansion, economies and diseconomies of scale.
Influences on business – impact of ICT, e-commerce, digital communication, ethical considerations, environmental considerations, sustainability, interest rates, levels of employment, consumer spending, competing internationally, exchange rates, employment law, health and safety, consumer law, impacts of competitive markets, uncertainty and risk.
Business operations – methods of production, efficiency, stock management and just in time, supply chain management, quality, total quality management, quality assurance and customer service.
Human resources – organisational structures, centralisation and decentralisation, recruitment and selection, contracts of employment, motivation, training and appraisals.
Marketing - satisfying customer needs, segmentation, market research, decision making, pricing methods, differentiation, product life cycle, product portfolio, promotional methods, the marketing mix.
Finance - raising finance, sources of finance, cash and profit, cash flow forecast, average rate of return, break even, income statements, statements of financial position, gross and net profit margins and assessing financial performance.
History GCSE
Exam board: AQA
Aims of the Subject:
1. To understand some of the key developments and changes in history from the Medieval Period to the Twentieth Century.
2. To develop the ability to evaluate historical evidence.
3. To develop enthusiasm for history and to be able to relate it to modern day current affairs.
4. To develop vital skills such as critical thinking and the ability to present a logical argument.
The GCSE History content comprises the following elements:
One period study
One thematic study
One wider world depth study
One British depth study including the historic environment.
paper 1
Understanding the modern world. How it's assessed
Written exam: 2 hours
50% of GCSE
Questions
Section A – six compulsory questions (40 marks)
Section B – four compulsory questions (40 marks) plus 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Content
One period study - Germany, 1890-1945: Democracy and dictatorship:
Part one: Germany and the growth of democracy, including:
Part two: Germany and the Depression.
Part three: The experiences of Germans under the Nazis.
One wider world depth study - Conflict and tension: The inter-war years, 1918–1939:
Part one: Peacemaking.
Part two: The League of Nations and international peace.
Part three: The origins and outbreak of the Second World War
paper 2
Shaping the nation.
How it's assessed
Written exam: 2 hours
50% of GCSE
Questions
Section A – four compulsory questions (40 marks) plus 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Section B – four compulsory questions (40 marks)
Content
One thematic study - Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day:
Part one: Medicine stands still
Part two: The beginnings of change
Part three: A revolution in medicine
Part four: Modern medicine
One British depth study including the historic environment - Elizabethan England, c1568–1603:
Part one: Elizabeth's court and Parliament
Part two: Life in Elizabethan times
Part three: Troubles at home and abroad
Part four: The historic environment of Elizabethan England
GCSE PE
Exam board: AQA
What
will I study?
The syllabus consists of 7 theory units and 2 coursework elements, split over 3 assessed components:
Component 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport
4 units - A: Applied anatomy and physiology
B: Movement analysis
C: Physical training
D: Use of data (also forms part of component 2)
Component 2: Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport
4 units - D: Use of data (also forms part of component 1)
E: Sport psychology
F: Socio-cultural influences
G: Health, fitness and well-being
Component 3: Practical performance in physical activity and sport
2 units - H: Practical performance
I: Written analysis and evaluation of performance
Why Choose GSCE PE?
GCSE PE will offer you the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills to develop and maintain performance in physical activities and to understand the benefits of health, fitness and well-being.
The specification is broad – ranging from anatomy and physiology, to skill development and even sport psychology.
You will develop the skills to make connections between theory and practice in order to apply your understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport, and use this knowledge to improve performance.
It is important to note that only 30% of GCSE PE is assessed practically. Therefore, the majority of the course is classroom/theory based. It would also be advantageous (although not absolutely necessary) to participate in one or more sports/physical activities outside of school, at/with an organised club.
What skills will I develop?
Through studying PE you will be able to:
Use theoretical knowledge to improve performance
Understand how physiological and psychological state affects performance
Perform effectively in different physical activities, developing skills, techniques and tactics
Analyse and evaluate a performance in order to suggest ways of improving
Discuss the contribution physical activity makes to health, fitness and well-being
Understand the factors/influences which can affect peoples participation in physical activity, sport and exercise
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of GCSE PE takes place through 2 written exams, practical assessment of 3 different physical activities/sports and one piece of written coursework:
Component 1:
The human body and movement in physical activity and sport
Component 2:
Socio-cultural influences and wellbeing in physical activity and sport
Assessment type
Written exam
Written exam
Length of time 1hour 15 minutes 1hour 15 minutes
Marks available
Content
78 marks / 30%
Applied anatomy and physiology
Movement
analysis
Physical training
Use of data
marks / 30%
Sport psychology
Socio-cultural influences
Health, fitness and well-being
Use of data
Component 3:
Practical performance in physical activity and sport
Internal assessment with external moderation
Practical assessment of 3 different activities
Written coursework
N/A
marks / 40%
Practical assessment
3 x 25 marks (3 x 10%)
Written coursework
25 marks (10%)
