ATC Trust Guide

2026 - 2027

ATC TRUST GUIDE

Achievement Through Collaboration

We are extremely proud of our school; the achievements of our pupils, the expertise and dedication of our staff, our outstanding facilities and our reputation as a centre of excellence.

Our ultra-modern school buildings allow our pupils to flourish in facilities for learning that truly do enable us to trail blaze innovative learning – from the bright and attractive classrooms, to the fully equipped outside play areas, the facilities allow our pupils to fully explore their talents and to shine in those areas that they most enjoy.

A building, however, is only as good as the people working within; we believe we have some of the best students and teachers in the world.

Staff and pupils benefit from the investment we place on their development. We want to ensure that all of our pupils get the best opportunities possible and want to support them in exploring and selecting the variety of options available to them at KS4.

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Evaluation Focus Areas

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Safeguarding

Schools are responsible for Keeping Pupils safe in Education and should be fully compliant and up-to-date in all areas of Safeguarding. Outlined in the guide are the expectations for schools in tems of evaluating the quality of safeguarding at each school.

02

Inclusion

When choosing the subjects you will study throughout KS4, make sure to take advice from parents, carers, teachers and other trusted adults. You need to consider how options choices now will influence your options and pathways in the future.

03

Curriculum & Teaching

Whilst it is really important to think about next steps and pathways beyond school, having a good range and balance between subjects often leads to the greatest success at KS4 - so don’t forget to also consider subjects that you love, are passionate about or have a talent for.

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Achievement

Once you have followed the previous 3 steps, you will need to complete the Options Form before the deadline - this will give you the best chance of securing a place on your first choice courses. Details of the form, how to complete it and what this year’s deadline is will be shared in your options assembly.

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Evaluation Focus Areas

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Behaviour & Attendance

Before you begin the process of selecting your option choices, you need to read all of the information in this booklet so that you know exactly what’s on offer. Lots of pupils have preconceived ideas of what a subject might be about or what a qualification might include, but in reality this is often very different from the actual course.

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Personal Development & Wellbeing

When choosing the subjects you will study throughout KS4, make sure to take advice from parents, carers, teachers and other trusted adults. You need to consider how options choices now will influence your options and pathways in the future.

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Early Years

Whilst it is really important to think about next steps and pathways beyond school, having a good range and balance between subjects often leads to the greatest success at KS4 - so don’t forget to also consider subjects that you love, are passionate about or have a talent for.

04

Leadership & Governance

Once you have followed the previous 3 steps, you will need to complete the Options Form before the deadline - this will give you the best chance of securing a place on your first choice courses. Details of the form, how to complete it and what this year’s deadline is will be shared in your options assembly.

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Safeguarding

01

Key Stage 4 (KS4) refers to the final two years of compulsory secondary education, covering Years 10 and 11 (students aged 14 to 16). This stage focuses on preparing students for qualifications like GCSEs & Btecs.

Important Information 1. Choices Every pupil will study for a qualification in English (Language & Literature), Maths and Science as well as either History or Geography if appropriate. Pupils will also have compulsory lessons (no exam) in PE, PSHE/RE and Citizenship in line with national guidance . Pupils will then choose 3 other subjects to study.

2. Careers, advice and Guidance Careers guidance also plays an important part in preparing pupils for life beyond Witton Park Academy. This will include one-to-one appointments, guest speakers and our on-line careers programme, called Unifrog. Various options are possible beyond Witton Park Academy such as Sixth-Form Colleges for academic and

vocational qualifications, National Traineeships, Modern Apprenticeships and other employment or further education opportunities.

3. Final Subject Allocation Every effort will be made to ensure that your child is allocated a course in line with their preference. However, this cannot be guaranteed. It is inevitable that some pupils may need to change their selection due to over subscription or low uptake of a subject. If numbers are too low, a course is unlikely to run.

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Curriculum Subjects: CORE

01 STEM Pathway STEM Education means educating students in four specific disciplines, areas which underpin the foundational stages in many sectors.

Science Technology Engineering Maths STEM subjects have grown in popularity and we have excellent facilities to deliver STEM subjects at Witton Park Academy.

Accreditation 03 Ebacc Pathway Ebacc Accreditation Languages are an important p.art of EBacc. Studying a foreign language can be extremely rewarding and exciting. They provide an insight into other cultures and can open the door to travel and employment opportunities. They can also broaden pupils’ horizons, helping them flourish in new environments.

The Russell Group has named languages as subjects that open doors to more degrees at universities.

Arts 02 Creative Pathway The creative arts fuel innovation and imagination, developing lifelong skills that help enable a student’s perception, understanding, productivity and wellbeing. Music, drama, art, design and dance bring together students of all backgrounds to find ways to express themselves, and gain greater understanding of who they are and where they belong in the world. The media and the creative industry in the North continues to grow as do career opportunties in this sector.

& Health & 04 Sports Social Care Pathway Practical based subjects A range of practical and hands on subjects for pupils who enjoy learning that will help prepare them for places of work.

Career Steps The Health and Social care sector offers great apprenticeship pathways to support pupils to make positive career steps.

Core Curriculum

English Language GCSE

Outline of Course Throughout years 10 and 11 students will work towards preparing for their GCSE AQA English Language exam. All pupils sit the same exam - it is not tiered. There is no coursework or controlled assessment component for this qualification.

The AQA specification will enable students of all abilities to develop the skills they need to read, understand and analyse a wide range of different texts covering the 19th, 20th and 21st century time periods as well as to write clearly, coherently and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

The specification offers a skills-based approach to the study of English Language in an untiered context.

Questions are designed to take students on an assessment journey through lower tariff tasks to more extended responses.

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02

What will I study?

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing Section A: Reading one literature fiction text Section B: Writing descriptive or narrative writing

Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives Section A: Reading one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text Section B: Writing writing to present a viewpoint

There are 2 exam papers - each exam paper is worth 50% of the overall final GCSE grade.

Each paper is worth 80 marks in total Each exam paper is 1hr 45 mins long Exams are taken in the summer series at the end of y11.

Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language What's assessed? presenting responding to questions and feedback use of Standard English

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Core Curriculum Outline of Course The specification takes a skills-based approach to the study of English literature that is consistent across the genres. The course offers excellent preparation for AS and A-level English Literature, as well as giving students a grounding in a wide variety of literature that will stay with them for life.

English Literature GCSE

AQA have developed assessment strategies that support students’ achievement in an untiered, closed book context through the use of extract-based questions in the assessment of the 19th-century novel and the Shakespeare plays.

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02

What will I study?

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19thcentury novel What's assessed?

Shakespeare plays The 19th-century novel

How will this qualification be assessed?

Paper 1 written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 64 marks 40% of GCSE 2 questions - Macbeth and A Christmas Caol

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry Modern prose or drama texts The poetry anthology Unseen poetry

Paper 2 How it's assessed written exam: 2 hour 15 minutes 96 marks 60% of GCSE An Inspector Calls, Power and Conflict poems and unseen poems.

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Core Curriculum Outline of Course

Maths GCSE

Throughout years 10 and 11, students will work towards preparing for their GCSE AQA Maths exam. There is no coursework or controlled assessment component for this qualification. The paper is tiered -foundation and higher.

Maths is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be.

The content has been organised into broad topic areas: Number references start with N Algebra references start with A Ratio, proportion and rates of change references start with R Geometry and measures references start with G Probability references start with P Statistics references start with S.

01 What will I study?

Paper 1: Non Calculator Paper A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper Paper 2 and 3: Calculator Paper Content from any part of the specification topics can be assessed on this paper.

A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.

02 How will I be assessed?

There are 3 exam papers Paper 1 written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks non-calculator 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment Paper 2 written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks calculator allowed 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment Paper 3 written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks calculator allowed 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment

Core Curriculum Outline of Course Science is a set of ideas about the material world. AQA have included all the parts of what good science is at GCSE level: whether it be investigating, observing, experimenting or testing out ideas and thinking about them. The way scientific ideas flow through the specification will support you in building a deep understanding of science. We know this will involve talking about, reading and writing about science plus the actual doing, as well as representing science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models.

Combined Science GCSE

What will I study?

Biology 1. Cell biology 2. Organisation 3. Infection and response 4. Bioenergetics 5. Homeostasis and response 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 7. Ecology Chemistry 8. Atomic structure and the periodic table 9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter 10. Quantitative chemistry 11. Chemical changes 12. Energy changes 13. The rate and extent of chemical change 14. Organic chemistry 15. Chemical analysis 16. Chemistry of the atmosphere 17. Using resources Physics 18. Energy 19. Electricity 20. Particle model of matter 21. Atomic structure 22. Forces 23. Waves 24. Magnetism and electromagnetism

02 How will I be assessed?

There are 6 exam papers in total Each subject: Biology, Chemistry, Physics has 2 papers.

Each paper is worth 70 marks in total and is worth 16.7% of your overall GCSE grade Each exam Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 70 marks 16.7% of GCSE All assessments take place at the end of year 11 in the final summer exam series.

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Core Curriculum

Biology GCSE

01 What will I study?

Why Biology?

Choosing Biology GCSE offers a solid foundation in understanding the natural world, from the smallest cells to the largest ecosystems, and can open doors to a variety of careers. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are valuable across many fields. If you enjoy learning about living things and how they interact with their environment, Biology GCSE could be a good fit.

Science is a set of ideas about the material world.

The way scientific ideas flow through the specification will support you in building a deep understanding of science, you will talk about, read and write about science, take part in experiments and represent science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models

1. Cell biology 2. Organisation 3. Infection and response 4. Bioenergetics 5. Homeostasis and response 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 7. Ecology 8. Key ideas The structure and functioning of cells and how they divide by mitosis and meiosis from sections Cell biology and Meiosis .

That variation occurs when gametes fuse at fertilisation from section Sexual and asexual reproduction .

The two essential reactions for life on Earth: photosynthesis and respiration from sections Photosynthetic reaction and Aerobic and anaerobic respiration Metabolism is the sum of all the reactions happening in a cell or organism, in which molecules are made or broken down from section Metabolism .

02 How will I be assessed?

Paper 1 Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 100 marks 50% of GCSE

Paper 2 Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 100 marks 50% of GCSE 29

Core Curriculum Why Chemistry?

Biology GCSE

Choosing Chemistry GCSE can be a great option because it builds a strong foundation for further studies and various career paths, develops valuable analytical skills, and provides a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Chemistry GCSE

Science is a set of ideas about the material world.

The way scientific ideas flow through the specification will support you in building a deep understanding of science - you will talk about, read and write about science, take part in experiments and represent science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models

01 What will I study?

02 How will I be assessed?

1. Atomic structure and the periodic table 2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter 3. Quantitative chemistry 4. Chemical changes 5. Energy changes 6. The rate and extent of chemical change 7. Organic chemistry 8. Chemical analysis 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere 10. Using resources 11. Key ideas

Paper 1 Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, all students should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. You will appreciate how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a small number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are both inter-linked, and are of universal application.

Paper 2 The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 100 marks 50% of GCSE

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 100 marks 50% of GCSE 29

Core Curriculum

Physics GCSE

01 What will I study?

Why Physics?

Choosing Physics for your GCSE can be a good decision if you enjoy understanding how the world works and are interested in careers that require science or problem-solving skills. Physics helps you develop logical thinking, critical analysis, and mathematical skills. It also provides a strong foundation for various careers, including engineering, medicine, and research Science is a set of ideas about the material world.

The way scientific ideas flow through the specification will support you in building a deep understanding of science - you will talk about, read and write about science, take part in experiments and represent science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models

1. Energy 2. Electricity 3. Particle model of matter 4. Atomic structure 5. Forces 6. Waves 7. Magnetism and electromagnetism 8. Space physics (physics only) Students will be required to demonstrate the following mathematics skills in GCSE Physics assessments.

Questions will target maths skills at a level of demand appropriate to each subject. In Foundation Tier papers questions assessing maths requirements will not be lower than that expected at Key Stage 3.

In Higher Tier papers questions assessing maths requirements will not be lower than that of questions and tasks in assessments for the Foundation Tier in a GCSE Qualification in Mathematics

02 How will I be assessed?

Paper 1 Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 100 marks 50% of GCSE

Paper 2 Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 100 marks 50% of GCSE 29

Options Choices Choose your subjects

Ebacc Accreditation Why History?

History GCSE

History is the science of studying the past and trying to reconstruct it. As today’s societies are shaped by those of the past, understanding history can give us a better sense of who we are collectively.

Making history meaningful – History B (SHP) encourages learners to become curious, to develop their own opinions based on a respect for evidence, and to build a deeper understanding of the present by engaging with and questioning the past. The specification is based on content which helps learners to address fundamental issues in human history. It brings together people, events and issues that learners will find fascinating and that will stimulate a desire to explore the similarities and differences between people’s lives in the past and their own lives now.

01 What will I study?

Students will study 5 units of study.

Each unit is worth 20% of the final mark.

The units are: The Making of America 1789 - 1900 Living under Nazi Rule 1933 - 1945 Migrants to Britain 1250 - present The Elizabethans 1580 - 1603 History Around US (site visit) All five elements address knowledge of significant historical issues that will help learners in further study of history and in making sense of their world.

Historical enquiry underpins the approach that is needed to make sense of the content in each of the studies.

02 How will I be assessed?

British History - 1 hour 45 minutes (40%) World History - 1 hour 45 minutes (40%) History Around Us - 1 hour (20%) All assessments are exams based.

There is a significant amount of reading and writing associated with this qualification.

Most suitable for those with an interest in the past, people and how society has evolved.

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Ebacc Accreditation Outline of Course Geography is the study of all human and physical phenomena on the planet. The discipline is divided into two fields: Human geography—the study of the relationships between people and their environments Physical geography—the study of continents, hydrography, relief, climate, vegetation, etc.

Geography GCSE

Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include: climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.

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02

What will I study?

How will I be assessed

Unit 1 You will complete the Physical Geography section of the syllabus. This involves three topics: The Challenge of Natural Hazards The Living World Physical Landscape in the UK Unit 2 You will complete the Human Geography section of the syllabus. Topics to be covered are: Urban Issues and Challenges The Changing Economic World The Challenge of Resource Management You will also complete 2 pieces of fieldwork Unit 3 Issue Evaluation Fieldwork Geographical Skills

There are 3 written exams at the end of the course Paper 1 Living with the physical environment Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG) ) 35% of GCSE Paper 2 Challenges in the human environment Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPaG ) 35% of GCSE Paper 3 Geographical applications Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 76 marks (including 6 marks for SPaG ) 30% of GCSE Pre-release resources booklet made available 12 weeks before Paper 3 exam 29

Travel & Tourism Btec

01 What will I study?

Component 1: Travel and Tourism Organisations and Destinations Learners will investigate travel and tourism organisations in the UK, their ownership, aims, key products and services, and how they work together.

Component 2: Customer Needs in Travel and Tourism Learners will investigate how organisations use market research to identify travel and tourism trends and identify customer needs and preferences.

Component 3: Influences on Global Travel and Tourism Learners will explore the different factors that may influence global travel and tourism, and how travel and tourism organisations and destinations respond to these factors.

Btec Qualification Why Travel & Tourism?

The travel and tourism sector is the UK’s third-largest employer and is one of the fastest- growing sectors employing nearly 3 million people.

This qualification is for learners interested in taking a hands-on course alongside their GCSEs that will offer them a practical introduction to life and work in the dynamic travel and tourism industry, allowing them to make an informed decision about their future learning and career. This course will give learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment.

Learners will investigate travel and tourism organisations in the UK, their ownership, aims, key products and services, and how they work together.

They will explore the role of different consumer technologies within the travel and tourism industry.

Learners will understand the different types of tourism and different types of visitor and will investigate the features of and routes to popular tourist destinations.

02 How will I be assessed?

Students will study three components: One component will be assessed through an external exam worth 40%.

Two components will be completed as internal assessments worth 60%. # The internal assessments will take the form of reports, slides presentations, travel plans etc and will be supported by research undertaken as part of the course.

The internal assessments can be completed electronically.

Why Religious Education?

RE GCSE

Studying RE at GCSE can be beneficial because it enhances critical thinking, communication, and empathy skills, which are valuable in various fields, including careers in the caring professions, politics, journalism, and education. It also fosters a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and cultures, promoting tolerance and respect in a multicultural society.

01 What will I study?

The RE GCSE course aims to: develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of religions and non-religious beliefs, such as atheism and humanism develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, teachings, practices, and sources of wisdom and authority, including through their reading of key religious texts, other texts, and scriptures of the religions they are studying develop learners’ ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced and structured written arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of the subject provide opportunities for learners to engage with questions of belief, value, meaning, purpose, truth, and their influence on human life challenge learners to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learnt and contributes to their preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community.

02 How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Religion, Philosophy & Ethics 2hr written exam 50% of qualification Component 2: Study of Christianity 1hr written exam 25% of qualification Component 3: Study of Islam 1hr written exam 25% of qualification

Spanish GCSE

01 How will I be assessed?

Ebacc Accreditation Why Spanish?

Choosing Spanish for GCSE offers numerous benefits, including enhanced linguistic skills, a broadened understanding of global cultures, and valuable transferable skills that can be applied in various fields.

Spanish is also a highly sought-after language in the job market, giving students a competitive edge.

The vocabulary in this qualification enables students to communicate across a range of engaging and relatable thematic contexts, which are relevant to their current and future needs.

There are six broad thematic contexts: • My personal world • Lifestyle and wellbeing • My neighbourhood • Media and technology • Studying and my future • Travel and tourism Students will use the specified vocabulary and grammar to listen to, read, speak and write about the following subjects:

Paper 1: Speaking Spanish: Internally conducted and externally assessed: Foundation tier: 7-9 minutes plus 15 minutes’ preparation time; 50 marks Higher tier: 10-12 minutes plus 15 minutes’ preparation time; 50 marks 25% of the qualification

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What will I study?

Topics covered:

Family Friends Relationships Paper 2: Listening and Understanding Equality family friends relationships equality physical mental well-being food and drink sports places in town Written examination: Foundation tier:well-being 45 Physical wellbeing hopping transport natural5world environmental issues minutes,the including minutes’ reading time, 50 social media and gaming future opportunities (e.g. work, Mental wellbeing school music TV and5film accommodation tourist attractions marks Highertravel) tier: 60 minutes, including Food & Drink minutes’ reading time, 50 marks 25% of the Sports qualification Places in town Shopping Paper 3: Reading Transport Written examination: Foundation tier: 45 The natural world minutes, 50 marks Higher tier: 60 minutes, 50 Environmental issues marks 25% of the qualification Future Opportunities School Social media and gaming Paper 4: Writing Music Written examination: Foundation tier: 1 hour 15 TV and Film minutes; 50 marks. Higher tier: 1 hour 20 Tourist Attractions minutes; 50 marks. 25% of the qualification Accomadation 29

Extra Language Choices Outline of Course A Community Language GCSE is a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualification in a language that is commonly spoken within a particular community, often a language other than English that a student may have learned at home or within their community. It's essentially an extra language GCSE for students who are already fluent or proficient in a language beyond their main school language.

Community Languages

One of Britain’s strengths is its rich, multicultural nature and ensuring young people have the opportunity to study a wide range of languages is integral to that.

Learning a foreign language opens up a whole world of opportunity and ensures our young people will be able to compete on a global scale.

If pupils are proficient in a language and would like the opportunity to take a qualification in this languages, it is important that this is identified on the options form.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Pupils will be expected to complete community languages in their own time and whilst support and resources will be provided - this will not be a timetables lesson. Pupils will need to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening in order to be entered for these qualifications.

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02 What Languages are available?

Arabic Modern Greek Gujarati Bengali Japanese Modern Hebrew Biblical Hebrew Panjabi Polish Portuguese Turkish Urdu

What qualification will I receive?

This is a full GCSE qualification that would count towards the Ebacc accreditation.

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STEM Qualification

Engineering

Btec

Why Engineering?

The OCR Level 1/2 Award in Engineering is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of engineering principles and practical skills. This course prepares students for further study, apprenticeships, or entry-level careers in the engineering sector. It focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of engineering, including materials, design, and manufacturing.

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02

What will I study?

How will I be assessed?

Students will understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Engineering Design, including the design process, types of drawings, influences on design, and the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) Students will also: • develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations • think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically • develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the engineering design and development sector and more widely • analyse problems in design terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, and modelling designs to meet a design brief • understand the different stages of the iterative design process, recognising the cyclical nature of this approach • evaluate designs through product disassembly and the process of using product analysis.

Key to units for this qualification: M = Mandatory Students must achieve this unit E = External assessment We set and mark the exam N = NEA You assess this and we moderate it Principles of engineering design 48hrs Exam (M) Communicating designs 36 hrs Non Exam Assessment (M) Design evaluation and modelling 36hrs Non Exam Assessment (M)

STEM Qualification Outline of Course Studying GCSE Economics is beneficial because it builds a foundational understanding of economic principles, enhances critical thinking skills, and prepares students for further education and a variety of careers. It helps students understand the complex interplay of markets, policies, and global economic issues.

Economics GCSE

Ever wondered why your favourite trainers cost what they do? Or why some people are rich and others aren't?

Or how businesses decide what to sell? If you're curious about how the world works, and want to understand the forces that shape our lives, then GCSE Economics is for you!

Discover how markets and businesses operate, understand the UK and global economy, and tackle pressing issues like poverty and inequality. You'll develop essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis, while enjoying enrichment opportunities like guest speakers, visits and debates.

Economics provides valuable real-world knowledge, opening doors to diverse career paths and empowering you to become an informed and engaged citizen.

01 What will I study?

An Introduction to Economics The role of markets and money Economic objectives and the role of government International trade and the global economy

02 How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Introduction to Economics (J205/01) 80 Marks 1 hour 30 minute written paper 50% of total GCSE Paper 2: National and International Economics (J205/02)* 80 Marks 1 hour 30 minute written paper 50% of total GCSE

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Computer Science GCSE

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STEM Qualification Why Computer Science?

Studying Computer Science at GCSE provides a strong foundation for understanding technology and developing valuable skills applicable to various careers. It enhances critical thinking, problemsolving abilities, and provides a deeper understanding of the technology that drives our world, even if you don't pursue a tech-related career.

Additionally, it can be a stepping stone to further studies in Computer Science at A-level and university.

02

What will I study?

Students will understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.

Students will also: • analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs • think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically • understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems • understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society • apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

How will I be assessed?

Two final exams Paper 1: Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of total GCSE 80 marks This is a non-calculator paper.

All questions are mandatory. This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.

Paper 2: Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of total GCSE 80 marks This is a non-calculator paper.

This paper has two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections. All questions are mandatory. In Section B, questions assessing students’ ability to write or refine algorithms must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with.

STEM Qualification

Psychology GCSE

Outline of Course Studying Psychology helps students develop skills that are transferable to a number of jobs and professions, including law, business, medicine, journalism, marketing, advertising, personnel work, management and many more. Many students continue to study Psychology or related subjects, such as criminology, with the intention of becoming either a Psychologist in any of the specialist areas, such as occupational child, clinical, criminal or educational psychology, or to work in related fields such as social services, probation or youth work, the police or teaching.

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01

How will I be assessed?

What will I study?

Paper 1: The content of the course provides a sound understanding of methods and approaches in Psychology at an introductory level. The course also: illustrates these methods and approaches through various topic areas representing the core areas (crime; development; psychological problems; sleep and dreaming;memory and social influences) develops investigation and report writing skills develops analytical and critical thinking skills encourages an appreciation of how science works A variety of learning styles to enable students to access and remember the necessary content for their examinations through: ICT and interactive activities Individual enquiry paired investigations and team work.

Introduction to Economics (J205/01) 80 Marks 1 hour 30 minute written paper 50% of total GCSE Paper 2: National and International Economics (J205/02)* 80 Marks 1 hour 30 minute written paper 50% of total GCSE Criminal Psychology Development Psychological Problems Research Methods Social Influence Memory Sleep and Dreaming Research Methods

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Creative Arts

Photography GCSE

01

Why Photography?

Studying Photography GCSE offers a unique blend of creativity, technical skills, and the chance to express yourself visually, making it a valuable choice for students. It encourages exploration of different photographic styles, from studio photography to darkroom techniques and digital manipulation, fostering imaginative thinking and problem-solving.

Photography is defined here as the practice of creating durable static or moving images by recording light with light-sensitive materials such as photographic film or digitally by means of an image sensor. It includes still photography and other lens-based media.

What will I study?

Students undertaking Photography must explore practical and relevant critical and contextual sources such as the work of historical and contemporary photographers and the different purposes, intentions and functions of photography as appropriate to their own work. Photography and other light and lens-based media are frequently used to document, record and to provide a visual source of information for other areas of study. Within a traditional department it requires access to particular and specialised equipment such as cameras, enlargers and dryers and can involve the use of chemicals and darkroom processes. Alternatively, or additionally, it may require specialist computer hardware, printers and software or what is now more commonly known as the ‘digital darkroom’. Students must demonstrate the ability to work creatively with processes and techniques appropriate to the chosen area study such as: photograms; pinhole cameras; film (chemical) processes; digital processes; time-lapse photography; stop-frame animation; installation; film; video; animation; photomontage; digital manipulation of images. Outcomes can be screen or print-based, comprise still or moving images.

02 How will I be assessed?

Creative Arts Outline of Course

Art GCSE

Studying Art at GCSE fosters creativity, develops visual literacy, and cultivates valuable skills applicable across various fields, including critical thinking, problemsolving, and communication. It also offers the chance to explore personal interests and deepen cultural understanding.

Component 1, the Portfolio (60% of qualification, internally assessed, externally moderated) and Component 2, the Externally Set Assignment (40% of qualification, internally assessed, externally moderated).

This specification provides the flexibility and capacity to build and extend the breadth and depth of students’ creative practice and offers the choice of a broad-based general course, plus six distinct title options with no prohibited entry combinations.

Art, Craft and Design offers flexibility in content and approach and students undertaking this option must explore and create work associated with at least two of the titles listed below: • Fine Art • Graphic Communication • Textile Design • Three-dimensional Design • Photography • Critical and Contextual Studies.

01

What will I study?

The emphasis is on an increased breadth of approach commensurate in demand with the depth of learning required in the more specialised titles. Art, Craft and Design can be distinguished from other titles in as much as students are able to explore personal interests and demonstrate their abilities across a particularly broad course of study

02 How will I be assessed?

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Graphics GCSE

Creative Arts Why Graphics?

Studying Graphics GCSE is a great way to develop creative skills, explore design principles, and potentially open doors to various careers. It's a course that fosters creativity, helps you learn to communicate visually, and can provide a strong foundation for further study in related fields like graphic design, animation, or advertising.

01 What will I study?

This title is defined as the process of creating primarily visual material to convey information, ideas and emotions through the use of graphic elements such as colour, icons, images, typography and photographs.

Students undertaking the graphic communication title are required to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and understanding set out in the introduction to Section 2 through areas of study relevant to their chosen title. Areas of study include: • Advertising • Communication graphics • Design for print • Illustration • Interactive design (including web, app and game) • Multi-media • Package design • Signage • Typography

02

How will I be assessed?

Creative Arts Outline of Course A BTEC in Performing Arts offers a practical, hands-on alternative to traditional academic GCSEs, providing students with valuable skills and knowledge about the performing arts industry.

Performing Arts Btec (Music or Drama)

This course can boost confidence, creativity, and teamwork, while also exploring the potential of a career in the arts. It's a good option for students interested in the creative arts or those who want a more practical, less exam-focused approach to education. The Performing Arts Btec is also a great balance to a heavily academic set of options choices.

01 What will I study?

Students will specialise in Drama or Music Learners will investigate how professional performance or production work is created B Demonstrate understanding of the skills, techniques and approaches used by professionals to create performance/production work.

Learners will examine live and/or recorded performances in at least three different styles in order to develop their understanding of professional performing arts work in one or more of acting.

Learners will also examine the roles, responsibilities and skills used to create work, developing their knowledge and understanding of how they contribute to performance.

02 How will I be assessed?

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Creative I-Media

01

STEM Qualification Outline of Course Studying Creative iMedia offers a pathway to develop practical digital media skills, enhance employability, and foster creativity. It provides essential knowledge and tools to create various media products, including digital games, web designs, and graphics, while also developing transferable skills like research, planning, and evaluation. This qualification can lead to careers in the IT and media sector, such as graphic design, web development, or game design.

What will I study?

Our Cambridge National in Creative iMedia will encourage students to: understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of digital media including factors that influence product design, use of media codes and conventions, pre-production planning techniques, legal issues and creation/publishing/distribution considerations develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the media industry and more widely design, plan, create and review digital media products which are fit for purpose meeting

02 How will I be assessed?

Outline of Course?

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care (603/7047/6) is for learners who want to acquire sector-specific applied knowledge through vocational contexts by studying human lifespan development, health and social care services and values, and health and wellbeing as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden learners’ experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them.

Health and Social Care Btec

01 What will I study? the life stages and key characteristics in the physical, intellectual, emotional and social (PIES) development classifications and the different factors that can affect an individual’s growth and development different life events and how individuals can adapt or be supported through changes caused by life events health and social care conditions, how they can be managed by the individual and the different health and social care services that are available the barriers and obstacles an individual may encounter and how these can be overcome the skills, attributes and values required to give care and how these benefit the individual how factors can affect an individual’s current health and wellbeing how physiological indicators and an individual’s lifestyle choices determine physical health the use of the person-centred approach recommendations and actions to improving health and wellbeing and the barriers or obstacles individuals may face when following recommendations and the support available to overcome.

02 How will I be assessed?

Child Development

01

Why Child Development?

Did you know?

The early years sector focuses on the learning, development and care of children in the UK. There were approximately 1.7 million Ofsted registered childcare places for children offered by many different types of early years settings in England in 2019, ranging from childminders and nannies to nurseries, crèches and preschools. Knowledge of child development is important in a variety of occupations outside of childcare and teaching, for example, in healthcare roles such as paediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists.

What will I study?

The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop applied knowledge and understanding of child development and growth up to the age of five, how children learn through play and how meeting the needs of individual children will support their development, play and learning. In a practical learning environment, learners will have the opportunity to develop applied knowledge in the following areas: the characteristics of children’s development from birth up to five years factors that affect growth and development the importance of play how play promotes children’s learning and development reasons why children may need support child-friendly environments to support play, learning and development in children from birth to five years old supporting all children to learn and develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

02 How will I be assessed?

Outline of Course?

A BTEC in Hospitality and Catering is a great option for students interested in a career in the hospitality industry or further education. It develops practical skills, provides industry knowledge, and enhances employability. Studying this qualification can lead to various job roles, including restaurant management, event planning, and more

Hospitality and Cateering

01 What will I study?

Unit 1 enables learners to gain and develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the hospitality and catering industry including provision, health and safety, and food safety.

Unit 2 enables learners to develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the importance of nutrition and how to plan nutritious menus. They will learn the skills needed to prepare, cook and present dishes. They will also learn how to review their work effectively (page 21).

02 How will I be assessed?

Sports Studies Cambridge National

Why Sports Studies?

A BTEC in Sports Studies can be a great choice for those interested in a career in the sports and fitness industry. It provides a practical and theoretical foundation, combining hands-on training with indepth knowledge of sports science, coaching, and the business of sports.

This qualification can lead to various career paths and higher education opportunities.

01 What will I study?

Students will learn about, understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Sport Studies. They will also: • Develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations • Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically • Develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to the Exercise, Physical Activity, Sport and Health sector and more widely • Understand topical and contemporary issues in sport, including: why people do and do not participate in sport, the promotion of ethics and values, the roles of National Governing Bodies and high profile events have in sport, as well as how technology is used within sport • Develop skills as a performer in two different sporting activities

02 How will I be assessed?

Outline of Course Studying GCSE Physical Education (PE) offers a comprehensive understanding of the human body and movement, the impact of sport on society, and the benefits of an active lifestyle. It combines practical performance with theoretical knowledge, encouraging students to develop both physically and mentally.

This course is a combination of theory, practical and NEA coursework.

PE GCSE

01 What will I study?

The human body and movement in physical activity and sport: Applied anatomy and physiology Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the key body systems and how they impact on health, fitness and performance in physical activity and: The structure and functions of the musculoskeletal system The structure and functions of the cardio-respiratory system Anaerobic and aerobic exercise The short and long term effects of exercise Movement analysis: Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of movement and their effect on performance in physical activity and sport.

Lever systems, examples of their use in activity and the mechanical advantage they provide in movement Physical Training.

Using Data.

02 How will I be assessed?

Your Future: Where will your option choices take you?

Going to college offers numerous benefits, including increased earning potential, enhanced career opportunities, and broader life experiences. It can also lead to personal growth, improved skills, and expanded social circles.

Succeeding Together

Next Steps Attend the Year 9 Options Evening event at school.

Discuss options with family, friends, teachers.

Complete your options form and return by the closing date.

Witton Park Academy

Your Pathway to Excellence Thank you for exploring Year 9 Options Booklet We look forward to recieving your options choices and supporting you in your next steps.

Address Buncer Ln, Blackburn BB2 6TD Phone

01254 264551

Website https://witton.atctrust.org.uk/