St James' Catholic High School - KS4 Curriculum Pathways Information 2023

ST JAMES’ CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

KS4 CURRICULUM PATHWAYS INFORMATION 2023

THE OPTIONS PROCESS AT ST JAMES’

In Years 7, 8 and 9 all pupils study the full range of national curriculum subjects.

In the Spring term of Year 9 pupils are required to make their GCSE option choices. This enables them to focus more substantially on both the core curriculum (RE, English, Maths, Science) and their curriculum areas of interest.

I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL.

JOHN 10:10

OPTIONS PATHWAYS

Our curriculum pathways are designed to allow pupils to study a wide range of subjects that keep their options open for further study and future careers. The vast majority of pupils at St James’ take options pathways that enable them to study the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).

THE EBACC SET OF SUBJECTS IS:

• English Language and Literature

• Maths

• the Sciences

• Geography or History

• French or Spanish

At St James’ we offer four options pathways so that we can tailor our curriculum to each pupil’s needs. The majority of pupils follow the EBacc Pathway.

THE FOUR PATHWAYS ARE:

1. EBacc Plus Pathway: Core curriculum + triple science award (Biology, Chemistry, Physics taken as 3 separate subjects) + either History OR Geography + French OR Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9) + one additional subject from the options lists

2. EBacc Pathway: Core curriculum + combined science + either History or Geography + French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9) + one additional subject from the options lists

3. Blended Pathway: Core curriculum + combined science + one of History, Geography, French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9) + two additional subjects from the options lists. Pupils will be guided to the most suitable subjects

4. Bespoke Pathway: Core curriculum + combined science + additional Mathematics & English; and two additional subjects will be chosen according to individual ability and interest (if a pupil chooses French or Spanish, it must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9)

All pupils, regardless of which option pathway they choose, study a core curriculum of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, RE, IT/ Computing and core PE.

WHICH OPTIONS PATHWAY IS MOST SUITABLE FOR ME?

The options pathway you choose will depend on your individual interests and ability. Your form tutor, subject teachers and Head of Year will be able to advise you on which pathway will be the best one for your individual success. You can also speak to Mr Stonehouse, our Careers Adviser, who is in school every Thursday and Friday.

EBACC PLUS PATHWAY

This options pathway is academically challenging and is suited to pupils on the KS3 Excellence pathway in all subjects, and who have shown a sustained interest and aptitude for Maths and Science.

Pupils accessing the EBacc Plus pathway will study, in addition to the Core curriculum, Biology, Chemistry, Physics taken as 3 separate subjects plus either History or Geography, as well as French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 & 9). They will also choose one additional subject from the options list.

EBACC PATHWAY

This option pathway is the one taken by the majority of our pupils. Pupils who opt for this pathway are those who are on the KS3 Excellence or Secure pathway for most or all subjects.

Pupils accessing the EBacc pathway will study, in addition to the Core curriculum, Combined science award plus either History or Geography as well as French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9). They will also choose one additional subject from the options list.

BLENDED PATHWAY

The blended pathway is most suited to pupils who are on the KS3 developing or foundation pathway in the majority of subjects.

Pupils accessing the blended pathway will study, in addition to the Core curriculum, the Combined Science plus one of History, Geography, French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9) and two additional subjects will be chosen according to individual ability from the options list.

BESPOKE PATHWAY

Bespoke Pathways are suitable for pupils in consultation with parents, the Head of Year and SENCO. The bespoke pathway is suitable for pupils who require a more focussed curriculum where additional English and Maths are available alongside the core curriculum. Options choices are still available and clear guidance will be given as to those which are best suited to your child.

CORE CURRICULUM SUBJECTS (ALL PATHWAYS)

English Language & Literature, Maths, RE, Science, PE, IT/Computing, Citizenship & PSHCE

CITIZENSHIP & PSHCE

Course Overview

Citizenship and PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic education) are covered in weekly lessons, drop-down days and within other subject disciplines, where they are clearly signposted. (For example, Healthy eating and lifestyles are covered within the PE curriculum; marriage and healthy relationships are covered within RE). Guest speakers also support this part of our curriculum.

PSHCE is broken down into six units and each unit is assessed.

Citizenship and British Values, Health and WellBeing, Relationship and Sex Education, Avoiding Harm, Living in The Wider World and Budget and Finance.

CORE PE

Course Overview

Pupils are taught to develop a variety of skills and strategies to be competitive in individual and team sports. They are encouraged to evaluate their performances, to build on their successes and to demonstrate sustained improvement across a wide range of physical activities..

IT & COMPUTING

Course Overview

IT and Computing are covered within the PSHCE curriculum and are integrated into the curriculum of other core and options subjects, so that the statutory requirements are covered.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Exam Board: AQA Religious Studies B

Specification Code: 8063

Course Overview

Religious Studies has a special status within the 14-19 curriculum and is a statutory subject at Key Stage 4. At St. James’ it forms part of the core curriculum and is studied by all pupils to GCSE level. Pupils begin work on GCSE Religious Studies in the Spring term of Year 9.

Students study the following papers

Paper 1: Catholic Christianity (50% of GCSE course) comprises of 6 units which are taught, but students are examined on 4 units

• Creation

• Incarnation

• The Triune God

• Redemption

• Church and the Kingdom of God

• Eschatology

Paper 2: A study of a world religion and Themes (50% of GCSE course)

• Paper 2a: Judaism - students will study a unit on “Belief and Teachings” and a unit on “Practices”

• Paper 2b: Themes paper - students will study Theme A: Religion, relationships and families and Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict.

Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are examined at the end of the GCSE course. Each paper is assessed by a 1 hour 45 minute exam paper.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & ENGLISH LITERATURE GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8700 & 8702

Course Overview

Pursuing a study of English Language and English Literature at GCSE is an opportunity for pupils to enhance the most universal of all academic skills in a dynamic and inspiring context. Their endeavours across these two challenging and engaging GCSE subjects will also allow pupils to develop their capacity to be analytical in their approach to the social and political challenges faced by our world and will furnish them with the skills needed to express their opinions effectively.

These important objectives will be achieved through:

• Learning to approach both fiction and nonfiction texts critically, gaining insight into the structural and linguistic techniques commonly employed by journalists and authors across the full range of non-fiction and literary forms

• Thinking critically about the world and society and how it is reflected through literature and the media

• Developing the capability to express thoughts and ideas with originality and imagination across a range of different writing styles both in fiction and non-fiction

• Empowering pupils through their ability to communicate ideas orally with confidence and conviction while ensuring that their listening skills are discerning and perceptive

Course Content

• A range of English literature from Shakespeare to more contemporary writing

• Poetry from contemporary writers as well as those from within the English literary tradition

• A range of non-fiction writing

• An opportunity to engage in the creation of a diverse range of well-crafted fiction and nonfiction writing

Examination

Exams are at the end of Year 11.

English Language – 100% Final Written Examination.

• Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading & Writing (50%)

• Paper 2: Writer’s Viewpoints & Perspectives (50%)

• Spoken Language – 0% (Unweighted)

English Literature – 100% Final Written Examination.

• Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel (Closed Book Examination) - 40%

• Paper 2: Post-1914 Prose/Drama and Poetry (Closed Book Examination) - 60%

MATHS GCSE

Exam Board: Edexcel

Specification Code: 1MA1

Course Overview

Mathematics is a core subject which all pupils will study at least to the end of KS4. As well as enabling pupils to develop key skills in numeracy, logical thinking and analysis, GCSE Mathematics is an essential foundation for further study in a wide range of other subjects from humanities through ICT to the sciences and engineering; and along with GCSE English, it is a necessary qualification for entry into university degree courses as well as a broad spectrum of professions.

In studying GCSE Mathematics, pupils will:

• 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

The GCSE Course

Statutory changes to the programme of study dictate that the course will be examined in one session at the end of Key Stage 4. A linear programme will be followed, with the course content examined across three papers and the new numerical grading system (1-9) being applied.

Examination

Exams are at the end of Year 11. All pupils will complete all 3 papers at the same tier.

Paper 1: Non – Calculator, Paper 2 & 3 Calculator. Each 1 hour and 30 minutes, and 80 marks per paper. There are two tiers of entry for each of the written examinations, Foundation tier (grades 1-5) and Higher tier (grades 4-9). A pupil will be entered for the Foundation tier only where it is believed they are unlikely to achieve a grade 5 on the Higher tier paper. There is no coursework in GCSE Mathematics.

GCSE SEPARATE SCIENCES: BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS GCSE (TRIPLE SCIENCE)

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: A Biology: 8461, Chemistry: 8462 Physics: 8463

Course Overview

The 3 sciences are suited to pupils who have shown that they are capable of performing to a very high level in Science. Triple Science is also available as an option but only recommended for pupils who are performing at a high level.

Course Content

Biology

Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution, Ecology.

Chemistry

Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes, The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, Using resources.

Physics

Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure, Space.

Examinations:

All exams are in Year 11.

Each subject area comprises 2 examination units (total 6 exams).

SCIENCE: GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8464

Course Overview

This course will be studied by all pupils who are not taking Separate Sciences. Pupils who achieve a good grade in the Combined Trilogy may choose to study any of the three Science subjects to A level in Years 12 & 13.

Course Content

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught in a rolling programme throughout the course.

Biology

Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution, Ecology.

Chemistry

Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes, The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, Using resources.

Physics

Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure, Space.

Examination:

All exams will be taken in May and June of Year 11.

Each subject area comprises 2 examination units (total 6 exams).

There are two tiers of entry for each of the written examinations, Foundation tier (grades 1-5) and Higher tier (grades 4-9). A pupil will be entered for the Foundation tier only where it is believed they are unlikely to achieve a grade 5 on the Higher tier paper.

OPTION SUBJECT CURRICULUM GUIDES

ART & DESIGN GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8201

Course Overview

This course aims to teach a broad range of Art & Design skills. It enables pupils to build creativity through learning and doing, to explore their imagination and to develop knowledge and understanding of media, materials and technologies. Pupils are required to work independently between lessons and research historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures.

Pupils must be enthusiastic about practising a variety of painting and drawing techniques. The ability to complete homework on time, draw from direct observation and write about the work is essential for success in this subject.

This broad course covers a wide range of disciplines in addition to fine-art. Pupils also explore 3D modelmaking, sculpture, textiles and ceramics.

This provides a strong foundation for progression into the Art and Design A-level courses. It also leads to career pathways such as Graphic Design, Fashion and Architecture.

Examination

Unit 1 Coursework (60%)

This unit has 3 projects, each in a separate A3 sketchbook. Typical topics are:

Natural Forms:

Pupils study/draw a wide range of natural forms from direct observation (such as shells, leaves, vegetables) and learn about formal elements such as Tone Texture and Colour. They use ceramics and other 3D techniques to develop personal responses. The work of different artists and designers is researched and analysed and all work is evaluated (written analysis). There is a strong emphasis on drawing from direct observation and learning different painting techniques.

Structures/The Human Figure:

Pupils learn 2D and 3D techniques (Painting, modelmaking, Ceramics and Mod-Roc) and develop a range of designs based on the work of painters, sculptors and architects.

Self-Image & Identity:

This is a Self-Portrait project which can include Photography, Animation, Installation work and/or Abstract outcomes (where identity is shown using non-representational sources such as objects, maps, etc.)

Mock Exam:

Pupils prepare a portfolio of sketches, paintings and 3D work based on any of the above topics. This unit has a similar structure to Unit 2, the external exam.

Unit 2 External Exam (40%)

This Exam project/sketchbook is similar to the Coursework but the themes are dictated by the exam board (There are 7 themes to choose from). Pupils spend their exam preparation period researching, painting, drawing and making 3D models in response to one of the topics. During the exam days (a total of 10 hours) they create a ‘final piece’ such as a painting or a sculpture. Unit 2 requires intensive and independent work.

ART PHOTOGRAPHY GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8206

Course Overview

This course is designed for pupils who have a strong interest in Photography and would like to develop specific knowledge of photographic techniques as well as learn about the work of different photographers. The course has an identical structure to the Art & Design course and enables pupils to research and explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to lens-based and light-based media from the past and from recent times.

Pupils must be able to show the process of developing their ideas in a visual form such as creating displays, drawing diagrams, presenting their research creatively and showing evidence of knowledge and understanding as well as producing a final product. Pupils will use a variety of sketchbooks and work-journals to support their research.

Pupils complete TWO UNITS of work over two years:

Unit 1 Coursework (60%)

Natural Forms has 3 projects, each in a separate A3 sketchbook. Pupils photograph a wide range of natural forms (such as shells, leaves, vegetables) and learn about formal elements such as Tone Texture and Colour. They use a range of presentation techniques to develop personal responses. The work of different photographers is researched and analysed and all work is evaluated (written analysis). There is a strong emphasis on the ability to create well-presented displays.

Structures/Movement/Fragments Pupils study urban photography and research photographers who record the built environment. Pupils plan and create a display of photographs in response to their research.

Unit 2 External Exam

This exam project/sketchbook is similar to the Coursework but the themes are dictated by the exam board (there are 7 themes to choose from). Pupils spend their ‘exam preparation period’ researching photographers, taking photographs in response to the research and making photographic displays in response to one of the topics.

During the exam days (a total of 10 hours) they create a ‘final piece’. Unit 2 requires intensive and independent work. The ability to complete homework on time, research photographers and write about the work (in detail) is essential for success in this subject. Pupils must be enthusiastic about presenting their photographic work and creating displays.

BUSINESS GCSE

Exam Board: OCR

Specification Code: J204

Course Overview

When you leave school you may be working for a business or other organisation. After studying Business you will have an insight into just how businesses operate, including how to set up a business of your own. This is a practical course, using real businesses as examples. You will learn skills to help you in decision making and be one step ahead in understanding how businesses operate. Course content includes:

• Marketing, including advertising, development of products, setting the best price

• Recruitment, including how businesses choose the right staff and keep them working well.

• Business structures, including the different ways to set up a business

• Finance, including how businesses obtain the money to set up and operate and how they make a profit

• Business operations, including how businesses produce the things we buy

• Influences on businesses, including economics, the environment and how many businesses are operating around the world

Assessment method: 100% exam

Exam Board: OCR

Examination

All exams are at the end of Year 11

• Two exams at the end of the course, each 90 minutes long

CAMBRIDGE NATIONALS

L2 CERTIFICATE IN

CREATIVE IMEDIA (IT)

Exam Board: OCR

Specification Code: J834

Course Overview

Digital Media plays an important part in our everyday lives and is also an important part of the UK economy. As a result, employers are looking for an increasingly skilled and technical workforce as more media products are produced digitally. This course aims to provide pupils with specific and transferable skills and a solid foundation in understanding and applying the subject, whether it is in employment or higher education in IT or Media. They’ll design, plan, create and review digital media products to meet client and target audience demands.

Overview of subject content:

The certificate consists of 3 units; 2 mandatory and 1 optional unit to make 120glh.

• Unit 1: Creative iMedia in the media industry (written paper, 1 hour and 30 minutes)

• Unit 2: Visual identity and digital graphics (assessed coursework task)

• Units 3-8: In order to provide a broad yet selective curriculum that appeals to all, the optional unit will be chosen according to pupil interest and confirmed in the autumn term.

At the end of the course, pupils will be graded on the Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* system. Progression can lead to L3 Cambridge Technicals in IT

Coursework

All pupils will need to complete 2 coursework units that comprise 60% of their final grade.

Examinations

Exams are at the end of Year 11.

All pupils will complete an externally assessed written paper for Unit 1, which makes up the remaining 40% of their final mark.

COMPUTER SCIENCE GCSE

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

Specification Code: 1CP1

Course Overview

The aim of the course is to help pupils develop knowledge and understanding of the computing challenges arising from rapidly changing business and social environments. It will enable pupils to appreciate how computing is used in the real world and equip them with the skills to control devices rather than simply using software created by others.

Pupils will spend most of the course learning programming concepts and how to apply them, using the programming language, Python. A high level of mathematical understanding is required in order to access the content, therefore the course is most suited to pupils who have a high level of aptitude and ability in Mathematics.

Overview Of Subject Content:

CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT TECH AWARD – LEVEL 2

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

Specification Code: 603/7051/8

Course Overview

The course is made up of 3 compulsory units. The units cover different aspects of the Construction industry to give as wide a feel to the subject as possible. Each unit requires practical involvement in the given area plus supporting written exercises ranging from tools and materials recognition to evaluating and justifying actions and techniques.

Course Content

Core Units

1. Construction Technology (Exam)

2. Construction in Practice (Coursework)

3. Construction and Design (Coursework)

Coursework

60% coursework. Each pupil will hand in at least two portfolios of evidence and work, one for each of the above units completed.

Examination Arrangements:

Exams are at the end of Year 11

There is one written examination in Construction Technology: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This BTEC First award is equivalent to one GCSE. Pupils will be awarded a Pass (Grade 5 equivalent), Merit (Grade 6 equivalent) or Distinction (Grade 7 equivalent).

All pupils will complete two externally assessed papers which constitute 100% of the GCSE:

• Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science – 50%

• Paper 2: Application of computational Thinking – 50%

DESIGN TECHNOLOGYFOOD TECHNOLOGY

Hospitality and Catering Level 1/2

Vocational Award

Exam Board: WJEC

Specification Code: 5569

Course Overview

As the Hospitality and Catering industry is a major employer of people in the UK and other countries, we are pleased to offer this vocational qualification to our pupils in order to enable them to gain a good knowledge, understanding and skills that are required by the Hospitality and Catering Industry. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills, including food preparation and cooking skills, organization, time management, planning, communication and problem solving.

Course Content:

Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry 40% (exam)

For the online e-assessment you will need to gain knowledge of all parts of the industry and be able to propose new hospitality and catering provision for a particular location. You should be able to identify different types of establishment and job roles to determine the best option. This is completed at the end of year 10.

Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering Industry in Action 60% (controlled assessment)

This unit is based around a given brief in which you will need to complete all the Assessment Criteria; you will have to plan, prepare, cook and present nutritional dishes.

This is completed at the end of year 11.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY GCSE

Design & Technology

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8552

Course Overview

Design & Technology is an exciting way to explore the ever changing world in which we live and provides pupils with the opportunity to develop skills and create new products for the future. Pupils will design and make products with creativity and originality using a range of materials and techniques.

There is a focus on developing commercially viable solutions to meet a range of needs, whilst focusing on the need to develop a sustainable society. The products range from mobile phones and cameras through electronic toys, to lighting and small pieces of furniture. Pupils also develop graphics and packaging skills.

Coursework

• 50% Examination - Based upon subject knowledge and the design industry. This is completed at the end of year 11.

• 50% Controlled assessment - Practical designing and making component. This is completed during lessons in year 11.

DRAMA GCSE

Exam Board: EDEXCEL Specification Code: 1DRO

Course Overview

In GCSE Drama, pupils explore a range of drama as a practical art form, and work independently to create their own drama performances, making informed artistic choices. The qualification allows pupils to study drama in an academic setting, interrogating this art form and applying their knowledge and understanding to the process of creating and developing drama and applying this to their own performance work. Students taking drama need to be confident performers.

The GCSE Drama course will help create independent pupils, critical thinkers and effective decision-makers, all personal attributes that can make pupils stand out as they progress through education and into employment.

All pupils are required in year ten to create, develop and perform with energy, commitment and focus a minimum of three pieces of theatre.

One is a devised piece, lasting 20 minutes, made in response to three pieces of stimulus set by the teacher. This part of the course includes a written portfolio of 2000 words evaluating and analysing the process of creating the piece.

The second acting project happens in Year 11 and involves pupils in two extracts from a published play and then performing them.

The written exam requires pupils to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed, directed, designed and performed through the study of a performance text and through their evaluation and analysis of live theatre that we have been to see.

Examination Arrangements

40% practical with internally assessed portfolio, 20% practical performance of two parts of a play, 40% written examination.

GEOGRAPHY GCSE

Exam Board: AQA Specification Code: 8035

Course Overview

The AQA GCSE Geography specification gives students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts, use geographical skills, enquiry and analysis and allows students to develop their learning through fieldwork. This will also give students the knowledge, understanding and skills to become engaged in current local and global issues.

Students will study the following units: In Geography there are three exam papers to complete with different weightings.

Unit 1: Living with the physical environment(35% Examination) - 1 hour 30 minutes.

• The Challenge of Natural Hazards

• The Living world

• The Physical Landscapes of the UK

Unit 2: Challenges in the human environment(35% Examination) - 1 hour 30 minutes

• Urban Issues and Challenges

• The Changing Economic World

• The Challenge of Resource Management

Unit 3: Geographical applications and Geographical skills - (30% Examination) - 1 hour 15 minutes.

• Geography Skills

• Fieldwork

• Issue Evaluation

All students studying Geography are entitled to two days of fieldwork and so the field trip are a compulsory element to the course to fulfil the specification.

Assessment - 3 Examinations

Exams are at the end of Year 11

HISTORY GCSE

Exam Board: Edexcel Specification Code: 1HI0

Course Overview

History is an excellent opportunity for pupils to gain a knowledge of the history of conflict in the early modern and contemporary world. This course will also give pupils the opportunity to develop their research and debating skills. Pupils will be given the opportunity to practise evaluating historical sources and analysing life changing decisions, as they will be asked for their judgements on the actions and events of the past.

Unit 1: Medicine in Britain, C1250-present & The British sector of the Western Front, 1914-1918 injuries, treatment and the trenches

This is a thematic unit that enables pupils to develop an understanding of the nature and process of change across a wide period of time. This will involve understanding patterns of change, trends and turning points.

Unit 2: Henry VIII and his Ministers, 1509-1540 & Superpower Relations & Cold War, 1941-1991

The first half of this unit is a British depth study of England during the reign of Henry VIII. The pupils will learn about the work of Thomas Wolsey and his successor Thomas Cromwell. There will also be a key focus on the Reformation that introduced religious changes throughout England between 1534 and 1540.

The second half of this unit is a period study of the relationships between the USA and the Soviet Union after the Second World War. The pupils will gain an understanding of why the Cold War broke out and its repercussions in various regions of the world such as Berlin, Cuba and Afghanistan.

Unit 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918 – 1939

This is a depth study that focuses on the social, economic, political, cultural and military aspects of Germany across a twenty year period. This unit gives pupils the opportunity to learn about the situation in Germany after the First World War and how this helped Hitler to come to power. They will gain an in-depth knowledge of life under the Nazis including the Holocaust.

Examination:

Exams are at the end of Year 11

Three External Exams

• Unit 1 - One hour 15 minute exam 30% (Assesses knowledge & source skills)

• Unit 2 - One hour 45 minute exam 40% (Assesses knowledge)

• Unit 3 – One hour 20 minute exam 30% (Assesses knowledge & source skills)

MUSIC GCSE

Exam Board: OCR

Specification Code: J536

Course Overview

The OCR GCSE in music requires learners to practically apply knowledge and understanding, including musical vocabulary and notation as appropriate to the context, through the skill of performing, composing and appraising.

Learners will study five areas. The areas of study are intended to be approached in a way that allows learners to explore music in an integrated fashion – providing performance, composition and appraisal opportunities.

Across the areas of study learners will study music from the past and present, from the western tradition and other world cultures. The areas of study also provide opportunities for learners to further their understanding musical styles.

Examination of GCSE Music

• Performance on the learner’s chosen instrument.

• Composition to a brief set by the learner. Integrated portfolio - 60 marks. Non-exam assessment. 30% of total GCSE.

• Ensemble performance

• Composition to an OCR set brief. Practical component. 60 marks non-exam assessment. 30% of total GCSE.

• Listening and appraising

• A written paper with a CD. Aural recognition and context on heard / unfamiliar music from within the areas of study 2,3,4 and 5. Listening and appraising. 80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes written paper 40% of total GCSE

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Exam Board: Edexcel

Course Overview

The GCSE French and the GCSE Spanish courses consist of four externally examined papers based on the following skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Pupils must complete their speaking assessment in April/May and all other assessments in May/June in any single year.

Each paper is available at Foundation tier or Higher tier. Students must be entered for a single tier across all papers. The use of dictionaries is not permitted.

Course Content

The courses allow pupils to develop their ability to communicate with French / Spanish native speakers in both speech and writing. They will study across a variety of contexts relevant to their age and interests and will also develop a greater awareness of the culture of French / Spanish speaking communities and countries.

Pupils will need to develop and use their knowledge and understanding of French / Spanish grammar progressively through their course of study.

To help pupils build on their range of vocabulary, a list is provided of words that pupils are expected to use and understand. These lists are not exhaustive but are intended as a guide; pupils at both tiers will be required to understand and respond to familiar words (appropriate to the tier - Foundation or Higher) that are not on the lists.

Assessment overview:

Paper 1: Listening and understanding in French / Spanish - 25% of the total qualification

Written examination:

Foundation tier: 35 minutes including 5 minutes’ reading time; 50 marks

Higher tier: 45 minutes including 5 minutes’ reading time; 50 marks

Paper 2: Speaking in French / Spanish Internally conducted and externally assessed - 25% of the total qualification

Foundation tier: 7–9 minutes plus 12 minutes’ preparation time; 70 marks

Higher tier: 10–12 minutes plus 12 minutes’ preparation time; 70 marks

Paper 3: Reading and understanding in French / Spanish

Paper 4 : Writing in French / Spanish

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing, conveying what they want to say with increasing accuracy

• express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently

• listen to and understand clearly articulated, standard speech at near normal speed

• deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary in order for them to increase their independent use and understanding of extended language in a wide range of contexts

• acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through the ability to understand and respond to a rich range of authentic spoken and written material, adapted and abridged, as appropriate, including literary texts

• develop awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where the language is spoken

• be encouraged to make appropriate links to other areas of the curriculum to enable bilingual and deeper learning, where the language may become a medium for constructing and applying knowledge

• develop language-learning skills both for immediate use and to prepare them for further language study and use in school, higher education or employment

• develop language strategies, including repair strategies.

Themes and topics

Questions across all four language skills are set in common contexts, addressing a range of relevant contemporary and cultural themes. They are organised into five themes, each broken down into topics and sub-topics.

The five themes are:

• Identity and culture

• Local area, holiday and travel

• School

• Future aspirations, study and work

• International and global dimension.

All themes and topics must be studied in the context of both the students’ home country and that of countries and communities where French/ Spanish is spoken.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8582

Course Overview

Pupils will receive a well rounded introduction to the world of PE, Sport and Sport Science through the combination of physical performance and academic challenges. The theory content will look at a range of topic areas including anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training, sport psychology, socio-cultural influences and will require a firm scientific grounding. In the new GCSE, there is an increased emphasis on the theoretical content which is now worth 60% of the qualification assessed through examination.

You will study:

• Theory – 60%

Section 1: Applied anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training and use of data.

Section 2: Sports psychology, socio-cultural influences, health, fitness and well-being and use of data.

Course Overview

• Theory - 60%

• Practical - 40%

Examination:

Exams are in Year 11. This unit is assessed through two written examinations.

The examinations are 1 hour and 15 minutes each.

• Practical – 40%

Section 1: Practical performance in three different physical activities in the role of player/performer (one in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either a team or in an individual activity).

Section 2: Analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one activity.

Overview of assessment

The practical element of the course will be marked by the PE teachers at St James’ and moderated by AQA.

LEVEL 2 CAMBRIDGE NATIONAL IN SPORTS STUDIES

Exam Board: OCR

Specification Code: J829

This course is designed to equip pupils with applied knowledge and practical skills which are desirable to employers in industry sectors. They focus on the acquisition of technical skills. Sport, Health and Fitness is designed for learners with an interest in any of the health and fitness contexts such as exercise, lifestyles and diet. The course has clear progression routes to Post-16 qualifications, training and employment routes as well as teaching important life skills and knowledge.

Assessment Method

Pupils are assessed on a Pass, Merit or Distinction basis (Three units over the two years).

Course Overview

• Theory - 60 % (40% Exam/20% Coursework)

• Practical - 40 %

R184: Contemporary Issues in Sport

R185: Performance and Leadership in Sports Activities

R186: Sport and the Media

Examination:

R184: This unit will be assessed by a 1 hour 15 minute external exam

R185: Students will be assessed in both a practical and individual activity as well as their ability to lead a coaching session in their chosen activity.

R186: This unit will be assessed by completing an assignment in class time.

The practical element of the course will be marked by your PE teachers. Video evidence of coaching sessions will be used. Written assignments will be completed to cover all other aspects of this unit.