ARGOED HIGH SCHOOL
COURSES FOR STUDENTS IN YEARS 10 & 11 2011 - 2013 This booklet contains details of the courses which we intend to provide for our students who are moving from Year 9 to Year 10 in September 2011. This is the time when students progress from Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum to Key Stage 4. •
Students can have some choice in the subjects which they study.
•
From September, most schoolwork will be in preparation for the GCSE and other examinations which are taken throughout Year 10 and at the end of Year 11.
•
The school also begins to prepare students in earnest for their move into further education, training or employment in the summer of 2013.
Students, Staff and Governors at Argoed take pride in the excellent academic results which have been achieved. Our GCSE results are amongst the best in Flintshire and consistently above the National Average for Wales. In 2010, 84% of our students achieved five or more ‘higher’ grade passes. We have a policy of entering all students for GCSE. 100% of students achieved at least 5 GCSE passes. Students at all levels of ability achieved outstanding levels of success. One of the reasons for this success is that students made careful choices of courses when they moved from Year 9 to Year 10. Our aims for Key Stage 4 are that all students develop as responsible and knowledgeable young people in preparation for their future roles in the family, community and workplace.
Parent/Teacher Discussion An information evening for Year 9 parents has been scheduled for Tuesday 22nd March. There will be an opportunity to discuss with Mrs.Spence and other members of the SMT any issues arising from this booklet. There is also a Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Tuesday 5th April. The enclosed option form has to be returned to Mrs Spence by Friday 8 th April.
Which courses are compulsory? The National Curriculum requires students in Wales to follow the following subjects by law: English Mathematics Science Physical Education Welsh A separate law requires students to follow a course in: Religious Education Which courses can I choose? Depending on the route chosen, a number of subjects can be chosen from the following list: Art Business and Communications Systems Drama French Geography German Health and Social Care History Home Economics - Food Media Studies Music Physical Education Technology-Product Design Welsh Extended Curriculum – iMedia Mandarin Leisure & Tourism Public Services Principal Learning Engineering Additional Subjects OCR ICT Modified Programmes Some students with particular individual needs may be able to follow a curriculum which is more suited to them. Details are discussed between parents, student and teacher between March - May.
EXAMINATIONS General Certificate of Secondary Education The GCSE is awarded for most of the examinations which students take at the end of Year 11. In several subjects students are entered for an earlier examination and some subjects have module exams at the end of Year 10. The examinations test memory of facts but more particularly test understanding and the ability to use a range of skills. All GCSE courses in England and Wales follow agreed guidelines known as the National Criteria. These dictate much of the course content and the form of the examinations. Five examination boards set the examinations and award the grades. We use three of these - AQA, OCR and WJEC. In some subjects, all students are examined in the same way. In others there are ‘tiered’ papers with two different levels of entry - Higher and Foundation. The different papers examine the same work but with different styles and depth of questioning. The following individual subject pages state which subjects work in this way, and which grades can be awarded in each tier. Several subjects include some form of Controlled Assessment as part of the final examination. This can become a heavy burden for students and demands a lot of organisation and commitment. This should be considered when making subject choices. GCSE grades for a pass are A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G. A* to C are known as higher grades and are normally expected of students hoping to study for Advanced level and progress to higher education. Students who do not reach G standard in the examinations are ‘Ungraded’. Science is considered as two GCSEs and two grades are awarded. There are also some Short Courses which are graded in the same way but are considered to be half of a GCSE pass. There are a range of other courses available at level 1 and level 2. Level 1 qualifications equate to GCSE grades D-G and level 2 courses equate to GCSE grades A*-C.
The Welsh Baccalaureate All Year 10 are to follow The Welsh Baccalaureate course as well as their chosen route. It aims to combine personal development skills with existing qualifications. The award gives the student an additional qualification which covers: -
Essential Skills Wales, Europe and the World Work-related Education Personal and Social Education Individual Investigation
The Essential Skills are: • Application of number • Communication • ICT • Improving Own Learning and Performance • Problem Solving • Working with others Wales, Europe and the World includes the following: • discussion of political, social, economic and cultural factors • sets Wales in the broader context • builds on existing language skills in either a modern foreign language or Welsh Work Related Education includes: • understanding of the world of work (all students will work with employers) • understanding the importance of enterprise and entrepreneurship (all students will contribute to a team enterprise activity) • giving careers education and guidance Personal and Social Education • positive relationships • good health, including sexual health • the rights and responsibilities of being an active citizen • understanding development issues and education for sustainable development plus Community Participation activity – all pupils will be expected to carry out 15 hours of community participation/volunteering Individual Investigation • guided investigation on a chosen topic choice • compare Wales to another country • develops a range of transferable skills including research skills • exercise personal responsibility
Independent Learning The development of student initiative is a feature of Key Stage 4 learning. Students are expected to develop their research, experimentation, design and presentation skills and to begin to develop their studies beyond teacher direction. Computer and Library facilities are available during and after school hours for individual use by students. A number of subject lessons will continue to take place in these areas. Careers A comprehensive programme of Careers Education is provided, with specialist lessons as part of Personal and Social Education. Each student is guaranteed individual advice from a Careers Wales adviser assigned to the school. There is a one-week Work Experience programme in Year 10. Year 10 students are encouraged to volunteer for the Young Enterprise scheme, setting up and running their own company in competition with other schools. In year 11 there is an evening Convention highlighting the opportunities available in Further Education and Training. The need for competence in Welsh in a bilingual community is stressed. Careerswales.com Students will be able to access information on line at www.careerswales.com Further information about careerswales will be available at the Year 9 information evening. Pupils will have the opportunity to access the website in school with the guidance of their Learning Mentors, Mrs Spence and Miss Grice. Progress File With the support of their teachers and Learning Mentors, students identify their own progress, achievements and strengths, and are encouraged to set targets for their further progress. This is summarised in a final document - the Progress File - which is nationally recognised and is likely to be required by prospective employers, Further Education Colleges and Sixth Form Centres.
ENGLISH & ENGLISH LITERATURE HOURS PER WEEK
3
GROUPS
SET BY ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, GCSE LITERATURE, ENTRY LEVEL
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
HIGHER
GRADES A*- D
FOUNDATION
GRADES C - G
ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE Controlled assessment
Studying written language (15%) Two creative writing assignments (15%) Speaking and Listening (20%) Studying spoken language (10%)
Examinations
Reading: non-fiction texts (20% - 1 hour) Writing: information and ideas (20% - 1 hour)
ENGLISH LITERATURE GCSE Controlled assessment
Poetry and drama (Shakespeare) (25%)
Examinations
Prose and Poetry (35% - 2hours) Drama and prose (40% - 2hours)
CONTENT Speaking and Listening – communicating and adapting language: interacting and responding: creating and sustaining roles Reading – non-fiction texts, 2 novels, a range of poetry and 2 plays (one modern and one by Shakespeare). Writing – creative writing (descriptive and narrative): writing about information and ideas.
TEACHING AND LEARNING Through whole class teaching and group work you will develop your skills to communicate effectively in speech and writing, to listen with understanding, and to become an enthusiastic and knowledgeable reader. You will be able to develop your skills to: • read, understand and respond to a variety of literary texts, in class and independently • appreciate the ways in which authors achieve their effects • understand the social, cultural and historical influences on literature • match your style to your audience and purpose in written and spoken tasks There may be Videos, Live performances and Workshops related to the texts. FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
SCIENCE
MRS. R A DEVINE
HOURS PER WEEK
5 (FOLLOWING TWO DIFFERENT MODULES)
GROUPS
SET BY ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
HIGHER
GRADES A*- D
FOUNDATION
GRADES C - G
TWO GCSE GRADES AWARDED (one in year 10, one in year 11) TOP SET (single sciences, 3 GCSE’s) COURSEWORK
25% OF GRADE - Experiments followed by written test
MODULAR EXAMINATION
Yr 10 GCSE core science (3 units studied, 6 module tests) Yr 11 GCSE additional science (3 units, 3 written papers)
TOP SET EXAM DATES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN CALENDAR
NOTE: All Year 9 students have begun the core Science curriculum. This is to enable them to achieve the best grade possible.
CONTENT The year 10 course is made up of units which study: • Human biology, environment and evolution • Products from rocks and oils, Earth and atmosphere • Energy and Electricity and radiation and the universe A practical investigation will be carried out based on one of these units. Following the investigation a written test will be set (this will ask the students about the practical investigation they have undertaken). At the end of the year students will be awarded a GCSE in science. The year 11 course will be called Additional Science. This will also have one unit of biology, one of chemistry and one of physics. The coursework consists of one practical investigation followed by a task based on the practical task undertaken. More details will follow during year 10 as the specifications change for 2012/2013.
TEACHING AND LEARNING Modules will be taught by different teachers. You will study two modules at a time. Lessons will consist of theory and investigative work. You will therefore develop your practical skills, building on those you have acquired up to and including Year 9. These will involve careful observation, measurement, communicating in different ways, problem solving, and fair testing. You will be encouraged to think for yourself, question what is happening, and suggest reasons why. These new GCSE courses are all about how science works. Students will learn how science effects the world we live in.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MR. H. GOODSON
MATHEMATICS HOURS PER WEEK
3
GROUPS
SET BY ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE (WJEC)
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
HIGHER
GRADES A* - D
FOUNDATION
GRADES C - G
FINAL EXAMINATION - GCSE
TWO WRITTEN PAPERS
CONTENT The course will look at Mathematics with four different areas of study Using and Applying Mathematics Number and Algebra Shape, Space and Measures Data Handling Students will continue to develop their skills in Numeracy. One GCSE paper requires them to find solutions without the use of a calculator. In the Maths GCSE there is a focus on the use of Maths for problem solving. Students will have the opportunity to take their GCSE Maths in November of Year 11. If successful, they will then study for another qualification - a GCSE in Statistics.
TEACHING AND LEARNING We continue the system of teaching in sets according to ability, with the same teacher where possible, and each set is aimed at a GCSE entry level (see above). Regular internal assessments are completed after each unit of work. Students will be actively involved in the lessons. Whole class teaching will be combined with group work and independent learning.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MISS J GRICE
WELSH - CORE HOURS PER WEEK
1
GROUPS
AS FOR R.E.
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE SHORT COURSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
HIGHER
GRADES A* - D
FOUNDATION
GRADES C - G
Unit
Content
Assessment
Weightings Short
Me:
1 Written Exam F&H Tier
50% Family Home Friends Holidays Area
Leisure Time: Special occasions Sport Fashion / Shopping Cinema Pop music Work: Part time Charity
2 Course Work No Tier
•
•
Wales: Culture Celebrities •
4 questions o
2 Writing
20%
o
2 Reading
30%
50% Speaking o
Individual Presentation
20%
o
Role-play
20%
Related to role-play
10%
Writing o
In class we will: • speak / chat (yn Gymraeg!) about things that interest you • use a lot of ICT – interactive whiteboard / website / wikis / forums / latest programs • do a lot of pair and group work • listen to what you enjoy doing • prepare well for every component of the course • explain clearly what we expect of you at every point in the course • We want to make the point that learning Welsh is not just about learning about Wales! Yes, we learn about our unique culture but it’s more about communicating. We want you to be able to talk about stuff that interests you – football, friends, TV, internet, shopping, mobile phones…
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MISS V BROWN
PHYSICAL EDUCATION – CORE HOURS PER WEEK
1
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
NONE
CONTENT In year 10 students follow selected units of work in: Team Games - Hockey, Netball, Football, Rugby, Basketball. Athletics Tennis and Badminton, Table Tennis Striking Games - Cricket, Rounders, Softball Health-related fitness. Martial Arts, Dance Students follow at least two units of work, one being health and fitness. There is some choice of activity, to follow particular strengths, interests and also perform to a higher standard. This choice depends on the availability of facilities and the staff expertise in sporting activities.
TEACHING AND LEARNING Games are taught separately to boys and girls but other activities are mixed. You will be encouraged to raise the quality of your performance, building on skills you have already developed, and in the Games units there will be an emphasis on tactics and strategies. Your performance will be assessed and recorded throughout the course.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
MR. P. SMITH
HOURS PER WEEK
1
GROUPS
ORGANISED WITH THE WELSH DEPARTMENT
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE SHORT COURSE – Religion and Life Issues
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
ALL STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE SAME EXAMINATION
COURSEWORK
NONE
FINAL EXAMINATION
ONE WRITTEN PAPER 1HOUR 40 MINS
CONTENT Your R.E. course is divided into four units: Relationships - issues of love, marriage, divorce. Our World - exploring ideas of creation and our place in the world. Looking for Meaning - Questions about God, life and death Is It Fair? - Issues of justice and equality. While studying these units you will investigate the beliefs, values and traditions of Christianity and of one other religion.
TEACHING AND LEARNING Lessons will be mainly teacher-led with some paired/group and individual study. You will be expected to think about a number of moral issues and to understand the approaches of different religions towards these, and also to consider the fundamental issues about Life arising from Human experience. There will be a variety of classwork and homework tasks. Pupils will be assessed in each topic. They will play an active part in their own assessment. Guidance and opportunities will be given by the teacher so that pupils are able to assess their own learning and of others. End of unit assessments will take place in Years 10 & 11.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS. S. ROBINS
ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE)
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
QUALIFICATION
Level 2 = GCSE Grade B Level 1 = GCSE Grade E 100% NONE
COURSEWORK FINAL EXAMINATION
CONTENT Communication Sport and Leisure The Environment Health and Fitness International Links Expressive Arts Citizenship and Community Independent Living Vocational Preparation Work Related Learning and Enterprise Science and Technology Beliefs and Values The aims of the course are to help students develop and demonstrate a range of skills, including Wider Key Skills such as Improving Own Learning and Performance, Working with Others and Problem Solving. These are taught alongside the modules above. These modules are divided into three sections or challenges, each taking at least ten hours to complete. These challenges may be completed in a variety of situations: in school, in the wider community or at home. Completion of a challenge equates to one or two credits and students must complete twelve credits or six if they have successfully completed the ASDAN Bronze Certificate in year 9, to achieve the final qualification. Students will have the opportunity to complete a thirty hour vocational course at a Further Education College as part of this qualification, and will have the opportunity to do some voluntary work in a variety of settings. The course will be taught across two Options.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS C LIDDY
FRENCH HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE (WJEC)
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
HIGHER
GRADES A* - D
FOUNDATION
GRADES C - G
COURSEWORK
30 % OF EXAMINATION.
TYPE OF COURSEWORK
2 SUPERVISED WRITING TASKS
SPEAKING
2 TASKS ASSESSED IN SCHOOL (30% OF TOTAL MARK)
FINAL EXAMINATION
LISTENING AND READING (EACH WORTH 20% OF TOTAL MARK)
CONTENT You will develop your understanding of the language in a variety of contexts and enhance your language learning skills. You will learn to communicate effectively in the language and develop an understanding of the target language countriesthrough the following contexts: • Personal and Social Life • The Local community • The World of Work • The Wider World You will also learn dictionary skills and the grammar necessary to enable communication and understanding of the structure of the language.
TEACHING AND LEARNING You will be expected to build on the skills and knowledge from previous lessons in French. You will be encouraged to enjoy language learning and to relish the linguistic challenge, which will give you skills for future use in this multilingual global society. You will use textbooks, work booklets, CDs, DVDs, dictionaries, digital voice recorders, video recorders, the Interactive White Board, IT software, the Departmental wiki and VLE. We have links with partner schools in France and you will be encouraged to correspond with an e-pal.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS.K. HOLTON
GERMAN HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE (WJEC)
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
HIGHER
GRADES A*- D
FOUNDATION
GRADES C - G
COURSEWORK
30% OF EXAMINATION
TYPE OF COURSEWORK
2 SUPERVISED WRITING TASKS
SPEAKING
2 TASKS ASSESSSED IN SCHOOL (30% OF TOTAL MARK)
FINAL EXAMINATION
LISTENING, READING AND ORAL TESTS
CONTENT You will develop your understanding of the language in a variety of contexts and enhance your language learning skills. You will learn to communicate effectively in the language and develop an understanding of the target language countriesthrough the following contexts: • Personal and Social Life • The Local community • The World of Work • The Wider World You will also learn dictionary skills and the grammar necessary to enable communication and understanding of the structure of the language.
TEACHING AND LEARNING You will be expected to build on the skills and knowledge from previous lessons in German. You will be encouraged to enjoy language learning and to relish the linguistic challenge, which will give you skills for future use in this multilingual global society. You will use textbooks, workbooklets, CDs, DVDs, dictionaries, digital voice recorders, video recorders, the Interactive White Board, IT software, the Departmental wiki and VLE. We have a well-established link with a partner school in Germany and Flintshire organizes exchanges with Menden. A trip to Cologne Christmas markets is a possibility for motivated and hard-working pupils.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS. K. HOLTON
NVQ Language Units for Wales: German NVQ Levels 1 and 2: Level 2 working at the level of GCSE A* - C Level 1 working at the level of GCSE E - G
Course Outline The NVQ is based on business language and will involve learning to communicate in a business environment e.g. answering the phone, writing a business letter, listening to messages and giving business presentations. The Scheme of Work consists of the following units: Level 1
Level 2
1. Greetings and Introductions. 2. Working in a hotel/tourist attraction. 3. Arranging a business trip. 4. Staying abroad on business.
1. Working in the tourism industry. 2. Work experience abroad. 3. Presenting your business. 4. Marketing your product.
Why should I do this course? According to the Nuffield enquiry into the U.K.’s capability in languages there is, in the U.K. workforce, a ‘chronic shortage of people at all levels with usable language skills’. ‘Companies increasingly need personnel with technical or professional skills plus another language...’
Who is this course suitable for? This course offers students who have either studied the language before or who are new to the language the opportunity to gain a qualification in using language in a business situation. NVQ provision will vary depending on the requirements of each school but it is intended primarily for 14-19 students.
Exams and Coursework. There will be no exams. Assessment will be by the teacher and an internal verifier. Students will have the chance to carry out speaking tasks, recorded by the teacher, listening, reading and writing tasks. These tasks will form the portfolio of evidence which will lead to them gaining NVQ units at Level 1 and 2. Each unit is a discrete qualification, so students can combine tasks at Level 1 and Level2. There is no requirement for students to acquire units in all 4 skill areas i.e. a student may gain NVQ Level 1 in Listening and another NVQ Level 1 in Reading.
NVQ Language Units for Wales cont: German NVQ Levels 1 and 2 Points for the qualification. The level is determined by the National Qualifications Framework not the number of points, which means that points do not equal GCSE grades. Level 1 NVQ language units are all at the level/standard of GCSE grades E-G regardless of whether a student achieves 1 of them or 4 of them. Level 2 NVQ language units are all at the level/standard of GCSE grades A* - C
regardless of whether a student achieves 1 of them or 4 of them. 4 NVQ language units at Level 2 would equate to 20% of the Level 2 threshold, the same as 1 GCSE at grade A* - C
What next? NVQ language units can be combined with any other subject e.g. Business Studies, Travel and Tourism, Law, Marketing etc. The units can also form part of the Welsh BAC qualification. Students can continue with their NVQ portfolios to attain Level 3 qualifications, whether in school or at college.
MRS. K. HOLTON
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
WELSH - FULL COURSE HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
HIGHER
GRADES A*- D
FOUNDATION
GRADES C - G
Unit
Content
Assessment
Weightings Short Full
Me:
1 Written Exam F&H Tier
Family Home Friends Holidays Area Leisure Time: Special occasions Sport Fashion / Shopping Cinema Pop music Work: Part time Charity
2 Course Work
•
•
Wales: Culture Celebrities •
No Tier
3 Speaking Exam
Youth Culture: The media Technology Alcohol Drugs Smoking
o
2 Writing
20%
10%
o
2 Reading
30%
15%
50%
25%
Speaking o
Individual Presentation
20%
10%
o
Role-play
20%
10%
Related to role-play
10%
5%
Writing
25% Speaking o
•
Experiences: Interests School Celebrating
4 Written Exam F&H Tier
Living Healthily: Keeping fit and healthy The environment
Pair / Group Task
10%
Reading o
F&H Tier
25%
4 questions
o
•
50%
Discuss reading material as part of speaking exam
25% •
4 questions o
2 Writing
15%
o
2 Reading
10%
In class we will • speak / chat (yn Gymraeg!) about things that interest you • use a lot of ICT – interactive whiteboard / website / wikis / forums /
• • • •
latest programs do a lot of pair and group work listen to what you enjoy doing prepare well for every component of the course explain clearly what we expect of you at every point in the course
We want to make the point that learning Welsh is not just about learning about Wales! Yes, we learn about our unique culture but it’s more about communicating.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MISS V BROWN
HISTORY HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
ALL STUDENTS ENTER THE SAME EXAMINATION
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
25% OF EXAMINATION TWO ASSIGNMENTS
FINAL EXAMINATION
THREE WRITTEN PAPERS
CONTENT Module 1: A Study in Development Crime and Punishment c.1530 to present day. Students study the key issues relating to types and causes of crime, methods of policing to combat crime and differing approaches to methods of punishment. Module 2 : A study in depth Germany in transition 1929-1947 Students study the rise of the Nazi Party, life in Germany during the 1930s and the impact of World War II. Module 3 : A Thematic Study Sport, Leisure and Tourism c.1900 to the present. Students focus on aspects of change relating to the growth of sport, more leisure time, the development of mass entertainment and increased holidays and tourism. Internal Assessment: Two assignments of 500-700 words, researching into aspects of the First World War (1914-18).
TEACHING AND LEARNING The course builds on the skills and knowledge that have developed during Key Stage 3. Lessons are teacher-led but pupils are encouraged to take an active role in discussion and group work. Primary and secondary sources are investigated and critically analysed. IT skills are used for research and presentation. Class work and homework assignments are assessed regularly.
MR. L. SOUTHGATE
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
GEOGRAPHY HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
HIGHER
GRADES A*- D
FOUNDATION
GRADES C - G
INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS
25% OF FINAL MARK (2 PIECES COMPLETED IN SCHOOL)
FINAL EXAMINATION
TWO WRITTEN PAPERS UNIT 1 - YEAR 10 (1HR 45 MINS) UNIT 2 - YEAR 11 (1HR 15 MINS)
CONTENT The course is divided up into two units:
UNIT 1 (YEAR 10) - 40% of final marks The Physical World: Rivers - processes and landforms; river flooding. Climate Change - causes and evidence for global warming; effects of climate change on different countries; reducing the impact of global warming. Living In An Active Zone - volcanoes and earthquakes and rift valleys; hazards of living in these zones; monitoring earthquakes and lessening their effects. The Global World: Changing Population - where people live; why people move around; birth rates and death rates; future trends. Globalisation - changes in business; the positive and negative sides to globalisation; European Union; newly industrialized countries ( e.g China). Development - indicators of development; a study of Brazil; how do we eliminate some of the problems in the world and how far have some countries come? UNIT 2 (YEAR 11) - 35% of final marks Coastal - coastal processes and landforms; how we protect and manage our coastline; how we cope with rising sea levels. Weather - factors affecting temperatures; weather systems, tropical storms; reducing the impact of severs weather. Tourism - types of tourism, impact of tourism; a study of tourism in Majorca and the Dominican Republic; sustainable tourism. The two investigations will also be carried out in Year 11. one is based on fieldwork (10%). The other is problem solving/decision making (15%).
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS G NOLAN
ART HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
ALL STUDENTS ENTER THE SAME EXAMINATION
COURSEWORK
60% OF EXAMINATION
TYPE OF COURSEWORK
TWO ASSIGNMENTS, EACH 30%
FINAL EXAMINATION
40% OF EXAMINATION – 10 HOUR PRACTICAL EXAM
CONTENT In this course you will develop your skills within a broad range of art, craft and design. You will learn to use a variety of materials, tools and techniques. You will be introduced to the work and method of artists, from modern times and from historical periods. You will develop your skills in analysis, interpretation, and presentation of artistic ideas.
The work will build on your previous knowledge and achievements.
TEACHING AND LEARNING The work is mainly practical but there will be visits to exhibitions and galleries, and investigations into the work of other artists, to stimulate and inspire your own studies. At the start of the course there is class-teaching and practical demonstration. Later, you take more responsibility for managing your work and your time, with individual guidance from the teacher. Overall you should develop creative and imaginative use of practical skills and become enthusiastic and confident artists.
DRAMA HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :GCSE (WJEC) EXAMINATIONS
MISS D TONG
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
NO TIERING
COURSEWORK (INTERNALLY ASSESSED)
40% DEVISED PERFORMANCE 20% DEVISED PERFORMANCE REPORT
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
20% PERFORMANCE FROM A TEXT
FINAL EXAMINATION
20% WRITTEN EXAMINATION BASED ON A SET TEXT
CONTENT The course consists of a range of practical work and the study of selected plays. You will also be visiting theatre productions and watching film and television plays to develop an understanding and appreciation of performance. You will develop your skills in group work and improvisation is an important part of this. This will also help in the study and preparation of scripts.
TEACHING AND LEARNING You will have whole-class teaching, group work, individual study, workshop and theatre visits, and use film and video. You will be given the opportunity to develop: • understanding of the basic human experiences of ‘role-taking’ and ‘role-making’ • awareness and use of the skills required in the creation of a dramatic presentation • appreciation of dramatic literature, from which plays are created • enjoyment and appreciation of live, filmed and broadcast drama.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS. R. A. DEVINE
HOME ECONOMICS - FOOD HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
ONE PAPER
UNIT 1
WRITTEN PAPER 1.5 HOURS 40%
UNIT 2
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT (30 HRS 60%)
TASK 1 Yr 10
(20%) 10 HOURS MAY – JULY
TASK 2 Yr 11
(40%) 20 HOURS JAN - MARCH
GRADES A* - G
CONTENT • • •
You will study Healthy Nutrition and Diet, and the effects of modern technology on food preparation. You will develop food preparation, cooking and presentation skills and you will need to enjoy practical work, which will be held weekly. Note that you will have to pay for ingredients yourself. You will also study the characteristics of different foods and analyse the functions of food, through experiments and practical procedures.
TEACHING AND LEARNING There will be some class teaching but much of the work is practical. You will develop some of the skills you have begun to acquire in Design and Technology. You will work through the Design process, and keep a folder with records of all your activities. A variety of books and other resources are used. The coursework is as above, Task 1 & 2, in which you develop your own ideas, plan and carry out the food preparation.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS. P. ROBERTS
MEDIA STUDIES HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE (WJEC)
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
NO TIERING
COURSEWORK
60% CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT (INTERNALLY ASSESSED)
TYPE OF COURSEWORK
(i) 2 TEXTUAL INVESTIGATIONS ON TWO DIFFERENT MEDIA AREAS - (ONE MUST BE PRINT BASED) 20% (ii) ONE MEDIA PRODUCTION AND EVALUATION 40%
WRITTEN EXAMINATION
40% SECTION A. THINKING ABOUT THE MEDIA INVESTIGATING. SECTION B. THINKING ABOUT THE MEDIA PLANNING.
CONTENT You will study Television, Radio, Cinema, Newspapers and Magazines, Publishing, Leisure and Music Industries, Photography and Advertising, Websites and Computer Games. These will be studied through three aspects: • Media texts • Media organisations • Media audiences You will learn skills in audio-visual media - photography, sound, video - and in IT and use these in producing your coursework. Your examinations will be based on actual examples of audio-visual and printed material. Your exam topics will be Televised Drama (excluding crime) and Web-based Drama.
TEACHING AND LEARNING This is an enjoyable and rewarding course which allows you to study areas of the Media that interest you. You will develop the knowledge of Media theories and terminology used in mass communications media. You will analyse existing Media texts and create your own (both print-based and moving images). You will be expected to do some individual background research and, in particular, group work.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS R A DEVINE
MUSIC HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
ALL STUDENTS TAKE THE SAME EXAMINATION
PERFORMANCE
30 % OF EXAMINATION
COURSEWORK
40 % OF EXAMINATION
TYPE OF COURSEWORK
TWO COMPOSITIONS
FINAL EXAMINATION
ONE PAPER – 30% OF EXAMINATION
CONTENT You do not have to be able to read Music to start this course but you will be expected to learn some basics during the first eight weeks. It is essential that you make a commitment to attend instrumental/vocal lessons for the duration of the two year course. The GCSE Music course is very popular and you will be given the opportunity to develop your passion for music through performing, composing and listening. The focus in lessons is on enjoying music through analysis and creation. The course is based on four areas of study: Music in Wales, Musical Structure, Music for Stage and Screen and Music Evolution. Performing: You will be assessed on two performances; one as a solo and one as a member of a group/ensemble. Composing: An exciting opportunity to express your creativity through music in a variety of styles using fantastic notation/sequencing software packages. You even get the chance to take part in recording sessions where you can record the music that you create using multi-track recording equipment. Listening: A wide range of Music is enjoyed by listening to recordings. Different styles of Music are investigated and the final examination is based on listening to extracts from the five areas of study.
TEACHING AND LEARNING Performing: You will be expected to learn an instrument and have lessons from a specialist teacher for the duration of the course. There are opportunities to perform in lessons and also as part of the Junior/Senior Bands, String Group or Choir. Composition: Composition is taught in the classroom with the aid of computer notational and sequencing software. You may choose to compose using live instruments and record your work. Listening: A wide variety of music from areas such as film, musicals, modern, classical and jazz is analysed and their main characteristics are discussed.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MR.C. MILLARD
PHYSICAL EDUCATION - GCSE COURSE HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
STUDENTS TAKE THE FULL-COURSE OR SHORT-COURSE GCSE EXAMINATION
COURSEWORK
60% OF EXAMINATION
TYPE OF COURSEWORK
PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE
FINAL EXAMINATION
FULL COURSE - ONE PAPER 4 practical areas SHORT COURSE - ONE WRITTEN PAPER - only 2 practical areas
CONTENT A keen interest in ALL aspects of PE is essential. Students will be expected to participate in some very strenuous physical activity. Year 10: Badminton, Athletics, Tennis, Rounders, Gymnastics, Basketball. Year 11: Badminton, Gymnastics, Basketball, Fitness Testing. Students can offer 2 off-site activities, which they follow out of normal school hours, as part of their practical assessment. There is also a theory course, studied in the classroom. This course includes : Physical fitness - training methods; factors affecting performance; sports injuries; measuring physical performance - fitness testing; diet and nutrition; sport and the mass media; drugs in sport; leisure, sport and recreation; factors affecting participation and psychology of sport.
TEACHING AND LEARNING Students are taught in a mixed group for most activities. If a large number of students choose this subject, it may be possible to provide two teachers, with a wider range of activities. You are taught skills, tactics and techniques and will be expected to plan, practice and improve your own performances. Written and practical work is designed to cater for students of all abilities. Homework is expected. For your coursework assessment you will be marked at the end of each unit of practical work.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MR. P. SMITH
TECHNOLOGY - PRODUCT DESIGN HOURS PER WEEK
2 / 3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
UNTIERED
COURSEWORK
60% OF EXAMINATION CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT TASK
TYPE OF COURSEWORK
ONE PROJECT (60%)
FINAL EXAMINATION
ONE WRITTEN PAPER (40%)
GRADES A*- G
CONTENT Design and Technology is a practical subject area which requires the application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them. Students will need to develop their independent learning skills and their self motivation. Learning to keep to deadlines is an important skill. The course is based around five broad headings:Designing and making skills Materials and components Design and market influences Processes and manufacture
TEACHING AND LEARNING Preparation for their major project in year 11 is delivered through a variety of design and make problems incorporating both graphics and making skills. The students then choose and develop these skills to produce their controlled assessment task given a choice of possible problems. A range of ICT skills are fostered through Computer-aided design (CAD) and Computer-aided manufacture (CAM).
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
GCSE Health and Social Care (Double Award)
MR. B. WYNNE
HOURS PER WEEK
5 lessons a week
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
GCSE ENTRY LEVELS
Levels 1 and 2 GRADES A*- G available
COURSEWORK
60%
FINAL EXAMINATION
1in Year 10 1in Year 11
The WJEC Award is a qualification which covers levels 1 and 2. The full range of grades A* to G can be achieved as a single or double award. There are 2 external exams for this qualification. This course will apply to you if you: • Have a keen interest in the health and social care services and how they operate. • Enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to your life and experiences. • Want to find out more about what affects health. • Want to study a course that is active and enjoyable. • Have an interest in working in social/childcare The course is made up of the following units: Unit 1: Health, social care and early years provision. Unit 2:Human Growth and Development. Unit 3:Maintaining Health and well-being. Unit 4:Promoting Health and Well-being Pupils gaining an Applied GCSE in Health and Social Care will have access to a range of career and further education opportunities. (For example: A levels, Diplomas, Modern Apprenticeships, or employment). You will use a variety of skills throughout the course, including collecting, interpreting data, communicating your findings in different ways, and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subject. These skills are in great demand and are recognised and valued by employers and colleges.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM:
MRS P ROBERTS
GCSE BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS HOURS PER WEEK
2/3 ALTERNATE WEEKS
GROUPS
MIXED ABILITY
EXAMINATION
AQA
COURSEWORK
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT 25%
FINAL EXAMINATIION
THEORY PAPER 40% CONTROLLED TEST 35%
CONTENT: The Business Environment Workplace Organisation Human Resources Communication ICT in the Business Environment Computer Applications in the Business Environment The aims of the course are to develop your knowledge and understanding of aspects of workplace organisation and the business environment, and to develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of information and communication systems and their applications in the workplace, including their capabilities and limitations. The work you complete will be mainly practical. Four out of five lessons will be in a computer room. This course is aimed at those pupils wanting to develop their IT skills in word processing, spreadsheets, desk top publishing, databases and website design. The theory work will explore how ICT is used in businesses today.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM:
MRS D SPENCE
PRINCIPAL LEARNING ENGINEERING This is an exciting qualification in Engineering in partnership with Deeside College. The qualification is equivalent to 5-7 A* - C GCSE grades. The pupils will gain a great experience of the world of Engineering through projects undertaken at school and at Deeside College. Pupils will access work experience in local industry and will become knowledgeable of and experience a range of industrial types of activity. The candidates considered for this course must be committed and able to achieve high GCSE grades. The places for this course are limited and similar courses already running are very popular. Pupils will study the core subjects and have one more option from the menu. Pupils will spend every Friday morning at Deeside College and transport arrangements will be made to accommodate this. The remainder of the course will be spent at school and be delivered by the Design & Technology Department. The course is mainly project/coursework based. However, there is one unit (Unit 8) that is externally assessed in the form of an exam. It is hoped pupils will pass this at the end of Year 10. The coursework units that pupils will study are:Unit 1 Exploring the Engineering World Unit 2 Investigating Engineering Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers Unit 4 Producing Engineering Solutions Unit 5 Electrical and Electronic Circuits & Systems Unit 6 Application of Manufacturing Techniques in Engineering Unit 7 Application of Maintenance Techniques in Engineering Unit 8 Exploring Eng. Innovation, Enterprise & Technological Advancements
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM:
MRS R GRIFFIN
EXTENDED CURRICULUM – 14-19 PARTNERSHIP As part of our commitment to giving students a broad range of opportunities, we have put together a programme of additional courses. These will be delivered at Flintshire’s Learning Core Centre at Deeside College/Mold Alun High School every Wednesday afternoon. Students choosing one of these courses will be provided with free transport both to and from the Centre, and will be taught along with other Flintshire schools. The courses available include: •
OCR National Award in Creative iMedia
•
GCSE Double Award in Leisure and Tourism
•
BTEC Public Services
Numbers on these courses are limited and all courses will be taught at the Learning Core Centre by teachers from the participating schools.
CREATIVE IMEDIA Creative iMedia is an exciting modular course which enables you to gain relevant workplace skills and techniques using ICT to creative interactive media products. The course will be offered as a Certificate in Creative iMedia which is equivalent to two GCSEs at a B grade; it is graded as a pass or fail. The Certificate is made up of a mandatory unit and four/five optional units. The mandatory unit is on pre-production skills; this allows pupils to understand the basic pre-production skills needed for the creative and media sectors, including: Understanding the client brief, timelines and deadlines Production of pre-production documents and files Understanding how to review and improve documents and files The optional units include: storytelling with a comic strip, website design, video and sound editing, digital graphics editing, game design concepts. This is a challenging course and you must have the necessary skills and interest in interactive media to succeed.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS D SPENCE/MISS J GRICE
PUBLIC SERVICES (OCR) EXAMINING BOARD: OCR ACCREDITATION The OCR First Certificate level 2 is equivalent to two GCSE’s grade A* to C. You will therefore be expected to work hard and complete a lot of coursework, There is an opportunity for students to study OCR Public Services at Level 1. THE CONTENT This course will provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding you will need when moving towards a career in the uniformed services, such as police, emergency fire service or prison service. The course comprises 3 units which allow you to develop your interests and gain a broad foundation. It introduces citizenship, the individual and society, uniformed public service fitness and community and cultural awareness.
NATURE OF THE WORK This Course requires students to complete three substantial pieces of coursework relating to various aspects of the public services. This coursework will consist of a range of activities including personal research, demonstrations, discussions, presentations, role play and some work on improving personal physical fitness. ASSESSMENT The course is assessed entirely through coursework assignments with no external examinations. PROGRESSION You can progress to higher level qualifications in the Sixth Form, including a range of vocational qualifications, or directly into employment. POSSIBLE CAREERS This course will give you valuable skills for any job but especially those in the public services such as police community support officer, an Army soldier, or a Royal Air Force airman/woman,
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS D SPENCE/MISS J GRICE
LEISURE AND TOURISM Groups Hours per week
1 group attending Deeside college on one afternoon per week 2/3 Alternate weeks
Examination
Single or Double award
Papers: Unit 1 – Controlled Assessment (8-10 hours) Unit 2 – Written Paper (1 hour 30 mins) Unit 3 – Controlled Assessment (8-10 hours) Unit 4 – Written Paper (1 hour 30 mins)
Content Unit 1 An investigation into Leisure and Tourism in a chosen area Unit 2 Leisure and Tourism destinations in UK, Europe and the World Unit 3 Leisure and Tourism Organisation – tourism as a business Unit 4 Choice and Change in Leisure and Tourism Local and national companies will be studied and this will allow cross-sector themes and approaches to be developed so you will also gain an insight into business, retail, hospitality and catering. The course will be taught by a teacher from Argoed at the Flintshire Learning Core Centre, Deeside College.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM :
MRS G NOLAN / MRS S WILLIAMS
Edexcel GCSE (Short course) in Chinese Spoken Language (Mandarin) The 2 year course will build your skills in speaking and understanding Mandarin Chinese. The aim of the course is to enable you to communicate in a competent manner in a number of important topic areas. There are 4 core areas including:1. Out and about (e.g. weather, using transport, directions, accommodation) 2. Customer service and transactions (e.g. restaurants, shops and dealing with problems) 3. Personal information (family, general interests, lifestyle choices) 4. Future plans, education and work (includes using the internet, school and college, work and work experience)
Additional areas which you will learn about in more detail include some of the following: media and culture; sport and leisure; travel and tourism. You will have a say in deciding which areas the group follows. Assessment is a mixture of controlled assessment and terminal assessment tasks. Speaking makes up 60% of the total marks and is tested through internal controlled speaking assessments. The Listening test, which is worth 40%, is a 40 minute exam taken at the end of the two year course. You will be played extracts of telephone conversations, announcements and longer conversations in Mandarin, and will have to answer questions in English about the content, to show that you understand what you are being told. At the end of the course you will have a qualification proving to potential employers that you can obtain all your basic needs in China either through face to face conversations or by telephone. This is a very valuable qualification as the Chinese economy becomes more and more important to the UK.
ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS Information and Communications Technology We offer an additional course to enable students to continue their studies and obtain a qualification in ICT. This course will be taught after school outside the normal school timetable. OCR Nationals in ICT The specific aims of this course are to: • Develop learner's knowledge and understanding of the Information and Communication Technology sector • Develop learner's skills, knowledge and understanding in contexts that are directly relevant to employment situations, thereby enhancing their employability within the Information and Communication Technology sector • Develop learner's ability to work autonomously and effectively in an Information and Communication Technology context • Enable learners to develop knowledge and understanding in specialist areas of Information and Communication Technology, and demonstrate the skills needed to participate in the operation and development of ICT specific or ICT non specific business organisations • Encourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and understanding that learners will need to access further or higher education programmes or occupational training on a full-time or part-time basis • Encourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and understanding that learners will need to enter employment or enhance their current employment status • Promote interaction between employers, centres and learners by relating teaching and assessment to real organisations. All pupils will study for the National First Award with the option to continue studying up to the National Certificate.
ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS cont. National First Award
equivalent to 1 GCSE
National Award
equivalent to 2 GCSE
National First Certificate
equivalent to 3 GCSE
National Certificate
equivalent to 4 GCSE
Assessment All units are internally assessed by the School and externally moderated by OCR. The full award and units from this qualification are graded as Pass (C), Merit (B) or Distinction (A/A*). Content There is only one mandatory unit, covering essential skills for the modern workplace, such as organisation and file management, emails, internet use, spreadsheets and database management. Learners then have a choice of further units, enabling them to tailor their studies to a specific strength or interest. Optional units include creating animation for the Web, creating sound using ICT, creating video and CAD/CAM applications.
Further details of these courses will be made available in the summer term for those students who have expressed an interest on the option choice form.