Latin GCSE

?

Psychology GCSE

• The scientific study of mind and behaviour. • One option – five lessons per fortnight. • 6 topics taught over two years, covering 5 approaches to psychology: Social, Developmental, Cognitive, Bio-psychology and Individual Differences.

Studies and applications in Psychology 1 • Criminal Psychology • Development

?• Psychological Problems Studies and applications in Psychology 2 • Social Influence • Memory • Sleep and Dreaming

There will also be a research methods section within each component. For Paper 1 the focus will be on designing an investigation and for Paper 2 the assessment will focus on analysing and evaluating a novel source. Specific research ? methods content may also be assessed within the topic areas, as well as students’ understanding of neuropsychology and mathematical skills.

Exam Board: OCR

How the course is assessed

Two written papers – each is worth 50% and lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Only one tier of entry – no foundation/higher papers.

Suitable Candidates

Students should be aware that Psychology is linguistically challenging – they will need to have good written literacy skills to obtain a good grade.

Students will need to learn lots of new vocabulary and details of

?theories and studies, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. To do well in Psychology students need good revision skills, independence, organisation and motivation. Good understanding of scientific method and basic maths is needed.

Post 16 Progression Routes

A Level Psychology Psychology GCSE is not a prerequisite for Psychology A Level. Psychology is a useful subject for a number of careers, particularly those that involve working with people. Students have progressed from Psychology GCSE to nursing, teaching, social work, work in the police and prison service, and many forms of office work.

Student Comments

“It’s fun learning why people behave the way they do.”

“It’s such an interesting subject; I want to be a Psychologist one day.”

Religious Studies GCSE

(Religion and Philosophical and Ethical Themes)

Exam Board: AQA

The GCSE in Religious Studies provides the opportunity for all students to learn about the beliefs, teachings and practices of two of the world’s major religions. Also students study different religious, philosophical and ethical themes, which allows them to consider and express their own viewpoints on a range of issues regarding life and society.

Students have been very successful in Religious Studies at GCSE level in recent years.

There are TWO parts of the course:

• Component 1 is the study of the beliefs, teachings and practices of two religions. For example, beliefs about life after death, morality and identity, teachings about the nature of God and existence; as well as the origins and historical background of major religions; and different forms of worship and festivals such as Christmas and Parinirvana Day. The two religions studied will be Christianity and Buddhism. • Component 2 is the study of religious, philosophical and ethical themes in which students consider various arguments and their impact and influence in the modern world. The thematic studies will include Peace and Conflict; Crime and Punishment; Human

Rights; Social Justice and the Value of Life, which includes animal rights, environment, abortion and euthanasia.

Religious Studies is valuable for you to develop skills in discussion, debating and understanding opinions and ideas. You will learn the importance of respecting and understanding others’ ideas, cultures and traditions as well expressing those of your own effectively.

How the course is assessed

Two exams of 1 hour 45 minutes at the end of the course (50% each)

Suitable Candidates

Suitable for students interested in current affairs, exploring other cultures as well as those who wish to think deeply about life and existence, be critical and analytical and to discuss/formulate arguments.

*If there is a high enough uptake with students of a high calibre, it may be possible to additionally offer the AS Level Philosophy and Ethics course.

Post 16 Progression Routes

AS and A2 level Religious Studies. Also useful for AS/A2 courses in Philosophy, Critical Studies, Anthropology and Politics.

Student Comments

“I really enjoy learning about current issues and having debates about them. You learn about other peoples’ opinions and you gain wider understanding of society”

“It educates people to be open minded”

“We are able to express our opinions and beliefs in small groups or as a class and be respected”

Physical Education GCSE

This qualification is ideal for anyone who is interested in sport and/or considering a career in the sports industry. The course is challenging and exciting covering a wide range of topics:

In Year 10 you will study the following:

• Applied anatomy & physiology • Movement analysis • Physical training • Use of data

In Year 11 you will study the following:

• Sport psychology • Socio-cultural influences • Health fitness & well-being • Use of data

The practical side of the subject runs over both years. You will submit 3 sports –

1 individual sport

Athletics, Badminton, Dance, Gymnastics, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis or Trampolining.

1 team sport

Basketball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Netball, Rugby or Volleyball.

1 from either list (team or individual)

Please note: there are a few other sports available but would need to be taught externally and assessed via video footage, for example; skiing.

Your PE teacher will help you to make a choice between GCSE PE and Sports Studies.

Exam Board: AQA

How the course is assessed

70% of the course is theory based. 70 %-

2 x exams – each worth 30% of final mark

30%-

1 x controlled assessment – worth 10% of final mark 3 x practical sports – each worth 10% of final mark

Suitable Candidates

To take this qualification you will need to enjoy your sport and PE and you need to be motivated and organised. It is of vital importance when selecting GCSE PE that you have a genuine interest in playing sport and that you are engaged in sport both in and outside school. Attendance in the school’s extra-curricular programme is compulsory. This would be a really good choice if you are interested in a career working in the sporting industry and/or you would like to take PE and sport further after Stringer. This subject would go well with Biology and Psychology.

Post 16 Progression Routes

AS, A level in Physical Education/ Sports Science. BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science. JSLA/CSLA. Access to any sporting qualification

Student Comments

“GCSE PE is a really enjoyable subject that combines theory learning with practical learning. I really enjoy

Sports Studies (Cambridge National Level 2 Award)

The 3 modules that will be studied throughout this course are

Exam Board: OCR

How the course is assessed

R184: Contemporary Issues in Sport (1 hour exam) (40%)

This unit sets the context of sport within the wider environment and how it reflects society and its values. Students will explore a range of topical and contemporary issues in sport, as well as the promotion of values and ethical behaviour through sport. Students will also learn about the role of high-profile sporting events and national governing bodies.

60% Practical with Coursework

40% Exam

Suitable Candidates

Students wanting to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in Sports Studies.

R185: Performance and Leadership in Sports Activities (Coursework and Practical Assessment) (40%)

In this unit, students learn more about different leadership roles and styles. They will then go on to plan and deliver effective and safe sessions and evaluate their own performance.

R187 Increasing Awareness of Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (Coursework and Practical Assessment) (20%)

Students will develop an understanding of the outdoor activities that are available in the U.K. Students will also learn about the benefits of outdoor education and experience these benefits for themselves. They will then plan their own outdoor activity, considering the health and safety implications associated with that activity.

Your PE teacher will guide you to make a choice between GCSE PE and Sports Studies.

Students who want to progress onto other related study, such as qualifications in Sports, Physical Education, Social Science or Media.

Post 16 Progression Routes

BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science. JSLA/CSLA.

Access to most sporting qualifications

Student Comments

‘‘We have learnt a number of interesting topics, but this has been balanced with plenty of practical lessons.’’

‘‘ I have really enjoyed learning how to be an effective basketball official. This style of learning has suited me as I have been able to get feedback on my work’’