GCSE Information 2018
Contents Introduction 1
Classical Civilisation
5
Drama
6
English Literature & Language
7
Fine Art
8
Geography 9 History 10
Latin 11 Mathematics 12 Modern Foreign Languages
13
Music 15 Physical Education
16
Photography 17 Religious Studies
18
Science 19 Textiles 20
Introduction
The Choices to be Made
At GCSE we offer a wide range of subjects to meet our
It is important that GCSE subjects are chosen
pupils’ needs and interests. We promote intellectual
carefully, not only so that they complement the subject
curiosity, academic excellence and an increasing
combinations your daughter may choose at A level and
emphasis on a more independent work ethic over the
university but also so that they meet the requirements
two years of the Fifth Form, all within the context of the
particular universities or courses might demand.
opportunities that an all-round education affords. We do this by ensuring our lessons are exciting and interesting, our courses are relevant and inspiring, and the
Choice of a Modern Language
environment we create is rigorous yet supportive. Our Fifth Formers are increasingly confident young women who are proud of their success and of their school.
We believe the study of a modern language is an important component of the curriculum at St Mary’s and is highly valued by universities. Pupils will therefore continue with at least one modern language to GCSE
The Curriculum
although girls with a particular interest in languages would normally study two. An exception may sometimes
All pupils study Mathematics, English Language and
be made to the requirement to study a modern
English Literature, a modern foreign language the three
language, such as where English is not the pupil’s first
Sciences and Religious Studies. In addition to these,
language.
pupils will choose up to four additional subjects.
GCSE and iGCSE
Combined and Separate Sciences
The structure and assessment of GCSE courses has recently undergone major change and all GCSEs will be
All pupils will study the three sciences but, depending
examined at the end of the course. Pupils will therefore
on their interests and abilities, girls will either follow the
not sit any external examinations until the end of the
Combined Science course which leads to two GCSEs
Upper Fifth year.
or the Separate Science course which leads to three GCSE grades. The science department will offer advice
GCSEs will now be graded on a 9-1 scale where a level
to the pupils during UIV about which course would be
4/5 is equivalent to a grade C, a level 6 is equivalent to
most suitable.
grade B, a level 7 to a grade A and 8 and above to an A*.
1
Choice of option subjects
Summary of Options All pupils will study the following core subjects:
Pupils will choose up to four optional subjects which will usually include a modern language. The subjects available are: art, classical civilisation, drama, French, geography, history, Latin, music, photography, physical education, Spanish and textiles. When making these choices, it is important to consider
• English language
• English literature
• Religious studies
• Mathematics
the longer-term implications, particularly on the options available to your daughter regarding careers, A Level
subjects and university courses. Most A Level courses
• One modern foreign language
• Science (either are three separate sciences or
will require study of the subject at GCSE.
the combined science course)
You will be given a copy of an options form which you should complete and return to your tutor no later than 1 March, 2018.
Pupils will choose up to three additional subjects:
Wherever possible, we aim to meet all requests for
• Art
subject combinations that are made by the March
deadline.
• Classical civilisation
• Drama • French • Geography • History • Latin • Music • Photography
• Physical Education
• Spanish • Textiles This means that pupils will normally study between 8 to 11 GCSE subjects.
2
Frequently Asked Questions How and when do I decide which subjects to study?
Do I have to choose subjects from pre-set option blocks?
One of the most important factors to consider is how
No, we will build the option blocks only after we know
much you enjoy them as you are more likely to give
which subjects you would like to study.
more time to these and therefore will probably be more your strengths and whether you have any future career
Should I choose to study three optional subjects?
aspirations.
It is possible to choose three optional subjects rather
successful in them. It is also important to consider
than four. This will give you study lessons which can
There will be many opportunities for us to help you with
help support your progress in the rest of your GCSE
your GCSE choices. The PSHE programme include
subjects.
guidance on choosing subjects and your tutor will help support you throughout the process. If you are not
How important is it for me to continue with my extracurricular interests?
sure about a subject it is always advisable to ask your teacher or you could talk to girls in Lower and Upper
Extracurricular activities such as the Duke of
Fifth who will be able to give you excellent advice.
Edinburgh’s Award, music, speech and drama, participating in sport and clubs are very important and
Are some subjects more valued than others?
worthwhile. They will help support and develop a range
All subjects are highly valued and a balanced profile
of important skills such as time-management, resilience
which demonstrates creative, linguistic, scientific and
and leadership. In addition to this, they will ensure that
mathematical skills will impress. It is highly unlikely that
you are able to balance your academic studies and stay
your GCSE subject choices will preclude you from any
fit and healthy.
future courses.
What happens if I change my mind about the subjects I would like to study at GCSE?
Should I study a humanity in addition to Religious Studies?
As long as this is before the 1st March deadline, we aim
We do not insist that you study a humanity in addition
to accommodate your request. If you change your mind
to Religious Studies. However, both Geography and
at a later date, the option blocks will have been written
History help to support and develop important skills
and changes will need to fit into these.
which are favoured by universities and employers.
What should I do if I do not know where to start with my choices?
Should I be influenced by the choices of my friends or the teachers I might have?
Your form tutor will always be at hand to help and support you.
It is very important that you choose your optional GCSE subjects for the right reasons. Make sure that you choose subjects that you are genuinely interested in and will want to work hard and achieve good GCSE grades.
3
Examining Body
OCR
Classical Civilisation
Classical Civilisation GCSE involves studying the world of the Greeks and the Romans, but without having to know any Greek or Latin. The two units are taught by looking at a mixture of sources, including both photographs of buildings or of artefacts like vases, and selections of ancient writings (translated into English), poems, stories or letters. From this, we get to see much about the famous myths and religions which were such a key part of ancient culture and thought, and about the practicalities and realities of everyday life in the Roman world.
Lower Fifth year
novel The Satyricon. In contrast, the unfortunate plebeians,
Thematic Study - Myth and Religion. You will learn about
who struggled to find regular work, were squashed into
this very colourful field from both a Roman and a Greek
blocks of flats made out of fire-prone wood. Discover Roman
perspective. Gods, myths, temples, religious rituals such as
life in all of its fascinating texture.
washing corpses before burial… You might think that this is rather a dull topic. Well think again. How about religious
The GCSE Assessment
festivals like the Panathenaia, where Greeks competed in
The new format OCR GCSE in Classical Civilisation requires
naked athletics to win jars of olive oil, or the Lupercalia,
pupils to sit two 90 minute exams. The two topics are taught
where Romans ran around the city in the skins of the goats
using a variety of visual sources such as photographs of
they had just sacrificed? Or priests who used to spill animals’
statues or temples and a selection of colourful extracts from
guts onto altars to read the future? Then there’s Hercules,
literature. The exams consist of shorter questions based on
in the Greek story of him diverting a river to wash out the
a photograph or paragraph from the studied material and of
Augean stables or in the Roman story of him ripping the top
essays which are not particularly long.
of a mountain, jumping down into the exposed cave below and throttling the fire-breathing monster Cacus until his eyes
What can I Study Next?
popped out of his head. Not for the faint-hearted!
Classical Civilisation is an excellent preparation for English Literature A Level as it teaches the mythology that is referred
Upper Fifth Year
to by so many English writers along with useful skills of
Literature and Culture - Roman City Life. Again not as worthy
literary comment. The study of buildings and knowledge
as you might think. Yes, we look at the Colosseum and wall-
of myths is also very useful in History of Art. It is more
paintings in Pompeiian villas; but what was it like to live next
generally beneficial to any subject such as History or
door to the baths and hear the shrieks of the well-groomed
Geography where material has to be read and opinions
men having their eyebrows plucked and the grunts of the
formed into written answers. Classical Civilisation GCSE is
more macho ones lifting weights? And forget footballers with
a great pathway into Classical Civilisation A Level, though it
their Bentleys or Russian oligarchs with their yachts; instead
is perfectly possible to start the subject from scratch in the
meet Trimalchio, the original “king of bling”, in Petronius’
Sixth Form.
5
Drama
Examining Body
AQA
Drama is an exciting, creative and rewarding subject, which brings you many experiences and skills that not only improve your ability in and understanding of Drama but also help your confidence and progress in other subjects as well. As well as developing confidence and acting skills, you learn to operate the lighting and sound equipment, for a more complete understanding of the production process; indeed, students can opt to be assessed in design skills for practical work. Group work is essential, so being able to get along with others when working under pressure develops tolerance and self-discipline.
Lower Fifth Year
COMPONENT 2: Devising Drama (40%)
After introductory skills lessons, we work on the written
Written Log-book (30%) based on Practical Devising (10%)
side of the course, during which students learn theatre
Working in groups of no more than 6 performers, students
terminology and roles and work on a set play. During the year
devise and rehearse, to performance standard, a short piece
we see live productions and make notes on the acting and
from a given starting point. The whole process is recorded in
design skills that we see (please note that this does involve
a devising log which, together with the final performance, is
extra cost). Students work on practical devised and scripted
assessed by the teacher and moderated by the exam board.
projects to practise for Components 2 and 3 in UV. COMPONENT 3: Text in Practice (20%) Practical
Upper Fifth Year
Performance
Students prepare for the assessed practical projects
Working again in small groups, students prepare two short
(see below) and continue study of the set text and live
extracts for performance from a play that must be different in
productions, particularly in the revision period before the
style to the set play that is studied for the written exam. The
summer exams.
performance is assessed by a visiting examiner.
The GCSE Assessment
What can I study Next?
COMPONENT 1: Understanding Drama (40% of GCSE)
As well as A Level Drama and Theatre, Drama GCSE
Written Exam 1 hour 45mins - (in three sections)
will benefit any future path that requires collaborative
working, problem-solving and presentation skills. It is also
A. Multiple-Choice questions about terminology and
Entertainment and Media industries.
B. Questions about the design and performance of a
almost essential for anyone interested in working in the
theatre roles set play.
C. Response to ‘live productions’ seen during the
course.
6
Examining Body
Cambridge IGCSE and OCR
English Literature & Language
This two year course results in separate certification for both English Language and English Literature. For English Language we follow Cambridge IGCSE 0500 which is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and for those from overseas we use the Cambridge course 0511 with a countin speaking component. For English Literature we follow the OCR examining board J352 (9-1), which dovetails into our (OCR) A Level syllabus.
Lower Fifth Year
• develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately
We begin GCSE by studying the literature texts, starting
and effectively when speaking and writing
with the 19th century novel and Shakespeare. A poetry
• learn how to use a wide range of vocabulary, and the
anthology linked to the themes of the Shakespeare play
correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
forms the basis of the summer term, along with preparation for the end of year exam. Skills for the language papers are
• develop a personal style and an awareness of the
practised throughout the course and include directed writing
audience being addressed;
& composition. This involves learning to write in the style of a newspaper article, speech, letter, etc, and using creative
Pupils are also encouraged to read widely, both for their
skills to write engagingly for descriptive or narrative writing.
own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First
Upper Fifth Year
Language English also develops more general analysis and
We begin the final Literature text in the autumn term – a piece
communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the
of modern prose, either a novel or a play. We then complete
ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
our preparation for the English Language paper by looking at a range of material drawn from journalism, travel writing,
For ENGLISH LITERATURE there are two papers. The first
blogs and webpages before beginning our revision of the
examines a modern text and a 19th century novel, the
Literature texts.
second examines a poetry anthology and Shakespeare. Obviously, wherever possible, we hope to see plays and
Assessment
adaptations of books which enhance the understanding of
ENGLISH LANGUAGE 0500 has two 2-hour papers which
these texts and enriches the learning experience.
are tiered Core & Extended; the majority take the extended paper. For overseas students, 0511 has one 2-hour written
What can I study Next?
exam, and two further exams one listening (50 minutes) and
English Language is a core curriculum requirement because
one speaking (around 10 minutes).
proficiency in reading and writing is essential to learning. A GCSE in English Literature also gives an appreciation of
Cambridge programmes and qualifications develop not only
English culture, an understanding of its history and helps
subject knowledge but also skills, and aims to:
develop an empathy for other people. We recommend that a minimum of a grade B in English Literature is required for further study at A Level.
7
Fine Art
Examining Body
OCR
Fine Art is a dynamic and inspiring subject. Students are highly motivated and imaginative throughout the process of exploring, experimenting, and developing skills. The course offers a broad range of techniques and processes, providing students with the opportunity to study the following: drawing, installation, mixed-media, printing, painting, sculpture, and lens-based media. This is combined with historical and contemporary subject- knowledge supported by critical analysis to develop ideas. Students learn to foster independent thought and confidence in practice to arrive at a personal outcome of the highest standard.
Lower Fifth Year
GCSE Assesment
Students develop their technical skills through a range of
At GCSE level the course is made up of two components:
drawing, painting, print making and 3D media. They visit exhibitions and research artists’ work relevant to projects
COMPONENT 01 is the Portfolio (60%) Learners produce
and themes explored. Students keep detailed sketchbooks
work in response to the centre – or learner set starting point,
to illustrate their work, and later their main theme of inquiry
brief, scenario, or stimuli to produce a portfolio of practical
for their portfolio coursework. They begin to work with greater
work.
independence, documenting the progress of their ideas and COMPONENT 02 is the Externally Set Task (40%) The
evaluating their work to show a high level of critical thinking.
paper will provide learners with five themes with written and
Upper Fifth Year
visual starting points. Learners will have a set amount of
Students continue and conclude their coursework, exploring,
preparation time for the 10 hour supervised time to produce
reviewing and refining their ideas towards a 10 hour
a personal outcome.
practical exam. In preparation for the externally set task they choose from a range of starting points and produce a
What can I Study Next?
detailed journey of work, building on the foundations of the
GCSE Fine Art is an ideal preparation for A Level study
previous year. They select and experiment with materials
and is often taken alongside subjects such as Psychology,
and techniques most appropriate to their ideas and research
Business Studies, History of Art, English, Maths, Physics and
artists and designers to help inform their work further. This
Geography. Students go on to study a range of art-related
enables them to be fully prepared for the set task during
degrees including Architecture, Product Design, 3D Design,
which they are able to realise their intentions within the given
Illustration, Fashion, Creative Advertising, Costume Design,
time frame and under exam conditions.
Interior Architecture/Design and many more.
8
Examining Body
Edexcel
Geography
Geography is an increasingly relevant subject in the changing world in which we live. The Edexcel Geography GCSE course keeps you informed about different areas of the world, how developed they are, why areas are changing rapidly, and the pressures regions are under in terms of resources, security, hazards and global warming. There is also a local focus on the changing, evolving physical and human geography of the UK in the 21st century. For pupils who enjoy travelling, are interested in the world
Lower Fifth Year
around them and want to learn more, Geography is an
In LV pupils study a range of physical and human topics. On
excellent choice. They will experience a range of learning
a global scale they cover ‘Development Dynamics’ looking
opportunities; field visits, group and pair work. Pupils will
at the global development gap and changing patterns of
have the opportunity to develop skills such as presenting,
global inequality, and ‘Challenges of an Urbanising World’.
decision making and various IT capabilities – skills which
On a local scale, pupils study ‘The UK’s Evolving Physical
universities and employers are seeking.
Landscape’ which looks at conflicts at the coast and river processes and pressures; and ‘The UK’s Evolving Human
Geographical investigations undertaken in summer of the
Landscape’; a study of rural and urban living in the UK.
LV and autumn of the UV include two compulsory days of fieldwork linked to the UK’s evolving landscape – one human
Upper Fifth Year
geography day (rural/urban environment) and one physical
In the UV pupils study ‘Hazardous Earth’ focusing on
geography day (rivers/coasts). There will be the opportunity
extreme events such as volcanoes and earthquakes, their
to visit Iceland for six days at the beginning of the Easter
impacts and management. They will then move on to the
holidays in 2019.
‘People and Environmental Issues’ section of the course which covers ‘People and the Biosphere’, ‘Forests under
Assessment
threat’ and ‘Consuming Resources’. These are all highly
We follow the Edexcel specification B. The course is divided
relevant and topical issues which allow for the contemporary
into ‘Local Geography’, ‘Global Geography’ and ‘People
teaching of current events around the world.
and Environmental Issues’ which are combined over the two years. There is no coursework; three exams are taken at the
What can I study next?
end of the course.
Geography enjoys outstanding results at St Mary’s and is a very versatile subject. The GCSE is an excellent preparation for the continuation of study at A Level. It helps to keep your options open as it can be either a science or an arts subject (and studied either as a BA or BSc at university). It fits in well with a wide variety of other subjects and has one of the highest graduate employment rates of any subject.
9
History
Examining Body
OCR
In GCSE History you will learn about the famous and the infamous, the hero and the villain, the rebel and the reactionary. We use the OCR Course History A: Explaining the Modern World. You will study some of the most important events of British and world history and the lives of the ordinary people who had to live through these. You will gain a broad overview of British history, from the Vikings to the present day, and you will also learn about world history from the end of the First World War to the rise of international terrorism. Furthermore you will have the chance to gain detailed knowledge of some critical periods in time, including the English Civil War and the fight for civil rights in the USA.
Assessment
What can I study next?
Paper 1 (50% of the GCSE - a single 1h 45m paper):
After the two years of the course you will have a better
understanding of the events which have shaped the world in
International Relations
1918-2001
and
which you live and of the workings of modern day politics.
USA 1945-1974
You will be able to weigh up evidence and make sound
judgments about controversial issues.
Paper 2 (25% of the GCSE - a single 1h paper):
The skills and knowledge acquired through further study of
history are extremely useful – almost essential – for careers
War and British Society
790-2010
such as the Law, Politics, Advertising, Journalism and other
Media work. Paper 3 (25% of the GCSE - a single 1h 15m paper):
British History
1629-1660
If you enjoy a good story and want to learn more about some
and
of the most dramatic and tragic events the world has ever
seen – this is the course for you.
Castles: Form and Function 1000-1750
Many of the questions studied have no obvious answers. You will be required to evaluate historical information, develop and express your own ideas, (verbally and on paper), and enter into the lives of people from many different countries and cultures.
10
Examining Body
OCR
Latin
Latin GCSE has something for everyone. Pupils who up until now have enjoyed the reassuringly systematic and pattern-based nature of Latin language can keep getting their fix; they will learn to decipher new and more complex types of sentence and will encounter some new tables to learn as well. But there is much more to Latin GCSE than that. The literature sections introduce pupils to Latin verse and prose authors and get them analysing the writing in a very methodical, technical manner. The prose options include the Hannibal crossing the Alps, while the verse offers extracts from Virgil’s dramatic telling of the fall of Troy, Catullus’ timeless love poems, and a woman’s view of events in Ovid’s imaginary impassioned letter from Medea to Jason.
Lower Fifth Year
The GCSE Assessment
Work will focus on preparing for the Latin Language
There are three papers, one each for language, prose
paper. Consisting of comprehension and short translation
literature and verse literature. The literature papers involve
passages, it will test pupils’ ability to read and understand
translating extracts of the set texts, answering comment
Latin stories using their knowledge of the set vocabulary
questions on passages and writing mini essays about the
list. The new syllabus also adds some questions testing
texts. This is easier than it sounds; St Mary’s pupils have
grammatical understanding and the option of a few short,
always scored very high marks in literature units and indeed
simple sentences to put into Latin. Similar to the format and
have always achieved very good overall grades in Latin
standard of Common Entrance questions, these are well
GCSE.
within pupils’ capabilities.
What can I Study Next?
Upper Fifth Year
As well as being the pathway to Latin A Level, Latin GCSE
This year, as well as continuing to work on the pupil’s
provides superb preparation for the study of any modern
understanding of the grammar and syntax, the focus will
language at A Level thanks to its very methodical approach
be on the literature content, both the verse and the prose,
to grammar and to the obvious benefits in terms of
looking in detail at the texts and ensuring pupils understand
recognising the origins of French, Spanish and Italian words.
and can comment on their style and content.
It is also provides excellent help with English Literature A Level, thanks to the skills of close literary comment and analysis which it teaches; pupils end the course with the ability to pick apart exactly what tricks and stylistic techniques writers use to make their works interesting or put their messages across.
11
Mathematics
Examining Body
Edexcel
IGCSE Mathematics has recently been restructured and the course content has become more rigorous for students taking the exam. A number of theoretically harder topics have been added and the content now requires the student to demonstrate well-developed mathematics skills and reasoning to complete the exam. These changes have been designed to help students emerge from iGCSE Mathematics with a level of confidence and fluency that will provide a genuine foundation for the rest of their learning and working lives and prepare them to do further study at A Level should they decide to do so.
Lower Fifth & Upper Fifth The EDEXCEL course is taught over three years, starting in UIV, the syllabus can be taught at Foundation or Higher level and the students will be set according to ability. The content includes, number work, ratio, proportion and rates of change, Algebra, geometry and measures, Statistics and Probability. More content has been added to Higher tier in order to stretch and challenge the most able students and better prepare them for studying A Level Mathematics.
The GCSE Assessment The examination consists of two, 2 hour papers, both allow the use of a calculator. There will also be a new grading system that uses numbers 9-1, instead of letters A*- G. In the assessment there will be greater emphasis on problem solving and mathematical reasoning with more marks being allocated to these higher-order skills.
What can I study next? Mathematics is a compulsory core subject. Gaining a good grade will allow you to study A Level Mathematics and / or Further Mathematics and will help with other A Level subjects including Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography and Business Studies. Pupils who have studied mathematics could have a wide variety of career opportunities in such areas as electronics, civil engineering, the financial world, programming, internet security, Medicine, Law and of course teaching.
12
Examining Body
Modern Foreign Languages
CIE (French) and Edexcel (Spanish)
Learning a foreign language has perhaps never been more important than now, especially with Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. In today’s increasingly competitive world market, advanced technologies and globalization have made international communication a necessity. French and Spanish are truly global languages; over 250 million people in 53 countries on every continent speak French. There are over 400 million first-language speakers of Spanish worldwide. Learning a foreign language is a skill for life. Languages
In both French and Spanish, lessons are lively and focus
open the door to understanding other cultures and they
on developing the four skill areas, with a variety of reading,
improve literacy and communication skills.
writing, speaking and listening. In LV the primary focus is on developing a strong grammatical awareness of the language
As a foundation to understanding how languages work,
and on developing strong communication skills in writing and
all girls at St Mary’s will study either French or Spanish to
speaking. Three of the five topic areas are covered in this
IGCSE and some may choose both. Other languages are
important year.
also taken at GCSE from time to time, these include German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin or
In UV the remaining two topic areas are covered and there
Cantonese).
is an opportunity to practise and perfect the language acquired in readiness for the IGCSE examination. The focus
IGCSE
is on strengthening grammatical accuracy and on building
The IGCSE course offers a solid foundation for gaining
confidence in all aspects of communication. Vocabulary
linguistic expertise and for providing a smooth entry into A
building is a key component in both years of study.
Level study and beyond.
What can I Study Next? In Modern Foreign Languages at St Mary’s a traditional
The study of French or Spanish lends itself to the study
approach to the teaching of language is combined with
of many other languages, not solely those spoken within
oral and aural work. We are also very proud to offer
Europe; acquiring the skill to communicate in one foreign
excellent support in the oral through our outstanding native
language means that others are much more accessible. A
speaker assistants in French and Spanish. Girls will receive
Level Spanish and French open many doors. Mathematical
specialised support from the beginning of the IGCSE course
subjects are often a good combination with modern
in LV. This enables our girls to perform well at IGCSE level
languages, for they share many of the same problem-solving
and at the same time to prepare themselves for the greater
and analytical strategies. Universities often look favourably
demands of A Level or other further examinations.
on those with a foreign language; they can be essential in business and commerce. At St Mary’s you may continue with
In both languages assessment is wholly external, taken at the
both languages to A Level and many of our pupils go on to
end of UV and does not involve course work of any kind.
study languages at university and beyond.
13
Examining Body
Edexcel
Music
GCSE Music is about making and listening to music. Pupils will be introduced to a wide variety of different styles and genres of music, from popular music to jazz, and world music to Western classical music. They will also be given opportunities to use music technology to compose.
Upper Fifth Year
The course covers a wide range of skills including:
Four further set works (drawn from ‘Wicked’ and ‘Star Wars’ PERFORMING: as a soloist and as part of an ensemble.
as well as world music) are studied and analysed and
Pupils will prepare two pieces over the length of the course
revision is undertaken with the set works studied in the
and record them some time in UV.
previous year. Recordings will be made of the pupils’ solo and ensemble pieces and prepared for submission to the
COMPOSING: two compositions are required by the end
exam board and their compositions will be completed and
of the course and the structure of the course will allow the
submitted for assessment.
pupils to explore their own individual styles and tastes.
Assessment LISTENING: pupils will study 8 set works over the two years
The controlled assessment tasks (performing and
and sit an exam in the Summer of UV which will test their
composing) represent 60% of the overall marks and are
ability to critically assess and respond to music as well as
completed during the two-year course. The listening unit
analyse its structure and recognise musical devices.
(40%) is assessed through an exam taken at the end of UV which lasts 1¾ hours. Pupils will be examined on their
If you wish to study a subject that involves performing,
understanding of the set works as well as their general
listening to all kinds of music, creatively creating music,
listening skills. Answers will be multiple choice, short open
an opportunity to create and play music with others then
and extended writing in response to nine questions.
Music is an accessible and sensible choice. GCSE Music will naturally progress on from knowledge previously gained
What Can I Study Next?
in UIV and allows pupils to develop further all areas of the
GCSE Music is an ideal preparation for those wishing to take
subject.
the subject further; performing, composing and listening are the core structure in the A Level specification. Studying
Lower Fifth Year
Music will give the pupil a wide range of social, business and
In LV pupils will be studying four set works ranging from
technical skills, which can help in acquiring the employability
Bach’s Brandenburg Concert No. 5 (Mvt III) to Queen’s ‘Killer
skills. Those who have studied Music post-A Level have gone
Queen’. Their listening and analytical skills will be developed
on to enjoy employment in all areas of the music industry,
and key musical terminology will be introduced. Pupils
including performance and recording as well as project
will be asked to prepare a piece to perform as a solo as a
managing and administration.
rehearsal for their recordings in UV. The composing unit will allow pupils to explore their creative skills, ensuring that they develop a strand that focuses on their musical interests.
15
Physical Education
Examining Body
AQA
Physical Education is an exciting and dynamic practical subject. Pupils can apply their passion for sport to a wide range of topics, with anatomy & physiology, physical training, health, fitness and wellbeing and sports psychology. While developing their knowledge in these topics, pupils will be recording and plotting data and using their analytical and evaluative skills. Furthermore, pupils will create a deeper knowledge of their core skills and techniques within their chosen practical sports and become more accomplished performers.
Lower Fifth Year
that affect participation and the positive and negative impact of sponsorship, media, banned substances and performer and spectator behaviour. Delving into the psychology of sport, arousal levels for peak performance, aggression and personality will be investigated and basic information processing, motivation, feedback and guidance will be
In LV, pupils will develop their understanding of Health and Fitness; increasing their knowledge of fitness components and their application to different sports as well as how to test them and then use training methods to improve their fitness. They will also discuss and develop ideas about sedentary lifestyle, nutrition, obesity and energy use to ensure peak performance. The structure of the body will begin to be explored by learning about the skeletal and cardio-vascular systems: movement analysis and goal setting will build the skills and knowledge to complete the piece of written coursework, which is an analysis and evaluation of performance and how you can improve it in one of your chosen sports. Within PE curriculum lessons, the practical activities that suit the group will be practiced and developed, with video evidence gathered for the group as a starting point to establish the 3 chosen sports going forward into the UV year.
applied to sporting situations.
GCSE Assessment The two, 1 hour 15 minute written examination papers represent 60% of the GCSE and the non-examined assessment, which is assessed by teachers and moderated by AQA, is worth 40% is made up of three practical performances (one individual, one team and then a choice for the third of either an individual or a team performance) and an analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one activity.
What Can I Study Next?
Upper Fifth Year
GCSE Physical Education is an ideal preparation for A
In UV, pupils will continue to build on their application of movement analysis and basic biomechanics as well as develop their understanding of the physiology of the respiratory system. They will also begin to explore the factors
Level PE. Pupils who excel in this subject go on to study the following types of courses at university: physiotherapy, sports science, psychology, sports psychology, medicine, business management and marketing.
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Examining Body
OCR
Photography
Photography is a dynamic and inspiring subject. Students are highly motivated and imaginative throughout the process of exploring, experimenting, and developing skills. The course offers a broad range of techniques and process providing students the opportunity to study the following: studio work, documentary, location, fashion, experimental imagery, installation and moving image. This is combined with historical and contemporary subject- knowledge supported by critical analysis to develop ideas. Students learn to foster independent thought and confidence of practice to arrive at a personal outcome of the highest standard.
Lower Fifth Year
of the course is to be exposed to wider cultural inspirations
Students develop their understanding of photography
and view the work of Artists. Students visit exhibitions and
skills through a range resources, materials and technical
research artists’ works relevant to projects and themes
applications, using digital SLR cameras, studio lighting,
explored.
traditional darkroom practice and software such as Photoshop and Professional Portrait. Students go on a
GCSE Assessment
location shoot workshop to put into practice skills learned.
At GCSE level the course is made up of two components:
They publicly exhibit their work and are also encouraged to enter both internal and external competitions. Students keep
COMPONENT 01 is the Portfolio (60%)
detailed journals to document their work and later their main
Learners produce work in response to the centre – or learner
theme of inquiry for their portfolio coursework. They begin to
set starting point, brief, scenario, or stimuli to produce a
work with greater independence, documenting the progress
portfolio of practical work.
of their ideas and evaluating their work to show a high level COMPONENT 02 is the Externally Set Task (40%)
of critical thinking.
The paper will provide learners with five themes with written
Upper Fifth Year
and visual starting points. Learners will have a set amount of
Students continue and conclude their coursework,
preparation time for the 10 hour supervised time to produce
exploring, reviewing and refining their ideas towards a 10
a personal outcome.
hour examination. In preparation for the externally set task they choose from a range of starting points and produce a
What Can I Study Next?
detailed journey of work, building on the foundations of the
GCSE Photography is an ideal preparation for A Level study
previous year. They select and experiment with materials
and is often taken alongside subjects such as Art, Business
and techniques most appropriate to their ideas and research
Studies, History of Art, English, Geography and Sciences.
artists and designers to help inform their work further. This
Students go on to study a range of art related degrees
enables them to be fully prepared for the set task during
including Photo-Journalism, Documentary, Fine Art, Fashion,
which they are able to realise their intentions within the given
Commercial, Marketing, Creative Advertising, Media and
time frame and under exam conditions. An essential element
Communication, Forensics and many more.
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Religious Studies
Examining Body
Edexcel
GCSE Religious Studies is compulsory for all
Upper Fifth Year
students. The GCSE course is broken down into 3
•
A study of the different forms of expressing Christianity
and the Ways of Life: Catholic church architecture;
Catholic Church features; sacred objects; art work in
areas: A study of A) Roman Catholicism: beliefs and teaching;
Catholicism; sculpture and statues; symbolism and
practices; sources of wisdom and authority;
imagery in religious art; drama; music and worship.
forms of expression. This comprises 50% of
•
A study of Christian Ethics: marriage, sexual
the GCSE
relationships, the family, support for the family, family
planning, divorce annulment and remarriage, equality
of men and women in the family, gender prejudice and
B) A study of Judaism: beliefs and teachings;
discrimination.
practices. This comprises 25% of the GCSE
•
A study of Philosophy : revelation, religious experience,
miracles, the Cosmological Argument, the problem of
C) A study of philosophy and ethics: arguments
evil and the counterarguments.
for the existence of God and applied ethics
•
Practices of Judaism: public acts of worship, The
to issues concerning marriage and the family.
Tenakh and Talmud, private prayer, the Schema.
This comprises 25% of the GCSE.
Examination There are 3 examination papers:
Lower Fifth Year • A study of the beliefs and teachings of Roman
• Paper 1: Catholic Christianity 1hr 45 minutes
• Paper 2: Judaism 50 minutes
• Paper 3: Philosophy and Ethics 50 minutes
Catholicism and the issues that they raise: The Trinity, the
nature of humanity; the nature of God; the concept of
salvation and redemption and belief in life after death.
•
A study of Judaism: The nature of God, Messiah,
The GCSE is an academic subject and leads on to the
sanctity of human life, the role of scripture and the nature
A Level, which is a highly regarded subject. In classical
of suffering.
thought RE was described as the ‘Queen of Sciences’ as
•
Practices of Roman Catholicism: sacraments, liturgical
worship, funerals, prayer, popular piety, pilgrimage,
Catholic Social teaching, Catholic mission and
What Can I Study Next?
it provided a foundation for the study of several subjects: English, History, Psychology, Medicine, Physics, Sociology and Psychology. The A Level builds on some of the themes studied in GCSE as well as offering significant academic
evangelisation.
stretch and a deepening of themes, which are relevant to
•
A study of the sources of Wisdom and Authority: the
life and living. It comprises philosophy, ethics and theology.
Bible; interpretation of the Bible; the magisterium; the
Studying these subjects have meant that our students go on
2nd Vatican Council; the church as the body of Christ;
to Oxford and Russell group universities to study a variety
the 4 marks of the church; Mary; personal and ethical
of subjects, all of which provide meaningful and lasting
decision-making.
professions which are personally enriching.
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Examining Bodies
Edexcel
Science
There are two Edexcel programmes that we follow at St Mary’s. Firstly, our stronger scientists will follow courses leading to three GCSE examination grades (one in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics), while others will pursue a course of study leading to two GCSEs in Combined Science (the ‘Double Award’). Whichever programme they follow, they will be stretched and stimulated and will gain a clear understanding of science and its relevance to the modern world. Pupils will gain practical skills, develop their numerical skills and have a grounding in scientific theory suitable for further study.
Double Award
Separate Sciences
Pupils will have 9 lessons a fortnight shared between biology,
Pupils who have demonstrated an interest and aptitude
chemistry and physics which leads to two GCSE grades.
for science will study biology, chemistry and physics as separate sciences. They will have 4 lessons for each science
•
Biology : cells and control systems, principles of
genetics, health and disease to include the development
of new medicines, ecosystems and animal co-ordination
including homeostatic systems.
•
Chemistry : key concepts in chemistry, states of matter
with an interest in pursuing scientific careers, including
and mixtures, chemical change, extracting metals and
medicine and engineering, will benefit from this additional
equilibria, Groups in the Periodic Table, rates of reaction
exposure.
and energy changes, fuels and Earth science.
and this will lead to three separate GCSEs. The content for these is as given above but in addition the pupils will study extension material which covers wider aspects of each subject. Pupils wishing to study science at A Level and those
The examination for each subject will consist of two 1 hour
• Physics : key concepts of physics, motion and forces,
conservation of energy, waves, light and the
electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, energy, forces
and their effects, electricity and circuits, magnetism
and the motor effect, electromagnetic induction, the
particle model, forces and matter.
45 minute papers for each of the three sciences.
What can I study next? While the separate sciences provide a wider coverage, and are thus highly suitable for those wishing to continue their studies in science to A Level, a pupil who performs well in
The examination will consist of six papers each lasting 1
the combined science course will be suitably prepared to
hour 10 minutes, two for each of the three sciences.
study one or more of science subjects at A Level.
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Textiles
Examining Body
OCR
Textiles is a dynamic and inspiring subject. Students are highly motivated and imaginative when exploring, experimenting, and developing core skills. The course offers a broad range of techniques and process providing students the opportunity to study the following: constructed textiles, digital textiles, dyed fabrics, printed fabrics, fashion design, installed textiles, soft furnishings, stitched and/or embellished textiles. This is combined with historical and contemporary subject- knowledge supported by critical analysis to develop ideas. Students learn to foster independent thought and confidence of practice to arrive at a personal outcome of the highest standard.
Lower Fifth Year
GCSE Assessment
In LV the students are given the opportunity to explore
At GCSE level the course is made up of two components:
and develop their skills in Textiles, using the topics of Architectural and Natural Structure & Form as the overall
COMPONENT 01 is the Portfolio (60%)
theme to their work. They approach a variety of Design and
Learners produce work in response to the centre – or learner
Make projects that allow them the freedom to develop their
set starting point, brief, scenario, or stimuli to produce a
own personal style and ideas while engaging in new media
portfolio of practical work.
and techniques. The students are encouraged to publicly exhibit their work and a visit to Bath or London is an essential
COMPONENT 02 is the Externally Set Task (40%)
element of the course to expose the students to wider
The paper will provide learners with five themes with written
cultural inspirations and to see work of other artists and
and visual starting points. Learners will have a set amount of
designers.
preparation time for the 10 hour supervised time to produce a personal outcome.
Upper Fifth Year The UV students select the theme for their coursework
What can I study next?
portfolio in the latter part of LV and spend time during the
Students have the opportunity to continue exploring the
summer gathering and collating primary source materials.
media of Textiles within A Level Art and are encouraged to
Another visit is offered at the start of the academic year,
explore a wider range of media to ensure a balanced and
supporting their studies, developing their primary references
diverse portfolio in preparation for Higher Education. Pupils
and stimulating the design process. The students work
can progress to courses in either Fashion, Interior or Textiles
through the design process by experimenting, designing
Design, Marketing, Journalism and Business Studies.
and developing their ideas in preparation for producing an individual and suitable conclusion to their body of work. They must evidence analytical and critical skills and ensure that the outcome falls within one of the four categories of textiles; Printing and Dyeing, Domestic/ Interior Design, Construction and Application, Fashion and Costume.
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