King Alfred - GCSE Options Booklet

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

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• Introduction 05

SUBJECT DIRECTORY • Art & Design 10

• Your personal curriculum 05

• Classical Civilisation 10

• Options 06

• Computer Science 11

• Pastoral Support 07

• Design & Technology 11

• Games 07

• Drama 12

• Head's welcome 03

• English Language 14 •E nglish Literature 14 •K AS Literature 16 • Geography 18 • Global Challenges 20 • History 22 • Latin 22 • Maths 25 • Modern

foreign languages: French and Spanish 25 • Music 26 • Photography 27 • Physical Education 28 • Science 30

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR - YEAR1010&&1111OPTIONS OPTIONS2024 2024

WELCOME TO THE 2024 YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS GUIDE These next two years will be an excellent foundation for your A level studies and the vast range of opportunities beyond KAS

Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 you have been developing the skills and personal qualities to make you successful independent learners. It is now time to look towards the exciting challenge of the next two years and the wide range of subjects that you will have the opportunity to study.

We will give you all the support you need so that you enjoy the courses, and feel well-prepared for your exams in Year 11. These next two years will be an excellent foundation for your A level studies and the vast range of opportunities beyond KAS. I hope you will find this Year 10 & 11 Options Guide helpful and informative. Please study it carefully and talk to your subject teachers, your Form Tutor and Head of Year, so that you feel confident about your choices.

I am looking forward to seeing you grow academically and personally over the next two years, and good luck in finding the right courses.

Robert Lobatto Head

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

Introduction You have a choice of six optional subjects

This document is designed to help you make a choice of subjects to be studied over the next two years of school. These will include those subjects you already enjoy and do well in, those needed for a chosen career, plus compulsory subjects that we deem necessary as the backbone of any broad and balanced education (see p6 for a full list).

In Year 9, there is a special options programme.

During this programme you will be made aware of the implications of subject choice for further studies and careers. The aim is to extend your awareness of the possibilities available, to keep long-term options as open as possible and also to reassure you.

The following pages list all the subjects available to you in Years 10 and 11, together with a brief overview of the subject, details of the examination board, style of assessment and an indication of the amount of work required outside school. This information will assist you making the necessary decisions following the Options Evening at which all queries about the options process and questions about subjects will be fully answered.

The work for subjects in Years 10 and 11 is demanding, but most students also find it interesting. To do well you need to be consistent in maintaining quality and meeting deadlines – and most students do. There are compensations – one of them being greater freedom. Year 10 students are allowed off-site in the lunch hour and Year 11 students in both breaks (provided they are punctual in returning). All in all, the next two years are something to look forward to.

Your personal curriculum KAS students generally study nine subjects throughout Years 10 and 11. In each subject you will be assessed either internally, by a formal written paper or papers, and in some subjects by your coursework during the year (also known as controlled assessment or non-exam assessment).

All courses require two years preparation and the quantity of content and coursework make it difficult to take any less time. You are not expected to drop subjects at any stage.

The curriculum for KAS students entering Year 10 will comprise four areas: • Subjects you study • Choice activities, non-examinable afternoon options (much as in Years 7, 8 and 9) • Games • You will also have one tutorial period (Form Hour) per week, covering a number of activities, including planning careers, study skills, IT, PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), and skills for life in general.

You will take all the compulsory subjects and you have a choice of up to six optional subjects. Early in the Spring Term, you will be asked which optional subjects you would like to do. Due to timetabling constraints, it is not always possible for you to be able to get your main preferences. You are advised to have in mind alternative subjects that you would be happy to follow if one of your optional subjects is not possible.

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

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Compulsory subjects

School Directed Courses

The following subjects are core or compulsory:

We are building a suite of alternative courses under the School Directed Courses banner, which we believe are more engaging and balanced than their GCSE counterparts. These are designed in-house, but with input and moderation from other members of the School Directed Courses Consortium. They will be assessed in a more varied way than GCSEs which we feel enables the development of a greater range of skills. It will be possible to list these courses on UCAS alongside GCSEs.

• English Language iGCSE • Mathematics GCSE • Science GCSE

Optional subjects • Art and Design

Option blocks

• Computer Science • Classical Civilisation

After submitting your first preferences for the optional subjects, we construct the option blocks to enable the maximum number of students to take the subjects they want. We organise the optional subjects into timetabling blocks. You can choose one subject from each of the blocks.

• Design and Technology • Drama • English Literature • French

This year’s subject blocks will be announced later in the Spring Term. Below is an example of what the option blocks could look like. Each year they change depending on student preferences.

If a subject is very popular and there are teaching staff available, we can offer the same subject in different blocks.

• Geography • Global Challenges (School Directed Course) • History • KAS Literature (School Directed Course) • Latin • Music • Photography • Physical Education • Science (Double) • Science (Triple): Biology, Chemistry, Physics • Spanish

EXAMPLE BLOCK A

BLOCK B

BLOCK C

BLOCK D

BLOCK E

BLOCK F

Double Science

Drama

Art & Design

Geography

Art & Design

Design & Technology

Physical Education

Classical Civilisation

Global Challenges

History

French

English Literature

Triple Science*

Computer Science

History

Music

Photography

French

English Literature

Triple Science*

Photography

Spanish

History

KAS Literature

Spanish

*Triple Science takes up two option blocks

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

GAMES

PASTORAL SUPPORT IN YEARS 10 & 11 The Year 10 and 11 pastoral programme is designed to guide students to make wise and effective choices for their future lives.

The transition from Year 9 to Year 10 is a big step and as a school we aim to support our students from the very beginning. Form Hour and Choice are key opportunities to understand this transition and enhance student understanding of their chosen subjects as well as engage students in a range of enriching activities.

Both Year 10 and 11 have Form Hour and PSHE combined in one lesson. It is led by their form tutor, who plays a crucial role as a mentor, coach and guide for the individuals in their form.

Over the two years Form Hour includes a programme on well-being, healthy choices, sex, gender and relationships. In addition, outside specialists deliver a program on how to study, providing effective revision techniques which are useful for assessments.

Students also learn about how to create balance in their lives in terms of managing their time, continuing to exercise, eating healthily, sleeping well and maintaining key relationships - all whilst focusing on their studies. We also deliver a unit on drugs, alcohol and the law which helps guide student behaviour outside the classroom. In addition, each student is given very specific guidance and support on an individual basis, on how to make the best possible choices after Year 11.

Choice occurs every Wednesday afternoon and offers a choice of both extending academic opportunities, health and well-being workshops as well as key volunteering roles in the local community.

At KAS, the promotion of emotional and psychological well-being of students is a high priority. The School has a team of welltrained professionals to support students if they have social, emotional or academic concerns.

Students in Years 10 & 11 continue to access a weekly Games programme where they learn to enjoy physical activity and build an understanding of the importance that exercise has for health. Students participate in a range of competitive sports, which are taught by highly experienced PE staff and sports specialists including current professional footballers and semi-pro basketball coaches.

Students who wish to be part of a school team will prepare physically, technically, and tactically for co-curricular fixtures mainly in Football, Netball and Basketball. Running alongside these sessions is a non-competitive programme which focusses on fun and learning where students get to experience a range of activities including Badminton, Fitness, Hiking, Handball and other gym-based sports. In Year 11, the programme is designed specifically for students to have autonomy over the sports and activities they would like to participate in.

Continuing physical activity throughout the GCSE years creates an opportunity for students to work collaboratively with one another, create healthy habits and improve their overall wellbeing. At KAS, we ensure our activity offerings are developed with feedback from students and utilise off-site facilities where possible.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

ART & DESIGN/CLASSICAL CIVILISATION/COMPUTER SCIENCE/DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY/DRAMA/ ENGLISH LANGUAGE/ ENGLISH LITERATURE/ KAS LITERATURE/GEOGRAPHY/ GLOBAL CHALLENGES/ HISTORY/LATIN/MATHS/ MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH AND SPANISH/MUSIC/ PHOTOGRAPHY/PHYSICAL EDUCATION/SCIENCE THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

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ART & DESIGN CLASSICAL CIVILISATION 60%

COURSEWORK

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

Assessment of work: Students are assessed on four main criteria: the ability to research; the ability to develop design ideas from looking at the work of artists and designers; the ability to experiment with, review and refine their own work; the realisation of ideas.

Coursework related to the first two projects contributes 60% of the final assessment.

The other 40% is for the final project. All work is marked internally and externally moderated at the end of the course when an exhibition is mounted of every candidate’s work.

Further study: Completing a GCSE in Art is essential preparation for A levels in Art & Design and History of Art (Critical & Contextual Studies in Art). It is also good preparation for Photography A level.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

100%

40%

EXAM

CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

The study of Art & Design promotes and encourages the development of imagination, creativity and critical thinking.

Students will work individually and together developing ideas and exploring creative processes. Students will learn to develop further their use of sketchbooks to gather ideas that interest and inspire them, and refine these ideas into more resolved outcomes.

They will gain experience of working broadly across a range of disciplines within the design fields, learning about the building blocks of visual language, and covering work in the following areas: • Drawing and photography • Painting and printmaking • Textile and fashion design • Ceramics and sculpture • Graphic design • Contextual studies The Art & Design GCSE comprises three projects spread across the two years.

Each one is themed and students will be supported to produce a sketchbook of research and ideas, as well as a body of classwork for each.

The themes are very much open to interpretation and the development of personal and individual imaginations will be promoted and encouraged.

EXAM BOARD: OCR

Assessment of work: Students do two written papers. The first is a comparative study of ancient Greece and Rome, and combines literary and visual/material sources. In the second paper, students couple an in-depth cultural and archaeological study with the study of a related body of literature.

Further study: Classical Civilisation can be continued at A level. A study of Classical Civilisation also complements further study of other humanities subjects such as English, History, Politics and Philosophy.

Classical Civilisation is a wide-ranging humanities subject, which explores the ancient world through original sources, both literary and archaeological. All sources are studied in translation, so no knowledge of Latin or Greek is required. The course provides an excellent introduction to the classical world and its legacy. Students will study material from ancient Greece and Rome, and other societies with which they came into contact.

Many learners come to Classical Civilisation due to a love of Greek mythology, and this forms a central part of the GCSE. In the first year of the course, learners will study myths about the role of gods and heroes such as Hercules. They will also explore links between myth and the exercise of power, rituals surrounding death and burial, and festivals. Other topics that run through the modules include gender, politics, and morality; these foster creative thinking and encourage students to make comparisons between ancient and modern society. They also learn a range of skills including the rigorous interpretation of written and material evidence and analytical essay writing.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

100%

50%

EXAM

EXAM BOARD: OCR

Assessment of work: Students are assessed through two examinations.

The first assesses knowledge of computer hardware and architecture, logic, communication, the organisation and structure of data, software, principles of programming, security and ethics. The second exam is screen based and will test the student’s ability to think computationally by writing algorithms, create user interfaces and debug programs.

Further study: Students are able to go onto study A level OCR Computer Science.

The study of Computer Science encourages students to understand and apply the fundamental principles of the subject through of a combination of practical activities, algorithm design, problem analysis and studying real world applications.

Through logical discipline and imaginative creativity, students can develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts. The course encourages students to extend their horizons beyond the school environment in order to appreciate the effects of computer science on society and individuals.

Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language.

Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examination.

EXAM

EXAM BOARD: AQA

Assessment of work: Students do one written exam and coursework. In the exam there is a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions. It is split into sections assessing breadth of technical knowledge, specialist technical principles and designing and making principles. In the non-exam assessment students will undertake a single ‘design and make’ activity, which will arise from investigating one of five contextual challenges set by AQA. Students will produce a working prototype and a portfolio of evidence (max 20 pages). Work will be marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

50%

COURSEWORK

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

The new GCSE Design and Technology course will give students the opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems.

Whilst considering their own and others’ needs wants and values, students can learn about a wide variety of contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices.

Further study: Students who gain GCSE Design & Technology can go on to study the subject at A level.

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

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DRAMA UAL LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA IN DRAMA AT KS4 100%

CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

EXAM BOARD: UAL

Assessment of work: NOTE: this course is not a GCSE but is equivalent to four GCSEs. Practical assessments are carried out through a series of projects based on real industry scenarios and academic tasks. Projects are accompanied by written work varying from essays to presentations to journals that document student progress.

Further study: Students can go on to take A level Theatre Studies or the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

This course is aimed at students who have a passion for Drama and is shaped to get the maximum out of its students as performers, production technicians and designers. The key qualities we look for: enthusiasm, passion for theatre, and a ‘can do’ attitude. You can approach this course as an actor, technician or a mixture of both.

You will explore many aspects of performance and production and develop as an artist, an academic and as a person. This course will enable students to develop resilience, responsibility, organisation, critical & creative thinking, teamwork and professionalism.

A variety of performance opportunities will allow you to put your skills and technique into practice. Such projects include: From page to stage bringing a text to life, devising, scripted performance, personal research project and presentation. All practical work will be produced to the highest technical standard at King Alfred’s very own Phoenix Theatre and be internally marked and externally moderated.

Qualification Structure: Y10

Units

Content

Term 1

Unit 1 Introduction to performance

An introduction to elements of the course in terms of performance, production and writing, building towards informal performances.

Unit 2 Introduction to production

Term 2

Unit 3 Communicating with an audience Unit 4 Staging a performance

An exploration of a text practically and on paper - in terms of its context and style, building towards performance of extracts.

Unit 5 Contextual research for performance and production Term 3

Unit 6 Performance skills and practice Unit 7 Production skills and practice

A devised project that will encourage all students to consider elements of performance and production skills, building towards a performance.

Y11

Units

Content

Term 1

Unit 8 Personal project

An exploration of the history of theatre, its practitioners and styles. Students will then write and prepare a ten minute research project on a topic of their choice.

Term 2

Unit 8 Presentation

Presentation of project.

Unit 9 Producing and performing to an audience

Rehearsals begin for final project.

Term 3

Unit 9 Producing and performing to an audience

Rehearsals for and performance of final project.

Exam leave

Students will use this time to finish off their journals and evaluations for their final project.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE 50% EXAM

50%

100%

COURSEWORK

EXAM

EXAM BOARD:

Further study:

EXAM BOARD:

Further study:

CIE

A level English Literature.

OCR

A level English Literature.

Assessment of work: 2 Hour Exam Paper • Learners answer three compulsory questions on three texts • Learners write one piece of original non-fiction Coursework Portfolio • Assignment 1: writing to discuss, argue and/or persuade in response to a text or texts • Assignment 2: writing to describe • Assignment 3: writing to narrate Speaking and Listening Test (Separate Endorsement) 10–12 minutes in total • Comprised of Individual Talk and Conversation

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ENGLISH LITERATURE

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

The CIE iGCSE English Language qualification meets the needs of students of differing abilities and interests and encourages an exploration of a variety of texts and the development of students’ own writing. The syllabus encourages students to develop independent and critical thinking; engage with the richness of our language; and experiment in writing across a range of contexts and styles.

The specification is designed to encourage students to engage critically with and explore a variety of nonfiction texts. Underpinned by a skills-based approach, the emphasis is on building students’ confidence in developing and articulating a fresh, individual response to texts that is supported and justified. Speaking and listening skills, as well as writing skills, are assessed as the course progresses. Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways English can be used.

Assessment of work: GCSE English Literature is made up of two units, each assessed by a twohour exam: Unit 1 asks candidates to study one modern prose and one 19th century prose text and Unit 2 sees students study one thematically linked poetry cluster and one Shakespeare play.

There is an unseen element to each exam where candidates will have to compare one of the texts they have studied to a text or section of text which is new to them.

For illustrative purposes, this year’s Year 11 have studied the following texts: a cluster of poetry all with the theme of Love and Relationships, A Christmas Carol OR Jekyll and Hyde, Macbeth and Animal Farm.

The OCR Literature qualification encourages an exploration of communication, culture and creativity through a range of poetry, drama and novels. The syllabus encourages students to develop independent and critical thinking; engage with the richness of our language and literary heritage; and develop their ability to respond cogently to texts in their own writing.

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KAS LITERATURE 100%

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

SCHOOL DIRECTED COURSE This course is now in its second year and offers an alternative to the GCSE Literature qualification. We have created a Literature syllabus that is more closely aligned with our core values of knowledge and understanding of the world, independence and the transferable skills of creative thinking and communication.

Our overarching aim with this qualification is to instill in students a holistic appreciation of literature and its study and to leave them with the ability to talk and write about texts in an assured and cogent manner.

We are going to achieve this through: 1. The inclusion of a wide range of texts from far more varied cultures and time periods.

2. Providing far greater opportunities for students to make choices about their learning and assessment.

3. A movement away from final examinations as the sole method of assessment.

4. A movement towards varied modes of assessment including oral responses, recreative writing, traditional coursework and reading logs as well as final examination.

Further study: Students can go on to study A level English Literature.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

Year 10 Term

Genre

Potential texts

Mode of Assessment

Autumn 1

Novel 20th/21st Century

Anita and Me - Meera Syal

*Essay or **recreative response in controlled conditions.

Autumn 2 Spring 1

20% Poetry 20th Century

Thomas Hardy

*Essay in controlled conditions.

Sylvia Plath

10%

Philip Larkin Maya Angelou Carol Ann Duffy Spring 2

Drama 20th Century

A Raisin in the Sun - Lorraine Hansberry

*Oral response.

All My Sons/ A View from the Bridge - Arthur Miller

10%

A Streetcar Named Desire - Tennessee Williams Summer 1

Shakespeare

Summer 2

Macbeth

*Essay in controlled conditions as above.

Twelfth Night

20%

Othello

Year 11 Term

Genre

Potential texts

Mode of Assessment

Autumn 1

Poetry 21st Century

A selection from the anthology: ‘Poems of the Decade: Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry’

*Essay or **recreative response in controlled conditions.

10%

Autumn 2

Novel 19th Century

Spring 1 Spring 2

Turn of the Screw - Henry James

See below

Frankenstein - Mary Shelley A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens

Written exam and oral exam prep

Written Exam: 2 hours Q1 - unseen poetry 45 minutes 5% Q2 - Based on 19th Century Novel 1 hour and 15 minutes 15% Oral exam Oral assessment on poem selected by student.

10%

* For all essays and the oral response, apart from in the exam, students will negotiate essay titles with their teacher based on the aspects of the text they are most interest in. ** The item of recreative writing will see the student respond by producing a piece of original writing based on studied text (500-1000 words). Work accompanied by a commentary. (500-1000 words).

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GEOGRAPHY

100% EXAM

EXAM BOARD: OCR

Assessment of work: There are three exam papers at the end of the course: Our Natural World; People and Society; Geographical Exploration.

Further study: Students can go on to study A level Geography.

By focusing on the major global issues likely to dominate our future sustainable use of the planet, Geography encourages students to think about their own place in the world, their values, their rights, and their responsibilities.

Modern Geography attempts to provoke students into asking and coming up with answers to the big questions facing society. Climate change, hazard management, the disparities between rich and poor, the future of urban areas, sustainable management of global resources such as the Arctic & the Rainforest, and the changing face of 21st Century UK are just some of the topics about which students can expect to develop a well-informed opinion.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

Alongside the ability to think critically and creatively about the changing world, students will also develop fieldwork skills to allow them to investigate the theory learnt in class in the world around them. There are two field trips, one day trip and one residential, that explore the geography of contrasting places and environments.

Employers and universities see Geography as a robust academic subject rich in skills, knowledge and understanding. As a subject linking the arts and the sciences it is highly flexible in terms of what you can combine it with, both at GCSE and A level.

In terms of careers, Geographers can be found in every sector of the economy; working in corporations, local business, not-for profit organisations, academia, local and national government and the media. Geography is part of the academic group of English Baccalaureate GCSE subjects and the Russell Group of universities have recognised it as one of their preferred ‘facilitating’ subjects, which support an application into a wide range of undergraduate courses.

Geography bridges the gap between the natural and social sciences. By developing an understanding of how physical and human systems operate and by considering why others’ views may differ from their own, the subject enables students to make sense of the world around them and encourages them to become active local & global citizens.

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GLOBAL CHALLENGES 100%

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

SCHOOL DIRECTED COURSE

Assessment of work: Students undertake two externally validated Higher Project Qualifications (HPQs), an individual project in Year 10, and a group project in Year 11. Each of these will address a ‘Global Challenge’ and propose a response to it. Each HPQ is equivalent to half a GCSE.

Further study: Global Challenges links to Geography, Politics, Economics and Sociology which students may want to take at A level.

This five-term course is different from other GCSEs. It introduces students to the big socio-economic, environmental and ethical challenges facing the world, and allows them to develop their own informed responses. Students design and implement social impact projects which align with their concerns. In line with one of the School’s primary objectives, they engage with external agencies to have an ‘impact on the world’. There is no exam. Instead, final outputs might take the form of an event, a film, podcast, a children’s book, a mini social enterprise, an awareness-raising campaign, or something else. There is a strong emphasis on skills development: project management, research skills, presentation, collaboration. This is ‘real world’ learning.

To prepare students for the project element(s) of the course, there is formal learning about ethics, migration, human rights, inequality and poverty, sustainability, and peace and conflict. Students then select an area of particular interest, research it further, with support, and develop their practical response.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE Year 10

Activity

Term 1

Introduction to Global Challenges: units on ethics, migration, sustainability, human rights

Term 2

Project 1: individual research and response to an issue, including showcase presentation

Term 3

Complete project 1, and continue content delivery: geo-politics

Year 11

Activity

Term 1

Units of learning on economics, poverty and inequality, and peace and conflict

Term 2

Project 2: group project and response to an issue, including showcase presentation

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HISTORY

LATIN

100%

100%

EXAM

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL GCSE

Assessment of work: There are three exams of between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes in length. There is no coursework on the GCSE syllabus.

Further study: Students can go on to study History A level, and it is useful background for A levels in Politics, Economics and Sociology.

History GCSE at KAS equips students to understand crucial themes, stories and events that shaped our world. Students learn to analyse and organise information, argue and explain their ideas, evaluate source material and use evidence to answer historical questions.

There are four main units of study: • Migration to Britain from c800 – today. This is the story of how Britain has been shaped by and responded to human migrations, from Saxons and Vikings to the Windrush generation.

This unit includes a depth study on the experiences of Caribbean migrants in Notting Hill in the 1950s and 1960s.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

• The Cold War – How a conflict between two nuclear-armed superpowers dominated the second half of the twentieth century.

• Elizabethan England – Power, religion, society and culture in the Elizabethan age.

• Mao’s China – The dramatic and revolutionary impact that Mao’s rule had on the world’s most populous country.

The course provides an insight into contemporary debates in British history around colonialism and its legacy, and how our world has been shaped by global forces and powers.

Students who are inquisitive, and interested in understanding how our world was shaped by the past will thrive on this course.

In Year 10 we organise a trip to Berlin, to see a city as the epicentre of these events, and also take students out in London to see history on their doorsteps.

EXAM

EXAM BOARD:

Further study:

OCR

Students can go on to study A level Latin and/ or A level Classical Civilisation.

Assessment of work: There are three components: Language, Prose Literature, and Verse Literature (set texts in the original Latin).

The Language paper is worth 50% of the GCSE and tests translation and comprehension skills as well as the understanding of the derivation of English words from Latin.

The Prose and Verse Literature papers are each worth 25% of the final mark. There is considerable choice of topics. Recent students have studied an extract from Apuleius’ The Golden Ass, about witches in Thessaly and extracts from Virgil’s Aeneid about the hero’s descent to the Underworld to meet his father. The examination tests linguistic understanding and literary appreciation and students welcome the opportunity to study sources in the original language at such an early stage.

Latin is all around us; it is the basis of much of our language and culture.

Studying Latin helps enlarge and clarify English vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. It is also invaluable when learning foreign languages – especially those directly derived from it, such as French, Spanish and Italian. It opens the door to much of the history, literature, and philosophy of the West, and is invaluable for an understanding of the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods in particular. Much contemporary art, film, and writing derives from Greek and Roman history and myth. Latin at KAS is fun but challenging.

As most students will not have had the opportunity to study Latin before, they will be guided through an intensive two year course, culminating in the reading of two pieces of Latin literature in the original language. This is a programme that requires commitment, but one that offers great rewards.

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

MATHS

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH AND SPANISH

100%

100%

EXAM

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

Assessment of work: The examination involves three written question papers (no coursework or controlled assessments).

Further study: A level Mathematics. A level Further Mathematics.

GCSE Mathematics at KAS is a three year course and the students in Year 10 continue using the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) books that they started in Year 9. Currently in Year 9 all students are studying for the Higher level of entry where they can achieve grades from 4-9.

The course encourages true understanding and mastery by putting mathematical questions into context to make the subject more relevant and accessible to students.

Students will learn how to apply complex trigonometry, applications of probability and how to recognise and interpret misleading statistics in the media.

Mathematics is a beautiful language that requires continued practice for fluency and enjoyment. Homework of 1 hour per week in Year 10 rising to 1.5 hours in Year 11 is expected. Parental guidance and encouragement are welcome and members of the Maths Department are always available to give specific help.

EXAM

EXAM BOARD: IGCSE CAMBRIDGE

Assessment of work: Speaking is worth 25%. This will be a 8-10 minute oral examination in April or May of Year 11.

Listening is worth 25%. This will be examined in May or June of Year 11.

Reading and writing is worth 50%. This will be examined in May or June of Year 11.

Further study: Students can go on to study A level French and A level Spanish.

Students can choose to study either French or Spanish or both.

In both French and Spanish, students work on all four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The department runs fortnightly debating clubs in both languages as well as drop in language support sessions.

In Spanish, Year 10 students are offered a chance to participate in our residential trip to San Sebastian in the Summer Term. Students are immersed in the language as they stay with Spanish families and attend school during the day.

In French, Year 11 students are offered a chance to participate in our residential trip to Lyon during the first week of October half-term.

Students are immersed in the language as they stay with French families and attend school during the day.

As in Years 7-9 students are encouraged to come to a ‘drop in’ Mathematics Clinic in the mornings before school starts, for extra help when needed (these run each weekday from 8:05-8:55am).

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

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MUSIC

40% EXAM

60%

COURSEWORK

EXAM BOARD: OCR

Assessment of work: Students are assessed verbally throughout the GCSE course when both the teacher and their peers give feedback and positive criticism of their performances or compositions.

The compositions are completed in lesson time under informal controlled assessment.

The Listening and Understanding exam is the final summative assessment at the end of Year 11.

Students work towards this exam by completing practice exercises that are marked together and the answers reflected upon by the group.

Students regularly perform at school concerts to further develop their performing skills and to build their confidence.

Compositions are performed, annotated and recorded throughout the course as a record of progress made. Again, students are given feedback that is taken from the Assessment Guide developed by the exam board.

Further study: Students can go on to study A level Music and/or A level Music Technology.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

Music GCSE is an enjoyable and exciting way to consolidate and advance a thorough understanding of a wide range of musical styles and cultures. It is a creative course that is designed to suit all young musicians no matter how eclectic their taste.

GCSE Music students need skills on an instrument or voice (around Grade 5 level by the second year of the GCSE course) and an understanding of Music Theory (working towards Grade 3 prior to the start of the course). Any instrument and style of playing is acceptable. Students must take instrumental and vocal lessons, in or out of school, and be willing to attend Music Theory sessions to supplement the work done in class and develop the skills necessary to access the course content.

Unit 1: Listening and appraising (40%) • 1 hour 30 minute Exam Paper with listening exercises using excerpts of music.

Unit 2: Performing (30%) • Performance 1: Solo performance (15%) • Performance 2: Ensemble performance (15%) Unit 3: Composing Music (30%) • Composition 1: Composition to a brief (15%) • Composition 2: Free Composition (15%) Candidates are required to contribute to some of the many extra-curricular musical activities in the School. This is a direct and enjoyable way to polish musical skills and broaden musical experience, as well as being a requirement of the exam.

PHOTOGRAPHY

60%

40%

COURSEWORK

EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS/WJEC

Assessment of work: The GCSE examination consists of a coursework portfolio (60% of the final mark), several projects looked at together as a group, externally set assignments (40% of the final mark). Work is documented in work journals and a portfolio. All work is internally marked and moderated by the exam board.

Further study: Students can go on to study A level Photography.

CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

In GCSE the specification used is Art & Design (Photography).

It emphasises the importance of photography as an art form as well as a way to communicate ideas.

Development of ideas through sustained research and individual work is the most important aspect of the course. Candidates are encouraged to understand the potential of photography through experimenting widely and creatively with the equipment, process and ideas they have available to them which include: • Analogue photography and work in the school darkroom • Experimental processes such as pinhole photography, cyanotypes and image transfer printing • Digital photography and the use of digital software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge and Adobe Lightroom • Making moving film and editing software such as Adobe Premier Pro • Designing and making self-published magazines to present their photographs and using software such as InDesign

Your studies will also introduce you to aspects of photographic and art history as well as looking at contemporary photography through gallery visits and trips to museums. The work we do in the School is also complemented with work carried out on school trips and on location.

Students may choose to work in many areas of the subject area including: Photojournalism; Fashion; Portraiture; Illustration; Documentation; Landscape and Cityscape.

All students must provide their own 35mm Single Lens Reflex camera in good working order, a digital camera and ideally a tripod.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION 60%

30%

EXAM

EXAM BOARD: OCR

Assessment of work: There are two exams assessing taught content in component 1 and component 2.

Component 3 is the nonexam assessment (NEA), contributing 40% of the GCSE.

Further study: This course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology.

PRACTICAL

GCSE specification in Physical Education will equip students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and values to develop and maintain their performance in physical activities and understand the benefits to health, fitness and well-being. The content of OCR’s GCSE in Physical Education is divided into three components: Component 1: Physical factors affecting performance Students explore how parts of the human body function during physical activity and the physiological adaptations that can occur due to diet and training. They also develop skills in data analysis, and an understanding of the principles of training, why we train in different ways and how training plans can be made to optimise results.

Component 2: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology Students develop their knowledge of the social, cultural and psychological influences on levels of participation in sport, and also how sport impacts on society more broadly.

This includes the individual benefits to health, fitness and well-being of participating in physical activity, as well as the influences of commercialisation, sponsorship and the media.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

10%

COURSEWORK

Component 3: Performance in physical education Students are assessed in performing three practical activities and one performance analysis task. In the practical performance, they demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions. They are also required to demonstrate their ability to analyse and evaluate their own performance to produce an action plan for improvement.

GCSE practical activities include; football, badminton, trampolining, netball, skiing, handball and more. Students are also encouraged to do the Higher Sports Leadership award (HSLA) to gain coaching experience.

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

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SCIENCE

100% EXAM

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL IGCSE (INTERNATIONAL GCSE)

Assessment of work: A summary of the number of exams that are needed for IGCSE in Science (Double Award), Biology, Chemistry and Physics is shown in the following table.

Further study: Students can go on to study A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics from the Double or Triple courses.

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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

Students follow the Edexcel IGCSE course in Science (Double Award) in Year 9.

In Year 10 they can choose to follow the Single Award course, continue with the Double Award course or study science as separate subjects, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Choosing to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects requires extra time as there is more content and consequently it will take up one of the six options.

The Science course (Single Award) is built up of content taken from Biology, Chemistry and Physics and students will attain a qualification in Science worth one IGCSE. The Science course (Double Award) is built up of content taken from Biology, Chemistry and Physics and students will attain a qualification in Science worth two IGCSEs. If students choose to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects then they will obtain three IGCSEs. There is no coursework for any of the routes but students will experience a wide range of practical activities to develop their skills in this area. All three courses help to develop transferable skills valued by universities and employers as well as help to broaden and deepen students' analytical, logic, and maths skills.

A summary of the three courses is shown opposite.

For both Single and Double Award students take three examinations, one in each subject. For the Triple Award, students take two examinations in each subject.

SUMMARY OF THE THREE COURSES

BIOLOGY PAPER 1 1 HOUR 10 MINS

BIOLOGY PAPER 1 2 HOURS

BIOLOGY PAPER 2 1 HR 15 MIN

INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY PAPER 1 1 HOUR 10 MINS

CHEMISTRY PAPER 1 2 HOURS

CHEMISTRY PAPER 2 1 HR 15 MIN

INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN CHEMISTRY

PHYSICS PAPER 1 1 HOUR 10 MINS

PHYSICS PAPER 1 2 HOURS

PHYSICS PAPER 2 1 HR 15 MIN

INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN PHYSICS

INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN SCIENCE

INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN SCIENCE

SINGLE AWARD

DOUBLE AWARD

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The King Alfred School, North End Road, London NW11 7HY www.kingalfred.org.uk Tel: 020 8457 5200 Email: kas@kingalfred.org.uk Design: Sparkloop 32

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - YEAR 10 & 11 OPTIONS 2024

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