Second to Third Year Options Booklet - 2023-23

KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL SOU T HAMP TO N

Second to Third Year Options 2022-2023

Second to Third Year Options All students (whether currently at King Edward’s or new applicants) entering into the Third Year (Year 9) are asked to make choices about the range of subjects that they will study.

All pupils study, or continue to study,

Languages

the subjects below:

All pupils study at least two languages in the Third Year.

ENGLISH

Current pupils will continue to study their Modern Foreign Language 1, that being the language first started in the First Year. For their Modern Foreign Language 2 they have the option to continue to study their current Modern Foreign Language 2, i.e. the language started at the beginning of the Second Year, or switch to Italian or Latin.

HISTORY MATHEMATICS GEOGRAPHY BIOLOGY RELIGIOUS STUDIES CHEMISTRY PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES PHYSICS We then ask pupils to choose a further five subjects to study alongside the mandatory ones listed above.

This can be either

Two languages + 3 option subjects or

Three languages + 2 option subjects

Pupils joining the school next year must pick two languages from French, German, Spanish, or Italian. It is expected that one language will have been studied for at least two years, and that the other will have been studied for at least one year – unless opting for Italian which is taught as a beginners language.

It is possible to study three languages, in which case one will be Latin.

If you decide on two languages, you can add any three subjects from the list below, whilst if you decide on three languages, you can add two subjects from the list below: Art*, Design Technology*, Music*, Drama*, Computer Science, or Classical Civilisation.

Please note that whether choosing two or three subjects from this list, at least one must be a creative subject, marked *.

Deputy Head (Academic): Dr B M Waymark bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Thinking Ahead to GCSE Options Please note that it will not be possible to begin a new additional language at the beginning of the Fourth Year.

It is preferable, but not essential, for those intending to take Design Technology, Drama, Music, Art, Classical Civilisation, or Computer Science at GCSE to study the subject in the Third Year.

You will be making more wide-ranging option choices next year, before entering the Fourth Year (Year 10). However, you will be able to make more important decisions about your languages.

If in twelve months’ time you decide you want to take only one modern language to GCSE, you will only be able to choose a language that you have studied in the Third Year.

For students joining King Edward VI School in the Third Year: - Although two languages must be studied in the Third Year, only one needs to be taken through to GCSE. This decision is made in twelve months’ time.

- If you have only studied one language in your current school you must pick that and Italian.

- Should you need any advice regarding language options please do not hesitate to contact Mr A J Sinclair (Head of Languages) ajms@kes.hants.sch.uk

For current Second Year King Edward VI School students: All pupils must study at least one modern European Language at GCSE, which will have been studied during the Third Year.

- If you do carry on with your second modern language or Latin, or you take up Italian as a new language in the Third Year, you don’t have to follow it right through to IGCSE – you make the decision whether to carry on with it in twelve months’ time.

- If you wish to take other non-language subjects at GCSE in the Fourth Year it is preferable to take it as an option subject in the Third Year, although not essential.

Deputy Head (Academic): Dr B M Waymark bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk

- Take lots of advice – from your tutor, your teachers, heads of department, Mrs Burnett or Dr Waymark. Visit the Guidance Centre and talk to the careers team.

Although every effort will be made to match everyone’s choices, unfortunately it is impossible to guarantee that you will be given all your preferences. Various timetabling pressures mean that a few people may be unable to do their preferred combination, which is why we ask you to list alternatives.

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Subject Options

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Art The Art course in the Third Year is

behind the scenes. We also exhibit students

predominately technique-based, the main

finished pieces so they see their work in a

aim to give pupils the opportunity to explore

professional setting.

as many different materials and processes as possible in preparation for GCSE but also to make the year dynamic and fun. The topics are designed like an art foundation course and aims to encourage experimentation as having investigating materials and process.

The department is well equipped in a new building with spacious creative open studios.

The department has excellent printmaking facilities, large kiln, ceramic wheels, small darkroom and specialist Apple iMac suite running Adobe Creative Cloud and giclée

Typically, a Third Year artist will get the

printer. We have one the best art libraries of

experience of working in plaster casting and

any school with titles covering Fine Art to

carving, clay modelling, lino relief printing, dry

Sculpture, Graphic design and Art History.

point, painting and drawing in the broadest

The studios are regularly open after school

sense.

and lunchtimes for students to work in lovely

Projects usually last half a term and considerable emphasis is placed on pupils

creative environment. We have a dedicated gallery.

gaining awareness of the work of different artists and cultures. We look at a wide range of influences from Fine art to fashion illustration and everything in between. We have also taken students on trips such as a visit to the Harry Potter film studios to see the artwork that is Head of Department: Mr G L Piggott glp@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Classical Civilisation This course is ideal for students who enjoy

for research, project work and student

the classical world of the Greeks and the

presentations and students will develop a

Romans but who do not necessarily wish to

wide range of transferable skills, including

pursue the language. A variety of topics will be

assessment of ancient visual and written

studied. These will include the early Minoan

material and critical and evaluative writing.

Civilisation with the Myth of Theseus and The

During the year there will also be a museum

Minotaur, Sparta and Classical Theatre, along

visit to the Roman Baths in Bath to support the

with the Romans in Britain, their leisure and

topics studied.

entertainment activities and the notion of the Roman hero in mythology.

This is a very diverse subject with something for everyone. The ancient world still informs the present and there will be plenty of discussion on comparison of values and lifestyles as well as appreciation of the influences on our own culture. There will be opportunities

Head of Department: Mrs J M Meredith jmm@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Classics - Latin Your foundations of Latin grammar have been

along the road to GCSE, since everything done

already been laid and therefore the Third

so far counts towards it. If Latin is discontinued

Year consolidates this within the familiar story

at this stage, it cannot be picked up again later

approach of the Cambridge Latin Course. The

and there will be few opportunities to study it

background element provides more fascinating

in later life. Latin is a very broad subject and

information about Roman society and the Third

provides training in several valuable skills,

Year material is some of the best in the course.

linguistic, literary and historical, which make it

The whole object of the Cambridge Latin

highly regarded.

Course is to prepare pupils to read some gems of real Latin Literature, which are begun in the Fourth Year and studied for GCSE. It is then possible to see tangible rewards for learning Latin, in reading some of the greatest writings of ancient Rome, which have relevance even today. Those who enjoy Latin are encouraged to bear in mind that they are already two years

Head of Department: Mrs J M Meredith jmm@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Computer Science A science certainly, but also about art and language.

This year will develop the following: Problem solving skills: Understanding how to

For current Second Year students at King

break larger problems down. How to express

Edward VI School, computer science develops

these in a formal manner using Pseudocode

many of the themes introduced in Years One

ready to automate using a machine called a

and Two in IT and Computing. It is though

computer.

more akin to GCSE Computer Science and this year aims to prepare you for GCSE using a practical approach in class.

Think about this. The more challenging problem is not to play chess but to write the code that will play chess.

Learn a Computer language: You will be able to instruct a computer using the Python language and also explore the languages of the web.

Physical Computing and robotics: The Internet of things is upon us! Smart toasters are no

Even though it is technical, it is a work of art.

longer a dream! Learn how microcontrollers

This is a creative subject. You will get a level

coupled with sensors and motors are in

of satisfaction in developing the tools and

increasingly more things from cars to fridges

language to create.

- what is their impact in an increasingly connected and automated world? - the Internet of things.

Cyber Security: One of the fastest and highest paying industries. Learn about how computers, mobile phones and networks are attacked and safeguarded.

Head of Department: Mr DG Cutler dgc@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Design Technology Design and Technology in the Third Year gives

This year acts as a foundation to GCSE study

pupils the chance to build on the skills and

and allows pupils to experience a blend of the

knowledge acquired previously. The increased

three GCSE Design and Technology areas

complexity and challenges of the course

offered at King Edward’s.

allow pupils to gain further insight into Design and Technology in its many forms. This year sees students utilising design and practical experiences to develop their own styles and ideas.

Students will be expected to apply experiences from their personal and social lives and a wide variety of other creative areas within their work when designing and making products.

The Third Year course increases the complexity of practical tasks and the design work for students.

Head of Department: Mr S H Barker shb@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Drama The Third Year Drama course offers students

In addition to the practical aspects of the

a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of

course, students will study the work of a

drama and the theatre. The course has been

leading contemporary theatre company and

designed to provide a well-rounded education

will analyse live theatre, either through visits

for all students and is especially useful

to local productions or by viewing recorded

preparation for those considering Drama

theatre productions.

GCSE.

Students are assessed through a combination

Through practical workshops, students have

of performance, design and written tasks

the opportunity to develop their performance

throughout the year, including a written

skills, as well as exploring costume, set, lighting

examination in the Summer Term.

and sound design. They will learn how to approach scripted and devised performances and explore different staging techniques, including mask work and storytelling. Students will build their confidence when working with different groups and will learn how theatre production teams work to create each performance.

Head of Department: Mrs L A Gilmour lag@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

French French at King Edward’s is taught in a lively

French teachers work closely together to

and communicative way and the Third Year

encourage and challenge all pupils. At this stage,

programme should prove stimulating and

all classes are mixed ability, allowing all pupils

rewarding to all pupils, whether studying French

to access materials evenly. French teachers

as their first or second modern language. By

aim to open students’ eyes to the possibilities

the end of the year, all French pupils should feel

and opportunities of studying French at IGCSE.

confident enough to continue with French in the

We are lucky to have two French assistants

Upper School.

who offer French speaking clinics twice a week

Pupils in the Third Year continue the ‘Studio’ course which they began earlier in the Lower

and also see pupils in lessons to work on their spoken French.

School. They have access to two digital books:

We have an annual visit from a French speaking

‘Studio 3 Vert’ and ‘Studio 3 Rouge’. All students

theatre group, which allows students to

follow the same course, whether it is their first

appreciate the progress they have made in their

or second modern language. Those who have

French-learning journey and this coupled with

studied less French at KES meet six times a

further opportunities in the Upper School to

fortnight rather than four, allowing them to go

explore the language, such as a biannual trip to

more in depth into some of the material. The aim

Paris, means that our students truly grow in their

is that all students will have a solid foundation

knowledge and understanding of French culture

before they embark on their IGCSE.

and language.

As well as the textbooks, pupils have access to

French is the first or second language of many

complimentary resources on the Studio website

countries; France is our nearest continental

and teacher can assign tasks and assignments

neighbour and an important business partner

accordingly. There are videos that accompany

and provides many leisure opportunities.

the course and pupils enjoy following a group of

Fluency in such a major language is an asset

French teenagers and their adventures. As pupils

in many careers and the French department

will have become familiar with the Studio books

aims to engender passion from the outset in this

already, this is a natural and straightforward

excellent subject.

progression for them.

Head of Department: Ms K M Clement kmc@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

German German is the EU language with the largest

the King Edward’s intranet and to Google

number of native speakers and the second

Classroom, which can be accessed from home

most commonly used scientific language in

as well as in School, providing extra practice

the world. Germany is also the world’s largest

when it is needed.

exporter and the financial capital of Europe, so a knowledge of German makes good business sense as well as providing the key to an understanding of much of our shared European literary and musical heritage.

The course also focuses on the culture and customs of the German-speaking nations of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and encourages contact with these countries.

The Department offers a weekend trip to a

The German Third Year continuers’ course at

Christmas market In Germany to the Lower

King Edward’s continues the lively approach

School and we also run an Upper School

to language learning experienced by Second

residential trip.

Year beginners, using a range of up-to-date materials: course-books, frequent use of ICT, whether on individual devices or school computers, many online materials and DVDs. It continues to cover topics most likely to be of interest and relevance to young people - such

This is a stimulating course for pupils with the desire to acquire a major European language, which will be increasingly marketable in the UK as a direct result of the current national climate of low language uptake at GCSE.

as holidays, TV and film, food and hobbies with a firm emphasis on communication and understanding. This approach is supported by an appreciation of language structure and regular access to our German language assistant, providing an ideal foundation for the Edexcel IGCSE course in the Fourth and Fifth Years. Extra resources are uploaded to

Acting Head of German: Ms M J Gorbat mjg@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Italian In the Third Year, a beginner’s Italian course

have gained a good grasp of the language by

is offered as a second Modern Language.

the end of the Third Year. Additionally, we have

Students are quickly introduced to the basics

a native language assistant who works closely

of this beautiful, musical language, spoken by

with the group on a fortnightly basis.

about 70 million people natively and around a further 150 million worldwide as a non-native language.

Learning Italian, knowing a language different from the more typical foreign languages taught at schools, allows students to stand out from

This course is particularly suitable for strong,

the crowd, and will enable access to a fantastic

keen linguists, who already have a foundation

country, culture and people.

in the romance languages. An intensive but enjoyable first year can lead to study of the language as an IGCSE in the Upper School,

A study trip to Italy of four or five days is offered during February half-term.

although at present no A level is offered.

Grammatically, Italian shares roots closely with French and Spanish, however studies of Latin also help significantly, particularly with recognition of vocabulary. Lessons are taught over six periods per fortnight and students will

Head of Department: Mrs S Rugge-Price srp@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Music Music in Third Year (Year 9) shifts focus to

Music in the Third Year offers a creative

performance and practical music making.

approach to homework as students can

Through topics such as: film and video game

use their co-curricular contributions to KES

music; Rock and Roll of the 1950’s and musical

ensembles towards their homework. We

theatre students explore how these styles are

encourage all our Third Year to take part in one

created. Through practical tasks such as whole

or more musical activity in the School, (such as

class performances or group project work,

Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, Senior Choir,

students can better understand the musical

Chamber Choir, Swing Band or Big Band) as

elements that make these genres successful

this supports musical literacy and key skills

and utilize the skills learnt in performing to aid

such as resilience, organisation and creative

their musical literacy.

problem solving.

Although many students who play musical

In preparation for GCSE Music students will

instruments/ voice select the course, there is

build composition skill and begin to master

no requirement to learn a musical instrument/

software such as Sibelius and Logic Pro for

voice in the Third Year. Students should have

notation. The topics are designed to prepare

a curiosity for the subject and be willing to

students for the continued study of academic

enjoy the performance element. The course

music into GCSE whilst maintaining a focus on

also includes workshop and concert trip

practical, engaging music making above all.

opportunities specifically tailored to the topics and enrichment of Third Year Music.

Head of Department: Miss C E Forsey cef@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School Second To Third Year Information

Spanish Studying Spanish allows you to become

is supplemented by online resources and the

increasingly competent in a major world

corresponding section on the school website,

language, it also means that at the end of

which students can access both at School

the Third Year you will be able to choose

and at home, as well as fortnightly contact

which Modern Language to take as your core

with the language assistant in order to practise

language for IGCSE.

speaking.

The main advantage of Spanish is that it

Third year pupils traditionally travel to Spain

enables you to communicate with the 400

with the Fourth years at the beginning of

million people who have Spanish as their

the Easter holidays. Students take part in a

first language, whether that be on holiday in

Homestay programme in Córdoba, where they

Spain or Latin America or in a work-related

stay with families in pairs and attend Spanish

environment. The course also gives you an

lessons at a specialist language school.

insight into some of the liveliest and most vibrant cultures on the planet.

The course in the Third Year is fast-moving and practical. The textbook Mira 2 gives you a firm basis of the grammar and structure of the language for you to build on successfully. This

Head of Department: Mrs E M Ladislao eml@kes.hants.sch.uk

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Third Year Options

In Summary All Third Year pupils study the core subjects:

ENGLISH HISTORY MATHEMATICS GEOGRAPHY BIOLOGY RELIGIOUS STUDIES CHEMISTRY PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES PHYSICS They then decide on the rest of their curriculum, i.e. either

Two languages + 3 option subjects or

Three languages + 2 option subjects

Please note: The second modern languages courses assume a minimum of one year of previous study. If your son or daughter has taken only one modern language in their current school, please opt for Italian which is taught as a beginner’s class.

It will not be possible to begin a new additional language at the beginning of the Fourth Year.

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ