GCSE Options Booklet 2022-2023

KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL SOU T HAMP TO N

IGCSE & GCSE Options 2022-2023

IGCSE & GCSE OPTIONS You and your parents have choices to make about the range of subjects that you will study next year in the Fourth Year (Year 10). You will continue to study those subjects in the Fifth Year, i.e. to GCSE level.

All Fourth Year (Year 10) pupils study the core subjects: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENGLISH LITERATURE MATHEMATICS BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS RELIGIOUS STUDIES* PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES A MINIMUM OF ONE MODERN EUROPEAN LANGUAGE A MINIMUM OF ONE HUMANITIES SUBJECT The first choice is your Modern Language 1 which you must have studied in Third Year (Year 9). This is the same if you opt for a second language—it is not possible to start a new language in the Fourth Year.

Pupils then choose THREE additional subjects.

You can then choose three additional subjects from the options. The first must be a Humanities subject; after that you may choose any two other subjects, including a second Humanities and a second language if you wish.

Humanities HISTORY GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS RELIGIOUS STUDIES* CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

Further Option Subjects FRENCH GERMAN SPANISH ITALIAN LATIN ART

DANCE COMPUTER SCIENCE DRAMA DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY** MUSIC SPORT SCIENCE

* Pupils who opt for RS will also study for the Higher Qualification in the Fourth Year. Pupils who do not opt for RS will still study for and sit the RS (Short Course) GCSE at the end of the Fourth Year. ** Three separate GCSE courses are available within Design & Technology—Resistant Materials, Graphic Design, Textiles.

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Remember the following points You have to continue with at least one modern European language through to IGCSE. If you currently study only one modern language, you will follow it through to IGCSE. If you currently study two modern languages you can continue with either or both to IGCSE. • You cannot begin to study a new language in the Fourth Year. You can choose whether or not to carry on with a second modern language, or Latin if you currently study them. If you do not currently study any of the languages studied at King Edward’s (French, German, Spanish, Italian), please contact Dr Waymark (bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk) • You can choose to take any non-language GCSE course even if you haven’t studied that subject in the Third Year (Year 9).

• When, in two years’ time, you are making A level choices, the only option subjects that you must have also taken at IGCSE or GCSE are the languages – modern and classical.

• Information about the option subjects is provided in this booklet to help you decide what to do. Current King Edward VI School students are encouraged to discuss your choices with staff.

Every effort will be made to give all pupils their first choice of subjects. However, 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. If there is a problem with your preferences, we will discuss it with you individually.

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

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Subject Options

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

King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Art Art is both a form of communication and a means of

The course is designed to be highly personal and

expression of ideas and feelings. It forms a language

encourages students to articulate their ideas and

which complements those of the literary, mathematical,

understand the cultural and contextual reasons artist

scientific and factually based subjects and a language

continue to reflect on the world around them. It is

as humans that is as old as mankind itself.

hoped that many of the skills practised and concepts

The course encourages pupils to perceive, understand and express concepts and feelings in visual and tactile form; to develop manipulative skills and technical competence and to record from direct observation and personal experiences.

We follow the AQA Fine Art course which allows a broad range of skills to be explored from printmaking to painting, sculpture and digital media; essentially the spectrum of work you might see in any major art gallery.

We start the course with a field trip to a place of interest such as Lulworth Cove or Kew Gardens, to draw and collect images for the first topic of Natural Forms. Each year involves a trip to a major exhibition.

Recent visits have been to the Royal Academy, Saatchi

understood during the two years will encourage the pupils to study the subject into the VI Form and beyond, especially for courses such as architecture as well as Art School.

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 printer. We have one the best art libraries of any school with titles covering Fine Art to Sculpture, Graphic design and Art History. The studios are regularly open after school and lunchtimes for students to work in lovely creative environment. We have a dedicated gallery space so students can get used to seeing their work presented in a professional context.

Gallery, NPG, and Tate’s Modern and Britain.

During the Fourth and Fifth Years, pupils are given two main projects (portfolios) to carry out. These tasks are assessed throughout the course, NEA Coursework Portfolios 60% and NEA Examination 40%. The Examination element is set in early January of the second year and the exam is over two days in the art studios at the end of April.

Head of Department: Mr G L Piggott glp@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Classical Civilisation This course is ideal for students who have a passion for the classical world but do not want to pursue the language. However, it can also supplement the study of Latin. GCSE Classical Civilisation is also a valuable platform for pursuing the study further at A Level. A variety of topics can be studied, including Homer’s wonderful Odyssey and the vibrant mythology which saturated the ancient world. There are two components, both culminating in examination of an hour and a half.

2 Literature And Culture The Homeric world: Key sites; The Mycenean World; Decorative arts; Tombs, graves and burial; Study of the Odyssey - Literary techniques and composition; Themes; The character of Odysseus; The portrayal of key characters.

Literary sources studied are all in translation – there is no requirement for any Latin or Greek.

These comprise a mixture of Greek and Roman themes:

1 Thematic Study Myth and Religion: Gods; The Universal Hero: Heracles; Religion and the city: temples; Myth and the city: foundation stories; Festivals; Myth and symbols of power; Death and Burial; Journeying to the Underworld.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Computer Science A modern course for a modern world. The IGCSE

Looking to the future. Information technologies

Computer Science (CIE) course will provide

continue to have a growing importance. This

students with an in-depth understanding of how

means there will be a stronger demand for

computer technology works and a look at what

professionals who are qualified in this area.

goes on ‘behind the scenes’. As part of this, they

If learners want to go on to higher study and

will investigate computer programming.

employment in the field of Computer Science

The fun of computing. Through this study of computer programming, the course will help learners develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills. For many, it will be a fun and interesting way to develop these skills which

they will find that this course provides an excellent stepping stone. Learners who have taken a Computing GCSE and who then progress to study the subject at A Level or at university will have a sound fundamental knowledge of this subject area.

can be transferred to other subjects and even

The critical thinking, analysis and problem solving

applied in day-to-day life. In this way, the course

skills developed are at the centre of a 21st century

will stimulate interest and engagement with

skill base, regardless of the discipline pursued.

technology and technology-related careers.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Dance Following the AQA GCSE curriculum, dance pupils

also choreograph a solo or group piece with

will learn to choreograph, perform and appreciate

particular focus on action, dynamic, spatial and

dance as an art form. This holistic engagement

relationship content whilst exploring structural and

with dance informs pupils’ development as

choreographic devices. Worth 60% of the GCSE,

creative and artistic individuals, and broadens

(30% performance, 30% choreography) this

their aesthetic, social and cultural experience.

element is assessed internally and moderated by

The course focuses on the aesthetic and artistic

the exam board.

qualities of dance and the symbolic use of movement to express and communicate ideas

Dance Appreciation

and concepts through the interrelated processes

In this element, pupils gain knowledge and

of performance, choreography and appreciation.

understanding of choreographic processes and

Dance is a powerful and empowering form of

performing skills. Through written work and

nonverbal communication and it is both physical

appropriate terminology, candidates critically

and expressive, which makes it similar to and

analyse, interpret and evaluate their own work in

different from other art forms and physical

performance and choreography and demonstrate

activities. Dance develops creative, imaginative,

their knowledge and understanding of professional

physical, emotional and intellectual capacities.

practice by studying six set professional pieces.

Performance & Choreography

The study of this anthology of professional pieces

The practical component of the course enables

in performance and choreography as well as

pupils to study by ‘doing’ and they will learn set

broadening their knowledge and understanding

phrases through a solo performance and with

of dance and ability to critically appraise dances

a duet/trio performance. Assessment of these

of different styles and cultural influences. This

focus on physical, technical, expressive and

component is through a written exam of 1 hour 30

mental skills attributed during performance. Pupils

minutes worth 40% of the GCSE.

Head of Department: Miss S T J Barnett stjb@kes.hants.sch.uk

will facilitate the development of pupil’ skills

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Design & Technology Design is not just what it looks like and feels like.

Textiles: Pupils will develop a wide range of

Design is how it works. - Steve Jobs

decorative techniques based around the design

The GCSE courses offered in D&T gives pupils at King Edward’s the chance to shape the future and are focused on authentic D&T in the real world. All options encompass design, manufacture and evaluation and utilise a wide range of ICT school tools including design packages and CAD/CAM, from 3-D printing

and manufacture of textile products and polymers.

Students will undertake practical processes such as hand dying, embroidery, block printing and pattern cutting. Students will also learn how to create fashion illustrations both by hand and using Adobe Illustrator on the PC and Sketchbook Pro on the iPad.

to laser cutting. The GCSE courses in D&T allow

All of the courses are split 50% examination and

pupils to turn their thoughts and ideas into reality. The

50% none examined assessment (a project carried

subject is offered through one of three materials areas

out under the supervision of the School). As part of

at GCSE:

the GCSE specification, as well as learning about

Graphics and Polymers: Concerned with all aspects of two and three-dimensional modelling, whilst this course is not exclusively computer aided design, students will focus on the use of industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as realising their virtual SolidWorks models using CNC equipment such as the 3-D printer and laser cutter.

Woods and Metals: Pupils will develop their application, knowledge and skills and understanding of resistant materials applying these to designing and making a product. Pupils will design in the three-

materials and processes theory linked to the students individual material area choice (resistant materials, graphic products or textiles) students will study and be examined on the theory of a number of core Design and Technology skills which will be taught to all students taking a GCSE in Design and Technology irrespective of their area choice.

We would also encourage further study up to A Level Design and Technology leading on to university courses in subjects as varied as interior design, engineering, product design, robotics, architecture or computer aided design.

dimensional application SolidWorks and look to realise their product based on this.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Drama The GCSE course in Drama is an exciting,

Pupils will demonstrate their knowledge and

inspiring and practical course. The specification

understanding of drama, including their ability

promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama,

to interpret texts for performance, in a written

as performers and/or designers. Additionally

examination. However, in preparation for this

it provides opportunities to attend live theatre

assessment, students are encouraged to study

performances and to develop skills as informed

their chosen text practically as a performer,

and thoughtful audience members.

designer and director.

Through following this specification, learners

Students will be given the opportunity to attend a

will be given opportunities to participate in and

workshops with a leading contemporary theatre

interpret their own and others’ drama. Pupils have

company. They will also analyse live theatre, either

the option to work practically as performers and/

through visits to local productions or by viewing

or designers in Components 1 and 2. Students will

recorded theatre productions.

investigate a practitioner or genre of drama, work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions, forms and techniques to produce and realise a piece of original theatre. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the performance of an extract from a play text.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Economics The IGCSE syllabus seeks to explain the workings

The course is both topical and relevant to the

of the economies of developed and developing

pupils’ lives, providing a valuable insight into a

nations. It provides pupils with a grounding

key area of current affairs. It is a useful stepping

in the basic analytical skills and vocabulary of

stone for those wishing to study the subject in the

the economist, and encourages them to apply

Sixth Form, although it is not a pre-requisite for A

the subject’s core models and theories to

level Economics. There is no externally assessed

contemporary economic problems.

coursework in this subject and assessment is by

Candidates must be able to think logically, handle

two examination papers.

data in various forms and express themselves with clarity and understanding. The topics for study include the determination of prices and wages in markets, unemployment, inflation, exchange rates, the balance of payments, money and financial institutions.

Head of Department: Mr P Sheppard ps@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

French French students sit the Edexcel IGCSE (9-1).

All students use the websites ‘Quizlet’ and ‘This

The four skills of listening, speaking, reading and

is Language’ to help them develop their listening

writing are all worth 25% and all examinations take

and reading skills. Every other year, the French

place in the Fifth Year. The course is topic based,

Department takes students to Paris for a four-day

with the grammar forming an integral part of how

visit. Students attend lessons on two mornings at a

the students acquire the language.

language school in Paris and spend the afternoons

The four topics across the two-year course are:

exploring the city and visiting the sites.

French is the first or second language of many

• Everyday life at home and school

countries; France is our nearest continental

• Self, family and friends – at home & abroad

neighbour and an important business partner and

• The world around us

provides many leisure opportunities. Fluency in

• Life from infancy to adulthood

such a major language is an asset in many careers

There are opportunities to watch and review films, get to know French music and learn about French culture. There is a strong emphasis on spoken French and students are able to work with the French assistants on a fortnightly basis to help to improve their spoken French and develop their

and the aim of the next two years is to provide pupils with the confidence to communicate effectively and with a platform on which they can build at a later stage. French teachers aim to encourage all linguists and hope that many will continue to take French at A Level.

confidence.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Geography The key ideas within the IGCSE Geography course

include the interpretation of maps at both 1:50000

are arranged as a series of units which are studied

and 1:25000 scales, atlas work and the geographical

at a variety of scales ranging from the local to the

representation and interpretation of geographical

international. A variety of topical case studies are

data. The inclusion of oblique aerial photographs,

integrated within the units to provide a sensible

satellite and weather maps provides a diverse range of

balance between both Physical and Human

teaching and learning activities which will encourage

Geography. The topics studied on the Physical

the development of a range of enquiry skills, including

side include Plate Tectonics, Weather and Climate,

those relating to practical fieldwork investigations and

Marine and River Processes, as well as Ecosystems.

the use of the internet and ICT. There is, however, no

On the Human side of the subject the students

formal written coursework or controlled assessment.

study topics which include Settlement, Population, Tourism, as well as Energy and Water Resources. The interaction of these processes is realised by studying the interrelationships between natural and human activities, which also considers resource conservation and management. As a whole, the teaching units constitute a balanced view of Geography that is relevant in today’s world, which is concerned with patterns in the landscape and the recurrent processes contributing to them; in particular the link between humans and the land.

The IGCSE course can be seen as a series of practical skills and key ideas which build logically on the work undertaken in the Lower School. These skills

Head of Department: Mrs L-J Gibbs lig@kes.hants.sch.uk

If Geography is to be studied in the Sixth Form then it would be beneficial, though not essential, to follow the IGCSE course. An integral part of the course is fieldwork, as this gives students the opportunity to prepare for their Alternative to Coursework examination paper and a series of trips will be run in order to equip students with the necessary fieldwork skills.

The study of Geography complements other humanities and students can study up to three humanities at IGCSE. Further information may be found on the Department’s web pages.

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

German The Edexcel IGCSE German course in the Fourth and

The Edexcel IGCSE course is assessed at the end of

Fifth Year at King Edward’s is a natural progression

the Fifth Year in three units: Paper 1: Listening; Paper 2:

from the Third Year German experience, with a

Reading and Writing; and Paper 3: Speaking. There is

firm emphasis on providing pupils with the skills for

no coursework or controlled assessment at any stage.

effective communication, whether in School or beyond.

As German is the EU language with the largest number of native speakers and Germany is the world’s largest exporter, German should be considered an important language both within Europe and on a global stage.

Knowledge of German makes you an unusual and

The German course also provides a window on the civilisation and culture of German-speaking countries and seeks to stimulate interest in travel abroad to the country of study. With this in mind, we run an Upper School trip to Germany, where students can

therefore highly marketable commodity!

experience the culture first hand.

During the German course in the Upper School, you

Whether you are considering the Edexcel IGCSE

will study topics that are chosen to be relevant to young people and will give you the ability to survive in everyday situations in a German-speaking country.

You will also acquire all the basic grammatical constructions needed to communicate accurately and to access a top grade at this level.

course with a view to continuing the language at Advanced Level or to complement and balance a study of other disciplines, e.g. Science and Mathematics, it is a stimulating option that offers variety and challenge and will suit all those who are enjoying their Third Year course.

We use a new, fully resourced coursebook which is further supplemented by articles from a wide variety of other sources, by language software and DVDs. In addition, we will regularly use online resources which may be accessed in School using individual devices or computers and at home on King Edward’s intranet and Google Classroom. There is also regular speaking practice with a German language assistant, which really helps to build oral confidence.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

History History provides a fascinating and varied introduction

The course continues with the study of international

to many of the major historical, political and economic

relations throughout the twentieth century. This

issues and events that have helped to shape the world

involves investigation of the causes of World War Two,

in which we live today and is designed to flow on

with a particular focus on Nazi foreign policy, and

naturally from the 3rd Year work on the First World

the study of the Cold War from 1945 onwards, under

War. History goes far beyond simply learning facts and

the title of “Superpower Relations”, covering such

dates. Rather, it requires judgement and analysis of

absorbing topics as the nuclear arms race, the Korean

why events took place, and why they should be seen

War, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.

as significant, together with a willingness to discuss and dispute different explanations and interpretations.

History is for those who like debate and argument; it is very much for those who enjoy the analysis of intriguing and important people and events, and the challenge of cut and thrust conversation. It provides not only interest but also huge enjoyment to those who

So as to reduce the number of written papers, we have recently introduced a piece of coursework into the course; this will involve no extra factual material and should turbo-charge the results given that pupils will have the opportunity to research a known question in their own time and discuss their findings with the

study it.

their teacher. In the past, IGCSE historians took three

We take the “Modern World History” course which

two; the question format ranges from short answers

covers topics from the twentieth century. IGCSE

of just a few lines to more developed pieces of writing

History has two main factual units. The first centres

of about a side or so. The days when History involved

on Germany from 1918-1945. This includes an analysis

writing essays several pages long are now long gone.

of the impact of the First World War on Germany and

Anybody who has coped effectively with the writing

an in-depth study of Nazi Germany, covering both the

requirements of 3rd Year History lessons at King

rise to power of Hitler and the reality of Nazi rule in

Edward’s will find no difficulty in moving on to IGCSE.

Germany from 1933-1945; the Nazi Police State, the social policies of the Nazis, Germany and the Second World War and, chillingly, finishing with the Holocaust.

The department runs a popular trip to Berlin for the Fifth Year IGCSE historians in the spring term half term break every year in an effort to bring the nature of Nazism more alive.

Head of Department: Mr N J Diver njd@kes.hants.sch.uk

examined paper but this has now been reduced to

Taking History at IGCSE level is a useful, but not essential, preparation for the Sixth Form course.

With a more general eye to the future, History is a well-respected IGCSE, developing as it does skills of analysis, organisation and written and oral communication and one with a reputation for genuine academic rigour.

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Italian In the Upper School an IGCSE in Italian is offered for

A study visit to Italy is offered every year in the half

those who have studied the language in Year 9. We

term of the Spring Term, and students would be

use the Cambridge IGSE Italian text book and related

encouraged to make the most of this opportunity.

resources, which provide a solid grammar base along

The culture of Italy is rich and varied and students will

with an insight into Italian life. These are accompanied

develop a good knowledge of its historical importance

by use of topical, authentic Italian resources from

in Europe.

the Internet, access to DVDs and a personal copy of Ragazzi, our Italian half termly language magazine, which includes interesting articles and games based around relevant Italian customs, events and personalities. There is emphasis on regular listening and speaking practice, and students will develop language skills for effective communication on a wide variety of topics. Students will have the opportunity to work with our native language assistant on a

This is a stimulating course, and a great opportunity to develop skills in one of the most beautiful, and less widely spoken, European languages, knowledge of which may also give an edge in a future employment market.

Please note, Italian is not currently offered as an A Level subject at King Edward’s.

weekly basis in order to develop these communicative skills, and this enables students to practise using the language for a variety of purposes, as well as help increase their fluency and exposure to the authentic sounds of the language.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Latin By the end of the Third Year, students have covered

Language work continues throughout the course

most basic elements of Latin grammar and syntax and

and a great deal of practice is given in the technique

are ready, in the Fourth Year, to put them into practice

of answering comprehension questions. There is the

by reading some Roman authors in the original, which

opportunity to translate five short sentences from

is the whole aim of the Cambridge Latin Course. To

English into Latin on the examination paper for which

stop Latin at this point is almost like learning to drive

students are meticulously prepared.

and never taking the test! All that has already been covered in the first three years of Latin represents a major part of the GCSE course and it is a shame not to put this knowledge to good effect: students are already well on the way to a qualification.

A variety of authors is read in the Fourth and Fifth years, depending upon the set text in any particular year, but this will include some poets, such as Martial, Virgil and Ovid, and some prose writers, such as the provincial governor Pliny or the historian Tacitus. The

Students will follow the WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9-1 grading) qualification which comprises three components, each culminating in an examination: • Latin Language (One and a half hour examination) • Latin Literature and Sources (Themes) (One and a quarter hour examination) • Latin Literature (Narratives) (One hour examination)

selection of works is carefully chosen so that the

The variety of skills developed by this GCSE are easily

subject matter is interesting and gives a taste of some

transferred to benefit other subjects, both linguistic and

stimulating authors. Those interested in mythology

historical, and its broad range ensures that it is of full

are likely to enjoy some of Ovid’s stories from the

interest and guaranteed to keep active minds busy. It is

Metamorphoses, while historians find that Tacitus’

a very highly regarded qualification.

description of the outrageous Emperor Nero or Pliny’s eye-witness account of the eruption of Vesuvius are totally gripping.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Music It is a creative and imaginative outlet for musically minded students or those with a passion for

Composing

performing. The Music GCSE course is open to

With dedicated step by step teaching, you will learn to

everyone, provided they have either an instrumental or

compose in musical styles that inspire you. Whether

singing teacher on their first instrument. It is strongly

that is popular music, classical or jazz influence, you

advised an instrument or voice is at grade 4 standard

will complete two compositions using Sibelius or

or above when beginning the course.

Logic Pro software. These are submitted as controlled assessment tasks and make up 30% of your GCSE.

The Music GCSE course combines the best elements of music with performance and composition coursework making up 60% of the overall GCSE. It is based on the OCR specifications so best suits students who want to develop as both academic and creative individuals, learning how pieces are built and performances shaped and delivered. As GCSE musicians, students also have the opportunity to attend concert trips and workshops specifically tailored

Listening This is the only part of the GCSE that takes the form of an examination, worth 40% of your overall GCSE. You listen to recorded extracts of music from four areas of study: classical concerto, rhythms of the world, popular song, film and video games. Basic music theory knowledge is required. Questions are designed

to them.

to test your understanding of musical elements such as

Performing

instrumental performing as part of the course, allowing

tempo, rhythm and melody. We also explore vocal and you to be creative whilst exploring techniques like song

Over the two year course you will develop your

writing.

performance skills and record a solo and ensemble piece as part of your coursework. This should be around a Grade 5 standard by Fifth Year. It will make up 30% of your GCSE.

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

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Religious Studies with HPQ This option affords students a splendid opportunity to

The qualification is examined through the submission

discover the joys of independent learning, and develop

and presentation of the student’s findings at the end

new life and study skills. It leads to a full RS GCSE

of the Fifth Year. It is only available alongside the top

alongside a freestanding Higher Project Qualification,

up units which lead to a ull course in GCSE Religious

helping pupils prepare for the Extended Project

Studies. This means students do not sit the Short

Qualification in Sixth Form.

Course in Fourth Year.

Pupils are required to choose an area of interest for

In religious studies, pupils extend their study to

a project, plan, research and carry out the project,

incorporate the practices of the two religions already

deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience and

studied. They can also the follow further themes in

provide evidence of all stages of project development

philosophical and ethical studies. There are options

and production for assessment. The project can

to study religion and life; the origins and value of the

come from a wide range of areas of interest; it can be

universe including religion and service, evolution, the

based on the creation of an artefact, the creation of a

Big Bang theory, the use and abuse of the environment

game, an area of history not currently studied in the

and animals. The concepts of sanctity of life and the

curriculum, a charity event… the possibilities are only

quality of life i.e. abortion, euthanasia and life after

limited by your imagination and the assessment criteria

death will also be covered. The existence of God and

of the examination board.

revelation; philosophical arguments for and against

Pupils will identify, design and complete an individual project, applying a range of organisational skills and strategies to meet agreed objectives, obtain, critically select and use information from a range of sources. They will analyse data, apply it relevantly and demonstrate understanding of the topics. They then evaluate outcomes both in relation to agreed objectives and to their own learning and performance.

the existence of God, religion, crime and punishment; the death penalty, forgiveness, crime and the causes of crime, religion and punishment, and the aims of punishment. The treatment of criminals, including: prison, corporal punishment, the death penalty.

Religion, human rights and social justice; Prejudice and discrimination in religion and belief, including the status and treatment within religion of women and homosexuals, racial prejudice and discrimination.

Wealth and poverty and people-trafficking.

Head of Department: Mrs C A Lane cal@kes.hants.sch.uk

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King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Spanish An IGCSE level qualification in any language is

spoken and written language, as well as a knowledge

extremely valuable nowadays, but one in Spanish

of, and enthusiasm for, things Spanish and Hispanic.

will guarantee you have an excellent basis for

Students will be well prepared not just for IGCSE,

communication with the over 400 million native

but also for the real world. Pupils who wish to study

Spanish speakers around the globe.

Spanish in the Sixth Form must take the IGCSE course

During the Fourth and Fifth Years, skills are built up

in the Fourth and Fifth Years.

gradually with exposure to many different forms of

Fourth Year students are invited to travel to Spain

Spanish, from spoken and written journalistic material,

for five days at the beginning of the Easter holidays

interviews and extracts from films to short stories.

and take part in a homestay programme in the South

Spanish students will sit the Edexcel International

of Spain. There, students stay in families and attend

GCSE examination at the end of the Fifth Year and,

daily Spanish lessons in a specialist language school.

to prepare for this, they will cover a number of topics

Something to look forward to if they follow on to A

which are relevant to today’s young people and master

Level is the very popular trip to the university town of

a variety of skills. Regular use is made of the ICT suite,

Salamanca.

enabling students to listen to genuine Spanish material.

Students are allocated a fortnightly slot when they can practise their oral skills with the language assistant and prepare thoroughly for the oral examination.

The content of the course not only teaches about the Spanish language, but also gives a considerable amount of information about Spanish and South American life, history and culture. Much of the language used is genuinely communicative, not merely classroom routine, and we aim to produce fluency in

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

20

King Edward VI School IGCSE & GCSE Options Information

Sports Science • 50% of the examination - 1.45 hour written paper • 50% assessed via their practical performance in four different sports

Theoretical written papers include: • Anatomy and Physiology • Psychological Aspects (e.g. Motivation and Mental preparation) • Relationship between Heath, Fitness and practical

Sports Science is a popular course with our students and would be an excellent choice for anyone who has a keen interest in sport. The large coursework element means that students who take this course must be actively participating in a number of sports.

The course is an exciting and challenging introduction to some important aspects of Sports Science such as how the respiratory and muscular systems are effected by exercise, the relationship between arousal levels and performance and how technology is changing the way we play and view sport. Sport is becoming ever more

activity ( e.g. Diet, Drugs, Training Methods, Training

important in Britain, due to such events as London

Principles)

2012, and the course helps the students understand its role in British and World societies.

• Factors affecting Participation in Physical Activity (e.g. Family Background and Race) • Technology and it’s effect on sport • Safety Aspects of Physical Activity.

Head of Department: Mrs C Kelly ck@kes.hants.sch.uk

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IGCSE & GCSE OPTIONS In Summary All Fourth Year pupils study the core subjects: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENGLISH LITERATURE MATHEMATICS BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS RELIGIOUS STUDIES* PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES AT LEAST ONE MODERN EUROPEAN LANGUAGE AT LEAST ONE HUMANITIES SUBJECT Pupils choose THREE option subjects from: HISTORY GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS RELIGIOUS STUDIES* FRENCH GERMAN SPANISH ITALIAN

LATIN DANCE CLASSICAL CIVILISATION ART COMPUTER SCIENCE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY** DRAMA MUSIC SPORTS SCIENCE

* Pupils who opt for RS will also study for the Higher Qualification in the Fourth Year. Pupils who do not opt for RS will still study for and sit the RS (Short Course) GCSE at the end of the Fourth Year. ** Three separate GCSE courses are available within Design Technology – Resistant Materials, Graphic Design, Textiles.

Please note: All pupils must include at least one of the Humanities subjects *History, Geography, Economics, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation among their options. It will not be possible to start a new language in the Fourth Year.

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