GCSE Curriculum
The move from the Lower Remove into the Upper Remove is a very exciting time. The challenge and academic demands of your subjects will grow and provide you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding and explore areas of interest. As you embark on your I/GCSE courses you will be encouraged to push yourself to achieve your potential in order to give yourself the best possible platform for the next stage of your education.
At King’s there is a mix of GCSEs and IGCSEs (International GCSE). This year we are offering a broader range so that every pupil will study between 9 and 11 qualifications. The usual offering is nine I/GCSEs which comprises our core curriculum plus three options to choose from a further 12 subjects. Those wishing to study triple science will achieve an extra IGCSE and, for those in the top two Maths sets, there is an additional Further Maths Qualification. Double Science has been introduced so that our pupils can fully embrace all their subjects and cocurricular opportunities whilst still being able to take A Levels in any one of the three sciences.
Along with the core curriculum, you have the chance to make some subject choices that will allow you to optimise what you study for your particular aptitudes and aspirations. These choices are important and should be carefully considered because they can have an impact on future study and career paths. If you feel uncertain or unsure about what subjects to follow, please remember that this is absolutely normal at this stage.
To reach a final decision, you should read about the courses set out in this booklet and make use of the advice available from the many sources in school including your Year Group Tutor, House Tutor and subject teachers. The Careers Department would also be very happy to talk to you about any careers related enquiries you may have.
In addition to what you study in your timetabled subjects, the Upper Remove and Fifth Form are an ideal time to pursue your academic interests beyond the classroom. I would encourage you to continue to be curious about the world in which you live. To support you in this endeavour, there are numerous super-curricular opportunities on offer at King’s including studying for the HPQ, academic enrichment and many academic clubs and societies. I hope you find that this booklet gives a sense of the excitement of the next two years and is helpful in guiding your choices to set you on the path to future success.
Katie Beever Deputy Head (Academic)
Biology (International GCSE)
The course aims to give pupils a very good understanding of the living world and beyond. We start the course in the Lower Remove and aim to provide pupils with as much experience of practical work as possible.
Course Content
Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4BI1
The course has five main topic areas:
1. The nature and variety of living organisms
In this topic, pupils explore the classification of the main groups of living organisms on the planet.
2. Structures and functions in living organisms
This topic area enables pupils to develop an understanding of how animals and plants work. Pupils investigate topics such as cell biology, heart and circulation, photosynthesis, the kidney and excretion, the nervous system and many other topics!
3. Reproduction and inheritance
This topic area focuses upon the methods of reproduction in plants and humans and the mechanisms of genetics. Pupils are able to explore how genes work and how they are inherited.
4. Ecology and the environment
This area enables pupils to develop an understanding of how ecosystems work and how organisms interact with each other.
How Can Families Help?
• Watch television programmes related to Biology e.g. ‘The Blue Planet’.
• Have scientific debates on current Biological issues e.g. ‘Are antibiotics being overprescribed?’, ‘What will be the eventual effects of the Greenhouse
5. Use of biological resources
This topic covers a range of examples of how we use organisms. We will look at modern genetic technologies, animal and plant cloning and even fish farming!
Pupils sit two exam papers at the end of the Fifth Form.
Paper 1: 2 hours (110 marks)
Paper 2: 1 hour and 15 minutes (70 marks)
There is only one entry tier (no separate foundation or higher papers) and so the grades available are 1 – 9.
Biology at GCSE gave me a good insight into what is a complex and varied science. The course covers a wide range of biological processes, systems and organisms, knowledge of which is very important in everyday life, and now at A-level.
Current Lower Sixth Student
For further Information, please contact: Dr M Parkin (Head of Department) mparkin@ksw.org.uk
Chemistry (International GCSE)
The International GCSE course seeks to challenge the pupil to seek the explanation behind the way substances behave, using practical work to illustrate the key ideas and develop the experimental skills of the pupil. As with the other sciences, the Chemistry International GCSE is an ideal qualification to help prepare pupils for Chemistry at A-level should they wish to study it.
Course Content
There are four main sections to the course:
1. Principles of Chemistry – including atomic structure and bonding, states of matter, the periodic table and writing word equations and balanced symbol equations for chemical reactions.
2. Inorganic Chemistry – studying in more detail the reactions of specific elements, e.g. group 1 & group 7 elements in the periodic table, how metals are extracted or manufactured and how to carry out chemical tests to prove the presence of certain elements and/or ions in reactions.
3. Physical Chemistry – including energetics, rates of reaction and reversible reactions.
4. Organic Chemistry – including an introduction to hydrocarbons and crude oil, and reactions of compounds with specific functional groups e.g. alkanes, alkenes and carboxylic acids.
I really enjoyed the challenge of starting to explain why reactions happen as they do. The practical work is always interesting, but to be able to understand why and how is much rewarding. The area of pharmaceutical Chemistry could be a possible career path in the future.
Current Fifth Form Student
Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4CH1
Two papers are sat to get an IGCSE Chemistry qualification: Paper 1 – a 2 hour paper, with a total of 110 marks, providing a mixture of different question styles. These include multiple choice, short answer questions, calculations and extended open response questions. This paper contributes 61.1% to the overall score.
Paper 2 – a 1 ¼ hour paper, with a total of 70 marks. The question styles are as above, and the paper contributes 38.9% to the overall score.
There is no coursework component. However, there are some core practicals which will be done over the teaching of the course in lessons. Questions will be asked on these practicals. There are no foundation or higher tier papers. All students will sit the same ones.
How Can Families Help?
Encourage good use of the textbook – the answers can be found if they look!
Help test some of the factual material – revision cards are very helpful.
Encourage them to see where the subject can lead –the world needs Chemists.
For further Information, please contact: Mr L Ison (Head of Department) lison@ksw.org.uk
Languages (International GCSE)
Double your abilities, potential and range of skills by demonstrating that you can shine in at least two foreign languages, whether for personal development, broadening your contacts, pleasure, work and business, culture or travel.
linguists develop character: confidence, maturity of written and spoken expression, the ability to craft language (including a better understanding of English), self-awareness, reflectiveness, cultural awareness, sense of perspective and context, broader horizons, responsiveness and adaptability.
They also gain social and academic skills: communication, discussion and self-expression as well as cross-curricular skills such as summarising, deduction, code identification, analysis and memory skills.
It goes without saying that dual linguists enjoy deeper knowledge and understanding of culture, the wider world and diplomacy.
Learning two languages has made me confident as it allowed me to go on an exchange and communicate with a wider variety of people. Studying two extra languages not only helped me understand each language better but also improved my knowledge of the English language, so was therefore very helpful in my other GCSEs.
How Can Families Help?
• Encourage regular learning and testing of vocabulary (such as allowing post-it notes on fridges).
• Support opportunities to travel, experience the language, watch films (but not with English subtitles) in the language.
• Show enthusiasm for learning a language – perhaps alongside your child!
• Change phone settings / computer home page to the language.
• Listen to your son/daughter practise their chosen
In a typical week pupils can expect to apply the four key language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) to a particular topic, spend time learning vocabulary and revise and develop grammatical constructions. The balance of skills will vary over the course depending on which type of task is being prepared. Collaborative work (pair / group work) is a regular part of any lesson. Pupils are given regular time slots with our foreign language assistants to help achieve greater oral fluency from the summer term in Upper Remove and the Multimedia Centre offers listening and speaking support software and Internet resources among other benefits.
Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4FR1 / 4GN1 / 4SP1
The syllabus offers topics designed to be of relevance and interest. The skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are weighted to represent 25% of the IGCSE each. All papers are assessed at the end of the course and marked externally. Reading includes summary skills, writing requires two texts of approximately 70 and 140 words each as well as a grammar test, and speaking involves discussion of a candidate-
rball@ksw.org.uk
Strong
Lower Sixth Student
Mathematics (International GCSE)
Strong mathematical understanding has always been a vital life skill in almost all career paths as well as everyday life. Regardless of ability, all pupils are stretched during the Lower Remove in readiness for the demands of the International GCSE. Success is achieved through supporting all pupils and ensuring that they are in the set most appropriate to their needs at the time. The department is friendly and welcoming but does expect that all pupils give their very best at all times.
Course Content
Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1
This is the most suitable course to offer challenge and stretch, especially with a greater focus on algebraic techniques and their applications. All pupils will take the higher tier examination in the summer of Fifth Form and the most able will have the option of an additional qualification which is studied alongside the IGCSE.
Throughout the course, the pupils will study what are effectively six main topic areas. In no particular order, these are: numbers and the numbering system; equations, formulae and identities; sequences, functions and graphs; geometry and trigonometry; vectors and translation geometry and finally statistics and probability.
The above content is split equally between paper 1H and paper 2H and each is out of 100 marks. Both papers permit the use of a calculator, however many areas which could be examined without a calculator are “show that” questions where the answer is already provided. It is essential that pupils can produce a reasoned mathematical argument to get to this answer. Here method and logical presentation are essential, as well as clarity of communication.
To engage with the newer 9 – 1 grading system, there has been some further demanding content added to the specification. This has added extra challenge for all and will ease the transition from IGCSE to A-level in the future.
The recent ISI report highlighted the pupils’ mathematical confidence as one of the School’s strengths.
Although academically challenging, Maths really develops your logical thinking and problem solving skills. The teachers really push you to achieve the best you can and it is a really satisfying feeling when you have solved a problem that looked really difficult to start with.
Lower Sixth Student
How Can Families Help?
• Talk to your son/daughter about the course content they are learning. Ask them to explain their methods for solving problems.
Pupils show a strong grasp of mathematical concepts and methods: their mathematical skills are extremely well developed relative to their abilities in all areas of the subject. They enjoy using mathematics. Excellent skills involving mathematical calculations are evident throughout the School.
• Encourage your son/daughter to make full use of the ‘myimaths website’ if they do not understand a topic.
• Encourage your son/daughter to seek extra support outside lessons if they ever get stuck.
Current
Computer Science
Computer Science, like mathematics, underpins a wide range of subjects, and its application in modern society is far reaching. A core skill that students develop is ‘computational thinking’, which is a logical process to solving complex problems. One of the vehicles for developing this skill is through computer programming.
Throughout the course pupils apply logical reasoning, rigour and efficient problem solving while gaining a broad understanding of what Computer Science really is. The subject is highly creative and, with almost every job involving the use of technology, why not be a part of driving that technology forward or helping to implement it for everyone? The department is well resourced with Windows PCs and online learning materials.
In this GCSE you will learn about how computers work, the networks they use and how programming can create
How Can Families Help?
• Encourage students to take an interest in tech news. This can be done through watching BBC Click weekly and by subscribing to appropriate YouTube channels such as Veritasium, Tom Scott and VSauce.
• Encourage problem solving through puzzles to help with computational thinking.
• Be aware that students will be spending significantly more time in front of a screen and try to ensure
solutions to everyday problems and future challenges. Pupils will develop problem solving skills and will learn through exploration how to create their future and how to open the door to a future career. The subject is a mix of practical (programming) and theoretical lessons. There will be regular exam-style assessments across the range of topics pupils will learn. Pupils will not be expected to bring a digital device into school but they will find having access to their own personal device more flexible. We would, however, advise pupils to consider the size of screen and making use of a physical keyboard for practicality.
Course Content
Assessment: OCR GCSE J277
What’s assessed:
Component 1 - Exam Paper 90 minutes (50%)
1. Systems architecture
2. Memory and storage
3. Computer Networks, connections and protocols
4. Network security
5. Systems Software
6. Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
Component 2 - Exam Paper 90 minutes (50%)
1. Algorithms
2. Programming fundamentals
3. Producing robust programs
4. Boolean logic
5. Programming language and Integrated Development Environments.
How they are assessed:
Both exams are made up of mainly short answer questions with one longer answer question. Component 2 involves writing out short lengths of pseudocode algorithms and also short lengths of code in a high-level language that they have studied
The course does not have a practical code-based NEA but there will be plenty of practice at writing code to solve problems
For further Information, please contact:
dbranchett@ksw.org.uk
Design Technology
GCSE Design Technology will prepare pupils to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. The Department is very well resourced, and, alongside developing traditional designing and making skills, pupils make full use of CAD and 3D modelling software, often outputting to the laser cutter or class set of 3D printers.
Course Content
Pupils will gain awareness of and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Pupils will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.
The subject allows Design Technology pupils to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.
Assessment: AQA GCSE 8552
1. Exam Paper – 2 hours (50%)
What’s assessed:
Core technical principles, specialist technical principles, designing and making principles.
How it’s assessed:
There are three sections comprising a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding. An extended question assesses more in depth knowledge in a specialist technical area.
One half of the exam assesses understanding of designing and making principles.
2. Non-examined assessment (NEA) (50%)
Pupils complete a substantial design and make task. This involves investigation of design possibilities and producing a design brief and specification before generating and developing design ideas. This is followed by the realisation of the design ideas and evaluation.
Pupils will produce a prototype and a portfolio recording the design process.
How Can Families Help?
• Encourage problem-solving.
• Use examples of creativity seen in everyday life to initiate discussion and curiosity.
• Question why the things around us have been designed and made the way they have.
DT is the one subject where I’ve been able to let my creativity flow and see my idea become a reality with the help and support of my DT teachers. It may be tough at times but it has given me essential life skills.
Current Lower Sixth Student
For further Information, please contact: Mr C Wilson (Head of Department) cwilson@ksw.org.uk
Drama
GCSE Drama is an attractive course for any pupil who loves the whole all-round process of how theatre is made.
There is a ‘conventional’ performance element - conventional in as much as candidates study a text and prepare and perform two extracts from it (with the option for design candidates to create the relevant production elements). These extracts are performed to a visiting examiner from Eduqas and the mark awarded is worth 20% of the total GCSE.
Another component centres on devising theatre: working from a choice of stimuli provided by the exam board to explore a range of theatrical ideas and create a piece of original drama. This is internally assessed and then moderated by Eduqas. The devising component is worth 40% of the total GCSE, although not all the pressure is on a ‘one-off’ performance. There are three aspects to the mark awarded – 30 marks for a 750-900 word portfolio that charts
Course Content
Component 1: Devising Theatre
Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated
40% of qualification
• Learners will be assessed on either acting or design
• Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus set by WJEC
Component 2: Performing from a Text
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
20% of qualification
• Learners will be assessed on either acting or design
• Learners study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre
• Learners participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre
Written examination:
1 hour 30 minutes
40% of qualification
• Section A: Set Text
• A series of questions on one set text studied throughout the course
• Section B: Live Theatre Review
• One question, from a choice of two, requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course
the development process, 15 marks for the staged realisation of the ideas – working as either performer or designer, and 15 marks for a timed written evaluation of the success of the performance.
The final element is the written exam. This is worth 40% and is a nicely balanced paper divided into two parts. The first section explores staging decisions for a set text studied during the course across a series of questions worth 45 marks in total. The second section involves answering one question, from a choice of two, assessing analysis and evaluation of a live theatre production seen during the course. This section is worth 15 marks.
GCSE
Drama hugely developed my confidence, and allowed me to continuously step out of my comfort zone. It sparked my passion for acting and has helped develop skills that are not only useful in productions and plays, but interviews and general everyday life as well.
How Can Families Help?
• Engage with live theatre as a family. The School has a Digital Theatre Plus subscription so some theatre productions can even be streamed to enjoy at home.
• Context is everything! Help your child widen their general knowledge, discussing current affairs and cultural and historical backgrounds to events as a family.
• Encourage your child to develop their core stagecraft with regular practical engagement in activities/events.”
For further Information, please contact: Mrs S Parry (Head of Department) sparry@ksw.org.uk
Latin
GCSE Latin offers a unique challenge, the chance not only to study the Latin language (practising both translation and comprehension skills) but also to read literature that is more than two thousand years old. Despite its age, it still deals with issues that concern us today, such as family life and relationships, passion and intrigue. You will be transported back to ancient times and gain a fascinating insight into Roman culture. Analysing these texts will help you appreciate why they are so great.
Course Content
All the vocabulary and grammar covered in L4, U4 and LR forms part of the language component and many of the words on the specified vocabulary list you will know already. If you enjoy the thrill of code-breaking and the rigour of logical thinking but also like to be creative, then Latin GCSE may well be for you.
Supported by your teacher, you will read actual Latin literature on topics including love, poisoning, murder and growing up in Rome. You will be asked to consider how each author makes his stories dramatic and exciting and what we learn from the texts.
The study of Classical subjects has led to a variety of different careers for many people. It shows universities and employers that you are able to research, collate and analyse materials and to evaluate resources critically in order to formulate arguments.
It will offer an improved command of English, a better understanding of language in general, and an enhanced power to think for yourself.
Assessment: GCSE EDUQUAS C990PA
There is one language paper worth 50% of the qualification and two literature papers worth 30% and 20% respectively. There is no controlled assessment.
The study of Latin is not only fascinating but also highly relevant in a world still influenced by it.
How Can Families Help?
• Encourage regular review of vocabulary lists.
• Ask your child to explain the stories they have explored in their literature lessons.
For further Information, please contact: Mrs S Bradley (Head of Department) sbradley@ksw.org.uk
Lower Sixth Student
Religion and Philosophy
The IGCSE in Religion and Philosophy offers a unique opportunity to think about some of the things that really matter: Is there a God? Why is there evil and suffering in the world? Is war ever justified? Is there life after death? What is the purpose of life?
The answers for most of these questions are hotly debated. Pupils are therefore required to think critically so that they can identify good arguments from bad. In other words, pupils learn to think philosophically.
By learning to express your arguments orally and in writing, the IGCSE in Religion and Philosophy will prepare you for the rigours of A-level, university, and good careers beyond. The course will cause your brain to hurt at times but as Aristotle taught, excellence only comes through repeated mental endeavour.
I have thoroughly enjoyed studying Religion and Philosophy. Not only have I had the opportunity to explore Buddhism and Christianity but I have also been able to engage with fascinating ethical and philosophical topics that are relevant in today’s multicultural and ever-changing society.
Current Fifth Form Student
How Can Families Help?
• Encourage pupils to read interesting books.
• Discuss news stories about religion.
• Have philosophical debates at the dinner table!
A further benefit of the course is that it will improve your religious literacy, an important skill in a world, for good and ill and everything in between, that is still dominated by religion.
Course Content
Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4RS1
The IGCSE looks at topics of philosophical and theological interest to Christians such as the nature of God and ethics, and the beliefs and practices of Buddhists:
• The universe, human beings and their destiny
• Ultimate reality and the meaning of life
• Relationships, families and children
• Rights, equality and responsibilities
• Religious texts and sources of authority
• Founders and leaders
• Rules for living
• Worship and celebration
• Places of worship and pilgrimage
• There are two terminal examinations and no coursework.
For further Information, please contact: Dr R J McLaverty-Head (Head of Department) rhead@ksw.org.uk
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The information, terms and conditions set out in this prospectus and all occasional papers may be amended from time to time, and their provisions, subject to any such amendments, shall continue to apply for the whole period during which a boy or girl continues to attend the School, irrespective of his or her age.
