The Grove School Options Booklet 2021

Options 2021

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Options 2021

Choosing subject options for Year 9 can be challenging. This is an important decision for students and is easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice. That’s why it’s important that students think carefully about what they enjoy, what they’re good at and what they might like to study after GCSEs. Along with the compulsory core subjects, we encourage students to choose a broad, balanced mixture so that their future choices are as wide as possible.

The aim of this booklet is to provide an overview of what’s on offer.

Please take time to read all the information carefully and contact teaching staff if you have any questions. Students will be able to discuss option preferences and will receive further information on subjects during their normal lessons, assemblies and in Tutor Time. You can also find more information on our website at grove-school.co.uk/ options2021.

As you will see from this booklet, we offer a broad range of options at GCSE in addition to the compulsory core subjects. We advise students to play to their strengths and choose subjects they know they will enjoy and are good at, whilst maintaining a broad and balanced curriculum.

We want to help them ensure they develop the essential skills needed both at university, on apprenticeships or in the world of work.

Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Tutor or Head of Year if you have any questions through this process.

Mrs S Taylor Headteacher

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Key dates FEBRUARY

2

Options 2021

Tuesday 2nd February Virtual Options Evening You can make appointments to speak to teachers of option subjects using the following link groveschool.schoolcloud.co.uk For more information and guidance, visit grove-school.co.uk/options 2021

Monday 8th February Students to inform their tutor of their options choices Spring Term Consultation period takes place Summer Term Options confirmation letters sent home

If there are any questions regarding this process then these should be directed to tutors in the first instance, who will be fully informed about the process and who can support their students.

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Talk to us

Options 2021

The following staff are available to speak to both students and parents/carers throughout the options process.

Greg Thorley Deputy Headteacher Raising Standards greg.thorley@groveschool.net Neil Donlan Deputy Headteacher Teaching & Learning neil.donlan@groveschool.net Chris Watson Assistant Headteacher Quality of Education (Curriculum) chris.watson@groveschool.net Bev Phillips Head of Year 8 bev.phillips@groveschool.net David Rafferty Director of English david.rafferty@groveschool.net Claire Lyth Director of Mathematics claire.lyth@groveschool.net

Keith Downie Director of Science keith.downie@groveschool.net Anna Willis Director of Creativity, Enterprise & Health anna.willis@groveschool.net Nicola Warrender Director of Humanities nicola.warrender@groveschool. net Gwen Nutting SENCO gwen.nutting@groveschool.net Gail Beath CEIAG Co-ordinator gail.beath@groveschool.net

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Key stage 4 courses When students enter Year 9 in September 2021 they move into Key Stage 4, the final part of their compulsory school education.

At the end of this three-year period, public examinations are taken.

The National Curriculum requires all students to study the following subjects throughout Key Stage 4 (although not necessarily to GCSE level):

• English • Mathematics • Science • Physical Education • Citizenship There is also a requirement to maintain a balanced curriculum through to the age of 16. Our school curriculum for Key Stage 4 is intended to combine this important principle of balance together with a degree of flexibility and choice. This booklet aims to explain how this applies to each student in Year 9. It is also intended to act as a handbook for future reference.

Options 2021

Optional courses: Art & Design I Business Studies I Child Development & Care I Creative iMedia I Drama I Engineering I Geography I German I Graphic Design I History I Hospitality & Catering I ICT I Music I Photography I Psychology I Religious Studies I Sociology I Sport Studies I Triple Science

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General information All students study the five core subjects of English, Mathematics, Combined Science, Physical Education and Humanities (History or Geography). In addition, all students will continue with their course of Citizenship, which covers aspects of Religious Education, Work-Related Learning and Careers Guidance, Issues, Drugs Awareness and Relationships Education. They will then choose to study up to three additional option subjects.

All examination subjects studied can lead to a recognised qualification at Level One or Level Two of the National Qualification Framework meaning that students will follow eight academic courses with the possibility of up to ten or more GCSE passes or equivalent.

Methods of assessment vary considerably between courses. You can find specific details on each subject’s page in this booklet. For further information, please visit The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Authority’s website www.qca.org.uk A small number of students might benefit from an alternative curriculum of additional support. If the school feels that your son or daughter would benefit from this provision then we will make contact with you to arrange a meeting. If you would like more information about this, please email Gwen Nutting at SENCO gwen.nutting@groveschool.net

Options 2021

Qualifications GCSE qualifications • Graded 9–1.

• Accepted by all post-16 providers depending on the grade achieved and the suitability of the course content for future study.

• An academic focus with one examination at the end.

• Some subjects have coursework.

Technical qualifications • Graded Distinction* to U. • Accepted by all post-16 providers depending on the grade achieved and the suitability of the course content for future study.

• A vocational focus: all courses are assessed through a series of internally assessed tasks and one external examination which have one re-take opportunity.

• All subjects have examination assessment tasks to complete in school time which make up part of the final grade.

Grading structure explained: OLD GCSE grading structure

A* A

BC

DEFG

U

NEW GCSE grading structure

9 8 7

6 5 4

3 2 1

U

Technical qualification grading structure

D* D

M P

D* D M P

U

Level 2

Level 1

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Course descriptions Compulsory core subjects:

Optional subjects:

English

Art & Design

Mathematics

Business Studies

Science

Child Development & Care

Citizenship

Creative iMedia

Physical Education

Drama

History

Engineering

OR

Geography Geography

German Graphics History Hospitality & Catering ICT Music Photography Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Sport Studies Triple Science

Options 2021

Compulsory core subjects

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English What is involved?

You will learn to further develop your skills in the following areas: • Reading a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding, from 1789 to the present day • Reading critically, and using knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve your own writing • Expressing your views, presenting arguments and writing creatively • Using grammar correctly, punctuating and spelling accurately • Listening to and understanding spoken language, and using spoken Standard English effectively

Assessment Every student will sit both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature, both of which are graded 9–1.

GCSE English Language will feature two written examination papers worth 100% of the qualification. 50% of the qualification assesses reading skills and 50% of the qualification assesses writing skills. Students will also have to complete a speaking and listening task throughout the course.

GCSE English Literature will also feature two written examination papers worth 100% of the qualification. These will cover pre-19th century texts, post-19th century texts and a Shakespeare play.

Options 2021

Mathematics What is involved?

GCSE Mathematics aims to enable you to enjoy and become confident in using and applying mathematical techniques. You will learn to develop your skills in the following areas: • Number • Algebra • Ratio and Proportion • Geometry and Measures • Statistics and Probability

Qualifications available There are two tiers of GCSE examination – Foundation and Higher.

The Foundation exam allows a student to gain the new GCSE grade of 5–1 .

The Higher exam allows a student to gain the new GCSE grade of 9–4.

Assessment GCSE Maths is examined by written papers at the end of the two-year course.

There are three papers: one non-calculator and two calculator.

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Science What is involved?

Most students at The Grove will follow the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy specification. The course: • leads to two GCSE qualifications, awarded at the end of Year 11 • highlights the scientific process and the implications of Science for Society • provides a balanced Science curriculum ensuring appropriate knowledge and skills for progression to A level Science subjects in the Sixth Form Biology Topics: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, Variation and Ecology.

Chemistry Topics: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding and the structure of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes, The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic analysis, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and Using resources.

Physics Topics: Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter and Atomic structure and radioactivity.

Assessment This course has separate examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics in May/June of Year 11 the results of which are then combined to produce two GCSE grades. There are two examinations in each subject area, each comprising a specific set of topics. Each examination is 1 hour 15 minutes long and is worth 70 marks.

Students will complete compulsory practical experiments during the course and each examination may feature some questions relating to them.

Options 2021

Citizenship What is involved?

Students will follow the AQA specification and continue to study moral and ethical issues through the citizenship specification during KS4.

It is expected that all students will work towards a full GCSE qualification.

Students gain a deeper knowledge of democracy, multicultural societies, tolerance, human rights, government and law, and develop skills to create sustained and reasoned arguments, present various viewpoints and plan practical citizenship actions to benefit society.

They will also gain the ability to recognise bias, critically evaluate argument, weigh evidence and look for alternative interpretations and sources of evidence, all of which are essential skills valued by higher education and employers.

Assessment Students sit two examination papers at the end of the three-year course.

Each lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and is worth 50% of the GCSE. Paper 1: • Active citizenship • Politics and participation Paper 2: • Life in modern Britain • Rights and responsibilities

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Physical Education What is involved?

Physical Education (PE) is a core subject and all Marches students undertake 2 hours per week in both Year 10 and Year 11.

The aim of the course is to encourage students to improve their tactical knowledge, consolidate their skill base, take part in further physical activity outside school and to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Within the hours allocated in Year 11, students are given time to work on their individual fitness and play in team and individual games. The time is spent on activities with the emphasis on participation and enjoyment.

Some students may use core PE to enhance their GCSE practical grades.

In Year 11, students are able to focus on their individual fitness and play in team and individual games. Our emphasis on participation and enjoyment means that PE is an inclusive subject; some students may use core PE to enhance their GCSE practical grades.

Qualifications available Statutory core PE has no qualification. Students are able to select PE as an additional qualification course as one of their option choices.

Assessment Students’ individual progress in core PE will be monitored by teaching staff during lessons and all students are expected to participate fully.

Options 2021

Geography (or History) What is involved?

Geography makes up part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate. This GCSE course follows the AQA specification. It provides the opportunity to consider geography-related issues on regional, national and global scales.

The areas studied are: • Living with the physical environment • Challenges in the human environment • Geographical applications • Geographical skills

Assessment Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment • Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (35% of GCSE) • This paper will cover: the challenge of natural hazards; Physical landscapes in the UK; The living world; Geographical skills Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment • Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (35% of GCSE) • This paper will cover: Urban issues and challenges; The changing economic world; The challenge of resource management; Geographical skills Unit 3: Geographical applications • Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes (30% of GCSE) • This paper will cover: Issue evaluation; Fieldwork; Geographical skills Geography can also be selected as a ‘optional subject’ if you choose History as a ‘compulsory core subject’.

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History (or Geography) What is involved?

History makes up part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate. This GCSE course follows the Edexcel specification. It offers a broad and diverse study of the history of Britain and the wider world and gives students skills that will support progression to further study of the subject.

Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment • Medicine and Britain, 1250–Present • The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches.

Paper 2: Period study and British In-Depth study • The reign of Henry VIII and his ministers, 1509–1547 • The American West, 1835–1895 Paper 3: Modern In-Depth study • Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39

Assessment Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment • The examination is 1 hour and 15 minutes. The question paper is out of 52 marks and is worth 30% of the overall qualification Paper 2: Period study and British In-Depth study • The examination is 1 hour and 45 minutes. The question paper is out of 64 marks and is worth 40% of the overall qualification Paper 3: Modern In-Depth study • The examination is 1 hour and 20 minutes. The question paper is out of 52 marks and is worth 30% of the overall qualification History can also be selected as a ‘optional subject’ if you choose Geography as a ‘compulsory core subject’.

Options 2021

Optional subjects

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Art What is involved?

It is hoped that students opting to follow the GCSE Art course will enjoy the opportunity to develop their creative, observation, organisational, critical and communication skills through the practical study of one or more art and craft techniques. A widening understanding of cultural, historical art and material properties should develop as the course progresses to both enrich and stimulate personal ideas and outcomes.

During the course students need to develop and demonstrate an ability to: • observe and record information from natural or man-made forms • work independently • use materials and processes in a systematic and disciplined manner • compose the visual elements of tone, colour texture, line form and space in a creative and imaginative manner • sustain a chosen study from conception to realisation • identify characteristics of Art and relate these to their own work or social context and make critical judgements where necessary

Assessment Students are required to produce a portfolio (60% of marks available) and complete a final set task (40%).

The portfolio of work will be developed from personal or centre-devised starting points. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of techniques and skills. Students will have 45 hours to complete their portfolio.

For the final set task students select one question from an early release question paper to which they produce a personal response. Students will be given ten hours of controlled time in which to work on developing their ideas to outcome.

Options 2021

Business Studies What is involved?

You will be introduced to the world of small businesses and will look at what makes someone a successful business person and the qualities and skills they use. You will find out how to develop an idea and spot an opportunity as well as the processes to turn that into a successful business.

You will understand how to make a business effective, and how a business needs and uses money. You will also see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved.

You will learn more about how small businesses are developed and discover how businesses promote themselves and keep their customers happy.

You will explore how businesses manage both their finances and the people who work for them. Where possible we try and deliver the course in a practical way.

Theme 1: Investigating Small Business • Entrepreneurship • Spotting a business opportunity • Putting ideas into practice • Making the business effective • Understanding external influences Theme 2: Building a Business • Growing the business • Making marketing decisions • Making operational decisions • Making financial decisions • Making human resource decisions

Assessment • Theme 1: 1 hour 30 minute examination, 90 marks, 50% of qualification • Theme 2: 1 hour 30 minute examination , 90 marks, 50% of qualification

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Child Development & Care What is involved?

This is a vocational qualification from CACHE, the leaders in childcare and education. At Level 2 the course gives a basic introduction to working with children within a nursery setting. It has been designed to meet the needs of learners from the age of 14 years. It includes the knowledge and understanding of child development and well-being necessary for working with children in a variety of settings. The course examines the theory of the developing child, legislation and best practice. It also gives learners an insight into their preferred learning styles and assists in developing their ability to study effectively which is transferable for all subjects.

Assessment Assessment includes three components and the award is graded from A*–D: • Unit 1: Coursework • Unit 2: Coursework • Unit 3: Examination (multiple choice paper)

Options 2021

Creative iMedia What is involved?

Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sector-focused, including film, television, web development and gaming, and have IT at their heart. They provide knowledge in a number of key areas in this field from pre-production skills to digital graphics, games design and have a motivating, hands-on approach to both teaching and learning.

Cambridge Nationals deliver skills across the whole range of learning styles and abilities, effectively engaging and inspiring all students to achieve great things.

Students will follow four units of study: • Creating digital graphics • Pre-production skills • Two optional units can then be chosen including Games Design and Multimedia

Assessment • Coursework forms 75% of the course • The pre-production skills unit is a written examination and is worth 25% of the course

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Drama What is involved?

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Drama is an exciting, inspiring and practical course. The specification promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama, as performers and/or designers. Additionally, it provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members.

You have the option to work practically as performers and/or designers in Components 1 and 2. You will investigate a practitioner or genre of drama, work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions and techniques to create a piece of original theatre. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the performance of an extract from a play text.

You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of drama, including your interpretation of texts for performance, in a written examination. However, in preparation for this assessment, learners are encouraged to study their chosen text practically as a performer, designer and director.

If you love expressing yourself in a fun and creative way, enjoy working with others, have a passion for stage productions, want to develop your confidence and are enthusiastic about writing and producing plays then GCSE Drama is definitely for you!

Assessment There are three core elements: • Component 1: Devising Theatre (Coursework, performance and evaluation, using drama to explore a theme, 40%) • Component 2: Performing from Texts (Performance examination, using sections of text, 20%) • Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (Written examination, set text and live theatre review, 40%)

Options 2021

Engineering (D&T) What is involved?

Engineering manufacture is a discipline of engineering dealing with different manufacturing practices and processes using the machines, tools and equipment that turn raw materials into new products. This qualification will enable students to study these processes. It will also allow them to operate the tools and equipment used to make products from the requirements of a design specification, as well as use relevant computer applications such as CAD/CAM and CNC equipment.

Benefits of this course: • creativity: enables students to be inspired and challenged by solving those problems arising from practical work • preparation: prepares students to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices; independent learners: helps students to develop skills in decision making, problem solving, and critical analysis • single tiered assessment covering grades: Distinction, Merit, Pass • a practical approach to develop technical skills, using a range of engineering materials and techniques

Assessment For internal assessment each candidate must create a portfolio of evidence generated from appropriate assessment tasks which demonstrate achievement of all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria associated with each unit.

External assessments are set and marked by OCR. The assessment assesses candidates’ knowledge, understanding and skills based on Unit R109 of the qualification. The external assessment is administered under specified assessment conditions and will last for 1 hour.

• R109: Engineering materials, processes and production (written examination, 25%) • R110: Preparing and planning for manufacture (coursework, 25%) • R111: Computer-Aided manufacture (coursework, 25%) • R112: Quality control of engineered products (coursework, 25%)

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Graphic Design What is involved?

In an increasing digital age, Graphic Design is integral in making the difference between success and failure. Graphic Design is important for any business wanting to make a positive, lasting impression. This is increasingly important as many businesses move online to formats like Instagram. Students in Graphic Design will be taught how to influence potential buyers through creative design projects.

Students will be encouraged to develop their work in the context of the real world of designing, commerce and industry. This course has been devised to encourage students to be able to design a range of exciting and high-quality solutions using standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

The course will develop a wide range of practical making skills incorporating drawing and sketching in 2D and 3D, using digital software, application of colour theory and image capture and manipulation.

This course is suited to students who: • have an interest in Design or Computer-Aided Design • enjoy creating 2D products or promotional items

Assessment Students will be assessed through a series of 4 project-based design and make tasks. This will form 50% of their overall grade. There will be an external examination which is also design based to test the remaining knowledge and understanding of the units.

Options 2021

German What is involved?

The study of German is now part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate.

Students studying languages can benefit from the use of the dedicated ICT suite and subscriptions to various languages websites to enrich their enjoyment and knowledge of language.

All students have the option to continue with German in Key Stage 4. It is highly recommended for students who might be considering going into Further and/or Higher Education to continue learning at GCSE level.

Students will follow a programme of content and skills on the German course.

They will be studying a range of topics which can be broadly categorised under the following headings: • Identity and Culture (Youth Culture, Lifestyle, Customs and Traditions) • Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest (Home and Locality, Germany, Global Sustainability) • Current and Future Study and Employment (Current Study, World of Work, Jobs and Future Plans) As part of the GCSE course, students will also revisit topics which they have already studied in Key Stage 3, but in greater detail.

Assessment Each of the four skills contributes towards the final GCSE grade in the following way: • Listening 25% • Reading 25% • Speaking 25% • Writing 25% All skills are assessed as an examination at the end of Year 11.

The Reading and Writing exams will also include a translation question from the foreign language into English and vice versa.

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Hospitality & Catering What is involved?

This qualification will provide learners with experience of using different cooking techniques and methods and will give them a basic understanding of the skills required for a career in food. This Level 2 qualification is appropriate for learners who are looking to develop a significant core of knowledge and understanding and apply that knowledge in preparing and producing dishes.

This qualification shows learners: • the characteristics of real work in the sector • many work-related activities in the hospitality and catering sector • to modify recipes for health for balanced diets • to assess a diet and make recommendations • to plan and produce dishes for a purpose Learners will know about safe and hygienic preparation of the cooking environment, the sources and seasonality that can affect food choices, food labels and cooking for a range of purposes.

They will develop skills in: • creating menus to meet a brief • selecting ingredients to cook dishes • adapting recipes for health • evaluating their own work • literacy, numeracy and ICT • the modern workplace, such as planning, research skills, communication, problem-solving skills and health and safety

Assessment There are two units, one external examination and a coursework portfolio: • Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry (online examination, 40%) • Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in Action (coursework, 60%)

Options 2021

ICT What is involved?

The Cambridge National qualification in ICT is an attractive, practicallybased qualification intended to stimulate and interest candidates in the practical use of ICT. To attain the Cambridge National Certificate in ICT students will need to successfully complete the following units: • R012 Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions • R013 Developing technological solutions

Assessment • R012 will be externally assessed by examination • R013 will be assessed by the creation of a project portfolio

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Music What is involved?

The AQA GCSE Music qualification is a mix of theory and practical work that is based around the three core areas of music; Listening, Performing & Composing.

GCSE Music is a practical course with 60% of the final grade generated through compositions and performances. The course is designed to develop creative, social, practical, technical and confidence skills as well as creating exciting opportunities to showcase your work around the School and in the community.

In order to do GCSE Music students need to be able to play an instrument or sing. You do not need to be a graded musician to do the GCSE course but you will need to demonstrate a dedication and enthusiasm for improvement through practice.

During Year 9 the course will focus on developing personal musical skills and enhancing the studies undertaken in Years 7 and 8. Over the three-year course, teaching will aim to foster a growing appreciation and enjoyment of music making both on an individual and group basis. This is achieved through active participation in performing, listening and composing.

Assessment There are three core components of work: • Component 1: Understanding Music (Examination: 40%) • Component 2: Performing Music (Coursework: One solo, one group, 30%) • Component 3: Composing Music (Coursework: Two compositions, 30%)

Options 2021

Photography What is involved?

It is hoped that students opting to follow the GCSE Photography course will enjoy the opportunity to develop their creative, observation, organisational, critical and communication skills through the practical study of light-based or digital techniques. A widening understanding of cultural, historical and compositional properties should develop as the course progresses to both enrich and stimulate personal ideas and outcomes.

During the course students need to develop and demonstrate an ability to: • observe and record information • work independently • use materials and processes in a systematic and disciplined manner • compose the visual elements of tone, colour texture, line form and space in a creative and imaginative manner

Assessment Students are required to produce a portfolio (60% of marks available) and complete a final set task (40%).

The portfolio of work will be developed from personal or centre-devised starting points. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of techniques and skills. Students will have 45 hours to complete their portfolio.

For the final set task students select one question from an early release question paper to which they produce a personal response. Students will be given ten hours of controlled time in which to work on developing their ideas to outcome.

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Psychology What is involved?

The AQA Psychology GCSE applies the principles of science (development of theories and use of evidence to provide proof) to explain, understand and make sense of a wide variety of human behaviours.

You should consider this subject if you: • enjoy science and the scientific process and would like to use it to explain a different element of the world around us • are a critical thinker who can see strengths and weaknesses in different views, accepting that there may not be one right answer • are able to express yourself clearly in your writing, with the ability to use challenging terminology • are interested in Mathematics and like to interpret the meaning from statistics • are prepared to spend time learning in detail fascinating but complex research and theories – Psychology is not an easy option!

Topics of behaviour covered include memory, perception, development, research methods, social influence, language, thought and communication, brain and neuropsychology and psychological problems.

Assessment There will be two 1 hour 45 minute examination papers, each worth 100 marks and representative of 50% of the final GCSE grade awarded.

• Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour (Memory, Perception, Development and Research Methods) • Paper 2: Social context and behaviour (Social influence, Language, Thought and Communication, Brain and Neuropsychology and Psychological Problems)

Options 2021

Religious Studies What is involved?

The course aims to provide students with a broader knowledge of two religious communities that live in society and their views on moral issues.

This specification encourages students to develop their interest for the study of religion and the relationship between religion and the wider world.

It also develops their skills, knowledge and understanding of world religions by exploring the impact of beliefs, teachings, practices, ways of life and forms of expressing meaning.

Students will focus on the following areas: • Religion and relationships • Religion and life • Religion, peace and conflict • Religion, crime and punishment

Assessment Students sit two examination papers at the end of the three-year course, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, each worth 50% of the GCSE. Paper 1: Beliefs, teachings and practices • Christianity • Islam Paper 2: Thematic studies • Religion and relationships • Religion and life • Religion, peace and conflict • Religion, crime and punishment

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Sociology What is involved?

Sociology helps students to gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification.

Students will develop their analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues, constructing reasoned arguments, making substantiated judgements and drawing reasoned conclusions.

By studying Sociology, students will develop transferable skills including how to: • investigate facts and make deductions • develop opinions and new ideas on social issues analyse and better understand the social world

Assessment • Paper 1: The sociology of families and education Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, .50% of GCSE • Paper 2: The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, .50% of GCSE

Options 2021

Sport Studies What is involved?

This is a vocationally-related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The Cambridge National in Sport Studies provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of different aspects of sports studies, from looking at contemporary issues in sport and the relationship between sport and the media to developing the practical skills essential for progression into the sports industry.

The Cambridge National in Sport Studies take a more sector-based focus, whilst also encompassing some core sport/Physical Education themes.

Students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge about different types of sport and physical activity, skills development and sports leadership to their own practical performance. They will learn about contemporary issues in sport such as funding, participation, ethics and role models, and sport and the media. Students will develop an appreciation of the importance of sport locally and nationally, different ways of being involved in sport and of how this shapes the sports industry.

Assessment Four units each making up 25% of your grade: • Unit 1: Contemporary issues in sport An external 1-hour examination • Unit 2: Developing sport skills Practical performance in an individual or team sport and officiating in one of these sports • Unit 3: Sports leadership Planning, delivering and reviewing a 30 minute coaching session • Unit 4: Outdoor and adventurous activities Developing knowledge of the different types of OAA activities and participating in bouldering and archery

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Triple Science What is involved?

GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics As an alternative to Combined Science, students can choose to study three separate GCSE Science qualifications.

This course is significantly more demanding than the Combined Science route and it is excellent preparation to study Science beyond GCSE level.

Students will be recommended for this course by their teachers on the basis of their results and performance in class.

All students taking this course will study the topics described in the Combined Science section. The topic areas will be studied to a greater degree of depth and with more advanced content than Combined Science.

Students will also study the Space Physics topic which is exclusive to Triple Science.

Students will take ALL THREE Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) for the three years of the course. Each subject will count for one GCSE.

Assessment • Each subject will have two examinations (worth 50% each) at the end of Year 11 • Each paper will be on half of the topics studied, will be 1 hour 45 minutes long and will consist of 100 marks • A specific and distinct GCSE grade is awarded for Biology, Chemistry and Physics Students will complete compulsory practical experiments each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics and each examination may feature some questions relating to them.

Options 2021

Notes

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What’s next?

Once you have narrowed down your options to a list of possibilities, the next step is to complete your option preference form and return by Monday 8th February 2021.

Where possible this survey should be completed with parental guidance.

If internet access is not available at home please see your Tutor who will arrange access.

The survey must be completed by Monday 8th February. After this time it will be closed.

Students are reminded that the we will endeavour to deliver individual student preferences, but this cannot always be guaranteed.

Further support on how to complete the options survey please visit our website at grove-school.co.uk/options2021.

If you are still in doubt about what is the best choice for you, please do not hesitate to ask for help from your Tutor or Progress Leader.

Options 2021

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