Shrewsbury Academy Options Booklet 2021

Options 2021

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Options 2021

Choosing subject options for Year 10 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 in Year 10 and Year 11. Please take time to read all the information carefully and contact teaching staff if you have any questions.

You can also find more information on our website at shrewsburyacademy.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 Progress Aspiration Leader if you have any questions during this process.

Julie Johnson Head of School

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Key dates FEBRUARY

11

Options 2021

Monday 11th February 2021 Options 2021 information online Visit our website for information and guidance on Year 10 and 11 options shrewsburyacademy.co.uk/options 2021

Tuesday 23rd February 2021 Options survey closes Spring Term 2021 Consultation period takes place Summer Term 2021 Options confirmation letters sent home

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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.

Claire Farish Deputy Headteacher c.farish@sa.sat.coop John Tomkinson Assistant Headteacher j.tomkinson@sa.sat.coop Dan Mee Progress Aspiration Leader year 9 d.mee@sa.sat.coop Claire Jackson Head of English c.jackson@sa.sat.coop Wendy Bright Head of Maths w.bright@sa.sat.coop Adam Richards Head of Science a.richards@sa.sat.coop Joanne Jones Head of Humanities j.jones@sa.sat.coop

Maria Requejo Head of Modern Foreign Languages m.requejo@sa.sat.coop Lucy Frederick Head of Performing Arts l.frederick@sa.sat.coop Angela Ellis/Jan Everest ICT and Business a.ellis@sa.sat.coop j.etches-everest@sa.sat.coop Nicki Higgins Head of Technology n.higgins@sa.sat.coop Nick Mcilhatton SENCO n.mcilhatton@sa.sat.coop

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Key stage 4 courses When students enter Year 10 in September 2021 they move into Key Stage 4, the final part of their compulsory school education.

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

By the end of Year 11 all public exams will have been completed.

In some cases public examinations will be completed in Year 10.

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 • Religious 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 10. It is also intended to act as a handbook for future reference.

Options 2021

Optional courses: Art I Business Studies I Child Development I Creative iMedia I Design Technology I Drama I Food Preparation & Nutrition I Geography I History I Modern Foreign Languages* I Music I Separate Science I Sport Studies I Textile Design I

*Compulsory for selected students

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General information All students study the five core subjects of English, Mathematics, 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 two additional option subjects.

For selected students, a language will be compulsory; this can lead to the English Baccalaureate, a measure of student achievement where students must achieve a good pass in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, a Modern Foreign Language and a Humanities subject.

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.

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

Options 2021

Key stage 4 curriculum The curriculum is divided into 25 lessons per week: English

4 lessons

Mathematics

4 lessons

Science

5 lessons

Physical Education

2 lessons

History OR Geography

4 lessons

Option subject A

3 lessons

Option subject B

3 lessons

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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 exam at the end.

• Some subjects have coursework.

Technical qualifications • Graded Distinction D* 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 exam which have one external exam (which has one re-take opportunity).

• All subjects have exam 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

Options 2021

Course descriptions Compulsory core subjects:

Optional subjects:

English

Art

Mathematics

Business Studies

Science

Child Development

Physical Education

Creative iMedia

History

Design Technology

OR

Drama Geography

Food Preparation & Nutrition

Modern Foreign Languages *

Geography

*Compulsory for selected students only

History Modern Foreign Languages Music Separate Science Sport Studies Textile Design

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Compulsory core subjects

Options 2021

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

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

Assessment 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.

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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.

Options 2021

Science What is involved?

Scientific study gives us an understanding of the world and helps us explore how science affects our everyday lives. You will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Qualifications available Combined Science: 2 GCSE grades in Science (9–1) following the AQA Combined Science Trilogy course.

Assessment There are six written exam papers. All are taken at the end of Year 11.

• 2 x Biology • 2 x Chemistry • 2 x Physics Each of these exams is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

There is no controlled assessment: 100% of the qualification is based on these exams.

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Physical Education (PE) What is involved?

Physical Education (PE) is a core subject and all 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?

Students will travel the world from the classroom, exploring issues and case studies in the UK, newly emerging economies and lower income countries as well as developing a range of statistical and analytical skills.

Topics of study include: • Physical Geography: Climate, coasts, rivers, tropical storms, tectonic hazards, climate change, deserts and tropical rainforests.

• Human Geography: Energy security, economic development, major cities, urban growth and sustainable living.

• Geographical skills: students will understand the importance of a variety of skills and will partake in both Physical and Human fieldwork.

Qualifications available GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment There will be three exams to sit (100%) • Physical Geography (35%) • Human Geography (35%) • Skills (30%).

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History (or Geography) What is involved?

History is a fascinating subject that helps us understand the past and appreciate how and why people and societies have changed over time.

Students will study the main developments in 20th century British History and international relations.

Year 10 • American West • Medicine and Britain, 1250–Present Year 11 • German In-Depth Study, 1919–1945 • Early Elizabethan England, 1558–1588

Qualifications available GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment There are three written exams which are taken at the end of Year 11: • Medicine (30%) • Germany (30%) • Elizabeth I and American West (40%).

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?

This subject will give students a good introduction to the world of business.

Students will apply their knowledge and understanding to business decision making including: • The interdependent nature of business activity • Influences on business • Business operations, finance, marketing and human resources • How different business contexts affect business decisions • The use and limitation of quantitative and qualitative data in making business decisions.

Qualifications available GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment The course is examined via: • Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minute examination, 90 marks, 50% of qualification • Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minute examination, 90 marks, 50% of qualification

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Child Development What is involved?

This is an excellent qualification for learners who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in child development. It is designed specifically for students aged 14-16 and is industry relevant and suit a wide range of learning styles. Researching, planning, observing and evaluating skills are developed and are useful and transferable skills.

The course consists of practical and theoretical elements which will prepare students for further qualifications in Child Care, Health and Social care, Psychology, Sociology and Biology. This course is beneficial to career paths in Teaching, Nursery Nurse, Nurse, Midwife and Social Worker.

Qualifications available OCR Cambridge National Level 1/2 Child Development equivalent to GCSE 9–1.

Assessment All student will study three mandatory topics: •

Health and well-being for child development (1 hour 15 minute written exam 50% of the marks – OCR set and marked)

•

Understand the equipment and nutritional needs of children from birth to five years (Teacher/centre assessed tasks 25% marks controlled assessment- OCR moderated. Practical and/or written tasks in context of an assignment)

•

Understand the development norms of a child from birth to five years (Teacher/centre assessed tasks 25% marks controlled assessment – OCR moderated)

Options 2021

Creative iMedia What is involved?

This qualification will assess the application of creative media skills through their practical use. They will provide learners with essential knowledge, transferable skills and tools to improve their learning in other subjects with the aims of enhancing their employability when they leave education, contributing to their personal development and future economic well-being.

The qualifications will encourage independence, creativity and awareness of the digital media sector.

Through the use of these skills, learners will ultimately be creating fitfor-purpose creative media products and will also challenge all learners, including high attaining learners, by introducing them to demanding material and techniques; encouraging independence and creativity.

This will include experience of using industry leading software such as the Adobe suite including Photoshop and Serif WebPlusX8. In addition to a more in-depth look at the film production process for the external examination.

Students will follow four units of study: • Creating digital graphics • Pre-production skills • Storytelling with a comic strip • Creating a multi-page website

Assessment GCSE equivalent This course is assessed and graded as (Pass at Level 1, Merit at Level 1, Distinction at Level 1, Pass at Level 2, Merit at Level 2, Distinction at Level 2, Distinction* at Level 2) • 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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Options 2021

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%)

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Food Preparation & Nutrition What is involved?

Food Preparation & Nutrition GCSE is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills and developing a greater understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. You will learn about British and international culinary traditions, food security and safety.

Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics: • Food, nutrition and health • Food science • Food safety • Food choice • Food provenance

Qualifications available GCSE grades 9–1.

Technical Award D*–U.

Assessment Written exam: Food preparation and nutrition (50%) Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from the 5 core topics.

Non-exam assessment (NEA): (50%) Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task.

• Task 1: Food investigation You will understand the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients.

• Task 2: Food preparation assessment You will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved.

Options 2021

Modern Foreign Languages What is involved?

All students are able to select at least one language either French or Spanish.

For selected students (usually those attaining grade 5 or above), a language will be compulsory; this can lead to the English Baccalaureate, which will be beneficial in terms of Sixth Form, college, university and future employment applications.

The aim of MFL GCSEs is to enable students to develop their ability to communicate in French or Spanish and to understand a variety of authentic materials including excerpts from literature in the target language. For those wishing to study a language at A Level, this course leads smoothly into Advanced Level study.

Qualifications available GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment The course is linear, meaning that all four skills are assessed in final exams at the end of Year 11. Students will be entered at either foundation tier (grades 1–5) or higher tier (grades 4–9). All four components must be taken at the same tier of entry.

Listening: 25% of total GCSE marks (35 minutes at foundation tier or 45 minutes at higher tier). There will be a range of question types, some in English, some in the target language.

Speaking: 25% of total GCSE marks (12 minutes of preparation time, then 7 to 9-minute exam at foundation tier or 10–12 minutes at higher tier.

This will include a photo card discussion, a role play exercise and a conversation.

Reading: 25% of total GCSE marks (1 hour at foundation tier or 1 hour 15 minutes at higher tier). This will include a range of materials from across the subject content, a literature extract and a short translation.

Writing: 25% of total GCSE marks (1 hour 15 minutes at foundation tier or 1 hour 30 minutes at higher tier). This will include several tasks ranging in difficulty and a translation from English into the target language.

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Music What is involved?

The Eduqas GCSE Music qualification is a mix of practical and theory work and is gives you the opportunity to develop you performance listening and composition skills.

GCSE Music is split with 60% of the final grade generated through compositions and performances. The course is designed to develop creative, social, technical and confidence skills. With the support of instrument teachers from Shropshire Music Service we will help you develop and become expressive performers and composers.

Students are required to play an instrument or sing as part of the course.

You do not need to have taken graded music exams however, the expected music exam grade comparison is Grade 3. A repertoire of individual and ensemble performances will be required for performance in year 11. You will need to demonstrate a dedication and enthusiasm for improvement through practicing and involvement with extra-curricular music performances such as our annual Musical as well as the summer and Christmas concerts.

During the course you will develop your knowledge of music history which will help you to compose in a variety of Western Classical and contemporary styles. Students will also learn to read and analyse music and discuss the qualities on a much deeper level.

Qualifications available GCSE grade 9–1.

Assessment • Performance 30% Two performances lasting a minimum of 2 minutes each at an expected Grade 3 level • Composition 30% Two compositions lasting a minimum of 2 minutes each • Appraising 40% .Listening exam lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Options 2021

Separate Science What is involved?

Scientific study gives us an understanding of the world and helps us explore how science affects our everyday lives. If choosing this option, you will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics in more depth than covered in the Combined Science GCSE. To follow three separate sciences is an academically demanding course, requiring high levels of ability. Only students attaining grade 6 consistently across Science, Maths and English will be allowed to follow the separate sciences course.

Students should talk to their science teacher and to Mrs Tudor, Director of Science, if they are planning on selecting this as an option subject.

Qualifications available • 1 GCSE grade 9–1 in Biology following AQA GCSE Biology • 1 GCSE grade 9–1 in Chemistry following AQA GCSE Chemistry • 1 GCSE grade 9–1 in Physics following AQA GCSE Physics

Assessment There are six written exam papers, all of which are taken in the summer exam period of Year 11.

• 2 x Biology • 2 x Chemistry • 2 x Physics Each of these exams is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

There is no controlled assessment and so 100% of the qualification is based on these exams.

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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

Options 2021

Textile Design What is involved?

Textile Design is a versatile practice that involves the creation, selection, manipulation and application of a range of materials such as fibres, yarns and fabrics, and processes such as weaving, knitting, stitching and printing to create designs and products.

Areas of study involves: • Constructed textiles • Digital textiles • Printed fabrics • Dyed fabrics • Fashion design • Installed textiles • Soft furnishings • Stitched and/or embellished textiles

Assessment • Component 1 is a personal portfolio weighing 60% of the final grade and is internally set and internally marked. This includes projects that pupils have worked on throughout the course.

• Component 2 is an externally set assignment weighing 40% of the final grade. Themes are set in January of the final year of study. Pupils will produce a personal response to this theme for which they will have ten weeks for preparatory work followed by a 10-hour sustained focus period under exam conditions that could take place in multiple sessions.

The work is internally marked and externally moderated.

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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 Tuesday 23rd 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 Tuesday 23rd 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 shrewsburyacademy.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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