PHHS-Options Booklet (2026)

PRINCE HENRY’S HIGH SCHOOL An “Outstanding” Academy for Students aged 13-18

Options Booklet 2026

Welcome Welcome to your Options Booklet, Year 9!

Having been in your position before, we know that choosing your GCSE options is such an exciting yet nerve-racking time for you, but in just a few months you will be studying the subjects you love the most, and making the next step towards your future. It is so important that you choose subjects that you have a genuine interest in; not just ones in which you really like the teacher or your current class. Your GCSEs are all about you, and how you can do your absolute best, so think carefully about the subjects you enjoy and have an aptitude for.

those subjects which you may not have studied in Year 9.

Even if you think you know what you want to do in the future, choosing a broad range of subjects will help you with whatever you decide to study in the Sixth Form and beyond.

Of course, you need to work hard for your GCSEs, but they are also a wonderful opportunity to explore areas you are interested in. We wish you the best of luck in choosing your options and embarking on your next stage of learning, and look forward to hearing of your GCSE successes.

Talk to your teachers, older students, and family members about what they recommend you take, and make sure you understand the content Head Students of the courses you are considering, especially

Contents Information for Parents & Carers Information for Students The Pathway to your Curriculum Building your Curriculum English Language & Literature Mathematics Science PSHRE Physical Education French German Spanish Citizenship Geography History Art Business Computer Science D&T with Graphics D&T with Product Deisgn Drama Fashion Textiles Food Preparation & Nutrition Health & Social Care BTEC Digital Game Production BTEC Video & Photography Italian Music Physical Education Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics

4 6 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

Information for Parents & Carers Dear Parent/Carer,

Vocational Curriculum

It is incredible how quickly the time has passed since your child started at Prince Henry’s in September. We are now starting to look to the future with our Year 9 students and in the coming weeks, they will be making key decisions about the subjects they will be studying for the next two years. Since September, Year 9 students have been following a common curriculum. However, the important decisions made now will shape their future, and I am sure that you, as parents and carers, will want to do all you can to support your child in making the choices that are right for them.

There has been a lot of discussion and media coverage about the quality of vocational education in this country.

We believe that it is the right thing for some students to follow a curriculum which may include vocational subjects and what we offer is fully approved and endorsed by the Government. We currently offer two Cambridge National qualifications in iMedia, one specialising in Digital Game Production and the other specialising in Video and Photography. Please note that students cannot choose both iMedia courses. We also offer a Cambridge National qualification in Health and Social Care.

This Options Booklet has been prepared to help you all in making these decisions. In November you may have attended a Year 9 Form Tutors’ Evening when your child’s progress was discussed. We also send a Progress Review home in February which informs the next Parents’ and Carers’ Evening when you will have an opportunity to consult with your child’s subject teachers.

GCSE Assessment

During tutor time your child will be carefully guided by their tutors. They will need to consider all of their Options carefully and reflect upon all the opportunities available to them. As they do this, they may need to reflect upon their individual strengths and weaknesses as well as their personal preferences.

At Prince Henry’s not all subjects are optional. All students will continue to study English, Maths, Science, Personal, Social, Health & Relationships Education, Citizenship as well as Core PE. Almost all students will continue with their Modern Foreign Language which they have studied in Year 9 and will continue to study either History or Geography. This will ensure that the vast majority of students will be entered for the English Baccalaureate measure. (This is not an examination, but students will be deemed to have achieved the measure if, at the end of Year 11, they achieve the numerical equivalent of a Grade 4 in English, Maths, Combined (or Triple) Science, a Foreign Language and History or Geography). All students will have three subject choices which must include Geography or History and two Option Subjects. We hope that the choices our students make will reflect the advice given by the school, their own personal interests and the needs of their future career if they already know what they want to do.

A very small number of students who may need extra support will have alternative options offered to them, so that more time can be spent with them to develop literacy skills. This will be limited to a very small number and will be determined by their aptitude for Foreign Languages and Humanities as well as their attainment in English. We will be sending a separate letter home to the parents/ carers of these students, containing advice about which course to choose that might best support your child’s specific needs.

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You will no doubt be aware that several years ago the Government reformed GCSE exams. Your child’s GCSEs will now be assessed mainly by examination, with other types of assessment used only where they are needed to test essential skills. Most courses have seen the inclusion of new, more demanding content and courses are designed for two years of study with students taking all their examinations in one period at the end of the course.

In English Language the main changes have required more perceptive reading skills and sophisticated written English. In English Literature students are now required to read, write and think more critically about texts and their contexts; the GCSE assesses students on challenging and substantial whole texts and on shorter unseen texts.

In Mathematics, the changes have provided greater coverage of areas such as ratio, proportion and rates of change; the course now requires all students to master the basics and is more challenging for those aiming to achieve top grades.

Options Advice and Guidance The size of the teaching groups and the number of groups in particular subjects are limited by the staff and accommodation available. This could mean that we may be unable to offer a place on a particular course. On the rare occasion that this is the case we will speak to the students affected. Also a subject can only be timetabled if enough students choose to take it. Please understand it may not be possible to give first choices in all cases and reserve subjects are therefore important. Mr Cooper, Head of Year 9, or Mrs Nolan, SENDCO, may discuss Option choices with some students and make recommendations about alternative choices. Where alternative choices are recommended, the school will contact parents/ carers to discuss these. Final decisions can only be made when next year’s timetable is completed towards the end of the Summer Term.

Further Information We hope that by the time the process of arranging Year 10 Option Groups is complete your child will have a combination of subjects they will enjoy, and which will enable them to achieve success. There will be an opportunity to speak to teachers at the forthcoming in person Parents’/Carers’ Evening. If you do require further information, please do contact one of the Year 9 Pastoral Team via Mrs Davey, the Pastoral Secretary.

Thank you for the support that you give to your child through this very important time.

Dr A Evans Headteacher

New Grading System

Old GCSE Grades

New GCSE Grades

A*

9

A

8

B

7

6

C

5

4

D

E

F/G

3

2

1

5

Information for Students Dear Students, We are very proud of our outstanding Sixth Form at Prince Henry’s and believe we offer an excellent experience for all of our students, both academically and with the range of enrichment and extracurricular activities we offer.

At 16 you will have various choices open to you: carry on your education or seek employment with training. If you decide to continue your education, the Sixth Form currently offers the opportunity to study a wide range of different courses, both traditional A levels and more vocational and applied subjects.

Choosing a path after your GCSEs may seem a very long way away at the moment. Whilst this is true, the decisions you are about to take will influence the options which are open to you later in life. The more information you can obtain, the easier it should be to make the right choices now.

Just as you are now deciding which GCSE subjects to take, at 16 you will decide which A Level subjects you wish to study.

It is important to think carefully about what Options you take at GCSE because they could have an important bearing on your future A Level choices or even what careers are open to you later. You can see a list of the subjects we currently offer in Sixth Form by going to the Sixth Form Prospectus on the website. This will give you an indication of the entry requirements for 2026 but please do bear in mind that this may have changed by the time you are applying to the Sixth Form in 2028. It will, however, give you a good idea of current subjects that have specific entry requirements based on performance and choices at GCSE. Many careers can be entered with a wide range of A Levels therefore if you have no firm career plans in mind at this stage, it would be best to choose a range of GCSEs that are going to give you the most options when you have to start thinking about A Levels. Many of the top universities and apprenticeship providers will expect you to have achieved excellent grades at GCSE in a range of subjects including the most traditional ‘academic’ subjects so bear this in mind when making your choices.

Ultimately, it is important to make sure that you are choosing the subjects that you are interested in as these are the ones that will inspire you to work hardest.

I wish you luck in your GCSE subjects and look forward to welcoming you into the Sixth Form in 2028.

Mrs C Webb Director of Sixth Form

Dear Students, As you begin the process of choosing your GCSE option subjects in preparation for Year 10, this is an exciting and important stage in your time at Prince Henry’s High School. These choices allow you to start focusing on subjects that interest you and suit your strengths, while continuing to build a broad and balanced education.

You will be well supported throughout your GCSE studies, whichever options you choose. This is not about having fixed career plans at this stage, but about selecting subjects that you enjoy, are motivated to study, and are prepared to commit to over the next two years. We are extremely proud of the range of option subjects available, and this booklet is designed to guide and support you in making informed choices.

Over the coming weeks, you will receive further guidance through assemblies and discussions in school. You should also take time to speak to your subject teachers and form tutors, particularly about any subjects that are new to you. It is important that you understand what each course involves and the level of commitment required.

We strongly encourage you to discuss your options with your parents or carers at home and to read all of the information provided carefully before making your final decisions. If you have any questions or concerns at any point, please do not hesitate to seek advice from staff – we are here to help.

We look forward to supporting you throughout the options process and into the next stage of your education.

Mr T Cooper Head of Year 9

Careers Guidance Choosing your GCSE Options is potentially the first small career decision you will make so please do give this a lot of thought.

It might be reassuring to know that very few young people know exactly what they want to do in the future. The range of compulsory GCSE subjects you will study will keep future opportunities open to you. However there are some options which you will choose for yourself. It is a good idea to do some research to help you choose those. It’s never too early to start thinking about careers.

If you have no idea what you want to do, then you just need to keep an open mind and explore. A good starting point is to look at careers related to subjects and hobbies you enjoy.

Unifrog is the school’s careers information website and is available to all students at PHHS. If you are struggling for careers ideas I suggest you make time to take the personality quizzes on Unifrog. They will match you with some careers that you could then research. Remember this is just a starting point to give you a few ideas.

In addition to using Unifrog https://www.unifrog.org/ Use Simply Careers to see education routes after GCSEs https://simplycareers.co.uk/ Or visit the government website https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers Locally in Worcestershire https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/skills-4-worcestershire Good luck with choosing your Options and if you need further support with your career choices please come and find me to talk things through.

Mr Martin Careers Lead

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The Pathway to your Curriculum From 2nd February 2026 - Options Assemblies Watch the Introduction to Options Assembly during tutor time. There will also be two in-person assemblies which will include presentations from Heads of Department. Remember to listen carefully and ask your Form Tutor if you have any further questions about these subjects. You will also be given the Options Booklet to take home and the online Options Booklet will be available for you to look at on the school’s website.

From 16th February 2026 - Half Term Take the time over half term to think about your Options. You will have received your Progress Review and should discuss the subjects with your parents and carers. Think carefully about which subjects are right for you and which you enjoy the most. Have a look at our online Options Booklet and watch the videos from our Subject Champions to discover more about the subjects you may be less familiar with.

From 23rd February 2026 - Tutor Time Support During this week, you will have time with your Form Tutor to discuss your thoughts and the Options you have in mind.

This is your last chance to think about your Options and ask any questions you may have. Remember you can always ask one of our Subject Champions about a subject too!

25th February 2026 - In Person Parents’ & Carers’ Evening

From 2nd March 2026 - Complete your Options Form During this week you will complete your Options Form and finally submit your choices to your Form Tutor. This must be completed and handed in by Friday 6th March 2026.

Our Ambassadors

Qualifications / Awarding Bodies CNQ

Cambridge National Qualification

CNC

Cambridge National Certificate

AQA

8

OCR

Edexcel

Building your Curriculum You will continue to study your Core Curriculum Subjects: English Language & Literature

PSHRE*

Mathematics

Physical Education*

Science

CitizenshipΔ

Plus your current Language Specialism French or German or Spanish or/and Italian**

You will choose ONE Humanities Option: Geography or History

You will choose TWO Curriculum Options: Art or Fashion Textiles † Business Computer Science Design & Technology with Graphics or Design & Technology with Product Deisgn † Drama Food Preparation and Nutrition Film Studies Geography Health and Social Care History BTEC Digital Game Production or BTEC Video and Photography † Italian** Music Physical Education Religious Studies Philosophy and Ethics * non-examined subjects ** Italian may be studied as a second language or instead of the language you have already studied in Year 9. However, if you are considering studying Italian, you must see your Language Teacher and Mrs Couliou (Head of Languages). Δ

Up to the end of Year 10 only.

Make sure you only choose one of these subjects. You cannot take both Art and Fashion Textiles. You cannot take both Design & Technology Options. You cannot take both BTEC Digital Game Production and BTEC Video and Photography together.

†

9

English Language & Literature

AQA

Core Curriculum - 100% Exam

Why will I study English Language & Literature?

Your study of English will involve reading and exploring a wide range of texts by authors from different periods in history. These texts explore themes and ideas which will make you think about some of the big issues in our society and encourage you to consider how we think and feel as human beings. You will read a diverse range of literary fiction and non-fiction texts. You will develop a wide range of crucial Reading and Writing skills, including the ability to write accurately for different purposes and audiences.

Studying English is all about communication, both spoken and in written form, and you will take part in a Spoken Language assessment, which is a fantastic opportunity to develop your confidence in speaking in formal situations.

What will I study?

The integrated GCSE course in English Language and English Literature includes study of the following topics: • Shakespeare • 19th Century Novel • Modern Texts • Poetry • Literary non-fiction including newspaper articles, biographies and letters • Writing to convey a viewpoint • Writing to describe and narrate • Spoken Language

How can I prepare?

Your study of English in Year 9 is excellent preparation for GCSE English, as you are learning and practising all the skills you will need to succeed at GCSE. An enthusiasm for books and plays will help you to achieve your very best, so reading widely for your own enjoyment will help you to develop your own passion for the subject. Your own writing and your vocabulary will develop as a result of wide reading too: there is no better way to prepare for GCSE English than to carry on enjoying reading the books you love.

Where can English Language & Literature take me?

No matter what career path you choose to take in the future, the skills you learn in English will be essential.

Any subject you go on to study will involve an element of English, whether it be an essay based subject such as History or English Literature or a scientific subject where you will need to be able to write analytically. The ability to express yourself clearly and accurately, whether in writing or in speaking to others, will be invaluable to your future.

Careers in areas such as marketing, the media, the arts, law, teaching, public relations and journalism all require excellent English skills.

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Core Curriculum

“Taking English has helped me to improve my confidence in both speaking and writing. It has taught me how to express my ideas clearly, support my opinion and adapt my language to different audiences and purposes.”

Elif Aptula

11

Mathematics

AQA

Core Curriculum - 100% Exam

Why will I study Mathematics?

Where can Mathematics take me?

The most successful students of Maths are those who love it! The main reason you will study Maths is that it is interesting, challenging and essential to your future. There is joy to be had in solving a problem or seeing underlying patterns and connections and you will have plenty of opportunity to experience this studying Maths at GCSE. This subject will help you to develop your numeracy skills and mathematical problem solving which will enable you to develop resilience and help you to think creatively.

Core mathematical skills are essential to your future regardless of your choice of pathway. The study of GCSE Maths will provide a firm foundation for many subjects you may go on to study in the future (eg A levels in Sciences, Business Studies and Humanities plus many vocational qualifications). Further study of Maths is fundamental for all scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical careers and is a flying start for careers in Finance, Medicine, Agriculture … etc. The list is endless!

What will I study?

The Maths GCSE course covers the following topics at a level suited to you: • Number • Ratio and Proportion • Algebra • Geometry • Data Handling

How can I prepare?

This course will be a continuation of the work you have studied in Year 9 so working hard in your Year 9 lessons and engaging fully in all lessons is all the preparation you need. If you feel you would like to consolidate any knowledge from your Year 9 lessons please use MathsWatch where you can watch the relevant videos and answer the interactive questions.

[Return to Subject List]

Core Curriculum

“Mathematics is not just about numbers on a page, it is about problem-solving, logical thinking, and resilience.

These are skills that extend far beyond the classroom and are essential in everyday life, from managing money to making informed decisions.”

Theo Sharkey

13

Science

AQA

Core Curriculum - 100% Exam

Why will I study Science?

How can I prepare?

Science is a subject that helps you to understand more about you as an organism, the world around you and your place in the world. By studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics you will be able to develop your subject knowledge and your problem solving skills. As Science is a very hands-on subject, it will allow you to strengthen research and observation skills by carrying out experiments and forming conclusions. This will encourage you to think independently and outside the box. Science is an ever-changing and exciting subject with lots of real world applications.

Both courses are a continuation of the work you have studied in Year 9 so working hard in your Year 9 lessons and engaging fully in all lessons is all the preparation you need. If you feel you would like to consolidate any knowledge from your Year 9 lessons please use the online textbooks on Kerboodle and the extra revision resources.

What will I study?

The most appropriate course will be chosen for you based on your target grade range and performance in Year 9.

You will either study Triple Science leading to 3 GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Combined Science leading to 2 GCSEs covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Where can Science take me?

The skills and knowledge gained in Science are essential to your future regardless of your choice of pathway. The study of GCSE Science will provide a firm foundation for any subject you may go on to study in the future and you can study A level Sciences successfully whether you have studied Triple Sciences or Combined Science.

Science is essential for many careers including Medicine and Engineering but is also a very desirable choice for a whole range of other careers. There are unlimited options available to you if you have a solid understanding of Science.

Topics studied in both include: • Infection & Response • Bioenergetics • Homeostasis & Response • Inheritance, Variation & Evolution • Ecology • Atomic Structure, Bonding & The Periodic Table • Chemical & Energy Changes • Organic Chemistry & Analysis • Energy & Electricity • Forces & Waves • Magnetism & Electromagnetism

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Core Curriculum

“Science is not just a subject that is taught, but with guidance from your teachers, you will discover ideas and skills that you will be able to apply to your exams at the Johnny Stevens end of Year 11 and life afterwards”

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Personal, Social, Health & Relationships Education Core Curriculum - Non-Examined

Why will I study Personal Social Health & Relationships Education?

This course is taken by all students in Years 10 and 11, following the requirements of the Statutory Framework 2025. The aim of the course is to encourage students to consider and explore aspects of their own lives and those of others around them. It enables students to develop the skills they need to live healthy and safe lives within the demands of our ever-changing society.

Whilst the course is delivered during 1 hour sessions which take place fortnightly, you will also be given the opportunity to discuss important relevant issues during tutor programmes. Assemblies which are run by members of the Senior Leadership team take place on a weekly basis and encourage students to consider issues affecting both themselves and others.

What will I study?

Relationships, Health and Sex Education: Within this unit students will have the opportunity to study and discuss issues relating to relationships, health and sex, including families and marriage (including forced marriage), contraception, teen parenthood, the risks people take relating to sex, the significance and recognition of consent, gender identity and FGM. Careers Education and Guidance: This programme of study gives a practical introduction to work. Students will consider issues relating to job applications and CVs, the interview process and career choices. You will also think about issues relating to both independent living and the labour market.

Physical Choices and Wellbeing: Within this unit students will consider the health and social issues relating to drugs and alcohol. The unit is sequenced to promote both an awareness of the effects of drugs upon the individual and on society as a whole.

Ethics and Philosophy Units: This sequence of lessons focuses on ethics and philosophy, enabling you to explore what it means to be human and consider issues surrounding blood organ donation and abortion.

Emotional Health and Wellbeing: Within this unit, students reflect on the link between emotions and behaviour; you will consider how we manage our emotions by our behaviours and what can happen when we fail to respond to emotions in a healthy way. It explores the signs of mental illness and the different forms of support that are available. The importance of a healthy lifestyle, including the benefits of sleep, is explored in relation to the positive impact on school life. Students also explore a unit of Education for a Connected World which considers the positive and negative impacts of social media and the Prevent Extremism unit.

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Core Curriculum

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Physical Education Core Curriculum - Non-Examined

Why will I study Physical Education?

It is no secret that appropriate physical activity is necessary to your overall well-being. The benefits of Physical Education in schools are far-reaching, including increasing your physical literacy, your ability to work with others and helping improve your academic performance. Physical Education is more than just running around a track or kicking a ball. It teaches you key life skills alongside improving your social, mental and physical well-being. Having a positive mindset about exercise from an early age will help to keep you healthy as you get older, and as an added bonus you will get to experience lots of different activities and learn lots of new skills!

How can I prepare?

This course will be a continuation of the work you have studied in Year 9 so working hard in your Year 9 lessons and engaging fully in all lessons is a good starting point. Try to maintain (or even improve) your fitness levels over the summer break as it is important that you remain as active as possible. This could be through organised, competitive sport or through more recreational activities done with family or friends.

What will I study?

You will follow a programme which requires you to participate in a range of activities and specialise in different roles, ie. Coach, leader, official or organiser. Currently our programme consists of: Rugby, Basketball, Tennis, Badminton, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Athletics, Softball, Orienteering, Table Tennis, Dodgeball, Health & Fitness, Volleyball, Tag Rugby, Rounders, Netball and Trampolining.

How can I experience more Sport & PE? If your two hours a week of Core PE inspired you to take up one of the sports or activities you have studied as part of your curriculum then we recommend that you explore our extra-curricular programme. During lunchtimes and after school hours we run a wide range of clubs and teams for you to get involved in. This varies from competitive school teams, which will compete against other schools, to recreational clubs where the emphasis is on fun and participation. There are also inter-House and inter-Form competitions where you will get a chance to compete against your peers.

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Core Curriculum

“PE does not require you to play at a high standard rather it encourages you to be actively involved in finding a passion for working as a team to partake in healthy competition and develop many new skills such as leadership.”

Zoe Brotherton

19

French

AQA

Core Curriculum - 100% Exam

Why will I study French?

What will I study?

French is the seventh most commonly spoken language in the world and France has the seventh largest economy. France is also the world’s number one tourist destination attracting more than 70 million visitors each year. French is an official working language in dozens of international organizations, including the United Nations, the International Olympic Committee, NATO and the International Red Cross.

You will study the basic vocabulary and language structures to enable you to communicate effectively with native speakers, together with cultural information about France and its people.

You will have 5 hours of French per fortnight and the GCSE course covers the following topic areas:

Global trade depends on communication and companies of all sizes are responding by learning to speak the languages of their customers. Learning French at GCSE will allow you to develop your communication skills. You will also improve your analytical and problemsolving skills and your understanding of grammar. In addition, you will learn more about the history and culture of the country.

• Family and relationships • Free time • Healthy living • Customs and Festivals • Technology • Environment and where people live • Educational and work • Celebrity culture • Travel and tourism

Where can French take me?

No matter what career path you follow, if you have learnt a modern foreign language, you will be at a real advantage. Employees who have a knowledge of different languages are often called upon to travel and exchange information with people in other countries throughout their careers. Competition for jobs is fierce and employers are searching for any skill that separates you from the rest of the crowd. France is our closest neighbour and our fifth largest trading partner, making a GCSE in French a huge asset. Some of the careers which recognise the value of a modern foreign language include International Banking, GCHQ, Law, Marketing and Journalism.

[Return to Subject List]

Core Curriculum

21

German

AQA

Core Curriculum - 100% Exam

Why will I study German?

What will I study?

German is the second most common European language used on the internet and 90% of businesses said that finding German speakers was their most pressing need. Our society is a changing one in which instantaneous communication happens all the time by means of the Internet. In business terms, this means that we have to compete on a global scale and companies of all sizes are responding to this challenge by learning to speak the languages of their customers. Learning German at GCSE will allow you to develop your communication skills. You will also improve your analytical and problemsolving skills and your understanding of grammar. In addition, you will learn more about the history and culture of the country.

Equipping you with as broad a knowledge base as possible of German culture, together with the basics to be able to communicate effectively with natives, is at the heart of our teaching.

You will have 5 hours of German per fortnight and the GCSE course covers the following topic areas: • Family and relationships • Free time • Healthy living • Customs and Festivals • Technology • Environment and where people live • Educational and work • Celebrity culture • Travel and tourism

Where can German take me?

No matter what career path you follow, if you have learnt a modern foreign language, you will be at a real advantage. Employees who have a knowledge of different languages are often called upon to travel and exchange information with people in other countries throughout their careers. Competition for jobs is fierce and employers are searching for any asset that separates you from the rest of the crowd. Germany is Europe’s largest economy and therefore a GCSE in German will be a huge benefit. Some of the careers which recognise the value of a modern foreign language include International Banking, GCHQ, Law, Marketing and Journalism.

[Return to Subject List]

Core Curriculum

23

Spanish

AQA

Core Curriculum - 100% Exam

Why will I study Spanish?

What will I study?

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world by native speakers. Twenty countries count Spanish as the official language and it is commonly spoken in the United States, Belize, Andorra and Gibraltar. There is increasingly more Spanish spoken in the entertainment world, providing access to further opportunities to hear or read the language and widening your experience of popular culture.

Learning Spanish at GCSE will allow you to develop your communication skills as well as your grammatical understanding and your analytical, problem solving skills. In addition, you will learn more about the history and culture of Hispanic countries.

Equipping you with as broad a knowledge base as possible of Spanish culture, together with the basics to be able to communicate effectively with natives, is at the heart of our teaching.

You will have 5 hours of Spanish per fortnight and the GCSE course covers the following topic areas: • Family and relationships • Free time • Healthy living • Customs and festivals • Technology and media • Environment and where people live • Educational and work • Celebrity culture • Travel and tourism

Where can Spanish take me?

Spanish does not only give you a different way of saying ‘hello’, it opens you up to a world of almost half a billion speakers who have different ways of experiencing the world. A GCSE in Spanish shows prospective employers and course providers that you are open-minded and considerate of other cultures. It sets you apart from any peers who do not have the qualification. It demonstrates that you have excellent problem-solving skills and can confront the unfamiliar with an ability to adapt. In addition, it shows that you have the work ethic and resilience to persevere with a challenging workload.

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Core Curriculum

25

Citizenship

AQA

Core Curriculum - 100% Exam

Why will I study Citizenship?

How can I prepare?

Citizenship GCSE engages students with the world around them. It is at the heart of everyday debates about the kind of society we are striving to build and our role in that process. Throughout this course, you will learn about your rights, roles and responsibilities as a British and global citizen.

Taking a GCSE a year early, may seem daunting but there are a lot of ways to build confidence and increase your subject knowledge. Try to keep up to date with local, national and international news, for example by following BBC News or Simple Politics on social media.

Students will gain knowledge and skills which will help them to understand, challenge and engage with democratic society, including politics, the media, civil society, the economy and the law. This ensures that students understand the importance of respect and leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

Studying Citizenship issues will allow you to develop your debating skills, critical thinking skills and skills of enquiry to gain an understanding of local, national and global issues. You will be encouraged to share your opinion, build arguments and make informed judgments.

What will I study?

There are a lot of resources on PHHS Live, which can support you with revision or exam technique. If you would like more information about the course or content, please speak to any of the Citizenship teachers in school.

Where can Citizenship take me?

Citizenship lends itself to any career that involves working with others. The knowledge and skills gained from the Citizenship course are useful for A Level subjects such as Law, History, Geography, Politics, Sociology, Media and Psychology Skills developed in Citizenship are useful for students who wish to become lawyers, civil servants, probation officers, police officers, charity workers and journalists.

In Year 9, you focused upon the following two modules: • Life in Modern Britain • Politics and Participation In Year 10 you will study the following two modules: • Rights and Responsibilities • Active Citizenship At the end of Year 10, you will sit two GCSE papers: Paper 1 (1hr45): Active Citizenship and Politics and Participation Paper 2 (1hr 45): Life in Modern Britain and Rights and Responsibilities Students who follow the Triple Science course will not have timetabled Citizenship lessons, but will be supported throughout the year and will also take the qualification at the end of Year 10.

“Citizenship focuses on how democracy works, how laws are made, and how citizens can play an active role in society. It taught me how to structure arguments, use evidence, and evaluate different viewpoints.”

Eve McLoughlin [Return to Subject List]

Core Curriculum

27

Geography

AQA

Humanities Option - 100% Exam

Is Geography for me?

Geography is about understanding people, places and environments. So many issues that appear in the news will have geographical explanations behind them. Geography is one of the most popular option choices at GCSE in England, with over one-third of students nationally taking the subject. Geography is not only topical and relevant, it is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study at GCSE. If you are not sure about what you want to do in the future, Geography helps to keep your options open. One of its greatest strengths is that it has a broad range of topics that complement several other subjects.

between countries at different levels of development with a focus on life in the UK and Nigeria.

The challenge of resource management: We explore how resources such as food, water and energy are not equally distributed around the world and what can be done to make them more sustainable.

Throughout these topics, you will be encouraged to understand your role in society by considering different values, attitudes and viewpoints.

We undertake two fieldwork episodes at GCSE and fieldwork skills are examined in Unit 3.

What will I study?

How can I prepare?

The topics of study in Units 1 and 2 include:

GCSE Geography builds on the work you have completed in Year 9. This means that working hard and fully engaging in all of your lessons is the only preparation that you need.

If you feel that you would like to learn more about GCSE Geography please access the resources on PHHS Live to view past exam papers and the subject content in more detail.

Natural hazards: We explore the causes and effects of earthquakes, tropical storms and climate change.

Ecosystems: We investigate the features of tropical rainforests and hot deserts, as well as the threats and how to manage them.

Rivers and coasts: We explain how landforms are created in these environments and how humans manage them.

Urban issues and challenges: We compare life in cities around the world and the social, economic and environmental issues there. You will look at case studies which include focusing on Bristol in the UK and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The changing economic world: We examine the differences

Where can Geography take me?

Geography helps to develop literacy and numeracy skills, making it the perfect complement to any subject you wish to study in the future, as well as being an important subject in its own right. Geography A level is considered a facilitating subject by many universities, which means it is seen as being valuable at preparing students for a broad range of courses. This will keep options open for you in the future. Many of our previous students have gone on to study Medicine, Law, Engineering and Politics at university level.

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Humanities Option

“What makes Geography different is that it’s not just about memorising facts. You learn how to think critically on the spot and analyse data and use maps and graphs.”

Jaidyn Mwerenga

29

History

Edexcel

Humanities Option - 100% Exam

Is History for me?

How can I prepare?

History is a fascinating subject to study; you will feed your curiosity about the world around you and you will begin to understand today’s cultures and current events through what you have learnt about the past. As well as being a very interesting subject, History will give you the vital skills that will help in other subjects as well as those needed for future careers.

History enables you to develop valuable life skills, such as analysis, evaluation and discussion, and how to communicate effectively. To be successful, you need to be the sort of person who does not accept things at face value who questions what they see and hear, and asks people why they hold a particular view.

This course will be a continuation of the skills developed in Year 9 but with a focus on new content not yet studied.

Therefore, it is important that you work hard in your Year 9 lessons to provide a good grounding for the subject at GCSE. If you are interested, you should start to research the key areas mentioned in this booklet. You can also visit PHHSLive to view some of the material available to the GCSE students to enable you to further engage with the content which will be studied. If you have further questions or would like to explore the subject further please speak to any member of the History Department.

What will I study?

The History GCSE course covers the following topics at a level suited to you: A thematic study and historic environment. Medicine in Britain, c1250 to present and The British Sector of the Western Front, 1914-18: injuries, treatments and the trenches. In this key topic we examine how medicine has changed from the Medieval period to the present day in relation to British society. The unit also focuses on Britain during the First World War with an assessment that combines knowledge and source analysis.

Where can History take me?

GCSE History is a great basis for many A level subjects and is highly regarded by colleges, universities and employers. Students who have studied History often study A Level qualifications in subjects such as English, Politics, Economics, Law and Sociology. Some students enjoy it so much they carry on with it even if they are studying Maths or Sciences. Many people working in law and accountancy have studied History because of the skills that can be developed in reasoning and arguing your point. There are also many areas more directly related to History, such as Travel and Tourism, museums and libraries, the media industry, government research and, of course, History teaching.

A Period study and British depth study. The reigns of King Richard 1st and King John, 1189 – 1216 and Superpower relations and the Cold War 1941- 91 This topic area covers two different time periods. The first topic focuses on the reigns of King Richard 1 and King John and covers the way they governed the people, their relationship with other countries and the eventual downfall of King John.

The second topic focuses on the Cold War and covers how it originated, key crises such as Berlin, Cuba and Czechoslovakia and how it all came to an end.

A Modern depth study. Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918 -1939 This topic area covers the development of the Weimar Republic from 1918 until 1933 and includes key events such as the Munich Putsch. We will also examine the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany and its eventual consolidation of power and the impact of the Nazi dictatorship on different groups like women and children.

“Studying History at GCSE will teach you many key skills that will not only help with other subjects, but will also support you through A levels and beyond.”

Jackson Conneally

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Humanities Option

31

Art

Edexcel

Options Curriculum - 40% Exam / 60% Coursework

Is Art for me?

How can I prepare?

GCSE Art is about exploring, experimenting, developing and producing YOUR work. You will be given guidance, help and support to build your skills and produce your own art. You will also get a lot of freedom to make your own choices, explore what interests you and become the artist you want to be. Some students choose the course because they enjoy being creative and making art, others want to pursue a career related to art, design or other creative industries. As a GCSE Art student you will need to be motivated, show initiative and be resourceful. You will be required to think for yourself, be willing to take risks in your work and try new ways of working.

There are a lot of resources on PHHS Live, which can support you. If you would like more information about the course or content, please speak to any of the Art teachers in school.

What will I study?

During the GCSE Art course you will produce a number of projects. These cover a wide variety of themes. As the course progresses you will get more and more freedom to develop the type of work and the ideas that interest you.

During each project you will: • Complete visual research • Complete observational studies in a variety of materials • Explore and experiment with materials/techniques and ideas • Explore the work of artists and/or designers • Develop a final piece outcome You may develop painting drawing, mixed media work, sculpture, print, photography, to name just a few.

Where can Art take me?

GCSE Art would be beneficial if you wish to study any art or design based course at college or university. Some design and art courses at university require an art based A Level, so studying either Art or Textiles at GCSE is essential if you think this is where you are heading. If you want to pursue a career in the creative industries such as illustration, graphic design, theatrical set or costume design, film, television, visual communication, marketing and advertising, digital or social media, studying Art would be of great benefit. You will also develop many transferable skills such as creative problem solving, independent project planning, skills of analysis and evaluation as well as developing personal resilience, which are highly favourable qualities for many areas of future education and employment.

Please note you cannot choose to take both Art and Fashion Textiles together at GCSE

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Options Curriculum

“If you are passionate about innovation, want to delve into the creative industries or would like to recognise your fascination with art, this course will be fit for you.”

Fabienne Ellis

33

Business

Edexcel

Options Curriculum - 100% Exam

Is Business for me?

How can I prepare?

Are you interested in how you can apply your academic learning to real life? Do you want to get a head start over your contemporaries when joining the world of work?

The best preparation before you start your Business GCSE course, is to become curious about the world of business.

Watch TV programmes such as Dragon’s Den and the Apprentice, it is amazing how much of the topics we cover in the course are discussed within these shows. Speak to your family and friends about their jobs, what do they do?

What works best? What doesn’t work?

The focus in our lessons is to teach you the key concepts of business, using real life business scenarios to demonstrate the theory. Therefore, we may use a local café to exemplify what start-up costs a business will typically incur. We may use a fashion retailer to discuss the issues of supply chain and business ethics. We may use a global business such as Apple, to demonstrate what is involved in marketing products.

Are you curious about starting a business or the world of work? If so, Business may be for you!

What will I study?

The first year focusses on what is involved in setting up a small business, covering: • The importance of entrepreneurship • The different types of businesses you can create • How you target your customers • How you plan the finances • How you create a business plan to help you raise the funding In the second year, the focus moves to larger businesses.

You will learn about each of the main business functions: • Marketing • Finance • Operations • HR • Businesses growth.

The more interested you become in Business topics, the easier and more enjoyable you will find it.

Where can Business take me?

The theory and skills you learn in Business will be applicable to almost all walks of life. Indeed, you will struggle to find any occupation where this subject is not in some way relevant, for example whether you want to start your own business or work for a local or international business. Even if you plan to work in the arts, a dance company or art gallery are still run as a business.

So, if you are interested in learning more about business, if you are willing to work hard and develop your skills, Business is the subject for you.

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Options Curriculum

“Whilst studying Business you discuss real companies, analyse what they do well and apply your ideas to real-world situations. You’ll build confidence in problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills that employers really value.”

Henry Ferguson

35

Computer Science

AQA

Options Curriculum - 100% Exam

Is Computer Science for me?

Where can Computer Science take me?

Yes! If you have ever wondered how those devices that you use every day work – phones, games consoles, laptops, smart TVs etc… - then Computer Science will start you on a journey of discovery that will make the modern world make sense. Do you like solving problems? Do you like creating things? Are you interested in modern technology?

If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’ then Computer Science is a great choice

Anywhere you want it to! Computer Science is not a stand-alone subject, it affects and is used in every other walk of life. Whether you’re interested in Medicine, Law, Security, Education, Gaming, Business, Finance, AI or even the computer industry itself, computers are used in them all. Every single one of them has a role for a computer specialist. Most of the jobs that a young computer scientist might end up in haven’t been invented yet! Even if you choose not to take your studies beyond GCSE, the skills you will learn will be invaluable in almost every other walk of life. That includes, but is not limited to, the formal problem solving methods we will use and the knowledge of what computers can and cannot do!

What will I study?

• Programming • Data Representation • Logic • Hardware and Software • Networks • Security • Databases • The law and ethics around our use of computers.

How can I prepare?

Be interested in technology and where you see it being used. Read and watch programmes about new developments. Download a programming language and learn it (we use Python at school – it’s free!). Try modding your favourite game. Build your own computer – or upgrade an existing one. Pick another subject that you plan to study for GCSE and consider how technology might be used in that area of study.

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Options Curriculum

“In a world that changes and evolves every day, the field of Computing is constantly changing and evolving in parallel. Understanding the systems we take for granted from a spreadsheet to a self-learning A.I. model is truly an amazing experience.”

James Rees

37

Design & Technology with Graphics

Edexcel

Options Curriculum - 50% Exam / 50% Coursework

Is Design & Technology with Graphics for me?

Design and technology Graphic Product is a great opportunity for creative and practical students to explore and develop their skills in designing and making marketable products. The course itself is 50% exam and 50% NEA. The exam content specialises in papers and boards specifically, as well as core knowledge, covering all other aspects of Design & Technology, such as new and emerging technologies. It will appeal to any student who has an interest in Architecture, packaging design, product design interior design, furniture design the list goes on.

This course encourages students to use creativity and imagination to solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Design and technology students develop interdisciplinary skills and capacity for imaginative and innovative thinking.

What will I study?

This is a demanding and exciting course that combines all aspects of DT including product design, materials and manufacturing theory, electronics, textiles, CAD/ CAM, graphic design, 3D technologies all with practical applications throughout. You will learn to use a wide range of tools and equipment to produce professional products.

In Year 10, you will have the opportunity to complete a variety of design projects and explore new techniques and technologies to prepare you for the coursework design challenge. Your final product will be chosen, researched, designed, developed, tested and built entirely by you, ending in a high quality fully functioning prototype.

How can I prepare?

You will need the ability to balance the technical demands of the theory with excellent skills on the practical side. You will also need to show a creative talent towards design as you will be required to generate your own design ideas and present them in a professional graphical manner. You will be taught how to use all the relevant tools and equipment, as well as being given the opportunity to experiment and become confident on them. You will be taught 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design software to enable independent use of CNC router, laser cutters and 3D printers. While the course relies upon excellent practical skills, the emphasis of the new subject is firmly focussed on design. Creativity is an essential skill and the ability to analyse, evaluate and develop innovative solutions is extremely important.

Where can Design & Technology with Graphics take me?

Being able to understand what decisions and implications lie behind design and manufacture is vital for engineering, architecture, product design, retail and the creative industries. With the advances in computer-driven design and rapid prototyping it is an exciting time to immerse yourself in the world of design. GCSE Design & Technology will provide a firm foundation to study A Level Product Design. Employers will value a GCSE in Design Technology as it develops creative, technical and vital transferable skills such as being organised and innovative, using initiative, problem solving, communicating well and being a good team player.

Please note you cannot choose to take both Design Technology subjects together.

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Options Curriculum

“If you are a creative person who enjoys designing, problem solving, and innovative thinking, then I’m sure you will enjoy taking DT Graphic Products” Lara Costigan

39

Design & Technology with Product Design

Edexcel

Options Curriculum - 50% Exam / 50% Coursework

Is Design & Technology with Product Design for me?

Design and technology Product Design is a great opportunity for creative and practical students to explore and develop their skills in designing and making marketable products. The course itself is 50% exam and 50% NEA. The exam content specialises in timbers specifically, as well as core knowledge, covering all other aspects of Design & Technology, such as new and emerging technologies. It will appeal to any student who has an interest in Architecture, Engineering of all types, product design, interior design, furniture design, construction, automotive design, the list goes on. This course encourages students to use creativity and imagination to solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Design and technology students develop interdisciplinary skills and capacity for imaginative and innovative thinking.

What will I study?

This is a demanding and exciting course that combines all aspects of DT including product design, materials and manufacturing theory, electronics, textiles, CAD/ CAM, graphic design, 3D technologies all with practical applications throughout. You will learn to use a wide range of tools and equipment to produce professional products.

In Year 10, you will have the opportunity to complete a variety of design projects and explore new techniques and technologies to prepare you for the coursework design challenge. Your final product will be chosen, researched, designed, developed, tested and built entirely by you, ending in a high quality fully functioning prototype.

How can I prepare?

You will need the ability to balance the technical demands of the theory with excellent skills on the practical side. You will also need to show a creative talent towards design as you will be required to generate your own design ideas and present them in a professional graphical manner. You will be taught how to use all the relevant tools and equipment, as well as being given the opportunity to experiment and become confident on them. You will be taught 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design software to enable independent use of CNC router, laser cutters and 3D printers. While the course relies upon excellent practical skills, the emphasis of the new subject is firmly focussed on design. Creativity is an essential skill and the ability to analyse, evaluate and develop innovative solutions is extremely important.

Where can Design & Technology with Timbers take me?

Being able to understand what decisions and implications lie behind design and manufacture is vital for engineering, architecture, product design, retail, and the creative industries. With the advances in computer-driven design and rapid prototyping it is an exciting time to immerse yourself in the world of design. GCSE Design & Technology will provide a firm foundation to study A Level Product Design. Employers will value a GCSE in Design Technology as it develops creative, technical, and vital transferable skills such as being organised and innovative, using initiative, problem solving, communicating well and being a good team player.

Please note you cannot choose to take both Design Technology subjects together.

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Options Curriculum

“In your coursework, you will experiment with a plethora of techniques needed to prepare you to design your own product, from mood boards to product analysis, evaluating form, function, and aesthetics.”

Jess Willett

41

Drama

AQA

Options Curriculum - 40% Written Exam / 60% Coursework

Is Drama for me?

How can I prepare?

During this course, students will have the opportunity to study as a performer or designer, or both. Devised and scripted work will be covered from an exciting range of stimulus and plays. This course will appeal to anyone who has a love of performance and/or is interested in the production elements of creating pieces ‘from page to stage’. This course is a great opportunity to build confidence and expand creative ideas. Students will experience the following learning styles: active learning involving working in groups, improvisation, problemsolving as part of a team, discussion and interpretation of texts as well as the planning and guidance required on writing techniques. Play texts are explored in practical ways and allow students to explore work from other times and cultures. All students are given the opportunity to participate in regular theatre visits and streamed live work as part of the course.

AQA encourage students to watch as much and as varied theatre productions as possible. It would be really beneficial to watch or read ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare.

What will I study?

Component 1: Understanding Drama - a written examination (1 hour and 45 minutes). This part of the course looks at the knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre, including a study of our set text ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers. It is worth 40% of the final grade.

Component 2: Devising drama (practical – students may contribute as a performer or designer). This part of the course looks at the process of creating and performing devised drama as well as a written analysis and evaluation of the students’ own work. It is worth 40% of the final grade.

To get ahead for Live Theatre Productions, here are a few suggestions for you. Look at how performers use their vocal and physical skills to interpret characters. Look at set, sound and lighting design too.

Here are some useful links: • https://www.shakespeareglobe.com/watch • https://rsc.org.uk/news/watch-rsc-shows-from-home • https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home

Where can Drama take me?

Students will gather many invaluable skills, to expand their own horizons. Students learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively. They gain the confidence to pursue their own ideas and reflect and refine their efforts. Students of GCSE Drama emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the workplace, which are valued by employers. Drama GCSE will also provide an excellent foundation for A Level Drama and Theatre Studies. Many of our students go on to continue their studies in Performing Arts at University or Drama School. You may be thinking of a future career or university course in Arts Management, Broadcasting/Media, Law, Management Consultancy, Teaching or Television.

Component 3: Texts in Practice (practical). This part of the course is a performance of two extracts to an AQA Examiner from one play and is worth 20% of the final grade.

“Drama enables you to explore real issues, create your own work, and express ideas in ways no other subject allows.”

Emilia Seneque

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Options Curriculum

43

Fashion Textiles

Edexcel

Options Curriculum - 60% Coursework / 40% Externally Set Assignment

Is Fashion Textiles for me?

How can I prepare?

GCSE Fashion Textiles is an experimental and exploratory subject. If you are interested in working with a range of materials and processes, including printing, dyeing, hand and machine embroidery and a broad exploration of fabric manipulation, our course could be a great choice for you.

We work in 2D and 3D, and your teacher will support you to develop an innovative and individual approach to design. As a Fashion Textiles student, you need to be excited and motivated to explore textile materials and processes, and game to challenge yourself, your potential and your preconceptions.

Becoming a GCSE Fashion Textiles student can feel both exciting and daunting, but be reassured that we do not expect you to arrive with GCSE skills; we will teach you them! Your course will be designed to develop your skills, and teach you how to build a successful project. The most important thing you need to bring is enthusiasm for the subject, and a willingness to engage in your learning.

Further to this, you may wish to:

What will I study?

During the GCSE Fashion Textiles course you will produce a number of projects. These cover a wide variety of themes and are designed to develop your skills and creative thinking. As the course progresses you will get more and more freedom to develop the type of work and the ideas that interest you. Each project involves: • Visual Research • Observational and design development studies in a variety of materials and processes • Exploring and experimenting materials, techniques and ideas • Exploring the work of artists and/or designers • Developing a final piece outcome You may explore drawing, printing, dying, embroidery, fabric manipulation, design drawing and photography to name just a few.

• Set up Pinterest boards exploring fashion, textiles, illustration, art and photography that interests to you.

• Visit galleries, exhibitions and fashion shows either online or in person.

Remember that all design is rooted in observation, record visual qualities you find interesting from the world around you in varied materials and processes; photography, drawing, rubbings, collect materials (this could be fabric, or anything else you enjoy- leaves, papers, ribbons, buttons, bus tickets, receipts etc)

Where can Fashion Textiles take me?

GCSE Fashion Textiles is an engaging and challenging course, which gives you a fabulous foundation if you are interested in any aspect of Fashion, Textiles or Costume.

On top of this, if you are interested in any aspect of the Creative Industries, be it Theatrical Set, Film, Television, Media, or any other Art or Design based course, our course would benefit you. Further to this, if you are interested in a career which requires dexterity, you would find the manual explorations herein invaluable. As staff we pride ourselves on supporting students to be excellent task managers, lateral thinkers and creative problem solvers, which provides you with fantastic transferable skills for further education, higher education and employment.

Please note you cannot choose to take both Art and Fashion Textiles together at GCSE.

“Textiles has allowed me to take a break from information based subjects, stop focusing on perfection and instead value how my designs have progressed, leading me to become more confident with my creative decisions.”

Abbie Farmer [Return to Subject List]

Options Curriculum

45

FIlm Studies

EDUQAS

Options Curriculum - 70% Exam 30% NEA

Is Film Studies for me?

How can I prepare?

If you love watching films and talking about them then you will enjoy GCSE Film Studies. Taking Film Studies as a GCSE subject allows you to explore how films are made and the ‘language’ film-makers use to tell us their stories.

The skills you will develop are very similar to those you need in English, so it will give you a good opportunity to practise and develop these. You will learn how to analyse films, scenes and shots and how to write about them. You will watch and study a wide range of films from Britain, the US and elsewhere in the world. There is also an NEA component, where you can learn screenwriting, which is a great opportunity to use and develop your creativity.

The skills you are developing in English are all relevant to this course, so keep working hard in your English lessons.

Writing a paragraph about a film scene is very similar to writing a paragraph about a book you are studying. The very best way to prepare is to develop your interest in film.

Watch as many films as you can and enjoy them!

What will I study?

The Film Studies GCSE course covers the following topics: • • • • •

• • •

The American Teen Film; British Film; American Independent Film; Global Film; How film-makers use film form to create meaning (cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, and sound); How people of different ages, ethnicities and genders are represented in film; How film-makers create interesting narratives and stories; How film-makers create a particular ‘look’ for their films.

Where can Film Studies take me?

The core skills you will develop through Film Studies are the same as the ones which are important in English, so studying Film will support your English. You will develop your analytical skills as well as your formal writing, and these are key skills for further study and the world of work. There are some very exciting careers in the world of film, with more and more jobs available in the UK as the industry expands here. Behind the scenes, a wide range of skilled jobs exist, including work in hair, costume and make-up, set design and construction, and sound, to name just a few. Above all else, we hope you will enjoy studying for your GCSE in Film Studies!

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“GCSE Film is something exciting and different.

It gives you the chance to read deeply into films.

You study films you might otherwise not see, from different cultures and places. The creative aspects such as the NEA give you the chance to write in a unique style. Writing a screenplay gives you a fantastic experience that is similar to what goes in industry.”

Tyler Ford

47

Food Preparation & Nutrition

AQA

Options Curriculum - 50% Exam / 50% Coursework

Is Food Preparation & Nutrition for me?

How can I prepare?

If you are interested in food then this is an exciting course for you! Do you want to know how to feed yourself and others better? Are you interested in finding out more about the sustainability of food and environmentally friendly food choices? Perhaps you want to be the next Jamie Oliver getting involved with a new government initiative. The food industry is an area which continues to grow year on year and is sensitive to consumer demand. If you have a passion for food then this course can lead you to a variety of industries and job roles.

Develop your practical skills so that you can work independently. Start by helping at home chopping vegetables and preparing dinner. You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills in your practical exam in Year 11 so the more you have, the more marks you will gain. Watch TV programmes such as Masterchef or The Great British Bake Off to give you ideas of ingredients that work well together and different dishes. As well as TV programmes, there are also a number of podcasts which could help to extend your knowledge on food too; the BBC Good Food podcast is a good place to start.

What will I study?

There are two coursework units and one external examination.

The GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure that students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance, and the working characteristics of food materials.

At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students’ practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition.

Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:

Where can Food Preparation & Nutrition take me?

There are many career options in the food industry, right from growing and producing through to manufacturing, processing and the retail of food. Now you have been given some ‘food for thought’ try visiting the website tastycareers.org.uk for more information.

You could become a dietician, food scientist, product development technologist or work in hospitality, food manufacturing and production, engineering, logistics, sports coaching, food marketing, food journalism and of course teaching!

• Food, nutrition and health • Food Science • Food Safety • Food Choice • Food Provenance

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“In my opinion, Food Science is one of the most important subjects to study as it gives you really efficient knowledge on skills you will need in the Livi Powell future.”

49

Health & Social Care

CNC

OCR

Options Curriculum - 40% Exam / 60% Coursework

Is Health & Social Care for me?

How can I prepare?

Do you want to make a difference to peoples’ lives? Do you want to work in a health, social care or early years setting? You could work with lots of different people, for example someone with a physical disability, a learning disability or dementia.

If you are passionate about working in the health and social care sector, you may want to follow the Health section of BBC News to keep up to date with the latest news. There are also a number of documentaries and television programmes out there that highlight what it is like to work in a health, social care or early years setting such as ‘The Secret Life of 4 and 5 Year Olds’. If you would like more information about the course, speak to any of the Health and Social Care teachers in school.

Choosing to study Health and Social Care is a great decision; it is an area of work which gives many opportunities for you to make a difference to people’s lives in a positive way. At the same time, you will gain skills that you can transfer to other professions. The opportunities are endless! It is also an ideal subject if you are interested in a qualification that contains both practical and theoretical elements.

What will I study?

There are two coursework units and one external examination. You will: • learn how to help individuals find the support they need following life events.

• develop an understanding of the stages of life and the factors that influence development.

• study health promotion and how to plan your own campaign.

• learn about public health campaigns that are used to encourage physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

• learn the principles of care.

• gain an understanding of the rights, the person-centred values and how they can be applied.

Where can Health & Social Care take me?

Health and Social Care introduces you to the specialist knowledge and skills needed to work in various care settings. You will develop a range of skills which will help you succeed not only in the workplace but also in other subjects too. By developing applied knowledge and practical skills, this course will give you the opportunity to progress on to A Levels such as A Level Biology, and vocational qualifications such as Level 3 Health and Social Care, Applied Science or Physical Education. The careers that start from Health and Social Care are endless: Midwifery, Social Worker, Occupational Therapy, Nursing and more.

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“Health and Social Care is perfect if you are looking to go into a career that helps other people. Even if you don’t know what job you want to do in the future, this course will give you a really good flavour of a range of careers. ” Amelie Carr

51

BTEC Digital Game Production

CNQ

OCR

Options Curriculum - 33% Exam / 66% Coursework

Is BTEC Digital Game Production me?

How can I prepare?

Do you see yourself getting involved in the gaming industry? If you do, then maybe this could be the first step on your journey. When you study gaming you will learn about the process of taking an idea, designing a game and the assets that the game will use through to creating your first game. If you’re interested in how games are made or how the technology that supports games works, then this is a great option for you.

You will already be interested in games, but this course is about how they’re made. Get to grips with some game making software (Construct 3 is what we use, but there’s Godot, Unity and Unreal to consider too!). Think about how games work, what are the assets used and how do they interact with each other. Could you make any of these assets? Get hold of some software and develop your digital drawing and 3D creation skills.

You might also choose to do this course if you’re interested in making interactive experiences. While the course is focused on game making, many of the skills are applicable in fields such as architecture, sociology and medical tech.

Where can BTEC Digital Game Production take me?

What will I study?

• Exploring Media Products • Developing Digital Media Production Skills • Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief All three units are practical and will involve you demonstrating that you are able to use the tools available to produce a professional looking product. There are no formal written exams, but the final unit (Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief) is carried out as a Controlled Assessment and with limited time. The other two units are carried out under normal classroom conditions and are assessed by your teacher.

The skills you learn on the gaming course will open up a whole range of options for your future. You could become the next graphic designer for the latest games, you could help to design the worlds in which gamers immerse themselves for hours, you could become a coder working out how to make all these assets interact or building the huge backend systems that they need to make them work.

Many of these skills are transferable into other careers too.

Please note you cannot choose to take both BTEC Video & Photography and BTEC Digital Game Production together.

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“In this course you have the chance to use your creativity to create your own Media projects including games. Be prepared to dive in to the process of planning, designing, and testing as well as making your Media products.”

Alexandra Rus

53

BTEC Video and Photographyptions

CNQ

OCR

Is BTEC Video & Photography for me?

How can I prepare?

If you like taking photographs or making films then this is definitely the course for you. Everyone can point a camera and press a button, but not everyone understands what it means to take a good photograph or what planning goes into making a movie. This course will introduce you not only to these ideas to make your photography and film making more professional, but it will also introduce you to some very sophisticated software for editing the results of your efforts. If you’re quite creative, you want to work with images and you’re interested in using computers then this is the perfect match for you.

Take photographs, make films and be critical about your results. Look at other people’s photographs and films and try to copy them. Be critical of your own, and others’, work. Think about how to make things better. Research different techniques and try and put what you find into practice. You don’t need any very sophisticated equipment, the camera on your smartphone is probably good enough for you to experiment with, but if you can get hold of a DSLR, then you can let your imagination really fly!

What will I study?

Where can BTEC Video & Photography take me?

• Exploring Media Products • Developing Digital Media Production Skills • Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief You might also choose to do this course if you’re interested in making interactive experiences. While the course is focused on game making, many of the skills are applicable in fields such as architecture, sociology and medical tech.

• • • • • •

So much of how we interact with the world today is about images. Websites, apps, magazines, social media and TV all make huge use of photographs and video. Knowing how this is produced will help you understand what you see.

But, having studied Media Video and Photography, you’ll be well placed to start a career in these industries.

Please note you cannot choose to take both BTEC Video & Photography and BTEC Digital Game Production together.

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“I love media and couldn’t recommend it more for the people who love to be creative and want to get into a creative career. ” Jack Scanlan

55

Italian

AQA

Options Curriculum - 100% Exam

Is Italian for me?

What will I study?

Where can Italian take me?

Italy is famous for its huge contributions to the worlds of art, architecture, food, fashion, opera, literature, design, and film. Italian is one of the most beautiful European languages and as it is phonetic, it is relatively easy to learn. Our society is a changing one in which instantaneous communication happens all the time by means of the Internet. In business terms, this means that we have to compete on a global scale and companies of all sizes are responding to this challenge by learning to speak the languages of their customers.

Learning Italian at GCSE will allow you to develop your communication skills as well as your grammatical understanding and your analytical, problem solving skills.

Equipping you with as broad a knowledge base as possible of the Italian culture, together with the basics to be able to communicate effectively with natives, is at the heart of our teaching.

No matter what career path you follow, if you have learnt a modern foreign language, you will be at a real advantage. Employees who have a knowledge of other languages are often called upon to travel and exchange information with people in other countries throughout their careers. The north of Italy is affluent and there are lots of Italian businesses in the UK. As Italian speakers are few and far between, anybody with a knowledge of the language will be highly sought after. Some of the careers which recognise the value of a modern foreign language are International Banking, GCHQ, Law, Marketing and Journalism.

You will have 5 hours of Italian per fortnight and the GCSE course covers the following topic areas: • Family • Home and local area • School and education • Free time • Holidays and travel • Healthy living • Social issues • Customs and traditions • Technology • Charity and voluntary work • Environment

If you are considering studying Italian as either your language specialism or as an option as a second language, you must see your Language Teacher and Mrs Couliou (Head of Languages).

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57

Music

Edexcel

Options Curriculum - 40% Exam / 60% Performance and Composing

Is Music for me?

How can I prepare?

Music is all around us. It influences our moods and emotions, it stimulates and excites us in many ways. If you love music, have instrumental or vocal ability and want to improve in this area such as by developing skills as a performer, writing and creating music, and you have been consistently working above average in Year 9 Music, then Music GCSE is the subject for you. By choosing the Music GCSE course you will develop an understanding of how music is created through studying various musical styles and you will develop skills in creating and performing music. GCSE Music is an interesting course in its own right and has a tremendous amount of transferable skills such as developing creative and imaginative thinking and improving concentration and focus.

This course will be a continuation of the work you have studied in Year 9 so working hard in your Year 9 lessons and engaging fully in all lessons is all the preparation you need. You will need to develop your instrumental or vocal skills to the best that you can by regular practice at home, and get involved with some of the many extra-curricular opportunities Prince Henry’s offers. On top of all that try to get a grasp of Music theory by working through some music websites such as GCSE Bitesize > Music > Edexcel section.

What will I study?

The Music GCSE course covers the study of Music theory and performing as a soloist and within a group (30% of your GCSE) Creating music: You will also learn how to develop musical ideas using different techniques and strategies and create your own music.

Where can Music take me?

Music is all around us and studying Music at GCSE can make the world a much more interesting and creative place. The many cross-curricular subject opportunities are vast with links to History, Geography, Science and Mathematics. Music can lead to you being a performer, composer, publicist or producer. You can explore the world of Music technology, become a recording engineer, roadie, DJ or a booking agent. The world of performing arts is vast, come and explore it!

Analysing various musical styles: You will look at how the Musical Elements are used in these styles. You will study the history of the music, famous composers and different reasons why they were written. This is a written exam which is 40% of the GCSE.

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“Our Music course is a fantastic opportunity to explore creativity and imagination in our music department that fosters a fun and supportive environment. Our teachers are always ready to help in and out of the lessons.”

Connor Bennett

59

Physical Education

AQA

Options Curriculum - 60% Exam / 40% Coursework

Is Physical Education for me?

Studying GCSE Physical Education will open your eyes to the amazing world of sports performance. Not only will you have the chance to perform in three different sports through the non-exam assessment component, you will also develop wide ranging knowledge into the how and why of physical activity and sport. The combination of the physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. You will learn the reasons why we do things, why some people outperform others, mentally and physically. You will also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also gain an understanding of the consequences of inactivity and poor diet.

What will I study?

The theory content is worth 60% of your final grade and consists of two 75 minute examinations at the end of Year 11. The practical content is worth 40% and consists of three practical performances and a written analysis and evaluation of a performance.

Paper 1: The Human Body and Movement in Physical Activity and Sport • Applied anatomy and physiology • Movement analysis • Physical training • Use of data

Paper 2: Socio-cultural Influences and Wellbeing in Physical Activity and Sport • Sports psychology • Socio-cultural influences • Health, fitness and well-being • Use of data

How can I prepare?

The majority of the GCSE PE course is spent in the classroom and there is the same degree of academic rigour as all the other GCSE options. Therefore, if you are someone who is prepared to work hard and engage fully in your theoretical learning then that is a good starting point. On top of this you will get assessed in your practical performance in three sports or activities. Therefore, it is expected that you will have a keen interest in sport and be participating in sport regularly for the school, for a club outside of school or ideally both.

Where can Physical Education take me?

GCSE Physical Education is not just an excellent base for A Level in Physical Education, it can take you much further. Beyond A Level, the study of Physical Education can lead on to university degrees in sports science, sports management, healthcare, or exercise and health. Physical Education can also complement further study in Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, Nutrition, Sociology, teacher training and many more. The transferable skills you learn through your study of Physical Education, such as decision-making and independent thinking are also useful in any career path you choose to take.

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“The ability to learn both academically and through physical performance presents opportunities to develop an understanding of why athletes are more likely to be successful, and the reasons behind their actions.”

Lauren Bowers

61

Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics

AQA

Options Curriculum - 100% Exam

Is Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics for me?

We think that one of the key aspects of this subject is to help you to become a really creative and reflective thinker; to become a person who is interested in the wider world and who thinks about life’s ‘big questions’ and wants to work out where they fit into it.

The main reasons to study Religious Studies are because you love the subject, you enjoy the chance to develop your ideas and hear those of others, and you thrive on grappling with difficult questions. Students of Religious Studies Philosophy and Ethics are highly sought after given the academic nature and content of the course. Students who opt for the subject gain both academic and personal skills such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis and interpretation as well as personal reflection. It is an engaging and challenging course the relevance of which has never been more significant. The exploration of the views and responses of others as well as conisdering the moral and ethical dilemmas society today continues to face are really pertinent. Taking time in a lesson to explore issues and deep philosophical questions sometimes without reaching an answer is immensely exciting and rewarding for all those taking part.

What will I study?

Paper 1 The study of two world religions: Christianity and Judaism This will include key beliefs, teachings, and practices.

Students will have the opportunity to look at how religious people live their lives within the religious context and the impact that makes on their lives.

Paper 2 The study of four ethical and philosophical topics: • Religion and Life (scientific and religious views about the origins of the universe and life, abortion, and euthanasia • The existence of God and the problem of evil • Religion, War, and Peace • Religion, Crime, and Punishment

How can I prepare?

The most important thing that you can do is to work hard and do your best.

Be prepared to meet new ideas in an open-minded way and consider different points of view.

Be prepared to share your ideas, hopefully in lessons, but definitely in your work.

Where can Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics take me?

This GCSE is an excellent, intellectual challenge – it can be a foundation for many different A Levels such as History, Politics, Law, and English, as well as complementing subjects like Science and Technology.

Many students who take this GCSE think that it helps build their confidence and ability to form arguments and understand different views.

Employers are looking for creative problem solvers – people who are willing to look at things differently and who haven’t already made up their minds.

Students who have studied RS have gone on to become doctors, actors, engineers, police officers, carers, entrepreneurs, teachers, psychologists, nurses, illustrators, web-designers, musicians, prison officers, lawyers and many, many other areas of employment.

“ Throughout the subject you get the chance to explore many of the big questions about human life, learn about a variety of worldviews and debate ethical dilemmas with your fellow classmates. There’s no other subject where your own opinions matter so much - as long as you can justify them.”

Lexie Griffiths [Return to Subject List]

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63

PRINCE HENRY’S HIGH SCHOOL An “Outstanding” Academy for Students aged 13-18 Headteacher: Dr A A L Evans BSc(Hons) PhD Victoria Avenue Evesham Worcestershire WR11 4QH t: 01386 765588 e: enquiries@princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk www.princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

‘Great things from small things grow’