2015 Options Booklet

St. Peter’s Catholic High School

Year 9 Options Spring Term 2015 KS4 Curriculum Guide For pupils receiving their awards in Summer 2017

Y10/Y11 Curriculum Pupils take a number of compulsory “core� subjects and then select either 2 or 3 other subjects from an options list. Pupils are given help and support in choosing subjects through the pastoral system and PSHE lessons. In order to personalise learning some pupils may choose three other subjects, others are directed towards particular subjects and therefore only choose two others. Pupils who aspire to higher education will find many colleges and universities are taking in to account whether they have a Modern Foreign Language.

For this reason those who are able are directed to take a Modern Foreign Language as one of their option subjects. Particular importance is given to having achieved in English Language and Mathematics as these are the two core subjects that are required by almost all further education courses and apprenticeships. To give pupils who need it extra support in these subjects, they may be directed towards a Study Support course as one of their options. Pupils receive an option form which is personalised to their needs and abilities.

Examination Boards We use four different examination boards all of which have websites where you can find a wealth of information.

AQA www.aqa.org.uk EDEXCEL www.edexcel.com OCR www.ocr.org.uk City & Guilds www.cityandguilds.com There are also different types of examinations/qualifications awarded including GCSE, BTEC, OCR National, NVQ. All of these examinations/ qualifications convert in to points which are equivalent to GCSE grades. It is a total number of points that is set as the requirement to get in to college. When your son/daughter starts their course in Year 9/Year10 the teacher will inform them what type of qualification they are working towards.

Subject Requirements Examination board and type of exam are written in brackets. (These are subject to change before your child starts the course) Some subjects have different tiers of entry e.g. Foundation tier or Higher tier. The grades that can be achieved are directly related to these tiers and therefore it is vital that pupils know which tier they are aiming for.

Where there are alternatives offered teachers will choose the appropriate course and tier of entry for each pupil.

In Year 11 final examinations can start as early as March for practical subjects and the majority of examinations start at the beginning of May through to the end of June. It is imperative that family holidays even for special events are not taken at these times.

Compulsory “Core Subjects” studied by all pupils in Year 10 and Year 11 Religious Education: (Edexcel, GCSE)  100% linear examination  Examined by two, one and a half hour papers completed in summer term of Year 11  No Coursework English Language (GCSE) and/or English Literature (GCSE)  These are Linear GCSEs which run throughout Year 10 & Year 11  Both subjects will be assessed through terminal examination in the summer term of Year 11.  Due to Government changes it is not yet clear if there will be a coursework/ controlled assessment element to these qualifications.  In August 2017 pupils will be awarded grades 1 -8 (8 being the highest grade that can be awarded.

1being the lowest grade that can be awarded) Mathematics: (AQA, GCSE)  100% linear examination  Examined by two written papers in the summer term of Year 11  No Coursework  In August 2017 pupils will be awarded grades 1 -8 (8 being the highest graded that can be awarded.

1being the lowest grade that can be awarded) Science (AQA, GCSE) N.B. The teaching of Science GCSE courses start in Year 9. At this point in the year (February 2015) the government have published the content requirements for KS4 Science, but have not stated their position on when in KS4 pupils will be able to sit GCSE Science exams and what percentage of the final grade awarded will be given over to the controlled assessments. Therefore, the exam boards will not publish their specifications until June 2015 at the earliest. Also the All Science sets complete controlled assessments called ISAs (Investigative Skills Assessment) in each Science discipline throughout Year 10 and Year 11. Currently these make up 25% of the final grade.

Triple Science GCSE  Set One in Year 10, only, take Triple Science  Examination : 75%  Examinations are taken in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (exams at the end of Year 11) 3 x 3 hour exams.

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Double Award Science GCSE Sets 2 - 5 take Double Science There are two tiers of entry Higher tier grades A* - D Foundation tier Grade C – G

The proposed plan is; Pupils in Sets1 – 5 will sit their Core Science GCSE exam at the end of Year 10.

Pupils taking the Double Award Science GCSE will sit their Additional Science GCSE exam at the end of Year 11.

Pupils taking the Triple Science GCSE’s will sit their Additional Science GCSE exams and Further Additional GCSE exams at the end of Year 11.

Pathways Pathway A Pupils in Sets 1- 4 for Modern Foreign Languages follow this pathway. These pupils are required to choose a Modern Foreign Language to study for GCSE in order to give them the best opportunities to compete locally for post 16 education places and nationally for university and employment opportunities. This is the pathway followed by the majority of pupils at St Peter’s.

Pathway B We recognise that for lots of different reason only choosing two courses rather than three will help a small number of pupils to reach their potential. This group of pupils may also choose to follow a vocational qualification off site.

Pathway C Pupils in Sets 5- 8 for Modern Foreign Languages follow this pathway. These pupils are not required to choose a Modern Foreign Language to study and have a more focused selection of GCSE and BTEC courses to make their choices from.

Why study a Language?

• • • • • • • • • •

English is not enough! Not everyone speaks or wants to speak English.

A language will always be useful, no matter what you do.

In class, you get to study a wide range of topics all about different people and cultures, not just how to speak.

You can read books, watch films and listen to songs in their native language - and understand them too!

Languages mean business - being able to speak a language will make you really stand out.

They’re good for you! Speaking more than one language increases your brain capacity, improves your memory and you'll be at less risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

It’s really impressive to be able to speak a foreign language. It's a real achievement that your friends will envy and employers will love!

You can understand and talk to lots more people when you go abroad.

Using a language at work could raise your salary from 8-20%.

Learning languages really improves your communication skills.

Option Subjects Please be aware that some subjects have a specific entry requirement. Please read carefully to check that your son/daughter meets these requirements. If you are unsure please check with the teacher of that subject during the Year 9 parents evening, or by looking at their recent report.

Art (AQA, GCSE)  Examination : Terminal Task worth 40% in Year 11 Portfolio of work worth 60% throughout Year 10 & Year 11 Ancient History: (OCR, GCSE)  Examination : Written papers worth 75% (Greeks, Rise of Rome, Agrippina) in Year 11 Controlled Assessment worth 25% throughout Year 10 & Year 11 Child Development: (AQA, GCSE)  Examination: Written examination in Year 11 worth 40% of the final grade.

Two pieces of course work. Research project worth 20% and a Child Study worth 40%.

Computing (OCR, GCSE)  Examination : Written Examination worth 40% in Year 11 2 Controlled Assessments throughout worth 60% in Year 10 & Year 11 Entry requirement: Pupils need to currently be in Set 1, 2 or 3 for Mathematics to opt for this subject.

Drama (Edexcel, GCSE)  Examination: 3 practical examinations worth 80% in Year 11 Written Controlled Assessment worth 20% in Year 11 Dance (AQA, GCSE)  Examination : Practical coursework worth 80% in Year 11 Written Examination worth 20% in Year 11 Engineering :(AQA, GCSE)  Examination : Written exam papers worth 40% in the summer term of Year 11 One Controlled Assessment worth 60% throughout Year 10 and Year 11 Entry Requirement: Pupils current level in technology is a 6B or above and they are achieving A or B grades for effort and behaviour in technology. A discussion must also be had with Mr Heyes or Mr Stead who will sign your options form to verify that you meet the above criteria.

Geography: (AQA, GCSE)  Examination: Written exam papers worth 75% in Year 11 Controlled Assessment worth 25 % in Year 10 & Year 11 History : (OCR, GCSE)  Examination: Written exam papers worth 75% in Year 11 Controlled Assessment worth 25% throughout Year 10 & Year 11 Modern Languages: (AQA, GCSE) Pupils selected to be in the “Express group” take two Modern Languages: French at the end of Year 10 followed by Spanish or German in Year 11 All other sets take one language (Pupils wishing to take a two year Spanish GCSE course will be subject to approval) 

Examination: For all Modern Language groups the following GCSE exams take place throughout Year 10 & Year 11 Listening exams worth 20% in summer term Year 11 Reading exams worth 20% in summer term Year 11 Speaking exams (2 x 15% assignments (30%) in Year 10 & Year 11 Writing exams (2 x 15% assignments (30%) in Year 10 & Year 11

Music: (OCR, GCSE)  Examination: Listening examination worth 20% Integrated Task worth 30% Practical Portfolio worth 30% Creative Task worth 20% Examinations take place throughout Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE Music: Focuses on general musicianship – performing, composing and musical appreciation.

Music: (Edexcel, BTEC, Level 2 First Award equivalent to 1 GCSE - Distinction, Merit or Pass)  Examination: 80% Coursework put together throughout Year 10 & Year 11 20% exam at the end of Year 11 BTEC Music: Focuses on the business side of the music industry, roles within the music industry and music technology.

Photography: (AQA, GCSE)  Examination: Terminal Task worth 40% in Year 11 Portfolio of work worth 60% throughout Year 10 & Year 11 Physical Education: (Edexcel, GCSE)  Examination: Written theory exam papers worth 40% Practical Performance (4 sports assessed) plus Analysis of Performance and a Personal Exercise Programme worth 60% Entry Requirement: GCSE PE is for you if you enjoy the subject and are interested in taking PE into further education. Are very good practically and are currently in Set 1 for PE as well as consistently taking part in extracurricular sporting activities’ and have represented the school in at least one sport/activity.

Technology: Engineering , Electronics, Resistant Materials, Food Technology, Graphics (AQA, GCSE) Pupils are only allowed one option choice within the technology faculty.  Examinations: Written exam papers worth 40% in the summer term of Year11 Controlled assessments worth 60% throughout Year 10 & Year11

Vocational Studies: Construction: (BTEC, Level 2 First Award, equivalent of 1 GCSE Distinction, Merit or Pass)  Examination: Coursework: 3 assessments throughout Year10 & Year 11 worth 75% Exam externally set and assessed worth 25% in Year 11 Hairdressing: (City and Guilds NVQ Level 1 (Pupils can only achieve the equivalent of a GCSE grade G-D))  Examination: Coursework throughout Year 10 & Year 11 Entry Requirement: To take this course pupils need to have achieved a level 4B or below in their Year 6 SATS exams. The final decision about access to this course will be through a conversation with Mrs Makin or Mrs Pinnington who will then sign your form to verify this decision.

Currently there are many national changes relating to public examinations. As a consequence of this it is important to note that that the information above is only a guide. Courses, specifications, and the timings of exams, coursework and controlled assessments are all subject to change.