Year 8 Guided Choices March 2015

SAMWORTH CHURCH ACADEMY

year 9 guided choices // 2015

Guided Choices Year 8 Options Programme What is guided choices?

A way of making students’ Year 9 exam courses: • • • • •

Tailored to the needs of the student Specific to the individual Appropriate to the individual A way for the individual student to achieve, i.e. It is........

Outcome driven (GCSEs or equivalent)

How is my child matched to the best courses?

On the basis of progress made so far: • • • • •

Cognitive Ability Tests SAT results Teacher Information & Assessment Knowledge of the student’s skills and strengths CareersInc

How many choices will my child have?

• •

All students will complete a GCSE or equivalent course in the Core Subjects: English, Maths, Science and RS. All students will then have 3 Guided Choices to make. These will be made from an offer of GCSE and equivalent courses in traditional and applied subjects.

What qualifications will my child study for?

• •

Core Subjects GCSE or equivalent courses in English, Maths, Science and RS Further GCSE courses in Art, Business, Catering, Classical Studies, Dance, Drama, Electronics, Engineering, French, Geography, Graphics, History, ICT, Media, Music, PE, Resistant Materials.

What qualifications will my child study for?

• •

Core Subjects GCSE or equivalent courses in English, Maths, Science and RS Further Level 2 qualification courses in Child Care, Construction, Finance, Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, iMedia, Public Services, Travel and Tourism

A typical programme could look like this . . .

Guided Choices GCSE Courses 3 Traditional or Applied subjects

GCSE/Vocational Courses A blend of the two

Vocational Courses BTEC First Certificate or Diploma

What happens next?

• • • •

Parents’ Evenings early March 2015.

Choices Form completed and returned by Friday 13th March 2015.

1 to 1 Interviews by 24th April 2015.

Letter home confirming choices week commencing18th May 2015.

How will I know how my child is doing?

• • •

Termly Reports Contact with the Form Tutor / Learning Manager Parents’ Evening

Who will I contact if I want to know more?

• • • • • •

Tutor Mr Wheatcroft Mrs McVeigh Mrs Severn Michelle from CareersInc Mr Allott

2

Investing in your Child’s Future The Samworth Church Academy has recently formed a partnership with CareersInc – an external, independent and impartial careers guidance service - who will support your child to aim high in their career goals and aspirations.

Teachers in the Academy and staff from CareersInc will support your child’s career development in a number of ways including:    

Information and discussion in lessons, Learning and Pathway Days and assemblies to help them make decisions about their future.

Access to careers advisers in a variety of ways including individual meetings, drop-in sessions, learning pathway planning and results days.

Careers information and I.T based careers programmes.

Information and updates on notice boards, plasma screens and websites.

Research has consistently shown that parents and carers are the most influential factor in students’ decisions about the future. Your support and encouragement influences their choices, and the guidance you provide will be invaluable to their eventual achievements and career pathways. This might feel a little daunting but there are some very simple and practical steps you can take to support your child. 

  

Talk to them about their current educational attainment and estimated grades and encourage them to aim high (the skills shortages of the future will be in higher level jobs).

Discuss where they want to be and research how to get there (using resources in the Academy and on the internet).

Encourage them to seek out the advice and experiences they need to help them achieve their goals.

Help them with the steps they need to take.

3

FAST TOMATO INFORMATION The Samworth Church Academy has recently started using Fast Tomato, an online careers programme for teenagers to help students to explore the different opportunities open to them.

Students simply log into the Fast Tomato website where they answer a series of simple questions which are analysed to highlight each persons’ interests, attitudes and motivations.

Students can also use the website to access career, course and subject information as well as receiving support from an independent adviser to help them to make informed decisions about their future.

All Year 8 students are being given the opportunity to access this website in preparation for making their guided choices for GCSE study. Having logged on and answered the set questions, students will see a summary page like the one below which shows their interests as well as suggested careers and subjects. All subjects on offer to Year 8 students for GCSE study have indicated in the guided choices booklet which of the interests below would suit their subject. We hope that this will allow students to select courses that are well suited to their interests.

If your son or daughter has not yet had access to the Fast Tomato testing or you would like to look at their profile with them, steps for accessing the website are shown below. The registration code for year 8 students is SAMWORTH8. Students who have accessed the website at school will have already created their own unique login and password so that they can access the site at any time to update or change their preferences.

4

5

FAST TOMATO TRAITS Fast Tomato Traits Subjects Animal Care Art Business Studies/Economics Catering/Hospital Classics Construction Dance Drama Electronic Products Graphics Products Hairdressing Health & Social Care History ICT iMedia Languages Maths PE Public Services Resistant Materials Science

Caring

Commerce

Creative

  

  

 

 

 

       

Numbers

Persuasive

Practical

Science

Words

  

Machinery   

  

  

  

  

  

     

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

  

     

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

        

        

        

      

      

      

      









6

           

OUR QUALIFICATION STAGE CURRICULUM Qualification Stage subjects will be studied in Years 9, 10 and 11. Exams will be scheduled to match the progress made by individual students, allowing them either more time to study a subject, or the chance to study other areas.

Core Subjects These consist of the following subjects which will be studied by all students.

English Language Mathematics Science Religious Studies Personal and Social Education/Citizenship (through themed days off timetable) Physical Education Option Subjects The subjects listed below will be the ones from which you can make your three choices. Once you have read through the information on the courses, you will need to complete your choices form.

Animal Care Art and Design BTEC Business Business Studies Catering Classical Studies Construction Creative I Media Design and Technology:  Electronic Products  Graphic Products  Resistant Materials Economics French Geography Hair and Beauty Health and Social Care History Hospitality ICT Leisure and Tourism Media Studies Music Performing Arts: Dance Drama Photography Physical Education Public Services

7

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS ANIMAL CARE This is a relatively new course being offered. The course incorporates theory with practical with the assessment being 100% coursework. The BTEC First Certificate is equivalent to 1 GCSE grade A*-C with the option of working towards 2 GCSEs if they so choose.

This course lends itself to students who enjoy a hands on approach and are interested in working with animals as a career.

Entry Level has 3 Core Units:   

Small Animal Handling Small Animal Grooming Small Animal Restraint

Level 2 has 3 Core Units:   

Work Related Experience in Animal Care Animal Care Industry and Organisations Animal Accommodation, Handling and Care

There will be Optional Units in Year 10 that they potentially can complete including:   



Conservation and Improvement of British Habitats Animal Health, Welfare and Behaviour Animal Breeds and Grooming Care of Exotic Animals

GCSE ART & DESIGN (FINE ART)   

Do you want to use the skills you have gained and explore new ones?

Are you prepared to work hard to produce exciting and creative, well produced Art work?

Do you want to find out why Art has been important to many people from different countries and societies?

If the answer to any of the above is YES, then it may be a good idea to choose Art for one of your options.

The GCSE Art and Design (Fine Art) Course will give you the opportunity to explore many different crafts, media and techniques within the Art Department.

Amongst the media you may study are: Painting and Drawing, Graphics, Digital media, Textiles, Pottery, Sculpture, Printmaking and History of Art and Design.

Your final grade will be made up of a coursework mark, which is worth 60% of your final grade, and an externally set exam, which is worth 40% of your final grade.

8

In your coursework portfolio, you need to show that you have worked using the media listed above, but you can specialise in your favourite. We have designed the course so that the projects are varied and creative, building a portfolio of different styles and skills that will prepare you well for further study at post 16. They are; 

Year 9 - Toys



Year 10 - From Another Culture



Year 11 – I, Me, Mine

GCSE ART & DESIGN (SPECIALISING IN CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE) For this course, you will follow the same projects as the GCSE Fine Art students, but your outcomes will be either in sculpture or clay.

In your coursework portfolio, you need to show that you have worked using different sculptural techniques such as wire, cardboard, modroc, plaster, and clay, but you can specialise in your favourite. We have designed the course so that the projects are varied and creative, building a portfolio of different styles and skills that will prepare you well for further study at post 16. They are; 

Year 9 - Toys



Year 10 - From Another Culture



Year 11 – I, Me, Mine

Your final grade will be made up of a coursework mark, which is worth 60% of your final grade, and an externally set exam, which is worth 40% of your final grade

BTEC BUSINESS The new BTEC in Business is designed to help you to develop the personal skills and qualities you need for work or in running your own business.

The BTEC is intended as a ‘hands on’ programme, designed to inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in one of the many business disciplines, such as marketing, finance, product design, management and retail.

This course would also be useful for those considering a career where they will be selfemployed or in the creative industries such as music, design or entertainment.

The majority of assessment is by coursework completed in class in addition to one external exam. This course is equivalent to one GCSE at grade A*-C but there is potential for more able students to complete more units and achieve 2 GCSE grades at A*-C. The course is made up of 8 units: 3 Essential Units: 5 Optional units:

Enterprise in the Business World, Finance for Business, Principles of Marketing To be chosen from a huge selection of specialist units such as; Recruitment, Business law, Online Business or Promoting a Brand. The choice of units will depend upon the career aspirations of the students in the class.

9

GCSE BUSINESS STUDIES If you choose to study Business Studies you will study REAL businesses, from your local market stalls to huge multinationals such as McDonalds. You may even get the opportunity to work with business mentors from companies such as Coca-Cola on real life business projects.

As a Business student you will also get the opportunity to run your own business, selling a product that you have created.

Through this you will learn to lead a team, manage finances, cope with change, and understand how outside factors such as new technology or environmental issues can affect a business.

You could even make a lot of money!

GCSE Business Studies is built around three units:   

Setting up a Business: An introduction to setting up and running a small business (1 hour exam).

Growing as a Business: How to manage a larger business and global issues affecting businesses. (1 hour exam).

Controlled assessment: An individual research task where you will have to advise a real local business owner on how to improve an aspect of their business.

This is a traditional GCSE course worth 1 GCSE at grades A*-G. If you are a little unsure of what career you want to pursue, Business Studies is the ideal option to give you a broad range of skills and knowledge of how most businesses work, including how to make yourself more employable and entrepreneurial.

GCSE CATERING This is a relatively new GCSE course which is being offered to take advantage of the world class teaching kitchen facilities we have in the Academy. If you are interested in cooking and catering as a profession or just enjoy being in the kitchen, this could be the course for you.

The topics covered include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

The Catering Industry (the variety of catering outlets, safety and food poisoning).

Nutrition and Menu Planning (selection, storage and costing of food and menu options).

Food Production (preparing, presenting and serving food and drink).

Technological Developments (kitchen design, packaging and equipment).

CLASSICAL STUDIES What have the Romans ever done for us? Or the ancient Greeks, what impact do they still have on our lives today? In order to understand our present day lives, we first need to understand where our culture has come from.

Classical studies gives you the chance to explore the ancient worlds of the Greek and Roman empires, engage with stories from those classical civilisations and visit places where we can see the impact of all this in our culture today.

10

We will study: Ancient Athens First we consider what it was like to live in ancient Athens. We will look at such concepts as the place that the gods and goddesses had in people’s lives, the purpose of sacrifice and ritual, and the role of slavery. We will visit museums in Oxford and London to see real artifacts from ancient Greece.

The Odyssey We will study one of the most famous books from Ancient Greece: Homer’s Odyssey and see how the themes and ideas in it still have relevance in our world today. This is the story of a hero, Odysseus, who gets lost on his return from fighting at the battle of Troy and how he fought against fate, circumstances and the gods to eventually find his way home.

Pompeii Pompeii was a Roman town in Italy preserved in history when it was covered by the ash from a volcano in the year 79 AD. It was discovered in 1599 and since then has been gradually uncovered; giving us a brilliant idea of what life was like in a Roman town. We will piece together the evidence from the ruins to build up a picture about who lived there and what their lives were like. You will also have the opportunity to visit the ruins on a residential to see for yourself.

Roman Britain For this unit we will study the archaeological and literary evidence of Roman Britain. We will also consider how the Roman Empire still affects modern day Britain, visiting Roman sites of interest in the UK.

CONSTRUCTION BTEC Level 1 in Construction The UK construction industry employs over two million people. Skills gaps mean that opportunities exist for many highly skilled support workers as well as for those directly involved in building. The BTEC Level 2 First Certificate and Diploma in Construction are designed to introduce learners to working in the sector or prepare them for further study, such as a BTEC National qualification or an appropriate NVQ.

BTEC First (Level 1) in Construction - 13 Credit Qualification.

Units include learning about the structure of the construction industry; exploring health, safety and welfare in construction; performing joinery operations, carpentry and bricklaying.

Unit 10 - Health and Safety and Welfare in Construction Unit 13 - Developing Bricklaying Skills Unit 14 - Developing Carpentry Skills Unit 15 - Developing Joinery Skills

11

CREATIVE I MEDIA LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sector-focused, including film, television, web development, gaming and animation, and have IT at their heart. They provide knowledge in a number of key areas in this field from pre-production skills to digital animation and have a motivating, hands-on approach to both teaching and learning.

Cambridge Nationals deliver skills across the whole range of learning styles and abilities, effectively engaging and inspiring all students to achieve great things. Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia consist of three qualifications: an Award (60 glh requiring two units), a Certificate (120 glh requiring four units) and a Diploma* (240 glh requiring eight units) Career prospects: web designers, graphic artists, multimedia producers, animators, sound designers and editors, video producers, games designers and story boarders.

Students interested in Creative I Media should be able to show: Evidence of creativity, Demonstrate basic IT literacy and show an interest in developing their skills further, Demonstrate skills and knowledge at the appropriate level in the key skills areas of communication and working with others.

GCSE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Three courses are available in Technology for those who enjoy designing and making products - Electronic Products, Resistant Materials and Graphic Products.

All Technology courses involve the design and making of a product that carries 60% of the marks towards the GCSE. This Controlled Assessment Task represents about 40 hours of workshop time, and you will need to be prepared to spend time in the department outside lessons. The assessment scheme also consists of a written paper worth 40% of the marks.

All of the following courses are suitable to lead on to the Design and Technology: Product Design courses at AS and A2 level.

If you wish to find out more about any of these courses see Mr Hodgson or Mr Wilson, who will be able to answer your questions and show you examples of previous projects and examination papers.

Electronic Products (GCSE) Developments in electronics are one of the key factors in creating the highly technological society we now live in. Electronic components are found in millions of everyday products including children’s games, remote controls, mobile phones, robots, computers, iPods, cameras, washing machines and burglar alarms.

This course will help you to gain an understanding into how basic electronic systems work. You will be taught about a variety of electronic components and how they work together to create useful circuits.

These include circuits that can detect changes in light, heat or moisture; ideal for designing products such as teenager’s cool automatic night lights, hypothermia alarms for elderly people, bath full alarm, and so on; alarm circuitry designs will enable you to create novelty bedroom alarms and bicycle alarms; digital electronic design construction will help you develop simple games and counters.

12

The course is classed as a practical science and does require a level of mathematics for calculations based on circuit values. Formulae will be provided in the final examination and you are allowed to use a calculator to answer questions. If you find mathematics very difficult this may not be the most suitable course for you and you are advised to look at the other Technology courses available.

It is an ideal subject for those interested in learning more about how products function or working in the field of electronics, electronic engineering or training as an electrician.

Graphic Products (GCSE) Graphic Products is a course that is all about design using formal industrial drawings-such as orthographic projection, isometric projection, planometric projection and oblique projection which might not mean very much to you at the moment, but by the end of the course you will you be able to understand these types of drawings and be able to produce your own. Knowledge of them is essential if you want to move into the field of design or architecture in any industry or place of work.

Developing skills in computer aided design is a key skill that will be developed. You will learn how to use programs such as ProDesktop, Sketch-up, 2D Design and Boxford CADCAM. You will be required to develop both a 2D design and a 3D design product using plastics and card. Past projects include display stands for products, model buildings, packaging, promotional stands and games.

This course is suitable to lead on to the Design and Technology: Product Design courses at AS and A2 level. This course is ideal for those who enjoy drawing or would like to work in the field of product design or architecture.

1 Point Perspective

Orthographic Isometric

2 Point Perspective

Planometric

13

Resistant Materials (GCSE) This course is concerned with the designing and making of products using a range of resistant materials such as wood, metal and plastics. The skills you have already gained in KS3 will be further developed and involve a range of new experiences in working, fabricating and joining materials. You will become competent in the use of handtools and machines such as lathes, pillar drills, milling machines, buffing wheels, CNC router and lathe.

Computer aided design will be a key aspect of your work in developing a marketable product that can be mass produced. The choice of product will be entirely up to you. Past products include the making of CD or DVD storage systems, small chairs, display stands, trophies for sports, bike maintenance stands, magazine racks, small tables and children’s toys.

This course is ideal for those who enjoy working with materials and being able to make or fix products which is both rewarding and saves money. The course is also excellent for those planning to work in construction or engineering.

GCSE ECONOMICS Why is the price of an iPhone 6 in the USA £80 and in the UK £480? Why do we spend £159bn of tax payers’ money on benefits?

Why do we allow people to smoke when it kills 450,000 every year?

Do you think you could do a better job of running our country than the current government?

Are we in a recession? What caused the UK ‘Credit Crunch’? How can we get unemployed people back into work? Should we spend more on education or healthcare? Should we pull out of the EU? These are the questions on the Nation’s lips.

Economics is a versatile subject that can help you in a number of careers. Not only could you find yourself working for big corporations, banks or the government but your qualification in economics could also be valuable support in any career like marketing, law, journalism, teaching and many more! A more serious reason for studying economics is that it helps you realise when politicians are talking nonsense!

Entry Requirements: Economics is a demanding course. You will need to have good Maths and English skills as well as an interest in the news and current affairs.

A qualification in Economics will open doors for you at the top universities as well as in your future career.

GCSE FRENCH Why study a language?

If you enjoy communicating with other people, finding out how language works and learning about different countries and cultures, continuing with your language to GCSE level is an excellent choice for you!

14

You will learn to understand a lot more of the language when you hear it or read it and be able to say and write a lot more in it. But there are many other reasons for taking a language: You will be able to share your interests, ideas and opinions with other people who speak the language.

You will learn about the countries where the language is spoken.

You will add an international dimension to your choice of GCSE subjects, which is something many future employers and higher education providers look for.

You will learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of future careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, being confident about speaking in public, using problem-solving strategies, etc.

You will create greater opportunities for yourself to work abroad, or for companies in the UK with international links.

You will also be able to take part in a trip to France and, if you choose, in an Exchange visit with a French school.

What do I need to know, or be able to do?

Because you have studied French for 2 years or more already, you’re well prepared to continue with it to GCSE. You already know a lot of the vocabulary and grammar you’ll need for GCSE. You know how to talk about yourself, your family and friends, your hobbies, where you live, school, holidays, food and drink. You’ll build on these topics during your GCSE course, as well as moving on to new topics. So you’re already part way there!

How will I be assessed?

You will take controlled assessments in Speaking and Writing. You will know the tasks in advance and have time in lessons to prepare them.

In Reading and Listening you will do an examination at either Foundation or Higher level.

GCSE GEOGRAPHY Geography will help to prepare you for life in modern society. The GCSE course will equip you with many important skills and areas of knowledge and understanding relevant to your present and future life. You will follow 4 separate units each worth 25% of your total mark.

1. Dynamic Planet – Physical component including topics such as volcanoes, rivers and climate change and thinking about the impacts these can have on human life (1 hour 15 minute exam).

2. Making geographical decisions – Exam is based on issues around sustainable development and environmental issues. Students are issued a resource booklet in their exam which is based on themes such as the Olympics (1½ hour exam).

3. People and the Planet – Human component including issues such as consuming resources, development issues and globalisation (1¼ hour exam).

4. Researching Geography – A trip takes place where fieldwork is completed and a written report is completed in class, such as river studies in the Peak District.

Geography GCSE makes the best possible use of your abilities. Students who study Geography develop skills which will make them employable including: communication, social, economic and environmental awareness, problem solving, teamwork and flexible thinking.

There are lots of new and interesting issues and ideas to be explored in GCSE Geography and 15

lots of places around the world to study. It is also part of the English Baccalaureate. Hope to see you there!

HAIR & BEAUTY This course is a great way to learn and experience a broad overview of techniques used in the Hairdressing and Beauty industries.

It includes introductions to:       

Health and Safety Tools and equipment Skincare Nail care Manicures Make up Hairdressing

You will build up a base of knowledge, and develop a range of practical skills, needed to begin working towards a career in the Hair and Beauty professions.

You will also build up a portfolio of evidence, which, along with the practical assessments will make up your City and Guilds qualification.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE The course is made up of two core units, one of which is externally assessed. Students may then choose a specialist unit which enables you to study particular areas in more depth.

If you want to get a job straight away you could work and train in:    

Registered care homes Hospitals and primary care trusts Nursing homes Health centres

All units are assessed and graded and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded. The course is NQF accredited and is 1 GCSE worth.

GCSE HISTORY History is one of the most thrilling, fascinating and thought provoking subjects that you can take. You will be taught how to organise your knowledge, develop your extended writing skills and how to analyse sources at a high level. There will also be a strong focus on improving your ability to communicate your thoughts effectively.

You will study four areas: 1. The Vietnam War We will look at why the USA got involved in Vietnam in the first place, what kinds of weapons and tactics were used, why there was so much anti-war sentiment and why the USA lost the war against Communism in Vietnam. This will be examined by a controlled assessment in class.

16

2. The American West We will be analysing who the Plains Indians were and the impact that white settlers had on them as well as looking at the ‘Hollywood’ image of the cowboys and whether it was merited. This will be assessed by an exam.

3. Medicine Through Time This covers a range of areas, including treatments and ideas about diseases from the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, the Medieval Period and the Modern Age. The topic is complemented by a trip to the Thackray Medicine Museum in Leeds and is assessed by an examination.

4. The Development of Surgery This more gory part of the course concentrates on how surgery has developed from Prehistory to become the hi-tec and highly skilled profession that it is today. The topic is complemented by a trip to St. Thomas’s Old Operating Theatre in London and assessed by a source based examination.

BTEC HOSPITALITY This is a relatively new course which is being offered to take advantage of the world class teaching kitchen facilities we have in the Academy. It is a level 2 qualification which will consist of 6 units for the BTEC First Diploma (equivalent to 4 GCSEs) and 3 of the units below for the BTEC First Certificate (equivalent to 2 GCSEs). The course has been designed by the catering and hospitality industry to help develop skills required for good customer relations as well as good cookery and service skills for those wishing to enter the hospitality sector. The topics covered are: 1. Exploring the Hospitality Industry – looking at:  Customer Relations in Hospitality  Safety in Hospitality  Planning and running a hospitality event 2. Basic culinary skills 3. Serving food and drink

GCSE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Candidates study a range of ICT systems, as used in the home, at school, and in society. Candidates need to be aware of current and emerging technologies and the impact that advances in technology may have on themselves and others.

Edexcel GCSE in ICT Unit 1: Living in a Digital World (single award) In this unit, students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. They learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and wellbeing and on the move). They develop an awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice.

17

Unit 2: Using Digital Tools (single award) This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts. They learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.

Unit 3: Digital Design (double award) In this unit, students explore the design of interactive digital products such as websites, computer games and databases. They learn how to interpret and produce design documentation. They investigate the properties of different types of digital content and features of the user interface. They develop a knowledge and understanding of the legal, and other, constraints on the production and use of digital content.

Unit 4: Creating Digital Products (double award) This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts. They learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice

GCSE LEISURE & TOURISM Leisure & tourism is worth 2 GCSE’s and looks at different aspects of modern society. The GCSE course will equip you with many important skills and areas of knowledge and understanding relevant to your present and future life. You will follow 4 separate units of work throughout the 3 year course.

1. The Leisure & tourism industry- In this unit we look at the industry and different businesses within the industry. We will also look at different tourist destinations around the world (1 hour exam worth 20% of the course).

2. Sales, promotion & operations in the industry- Here we will look at operations used by various organisations & the promotional materials used by different organisations.

(Assessed by a written report in class worth 30% of the course).

3. The leisure & tourism environment – This unit will look at tourist destinations & the impact tourism has on the environment. We will also look at sustainability & why the industry needs to be sustainable. (1 hour exam worth 20%).

4. Customers & employment in the industry – This unit looks at attractions and leisure facilities from the local to the global scale. We will analyse the differing customer needs that tourists require and the various employment opportunities available.

GCSE Leisure & Tourism makes the best possible use of your abilities. Students will develop skills such as: communication, problem solving, teamwork and flexible thinking. There are lots of new and interesting issues to be explored from your local environment to the global scale.

GCSE MEDIA STUDIES Are you interested in Film, Television, Magazines, Newspapers and Popular Music?

Are you intrigued to find out how these industries work, how they create their products and how they persuade us to buy them?

18

Do you have an imaginative and creative mind and think you would enjoy the hands on experience of creating your own media products?

Then why not enjoy doing something different and consider Media Studies?

During the course you will gain knowledge of the media, develop your analytical skills and then design your own media products. You might design a new CD cover, create your own film trailer, produce your own magazine, create your own advertisement and much more!

The course is assessed through 60% coursework and 40% examination (which is a pre-seen exam). So, if you enjoy being creative, thinking outside the box and would like to learn more about how the media works and influences our lives, then this might just be the course for you!

MUSIC Think of your normal day when do you first hear music who composed it, who performed it, who recorded it, who publicised it, who manufactured it, who financed it, who promoted it, who designed the graphics, etc...etc.….

If you are interested in any of the above, simply love music or enjoyed music lessons in year 7 & 8, then maybe a course in music is for you.

BTEC Extended First Certificate equivalent to 2 GCSEs grades A* - C  GCSE Music With commitment, hard work and dedication each student should achieve the minimum of 2 GCSEs Grades A* - C following the BTEC route. Alongside this, students with previous music experience or showing exceptional skills will be invited to further develop their qualifications to take an additional GCSE. Both courses cover a wide range of academic, creative and social skills and students considering a career in Performing Arts or working closely with others would benefit.

The BTEC course consists of: • Composition (‘how to do it’ and one final piece) 33% • Performing (a number of recorded performances on any instrument) 33% • Coursework folder on knowledge and understanding of different types of music.33% The GCSE Music course consists of: • • •

Composition (2 compositions of differing styles) 20% Performing (2 recorded performances on any instrument) 20% Listening Exam based on 12 set works from classical to rock. 40%

GCSE PERFORMING ARTS SINGLE AWARD- DANCE GCSE Dance (60% Coursework 40% Exam) GCSE Performing Arts – Dance Specialism (100% coursework assessed through performance and portfolio work)



19

Both courses require commitment, hard work and dedication. Students will experience a range of Dance workshops, techniques and performances, developing both their technical and expressive skills along the way. Students will be required to keep detailed records of their work and actively participate in a range of creative tasks both as a soloist and a company member.

Students will also be required to attend theatre visits during their two year course in order to support their studies.

Both courses cover a wide range of academic, personal and social skills and students considering a career in Performing Arts or working closely with others would benefit

GCSE PERFORMING ARTS 48801 SINGLE AWARD- DRAMA Content is 100% coursework assessed through performance and portfolio work.

Our aim in Performing Arts is to give candidates the opportunity to experience the performing arts industry in a meaningful context through active participation in performance work.

Candidates will develop a responsible approach to their learning and development of performing arts skills through a structured programme of study.

To give candidates the opportunity to study a wide range of performance, design, technical and management skills relating to the performing arts industry and realise them in production.

Give candidates the opportunity to be innovative and experiment within a range of performing arts disciplines.

You will be expected to have experience of more than one performing arts discipline: Acting using vocal skills, movement skills, improvisation and script work.

Lighting setting up a lighting rig for a performance Mask work identifying the dramatic possibilities for the inclusion of masks.

Make up design and apply make up for one of the characters in a performance.

Working as a production team to realise a performance.

Costume design for a character in a performance.

Stage management for a performance.

Front of house for a performance.

Marketing and publicity for a performance.

During the course you will be expected to visit a performing arts venue to experience a live production.

PHOTOGRAPHY Students will be expected to develop knowledge and understanding of: • the use of light as the most important element in photography • the basis of digital photography, including pixel and digital processing • viewpoint, composition, focus, shutter speed, exposure • the use and qualities of image acquisition hardware and software, and image manipulation and analogies between digital and other forms of photography • the relationships between colour and tone for screen and print-based media • contextual connections between students’ digital work and the work of others, extracting and using meaningful information 20

• the use of a range of source material, software and hardware in the generation and development of ideas.

The course consists of 60% coursework and 40% externally set exam at the end of the course.

GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION Course Subject Content: 40% theory, 60% practical Theory – 40% of final grade (1½ hour exam at the end of year 11) There are several units covered in the theory aspect which include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Exercise and Fitness Training Nutrition and Diet Sports Injuries Skeletal System Muscular System

Practical – 60% of final grade You will be assessed in 4 practical performances during the course. For each of the practical activities you will be marked out of 10.

In the chosen practical activities e.g. football you may be assessed in the following roles:   

Player/performer - how well you perform your chosen activity Coach/leader - how well you can lead others through you chosen activity Referee/official - how well you can officiate you chosen activity

As part of the practical aspect of the course you will have to produce a six week Personal Exercise Plan (PEP) and an Analysis of Performance task.

During year 9, students will also access the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership in order to give them a firm foundation of leadership skills. On completion of voluntary sports leadership throughout years 9, 10 and 11, students can be assessed in leadership and use their levels to boost their practical GCSE PE marks.

PUBLIC SERVICES This is a course offered to students interested in working in the Security and Armed Forces, the Police Service, the Emergency Fire Service or the Prison Service.

It is a Level 2 qualification which will consist of 6 units for the BTEC First Diploma, (equivalent to 4 GCSEs), and of two of the units below for the BTEC First Certificate, (equivalent to 2 GCSEs). It has been set up to provide an opportunity for students to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in the Public Services sector but also for working life in general.

21

The topics covered may include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Uniformed Public Services Employment Public Service Skills Uniformed Public Service Fitness Citizenship, the Individual and Society Land Navigation by Map and Compass Crime and its effects on society Adventurous Activities and Teamwork for the Public Services

22