Year 9 Options Booklet 2025 by St Thomas the Apostle College

Year 9 2025

St Thomas the Apostle Options Brochure

Dear Parents/Carers,

This booklet contains very important information on the curriculum for Key Stage 4, the choices within the options curriculum and details of each subject’s scheme of work leading to GCSE and other qualifications.

Students in Year 9 will know their strengths and weaknesses from reports, assessments and comments from subject staff. It is necessary, therefore, that this self-knowledge is applied to the choices that have to be made by Thursday 5th June. You will use a website called Applicaa to make them. This will not go live until after the options evening in May.

It is essential that every student receives a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum offer at Key Stage 4, to ensure that the progress made at Key Stage 3 is maintained and that the core skills in English and Mathematics are reinforced. I would also take this opportunity to inform you that students achieving 5 9 grades in English Language, Mathematics, two Sciences, History or Geography, and a Modern Foreign Language will qualify for the English Baccalaureate.

Students should also be mindful of the possible progression routes to Post-16 education and, particularly, to the Sixth Form at St Thomas the Apostle College. Advice should, therefore, be sought from form tutors, subject staff and from the careers advice service via email.

Further valuable advice can also be sought from the website where the following information videos have been added:

• Subject information from the Head of Department

• Instructions and advice from Mr Vaughan, Head of Year 9

If you have any questions after reading this booklet about the two pathways or the Options process then please email enquiries@stac.southwark.sch.uk.

Mrs M Woodhead

Associate Assistant Head

The Curriculum at Key Stage 4

The curriculum at Key Stage 4 is designed to meet the needs of all students. Certain subjects are known as Core subjects these are compulsory and will be studied by almost all students. The rest are called Options and students can choose these from a range of academic and vocational subjects.

*PSHCE is delivered through four discrete days during the academic year.

The Options

Students, in consultation with their parents/carers and teachers, can choose which subjects they wish to study in Key Stage 4. Most of these will be subjects studied at Key Stage 3 while others will be new: Business Studies and Economics, for example.

A wide number of factors should be taken into consideration, particularly:

• the level of interest the student has in the subject

• the student’s aptitude for the subject and the likelihood of achieving a high grade in the examination

• the extent to which a subject will be of use to the student’s chosen career pathway.

On 1st May there is an Options Fair, where you will be invited in to discuss the Options subjects further with relevant Heads of Department. You will also receive your son’s report at this options evening.

On W/C 19th May, all Year 9 students will be introduced to the Key Stage 4 curriculum and watch a video from the course leader of each option subject during form time.

In this booklet we have provided an introduction to the Key Stage 4 curriculum and a synopsis of each course provided by the course leader. If you require further information about any of the subjects please do not hesitate to contact the relevant subject leader at enquiries@stac.southwark.sch.uk

The deadline for making options choices is Thursday 5th June. Students will not normally be able to change option choices after this date.

Students will be asked to indicate their 1st and reserve choices for each option block, since some subjects may become over-subscribed or not run due to lack of uptake.

Suggested Option Combinations

Few students at 13 or 14 years old have a clear idea of which higher education course or career path they are going to follow. It is therefore sensible to choose as broad a range of subjects as possible so that a range of options remain for A Level and, later, university courses. However, some students may already be expressing an interest in certain vocational careers and need to know what subjects might be essential.

A well-trained and qualified entrant into higher education needs a broad and balanced programme of study. Factors influencing your choices will include academic ability, subject interest, course content, talent (often linguistic, artistic, sporting, creative) and career implications. It is important not to be tempted to choose a subject because a friend has chosen that subject, or to choose a subject solely because you like the teacher.

Seek guidance from parents/carers and teachers and, having listened to and thought seriously about the advice, choose subjects that complement your strengths, interest you, and provide a sound basis for your future aspirations. Different optional subjects will help you acquire various skills. For example, History and Geography will increase your knowledge and understanding of people and environments of the world, whilst practical and creative communication skills, as well as talent, are central to success in Art, Music, Drama, and Physical Education.

Considerations

• Choose options that reflect your ability, interest and any relevant career path

• Sensible and realistic decisions made now will underpin future success

University places are reliant on outstanding GCSE and A Level results. To study a subject at A Level at St Thomas the Apostle, you will need a minimum grade of a 6 in that subject at GCSE (please note, some subjects have higher grade requirements). If your ambition does not include applying for a place at university, good results in key areas like English and Maths and the standard of five 9 5 grades is still essential to your entrance to college and for employment once you leave school.

Note: many are under the false impression that they need to take GCSE Economics and Computer Science to study these subjects at A Level. This is untrue and students should select subjects that they are going to enjoy and show commitment to.

Option Blocks

Below are the option blocks from which students will make their choices. Students will be asked to indicate their first and reserve preferences from each option block; a reserve choice is required as some subjects may become over-subscribed or cancelled if there is not a high enough uptake.

If a course becomes over-subscribed, students may be allocated their reserve choice. The subject leader will make a decision on who studies an over-subscribed course. Unfortunately, if a course is under-subscribed (i.e. too few students choose it as an option), budget restrictions mean that the course may not run and students’ reserve choice subjects will then be considered.

Students will also be given a route to follow (Blue or Green) to ensure they are choosing subjects that best suited to them.

Key Stage 4 Options

Geography

Performing Arts Acting OCR National Sports Studies

OCR National Sports Studies

Vocational ICT

Business Studies

Computer Science

Design

Performing Arts (Music Technology) Statistics

Learning Pathways

The Option blocks have been designed to allow all students access to a broad, relevant and suitable curriculum offer. Learning pathways are identified within the blocks and should be used as a guide when choosing subject combinations.

Green Route

For students who wish to pursue the more academic route, the following subjects should be considered. Choosing some of these would provide a solid foundation for progression to study A Levels and continued education at university.

A Reserve subject will only need to be chosen in the option block.

Please note that you can only pick one subject from each block and the language you study is effectively chosen for you as you will continue with the language you have taken in year 7.

Blue Route

The following choices would allow for a mixture of academic and vocational courses and allow flexibility on future career paths, ideal for those students who wish to undertake studies which provide a good preparation for the world of work, and/or future post-16 vocational studies and A Levels.

A Reserve subject will be needed in every block..

Please note that you can only pick one subject from each block . Subjects that cannot be chosen in combination are: • Performing Arts Music Technology and Performing Arts Acting • Sports Studies and PE

If you have any queries regarding allowed option combinations please email Enquiries@stac.southwark.sch.uk

Key Dates

Event Deadline

Y9 Options Evening

Parents receive son’s report

Son receives Options Booklet AM Reg 1st May

Students shown subject videos in form

Week Commencing 12th May 2025

Final Deadline for Options Choices 5th June 2025

Students Receive Confirmation Letter 20th June 2025

Important

Between receiving the options booklet and completing the online form, students should be speaking to parents, siblings, teachers and older students regarding the courses they want to do and are best suited for.

A brief description of each KS4 course now follows. There are links on each page but you will only be able to access them through the digital version of this book that will be on the website and sent home via email.

Please contact the relevant subject leader for further information if needed.

English Language and Literature

Faculty: English Subject Leader: Ms Harris

In English, students study for 2 separate GCSEs: English Language and English Literature.

English Language is the slightly more scientific study of how language works in the world while English Literature is about personal responses to texts, showing you understand context, meaning and intent.

In both GCSEs you learn to read fluently, to understand the ways that language works and to shape your own language for different purposes. These are key skills for learning and for life. All exams take place at the end of Year 11 and there is no coursework component for either GCSE; they are both entirely assessed by exam.

Assessment Details – AQA Exam Board

English Language

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints

English Literature

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the Nineteenth Century Novel Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry

The exam board for both subjects is AQA:

WWW.AQA.ORG.UK

Type of exam: Written exam

Time given: 2 exams of 1 hour 45 minutes each

Number of marks– 80 marks for each paper

Type of exam: Written exam

Time given: 1 exam of 1 hour 45 minutes and 1 exam of 2 hours 15 minutes

Number of marks 64 marks for paper 1; 96 marks for paper 2

Mathematics

Faculty: Maths Subject Leader: Mr Mulhern

Mathematics is a group of related sciences, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, concerned with the study of number, quantity, shape, and space and their interrelationships by using a specialized notation.

Mathematics provides a way of viewing and making sense of the world. It is used to analyse and communicate information and ideas and to tackle a range of practical tasks and real life problems

Potential career paths:

• Financial Analysis

• Engineer

• Programmer Maths works well with:

• Physics

• Computing

• Economics

Faculty: Science Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

The course you take in Science ultimately depends upon your Science set. The reasons behind this lie with trying to give every student the time to develop and progress and give them the best chance of achieving the highest grade in Science to enable them to progress onto suitable courses in the future, as well as allowing them to achieve measures like the English Baccalaureate.

If you want to know why studying Science is such a human trait watch this short video here.

To sum up, the final Set placement when your son starts Year 11 is key. Below is a table summarising what courses students complete dependent on their final year 11 set.

Separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics 2-6

Trilogy Combined Science (Higher Award) 7-8

TrilogyCombinedScience (Foundation Award)

Triple Science – Biology – Set 1 (Year 11)

Faculty: Science

GCSE Biology gives you the chance to gain a good understanding of human biology, organisms, evolution and the environment. The course helps put Biology in the context of everyday lives with topics ranging from 'Keeping healthy' to 'Humans and their environment'. The course is based on a series of topics related to the living world and is designed to help you understand how Science can be used to explain the world in which they live and the impact humans have.

Syllabus:https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Medicine

• Environmental / Conservation

• Veterinary Science

BIOLOGY WORKS WELL WITH:

• Chemistry

• Geography

• Physical Education

Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

Triple Science – Chemistry – Set 1

Faculty: Science Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

GCSE Chemistry gives you the opportunity to gain a good understanding of: the nature of substances and how they react together. How Chemistry is used in business and industry and how our use of raw materials in fuels and manufacturing can affect the global and local environment. The course is designed to help you understand how to formulate a scientific approach to understanding and explaining the world and solving problems.

Syllabus https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/ chemistry-8462

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Medicine

• Pharmaceutical Industry

• Chemical Engineering

CHEMISTRY WORKS WELL WITH:

• Biology

• Physics

• Maths

Triple Science – Physics – Set 1

Faculty: Science

GCSE Physics offers you the chance to gain a good understanding of the use and transfer of energy, waves, radiation and space and the application of Physics. The course is designed to give you the tools and concepts you need to be able to construct a scientific approach to solving problems. You will learn to ask and answer questions about the fundamental laws that govern natural phenomena.

Syllabus https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/ physics-8463

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Engineering

• Space Exploration

• Renewable Energy PHYSICS WORKS WELL WITH:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Maths

• Energy

• Electricity

Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

RECOMMENDED READING:

Thing Explainer: Complicated stuff in Simple Words Randall Munroe

Human Universe Brian Cox & Andrew Cohen

Want to know more about Physics. Watch the video below:

What is Physics click Here

Assessment Details – AQA Exam Board

Paper 1:.

What's assessed?

• Particle model of matter

• Atomic structure

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes including;

Multiple Choice questions

Structured questions

Short and Long answer questions

Foundation and Higher Tier

50% of GCSE

Paper 2:

What’s assessed?

• Forces

• Waves

• Magnetism and electromagnetism

• Space physics

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

Multiple Choice questions

Structured questions

Short and Long answer questions

Foundation and Higher Tier

50% of GCSE

Combined Science – Set 2-7

Faculty: Science Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

• Science has something to offer every student, and everyone needs some level of relevant scientific understanding. Trilogy Science qualification allows you to gain a solid knowledge of all aspects of science and will gain you two GCSE qualifications at the end of two years. An important change to the syllabus is the removal of coursework. Science practical skills will now be tested in the examinations (Based on 23 Key Science Investigations). All 3 Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are studied and include a wide range of topics.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Healthcare (Medicine / Dentistry)

• Engineering Pathways

• Research SCIENCE WORKS WELL WITH:

• Maths

• Geography

• Physical Education

RECOMMENDED READING:

Why is Milk White & 200 Other Curious chemistry Questions Alexa Coelho and Simon Field

Kay’s Anatomy : A complete and disgusting guide to the Human Body Adam Kay Thing Explainer: Complicated stuff in Simple Words Randall Munroe

Want to know more about Combined Science. Watch the video below: Why Study Science Click here.

Assessment Details – Combined Science – AQA Exam Board

Syllabus https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Biology (2 papers)

Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes

70 marks

33.3% of GCSE

Chemistry (2 papers)

Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes

70 marks

33.3% of GCSE

Physics (2 papers)

Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes

70 marks

33.3% of GCSE

GCSE Art

Faculty: Art, Design and Technology

This course implies technical drawing, drawing from observation and imagination, experimenting with formal elements to express rational thoughts and transcribe emotions and conceptual ideas.

For two years students will learn: analytical drawing, developing ideas, creating and responding an art brief, experimenting with materials and techniques, recording, observing, annotating, analysing and evaluating their work, as well as finding inspiration, responding to stimuli, setting their own objectives and be able to present their work to a panel to be prepared to face external assessment.

The course provides suggestions for activities and project tasks that enable students to develop their Art knowledge, understanding and skills, to explore sources in a sustained and independent manner in order to realise personal intentions. Students will then be ready to either apply for an apprenticeship in the creative industry or move onto a A-level.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Illustrator / Graphic designer / Artist

• Gallery manager / Museum conservator

• Animator/ Video production

• Concept artist / Video games designer

• Architect / Interior, landscapes designer

• Art instructor / Researcher / Art director

• Tattoo artist / Makeup artist

SUBJECT WORKS WELL WITH:

• Maths

• Sciences

• English literature

• History

Subject Leader: Mrs Kubeyinje

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Ruskin, J., 1857. The Elements of Drawing

• Alberti, L. B., 1450. De picture and De Statua

• Loomis, A., 1951. Successful Drawing

• Klee, P., 1920. On Modern Art

Want to know more about the subject?

Watch the video below:

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?

q=GCSE+art+AQA+video+presentation+&&view=riverview&mmscn=mts c&mid=DE8266FCB589B5916024DE8266FCB589B5916024&&&FORM=V MSOVR

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?

&q=GCSE+art+examples+&&mid=E1B5CC17490AC33B6511E1B5CC1749 0AC33B6511&&FORM=VRDGAR

Assessment Details AQA-ART AND DESIGN

Component unit 1 – Portfolio

Component unit 2- Externally Set Assignment www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206

60% coursework– A portfolio that in total shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realization of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken.

Time given:

Completed throughout the duration of the course of study.

Total number of marks= 96

40% ESA – Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.

Time given:

• Paper issued in January of year 11.– Plan, prepare and develop a body of sketchbook work for A01-3

• 10 hour supervised time to create a sustained personal response (s) inspired by preparatory work

Total number of marks= 96

Business Studies

Faculty: Business and Economics

GCSE Business Studies is a course that is relevant to the world you live in, and to your future.

The course divides neatly over two years. Your studies begin by looking at the world of new and flourishing businesses, the likes of which you see locally, and that most of us deal with day to day. As your business knowledge builds, and your confidence grows, so you begin to study larger and more complex businesses, the largest of which span the globe.

GCSE Business Studies offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the world of business through the investigation of a range of business organisations and concepts. This course is student focused and looks to make sure learners are studying a course that prepares them well for training, employment and

Subject Leader: Ms Eardley

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Investment Banker

• Business Management

• Entrepreneur

BUISINESS WORKS WELL WITH:

• Maths

• Geography

• English

Assessment Details - Business Studies - OCR Exam Board

Business 1: Business Activity, Marketing and People

Business 2: Operations, Finance and Influences on Business What's assessed?

• Business Activity

• Marketing

• People

• Operations

• Finance

• Influences on Business

• The independent nature of business

Computer Science

Faculty: ICT and Computing

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’ s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, that can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

The Computer Science qualifications will value computational thinking, which help you to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Software manager

• Network manager

• App Development

COMPUTER SCIENCE WORKS WELL WITH:

• Maths

• Geography

Subject Leader: Mr Shillingford

Assessment Details - Computer Science OCR Exam Board

Unit 1: Computer Systems

What's assessed?

• Systems Architecture

• Memory

• Storage

• Networks

• Systems security and software

• Moral, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Written Exam:

1hr 30 Minutes

50% of GCSE

Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

What’s assessed?

• Algorithms

• Programming techniques

• Producing robust programs

• Computational logic

• Data representation

• Translators and facilities of languages.

Written Exam:

1hr 30 Minutes

50% of GCSE

Economics

Faculty: Economics Subject Leader: Mr. Oozeerally

Economics is about the world around us. We look at how consumers, businesses and the government make choices in a world full of complex decisions. There has arguably never been a better time to study Economics than now.

GCSE Economics equips candidates with the basic tools of the economist to help them understand their place in and contribution to the local, national and global economy as consumers, workers and citizens. They will be encouraged to investigate a range of contemporary issues, where they will be required to analyse evidence from different perspectives and provide reasoned judgements from them.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Banking and Finance

• Management

• Law ECONOMICS WORKS WELL WITH:

• Geography

• History

• Maths

French

Faculty: Modern Foreign Languages Subject Leader: Ms Ngami

Languages are an exciting challenge that (unlike many other subjects), are seen as an advantage in any career path. It broadens your horizons and encourages you to step beyond familiar cultural boundaries and develop new ways of seeing the world. The course allows students to develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently, listen to and understand speech fluently and respond to authentic material, including literary texts and films. Together with developing language learning skills that equip you for immediate use, further language study, higher education or employment at home or abroad, you will gain skills you can use for life.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Journalism

• Translation /Interpreting

• International organisations LANGUAGES WORKS WELL WITH:

• English

• Economics

• Media Studies

• Humanities

• BTEC

Assessment Details French AQA Exam Board

What's assessed?

Paper 1: Listening 25%, 50 marks (H) 40 marks (F)

Students’ understanding of spoken language will be tested by a range of question types in English, requiring responses in English and French

Foundation 35 Minutes; Higher 45 Minutes

Paper 3: Reading 25%, 60 marks

Questions requiring responses in French or English based on short or longer authentic materials, including literary texts.

Foundation 45 Minutes; Higher 1hr

What’s assessed?

Paper 2: Speaking 25%, 60 marks

A 3 part examination including a picture description, a roleplay and an general conversation.

Foundation 7-9 minutes; Higher 9-12 minutes

Paper 4: Writing 25%, 60 marks

All papers include structured writing tasks and a creative piece, followed by a translation into the target language.

Foundation 1hr; Higher 1hr Minutes

Geography

Faculty: Humanities

GCSE Geography tackles exciting and relevant physical and human topics and investigates the link between them. You will explore case studies in the UK, higher income countries, newly emerging economies and lower income countries. You will be actively encouraged to understand different roles in society by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes. Geographical skills feature throughout all units, including; cartographical, graphical, numerical and statistical skills.

GCSE Geography also requires you to undertake two geographical enquiries, each of which must include the use of primary data, collected as part of fieldtrips.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Disaster Management

• Urban Planner

• Demographer

GEOGRAPHY WORKS WELL WITH:

• Biology

• Economics

• English

• Maths

Subject Leader: Ms Hoper

Assessment Details – Geography AQA Exam Board

Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment Paper 2: Challenges of the Human Environment Paper 3: Geographical Applications

What's assessed?

• The challenge of natural hazards

• The living world

• Physical landscapes in the UK

Written exam: 1hr 30 minutes

88 Marks

35% of GCSE

What’s assessed? What’s assessed?

• Urban issues and challenges

• The changing economic world

• The challenge of resource management

Written exam: 1hr 30 minutes

88 Marks

35% of GCSE

• Decision-making issue

• Geographical fieldwork

• Write-up about two fieldtrips

Written exam: 1hr 30 Minutes

76 Marks

30% of GCSE

Music

Faculty: Expressive Arts Subject Leader: Mrs McKnight

Music is for those students who are passionate about composing and performing music and who wish to deepen their love, knowledge and understanding of music through learning about a wide variety of music from different times, and cultures. There are 2 courses available and both are engaging and challenging, requiring both creativity and discipline.

All Music students will have discounted individual lessons on their chosen instrument in preparation for the performing component and use music technology for the composing . Music production component of the exam.

In addition to class-based study, there are opportunities to go on trips and attend workshops to support learning. . Examples of these have been studio visits and orchestra

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Performance, Composition and Production

• Studio Engineering

• Journalism, Media, Television and Radio

• Teaching and Facilitation

• Music Therapy

• Music Management and Promotion

• A music qualification can work towards any career and shows a well rounded set of skills

MUSIC WORKS WELL WITH:

• Anything! It compliments subjects across the board.

Assessment Details Music

Performing

What's assessed?

• Solo Performance (50%)

• Ensemble Performance (50%) OR

• Remix of a track of your choice on Logic Pro X

Coursework: Ongoing

30% of Qualification

Composing

What’s assessed?

• 2 original compositions written for Logic or any instrument OR

• 1 free choice any genre produced on Logic Pro X

Coursework: Ongoing

30% of Qualification

External Assessment

What’s assessed?

• An exam based on listening to familiar and unfamiliar music OR

• A project based on a real life scenario in music production

Written Exam: 1hr 45 Minutes

40% of GCSE

Design & Technology

Faculty: Art, Design and Technology

Students have the option to make further progress within the design sector, through continuing to do ‘Design and Technology’ at GCSE. Students will recall, practice and perfect design and making skills to achieve high quality/ marketable products. Specialist knowledge and technical principles, in one specialist material area is a must for all KS4 students: Wood, metal, plastic, textiles, paper, card or board. They must choose one specific material to specialise in, which will give them the foundation knowledge required for the final non-exam assessment and written exam. This course has been designed to enable testing and experimentation throughout the design and make process, with a great emphasis on building a broad knowledge and understanding on a wide range of materials. Rapid prototyping, model making and design development using CAD (computer aided design skills), will be the central focus during these final units of work. Students will become, iterative and innovative in their approach to solving real life problems and in planning successful solutions, hence becoming more confident working across the many materials, techniques and processes taught within this curriculum. Students will refine their designing and manufacturing skills, ready to develop further at A-Level (KS5) or in an apprenticeship program within the design field. All GCSE students will need to re-cap and revise all key knowledge and theory from prior KS3 and KS4 learning. Past exam papers are incorporated throughout this scheme of work to ensure that students are successful in the final exam, where a vast amount of knowledge is also gained through focused practical tasks and design/make assignments throughout this course.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Architect, Product designer, Aeronautical engineer, Construction builder, Roof mechanic, Mechanical engineer, Toy engineer, Costume designer, Interior designer, Book illustrator, Set designer, Electrician, Plumber, Fashion designer, Upholsterer and Game designer.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY LINKS WITH:

Mathematics, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Business studies and Sociology.

Subject Leader: Mrs Kubeyinje

RECOMMENDED READING:

Hodder education AQA GCSE Design & Technology

CGP GCSE Design & Technology books and revision guides

Iconic Product Design: An Illustrated History of the World's Most Innovative Devices

‘Designer, maker, user’ (author: Phaidon) www.technologystudent.com www.mrdt.com

www.jambledt.com

Assessment Details — AQA Exam Board

Specification: GCSE Design and Technology Specification 8552

Unit 1: Written Paper (50%)

What's assessed?

• Core technical principles

• Specialist technical principles

• Designing and making principles

• At least 15% of the exam will assess maths

• At least 10% of the exam will assess science

Written exam: 2 hours

2 hours • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE

Unit 2: Design and Making Practice (50%)

What’s assessed?

Students will need to design and make a prototype that fulfils its purpose and meets the needs of the intended users. This will involve students producing a portfolio of design work that records investigations, planning, design ideas, models, drawings, developments, manufacturing techniques and the final product being tested against the user and focus group.

Non-exam assessment (NEA)

30–35 hours approx. • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE

Statistics

Faculty: Maths Subject Leader: Mr Mulhern

Statistics is the practice or science of collecting and analysing numerical data in large quantities, especially for the purpose of inferring proportions in a whole from those in a representative sample.

It provides a way of viewing and making sense of the data. It is used to analyse and communicate information and ideas and to tackle a range of practical tasks and real life problems

Potential career paths:

• Financial Analysis

• Actuary

• Programmer Statistics works well with:

• Geography

• Maths

• Economics

Vocational/Alternative Qualifications

As mentioned earlier in this booklet, GCSEs are not always suitable for every student. Sometimes they need a more vocational qualification where they can pick up skills, complete a larger proportion of coursework and be examined less. All these qualifications are worth the equivalent of one GCSE.

At St Thomas the Apostle we offer the following vocational courses:

• Cambridge National Certificate in ICT

• Cambridge National Certificate in Sports Studies

• Eduqas Level1/Level 2 Performing Arts Music/Music Technology Pathway

• Eduqas Level1/Level 2 Performing Arts Acting Pathway

These courses are only available if you are on the Blue route

Cambridge Nationals in IT

Faculty: ICT and Computing

Vocational IT is the same size as a GCSE. The course provides you with essential ICT knowledge, transferable ICT skills and tools for everyday use which aim on enhancing your employability when you leave education, contributing to your personal development and future economic wellbeing.

The qualification will allow learners the freedom to explore more deeply the things that interest them as well as providing good opportunity to enhance their learning in a range of curriculum areas.

The course will take the form an exam and centre assessments where the focus will be on creating business solutions using ICT and creating multimedia products for the digital media sector.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Software and Hardware Technician

• Network Administrator

IT WORKS WELL WITH:

• Maths

• Business Studies

Subject Leader: Mr Shillingford

RECOMMENDED READING:

Steve Jobs: Insanely Great Jessie Hartland

Alan Turing: The Enigma - Andrew Hodges

Assessment Details Pearson Exam Board

Unit 1 - IT in the Digital World

What's assessed?

In this unit you will learn about design tools for applications, principles of human computer interfaces and the use of data and testing in different contexts when creating IT solutions or products.

You will understand the uses of Internet of Everything and the application of this in everyday life, cyber-security and legislations related to the use of IT systems, and the different types of digital communications software, devices, and distribution channels.

Externally assessed exam 38% of Course

Unit 3 Using augmented reality to present information

What's assessed?

In this unit you will learn the basics of Augmented Reality (AR) and the creation of a model prototype product to showcase how it can be used appropriately for a defined target audience to present information.

Centre assessed tasks 32% of Course

Unit 2 – Data manipulation using spreadsheets

What’s assessed?

In this unit you will learn the skills to be able to plan and design a spreadsheet solution to meet client requirements. You will be able to use a range of tools and techniques to create a spreadsheet solution based on your design, which you will test. You will be able to evaluate your solution based on the user requirements.

Centre assessed tasks 32% of Course

Cambridge National Sports Studies

Faculty: Sports

All students will study two, mandatory, topics. The first topic of study is on contemporary issues in sport. This topic covers: issues relating to participation levels, role of high-profile sporting events and the role of national governing bodies in sport and their impact on wider society. The second topic of study is on developing sports skills. Students will learn how to: develop their skills and techniques and improve their use of tactics and strategies in an individual and in a team sporting activity apply different practice methods to improve their performance officiate in a sporting activity, in a number of different roles.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

• Sports Coaching

• Sports Journalist

SPORTS STUDIES WORKS WELL WITH:

• Geography

• English

Subject Leader: Mr Reynolds

Performing Arts—Acting Pathway

Faculty: Expressive Arts Subject Leader: Mr Anderson

Vocational Performing Arts is a route into the theatre, film and television industries suitable for those who are interested in creating engaging performances. The course, assessed at Level 2, gives a deep insight into the industry and how it works allowing students to gain a practical knowledge of the industry. The course is divided into three areas which aim to mirror work undertaken by professional creatives. As such, students are required to be organised and mature in their approach to their studies and attend several evening theatre visits organised by the school as well as independently.

A commitment to performance and creating theatre is essential for this course and confidence to perform in front of an audience is essential. There are no other requirements than a passion for performance and a keen interested in developing Drama skills with an open and creative mind.

Assessment Details

Unit 1 Performing

(30% - Internally Assessed)

In this unit you will gain knowledge and understanding of the skills and techniques needed to reproduce an existing piece of professional work. You will workshop, rehearse and refine scenes from a published play. You will perform this in front of a live audience, then watch back your performance and evaluate the piece and the rehearsal process.

Progression Routes

The UK’s creative industries, including theatre and performing arts, are growing at almost twice the rate of the wider UK economy. Government statistics show that there are now 1.9 million jobs across the creative industries in the UK with most of them being located in London. These jobs include actors, play/screen writers, producers, directors, technicians, agents and casting directors. On completion of Vocational Performing Arts, students may decide to study Performing Arts at Level 3. Students would be best placed to undertake work experience, internships and apprenticeships in the theatre, film or television industries.

Vocational Performing Arts Eduqas Exam Board

Unit 2 Creating (30% - Internally Assessed)

In this unit you will gain, develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the skills and techniques needed to create original work. Working from a brief you will devise a performance as a group. Over a number of weeks you will rehearse and refine your piece and then perform this in front of a live audience. You will watch back the performance and evaluate the piece and the process.

Unit 3 Performing Arts in Practice (40% - Externally Assessed)

This unit introduces you to areas of the performing arts that need to be considered when responding to an industry commission. You will extend your knowledge from both Unit 1 and Unit 2, and be involved in the production of a performing arts event, showcasing your skills. You will ’pitch’ your idea in front of a panel in order to secure funding for your performance idea.

Subject Notes

Art

Business

Computer Science

Drama

Economics

Geography

History

Citizenship

Year 9 Options Booklet 2025

Year 9 2025

St Thomas the Apostle Options Brochure

The Curriculum at Key Stage 4

The Options

Suggested Option Combinations

Considerations

Option Blocks

Key Stage 4 Options

Learning Pathways

Green Route

Blue Route

Key Dates

Event Deadline

English Language and Literature

Faculty: English Subject Leader: Ms Harris

RECOMMENDED READING: POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Assessment Details – AQA Exam Board

Mathematics

Faculty: Maths Subject Leader: Mr Mulhern

Faculty: Science Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

Triple Science – Biology – Set 1 (Year 11)

Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

RECOMMENDED READING:

Triple Science – Chemistry – Set 1

Faculty: Science Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

RECOMMENDED READING:

Triple Science – Physics – Set 1

Faculty: Science

Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

Assessment Details – AQA Exam Board

Combined Science – Set 2-7

Faculty: Science Subject Leader: Ms Valentine

GCSE Art

Faculty: Art, Design and Technology

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Subject Leader: Mrs Kubeyinje

Want to know more about the subject?

Assessment Details AQA-ART AND DESIGN

Business Studies

Faculty: Business and Economics

Subject Leader: Ms Eardley

RECOMMENDED READING:

Assessment Details - Business Studies - OCR Exam Board

Computer Science

Faculty: ICT and Computing

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Subject Leader: Mr Shillingford

RECOMMENDED READING:

Assessment Details - Computer Science OCR Exam Board

Economics

Faculty: Economics Subject Leader: Mr. Oozeerally

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

RECOMMENDED READING:

French

Faculty: Modern Foreign Languages Subject Leader: Ms Ngami

RECOMMENDED READING:

Assessment Details French AQA Exam Board

Geography

Faculty: Humanities

Subject Leader: Ms Hoper

RECOMMENDED READING:

Assessment Details – Geography AQA Exam Board

Music

Faculty: Expressive Arts Subject Leader: Mrs McKnight

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

RECOMMENDED READING

Assessment Details Music

Design & Technology

Faculty: Art, Design and Technology

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

Subject Leader: Mrs Kubeyinje

Statistics

Faculty: Maths Subject Leader: Mr Mulhern

Potential career paths:

Recommended reading:

Vocational/Alternative Qualifications

Cambridge Nationals in IT

Faculty: ICT and Computing

Subject Leader: Mr Shillingford