Year 9
10
Learning Pathways
Which direction will you choose?
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Year 10 Learning Pathways All Students in Year 10 will study the core Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (Choose from - Geography, History, Travel and Tourism), ICT and Physical Education. In addition to these core areas students will also choose to study the courses that they are most interested in from the Year 9 Learning Pathways. Instructions Read this information booklet carefully Make sure you read about all the courses on offer
Look at how many lessons you will be studying it for Discuss the choices that you are interested in with your parents Talk to the teachers form that Learning Area Discuss your ideas with your Learning Guide Do not choose subjects just because your friends are doing them Attend the Pathway evening on the 10th March If you have started a GCSE in year 9 you MUST complete this in year 10 Once you have thought about the options that are available, you will need to make a final choice of the subjects you would like to do next year. Choose:
Three Pathways And Your choice of subject in Humanities
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Blocks You can choose one subject only from each block, remember that you if you are currently doing the first year of a GCSE you MUST continue this next year. The blocks are as follows:
Year 2 You must choose These if you have Already started
Year 1 - GCSE
Block 1 ICT
Block 2 Public Services Construction History Media Resistant Materials ICT Applied Art iMedia (L2)
Music Textiles Child Development Art Applied Art Drama iMedia (L2)
Drama Business GCSE PE Psychology COPE
Public Services Spanish 1 Year course
Block 3 Resistant materials
ICT Applied Art Spanish PE Child Development French Catering Philosophy and Applied Ethics Media Organisations and Business
Humanities: You will need to choose one of the following 3 subjects: Geography GCSE History GCSE (do not choose this if you are doing it in the pathways) Travel and Tourism BTEC Note: RE is available in the pathways entitled Philosophy and Applied Ethics
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Year 9 Learning Pathway Courses
Public Services - BTEC (Equivalent to 2 GCSE’s) Child Development GCSE Media – GCSE Catering - GCSE ICT – OCR (equivalent to GCSE) French – GCSE Spanish - GCSE Art and Design GCSE Psychology – GCSE Philosophy and Applied Ethics – GCSE Business Studies – GCSE COPE Drama – GCSE Music – GCSE Physical Education – GCSE Textiles Technology GCSE Art and Design – GCSE Applied Art and Design - GCSE Modern World History - GCSE Geography – GCSE Travel and Tourism – BTEC Organisations and Business iMedia
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BTEC First in Public Services
What you will do The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success when moving towards a career in the uniformed services, for example, Police, Emergency Fire Services, Prison Service, Security or Armed Services. It will allow learners to investigate the uniformed services — what they are, what do people who work for them do, what careers are available to them. There is no formal written examination; students will be assessed entirely through practical or written assignments. Subject content includes:
Why choose the pathway This pathway is ideal for those students who have an interest in learning more about the public services, or, those who are considering a future career in the public services. Students will: -
identify the service that most appeals to them develop understanding of those people that work in the public services learn a variety of communication skills provide opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life
The Future This pathway will provide opportunities for students to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in the public service sector or to progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as the Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National in Public Services. People with this qualification can naturally look to work in a variety of jobs within the uniformed and non-uniformed public services. However, many of the skills obtained are universal and relevant to other job sectors as well.
Who should choose the pathway It is expected that students should be working at a minimum of Level 4a or above in ICT and English. This is due to the heavy assessment of computer processed work and the requirement for effective evaluation. Students should also demonstrate good motivation and commitment to their studies.
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Child Development – BTEC
What you will do This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of Child Development. Topics covered in this course include: Parenthood and Pregnancy; Physical Development; Nutrition and Health; Intellectual, Social and Emotional Development; The Family and Community; Safety Issues.
Why choose the pathway
To increase your knowledge and understanding of human needs, how individuals and groups interact, and the influence of the social, cultural, and economic factors. The course will look into technological changes in child care and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) you will also touch on some scientific developments. Develop the skills of decision making and problem solving.
The future This course will help you develop the skills you will require to do a level 2 course in Child Care or Social Health and Development. There are many future careers in this field including: Nursery Nurse, School teachers, Social Work and Nursing. It could open many doors into a wide range of careers and also help with managing your own family in the future.
Who should choose the pathway Year 10 Child Development is open to all students (Boys and Girls). You should be motivated and feel able to work alongside young children.
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GCSE Media
What you will do In Media Learning Pathway, students will start working towards a Media Studies GCSE. Students will learn various technical words and terms to enable them to interpret and make comments about various mediums of communication (media), such as film and advertising. Students will focus on developing key analytical skills to be able to critically discuss the media. Students will be assessed by a mixture of coursework and exams. Assignments will be split into three parts: a research/theory task, a practical element and then a third section which assesses your analytical skills. For example, you may study various magazines and theories of audience and then go on to create your own magazine, before analysing and evaluating your finished product. Why choose the pathway? This course requires a high level of analytical ability and use of language is required to do well on the course. You will find that Media is an enjoyable and relevant subject, in today’s ‘media driven’ world. A GCSE in Media will give students a number of real advantages. Students will: improve their career chances (jobs in the media are sought after and it is a very competitive industry) learn important communication skills develop other transferable skills, including a range of technical and analytical skills. Increase their ability to respond to the Media elements of their English GCSE successfully. The Future There are incredible opportunities for students who complete a GCSE in Media. Students who complete GCSE Media will be able to start AS and A2 Level Media. Many universities now offer students a range of degree courses that involve different elements of the Media. Employers recognise that learning about the Media helps to develop skills in general, e.g. communication, summarizing, ICT skills and is a very relevant subject in today’s world. Who should choose Media Year 9 Media Learning Pathways is open to students who have level 6+ in English. This is a new subject for all students, but the ability to work independently, creatively and to organise yourself is essential, as is an interest in the different forms of media.
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Catering - GCSE
What you will do? This course offers an unique opportunity for you to develop your knowledge and extend your catering skills in a vocational (work related) context.
Why choose the pathway You will get the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills within in catering in a vocational context and to be better prepared for the world of work. You will get the opportunity to work in one of the biggest industry in the world. You are also choosing this pathway to learn many transferable skills which will help your overall school career. These include the use of ICT, Planning and managing time, Problem solving, Communication skills, costing, budgeting Numeracy as well as working with others.
The Future Career opportunities are very extensive in the field of food including: chef, dietician, caterer, environmental health officer, food chemist, food consultant, food stylist, food photographer, home economist, hotel and restaurant manager, marketing and advertising executive, health professional, farmer, microbiologist, nutritionist, recipe developer, teacher, working in food magazines, radio and television.
Who should choose Catering? Do you enjoy preparing and serving food? Can you work well on your own and in groups with others? Do you want to learn more about issues relating to the catering industry? Do you like experimenting with food ingredients? Do you enjoy trips in and trips out? If your answer is yes to most of the above, then this course is for you. Please note that you can choose this course even if you are not currently studying food technology as a learning pathway.
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ICT OCR National
What you will do In Year 9 ICT Learning Pathways students will start working towards an OCR Nationals in ICT Level 2. This qualification is equivalent to 1-4 GCSE (A* - C). OCR Nationals in ICT relate directly to the expectations of employers, recognising learners’ skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT functions, environments and operations. Students will cover a number of topics ranging from working as a team in business and desktop publishing to creating animation for the Web using ICT, and cartooning and animation. The course is 100% coursework based; you will be given tasks to do in small manageable chunks. The course is done entirely electronically and you will submit all the work you do by eportfolio. All students are expected to have a memory stick to back up their work. A computer at home with internet access is helpful but not essential as students can use ICT room computers at lunchtimes, before and after school for coursework. Why choose the pathway To keep ahead of the increasing change in ICT. Students will:
Gain relevant workplace skills and techniques to keep them one step ahead in a highly competitive market Be kept up to date with changes in technology Cover essential skills for the modern workplace, such as organisation and file management, downloading from the internet, using spreadsheets and database management They have also been designed to help candidates to develop their personal skills in the areas of team working, career planning, communication and problem solving.
The Future People with ICT can work in almost any job and industry, including: banking, Public utilities, the leisure industry, defence, retail trade, engineering, software engineering and consultancy, teaching and research, management and IT consultancy, web designers, graphic artists, multimedia producers, animators, sound designers, storyboards.
Who should choose ICT Year 9 ICT Learning Pathways is suitable for all students and abilities, no formal qualifications. Students simply need basic ICT skills.
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GCSE French
What you will do In Year 9 French Learning Pathways students will start working towards a French GCSE. Students will learn to understand and express themselves in a range of reallife situations. Students will focus on developing four key skills in French: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will be assessed by a mixture of controlled work in the Academy (similar to coursework) as well as 2 final exams.
Why choose the pathway French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and a GCSE in French will give students a number of real advantages. Students will:
improve their career chances (language graduates are amongst the most sought after graduates from university) learn important communication skills develop other transferable skills including a range of technical skills and also life-skills such as independence and resilience increase their opportunities of working and travelling abroad
The Future Students who complete GCSE French will be able to start AS and A2 Level French. Many of the top universities now expect students applying for a range of courses to have studied a Modern Foreign Language. Students who study languages do not just become translators. There is an almost limitless range of industries for people with language skills. Employers recognise that learning languages helps to develop skills in general communication, summarizing, proof-reading, cultural awareness, independence and many other areas. People with languages can work in almost any job and industry, including: Finance, Language services, Pharmaceuticals, Technology, Journalism, New Media, Engineering, Social & Civil Services, Education, Travel and tourism…
Who should choose French Year 9 French Learning Pathways is open to all students, including both those who have studied French in Year 8 and those who have not. However, students who have not been learning French in Year 8 should be confident that they will be motivated and able to work alongside students who have had the extra year of study.
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Spanish GCSE What you will do Students will learn to understand and express themselves in a range of real-life situations. Students will focus on developing four key skills in Spanish: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will be assessed by a mixture of controlled work in the Academy (similar to coursework) as well as 2 final exams. It is expected that students will have the opportunity to go to Spain to put into place the language they have learnt in lessons.
Why choose the pathway Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world, behind Mandarin and Hindi. There are more Spanish speakers than English speakers, by conservative estimates, well over four-fifths of the world's population does not speak English. Spanish is spoken in 21 countries around the world. A GCSE in Spanish will give students a number of real advantages. Students will: improve their career chances (language graduates are amongst the most sought after graduates from university) learn important communication skills develop other transferable skills including a range of technical skills and also life-skills such as independence and resilience increase their opportunities of working and travelling abroad
The Future Students who complete GCSE Spanish will be able to start AS and A2 Level Spanish. Many of the top universities now expect students applying for a range of courses to have studied a Modern Foreign Language. People with languages can work in almost any job and industry, including: Finance, Language services, Pharmaceuticals, Technology, Journalism, New Media, Engineering, Social & Civil Services, Education, Travel and tourism…
Who should choose Spanish Year 9 Spanish Learning Pathways is open to all students, including both those who have studied Spanish in Year 8 and those who have not. However, students who have not been learning Spanish in Year 8 should be confident that they will be motivated and able to work alongside students who have had the extra year of study.
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GCSE Psychology
What you will do Students will learn a variety of topics over two years – Making Sense of Other People and Understanding Other People. Students will have an opportunity to develop analytical skills through critical analysis, research and independent enquiry. Assessment is by two controlled exams. Why choose the pathway There are a number of advantages to studying Psychology:
It provides an understanding of the methods/approaches in psychology. It illustrates these methods and approaches through various topic areas representing the core areas of social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences It develops investigation and report writing skills and develops analytical and critical thinking skills It encourages an appreciation of 'how science works' and provides a strong basis for progression to A Level Psychology.
Psychology is exciting - Is there a relationship between psychological disorders and brain biochemistry? Why do people dream? What are the physiological responses to stress? Psychology is challenging - Does psychotherapy help people overcome psychological problems such as depression and anxiety? Can we change people's attitudes? Psychology is useful - Psychology has a broad range of real world applications in everyday life, ranging from stress, health, mental illness, human-machine interaction, to personal development, social interaction and the environment, to name but a few. The Future Further study would be available in subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Sciences etc. Careers include: Psychology, education, law, communications, science, social services, government, publishing, journalism, counselling, human resources, psychotherapy, management, market research, social work, nursing, advertising, sales, personnel management and career guidance Who should choose the pathway Studying Psychology at GCSE will require independent learners that are confident in their communication and literacy skills. Students whose strengths lie in Science, Maths and Humanities are encouraged to apply.
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GCSE Philosophy and Applied Ethics
What you will do In GCSE Philosophy and Applied Ethics you will study the following from both a Christian, Muslim, and personal point of view: Deities, Religious and Spiritual Experience, End of Life, Good and Evil, Revelation, Science, Relationships, Medical Ethics, Poverty and Wealth, Peace and Justice, Equality and Media. Class discussions will centre on issues like what happens when we die? Do miracles happen? Is it morally acceptable to have an abortion? What do we believe about sex and marriage?
Why choose the pathway There are a number of advantages to studying Philosophy and Applied Ethics: - There is NO coursework. Your mark is based on 4 exams-each 1 hour long. - You will be given the opportunity to take to discuss/debate with others your beliefs and theirs. - You will gain the skills of evaluation, analysis, synthesis, and presenting arguments.
The Future Further study/careers would be available in areas such as Medicine, Sociology, Psychology, Politics, History, Social Services, Journalism etc. A number of key skills obtained in studying History have been identified by employers as valuable within the workplace: -
Communication skills (verbal and written) Analytical skills Description skils Ability to explain Ability to use evidence Ability to give reasoned arguments
Who should choose the pathway You should choose this option if you are passionate about religion, ethical issues, and debating ideas with others. Strong literacy skills are important, and they will be developed in you with the help of your teacher.
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GCSE Business Studies What you will do This qualification specifically aims to develop student understanding of the dynamic environment in which business operate and to appreciate the many and varied factors which impact upon business activity and business behaviour. You will work towards gaining an understanding of the issues facing UK businesses in the 21st century. Topics learnt include:
Marketing and Enterprise Business and People Production, Finance and the External Business Environment
Why choose the pathway This pathway is for students who are excited to learn about the decisions made by business and the significant impact that this can have on society. Students will have the opportunity to discuss key issues relating to the above topics, identifying business problems and possible solutions. Some of the questions that will be answered include:
How can one car company charge more than another car company and still make a profit? Why can’t the government print more money and give it to the poor? Why is a fish & chip shop worried about a pizza shop opening down the road? What are the key skills needed in setting up and running your own business?
The Future This pathway will provide students with a natural stepping stone into AS/A Level Business Studies. The pathway is also ideal for students wishing to start work at an earlier stage. They will develop a good understanding of the skills required to participate in a variety of business environments as well as the decisions that businesses make. Who should choose the pathway This course is open to all students regardless of their previous knowledge of Business. However, students will need to demonstrate good motivation and commitment if they are to achieve the greatest reward from their studies. It is expected that students in Year 8 will be performing at a Level 5 as a minimum, specifically in English and Maths. Year 9 students will need to be performing at a Level 6 as a minimum.
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CoPE Certificate of Personal Effectiveness
Aims
To develop and demonstrate a range of personal, key and employability skills leading to personal effectiveness To broaden experience and manage learning through the enrichment activities provided by the ASDAN challenges To receive formal recognition and accreditation for the above
To achieve the Certificate students gain credits by completing challenges and providing evidence to demonstrate skills development in six areas at an appropriate level. Students will need to action plan, record achievements and review progress on challenges and skills development. They will also be expected to present an organised Portfolio evidence providing examples of working at the set level.
The Skills units include
Working with Others
Improving own Learning and Performance
Problem Solving
Planning and carrying out a piece of Research
Communicating through Discussion
Planning and Giving an Oral Presentation
Assessment Assessment is through portfolio evidence
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GCSE DRAMA
What will you do Students will follow the EDEXCEL GCSE Drama Syllabus. The course is broken down into Three Units. Unit 1: Drama Exploration (30%), Unit 2: Exploring Play Texts (30%), and Unit 3: Drama Performance (40%) How will I be Assessed? UNIT 1: DRAMA EXPLORATION of creative and structural aspects of Drama CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT: six-hour practical exploration, based on the programme of study. Students must provide 2000 words of documented evidence. (30%) UNIT 2: EXPLORING PLAY TEXTS to; CONTROLLED ASSESSEMENT: six-hour practical exploration based on a play text. Documented response(1000 words) written response of live theatre (2000 words) (30%) UNIT 3: DRAMA PERFORMANCE: of a devised or scripted play performed to an audience. CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT: performance of a play, devised or scripted, to a visiting examiner. (40%) The Future The future possibilities for students who study Drama are limitless: GCE Drama and Theatre Studies at AS Level B Tec National in Performing Arts Drama School (BA Hons) Journalism Public Speaker
Who should choose Drama GCSE This course is open to students with or without prior drama knowledge; however students MUST show a desire for the subject and be DEPENDABLE. Drama encourages planning, research and reflective skills. It gives you the opportunity to understand points of view, create your own opinions, listen purposefully and develop important language skills. You will explore Drama through the ages and develop an appreciation of the form and its place in our society. Drama GCSE is highly regarded amongst employers and the skills are transferable in any walk of life. These include teamwork and confidently presenting yourself in public.
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GCSE Music What you will do You will learn how to improve your performing skills and through your work in composing you will gain an insight into how music is constructed from initial ideas through to the finished product. You will also learn how to analyse music in a variety of styles and discover the social and historical context in which music has been composed over the last 400 years or so. You will get the opportunity to record your performances and compositions in the Academy’s professional recording studio. How will you be assessed? Performing 30% - you will need to play one solo piece and one ensemble piece. Composing 30%- you will need to compose two pieces. Listening and Appraising 40% - The Listening and appraising component is assessed through a 90-minute written paper with questions on your prescribed set works.
Why choose the pathway
Studying music is fun and rewarding!! There are lots of Job opportunity in a thriving industry It allows students to create work that they can be proud off Music helps to unlock creativity Builds confidence through performance
Gives students opportunities to develop broader life skills and attributes including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and emotional and cultural development. The Future If you enjoyed the GCSE music course then you can consider pursuing this subject at AS and A2 level. Your listening skills will enhance the aural perception needed in language examinations. Your performing skills will give you confidence in playing to an audience- useful if you intend to purse, for example, drama or law. In addition, you might wish to study A level Performing Arts or Music Technology.
Who should choose the pathway . If you have done year 9 Music pathway and can therefore – you can create you own piece of music and have listened to a variety of music. You enjoy making music either as a soloist or in a group. The GCSE course encourages you to perform music of your own choosing and in any style, as a soloist and also in a group. To take this course, you must be able to play an instrument or sing!
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GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION What you will do This two year GCSE PE course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established in Key Stage 3 Physical Education. It will give you exciting opportunities to be involved in a number of different physical activities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. You can perform in one or all of the following roles: player/participant, leader or official. The course consists of both practical and theory lessons on a weekly basis. At the end of the course you will complete a practical assessment in 4 sports (worth 60% of your final grade) and you will also sit a written theory exam (1 hour 30 mins) which is worth 40% of your final grade. Why choose the pathway If you have an interest in physical education and sport, enjoy being active and appreciate the benefits of keeping fit and healthy then this pathway could be for you. The course develops the transferable skills and key skills (teamwork, communication, organisational skills etc) as well as subject specific knowledge that employers are looking for. It is a subject that can lead to a wide variety of employment opportunities. The Future Beyond a GCSE in PE students will be able to study A level courses in PE or Sports Science. Alternatively a variety of vocational Sport and Leisure related BTEC’s and National Diplomas are also available. These are all credible courses should you wish to then study this subject further at university. The career possibilities within PE, Sport and Leisure are endless, ranging from a Leisure Centre Instructor, PE Teacher, Physiotherapist, Sports Journalism, Sports Development, Recreational Management, Officiating, Armed Forces and Civil Service jobs amongst many others! Who should choose the pathway We recommend that you should pick PE Learning Pathways if the following apply to you:
Enjoy all physical activity and sport. Always bring your correct kit and take part fully in lessons. Take part in sport/ physical activity out of school hours. Are prepared to do classroom based work as well as practical lessons. Resilient and responsible worker.
It is not essential to have completed the Year 9 Learning Pathways PE Course, although it would be an advantage.
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GCSE Textile Technology
What you will do This course will enable you to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of Textiles Technology within an overall design and make approach. It will include work such as textile product planning and development, industrial processes and the use of IT applications (CAD/CAM), through both practical and written work. Why choose the pathway Design and Technology Textiles will suit any student who has an interest in developing skills in textiles. This is a new course which will allow you to produce individual work in both areas of fashion and interior design. There will be opportunities to try out both fashion and Interior Design before choosing which area you would like to specialise in for your coursework project. By the end of the course you will have developed a range of new skills including, Pattern cutting, Printing and painting onto fabric, Designing for fabric, Garment construction and Fabric decoration techniques. The Future This will provide opportunities to progress to one of the many further and higher education courses in fashion and textiles in the area. As well as providing valuable skills for working in a range of careers including Fashion design, Clothing manufacture, Textile design and Fashion retail and buying. Who should choose Textiles The Textiles course is a demanding course requiring much hard work but the outcomes can be very rewarding indeed. During the major project you will produce a single high quality product that is accompanied by a design folio that will demonstrate your knowledge and practical ability within the subject, the product will be selected to suit your strengths. If you choose Textiles you will also be expected to put time and effort in and outside of school so that you end up with a project you can be proud of. This will involve research: questionnaires, writing to companies, visiting shops to see existing products, taking photographs and writing reports. How will the course be assessed? Students will be entered for either: Foundation Tier (assesses grades G to C) Or Higher Tier (assesses grades D to A*). Each Tier consists of one question paper worth 40% of the final mark. Coursework requirements are one project to design and make a quality product, representing 40 hours work and 60% of the final mark.
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Art and Design What you will do: In GCSE Art and Design you will learn to be an independent artist. You will use and improve the same skills that you practised in Year 9, but you will get many more chances to decide what kind of artwork YOU want to do, and to pursue your own ideas and goals. Painting, drawing, printing, sculpture and photography will be included in the course, but you will approach them in bigger, better, more exciting and more personal ways. You will get to know an exciting range of artists, especially more modern artists who are working in our country today. These artists will inspire you and help you take your work to brand new heights and new places.
Why choose the pathway? Art and design is a brilliant way to express yourself, and helps you build lots of skills that you can use in your everyday life. Art helps you to:
Think creatively and be original. Communicate clearly with other people. Manage projects and plan carefully for success. Have outstanding presentation skills.
The Future: There are incredible opportunities for students who study Art and Design. Students who study this learning pathway will have the opportunity to progress to further education, and eventually to careers in the creative arts. If your work is of a particularly high standard, there is even the possibility that you could be entered for a GCSE at the end of Year 10. There are a MASSIVE number of career opportunities for students of Art and Design- particularly in London. The creative industries make nearly 10% of all the money made in the UK each year. Just some of the careers you can follow are: Graphic design, fashion design, architecture, theatre design, computer games design, museum curator, textile design, interior design, illustration, animation, advertising.
Who should choose this course?
You should ideally be working at Level 6 or higher in an art course in Year 9.
You should love doing artwork and being creative.
You should be prepared to work hard in class AND at home.You will need to do lots of sketchbook work outside school to succeed in this subject.
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GCSE in Applied Art and Design What you will do: Applied Art and Design is different to regular art, because it is about making pieces of work for the real world. You might be designing posters for an event, the cover for a CD album or a mural to be painted on the wall of a local building. You might be asked to work in traditional media, such as paint, or you might be asked to take digital photographs and edit them using computer software. Whatever you do in this subject, you will be learning professional skills that you could put to work in a real artistic job.
Why choose this GCSE? Applied Art and Design allows you to express yourself creatively, but also gives you the chance to learn professional skills. You will learn:
How Art and Design is used in the professional world. How you can make money from being creative. Complex ICT skills, using new programs you will not have tried before. To be independent and to manage projects successfully.
The Future: There are incredible opportunities for students who study Applied Art and Design. Students who study this subject will have the opportunity to progress through further education towards a career in the creative arts. There are a huge number of career opportunities for students of this kind of course. You will have learned many of the practical skills that design companies of all kinds are looking for in a new employee. These career paths are just some of the ones that will be open to you: Graphic design, fashion design, architecture, theatre design, computer games design, museum curator, textile design, interior design, illustration, animation, advertising.
Who should choose this course?
You should ideally be working at Level 6 or higher in an art course in Year 9.
You should love doing artwork and being creative.
You should be prepared to work hard in class AND at home.You will need to do lots of sketchbook work outside school to succeed in this subject.
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GCSE Modern World History
What you will do In History Learning Pathway, students will start working towards a History GCSE. Students will learn a variety of topics under the title – The Making of the Modern World. Students will have an opportunity to develop analytical skills through critical analysis, research and independent enquiry. Students will also develop their communication and ICT skills. Assessment is by 2 exams and one piece of controlled coursework. Why choose the pathway There are a number of advantages to studying History: - You have the opportunity to study key historical events, people, changes and issues in history, for example: Nazi Germany, the transformation of British society, the Cold War and crime, policing and punishment. - You will be given the opportunity to take a detailed look at the most dramatic and troubled periods of twentieth century history. - You will develop your written skills so you are able to cope with the demands of academic writing in the future. The Future Further study would be available in subjects such as Sociology, Politics, History etc A number of key skills obtained in studying History have been identified by employers as valuable within the workplace: -
Communication skills (verbal and written) Analytical skills Use of ICT Learning to Learn; improving one’s own learning and performance; working with others Numeracy
Careers include: research, law and accountancy, communications, industry and commerce, publishing and journalism. Who should choose the pathway Studying History in will require independent learners that are confident in their communication and literacy skills. Students who have a level 6 or above would be able to cope with GCSE History.
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GCSE Geography
What you will do In Geography students will complete three units; unit one focuses on geographical challenges and interactions, this will require you to tackle issues such as the human effects on global warming. Unit two focuses on global development and problem solving at a number of scales. You will be analysing current issues such as poverty, globalisation and population change. Unit three requires experience of fieldwork, data collection and analysis of a geographical theme. Why choose the pathway There are a number of advantages to studying Geography: - You will develop a real understanding of different places studying their societies, environments and landscapes. - You will be given the opportunity to design your own fieldwork and undertake your study out of the classroom. - You will develop research skills and become able to analyse and present real data. - You will develop an understanding of how ICT can be used to study our environments and will use GIS programmes. - You will take a detailed look at how human development is increasingly affecting the physical world. The Future Further study would be available in subjects such as Geography, Travel and Tourism, Environmental science, Geology and Citizenship. Geographers are very employable. A number of key skills obtained in studying Geography have been identified by employers as valuable within the workplace. - Communication skills (verbal and written) - Research skills - Enquiry skills - Use of ICT - Numeracy Careers include: Geologist, town and transport planning, chartered surveying, land water and energy management, environmental consultancy, development, tourism, conservation, demography, housing and social welfare, education, cartographer, meteorologist, risk management (insurance), Local government planning and policy. Who should choose the pathway Studying Geography will require independent learners that are interested in developing their understanding of the world. They should be confident in their communication and enquiry skills.
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BTEC Travel and Tourism
What you will do Travel and Tourism is a hugely diverse and dynamic industry, which offers a variety of career paths. Students will be introduced to the working world and will learn about different sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Students will take part in class work, group activities, role play, research, presentations and visits to attractions and destinations. The course is assessed through coursework rather than traditional exams, leading to a level 2 BTEC in Travel and Tourism.
Why choose the pathway There are a number of advantages to studying Travel and Tourism: - You will develop a real understanding of how the industry of Travel and Tourism works. - You will develop transferable skills that will be beneficial in many industries, for example the importance of customer service. - You will be given the opportunity to visit attractions and destinations to study how they are desirable for tourists. - You will develop your teamwork skills by designing products for customers in the travel industry.
Pathways beyond Year 10 and possible careers Further study would be available in subjects such as Geography, Travel and Tourism, Environmental science, Geology and Citizenship. Students who study Travel and Tourism are very employable, as many skills gained are transferable. A number of key skills obtained in studying Travel and Tourism have been identified by employers as valuable within the workplace. - Communication skills (verbal and written) - Research skills - Team work skills - Use of ICT Careers include: Travel agent, Marketing, Travel/tour guiding, Tourist boards, Tour operations, Sales, Airline and Airport positions, Hospitality, Human Resources.
Who should choose the pathway Students who are genuinely interested in the Travel and Tourism industry as a future career should choose this pathway.
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Understanding Business Enterprise Activities OCR Level 1 Award (1 year course) What you will do The pathway provides students with a high quality, industry-recognised award. It is a vocationally-related qualification that provides valuable opportunities for individuals to gain underpinning knowledge and understanding in aspects of both Enterprise in general and the setting up of a business. This qualification specifically aims to:  
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Identify the personal qualities, knowledge, skills and behaviours required of an enterprising person and how to improve these. Raise awareness of the realities of planning and running a business: including promoting yourself and your product/service; having business goals; attracting customers and managing money. Identify the sources of help and information available to businesses and how these may be used to a business's advantage.
Why choose the pathway This pathway is for those students who are excited by the prospect of running their own business one day. They will learn how a business idea can become a reality when the time is taken to follow some simple procedures. Students who have enjoyed planning enterprise activities at school will already know whether this pathway is right for them. Pathways beyond Year 9 and possible careers This pathway will provide students with a natural stepping stone into GCSE Business Studies. The pathway is also ideal for students wishing to start work at an earlier stage. They will develop a good understanding of the skills required to participate in a variety of business environments. People with Business qualifications can work in almost any job and industry, including: Finance, Technology, Engineering, Social and Civil Services, Education, Travel and Tourism, Government, Marketing, Research and Development. Who should choose the pathway This course is open to all students regardless of their previous achievement. However, students will need to demonstrate good motivation and commitment if they are to achieve the greatest reward from their studies.
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iMedia Level 2 What you will do In Year 10 ICT Learning Pathways students will start working towards an iMedia Level 2 qualification. This qualification is equivalent to 1 GCSE (*A - C). iMedia develops students’ ability to plan and prioritise tasks effectively, manage their time and develop candidates’ skills and knowledge in contexts that are directly relevant to employment situations. Students will develop skills in a number of areas, such as, editing sound and videos, creating animations, developing websites and many more creative aspects of ICT. The course is 100% coursework based; you will be given tasks to do in small manageable chunks. The course is done entirely electronically and you will submit all the work you do on to a secure website, where it will be assessed. All students are expected to have a memory stick to back up their work. A computer at home with internet access is helpful but not essential as students can use ICT room computers at lunchtimes, before and after school for coursework. Why choose the pathway To keep ahead of the increasing change in ICT. Students will:
Gain relevant workplace skills and techniques to keep them one step ahead in a highly competitive market Learn how to use ICT in a creative way to create products for a client. Which, is what is required for industry Cover essential skills for the modern workplace, such as organisation and file management, creating websites, editing sound and images. They have also been designed to help candidates to develop their personal skills in the areas of team working, career planning and time management.
Pathways beyond Year 10 and possible careers People with ICT can work in almost any job and industry, including: banking, Public utilities, the leisure industry, defence, retail trade, engineering, software engineering and consultancy, teaching and research, management and IT consultancy, web designers, graphic artists, multimedia producers, animators, sound designers, storyboards.
Who should choose ICT This Learning Pathway is suitable for students who have a level 5 or above in ICT.
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Pathway Choices Name:
Learning Home: Pathways Remember one subject from each block and you MUST complete a GCSE you have started: Block 1 Block 2 Block 3
Humanities Tick the subject you wish to study: Geography (GCSE) History (GCSE) Travel and Tourism (BTEC)
Signed:.................................................................................................... You need to hand this form to your learning guide once it has been completed.
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