Curriculum
English: Language and Literature
Studying our English GCSE course will help you to develop the skills and understanding required for studying the subject further at A-level, foster a love of language and literature in all its forms and enable you to communicate effectively in a wide variety of other subjects and situations
Description of the course
Whilst studying English Language GCSE you will learn to read and respond to challenging texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries
The examined texts, across a range of genres and types, will support you in developing your own writing through the provision of effective models The texts will include literature and extended literary nonfiction, and other writing such as essays, reviews and journalism
When writing, you will learn to write for impact and to produce clear and coherent written texts
You will build a familiarity with a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, and engage with creative as well as real writing contexts The course will provide opportunities to develop sophisticated reading and critical thinking skills that encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes
Assessment
English Language
The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through two papers:
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Writing and Reading
Paper 2: Writer’s viewpoints and perspectives
Spoken Language Assessment
Student presentation where you ’ re asked to respond to questions and feedback
Students are awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction by their class teacher
English Literature
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century model
Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry
Grading
Higher Tier
You will be awarded a grade 9-4
Foundation Tier
You will be awarded a grade 5-1
Mathematics
Mathematics is the language of the universe, and the gateway to many prestigious careers
Description of the course Assessment
Mathematics at GCSE will build and expand upon the ideas you have already seen in previous years, while introducing some new exciting topics.
Throughout the course you will further develop your numeracy and problem solving skills, while strengthening your ability to analyse, deduce, and present formal arguments and proof.
Your GCSE Mathematics will feature many topics from the following overarching themes:
Number
Algebra
Ratio, Proportion, and Rates of Change
Geometry and Measure
Probability
Statistics
You will also have access to lunchtime support, and after school Masterclasses to supplement your in-class learning
The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through three papers:
Paper 1 - Non Calculator
Paper 2 - Calculator
Paper 3 - Calculator
Each paper may examine any content from the whole syllabus
Grading
Higher Tier
You will be awarded a grade 9-4
Foundation Tier
You will be awarded a grade 5-1
Biology
Biology is a Science that joins together Chemistry and Maths It provides an essential foundation for a future in medicine, health care and ecology as well as leading towards many careers involving plants or animals.
Description of the course Assessment
Biology at GCSE will build upon the skills and knowledge gained through previous years whilst introducing new and exciting topics some of which make direct links to the world around you You will develop your skills in scientific thinking, experimental skills and strategies, analysis and evaluation through the study of topics in these key areas:
Cell Biology
Organisation
Infection and response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis and response
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Through the course of your study you will complete many practical activities which will allow you to see Science working in action and bring the ideas you are studying to life
The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through two papers
Grading
You will be awarded a grade based on your total score across the two papers
Chemistry
Chemistry is the central Science that joins together Physics, Biology, Mathematics and medicine. It is a highly sought after qualification and leads to numerous careers.
Description of the course Assessment
Chemistry at GCSE will build upon the skills and knowledge you have gained in previous years whilst introducing some new and exciting topics You will develop your skills in scientific thinking, experimental work, analysis and evaluation through the study of topics in these key areas:
Atomic Structure and The Periodic Table
Properties of Matter
Chemical changes
Energy changes
The Earth and the Atmosphere
Through the course of your study you will complete many practical activities which will allow you to see Science working in action and bring the ideas you are studying to life.
The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through two papers
Grading
You will be awarded a grade based on your total score across the two papers
Combined Science (Trilogy)
Everything we know about the universe is a result of scientific research and experiment. Study Science to open your eyes to the world around you and open doors to hundreds of career paths.
Description of the course Assessment
Science at GCSE will build upon the skills and knowledge you have gained in previous years whilst introducing some new and exciting topics You will develop your skills in scientific thinking, experimental work, analysis and evaluation through the study of key topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Through the course of your study you will complete many practical activities which will allow you to see Science working in action and bring the ideas you are studying to life
The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through six papers:
2 Biology papers
2 Chemistry papers
2 Physics papers
Grading
You will be awarded two grades based on your total score across the six papers
Higher Tier
You will be awarded a grade from 9944
Foundation Tier
You will be awarded a grade from 5511
Physics
Physics helps you to understand the world around you, and satisfy your curiosity. Studying Physics develops your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Physicists are versatile, which
opens a wide range of future careers.
Description of the course Assessment
Physics at GCSE will build upon the skills and knowledge gained through previous years whilst introducing new and exciting topics some of which make direct links to the world around you. You will develop your skills in scientific thinking, experimental skills and strategies, analysis and evaluation through the study of topics in these key areas:
Energy
Electricity
Molecules and Matter
Atomic Structure
Forces
Waves
Electromagnetism
Space
Throughout the course of your study you will complete many practical activities which will allow you to see Science working in action and bring the ideas you are studying to life
The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through two papers.
Grading
You will be awarded a grade based on your total score across the two papers
Business Enterprise
Whatever the future holds, you are going to need business enterprise skills and this course will set you up for future success by helping you to develop the skills required to work within the world of business enterprise!
Description of the course Assessment
This course will introduce you to some of the key elements of every successful business enterprise organisation You will also explore what it means to set up and run a business enterprise as well as develop key skills and gain an insight into the sector.
You will study a range of topics including: Enterprise in the Business World
Planning your own Enterprise
Customer Service
Business Finance
Recruitment and Selection of Staff Training and Development
The Internet, E-Commerce and the use of Social Media
Marketing and Promotion within Enterprises Business Enterprise Decision Making
The course consists of three components:
Component 1 - Exploring Enterprises Coursework (30%)
Component 2 - Planning and Presenting a Micro-Enterprise idea Coursework (30%)
Component 3 - Marketing and Finance for Business Written Exam (40%)
Each component is marked and given a points score The final grade awarded represents an aggregation of a student’s performance across the three components
Grading
You will be awarded Level 2 Distinction* to Level 1 Pass (equivalent to 9-1)
Child Development
To gain a greater insight into children’s development from birth to five years and the various factors that can impact on this.
Description of the course Assessment
Students will gain knowledge and understanding across nine topics ranging from holistic development to factors that influence the child’s development They will explore care routines and different types of play activities that support children’s development They will learn about a range of childcare settings and the roles and responsibilities of staff who work with children, along with what the expectations are of early years practitioners Students will learn the importance of good planning in early years settings and how to implement relevant legislation and policies and procedures to keep children safe.
50% Controlled non-examined assessment
50% Examination
Grading
You will be awarded a grade of Distinction* to Level 1 Pass
Computer Science
This exciting GCSE gives you an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how they are used and to develop computer programming and problem-solving skills
Description of the course Assessment
In GCSE Computer Science you will:
Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving these problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
Understand the different components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another to make systems function
Build skills in the ever important realm of cyber security such as investigating how computer systems can be protected from attack
Understand the impacts of digital technology on the individual and on wider society such as with the development of artificial intelligence
The course requires students to complete two written exam papers with each worth 50% of the final grade awarded Paper 1 - Computer Systems
Paper 2 - Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Dance
If you have the passion to develop your creativity, teamwork, confidence, critical thinking, selfdiscipline, physical health and are willing to work collaboratively, then Dance is the subject for you
Description of the course Assessment
The course is 60% practical and 40% theory
The practical side is split into three different elements:
A trio performance
Two short phrases which show your technical skills
A choreography task where you create your own dance, choose your own music and create in your own style
The theory side teaches you how to analyse, interpret and evaluate your own work and builds your knowledge and understanding of six different professional works
For the majority of the course you will have two practical lessons and one theory lesson per week We are planning to have a trip to London in the summer term of Year 10 where we will watch a West End show and do activities linked to Performing Arts We encourage you to join Dance Company to build your performance experience and also offer for you to gain your NATD Grade 4 Contemporary Dance Certificate as an additional qualification
We will champion your successes and provide you with as much support as you need, we believe in each and every student no matter what your dance experience is.
60% Practical:
Trio performance
2 x 30 seconds set phrases
Choreography
These are assessed at different stages across the year in Year 11
40% Theory
Written exam at the end of Year 11
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Design Technology
Design and Technology is a fun and exciting course that allows you to design new solutions to a wide range of real life problems using a variety of different materials.
Description of the course Assessment
GCSE Design and Technology students will gain knowledge and skills to help them use their creativity and problem solving skills to create new and exciting products. Across the two years you will study the theory topics of Core Technical Principles, Specialist Technical Principles and Designing and Making Principles The course is taught through a combination of theory lessons and practical lessons In Year 10 you will complete practical projects using woods, metals and polymers In Year 11 you will complete a ‘design and make’ project called an NEA. This is worth 50% of your final GCSE mark You will also sit a written exam which will make up the other 50% of the qualification
50% Non-examined Assessment
50% Written Examination
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Digital Information Technology
The Digital Information Technology sector is a major source of employment in the UK, with over 1.5 million people working within the sector and you could be one of them when you leave school!
Description of the course Assessment
This course will introduce you to some of the key elements of using digital information technology including website design, computer gaming and app development
You will study a range of topics including: The importance of Digital Information Technology
The Internet, Website Design and the uses of Social Media
Digital Technologies within the Information Technology Industry including Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence
Multimedia Product Design
Computer Game and App Design
Problem Solving using Digital Information Technology
The course consists of three components:
Component 1 - Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques Coursework (30%)
Component 2 - Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data Coursework (30%)
Component 3 - Effective Digital Working Practices Written Exam (40%)
Each component is marked and given a points score. The final grade awarded represents an aggregation of a student’s performance across the three components
Grading
You will be awarded Level 2 Distinction* to Level 1 Pass (equivalent to 9-1)
Drama
Studying Drama will support you in every aspect of your life Drama focuses on confidence, communication, creativity and leadership and also nurtures and rewards talent It will enable you to go on to study and work directly in the creative industries as well as developing key skills needed for any industry you choose
Description of the course Assessment
Year 10 will be mostly practical, you will explore numerous stimuli using various techniques. You will be working in groups and creating a wide range of performances, playing lots of different characters and using an extensive range of techniques to tell your stories in a creative way
You will be introduced to our set text Blood Brothers and you will attend a trip to the Liverpool Empire to see the production You will complete 40% of your course in Year 10 as you will complete your practical devised exam in the summer term
In Year 11, you will continue with our Blood Brothers work as well as going to see and study some live theatre and you will be completing your second practical exam where you perform two scripts to an examiner in full costume
You will have the opportunity to attend our day trip to London in Year 10 and a residential trip to London in Year 11
The course consists of three components:
Component 1 - Written exam 40%
Component 2 - Practical Exam 1:
Coursework 40%
Component 3 - Practical exam 2: Visiting Examiner
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Fine Art
If you enjoy being creative, learning about artists and exploring different art mediums and techniques then this is the subject for you
Description of the course Assessment
The course consists of two projects which will either be presented in sketchbooks or on boards alongside a final piece We aim to cover a wide variety of skills and aspects of Art & Design including: drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printing and mixed media The final grade is for both coursework and exam units combined The exam paper is set in January of Year 11 and the preparation work takes 10 weeks of lesson time with a final piece being produced in a practical exam over two school days
This course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through an exam (60%)
This course also includes coursework produced throughout Year 10 and Year 11 (40%)
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
French or Spanish
Learning a language is fun and infinitely rewarding. It is a skill you will use throughout your life.
Description of the course Assessment
Modern Foreign Language will build on the knowledge of topics and skills developed at KS3 You will study many exciting topics linked to the following themes: People and lifestyle Popular culture Communication and the world around us
You will practise the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
You will also develop transferable skills relevant to further study and the world of work
You will be assessed at the end of Year 11 and will have exams in the following skills: Reading Listening Writing Speaking
Each exam is worth 25% of the overall grade
Grading
You will be awarded a grade based on your total score across the two papers
Higher Tier
You will be awarded a grade from 9-4
Foundation Tier
You will be awarded a grade from 5-1
Geography
Geography supports you in understanding the world aro relevant content to study, field trips to examine the envir offering skills that are beneficial in supporting your other subjects of study
Description of the course Assessment
The course is divided up into 3 main components, Physical Geography, Human Geography and Geographical Application Students will examine the natural features of the world and how these influence the way of life in these environments Areas of study will focus on tectonic processes, involving earthquakes and volcanoes Students will also examine the tropical rainforest and the cold, Arctic environment of Svalbard
The Human Geography aspect of the course investigates human processes, systems and also outcomes. The focus of study is based on the development of urban spaces, and the changes within these environments
Students will also undertake both a physical and human fieldwork study where they will investigate particular processes in relation to their topics of study.
This course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through three papers:
Paper 1: Living with the physical environment
Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment
Paper 3: Geographical applications
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Mr Houghton (Head of Geography)
Health and Social Care
This is a great choice for you if you would like to work within the HSC industry - be that as a doctor, nurse, paramedic or social worker or in any career where you will work directly with people!
Description of the course Assessment
In ‘Human Lifespan Development’ students look at how people grow and develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially throughout the life stages and the factors which can affect this ‘Health and Social Care Services and Values‘ looks at the health and social care services available to support clients in the industry and how they meet the needs of service users It also examines the care values which must be shown towards clients.
‘Health and Wellbeing’ allows learners to show their understanding of the factors that affect health and wellbeing and will learn about health indicators and person-centred approaches to make recommendations to improve a person’s health and wellbeing
This course consists of three components:
Component 1 - Human Lifespan Development
Component 2 - Health and Social Care Services and Values
Component 3 - Health and Wellbeing Written Exam
Each component is marked and given a points score The final grade awarded represents an aggregation of a student’s performance across the three components
Grading
You will be awarded Level 2 Distinction* to Level 1 Pass (equivalent to 9-1)
History
Studying History allows you to view the world through a critical lens!
Description of the course Assessment
GCSE Historians are students who enjoy reading and writing extended pieces of analysis The GCSE History course allows you to study major events that have shaped the country and wider world that we live in today Students who opt for GCSE History will develop an ability to analyse events and study why and how they happened, as well as how they affected the world Studying GCSE History at Weatherhead will involve analysing how Medicine has evolved in Britain since 1250, The First World War, Queen Elizabeth 1, the Cold War 19411991 and Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1939. Studying History will also benefit other subjects where you have to analyse texts and write essays, such as English and Sociology
100% Exam 3 Exams covering 5 different units: Paper 1: Medicine in Britain 1250Present & The Western Front 19141918
Paper 2: Early Elizabeth England 15581588 & Superpower Relations in the Cold War 1941-1991
Paper 3: Weimar & Nazi Germany 1918-1939
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Hospitality & Catering
When studying Hospitality and Catering you will develop practical skills that will last you a lifetime!
Description of the course Assessment
Hospitality and Catering students will develop an understanding of the hospitality and catering industry, the types of hospitality and catering providers and about the working industry You will also develop an understanding of food safety, as well as food related causes of ill health
In Year 11 you will learn about the importance of nutrition and how cooking methods can have an impact on the nutritional value of the food we are eating. Across the two years you will learn many practical skills and techniques needed to prepare, cook and present dishes
60% Controlled assessment
One piece of coursework completed within lessons 40% Exam 1 hour 20 minute written exam at the end of Year 11
Grading
You will be awarded Level 2 Distinction* to Level 1 Pass (equivalent to 9-1)
Media
To help you understand the visual, written and interactive world around you by developing skills such as critical thinking, analysis, research, planning, practical skills, time management, teamwork and essay writing skills
Description of the course Assessment
In Media Studies you will learn a range of production techniques such as camera, lighting and sound operation You will also learn how to edit practical work into finished products. Project work will develop your knowledge of how to structure all the planning paperwork and review and refine your own skills On this course you will learn how to analyse the construction of meaning within Media texts such as TV/Film, posters and online Media including websites You will look at how they have used certain aspects including camera shots, sound and settings to influence how we read the representations being created within certain genres
The course consists of three components:
Component 1 - Exploring Media Products (30%)
Component 2 - Developing Media Production Skills (30%)
Component 3 - Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief (Exam 40%)
Each component is marked and given a points score The final grade awarded represents an aggregation of a student’s performance across the three components.
Grading
You will be awarded Level 2 Distinction* to Level 1 Pass (equivalent to 9-1)
Music
GCSE Music is an ideal choice for anyone who has a passion and interest in developing their musical skills and abilities, as well as developing creative thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability and communication skills, used in life beyond school
Description of the course
The emphasis is on developing musical skills through practical exploration You will develop your ability to perform an instrument or sing, at a level suitable to achieve success in the performance exam
To support you, you will be encouraged to take instrumental lessons, to improve your technique There will be opportunities to perform at Performing Arts events, as well as lunch-time showcases and pop-up activities
You need to be willing to perform as a soloist, as well as part of a group
You will also build upon your KS3 Music knowledge, to prepare you to recognise musical features in different styles of music
There are 4 areas of study and 2 set works to prepare and you will receive support and resources to help you
You will then apply your musical knowledge, to create 2 compositions, which could include song-writing.
In addition, there will be trips to concerts and musicals and professional musicians/composers will run workshops to support and inspire your work
Mrs
Assessment
This course consists of three components:
Component 1: Understanding Music (40%) Written exam focusing on a listening section on unfamiliar music and 2 questions on set study pieces
Component 2: Performing Music (30%)
Performances as an instrumentalist and/or vocalist, as a soloist and as an ensemble/group
Component 3: Composing Music (30%)
Compositions - 1 to a brief issued by AQA and 1 free choice
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Photography
If you have a genuine interest in taking photographs, are creative and independent with a keen eye for detail, then this is the course for you
Description of the course Assessment
The course consists of two projects which will either be presented in sketchbooks or on boards alongside a final piece We aim to cover a wide variety of skills and aspects of Photography including: using DSLR cameras, shutter speed, aperture, composition, digital work, photoshop, collage and mixed media The final grade is for both coursework and exam units combined. The exam paper is set in January of Year 11 and the preparation work takes 10 weeks of lesson time with a final piece being produced in a practical exam over two school days
This course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through an exam (60%) This course also includes coursework produced throughout Year 10 and Year 11 (40%)
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Physical Education
If you have the passion and love for sport and want to learn about how the human body works, along with practically performing in your chosen sports then this is the course for you.
Description of the course Assessment
The course is a combination of theory (60%) and practical (40%)
The theory part of the course is split and taught separately over the two year course
Paper1 - Factors affecting Performance You will gain an understanding of how the human body works and how it is affected by exercise
Paper 2 - Socio-cultural issues and Sports Psychology Covers the impact society has on a sports performer, how to optimise performance and the well-being of an athlete.
Practically students will experience sports in more depth than at Key Stage 3 and will be provided with more opportunities to extend their practical capabilities
Many students will represent the school in sports teams ranging from netball, football to trampolining and gymnastics to name a few
The subject is a combination of theory and practical 60% of the course is assessed via written examination
Paper 1 - Physical Factors affecting performance
Paper 2 - Socio-cultural issues and Sports Psychology
Practical component
Students are marked in 3 sports
A combination of team and individual sports Coursework - written Analysis and Evaluation of Performance in your chosen sport
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Religious Education
Religious Studies gives you a greater insight into the world and people around you, whilst also giving you the opportunity to reflect on life's ultimate questions.
Description of the course
The course is split into three main components:
Component 1 - A study of Christianity (25%)
Component 2 - A study of Islam (25%)
Component 3 - A study of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the Modern World (50%)
Students of Religious Studies have an enquiring mind During the GCSE course you complete two in depth studies into the beliefs, teachings and practices of two of the major world religions; Christianity and Islam You will then apply your knowledge of Christianity to some of the philosophical and ethical issues in the modern world, including; the ethics of relationships, questions regarding the existence of God, the ethical issues of peace and conflict and an exploration of the dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs in an increasingly secular society.
Assessment
This course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through three papers:
Paper 1 - A study of ChristianityWritten exam at the end of Year 11 (25%)
Paper 2 - A study of Islam - Written exam at the end of Year 11 (25%)
Paper 3 - A study of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the Modern WorldWritten exam at the end of Year 11 (50%)
Grading
You will be awarded Level 2 Distinction* to Level 1 Pass (equivalent to 9-1)
Sociology
Sociology gives you a critical understanding of the complex global society you are living in - it exposes the way society really works and gives you the tools needed to make a positive difference Once you see the world through the eyes of a sociologist, you will never see it in the same way again. It is the perfect subject for a curious mind.
Description of the course Assessment
GCSE Sociology will be of interest to students who would like to explore the social and political issues of society today Sociology is the History of now! It challenges what you thought you knew and allows you to see things as they really are
The main topic areas are the sociology of families, education, crime and deviance, and social stratification. Both sociological theory and research methods are taught and referred to throughout the course
Sociology looks at how people live, behave and work together in groups with a focus on power and inequality Sociology exposes the biases we all take for granted and frees you from previous ‘ common sense ’ assumptions.
Two written exams assessed at the end of Year 11
Students need to have good writing skills as essay writing is a key requirement of both examination papers for this course Students also need to be able to read and interpret data for short answer questions
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Textiles
If you are creative and enjoy experimenting with colour, techniques and materials then you will enjoy Textiles.
Description of the course Assessment
Students create a portfolio of work which forms 60% of their GCSE grade and a practical exam unit at the end of the 2 years which is worth 40% A wide range of practical skills will be taught including embroidery, applique, batik and sewing on machines Inspiration will come from a variety of artists and designers who are linked to each project Skills developed throughout the course will be utilised in the exam unit where students will choose from a list of themes set by the exam board
This course is assessed at the end of Year 11 through an exam (60%) This course also includes coursework produced throughout Year 10 and Year 11 (40%)
Grading
You will be awarded a grade from 9-1
Travel and Tourism
The Travel and Tourism sector is the UK’s third largest employer, accounting for 9 5 percent of total employment Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK, employing nearly 3 million people
Description of the course Assessment
This course will introduce you to some of the key elements of the travel and tourism industry both in this country and across the world
You will study a range of topics including:
The UK Travel and Tourism Industry
Visitor Destinations and Attractions
Marketing and Promotion
Meeting Customer Needs
Planning Travel, Accommodation and Activities for Customers
The importance of Customer Service
Using Technology, E-Commerce and Social Media in the Industry
Global and Sustainable Tourism
Accessibility in Travel and Tourism
The course consists of three components:
Component 1 - Travel and Tourism
Organisations and Destinations
Component 2 - Customer needs in Travel and Tourism
Component 3 - Influences on Global Travel and Tourism - written exam
Each component is marked and given a points score The final grade awarded presents an aggregation of a student’s performance across the three components
Grading
You will be awarded a Level 2 Distinction* to Level 1 Pass (equivalent to 9-1)
