Key Stage 4 Handbook 2024-2026
Contents Foreword from the Headmistress ....................................................................................................... 3 Core GCSE Subjects ................................................................................................................................. 4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE & ENGLISH LITERATURE .................................................................................... 5 MATHEMATICS .................................................................................................................................... 6 COMBINED SCIENCE ............................................................................................................................ 7 Optional GCSE and level 2 vocational subjects ....................................................................................... 8 ART AND DESIGN (FINE ART)............................................................................................................... 9 ART AND DESIGN (THREE‐DIMENSIONAL DESIGN) ........................................................................... 10 BTEC BUSINESS STUDIES ................................................................................................................... 11 COMPUTER SCIENCE ......................................................................................................................... 12 CREATIVE IMEDIA .............................................................................................................................. 13 BTEC DANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 14 DRAMA .............................................................................................................................................. 15 FOOD AND NUTRITION ..................................................................................................................... 16 FUNCTIONAL SKILLS LEVEL 1 AND 2 (ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS)............................................... 17 GEOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................................................... 18 HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................ 19 LATIN ................................................................................................................................................. 20 MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (French and Spanish) .................................................................... 21 MUSIC................................................................................................................................................ 22 PHYSICAL EDUCATION....................................................................................................................... 23 RELIGIOUS STUDIES ........................................................................................................................... 24 SEPARATE SCIENCE............................................................................................................................ 25
Foreword from the Headmistress This booklet details the subjects available in years 10 and 11. Do take time to study it carefully before you choose your options. The first section gives details of the compulsory core GCSE courses:
iGCSE English language & GCSE English literature iGCSE mathematics GCSE combined science worth two GCSEs (includes physics, chemistry and biology content) (Separate sciences are in the optional section and offers 3 GCSEs)
The second section lists the optional GCSE and level 2 vocational courses. The level 2 BTEC and Cambridge National courses we offer are equivalent to GCSEs. All courses provide opportunities to develop the key skills of communication, information technology, application of number, improving own learning and performance, working with others and problem solving. Your choice of subjects will depend on your individual abilities and motivations. Do try to keep your selection as broad and balanced as possible, as this will keep future options open, giving you an advantage when choosing post‐16 options, applying for university and when planning your career. We advise pupils to choose a minimum of three optional courses above the core subjects, most pupils choose four and those with a commitment to independent study may choose five. You should also be realistic about your extra‐curricular commitments in areas such as music, sport, drama, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award when selecting the number and type of courses. Years 10 and 11 are hard work and will combine a variety of subjects which you have chosen to take with the compulsory ones. This can be conflicting but hard work and fun; you must find a good balance to make these two years both enjoyable and rewarding. Westonbirt offers a wide choice and a flexible timetable, but please note that we reserve the right not to offer when fewer than eight students select an option. Please take plenty of time to consider your choices, but bear in mind that there are deadlines that must be met to allow us to plan for your year 10 timetable and some changes which will impact in year 9. Please confirm your provisional choices to Miss Helen Rogerson (for internal pupils), or to Mrs Stevenson (for external candidates) by Friday 12th January 2024. Changes are possible to make, but may be restricted by the timetable. In the meantime, please do take the opportunity to talk them over with your tutors, house staff, guardians and parents. Mrs Ash (Head of Careers), Miss Rogerson and I are always available to give an objective view about options and careers. Mrs Natasha Dangerfield Headmistress
Core GCSE Subjects
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & ENGLISH LITERATURE Exam Board – PEARSON EDEXCEL IGCSE What can I expect from this subject?
You will be taught by the skilled and innovative English team, who have repeatedly ensured our pupils achieve to the best of their ability, with excellent value added in their results. Both English literature and English language are prestigious and highly valued by all universities and employers. English language and English literature are compulsory GCSE subjects at Westonbirt and lead to two qualifications. You will study a range of texts from different genres, eras and cultures, enabling you to learn more about the world and the variety of ways in which language and literature can shape society. You will also acquire vital critical thinking skills and sophisticated, academic writing skills. There are four coursework pieces that are completed in year 10: two for language (Creative Writing and Analytical Writing) and two for literature (a Modern Drama exploration and a Literary Heritage study). These pieces equate to 40% of each the GCSEs grading, placing you in excellent stead for the exam studies in year 11. What can I do to prepare for this course?
Read – anything and everything! Reading a variety of texts is highly useful in building a better understanding of how literature and language are shaping society. Reading will also boost your vocabulary, understanding of language choices and the ability to write with formality and creativity. Ideas of what to read to stretch and get ready for the course are available by emailing the head of department. What will my next steps be?
Both English language and literature are some of the most popular A‐level choices at Westonbirt, which has led many of our students into careers and university study such as law, journalism, history, politics, international relations, marketing, computer coding, business management and teaching. A‐level English literature and A‐level English language help all students become better critical thinkers, communicators and leaders, making UCAS and work applications much easier and more impressive.
MATHEMATICS Exam Board – PEARSON EDEXCEL IGCSE A What can I expect from this subject?
Mathematics is extremely marketable and amongst the most highly respected GCSEs. The course has been designed to provide a solid foundation in the basics of mathematics, it covers a broad spectrum of mathematical topics with an emphasis on developing confidence and perseverance through increased problem‐solving. The areas are:
Numbers and the number system Equations, formulae and identities Sequences, functions and graphs Geometry and trigonometry Vectors and transformation geometry Statistics and probability.
All students will be prepared for the Edexcel specification Linear iGCSE from year 9, which may be taken at either foundation or higher tier level. The grades will run from 9 – 4 in higher tier and 5 – 1 in foundation tier. The GCSE tier options will be evidence‐based drawing from tracked past and current performance, our professional judgement, current confidence levels and external benchmarking measures. The qualification consists of two, equally weighted, terminal papers of two hours and 100 marks. What can I do to prepare for this course?
Resilience is a vital quality when it comes to preparing for the subject. Students experience some questions that are challenging or unfamiliar and these will often be worth three, four or more marks. Although students may not always get these questions fully correct, they can pick up some of the marks by showing some worthwhile work towards an answer. Practise questions: Confidence in maths is increased by doing maths! What will my next steps be?
Students will be well prepared if they wish to continue to study mathematics at A‐level and beyond. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in maths are looked on favourably for a wide range of jobs – including: cryptographer, economist, actuary, financial planner, investment analyst, and statistician or go on to masters and PhD courses. Maths can be used to solve real‐world problems, which is the essence of mathematics, therefore analytical skills acquired are highly prized across all industries. Students who make a career out of maths reportedly have some of the highest levels of job satisfaction. In addition to enjoying some of the best salaries. However, if Key Stage 4 (GCSE) is the end of your mathematical journey we pride ourselves on creating mathematicians that are able to have an awareness of mathematics in the wider world and are equipped with transferable skills such as problem solving, lateral & logical thinking and high levels of numeracy.
COMBINED SCIENCE Exam Board – PEARSON EDEXCEL IGCSE What can I expect from this subject?
Science seeks to explain how the universe works, from the smallest objects (atoms, elements, and amoeba), to the largest (blue whales, industrial chemical processes, and galaxies). The GCSE sciences seek to develop an understanding of the works of some of the greatest scientific minds history has known, for instance, Newton, Curie, Mendeleev, Rutherford, Franklin and Bell. They build on the foundations of the skills and content which are laid at key stage 3, namely: recalling concepts, laws and principles, and applying them to new and unfamiliar situations; working methodically and problem solving; planning, making, recording, analysing and evaluating data. The course covers, amongst other topics: 1. Biology: reproduction, inheritance, ecology and the variety, structures and functions of living organisms 2. Chemistry: principles of chemistry, as well as physical, organic and inorganic chemistry 3. Physics: energy, forces, radioactivity, matter, electricity and astrophysics The assessment of iGCSE Double Award Science consists of three examination papers which are sat at the end of Year 11. These consist of one biology paper, one chemistry paper and one physics paper, each being 2 hours long. What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. Visit the popular science section of a bookshop and choose a publication to read. 2. Watch programmes such as ‘Wonders of the Solar System’, ‘Blue Planet’, ‘Rough Science’ and ‘Horizon’. 3. Listen to ‘Dara O’Briain’s Science Club’ and ‘Brainwaves’. 4. Visit museums e.g. We The Curious, The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, and visit science based attractions such as aquariums or zoos. 5. Keep asking: ‘how does this work?’, ‘why’ and ‘what if…?’ What will my next steps be?
iGCSE Double Award Science provides a sound basis for continuing to study various combinations of A‐level biology, chemistry, physics and maths. Studying sciences at Key Stage 5 blends well with A‐ level psychology, economics, geography and product design. The sciences facilitate careers in medicine, engineering, the armed forces, conservation and forensics, and many, many more.
Optional GCSE and level 2 vocational subjects
ART AND DESIGN (FINE ART) Exam Board – AQA What can I expect from this subject?
GCSE art and design allows pupils to think creatively and to produce work which will develop skills and challenge their thinking. This subject stimulates curiosity and enables pupils to make comments about the world around us. Throughout the two‐year course, pupils will produce a portfolio of work which includes a personal project which counts for 60% of the GCSE. During the course pupils will visit National galleries, exhibitions and take part in workshops, enabling them to produce a variety of exciting work. The other 40% of the GCSE is a 10‐hour examination, which takes place in the March or April of the GCSE year. What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Draw as often as possible, even doodling will help develop skills as an artist. Become familiar with an SLR camera and its functions. Take photographs of everything, thinking about compositions and viewpoints. Join one of the art activities at lunchtime and after school. Visit exhibitions and galleries whenever possible
What will my next steps be?
Art provides a good balance with other subjects and allows the ability to work independently in the studio or cooperatively with peers. Many of our students go on to Art Foundation or University as the Creative Industries in the second largest in the UK, so offers an exciting range of career opportunities. Almost everything around us started life in a design studio. Even if an art route is not pursued, most employers are looking for creative and innovative employees, who are able to think creatively.
ART AND DESIGN (THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN) Exam Board – AQA What can I expect from this subject?
Students that choose to study GCSE three‐dimensional design will be introduced to a variety of activities that explore a range of three‐dimensional products, processes and techniques. The beginning of the course is focused on skills building, so that each student can demonstrate ability in each of the projects that follow. Creative design briefs are set to challenge students to consider the user of a product. Technical drawing and 3D software will be used to present initial design ideas. This will then lead on to developing designs by model‐making, construction and assembly. Consideration of aesthetics and function will be refined through prototyping, testing and evaluating. Resources such as hand tools, laser cutter and 3D printer will be used to make final products. The course consists of one coursework project 60% and one exam project 40%. What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. Explore contemporary design, designers and current design themes online. 2. Read articles on design and architecture from www.dezeen.com. 3. Follow design galleries on social media e.g. The Design Museum, Museum of Modern Art: New York, Vitra Design Museum: Germany. 4. Take photographs of interesting products and design. 5. Set up a Pinterest account and use this to research contemporary design. 6. Practice technical drawing such as isometric drawing. What will my next steps be?
GCSE three dimensional design is suitable for anyone considering a future in a variety of areas of design, including animation, architecture, furniture design, interior design, jewelry, special effects for film and television, product design or engineering. Within product design and engineering, there is a wide variety of extremely interesting career possibilities such as the design of medical instruments, naval architect, sports engineer, from designing specialist equipment for activities such as diving to designing products that we use every day.
BTEC BUSINESS STUDIES Exam Board – Pearson Edexcel (Level 2 Award) What can I expect from this subject?
An aspiration for many young people is to be self‐employed and start their own business. The skills required for this, such as being able to work collaboratively and creatively, solve problems and have awareness of businesses and customers, are also those requested by employers. Pupils will develop these during the course. The level 2 business course allows you to get to grips with key aspects of running small businesses with a focus on enterprise and marketing. Students will gain the right combination of knowledge, understanding and skills required for the 21st century. The final grading of the course is – Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass. You complete three mandatory units:
Introduction to Business (Assignment, internally assessed, 25%) Finance for Business (Examination, externally assessed, 25%) Enterprise in the Business World (Assignment, internally assessed, 25%) Plus 1 optional unit, also internally assessed assignment worth the remaining 25% of the overall grade.
What can I do to prepare for this course?
Having a good understanding of the world we live in is a fantastic step towards understanding business. Being aware of current affairs, listening to the news on the radio and watching it on TV as well as newspapers will help with business language and concepts. What will my next steps be?
Students will have gained knowledge and practical skills in enterprise and marketing that you will be able to apply in other contexts in life outside of academic studies. In academic studies students can progress to A‐level or other level 3 qualifications, or on to an apprenticeship or work.
COMPUTER SCIENCE Exam Board – OCR (9-1) – J277 What can I expect from this subject?
In GCSE computer science pupils will learn how to combine a theoretical understanding of the subject with the ability to think logically and creatively to solve problems. Pupils will develop a good understanding of how computers work, how the internet works, cyber security attacks and prevention, and the ethical and environmental impacts of computers. Pupils will learn to write code, and be able to read and understand small coding problems. The course is also very interesting and highly satisfying! Pupils will be assessed through two 90‐minute exams, worth 50% of the final mark each. They will also be given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks during the course of study which allows them to develop your skills to design, write, test and refine programs. What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. Seek out activities such as BEBRAS, Cyber Discovery or The National Cipher Challenge. 2. Try coding puzzles and games from websites such as Hour of Code, Blockly, Microsoft’s Makecode or Google’s CS First. 3. Try tutorials on websites such as Khan Academy or Code Academy. 4. Find out how to make a website. 5. Listen to podcasts or read articles about new technology such as driverless cars, the internet of things, autonomous weapons or planned obsolescence What will my next steps be?
A computer science qualification makes a student very employable. Computer science graduates, along with engineers typically earn the highest starting salaries of all graduates. Computer science gives many transferable skills such as thinking logically, resilience and problem solving. Many non‐ computing jobs will require some use of code. Computer science A‐level or BTEC courses are available to study in the Sixth Form at Westonbirt.
CREATIVE IMEDIA Exam Board – OCR Cambridge National (Level 2 Award) What can I expect from this subject?
Students will plan, design, create and project manage a variety of digital products. This course is geared towards those who wish to develop a range of digital and IT skills and those who enjoy creativity and design work. Students will study two core units: 1. Pre‐production skills (exam) 2. Creating Digital Graphics (coursework) Then an additional two from the following options: 3. Creating a multipage website (coursework) 4. Creating a digital animation (coursework) 5. Creating Interactive Multimedia Products (coursework) 6. Creating a digital Sound Sequence (coursework) 7. Creating a digital video Sequence (coursework) 8. Designing a game concept (coursework) 9. Developing digital games (coursework) IT skills are essential for most employment opportunities, and the ability to use IT effectively will be of great benefit for future study and generally as a life skill. What can I do to prepare for this course?
Find tutorials with creative elements, such as, making websites, animations, graphics, game making, working with video and sound. Become involved in computing competitions and activities at school. Use spare prep time to expand and develop work began in lessons. Attend computing clubs. What will my next steps be?
Study computer science, BTEC computing, media studies or photography at Westonbirt School in the sixth form. Students will find the skills needed to be successful in this course are transferable and will make you more effective in your work for all other subjects, and in your future employment opportunities.
BTEC DANCE Exam Board – Pearson Edexcel (Level 2 Award) What can I expect from this subject?
Dance is a powerful and expressive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity, whatever their previous experience in the subject. This two‐year course recognises the role of dance in young people’s lives and students will study a range of dance styles and style fusions. Apart from the solo performance, they can choose any style in which to perform and choreograph. This GCSE is 60% practical (Performance & Choreography) and 40% written coursework (Dance Appreciation). What can I do to prepare for this course? Get up and dance!
Watch different styles of movement & dance. Go and experience some live dance, attend a live show, watch a musical, a ballet performance or visit a local dance company show.
What will my next steps be?
Dance combines physical and expressive skills, making it a useful option to choose as a basis to support a wide range of A‐level and vocational courses. Dance develops creative, imaginative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacities which gives you a diverse range of skills that are useful in many future careers. Common roles include: a performer, dancing or acting, performing arts, a dance or physical education teacher or lecturer, a choreographer/director for television and film, a writer, or a dance development officer.
DRAMA Exam Board – AQA What can I expect from this subject?
This course gives students the opportunity to do what students like best – to participate in performance! 1. All pupils devise drama. 2. All pupils explore texts practically and work on two text‐based performances 3. Pupils can choose to develop as a performer, designer (lighting, sound, costume, set, puppetry) or a performer and designer. Whatever option chosen, pupils can be sure to gather many valuable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand their horizons. Drama students learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively. They gain the confidence to pursue their own ideas, reflect and refine their efforts. Whatever the future holds, students of GCSE drama emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the workplace. What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. Make independent live theatre visits. If possible, see a version of the set play. 2. Familiarise yourself with the set play and make time to read the other set plays. What will my next steps be?
This course offers clear progression and continuity to A‐level drama and theatre. Students who go on to study A‐level are already familiar with studying a whole set text for the written paper and have built solid foundations in reviewing a live theatre production and interpreting key extracts. All these aspects feature in the A‐level as well as the GCSE.
FOOD AND NUTRITION Exam Board – OCR What can I expect from this subject?
Through this course, pupils will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to feed themselves and others better. They will develop a wide range of practical cookery skills and be able to work confidently with many different commodities including meat and fish. Students will learn all the basic techniques of sauces, cake, bread, pasta and pastry making. They will explore the principles of food science, nutrition, food traditions, provenance and food safety. Pupils will learn about healthy eating in the context of the government’s current nutrition guidelines and learn about the cuisines of at least two other countries. The GCSE is assessed through one theory exam in the summer of year 11 (worth 50%) and two non‐examined assessments which will be completed earlier in year 11 (worth 15% ‐ food science task, and 35% ‐ food preparation task). What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Take an active interest in the food that you eat. Be aware of how to plan a good diet. Think how your food is prepared, where it comes from and how it is produced. Think what factors affect the cost and availability of food products available to you. Look at what is available in the shops and markets at different times of the year. Practise your basic skills, try to make more than one dish at a time and try to ‘dove‐tail’ tasks, using your time and energies effectively and clean and tidy as you go. 7. Cook at home at every opportunity.
What will my next steps be?
This course is a good preparation for the Leiths Food and Wine course available in the Sixth Form at Westonbirt. We are a Leiths Academy school, which includes a Level 2 food hygiene qualification. “Whatever else you do in your life, you need to be able to cook!”
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS LEVEL 1 AND 2 (ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS) Exam Board – PEARSON EDEXCEL What can I expect from this subject?
You will be invited to attend group lessons in preparation to take a functional skills qualification. This will be after consultation with the head of English and/or mathematics, parents and yourself. You will continue your GCSE studies in these subjects alongside your GCSE courses, however this will be kept under review. Functional Skills Level 1 is designed for pupils who would benefit from early additional consolidation and practice in Literacy or Numeracy skills. Functional Skills Level 2 is a level 2 qualification that is equivalent in level to IGCSE but does not have the same breadth. The content is much more focused on ‘real‐life’ English and maths so is suitable for our grade 1/2/3 attainers as an alternative to the full GCSE. Many institutions and workplaces will take a functional skills level 2 pass as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 pass. To summarise: Level 1 is for our grade 1/2/3 attainers Level 2 is for our grade 3 /4 attainers. What can I do to prepare for this course?
As with English and maths GCSE confidence is increased by using the skills of these subjects: reading for research, writing for a variety of purposes, practicing your verbal communication in different scenarios and using math's skills and calculations whenever possible in real life settings will help with these courses, particularly as they are more applied than GCSEs. Maintaining enthusiasm in lessons and being aware that you will be doing more maths and/or English than your peers will be important. What will my next steps be?
A level 1 pass in functional skills will lead onto a level 2 functional skills qualification in the sixth form, a level 2 functional skills pass can lead to the pupil completing a GCSE in the VI form and open doors to many other courses.
GEOGRAPHY Exam Board – AQA What can I expect from this subject?
This subject has never been more relevant. It helps you to understand many of the global issues that face our planet today, such as environmental responsibility and global interdependence. You will become skilled in research, data analysis and decision making. Fieldwork is also a central component of the course, with two enquiries undertaken: one trip in the summer of year 10 studying rivers in the local area, and one day trip to Bristol to study urban sociodemographic characteristics. The course is examined through 3 papers at the end of the 2 years of study.
Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment ‐ Topics studied: The Challenge of Natural Hazards, The Living World and Physical Landscapes in the UK Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment ‐ Topics studied: Urban Issues and Challenges, The Changing Economic World and The Challenge of Resource Management Paper 3: Geographical applications ‐ This paper includes: Issue evaluation – material is given out 12 weeks before the exam. You will be analysing and interpreting it and answering questions about the issue in the exam. Fieldwork – You will be answering questions about your own geographical enquiry (fieldtrip) as well as analysing data you are given.
What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. Watch the news and consider the many links to geography in the events taking place around the world every day. 2. Read and research around the subject, for example, follow the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Twitter. 3. Watch any documentaries that are about human interaction with each other and the world, such as 'Blue Planet' and ‘Cities’. 4. Get out and about, explore the UK and abroad and observe what you see. What will my next steps be?
Geography GCSE is a sound foundation to studying A‐level geography, as well as a broad range of other subjects in the Sixth Form. Drawing on both skills from the arts and the sciences, it is an excellent route into a range of different fields, from GIS and climatology, medicine to architecture and business.
HISTORY Exam Board – CAMBRIDGE IGCSE What can I expect from this subject?
“History gives answers only to those who know how to ask questions” – Hajo Holborn. Other subjects teach you the answers, iGCSE history teaches you to ask the questions. It enables you to learn lessons from the past so that we can understand the present and improve the future. You will develop skills such as analysing information, forming substantiated judgements, evaluating sources of information, and assessing the significance of specific events or individuals. The following units are looked at under the Cambridge iGCSE specification: 1. Core content: International Relations since 1919 (specifically looking at the events after WWI, the collapse of peace, the Cold War and events in the Gulf). 2. Depth Study: Germany 1918‐1945. The iGCSE consists of 2 exam papers worth 73% sat in the summer of year 11, and coursework worth 27% What can I do to prepare for this course? 1. Read and research from a range of different sources: letters, historical novels, newspapers, historical documentaries. 2. Develop an inquisitive mind: ask questions about the events in the news and the people around you. What will my next steps be? The skills that are developed throughout GCSE history are highly valued beyond school life and this is why history is specifically highlighted by the Russell Group universities as one of a handful of subjects that ‘open a wide range of options.’ As such, the analytical and critical reasoning that studying history helps you develop and can help open doors to careers such as law, forensic medicine, journalism or a future in politics.
LATIN Exam Board – OCR What can I expect from this subject?
Latin lies at the root of many European languages, and has also exerted a huge influence on English. As you progress in the subject, you will begin to see how much Latin ties in with the world around you, not just in the field of language, but more generally too. At GCSE you will also explore some of the literature from this period, studying the actual words of the ancient writers themselves, such as Caesar and Pliny. It is well recognised that the study of Latin develops mental skills which are of great value, both at school and in later life. It will help you to: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Think logically and analyse problems. Present arguments persuasively. Think and write clearly. Develop an eye for detail.
The GCSE consists of 3 exam papers which you will sit in the summer of year 11. What can I do to prepare for this course? 1. Build and consolidate knowledge of the core vocabulary and the associated grammar. 2. Read around the subject of ancient Greece and Rome. 3. Watch any documentaries that are about the ancient Greek and Roman world. What will my next steps be? Latin GCSE certainly opens the way to studying it at A‐level, which is a challenging and stimulating course, well respected at university. Students might also consider the related course of A‐level Classical Civilisation. People who study Latin find that it can be useful in the world of journalism, law, politics and further studies in languages and literature.
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (French and Spanish) Exam Board – AQA What can I expect from this subject?
Take on the challenge of Modern Languages! GCSE French and Spanish will open doors to infinite possibilities for work, travel or even just your family holiday. On a personal level, pupils’ confidence will grow, while their ability to navigate the continents will propel them forward, opening their mind and heart to exciting new cultures. Pupils will enjoy an exciting personal road of discovery and learn the skills to communicate successfully with people, making their mark in an increasingly international world. GCSE French and Spanish take a fascinating look at the culture, society, history, politics and literature of the many countries and regions that speak these languages. The two‐year course covers three main themes:
Theme 1: Identity and Culture Theme 2: local, national, international and global areas of interest. Theme 3: current and future study and employment. The GCSE consists of 4 exams: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
What can I do to prepare for this course? 1. Immerse yourself in the language in the summer holidays. 2. Speak the language abroad. Don’t be shy, take the lead and ask questions. 3. Read in the foreign language as much as possible – books, magazines, comics and more. 4. Watch foreign films, cartoons or series. Listen to their music! What will my next steps be? Modern Languages are an excellent A‐level option. At university, they can be studied for a deeper knowledge and appreciation of one’s chosen specialty language. They are often combined with the introduction of one or more new languages. They can be very successfully combined with the study of most other subjects: the arts, politics, journalism, philosophy, economics, business, law, history, environment, making them a useful option to choose as a basis to support a wide range of A‐level and vocational courses. Modern Languages give a diverse range of skills for life which are essential to many future careers in the UK and abroad.
MUSIC Exam Board – AQA What can I expect from this subject?
Music is constantly evolving, inspiring creativity and expression in a unique way, unlike any other subject. GCSE Music offers pupils a relevant and contemporary GCSE qualification which incorporates a wide range of musical genres with more opportunities for practical learning. GCSE music brings theory, listening and composition to life in a new and engaging way and links to the world around us like never before. Throughout the two‐year course, pupils will study three units: 1. Understanding music 2. Performing music 3. Composing music Understanding music focuses on listening and contextual understanding which is assessed by a written 1 hour 30 minute exam. Within this topic, pupils will study 4 key areas: Western Classical Music 1690‐1910, Popular Music, Traditional Music and Classical Music since 1910. For the performance unit, students prepare two performances pieces (one solo and one ensemble piece) which are both internally assessed. For the composition unit, students compose two compositions; one to a brief provided by the exam board and the other a free composition. What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. Pupils should already be learning an instrument or having singing lessons with an aim to be playing repertoire at Grade 4 standard by year 11. 2. Pupils should listen to a variety of music from different genres and think about what music they enjoy listening to and who inspires their music making. 3. Find pieces of music you enjoy playing or singing. 4. Note down any initial ideas for a free composition. Little melodies, rhythms and chord progressions are all great places to start. What will my next steps be?
Pupils may choose to continue with music, by studying A level or BTEC Music/Performing Arts; equally, they may want to study other subjects. Either way, choosing Music GCSE will be of benefit as it provides transferable skills and can open doors to a range of education and employment pathways in: 1. Music (as a teacher, music therapist, sound technician, or working in a music venue). 2. Arts/creative industries (working in television, media, film, production, theatre, radio or arts administration). Music is also highly regarded as an academic subject and would complement other studies in leading to a professional career.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Exam Board – AQA What can I expect from this subject?
GCSE physical education is a subject that equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding and skills to develop their own performance in sport. They develop their understanding of socio‐cultural influences on participation in sport and the benefits of physical activity to health, fitness and well‐ being. Throughout the two‐year course pupils will cover: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Applied anatomy and physiology. Movement analysis. Physical training. Sports psychology. Socio‐cultural influences. Health, fitness and wellbeing.
The GCSE consists of 2 exam papers which are sat in the summer of year 11. In addition, each candidate chooses three sports to be assessed in. What can I do to prepare for this course?
All students are set a series of tasks to complete during the summer prior to the start of the course. This involves some reading, creating a small presentation and creating some quiz questions. What will my next steps be?
1. GCSE physical education includes both elements from arts and the sciences making it a useful option to choose as a basis to support a wide range of A level and BTEC courses. 2. BTEC sport is offered at Westonbirt, this equates to the same UCAS points as one A level. GCSE physical education gives you a diverse range of skills which are useful in many future careers. Common roles include: physiotherapy, military careers, teaching and lecturing, sports coaching, personal trainer and sports journalism.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES Exam Board –AQA What can I expect from this subject? Religious studies is the opportunity to study religion and philosophical themes in greater depth and really develop your critical thinking skills. The additional units of Crime and Punishment and War and Peace offer really engaging study into topics such as why people commit crimes, is it ever right to forgive? Is the death penalty ethical? Religious studies stands out from other GCSE subjects in its ability to study topical issues and to consider these from both our own view and the views of religions. It is also unique in its ability to develop evaluation and analytical skills which arguably are important for all pupils, whatever career path they ultimately choose to follow. You will also study religious practices which arguably is the most interesting part of religion to understand what motivates people to live in a particular way. pupils have already begun studying content for this GCSE and during year 9 to 11 will cover: 1. Issues of relationships and families: marriage, contraception, divorce and gender equality 2. Issues of religions and life: origins of the universe, animal rights, abortion and euthanasia 3. Issues of religion, peace and conflict: nuclear weapons, pacifism, terrorism and just war theory 4. Issues of religion, crime and punishment: aims of punishment, treatment of criminals, capital and corporal punishment 5. Christianity ‐ beliefs, teachings and practices 6. Buddhism ‐ beliefs, teachings and practices What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. Look at real life case examples such as Harold Shipman. Should he have received the death penalty for what he did? 2. Research the Suffragettes and their methods. Consider were they ethical? Were they necessary to get women the vote. 3. Watch the news to engage in current stories about religion in the media. 4. Research religious views about topics such as same sex marriage, abortion, and euthanasia. What will my next steps be?
The full course offers an in‐depth preparation for the A‐level course. Both the A‐level and the GCSE encourage critical thinking skills and therefore are excellent for a wide range of degree courses and careers. Common degree choices from this subject include law, medicine, politics and journalism. For more information on why to choose Religious Studies watch some videos here:
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SEPARATE SCIENCE Exam Board – PEARSON EDEXCEL IGCSE What can I expect from this subject?
The separate science courses augment the Double Award course. Each separate iGCSE in biology, chemistry and physics consists of the same units as the iGCSE Double Award Science course, but with additional content embedded within them. The separate science courses are ideally suited to those students who have a passion for science and who have demonstrated an aptitude for coping with the rigours of these disciplines. Indeed, it is particularly appropriate for those who are thinking that a science might be something which they would like to continue to study at A‐level. The course covers, amongst other topics: 1. Biology: reproduction, inheritance, ecology and the variety, structures and functions of living organisms 2. Chemistry: principles of chemistry, as well as physical, organic and inorganic chemistry 3. Physics: energy, forces, radioactivity, matter, electricity and astrophysics The separate science iGCSEs consist of a two‐hour examination paper, as the double award and an additional examination paper for each of the science courses. These too are sat at the end of year 11; these extra exams are 75 minutes long. What can I do to prepare for this course?
1. Watch programmes such as ‘The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures’, ‘The Sky at Night’, various programs by Sir David Attenborough or Brian Cox and ‘Horizon’. 2. Listen to ‘The Infinite Monkey Cage’, ‘The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry’ and ‘Brainwaves’. 3. Visit the popular science section of a bookshop and choose a publication to read. 4. Visit museums e.g. We The Curious, The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, aquariums 5. Keep asking: ‘how does this work?’, ‘why’ and ‘what if…?’ What will my next steps be?
The separate science courses provide a firm foundation for continuing to study the various combinations of A level biology, chemistry, physics and maths. Studying sciences at Key Stage 5 also blends well with A‐level economics, geography, psychology and product design. The sciences facilitate careers in medicine, engineering, the armed forces, conservation and forensics, and many, many more.