Choosing Your Year 10 & 11 Options 2015-17

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2015-2017

Choosing Your Year 10 & 11 Options

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Section Heading

Inside this booklet

Making the right Guided Choices

Advice for parents and students

Core and Option courses explained

Option blocks

Core subjects

Option subjects

Important dates

Contact details

Options forms

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Contents Contents

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This booklet is yours - don’t lose it!

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It is important, and if used properly will help you make some difficult but very important decisions over the next few months.

Inside you will find:

Information about the courses in Years 10 and 11

Information about what you have to do

• Guidance on how to do it

This is your chance to get advice and information and to make wise

choices for Years 10 and 11.

Do your very best to prepare yourself before you are interviewed

about your choices.

Life will be so much more straightforward if you think before the event

rather than after it.

Changing subjects once you have started them is very difficult.

YOU MUST BRING THIS BOOKLET TO THE OPTIONS INFORMATION EVENING

ON 21ST JANUARY!

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Guided choices for Key Stage 4

Be informed Making decisions about the subjects you will study in Years 10 and 11 is the first step in moving from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4.

Making the right decisions is really important if you are to be successful at Key Stage 4.

To make the right choices you need to be as informed as possible about what the different subjects involve, how they are examined and what level of qualification you can gain. Make sure you:

Read the subject information you are given.

Talk to your subject teachers about this information.

Talk to older students who study those subjects.

Look at your Year 9 report, your levels of attainment and your test results.

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What are my choices?

The right choices… ...are personal to you.

...will be subjects that you think you can do well in.

...will give you as many options as possible for future study or job opportunities.

...are the subjects that you will want to study for the next two years – changing courses once you get in to Year 10 is very difficult.

...will be subjects that you will enjoy – liking something makes it easier to work hard at it.

Think about… ...what you have enjoyed this year - because of the subject, not the teacher.

...the skills you will need in each subject.

Try to choose a broad and balanced range of subjects But remember - you will also be expected to choose at least one from: history, geography or a language. This still leaves two other choices from a range of subjects.

Don’t choose a subject just because your friend is doing it, because your parents have told you to or because your older brother or sister did well in it.

Think about the commitment you are making. You will have to live with these choices for a long time.

Guided choices for Key Stage 4

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Advice for students and parents

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The information in this booklet will be relevant for the majority of students, some students will be invited to consider different pathways and choices but you will be contacted individually if this is the case.

You must choose three option subjects - one from each block (turn the page to see the option blocks diagram).

You must choose at least one from: history, geography or a language. You can choose these from any of the three option blocks.

You then choose two subjects from the remaining blocks.

You can not choose two Design and Technology courses.

Considering further and higher education?

The entry criteria for our Sixth Form (and most others) is 5 GCSEs at grades A*- C including English and Maths. Only one GCSE equivalent subject (e.g. BTEC/ECDL) will be accepted in the total of five.

Some subject departments expect students to have achieved a grade B or above, or to have been entered at the higher level at GCSE. This is to ensure students are able to cope with the demands of A Level study in particular subjects. You should check these criteria with teaching staff in that department.

If you are thinking of going to university, keep your option choices open. If you have a specific career pathway or degree in mind you need to check whether there are specific GCSE requirements for that course on the UCAS website.

See: www.ucas.com

Students can - but do not have to - fulfil the requirements of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) certificate through our options system.

The EBacc is not a qualification in itself but recognises where pupils have secured a C

grade or better across a core of academic subjects – English, mathematics, history or geography, the sciences and a foreign language.

http://www.ucas.com

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Do you know what job you want to do?

If so, make sure you know the entry requirements and routes into the occupation. You may have to take particular subjects or qualifications now in order to gain entry to higher education or employment at a later date. Details of entry requirements and routes-in to particular careers are available in the Job Profiles section of the National Careers Service website: nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

University not for you?

If you would like to look at other options available to you at age 18, like apprenticeships and traineeships, check out www.notgoingtouni.co.uk The website offers a range of information on apprenticeships including higher apprenticeship vacancies, training courses and gap year opportunities.

Progress Review Days - February 2015

During one of the Progress Review Days on Thursday 5th or 6th February 2015, you will have a discussion with your adviser (a senior member of staff) about your choice of courses. You will need to bring this booklet and a copy of your report to that meeting. Your adviser will be checking whether you’ve worked hard in the courses that you are considering and that your behaviour and attendance are good.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk

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Core and Option Courses

Option Choices Options are chosen using a ‘blocks’ system. These are shown in the table on the next page. The following pages will tell you all about the core and option courses available at Tupton Hall School. If you need more information or advice on any course, speak to the subject staff in that department. Year 9 students and their parents are invited to an Options Information Evening on Wednesday 21st January 2015 where you can find out more about the process and speak to subject staff. The deadline for choosing your options is Friday 20th February 2015.

Core Subjects You will study the 7 core subjects:

English Maths

Science IT (European Computer Driving Licence)

Physical Education Religious Studies

Life Learning You can then choose three ‘options’, which must include at least one of:

History Geography

A Modern Foreign Language

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Option Blocks

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Core Subject: English

Course Title: GCSE English Language COURSE CONTENT

You will study the new AQA GCSE specification. This course tests your core reading and writing skills. Most students will take this course alongside GCSE English Literature.

SKILLS INVOLVED

You will learn to read accurately and analytically, studying non-fiction and literary non-fiction texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. You will also learn to write for a range of purposes and in a variety of styles. At the same time, you will learn how to express yourself clearly and effectively using spoken English.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

You will be expected to complete a certain amount of work at home. Homework might involve close or wider reading, technical exercises, or preparatory work for tasks to be completed in school time.

HOW THE COURSE IS ASSESSED

Unlike in previous years, there is now no controlled assessment or coursework. Instead, the course is 100% assessed by examination at the end of the course in Year 11. These exams are both 1 hour and 45 minutes long and are worth 50% of the GCSE.

For both exams, you will need to read and respond to previously unseen non-fiction texts, followed by the completion of a written task. To ensure you are well prepared for the final examinations, there will be interim assessments completed in exam conditions throughout the course. It is important that you prepare for these appropriately, using them as an opportunity to practise the skills you have learned in the pressurised situation of the exam room.

You will also complete two speaking and listening tasks as part of the course, a presentation and discussion, although these will not contribute towards your final grade.

HOW THE SUBJECT CAN HELP WITH POSSIBLE CAREERS

All jobs require the skills covered in this course, be it keeping accurate records as the owner of your own business, confidently articulating your ideas in a meeting, or writing an email applying for a promotion! This is a course that will give you real life skills that will support you throughout your life.

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Core Subject: English

Course Title: GCSE English Literature COURSE CONTENT

You will study the new AQA GCSE specification. This course tests your ability to respond to a range of literary texts, including novels, plays and poetry.

SKILLS INVOLVED

You will learn to read accurately and analytically, looking at the way writers craft their writing using linguistic, structural and dramatic devices. You will also consider the effect of context on our understanding of a text. You will also be taught how to shape your ideas into coherent written responses.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

You will be expected to complete a certain amount of work at home. Homework might involve close or wider reading, research tasks, or preparatory work for tasks to be completed in school time.


Unlike in previous years, there is now no controlled assessment or coursework. Instead, the course is 100% assessed by examination at the end of the course in Year 11. Both exams are ‘closed book’ which will mean you will be required to have an excellent understanding of the texts you have studied. This will include learning key quotations to support your ideas about the texts.

For Paper 1 you will need to answer two questions based on texts you have studied; one question will be based on a play by William Shakespeare and the other on a 19th century novel. This exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes long.

For Paper 2 you will be required to respond to a more modern text that you have previously study, a poetry anthology and two previously unseen poems. This exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long.

To ensure you are well prepared for the final examinations, there will be interim assessments completed in exam conditions throughout the course. It is important that you prepare for these ap-propriately, using them as an opportunity to practise the skills you have learned in the pressurised situation of the exam room.


Journalism, advertising, teaching, librarianship, theatre work, television, legal work, marketing, civil service, business management, local government etc.

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Core Subject: Maths

Course Title: GCSE Mathematics COURSE CONTENT

All Mathematics courses will build upon work already started in previous years, though the new GCSE will be far more rigorous than in the past. Pending confirmation, the exam board specification we are most likely to use from September 2015 is AQA 4365.

The Mathematics courses at higher and foundation level will be based around text books specific to the course. Using and applying mathematics will be covered by problem solving questions, rich tasks and are linked to specific topics being covered.

SKILLS INVOLVED

The courses will help you to develop oral, written and practical skills; develop a feel for number; apply Mathematics in everyday situations; solve problems and interpret results; appreciate patterns and relationships in Mathematics; acquire knowledge to apply Mathematics in other subjects; understand systems of measurement in everyday use; and use mathematical instruments including a calculator (all students will need to continue to provide a set of simple drawing instruments and an appropriate calculator).

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Students following the ‘higher’ or ‘foundation’ courses should expect 30 to 45 minutes of homework twice a week.


Internal assessments will take place at regular intervals throughout the course.

External assessment will be by a linear exam at the end of Year 11.

Level of Entry GCSE Grades Targeted

Higher 9 8 7 6 5

Foundation 5 4 3 2 1


Almost all careers and courses demand an appropriate level of competence in Mathematics.

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Core Subject: Science

Course Title: GCSE Science COURSE CONTENT

In Year 10 and 11, students have 5 Science lessons per week, and will normally have two teachers. Students will follow the Edexcel science course leading to two science GCSE qualifications, called ‘Science’ and ‘Additional Science’. In Year 11 some students may complete the BTEC qualification and gain a GCSE equivalent called ‘Applications of Science’.

Core Science:

Biology Unit 1 – Influences on life (25%) Topics: Classification, variation and inheritance; Responses to a changing environment; Problems of, and solutions to, a changing environment .

Chemistry Unit 1 – Chemistry in our world (25%) Topics: The Earth’s sea and atmosphere; Materials from the Earth; Acids; Obtaining and using metals; Fuels.

Physics Unit 1 – Universal physics (25%) Topics: Visible light and the solar system; The electromagnetic spectrum; Waves and the Universe; Waves and the Earth; Generation and transmission of electricity; Energy and the future.

Controlled Assessment (25%) to be completed in Year 11.

Additional Science:

Biology Unit 2 – The components of life (25%) Topics: The building blocks of cells; Organisms and energy; Common systems.

Chemistry Unit 2 – Discovering chemistry (25%) Topics: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Ionic compounds and analysis; Covalent compounds and separation techniques; Groups in the periodic table; Chemical reactions; Quantitative chemistry.

Physics Unit 2 – Physics for your future (25%) Topics: Static and current electricity; Controlling and using electric current; Motion and forces; Momentum, energy, work and power; Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion; Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive materials

Controlled Assessment (25%) to be completed in Year 11. (continued...)

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Core Subject: Science

HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?

These are two year courses and will be examined through externally marked examinations and a piece of controlled assessment work which is externally moderate.

Each subject will have three written examinations; Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 and a controlled assessment piece of work per year, which will all be sat in the summer of Year 11.

Each section of the assessment has equal weighting of 25% of the final marks.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Students will be set homework regularly, and will be a range of independent activities, looking at pupils’ research skills, learning and recall skills, literacy and numeracy.

BTEC First Level 2 in Applied Science

(Year 11 only)

Some students who find the usual academic route of numerous external examinations difficult may find that it is recommended that they follow the Edexcel BTEC route (which is equivalent to one GCSE qualifications). The course studies Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but has less emphasis on external examinations and relates the use of science to everyday scenarios. This route will only be recommended if a student is finding the GCSE route particularly difficult.

The course is split into four units, mainly assessed by course work (75%), with one external examination (25%).

CAREERS USING SCIENCE

Medicine

Veterinary science

Dentistry

Nursing

Midwifery

Biomedical science

Paramedic

Engineering

Meteorologist

Teacher

Pharmacist

Astrophysics

Electrician

Forensic science

Pilot

Zoologist

Physiotherapist

(...continued)

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Core Subject: Physical Education

Course Title: GCSE Physical Education COURSE CONTENT

a. Students select a strand of activities throughout Year 10 and 11. Each activity will last approximately 7 weeks.

b. Several strands have a particular focus that will enable students to gain additional qualifications in some of the activities below:

By the end of Year 11 students will have completed a range of activities remaining in the same group for the whole year. During Year 10 students have the opportunity to follow the Junior Sports Leaders Award. This involves leading primary school students through different sporting activities. This course acts as another option block. NATURE OF HOMEWORK Those who opt for the PE qualification will have homework and grades awarded will be based on the results of controlled assessments. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

a. To work hard to improve standards of

performance in all activities. b. To promote and develop a healthy lifestyle. c. To develop positive attitudes towards good

sporting behaviour. d. To develop knowledge and understanding of

the activities chosen.

Outdoor Activities Indoor Activities PE Qualification Movement

Football

Basketball

Leadership Award

Dance Leaders

Netball Volleyball Sport Education Aerobics

Hockey Badminton Fitness Gymnastics

Badminton Trampolining Games activities Fitness Suite

Tennis Table Tennis Coaching Trampolining

Softball Spinning Umpiring Gymnastics

Rounders Indoor Athletics

Vaulting

Fitness

Fitness

Electrician

Forensic science

Pilot

Zoologist

Physiotherapist

This course is currently under review and the outline below is provided for guidance only. The content of this

course may change before September 2015.

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Core Subject: Religious Studies

Course Title: GCSE Religious Studies

Religious Studies is a core subject studied in one lesson per week. So that this time is used as productively as possible, students are given the opportunity to gain an extra exam board qualification by working towards a full course GCSE in this subject.

COURSE CONTENT

Students will study units from OCR syllabus J621 Religious Studies; Philosophy and Applied Ethics.

Ethics involves a study of some of the most prominent personal, social and global issues of our time. Philosophy involves a study of some of the ‘big questions’ that have always puzzled human beings.

SKILLS INVOLVED

A qualification in Religious Studies helps students to develop a wide range of transferable skills which they will need when they leave school. These skills are recognised and valued by a wide range of employers and future education providers and include:

Acquiring knowledge

Developing understanding

Evaluating different viewpoints

Special skills developed by Religious Studies include the development of a person’s sensitivity in trying to understand the views of other people.

The ability to reflect upon and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes.

Religious Studies deals with people and ideas, and this helps very much with relationships at home, school and at work.

Ethics Units Philosophy Units

Religion, Peace and Justice

Religion and Equality

Religion and Human Relationships

Religion and Medical Ethics

Good and Evil

Science and Religion

Belief About Deity

The End of Life

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Core Subject: Religious Studies

HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?

The course is assessed through final exams at the end of Year 11. Students will sit four, one hour examinations. On each paper they will answer two, five part exam questions. There is no controlled assessment or coursework to complete. Students will be set regular homework to consolidate and extend their progress in class.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND THE FUTURE

Religious Studies has much to offer in terms of personal development. We live in a diverse society and Religious Studies helps us all to understand ourselves and those around us better. In addition, it helps students to explore some challenging issues which most of us, if not all of us, will be faced with at some point in our lives and which puzzle most human beings some or much of the time.

A qualification in Religious Studies also develops a range of transferable skills which are of use to us all in today’s world. They can help us all with personal issues and relationships, in the world of work and in considering issues which face us all globally.

These skills are valued massively and even actively sought out by many employers and future educators such as colleges/universities.

Many employers consider Religious Studies students to be honest, thoughtful, young people. It is a valuable qualification for many careers, including: nursing; medicine; teaching; leisure and tourism; social work.

Below are some examples of organisations/employers who actively seek Religious Studies as a valid and useful qualification:

In short, A GCSE qualification in Religious Studies helps to prepare students for any job /

career that involves working with others – and that’s most these days!

Boots PLC

Marks and Spencer PLC

Major banks

The Royal Mail

Gas and electricity companies

The Association of Certified Accountants

The police service

The civil service

Balfour Beatty

The armed forces

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Core Subject: IT

Course Title: European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

COURSE CONTENT

The course contains 4 units of study during Year 10.

Units are:

Word Processing

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Improving Productivity

SKILLS INVOLVED

In ECDL the effective IT user skills will help you unlock the potential of your computer and the programmes you use. You’ll discover new, faster ways to communicate, solve tasks and access information.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

The nature of the course means that there will be coursework at regular interval times and support work for this will be the homework for the course. All preparation work can be taken home and completed by students using their own computers, or via lunchtime clubs and the library facilities.


All the above units are assessed via on-line tests. These tests can be re-sat in order to gain target grades; there is no final terminal exam or major piece of project work.

At Level 2 all of the units are graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction *, equating to grades C, B, A and A*


It’s the world’s number one IT user qualification – recognised and valued in workplaces around the globe as proof of competence in IT. It’s tried, tested and trusted. ECDL programmes have been delivered to over 13 million people, in 41 languages across 148 countries. Over 2.5 million people have taken ECDL in the UK alone.

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Core Subject: Life Learning

Course Title: Life Learning

COURSE CONTENT

As one of the core curriculum areas, all students follow a Life Learning course in Years 10 and 11. The Life Learning programme includes elements of Citizenship, Health and Relationships; Study Skills; Enterprise; Careers Education and Guidance; and Work Related Learning. Students also take part in a Work experience programme in Year 10.

DELIVERY

Life Learning is delivered through a weekly one-hour lesson that is at a different time every week. Students also have a Life Learning tutorial in form time every week.

CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE

This programme continues from Year 9 with close liaison with the Derbyshire LEA Careers Service.

There is a particular focus in Year 11 when students are making decisions about their career choices after completing GCSEs. All students have the opportunity of a one-to-one interview with an independent adviser.

All students register with a comprehensive careers website, U-Explore, which provides students to research careers options, to prepare an action plan, a CV and application forms, and to update these whenever they need to in their own personal web space.

Year 11 students also take part in a Careers Day in the autumn term. They are given mock interviews by local employers, and have the opportunity to speak to a range of training providers. They also work on other interview techniques and how to write a letter of application.

WORK RELATED LEARNING

All students learn about work, through work, for work.

In Year 10 students are expected to complete a work

experience placement at the end of the summer term.

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Option: Art and Design

Course Title: GCSE Art and Design

COURSE CONTENT

You will be assessed on a Coursework Portfolio and a Practical exam.

Coursework is ongoing throughout the course and you will produce two units of coursework during the course.

The first project at the start of Year 10 is a skills-based project. In this project you will improve and develop your technical art skills and have the opportunity to explore and experiment with a wide range of materials. You will also learn how to develop a unit of coursework.

The second project will form your Coursework Portfolio. It forms 60% of the overall GCSE mark. You will choose your theme through discussion with your Art teacher for this assessed unit and you will be given some suggested activities or tasks. You will need to respond to your chosen theme, brief or starting point by producing a personal response. You will produce preparatory work and developmental studies showing your ideas and research. The preparation work you produce is very important. This includes all classwork and homework. It must be handed in with the final piece and is worth 75% of your coursework mark. Once you have done your preparation and development work you will make your final piece(s). You will have approximately 45 hours of supervised time to complete all of your work for this unit.

Practical Exam

You will be given an exam paper in January in Year 11 with a range of starting points. You are then given preparatory time (approximately 10 weeks) in which to research, plan and develop ideas on your chosen theme. This preparatory work is assessed with your final exam piece. You will then have ten hours supervised time to complete a final exam piece.

SKILLS INVOLVED

• Working from direct observation and experience.

• Exploring the qualities of materials, processes and techniques.

• Developing a theme in a personal and/or imaginative way.

• Relating to the work of artists, designers or craftspeople.

The Art course enables students to work with a wide range of materials and media including: drawing and painting, printmaking, mixed media work, textiles, sculpture using a variety of materials, ceramics, 3D card construction, wire, plaster and papier mâché.

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Option: Art and Design

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Homework is set on a regular basis and is varied. We expect you to spend a minimum of 2 hours outside lesson time each week on your artwork. It includes: research, sketchbook work, developing ideas and work on final pieces. Individual homework is often set for students depending on the nature and direction of their work. There are art classes available at lunchtime and after school where students can receive extra help with homework and coursework or gain access to art material they may not have at home.

The majority of your coursework must be produced in school under informal supervision from your teacher to conform to the examination board’s guidelines. This is to ensure that the work you submit is your own unaided work. We therefore recommend that all students attend the available sessions held at lunchtime and afterschool within the Art Department to continue with their art work.


60% Coursework portfolio

40% 10-hour practical exam and preparatory work

The course is taught and assessed in line with the OCR exam board specification. The coursework portfolio and exam are assessed internally and moderated by an external examiner.


Art and Design provides many varied and different career opportunities. Some of our students go on to take A-Level Art and then apply to do Art and Design Degrees at University.

Possible careers include:

Architecture; art historian; ceramicist; graphic designer; product designer; gallery or museum work; interior designer; illustrator; photographer; teacher; costume designer; fashion designer; practising artist; theatre set designer; web design.

You will also learn lots of other skills, which can help you in all kinds of careers:

Creative thinking

Independence

Flexibility

Planning

Organisation

Team work

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Option: Business

Course Title: GCSE Business

COURSE CONTENT

This Edexcel course is made up of 3 units. Two are assessed through exams and the third through a controlled assessment, which is like coursework but it is all completed during lesson time over a 3 week period.

The course covers all the key aspects of business including: Enterprise; How to start a business effectively; Marketing; Finance; The wider world affecting a business; The economic aspect. You will investigate real businesses!

SKILLS INVOLVED

To be able to succeed on this course you will need to be committed and well motivated as well as be able to communicate your ideas, write reports, think creatively, work with numbers to solve problems and complete research effectively.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

You will receive homework on a regular basis which will build on your learning in lessons and help you to develop important skills and knowledge. A lot of it will be research.


Exam 1: 45 minutes (25% of your grade) Exam 2: 1h 30 minutes (50% of your grade) Controlled Assessment: A two week block of work (25% of your grade) You will be awarded a grade ranging from A*- G according to the results of your assessments.

FURTHER STUDY OR POSSIBLE CAREERS

You can study Business or Economics in the Sixth Form, at college and later at university. Alternatively, you may wish to pursue a career after your GCSEs. Whatever you choose to do it is certainly a subject that will help you achieve success as it will help you develop a range of personal skills such as organisation, communication, numeracy, literacy, teamwork, risk-taking and decision making. These skills, in addition to the knowledge and understanding of business you will have gained through your studies, make this an excellent choice whatever your future plans.

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Option: Computing

Course Title: GCSE Computing

COURSE CONTENT

The course contains three units of study over two years. There is a mixture of controlled assessments and externally set exams, and the course is taught according to the OCR exam board specification.

Topics covered are:

1. Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

2. Unit A452: Practical investigation

3. Unit A453: Programming project

This qualification will suit students who want to know HOW computer systems work, who want to explore future trends in technology and apply creative and technical skills to the programming of computers.

SKILLS INVOLVED

You will explore:

Computers systems and networks.

Data storage and representation.

Computer software and programming.

The Internet and communications.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

For this qualification homework will be set via:

The completion of class based tasks.

Online tasks on SAM learning and other platforms.

Research and extension tasks.

(continued...)

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Option: Computing


Unit A451: Computer systems and programming 1 ½ hour written exam

Unit A452: Practical investigation 20 hour controlled assessment

Unit A453: Programming Project 20 hour controlled assessment

This award will attract the full range of grades associated with a GCSE, including A*.


The world is becoming increasingly dominated by the use of computer systems, which influence every aspect of our everyday lives. Modern citizens need to be equipped with knowledge and skills to enable them to participate in a technical society. This qualification will be useful towards a career in computing, engineering, ICT and business support.

(...continued)

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Option: Dance

Course Title: GCSE Dance

COURSE CONTENT

Performance

A set study (set by the exam board) and a selection from professional dance works.

Choreography

Solo and group tasks based on different stimuli.

Appreciation

Written exam based on the syllabus content and two different professional dance works.

SKILLS INVOLVED

An interest in dance from Key Stage 3.

Knowledge and appreciation of a variety of dance forms/styles.

The ability to perform in front of an audience in a solo or a group.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

1 hour per week - planning, rehearsal, research, background reading, video analysis, etc.


The course follows the AQA exam board specification.

Unit 1: Critical appreciation of dance – 20%.

Unit 2: Set dance – 20%.

Unit 3: Performance in a group piece which is related to a set professional work – 20%.

Unit 4: Choreography – 40%.


Teaching and coaching in dance Primary / secondary education Post 16 – A Level Dance/PE/Sports Studies

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Option: D&T Food and Nutrition

Course Title: GCSE Home Economics - Food and Nutrition

COURSE CONTENT

This course aims to promote the careful and thoughtful use of ingredients and components to encourage the development of a wide range of skills and knowledge.

It is taught according to the OCR exam board specification. All assessment tasks will use the information learnt in Unit B003.

Unit B001 Food and Nutrition short task

Made up of three short assessment tasks which will show practical skills and research.

Unit B002 Food Study task

A single longer task where you will undertake research into a task.

Unit B003 Principles of Food and Nutrition

In this unit you will learn about: Food commodities; Meal planning; Food preparation and cooking; Food safety and preservation; Consumer education.

SKILLS INVOLVED

There are many styles that will be used during the two years to help you develop your skills as an independent learner such as: Individual and group research, focused practical tasks to develop your skills handling food, developing communication and ICT skills, using outside speakers and videos.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Homework consists of collecting information from shops, books, the internet, planning and evaluating practical work, written tasks.


Unit B001: Food and Nutrition Short Tasks

You will submit three short tasks, two of the short tasks will assess the following skills: planning, practical work and evaluation.

The third task will assess investigation skill. Together they are worth 30% of the total GCSE marks.

This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated.

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Option: D&T Food and Nutrition

Unit B002: Food Study Task

You will submit one food study task which will assess the following skills: research, selecting and justifying choices, planning, practical work and evaluation.

It is worth 30% of the total GCSE marks.

This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Unit B003: Principles of Food and Nutrition

You are required to answer five compulsory questions, which include short answers and free-response formats.

Questions will cover all aspects of the specification content and is worth 40% of the total GCSE marks

This unit is externally assessed.


How can this qualification help with future careers?

Food technician

Advertising

Marketing

Environmental health

If you need more information please see Mrs Pratt, Miss Pearson or Mrs Slater.

Product development

Education

Catering/chef

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Option: D&T Product Design

Course Title: GCSE Design & Technology Product Design

COURSE CONTENT

Can you think of anything that has not been designed? The chairs we sit on, much of the food that we eat and the clothes we wear have all been carefully designed.

A product designer wants to design things that people will want and enjoy, and most of all that will improve people’s lives. We come into contact with thousands of designed products every day. Very often, we take design so much for granted that we don’t even notice it! It is only when things don’t work or are uncomfortable that that we begin to notice them! The door handle that is stiff, the shirt that itches, the chair that is uncomfortable – all these make us question their design. In fact, things that don’t work properly are often the start of good product design.

Product Design is all about looking at the manufactured world around you and being able to understand how/why things have been designed.

Tasks in Product Design might include looking at products which already exist and producing a redesign of that product. You might also look at how products work by disassembling them and studying individual parts of a design to gain a better understanding of the designed world.

Product Design is a very creative subject and as such many links will exist between Product Design and Art and Design.

Students will study materials as part of Product Design including the creative use of woods, metals, plastics and smart materials – as this part of the course will be materials based, students will also look at associated practical skills including the use of hand and machine tools where appropriate.

SKILLS INVOLVED

There are many styles that will be used during the two years to help you develop your skills as an independent learner such as:

Individual and group research, focused practical tasks to develop your drawing, communication and ICT (including 3D and 2D computer aided design) skills along with practical work to develop your modelling and making skills.

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Option: D&T Product Design


Product Design is taught from the AQA examination board specification and as with all GCSE subjects in Design and Technology from AQA the assessment takes the form of two distinct parts:

A Controlled Assessment Project which is worth 60% of the overall mark.

A written examination which contains the remaining 40% of the overall mark.


This GCSE course forms a very good foundation for students wishing to continue with DT Product Design at AS and A2 Level.

It also features in a range of career areas such as: marketing; printing; product development; town planning; education; architecture; apprenticeships; engineering design.

If you need more information please see Mr Fullwood or Mr Trigg.

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Option: D&T Resistant Materials

Course Title: GCSE Design & Technology Resistant Materials

COURSE CONTENT

It is closely linked to the other areas of Design and Technology (as they all share the same assessment criteria) but the materials you will be working in are timber, metal, plastics and smart materials. This course aims to promote the careful and thoughtful use of design and construction techniques with a range of solid materials and pre-manufactured components to encourage the development of a wide range of practical skills and knowledge.

It involves studying 2 units over the two years.

Unit 1 Written Paper – 2 hours (40% of the GCSE)

This unit focuses on the skills, knowledge and understanding of products using resistant materials. You would look at:

The principles of designing and product planning.

A range of skills, tools and equipment used in practical work – drawing techniques, scale drawing for plans, manufacturing processes, use of CAD / CAM packages and the making of ‘one off’ quality products.

Health and safety with basic risk assessment.

Product analysis, evaluation of existing products, look at the life cycle analysis of a variety of products.

This is assessed through an externally set and marked examination.

Unit 2 Design and Making Practice (60% of the GCSE)

This unit involves a design task along a chosen theme set by the examination board. You will research and design a product to show your skills in designing, making and evaluating.

A chosen theme could be: ‘my environment’, entertainment, home garden or family.

This is a controlled assessment unit meaning you would produce a portfolio of work over a given time scale of around 45 hours of school time.

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Option: D&T Resistant Materials

SKILLS INVOLVED


Individual and group research, focused practical tasks to develop your practical skills, developing communication and ICT skills.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Homework will consist of collecting information from outside, books, using the internet, planning and evaluating practical work, written tasks.


This course is taught from the AQA examination board specification.

Unit 1 is an externally set examination worth 40% of the overall grade.

Unit 2 is a portfolio task that is worth 60% of the overall grade.


This GCSE course forms a very good foundation for students wishing to continue with Design Technology Product Design at AS and A2 Level.

Manufacturing industries

Construction industries

DIY

If you need more information please see Mr Fullwood or Mr Trigg.

Pattern making

Apprentice

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Option: D&T Textiles

Course Title: GCSE Design & Technology Textiles Technology

COURSE CONTENT

It is closely linked to the other areas of Design and Technology but the material you will be working in is textiles. This course aims to promote the careful and thoughtful use of fibres and fabrics, pre-manufactured items such as fastenings, threads, beads, etc. It follows the OCR exam board specification and involves studying 4 units over the two years.

Unit 1 Introduction to designing and making

In this unit you will develop: Research and investigation skills; Drawing skills; Modelling / trialling; Evaluation of a process or product.

This is a controlled assessment unit meaning you would produce a portfolio of work over a given time scale.

Unit 2 Making quality products

In this unit you will develop: Designing for a need; Working with tools and equipment; Making a product; Evaluating the product.

This is a controlled assessment unit meaning you would produce a portfolio of work over a given time scale.

Unit 3 Sustainability and technical aspects of designing and making

This unit focuses on the knowledge, skills and understanding underpinning the design and the manufacture of products made from textiles. You will develop skills in:

• Consideration of products

• Consideration of the environment

• Consideration of society and the economy

• Working with tools and materials

• Selecting processes

• Designing for success

The assessment of this unit is through an externally set and externally marked test.

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Option: D&T Textiles

SKILLS INVOLVED


Individual and group research, focused practical tasks to develop your skills handling fabrics and equipment, developing communication and ICT skills, using outside speakers, visits and videos.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Homework will consist of collecting information from shops, books, using the internet, planning and evaluating practical work, written tasks.


Unit 3 is an externally set exam and is worth 40% of the overall grade.

Units 1 and 2 are through portfolio tasks that are worth 60% of the overall grade.


creative textiles

fashion designer

fashion buying

textiles design

fashion stylist

illustrator

manufacture

retail

If you need more information please see Mrs Pratt, Mrs Huckle or Mrs Slater.

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Option: Drama

You will explore a variety of genres issues and practitioners such as frantic assembly. Units 1 and 2 require students to complete 2 pieces of written coursework, based on practical sessions they have taken part in. Each of these units is worth 30% of the final GCSE. Essentially Drama is a practical subject but homework will need to be completed regularly.

SKILLS INVOLVED

Course Title: GCSE Drama

COURSE CONTENT

We follow the syllabus specification set by the Edexcel exam board.

Performing Boosting confidence and speaking and listening skills.

Communication Teamwork is essential in any career. In Drama you will develop your com-

munication skills in a variety of ways.

Analysis Learning how to empathise and developing evaluation and analysis skills -

vital skills that are needed in any subject.

Improvisation Role-play, exploration and development of characters and situation, acting

and use of explorative strategies.

Design skills If you are not the world’s best actor, there is a chance to do design skills,

set, lighting, props, costume and make-up.

Interpersonal and

Group working skills

Essential in the modern workplace. Drama teaches us about history, humanity and culture as well as

developing our ability to empathise and the ability to reason.

Creative skills Drama develops creativity and creative thinking skills, which are vital in

times of financial difficulties, where markets are competitive and people are required to be innovative.

Text - Practical exploration of play-scripts including Blood Brothers and other stimulus material.

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Option: Drama

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Homework will consist of written evaluations, lesson diaries, research and line learning.

In Year 11 practical group rehearsals are also required at lunch or after school – this forms part of your revision for Year 11 as there

is no written exam.

For the written coursework see ‘Course Content’.


Units 1 and 2 (60% of final mark)

Unit 1: Drama Exploration (30%) Practical exploration of ideas, themes and issues in response to a range of stimulus material. Exploration of explorative strategies, Drama medium and elements of Drama.

Unit 2: Exploration of a complete play (30%).

Through both units, candidates are assessed on their ability to respond to ideas and issues and develop these through appropriate dramatic forms the students will also have to respond to a piece of theatre.

Unit 3: Final Group Performance (40% of final mark) Performing a devised or scripted play to an audience, including a visiting examiner.

HOW THE SUBJECT CAN HELP WITH POSSIBLE CAREERS Acting

Marketing

Teaching

Therapist

Stage Management

Management

A Level Theatre Studies

Degree in Dramatic Arts

PR

Journalism

Broadcasting and Television

Youth work

Directing

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Option: Geography

Course Title: GCSE Geography

COURSE CONTENT Four key themes are covered in this course, which follows the OCR exam board specification.

Theme 1: Rivers and Coasts (fieldtrip to Burbage Brook to study the course of a river)

Theme 2: Population and Settlement (studying how population has changed and how settlements can be made sustainable)

Theme 3: Natural Hazards (optional fieldtrip to Iceland to study the impacts of tectonic hazards)

Theme 4: Economic Development (studying TNCs like Nike, and the rise of NICs like China)

SKILLS INVOLVED Map reading Drawing maps, sketches, graphs Field work - collecting information Extended writing ICT and communication skills Students should be aware that this subject re-

quires detailed, well-structured written responses. NATURE OF HOMEWORK Once every three weeks Controlled assessment An exercise following on from a lesson Research of a case study Collecting news articles Exam questions HOW THE COURSE IS ASSESSED

25% Controlled assessment which is completed in Year 10

This involves carrying out a number of fieldwork techniques in the local area of Chesterfield then completing a piece of written work about your findings.

25%

Sustainable Decision Making Exercise which is completed in Year 11

Students are provided with a resource booklet about a given issue. They are then given a range of options and must make a decision about how to manage environments sustainably in the future.

50% Terminal (final) Exam which is completed at the end of Year 11

Students complete an exam which assesses their knowledge and understanding of the main four themes.

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Option: Geography

HOW THE SUBJECT CAN HELP WITH POSSIBLE CAREER

GCSE Geography is a gateway to being a…

Where can geography take you?

Geography is described as a ‘facilitating subject’. This means that it is one of a number of subjects most commonly required for entry to degree courses at leading universities.

‘Geography makes you think globally, but act locally.’

Surveyor

Planning officer

Architect

Teacher

Civil servant

Volcanologist

And many other careers!

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Option: History

a) Study in Depth

Students will study one of the following topics in Year 11:

The American West 1840 - 1895

Germany 1919 - 1945

This unit will appear on the Paper 1 exam only.

b) Study in Development: Medicine through Time – This is a study of why, when and how health and medicine has developed from the Prehistoric period to the present day. It is studied by all students in Year 10.

We will discover:

Why Prehistoric people drilled holes in each other’s heads.

Why Egyptian people mummified bodies and how this helped surgery develop.

Why Medieval people thought that potions made of sweet smelling herbs and even human excrement could cure or prevent people catching the Black Death.

How an accident with some chloroform at a party led to open heart surgery.

The impact of war, chance, communication, government, religion, individual brilliance and science and technology on the development of medicine and surgery.

This unit will appear on Paper 1 and Paper 2 exams.

c) Controlled Assessment Coursework

1 assignment is set on the problems in Northern Ireland.

This will take place during the final 6 weeks of Year 10 and until mid-December of Year 11.

SKILLS INVOLVED

The course gives students the ability to:

Investigate historical events, changes, people and issues. Understand how the past has been represented and interpreted. Use historical sources critically. Draw conclusions and reassess other historical conclusions.

Course Title: GCSE History

COURSE CONTENT

“Some people make headlines while others make

history” – Philip Elmer-DeWitt

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” – George Santayana

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Option: History

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Students will be set a number of past exam questions over the 2 years of the course to ensure they are fully prepared for the terminal exams.

Homework will, in general be set weekly. Students will be expected to read their notes regularly even when specific homework is not set.


This course follows the OCR exam board specification.

Two written exam papers testing the study in depth and study in development – 75%.

One piece of coursework based on the historical background to the current situation in Northern Ireland (2000 words) – 25%

Students should be aware that History GCSE is taught through the use of both written and visual sources and is assessed through written answers. Therefore, this is a subject which requires well-structured and often quite extensive written

arguments.


A qualification in History shows an employer that a student has developed certain skills which can be used in a variety of jobs and tasks. These skills include the ability to:

Observe - Pick out the important elements of information from a variety of formats.

Describe - Communicate observations both orally and in writing.

Question - Clarify and provide more detailed observations.

Analyse - Carefully consider observations.

Evaluate - Make a judgement based on investigations.

Many careers demand these skills. A very small selection is: accountancy, administration, armed forces, business management, journalism, law, local government, the media, police, tourism, teaching and many others.

History A Level is also one of the ‘facilitating subjects’ for the esteemed Russell Group of universities.

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Option: Leisure and Tourism

GCSE Leisure and Tourism gives you the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the ways in which the Leisure and Tourism industries work to meet the ever increasing demand of people using their leisure time. Leisure and Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and provider of a wealth of career opportunities. Students will gain an insight into related sectors such as business, retail and distribution and hospitality and catering. They will be prepared to make informed decisions about further learning opportunity and career choices.

COURSE CONTENT

The course is split into 2 units which give a broad insight into both the Leisure and Tourism industries:-

THE NATURE OF THE LEISURE AND TOURISM INDUSTRY

Different types of Leisure and Tourism organisations

The reason why people use Leisure and Tourism facilities

Where people go in their leisure time and why they select their chosen destination

How people travel and why they select their chosen method of transport

The impact of tourism on communities and environments, including eco-tourism

Visitor attractions and activities, both in the UK and internationally

The use of up-to-date business systems, using I.T.

Employment opportunities in the Leisure and Tourism industry

SALES, PROMOTION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN LESIURE AND TOURISM

Sales and selling situations in leisure and tourism contexts.

Promotional techniques and materials in leisure and tourism contexts.

Designing your own promotional material for a leisure and tourism organisation.

The impact of new technology and business systems on the operations of leisure and tourism. organisations

Students will plan and carry out tasks in which they:

Analyse issues and problems.

Identify, gather and record relevant information and evidence.

Analyse and evaluate evidence.

Make reasoned judgements and present conclusions.

Investigations may include:

Visiting industry and talking to people who work there.

Research using the internet and printed material.

Conducting surveys.

Gathering information and studying company brochures, leaflets and published reports.

SKILLS INVOLVED

During your course you will also develop the skills you need in order to apply your knowledge and understanding in a work environment. These are called ‘key skills’. They will enable you to:

Course Title: Leisure and Tourism

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Option: Leisure and Tourism

Use information technology. Communicate effectively. Work with others. Solve problems. Improve your own learning and performance.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Homework will usually include: Collecting data, researching topics and writing up investigations.

Exam practise questions.

How much homework is completed and how long it takes will depend on you. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it and the more successful you will be.


The course follows the Edexcel exam board specification. A range of methods is used to add variety to your work and assess your potential. Assessment includes:

Exam (40%) Controlled Assignment (60%)

WHO IS IT FOR?

Students who have enjoyed studying Tourism in Geography at Year 9. Students who have a particular career interest in Leisure and Tourism or in related industries. Students who prefer coursework to final exams. Students who enjoy carrying out research. Students who want to progress to higher level qualifications such as A Levels.


This GCSE can be the basis for further education, including A Levels, or for entering a job in the field of leisure and tourism or related industries. These may include a variety of jobs from the following components:

Sports centres, health and fitness complexes e.g. Fitness First. Holiday centres e.g. Centre Parcs. Travel agencies e.g. Co-op Travel. Tour operators e.g. Thomas Cook. Transport providers e.g. airlines, rail, coach, ferry and cruise

companies. Accommodation and catering e.g. hotels, restaurants. Visitor attractions, historical properties, museums and galleries

e.g. Alton Towers, Chatsworth House. Government run agencies and departments e.g. national parks,

tourist information centres e.g. local government leisure, recreation and tourism department.

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Option: Modern Languages

Course Title: GCSE Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish)

COURSE CONTENT

GCSE Modern Foreign Language courses each follow the AQA exam board specification. There are 4 topic areas:

Work and Education

School / college and future plans

Current and future jobs

Leisure

Free time and the media

Holidays

Home and Environment

Home and local area

Environment

Lifestyle

Health

Relationships and choices

SKILLS INVOLVED

The course gives students the chance to develop the following skills:

Listening

Reading

Speaking – in small groups, with a partner and with the French Assistant.

Writing – guided and independent

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Option: Modern Languages

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Students will be set a learning or writing homework every week. Much of the homework will focus on preparation for the Controlled Assessment. The more time a student spends on homework, the better prepared they will be.


Controlled Assessments (60%) over a two year period

Two speaking assessments (30%) Two writing assessments (30%) Exams – June of Year 11

Reading exam (20%) Listening exam (20%)


A GCSE in a language shows an employer that a student has developed certain transferrable skills that would be useful in a variety of jobs. These skills enable students to:

Communicate effectively and with greater confidence.

Express and justify opinions.

Listen for gist and detail.

Develop a greater understanding of grammar and how a language works.

Structure their written work logically, using a wide range of vocabulary and expressions.

Careers with Languages: the tourism industry; teaching; journalism; civil service; armed forces; engineering; law; sciences.

An independent study has shown that British firms lose an average of 20% of their profits due to a lack of language skills - studying a language at GCSE and A Level increases your job prospects considerably!

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Option: Music

Course Title: GCSE Music

COURSE CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT

The course is taught and assessed according to the OCR exam board specification.

Performing, Composing and Evaluation Coursework (60%)

Students will play or sing two pieces during the course - one must be a solo, the other must be part of an ensemble.

Students can perform on an instrument, voice, or create a performance using a computer.

Students will compose and perform 2 pieces in a style related to their performance, evaluating and explaining their work.

Creative Task (20%)

Students will have 40 minutes in which to compose a short piece based on a given musical idea, or set of words.

Listening Test (20%)

Students will sit a 1½ hour exam, listening to extracts of music and answering questions about them.

The 4 areas of study will include music from the Renaissance to classical periods, from pop music to world music. The focus will be upon; salsa, tango, bhangra, 70s and 80s disco, the romantic waltz and club dance music, as well descriptive music including film scores.

SKILLS INVOLVED

Demonstrate the skills required for performance.

Develop a basic understanding of music theory, including reading musical notation.

Develop ideas musically to produce composition work.

Recognise and describe accurately different elements and details heard in extracts of music, and use key words appropriately

Develop key skills in communication, IT and working with others.

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Option: Music

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

This will be set on a regular basis and will be centred around composition assignments but may involve research or theory work, or a combination of composition or performance tasks.

HOW MUSIC CAN HELP WITH CAREERS

GCSE music is a good preparation for further musical study, whether AS or A Level Music or Music Technology or a BTEC National Diploma in Music or the Performing Arts.

It can help lead to a career in:

Music Industry - publishing, recording

Entertainment Industry

Teaching - in school, as a peripatetic or privately

Arts Administration in orchestral, operatic or ballet companies

Sales in music shop or company

Journalism reviewing concerts CDs etc

Music therapy

Developing music websites

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Option: Physical Education

Course Title: GCSE Physical Education

COURSE CONTENT

Theoretical aspects of PE (40%)

This unit has two sections:

Section 1.1: Healthy, active lifestyles Section 1.2: Your healthy, active body.

These are classroom based lessons.

You will:

• Examine the effects of exercise and how training can improve performance.

• Identify ways to develop and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through participation in physical activity.

• You will gain knowledge of the impact of a healthy, active lifestyle on their cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and skeletal systems and general wellbeing.

• Appreciate the benefits of promoting ‘sport for all’.

Practical Assessment (60%)

Through assessment as a Performer / Leader / Official YOU MUST:

• Be practically able and enjoy participating in more than 1 sport.

• Have a clear interest in a range of sporting activities not just as a games player/participant but leader and or official.

• Enjoy developing your fitness levels.

• Regularly participate in extra-curricular events/activities at THS and beyond.

SKILLS INVOLVED

The 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. You should have an interest in physical education and sport, enjoy being active and appreciate the benefits of keeping fit and healthy.

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Option: Physical Education

You will be happy working in both a practical and classroom based environment.

The theory content will suit students who enjoy science based subjects.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

1 hour per week - short answer questions, background reading and research.


We follow the Edexcel exam board course specification.


As well as being the ideal preparation for the A Level Physical Education course, GCSE Physical Education allows for progression to related vocational qualifications, such as BTEC Firsts and Nationals in Sport or Sport and Exercise Sciences. The course develops the transferable skills and key skills that employers are looking for and can lead to a wide variety of employment opportunities. This can include further training in areas such as recreational management, leisure activities, coaching, officiating, the fitness industry, the armed forces and the civil service.

Unit 1 Examination 40%

Unit 2 Controlled Assessment 60%

Unit 1 is externally assessed through a written examination paper of 1 hour and 30 minutes. This will contribute a maximum of 40% towards your total marks.

Unit 2 is assessed in two sections. Section 1 – four practical performances in the role of either player/participant, leader or official. You can achieve 48% of the marks from your four performances, two of which may be in the role of a leader or official. Section 2 – analysis of performance in one of the chosen activities. This will be worth 12% of the marks and should include planning, performing and evaluating a Personal Exercise Programme.

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Option: Science

Course Title: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Triple Science GCSE)

COURSE CONTENT

In Year 10 and 11, students have 8 Science lessons per week, and will normally have three teachers. Students will follow the Edexcel Science course leading to three separate Science GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

GCSE Biology Course

Unit 1 – Influences on life. Topics: Classification, variation and inheritance; Responses to a changing environment; Problems of, and solutions to a changing environment.

Unit 2 – The components of life. Topics: The building blocks of cells; Organisms and energy; Common systems.

Unit 3 – Using Biology. Topics: Control systems; Behaviour; Biotechnology.

Unit BCA – Biology Controlled Assessment.

GCSE Chemistry Course

Unit 1 – Chemistry in our world. Topics: The Earth’s sea and atmosphere; Materials from the Earth; Acids; Obtaining and using metals; Fuels.

Unit 2 – Discovering chemistry. Topics: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Ionic compounds and analysis; Covalent compounds and separation techniques; Groups in the periodic table; Chemical reactions; Quantitative chemistry.

Unit 3 – Chemistry in action. Topics: Qualitative analysis; Quantitative analysis; Electrolytic processes; Gases, equilibria and ammonia; Organic chemistry.

Unit CCA – Chemistry controlled assessment.

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Option: Science

GCSE Physics course

Unit 1 – Universal physics. Topics: Visible light and the solar system; The electromagnetic spectrum; Waves and the Universe; Waves and the Earth; Generation and transmission of electricity; Energy and the future.

Unit 2 – Physics for your future. Topics: Static and current electricity; Controlling and using electric current; Motion and forces; Momentum, energy, work and power; Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion; Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive materials

Unit 3 – Applications of physics. Topics: Radiation in the treatment of medicine; X-ray and ECGs; Production, uses and risks of ionising radiation from radioactive sources; Motion of particles; Kinetic theory and gases.

Unit PCA – Physics controlled assessment

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Students will be set homework regularly, and will be a range of independent activities, looking at pupils’ research skills, learning and recall skills, literacy and numeracy.


These are two year courses and will be examined through externally marked examinations at the end of the two years, and a piece of controlled assessment work which is externally moderate.

Each subject will have three written examinations; Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 and a controlled assessment piece of work.

Each section of the Assessment has equal weighting of 25% of the final marks.


Medicine; veterinary science; dentistry; nursing; midwifery; biomedical science; engineering; pharmacist; astrophysics; paramedic; meteorologist; teacher; electrician; forensic science; pilot; zoologist; physiotherapist..

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Option: Sociology

Course Title: GCSE Sociology

COURSE CONTENT

“The study of human society”.

Year 10 Topics

Studying Society – understand the ways in which sociology differs from psychology, biology and journalism and learn about the different methods sociologists use to study society e.g. questionnaires, observations and interviews.

Education – investigate the role of education in society and explore how factors such as class, gender and ethnicity influence educational achievements.

Families – challenge the definition of ‘family’, describe patterns related to divorce, marriage and the nature of the family, and explore how gender roles have changed.

Year 11

Crime and Deviance – be able to provide different explanations for why some groups commit more crimes than others and investigate the ways in which crimes are measured and recorded.

Mass Media – look at the increasing importance of different types of media in everyday life, investigate the ways in which the media portrays stereotypes of different groups and discover the influence it has on the way people live their lives.

Social Inequality – be able to describe different explanations of poverty and which groups in society are more likely to be poor. Look at the ways in which a person’s employment can influence their entire existence.

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Option: Sociology

SKILLS INVOLVED

Strong communication skills (verbal and written)

Collection of information for different purposes

Interpreting and analysing data

Applying knowledge to society

Evaluating research

In order to study Sociology you should ensure that you have good written skills as your assessments will require you to write some long mini essay style answers. It would also be useful if you are someone who is able to express an opinion about the world we live in.

NATURE OF HOMEWORK

Homework is set, usually once a week and may include written tasks, reading or doing research.


The course is taught and assessed according to the AQA exam board specification. Students are assessed via two separate exam papers, which are examined at the end of Year 11. Both papers are 1 hour 30 mins in length and are worth 50% each.


Sociology is useful for any career or further studies involving people and how society works. The

subject gives you a general appreciation of the society we live in so is beneficial to a whole range

of future options. Sociology is available to study at A Level in our Sixth Form.

Sociology could help lead to a number of careers including:

Probation Officer

Nursing

Media

Personnel

Market Research

Journalism

Occupational Therapy

Counselling

Social Work

Social Service

Prison Service

Teaching

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IMPORTANT DATES!

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Wednesday 21st January 2015 Options Information Evening

For Year 9 students and their parents / carers to find out more about the options process and speak to subject staff. Please remember to bring this booklet with you.

Friday 20th February 2015 Deadline for choosing options

21

JAN

20

FEB

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CONTACT DETAILS

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Tupton Hall School Tel: 01246 863127 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tuptonhall.derbyshire.sch.uk Facebook: facebook.com/TuptonHallSchool Twitter: @TuptonHalls

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Choosing Your Year 10 & 11 Options 2015-17

Documents

right choices

different subjects

wise choices

subject information

right guided choices

key stage

balanced range of subjects

option courses