Year 9 Options
King Solomon High School
Message from the Head Teacher
11:25-12:20 Period 3
12:20-1:15 Period 4
2 General Information
4 Business Studies
8 Information and Communication Technology
10 Jewish Studies
11 Media BTEC
16 Technology The School Day
8:45- 9:40 Period 1
9:40-10:35 Period 2
10:55 - 11:50 Period 3
11:50-12:45 Period 4
13:40-14:35 Period 5
14:35-15:30 Period 6
8:30 - 8:45 Registration
8:45 - 9:15 Tutorial/Assembly
9:15- 10:10 Period 1
10:10-11:05 Period 2
Head Teacher’s Introduction
I am delighted to introduce this Year 10 course information at
this really important time in your education. I know that it seems
strange that you are already making serious choices regarding
what courses you want to study and that you might feel a little
too young to be making such important decisions but I firmly
believe that with the correct guidance and help you will make
the right choices.
Obviously there are some subjects that you have to take such
as English, Maths, Jewish Studies and Science and there are
others where you have more of a choice. Within Technology
you will need to choose which of the options you think you
might enjoy and we will try to accommodate you and give you
your first choice, although it might not always be possible to do
so. Please read about all the courses available, discuss your
choices at home and with your tutor and remember to ask the
subject teachers if you have any questions about a course.
Your form tutors will be talking to you about which courses
might suit you best in light of your academic performance
throughout Key Stage 3 as we will be roughly dividing the year
group up into 3 tracks based on your work so far.
Please do remember that it is important that as many of you
as possible pass the English Baccalaureate and so if you are
in tiers 1 or 2 you must choose either Spanish or Ivrit and History
For some of you, we also have a course available in Media
Studies. The course is a BTEC course where you will be able
to study a wide variety of things such as film, TV, radio and
internet including how the media influences our lives and views.
I think that this will be a course that many of you will enjoy as
it offers those students who enjoy a more practical way of
working a really good option. We also offer Media Studies at
the next level in the 6 th Form which will give those who take
it a chance to develop their skills more fully.
Please do read the information supplied very carefully and
remember that it is important to make the most of every
opportunity. As we say in our school motto:
Mr S Lewis
Welcome to the Year 9 Options Booklet
If I am not for myself, who will be for me,
but if I am only for myself,
Who am I?
If not now, when?”
Mr S Lewis
What will I study in years 10 & 11?
In September you will be starting your GCSE courses. The purpose of this CD is to explain the GCSE
system to you and your parents and to help you in making the choices that are most appropriate for you.
You will be meeting with your tutor to discuss your choices and ensure you are on an appropriate
course to meet your individual needs.
What will I have to study?
All students must study:
What can I choose to study?
Students can choose to follow an Academic or Vocational Pathway. An Academic Pathway is recommended
for those students who favour theory based study and examinations as an assessment method. A Vocational
Pathway is recommended for students who prefer practical study and coursework as an assessment
Students will choose 3 of the following subjects. Students following this pathway will continue with a Modern
Foreign Language, History and/or Geography. At your meeting with your tutor to organise your options you
will be advised as to the subjects you should choose.
Thinking beyond GCSEs and ‘A’ Levels many of you will be seriously thinking of continuing your studies
at University. Most Universities will value you as a student if they can see evidence at GCSE that you have
studied a Modern Foreign Language as well as the basics of English, Maths and Science.
Choices for Academic Pathway Students:
1 Art and Design
2 Business Studies
10 Media (BTEC) (Counts as two choices)
Some students are being advised to follow the vocational pathway. This pathway is mainly for
students who find exams difficult. The courses are more practical and are mainly assessed
by coursework. On the vocational pathway students will choose Media BTEC (counts as two
options) and one other GCSE.
CHOICES FOR VOCATIONAL PATHWAY STUDENTS:
You must choose:
and you must choose one of these
When choosing your GCSE subjects it is important to have a broad and balanced curriculum
and to choose subjects which you think you will enjoy and in which you will succeed. You do
not need to know at this stage what job you would like to do.
You will need to discuss all this information at home and with your teachers at the Parents’
Evening on March 14th. It is important that students attend Parents’ Evening.
Every student will have a personal interview with their tutor to discuss which options they
should take. At those meetings they will finalise the appropriate course of subjects for each
students. Parents can discuss these choices with their children prior to these meetings.
N.B In some cases teachers may advise that you are not suitable for one of the courses you
have chosen. Other courses such as Sociology and some of the Technology options such
as Food and Textiles have a limited number of places and, if the course is over subscribed,
students may be disappointed and may have to make other choices. Also we must point
out that, due to timetable and staffing constraints, we may not be able to accommodate
every student’s first choice of options.
Please note that, in order to accommodate the choices that students have made, some students
will have to change their band and form at the start of Year 10. Unfortunately this is unavoidable
and non negotiable.
ALL STUDENTS CONTINUE TO HAVE PSHCE AND P.E.
Art & Design
Level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Media
GCSE in Art & Design (Fine Art)
The GCSE course taken will be through EDEXCEL.
Fine art may be defined as work which is produced as an outcome of
students’ personal experiences, rather than that which is created exclusively
for a practical function or that which is the outcome of a tightly prescribed
Work produced for this qualification will demonstrate the use of formal
elements and creative skills, and give form to individual thoughts, feelings,
observations and ideas. Students will show evidence of trying to extend
their own and others’ way of seeing the world. They will use the language
of the subject sensitively and thoughtfully to support their intentions.
In the context of this specification, disciplines will include painting and
drawing, printmaking, sculpture and alternative media. For this endorsement,
students will need to work in at least two of the disciplines for the GCSE.
The examination consists of
1.Personal Portfolio in Art and Design supported by
sketchbooks/work journals (60%)
2.Externally Set Assignment with supporting/preparatory work
The personal portfolio submitted for assessment consists of centre-devised
activities, carried out by students under controlled conditions. The activities
should take approximately 45 learning hours to complete.
The externally set assignment involves students undertaking investigations
and development, with approximately 20 hours of informal supervision
leading to a final 10-hour sustained focus, conducted under formal
Both components will be assessed in an exhibition at the end of the course.
Marks given by tutors, based on the work exhibited, are moderated by an
External Moderator from EDEXCEL.
Students who choose Art must be very well motivated and enthusiastic
about the subject because of THE EXENDED PERIODS OF TIME
REQUIRED FOR HOMEWORK and that the course is based heavily upon
an on-going assessment of individual project work over the two years. A
student CANNOT pass this subject i.e. achieve a grade C or above, without
a substantial commitment towards homework.
Business Education Department
How the world of work works!
The BICT department offers a modular course in Business Studies.
This course is both active and enjoyable. You will learn more about
how small businesses are developed, and discover how businesses
promote themselves and keep their customers happy. You will
learn how businesses manage both their finances and the people
who work for them.
Study of this subject will offer a business and economics pathway
to Sixth form, subjects which are both offered by the department
at that level.
Business Studies is a popular choice at Key Stage 4 and 5. Our
classes are mixed ability, but teachers differentiate their teaching
to ensure that each student performs at their best level. The
qualities of the students who study the subject are expected to be;
an interest in current affairs
fairly developed Maths skills
good English skills
The skills that students will develop include;
Exam board :Edexcel
Exams and controlled assessment:
2 exams 75%
1 controlled-assessment task 25%
The Business Studies teachers in the department are Mr Ngwenya,
Mrs Lidher and Miss Akoto.
There will be three qualifications: most pupils will be entered
for both English Language and English Literature with the
WJEC Examination Board. In Year 11 the Department will
decide whether some pupils should take English instead
of English Language.
A new element of English is Functional Skills. These are
included in the ordinary examination process, but pupils
must meet these standards to gain grade C, however well
they do in other parts of the subject.
Speaking and Listening is assessed through coursework,
and will also involve a written study of spoken language.
The knowledge and skills assessed are listed below.
Reading different kinds of text
Writing factually and imaginatively for different purposes
Speaking and Listening
Study of spoken language
Study of plays by Shakespeare and a modern writer
Study of two novels from before and after 1914
Study of poetry from before and after 1914
Some elements of Literature, and most of the Language,
will now be assessed in school, but under examination
conditions. Pupils will have information about the assessed
units, and will have the chance to prepare for them, but no
opportunity to redraft work.
Langugae and Literature
Geography.. you’d be lost without it.
Edexcel Syllabus B
This is a modular course focusing on the study of places, landforms,
people, issues and conflicts in the world today. It is up-to-date, interesting
and relevant to anyone keen to understand the world around them. It
encourages students to ask questions about their environment and to
find the answers.
What will I study?
· Restless Earth – Structure of the earth, volcanoes and earthquakes.
· Climate change – Changes in the earth’s climate and the impact of
· Battle for the Biosphere - Study of global ecosystems and why they are
· Water world – The water cycle and water management issues.
· River processes– Fieldwork based unit comparing parts of a river system.
· Extreme climates – Focus on Antarctica, resources use, tourism and
People and the planet
·Population dynamics – Issues of population growth, structure and migration.
Consuming resources –Consumption of the world’s resources and sustainability.
Living spaces – Where people choose to settle and what makes a good living
Making a living –Types of employment and their environmental impact and
Changing cities – The eco-footprint of fast growing cities round the world
such as Dubai.
Development Dilemmas – Country development, development differences
and growing sustainably.
How will I be assessed?
Module Exam (Year 10)
25% Decision making exercise based on information given to students prior
Fieldwork Investigation (Year 11)
25% based on a residential activity trip .
Final exam (Year 11)
50% spread over two exam papers on the units above.
Why study geography at GCSE?
It enhances your knowledge of the world by bridging social sciences and the
It raises awareness of the environment and develops problems solving skills.
You will learn to communicate effectively through written, oral and ICT media.
Employers rate geography highly because of the variety of skills students
What specification will I be studying?
You will be studying the AQA GCSE History B Modern world syllabus. This
is designed to give students an understanding of a cross section of modern
history whilst developing the skills required to study academic subjects at
university and be equipped for life in the workplace.
What will I study?
1. Unit 1 – International relations: Conflict and peace in the
20 th century; in this unit we will study:
a. The origins of The Cold War 1945-55
b. Crises of the Cold War 1955-70
c. Failure of Détente and the collapse of Communism 1971-199
2. Unit 2 – 20 th century depth studies; in this unit we will
a. The Roaring 20s: USA 1919-1924
b. Depression and the New Deal: USA 1929-41
c. Race Relations in the USA 1955-1968
3. Unit 3 – Historical enquiry – the Changing Role and Status
of Women since 1900
How will I be assessed?
You will sit two exams and complete one controlled assignment which will
be completed in class:
Paper 1: This is a written exam assessing knowledge of unit 1 and is
taken at the end of year 11, it will be 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 60
marks. This will make up 37.5% of your final grade.
Paper 2: This is a written exam assessing knowledge of unit 2 and is
taken at the end of year 11, it will be 1 hour and 45 minutes and worth
60 marks. This will make up 37.5% of your final grade.
Controlled assessment: This is a personal, source based enquiry
based on research carried out by the student and written up in class
in a controlled environment. The final piece of work will be made up
of two questioned and about 2000 words and will be worth 40 marks.
This will make up 25% of your final grade.
Why study history?
History at KS is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of careers,
A-Levels and university courses. History allows access to a huge variety of
courses and jobs and is particularly desirable to students who wish to study
and pursue careers in law, business, management, development,
communications and the finance industry. This is because students who
achieve good grades in History have demonstrated skills in areas such as
research, report writing, analysis, reasoning, reporting and preparing and
presenting an argument. On average 30% of history graduates pursue a
postgraduate qualification, well ahead of an average 19% across all subjects.
GCSE in ICT
Exam Board: AQA
Level of examination: Full-course and Short-course
This is a course that students have commenced in year 9. They will complete
the course at the end of year 10.
The course comprises a written examination (for both the full-course and the
short-course). It is based on the use of ICT to find, collect, process and present
information. The students will demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge,
skills, and understanding of ICT to a range of situations. They will also develop
an understanding of the wider applications and effects of ICT. The students
will also need to consider the impact of ICT applications in the wider world
such as the social, economic, political, legal, ethical, and moral issues
surrounding data and information.
The coursework will comprise 60% of the examination and will consist of one
controlled assessment unit (for the short-course) which is set by the examining
board. This will introduce a range of software skills such as desktop publishing,
graphics, modelling and databases. In the second year of the course, the
full-course students will complete a second controlled assessment unit, where
they will choose a project from a selection. The coursework is the most
important part of the course as without it the students are unable to pass the
The GCSE in Modern Hebrew is a dynamic, communicative course,
engaging students in everyday, living Hebrew. At the end of the
two-year course, the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and
Writing are tested. There is only one tier entry covering A* - G.
At present students follow a non-modular course studying familiar
areas of experience
Participants on this course will enjoy contact with the living language
through audio tapes, videos, and up to the minute texts including
the Israeli learners’ newspaper, Sha-ar LaMatchil. They will learn
to communicate at an everyday level. The course equips the young
person with the language tools to feel comfortably part of life in Israel
Themes and topics:
· Lifestyles : Health, Relationships and Choices
· Leisure: Free time and Media
· Home and Environment: Home and local area, Environment
· Work and Education: School and future plans, Current
and future jobs
Students in Jewish schools have a strong track record of success in Religious
Studies GCSE and we feel that this should be no different at King Solomon.
The GCSE course intends to build on the work students have already
completed in Key Stage 3, whilst providing an opportunity for them to explore
religious, spiritual & social questions that should be of particular interest to
students of Key Stage 4 age.
We currently follow the OCR syllabus. This will consist of four units.
Unit one is called ‘Core beliefs, Holy Days, Divisions and Interpretations’.
Unit two is ‘Worship, Community and Family and Sacred Writings’.
Unit three is ‘Tenach (Bible)’.
Unit four is ‘Talmud’.
Each individual unit equals 25% of the total GCSE marks and all units are
externally assessed. Further information on this syllabus can be found at:
http://www.ocr.org.uk/Data/publications/keydocuments/GCSE RS A spec.pdf
It is worth noting that the Judaism section has now been incorporated into
the World Religions syllabus, and successful candidates will achieve a
GCSE in World Religions. This type of GCSE is important as it shows an
ability to understand and form a coherent opinion on many of the important
moral issues that are debated in the wider world in the twenty first century.
In addition to the GCSE syllabus, we dedicate some time in Year 11 to
learning about the Holocaust from a Jewish perspective. As well as being
important in its own right, this study is expected to form the basis for the
Year 12 trip to Poland as well as developing a greater sense of Jewish
This is a new qualification that King Solomon has offered
from September 2009. It has been introduced to offer what
is becoming an exceedingly popular area for study, and will
open a clear link directly into the 6 th form.
The Diploma is the equivalent of 1 GCSE graded A* - C,
and aims to focus on offering theoretical and practical insight
into the world of Media.
Students will not just learn about the industry, but they will
have to complete practical tasks as well.
The qualification comprises compulsory and specialist units
which cover aspects of knowledge, understanding and
competency necessary for employment within the sector.
Assessment will include a variety of assessment methods,
including case studies, assignments and work-based
assessments, along with projects, performance observation
and time-constrained assessments.
The BTEC First Diploma in Creative Media has been
developed in the Media sector to focus on:
Education and training for those who work, or
who are intending to work, in the Media industry
Providing opportunities for those who work, or
are intending to work, in the Media industry to achieve
a nationally recognised Level 2 vocationally
Providing opportunities for learners to gain a
nationally recognised, vocationally specific
qualification to enter employment in the Media
sector, or to progress to higher education
Providing opportunities for learners to develop
range of skills and techniques,
personal qualities and attitudes essential for
successful performance in
In other words, the course will allow students the opportunity
to learn about the Media industry, both through research
and practical work. The qualification is accepted within the
industry and can contribute towards actual employment
within one of the sectors.
Level 2 BTEC first diploma
The qualification centres on assessment in three core subjects:
(1) Research for Creative Media Production
(2) Communication Techniques for Creative Media Production
(3) The Creative Media Sector
(4) Media Audiences and Products
and 4 optional units, such as:
(1) Video Production
(2) Audio Production
(3) Advertising Production
(4) Print Production
(5) Writing for the Creative Media
(6) Computer Games Testing
The core units provide learners with the opportunity to:
Develop the fundamental research skills which underlie all media
Gain a basic understanding of employment opportunities, job
requirements, and working practices in the media industry
Develop an understanding of how media products are constructed
for specific audiences or markets.
The optional technical and production units enable students to start practising
the technical skills and knowledge relevant to a sector (or sectors) of the
Have a keen interest in the Media
Be able to work well within a group
Recognise the importance of staying organised and meeting
deadlines under pressure
Maintain high levels of attendance, effort and behaviour
Be relied upon to undertake research and complete tasks
Level 2 BTEC first diploma
WHY STUDY MATHEMATICS?
Mathematics is one of the core subjects and is compulsory for all students.
A good GCSE grade in mathematics is so important these days, in fact it
is one of the most essential qualifications that you can have. It is generally
required by most employers and is often required for entry to further or higher
education, in fact whatever your plans, a sound knowledge of the subject
will always count in your favour. You’ll cover everything from the basics, like
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division – through to more complex
subjects, such as algebra, trigonometry and vectors.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Mathematics is broken down into four strands these are:-
· Using and Applying
· Number and Algebra
· Shape, space and measure
· Handling Data
You will cover all four strands in your GCSE Mathematics course. Each
strand contains many modules and during the course of the two years you
will visit each strand regularly. For example the first few modules that we
complete are all to do with number such as fractions, decimals and
percentages. We then move onto another strand and come back to the
number strand a few modules later to complete some work on directed
numbers etc… The idea in Maths is to continually build on what you know
and to keep revisiting strands of the curriculum and adding to your knowledge.
YOU WILL LEARN THE FOLLOWING SKILLS
As well as teaching you the numeracy skills to complete a GCSE Mathematics,
the course also helps to teach you the following basic skills:-
· Logical thinking
· Problem-solving techniques
· How to work independently
The above skills are vital for your development and will be essential in what
ever you do after your GCSEs.
Your teacher may decide that it would be appropriate for you to change sets
or courses. Your final “Level of Entry” at GCSE will depend on your success
with your work during the course of the two years and your success in the
“mock” examinations that you will take during Year 11.
TIERS OF ENTRY
At GCSE Mathematics we offer two tiers of entry, and the tier of entry
that is offered to you will depend largely on your SATs level at the end
of Key Stage 3 as well as how well you worked during year 9. All students
will follow one of the following two courses.
· GCSE Foundation Mathematics
Foundation level Mathematics will be offered to those
students who need practice of the basic concepts of
Mathematics to gain confidence and a solid understanding.
At this level you will be able to get GCSE grades C – G.
· GCSE Higher Mathematics
Higher level Mathematics will be offered to those of you
who can work at a fast pace and have already shown
some independence in your learning. If you follow this
course you will have already verified that you can
understand new concepts easily and that you are able to
apply your mathematics to new situations. At this level
you will be able to get GCSE grades A* - D.
WHAT WE EXPECT
Whichever course you follow you will be expected to work hard and you
will be expected to complete all your work to a high standard.
Your progress in Mathematics will be monitored carefully by your teacher
and through regular assessments. At some time during Year 10 and Year
11 your teacher may decide that it would be appropriate for you to change
sets or courses. Your final “Level of Entry” at GCSE will depend on your
success with your work during the course of the two years and your
success in the “mock” examinations that you will take during Year 11.
For GCSE Mathematics we use Edexcel. For each course (Higher and
Foundation) you will complete two years worth of study and then complete
two examinations in the summer of year 11 that will test the whole course.
The first written paper is non-calculator and the second is a calculator
paper. At foundation level the exams last for 1 hour and 30 minutes whilst
at the higher level they last for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The structure of the exam is as follows:
Music at GCSE consists of three components:
Performing, Composing and Listening Appraising.
The coursework makes up 60% of the whole GCSE:
two compositions in contrasting styles are required
along with performances of one solo piece and one
within an ensemble.
Component Name Weighting
1 Listening Question Paper 25%
3 Performing Coursework 30%
5 Composing Coursework 30%
Component Name Weighting
6 Composing using a given
stimulus (composing a
melody to a set brief 15%
GCSE Music is open to all students who can demonstrate high levels of
attainment in listening/appraising, composition (including music theory) and
performance at KS3. The course covers a wide range of in depth study of
different Western “classical” styles from medieval to jazz and pop as well as
musical cultures around the world. It is therefore essential that a prospective
GCSE candidate has a genuine interest in all aspects of music past and
present and be willing to experience its diversity. This aspect of the course
is examined at the end of Year 11 with a history and listening paper. If you
are only interested in one or two particular musical styles, and uninterested
in exploring a wide range of other kinds of music then this is not the course
Students also learn to compose and have to submit two original compositions
of their own as part of their coursework. They will also be assessed on two
performances on a chosen instrument or voice, as a solo and in an ensemble.
You can perform either as a singer or an instrumentalist but you are required
to have more than just a very basic level of proficiency on either in order to
be eligible to join the course. You should already be or must have the intention
of taking individual lessons privately or in school, otherwise you will not meet
the requirements. Your own study and learning skills are important in music
since many musical attributes that you develop are individually tailored. As
part of a music student’s development of general musicianship and aural
perception skills, essential attributes for all aspects of the course, it is
compulsory for all Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE music students to attend one
half-hour singing/aural perception practice, to take place one lunchtime each
What is Physical Education?
Physical Education is the practical study of four physical activities together with the theory of
Human Biology, health, fitness, training and analysis.
What is in the course?
The course is split into two areas:
1) 60% of your mark will be achieved by studying four practical activities. In each of these
activities you will develop your individual skill, understanding of tactics, ability to coach and
officiate and enhance your ability to analyse performance.
2) The other 40% will be achieved by studying the workings of the human body, for example
how the muscles, bones and heart work. In addition you will understand the importance of
health, diet and fitness, learn to construct a training programme, as well as be able to identify
and deal with various sporting injuries.
How will I be examined?
All your coursework will be of a practical nature. Your final examination will test both your
practical and theory work.
Practical Assessment of 4 Sports 24%
Courseworks Analysis of Performance 12%
Paper 1 Healthy Active lifestyles and
Written Healthy Active Body 40%
Paper 2 Practical Examination (4 Sports) 24%
What skills would be useful?
It would help you if you
· are an all-round sports person or a good knowledge of sport e.g. Football,
Refereeing or Leader
· show a commitment to a range of sports clubs both in and out of school
· are interested in Human Biology
· are always keen and enthusiastic to participate in all physical activities
· can work well in a team
· show a good understanding and knowledge at KS3
How will it help me in the future?
It will give you the knowledge and understanding of why a healthy active lifestyle
and how this could benefit you. G.C.S.E. P.E. is seen as an extremely valuable
examination subject by all employers, as well as by colleges and universities.
There is also a possibility of going on to A.S and ‘A’ level courses in P.E. at K.S.
Board: EDEXCEL 360.
Most students will take two GCSEs in science: GCSE Science and GCSE
Additional Science. The modules for GCSE Science will take place during year 10
and those for GCSE Additional Science will be taken during year 11.
Biology B1 – Influences of life
Classification, variation and inheritance
Responding to a changing environment
Problems of and solutions to a changing environment
Chemistry C1 – Chemistry in our world
The Earth’s sea and atmosphere
Materials for the Earth
Obtaining and using metals
Physics P1 – Universal physics
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
Each of biology, Chemistry and Physics is assessed by a one hour exam worth 25%
A controlled assessment based on a scientific investigation that is carried out in class
GCSE ADDITIONAL SCIENCE
Biology B2 – The components of life
The building blocks of cells
Organisms and energy
Chemistry C2 – Discovering Chemistry
Atomic structure and periodic table
Groups in the periodic table
Physics P2 – Physics for your future
Static and current electricity
Controlling and using electric current
Motion and forces
Momentum, energy, work and power
Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
Benefits and drawbacks of using radioactive material
Each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics is assessed by a one hour exam worth 25%
A controlled assessment based on a scientific investigation that is carried out in class
covers the final 25%.
The most able students have started their Science GCSE in year 9 and will be taking
GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics.
GCSE BIOLOGY, GCSE CHEMISTRY AND GCSE PHYSICS
The content covers all of the units in the GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science
and the following Extension units:
Biology B3 – Using Biology
Chemistry C3 – Chemistry in action
Gas, equilibria and pressure
Physics P3 – Physics to help medicine
Radiation in treatment and medicine
X-rays and ECGs
Production, uses and risks of using ionising radiation from radioactive sources
Kinetic theory and gases
Students will also take a controlled assessment in each subject.
In GCSE we will be building on the skills and language that you have been
learning over the past three years.
By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate and understand
effectively in Spanish. You will also have come into contact with the culture
of the country in more depth. Above all, you will have taken the first crucial
steps to acquiring a skill that many people now consider a pre-requisite for
We use the AQA full course syllabus. This means that the course is based
around 4 self-contained units of work. Each unit of work has a distinct theme
to it. The advantages of a the units of works are
· it provides you with short term goals
· it combines all four skills mocks and preparation exams
· it offers you feedback of results after each unit
· it gives you a clear idea of your own progress.
The topics covered in the course are outlined below:
Title Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4
Title Lifestyle Leisure Home and Work and
Timing of Year 10 Year 10 Year 11 Year 11
Mocks January June January
Listening Reading Speaking Writing
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4
20% 20% 30% 30%
Year 11 Year 11 Two Tasks Two Tasks
Public Public submitted submitted for moderation
Examination Examination for moderation
Sociology-The study of Human Society.
Sociology involves researching and explaining human social life, groups and
societies. Sociologists are particularly interested in understanding the ways
in which society influences us and shapes our lives.
In studying Sociology, you will be actively involved in exploring and asking
questions about the society in which you live. Studying Sociology offers you
opportunities to gain a greater understanding of society and to make sense
of your own experiences.
The course focuses upon modern British society, examining the main social
institutions and groups such as families, schools and the mass media. Other
areas of interest include crime and deviance, politics and wealth and poverty.
It also explores the divisions that may exist in society and the impact of social
class, gender, ethnicity and age on the opportunities open to individuals and
Some Examples of the Questions Sociologists Research:
· What types of family and household exist today?
· Is housework shared equally?
· Who does better in schools, boys or girls?
· What is the purpose of education?
· What factors affect the way people vote?
· Who commits crime and why?
· Who controls the media?
· What is the most useful way to carry out research?
The topics covered on the Course:
Power & Politics
Crime & Deviance
How the course is assessed:
100% Written Examination
Why Study Sociology?
Sociology allows you to develop a range of skills that are useful in further
and higher education, as well as to employers, especially in those careers
that have considerable contact with people. Sociology also allows you to
develop a critical awareness of how society works and your own place within
it, so that you can be an informed and active citizen.
Please Note that this course has a limit of 25 places and should it be
oversubscribed we shall be selecting students for entry onto this course
on the basis of whether students have shown an interest in other similar
Exam Boards: AQA WJEC
All students will study for a GCSE in Design and Technology.
We are very fortunate in having the best Design & Technology resources in the
At A level we currently offer Product Design.
Decisions are made on student choice, teacher recommendation and available
space. Approximate spaces that are available this year are –
Food 44 Textiles 40 Graphics 20 Electronic Products 20
Resistant Materials 20.
Although we are the only school in the borough to offer 5 choices at GCSE, it
is not always possible to get your first choice and a second choice must be
made. Priority will be given to students who fill out the form correctly and meet
the hand in deadline. Students who are in the higher ability tier are strongly
to take Electronic Products as it has content shared by both Science and Maths
and could bolster a CV for university applications.
All courses are made up of 60% coursework and 40% written exam.
Coursework involves students designing and making a product.
Our aim is to ensure that you achieve the highest grade possible in the subject
which best reflects your interest and abilities.
Please seek advice and guidance from the teachers in charge of your Design
and Technology option.
In year 10 you will complete several design and make projects learning how to
think creativity and originally, and how to use a range of Graphic and modelling
materials. Hand drawing and shading are an important part of the course as
is making 3D models from card and paper. You will also have the opportunity
to use computer programs such as Photoshop and 2D design although this is
not the main focus of the course. You will need to enjoy drawing and presenting
your work to a high standard. You will be encouraged to learn through images
to use, understand and apply colour and design, to develop spatial concepts,
and to understand graphic materials and their manipulation.
You will learn about the design process and how to evaluate other products and
your own work, you will learn to consider sustainability and the environmental
impact of your designing.
Towards the end of year 10 you will begin a controlled assessment which
comprises of 20 pages of coursework and make a set of products in class, this
is worth 60%. The design brief explaining your product is set by the exam board.
The final exam is in year 11 and is a mix of drawing and designing skills utilising
knowledge of materials.
Using a range of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques we will be
exploring methods of construction and processes.
During the course the students will learn how to prepare, cook and serve a
wide variety of dishes using professional techniques. This work is reinforced
by the theory lessons which focus on food hygiene, nutrition, menu planning
and the catering industry.
The Students undertake two practical exams with related research projects
one at the end of year 10 and the other in the spring term of year 11. This
gives the students a chance to demonstrate their acquired skills
Ms S. Mendel
During the two year course you will work through the design process, undertaking
several ‘design and make’ projects both as an individual and as part of a design
team. You will learn about and practice a wide range of textile decoration
techniques, including computerised embroidery (PE Design 4), photo transfer
printing and appliqué.
You will learn how to use computer technology to create patterns for clothing
(Pattern Master) and industry standard textiles design software (Speedstep)
to create clothing and fabric designs.
In addition you will learn about fabrics and fibres; their origins, how they are
constructed, dyed and printed and about new developments in fabric technology.
The course also covers analysis and evaluation of existing textile products.
Towards the end of year 10 you will begin work on a major piece of coursework.
This project will allow you to research into an area of your choice and develop
your own design for a fashion or soft furnishing product.
The course culminates in a design based exam at the end of year 11.
Mrs D. Roberts
During this course you will learn about designing and making electronic
products. This involves prototyping and testing electronic circuits using
breadboards, computer software (Bright Spark and Livewire); generating
artwork for PCB production (using PCB Wizard); using industrial methods of
production to manufacture the circuit board. Students also investigate existing
products and learn about modern materials and processes. Students also use
computer software to generate artwork which is
then cut by CNC machines. Students will use high level programming languages
to control PICs (peripheral interface controllers).