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Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
- 2 -
3 A message from your Principal
4 Art & Design GCSE
5 Business BTEC
6 Computer Science GCSE
7 DT - Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE
8 DT - Product Design GCSE
9 DT - Textiles Technology GCSE
10 English Language GCSE
11 English Literature GCSE
12 Geography GCSE
13 Health and Social Care BTEC
14 History GCSE
15 Mathematics GCSE
16 Media Studies GCSE
17 Modern Foreign Languages - French GCSE
18 Modern Foreign Languages - Spanish GCSE
19 Music BTEC
20 Performing Arts: Dance BTEC
21 Philosophy & Ethics GCSE
22 Science - Combined Science Trilogy GCSE
23 Science - Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE
24 Sport BTEC
25 Your Pathway Options Form To be returned by Monday, 29th February
Contents
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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A message from your Principal
Hello and welcome to the next step on your academic journey
These are exciting times at DSTC as we embark on a new curriculum to better meet the needs of all our
students. This is the first time in your school career that you have had the opportunity to choose what you
study so I urge you to make the most of this opportunity and make your choices wisely.
The decisions you take now will significantly shape your future, whether that is in employment or in
further education. There are good reasons to choose a subject such as you are good at it, you enjoy it, or
you want to take it further. There are also reasons not to choose a subject such as your friends are taking it
or you like the teacher. It is essential, therefore, that you make an informed choice. You should seek
advice and guidance from your form tutor, subject teachers and, of course, your family.
This booklet contains all the information you will need to help you make your choices. The Options
Evening is on Tuesday 9th February from 5 - 6.15 pm. It is essential that you attend this evening with your
parents/carers and make sure you bring this booklet with you.
The form to make your options choices is at the back of this booklet and this must be completed and
handed to Mrs Kelly by Monday 29th February.
It will not be possible for all of you to receive your first choice subjects in all areas which is why we are
asking you to list your preferences. If you have any concerns about the curriculum offer you receive,
please see Mrs Kelly.
This is a very exciting time for all of you and I wish you the best of luck in the next steps you take. Please
make sure you ask as many questions as you need to and listen carefully to the advice you are given.
Miss A Chapman
Acting Principal
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Art & Design GCSE DEPARTMENT Art EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the
course for?
You should have an end of KS3
National Curriculum Level 5 or above
in Art plus a high level of drawing
skills. We need you to be creative and
have lots of imaginative ideas as a large
proportion of your planning and
research will be completed as
homework. You will also need to
produce written projects based on
contextual research.
Unit 1 - Water, Identity, Mock Exam
Unit 2 - Exam (10 hours)
Students will gain practical skills using
clay, printing, drawing and painting.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Students are expected to achieve a
GCSE at Grade 1-9.
Students can go on to study NVQs,
Diplomas or A Levels in a whole
range of creative subject areas
including graphics, hairdressing,
beauty, photography and retail.
How is the course assessed?
The course is 60% coursework
(including three controlled tests
completed during lesson time)
and 40% timed test. The work is
internally marked and moderated
with samples externally
moderated at the end of the two
years.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Business BTEC Level 2 First Award DEPARTMENT Business EXAM BOARD Edexcel
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
To be enrolled onto this course you
need to have at least a Level 2M (new
grading system) in English and a keen
interest in developing your knowledge
and understanding of Business. As part
of the core aspects, you will be required
to show a high level of dedication as
well as being able to work as part of a
group and independently. You should
also be prepared to use role play and
give presentations as part of your
assessment so it is advised that you have
good communication and language
skills.
How is the course assessed?
25% of this course is assessed via an
exam which is taken on the computer.
75% of the course is assessed via
coursework.
The course is made up of various units
which are listed below.
Enterprise in the Business World
(coursework unit)
Finance for Business (exam unit)
Branding and Promotion
(coursework unit)
Providing Business Support
(coursework unit)
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon completion of this course students
can obtain a BTEC qualification which
carries GCSE equivalence. There are a
range of levels: Level 1, Pass, Merit and
Distinction so you will be able to gain a
qualification regardless of your ability.
This course is an excellent
introduction for students wishing to
move onto the Level 3 BTEC
course. It will also provide the
student with skills that they could
use in the workplace later on in life.
As a new course beginning in 2012
the exam board has made sure that
there is relevant content that will
look good on a CV.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Computer Science GCSE DEPARTMENT Computer Science and ICT EXAM BOARD OCR
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
To be enrolled onto this course you need
to have at least a Level 4 in English and
Mathematics (new grading system) and a
keen interest in the subject.
How is the course assessed?
Unit A451: Computer systems and
programming
1 hour 30 minutes written paper.
80 marks, 40% of the qualification.
Unit A452: Practical investigation
Investigative task. OCR-set scenario
with a choice of research tasks.
45 marks, 30% of the qualification.
Unit A453: Programming project
Controlled assessment programming
task. Design, develop and test a
solution to a problem within the
OCR-set scenario.
45 marks, 30% of the qualification.
Unit A451: Computer systems and
programming
This unit covers the body of knowledge
about computer systems on which the
examination will be based.
Unit A452: Practical investigation
An investigative computing task, chosen
from a list provided by OCR.
Controlled assessment which assesses
the following: research, technical
understanding, analysis of problem,
historical perspective, use of technical
writing skills, recommendations/
evaluation.
Unit A453: Programming project
Students will need to:
Understand standard programming
techniques.
Be able to design a coded solution to a
problem including the ability to:
* Develop suitable algorithms.
* Design suitable input and output
formats.
* Identify suitable variables and
structures.
* Identify test procedures.
Create a coded solution, fully
annotating the developed code to
explain its function.
Test their solution:
* To show functionality.
* To show how it matches the design
criteria.
Identify successes and any limitations.
Acquire and apply knowledge,
some technical skills and an
understanding of the use of
algorithms in computer programs
to solve problems using
programming.
Develop computer programs to
solve problems.
Develop the skills to work
collaboratively.
Evaluate the effectiveness of
computer programs/solutions and
the impact of, and issues related
to, the use of computer
technology in society.
What can students use the course
for?
Students who want to go on to
higher study and employment in the
field of computer science will find it
provides a superb stepping stone.
GCSE qualifications are general
qualifications which enable
candidates to progress either directly
to employment or to proceed to
further qualifications e.g. Level 3
qualifications such as GCE
Computing and GCE ICT.
Computer Science is now part of the
English Baccalaureate and is
included as one of the qualifications
that count towards new school
performance measures.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
DT - Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE DEPARTMENT Design and Technology EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
To be enrolled on this course you need to
have a keen interest in both cooking and
the science behind food. You should also
have previously achieved a National
Curriculum Level 5 or above in the
subject. Generally, you should have good
literacy skills because a large part of the
course entails reading, comprehension
and writing; you will be required to learn
factual information from a subject text-
book and also complete a series of
projects which involve planning,
analysing research and evaluation. For
the practical work, which accounts for
approximately half of all lessons, you
will need to show a high level of
organisation skills through following a
recipe to make high quality food
products.
Please note that the practical element
will only make up 50% of the course.
How is the course assessed?
EXAM:
Paper 1: Food preparation and
nutrition (50%)
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes The paper will be made up of 20 multiple
choice questions worth 20 marks and 5
questions each with a number of
sub-questions worth 80 marks.
NON- EXAM ASSESSMENT (NEA):
Task 1: Food investigation (15%)
Written Report
Students' understanding of the working
characteristics, functional and chemical
properties of ingredients. Students will
submit a written report (1500–2000
words) including photographic evidence
of the practical investigation.
NON- EXAM ASSESSMENT (NEA):
Task 2: Food preparation assessment
(35%) Written Portfolio Students' knowledge, skills and
understanding in relation to the planning,
preparation, cooking, presentation of food
and application of nutrition related to the
chosen task. Students will prepare, cook
and present a final menu of three dishes
within a single period of no more than
three hours, planning in advance how this
will be achieved. Students will submit a
written portfolio (15 A4 pages) including
photographic evidence.
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is a
new, exciting and creative course which
focuses on practical cooking skills to
ensure students develop a thorough
understanding of nutrition, food
provenance and the working characteristics
of food materials. At its heart, this
qualification focuses on nurturing students'
practical cookery skills to give them a
strong understanding of nutrition.
Food preparation skills are integrated into
five core topics:
1. Food, nutrition and health – Macro
Nutrients, Micro Nutrients, Nutritional
Needs and Health.
2. Food science – Cooking of Food, Heat
Transfer and the Functional and Chemical
Properties of Food.
3. Food safety – Food Spoilage,
Contamination and the Principles of Food
Safety.
4. Food choice – Factors affecting Food
Choice, British and International Cuisines,
Sensory Evaluation, Food Labelling and
Marketing
5. Food provenance – Environmental
Impact and Sustainability of Food, Food
Processing and Production.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Students studying this course are
expected to achieve an 1-9 Grade
at GCSE plus an outstanding
knowledge of food science and
nutrition, cooking and presentation.
What can students use the course
for?
Studying food preparation and
nutrition can lead to exciting and
well paid career options. Consumers
are becoming increasingly reliant on
the food industry to develop
solutions for their nutritional needs.
This course could lead you into
roles such as a Chef, Food Product
Developer, Buyer (who travels the
world sourcing new food products
for manufacturers), Food Safety
Inspector, Nutritionist, Dietician,
Quality Manager, Teacher, Food
Engineer, Food Scientist, Food
Technologist, Food Photographer,
Food Stylist, Home Economist,
Hotel and Restaurant Manager,
Microbiologist, working in food
magazines, radio and television –
for more information on food
careers please visit www.
http://tastycareers.org.uk/
Please note - students will be
cooking on a regular basis and are
expected to bring in ingredients. The
cost will vary depending upon the
dishes made.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
DT - Product Design GCSE DEPARTMENT Design and Technology EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
Product Design is a practical subject
area which requires the application of
knowledge and understanding when
developing ideas, planning, making
products and evaluating them. You
will be required to show enthusiasm
and a high level of dedication, as well
as be able to work creatively,
methodically and independently.
How is the course assessed?
Written Paper:
40% of the total marks, 2 hours.
Controlled Assessment:
60% of the total marks, 45 hours.
Drawing skills
Designing skills
Computer Aided Design and
Computer Aided Manufacture
Making Skills
Materials and Components
Design and Market Influences
Processes and Manufacture
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion of this
course students can obtain one GCSE
Grade A*-G.
Product Design encourages candidates to
be inspired, moved and challenged by
following a broad, coherent, satisfying
and worthwhile course of study.
Students gain an insight into related
sectors, such as manufacturing and
engineering. It prepares candidates to
make informed decisions about further
learning opportunities and career
choices.
Product Design prepares candidates
for taking higher level courses or for
entering the world of work.
Students may choose to further their
skills and go on to study:
Product Design
Industrial Design/Engineering
Furniture Design/Packaging
Design
Interior Design
Architecture
Landscape Design
Set Design
Automotive Design
Eco Design
Design Marketing and
Advertising
Please note - a £6 contribution will
provide materials and technical
drawing equipment.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
DT - Textiles Technology GCSE DEPARTMENT Design and Technology EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
Textiles Technology requires the
application of knowledge and
understanding when developing ideas,
planning, producing products and
evaluating them. As part of the core
aspects you will be required to show a
high level of dedication and
independent learning. Due to the
requirements of the course, you must
also have good communication and
language skills and be able to evaluate
and analyse your work in detail.
How is the course assessed?
Unit 1 (45701): written paper;
2 hours; 120 marks; 40%
Unit 2 (45702): controlled
assessment; approx. 45 hours;
90 marks; 60%. Consists of one
design and make activity, selected
from a range of board-set tasks.
Students are required to produce a
written portfolio of evidence, leading up
to the manufacture of one final product.
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
Unit 1:Written Paper
Materials and components: Develop a
working knowledge of materials and
components appropriate to modelling,
prototyping and manufacturing.
Design and market influences: Analyse
textile products and processes. Consider
how design and technology affects the
manufacturer, user and environment, and
the importance of health and safety
issues. Be aware of new developments in
technology and current social issues that
may influence product design.
Processes and manufacture: Use
appropriate manufacturing processes and
techniques including CAD and CAM.
Be aware of industrial and commercial
practice and know about the processes
involved in the commercial manufacture
of textile products.
Unit 2: Design and Making Practice
controlled assessment criteria:
Candidates will undertake a single
design and make activity which is
selected from a range of board-set tasks.
Candidates will submit a 3D
outcome and a concise design folder.
The following is a summary of the
assessment criteria:
Investigating the design opportunity
Development of design proposals
(including modelling)
Making
Testing and Evaluation
Communication
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion of this
course, students can obtain one GCSE
Grade A*-G. Students will develop their
independent learning skills as well as
their critical thinking and problem
solving skills. Over the two years, they
will be encouraged to:
Make decisions, consider
sustainability and combine skills with
knowledge and understanding in
order to design and make quality
products.
Explore ways in which aesthetic,
technical, economic, environmental,
ethical and social dimensions interact
to shape designing and making.
Analyse existing products and
produce practical solutions to
needs, wants and opportunities,
recognising their impact on
quality of life.
Develop decision-making skills
through individual and
collaborative working.
Understand that designing and
making reflect and influence
cultures and societies, and that
products have an impact on
lifestyle.
Develop skills of creativity and
critical analysis through making
links between the principles of
good design, existing solutions
and technological knowledge.
What can students use the course
for?
This specification prepares
candidates for taking higher level
courses or for entering the world of
work. Students may choose to
further their skills at college, or
develop their studies within A Level
- specialising within Art Textiles or
Product/Fashion Design courses.
For students who choose to take a
more vocational route, this course
can help students move into a more
practical work-based programme or
specialised fashion course.
Please note - students will need to
purchase their own fabric, plus any
specific components that they have
on their design which are not
available from the school (this will
obviously vary depending on their
design ideas).
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
English Language GCSE DEPARTMENT English EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
The GCSE course is a compulsory
course. The set you are placed in is
dependent on your prior attainment in
English, as well as your potential in the
subject.
How is the course assessed?
The course is linear and assessed by
100% examination. There is no
coursework.
You will sit two exams in Year 11 and
you will be assessed for your reading
and writing skills.
The specification will enable students of
all abilities to develop the skills they
need to read, understand and analyse a
wide range of different texts covering
the 19th, 20th and 21st century time
periods.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion of this
course, students will achieve a GCSE at
Grade 1-9 (previously A*–G grades).
Students will develop their
understanding of the writer’s
craft, reading for meaning, the writer’s
choice of linguistics, presentational
and structural devices and analysis of
structure, form and content. Students
will also have the appropriate literacy
skills to be able to further their
education or to pursue other career
opportunities.
Upon successful completion of the
course students can continue to
study English at A Level and then at
university. The ability to
communicate effectively both
written and orally is very useful in
the world of work as well as life in
general. Specific career routes may
include teaching, journalism,
politics, law, media, advertising and
PR.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
English Literature GCSE DEPARTMENT English EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
The GCSE course is a compulsory
course. The set you are placed in is
dependent on your prior attainment in
English, as well as your potential in the
subject.
How is the course assessed?
The course is linear and assessed by
100% examination; you will sit two
exams in Year 11. There is no
coursework.
Shakespeare plays and 19th century
novels; modern texts and a poetry
anthology.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion of this
course, students will achieve a GCSE at
Grade 1-9 (previously A*–G grades).
Students will develop their
understanding of the writer’s craft,
reading for meaning, the writer’s choice
of language, structure, form and
content. They will be required to write
in detail about an extract from the play
and prose and then to write about the
play as a whole.
Upon successful completion of the
course students can continue to
study English at A Level and then at
university. The ability to
communicate effectively both
written and orally is very useful in
the world of work as well as life in
general. Specific career routes may
include teaching, journalism,
politics, law, media, advertising and
PR.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Geography GCSE DEPARTMENT Social Sciences EXAM BOARD Edexcel
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
To be enrolled onto this course you need
to have at least one National Curriculum
Level 4A in Social Sciences and a keen
interest in Geography. You will be
required to show interest in different
countries and current affairs and will
need to be able to work both
independently and as part of a group.
How is the course assessed?
Written Exams
Unit 1: The Physical Environment;
37.5%.
Unit 2:The Human Environment;
37.5%.
Fieldwork and UK Challenges
Unit 3:Geographical Investigations;
25%.
*A compulsory day of out-of-school
fieldwork is an integral part of this at a
cost of about £20.
Geography helps to make sense of our
continually changing planet. You will
learn about the natural environment
(climate change, coasts, natural hazards
such as floods and storms) and how
people can adapt and manage it. You
will discover faraway places as well as
find out more about your local area. You
will become an excellent written, oral
and visual communicator and will gain
the transferable skills that a future
college or employer is looking for.
Lesson styles in Geography vary
enormously. As a result you will
develop a range of skills that future
colleges or employers are looking
for. You will become an excellent
written, oral and visual
communicator, as well as develop
your numeracy, map, problem
solving and team working skills.
Importantly, however, you will get
to think through real-life problems
and situations, such as how best to
manage migration into the UK or
how to protect a community at risk
from flooding. These exceptional
learning opportunities will improve
your ability to analyse choices and
make sound judgements; a critical
skill for all managers and leaders.
What can students use the course
for?
Geography students are well
prepared to continue to study
Geography, or indeed similar
subjects such as Environmental
Management or Geology, at A
Level. Geography is a rigorous
academic subject at any university
and is valued by a range of both
public and private sector employers.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Health and Social Care BTEC Level 2 DEPARTMENT Health and Social Care EXAM BOARD Edexcel
What are the access criteria for the
course?
There are no specific entry
requirements for this course. However,
this is a practical course and you will
be expected to participate fully in all
the work and compete all coursework
according to the deadline dates.
How is the course assessed?
You will study 4 units. There is one
externally examined unit, which is one
hour long and carries 25% of the final
mark. The remaining units are
assessed by a portfolio of work.
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
You will study:
Unit 1 - Examined Unit
Human Lifespan Development
Understanding what is growth and
development, and the life stages that we
go through.
The different influences that can affect
our growth and development.
The impact of social, cultural and
emotional factors on growth and
development
Unit 2 - Health and Social Care Values
You will explore care values in Health and
Social Care such as the importance of
confidentiality and dignity. You will then
discuss and research the need for the focus
of these values to be seen individually for
the specific needs of a service user.
Unit 5 - Promoting Health and
Wellbeing
We will explore what is considered Health
Promotion, what the aims of Health
Promotion are, and discuss and research
the different types of health promotions.
You will then need to consider types of
intervention in Health and Social Care
such as vaccinations and immunisations.
Unit 6 - The Impact of Nutrition on
Health and Wellbeing.
Consider what is a balanced diet and what
the components of a balanced diet are.
You will need to assess the long-term
effects of a balanced or an unbalanced
diet, linking influencing factors such as
religion and culture.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
All students are expected to achieve
a minimum of a Pass grade. It is
also possible to attain a Merit,
Distinction and Distinction* grade.
This qualification carries GCSE
equivalence.
What can students use the course
for?
The course will help you develop
the skills, understanding and
knowledge that many employers
across lots of industries are looking
for, especially in the social sectors,
child care, health care and
education. The course also
provides a good foundation for
higher levels of study – A level,
Level 3 Health and Social Care and
progression to university.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
History GCSE DEPARTMENT Social Sciences EXAM BOARD Eduqas
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
The History GCSE is a good choice for
students who are keen to think, discuss
and question big ideas, events and
processes. You will be encouraged to
think critically about the information
presented to you and must be prepared to
work independently and as part of a
group. As an academic course, which is
assessed by written exams and
coursework, we would expect all
students studying the course to have
achieved at least a National Curriculum
Level 4A in Social Sciences.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed via 2 written
exams, both of which are of 2 hours
duration.
Paper 1 is a study in Depth. Paper 2 is a
study in Breadth. There will be no
coursework.
In Year 10 students will study
Elizabethan England and American
History 1910-1929.
In Year 11 students study The
Development of the UK 1919-1990 and
Changes in Health and Medicine in
Britain.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Successful students will achieve a
GCSE. Studying the past brightens your
future because a History GCSE
demonstrates that you have the ability to:
Take an interest in the world around
you and the past which has shaped it.
Research and present your ideas
effectively.
Analyse information to find changes,
similarities, differences and causes.
Think critically about the information
presented to you.
History students are well prepared
for further study at college because
they have developed their
communication, judgement and
critical thinking skills. In addition,
many History students go on to
study the course at A Level.
Students who continue to study
History at college and university are
well prepared for a broad range of
careers, particularly law, media and
politics.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Mathematics GCSE DEPARTMENT Mathematics EXAM BOARD Edexcel
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
GCSE Mathematics is a core subject and
is therefore compulsory for all
students. The set you are placed in is
dependent on your prior attainment in
the subject, as well as your potential.
How is the course assessed?
At both levels, Foundation and Higher,
students will follow the linear syllabus
with Edexcel. There are three exams at
the end of the course, one
non-calculator and two calculator. All
exams are one and a half hours long.
A final grade is then awarded based on
the combined marks of all papers.
All subject syllabus specifications will
involve core topics which include:
number, algebra, ratio, proportion and
rates of change, geometry and measures,
probability and statistics. For further
details please go to the following
website www.edexcel.com. If you have
no internet access please consult your
subject teacher.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion of the
course students will achieve one GCSE
at Grade 1-9 (depending on tier of
entry). This qualification in Mathematics
encourages students to develop
confidence in their lives and prepares
them to make informed decisions about
the use of technology, the management
of money, further learning opportunities
and career choices.
Mathematics teaches patience,
discipline and step-by-step problem
solving skills. For those with a
substantial background in
Mathematics, an unlimited number
of career opportunities are
available. Careers that require a very
strong background in
Mathematics are:
Software Engineer
Actuary
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Programmer
Mathematician
Engineer
Scientist
Accountant
Almost all of the top fifty jobs in the
'best' jobs list involve mathematical
reasoning and knowledge.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Media Studies GCSE DEPARTMENT English EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
This course is optional. An interest in the
media (TV, film, music, magazines,
newspapers, radio and the internet) is
vital.
How is the course assessed?
Unit 1: Investigating the media;
examination; 40%.
Unit 2: Understanding the media;
controlled assessment taken from
banks of set assignments; 60%.
Unit 1: Based on a pre-released topic
that is changed annually. The exam
contains four tasks.
Unit 2: Three assignments taken from
assignment banks set by the exam
board. Three different mediums must
be studied. One introductory
assignment, one cross-media
assignment and one practical
production and evaluation.
Upon successful completion of the
course students can continue to
study at A Level and then at
university. It is also useful in the
world of work as well as life in
general. Specific career routes may
include: teaching, journalism, media
and advertising.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion of the
course students will achieve one GCSE
at Grade A*-G. Students will become
critical thinkers and develop their daily
appreciation and understanding of the
media and its role in their daily lives.
They will also understand how to use the
key media concepts to analyse
media products. Additionally, students
will gain practical skills - taking and
editing photographs, storyboarding,
filming and editing moving image texts.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Modern Foreign Languages - French GCSE
Please note that you will continue with the language you have
studied in Year 9
DEPARTMENT Modern Foreign Languages EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
Students complete a two year course in
GCSE French. Good prior attainment,
behaviour and attendance are important,
as is completion of homework and
independent study.
How is the course assessed?
GCSE French is based on the assessment
of four skills in a final examination at
the end of Year 11.
Each of the four exam components
(Listening, Reading, Speaking and
Writing) is worth 25% of the final exam
mark. There is no coursework
element.
The speaking examination will consist of
a role play, a short conversation about a
photograph and a wider discussion on a
contemporary theme.
The writing examination will consist of
several short written tasks and a
translation from English to French.
Higher tier candidates would also be
expected to respond to an open-ended
written task.
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
Over the two year course three main
themes are covered. These consist
of:
Identity and culture
Local, national, international and
global areas of interest
Current and future study and
employment
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion of the
course, students will achieve one
GCSE at grade 1-9 (depending on
tier of entry) as well as having a
good understanding of the topics
covered. They will have built up
confidence to speak, read and write
in French which should help them
with communication skills in
general.
What can students use the course
for?
Upon successful completion of the
course, students can continue to
study French at A Level and then at
university. The ability to speak a
second language is very useful in
the world of work and may give you
the opportunity to live and work in
another country.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Modern Foreign Languages - Spanish GCSE
Please note that you will continue with the language you have
studied in Year 9
DEPARTMENT Modern Foreign Languages EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
Students complete a two year course in
GCSE Spanish. Good prior attainment,
behaviour and attendance are important,
as is completion of homework and
independent study.
How is the course assessed?
GCSE Spanish is based on the
assessment of four skills in a final
examination at the end of Year 11.
Each of the four exam components
(Listening, Reading, Speaking and
Writing) is worth 25% of the final exam
mark. There is no coursework
element.
The speaking examination will consist of
a role play, a short conversation about a
photograph and a wider discussion on a
contemporary theme.
The writing examination will consist of
several short written tasks and a
translation from English to Spanish.
Higher tier candidates would also be
expected to respond to an open-ended
written task.
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
Over the two year course three main
themes are covered. These consist
of:
Identity and culture
Local, national, international and
global areas of interest
Current and future study and
employment
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion of the
course, students will achieve one
GCSE at grade 1-9 (depending on
tier of entry) as well as having a
good understanding of the topics
covered. They will have built up
confidence to speak, read and write
in Spanish which should help them
with communication skills in
general.
What can students use the course
for?
Upon successful completion of the
course, students can continue to
study Spanish at A Level and then at
university. The ability to speak a
second language is very useful in
the world of work and may give you
the opportunity to live and work in
another country.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Music BTEC Level 2 First Award DEPARTMENT Performing Arts EXAM BOARD Edexcel
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Any students wishing to study music
must have the desire to perform in front
of an audience at concerts and other
events throughout the year. You will be
required to work as part of a team and to
attend rehearsals at lunchtime and after
school. If you are unable to dedicate
additional time to the subject then this is
not the course for you.
How is the course assessed?
25% of the course is externally assessed
and 75% is internally assessed.
There are two compulsory units and one
optional specialist unit. The optional unit
will be chosen based on the strengths of
the class.
Unit 1: The Music Industry
(Compulsory) This unit provides an overview of the
industry, particularly focusing on the
shape of the modern industry and
covering the emergence of the
self-employed producer, performer and
promoter.
Unit 2: Managing a Music Product
(Compulsory)
This unit looks at the development of a
music product. As well as providing a
vehicle for demonstrating skills and
learning, it also introduces the role of
planning and promotion in the
management of a music product.
The optional units are:
Introducing Live Sound, Introducing
Performance, Introducing Composition,
Introducing Recording or Introducing
Sequencing.
This is a Level 2 qualification; the
successful completion of this course
will provide you with a BTEC Level
2 First Award in Music graded at a
pass, merit or distinction. This is the
equivalent of a GCSE qualification.
If you do not meet the criteria for
the Level 2 pass you may be
awarded a Level 1 pass.
What can students use the course
for?
On successful completion of the
course students can progress to
BTEC Level 3 in Music or A Level
Music.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Performing Arts: Dance
BTEC Level 2 First Award DEPARTMENT Performing Arts EXAM BOARD Edexcel
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
Any students interested in studying
Dance must have a desire to perform
and be able to work co-operatively with
other students. It is important that they
are willing to perform in front of others,
like observing and evaluating
performances and are willing to accept
constructive criticism in order to
improve. Students will also be involved
in rehearsals at lunchtimes and after
school, particularly prior to assessments
and other performances. They must
understand that this course also has a
theoretical component and this must be
completed satisfactorily to achieve the
grading criteria.
How is the course assessed?
The majority of the course is assessed
internally by the course tutor, allowing
students to receive feedback on their
progress throughout the course as they
complete assignments. Evidence for
assessment may be through a range of
media, such as audio-visual recordings
of performance, performance logs,
presentations or projects. One of the
compulsory units will be assessed
externally.
Students will complete two compulsory
units:
Individual Showcase; 25%
Preparation, performance and
production; 25%
A further optional unit will then be
chosen; 50%
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion students
will have achieved a BTEC Level 2 First
Award in Performing Arts: Dance (with
GCSE equivalence). The award may
show a grade of Level 2 Pass, Level 2
Merit, Level 2 Distinction or Level 2
Distinction*. If these are not achieved a
Level 1 or Unclassified grade may be
awarded.
On successful completion of a
BTEC First qualification learners
can progress to BTEC Level 3
Nationals in Performing Arts or
A Level Dance.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Philosophy & Ethics GCSE DEPARTMENT Social Sciences EXAM BOARD OCR
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
To be successful in this subject you will
need to:
Take an interest in humans and our
place in the universe.
Take part in debates and discussions,
giving your opinions and being able to
support them with reasons.
Have an open mind and be able and
willing to engage with those who
disagree with you.
As an academic course, which is
assessed by written exams, we would
expect all students studying the course
to have achieved at least one National
Curriculum Level 4A in Social
Sciences at KS3.
Religion is an important part of our
day-to-day lives. The questions that it
raises are some of the oldest and most
important that humanity has ever posed.
What should we do? How should we
live? Is there life after death? Does God
exist? During your religious
education we will look at these
questions, viewed from the perspective
of Hinduism and Christianity. Current
affairs will play a large role in your
GCSE as we will discuss religious
attitudes towards war, abortion and the
environment.
Philosophy & Ethics students are
well prepared for further study at
college because they have
developed their communication and
analytical thinking skills. Given the
focus on argument and debate, as
well as on sound reasoning, students
who continue to study Philosophy &
Ethics at college and university are
prepared for a broad range of
careers, particularly law, media and
politics. It is also a valuable
qualification if you want to work
with people in careers such as
teaching, journalism, catering and
leisure and tourism.
How is the course assessed?
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Four one hour exams.
Philosophy 1 & 2 and Ethics 1 & 2 taken
at the end of Year 11. Each exam is
worth 25%.
Successful students will achieve a
GCSE. Studying this topic will develop
your knowledge of the world we live in.
Philosophy & Ethics may challenge
beliefs that have gone unquestioned, or
support what you have always thought to
be true. It will also support the
development of your literacy and
communication skills.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Science -
Combined Science Trilogy GCSE DEPARTMENT Science EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
This is a compulsory course, all students
who are not already studying Triple
Science will take this course.
How is the course assessed?
This double AQA award is equivalent to
two GCSEs and covers much the same
content as the current core and additional
science of the old GCSEs.
Exams
Six papers: two Biology, two Chemistry
and two Physics. Each will assess
different topics.
Duration: all the papers are 1 hour 15
minutes.
Weighting: the papers are equally
weighted. Each is worth 16.7% of the
grade and has 70 marks.
Question types: multiple choice,
structured, closed, short answer and
open response.
Engaging practicals
We know that practicals are not only one
of the most engaging parts of a science
education but are also essential for
students’ understanding of scientific
theory. There are 16 compulsory
practicals.
Summary of content
Biology
Cell biology
Organisation
Infection and response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis and response
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Chemistry
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Bonding, structure, and the properties
of matter
Quantitative chemistry
Chemical changes
Energy changes
The rate and extent of chemical change
Organic chemistry
Chemical analysis
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Using resources
Physics
Forces
Energy
Waves
Electricity
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Particle model of matter
Atomic structure
The A* to G grades will be replaced
by 9 to 1. Combined Science will
have a 17 point grading scale.
Students will be expected to achieve
grades 9–9, 9–8 through to 5-5.
What can students use the course
for?
Students can progress to study GCE
A Levels in Pure Sciences or
Applied Science.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
- 23 -
SUBJECT
Science - Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE DEPARTMENT Science EXAM BOARD AQA
What are the access criteria for the
course?
This course is aimed at students wishing to
gain 3 GCSEs for Science. The course
enables students to further develop their
interest in science and is most suited to
students wishing to take science further
than GCSE as it provides a deeper and
broader foundation for A Level Science
studies than a Combined Science GCSE.
How is the course assessed?
There will be two exam papers for each
subject - Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Each paper will assess knowledge and
understanding from different topics. The
questions will use clearer and simpler
language to assess students only on their
scientific ability. All papers are 1 hour 45
minutes. Question types are: multiple
choice, structured, closed short answer and
open response.
Biology
Two papers: Each is worth 50% of the
grade and has 100 marks available.
What’s assessed?
Paper 1: Cell biology; Organisation;
Infection and response and Bioenergetics.
Paper 2: Homeostasis and response;
Inheritance, variation and evolution and
Ecology.
Chemistry
Two papers: Each is worth 50% of the
grade and has 100 marks available.
What’s assessed?
Paper 1: Atomic structure and the periodic
table; Bonding, structure and the properties
of matter; Quantitative chemistry;
Chemical changes and Energy changes.
Paper 2: The rate and extent of chemical
change; Organic chemistry; Chemical
analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and
Using resources.
Physics
Two papers: Each is worth 50% of the
grade and has 100 marks available.
What’s assessed?
Paper 1: Energy; Electricity; Particle
model of matter and Atomic structure.
Paper 2: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and
electromagnetism and Space Physics.
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
Biology
Cell biology
Organisation
Infection and response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis and response
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Chemistry
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Bonding, structure and the properties
of matter
Quantitative chemistry
Chemical changes
Energy changes
The rate and extent of chemical change
Organic chemistry
Chemical analysis
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Using resources
Physics
Forces
Energy
Waves
Electricity
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Particle model of matter
Atomic structure
Space Physics
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
The A* to G grades will be replaced
by 9 to 1 for Biology, Chemistry
and Physics. Students will be
expected to achieve grades 9–5 in
each subject.
What can students use the course
for?
Students can progress to study GCE
A Levels in Pure Sciences or other
Level 3 qualifications in Science
which will enable them to read
science degrees in STEM subjects.
Inspiring Education, Nurturing Success
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SUBJECT
Sport BTEC Level 2 First Award DEPARTMENT Performing Arts EXAM BOARD Edexcel
What are the access criteria for the
course?
What subject specific topics are
covered during the course?
What can students use the course
for?
Potential students should have a keen
interest in physical activity. Although
some of the course units are practical
they should understand that the course
has a high theory content. Excellent
attendance and behaviour are essential if
students are to meet and complete the
assessment criteria for this
qualification. The course provides a
suitable foundation for further
vocational study within the Sport and
Leisure industry or continuing to study
Physical Education at Advanced Level
within the College.
How is the course assessed?
The majority of the course is assessed
internally by the course tutor, allowing
students to receive feedback on their
progress throughout the course as they
complete assignments. Evidence for
assessment may be through a range of
media, such as performance logs,
presentations, vocational projects or
written work. One of the compulsory
units will be assessed externally.
Students will complete two compulsory
units:
Health and fitness for sport and
exercise; 25%.
Practical sports performance; 25%.
A further two optional units will then be
covered; 50%.These will be selected
from topics such as the psychology of
sports performance, leadership, training
for excellence and voluntary projects.
What are the expected
outcomes from the course?
Upon successful completion students
will have achieved a BTEC Level 2 First
Award in Sport (with GCSE
equivalence).
On successful completion of a
BTEC First qualification learners
can progress to NVQs, Coaching,
Instructing or A Level Physical
Education. The qualification will
enable learners to develop their
knowledge, understanding and skills
to enable progression within
specific areas of employment such
as exercise and fitness leadership.