2016 - Rashid School For Boys€¦ · Islamic Studies (UAE Ministry ... (IGCSE) 17 Business Studies...

Courses in Year 10 and 11

2016

Rashid School for Boys

CONTENTS

Rashid School Certificate & Ministry Requirments 2-3

What do you need the RSB Certificate for? 4

Compulsory & Optional Course in Years 10 & 11 5

What are GCSE courses and examinations? 6

How will you be assessed? 7-8

Core Courses:

Form Period 9

Islamic Studies (UAE Ministry Curriculum) 10

First Language Arabic (UAE Ministry Curriculum) 11

English Language (IGCSE) 12

Mathematics (IGCSE) 13

Core Science - Single Award (GCSE) / Science Certificate 14-15

Information and Communication Technology (Core) 16

Optional Courses:

Art and Design (IGCSE) 17

Business Studies (GCSE) 18

Combined Science – Double Award (GCSE) 19

Computer Science (GCSE) 20

Design & Technology (GCSE) 21

English Literature (IGCSE) 22

French (GCSE) 23

Geography (GCSE) 24

History (IGCSE) 25

Physical Education (GCSE) 26

Sound Recording (BTEC) 27

Using ICT (CiDA) 28

GCSE Student Choice Form 29-30

Cover Work IGCSE Art Hamad Qamzi

1

This booklet outlines

the RSB Certificate

courses available to you in

Years 10 and 11

During the next few weeks in Year 9

you should read this information

and discuss your plans with

your parents, form tutor and

subject teachers.

You will be invited to attend a meeting

with your parents on Tuesday 28th February

to discuss your choices.

A final decision will then be required by

Thursday 16th March.

Think and choose carefully. Your selection of courses

can affect your future choice of university or careers.

2

The Rashid School Certificate (RSB Certificate)

The Rashid School Certificate covers everything you do in Years 10 and 11. You

must pass it to gain a place in Year 12. It forms part of the school's graduation

requirements.

The RSB Certificate can be awarded at three levels (pass, merit or distinction) as

shown on your summary of achievement.

Transcript Grades & Ministry Requirements

Twice a year a grade is given for overall achievement in each subject. From Year

9 onwards these grades remain on your record permanently. They form your

transcript which is sent to colleges during Year 12 as part of the application

process.

The transcript is also sent to the Ministry of Education for attestation once you

fulfil all the necessary requirements.

What are the Ministry Requirements?

Arab nationals must pass Arabic and all Muslims must pass Islamic Studies.

These courses cover the UAE Ministry Curriculum.

By the end of Year 11, you must achieve 5 GCSE subjects at grade E or better.

By the end of Year 12, you must also achieve, at least, the following scores in

IELTS and SAT Maths:

IELTS - 5.5

SAT Maths - 440

If you successfully meet all the requirements by the end of Year 12 you will be

awarded RSB's High School Diploma which is deemed to be equivalent to Al

Thanawiya Al A’ama.

If you cannot achieve all High School Diploma requirements your choice of higher

education destinations will be limited. You may be awarded the High School

Diploma instead.

For further information or clarification on Ministry requirements please contact the

Deputy Headmaster, Mr. Mark Shahparaki.

3

4

What do you need the RSB certificate for?

The level of your success in the RSB Certificate will affect your year 12

options:

If you achieve 5 GCSEs at grade E or higher you qualify for entry into

RSB’s High School Diploma.

If you achieve 5 GCSEs at grade C or higher you qualify for entry into

RSB’s Advanced Diploma programme.

How can GCSEs help you?

Students who graduate with RSB’s High School Diploma are generally

preparing themselves for one of the following higher education

establishments:

• Higher Colleges of Technology;

• American Universities in Dubai (AUD) or Sharjah (AUS);

• American Universities overseas.

Most of these establishments are looking at the range of subjects you have

studied. The Higher Colleges will accept students with GCSEs below grade

C.

American Universities generally expect a minimum of five GCSEs at grade

C. AUD is one of these universities, although they will give preference to

students with higher GCSE grades.

Other universities, like AUS however, have stricter requirements. AUS now

expect B grades in most subjects and preference is given to students who

have studied Advanced level courses.

Students who stay on for two years after GCSEs will study advanced level

courses which are necessary for gaining entry into UK universities.

Note: Advanced level courses are also helpful when applying to the more

competitive US universities. Students can earn "credits" or exemption from

certain university courses by being successful in these courses.

5

Compulsory & Optional Course in Years 10 & 11

There are two types of course. The first type are core courses. These are

compulsory for students. The second type are optional courses. You need to

choose three of these courses.

Core Courses:

Arabic (UAE Ministry Curriculum - for all Arab Nationals)

Islamic Studies (UAE Ministry Curriculum for all Muslim students)

English

Mathematics

Single Science

Information and Communication Technology

Physical Education

Optional Courses:

Creative Humanities Science & Technology

Art & Design

Design & Technology

Sound Recording

Business Studies*

French *

Geography *

History *

Double Science *

Computer Science *

Physical Education *

Using ICT

General Advice:

Choose the subjects that you enjoy.

Ideally, look for a balance of subjects.

Some options may not be advisable for you if your English is weak.

A GCSE Support option will be offered to some students.

* If your NC-level in English is below level 5 you may be advised not to choose these options. (Check with Mr. Shahparaki)

Notes:

Double Science is essential for anyone who is considering studying sciences at a more advanced level in the future.

6

What are GCSE courses and examinations?

Most subjects you study can lead to a GCSE qualification at the end of

Year 11.

1. GCSE is an abbreviation for General Certificate of Secondary

Education. All GCSE courses and examinations are prepared in

England according to strict academic criteria.

2. GCSE courses are studied in Years 10 and 11 but the work done in

Years 7, 8 and 9 is direct preparation for GCSE.

3. The performance of students on GCSE courses is assessed partly by

teachers during Years 10 and 11 and partly by examinations at the end

of Year 11 when students are 16+ years old.

4. GCSE examinations are graded on a 9 point scale; starting this year

GCSE grades will be changed from letter grades to number grades as

shown below:

Letter grades: A* A B C D E F G U

Number grades: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 U

US grades: A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D F

5. The changes to the grading system will help provide more

differentiation between the highest and lowest performing students.

The new GCSEs are intended to be more challenging.

6. The UAE Ministry requires students to have successfully studied a

minimum of five subjects from an approved list to graduate from

school. Up to now, the UAE Ministry has not recognised grades F & G

for Al Thanawia Al Aamma equivalence. The higher your

achievement in GCSE courses, the higher your G.P.A will be.

7. GCSE courses are recognised worldwide as part of the entry

requirements for higher education.

7

How will you be assessed?

In GCSE assessment is done in two ways: by school based coursework

and by examinations.

Non GCSE assessment may be entirely school based.

School-based assessment

Some items in GCSE and non-GCSE courses are assessed by your

teachers during Years 10 and 11.

Examples of work assessed in school by teachers are:

• practical skills in using laboratory apparatus (in science),

• use of fieldwork techniques (in geography),

• researching relevant information from a wide range of sources

and being able to organise its presentation as a report (in

history),

• use of skills such as developing designs for an object and

manufacturing it as a finished project product (in design and

technology).

School-based assessment is carried out by the teachers who have been

specially trained. When GCSE coursework in school has been assessed, it

is checked for quality against work done by students in other schools in

England. Samples are sent to the GCSE examination boards. This

comparison ensures that standards are guaranteed and that each student's

abilities have been fairly assessed.

School-based assessment differs widely depending upon the subject. It will

occupy a significant amount of your time and you will have to meet strict

deadlines if you are to maximise your grade. It means that you must work

hard all the time.

8

GCSE Examinations

Examinations at the end of a GCSE course are designed to give every

student opportunities to show what he knows, understands and can do.

Foundation and Higher Level Examinations

In some subjects, there are different examination papers and students take

the papers best suited to their abilities. Obtaining the highest grades, in

some subjects, can only be achieved by taking the higher level papers.

This is different for each department. For further information please check

with your son's subject teacher at the parents' meeting.

In non-GCSE courses you will have an examination or assessment each

semester.

Transcript Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)

In general, the higher level courses lead to higher transcript grades.

School grades are recorded as letters on the transcript as follows:

GPA Value

A - Excellent achievement 4.0

B - Good achievement 3.0

C - Average achievement 2.0

D - Below average achievement (minimum pass) 1.0

F - Fail

Homework

Completion of regular homework will be important to your successful

progress in all your courses.

Your homework record can affect the colour of your progress sheets, as

well as your final achievement grade.

Teachers generally set two 45-minute or three 30-minute homeworks per

week in each GCSE subject.

Your homework diary will continue to be a useful document and will provide

an important link between home and school. Tutors may write a note in the

homework diary if there are any concerns.

Parents are requested to check their son's homework diary on a regular

basis.

.

9

Form Period

What will the course be like?

Form period offers the opportunity for you to widen your experiences

beyond your usual academic studies. It will help you to prepare for when

you leave Rashid School for Boys. It focuses on your personal and social

development. There are five main strands to the programme:

• personal development and social awareness;

• health education;

• study skills;

• careers education;

• environmental awareness;

• team building and leadership skills.

Linked to the pastoral programme, students in years 10 and 11 are invited,

and encouraged, to take part in the RSB Bronze and Silver Awards. The

school camps in years 10 and 11 are linked with these awards, where

there is an opportunity to go on expeditions.


You will be assessed on the following:

• personal organisation;

• personal and social skills;

• participation, teamwork and leadership skills;

• punctuality and attendance.

At the end of year 11, your tutor will complete a report on your progress in these aspects.

10

Islamic Studies


Islamic studies is compulsory for all Muslim students.

These lessons include elements of the UAE ministry of education course

and aims to:

develop the student's appreciation and pride in his religion at every

time and place;

make the student feel responsible towards his religion, family and

country and emphasise the nature and size of this responsibility;

explain the role of Islam in human civilisation in the past, present

and future;

encourage the students to put what they are studying into practice

and guide them to the right Islamic behaviour;

give the student the necessary information and practical exercises

so that he may understand completely his religion and follow the

correct Islamic way of life.


The assessment of this course involves:

behaviour around school;

behaviour and participation in lessons;

coursework;

oral and written tests.

There will be two written assessments in each semester.

11

First Language Arabic

(UAE Ministry Curriculum with GCSE)


The first language course is intended for all Arab Nationals. The course

covers the UAE Ministry curriculum while at the same time preparing

students for some British qualifications in Arabic. The specific aims of this

course are to:

enable you to communicate accurately, appropriately and

effectively;

enable you to read Arabic;

enable you to understand and respond appropriately to what you

hear, read and experience;

encourage you to enjoy and appreciate the variety of language;

complement your other areas of study by developing skills of a more

general application (e.g. analysis, synthesis, drawing of inferences);

promote your personal development and understanding of yourself

and others;

strengthen your relationship with the Arab environment and keep

you connected to your language and literary heritage.


There will be two written assessments per semester to cover the ministry curriculum.

In Year 11 all students will also be entered for GCSE Arabic.

For students struggling with the Ministry Curriculum, an alternative assessment may be used.

12

English Language (IGCSE)


This is a Second Language examination course for all students.

The main aim is to improve your ability to communicate in English,

expanding the language skills that you have been developing up to year 9.

In addition, you’ll be encouraged to improve your ability to understand a

range of different styles of writing and speaking.

You will study a lot of different non-fiction texts, such as newspapers,

magazines, leaflets and pamphlets.

Fiction by international authors, playwrights and poets may also

be studied.

Your spoken English and listening comprehension skills will be

developed.

We introduce film, TV, news features and reporting, and many

other interesting audiovisual media for this part of the course.


Reading / Writing (written exam) 70%

Listening Comprehension (written paper) 15%

Speaking (oral interview) - see note below 15%

The oral interview usually takes place at the end of March, which consists of a one-to-one 15 minute recorded conversation.

13

Mathematics (IGCSE)


The course covers a wide range of basic mathematical knowledge and skills grouped into the following areas:

• number and algebra;

• shape, space and measure;

• data handling.

While studying mathematics you will be expected to:

• use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems;

• use logic and reason to solve problems;

• break down problems into small steps in order to solve them;

• apply mathematics to situations in everyday life;

• use a calculator quickly and effectively;

• appreciate mathematical patterns and relationships.

Note: A list of useful text books required for this course will be issued by the

Mathematics Department.


Two written examinations: you will be allowed to use a calculator 100%

for both examinations.

14

Core Science (IGCSE): Single Award

What will the courses be like?

The course contains topics from biology, chemistry and physics. It is

intended for students who will not be studying sciences beyond GCSE.

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

The nature of living organisms

Structures and functions in living

organisms

Reproduction and inheritance

Inorganic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Forces and motion

Electricity

Waves

Energy

Electricity and circuits

Magnetism

Radioactivity

Note: A list of useful text books required for this course will be issued by the

Science Department.


2 Biology papers 1hr 10 mins 33%

2 Chemistry papers 1hr 10 mins 33%

2 Physics papers 1hr 10 mins 33%

Practical skills and knowledge will be assessed in these written papers.

15

Science Certificate: Single Award

What will the courses be like?

The certificate course contains topics from biology, chemistry and physics.

It is intended for students who need more time to prepare for their GCSE

examinations in science.

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Cells, genetics and inheritance

Health, disease and

development of medicines

Atoms, compounds and states

of matter

Separating mixtures, acids

and metals

Forces, movement and energy

Waves and radiation

Note: The students selected to take this course will need to develop their

level of science understanding before being entered for GCSE in year 12.


2 Biology papers ` 33%

2 Chemistry papers 33%

2 Physics papers 33%

Practical skills and knowledge will be assessed in these written papers.

16

Information and Communication

Technology


This is a compulsory subject which will be taught for one lesson per week

in year 10 only. It will further enhance the IT skills gained in Year 7, 8, and

9 and help prepare students for the world of work/further study.

The main modules that you will focus on are:

CAD/CAM

image processing;

control technology;

film making and dvd production;

animation;

computer programming/game making.


By the end of each module a project will be completed which will be assessed and

added to your coursework portfolio.

17

Art and Design (IGCSE)


This course will encourage you to have an adventurous and enquiring

approach to art and design and it will help you develop the skills to express

your ideas.

You will investigate the work of other artists and use your knowledge to

help develop your own projects.

You will do an externally set examination in Year 11. This starts in in the

first week of February with six weeks to prepare before the final exam at

the end of March.

Areas that you may work in include:

Drawing and painting

Ceramics

Sculpture

Printmaking

Graphics

Textiles

Photography

Computer art


Externally Set Examination 100%

In February of your year 11 course you will be set an external examination. You

will be given six weeks to prepare for your ten hour examination, which is at the

end of March.

18

Business Studies (IGCSE)


You will investigate how businesses are organised; how they measure performance and make decisions and how governments and customers influence business.

You will look at:

The environment and business

The ownership and control of business

The aims and objectives of business

The management of people

Accounting and finance

Production strategies and marketing

An essential book required for the Business Studies course is:

IGCSE Business Studies Karen Borrington & Peter Stimpson

Hodder Education ISBN-100-34092649X

ISBN-13978-0-34092649


2 External written papers:

Short answer paper 1hr 30 mins 50%

Case study paper 1hr 30 mins 50%

19

Combined Science (IGCSE): Double Award


You will study a combination of topics from biology, chemistry and physics.

This option is necessary if you are thinking of studying sciences at a higher

level.

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

The nature of living organisms

Structures and functions in living

organisms

Reproduction and inheritance

Inorganic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Forces and motion

Electricity

Waves

Energy

Electricity and circuits

Magnetism

Radioactivity

Note: A list of useful text books required for this course will be issued by

the Science Department.


Biology paper 2 hours 33%

Chemistry paper 2 hours 33%

Physics paper 2 hours 33%

Practical skills and knowledge will be assessed in there written papers.

20

Computer Science (GCSE)

Level 2


Unit 1 - Theory of Computer Science

Data representation o Binary and hexadecimal counting systems o How data, text and images are stored

Communication and Internet technologies o Serial and parallel data transmission o Internet protocols and security

Hardware o Logic gates and how processors work o Input / output, memory and storage o Operating systems o High level language Vs. Machine code

Unit 2 - Practical Problem Solving:

Algorithm design and Problem Solving

Programming o Basic concepts – sequence, repeat, select o Data structures

Data bases


Theory of computer Science examination 60%

Problem solving/programming examination 40%

21

Design Technology (GCSE)


Within this course you will develop the capability and the confidence to

solve problems, make and evaluate products and systems. You will be

introduced to a range of information technology facilities including

AutoCad (a computerised draughting tool).

The course will incorporate the following aspects:

• developing and analysing a design brief;

• research and investigation;

• proposal of ideas;

• development of one of those ideas;

• realisation of the idea (i.e. the manufacture or making);

• evaluation.

An important feature and advantage of this modular course is that it

allows you to choose and work in areas of design and technology that

are of interest to you.


School-based assessment 60%

Your projects will be externally moderated.

Examination 40%

Set and marked by the examination board.

22

English Literature (IGCSE)


Success in this course will show that you have the ability to read and evaluate complex English texts. It will also expand your understanding of both literal and implicit meaning of these texts. This course will help you to understand the contexts, themes and attitudes expressed in literature and give you opportunities to respond to these ideas and issues.

Developing these thinking skills are the key to success in many different professions. Lawyers, engineers, bankers, directors of government departments and all business owners have to understand complicated situations; they also need to be able to recognise bias and express their own opinions and judgements.

You will develop all these skills through the study of a range of fiction:

• Drama

• Poetry

• Prose


This course includes two assessed pieces of coursework that you will undertake

over the two years and a final exam at the end of year 11.

Unit 1: Poetry + Prose 50%

Unit 2: Drama Exam 25%

Unit 3: Coursework portfolio (2 assignments) 25%

23

French (GCSE)


The aim of the course is to develop your ability to:

speak French effectively and practically;

understand the language when it is spoken to you;

understand spoken French in a variety of situations;

read and understand written French in different situations;

write in French;

translate from English to French and French to English.

You will develop these four skills:

listening;

speaking;

reading;

writing.

Essential books required for this course are:

Expo (AQA GCSE) Heinemann ISBN 978-0-43572060-5

Metro (for AQA) Heinemann ISBN 978-0-43537289-0


Examinations

Listening 25%

Speaking (Recorded) 25%

Reading 25%

Writing 25%

24

Geography (GCSE)


The GCSE geography course will give you a better understanding of the

world you live in. Field studies are an important part of the course.

There are three main areas of study:

Theme 1: Challenges of Living in Urban Areas

See and understand the difference between the shanty

towns of Rio de Janerio, the rebirth of London's Docklands,

the miracle growth of Dubai. Learn about the problems

facing world cities now and in the future.

Theme 2: Physical Processes and Relationships between People

and Environment

Learn how people interact with coastal and riverine

environments. Discover how weather and climate are

different around the world and how they affect people's

lives. Research how ecosystems like the Amazon

Rainforest are in danger.

Theme 3: Urban Development and Sustainable Environments

Find out why some places and industries are dying

whilst others are booming. Is Dubai really the new

Singapore?


Examinations: 100%

Two written examinations

25

History (IGCSE)


The IGCSE history course continues the type of work studied in history

lessons in Year 9 such as: team tasks i.e. sorting out, investigating and

reconstructing historical evidence; problem-solving; study of important

people and the causes of events.

There are four main sections:

• USA 1917-29

• Germany 1918-45

• Medicine 1800-1945

• Cold War 1945-62

Essential books required for this course are:

Modern World History Heineman ISBN 978-0435-510-41-1

Twentieth Century Depth Studies Nelson Thornes ISBN 978-1-4085-0321-8


2 Written papers - each 1 hr 30 mins

Examinations:

• Paper 1 50%

• Paper 2 50%

Twentieth Century Depth Studies Nelson Thornes ISBN 978-1-4085-0321-8

26

Physical Education (GCSE)


You will be expected to attend school team practice sessions in football,

basketball and athletics, plus represent your coloured team in

competitions.

For the practical part of the course you select three different sports. You

need to be good at these three sports. For each of these you will:

• develop basic skills and apply them to the game;

• learn rules and tactics;

• understand what makes for a good performance;

• understand how to coach a team;

• complete a personal exercise programme (PEP) project.

The written work includes the following sport science topics:

• how the body works and how it is affected by exercise;

• the importance of diet and personal hygiene;

• fitness and how to train;

• sports injuries.

An essential book required for this course is:

Folens ISBN 978-1-84690-372-4


Practical skills

Final practical examination by moderator 30%

Analysis of performance project 10%

Examinations 60%

Fitness and body systems 1 hr 30 mins

Health and performance 1 hr 30 mins

27

Sound Recording (BTEC)

GCSE Equivalent


This is a practical course which is equivalent to a foundation level in GCSE. It leads to a BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Creative Media.

There are two units of work:

Unit 1 – Research for Creative Media Production

This unit aims to develop skills in the main research methods and techniques used in the Creative Media Industries. You will learn about job roles in the industry in Dubai, what jobs are available and what tasks are carried out in these jobs.

Unit 2 – Audio Production:

This unit aims to develop your skills and knowledge about sound products and formats. You will learn about streaming audio, WAVs, MP3s, microphones, mixing desks and recorders and all the other items used in the business. You will create and review audio products such as recordings, by using skills you have learned on the course.


Coursework Assignments 100%

You will be continually assessed and you will need to keep written evidence of what you have done, including filling in logs, notes, lists, diagrams, completed worksheets and questionnaires.

A visiting examiner will check your teacher’s marking twice a year to make sure you are being fairly rewarded.

28

Using ICT (CiDA)

GCSE Equivalent


The course will enable you to use digital tools in a creative way to inform, persuade and entertain a given audience.

You will design, create and evaluate digital products. Your ability to write about your design choices and evaluate how these meet the needs of a given audience is important for your success.

There are two units:

Unit 1- Developing Web Products (not optional)

Unit 2 - Creative Multimedia


Unit 1 (Practical exam or project) 25%

Unit 2 (Project) 75%

29

GCSE Student Choice Form

Name: _______________________________ Form: _______________________

Creative Humanities Science & Technology

Art & Design

Design & Technology

Sound Recording

Business Studies*

French *

Geography *

History *

Double Science*

Computer Science *

Physical Education *

Using ICT

General Advice:

1) Choose the subjects that you enjoy.

2) Ideally, look for a balance of subjects.

3) Subjects marked with an asterisk* may not be advisable if your NC-level in English is below level 5.

4) ‘Double’Science is essential for anyone who is considering studying sciences at a higher level in the future.

5) GCSE Support may be offered to some students as one of their choices.

Options:

Write down your three choices in the spaces below.

My first subject choice is _____________________________________

My second subject choice is ____________________________________

My third subject choice is _____________________________________

Discuss your choices with your tutor and complete the questions overleaf before handing in this form.

If you are not choosing one subject from each category, make sure you speak to Mr. Shahparaki, to see if this is possible before handing in your form.

30

Year 9 National Curriculum levels in English:

You may need to ask your English teacher.

My NC-level in English is ___________________________________________

I understand what I need to achieve in my GCSEs to be able to graduate.

I also understand what I need to achieve in my GCSEs to be able to get into various universities and colleges.

Student’s signature: _________________________________________

The Future

Your choice of subjects will be discussed carefully with you during the next few weeks.

1) What jobs or careers are you interested in finding more information about?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2) Where would you like to study when you leave RSB?

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

3) What do your parents want you to do when you leave school?

_______________________________________________________________

Tutor's signature: _____________________________________

Parent's or Guardian's signature: _____________________________________

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