KS4 urriculum...English (10 lessons) Mathematics (8 lessons) Science (12 lessons) Three Option...

KS4 Curriculum Options Booklet

2021-23

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Malcolm X

Dear scholars,

Welcome to our Key Stage 4 curriculum booklet. Inside you will find key information about the exciting

courses on offer to you for Year 10 and 11, how the options process works.

The decisions you will make over the next week are amongst the most significant in your education so far. In

order to make the correct decisions, you will need to think about a number of things.

Vision and Ambition – What do you want to do in the future? What subjects do you want to study in the

sixth form, at university? What career are you aiming towards?

Sense of Identity & Confidence – What subjects do you enjoy? What makes you feel proud? What are you

good at? Do the range of subjects chosen give you access to a broad and balanced curriculum that doesn’t

hamper your future decisions? Are you closing any doors by rejecting a subject for the wrong reasons?

Commitment and Curiosity – What subjects are you happy that you could commit fully to for the following 2

years? What subject areas are you curious about and hope to learn more?

Remember, the choice is about you – not your friend’s choice, nor is it a choice based on who teaches the

subject – it is about the knowledge you will gain from studying this course.

Study this information, ask questions, speak with your parents, teachers and form tutor – we are all here to

help.

Make good choices, for you.

Emma Glover | Interim Principal

The Options Process & Deadlines

Friday 13th November 2020

KS4 Curriculum Booklet shared

12.50pm KS4 Options Webinar

Link to join the webinar - https://bit.ly/AASY9Options

After the event

Study the guidance in depth

Have discussions with your parents, form tutors and teachers

Friday 20th November 2020

Deadline for preferences form to be completed and handed back to your form tutor

This form MUST be signed by yourself, your parents and your form tutor.

https://bit.ly/AASY9Options

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Following on from the rigorous curriculum at Key Stage 3, in Key Stage 4 all pupils continue to study a broad

and balanced academic curriculum to GCSE or equivalent, but are able to choose additional subjects.

We believe it’s incredibly important that pupils have a balanced curriculum which offers them a varied range

of learning opportunities. We believe that an academic, knowledge-rich curriculum is an entitlement for all

our pupils. We have allocated considerable time and resources to ensure pupils achieve well across the core

and options subjects. Additional time has also been allocate to PE and electives. We know pupils and our

community value these important enrichment opportunities.

All lessons will be 1-hour long and follow a fortnightly timetable.

The fortnightly curriculum to be on offered for every pupil will be (all lessons are 1 hour) – 50 hours per fortnight:

English (10 lessons) Mathematics (8 lessons) Science (12 lessons)

Three Option Subjects (5 lessons)

PE (2 lessons) RE (1 lesson) Electives (1 double lesson)

Core Subjects

All pupils will study the following compulsory subjects:

GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature

GCSE Mathematics GCSE Science (Trilogy or Separate Sciences)

GCSE Science is taught throughout years 10 and 11 as discrete subjects. Throughout year 10, all pupils will be

taught an identical curriculum. Upon starting year 11, the Head of Science, alongside teachers, will make a

decision as to whether a pupil is examined in Combined Science or Triple Sciences (and therefore sits GCSE

Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics).

Options Subjects

In addition to the core subjects all pupils choose three subjects from the options below.

GCSE History GCSE Geography GCSE Spanish

GCSE Religious Education GCSE Physical Education

BTEC Sport BTEC Performing Arts GCSE Art & Design (Fine Art)

Within this booklet, you will find details about each of the courses above.

Key Information

What grades will I get?

Changes to GCSEs now mean that A*-G grades have been replaced by 9 to 1 grades.

For BTEC subjects you will gr graded as Distinction * (Star), Distinction, Merit, Pass or Unclassified.

English Baccalaureate (EBacc)

The Department for Education has stated:

‘The EBacc is a set of subjects at GCSE that keeps young people’s options open for further study and future careers. The EBacc is English language and literature; mathematics; the sciences; geography or history; a language.’

English - To count towards the English part of the EBacc, pupils need to take both English literature and English language GCSE exams.

Science - Pupils need to take one of the following options:

Languages - Taking any ancient or modern foreign language GCSE counts towards the languages part of the EBacc.

The governments stated ambition is to see 90% of pupils studying a combination of EBacc GCSE’s by 2025.

We strongly advise all pupils to consider taking a combination of options that fulfil the EBacc brief.

BTECH Awards

BTECH stands for Business & Technology Education Council. BTECH awards are a recent set of vocational qualifications which are designed to be taught alongside GCSEs for pupils within Key Stage 4. They are designed to give scholars a glimpse into a professional sector whilst teaching them transferrable skills for life. They are assessed using assignments and practical tasks are level 2 qualifications – equivalent to GCSE’s.

Home Language GCSE’s

As an extra-curricular offer, we might be able to run some tutor led courses for pupils at the end of the school day. The availability of these courses would be based on many factors, such as the number of scholars interested in such courses and the sourcing of quality teachers/tutors to run them.

The courses we may be able to offer are:

GCSE Arabic GCSE Urdu GCSE Panjabi

GCSE Bengali GCSE Persian GCSE Gujarati

GCSE combined science – pupils take 2 GCSEs that cover the 3 main sciences, biology, chemistry and

physics

3 single sciences at GCSE – pupils choose 3 subjects from biology, chemistry, physics and computer

science

Core Subjects

GCSE English Literature GCSE English Language GCSE Mathematics GCSE Trilogy Science or GCSE Chemistry & GCSE Biology & GCSE Physics

Course GCSE English Literature Head of Department Charlie Brennan

Teachers Francesca Sergeant, Ashleigh Howard, Rebecca Dudley

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_Eng

Exam Board & Course Name AQA GCSE English Literature

Course Outline

This course will enable scholars to explore a range of literature from the 1700s to the present day. Scholars will read plays, novels and poems and delve into themes such as conflict, leadership and morality. The assessment for this course will be two, closed-book exams in which scholars will be asked to respond to the texts that they have studied with their teachers.

Assessment

Notes

Paper 1 Paper 2

19th Century Novel

Shakespeare

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

64 marks - 40% of GCSE

Modern drama text

The poetry anthology

Unseen poetry

Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes


Course GCSE English Language Head of Department Charlie Brennan

Teachers Francesca Sergeant, Ashleigh Howard, Rebecca Dudley

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_Eng

Exam Board & Course Name AQA GCSE English Language

Course Outline

This course will enable scholars to explore a range of fiction and non-fiction texts from across history. Scholars will work on their analytical and creative writing and explore a wide-range of interesting subjects. There are three assessments for this course: two exams in which scholars will be asked to respond to a number of unseen texts and one spoken language test.

Assessment

Notes

Paper 1 Paper 2

Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

Section A – Reading

Section B – Writing



Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

Section A – Reading

Section B – Writing



Compulsory spoken language test – reported as a separate grade (pass, merit or distinction).

Course GCSE Mathematics Head of Department Wasiq Razaq

Teachers Andrew Earl, Patrick O’Shea, Samira Ismail

Information Twitter: @MathsAstreaAcad

Exam Board & Course Name Edexcel GCSE Mathematics

Course Outline

This course will enable our scholars to develop core skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. We want our scholars to be aware that mathematics can be used in problem solving and everyday life situations. We expect our scholars to develop confidence and competence with the content studied here at Astrea Academy Sheffield. The assessments for this course will be three exams in which they will have one non calculator paper and two calculator papers.

Assessment

Notes

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3

Content:

Number

Algebra

Ratio, proportion and

rates of change

Geometry and measures

Probability

Statistics


Non calculator

Foundation and Higher Tier

80 marks - 33.3% of GCSE

Content:

Number

Algebra


rates of change


Probability

Statistics


Calculator



Content:

Number

Algebra


rates of change


Probability

Statistics


Calculator



Course GCSE Trilogy Science Head of Department Adam Nicholson

Teachers Sophie Jarvis, Matthew Beattie-Mair

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_Sci

Exam Board & Course Name AQA GCSE Trilogy Science

Course Outline

GCSE Trilogy Science allows scholars to explore all of the big ideas within science whilst also getting scholars to think about the principles of scientific investigations. Scholars will study biology, chemistry and physics and will sit two exams in all three sciences. These exams will be combined together to get student two GCSE grades.

Assessment

Biology Chemistry Physics

Paper 1

Biology topics 1–4:

Cell Biology

Organisation

Infection and response

Bioenergetics.




Chemistry topics 8–12:

Atomic structure and

the periodic table

Bonding, structure,

and the properties of

matter

Quantitative chemistry

Chemical changes

Energy changes




Physics topics 18–21:

Energy

Electricity

Particle model of

matter

Atomic structure




Paper 2

Biology topics 5–7:

Homeostasis and

response

Inheritance, variation

and evolution

Ecology




Chemistry topics 13–17:

The rate and extent of

chemical change

Organic chemistry

Chemical analysis

Chemistry of the

atmosphere

Using resources.




Physics topics 22–24:

Forces

Waves

Magnetism and

electromagnetism




Courses GCSE Chemistry / GCSE Physics / GCSE Biology Head of Department Adam Nicholson

Teachers Sophie Jarvis, Matthew Beattie-Mair

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_Sci

Exam Board & Course Code AQA GCSE Biology, AQA GCSE Chemistry, AQA GCSE Physics

Course Outline

GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics all allow scholars to explore all of the big ideas within each subject whilst also getting scholars to think about the principles of scientific investigations. There is slightly more scientific content to learn when compared to GCSE Trilogy Science. Scholars will study GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects and will two exams for each qualification. This route for studying science will be allocated to scholars by the Astrea Academy Sheffield and will be discussed with scholars towards the end of year 10.

Assessment

GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry GCSE Physics

Paper 1

Topics 1–4:

Cell Biology

Organisation

Infection and response

Bioenergetics




Topics 1–5:

Atomic structure and the

periodic table

Bonding, structure, and

the properties of matter

Quantitative chemistry,

Chemical changes

Energy changes




Topics 1-4:

Energy

Electricity

Particle model of matter

Atomic structure




Paper 2

Topics 5–7:

Homeostasis and

response

Inheritance, variation and

evolution

Ecology




Topics 6–10:

The rate and extent of

chemical change

Organic chemistry

Chemical analysis,

Chemistry of the

atmosphere

Using resources




Topics 5-8:

Forces

Waves

Magnetism and

electromagnetism

Space physics




Science Notes

Option Subjects

GCSE History GCSE Geography GCSE Religious Studies GCSE Spanish GCSE Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE Physical Education BTEC Sport BTEC Performing Arts

Course GCSE History Head of Department Thomas Harrop

Teachers Amy Marsden

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_Hums

Exam Board & Course Name AQA GCSE History

Course Outline

The content covered in GCSE History at Astrea covers some of the biggest events to shape our world in the last millennium! From the transforming influence of the Norman invasion of Britain to the disastrous conflict of the Vietnam War, scholars will study the events, causes and consequences of our species’ past.

Assessment

Who should choose this course?

If you like learning about the actions of the humans that lived before us and how they all interlink, then GCSE

History is the course for you! But, the following skills will be necessary to achieve highly in the subject:

Notes

Paper 1 Paper 2

Russia (1894 – 1945)

Cold War (1945 – 1972)

Written exam: 2 hours

84 marks (+4 for SPaG)

50% of GCSE

Power and the people (1170 – today)

Norman England (1066 – c.1100)

Written exam: 2 hours


50% of GCSE

A high level of literacy

An ability to understand and explain how things connect

An ability to argue for and against different interpretations

Course GCSE Geography Head of Department Thomas Harrop

Teachers Lucy Dyer


Exam Board & Course Name AQA GCSE Geography

Course Outline

GCSE Geography at Astrea involves close study of both the physical make-up of the planet (including its ecosystems, climate, natural disasters, and landscapes) and the human impact on it (including migration, economies, population, and sustainability).

Assessment


If you like learning about how the world works and the things that humans can and can’t control, then GCSE Geography is for you! But, the following skills will be necessary to achieve highly in the subject:

Notes

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3

Natural Hazards

The Living World

The Landscape of the UK



35% of GCSE

Urban Issues

Changing Economies

Resource Managing



35% of GCSE

Issue Evaluation

Fieldwork



30% of GCSE


An ability to interpret maps and data

An ability to evaluate statements and ideas

Course GCSE Religious Education Head of Department Thomas Harrop

Teachers Tristan Powell


Exam Board & Course Name AQA GCSE RE

Course Outline

Religious Education will still be taught throughout Y10 and Y11, but if you feel passionately about understanding the beliefs of people on the planet and like to consider questions that may not have definitive answers, then why not consider taking it at GCSE? The course covers detailed study of the religions of Christianity and Hinduism, as well as the impact of religion upon our society.

Assessment


If you like learning about humanity’s attempts to answer ultimate questions, then GCSE Religious Education

is for you! But, the following skills will be necessary to achieve highly in the subject:

Notes

Paper 1 Paper 2

Christianity

Hinduism



50% of GCSE

Relationships and families

Religions, peace and conflict

Religion, crime and punishment

Religion, human rights and social justice



50% of GCSE


An ability to think critically about people’s beliefs (including your own)

An ability to argue for and against different interpretations

Course GCSE Spanish Head of Department Luis Pérez Burgueño

Teachers Leanne Muscroft, David Powell

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_MFL

Exam Board & Course Name AQA GCSE Spanish

Course Outline

The Spanish GCSE Course is designed for students who are studying Spanish in order to enhance their future education or employment prospects and will help to foster listening, reading, conversational and written Spanish skills. The course combines paper-based reading materials and listening activities in addition to speaking practice during lessons.

Theme 1 Theme 2 Theme 3

Identity and Culture Self and family Social Media Reading Descriptions and relationships Free time activities Sport and entertainment Daily routine Food and drink Festivals

Local, national, international and global areas of interest Holidays Describing your hometown / region Future plans Shopping Environmental issues Global and social issues Healthy lifestyles Global events

Current and future study and employment School life Part time employment Job applications

Future plans for employment

Assessment


The course is not intended for complete beginners and it assumes that students have some basic experience

of the Spanish language. This doesn’t have to be too broad and the first few lessons are designed to remind

students of the basic building blocks of the Spanish language and to prepare them for the GCSE-style exercises

in the rest of the course.

Reading Writing Listening Speaking

Written exam:

Foundation - 45 mins

(60 marks)

Higher - 1 hour

(60 marks)

25% of GCSE

Written exam:

Foundation - 1 hour

(50 marks)

Higher - 1 hour 15 min

(60 marks)

25% of GCSE

Written exam:

Foundation – 35 mins (40 marks)

Higher - 45 mins (50 marks)

25% of GCSE

Non-exam assessment:

Foundation – 7-9 mins + prep time (60 marks)

Higher – 10-12 mins + prep time (60 marks)

25% of GCSE

Course GCSE Art & Design (Fine Art) Head of Department Keir Birch

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_ADT

Exam Board & Course Code Eduqas GCSE Art & Design (Fine Art)

Course Outline

GCSE Fine Art is defined as that aspect of art, craft and design where work is developed primarily for aesthetic, intellectual or purely conceptual purposes rather than for purposes that have a necessarily practical function. Scholars are required to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and understanding through studying one or more of the following areas drawing; installation; lens and light-based media; mixed media; land art; printing; painting; sculpture.

Assessment


GCSE Fine Art is suitable for scholars with an interest in drawing, sculpture and painting and who are excited

about being creative. Scholars who enjoy Art and are willing to spend time at home improving their

coursework will do well and in Y11 scholars have a say in the direction of their work. A good work ethic is a

huge advantage as the course is mainly coursework-based which allows scholars to add to their coursework

at any time. Scholars will leave with valuable research and design skills, as well as the ability to work

thematically and in a creative and dynamic environment.

Notes

Component 1 – Portfolio Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment

60% of GCSE: 120 marks

No time limit – academy set deadlines.

The component comprises a major practical portfolio and outcome/s to be based on internally set themes and subject matter developed from personal and/or given starting points.

40% of GCSE: 80 marks

The Externally Set Assignment consists of two parts

Part 1: Preparatory study period

Part 2: 10 hour period of sustained focus work

Course GCSE Physical Education Head of Department Sarah Naylor

Teachers Matthew Wright, David Boyd

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_PE

Exam Board & Course Code Edexcel GCSE Physical Education

Course Outline

This GCSE in Physical Education will equip scholars with the knowledge, understanding, skills and values they need to be able to develop and maintain their performance in physical activities. Scholars will also develop their theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport, including how physical activity benefits health, fitness and wellbeing. The assessment for this course consists of 4 different components that are a combination of both practical and theory elements including examinations and coursework.

Assessment


GCSE Physical Education is aimed at scholars who have a real passion for physical activity and sport. They will

study the scientific and anatomical factors associated with the human body, sport and physical activity and

should have a good understanding of the theoretical aspects that can have an influence on sporting

performances and healthy lifestyles. Scholars choosing this course should have an interest in the biological

aspects of the human body and biomechanical aspects of sport and physical activity.

Component 1 Component 2 Component 3 Component 4

Fitness and Body Systems

Applied anatomy

and physiology

Movement

analysis

Physical training

Use of data

Written examination:

1 hour and 45 minutes

36% of GCSE - 90 marks

Health and Performance

Health, fitness and

well-being

Sport psychology

Socio-cultural

influences

Use of data

Written examination:

1 hour and 15 minutes


Practical Performance

The assessment consists of scholars completing three physical activities from a set list.

Non-examined assessment:

Internally marked and externally moderated


(35 marks per activity)

Personal Exercise Programme (PEP)

The assessment consists of scholars producing a Personal Exercise Programme (PEP), and will require scholars to analyse and evaluate their performance.

Non-examined assessment:

Internally marked and externally moderated


Course BTEC Sport Head of Department Sarah Naylor

Teachers Matthew Wright, David Boyd

Information Twitter: @ AstreaSheff_PE

Exam Board & Course Code Edexcel BTEC Sport

Course Outline

BTEC first award in sport provides an engaging and relevant introduction to the world of sport. It incorporates important aspects of the industry, such as fitness testing and training for sport and exercise, the psychology of sport, practical sports performance and sports leadership. Scholars will develop and apply their knowledge, while also developing a range of relevant practical, communication and technical skills.

Assessment

The majority of assessment for this course is assignment based and each individual unit will be awarded a grade of Level 1 pass or Level 2 Pass, Merit or Distinction. This will then contribute to their overall grade for the course.


This qualification is the same size and level as a GCSE and is aimed at scholars who want to find out more

about the sport industry but prefer a practical based setting. It is different from the GCSE in PE, as, by taking

part in different types of sport and fitness activities, it gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge,

skills and the techniques you learn in practical ways, such as designing a personal fitness programme.

Unit 1: Mandatory Unit 2: Mandatory Unit 3: Mandatory Optional Unit

Fitness for Sport and Exercise

Components of fitness

Principles of training

Fitness training

methods

Fitness testing

This unit is externally assessed using an onscreen test.

Online examination:

1 hour 15 minutes.

60 marks

External Assessment

Practical Performance in Sport

Rules, regulations and

scoring systems of

selected sports

Skills, techniques and

tactics of selected sports

Review specific

sporting performances

Written Assignment & Practical Performance

Internal assessment

Applying the Principles of Personal Training

Design a personal

fitness training

programme

Musculoskeletal

system and cardio

respiratory system -

effects on the body

Implement the

training programme

Review the training

programme.

Written Assignment

Internal assessment

Pupils will build on the knowledge gained in the mandatory units by choosing one further optional unit.

The mind and

sports

performance

The sports

performer in

action

Leading sports

activities.

Written Assignment

Internal assessment

Course BTEC Performing Arts Head of Department Charlotte Power

Information Twitter: @AstreaSheff_PA

Exam Board & Course Code Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts

Course Outline

The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:

Assessment


You should enjoy and have a passion for one or more of the following; acting, dance or musical theatre.

development of key skills that prove your aptitude in Performing Arts such as reproducing repertoire or

responding to stimuli

process that underpins effective ways of working in the Performing Arts, such as development of ideas,

rehearsal and performance

attitudes that are considered most important in the Performing Arts, including personal management and

communication

knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as roles,

responsibilities, performance disciplines and styles.

Component 1 Component 2 Component 3

Exploring the Performing Arts - (30%) - (teacher assessed)

Aim: To understand what it’s like to be a professional actor, dancer or musical theatre performer.

During Component 1, you will:

explore performance

styles, creative intentions

and purpose

investigate how

practitioners create and

influence what’s

performed

discover performance

roles, skills, techniques

and processes.

Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts - (30%)

(teacher assessed)

Aim: To develop skills and techniques in the chosen discipline(s) of acting, dance and musical theatre


take part in workshops,

classes and rehearsals

gain physical,

interpretative, vocal and

rehearsal skills

apply these skills in

performance

reflect on your progress,

your performance and

how you could improve

Responding to a Brief - 40%

(externally assessed)

Aim: To consider how practitioners adapt their skills for different contexts, and put this into practice in a performance.


use the brief and previous

learnings to come up with

ideas

build on your skills in

classes, workshops and

rehearsals

review the process using

an ideas and skills log

perform a piece to your

chosen audience

reflect on your

performance in an

evaluation report

Notes

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