All Saints RC School
Year 9
Curriculum Guide
(2014/2016)
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Contents
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016
Page
Introduction 1—7
Section 1—Compulsory Courses
English & English Literature 8 & 9 Maths 10 Modern Foreign Languages 11 & 12 Physical Education 13 PSHCE 14 Religious Education 15 Science 16
Section 2—Optional Subjects
Art 17 Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) 18 Business Studies 19 BTEC First Award in Business 20 Child Development 21 Dance 22 Design & Technology 23 & 24
- Food Technology 25 - Textile Technology 26
Drama 27 Geography 28 Health & Social Care 29 History 30 ICT 31 Leadership 32 Music 33 GCSE Physical Education 34 Study Plus 35 Textile Technology 36 Due to new Government legislation : Apprenticeships are no longer available before the age of 16.
M a k i n g D e c i s i o n s
MUSIC
PSHCE
PE
RE
SCIENCE
During the next few weeks you will be making decisions about the
choices available to you in years 10 and 11. Do not worry if there
seems a lot to understand. You can find useful information by
speaking to your subject teachers, Form Tutors and Ms Bickley. You
will also find a lot of useful information in this booklet. You can
then talk it over with family and friends. When going through the
booklets you need to think carefully about a number of things such
as:
1 Choose subjects that you think you will enjoy. These are usually
the subjects in which you get the best results.
2 Do not choose a subject because your friend has done so. You
may have different interests and abilities, and it is likely you will
be in different groups.
3 Do not choose because you like or dislike a particular teacher.
Again no-one can be certain who will teach you in years 10 and 11.
4 Discuss your choices with your parents as well as your teachers.
If you have any questions you can ask at the Year 9 Options
Information Evening on Tuesday 7 January 2014 at 7 pm in
the Upper School, starting in the Hall.
5 Some of the courses will be new to you. These will be explained
in greater detail at the Options Evening on Tuesday 7 January
2014.
6 Once you have chosen a subject, you have made a commitment to
follow the course for two years. You will not be able to change
the course, except under exceptional circumstances.
7. In order to gain the English Baccalaureate you would need to get
a grade C or above in English, Maths, 2 Science subjects, History
or Geography and a Modern Foreign Language or Latin.
MODERN
FOREIGN
LANGUAGES
ART BUSINESS CHLD
DEVELOPMENT DANCE GRAPHICS
RESISTANT
MATERIALS
Food
technology
TEXTILES
DRAMA
ENGLISH
HEALTH &
SOCIAL CARE GEOGRAPHY
HISTORY ICT MATHS
MODERN
FOREIGN
LANGUAGES
MUSIC
PSHCE
Pe
RE
SCIENCE
ART BUSINESS CHLD
DEVELOPMENT DANCE GRAPHICS
RESISTANT
MATERIALS
Food
Technology
TEXTILES
DRAMA
ENGLISH
HEALTH &
SOCIAL CARE
GEOGRAPHY HISTORY ICT
MATHS
Ms Bickley, Mrs McCormick and Mrs Johns are also available
to speak to you about your choices and help complete the
choices form.
All forms must be returned to Ms Bickley at school by:
Friday 31 January 2014
As soon as these forms have been received by Ms Bickley, the
choices will be analysed and groups arranged to suit as many
students as possible.
At this stage,
1. It may be necessary to ask some of you to use your
reserve subject if your initial choices cannot be
accommodated. We ask for your co-operation in this
procedure as we do try to accommodate the requests of
the majority of students.
2. It may also be necessary at this stage to decide
whether any course needs to be withdrawn because not
enough students have chosen it.
Yo u n e e d t o c h o o s e
w i s e l y t h e f i r s t t i m e
MODERN
FOREIGN
LANGUAGES
MUSIC
PSHCE
PE
RE
SCIENCE
ART BUSINESS CHLD
DEVELOPMENT DANCE GRAPHICS
MATHS
DRAMA
TEXTILES
FOOD
TECHNOLOGY
RESISTANT
MATERIALS
ENGLISH
HEALTH &
SOCIAL CARE
GEOGRAPHY HISTORY
Ict
H o w t o c o m p l e t e
Yo u r C h o i c e s F o r m
Please make sure that you have read the notes on each subject
first and asked any questions that you have!
When you are sure you have made up your mind, complete all the
sections on the option choices form.
This should then be signed by you and your parents and returned
to your Form Tutor for signing by Friday 31 January 2014.
Friday 31 January 2014 at the latest.
Making Your Subject Choices
English Language and English Literature GCSEs (2 GCSEs)
Religious Studies GCSE
Mathematics GCSE
One Modern Foreign Language GCSE
Science GCSE (either 2 or 3 GCSEs)
Physical Education—not GCSE
PHSCE—not GCSE
Continue with the 2 year GCSE course that you started in Year 9
Or
For those who requested to move to Extended Project
First Choose ONE Modern Foreign Language from this box or alternative by agreement
French
German
Spanish
Certificate of Personal Effectivess (CoPE) (By agreement with Mrs Johns)
Study Plus (By agreement with Ms Bickley)
Now choose TWO subjects from this box
Art Food Technology ICT
Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) French Music
Business Studies Geography PE
BTEC First Award in Business German Resistant Materials
Child Development Graphics Spanish
Dance Health & Social Care Textiles
Drama History
Compulsory Subjects Studies by all students in Year 10 and 11 are:-
THERE ARE 3 CHOICES TO BE MADE
If you are interested in a second or third Modern Foreign Language?
You can also choose to study (outside normal lesson time)
Early Bird French (8.10 am to 9.00 am three mornings per week)
MODERN
FOREIGN
LANGUAGES
MUSIC
ENGLISH
LITERATURE
pe
ETHICS
&
PHILOSOPHY
PSYCHOLOGY
ART BUSINESS BIOLOGY DANCE CHEMISTRY
Design
technology
physics
Government
& politics
TEXTILES
THEATRE
STUDIES
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE
HEALTH &
SOCIAL CARE
MATHS
W h a t c a n I d o a f t e r Ye a r 11 a t A l l S a i n t s ?
T h e S i x t h F o r m
We know that not all students are the same and All Saints hopes to
offer a wider range of subjects on differing levels over the next few
years.
A S / A 2 Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s ( L e v e l 3 )
You need an average GCSE grade score of 40, (roughly an average
around grade ‘C’ in all subjects), with the exception of Biology, Physics
Chemistry and Maths which require an average grade score of 46, to
study at this level.
AS stands for ‘Advanced Subsidiary’ level and is the first half of your
‘A’ Level course. The second half of the course is studied in your
second year in the Sixth Form (Year 13) and is known as A2. You can
take an AS level on its own, without following it to A2. ‘A’ Level
qualifications will take 2 years. They are used for entry into
universities and many professions.
Below is a list of ‘A’ Level courses that we currently offer at All
Saints.
Art History
Biology Mathematics (Further)
Business Studies Mathematics (Mechanics)
Chemistry Mathematics (Statistics)
Critical Thinking Media Studies
Dance Music
Design Technology Music Technology
English Language Philosophy &Ethics
English Literature Photography
Extended Project Physics
French Psychology
Geography Spanish
General Studies Sports Studies
German Textiles
Government & Politics Theatre Studies
Access to—Sociology, Dipoloma in Public Services and Engineering is
available at Archbishop Holgates School.
MEDIA
STUDIES
HISTORY GEOGRAPHY C RITICAL
THINKING
MODERN
FOREIGN
LANGUAGES
MUSIC
English
literature
PE
Ethics
&
philosophy
psychology
ART BUSINESS biology DANCE chemistry
Design
technology
physics
Government
& politics
TEXTILES
Theatre
studies
ENGLISH
language
HEALTH &
SOCIAL CARE
MATHS
A d v a n c e d L e v e l V o c a t i o n a l C o u r s e s
If you have the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grade ‘C’ or better, we
offer a vocational ‘A’ Level route leading to ‘A’ Level equivalent
qualifications.
At present we offer two courses:
1. Health & Social Care 2. Business Studies
Archbishop Holgate School offers progression for B Tech Courses
L e v e l 2 C o u r s e s
It could be that for a number of reasons you do not want to jump
straight to Advanced Level Study in the Sixth Form. In this case we
offer a Level 2 progression course which is designed to allow
students to gain Maths and English and a variety of other GCSE
qualifications to equip them either for the world of work, or further
education.
We look forward to hearing from you which courses you may be
interested in doing at this level, towards the end of year 11.
A work related learning course is offered at Archbishop Holgates
School.
G C S E Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s i n M a t h s a n d E n g l i s h
All Sixth Form students are expected to have gained a Level 2,
(GCSE grade C or above) in Maths and English before they leave us
and courses will be made available to achieve this.
MEDIA
STUDIES
Critical
thinking HISTORY
GEOGRAPHY
Section 1
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/2016
Compulsory Courses
All Saints RC School
ENGLISH & ENGLISH LIENGLISH & ENGLISH LITERATURETERATURE Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: WJEC
General Outline GCSE English Language and English Literature develops students’ skills in
communication through speaking and listening, reading and writing.
Students will have the opportunity to explore the English Language in both a functional and
creative way. They will analyse a range of fiction and non-fiction texts from pre 20th
century to contemporary writing and explore the power of the spoken word.
GCSE English Language
Unit 1 : Studying written language (examination only)
This unit will test through structured questions the reading of two non-fiction texts.
Non-fiction texts may include: fact-sheets, leaflets, extracts from autobiographies,
biographies, diaries, advertisements, reports, articles and digital and multi-modal texts of
various kinds from newspapers and magazines, brochures and the internet. It aims to
empower students in their understanding of how English Language is used beyond the
classroom.
Unit 2 : Using written language (examination only)
This unit tests students’ ability to create texts for a functional use. It aims to provide
students with skills that transfer to the world of work. Across the two tasks candidates
will be offered opportunities to write for a range of audiences and purposes, adapting styles
to form and real-life context in, for example, letters, articles, leaflets, reviews.
Unit 3 : Literary reading and creative writing (Controlled Assessment)
Studying written language
In this unit students apply their skills in reading literary texts to a novel of the teacher’s
choice. This includes the texts ‘Of Mice and Men’ or ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.
Using Language
Students will be required to complete ONE piece of descriptive writing and ONE piece of
narrative writing in controlled conditions.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 8
All Saints RC School
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 9
ENGLISH & ENGLISH LIENGLISH & ENGLISH LITERATURETERATURE
Unit 4: Studying Spoken Language :
This is an exciting opportunity for students to study an aspect of spoken language. The
assignment will be an essay on their use of spoken language.
GCSE English Literature
Unit 1: Section A (exam)
Section A requires that students study a prose text from a different culture. This will
either be ‘Of Mice and Men’ or ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.
Section B
Students study a range of poetry over the course and they are required to apply the skills
they learn to analyse two unseen poems!
Unit 2 (Exam)
Students study a contemporary play and a novel from our literary heritage or a play from
our literary heritage and a contemporary novel. They will then be required to write essays
on the text in an exam. The texts include ‘An Inspector Calls’, and ‘A View from the
Bridge’, ‘ and novels including ‘Heroes’, ‘About a Boy’ or ‘Lord of the Flies’.
Unit 3 (Controlled Assessment)
Students will write an essay comparing a Shakespeare text (Romeo and Juliet) with
poetry. They will focus on specific themes and ideas across the two novels.
The final grade is made up of:
English Language Exam 60%
Controlled Assessment 40%
English Literature Exam 75%
Controlled Assessment 25%
All Saints RC School
MATHSMATHS Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: EDEXCEL
General Outline
The fact that Maths is not an option indicates how important it is.
In Maths there are two tiers of the syllabus. There is much more emphasis on Algebra in the higher tier
than in the foundation tier.
Every day we rely upon the mathematical skills of others. Doctors and nurses need to administer the
correct amount of medicines, engineers need to ensure their buildings or bridges don’t fall down; shop
assistants need to give us correct change. If we are to play a useful role in our society we need to have
some of these mathematical skills ourselves.
The work continues to cover the four attainment targets for Mathematics in the National Curriculum.
These are: -
1) Using and Applying Mathematics
2) Number and Algebra
3) Shape, Space and Measures
4) Handling Data
There are six Mathematics lessons
per fortnight in Year 10 and Year 11.
Some lessons will be whole class
lessons which deal formally with the
subject matter. Other lessons will
involve open-ended investigations, practical work and use of computers.
Year 10 and 11 Maths at the higher level forms the basis for further studies
at 6th Form level. Anyone wanting to study Maths at ’A’ Level should be
aiming to achieve grade A or A* at GCSE and be in one of the top sets.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 10
The final grade is made up of:
Final examination
100%
The final exams can be
taken at two levels:
Foundation (Grades C-G)
Higher (Grades A* - D)
All Saints RC School
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGESMODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: Edexcel GCSE French, German or Spanish
As All Saints is a Language College, the majority of our students continue to study at least one
language at KS4. We are also pleased to offer you the opportunity to take two Modern Foreign
Languages, depending on what you have studied in KS3.
How the system works:
Many of our students choose to continue with one language at GCSE. You
can choose from GCSE French, German and Spanish.
Many students choose to study two languages each year. You can choose
from GCSE French, German and Spanish which take place during the
normal school day.
Alternatively you could consider: Early Bird French
This starts at 8.10 am on 3 mornings a week and is a possibility if you
are finding it difficult to fit in your second foreign language during
normal curriculum time.
In the increasingly competitive world of international business, proficiency in Languages is
recognised as highly desirable by employers, and is looked upon extremely favourably by the best UK
universities when offering places to prospective students.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 11
Two Languages
One Language
Early Bird French (GCSE)
The final exam grade is made up:
Controlled tasks (writing and
speaking skills) 60%
External exams (reading and
listening) 40%
All Saints RC School
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGESMODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 12
Why choose two languages
Languages are fun!
More languages
mean better
JOB PROSPECTS
Languages are for
leisure and are
practical
You will have ample opportunities to work
in small groups with foreign language
assistants and participate in links and
exchanges with young people
Good communication
skills are essential in the
modern world
All Saints RC School
PHYSICAL EDUCATIONPHYSICAL EDUCATION (NOT GCSE)(NOT GCSE)
General Outline
Activities are offered in the form of options.
These activities are likely to be:
Girls Boys
> Netball > Football
> Hockey > Rugby
> Basketball > Basketball
> Volleyball > Volleyball
> Aerobics > Badminton
> Dance > Hockey
> Badminton > Athletics
> Gymnastics > Tennis
> Athletics > Cricket
> Tennis > Gymnastics
> Rounders
You will do 5 activities – 3 winter and 2 summer, each activity lasting approximately 7 weeks.
In Year 11, additional activities on offer include: trampolining, swimming, girl’s rugby, football and
use of facilities at Energise Sports Centre.
The upper school offers the opportunity to use the MUGA (multi use games area), which has opened
up many activities on site and is a superb practice and training facility.
A comprehensive fixture list is maintained in the major sports, and clubs are run in a variety of
others.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 13
All Saints RC School
P.S.H.C.E.P.S.H.C.E. (PERSONAL, SOCIAL, H(PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH & CITIZENSHIP EALTH & CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION)EDUCATION)
General Outline
At All Saints RC School our PSHCE programme underpins everything we do in our roles as Christians and allows
our young people to make their own informed choices and decisions while growing in the Catholic faith. It is
taught during the collapsed curriculum days throughout years 10 and 11, as well as in various GCSE subjects.
Some of the topics covered during the course include:
Relationship and Sex Education
Drug and Alcohol Education
Revision Techniques
Study Skills and Exam Preparation
Enterprise and Business Skills
Citizenship
Work Experience
Careers Education including Career Options
CVs and Interview Skills
The course will also improve many generic life skills such as:
Problem Solving
Relationships
Communication
Target Setting, Organisation
Time Management
Decision Making
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 14
All Saints RC School
RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONRELIGIOUS EDUCATION Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: OCR/WJEC
At All Saints everyone takes GCSE RE. RE will help you learn about yourself and other people, by
studying the phenomena of religion.
Through debate and discussion you will be encouraged to wrestle with
some of the key moral issues which young people face today. You will
develop important skills: for example, how to present an argument
clearly and coherently. You will learn how to think and not necessarily
what to think.
We are a Catholic School. You will have an opportunity to appreciate
the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, some of its beliefs and
practices, and its links with other Christian churches.
We all have an instinct to look for truth and for justice. This course helps you to find a way through
the moral maze, to ask what is good, bad; right or wrong and how can we know. You will look at issues
related to prejudice, racism, sexism, warfare, pacifism, pollution, relationships, sexual ethics, crime
and punishment. We hope that you will get to the heart of the matters and be able to see a relevant
Christian perspective.
In recent years RE has been one of the fastest-growing and most
popular GCSE subjects in the country. More and more employers are
recognising and appreciating the skills people learn through studying
RE and it is becoming highly thought of in the work place.
If you are prepared to work and think
hard, and above all if you enjoy a good
discussion, you will enjoy the RE
experience.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 15
Final grade is made up of
100% written examinations at
the end of Year 11.
All Saints RC School
SCIENCE AT ALL SAINTS (FOR INFORMATION ONLY)
There is no choice to make for Science.
Sets 9XS and 9YS will study Triple Science through the rest of year 9, and in years 10 and 11. At
the end of the course they will receive three GCSEs: in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The remainder of the students will study Core Science and Additional Science GCSEs starting
Core Science after Christmas in year 9. These cover all three Sciences and will thoroughly
prepare students for Science A-levels.
The small group of students for whom the above is not appropriate will study BTEC Principles
of Applied Science and BTEC Application of Science. This course is assessed through
assignments that are completed in lessons. A pass in this course is equivalent to two GCSE
passes at grade C. A Merit or Distinction are equivalent to higher grades.
There is flexibility throughout Year 9 Science. Students will be continually assessed and may be
moved groups on merit through the year. This will mean that students will follow the course in which
they are likely to be the most successful.
Further information on all of these courses can be found at:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science.php
and
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts2012/applied-science/Pages/
default.aspx
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 16
Section 2
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016
Optional Subjects
All Saints RC School
ART ART Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: AQA
General Outline
Art is an extremely popular and successful course.
In the last three years we have achieved +98% A-C grades!
Many students carry on to ‘A’ Level and beyond, studying Art related courses at University. GCSE Art and
Design gives a broad, creative education to start along your pathway.
If you are interested in the following areas, Art and Design is an important subject for you to study—
Advertising, Animation, Architecture and Interiors, Design Crafts, Electronic Games, Fashion, Film and
Television Production, Fine Art, Graphic/Product Design, Photography, and Teaching.
In today’s modern, media society, visual imagery is very important.
Even if you do not want to follow a career in the Creative Industries, Art and Design is a good subject to
study because it helps you become:
Course Content
For coursework, you will produce a ‘portfolio’ unit. This involves completing a series of workshops giving you a
broad base of experiences in Art and Design. This will involve—drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic
illustration, design and photography. You then complete an externally set task where you are given a number
of starting points to base your work on.
This course will allow you to:
In return we offer you a supportive, caring environment in which to learn and enjoy your studies.
This is a good subject to combine with others to create a balanced breadth of study and particularly with
Textiles, Graphics and Resistant Materials.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 17
The final grade is made up of:
Coursework Portfolio 60%
External Exam 40%
All work completed is practical.
There are no written exams.
An independent learner
A creative thinker
A reflective person
A good organiser
An active, involved person
Gain confidence in
your own ability
Make progress and
fulfil your potential
Be successful in your studies
Become competent in a wider
range of Art & Design skills
Be independent as a
learner
CERTIFICATE OF PERSOCERTIFICATE OF PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESSNAL EFFECTIVENESS
(COPE)(COPE)
Length of Course: 2 years
The Certificate of Personal Effectiveness is a great choice for those students who will find taking
on more than eight GCSEs a challenge.
Anyone interested in taking this course should speak to Mrs Johns (Director of Inclusion).
The aims of the COPE are:
To help you to develop and demonstrate a range of skills with a qualification at the end.
To show employers that you have practical experience of key skills.
To recognise what you do outside school in the community, as well as in the classroom.
Course Overview:
To gain the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness students must:
Take responsibility for planning, organising and carrying out a number of activities or
challenges.
Develop and provide evidence of working with others, improving their own learning and
performance and problem solving.
Develop and provide evidence of the skills of research, discussion and presentation.
Produce evidence of personal achievements in a Portfolio.
There are 12 possible modules available for studying:
*Communication *Citizenship *Sport and Leisure
*Independent Living *The Environment *Vocational Preparation
*Health and Fitness *Work Related Learning *Science and Technology
*International Issues *Expressive Arts *Beliefs and Values.
Challenges are set in these modules at three different levels (A, B and C). The
higher the level the more independently students are expected to work.
This course is accredited by Asdan
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014 / 2016 Page 18
There is no exam.
The final award is
made up of:
Portfolio Assessment
100%
All Saints RC School
All Saints RC School
BUSINESS STUDIESBUSINESS STUDIES Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: OCR
General Information
What you learn about in Business Studies
The ownership and objectives of businesses
Marketing and advertising
Finance and accounting
Employment and people in business
Production in business
External influences on business activity
A GCSE in Business Studies
develops valuable research (primary & secondary), ICT, communication and report writing
skills
develops the ability to analyse and evaluate
combines well with all other subjects
has direct relevance to jobs in all types of businesses and may
provide you with a foundation for running your own
The course is made up of three units
Business and people—looks at the different types of
business that exist and employment issues.
Marketing/Enterprise—involves carrying out a marketing
investigation or preparation of a start up business plan.
Production, finance and the external environment—looks at
the making of a product, provision of a service, financing a
business and the external influences they face.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 19
The final grade is made up of two
elements:
75% Examination
25% Internal assessment
Unit 1 is worth 25% and the exam will
be taken at the end of Y11
Unit 2 is a controlled assessment
involving 10 hours of classroom
investigation followed by the preparation
of a short individual report in 6 hours of
class time. It’s worth 25% of the GCSE.
It is likely that this will be completed at
the end of Y10
Unit 3 is worth 50% and is an exam
taken at the end of Y11 which will be
based on a pre issue case study.
UNIT 1
UNIT 2
UNIT 3
All Saints RC School
BTEC FIRST AWARD IN BTEC FIRST AWARD IN BUSINESS (LEVEL 2)BUSINESS (LEVEL 2) Full Course: 2 Years
Exam Board: Edexcel
General Information If you are someone who enjoys the challenge of working independently and producing coursework
based on independent research it may well be the course for you. The BTEC in Business aims to give
you a practical understanding of what “being in business” entails and it will help you to develop the
knowledge, understanding and competency needed when considering entering employment in this
sector.
Enterprise in the Business World
Learners will study how businesses are created and how they change based on the
challenging world that we live in. They will have to come up with a business plan that they
think would be successful in York.
Promoting a Brand
Working with a local business partner, learners will study how businesses promote their
goods and services and produce a promotional plan for a new product.
Recruitment, Selection and Employment
Learners will study how businesses recruit new employees. They will learn from business
partners what they look for in an application and some of the errors they see. Learners will
take part in a mock interview both as an interviewer and as an interviewee.
Finance for Business—25% mark for online external assessment
This unit will prepare learners with the essential financial principles that underpin
successful business. The unit introduces learners to types of costs businesses incur, from
the initial start-up costs to the ongoing daily expenditure of running a business. Learners
will also be introduced to financial planning tools (budgeting, cash flow forecasting) and how
to measure the results using statements (profit & loss, balance sheet).
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/2016 Page 20
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
The final grade is made
up :
Coursework Units 75%
(3 units—25% per unit)
Unit 4 —25%
Online External
Assessment
All Saints RC School
CHILD DEVELOPMENTCHILD DEVELOPMENT Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: AQA
What you will study
This course is about the development of children from when they are conceived until the age of 5.
This is a very interesting subject for all especially as most of you will become parents. The course is
an excellent foundation for life and career prospects in the caring professions.
Part of the exam coursework is a child study. For this child study it is vitally important that you
know of a child aged between 12 months and 4 years whom you may observe each month for 4
months beginning in the summer of Year 10. It is recommended that if you choose this course, you
should choose an early years setting for your work experience placement in Year 10. There is plenty
of opportunity to use ICT skills throughout the course.
Most of the course content will be new to you but you will begin to see
how a child’s development in their early years influences them
throughout their whole lives. The course involves contact with several
children over the two years both in and out of school. This is often a
chance to see the theory in action and even an opportunity to research
and try out ideas.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 21
In Year 10 these are the subject areas covered:
Care of the child in the family.
Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social
Development.
Play—its importance to development.
Newborn babies, feeding and caring for them.
In Year 11 these are the areas covered:
Pre-conceptual care — pregnancy, birth,
post natal care.
Children—with disabilities.
Child Care Provision in the community.
The final grade is made up of:
Unit 1 Written Exam
40% Un-tiered paper
Unit 2 Research Task
20% Controlled Assessment
Unit 3 Child Study
40% Controlled Assessment
All Saints RC School
DANCEDANCE Full Course: 2 Years
Exam Board: AQA
Who might choose this subject?
Dance is taught as part of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3. This
is a practical based subject with a written element. The theory side will
be new to most students. If you perform in Dance clubs, groups outside
school or Performing Arts groups e.g. musicals or theatre productions, movement will already be part
of your life and this subject may be for you. It is necessary for you to be able to perform,
choreograph and produce theory work on your dances and professional dance works. In order to gain
from this you must be prepared to put in work during class and be prepared to commit to rehearsals
occasionally out of school hours.
Subject Content
1 Performance—pupils will experience a variety of dance styles. You will develop good studio
practice and technical ability.
2 Choreography—you will study a variety of choreographic devices. You will create a solo and
group choreography.
3 Appreciation— you will have the opportunity to study two professional works which will cover
different dance styles.
Trips to see professional companies will be arranged during the course and we will
aim to work with Professional Companies. This year students will see a number of
live performances such as Phoenix Dance Company and Rambert Dance Company.
Workshops The GCSE and A level dance students frequently get the opportunity to
work with professional companies, for example Rambert Dance Company.
Interested in further education in dance? We now have an AS/A Level
dance course that has run successfully for five years.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 22
The final grade is made up of
Written exam paper: 20%
Set dance: 20%
Performance: 20%
Solo Choreography: 15%
Group Choreography: 25%
All Saints RC School
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGYDESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
We feel it is important for all students to follow a Design and Technology Course.
The courses available at All Saints are:
Resistant Materials
Graphic Products
Food Technology
Textiles Technology
Design and Technology subjects go well together with all other subjects as they give you the opportunity to
apply what you learn in other subjects such as Art, IT, Maths, Science and English.
The courses are enjoyable and combine both written and practical work to a high standard and provide a good
basis for further ‘A’ level and career choices. Students will have access to the latest state of the art
technology such as: Laser cutter, CNC Router , CNC Lathe , Sublimation Printing and Vinyl cutter allowing
them to produce high quality products in a range of materials.
Below are further details of these courses. If you want any more information please do not hesitate to
contact any of your Technology teachers.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGYDESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
The GCSE courses offered by the Department are concerned with the activity of
Designing and Making involving a range of materials.
The aim of these courses is to enable you to
develop and combine your designing and making
skills with knowledge and understanding in order
to design and make quality products using a range
of materials including wood, metal and plastic and
graphic media.
In each option the knowledge and understanding content will be delivered
through participation in a number of set projects and activities which
involve a range of contexts, materials and processes leading to practical
outcomes. This will take place during Year 10. Coursework will consist of
one project (produced in Year 11) consisting of a design folder and a
realisation through which you will demonstrate your ability to produce an
extended, integrated “design and make” project using the materials
permitted by the syllabus.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 23
The final grade is made up of:
Coursework: 60%
Final Exam: 40%
All Saints RC School
RESISTANT MATERIALSRESISTANT MATERIALS Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: AQA
This course involves the development and application of skills,
knowledge, and processes associated with a range of
resistant materials to design and make quality outcomes.
The main materials used will be woods, metals and plastics. Pupils will also be taught a range of
graphic communication and modelling techniques including the use of computer aided graphics and
other graphics aids. More traditional drawing techniques will also be developed. Students will have
access to the laser cutter and the CNC Router and CNC Lathe.
This is a very hands on course and very much suited to those pupils who enjoy design-and-make
activities with emphasis on making.
GRAPHIC PRODUCTSGRAPHIC PRODUCTS Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: AQA
This is an exciting course in which you will have the opportunity to
design, illustrate and make real products. The emphasis of the course
is concerned with graphical presentation techniques and how they might
help communicate and produce design ideas. You will experience and
develop your skills in a variety of graphic media, such as computer-
aided graphics/design (CAD), airbrushes, marker pens and pastels etc.
Alongside using various drawing techniques, free and formal methods,
you will have the opportunity to produce three-dimensional models of your ideas in styrofoam, foam
board, card, plastics and other materials which may be cut on the laser cutter.
If you enjoy drawing and designing this is a course for you. However, you don’t have to be
artistically gifted, your graphical ability will be developed by using straightforward techniques
concentrating on the quality of the finished outcome rather than the process.
These courses are useful because they give you the opportunity to apply skills, knowledge and
understanding from other subjects, where appropriate, including Art, IT, Mathematics and Science.
It provides you with the opportunity to develop practical skills as well as analytical and evaluative
skills as used in our daily lives. There is a very enjoyable mainly informal atmosphere and most
subject knowledge is learned through a range of practical tasks.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 24
All Saints RC School
FOOD TECHNOLOGYFOOD TECHNOLOGY Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: AQA
Do you enjoy cooking?
Do you want to find out more about the food you eat?
Are you creative?
Do you enjoy practical work?
Would you like to learn essential life skills which will help to contribute to a healthy lifestyle?
Are you interested in working in the food industry?
YES? Then choose to study Food Technology at GCSE!
Food Technology is an exciting course in which you will build on the skills that you have learnt
throughout your food lessons in key stage 3 – the course is designed to give you some very I
important life skills, help you to understand the importance of wise food choices for good health
develop useful practical skills and work in a well organised and hygienic way. Essential skills and knowledge
are taught through practical, experimental and research tasks.
During the course, you will:-
be taught how to produce, design, adapt and develop food products
gain an understanding of the functional and nutritional qualities of food
learn practical food skills that will enable you to make good quality products
learn how to plan ahead effectively develop good organisational skills
learn to critically analyse and evaluate
be encouraged to develop an enjoyment of working with different and varied food ingredients
Assessment The course contains both written external assessed exams and internal assessed written con-
trolled assessments. You will receive an overall grade from A* to G which will be made up of:-
Written Paper - 40% You will use the knowledge that you have gained during the two year course in an exam
taken at the end of Year 11.
Design & Make - 60% Beginning at the end of Year 10 and concluding at Easter in Year 11, you will undertake a
controlled assessment of approximately 45 hours, in which you will work to a design brief and use your creativity
to develop a variety of products. You will use your skills to produce a high quality, comprehensive design folder
documenting the progression and development of your products.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 25
The final grade is made up of:
Coursework 60%
Final Written Exam 40%
All Saints RC School
TEXTILE TECHNOLOGYTEXTILE TECHNOLOGY Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: AQA
General Outline
If you have an eye for fashion/accessories or interior design and have a flair for colour and design - this
is the course for you!
Whether you study textiles to increase your awareness of its uses with thoughts of a career in the
industry (and there are many opportunities) or just to develop your skills of design and making, it will
help you in making decisions for yourself about the best use of resources like time, money, materials,
equipment and people. It is also a lot of fun to see your creations develop from an idea into a reality.
This course is concerned with designing and making activities through textiles. Fashion
should be understood to include garments and accessories; furnishings are textile
products that enhance indoor and outdoor spaces and activities.
The written paper will test the basics of textiles such as fibres, fabrics, textile
manufacture, design, health and safety through either fashion or furnishings.
Coursework provides the opportunity to focus on either or both areas in order to
produce items which are functional, look good and are fun to make.
Textiles is an exciting, stimulating GCSE subject.
It offers the chance to be creative, to design and make a wide range of textile artefacts limited only
by one’s imagination.
The subject allows students to use the most modern and up to date computer machinery to enhance
their designs.
Textures, colours, decorative techniques, construction methods and
pattern making are all components of the course.
Throughout the course candidates will address industrial and
commercial practices and issues arising from their work.
One of the highlights of Year 10 is the annual trip to the NEC,
Birmingham to see the ‘Clothes Show’ - this allows students an
opportunity to see an exciting live Fashion Show as well as a chance to
study the latest fashion ideas and trends.
Coursework (approximately 45 hours in year 11) consists of a single design and make activity selected from a
range of set tasks, which gives students an opportunity to see their designs develop from a simple idea to a
complex reality.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 26
The final grade is made up of:
Coursework 60%
Final Exam 40%
There is one tier of assessment
covering grades A* to G
All Saints RC School
DRAMADRAMA Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: AQA
General Outline
GCSE drama is all about understanding what it is like to put yourself in
somebody else’s shoes. You will play many parts in different imaginary
situations. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as
look at plays written by other people. You will also attend a variety of Theatre trips. GCSE
Drama follows on from drama work that you will have done in Key Stage 3 in Drama,
Performing Arts and English. You will develop your improvisation and acting skills to a
higher level. You will look at plays in more detail and all the technical production elements
and different ways of bringing a script alive on stage.
You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that is both
practical and creative. You may have done some acting before or helped out
backstage on a production. You may have always wanted to have a go at
making a play, performing, making costumes, building a set or operating the lights but never
had the chance. You will enjoy this course if you enjoy working as part of a team as Drama
involves a lot of group work.
The course is assessed in 2 parts: 60% Practical Work and 40% Written
Exam.
Obviously, GCSE Drama is ideal for those
students who wish to pursue a career in the
Performing Arts and/or Media, but the Drama GCSE will equip
all students with a whole range of valuable skills which are
easily transferable to other career areas. For example
communications, team work, problem solving, leadership and
dedication.
We recommend that students who wish to continue onto ‘A’
Level Theatre Studies should have studied Drama at GCSE.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 27
What is GCSE
Drama all about
Will I enjoy this
course
How will I be
assessed
What can I do with
a GCSE in Drama
The final grade is made up of:
Practical Work 60%
Written Exam 40%
All Saints RC School
GEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHY Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: AQA
General Outline
Geography will help you understand how the world you live in works and will allow you to give informed
opinions on problems that face us all. It is suitable for pupils of all abilities. The course focuses on the
processes that shape our world through the study of physical and human Geography. Many of the topics include things that
you see and hear about in the news every day. Here are some of the questions you will look at in each of the units.
What should you do in an earthquake?
What would the global impact be of a supervolcanic eruption?
What causes tsunamis?
Why is it so difficult to predict Britain’s weather?
What can be done to reduce climate change?
What is it like to live through a hurricane?
Are brownfield sites the most suitable location for new houses?
What are the main causes of air and water pollution?
How can the standard of living be improved for the millions of people who live in squatter settlements around the world?
Why are some countries richer than others?
How can fair trade help reduce global inequalities?
Can ecotourism benefit the environment and the economies of poor countries?
This is a controlled assessment. You will collect a range of primary data which will allow you to investigate a topic/issue set
by the exam board. You will write up a report of no more than 2,000 words under controlled conditions during lesson time.
The data will be collected during day fieldtrips. These are likely to be to Dalby Forest in the North York Moors and to the
Yorkshire Dales—depending on the title set by the exam board.
You will learn a range of Geographical skills related to OS maps, photographs, sketch maps,
satellite images and GIS systems. You will also develop general skills such as report writing,
data handling, problem solving and team work. These will be assessed in all 3 units.
These skills can be transferred to many careers or further education courses.
If you are thinking of ‘A’ levels later on, Geography is seen as the ideal link between Arts
and Science subjects. It helps to keep your options open.
Geography, if you attain a grade ‘C’ or above, contributes to the English Baccalaureate
award.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 28
The final grade is made up of
two elements:
Final Exam
37.5% Paper 1
37.5% Paper 2
Fieldwork Investigation 25%
The final exam can be taken at
two levels although all pupils do
the same work.
Foundation: Grades C—G
Higher: Grades A* - D
Unit 1: Physical Geography
Unit 2: Human Geography
Unit 3: Local Fieldwork Investigation
Geographical Skills
All Saints RC School
HEALTH & SOCIAL CAREHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Full Course 2 years Exam Board AQA
This GCSE is suitable for students who wish to go on to work with children and adults in education,
health and social care settings.
This Award is made up of Unit 2 (Coursework in Year 10) Unit 1 (exam in Year 11) and is worth
one GCSE, grading A* - G.
Unit 1 Understanding Personal Development and Relationships
Students will learn:
The Stages of physical growth and intellectual/social/emotional
development
Assessment:
External examination 1¼ hours 40%
Unit 2 Health, Social Care and Early Years Care and Education (including early years) Provision
Students will learn:
The Needs of client groups, access and barriers to provision, and work roles .
Assessment:
Controlled (internal assessment) 20 hours - 60%
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 20165 Page 29
The final grade is made up
of:
Internal Assessment 60%
Final Exam 40%
All Saints RC School
HISTORYHISTORY Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: OCR—Modern World ‘Syllabus’ B J417
General Outline
There are two main reasons for studying History:
a) To acquire knowledge and understanding about people who lived in the past and subsequently understand
the present better.
b) To develop academic (thinking) skills which will be of importance throughout life.
This is a new syllabus in terms of structure and content.
Topics include:
Core Study: The Cold War/ The Cuban Missile Crisis/ The USA and Vietnam
Depth Study: Germany 1918—1945 including:
The rise of Hitler
How did the Nazis use propaganda and violence to control people?
What was life like in Nazi Germany?
British Depth Study:
What impact did the Second World War have on the British people?
The experiences of children during the Second World War, Lives of
Teenagers in the 1950’s, the impact of American culture on
British Teenagers, Student protests in the 1960’s, Youth Culture
eg Mods and Rockers, the growth in popularity of rock music,
clothes and fashion, Teenagers as consumers.
Historical Enquiry (Internally Assessed) This will be based on the American Civil
Rights Movement.
As part of the International Relations study there will be a History Field Trip to
the Battlefields/Trenches in Belgium and France.
History, if you attain a grade ‘C’ or above, contributes to the English Baccalaureate
award.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 30
The final grade is made up
of:
Paper 1
(externally assessed) 45%
Paper 2
(externally assessed) 30%
Historical Enquiry
(internally assessed) 25%
All Saints RC School
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGYINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY The opportunity to study a Cambridge IGCSEThe opportunity to study a Cambridge IGCSE Examination Board: University of Cambridge, syllabus code 0417
“University of Cambridge International Examinations” is the world’s largest provider of international education
programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds: their qualifications are recognised by the world’s
universities and employers. The Cambridge IGCSE® (International General Certificate of Secondary
Education) is internationally recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent to UK GCSE.
Cambridge programmes and qualifications help Cambridge learners to become:
confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.
The Cambridge IGCSE in “Information and Communication Technology” encourages students to develop lifelong
skills including:
the ability to understand and implement new and emerging technologies within a business environment
how to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems
considering the impact which new technologies will have on ways of working and the social, economic and
ethical issues associated with them
awareness of the ways ICT can help in practical and work-related scenarios.
The curriculum content is set out in eight interrelated sections. These sections are:
Types and components of computer systems
Input and output devices
Storage devices and media
Computer networks
Data types
The effects of using ICT
The ways in which ICT is used
Systems analysis and design.
The two practical examinations will comprise a number of tasks to be taken under controlled conditions.
These will focus on the candidate’s ability to carry out the practical tasks set.
We’d love to see you - it’s an exciting time to study ICT
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 31
Question 9 from last year – do you know the answer? “Tick three advantages of video conferencing.
Companies don’t have to employ so many workers.
Companies can call meetings at short notice.
Employees don’t have to prepare for meetings.
Companies do not have to pay travelling expenses.
Employees can work from home.
Companies don’t have to have any offices.”
Would you like to find out?
Final assessment is in 3 parts:
a 2 hour written paper (40%)
Two 2.5 hour practical exams
(30% each)
All Saints RC School
THE ARCHBISHOP OF YOTHE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK YOUTH TRUSTRK YOUTH TRUST
YOUNG LEADERS AWARD YOUNG LEADERS AWARD (NOT A GCSE)(NOT A GCSE)
General Outline
The Young Leaders Award is a unique and exciting course which combines
classroom learning with practical projects focused on community action.
Outlined below is some key information about the KS4 Award which will help
you see how this creative and innovative programme runs in our school.
Course Content
The award provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with our school and the local
community and find ways to ‘be the change they want to see’ through serving others. Throughout the
course each module focuses on developing leadership skills among our young people and this is carried
out through a series of ‘challenges’ the students must complete, in a similar style to ‘The Apprentice’
TV show. The various modules include ‘Working in a Team’, ‘Managing others’ and ‘Events Management’
and combine a mix of classroom learning, practical tasks and out of school activities. Although there
are no formal papers to take or essays to write as a requirement of the course, students are
expected to be fully involved in the classroom sessions and out of school activities. The course
requires a great deal of self motivation, team work and commitment.
We believe that this is a very exciting, useful and challenging course and one which will be of interest
to future employers and college enrolment officers.
At the end of the course, the parents of all the students who have successfully completed the course
will be invited to a special presentation where students will receive their Award certificates.
Leadership Modules:
1. Creative Thinking—how to generate ideas and turn them into reality
2. Working in a team—identifying different team roles and recognising your place
3. Communications—featuring writing and marketing skills
4. Conflict Resolution—looking at past leaders and developing listening skills
5. Decision Making—including decision making tools and models
6. Managing Others—including sport and arts leadership
7. Creative Technology—using technology to get a campaign into the public domain
8. Schools Project—featuring student lead workshops in primary schools
9. Events Management—including organisation and time management skills
10. Public Speaking—delivering a dynamic presentation to your school
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 32
All Saints RC School
MUSICMUSIC Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: EDEXCEL
The GCSE music course has 3 sections:
Performing (30%) where you play one piece of your own choice on any instrument at the
highest standard you can reach. The second part of this paper involves
performing with others, again in any style and with your own choice of
ensemble.
Composing (30%) where you have to compose two pieces lasting at least 3
minutes in total. ICT and various music software programmes are used as part
of this. Again all musical styles and periods of history are represented.
Listening and Appraising (40%) The only written paper deals with musical history
and theory. The listening paper will involve you
studying ‘set works’. These albums include Jeff
Buckley-Grace and Miles Davies—Blue.
This course is useful in that it provides a varied and thorough
grounding in all aspects of music. It is a useful preparation for the
study of music at 'A' level and provides opportunities for group
ensemble work, composition, development of practical skills and
listening to music from a variety of backgrounds and styles. Whatever
your musical interests the syllabus is broad enough to include and use
them for academic credit. It is expected that pupils can play a musical
instrument and/or sing.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 33
The final grade is made up
of:
Coursework 60%
Final Exam 40%
All Saints RC School
PHYSICAL EDUCATIONPHYSICAL EDUCATION Full Course: 2 Years Exam Board: EDEXCEL
You will be examined in FOUR activities of your choice in the role of either player/participant, lead-
er or official. At least THREE if not four of these activities will be taken from those activities
studied in school during the two-year course. A FOURTH activity could be a sport not covered with-
in school eg Golf.
Activities offered are likely to be:
> Athletics > Football > Dance
> Basketball > Gymnastics > Rugby
> Badminton > Hockey > Fitness
> Cricket > Netball > Swimming
Theory
1 Health Active Lifestyle.
Skeleton and joints
Muscles
Circulatory and respiratory systems
Skill
Motivation
Social reasons for participation
School / social background
Local / national facilities
2 Relationships between health, fitness and practical activity.
Components of fitness
Factors affecting fitness
Investigating fitness and performance
Fitness training principles.
Methods and effects
3 Risk assessment in physical activity.
Prevent hazards in PE
Prevent injury
Treatment of injury
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 34
The final grade is made up
of:
60% Practical
40% Theory
All Saints RC School
STUDY PLUS (INTERVENSTUDY PLUS (INTERVENTION TION
PROGRAMME)PROGRAMME)
Full Course 2 Years
Study Plus is an intervention programme that is designed to raise standards at GCSE, in English
and Mathematics, but also in other GCSE subjects by improving literacy, numeracy and learning in
general.
This course is designed for those students who have the potential to make better progress with
some additional support. It is intended that learning will be more personalised for pupils and help
to accelerate progress in English and Mathematics so that students have a better chance of
achieving a grade ‘C’’.
The programme also aims to strengthen key areas of literacy, numeracy, support learning and
motivation and also to improve general learning skills in context to real life English and
mathematics.
Students work in smaller groups to discuss, practice and master specific skills through alternative
resources to those used in the English and Maths lessons.
The course is ideally suited for those students with a target grade of ‘E’ in English and/or
Mathematics—who could with hard work and support, potentially achieve a grade ‘C’’ in either or
both of these subjects.
Year 9 Curriculum Guide—2014/ 2016 Page 35
There are no exams
as Study Plus supports the
English and Mathematics
GCSEs
MODERN
FOREIGN
LANGUAGES
MUSIC
PSHCE
PE
RE
SCIENCE
ART BUSINESS CHLD
DEVELOPMENT DANCE GRAPHICS
RESISTANT
MATERIALS
FOOD
Technology
TEXTILES
DRAMA
ENGLISH
HEALTH &
SOCIAL CARE
GEOGRAPHY HISTORY ICT
MATHS
D i s c l a i m e r
At the time of printing this Guide, the
information contained in it is correct.
Please note, however, that any of the
courses described may be altered, added to,
or deleted from our programme in the light
of changed circumstances.