Westlake Boys High School CIE Years 12 & 13 Information Booklet 2015.pdf

7/17/2019 Westlake Boys High School CIE Years 12 & 13 Information Booklet 2015.pdf

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Westlake Boys High School

Cambridge International

Examinations (CIE)

Years 12 & 13

Information Booklet

2015



2

Contents

Introduction 3

Getting into the University of Auckland 4

Year 13 Course Selection Policy 6

Accounting 7

Biology 8

Business Studies 10

Chemistry 12

Chinese 14

Computing 15

Design & Technology 17

Economics 19

English 21

European Languages (French & German) 22

Geography 26

History 28

Japanese 29

Mathematics 30

Physical Education 31

Physics 32



3

INTRODUCTION

This is the 2015 CIE Course Selection Booklet. On the first two pages you will find a guide to help CIE students make

choices for University.

By now, you know the Cambridge system pretty well. These next two years though are crucial: how you perform and

which subjects you take will determine the paths you follow at University and in your future career. You have four

subjects to choose in both Years 12 and 13. In Year 12, these will all be AS Level subjects. In Year 13, your choices will

partly be determined by the Year 13 Course Selection Policy on page 6. Please read this carefully.

If you have any questions, please talk to your teachers or see Mr Van den Heuvel.



4

Getting into the University of Auckland

A simple guide

CIE

University Entrance is straightforward for Cambridge students:

120 UCAS points, including a minimum grade of ‘D’ in each of at least two subjects equivalent to those in the list

approved for NCEA at AS or A Level; plus a minimum grade of ‘D’ in one further subject either from the approved list

or related to a domain on the National Qualifications Framework at AS or A Level

plus a ‘D’ pass or higher in IGCSE Mathematics and an ‘E’ pass or higher in AS English

UCAS points are calculated as follows:

AS Level A Level (AS plus A2)

A 60 A 120 A* 140B 50 B 100

C 40 C 80

D 30 D 60

E 20 E 40

Each student is then given a rank score based on up to six subject units (an AS is one subject unit; a full A Level is two

subject units). The maximum score is therefore 420 points, based on an A in three full A Levels or an A in two full A

Levels and two AS Levels. A student getting a B, a C and a D at A Level would receive a rank score of 240 points.

Specific Courses

Some University of Auckland courses remain ‘open entry’ once students have achieved U.E. More competitive

courses, however, now have scores attached that students must achieve. NCEA and CIE have their own requirements:

the rank scores are not treated the same, although they are clearly considered to be close together. Courses often

require subjects [these are the ‘approved’ subjects] to come from either ‘Table A’ or ‘Table B’.

Table A Table B

Classical Studies

English

Geography

History

History of Art

Te reo Maori or

Te Reo Rangatira (NCEA only)

Accounting

Biology

Chemistry

Economics

Business Studies (CIE only)

Mathematics, including Calculus and Statistics

Physics



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Some popular courses which demand more than U.E.

Course NCEA rank score required CIE rank score required

Bachelor of Commerce [BCom] 180, with a min. of 16 creditsfrom three approved subjects

190, with three approvedsubjects

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) [BE

(Hons)]

250, with a min. of 18 credits in

each of Calculus and Physics

310, with Mathematics and

Physics (full A Levels

preferred)

Bachelor of Health Sciences [BHSc] 225, with a min. of 18 credits in

one subject from Table A and a

min. of 18 credits from one

subject in Table B

300, with at least one subject

from each table

Bachelor of Pharmacy [BPharm] 220, with 18 credits from both

Biology and Chemistry

260, with Biology and

Chemistry

Bachelor of Science [BSc]

-Biomedical Science-Sport and Exercise Science

-All other specialisations

250180

165

310190

170

Bachelor of Technology [BTech]

-Biotechnology, and Medical Physics and

Imaging

220 260

The website has all courses and details of conjoint programmes.



6

Year 13 Cambridge Students

Course Selection Policy

This policy has been developed to ensure that our Year 13 CIE students follow the courses appropriate to their ability,

their interests and their study habits.

If a student wishes to take a course at A2 Level [defined as the second half of a full A Level course], he must have

achieved a grade between A and E at AS Level.

All Cambridge students are expected in Form 7 to follow a course of three or four timetabled A2 subjects [leading to

full A Levels] and one timetabled AS subject. The following exceptions to this rule apply, subject to consultation with

and the written permission of the parents or carers of the student:

1. A student may take one NCEA subject in place of a Cambridge subject. An NCEA Level 2 qualification may be taken

in place of an AS Level subject; an NCEA Level 3 qualification may be taken in place of an A2 Level subject. In this

instance, the student and his parents/carers must state that they understand that NCEA credits will not be

accepted by universities alongside AS/A Level qualifications for entry purposes.

2. A student may take two or three AS Levels if he has failed to gain the A-E passes required to take A2 Levels. These

should be in the subjects that he has failed to pass. If a student has not gained a single A-E grade, he will lose his

place in the Cambridge Pathway and the school will provide an alternative route for him.

When the following conditions are met, a student may choose to take an additional subject offline:

1. The student wishes to re-take a subject at AS Level that he took in Year 12. All work and preparation to be

completed in the student’s own time.

2. The student has attained 200 UCAS points or more [equivalent to 4 x B grades at AS Level] in his four AS subjects in

Year 12.

3. If he wishes to take the offline subject at A2 Level, the student has attained a Grade B or higher at AS Level.



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ACCOUNTING

The study of Accounting leads to a wide variety of degree and diploma courses at universities and other tertiary providers.

From there you will be provided with some exciting and challenging career prospects, through the Institute of Chartered

Accountants of New Zealand. This will give you the basis to enter the world of commerce, business management and

banking. Apart from this, Accounting will provide you with practical life skills for dealing with your day-to-day financialneeds.

9706 AS Accounting

You will sit 2 papers (Papers 1 and 2). Paper 1 is a 1 hour paper consisting of multi-choice questions, and contributes

30% of your final mark. Paper 2 consists of structured questions, is 1.5 hours long and contributes 70% of your final

mark.

Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 cover the topics of:

Recording financial information

The recognition and application of principles and concepts.

The preparation of financial statements for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies

The preparation of financial statements for non-profit organisations

Evaluating a business with a view to buy it

Principles governing the disclosure requirements of company annual reports

Interpretation and analysis

Cost accounting for manufacturing entities

9706 A2 Accounting

The Accounting AS course is a pre-requisite for this course. You will sit an additional two papers (Papers 3 and 4). Paper

3 is a 1 hour paper consisting of multiple-choice questions, Paper 4 is a 1.5 hour paper of problem solving and extension

questions.

The A2 syllabus is an extension of the topics taught at AS Level, as well as the following additional topics:

Company financial reports

Decision making

Cash and master budgets

Standard cost accounting

Investment appraisal

A Level Accounting

Your A Level qualification is made up of all four of the above papers. Papers 1 and 3 each contribute 15% of the final

mark and Papers 2 and 4 each contribute 35% of the final mark.



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BIOLOGY

Biology leads you to have a greater understanding of the world around you. Not only will you learn more about plants

and animals but also about many topical issues such as genetic engineering and biotechnology.

The subject provides an ideal base for many tertiary courses and can be studied at tertiary level either as a specialistsubject in its own right or as part of courses such as those leading to the health sciences.

9700 AS Biology

You will sit three papers – Paper 1 (1 hour) is a multiple-choice test and contributes 30% of your final mark; Paper 2 (1

hour 15 minutes) is structured questions and contributes 46% of your final mark: Paper 3 (2 hours) is a practical test

which contributes 24%. In the practical test you will be expected to show evidence of the following skills: planning,

implementing, interpreting and concluding.

The AS syllabus covers thirteen core areas. The course begins with an in-depth examination of Cell Structure and

Function which is followed by the study of Biological Molecules and Enzymes. The concepts and skills gained in thesefoundation units can then be applied to the study of the anatomy and Physiology of Diet, Transport Gaseous Exchange

and Exercise. You will then look at the more applied topics of Infectious Disease, Immunity and Drugs.

The study of Cell and Nuclear division will be followed by Genetic Control and Genetic Engineering, where you will be

expected to study the social and ethical implications within this field as well as the technical information. The final unit

of Ecology will require you to participate in some practical field work to reinforce the work in the classroom.

9700 A2 Biology

You will sit two papers – Paper 4 (2 Hours) is structured questions together with one long answer essay style question

and contributes 76% of total marks; Paper 5 (1 hour 15 minutes) is a written assessment of practical skills assessing

planning, statistical analysis and evaluation worth 24% of total marks.

This advanced course covers the further core areas, Energetics, Photosynthesis, Regulation and Control and Inherited

Change and Evolution. These core units deal with themes that are conceptually more complex than those covered by

AS.

You will also study a compulsory section Applications of Biology comprising the following topics:

Biodiversity and conservation

The classification of organisms with an understanding of their adaptations to environment and conservation

strategies.

Genetics and Genetic Manipulation

Genetics including the role of promoters in gene switching and gene expression, predicting phenotypic ratios

and the effect of linkage and crossing-over on phenotypic ratios.

Application of Genetics including the causes of variation, selective breeding, the importance of genetic diversity,

modification of genes, genome sequencing, genetic fingerprinting and ethical and social issues.



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Microorganisms and production

Growing fungi and bacteria, measuring bacterial and fungal populations

Industrial uses of microbes and immobilization of enzymes

Crop production

Crop adaptations and methods to improve crops

Medicine

Measurement of glucose, monoclonal antibodies, penicillin as an antibiotic, immunity and transplantation

Recessive genetic conditions and gene therapy, genetic screening and counselling

A Level Biology

The AS Papers (Papers 1, 2 & 3) contribute 15%, 23% and 12% of the final mark respectively.

The A2 Papers (Papers 4 & 5) contribute 38% and 12% of the final mark.



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BUSINESS STUDIES

9707 AS Business Studies

Students are encouraged to develop:

an understanding and appreciation of the nature and scope of business, and its role in society;

a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value,

an awareness that business behaviour can be studies from a range of stakeholders including customer,

manager, owner and employee

an awareness of the economic, environmental, legal, ethical, social and technological issues associated with

business;

decision making and problem solving skills in a business context; and

effective communication skills.

There are five major themes for the AS Business Studies course:

1. Business and the Environment

2. People in Organisations

3. Marketing

4. Operations and Project Management

5. Business Finance and Accounting

Assessment objectives: Candidates are expected to demonstrate the following skills:

Paper 1

Assessment focuses on knowledge and critical understanding of the specified content,

application of this knowledge and critical understanding of problems and issues which arefrom both familiar and unfamiliar situations

Paper 2

Assessment focuses on analysis of problems, issues and situations, evaluation of reliability of material, checking that

conclusions drawn are consistent with given information and discriminating between alternative explanations and

assessing the role of the main concept and models in business analysis.

Assessment

Paper Type Duration No. of

Questions

Maximum

Mark

Weight

1 Short Answer

Essay

1 hr 15 mins

4

1 from choice

of 3

20

20

20

20

2 Data response 1 h 30 mins 2 60 60



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9707 A2 Business Studies

A2 Business Studies builds on the five major themes covered in AS Business Studies, along with the addition of Strategic

Management which is only studied at A2. It covers

What is strategic management? Strategic analysis

Strategic choice

Strategic implementation

Analytical skills become increasingly important in the A2 course and marks are awarded for the candidate’s ability to

discuss, evaluate and synthesise the core topics developed in their AS year.

Assessment

Paper Type Duration Number of

Questions

Maximum

Mark

Weight

3 Case Study 3 hr 5 + One essay

from two

choices

100 50

Business Studies is an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue careers in areas such as Commerce,

Business Management, Law, Finance and Banking.



12

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry provides, through experimental and practical study, the understanding and acquisition of knowledge

necessary to prepare students for employment and/or further studies beyond this level.

You will learn:

Efficient and safe laboratory practice.

Appropriate use of current applications of technology to the study of science using the international language

of Science.

Presentation of information and ideas appropriate for different audiences and purposes.

Valuable lifetime attitudes particularly relevant to science such as accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity,

enquiry, initiative and insight.

An appreciation of the value of teamwork and co-operation in the solving of problems

Awareness of the beneficial and detrimental applications of science to the individual, the community and theenvironment.

Understanding of the relevance of Chemistry to society.

The study of Chemistry leads to careers in a wide variety of fields including medicine, geology, environmental studies,

engineering, food science, forestry, teaching at secondary or tertiary levels, forensic science, dentistry, agricultural

science and analytical chemistry.

9701 AS Chemistry

You will sit three papers – Paper 1 (1 hour) is a Multiple-Choice paper; Paper 2 (1¼ hours) is an AS Structured Questionspaper and Paper 3 (2 hours) is an Advanced Practical Skills paper.

9701 A2 Chemistry

You will sit two papers – Paper 4 (2 hours) is an A2 Structures Questions paper and Paper 5 (1¼ hours) is a planning,

Analysis and Evaluation paper.

The A2 course covers the same topics as the AS course, in greater depth and requires a more mathematical approach to

some topics.

In Chemistry we acknowledge and support the importance of practical work as an aid to understanding and learning. A

significant part of the course involves experimental exercises to reinforce theory currently under study. You will have

the opportunity to work both independently and in small groups so you can obtain the maximum benefit from your

practical experience.



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Topics studied in both Chemistry courses:

Atoms, Molecules and Stoichiometry

Atomic Structure

Chemical Bonding

State of Matter

Chemical Energetics

Electrochemistry

Equilibria

Reaction Kinetics

Inorganic Chemistry

Chemical Periodicity

Group 2 Elements

Group 7 Elements

Nitrogen and Sulphur

Organic Chemistry

A Level

Chemistry (Papers 1, 2 & 3) – The AS papers together contribute 50% of your final mark; the A2 papers

(Papers 4 & 5) also contribute 50% of the final mark.



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CHINESE

All students benefit from learning another language from the earliest practicable age. Such learning broadens students’

general language abilities and brings their own language into sharper focus. It enriches them intellectually, socially, and

culturally, offers an understanding of the ways in which other people think and behave, and furthers international

relations and trade.

By learning Chinese, young New Zealanders can become confident in communicating with native Chinese speakers;

broaden their employment options; broaden their knowledge beyond cultural stereotypes and national boundaries;

promote tolerance and positive attitudes between people of different linguistic, cultural, and national backgrounds;

develop the skills, understandings, and attitudes which facilitate the learning of other languages; and finally develop an

awareness of the interdependence of all people.

8681 AS Chinese Language

Paper 1: Reading and Writing (1¾ hours; 70%)

Paper 2: Essay (1½ hours; 30%)

Set topics for 2015:

1 Patterns of daily life

2 Law and order

3 Health and fitness

4 Employment and unemployment

5 Scientific and medical advances

9715 A2 Chinese (Language and Literature)

Paper 1: Reading and Writing (1 ¾ hours, 35%)Paper 2: Essay (1½ hours; 20%)

Paper 3: Texts (2½ hours; 35%)

Set Texts for 2015:

Section 1

1 Selected prose by Zhu Ziqing

2 Selected poems by Shu Ting

3 “Qi wang” by Ah Cheng

Section 2

4 “Oh, Xiangxue” by Tie Ning

5 “Sunrise” by Cao Yu 6 “Baihehua” by Ru Zhijuan



15

COMPUTING

Applied Information and Communication Technology

In a world where information and communication technology (ICT) is constantly changing, individuals increasingly needtechnological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data.

The impact of ICT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to

communication networks such as the internet grows, so does the need for individuals who understand these new

technologies.

Applied ICT provides, through experimental and practical study, the understanding and acquisition of knowledge and

skills necessary to prepare students for employment and/or further studies beyond this level.

9713 AS Applied ICT

The aims of this course are to encourage you to:

1. develop a broad range of ICT skills and be aware of new and emerging technologies;

2. develop an understanding of the parts, uses and applications of ICT systems within a

range of organisations, including the use of basic computer networks;

3. develop an understanding of how these ICT systems effect society in general;

4. develop an understanding of the main systems life cycle and apply this understanding

to workplace situations.

5. develop a broad knowledge of the uses of ICT in workplace situations; you can

then progress to learn more in ICT-related fields, and can progress from AS to A Level.

Knowledge and understanding

At AS Level, you will learn:• the functions and uses of the main hardware and software components of ICT systems,

including portable communication systems;

• the ways in which organisations use ICT;

• the impact on society of the use of ICT in the home;

• the stages of the systems life cycle and the methods used within each of these stages;

• ICT and computing terminology.

Practical skills

At AS Level, you will learn to:

• select the right software for the task;

• communicate effectively with other ICT users using email and search for appropriate

information using the internet;

• prepare, create, amend and edit documents and interactive presentations;

• create both flat-file and relational database structures, add data, check the data entry, perform

searches, reorganise data by sorting and present calculated values based on the data;

• create graphs and charts;

• integrate data from several sources;

• output data in different forms;

• create and test a data model using a spreadsheet, extract and summarise data in a variety of forms.



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Assessment is in the form of two examinations as follows:

Paper 1: 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 2: 2 hours 30 minutes

Written

Candidates answer theoretical questions based on given

scenarios.

Maximum mark: 80

Practical

A number of practical tasks taken under controlled

conditions using the most appropriate software and

methods.

Maximum mark: 120

40% of total marks 60% of total marks

Paper 15 minutes Paper 30 minutes

9713 A2 Level Applied ICT

The additional aims of the Advanced Level GCE curriculum in Applied ICT encourage you to:

6. apply your knowledge and understanding of ICT and use these skills in workplace

situations;

7. develop an understanding of the parts, uses and applications of ICT systems within awide range of organisations, including the use of a range of computer networks;

8. develop an understanding of project management skills and other problem solving

skills.

Knowledge and understanding

At A Level, candidates should be able to demonstrate all the knowledge and understanding from AS Level,

and extend their knowledge and understanding of:

• the ways in which a wide range of organisations use information and communication technology;

• the impact on society of the use of a wide range of ICT online applications;

• the networking of information-processing systems and the use of online services.

PracticalAt A Level, candidates should be able to fulfil all of the practical skills from AS Level and:

• create a mail merged document using a word processor and data handling package;

• create an automated procedure which enables a user to select both the required document and the data to merge it

with;

• output data in different forms.

Assessment is in the form of two further examinations as follows:

Paper 1 Paper 2

As above As above

20% of final mark 30% of final mark

Paper 3: 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 4: 2 hours 30 minutes

Written

Candidates answer theoretical questions based on given

scenarios.

Maximum mark: 80

Practical

A number of practical tasks taken under controlled

conditions using the most appropriate software and

methods.

Maximum mark: 90

20% of final mark 30% of final mark



17

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Design and Technology is the study of our Technological society. Students explore materials, processing, and

manufacturing and gain an understanding of the globalisation of manufacturing and its societal impacts.

Students are given the opportunity in the project components of the course to design, develop and manufacture

products in their own particular areas of interest. The syllabus encourages candidates to be innovative and creative and

to develop their ability to design high quality products.

Through their studies, candidates will:

• develop an awareness of the significance of design and technology within society.

• learn more about production processes and industrial practices.

• develop critical evaluation skills which they can employ in a variety of technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental,

social and cultural contexts.

Learners will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• Independent thinking.

• Applying knowledge and understanding to new, as well as familiar, situations.

• Dealing with and evaluating different types of information sources.

• Thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments.

• Making judgements, recommendations and making informed decisions.

• Presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them clearly and logically.

The study of Design and Technology prepares candidates for a very wide range of subject related careers including:

Architecture, Graphic design, Interior design, Engineering, Furniture design, Product design and development, Teaching

at a Secondary or Tertiary level, and many more.

9705 AS Design and Technology

This is how the final results is determined at the end of the year. It shows the weighting as a percentage of the final

result.

Component 1 Written 3 Hours 60%

Component 2 Project 50 Hours 40%

Contents covered include:

Materials, components and applications

Hand and commercial processing

Joining of metals, wood, polymers, ceramics

Corrosion, decay and degradation

Finishes and finishing processes

Properties and material testing

Design, environment and ergonomics

Environmental and sustainability issues

Ergonomics and anthropometrics

Consumer safety



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9705 A2 Design and Technology

The A2 course builds on the subject content and skills from the AS course.





Contents covered include

Design and manufacture:

Materials and components

Testing

Design and market influences

Methods

Design process

Development

Testing and evaluating

Patents

Communication and representation of design ideas

Sustainability

Safety

Human needs Product life cycles

Processes and manufacture

Selecting a process

Modern manufacturing systems

ICT in manufacture

ICT applications in product design.



19

ECONOMICS

You live in an Economic World. What should we produce? How? Who should get the benefit? These questions are faced

by every society. Economics develops an approach to problem-solving. A greater understanding of how the economy

works will enable you to make better-informed decisions in whatever field you end up working.

You can continue to study Economics at tertiary level. It provides career opportunities for you to enter a variety of

employment situations such as marketing, banking, politics and management.

Economics can be studied in several degree courses and it is a compulsory component of The University of Auckland’s

Commerce degree. It is also a very valuable component in a conjoint degree with law, engineering, science or languages.

9708 AS Economics

You will sit two papers – Paper 1 (1 hour) has 30 multiple-choice questions and contributes 40% of your final mark; Paper

2 (1.5 hours) is a data-response paper and contributes 60%.

You will cover the theory that will enable you to have a better understanding of the economic world in which we

participate – the role of the market; why we cannot have everything we want; why and in what ways governments get

involved in our lives.

This is an introductory Economics course that will provide you with a factual knowledge of Economics and an appreciation

of the most effective ways of analysing and discussing economic data.

You will develop a wide range of skills; learn to distinguish facts from hypothetical statements; and evaluate economic

information, arguments, proposals and policies using relevant theory.

Topics covered include Supply/Demand and Prices, Employment, International Trade and Exchange rates, Inflation, and

Government Intervention when there are social costs or benefits.

New Zealand is a small country on the edge of the world. This subject gives you the knowledge essential for a more

complete understanding of how New Zealand operates.

You will also have a better understanding of the influences overseas economies have on our standard of living.

Completion of this course is a prerequisite for study of A2 Economics. It is also a very good preparation for the study of

Economics at university level.



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9708 A2 Economics

You will site two papers – Paper 3 (1 hour) consists of 30 multiple-choice questions; Paper 4 (2.25 hours) consists of a

data-response examination with some choice of topics.

Prerequisite: A2 Economics assumes you have a good understanding of AS Economics. This course extends the topicscovered in the AS course and provides a rigorous theoretical basis for the topics studied.

Topics you will study include:

What is efficiency?

The price system and the theory of the firm Government intervention in the price system; how markets fail; how to deal

with pollution and other externalities.

International Trade

Macro-economic policy and how the economy operates as a whole – growth, unemployment, stabilisation and theconflict between competing policies.

A Level Economics

The AS Papers (Papers 1 & 2) contribute 20% and 30% of the final mark respectively. The A2 papers (Papers 3 & 4)

contribute 15% and 35% of the final mark.



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ENGLISH

Cambridge English qualifications are based on a long-established, international examination system. The syllabus is

supported by extensive and well-tested resources. All examinations are externally marked, or moderated by certified

CIE examiners.

The Cambridge English syllabus aims to develop perceptive understanding of written texts and concise, accurate

writing skills. The course will develop the ability to form detailed, informed judgements and to express opinions in well-

crafted language. Cambridge students will read widely and learn to respond perceptively and imaginatively to their

reading.

Cambridge examinations will be offered to Westlake students in Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13. An enriched junior

course will be presented to students in selected classes in Years 9 and 10 to prepare for the Cambridge options.

The literacy entry requirements for university will be met by students who gain a Grade E pass in the AS examinations

in Year 12.

AS Literature in English

9695/3: Poetry and Prose

This paper focuses on the close study of an anthology of poems and a novel or short stories. Two essays will be

produced in a 2 hour exam at the end of the year.

9695/4: Drama

This paper focuses on two plays, one by Shakespeare and one other. Two essays will be produced in a 2 hour exam at

the end of the year.

A level Literature in English

Students who wish to enrol for A level English must have gained an E pass in Literature in English AS papers.

The A level course will focus on developing an appreciation of English Literature and will develop interdependent skills

of reading, analysis and communication. Students will acquire advanced skills in reading and analysis of literary texts

and will be skilled and accomplished in their use of language and terminology.

Paper 9695/5: Shakespeare and other pre-20th century texts will be assessed in a 2 hour exam at the end of the year.

Paper 9695/8: Coursework

Students will study two texts from two different literary genres and will submit a portfolio of coursework comprising oftwo essays of 1500 words on each text.



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EUROPEAN LANGUAGES

The European Languages Department at Westlake Boys High School aims to:

Offer insights into the culture and civilisation of French and German speaking countries.

Develop an awareness of the nature of languages and language learning. Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.

Foster your awareness of being not only a citizen of New Zealand but of your place in a

global society.

How wide are your horizons?

Do you;

want to keep your options open?

have an enquiring mind?

want better employment prospects?

want to earn more money than your monolingual counterparts?

want to learn skills for life rather than facts for an exam?

work and travel to different countries?

develop skills of practical use in almost any career?

be able to interact with millions more people all over the world?

No matter what your other subject choices are, you will find that a language will come in useful in whatever path you

chose to take. Learning French or German brings its own cultural advantages, but it can also bring economic

advantages as speakers of languages other than English have additional employment opportunities in the business and

travel worlds as demands increase for language speakers in a wide range of careers. Furthermore, the study of

languages provides significant intellectual stimulation and enjoyment.

Languages mix well:

Did you know that you can study a language at University with:-

European Business

Management

Accountancy

Engineering

Product Design

Combined Studies

Sciences

Public Relations

In fact, almost anything! The options are endless!

Learning German or French not only teaches you how to speak a foreign language: it goes beyond that. It’s about

learning a new culture and understanding the world around you and your role as an active citizen within a global

society.

Go on, see the world beyond your immediate surroundings, and grab the opportunities the world is offering you….learn

a European language!



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FRENCH

8682 AS French

This course will give you the opportunity to develop your language skills further and widen your knowledge ofcontemporary society and the cultural background of French speaking countries.

The AS course is suitable to anyone who has completed French IGCSE.

There are three papers in this course:

Paper 1 - Speaking (20 minutes) - an oral examination comprising a presentation & general conversation that

contributes 30% of your final mark.

The presentation should reflect knowledge of contemporary society and issues affecting it or the cultural heritage of

France.

The conversation will be a discussion of current topics.

Paper 2 - Reading and Writing (1 hour 40 minutes) - tests vocabulary recognition and grammar manipulation as well as

comprehension. It contributes 50% of your final mark.

Paper 3 - Essay (1 hour 30 minutes) - contributes 20% of your final mark. It is a piece of persuasive writing that requires

knowledge of world issues as well as your own.

The AS course topics are outlined in the A2 section below.

9716 A2 French

This course will give you the opportunity to develop your language skills further and widen your knowledge of

contemporary society and the cultural background of French speaking countries. Grammar and vocabulary are furtherdeveloped and we address a variety of controversial topics and issues. An emphasis is put on the study of French

literature.

This course is suitable for students who have studied the AS French course. There are four papers in this course. It

includes a literature module for which students study 3 French novels (paper 4).

Paper 1 - Speaking (20 minutes) - an oral examination comprising a presentation and general conversation that



France.






Paper 4 – Essays (2 hours 30 minutes) on 3 different texts. Contributes 30% of your final mark.



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French AS/A Level Course Content

Topic Areas:

Human Relationships

Self, Family & Young People

Generation Gap

Patterns of Daily Life

Urban & Rural Life

The Media

Food & Drink

Law & Order

Religion & Belief

Work & Leisure

Equality & Opportunity

Holidays & Special Occasions

The World Around Us

Education

Careers, Employment & Unemployment

Travel & Tourism

Cultural Life & Heritage

Sport & Free time Activities

War & Peace

The Developing World

Scientific & Medical Advances

Technological Innovation

Environment, Pollution & Conservation

Contemporary Aspects of France



25

GERMAN

8683 AS German

This course will give you the opportunity to develop your language skills further and widen your knowledge ofcontemporary society and the cultural background of German speaking countries.

The AS course is suitable to anyone with German IGCSE Grade C or above.

There are three papers in this course:

Paper 1 - Speaking (20 minutes) - an oral examination comprising a presentation & general conversation that



Germany.






Human Relationships

Family

Generation Gap

Young people Patterns of daily life

Urban and rural life

The media

Food and drink

Law and order

Religion and belief

Health and fitness

Work and leisure

Equality of opportunity

Employment and unemployment Sport

Free time activities

Travel and tourism

Education

Cultural life/heritage War and peace

The developing world

Scientific and medical advances

Technological innovation

Environment

Conservation

Pollution

Contemporary aspects of the country or

countries where the language is spoken



26

GEOGRAPHY

Geography is the study of the world in which we live. Westlake Boys High School Geography department aims to:

Stimulate your interest in the surroundings

Stimulate interest in the variety of physical and human conditions on the earth’s surface

Foster your sense of wonder at the world Develop an informed sense of responsibility about the quality and future of the environment

Enhance your sense of responsibility for the earth and its peoples

Enable you to use your knowledge and skills in the context of everyday life

Why choose the subject?

The AS Geography course develops a wide range of skills in addition to knowledge and understanding. It also

compliments both Arts and Science subjects. You may commence your AS Geography studies without the IGCSE

qualification, although there is a carry-over of skills from one level to the next.

University Courses and Careers.

Qualifications in Geography may lead to a wide range of subject related careers and geographical skills are in greatdemand in New Zealand and world-wide. Possible career paths & courses include:

Environmental Studies & Oceanography

Geological Studies

Town and Country Planning

Tourism

9696 AS Geography The AS course builds on the IGCSE programme of study. It involves both Human and Physical Geography and will

involve fieldwork trips to a river and urban environment, but also to the university for Cambridge seminars.

Geography Theme Topics

Physical 1. The Hydrosphere Hydrology, global hydrological cycle & drainage basin

systems. Fluvial geomorphology – River processes &

landforms. Impact of human activity on rivers

Physical 2. Atmosphere &

Weather

Local & global energy budgets. Atmospheric processes

& resultant weather. Human impact upon weather &

climate

Physical 3. The Lithosphere Plate tectonics. Weathering processes & forms. Human

impact upon landforms

Human 4. Population Natural increase & migration as components of

change. Population-Resource relationship.

Management of population change

Human 5. Settlement Settlement dynamics, processes of change, migration

between rural & urban areas. Urban structure

Human 6. Migration Migration patterns and trends. Why people move

between countries or within countries.

Paper Outline Duration AS

1 AS Physical & Human topics 3 hours AS



27

9696 A2 Geography

The A2 course builds on the subject content and skills from the AS course. Once again the course incorporates both

Human and Physical Geography elements and involves fieldwork activities.

Geography Theme Topics

Physical 1. Hazardous

Environments

Global distribution of hazards, prediction

management and impact of hazards.

Physical 2. Coastal Environments Wave & Marine processes – sediment cells.

Constructive coastal landforms. Coral reefs – location,

function, growth conditions, threats & survival.

Sustainable management of coasts.

Human 1. Environmental

Management

Urbanisation, globalisation & rapid industrialisation in

LEDCS. The balance between increased energy

demands & ability to cope with environmentalconsequences.

Human 2. Global

Interdependence

Compare the strengths and weaknesses of both trade

and aid. Look at global tourism and its management

for helping areas to develop.

Paper Outline Duration A2

2 Advanced Physical topics 1 hour 30 mins A2

3 Advanced Human topics 1 hour 30 mins A2



28

HISTORY

History is a subject that gives you the opportunity not only of studying aspects of the past, but also of developing an

understanding of the complexity of human societies and of acquiring a range of skills which are useful in everyday life.

The study of History should produce greater understanding of the present, not because events repeat themselves, but

because all political, social, cultural and economic developments have their roots in the past, and cannot be explainedwithout reference to these roots.

You can continue to study History at tertiary level. It provides a useful background to a range of careers, such as law,

journalism, foreign affairs and teaching.

9389 AS History

Component 1: The Search for International Peace and Security, 1919-1945

In this study, students will develop an understanding on the origins and development of the League of Nations and

compare the effectiveness with the United Nations. Candidates will examine the roles played by political leaders, the

League’s organisation and their involvement in international affairs.

Component 2: International Relations, 1871-1945

This paper focuses on key developments that shaped international order since 1871. The study examines the emergence

of great powers in Europe, Asia and the Americas; how these powers dominated not only World War I but into the

interwar years as well. Particular emphasis is placed on the emerging powers of China and Japan in the same period.

Component 1 is a 1 hour examination paper and will consist of 2 parts to the source based questions (40 marks).

Component 2 is a 1½ hour examination paper and 2 essays are to be written from a choice of 4 (60 marks).

9389 A2 History

Component 3: The Origins and Development of the Cold War, 1941-1950

This paper focuses on the interpretations and approaches of different historians on the Cold War. Candidates will

examine extracts from historian’s writing and demonstrate what they can learn about the interpretation and approach

of those historians that wrote it. To provide students with differing interpretations of Cold War, major views will be

studied in the context of Superpower relations: traditional, revisionist and post-revisionist approaches.

Component 4: International History, 1945-1991

This paper focuses on major forces influencing international relations since 1945. The study examines the tense relations

between US and USSR in Europe, China as an emerging power and the Middle East as a volatile region. Socio-politicaland economic challenges of these countries will also be investigated to ascertain their impact on international relations.

Component 3 is a 1 hour examination paper and will consist of an extract from an historian’s writing. (40 marks).

Component 4 is a 1½ hour examination paper and 2 essays are to be written from a choice of 4 (60 marks).



29

JAPANESEAll students benefit from learning a second language. If you learn Japanese you will learn not only to communicate in

the language, but also come to understand better the structure of your own language, learn to communicate better in

English with speakers of other languages and learn to appreciate the essence of other Asian cultures. Learning Japanese

brings obvious cultural advantages, but it can also bring economic advantages, as speakers of Japanese become more

employable in the business and travel worlds. Furthermore, the study of Japanese provides for significant intellectualstimulation and enjoyment. Japanese studies can be continued at tertiary level.

8281 AS Japanese (Part 1) & AS Japanese (Part 2)

There are three papers in this course.

Paper 1 – Speaking (20 minutes). Presentation – about 3 minutes; Topic Conversation – 7-8 minutes; General

Conversation 8-9 minutes.

Paper 2 – Reading and Writing (1 ¾ hours).

Paper 3 – Essay (1 ½ hours).

The topics from which textual material in the examinations is chosen are:

Human Relationships

Family

Generation gap

Young people

Patterns of daily life


The media

Food and drink

Law and order

Religion and belief

Health and fitness

Work and leisure

Equity of opportunity

Employment and unemployment

Sport

Free-time activities

Travel and tourism

Education

Cultural life/heritage

War and peace

The developing world

Scientific and medical advances

Technological innovation

Environment

Conservation

Pollution

Contemporary aspects of the country or

countries where the language is spoken

Set essay topics for 2015 will be:

Human relationships


Free time activities

War and peace

Pollution



30

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics helps you to develop a variety of approaches that help you to solve problems. It helps you to develop the

ability to think and reason and to gain a range of numeracy skills. These lie at the base of many everyday activities.

Many occupations and tertiary courses require specified levels of Mathematics. You may also choose to studyMathematics at university. For entry to university you must have a D grade or better in IGCSE Mathematics.

9709 AS Mathematics

All students study Paper P1 (Pure Mathematics) (60%) and Paper S1 (Statistics) (40%). Topics covered in P1 are Algebra,

Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Functions, Sequences, Circular Measure, Calculus and Vectors, whilst S1 covers

topics such as Permutations and Combinations, Probability, Representing Data, Normal and Binomial distributions. From

this course you may choose to go on to A2 Mathematics.

You will sit one examination in each paper. P1 is 1.75 hours whilst S1 is of 1.25 hours duration.

9709 A2 Mathematics

You will sit Paper P3 (Pure Mathematics) (60%) and Paper S2 (Statistics (40%).

P3 continues to develop your algebraic skills and introduces Complex numbers, Numerical methods, and Differential

equations. S2 topics include the Poisson distribution and Hypothesis testing.

A Level Mathematics

AS Paper P1 and A2 Paper P3 each contribute 30% of the final mark; AS Paper S1 and A2 Paper S2 each contribute 20%.



31

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education examines the interaction between theory and practice by focusing on the performer and

performance.

The main elements of theoretical study are applied anatomy and physiology, the development of movement skills andcontemporary studies in physical education. This theoretical study will be combined with practical activities, where

students will be able to put their knowledge to practical use.

The Physical Education course can lead to a wide variety of career options, including recreation and leisure centre

management, sports administration and coaching, teaching Physical Education, physiotherapy and fitness industry

employment.

The fitness and leisure industry is continuing to grow with a wide variety of employment opportunities in this area. It

also leads to degree and diploma options at tertiary level.

9396 AS Physical EducationYou will sit a two and a half hour exam which will contribute 70% of your final mark. The other 30% is coursework, where

you will be assessed on your performance in two practical activities as well as your ability to analyse movement.

The exam is based on the following core studies:

Applied Anatomy and Physiology – this part of the course enables you to understand the workings of the human

body. It focuses on the skeletal system, muscular system, movement analysis associated with each joint,

respiratory system, structure and function of the heart.

Movement Skills – classification of skills; definition and characteristics of abilities; motor skill development;

theories related to motor and executive programmes; theory of information processing in the performance of

motor skills.

Contemporary Studies in Physical Education and Sport – conceptual basis of physical education and sport;

sociological aspects; organisation of sport; issues arising from sport and the pursuit of excellence.

9396 A2 Physical Education

You will sit one 2 ½ hour examination which will contribute to 70% of your final mark. The remaining 30% comes from

course work. These two marks are then combined with the AS grade to make the overall grade. The course work mark

is made up of practical performance in activities and analysis of live performance. The examination is based on the

following areas:

Exercise and Sports Physiology – Energy concepts, ATP, Energy Systems, The Reasoning Process, Principles ofTraining, Components of Fitness and Ergogenic Aids.

Psychology of Sport – personality, attitudes, motivation, groups and teams, leadership, commitment, self-

confidence, concentration, emotional control, social facilitation and aggression.

The Olympic Games – history, role of the IOC, politics, nurturing talent, economics and commercialism,

amateurism, dysfunctional aspects, discrimination and the future.

As well as an exam fee, there is a course cost of $100 which covers the cost of hiring external facilities for practical

activities.



32

PHYSICS

Physics is the study of energy and matter. The course includes an introduction to the traditional topics, including General

Physics, Newtonian Mechanics, Matter, Oscillations and Waves, Electricity and Magnetism and Modern Physics. At the

AS Level the course covers the basic concepts and at the A2 Level more advanced study and more detailed specialisation

are encouraged.

Physics is taught through a hands-on approach. Experimental work is essential to gaining a thorough understanding of

the theory course. You can expect to complete between 25 and 30 experiments throughout the year. Teacher

demonstrations complement this experimental approach.

9702 AS Physics

You will sit two papers (Paper 1 consists of multiple-choice question: 1 hour, Paper 2 comprises structured questions: 1

hour). These make up 31% and 46% of your final mark respectively. You will also take an Advanced Practical Skills

Paper 31/32 exam (2 hours) making up the remaining 23%.

Papers 1 and 2 are based on these Core Studies:

Physical Quantities and Units

Measurement Techniques

Kinematics, Dynamics and Forces

Work, Power and Energy

Phases of Matter & Deformation of Solids

Waves, Superposition

Electric Fields

Current Electricity & D.C. Circuits

Nuclear Physics

Paper 3 allows students to demonstrate their practical skills gained through an extensive practical programme. Students

are required to:

Follow instructions

Use techniques, apparatus and materials safely

Make observations and measurements

Interpret and evaluate observations and data

Identify problems, plan and design investigations

Record observations, measurements, methods and techniques.



9702 A2 Physics

You will sit one 2 hour theory paper (Paper 4, comprising of A2 structured questions on the core, plus questions based

on Applications of Physics) which makes up 38% of your A level mark. You also take a Planning, Analysis and Evaluation

exam of 1 hour 15 min (Paper 5 based on the practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation) which makes up 12% of

your A level mark. Your marks from AS Physics make up your final grade (Paper 1 = 15%, Paper 2 = 23% and Paper 31/32= 12%).

The A2 Core develops and extends those concepts introduced in the AS course. Paper 4 is based on these core Studies:

Circular Motion

Gravitational fields

Ideal Gases

Temperature

Thermal Properties of Matter

Oscillations & Waves

Electric Forces

Capacitance

Magnetic Fields

Electromagnetic Induction

Alternating Currents

Charged Particles

Quantum Physics

Radioactive Decay

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Westlake Boys High School CIE Years 12 & 13 Information Booklet 2015.pdf

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