Compulsory Subjects
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You have to take these subjects because they help you develop the skills you’ll need in the future, like reading and writing clearly, being able to use numbers and problem solving. Many employers will expect you to have a GCSE in these subjects.
As part of the curriculum you will also have lessons in Physical Education (Games), Religion & Philosophy and Personal and Social Education, which includes Careers Education and Work Related Education.
English Literature & Language
Y9 Options English.mp4English Literature - There are two tiers of entry for English Literature, Foundation and Higher. They have the same syllabuses. At Higher tier pupils can achieve grades from E-A*. At Foundation tier pupils can achieve grades from G-C. For both Foundation and Higher tiers the examination is assessed as follows:
25% of the exam is assessed by Controlled Assessment: Task 1 (12.5%) – Shakespeare (24 marks) - Pupils study a play by Shakespeare and write on a theme specified by WJEC. Task 2 (12.5%) – Welsh Poetry (24 marks) - Pupils study a range of poetry set by WJEC and again write on a theme specified by WJEC
The remaining 75% of the exam is assessed by two written papers, one focusing on Of Mice and Men and unseen poetry, and one focusing on a novel and a play, chosen from a range specified by WJEC. Pupils will sit the Unit 1 exam in the summer of Year 10.
English Language - There are no tiers in English Language. All pupils sit the same paper and differentiation is by outcome, with grades G-A* available. The examination is assessed as follows:
20% of the exam is assessed by Controlled Assessment: Task 1 (10%) – Individual Researched Presentation (40 marks). One individual, researched presentation, which may include responses to questions and feedback, based on WJEC set themes. Task 2 (10%) – Responding and Interacting (40 marks). One group discussion to written and/or visual stimuli provided by WJEC to initiate the discussion.
The remaining 80% of the exam is assessed by two written papers, each worth 40% of the mark and comprising reading and writing tasks.
At the start of year 10, pupils will be grouped according to their specific needs. There will be smaller classes, but class size does not indicate ability level. Smaller classes may still sit higher tier and pupils in larger classes can sit foundation should the need arise. Teachers will decide whether pupils will sit Foundation or Higher tier in English Literature, based on performance and effort within lessons.
Mathematics Numeracy & Mathematics
All pupils are entered for GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy in the summer of Year 10 and the GCSE Mathematics in the summer of Year 11. Occasionally, a few pupils are also entered for the Entry Level Certificate.
There are three tiers of entry for both GCSEs; Foundation, Intermediate and Higher. They have different but overlapping syllabuses. For both GCSEs the examination is comprised of two final written papers, each worth 50% of the total mark. The first of the written papers does not allow the use of a calculator. There is no coursework element.
Grades available at each tier: Foundation: D, E, F, G; Intermediate: B, C, D, E; Higher: A*, A, B, C
The best grade achievable at Foundation Tier is a D. The best grade achievable at Intermediate Tier is a B. Candidates for the Higher tier who achieve less than grade C are recorded as ungraded at GCSE. It is therefore essential that each pupil be entered for the tier that matches their understanding. At the start of Year 10, pupils will be grouped according to their performance in Year 9 – both in terms of test results and their classroom performance. Final decisions on tier of entry will be made by tracking their progress during Year 10.
Science
Year 9 Options SCIENCE.mp4Studying Science helps pupils to understand the complexities of how they and the Universe work. It allows them to develop an appreciation of the world around them.
At the start of Year 10, pupils will be grouped according to their performance in Year 9 – both in terms of test results and their classroom performance. Pupils can sit higher tier or foundation tier exams and final decisions on tier of entry will be made by tracking their progress during the year.
All pupils are required to study Science at GCSE. Here at Cardiff High School, we offer Double Award and Triple Award Pathways.
Watch the short video above from Mrs. C. Grennan outlining the structure of GCSE Science and explaining the difference between the two qualifications.
Welsh
All students will sit a full course GCSE in Welsh 2nd language, building on the patterns learnt in KS2 and KS3. A qualification in Welsh can be significantly advantageous in the pursuit of all careers in Wales. Many companies must have a bilingual policy and students at Cardiff High School will be able to gain a good understanding of both the language and culture of Wales. Many adults have to attend courses in order to address the above and have regretted not following a Welsh course during their time in school. The Welsh Government have set a target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050 and your child could form part of that target.
The new GCSE started in September 2017 and revision guides are available from the school at the reduced rate of £4.
Students will sit 100% of the exam in Year 11. There will be no tier in Welsh second language – as they will follow in the footsteps of English and Welsh first language GCSE. Therefore, all students have the opportunity to achieve the highest grades whatever their set. The course includes tasks that will assess reading, writing, speaking and listening. Work and grammar patterns taught in KS3 are essential and very relevant.
All the work will be based on 3 broad themes: Employment/Cyflogaeth (year 10), Wales and the World/Cymru a’r Byd (year 10), Youth/Ieuenctid (year 11).
During the course they would be expected to read and write a variety of styles e.g. email, forms, interviews, letters, articles, messages. They would also expect to learn the following grammar:
Unit 1. Listening/Speaking exam (groups of 3) (25%- 10 minutes). This will be held around April of Year 11: Watch a dvd clip twice (around 3 minutes); Fill in an information grid before discussing the content and themes raised in the clip; Speaking will be 10% and Listening 15%.
Unit 2 Speaking/Listening assessment (25% - 10 minutes). This task will also be assessed in April of Year 11; Read paragraphs/pictures/graphs on a given topic; Respond to the paragraphs by discussing the content in pairs/threes (Speaking 20% and Listening 5%); The task will be given 10 minutes before they are assessed. Task will be marked out of 50.
Unit 3 and 4 Reading/Writing assessment (25%- 90 mins each). This will consist of a variety of reading and writing tasks of a factual/creative nature which will vary in difficulty, length and type of answers required. Reading 15% and Writing 10%. These exams will be sat in May of Year 11. These may include: Extended answers; Multiple choice; Written tasks; Translation tasks; Correction tasks.
Students will be given a variety of booklets during the 2 year course and they will be expected to keep up with the tasks presented. Homework booklets will be set and completed every fortnight. All the tasks are past paper questions in order for the students to track their progress.
