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 Health and Wellbeing. Personal and Social Education is part of Health and Wellbeing, which includes Careers Education and Work Related Education.
English Language & Literature Double Award
English Language & Literature Double Award
The study of English Language and English Literature GCSE (Double Award) supports all pupils to engage critically with the world around them. The study of English Language will develop pupils’ verbal communication skills across a range of engaging topics and real-world contexts, as well as enhancing their academic styles when writing for different purposes and audiences. These key foundational skills are integral to pupils’ successes after GCSE study.
Moreover, the study of English Literature will consolidate pupils’ reading comprehension skills, developing their abilities to critically analyse and evaluate a wide range of texts within their socio-historical contexts. The course aims to develop a love of reading and engagement with important texts across the literary canon, as well as build a range of literacy skills ready for life after compulsory education.
Structure of GCSE:
Unit 1 Context and Meaning Exam 1hr30 15%
Unit 2 Belonging NEA 10%
Unit 3 Influence and Power NEA 10%
Unit 4 Motivations Exam 1hr30 20%
Unit 5 Continuity and Change NEA 20%
Unit 6 Connections Exam 1hr30 25%
Mathematics & Numeracy Double Award
Mathematics & Numeracy Double Award
Mathematics is a universal language and involves the study of quantity, structure, space and change.
GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy is a double award course where students will study topics in algebra, geometry, number and statistics. It is a challenging and varied course aimed at developing students’ ability to think logically, solve problems, and be able to apply their maths to real life situations.
At Cardiff High School, a team of specialist teachers deliver an ambitious curriculum with the aim of fostering enjoyment and success in Mathematics. Wales has a proud record of contributing to the world’s understanding of Mathematics; the symbols = and π were first used in Wales.
Studying GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy will give you a common language to express your ideas and solve problems in a rapidly changing world. This course will also give you a good grounding to continue your mathematical aspirations at A-Level and beyond.
Structure of GCSE:
Unit 1 Financial Mathematics and Other Applications of Numeracy (30%) Exam Higher Tier - 1hr45 Foundation Tier - 1hr30
Unit 2 Non-Calculator (30%) Exam Higher Tier - 1hr45 Foundation Tier - 1hr30
Unit 3 Calculator (40%) Exam Higher Tier - 2hr Foundation Tier - 1hr45
Science Double Award
Science Double Award
Whether they wish to become a doctor, astrophysicist or simply an ethical, informed citizen, studying Science helps all pupils to understand the complexities of how they and the Universe work and develop an appreciation of the world around them. Delivered by subject specialist teachers, pupils will study each of the three disciplines of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, as well as recognise how these subjects are inextricably linked.
Pupils will develop and apply key skills such as literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and problem solving to real world contexts. In addition they will gain practical experience in the laboratories when carrying out a range of investigations. Studying double award provides students with 2 GCSE qualifications in Science. The qualification lays firm foundations for all students and is a suitable pathway for those wishing to go on to study the sciences at A Level and beyond.
Structure of GCSE:
Unit 1 Biology - Basis of Life Exam 1hr15 14.3%
Unit 2 Chemistry - Chemical Substances and How They Behave Exam 1hr15 14.3%
Unit 3 Physics - Forces, Motion and the Universe Exam 1hr15 14.3%
Unit 4 Biology - Continuity of Life Exam 1hr15 15.7%
Unit 5 Chemistry - Chemical Bonding, Reactions and Resources Exam 1hr15 15.7%
Unit 6 Physics - Waves, Electricity and Energy Exam 1hr15 15.7%
Unit 7 Scientific Enquiry (2 Practical Tasks + 2 Written Tasks) 10%
Core Cymraeg
Core Cymraeg
A qualification in Welsh can be significantly advantageous in the pursuit of all careers in Wales and beyond. Major companies and councils must have a bilingual policy and students at Cardiff High School are 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 as they will all be sitting this qualification which focuses on the 4 main skills - speaking, listening, reading and writing. The Welsh language can open doors to a wealth of opportunities and culture - films, music, theatre to name just a few. O bydded i’r heniaith barhau.
Structure of GCSE:
Unit 1 Speaking & Listening NEA 25%
Unit 2 Speaking & Listening NEA 25%
Unit 3 Preparing for the Future Exam 1hr30 25%
Unit 4 Literature & Creative Exam 1hr30 25%
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