Option Subjects
Free Choice 2,3,& 4
To give all students the autonomy to control a large part of their GCSE timetable, students should select choice 2, 3 and 4 from the list below. Please be aware that choices should be entered in order of preference and choice 4 is a student’s reserve choice. Additionally, subjects cannot be chosen twice or from directed choice 1.
Year 9 Students who have already opted to take Level 2 Dance will continue to do so as part of their core PE offer and so will have an additional qualification at the end of Year 11. As previously communicated this means that they will not be able to choose Physical Education due to hours allocated.
Please note the following subjects cannot be taken together due to the significant overlap & repetition of content:
Students can take Art and Design or Photography or Textiles
Students can take Photography or iMedia
Students can take iMedia or Media Studies
Art and Design
Units/Modules
Unit 1 Personal Portfolio (Coursework)
The experimentation and final outcomes made across will make up the coursework. Students research and explore themes, appropriate artists and styles, developing ideas to create a final piece/s.
Unit 2 Externally Set Assignment (Exam)
The external assignment is set by the exam board and students are guided through a theme over several weeks, ending in a 10 hour/ two day exam.
Course Description
Students opting for Art will be given the opportunity to develop their creative ideas through a widening range of media and techniques. Students should want to learn about art from times and cultures different to their own. Art teaches ideas and techniques through themes and all units involve written work through annotation of ideas, research and analysis into artists. Students will be given the opportunity to widen their knowledge through gallery visits and working with visiting practitioners. Students will be required to maintain a portfolio of work that shows thoughts, working process and skills for each unit.
Course Assessment
All work is assessed using 4 assessment objectives entitled “Develop”, “Refine”, “Record” and “Present”. Each objective is equally weighted.
Coursework = 60%
Exam = 40%
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Level 3 courses in Art or Photography.
The UK is at the top of a global market where the creative industries represent a billion pound growth sector. The UK has Europe’s largest architecture industry and the world’s third largest advertising industry. Other areas include fine art, crafts, design, fashion, film, computer games. Publishing and TV represent over 2 million jobs. Jobs within the creative industries could be: artist, designer, architect, computer games, crafts, fashion, publishing, photographer, video, film, TV, illustration, comic art, animation, interior design, art history, or even teacher!
The course supports and complements work in all other Creative Arts subjects, English Literature, History and Psychology.
Please note the following option combinations cannot be taken together:
Art and Design cannot be taken alongside Textiles Design or Photography.
Business studies
Units/Modules
Theme 1 Investigating Small Business
Unit 2 Building a Business
Course Description
Do you want to try something real, relevant and exciting? Then consider this course.
Business studies is both active and enjoyable and will give you an insight into the business world which is ever changing and exciting. It looks at how different businesses operate and how this affects all the decisions that are made every day. Business studies will help you understand the world of business, as even professionals such as doctors are expected to operate as business people in addition to doing the job for which they are trained.
Theme 1 covers the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. You will also consider the marketing, operational, financial and human issues involved in starting and running a small business. During this time you will have the opportunity to be involved in a range of projects which will allow you to demonstrate your entrepreneurial skills.
Theme 2 examines how a business develops beyond the start up phase. This theme considers the key activities involved in running a successful medium to large sized business and incorporates external factors including the economy, environment and ethical behaviour. We finish the course with an extensive programme of revision and support ensuring you are fully prepared for your GCSE exam.
Course Assessment
Theme 1 (50% of GCSE) is examined by 1 external exam. (90 minutes long)
Theme 2 (50% of GCSE) is examined by 1 external exam. (90 minutes long)
Potential Career and Progression Routes
This is an excellent course for progression into higher education and combines well with all A Level subjects. Business Studies also leads to degree level study in a range of courses including business management, accounting and finance, economics, leisure management, business administration, human resource management and marketing. It also provides the foundation for employment in many industries including – management training, accountancy, marketing and public relations, hospitality, banking and running your own business.
Computer Science
Units/Modules
Component 01: Computer systems (Exam)
Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (Exam)
Course Description
Computer Science is the study of computational thinking. This involves lots of different aspects of problem solving and computational theory. In the problem solving sections of the course, you will learn how to break down problems of wide ranging complexity into identifiable inputs, processes and outputs. This can then be turned into algorithms (modelled using flowcharts and pseudo code), which you will then learn to convert into actual program code, using programming languages like Python.
When studying computational theory, you will learn all the concepts of how a computer actually works. You will learn how data and program instructions are stored and executed, how networks communicate, the everyday threats facing a network and how we can combat those threats along with a look at the legal and ethical framework that Computer Scientists must operate within.
Course Assessment
Component 01: Computer systems (90 minute examination: 50%)
Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming(90 minute examination: 50%)
Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).
Potential Career and Progression Routes
A-Level Computer Science – Level 3 courses.
Studying computer science opens up a wide range of career pathways, given the ubiquitous nature of technology in today's world. Here are some common career paths for individuals with a background in computer science:
Software Developer/Engineer:
Web Developer:
Data Scientist/Analyst:
Network Administrator/Engineer:
Cloud Computing Specialist:
Mobile App Developer
Game Developer
Construction
Units/Modules
Unit 1 Construction Technology (External exam)
Unit 2 Construction in Practice (Internally assessed coursework)
Unit 3 Construction and Design (Internally assessed coursework)
Course Description
BTEC Construction gives you an opportunity to understand how the construction industry works. It will provide an engaging and stimulating introduction to construction and you will learn knowledge and skills that will prepare you for a career in this industry.
As well as the modules outlined above lessons will also be focused on developing the practical skills required in the construction industry. These may include:
Exploring carpentry and joinery
Exploring blockwork and brickwork
Exploring plumbing
Exploring tiling
Course Assessment
40% External assessment
60% Internally assessed coursework
Potential Career and Progression Routes
This course prepares students for further study of a vocational qualification at Level 3 or to enter employment or apprenticeships in the construction industry. Examples of careers a student may progress onto with further training or study include:
Architectural Design
Surveying
Carpentry / Joinery
Plumbing
Electrician
Brickwork
Site Technician
Child development
Units/Modules
R057 Health and well-being for child development
R058 Create a safe environment and understand the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years
R059 Understand the development of a child from one to five years
Course Description
To understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Child Development to include health and well-being, creating a safe environment, the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years, and the development of children from one to five years.
Developing learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations. Using a variety of skills that allow students to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
Allowing the development of independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the childcare sector and more widely.
Course Assessment
Unit R057 is assessed by an external exam worth (40%).
Both Unit R058 and R059 and non-exam assessment and assessed through coursework both worth (30%) each.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
This course will allow progression routes into any careers in the health and social care industry such as:
Nurse
Midwife
Occupational Therapist
Social Worker
Education, mental health practitioner
Equality, diversity and inclusion officer
Operating department practitioner
Psychological wellbeing practitioner
Creative imedia
Units/Modules
Unit R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry (Exam)
Students learn the technical and analytical skills needed to justify their own work and explain in technical language how media products are created. Students learn about digital file properties, camera work, editing, and pre-production and post-production processes.
Unit R094: Visual identity and digital graphics (Coursework)
Students apply technical skills in Photoshop, Canva, and the Google suite to create a brand identity and unique product in response to a client’s brief. Students explore their technical skill and ability to tailor their production to the requirements of the brief.
Unit R098: Visual imaging (Coursework)
Students create a portfolio of digital imagery, including moving image and photography, which have been post-processed. Students create their own portfolio based on their area of interest.
Course Description
Creative iMedia will inspire and equip students with the confidence to use skills that are relevant to the digital media sector and more widely. Students will design, plan, create and review digital media products to meet client and target audience demands.
Students will learn fundamental principles and concepts of digital media including product design, use of media codes and conventions, pre-production planning techniques, and exporting in appropriate formats. Students will work in mock work scenarios and situations, giving them a glimpse into the working world of the media. Students have the opportunity to think creatively, innovatively, and analytically, developing independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the media industry and more widely.
Course Assessment
All assessment is a mixture of practical and written
60% Coursework is assessed internally and moderated externally
40% Exam is externally assessed
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Progression to Level 3 Creative Media, A level Photography.
Skills gained are recognised by national occupational standards for: animation, broadcast journalism, camera, directors, editing, interactive media and computer games, lighting for film and television, multimedia and print journalism, photo imaging, production (film & TV), publishing, radio content creation, sound.
The course supports and complements work in all other Creative Arts, English Literature and Language, Computing and Business Studies.
Please note the following option combinations cannot be taken together:
Creative iMedia cannot be taken alongside Photography or Media Studies.
design technology
Units/Modules
Unit 1 Design and Technology in the 21st Century (Exam)
Unit 2 Designing and make task (Coursework)
Course Description
Students opting for GCSE Design and technology will be given the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills for further education, work and life:
Creative and innovative thinking Use of imagination and experimentation Ability to critique and refine your own ideas
Knowledge and understanding of all design and technological activity and influences
Decision making skills
Develop high quality, imaginative and functional prototypes
Communication skills.
Course Assessment
Unit 1 External Exam 2 hours worth 50% of final grade
A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of:
technical principles . This core knowledge and understanding is presented in five clear and distinct topic areas:
• design and technology and our world • smart materials • electronic systems and programmable components • mechanical components and devices • materials including timbers, metals, polymers, textiles, papers and boards.
Learners are required to study all of the content in these five areas, to ensure they have a broad knowledge and understanding of design and technology and that they are able to make effective choices in relation to which materials, components and systems to utilise within design and make activities.
In-depth knowledge and understanding is presented in six clear and distinct topic areas: a. electronic systems, programmable components & mechanical devices b. papers & boards c. natural & manufactured timber d. ferrous & non-ferrous metals e. thermoforming & thermosetting polymers f. fibres & textiles Learners are required to study at least one of these six areas, to ensure they have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific material area and/or components and systems to support their design and make activities.
designing and making principles along with their ability to:
analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.
Unit 2 A sustained design and make task worth 50% of final grade. This is based on a contextual challenge set by Eduqas on the 1st June each year. This assesses candidates’ ability to:
identify, investigate and outline design possibilities
design and make prototypes analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
A level Design and Technology – Level 3 courses.
There are many career paths that Design and Technology could take you down; from Carpenter to Architect all the way to Aerospace engineer. Here are just some of the industries and jobs that are facilitated by a qualification in Design and Technology:
ART AND DESIGN
IT AND THE INTERNET
FAST CONSUMER GOODS
FASHION AND BEAUTY
You could of course carry on studying on Design and Technology at an advanced level, which would allow you the opportunity to study a range of courses at university.
drama
Units/Modules
Component 1: Understanding Drama
Practical and theoretical study of a Set text (currently Around The World in Eighty Days) and Live Theatre (previous shows have included One Man Two Guvnors, The Railway Children, The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night Time and Warhorse) aiming to appreciate how theatre works and what roles are contained within it.
Component 2: Devising Drama
Using a stimulus such as a theme, picture, newspaper headline, quote or event and combining with a theatrical style students work to create and share their own original drama, recording the process in a log book.
Component 3: Texts in Practice
Performance of two extracts from a play of your choice. Previous students have used texts such as Teechers, Blithe Spirit, Daisy Pulls It Off, Bouncers, Stones in His Pockets, Things I Know to be True, My Mother Said I Never Should, Private Peaceful and Girls Like That.
Course Description
On this course theory is learnt through practical work and supported by research, discussion and reading. Students must be prepared to improvise, work on script and rehearse most lessons, sharing their performance work frequently.
In addition to helping students acquire subject knowledge, students will:
Explore and actively engage in a wide range of creative and stimulating activities
Become independent learners, critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
Develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills
Work imaginatively, creatively and collaboratively generating, developing and communicating ideas
Assessment
Practical and written components throughout the course
Practical devising log (written or recorded) 30%
Devised performance 10%
Free choice performances 20%
1 hour 45 minute written paper at the conclusion of the course 40%
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Drama provides a strong foundation for further progression to drama courses, including KS5 Performing Arts, A Level Theatre Studies and enhanced vocational and career pathways. Many students continue with Performing Arts or Drama and Theatre Studies, at university, Drama schools and professionally. The course supports and complements work in all other Creative Arts, English Literature and Language, History, Languages and Social Studies.
french
Units/Modules
French GCSE is made up of the following components:
25% Speaking
25% Listening
25% Reading
25% Writing
All exams are at the end of Year 11 and students can be entered for foundation tier (grades 1-5) or higher tier (grades 4-9)
Students can only be entered for one tier across all exams. The grading system is 9 (highest) -1 (lowest possible grade).
Course Description
We follow the AQA Exam in French. We study these three themes:
• Theme 1: People and lifestyle
• Theme 2: Popular culture
• Theme 3: Communication and the world around us
3.1.1 Theme 1: People and lifestyle
• Topic 1: Identity and relationships with others
• Topic 2: Healthy living and lifestyle
• Topic 3: Education and work
3.1.2 Theme 2: Popular culture
• Topic 1: Free-time activities
• Topic 2: Customs, festivals and celebrations
• Topic 3: Celebrity culture
3.1.3 Theme 3: Communication and the world around us
• Topic 1: Travel and tourism, including places of interest
• Topic 2: Media and technology
• Topic 3: The environment and where people live
Course Assessment
Listening exam:This consists of a 35 minute exam for foundation tier and a 45 minute exam for higher tier. Students are assessed on their understanding of spoken extracts.
Reading exam:This is a 45 minute exam for foundation tier and 1 hour for higher tier. Students’ understanding of written language will be tested by a range of question types in English.
Speaking exam: There are 3 tasks -
Role-play
Reading aloud task and short conversation
Photo card discussion.
Writing exam: Foundation Tier (1 hour) Students will be required to produce a series of short written tasks in French with a translation. Higher Tier (1 hour 15 minutes) Students will be required to produce short and slightly longer written tasks with a translation in French.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Learning a language opens doors to new countries, cultures, and experiences. It encourages strengths such as:
Enhanced Problem Solving Skills.
Improved Memory Function (long & short-term)
Enhanced Creative Thinking Capacity.
It can lead into all career paths and is impressive to all employers!
You could become:
A Spy
A translator or interpreter
A CEO
An influencer
A teacher, and many more!
geography
Units/Modules
There are three exams:
Paper 1 - 75 minute exam - Our Natural World 35%
Global Hazards
Changing Climate
Distinctive Landscapes
Sustaining Ecosystems
Physical Geography Fieldwork
Paper 2 - 75 minute exam - People & Society 35%
Urban Futures
Dynamic Development
UK in the 21st Century
Resource Reliance
Human Geography Fieldwork
Paper 3 - 90 minute exam - Geographical Exploration30%
Students answer questions on information from a booklet.
There are decision making questions where students have to justify their answer.
Geographical skills are assessed (Maps, statistics, graphs, photos…)
Course Description
Students travel the world from the classroom, exploring case studies in the U.K, new emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes. We are proud of geography’s inclusion within the English Baccalaureate and its importance in the holistic development of students. This is an exciting and relevant course in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Geography is the bridge across the arts and sciences. ‘A’ Level geography is an option that builds on the topics and skills learnt at GCSE. It’s often said that there is no such thing as a geography job; rather there are multiple jobs that geographers do. Examples of careers include:
Environment & sustainability e.g conservation & landscape architecture
Travel & tourism e.g TV researcher, travel writer
Global issues e.g aid worker, human rights officer
Physical systems e.g hazard management, meteorologist Society e.g marketing, advertising
history
Units/Modules
Paper 1 Medicine in Britain, c1250-present and The British sector of the Western Front, 1914-18: injuries, treatment and the trenches (30%) (1hr 15 mins)
Paper 2 Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88 (20%), and The American West c1835 – c1895 (20%) (1 hour 45 mins)
Paper 3 Weimar and Nazi Germany c.1918 - 1939 (30%) (1hr 20mins)
Course Description
Year 10
Throughout Year 10 we will study a range of time periods from medieval to the present day.
Paper 2 units - ‘Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88.
Paper 2 -‘The American West, c1835-c1895’.
Year 11
Paper 3 topic. ‘Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-39’.
Course Assessment:
3 exams at the end of Year 11 – 100% of the GCSE grade
Potential Career and Progression Routes
History is a very highly regarded and sought after subject. It leads to a wide range of careers and is one of the five subjects needed for the English Baccalaureate. History teaches interviewing and enquiry skills, suiting jobs which find out information – TV researcher, investigative reporter, market research, police etc. History requires extended, logical, reasoned debate in writing. It is essential for any job which requires writing reports, the Civil Service, law, journalism etc. Historical knowledge is essential for certain jobs, such as artist, architect, designer, librarian, archaeologist, archivist, tour guide etc. Historians solve problems and evaluate solutions- skills essential in management in industry and the public services, and in research and development teams in science and engineering.
hospitality and catering
Units/Modules
Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry
Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in Action
Course Description
WJEC Level 1/2 hospitality and catering has been designed to develop in learners the knowledge and understanding related to a range of hospitality and catering providers; how they operate and what they must take into account to be successful.
There is the opportunity to learn about issues related to nutrition and food safety and how they affect successful hospitality and catering operations.
In this qualification, learners will also have the opportunity to develop some food preparation and cooking skills as well as transferable skills of problem-solving, organisation, time management, planning and communication.
Each unit will be assessed mainly on your practical work with written work to support it.
Course Assessment
Unit 1 will be assessed through an exam, which is worth 40% of your qualification.
In Unit 2 you will complete an assignment where you will plan and prepare a menu in response to a brief. This will be worth 60% of your qualification and will take 12 hours.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Learners who achieve this Level 1/2 qualification could progress onto further Level 3 qualifications and A levels, such as:
WJEC Level 3 Food, Science and Nutrition
Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management (VRQ)
Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality, Supervision and Leadership principles (QCF)
Level 3 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (professional cookery)
Level 3 Award in Practical Food Safety Supervision for Catering (QCF)
The hospitality industry offers a wide range of exciting opportunities which includes:
Chef de partie, Commis Chef, Concierge Executive Chef, Front of House Manager, Head Waiter, Housekeeper, Maître d’hôte, Pastry Chef, Receptionist or Sous Chef.
media studies
Units/Modules
This course is made up of a wide range of case studies from across the media spectrum. It uses these case studies as material to develop critical analysis skills that allow the learner to interpret the media and how the audience engages with it in an ever-changing digital environment. The units are:
Component 1 (Exam) - Marketing and TV, in which we look at the marketing campaign for The Lego Movie, across print, TV and social media, before analysing the development of the TV crime drama and how it has developed since The Avengers in the 1960s by comparing it to Vigil in the 2020s.
Component 2 (Exam) - Music and News, in which we compare the use of media language in mainstream and indie music videos such as Avril Lavigne and Wheatus, before looking at how The Observer newspaper tailors its news to its demographic.
Component 3 (Coursework) - Making Media, in which learners apply their critical analysis skills to actually construct a magazine with a specific audience in mind. Learners are taught how to compose photos and how to compile them in Adobe creative suite.
Course Description
In addition to helping students acquire subject knowledge, students will:
Explore and actively engage in a wide range of creative and stimulating activities
Become independent learners, critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
Develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills
Work imaginatively, creatively and collaboratively generating, developing and communicating ideas
Assessment
Component 1 and Component 2 are both exams worth 35% each.
Component 3 is the coursework element and is worth the remaining 30%.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
This course provides the foundation skills and knowledge required to progress to Creative Media, Film Studies or Media Studies at Level 3. This opens access routes to further study at University, or recruitment into apprenticeships. Students who study Media might find themselves in journalism, film making, digital marketing, game design, or publishing.
The course supports and complements work in all other Creative Arts, English Literature and Language, Photography and Business Studies.
Please note the following option combinations cannot be taken together:
Media Studies cannot be taken alongside Creative iMedia.
music
Units/Modules
Component 1: Performing (Coursework)
Over the course students develop their knowledge and understanding of music through performing. All students are required to perform a minimum of two pieces, with one of these being an ensemble performance. One piece must be linked to one of the four areas of study*. The standard of final performance pieces should be broadly equivalent to grade 3.
Component 2: Composing (Coursework)
Over the course students develop their knowledge and understanding of music through composing. All students are required to create and develop musical ideas in relation to given briefs. Students submit two compositions with a total playing time of 3-6 minutes.
Composition 1. A composition which responds to an exam board set brief (from a choice of four). Each brief relates to a different area of study.
Composition 2. A free composition. Students will set their own brief for this composition and compose a piece of music in a style of their choice.
Component 3: Listening and Appraising (Written exam):
This examination will assess knowledge and understanding of music through the following four areas of study*. Students develop knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language.
Course Description
Music gives students the practical and theoretical skills they need to succeed in the music and creative industry. Students have the opportunity to perform on their instrument as a solo artist as well as part of a group, to compose their own music in a range of different styles and listen to and appraise their own music and that of others.
The four areas of study are: Classical Music which looks at *Musical Forms and Devices (AoS1), *Music for Ensemble (AoS 2) which looks more closely at texture and sonority.
*Film Music (AoS3) and *Popular Music (AoS 4) looking at contrasting styles and genres of music.
Course Assessment
Component 1: Performing 30% (Coursework) Internally assessed, externally moderated (Perform with technical control, expression and interpretation)
Component 2: Composing 30% (Coursework) Internally assessed, externally moderated (Compose and develop musical ideas with technical control and coherence)
Component 3: Listening and Appraising 40% 1 hour 15 minutes listening and written exam (Demonstrate and apply musical knowledge and Use appraising skills to make evaluative and critical judgements about music)
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Level 3 Music or Performing Arts followed by a degree or apprenticeship in Performing Arts, Music or Musical Theatre, Teaching Qualifications, Sound Engineering Work/Qualifications, Music School, West End Pit Work, Cruise Ships Entertainment, Composer, Events Management, Songwriter, Performing artist, Session musician, Music producer, Music Engineer, Live sound technician, Concert promoter, Radio DJ, Radio producer.
The course supports and complements work in all other Creative Arts, Maths, English Literature and Language and Science.
photography
Units/Modules
Unit 1 Personal Portfolio (Coursework)
The experimentation and final outcomes made across will make up the coursework. Students research and explore themes, appropriate artists and styles, developing ideas to create a final piece/s.
Unit 2 Externally set assignment (Exam)
Students respond to one several Exam Board set starting points and within a set amount of time research, develop and create a final piece, ending in a 10 hour/ two day exam.
Course Description
Students opting for photography will learn a wide range of skills to develop their creative photographic practice using light as their medium. Students learn how to use both the Chemical Darkroom and black & white photography, Sun prints or Cyanotypes, as well as digital technologies and post production using various Photoshop skills and processes. Through themed projects, students will explore artists, photographic styles, studio lighting, collage, portraiture and landscapes. Students will be expected to photograph outside of school and develop a digital portfolio of work and final outcomes for their projects.
All projects involve some written work through annotation of ideas and research into photographers with analysis of work and ideas. Students will explore the world around them through their work and create a portfolio of work that shows thoughts, working process, skills and meaningful final outcomes. There are a wide range of possible outcomes from photographic prints, prints onto fabric/canvas, projections, 3D installations, bookwork, advertisements and fashion magazines for example.
Course Assessment
All work is equally assessed using four assessment objectives: ‘Develop’, ‘Refine’, ‘Record’ and ‘Present’, focusing on the ability shown in each area.
60% Personal Portfolio
40% Externally set assignment
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Level 3 courses on Photography, Art, Graphics or Creative Media.
Photographers find work in a number of areas including in advertising, fashion and editorial photography, in a high street shop or studio, in industry, in newspapers, in medical photography and in television, film and video. Advertising, fashion and editorial photography are highly sought after jobs with many photographers being freelance.
The course supports and complements work in all other Creative Arts subjects, Business Studies, English Literature, History and Chemistry.
Please note the following option combinations cannot be taken together:
Photography cannot be taken alongside Art, Textiles Design or Creative iMedia.
physical education
PE OCR Level 2 / GCSE cannot be taken together.
There are two potential PE courses studied at Level 2 Physical Education and the potential course routes are supported to suit the group of students. Please note that you will not be permitted to opt for both GCSE PE and OCR Cambridge national sport studies. Your teacher will advise you on which course will best suit your needs.
GCSE PE
Units/Modules
The Human Body and movement in physical activity and sport
Anatomy and Physiology for sports performance
Movement analysis
Physical training
Use of data
Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport
Sports Psychology
Socio-cultural influences
Health, fitness and well-being
Practical Performance in physical activity and sport
Player/performer in individual and team activities
Course Description
There are many exciting opportunities in sport, which in addition to sport specific related skills, require skills such as self-management, team working, business and customer awareness, problem solving, literacy, numeracy and communication.
The GCSE PE course will provide a practical and theoretical learning experience where students will get to develop specific knowledge and skills, in a wide area of topics related to sport and physical activity.
This can also support students to access further study at Level 3 Sport Post 16.
Students cannot study PE and Dance.
Course Assessment
The course is assessed through two written papers (60%) and continual internal practical performance both in individual and team sporting activities, as well as analysis and evaluation of performance (40%).
Potential Career and Progression Routes
This course will allow progression routes into any careers in the sports industry such as:
Sports scientists
Sports coaching
PE teaching
Sports psychologists
Physiotherapists
Sports nutritionists
Fitness coach/instructors
Sports therapists
Leisure assistants
OCR - Cambridge National in Sport Studies
There are two potential PE courses studied at Level 2 Physical Education and the potential course routes are supported to suit the group of students. Please note that you will not be permitted to opt for both GCSE PE and OCR Cambridge national sport studies. Your teacher will advise you on which course will best suit your needs.
Units/Modules
Unit 1 (R184) Contemporary issues in sport - 40% of grade Unit 2
(R185) Performance and leadership in sports activities - 40% of grade
Unit 3 (R186) Sport and the media - 20% of grade
R184: Contemporary issues in sport This is assessed by an exam. Topics include: Issues which affect participation in sport, the role of sport in promoting values, the implications of hosting a major sporting event for a city or country, the role National Governing Bodies (NGBs) play in the development of their sport, the use of technology in sport.
R185: Performance and leadership in sports activities This is assessed by a set assignment. Topics include: Key components of performance, applying practice methods to support improvement in a sporting activity, organising and planning a sports activity session, leading a sports activity session, reviewing your own performance in planning and leading a sports activity session.
R186: Sports and the media This is assessed by a set assignment Topics include: The different sources of media that cover sport, positive effects of the media in sport, negative effects of the media in sport.
Course Description
There are many exciting opportunities in sport, which in addition to sport specific related skills, require skills such as self-management, team working, business and customer awareness, problem solving, literacy, numeracy and communication.
The OCR Cambridge National course will provide a practical and theoretical learning experience where students will get to develop specific knowledge and skills, in a wide area of topics related to sport and physical activity.
This can also support students to access further study at Level 3 Sport Post 16.
Students cannot study PE and Dance.
Course Assessment
It is assessed through a combination of practical assessment, NEA (non- examination assessment) and written examination.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
This course will allow progression routes into any careers in the sports industry such as:
Sports scientists
Sports coaching
PE teaching
Sports psychologists
Physiotherapists
There are two potential PE courses studied at Level 2 Physical Education and the potential course routes are supported to suit the group of students.
Sports nutritionists
Fitness coach/instructors
Sports therapists
Leisure assistants
religious studies
Units/Modules
Level of Award: Religious Studies GCSE
Component 1:The study of religions: beliefs and practices
Christianity and Islam
(1 hour 45 minutes 50% of marks)
Component 2: Thematic studies
Religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes:
(1 hour 45 minutes 50% of marks)
Year 10
In year 10 students study both Christian and Muslim beliefs and practices. They also start exploring the themes for component 2 and complete theme A: Relationships and families .
Year 11
In year 11 students continue to learn about philosophical and ethical themes;theme B: Religion and life, theme D: Religion, peace and conflict, theme E: Religion, crime and punishment and theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice
Students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills. Lessons will include a range of activities.
Course Assessment
The course will be assessed by 2 exams lasting 105 minutes at the end of year 11. Both last 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
This course encourages students to construct well-informed and balanced arguments and to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes and contributes to their preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community. It therefore helps to prepare them for all progression routes.
spanish
Units/Modules
Spanish GCSE is made up of the following components:
25% Speaking
25% Listening
25% Reading
25% Writing
All exams are at the end of Year 11 and students can be entered for foundation tier (grades 1-5) or higher tier (grades 4-9)Students can only be entered for one tier across all exams. The grading system is 9 (highest) -1 (lowest possible grade).
Course Description
We follow the AQA Exam in Spanish. We study these three themes:
• Theme 1: People and lifestyle
• Theme 2: Popular culture
• Theme 3: Communication and the world around us
3.1.1 Theme 1: People and lifestyle
• Topic 1: Identity and relationships with others
• Topic 2: Healthy living and lifestyle
• Topic 3: Education and work
3.1.2 Theme 2: Popular culture
• Topic 1: Free-time activities
• Topic 2: Customs, festivals and celebrations
• Topic 3: Celebrity culture
3.1.3 Theme 3: Communication and the world around us
• Topic 1: Travel and tourism, including places of interest
• Topic 2: Media and technology
• Topic 3: The environment and where people live
Course Assessment
Listening exam:This consists of a 35 minute exam for foundation tier and a 45 minute exam for higher tier. Students are assessed on their understanding of spoken extracts.
Reading exam: This is a 45 minute exam for foundation tier and 1 hour for higher tier. Students’ understanding of written language will be tested by a range of question types in English.
Speaking exam: There are 3 tasks -
Role-play
Reading aloud task and short conversation
Photo card discussion.
Writing exam: Foundation Tier (1 hour) Students will be required to produce a series of short written tasks in Spanish with a translation. Higher Tier (1 hour 15 minutes) Students will be required to produce short and slightly longer written tasks in Spanish with a translation.
Potential Career and Progression Routes
Learning a language opens doors to new countries, cultures, and experiences. It encourages strengths such as:
Enhanced Problem Solving Skills.
Improved Memory Function (long & short-term)
Enhanced Creative Thinking Capacity.
It can lead into all career paths and is impressive to all employers!
You could become:
A Spy
A translator or interpreter
A CEO
An influencer
A teacher, and many more!
textiles
Units/Modules
Unit 1 Personal Portfolio (Coursework)
The Personal Portfolio is built up over the course and evidences a wide range of skills and textile processes within themed projects. Students research and explore the themes, appropriate artists and starting points, and develop ideas to create a final piece/s.
Unit 2 Externally set assignment (Exam)
Students respond to one of five or more Exam Board set starting points and within a set amount of time research, develop and create a final piece, ending in a 10 hour/ two day exam
Course Description
This is a really exciting course where students will explore a wide variety of textile skills and processes and techniques. Students will learn decorative techniques such as free hand machine embroidery, how to construct garments through fashion design, felting, dyeing, printing onto materials and papers, transfering images, experimenting with various materials by manipulating using heat and wax resist. Students explore a variety of different artists from around the world and draw from primary research, developing and experimenting with their own ideas to produce a final piece/s. Final pieces can be anything textiles based such as fashion, costume interior design or display art.
Course Assessment
All work is equally assessed using four assessment objectives: ‘Develop’, ‘Refine’, ‘Record’ and ‘Present’.and focusing on the ability shown in each area.
60% Personal Portfolio
40% Externally set assignment
Potential Career and Progression Routes
The next steps would be to study Level 3 Art or Art Textiles Design and then onto a degree, apprenticeship or career of your chosen specialism.
This course is the stepping stone for you to have a career and become a designer or manufacturer in fashion and fashion accessories, interior design and furnishings, costume and props for theatre, film and TV, fabric design and artistic interpretation.
The course supports and complements work in all the Creative Arts as well as Maths, Business Studies and History.
Please note the following option combinations cannot be taken together:
Textiles Design cannot be taken alongside Art or Photography.