Q. What Science subjects will my son/daughter study?

A. All three sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All students will achieve 2 GCSEs in Science, referred to as Double Science and if they are in the top sets, they can take a third GCSE, this is referred to as Triple Science.

Q. Is Triple Science harder?

A. No, Triple Science is the same standard as Double Science GCSE, you just study in the subjects in more depth and sit a longer exam.

Q. What is the English Baccalaureate or EBacc?

A. Students leave with certificates for each subject they study, the English Baccalaureate is recognised for students who achieve a 4 to 9 (standard) or 5 to 9 (strong) grade in all of the following subjects: English, Maths, Science, a Modern Foreign Language, History or Geography.

Q. What are the main differences between Writhlington and Mendip Studio School - other than subjects?

A. From September 2020 Mendip Studio School has become a bespoke, stand alone school with no joint subject provision with Writhlington. Writhlington students will not be taught in the Mendip building and will not be able to enter the Mendip building during break or lunchtime. The same is true for Mendip students, they will not be taught in the Writhlington buildings and will not be able to access Writhlington at break or lunchtime.

Q. What happens if my son/daughter wishes to change subjects once the GCSE courses start?

A. The pace of learning is fast and so moving should be avoided as students will have missed valuable content and skills covered. If a student feels a subject isn’t for them after the start of the course they should speak to their classroom teacher and then Progress Leader. In the first instance we’ll look to overcome a barrier before moving to another subject.

Q. Do I need to study Triple Science to take A level Science in the Sixth Form?

A. No, what is more important is getting a higher grade in your GCSE. However, studying Triple Science would help prepare you because you study the subject in more depth.

Q. Are subjects set?

A. Yes in core subjects: English, Maths and Science, where possible setting takes place, some options subjects are taught in mixed ability groups due to only being one class.

Q. Do I need to be good at drawing to take GCSE Art?

A. No, through exploration of media and concepts, we take great pride in our ability to find a students best method. You need to have other talents that are to do with attitude and hard work ethic as this course is a 100% coursework subject so the onus is on you to create work and develop projects outside of lesson independently. This is a subject for passionate makers and craftsmen with open minds. We have students create all kinds of projects from fashion design, textiles, architectural, sculptural, film, video art to painting and drawing. Students will often go on to study these specific areas at uni afterwards.

Q. Can I create my own portfolio Ideas/themes/concepts?

A. Yes. We encourage students to form an independent investigation into their own ideas and methods. These ideas will be challenged, supported and developed with the help of the student peers, teachers and other influences. We often find that our initial workshops help inspire some sort of direction for the students who might not know initially what they want to explore.

Q. Is there an exam?

A.Yes, the course is split into two parts. Portfolio Unit 60% and an Exam Unit 40%

For the exam you are given a Theme to work from, such as the word ‘ICE’ then you will be asked to build a new project in a 10 week period. At the end you have a 10 hour exam to create a final piece. (this is 2 whole days in the Art department working on one amazing piece of work that you would have already planned out and practiced….(it's a really lovely and enjoyable ending to the course)

Q. Why should I take Art GCSE

A. Because it's the most fun, most intense, most demanding, most diverse, most life changing, most creative, most impactful, most supportive and most remembered course you can study anywhere! You will build a strong, safe and powerful connection to your studies and your teachers who will work tirelessly for you to develop as not only an artist but more importantly as a person. Art is different to other subjects, you have a department that is always open to you and teachers who will give you loads of one to one attention and support, not just for Art but for you and whatever you need us for.

Q. Does Writhlington Art department get good results?

A. Yes, absolutely! We get outstanding grades. We have the best results for an Art department out of any other school locally and across the MSN Schools partnership, but that is due to hard work and effort. But is good to also know results are not everything, especially for us in the Art department, it's our experience that we feel is the most impactful and long lasting.

Q. Are there any trips

A. Yes we offer some exciting opportunities to experience contemporary and historic art in a variety of places. Whether that is trips to Bath, London or abroad or having professional artists visit the students and talk about their work. Also we show our end of GCSE at a renowned Art gallery providing the best opportunity and exposure to experience showing like a working artist.

Please contact Mr Turner Head of Art for more information or whether you would be suitable to the course email: sturner@writhlington.org.uk

Q. How many teachers are there?

A. There are 3 members of the Business team; Mr. Morton, Mr. Kerr and Miss Heppinstall.

Q. Are there sets in Business?

A. There has historically been 4 classes in each year group in KS4 but no, there are no sets in Business. Teachers do however tailor the learning for each student and, as examiners, are able to effectively target exam questions depending on the students understanding to help them develop and achieve at last their target grade.

Q. Do I only take Business if I want to run my own business in the future?

A. No, not at all. Business is everywhere and the concepts you learn will help in any job you may decide to do in the future.

Q. Are there any trips?

A. There are no trips in KS4 but if you study Business in KS5, which a lot of Business students choose to do, there is a trip to New York!

Q. Is there any coursework?

A. No, there is no coursework in the Business course. You will sit 2 exams at the end of year 11, one relating to Theme 1 which you will learn in year 10 and one relating to Theme 2 which you will learn in year 11. Although the exams are on different themes, the exam technique and structure is the same.

Q. How will we be tested across the 2 years?

A. There will be individual topic tests at the end of each topic and a mock paper for each theme.

Q. I’m no good at remember stuff, will this make it hard?

A. We believe in practice makes perfect so there are a lot of practice questions in class which help you prepare for tests and mocks, as well as the real exams! We also have Do It Now questions at the start of each class to recall prior knowledge and make revision material as we move through the course so you can always keep looking back at what you’ve done. There is nothing to worry about or stopping you doing well, so although difficult at times, we believe every student will be successful.

Q. What is the difference between Computer Science and DIT?

A. Computer Science teaches you how the computer works, and includes a fair bit of programming. DIT teaches you to use the computer to make things and work efficiently. DIT is like learning to drive a car, Computer Science is more like training to be a mechanic!

Computer Science has two exams that give the overall grade.

DIT has coursework and one smaller exam.

Q. What are the entry requirements for Computer Science?

A. The most important thing is being really interested in the subject as then you’ll be willing to work hard. Most students doing Computer Science have a target grade of 6 or above in Maths. But the most important thing is that you’re interested and willing to work hard.

Q: What programming will I learn in Computer Science?

A. We do most of our work in Python. But the concepts are more important than the details and you will be able to transfer what you learn to other languages. There are very few programmers who only program in one language, as they are each tools for different jobs.

Q. Is DIT an easy option?

A. No - there are no easy KS4 courses (sorry!), it is really important that you work hard throughout the course as you must keep up with the coursework.

Q. What do I need to study Computing or IT at Sixth form or college?

A. Both courses prepare you really well to study in more detail in sixth form or college. Not having done one before does not ban you from doing it in the next stage. Having said that it obviously helps you a bit to have done the subject before!

Q. You haven’t answered my question!

A. Please ask your Computing teacher or email Mr Attfield (tattfield@writhlington.org.uk)

Q. What do I do on the course?

A. The first year of the course contains a lot of theory work where you learn about the history of design, environmental aspects, design principles, material properties, and other technical aspects of the subject. There will be a mixture of teacher led theory lessons, student led research projects and focussed practical tasks.

The second year is about applying what you have learnt to produce a portfolio of work that documents your journey through a project; researching a problem, designing a solution, planning and making the solution and evaluating the process.

The course culminates in a final exam in the summer. The coursework and exam are worth 50% each.

Q. What is the coursework?

A. The coursework element begins at the beginning of June in Yr10. The exam board issue 3 contextual challenges, which you then explore to identify your design problem. From there you will identify a client who you would be making the product for, research the problem, design a range of potential solutions, settle on one to develop further, plan how to make the product, make the final solution and evaluate what you have done.

Q. What can a Product Design GCSE help me go on to do?

A. Product Design is the practical application of all other subjects learnt at school, therefore it can help you in any future career you choose. You will learn a number of skills including note taking, project and time management, analysis and evaluative skills, methods of communication, CAD skills as well as enhancing more common everyday computer use, practical making skills, and many more. Most of these are transferable to other subjects and can be utilised in future careers.

Q. How much practical work is there?

A. GCSE Product Design has become more academic in the past few years; as such there is a greater emphasis on learning subject knowledge instead of making products. Of the final grade, only 15% is for the practical outcome. We believe, however, that practical skills are important, so we aim to have one practical based project per term in Yr10. In Yr11, it is expected that you will be completing your practical work from October half term through to the end of January of the following year.

Q. Can I make what whatever I like for the coursework?

A. Whilst there are some constraints that the exam board place on the coursework, and our workshop facilities are not endless, there are normally ways to ensure you are undertaking a project that you have a vested interest in. We will always work to help you realise your design ideas and may be able to make use of other school/institutions facilities to make that happen.

Q. What resources are available to help?

A. The students will have access to all of the presentations and resources from each of the lessons , there is also a textbook and a revision guide available to support the students through the qualification.

Q What is the weighting of practical to written work?

A. The course is 60% practical to 40% theory. The theory work consists of a written exam paper of 1 hour 45 minutes, this includes multiple choice, short and extended answer questions. Course work is written but can also be completed in other forms such as visual presentation / Vlog. The theory work is taught holistically using practical approaches that are then linked into written form.

Q.My son / daughter loves Drama but suffers from stage fright, can they still do it?

A. Yes. You can also take GCSE Drama as a lighting, sound, or costume designer. Design candidates are assessed in the same way as performance candidates. Their work is viewed as part of the performance and they would collaborate with the other candidates throughout the rehearsal process, working to the same artistic intention as each other.

Q. What plays are studied?

A. Noughts and Crosses - a stage adaption of Malorie Blackmans novel is studied in depth for the written exam. Candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge of the theme and context as well as an understanding of the intentions of the characters within the story and how they (as an actor) would communicate these to an audience using theatrical skills.

Q. What trips might be arranged?

A. We aim to take GCSE students on at least one theatre trip a year. This would range from Musical Theatre and Contemporary style plays. Students are required to see live theatre as part of the course which can also be accessed via media platforms such as digital theatre and national theatre online to which we have subscriptions. We expose students to as much new theatre as possible to inform their practical work.

Q. What topics will my son/daughter study?

A. All students study six topics; identity and culture; local, national, international and global areas of interest; current and future study and employment. They will also learn to improve their understanding and expressing themselves using a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary related to those themes. The course is a two year course culminating in a test in all four skills, Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing at the end.

Q. Is French taught in sets?

A. No French is taught in similar ability groups.

Q. How big will my child’s French class be?

A.Classes vary in size but generally but the average KS4 class is 27 students per class.

Q. Who will teach my child and how often will they have French?

A. The GCSE teaching team is very experienced and your child will have 6 lessons a fortnight with their teacher. These are usually taught in double periods.

Q. Is French hard?

A. French is a really interesting and rewarding subject to take at GCSE, your child may find aspects of the course more difficult than others but his/her teacher will help him/her to be as successful as possible.

Q. Is literacy important in French?

A. Literacy is a whole school focus at Writhlington School.

Q: Do I have to take French if I want to do French A Level?

A.Yes you will need to achieve a grade 5 or 6 depending on the Sixth Form you apply for.

Q. What topics will my son/daughter study?

A. All students study six topics; The Challenge of Natural Hazards, The Living World, Physical Landscapes of the UK, Urban Issues and Challenges, Changing Economic World and Resource Management. Students also undertake some geographical skills through class activities and fieldwork and work with a pre-release document on an aspect of geography.The course is a good preparation for A Level Geography.

Q. Is Geography taught in sets?

A. No Geography is taught in mixed ability groups.

Q. How big will my child’s geography class be?

A. Classes vary in size but generally there are fewer than 28 students in a class.

Q. Who will teach my child and how often will they have geography?

A. The GCSE teaching team is very experienced and your child will have 6 lessons a fortnight with their teacher. These are usually taught in double periods.

Q. How will my son/daughter be assessed?

A. Three exams are sat at the end of Year 11, Paper 1 examines their understanding of the physical topics and lasts 90 minutes it is worth 35% of their final grade. Paper 2 examines their understanding of the human topics and again lasts 90 minutes and is worth 35%. Paper 3 is a shorter paper, lasting 75 minutes and will assess their skills including their fieldwork and their understanding of a pre-released topic.

Q. What is the pre-release?

A. In the March of Year 11 we receive a booklet and prepare our students for it in class. Students tend to do exceptionally well on this aspect which forms part of Paper 3.

Q. Is there any coursework or is it all examinations?

A. There is no coursework but Paper 3 assesses understanding of the pre-release, skills and fieldwork so it is more an application assessment rather than a knowledge based one.

Q. What field trips run? How much will these cost? Are they compulsory?

A. All students must go on two compulsory field trips, these typically happen in Y10 and cost no more than £10 each. One is a physical field trip, usually to a river, and the other a human field trip to Bristol. Field work is a requirement of the GCSE course so all must attend these two days. In addition we run an annual international trip and in the past have been to Iceland, Italy and Morocco. These trips are fairly expensive but can be paid for in instalments and GCSE and A Level students are given priority.

Q. Is Geography hard?

A. Geography is a really interesting subject to take at GCSE, you may find aspects of the course more difficult than others but your teacher will help you to be as successful as possible.

Q. Is literacy important in Geography?

A. There is quite a bit of literacy in Geography, the longer mark questions are worth 9 marks and some of these have additional marks for literacy.

Q. Is numeracy important in Geography?

A. Yes, you will be expected to work with numbers, analyse data and create graphs.

Q. What are the GCSE results like?

A. The students who apply themselves and work with staff do exceptionally well. Geography is one of the top performing subjects at Writhlington. In 2019 69% of Writhlington students attained a grade 4 or higher (national average was 65%) and 36% attained a grade 7 or higher (national average was 24%).

Q: Do I have to take Geography if I want to do Geography A Level?

A. Yes we will accept you on our A Level course as long as you have a good attitude to learning and achieve a grade 5 or above in Geography and a good pass in maths GCSE.

Q. What topics will I learn about at GCSE?

1. You will cover four topics across the two year course and they are quite varied in content and breadth. You will study these topics:

• Health and the People c1000-Present Day.

• Elizabethan England 1568-1603

• Germany: Democracy and Dictatorship - 1890-1945

• Conflict and Tension: The Interwar Years - 1919-1939

Q. How do the exams work?

1. You will take two exams at the end of year 11. Each will be two hours long. The exams contain a mixture of questions including 4, 8, 12 and 16 mark questions, so some will be quick 5 minute responses while others will be 20-25 minute mini essay responses.

Q. What resources do I need?

1. The most important resource is Google Classroom. Reading, articles and textbook sections will be on there for lessons and homework. We strongly recommend getting a revision guide for each of the topics. There is an individual one for each topic by Oxford Publishing in their AQA GCSE history series which we recommend.

Q. Is there a trip?

1. Under normal circumstances GCSE students are invited to optionally attend a trip along with 6th form students which takes place every two years to Berlin which ties in very well with our course content. This is not compulsory. Y10 students are also welcome to attend the WW1 Battlefields Trip when this normally runs.

Q. I like history but I’m worried it is too hard for me, is it?

1. History does involve learning a lot of new information and the exam technique can be tricky at first. However, as long as you enjoy history and learning about the past you will be absolutely fine. It is worth considering that whilst the exams can be tough, in previous years something in the region of 45% on the test would have awarded a grade 5 whilst 70% would have achieved a grade 9. Your teachers are experts in the subject and have an excellent understanding of the exams and the techniques required to get the best grades. All you need to do is try your best and use their advice and guidance and keep up with your classwork and homework.

Q. Can I do history and geography or can I just choose one?

1. You can absolutely do both, in fact they go very well together as the skills you learn in both complement each other very well. Or alternatively you can just choose one, it is up to you.

Q. Is there any coursework?

1. No, it is all exam based.

Q. Is literacy important?

1. Yes, very. Students are expected to read a wide range of resources to build their knowledge and understanding and will need to express their ideas in extended writing.

Q. How much practical is there on the course?

A.There is over 100 hours of lesson time in both Y10 and Y11, so the students will be carrying out a range of both theoretical and practical tasks during this time. Students will be cook at least once every 3 lessons, if not more often in different modules.

Q. What types of practicals tasks will I be doing?

A. The lessons are longer than in KS3 so it gives the students the opportunity to develop more complex skills. They will carry out a range of practical tasks from pasties to pastas, sauces, desserts, breads etc.

Q. What is Hospitality and Catering?

A. Through their development of theory knowledge the students will learn about the Hospitality Industry, this will be assessed during the written exam in either Y10 or Y11. The Catering aspect (cooking) will be assessed through the coursework project.

Q. Will I have to sit a written exam?

A. This course allows students the opportunity to have 2 attempts at the written with the highest grade counting. This means that the students are entered for the exam in Y10, they then have the option to retake at the end of Y11.

Q. How am I assessed for my practical skills?

A. The students will be building up a range of practical skills throughout Y10 and Y11. Their coursework projects will focus on the designing and cooking of 2 dishes. The students will have a 4 hours practical exam usually in Y11 where they can demonstrate these skills.

Q. Can I make what whatever I like for the coursework?

A. There will be a question given to the students by the exam board but it is usually quite open so there are very few limitations on what dishes the students cook for their final assessment. We have had dishes ranging from roast dinners, to pizza and lasagnes in the past.

Q. What resources are available to help?

A. The students will have access to all of the presentations and resources from each of the lessons , there is also a textbook and a revision guide available to support the students through the qualification.

Q. How are the ingredients proved?

A. All ingredients are proved by school, although we do ask for a £10 donation to help cover the costs of these ingredients for the year., for pupil premium students this is covered by the school.

Q. Can I still be successful at this course if I am vegetarian/vegan or have a special diet?

A. Absolutely, many students have in the past. All of the practicals that we do can be modified to take into account the dietary needs of the students.

Q. What is the difference between Computer Science and DIT?

A. Computer Science teaches you how the computer works, and includes a fair bit of programming. DIT teaches you to use the computer to make things and work efficiently. DIT is like learning to drive a car, Computer Science is more like training to be a mechanic!

Computer Science has two exams that give the overall grade.

DIT has coursework and one smaller exam.

Q. What are the entry requirements for Computer Science?

A. The most important thing is being really interested in the subject as then you’ll be willing to work hard. Most students doing Computer Science have a target grade of 6 or above in Maths. But the most important thing is that you’re interested and willing to work hard.

Q: What programming will I learn in Computer Science?

A. We do most of our work in Python. But the concepts are more important than the details and you will be able to transfer what you learn to other languages. There are very few programmers who only program in one language, as they are each tools for different jobs.

Q. Is DIT an easy option?

A. No - there are no easy KS4 courses (sorry!), it is really important that you work hard throughout the course as you must keep up with the coursework.

Q. What do I need to study Computing or IT at Sixth form or college?

A. Both courses prepare you really well to study in more detail in sixth form or college. Not having done one before does not ban you from doing it in the next stage. Having said that it obviously helps you a bit to have done the subject before!

Q. You haven’t answered my question!

A. Please ask your Computing teacher or email Mr Attfield (tattfield@writhlington.org.uk)

Q. Do I need to play an instrument?

A. Not necessarily. You could do your performances using music technology such as mixing or by using Logic or another DAW. If you do play or sing then you will need to be around Grade 2 standard and be around grade 3 standard by the Spring of Year 11. If you would like to do Music but don’t currently learn an instrument or have singing lessons then you would need to start learning this year.

Q. Do I have to read Music notation?

A. No, we teach you everything that you need to know for the listening exam and coursework in class.

Q. Do I have to perform in front of people?

A. No, it would be great if you did want to perform in public as it is a great opportunity to inspire our younger pupils and great experience for you. The performance coursework doesn’t require an audience and it can be recorded more than once.

Q. Will I be able to rehearse with my band?

A. Yes we reserve the Live room in the recording studio suite for GCSE and 6th form bands to rehearse after school and we make sure we help you get lots of performing opportunities.

Q. What if I can’t afford Instrument or Singing lessons?

A. We run a scholarship scheme at school where our private donors, Lady Evelyn Strasburger and The Roper Family Trust, pay 75% of the cost of instrument lessons for pupils where money may be tight at home. If you are in receipt of Free School Meals then the cost of your instrument lessons and associated costs (sheet music, exam fees, instrument hire) will be free. You can contact, in confidence, the Head of Music: jnewland@writhlington.org.uk to discuss this further.

Q. Does my son/daughter still have to do core PE?

A. Yes, all students will do core PE. Currently they have four lessons per fortnight during Year 10 and 11.

Q. What are the names of the two courses we offer at Key Stage 4?

A. GCSE PE and BTEC Sport Level 2.

Q. What are the main differences between the courses?

A. Writhlington PE department offers courses for all types of learner and abilities.

GCSE PE is a linear course (all assessments are toward the end of the course), The course is assessed by two exams, marked on practical ability on three sports/activities and one piece of coursework.

BTEC Sport Level 2 is assessed continuously throughout the course (apart from one unit which is an exam) and you are not marked on your practical ability in sport. You are assessed through written tasks, presentations and videos.

Q. Who assesses the practical element of the GCSE PE course?

A. The class teacher marks each student and is moderated across the PE department. The exam board (AQA) will visit the school for a moderation day where some students will be marked.

Q. Who assesses work for BTEC Sport Level 2?

A. The class teacher marks each students work for three units and then a sample is sent off to an examiner to verify the mark. One unit is an exam and is marked externally by the exam board.

Q. Can I submit video evidence for the practical element of the GCSE PE course?

A. Yes. If a student plays/performs to a high standard out of school or plays a sport that we do not offer then parent/guardians can video performances and submit this as evidence.

Q. How does the PE department decide which course a student does?

A. Once the lists are finalised the PE department will sit down and discuss each student and decide which course to allocate. Generally those students who play/perform sport to a good standard out of school will do the GCSE PE course. Those students who would benefit from continuous assessment through coursework will do BTEC Sport Level 2.

Q. What topics will my son/daughter study?

A. All students study eight topics;

Year 10

Religion, Peace and Conflict

Section 1a: Key Religious Beliefs

Section 2 Crime and Punishment

Section 3 Living the Muslim Life

Section 4 Peace and Conflict

Year 11

Religion & Ethics

Topic 1. Christian Beliefs

Topic 2 Marriage and the Family

Topic 3 Living the Christian life

Topic 4 Matters of life and death

Q. Is PB taught in sets?

A. No Geography is taught in mixed ability groups.

Q. How big will my child’s geography class be?

A.Classes vary in size but generally there are fewer than 28 students in a class.

Q. Who will teach my child and how often will they have PB (Religious studies) GCSE?

A. The GCSE teaching team is very experienced and your child will have 6 lessons a fortnight with their teacher. These are usually taught in double periods.

Q. How will my son/daughter be assessed?

A.Two exams are sat at the end of Year 11, Paper 1 and 2 are each worth 50% and last for 1 hour 45 minutes each. These exams consist of short answer questions and longer, essay type questions. Paper 1: – Religion and Ethics. Paper 2: - Religion, Peace and Conflict

Q. Is there any coursework?

A. There is no coursework

Q. Is Religious Studies GCSE hard?

A. PB GCSE is a really interesting subject to take at GCSE, you may find aspects of the course more difficult than others but your teacher will help you to be as successful as possible. Students who take PB based on last three years results do very well in their exams

Q. Is literacy important in religious Studies?

A.There is quite a bit of literacy in Religious Studies (PB), the longer mark questions are worth 12 marks and some of these have additional marks for literacy called Spag.

Q. What are the GCSE results like?

A. The students who apply themselves and work with staff do exceptionally well. Philosophy & Beleif is one of the top performing subjects at Writhlington. The last three years results are 2018 PB GCSE 89% 4-9 29% 7-9 2019 PB GCSE 81% 4-9 40% 7-9 2020 PB GCSE 100% 4-9 71% 7-9

Q: Do I have to take PB if I want to do Religious Studies A Level?

A.Yes we will accept you on our A Level course as long as you have a good attitude to learning and achieve a grade 5 or above in Philosophy & Belief or English.

Q. How can PSHE education benefit students?

A. PSHE education helps students to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage life’s challenges and make the most of life’s opportunities.

There is evidence to show that PSHE education can address teenage pregnancy, substance misuse, unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity, emotional health and other key issues. PSHE can also tackle barriers to learning, raise aspirations, and improve the life chances of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged students.

Q. How does PSHE education help schools to meet their statutory duties?

A. Under section 78 of the Education Act 2002 and the Academies Act 2010, schools must provide a ‘balanced and broadly-based curriculum’ which promotes ‘the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of students at the school and of society, and prepares students at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life’.

PSHE education makes a major contribution to schools fulfilling this duty.

Schools also have duties in relation to promoting student wellbeing and student safeguarding (Children Act 2004) and community cohesion (Education Act 2006). Paragraph 41 of statutory guidance on Keeping Children Safe in Education, the Department for Education states that 'schools should consider how children may be taught about safeguarding, including online, through teaching and learning opportunities. This may include covering relevant issues through PSHE…'

Relevant issues which may be covered in PSHE education include: child sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse, sharing of sexual images, the impact of online pornography on students, the dangers of extremism and radicalisation, forced marriage, honour-based violence and female genital mutilation.

The Equality Act 2010 also places duties on schools not just to address prejudice-based bullying but also to help to prevent it happening, and in doing so to keep protected characteristic groups safe. PSHE education, with its focus on identity and equality, can help schools to fulfil this duty.

Q. When will it be taught?

A. It is now a statutory requirement that PSHE is delivered in school and so you will see that PSHE will be delivered in different ways at Writhlington School. Firstly, in weekly tutor sessions and secondly via a team of teachers in the same way as any other curriculum subject.

Q. What Science subjects will my son/daughter study?

A. All three sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All students will achieve 2 GCSEs in Science, referred to as Double Science and if they are in the top sets, they can take a third GCSE, this is referred to as Triple Science.

Q. Is Triple Science harder?

A. No, Triple Science is the same standard as Double Science GCSE, you just study in the subjects in more depth and sit a longer exam.

Q. What is the English Baccalaureate or EBacc?

A. Students leave with certificates for each subject they study, the English Baccalaureate is recognised for students who achieve a 4 to 9 (standard) or 5 to 9 (strong) grade in all of the following subjects: English, Maths, Science, a Modern Foreign Language, History or Geography.

Q. What are the main differences between Writhlington and Mendip Studio School - other than subjects?

A. From September 2020 Mendip Studio School will be a bespoke, stand alone school with no joint provision with Writhlington. Writhlington students will not be taught in the Mendip building and will not be able to enter the Mendip building during break or lunchtime. The same is true for Mendip students, they will not be taught in the Writhlington buildings and will not be able to access Writhlington at break or lunchtime.

Q. What happens if my son/daughter wishes to change subjects once the GCSE courses start?

A. The pace of learning is fast and so moving should be avoided as students will have missed valuable content and skills covered. If a student feels a subject isn’t for them after the start of the course they should speak to their classroom teacher and then Progress Leader. In the first instance we’ll look to overcome a barrier before moving to another subject.

Q. Do I need to study Triple Science to take A level Science in the Sixth Form?

A. No, what is more important is getting a higher grade in your GCSE. However, studying Triple Science would help prepare you because you study the subject in more depth.

Q. Are subjects set?

A. Yes in core subjects: English, Maths and Science, where possible setting takes place, some options subjects are taught in mixed ability groups due to only being one class.

Q. Does my son/daughter still have to do core PE?

A. Yes, all students will do core PE. Currently they have four lessons per fortnight during Year 10 and 11.

Q. What are the names of the two courses we offer at Key Stage 4?

A. GCSE PE and BTEC Sport Level 2.

Q. What are the main differences between the courses?

A. Writhlington PE department offers courses for all types of learner and abilities.

GCSE PE is a linear course (all assessments are toward the end of the course), The course is assessed by two exams, marked on practical ability on three sports/activities and one piece of coursework.

BTEC Sport Level 2 is assessed continuously throughout the course (apart from one unit which is an exam) and you are not marked on your practical ability in sport. You are assessed through written tasks, presentations and videos.

Q. Who assesses the practical element of the GCSE PE course?

A. The class teacher marks each student and is moderated across the PE department. The exam board (AQA) will visit the school for a moderation day where some students will be marked.

Q. Who assesses work for BTEC Sport Level 2?

A. The class teacher marks each students work for three units and then a sample is sent off to an examiner to verify the mark. One unit is an exam and is marked externally by the exam board.

Q. Can I submit video evidence for the practical element of the GCSE PE course?

A. Yes. If a student plays/performs to a high standard out of school or plays a sport that we do not offer then parent/guardians can video performances and submit this as evidence.

Q. How does the PE department decide which course a student does?

A. Once the lists are finalised the PE department will sit down and discuss each student and decide which course to allocate. Generally those students who play/perform sport to a good standard out of school will do the GCSE PE course. Those students who would benefit from continuous assessment through coursework will do BTEC Sport Level 2.