Post on 10-Jul-2020
GCSEs for 2016-2018
GCSE Options
Booklet
2
Page Contents
3 GCSEs at Arnold Lodge—Mr Preston’s Introduction
4 Moving to GCSEs—Key Information
5 English Language
6 English Literature
7 Mathematics
8 Science
9 Art
10 Business Studies
11 Food Preparation & Nutrition
12 French
13 Geography
14 History
15 Media
16 Music
17 Physical Education
18 Psychology
19 Sociology
20 Accelerated Learning
21 GCSE Options Form
Contents
3
Introduction
GCSEs at Arnold Lodge
Dear Parents,
The transition from Year 9 into Year 10 is an important one for pupils. Year 9
will be amongst the first to study with the much publicised examination
reforms across a broad range of subjects (including Maths, English, Art,
Geography, History, French, P.E and the sciences). These new qualifications are
awarded a score of 1-9 (with 9 being the highest) rather than grades as it is
presently.
For the first time, pupils will be facing coursework and examinations. For some,
this adds a degree of pressure while, for others, it adds a sense of challenge and
direction which they relish. Either way, as a school, our focus is on ensuring that
your child continues to be feel happy in their learning and confident in their
own abilities so that they can make as much progress as they are able to attain
the best results possible.
Whether a pupil is looking to achieve a full set of A* grades or looking forward
to the challenge of gaining 5+ C grades, we will be there to support them
through their GCSE courses and to enable every pupil to fulfil their potential.
Selecting GCSE options is never an easy task but I know that between the
information contained in the Options Booklet, your child’s Mentor and your
support, that pupils will be able to make the decision that suits them best. As
ever, if you feel that you would like to pop in for some advice or to talk
anything through, my door is always open.
Kind regards,
Mrs J. Smith
Deputy Head: Academic
4
Key information
Moving to GCSEs—what should I expect?
You’ll really notice a difference in your subjects from Year 9 into Year 10. Your work will be much more
focused on examination skills and coursework and the pace will pick up over Year 10 and Year 11 as you
get ready to sit your examinations in the summer of Year 11. In addition, you’ll be focused on achieving
the best grades that you can so you will become used to discussing your target grades and your working
at grades.
Target Grades, Working at Grades and Predicted Grades
When studying for your GCSEs, you might hear each of these phrases at different times. It can be a little
confusing at first!
Target Grades are the grades that you have been set from external tests (we use CATs). Our aim
will be to help you to meet – and then beat—your target grades.
Working at Grades are the grades that you are working at in your subjects. In any subject, a piece of
work will be marked and you might be given a grade for it. This would be the grade you are currently
working at.
Predicted Grades are the grades your teachers think you will achieve based on their knowledge of
you, your working at grade and your effort in class. Predicted grades will move around a lot over
your GCSE course depending on how you’re getting on and, most importantly, how hard you’re
working!
Core Subjects...Option Subjects...Pathways!? Help!
It can be all a bit confusing when you first start to think about it. Essentially, there are core subjects
which you have to take for GCSE (Maths, English and Science). Option Subjects are the extra GCSEs
which you are able to pick (there’s a whole list in the rest of this booklet).
Within the core subjects, you are offered different pathways depending on your interests, enthusiasm for
that subject and how you’ve been getting on with it in the past. For English, you can either take English
Literature and English Language or you could take English Language over two years to help you focus on
getting the best grade possible. For Science, you could take Core Science in Year 10 and then Additional
Science in Year 11 or you could take Biology in Year 10 and then Physics and Chemistry in Year 11.
For your option subjects, you’ll need to pick four subjects (with a fifth as a reserve) that you would like
to study. For pupils who find examinations difficult, you might consider picking three GCSEs and
Accelerated Learning to gain extra support in literacy and numeracy. If you would like advice on the
options best for you, Mrs Smith will be happy to give you any advice you need.
5
English Language Core Subject: English Language
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format:
Exam: Paper 1 - Creative Reading and Writing 1hr 45 mins 50%
Exam: Paper 2 - Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives 1hr 45 mins 50%
From September 2015, English Language will be assessed via
two examinations at the end of Year 11. From September
2015, GCSE English will not longer be awarded at A* to G.
Instead, the qualification will follow the nine-point scale: 1 to
9 with 9 being the highest score.
What will we study? Over the course, you will develop your ability to read
fluently, evaluate texts, synthesise information, utilise
knowledge gained from reading and to write effectively.
Across the course, pupils will study a range of texts
spanning the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries and these will
come from a range of genres and types. In addition to the
reading focus, pupils will learn how to produce clear and
coherent texts and develop their ability to write for
particular purposes.
Why study English Language? English Language allows you to demonstrate – and develop –
everyday skills. From understanding what you read, to being
able to give presentations on complex ideas while
maintaining the interest of a crowd, English language gives
you some crucial components of your academic skill set.
English will help you to be able to read fluidly, to read
critically and to develop your grammar, spelling and
punctuation.
6
English Literature Core Subject: English Literature
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format: Exam: Paper 1—Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel 40% of GCSE
Exam: Paper 2—Modern Texts and Poetry 60% of GCSE
English Literature is assessed through two written exam
papers. English Literature does not have a coursework
component.
What will we study?
Over the course of the GCSE, you will study a range of
texts. These will include one Shakespeare play (choices are
Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice,
Much Ado About Nothing and Julius Caesar), a 19th Century
novel (choices are The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,
A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, Jane Eyre, Frankenstein,
Pride and Prejudice and The Sign of the four), a modern text
and a poetry anthology. In addition to this, you will develop
you ability to analyse an unseen poem.
Why study English Literature?
English Literature requires you to develop skills of written
communication and immerses you in a culture of reading. By
studying English Literature, you will be given the chance to
read a range of different texts and to develop a real love of
reading.
Through different literature texts, you will address questions
of a moral, ethical and personal nature and develop your
own interpretations of the literature studied.
7
Mathematics Core Subject: Maths
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format: Exam: Unit 1 – Non-calculator 1hr 30mins 33.3% of total marks
Exam: Unit 2 – Calculator 1hr 30mins 33.3% of total marks
Exam: Unit 3 – Calculator 1hr 30 mins 33.3% of total marks
Students will sit either the Foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) or the Higher tier
(grades 4 – 9). Students must take all three question papers at the same tier. All
question papers must be taken in the same series and will be taken at the end of
year 11. Each paper will assess content from any part of the specification and
will consist of a mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi
-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses
through the paper.
What will we study? The specification will be split into the following topics:
Number
Algebra
Ratio, proportion and rates of change
Geometry and measures
Probability
Statistics
We will start off with the basics and develop problem-solving skills as the course
progresses. As well as considering conventional mathematical problems we will
look at functional skills ie understanding how maths is used in real-life.
Why study Maths? Maths is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students
with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be.
Maths is a key requirement for many jobs and a maths GCSE shows you have an
understanding of numbers and the ability to work with them. Through studying
maths you will learn that it is about more than just numbers; it's also about
thinking logically and being able to apply the principles you learn to everyday
situations.
A secure understanding of maths is obviously necessary in order to study maths
further! It is also helpful if you wish to go on to study AS or A levels in science,
economics or business studies, or to move on to a technical course such as in
engineering or IT, for example.
8
Science Core Subject: Combined Science: Trilogy. 2 GCSEs awarded Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format: Exam: Biology Paper 1 16.7% of total marks
Exam: Biology Paper 2 16.7% of total marks
Exam: Chemistry Paper 1 16.7% of total marks
Exam: Chemistry Paper 2 16.7% of total marks
Exam: Physics Paper 1 16.7% of total marks
Exam: Physics Paper 2 16.7% of total marks All pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects There
are two written papers for each subject, taken in June. Each paper is 1 hour
15 minutes in length, and covers half of the subject content for that subject.
There are also 16 required practicals across all subjects which pupils must
carry out as standard, as well as many opportunities for practical work
throughout the course.
What will we study? The content of each subject is extremely broad, with a large proportion of
the course being delivered through practical activities. The content of each
subject is briefly listed below
Why choose “Double Science”? The Trilogy course covers all of the topics studied in Separate Science, but
in a little less depth. It is an ideal choice to provide a firm foundation in the
basics of all three Science subjects. Pupils who may not be looking at
studying Science beyond GCSE can choose to take the Trilogy route,
although it is not impossible to move on to study A-level following this
course. This route is also more suited to those pupils who may struggle
with either the content, or mathematical requirement of the Separate
Science course.
Biology Chemistry Physics
Cell biology Atomic structure and the periodic table Forces
Organisation Bonding, structure, and properties Energy
Infection and response Quantitative chemistry Waves
Bioenergetics Chemical changes and Energy changes Electricity
Homeostasis and response The rate and extent of chemical change Magnets and electromagnetism
Inheritance, variation & evolution Organic chemistry and Chemical analysis Particle model of matter
Ecology Atmospheric Chemistry Atomic structure
Using resources
9
Science Core Subject: Separate Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format:
Exam: Biology Paper 1 50% of total marks for Biology
Exam: Biology Paper 2 50% of total marks for Biology
Exam: Chemistry Paper 1 50% of total marks for Chemistry
Exam: Chemistry Paper 2 50% of total marks for Chemistry
Exam: Physics Paper 1 50% of total marks for Physics
Exam: Physics Paper 2 50% of total marks for Physics
All pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects There
are two written papers for each subject, taken in June. Each paper is 1 hour
45 minutes in length, and covers half of the subject content for that subject.
There are also 8 required practicals for each subject which pupils must
carry out as standard, as well as many opportunities for practical work
throughout the course.
What will we study? The content of each subject is extremely broad, with a large proportion of
the course being delivered through practical activities. The content of each
subject is briefly listed below:
Why choose Separate Sciences? Separate Science GCSEs allow pupils with an interest in Science, or a
particular area of Science to really flourish in their knowledge and
understanding of that subject. Being a practical based subject, it is well
suited to those with an inquiring mind, and offers answers to the “Big
Questions”. Separate Sciences is not the option for everyone, the course is
fast paced and challenging, with a high expectation of mathematical ability;
however for those pupils wishing to continue in their study of Science at A-
Level or beyond it provides the perfect foundation.
Biology Chemistry Physics
Cell biology Atomic structure and the periodic table Forces
Organisation Bonding, structure, and properties Energy
Infection and response Quantitative chemistry Waves
Bioenergetics Chemical changes and Energy changes Electricity
Homeostasis and response The rate and extent of chemical change Magnets and electromagnetism
Inheritance, variation & evolution Organic chemistry and Chemical analysis Particle model of matter
Ecology Atmospheric Chemistry Atomic structure
Using resources
10
Art Elective
Subject: Art and Design
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format:
Unit 1 - Portfolio of work 60% of total marks
Unit 2 - Externally set task 40% of total marks
Art is assessed through a portfolio of work which is
selected from three major projects completed across the
GCSE course. The exam piece is an externally set task which
you will be given time to prepare for before a 10 hour
controlled exam period.
What will we study?
the course of the GCSE you will be introduced to new ways
of working with media, and develop ways in which to
generate and develop your own ideas and approaches, in
order to create unique outcomes. You will enhance your
skills by experimenting and studying the work of artists
and crafts people. You will also have the opportunity to visit
galleries and exhibitions, using knowledge gained to enable
you to enhance your own work.
Why study Art and Design?
Art and Design enables you to develop practical skills, a
creative and explorative way of thinking, and allows you to
investigate many themes and media. You can produce
practical and critical or contextual work, associated with
two or more of the following endorsements: Applied Art,
Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textile Design, 3D Design
and Photography.
11
Business Studies Elective
Subject: Business
Studies
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format: Exam: Unit 1 – Setting up a business 40% of total marks
Exam: Unit 2 – Growing as a business 35% of total marks
CAT: Unit 3 – Investigating a business 25% of total marks
Business Studies is assessed as two examinations at the end
of the course and a piece of controlled assessment. This
involves studying a local business and then writing a report.
The report is written under controlled conditions.
What will we study?
The business studies course focuses on business activity and
the way in which business interact with the world around
them. Pupils will learn to identify and analyse business
problems in a number of contexts. Wherever possible study
relates the new concepts to real-world business situations.
As well as teaching pupils about the business world, business
studies develops skills in analysing both written texts and
numerical data, in writing for a professional audience and in
making reasoned judgments based on evidence.
Why study Business?
We don’t promise to make you into the next ‘Apprentice’
but the course will raise pupils’ awareness of the business
world and prepare them better to become a part of it when
they enter work. The skills developed in the course translate
well into the study of other areas, for example history and
geography, and so it is a good all-round GCSE whether
pupils intend to continue its study at A Level or not.
Business studies is never an abstract subject – we promise
to keep it real and relevant.
12
Food Preparation & Nutrition Elective
Subject: Food Preparation and Nutrition
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format:
Unit 1: Practical Task 50% of total marks
Unit 2: Written Paper 50% of total marks
What will we study?
Principles of safety and hygiene, food preparation,
cooking and presentation, nutrition and health, food
choice and menu planning, food science and
investigation, costing, communication and record
keeping and environmental considerations.
Both units studied concentrate on food preparation
and nutrition. Pupils will undertake scientific
investigation, plan meals as well as developing their
knowledge and skills. They will also learn how to meet
the nutritional needs of different people and learn
about food choices.
Why study Food Preparation and Nutrition?
A course in Food Preparation and Nutrition offers a
unique opportunity to develop your knowledge and
extend your practical skills in food production.
It will enable you to gain an understanding of the Food
and Nutrition which will help you to progress to
further education.
13
French Elective
Subject: French
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format:
Exam: Unit 1 Listening 25% of total marks
Exam: Unit 2 Speaking 25% of total marks
Exam Unit 3 Reading 25% of total marks
Exam: Unit 4 Writing 25% of total marks
What will we study? Over the two-year GCSE course, you will revise and then build on
the skills, grammar and vocabulary you have already acquired in
KS3. The 3 themes are:
Identity and culture
Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Current and future study and employment.
On the Reading and Listening papers, you will be expected to
answer some questions in English and others in French. The
Speaking and Writing exams are your chance to show off your
own French skills. There is much more emphasis on your ability
to use grammar correctly and you will also need to have a really
good range of vocabulary.
Why study French? There is something really exciting about actually
communicating in a foreign language! Making a complaint in a
hotel, ordering from a menu, reading a newspaper or even just
a headline when abroad are just a few examples of the skills
you will pick up. Don’t be one of those people who assumes
everyone will speak English!
The course will also help you to develop your awareness and
understanding of francophone countries. You’ll even get to see
a few famous French films, such as Amélie along the way.
Lastly, this is a difficult subject and is therefore looked on
favourably by employers and universities, even if it is not
directly related to your course/job.
14
Geography Elective Subject: Geography
Exam Board: OCR B
Assessment Format:
Exam: Our Natural World 35% of GCSE
Exam: People and Society 35% of GCSE
Exam: Geographical Exploration 30% of GCSE
What will we study?
The links, connections and ideas within the eight topics of Our
Natural World 01 and People and Society 02 will be brought
together for a Geographical Exploration 03. The Fieldwork focus
requiring you to take part in a 4 day residential field trip to the
Dorset coast during the Michaelmas term of Year 11. There you will
develop skills in collecting, analysing and evaluating data.
Application of knowledge, understanding and skills will be important
in enabling you to question and develop arguments, and a decision
making exercise will allow you to become critical thinkers
Key themes we study at GCSE Geography include Global Hazards
(tectonic and climatic), Rivers and Coasts, Ecosystems, Urbanisation,
Globalisation and Resource Reliance
Why study Geography?
Geography bridges the gap between the arts and sciences and so
leads to a qualification that links very well with many other subjects.
As a traditional subject it remains highly valued by employers, sixth
form colleges and universities; indeed Geography remains the
leading subject of graduate employment. It will help you understand
the world around you and enable you to gain real skills that you’ll
find useful long after you’ve left school. It will teach you how to
collect, interpret and analyse data; how to make decisions and solve
problems using a variety of different sources. In addition to learning
about the power of natural forces at work on our planet and the
UK in the 21st Century you will also gain of understanding of
society and how we interact with the physical world, and our
subsequent impacts on rivers, coasts and ecosystems.
15
History Elective Subject: History
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format:
EXAM: Paper 1 - Medicine through Time (1 hour 45 mins) 35% of total marks
EXAM: Paper 2 - Germany 1919 – 1945 (1 hour 45 mins) 40% of total marks
CAT: Historical Enquiry – Kenilworth Castle (2,500 words) 25% of total marks
History is assessed through two written exam papers taken at the
end of the course (the summer of Year 11) and one extended essay
on a local historical enquiry (Kenilworth Castle).
What will we study?
In Year 10, you will learn about Medicine through Time. Here you
will explore a variety of topics including how ancient civilisations
developed the use of brain surgery, the developing role of women
in medicine and modern issues within medicine.
In Year 11, you will study the Weimer Republic, the rise of Nazism
in Germany and the route to war. This is not just an informative
topic, but one where you will actively question and seek answers
to questions such as how the holocaust was able to happen, or
how Hitler managed to rise to power.
The Historical Enquiry focuses on Kenilworth Castle. You will
actively research and investigate the history of Kenilworth Castle,
focusing on how it became one of England’s greatest castles. You
must plan and research the topic and consider how the
development of Kenilworth Castle has linked to wider British
history including Magna Carta, Henry V, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and
the English Civil War.
Why study History?
History encourages you to develop skills of analysis, research,
literacy and independent thinking which are helpful for a wide
range of careers. This can be for anything, but particularly areas
such as advertising, marketing, sales or even teaching! History is an
interesting subject which is enjoyable to study.
16
Media Studies Elective Subject: Media Studies
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment Format:
EXAM: Unit 1 - Investigating the Media 40% of total marks
CAT: Unit 2 - Understanding the Media 60% of total marks
Media is assessed through one exam and 3 assignment pieces. Each
controlled assessment assignment will require students to analyse a
piece of Media and to construct their own Media text.
What will we study?
The aim of Unit 1 is to provide you with an understanding of the
role of the Mass Media in society. The main focus for the media
exam (Unit 1) changes each year, but you will be focusing on the
promotion and marketing of a product, in this case computer
games.
Unit 2 is based on three controlled assessment assignments. Unit
2 will help you to develop an understanding of how and why media
texts are produced as they are. In this Unit, you will study a wide
variety of media, from analysing magazine covers (and then
producing your own), looking at the different ways a product is
advertised across several media platforms to investigating and
producing music videos.
Why study Media?
Media texts are immersed in everyday life and developing an
understanding of this is crucial to any number of careers. GCSE
Media encourages you to develop your ability to write, edit work,
analyse, research, design, edit video and audio and manage a
project: all of which are useful and incredibly transferrable skills.
Those students who opt to study Media GCSE will find their
developing knowledge and understanding within this area will assist
them in their study of English Language which contains a
significant “media” element.
17
Music Elective Subject: Music
Exam Board: OCR
Assessment Format: Assessment: Integrated Tasks 30% of total marks
Assessment: Practical Portfolio 30% of total marks
Timed Task: Creative Task 20% of total marks
Exam: Listening Test 20% of total marks
Music is assessed through one listening and writing exam paper and several
tasks taken over the GCSE course. Two composition assignments and two
performances are prepared over the two years of the course.
What will we study? Area of Study 1: My Music. Studying your instrument / voice.
Area of Study 2: Shared Music. Studying the relationships between voices /
instruments
Area of Study 3: Dance Music. Studying paired dances (tango) and group dances
(disco)
Area of Study 4: Descriptive Music. Studying how music can tell a storyor
create a mood.
Unit B351 is a controlled assessment. You will need to complete a performance,
a composition and a commentary all related to Area of Study 1.
Unit B352 is a controlled assessment. This will include a portfolio containing a
performance relating to Area of Study 2. A composition relating Areas of Study
2/3/4; an evaluation and a log.
Unit B353 is a timed creative task. You will develop a short piece of music based
on a stimulus.
Unit B354 is an exam—listening test. It consists of a written paper assessing
knowledge and understanding of Areas 2/3/4
Performing
You will need to perform one solo performance and one ensemble..
Composing
You will need to write two compositions and one creative task.
Why study Music? Music allows you to develop your skills at playing a variety of instruments;
appreciate a wide variety of musical genres; and to work creatively, both
individually and as part of a group.
18
Physical Education Elective Subject: Physical Education
Exam board: OCR
Assessment format: EXAM: Paper 1– Physical factors affecting performance (1 hour) 30% of total marks
EXAM: Paper 2 - Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology (1 hour) 30% of total marks
CAT: Practical assessment evaluating and analysing performance (AEP) 40% of total marks
Physical education is assessed through 2 written papers, There is also 1
controlled assessment where pupils will complete 1 written assignment
analysing and evaluating performance. They will also be assessed in 3
practical activities.
What will we study?
The course prepares students for the further study of PE or sports
science courses as well as other related subject areas such as
psychology, sociology and biology. Learners will also develop the
transferable skills that are in demand by further education, Higher
Education and employers in all sectors of industry. PE creates
confident, independent thinkers and effective decision makers who can
operate effectively as individuals or as part of a team – all skills that
will enable them to stand out and effectively promote themselves as
they progress through life.
Why study Physical Education?
The PE course allows students to develop their knowledge and physical
competency by being actively engaged in a range of physical activities.
They will improve analysis skills, particularly in the effectiveness of
performance and their understanding of roles such as player, leader and
official. This knowledge is underpinned by the importance of
involvement in physical activity as part of a healthy active lifestyle. PE
allows students to make informed decisions about further learning
opportunities such as coaching or officiating awards, teaching,
physiotherapy, nutritionist, sports science and psychology.
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Psychology Elective Subject: Psychology
Exam board: OCR
Assessment format: EXAM: Paper 1 - Psychology (1 hour 15 mins) 40% of total marks
EXAM: Paper 2 - Psychology (1 hour 15 mins) 40% of total marks
EXAM: Paper3 - Research methods (1 hour) 20% of total marks .Psychology is assessed through three written papers which will be taken at the end of Year 11
in June 2018.
What will we study?
Psychology is the scientific study of why humans think and behave the way we do! Psychologists
observe and record how people and other animals relate to one another and their environment. They look
for patterns that will help them understand and predict behaviour and use scientific methods to test their
ideas.
We will study ten different topics and look at the research methods and ethics employed when conducting
a psychological investigation. Pupils will also be asked to conduct a number of investigations across the two
years. The topics studied are:
Topic Example questions
SEX AND GENDER Why are boys generally more aggressive than girls?
MEMORY How can we improve our memory?
ATTACHMENT Do your early relationships affect your future relationships?
OBEDIENCE Why do people sometimes obey even when they know it is wrong?
PHOBIAS Why do phobias occur and how can they be treated?
CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR Are individuals born criminals or do they become criminals?
PERCEPTION Is it an optical illusion or real?
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT What does a newborn baby know?
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION What does your body language say about you?
THE SELF Are you the person you would like to be?
Why study psychology?
Understanding why individuals think and behave will be extremely useful to you in your own personal life
and also in the vast majority of careers you may choose to follow. You will develop a real passion for the
subject and go on to study further and enter into a career within this field such as counselling, child
psychology, sports psychology, criminal psychology or even become a psychiatrist.
20
Sociology Elective
Subject: Sociology
Exam board: OCR
Assessment format: EXAM: Sociology Basics (1 hour) 25% of total marks
EXAM: Culture and Identity (1 hour 30 mins) 50% of total marks
EXAM: Research Techniques (1 hour) 25% of total marks
Sociology is assessed through three written papers which will be taken at the end of
Year 11 in June 2018.
What will we study?
Why do groups of people behave in certain ways?
How important are things like: gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality,
and social class in shaping a persons identity?
How does the world work? Is it fair?
We will look at the influence of:
The Family
Education
Mass Media (TV, Internet, Newspapers etc.)
Religion
Money
Teenage Culture
Why study sociology?
Engagement in this subject will lead to a better understanding of
the world and your place in it. You will
question the motivations behind certain
behaviour and no longer restrict your
perception or capabilities.
Also, people who study Sociology may enter
into Teaching, Social Work, Politics, Criminology,
Marketing, Advertising, Media, or Journalism
21
Accelerated Learning Elective
Subject: Accelerated Learning
Non-examined
What will we study?
The curriculum time allocated to Accelerated Learning is
equivalent to one GCSE option choice (four lessons a week).
There will be a focus on literacy and numeracy skills and
support for any area of the curriculum that an individual pupil
finds challenging. Classes will be small (maximum of 6) and will
take a totally personalised approach. Pupils will have a
personalised learning portfolio with a programme of study
specifically tailored to their individual needs. This is personalised
learning at the highest level and is right at the heart of what
Arnold Lodge is all about!
Why Accelerated Learning?
Choosing 4 options—in addition to the core—may not suit all
pupils. Indeed, some pupils may benefit from focusing on a
narrower range of examined subjects with timetabled support to
consolidate their learning across the curriculum. This will
enhance performance in the core subjects but also improving
literacy and numeracy which are important components of all
subjects. Pupil progress will be tracked and monitored across the
curriculum and feedback from subject teachers will be frequent
so that interventions to address any slowing in progress can be
addressed and targeted specifically and quickly. If it is felt your
child may benefit from the Accelerated Learning Programme it is
likely that this has already been discussed with you at the recent
Year 9 parents’ evening, however, if this is not the case and you
would like to discuss this further please contact Mr Preston.
22
GCSE Options Form
Student Name:
On this form, please select the subjects you would like to study at GCSE. You
will be given the chance to select 4 subjects and, in most cases, it is hoped to
be able to give you the chance to study those subjects.
Please place your chosen 4 subjects in order of preference and then put
down a reserve subject. Please note that we will never use the reserve
subject without first discussing this with you.
Preferred choices (in rank order):
1.
2.
3.
4.
Reserve Choice:
Signed (Pupil):
Signed (Parents):
23