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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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):

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