Guided choices enable all TKA students to make the

right GCSE options choices.

Pupil event

Guided Choices Information Evening

Weds 23rd January 5.00pm - 7.30pm Tutor AppointmentsOnline options form made available on this date.

Deadline for decisions: February 15th via online form

Confirmation of choices

Spanish

MathematicsScience

English

Geography

History

Computer Science

Art

Media Studies

Design Technology

Engineering

Music

Music Technology (BTEC)

Drama

Physical Education

Religious Studies

Geography

History

Computer Science

The key facts...

GCSEs:

● English Language GCSE● English Literature GCSE

Exam board:

● AQA

Exams:

● 2 Exams for English Language (no coursework)● 2 Exams for English Literature (no coursework)

Skills developed:

● Analysing texts (Unseen Fiction and Non-Fiction)

● Reading for meaning● Writing for different

audiences/purposes (creative and descriptive)

● Grammar, spelling and punctuation

Skills developed:

● Analysing texts● Reading for meaning● Understanding contexts

The key facts...

GCSE:

● Mathematics GCSE

Exam board:

● AQA

Exams:

● 1 non-calculator paper ● 2 calculator papers

○ Foundation tier (grades 1-5) or Higher tier (grades 4-9)

Skills developed:● Fluency, reasoning and problem-solving

in 6 areas:○ Number○ Ratio, proportion and rates of

change○ Algebra○ Geometry & Measures○ Probability○ Statistics

● Everyday issues: planning projects, managing budgets, interpreting data.

The key facts...

GCSEs:

● GCSE Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs)● GCSE Trilogy (2 GCSEs)

Exam board:

● AQA

Exams:

● 6 papers in total (2 Biology papers, 2 Chemistry papers and 2 Physics papers)

The topics studied are:

● Cell biology● Organisation of living things● Infection and response● Photosynthesis, respiration and

metabolism● Homeostasis and response● Inheritance and evolution● Ecology

The same topics are studied for each course but the separate

science course goes into more depth.

The topics studied are:● Atomic structure and the periodic table● Bonding, structure and the properties

of matter● Quantitative chemistry● Chemical changes● Energy changes in chemical reactions● Rate and extent of chemical reactions● Organic chemistry● Chemical analysis● Chemistry of the atmosphere● Using the Earth’s resources

The same topics are studied for each course but the separate

science course goes into more depth.

The topics studied are:

● Energy● Electricity● Particle model of matter● Atomic structure (including radioactivity)● Forces● Waves● Magnetism and electromagnetism● Space physics (separate science course only)

The same topics are studied for each course but the separate

science course goes into more depth.

Skills developed:● Demonstrate knowledge and

understanding of scientific ideas, techniques and procedures.

● Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, enquiry, techniques and procedures.

● Analyse information and ideas to: interpret, evaluate, make judgements, draw conclusions, and develop and improve experimental procedures.

The key facts...

GCSEs:

● GCSE Spanish

Exam board:

● Edexcel

Exams:

● Written papers in Reading, Listening and Writing ● Speaking assessment

The topics studied are:

● Identity & culture ● Local area, holiday, travel● School● Future aspirations, study and work● International and global issues

Skills developed:● Increases cultural awareness ● Builds confidence in communicating and the

ability to express ideas and think on your feet.

● Increases your brain capacity and memory● Develops better understanding of the

structure of language and links with your native language.

●●●

●

●

●

Geography

History

Computer Science

The key facts...

GCSEs:

● GCSE Geography

Exam board:

● Eduqas

Exams:

● 3 examinations○ Investigating Geographical Issues 40% ○ Problem Solving Geography 30% ○ Applied Fieldwork Enquiry 30%

All students will take part in both urban and coastal field

trips to prepare for unit 3

The topics studied are:

● Changing Places – Changing Economies○ Quality of life in different countries

○ Access to facilities and transportation○ Urban and rural planning

● Changing Environments○ Rivers and flooding

○ Changing Coastlines○ Extreme Weather and climate change

○ Natural disasters ● Environmental Challenges

○ Changes to Ecosystems ○ Human impact on the environment

○ Desertification

Transferable skills• Geography has been chosen by the government panel for the changes to

the new GCSE syllabus as the “carrier” of practical/real world statistical mathematics.

• Unit 2 assessments focus on students being able to justify and argue their opinion in a structured way to allow them to solve problems.

• Analysis and evaluation of sources of information allows students to identify bias and account for it.

• Investigating theories by designing field trips to collect data and assess locations, problems and theories.

• Write reports that present findings focusing on key data and coming to scientific conclusions.

The key facts...

GCSEs:

● GCSE History

Exam board:

● Eduqas

Exams:

● 2 examinations - 2 topics each

The topics studied are:

● The Elizabethan Age, 1558 -1603

● Germany in Transition, 1919-1939

● The Development of the USA, 1929 - 2000

● Changes in Crime and Punishment in Britain c. 500 to the present day

Transferable skills• History qualifications are highly regarded by

businesses and universities because history students develop skills in communication, research, independent thinking, problem solving, and analysis.

• History GCSE is examination based, so a GCSE in History requires reading, writing and revision. The skills learnt when studying History are relevant to all jobs.

• Choose the subject you enjoy and are prepared to work at

The key facts...

GCSEs:

● GCSE Computer Science

Exam board:

● Edexcel

Exams:

● 2 examinations○ Principles of Computer Science○ Application of Computer science

All students also complete a programming project but

this does not count towards final grade.

The topics studied are:● The ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms.● Writing program code.● Understanding of binary representation, data

representation, data storage and compression, encryption and databases.

● Understanding of components of computer systems, read and interpret pseudo-code.

● Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the worldwide web.

● Awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment.

Transferable skills• Problem solving: Identify and analyse criteria and

specifications appropriate to specific problems and plan strategies for their solution.

• Decomposing problems to develop methods for solution.

• Analytical abilities, precision of expression and appreciation of detail.

• Creativity: thinking of many ways to solve a problem.

• General implementation of IT systems.

Geography

History

Computer Science

Art

Media Studies

Design Technology

Engineering

Music

Music Technology (BTEC)

Drama

Physical Education

Religious Studies

● Physical Education● Going Beyond

○ Duke of Edinburgh - Silver Award○ Healthy Living○ Higher Project Qualification and Foundation Project

Qualification○ Study Skills○ Work-related Learning○ Revision Workshops

● PSHE● Enrichment

● Core+ ● ASDAN● Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

AM Assembly Reading Challenge Aspire-SMART Assembly Aspire-SMART

1 Maths English Science Art Science

2 Spanish Maths English Science Art

3 Art Spanish Maths English PE

4 Science Geography Spanish Maths English

Lunch Pupil Voice

5 English Science Geography R.S. Maths

6 R.S. Going Beyond Science Geography R.S.

Extended Day Club

Typical pupil

● Geography● Art● Religious Studies

● Pupil Voice● Club

High Attaining Pupil

● History● Music ● Engineering

● Choir● Club● HPQ● Further Maths● Astronomy

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

AM Assembly Reading Challenge Aspire-SMART Assembly Aspire-SMART

1 Maths English Science Music Science

2 Spanish Maths English Science Music

3 Music Spanish Further Maths English PE

4 Science History Spanish Maths English

Lunch Choir Club

5 English Science History Engineering Maths

6 Engineering Going Beyond &

HPQ

Science History Engineering

Extended Day Astronomy* Latin*

Core+

● Digital Literacy● Engineering

● Music BTEC● Core+● 2 clubs

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

AM Assembly Reading

Challenge

Aspire-SMART Assembly Aspire-SMART

1 Maths English Science Core+ Science

2 Option 2:

Music BTEC

Maths English Science Option 1

3 Core+ Option 2: Music

BTEC

Maths English PE

4 Science Digital Literacy Option 2:

Music BTEC

Maths English

Lunch Club

5 English Science Digital

Literacy

Option 1 Maths

6 Option 1 Going Beyond Science Digital

Literacy

Core+

Extended

Day

Club

What are the ‘new’ GCSEs?

● Grades are awarded 1-9● Grade 4 = standard pass ● Grade 5 = strong pass● Achieving these grades can

lead to ○ A-Levels○ BTECs ○ Technical qualifications○ Apprenticeships

Who is Core+ aimed at?

Core+ is only for those pupils who will require additional support to achieve grade 4 in English

and Maths.

Pupils we think would benefit from this will be selected based on data and you will be spoken

to about this option.

Why is there no Economics/ Business Studies etc?

We do not currently have a teacher of these subjects, but will be looking to recruit one when the

6th form opens.

You can still study these subjects for A-level, without having done GCSE

Why can I not study more than one of Art, Design & Technology and Engineering?

These subjects place a heavy demand on work outside of lessons, so only those who demonstrate a strong work ethic and excellent organisation may be allowed to study more than two of these subjects.

Can I change my mind after I have made my choices?

Yes, you can change up until the end of year 9, so long as there is space available in the subject.

It is important that you are on the right course.

Once you are in year 10, opportunities to change course will be limited.

Can I take another language (e.g. a home language) as well as Spanish?

We support pupils who wish to take a GCSE in an additional language provided that you receive appropriate tuition and preparation for the

exam outside of school.

It is important to recognise though that simply being able to speak a foreign language does not automatically mean you will score highly in

an official examination as you need to know the specific topic vocabulary and be trained in the necessary exam technique.

● Ms Pavitt - Careers coordinator● Mr Ryde - Careers Advisor

beyondtka@thekingstonacademy.org

● Join the Careers - 2016 Cohort classroom (code: 4oxscl)

Appointments available from Monday 14 January. ● Sign up via the calendar link in google

classroom or book tonight. (Q1-3)

Weds 23rd January - Appointments with Tutor

Online Form to make the choices will then be available from 23rd January until deadline: 15th February

Art Ms Linch Q2-1

Media Studies Mr Bell Q2-9

Design Technology/Engineering

Mr O’Brien Q1-L

Music and Music Tech Ms Madden Q1-3

Drama Ms S Young Q2-8

Physical Education Mr Lockett Ms Marshall

Q2-6

Religious Studies Mr Virgo Q2-11

Careers Ms Pavitt/ Mr Ryde

Q1-3

Science (Trilogy/Separate)

Mr Kemp Q2-3

Maths/Further Maths Ms Veglio Q1-5

History Ms Negrotti Q2-4

Geography Mr Collins Q2-5

Computer Science Mr Smith Q1-1