John Smeaton Academy · 2020. 3. 11. · John Smeaton Academy * Options ooklet * March 2020 3 In...

John Smeaton Academy * Options Booklet * March 2020 1

Options Booklet 2020—2022

John Smeaton Academy


INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Options booklet. This booklet aims to give you details of all

the subjects which are available for you to study in Year 10, give you guidance

and advice about how to make your choices, and tell you who to turn to for

help and advice.

We hope that you will enjoy making your choices but please remember what

an important process this is. The choices you make now can impact on what

you do at age 16 and what courses, training and jobs will be available to you

later in life. You need a balance of subjects so that you enjoy the GCSE

process, you also need to think carefully about what you may want to do

later in life.

We want you to be happy and successful in school and in life. It is very

important to us that you make the right choices and that you feel fully

informed and confident in the choices you are making. If you are worried

about the options on offer or have any other concerns please discuss these

with either myself, your Form Tutor , Mr Johnson or Mrs Warne.

Mrs C Bailey

Associate Principal


In Year 10, all students will study English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish and core PE. This

is the CORE Curriculum, details of which can be found on pages 7 to 13.

In addition to the CORE subjects, you will have three subjects to choose. You must choose

one subject from Block 1 and two subjects from Block 2. These subjects, some of which are

‘guided’ choices, can be found on pages 12-26.

Please note: You should also choose a ‘reserve’ subject from block 2, in case a subject

doesn’t ‘run’ next year because only a few students choose it.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Option Block 1: ‘Humanities’ subjects

History (GCSE)

Geography (GCSE)

Option Block 2: ‘Creative’ Subjects

Child Development (OCR National)

Photography (GCSE)

Music (GCSE)

Art and Design (GCSE)

Design and Technology: 3D Art (GCSE)

Design and Technology: Resistant Materials (GCSE)

Design and Technology: Textiles (GCSE)

Food Preparation and Nutrition (GCSE)

Computing (GCSE)

Drama (GCSE)

Sport (OCR National)

Dance (GCSE)

Geography (GCSE)

The curriculum model that

we have created for you

will allow you to study a

broad range of subjects,

giving you greater opportu-

nities for success post-16.

Please not all qualifica-

tion specifications are

still subject to change.

i

You will study each of these

qualifications throughout

Years 10 and 11, finishing

them in Summer 2022. to

change

i


Q. How many choices do I make? A. In Year 10, you choose three subjects; one from option block 1 and two from block 2. You should also choose one reserve choice from block 2 (a 4th choice, in case one option is not available). Q. How should I choose my subjects? A. The best reasons for choosing a subject are: I’m good at the subject and I enjoy the lessons The subject might be useful for a specific career I am interested in My teacher has told me I am capable of gaining a good grade Don’t be persuaded by the wrong reasons such as, ‘My friend is choosing it’, ‘I prefer the teacher’ or ‘I don’t think I will have to work very hard’. Q. If I want to take a subject at GCSE, do I have to have studied it as a Pre-Option? A. It may help if you have studied a subject as a Pre-Option but there are no entrance requirements for

most of the options. Q. How many qualifications will I get? A. All students will have the opportunity to get a minimum of eight qualifications. Some students may achieve as many as ten. Q. What is controlled assessment? A. Controlled assessments (‘coursework’) account for a significant proportion of the final grade in some subjects. These require sustained commitment throughout the course. Controlled assessments are carried out in school, under teacher supervision. Q. Looking forward, what are the requirements for studying a subject in Year 12? A. Choices for post-16 are a long way off, but it is certainly worth starting to think about this. The most important thing to remember is that most post-16 courses require you to have achieved a minimum of five good GCSE grades including English and Mathematics. For some subjects at A-Level, you will need to have studied them at GCSE. Q. Can I study both History and Geography? A. Yes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How likely is it that I will get my choice of options? A. We will do our best to ensure that all students have the opportunity to study their first choice of options and almost all students will be given their first choices. There may however, be circumstances which prevent this from being possible, such as too few students selecting an option or options running at the same time. This is why we ask you to choose a reserve option. Q. If I decide I want to change options, can I change my mind? A. No. It is important that you make a careful, well-considered choice. There may however, be unexpected reasons for a change of option; if that is the case you should speak to Mr Owen as soon as possible. Q. I still have questions, who should I speak to? A. The best people to speak to are your form tutor and your subject teachers as they know you well and can advise you on their subjects. If you have further questions about the options process, you may contact: Enquires — [email protected]


CORE SUBJECTS

The following subjects are compulsory for all students in Year 10:

GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

GCSE MATHEMATICS

GCSE SCIENCE

GCSE SPANISH

CORE PE


All students in years 9, 10 and 11 study GCSE English Language. The final examinations are taken at the end of year

11. Additionally, students will study GCSE English Literature, which is designed to complement this course.

What will you study?

Students will develop skills in interpretation and analysis of texts, how writers use language and structure to create

meaning and writing for audience and purpose. Each unit will incorporate non-fiction, poetry, writing skills and

speaking and listening. They will be required to apply these skills to unseen texts in two final examinations in Year

11.


Pupils will study a range of texts to hone their ability to analyse and evaluate a writer’s choices. They will also

master descriptive, narrative and viewpoint writing.

Progression

GCSE English Language is a requirement for many jobs and post-16 courses. Post-16 qualifications in English carry a

lot of respect and will be valuable for many careers or applications for Higher Education. You can study from a

choice of two different A Level courses in English.

For more information, please see Miss Ashton or any of our English teachers.

CORE SUBJECTS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Specification title: English Language

Specification Code: 8700

Examining Board: AQA

Examinations: Paper 1 (50% of final grade) –Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing – 1 hour 45 minutes Paper 2 (50% of final grade) – Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives – 1 hour 45 minutes


All English Literature students in years 9, 10 and 11 will also study English Language, the courses are designed to

complement one another. The course is assessed at the end of year 11 by two examinations.


Post 1914 Fiction: Animal Farm

The Nineteenth-century Novel: Texts such as Jane Eyre, Jekyll and Hyde and A Christmas Carol. Your class teacher

will advise you on which you will be studying.

Shakespeare: Macbeth

Poetry: An anthology of poems either on the theme of Conflict and Power OR Love and Relationships

Progression

GCSE English Literature is a well-respected GCSE when applying for many jobs and post-16 courses. Post-16

qualifications in English are also valuable for many careers or applications for Higher Education.

For more information, please see Miss Ashton or any of our English teachers.

CORE SUBJECTS

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Specification title: English Literature



Examinations: Paper 1 (40% of final grade) –Shakespeare and the nineteenth-century novel – 1 hour 45 minutes Paper 2 (60% of final grade) – Modern Texts and Poetry – 2 hours 15 minutes


In Year 10 and 11, students build on the Mathematics they have studied in Year 7, 8 and 9 and all the examinations

are taken at the end of Year 11.


Number - Includes work on arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, use of calculator, properties of numbers

and indices.

Algebra - Includes work on algebraic notation, graphs, equations, inequalities, formulae and sequences.

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change - Includes work on applying percentages to real life situations, using ratio

and proportion to solve problems, work with compound measures such as speed and rates of pay.

Geometry and Measures - Includes work on properties of shapes, angles, symmetry, circles, area, volume,

trigonometry, constructions and transformations.

Statistics - Includes collecting, representing, analysing and interpreting data.

Probability - Includes work on theoretical probability, relative frequency and experiments.

Progression

GCSE Mathematics is a requirement for many jobs and post-16 courses. Further qualifications in Mathematics open

many doors. Post-16 qualifications in Mathematics carry a lot of respect and will be valuable for many careers. You

can study Mathematics or Further Mathematics at A-Level.

For more information, please see Mr Peters or any of our Mathematics teachers.

It is essential GCSE Maths students are fully equipped with the most suitable equipment. Therefore, the

recommended calculator needed for all students is the Casio FX-83GTPLUS Scientific Calculator, available for

between £5-£10

CORE SUBJECTS

MATHEMATICS

Specification title: Mathematics

Specification Code: 1MA1

Examining Board: Pearson

Examinations: Paper 1: Non-calculator exam (33% of the total marks) - 1 hour 30 min Paper 2: Calculator exam (33% of the total marks) - 1 hour 30 min Paper 3: Calculator exam (33% of the total marks) - 1 hour 30 min


GCSE Combined Science is equivalent to two GCSEs and covers key topics from the Biology, Chemistry and Physics

GCSEs. If pupils study the separate sciences, this means that they will cover more content than the GCSE combined

course and it is also great preparation for A-level Science courses.

All courses enable pupils to access Science at any level, whether they intend to study Science further or not. The

specification presents biology, chemistry and physics in separate teaching and learning units and all pupils will be

required to take part in a number of practical experiments set by the exam board in order to develop key skills and

a scientific mind-set.

Pupils study GCSE Science in years 9, 10 and 11. Progression through the routes is individual to each pupil and

designed to maximise achievements in science. This is a linear course which means that all the examinations are

taken at the end of Year 11.


Biology - you will study how plants and animals are affected by the environment. Key topics include; cell biology,

bioenergetics, homeostasis, ecology, inheritance, variation and evolution.

Chemistry - you will study how atoms interact and how these interactions affect reactions. Key topics include;

atomic structure, bonding, chemical changes, energy changes, rate of reaction, organic chemistry and chemistry of

the atmosphere.

Physics - you will study how forces affect matter and the energy changes that occur during interactions. Key topics

include; forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, the particle model and atomic structure.

Progression

GCSE Sciences are a requirement for many jobs, and desirable for many post 16 courses. Further qualifications in

Science open many doors. Post-16 qualifications in Sciences carry a lot of respect and will be valuable for many

careers. You can study Biology, Chemistry or Physics at A-Level.

For more information please see Miss Marsden or any of the science teachers.

CORE SUBJECTS

SCIENCE

Specification title: GCSE Combined Science Trilogy OR...

GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry GCSE Physics

Specification Code: 8464 8461 8462 8463

Examining Board: AQA AQA

Examinations:

Six papers – 1 hour 15 min each 2x Biology, 2x Chemistry, 2x Physics Each paper is worth 16.7% of the full double GCSE grade

Each GCSE has two papers – 1 hour 45 min

each

2x Biology, 2x Chemistry, 2x Physics

Each paper is worth 50% of a single GCSE


CORE SUBJECTS

SPANISH

Specification title: Spanish



Examinations:

Paper 1 – Listening Examination (25% of the total marks). Foundation Tier – 35 Minutes, Higher Tier

– 45 Minutes. Section A – questions in English, to be answered in English or non-verbally, Section B -

questions in Spanish, to be answered in Spanish or non-verbally

Paper 2 – Speaking – Non exam assessment. (25% of the total marks). Foundation Tier – 7-9

Minutes, Higher Tier 10-12 Minutes. The format of the assessment is as follows: Role-play – 15 marks

(2 minutes at Foundation Tier; 2 minutes at Higher Tier); Photo card – 15 marks (2 minutes at

Foundation Tier; 3 minutes at Higher Tier); General conversation – 30 marks (3–5 minutes at

Foundation Tier; 5–7 minutes at Higher Tier)

Paper 3 – Reading Examination (25% of the total marks). Foundation Tier – 45 Minutes, Higher Tier –

60 Minutes. Section A – questions in English, to be answered in English or non-verbally, Section B -

questions in Spanish, to be answered in Spanish or non-verbally, Section C - translation from Spanish

into English (a minimum of 35 words for Foundation Tier and 50 words for Higher Tier)

Paper 4 – Writing Examination (25% of the total marks). Foundation Tier – 1 hour, Higher Tier – 1

hour 15 minutes. Foundation Tier Question 1 – message (student produces four sentences in

response to a photo. Question 2 – short passage (student writes a piece of continuous text

approximately 40 words in total). Question 3 – translation from English into Spanish (minimum 35

words). Question 4 – structured writing task (student responds to four compulsory detailed bullet

points, producing approximately 90 words in total). Higher Tier Question 1 – structured writing task

(student responds to four compulsory detailed bullet points, producing approximately 90 words in

total). Question 2 – open-ended writing task (student responds to two compulsory detailed bullet

points, producing approximately 150 words in total). Question 3 – translation from English into

Spanish (minimum 50 words).

Pupils can choose to study Spanish in year 10. They will study the AQA Spanish Full Course which is a two year course.

Pupils will sit the examinations at the end of the second year of study. This course encourages candidates to develop

understanding of Spanish in a variety of contexts, develop knowledge of Spanish and language learning skills, develop

the ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and develop awareness and understanding of countries and

communities where Spanish is spoken.


Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are developed through three different broad themes – Identity and

culture; Local, national, international and global areas of interest; Current and future study and employment.

Progression

By studying a language, students are able to enhance their future employment possibilities. They will have an in-depth

insight into another culture and society which will help them, not only with their communication skills, but also their

interpersonal skills. Top universities now ask that students have a GCSE in a foreign language as a basic requirement.

For more information please see Mrs Wheatley or any of our Spanish teachers.


GUIDED OPTIONS

GEOGRAPHY

Why Geography?

Geography provides an insight into how the world around us works and how we affect it. This is becoming

increasingly important, especially in today’s environment of climatic and cultural change.

Traditionally, Geography is seen as a bridge between the arts and sciences, enabling students to keep their

options open.


Paper 1 - Hazards (Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tropical Storms, Extreme Weather in the UK and Climate Change), UK

Landscapes (Rivers and Coasts), Living World (Ecosystems, Rainforests and Hot Desert Environments).

Paper 2 – Urban Issues (Population Growth, Urbanisation in the UK and Sustainability), Economic World

(Development, Trade vs. Aid and Changes in UK) Resource Management (Global and UK Resources, Food, Water

and Energy).

Progression

Statistics show that Geography graduates are among the most employable and go into 3 main fields:

management and administration, marketing and finance and Post Graduate study. Geography helps you develop

transferable skills for a flexible path throughout your future education.

For more information please see Miss Dubas or any other Geography teacher.

Specification title: Geography



Examinations:

Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment

Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

- 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPAG) 35% of GCSE

Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment



Paper 3: Geographical Applications



- Pre-release resources made available 12 weeks prior to the Paper 3 exam. This is linked to

a Geographical Issue.


History is a popular choice at GCSE due to well-chosen and engaging topics combined with excellent support to ensure you will

be successful at GCSE. This subject will challenge you by allowing you to learn about new aspects of the past that you have not

studied before, alongside some that you may be more familiar with. History is an incredibly useful subject due to the vast

knowledge you will gain that will help you to understand your rights and status in the modern world.


Throughout the course, students study a range of History and will develop their investigative skills, engage with the work of

historians and learn how to use sources as part of an enquiry. Topics covered are:

Anglo-Saxon and Norman England:

This is a fascinating period of our past and is hugely important in understanding Britain today. This is a study in depth, which

looks at how England changed after the Norman Conquest (1066). You will learn about England under the Anglo-Saxons who

ruled for around 600 years and discover whether the Normans (led by William the Conqueror) changed England for the better,

or actually made life worse.

Crime and Punishment through time

This topic allows you to get to grips with changes in the way criminals have been treated over time. The study starts in the

Middle Ages and comes right up to the modern day. You will learn about brutal punishments such as burning holes in peoples’

ear simply for not having a job and why over 200 crimes became punishable by death, even though crime rates were dropping.

We will study the Gunpowder Plotters, Witchcraft as well as looking at modern terrorism and cyber crimes. The Crime and

Punishment unit also includes a detailed look at the murderous activities of Jack the Ripper in London during the Victorian

Period.

The American West

This topic explores the impact that Europeans who moved to America had on the Native population. You will learn about the

culture of Native Americans who inhabited the land for thousands of years but whose population was destroyed by settlers

who came from Europe. We will examine the role of the cowboy, women and investors who helped to turn the West into what

is now the most powerful nation in the world.

The USA, 1954-75

This was an incredibly controversial period for the USA as they denied black people equal status to whites, despite having

ended slavery almost 100 years before. It is also controversial due to the USA getting involved in a war with Vietnam where

their highly technological army failed to defeat a poorly equipped force of Vietnamese peasants. This is a fascinating topic full

of individual tragedies and some eventual triumphs.

Progression

History is a highly respected academic qualification, which shows employers your ability to apply detailed knowledge to

challenging problems; think about issues from different perspectives; and communicate a clear argument. The skills you will

develop in GCSE History are highly sought after in future study and employment.

For more information, please see Miss Robinson or any other History teacher.

GUIDED OPTIONS

HISTORY

Specification title: History

Specification Code: 1HI0

Examining Board: Pearson

Examinations:

Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment - 1 hour 15 mins (30% of GCSE)

Paper 2: Period study and British depth study - 1 hour 45 mins (40% of GCSE)

Paper 3: Modern depth study - 1 hour 20 mins (30% of GCSE)


OPEN OPTIONS

Your second option choice should be from the following list of subjects. You

may alternatively choose a second Guided Option.

GCSE ART AND DESIGN

GCSE DRAMA

GCSE DANCE

GCSE PHOTOGRAPHY

GCSE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (RESISTANT MATERIALS)

GCSE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (TEXTILES)

GCSE FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

OCR NATIONAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT

GCSE MUSIC

OCR NATIONAL SPORT

GCSE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (3D Art)

GCSE COMPUTING


OPEN OPTIONS

ART AND DESIGN

The course is a general art and design course which can cover drawing, painting, three dimensional work,

photography and graphics. You will complete two units of coursework which will include a variety of specialisms

and techniques. This is a linear course which means that the examination is taken at the end of Year 11.


You will study artists work for inspiration and learn to develop ideas using a wide variety of media, and produce a

final piece which shows an informed and personal response. The two coursework components are presented in

sketch books and this is worth 60% of your course. The exam is set by the board and is a practical exam which is

an opportunity to showcase your ideas and strengths in an area of art you excel at. For the exam you are given a

range of starting points and select one to work from.

Progression

You can progress from GCSE Art and Design to study a more advanced course, BTEC or A Level in a range of

specialisms are available locally. Careers in a range of creative areas include:

Web designer

Games designer

Fashion designer

Jewelry designer

Animator

Interior designer

Make up/costume designer

Product designer

Set/prop design

Theatre design

Illustrator

Graphic designer

Printer

For more information, please see Mrs. Richardson Head of Design and Technology

Specification title: Art and Design



Examinations: Ten hour exam at end of course worth 40%

Coursework / Controlled Assessment

Coursework is worth 60%


OPEN OPTIONS

DANCE


Component 1: Performance & Choreography

The teacher must select two of the set phrases for each student to perform as a soloist, from the choice of four

set by AQA. Students must also develop and apply the following knowledge, understanding and skills to perform

dance as a soloist for approximately one minute and in a duet/trio for a minimum of three minutes.

Students must learn how to respond creatively to an externally set stimulus, to choreograph their own complete

dance. The dance created must be either:

A solo dance of a minimum of two minutes and a maximum of two and a half minutes or a group dance of a

minimum of three minutes and a maximum of three and a half minutes for two to five dancers. Which:

includes a chosen aural setting

can be in any style or style fusions (as long as it meets the assessment criteria)

communicates their own chosen choreographic intention.

Component 2: Dance Appreciation

Through written communication and use of appropriate terminology, students must be able to critically analyse,

interpret and evaluate their own work in performance and choreography and demonstrate their knowledge and

understanding of professional practice in the six set works in the GCSE Dance Anthology.

Dance appreciation is assessed through a written exam of one and a half hours duration.

Progression:

Dance is a powerful and inspiring qualification that develops creative, physical, emotional and intellectual

capacity. This qualification will allow you to progress to study AS , A Level or BTEC Dance at post 16. Many

students will then go on to pursue a career in Dance such as a Dance teacher, Dance coach, Performer,

Choreographer, Physical therapist or Dance medicine specialist plus much more.

For more information please contact Miss Scott

Specification title: GCSE Dance



Examinations: Component 2—Dance Appreciation

Written exam: 1hour 30minutes—80marks—40% of GCSE


Component 1—Performance and choreography

Performance - 40 Marks—30% of GCSE

Choreography—40 marks—30% of GCSE


OPEN OPTIONS

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (RESISTANT MATERIALS)

Design and Technology is a subject that buries itself into every aspect of our lives. There are very few people in the world today who, in the course of their daily life, don’t use or come into contact with something a human being has made. In most cases, that ‘thing’ has not just been made, it’s been carefully thought about; it’s been tested and modified; it’s had its materials selected carefully; it’s been cut, shaped or formed using processes that themselves have been developed. In considering these points, you are touching on the fringes of Design and Technology… What will you study? This is a new specification for teaching from September 2017. It places an equal weighting on the written exam paper and the controlled assessment project. (That’s a change this year, to place more weight on the exam paper) Your learning (knowledge and skills), will be developed in these three areas: Core technical principles Specialist technical principles Designing and making principles In year 10 you will learn the core knowledge in all material areas: papers and boards, natural and manufacture timber, metals and alloys, polymers, natural and synthetic fibres. In year 11 you will develop specific subject knowledge, one specialist area and generate skills that can be applied to the non-exam assessment project. Sample contextual challenges for the non-exam assessment project: A high profile sporting event Addressing the needs of the elderly Children’s learning and play

Progression GCSE Design and Technology can help you in the following post 16 options and careers: A Level Graphics Textiles, Fine Art and Photography. Product Design, Fashion Designer, Architect, Jewellery Designer, Engineer, Design and Technology Teacher, Set Designer, Graphic Designer, Interior, construction, Shop Fitter, Model Maker, Cabinet Maker, Furniture designer and many more. For more information, please see Mrs. Richardson Head of Design and Technology

Specification title: Design and Technology



Examinations:

Paper 1: Written exam - 2 hours - 50% of GCSE

Section A: Core Technical principles - 20 marks

Section B: Specialist Technical principles - 30 marks

Section C: Design and making principles - 50 marks


Unit 2: Design and make project - 33-35 hours - 100 marks - 50% of GCSE


OPEN OPTIONS

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (TEXTILES)

This course is for students who want to pursue Design and Technology through a textiles route. The course offers

the opportunity to look at textiles in a way that helps you develop the knowledge, skills and experience that could

open the door to a career in the industry. The course develops a wide range of practical making skills as well as

looking at a variety of materials and theoretical practices from across Design Technology fields of study. You will

also develop an understanding of commercial processes, textiles based materials and their properties.


The course is divided into practical and theoretical study and application of skill. Throughout the course you will

develop your skills through a variety of projects and practical tasks in order to prepare for the exam and

assessment.

Written Exam (50%) - The exam is spilt into two key areas:

Core technical principles (40marks) This covers the breadth of Design and Technology and how different

practical areas work

Specialist technical principles (60 marks) This focuses on knowledge and understanding of Textiles

processes and outcomes

Non-Exam Assessment (50%)

You will undertake an extended project that showcases the skills you have developed and knowledge gained. The

project will be in response to a brief which you can choose from a selection of three possibilities set by the exam

board. This allows you a certain amount of freedom to choose the type of product you wish to make. You will

develop skills in investigating design possibilities, producing specifications, generating and realising design ideas,

analysing and evaluation.

Progression

GCSE Design and Technology leads well onto further study within any of the Technology fields and you could

progress to A-level Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles which is offered in Sixth Form, Technical

Certificates and other Level 3 vocational qualifications such as BTEC Extended Level 3 Diploma in Fashion and

Textiles, Art and Design or Technology based qualifications.

For more information, please see Mrs. Warne

Specification title: Design and Technology

Specification Code: 1DT0 (1E)

Examining Board: Edexcel

Examinations:

Paper 1: Written exam—2 hours—50% of GCSE

Section A: - Core Technical Principles—40 marks

Section B: - Specialist Technical principles—60 marks


Unit 2: Design and make project - 33-35 hours - 100 marks - 50% of GCSE


OPEN OPTIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Specification title: Photography



Examinations: Component 2— External set Assignment 40%

10 Hour examination after a period of preparation time


Component 1— Coursework 60% - Continuous assessment—4 projects to submit

The Photography course is designed to develop you as a photographer and you will learn about all the core ele-

ments.

course which can cover drawing, painting, three dimensional work, photography and graphics. You will complete

two units of coursework which will include a variety of specialisms and techniques. This is a linear course which

means that the examination is taken at the end of Year 11.


You will study photographers work for inspiration and learn to develop ideas using a wide variety of media, and

produce a final piece which shows an informed and personal response. You will complete 4 coursework projects

linked to one or more of the themes below. This will account for 60% of your final mark. The exam is set by the

board and is a practical exam which is an opportunity to showcase your ideas and strengths in an area of a photog-

raphy you excel at. You will explore four/five of the following areas of study during year 10 and 11.

portraiture

location photography

studio photography

experimental imagery

installation

documentary photography

photo-journalism

fashion photography.

Once you have chosen your area of study in year 11 this will be your opportunity to develop a personal project with

guidance from your teacher.

Progression

You can progress from GCSE Photography to study a more advanced course. You could progress to Photography

course at College and study level 3 BTEC courses or A-levels.

For more information, please see Mr Phillips.


OPEN OPTIONS

FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION


You will learn how to prepare and serve high quality dishes from around the world. To be the best cook you can be you need to learn about the ingredients; where they come from, their cost, the environment and their nutri-tional value to us.

This course is perfect for anyone who has a passion for cooking. We will be experimenting with ingredients to find the best combinations of flavours and nutritional advantage.

Food science is also a heavy part of this course, investigating how food react whilst being cooked and why. Answering key questions, which cooking method should I use? What makes bread rise? Why do some ingredients go brown when they cook or set or smell so good?

Food preparation and Nutrition is an excellent, challenging new course that students will find exciting, engaging and enjoyable. They will be cooking most weeks and ingredients will be required.

Progression Into a lifelong love of cooking.

If you think it could be your career - a chef, a cook, a kitchen hand, working anywhere in the huge food industry or if you just love food and want the skills to take into your adult life this course will fit both needs then this course is for you

You will be able to make informed decisions about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways and develop vital life skills so that they can feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously. Around 109,000 new jobs will be needed in Food Manufacturing between 2012 and 2022 across the UK, more than any other manufacturing sector.


Specification title: Food Preparation and Nutrition



Examinations: Component 1: 1 hour 45 mins written examination on theoretical knowledge food preparation and nutrition (50% of GCSE)

Coursework / Controlled Assessment/ Non-exam Assessment

NEA 1 - 15% of the course - A scientific investigation. 1,000 words, 4 experiments. Completed September of Year 11. NEA2 - 35% of the course - A Food preparation task - set by the exam board. Includes 4 practical skills based products and the timed practical assessment task - 3 dishes


OPEN OPTIONS

CAMBRIDGE NATIONALS CHILD DEVELOPMENT


R018: Health and Well-Being for Child Development

Throughout the course students will learn about the decisions that need to be consider before deciding to start a fami-

ly. Students will also be taught about different contraception, pre-conception health and specialist diagnostic tests that

need to be taken into consideration. Within the examination content students will learn about labour, premature ba-

bies, the role of a father and routine checks. Students will also learn about the well-being of a child and look at how a

child develops and learns to interactive with others.

R019: Understand the equipment and nutritional needs of children from birth to five years.

The first piece of coursework gives the students an insight into the different equipment that is needed from birth to

five years. Students will learn about the benefits of breastfeeding and give their opinion on which they think is best for

the baby. Within the coursework students will also learn about the nutritional needs for a baby to five years and will

plan meals for the different age categories.

R020: Understand the development of a child from birth to five years.

In Y10 students will visit a nursery and will be able to see the different activities that the children are doing. During the

visit the students will be able to ask questions regarding the development of children and will be able to take part in

social play. Students will also complete coursework where they will plan an activity for a certain age group and will car-

ry that activity out.

Progression:

This qualification will allow students to progress to study Level 3 Childcare at college and provides good knowledge for

working in a nursery setting.

For more information please see Mrs. Capewell.

Specification title: Cambridge National Level 1/2 Child Development

Specification Code: J818

Examining Board: OCR

Examinations: R018: Health and Well-Being for Child Development

Coursework /

Controlled

Assessment

R019: Understand the equipment and nutritional needs of children from birth to five years.

R020: Understand the development of a child from birth to five years.


OPEN OPTIONS

MUSIC

Student Requirements

You must have your instrument at home to practise on.

You must be prepared to practise your solo and group pieces a minimum of four times a week at home.


Understanding Music:

Students will learn the intricate details about how a variety of musical genres are composed and the musical features

that can be heard in these compositions. Listening tasks will focus on four areas of study:

- Musical Forms and Devices - Film Music

- Music for Ensemble - Popular Music

Performance:

Students will become experts on their chosen instruments and will learn how to perform confidently. They will be

given the opportunity to learn and perform within a variety of genres with a specialist instrumental teacher. They will

perform a solo and a group piece for their coursework.

Composition:

Students will use music technology programmes to complete two compositions. One composition will be based on a

brief and the second will be a free composition. Students will complete a ‘Composing Log’ as they develop their work.

They will learn how to create compositions based on the material they have covered in the listening and appraising

tasks and they will develop their ability to use musical elements effectively.

Progression

Music is a much sought-after qualification. It highlights to employees and educational institutes that you can combine

being creative and academic. Jobs within performance, teaching, technical design and set up, management and HR are

all available careers. A Level Music is also available.

For more information please contact Ms Smail.

Specification title: Music

Specification Code: 4410 LA

Examining Board: WJEC Eduqas

Examinations: Component 3: Appraising Music—1hour and 15 minute listening exam (40% of GCSE)

Coursework /

Controlled

Assessment/ Non-

exam Assessment

Component 1: Performing Music (30% of GCSE)

Component 2: Composing Music (30% of GCSE)


OPEN OPTIONS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Examination: To ensure the Sport Science course is as robust and stretching as a GCSE it has an exam on reducing the risk of sports injuries. You will have two opportunities to take the exam, one in January, and the other in June – these can be taken at any time during your two year course. GCSE PE only have one opportunity to sit the exam; this is in June at the end of Year 11. This course will therefore allow you to have the opportunity to re-sit if needed.

Coursework:

The Sport Science course is designed to allow you the freedom to explore more deeply the things that interest you. The teaching of the qualification will normally be through theoretical work, learning skills and how to do things that may be relevant to the world of work. A lot of the qualification is assessed by coursework set and marked by your teacher. This will be done throughout the duration of your two year course. So, if you like project work, enjoy research, then this is the course for you.

Timetable:

The course is taught over two years, 3 periods per week. The course will be broken down into 3 periods of

theoretical PE with the inclusion of practical lessons.

Progression:

This qualification will allow you to progress to study A Level in Physical Education or the BTEC National Award in

Sport. Many students will then go on to University to study Physical Education, Sports Science or pursue a career

in the sport industry such as a PE teacher, sports coach, sports scientist, physiotherapist, sports psychology or

a fitness instructor.

For more information please see Mr. Stoutt or any of the PE teachers.

Specification title: Sport Science



Examinations: R041 - Reducing the risk of sports injuries.


RO42 - Applying principles of training.

R043 - The body's response to physical activity.

R046 - Technology in sport

“What we learn and do means we now understand why professionals do it ... like Mo Farah getting in an ice bath, we know that’s part of a cool down.”

Millie Backhouse - Year 11


OPEN OPTIONS

DRAMA


The course is designed to give you a broad and balanced experience of Drama. You will study:

One complete performance text through performance/design and written work.

Two extracts from a second, contrasting text through performance/design.

Various theatre practitioners and genres of drama.

In addition to your own theatre making you will start to understand the roles of a performer, designer and director and

the effect of theatre on an audience. Throughout the course the following skills will be explored:

Performing

Lighting design

Sound design

Set design (including props)

Costume design (including hair and makeup)

Progression

Drama is a highly regarded subject at GCSE that will enable the students to develop as creative, effective, independent

and reflective learners who are able to make informed choices in process and performance. Each student will be able

to reflect on and evaluate their own work and that of others as well as being able to adopt safe working practices. This

course will aim to build your confidence and

You could progress onto studying Drama at A-level or even Performing Arts at a college. It leads into many professions

with it teaching a wide range of transferrable skills. Employers will know that the individual can work well as part of a

team, will have good communication skills and have the ability to reflect on and refine their efforts.

Whatever your future holds, students who have a GCSE in Drama emerge with a toolkit of transferrable skills that are

applicable both in further studies and in the workplace.

For more information please contact Miss Bliss.

Specification title: Drama and Theatre

Specification Code: 601842/6

Examining Board: WJEC—Eduqas

Examinations: Component 3: Interpreting Theatre - 1hr 30minutes written exam (40% of GCSE)

Coursework /

Controlled

Assessment/ Non-

exam Assessment

Component 1 (40% of GCSE)

A realisation of their piece of devised theatre.

A portfolio of supporting evidence.

An evaluation of their final performance.

Component 2 (20% of GCSE)

Performing from a text


OPEN OPTIONS

GCSE THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

The course is a general art and design course which can cover design, prototyping and modelling or making of

primarily functional and aesthetic products, objects, and environments, drawing upon intellectual, creative and

practical skills. You will complete two units of coursework which will include a variety of specialisms and tech-

niques. This is a linear course which means that the examination is taken at the end of Year 11.


You will study 3D artists work for inspiration and learn to develop ideas using a wide variety of materials, and pro-

duce a final piece which shows an informed and personal response. The two coursework components are pre-

sented in sketch books and this is worth 60% of your course. The exam is set by the board and is a practical exam

which is an opportunity to showcase your ideas and strengths in an area of art you excel at. For the exam you are

given a range of starting points and select one to work from.

During the two year course students will work with a wide range of materials including:

drawing materials

clay

wood

metal

plaster

plastic

found materials.

Progression

You can progress from GCSE Art and Design to study a more advanced course, BTEC or A Level in a range of spe-

cialisms are available locally. Careers in a range of creative areas include:

Architectural design ,product design ,interior design, environmental/landscape/garden design, 3D digital design

designs for theatre, film and television.


Specification title: Three—dimensional Design



Examinations: Ten hour exam at end of course worth 40%


Coursework is worth 60%


OPEN OPTIONS

GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE


Computer Systems:

Throughout the course students will learn about the history and development of computers looking at Von Neumann

Architecture to Artificial Intelligence. Students will be able to confidently discuss how information is processed within a

computer and the different protocols that are needed to ensure that a computer runs smoothly. The course will give

the students an insight into evolution of technology and touch on the ethical issues that need to be taken into account

with the every growing technological market.

Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming:

The second paper is purely based on how a computer reads information and the design elements that need to be un-

derstood for programs to work effectively. Students will learn how to decode and code a computer using different pro-

gramming languages. Data Representation is a key element within the computer science qualification and students will

be able to convert between denary, hexadecimal, ASCII and binary. Throughout the course the students will look at

computational thinking and how a computer makes logical decisions through logic gates, SQL and Boolean logic.

Programming Techniques:

In Y10 students will be taught how to program in python, HTML, SQL and Pseudocode. All students will complete a va-

riety of tasks to understand the fundamentals of the programming languages. Within the lessons students will develop

the skills of plan, design, code, test and evaluate to complex programs. All students will complete a programming pro-

ject which will enabling them to code confidently and be able to comment code effectively to show their understand-

ing of programming constructs.

Progression:

This qualification will allow students to progress to study A Level Computer Science, BTEC Level 3 in Information Tech-

nology and Games Design at college.

For more information please see Mrs. Capewell - Head of Computer Science.

Specification title: COMPUTER SCIENCE



Examinations: Paper One: Computer Systems (50% of GCSE)

Paper Two: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming (50% of GCSE)

John Smeaton Academy · 2020. 3. 11. · John Smeaton Academy * Options ooklet * March 2020 3 In...

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