Options Information Year 8 - 9 2018 - 21 Booklet 2: …€¦ · Booklet 2: Core Curriculum . 2 ......

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Options Information

Year 8 - 9

2018 - 21

Booklet 2: Core Curriculum

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INTRODUCTION & CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this booklet is to explain the core curriculum to you. As explained in the ‘Key Information’ booklet,

your core curriculum will contain some compulsory subjects. This booklet – ‘Core Curriculum’ will explain

the contents of all these subjects to you.

COMPULSORY:

GCSE English and GCSE English Literature

GCSE Maths

GCSE Science – this will either be Double (Core and Additional) or Triple (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

A GCSE in a language (either FRENCH or GERMAN)

A GCSE in a humanity (either GEOGRAPHY or HISTORY)

GCSE RE or ICT

OTHER COMPULSORY SUBJECTS:

PE

CONTENTS

Contents Page

Introduction & Contents 2

English and English Literature 3

Mathematics 4

Science: Combined 5

Triple Science 6

Languages: French / German / Spanish 7

Geography 8

History 9

ICT: Creative I-Media 10

RE 13

Core PE 14

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ENGLISH AND ENGLISH LITERATURE

The Government has introduced new English GCSEs which will affect all students taking exams from the

summer of 2017 onwards. The aim of the courses is to raise standards and to further develop the literacy

skills of young people nationally to better prepare them for the work-place or further study.

There will be an emphasis on students acquiring a core of essential knowledge in English, but the courses

will also require a greater depth and breadth of knowledge and the level of thinking needed to achieve

the top grades will be higher.

All assessment will be at the end of the courses in Y11 and exams will form 100% of the assessment.

There will be a new grading scale which uses numbers instead of letters. The scale will be from 1 to 9, with

9 being the highest. All students will study both courses, this will give them two GCSE qualifications. One

in English and one in English Literature.

English

All texts in the examination will be unseen.

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing: 1 hour 45 minutes: 50% of GCSE English

Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives: 1 hour 45 minutes: 50% of GCSE English

Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language: Teacher assessed: Will not count towards GCSE English

English Literature

All assessments are closed book (no texts allowed in the exam): any stimulus materials required will be

provided as part of the assessment.

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel: 1 hour 45 minutes: 40% of GCSE English Literature

• Shakespeare play – Macbeth

• 19th Century novel – A Christmas Carol

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry: 2 hours 15 minutes: 60% of GCSE English Literature

• Modern prose or drama texts – An Inspector Calls

• The poetry anthology – 15 poems on the theme of Power and Conflict

• Unseen poetry

We will be studying the AQA syllabus for :- English Language 8700 and English Literature 8702.

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MATHEMATICS

EXAM LEVEL: GCSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The work that you will do, will be from the National Curriculum for Mathematics and will include computer work,

small projects, number, algebra, ratio, proportion and rates of change, geometry and measures, probability and

statistics. An important part of your work will be how you use what you know. The course is split into two tiers -

Foundation and Higher. The final decision about tier entry is made during year 11. You will be helped and

encouraged to reach the highest level that you can. All students will follow a linear course which will be examined at

the end of Year 11.

DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT

Examinations: Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9 to 1) in Mathematics is a tiered qualification. There are two tiers:

● Foundation tier - grades 1 to 5 available

● Higher tier – grades 4 to 9 available.

The assessment for each tier of entry consists of three externally-examined papers, all three must be from the same

tier of entry. Students must complete all three papers in the same assessment series.

Linear: Foundation and Higher Tiers Percentage Marks Time Examination Method of assessment

Paper 1: Overview of content

1. Number

2. Algebra

3. Ratio, proportion and rates of

change

4. Geometry and measures

5. Probability

6. Statistics

331/3%

80

1 hour 30

mins

End of Year

11

Calculators are not

allowed.


1. Number

2. Algebra


change


5. Probability

6. Statistics

331/3%

80

1 hour 30

mins

End of Year

11

Calculators are allowed.


1. Number

2. Algebra


change


5. Probability

6. Statistics

331/3%

80

1 hour 30

mins

End of Year

11

Calculators are allowed.

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SCIENCE: Combined

EXAM LEVEL: GCSE AQA Trilogy

SUBJECT WHAT IS ASSESSED HOW IT IS ASSESSED

BIOLOGY

Cell biology

Organisation

Infection and response Bioenergetics

• Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Foundation and Higher Tier

• 70 marks

• 16.7% of GCSE

Homeostasis and response

Inheritance, variation and evolution

Ecology



• 70 marks

• 16.7% of GCSE

CHEMISTRY

Atomic structure and the periodic table

Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter

Quantitative chemistry

Chemical changes

Energy changes

Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes


• 70 marks

• 16.7% of GCSE

The rate and extent of chemical change

Organic chemistry

Chemical analysis

Chemistry of the atmosphere

Using resources



• 70 marks

• 16.7% of GCSE

PHYSICS

Forces

Energy

Waves

Electricity



• 70 marks

• 16.7% of GCSE

Magnetism and electromagnetism

Particle model of matter

Atomic structure



• 70 marks

• 16.7% of GCSE

Questions

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response.

Controlled assessment has now been removed but pupils will be expected to learn about 16 practical experiments

and be able to recall them under exam conditions.

WHO WILL THIS COURSE SUIT?

This course covers the minimum requirements that all pupils must study at GCSE level (as set by the government),

and is suitable for pupils not wanting to study science further after GCSE. This leads to 2 GCSE qualifications in

Science. These qualifications will be graded 1-9 and have split grading e.g it would be possible to achieve a 4 and a 5.

Due to the changes in relation to examinations we will not be able to offer re-sits of any examinations taken. There is

an expectation that pupils will do sufficient revision to achieve their minimum target grade.

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TRIPLE SCIENCE

This will be offered only to the most-able scientists who score a level 7 or level 8 (Grade B and above). It does require greater commitment and depth of understanding. Staff will select these students.

EXAM LEVEL: GCSE AQA Trilogy individual sciences route.

SUBJECT WHAT IS ASSESSED HOW IT IS ASSESSED

BIOLOGY

Cell biology

Organisation

Infection and response Bioenergetics



• 100 marks

• 50% of GCSE

Homeostasis and response

Inheritance, variation and evolution

Ecology



• 100 marks

• 50% of GCSE

CHEMISTRY

Atomic structure and the periodic table

Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter

Quantitative chemistry

Chemical changes

Energy changes



• 100 marks

• 50% of GCSE

The rate and extent of chemical change

Organic chemistry

Chemical analysis

Chemistry of the atmosphere

Using resources



• 100 marks

• 50% of GCSE

PHYSICS

Forces

Energy

Waves

Electricity



• 100 marks

• 50% of GCSE

Magnetism and electromagnetism

Particle model of matter

Atomic structure



• 100 marks

• 50% of GCSE

Questions

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response.

Controlled assessment has now been removed but pupils will be expected to learn about 24 practical experiments

and be able to recall them under exam conditions.

WHO WILL THIS COURSE SUIT?

This course is suitable for those pupils wishing to study individual sciences further or wish to follow a career in a

STEM subject. This leads to 3 GCSE qualifications in Science. These qualifications will be graded 1-9.

Due to the changes in relation to examinations we will not be able to offer re-sits of any examinations taken. There is

an expectation that pupils will do sufficient revision to achieve their minimum target grade.

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LANGUAGE BLOCK – FRENCH / GERMAN / SPANISH

YOU WILL EITHER STUDY FRENCH OR GERMAN OR SPANISH DEPENDENT UPON THE

LANGUAGE STUDIED IN YEARS 7-8.

EXAM LEVEL: All students will take the GCSE Examination AQA Board

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course aims to develop your ability to help French speaking visitors in this country and to cope during a

trip abroad. In addition to the topics concerned with self, family and school, you will look at the world of

work, media and technology, consider life in other French speaking countries and examine social issues such

as pollution, unemployment health and marriage. We continue to develop the four skills of listening,

speaking reading and writing.


The course is divided into four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will take a final examination in listening, reading and writing. This will take place at the end of the course in Year 11. Each examination is worth 25% of the total grade. In addition students will also take a speaking examination which is also worth 25% of the course.

EQUIPMENT All pupils must provide their own small French / English dictionary. Pupils will be given the opportunity to purchase their own textbook in which to make notes and complete exercises, to aid revision. It is advised that all students purchase their own copy of the text book. Revision guides and language magazines will also be available to buy.

CAREER VALUE

The government now recognises that learning a foreign language to GCSE level is vital as part of a broad

based curriculum and a foreign language forms part of the EBACC qualification. French is used as a main

language in 32 countries in the world. The ability to communicate in a foreign language, can lead to a wider

range of career opportunities, particularly within the EU. Students in most other EU countries study two

foreign languages to examination level, so a qualification in a language is becoming increasingly important

to ensure equality of opportunity for British people. All students at Clayton benefit from the study of one

foreign language and it will be beneficial to those considering a career with an international dimension – as

a holiday rep, in the travel industry, secretarial or translation work in a multinational company and banking.

You may study two languages to GCSE level if you wish, although students need to be aware that they will

be learning the second language from scratch. A GCSE Modern Foreign Language is also valuable for

university applications.

Whilst this course description is for French – the German and Spanish specifications are identical.

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GEOGRAPHY

EXAM LEVEL: GCSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Ask yourself “Am I interested in Geography?” You should be, because Geography tackles a variety of major

world issues. It deals with important questions such as “Why are there different living standards around

the world?” and “How should the environment be used?”

The course aims to -

Build upon the work that you will have done in earlier years.

Introduce you to new ideas and skills.

Lay a foundation for advanced study in this and other subjects.

Equip you with the skills needed to study a variety of other subjects post-16 such as Environmental

Science and Geology.

The course studied will be WJEC Eduqas GCSE in GEOGRAPHY Specification B. It will involve the study of 3

inter-related Units:

1. Changing Places -Changing Economies.

2. Changing Environments.

3. Environmental Challenges.

Each theme will add to your understanding of what the world is like and why it is like that. You will look at

this question from a physical point of view by looking at landscapes and how they form and also from a

human perspective by, for example, investigating why some countries are rich and some are very poor. It

will also help you to develop a number of useful, transferable skills, ranging from fieldwork and research to

analysis and report writing. Studying Geography will also help you to develop your ICT skills. The course

involves two fieldtrips to contrasting areas, one to study Physical Geography and the other Human

Geography. There is no controlled assessment as fieldwork will be assessed through an examination at the

end of the course.


Component 1: Investigating Geographical Issues. Written Examination: 1 hour 45 minutes. 40% of qualification.

Component 2: Problem Solving Geography. Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes. 30% of qualification.

Component 3: Applied Fieldwork Enquiry. Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes. 30% of qualification.

CAREER VALUE

For many jobs it is a real help if you have taken GCSE Geography. The subject will allow you to acquire &

develop a variety of useful, transferable skills. Combining GCSE Geography with other GCSE courses could

lead you to jobs like designing buildings, working in the leisure industry, joining the police or armed

services, selling and marketing products, working in civil aviation or work in the increasingly important area

of environmental monitoring and conservation.

David Rhind (Chief Executive, Ordnance Survey) “Employers rarely need narrow specialists. They need

bright, committed, inquisitive and determined individuals with the ability to draw on what is happening

elsewhere in the world. The best geographers are stars in this respect.”

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HISTORY

EXAM LEVEL: GCSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION – Edexcel GCSE History

The aims of GCSE History are to enable students to:

develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of key events, periods and societies in local, British, and wider world history; and of the wide diversity of human experience

engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and reflective thinkers

develop the ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically and to make valid historical claims by using a range of sources in their historical context

develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them

organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions

This History GCSE course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed during Key Stage 3.

Students will complete a thematic study, two depth studies and a period study of at least 50 years. The

content of the course includes the following:

Crime and Punishment in Britain, c 1000 – present and Whitechapel, c1870 - 1900

Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88

Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91

The USA, 1954-75: conflict at home and abroad (Civil Rights and the Vietnam War)


Paper One (1 hour and 15 minutes) - 30% of your final GCSE grade.

Paper Two (1 hour and 45 minutes) - 40% of your final GCSE grade.

Paper Three (1 hour and 20 minutes) - 30% of your final GCSE grade

CAREER VALUE

Apart from helping you to understand more clearly about the world in which you live, History teaches you

the skills of investigation - how to collect and assess evidence; how to detect bias; how to put yourself in the

shoes of a particular person in a particular situation. You learn to analyse a situation, to consider its causes

and effects, and you learn to present information clearly and how to argue a case.

Skills such as these are vital in many occupations and are highly sought after by employers and colleges alike. The skills that History teaches opens the door for many careers ranging from journalism to management, business, law and many others as well as providing leisure interests and hobbies.

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ICT

COURSE: Level 2 (Details still to be finalised)

INTRODUCTION

"In the last ten years, nothing has changed our lives more than Information communication systems" Technology continues to progress at an accelerated rate. It is essential that we continue to develop our

students learning in ICT to equip them with the skills required now expected from employers.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The ICT courses have been developed to inspire and enthuse learners to become technology savvy – producers of technology products and systems and not just consumers. It gives learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the information technology sector and aspects of the creative industries, e.g. electronic publishing and multi-media production, e.g. web site design. In addition, this course encourages personal development, motivation and confidence, through practical participation and by giving learners responsibility for their own projects. QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE

The course will be assessed through an externally marked examination and three units of controlled

assessment. There is a choice of controlled assessment units that could include developing skills in using

digital graphics, sound, animation and web design software.

CAREER VALUE

Gaining this award will open the doors to many opportunities both in further/higher education and

industry, with students being able to choose to continue onto Level 3 courses or onto an ‘apprenticeship’

where they can put their ICT skills to practical use.

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RELIGIOUS STUDIES AQA (A)

EXAM LEVEL: GCSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

All students will study the full course GCSE. Students will consider different beliefs and attitudes to religious

and non-religious issues in contemporary British Society. The specification is designed to be both relevant to

candidates’ lives and enjoyable courses of study to follow. The topics are accessible to all students, whether

of a particular faith or none. Students study two components, over Years 9, 10 and 11:

The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices (Component 1)

Students will study two religions, Christianity and Buddhism, in this component. They will study the beliefs,

teachings and practices of both religions, and will refer to scripture and sacred texts. Students will study the

influence of the beliefs, teachings, and practices of both religions, on individuals, communities and societies.

Thematic studies: religious, philosophical and ethical studies (Component 2)

Students will study a total of four themes, considering different religious, philosophical and ethical

arguments and their impact and influence in the modern world. They will study different perspectives on the

issues studied, within and/or between religions, as well as non-religious views. Students will apply their

knowledge of religion to the issues studied.

The four themes to be studied are: Religion and Life; Religion, peace and conflict; Religion, crime and

punishment; Religion, human rights and social justice


Students will sit two 1¾ hour exams, each worth 50% of the course mark, covering both components, at the

end of Year 11.

CAREER VALUE

This course aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of religious and non-religious beliefs; it

aims to develop their knowledge and understanding of religious teachings through their reading of key

religious texts, other texts and scriptures of the religions they are studying. Students will be enabled to

reflect on and develop their own values, belief, meaning, purpose, truth and their influence on human life,

and prepare them for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community.

Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture.

They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership, and

research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study or training, and a wide range of

careers.

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COMPULSORY PHYSICAL EDUCATION (CORE PE)

All pupils at KS4 participate in 4 lesson of compulsory Physical Education over the two week timetable. There

are opportunities in KS4 to have a more option based programme with greater choice, which may include

some mixed sex groups. As well as having the opportunity to revisit some of the sports developed in KS4,

optional activities such as climbing are available.

Lessons are geared towards students taking on a more broad range or roles, such as officials and sports

organisers as well as participating themselves. There is also the opportunity for students to complete a

sports leadership certificate within this core PE block.

ACTIVITIES – PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Years 10 and 11 will both follow a set curriculum where the emphasis will be on studying at least 2 of the 6 National Curriculum areas in depth. Activity Areas:

Trampoline Basketball Climbing Cricket Netball Football Aerobics Rowing Hockey Tennis Athletics Handball Badminton Table Tennis Dance Fitness

KIT REQUIRED

School Physical Education kit must be worn in BOTH Year 10 and 11. N.B. As students only have two hours of Physical Education per week it is strongly recommended that they

exercise at other times to maintain a healthy lifestyle. At the end of Key Stage 3 we hope most students can

jog for a minimum of 10 minutes without stopping. This should be maintained and even improved upon at

Key Stage 4.

CAREER VALUE

It is well known that employers seek healthy employees who have a balanced lifestyle. Studying Physical Education at school is one way of encouraging a balanced lifestyle in later life.

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