Year 9

Curriculum Pathways Guide

2014

Your Future, Your Choice You are about to make some very important decisions about the subjects you will be choosing for Key Stage 4. The Key Stage 4 curriculum is very different from Key Stage 3. You have the opportunity to study a number of different subjects and to be assessed in the way that suits you best. It is important you choose your subjects carefully as they can help you make different 6th form choices.

The Core Curriculum

Everyone follows the same core curriculum. You will study English, Maths and Science. There are different pathways within each of these subjects and you will be guided by teacher as to which is the most appropriate.

English Pathways

English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE

English Language GCSE

Maths Pathways

Maths GCSE and Additional Maths

Maths GCSE

Science Pathways

Science and Additional Science GCSE

Btec Science

Welsh Baccalaureate

The Welsh Baccalaureate is an innovative and exciting qualification, which gives broader experiences than traditional learning programmes. It is a wrap-around qualification for Key Skills, PSHE, Welsh, Work Experience and also includes an opportunity to study a topic in-depth as a personal project. The Welsh Baccalaureate is taught through the tutor programme.

Entitlement Curriculum

Everyone will study Welsh and PE at Key Stage 4. For Welsh you will follow a 1 or 2 year course. Everyone will take PE for 2 years. You will also study Religious Education.

Your Option Choices

In addition to the core and entitlement curriculum, you will be making choices about the other subjects that you can study. You may choose to follow a GCSE programme or a Btec Programme.

GCSEs What are GCSEs? GCSEs are related to one area of academic study. They may be in familiar subjects, or in subjects that you have not studied before. They are assessed by examinations, usually at the end of the course, although some subjects have module exams throughout the course.

What GCSE courses can you choose from? Art Business Studies Computer Studies Drama Food and Nutrition French Geography Graphic Design History IT Law Media Music Physical Education Resistant Materials Spanish Textiles

Level 2 courses: BTEC

What is a Btec?

It is a course of study related to a broad vocational area rather that a single academic subject. You will be assessed by portfolio / coursework throughout the course. If you prefer coursework to exams, and you like to know how well you are doing as you progress, then Btec courses may better suit your learning.

What Btec courses can you choose from?

Business

Engineering

Health and Social Care

Hospitality

Sport

A Btec Extended Certificate is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

What can I do next?

With at least 5 A*-C grade GCSEs or equivalent, you will be able to study Level 3 and A Level courses in the 6th form. You will also be able to apply for apprenticeships or other work based training.

Your Curriculum

How many hours will I study each subject each week?

You will study 4 hours of English, Maths and Science.

Welsh will be studied for 2 hours.

RE and PE will be studied for 1 hour each.

GCSE options will be studied for 3 hours each.

A Btec option will be studied for 6 hours.

What am I allowed to choose?

There are 3 pathways that you can select from. You will receive guidance from your tutor about which pathway will be best for you.

Route A – You may pick 3 GCSE options.

Route B – You may pick 1 GCSE option and 1 Btec.

Some students will be invited to join Route C, the personalised pathway. Students will study the core curriculum and a combination of subjects designed to meet their learning and progression needs.

GCSE Option Choices

Art GCSE

What will I do?

In Art you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

During this course you will develop a range of drawing, painting and making skills. You will learn how to analyse the work of other artists and how to use your knowledge of their work to inform the production of your own art work. You will learn how to write about the way other artists work and how to write about your own work.

To be successful in this course you need to be creative and dedicated. Successful students practise skills at home developing their project ideas and reading about the way artists create their art.

In Art you will be assessed by completing a coursework unit worth 60% (comprised of sketchbook work and various outcomes) and by an examination unit worth 40% (comprising sketchbook work and one outcome).

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Art and Design or A Level Graphics.

Business Studies GCSE

What will I do?

In Business Studies you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

In this course you will be introduced to the world of small businesses and what makes someone a successful business person. You will find out how to develop an idea, spot an opportunity, and turn that into a successful business. You will understand how to make a business effective and manage money.

To be successful you will need to be able to:

• communicate and explain your ideas

• think creatively and make decisions

• work with numbers to solve business problems

• learn about the world of business through research and investigation, as well as through practical tasks

In Business Studies you will be assessed by controlled assessment and examination. The examinations are a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and scenario-based questions.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Business Studies. It could lead to work in a business-related profession such as accountancy, law, marketing or the leisure and tourism industry.

Computer Studies GCSE

What will I do?

In Computer Studies you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

This course is a programming based subject which develops your knowledge of how computer systems work rather than using application based software.

To be successful you will need to develop your programming skills, in particular Python, and have a good problem solving background. Confidence in Maths will allow you to produce work that reaches the higher grades.

In Computer Studies you will be assessed by a written examination and 2 controlled assessments. The controlled assessments count for 60% of the grade, the written examination for 40%.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Computer Studies or A Level IT.

GCSE Drama

What will I do?

In Drama you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

You will have the opportunity to use a range of Drama skills whilst devising performances based on set themes and performing set texts. You will also get the opportunity to study a set text set in which you will look at themes, characters, set. It is an energy filled GCSE and thoroughly enjoyable.

To be successful you will develop each individual element of performance whilst performing confidently. The more you give to each aspect of the practical work, the more you will get out of Drama.

In Drama you will be assessed by practical assessments and examination.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Drama. You then have a range of practical, technical, set design courses etc available to you in college/university.

Food and Nutrition GCSE

What will I do?

In Food and Nutrition you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

When you study Food and Nutrition you will learn to develop your skills through the weekly practical lessons which will based on the different food groups initially. You will explore the function of ingredients and understand how different ingredients react with each other. The opportunity will be given to you to research and make chef’s signature dishes along with your own. This is an ideal course if you are interested in a profession in Health (nurse, dietician, dentist), as a chef, in the hospitality industry or if you simply enjoy food and love cooking.

To be successful in this course you need to have an interest in food as individual ingredients and when combined as a product, along with an interest in the associated health benefits and nutritional values. A love of cooking would also be beneficial.

In Food and Nutrition you will be assessed by examination (40%) and controlled assessment (60%).

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Food Technology or A Level Food and Nutrition, Level 3 vocational courses or industry apprenticeships.

French GCSE

What will I do?

In French you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

You will build on the Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing skills developed at KS3. You will do this through the study of four broad topics areas, namely:

Personal and Social Life

The Local Community

The World of Work

The Wider World

To be successful you should have a genuine interest in languages and be prepared to work hard both in school and at home. You should be prepared to learn new vocabulary on a weekly basis.

In French you will be assessed by controlled assessments (60%) and examination (40%).

At the end of this course you can progress to A Level French in school and later on at university. All universities also offer French in combination with other subjects and these courses are increasingly popular.

Geography GCSE

What will I do?

In Geography you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

Geography will help you to be more aware of the everyday life and problems of the people who live around you, in other parts of the UK, and across the world. Geography is a highly topical subject, ever changing as world events unfold. You will cover four key geographical themes - rivers and coasts, population and settlement, natural hazards, and economic development.

To be successful you will need to be interested in the world around you and like to question how the world works.

You will be assessed through one piece of field work and two examinations at the end of Year 11.

At the end of the course you have the opportunity to progress onto A Level Geography. There is an option of completing an additional extended project to gain extra UCAS points.

Graphic Design GCSE

What will I do?

In Graphic Design you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

You have the opportunity to learn about graphic design through a variety of mini projects which touch upon the following areas of design: advertising, branding, design for print, publishing, and graphic products. You will learn how to combine text and images to produce work to convey a specific message; this can be done using design software (such as Photoshop) or via more traditional methods. You will have the opportunity to experiment and trial different techniques used to create graphics. You will also have the opportunity to study the work of other designers as inspiration.

To be successful you need to be dynamic, insightful, committed and have a real interest and passion for visual communication. An awareness of how images and text are combined to appeal to a targeted audience is essential along with some drawing skills. The ability to work from a given brief to produce work to deadlines is also important.

In Graphic Design you will be assessed in 2 ways: there is a unit of coursework to complete (60%) and a practical exam, sat in class over a period of lessons (40%).

Graphic Design students can progress to A Level Graphics, Art or Product Design.

History GCSE

What will I do?

In History you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

This is a modern world history course. Topics include the study of the prohibition era in the USA, the Russian Revolution, and the Cold War including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.

You will also study Britain 1896-1918 for an evidence based paper. This includes topics like the suffragette campaign for votes for women and the impact of the First World War on British society.

To be successful you need to be a good communicator, both verbally and in writing. You should be interested in thinking for yourself and conducting independent research. There will be opportunities to work in groups and discuss your opinions. You will need good knowledge so that you can back up your judgements with historical detail.

You will be assessed by two examinations, both in Year 11, and a controlled assessment.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level History. This subject is highly valued and offers a route to many professions.

Information Technology GCSE

What will I do?

In Information Technology you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

This course allows you to learn about a variety of software programs. As well as the main Microsoft Office suite you will learn to edit and manipulate images, create web pages and learn animation and graphical solutions through the use of the SERIF software suite.

To be successful you should have a firm grasp of basic IT skills and want to develop your understanding of the main business software applications.

In IT you will be assessed through controlled assessments and an external examination.

This course allows you to study A Level IT and provides valuable knowledge of current software packages.

Law GCSE

What will I do?

In Law you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

GCSE Law gives students an understanding of the role of law in

today’s society. There are two units. Unit 1: The English Legal System

looks at types of law, the court system, trials, sentencing and legal

personnel. Unit 2: Law in Action looks at criminal law (murder,

assault, theft), employment law, consumer law, family law (marriage,

divorce, wills) and tort (negligence, nuisance trespass).

To be successful you will need to demonstrate skills of selection,

analysis, critical thinking and decision making and an awareness of

the rights and responsibilities of individuals.

The course is assessed by two written papers each making up half of the overall grade.

After you have finished this course you can progress to A Level in Law.

It is useful for those wishing to pursue a career in the legal

environment, which could include not only law firms but also local

government, the police or social services.

Media GCSE

What will I do?

In Media you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

In Media you will begin to explore how programmes, films, adverts are games are put together for audiences. You will learn about how to make their own media texts on iMacs, ranging from magazine front pages to DVD covers or even film trailers. It is an enjoyable and exciting subject

You will get to use a range of technologies (iMacs, iPads and video cameras) and modern texts to study, this makes lessons and tasks challenging but very engaging.

In Media you will be assessed by controlled assessments and a written exam at the end of Year 11.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Media. There are numerous University courses available to those who wish to continue the subject.

Music GCSE

What will I do?

In Music you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

During the GCSE music course you will learn how music has developed over the past 600 years, including a whole unit on popular music. This will be done through predominantly practical activities and will involve the pupils performing and composing in many varied styles.

To be successful you need to be willing to take part in practical activities and listen to a broad range of musical styles.

In Music you will be assessed by performing on an instrument of your choice and by composing 2 pieces in different styles. There is also a written listening exam in the Summer of Year 11.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Music or to BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (performance).

Physical Education GCSE

What will I do?

In Physical Education you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

GCSE PE students can learn about all aspects of sport, physical education and the importance of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. This course uses both practical and theory lessons in order to develop knowledge in these areas. You will also develop the application of skills in practical performances.

To be successful you should be dedicated and interested in the subject and the environment. You must be able to perform practically in a minimum of four sports.

In PE you will be assessed by written (40%) and practical (60%) examinations. This practical grade can be assessed throughout the duration of the course. Almost any sport can be considered.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Physical Education or BTEC Level 3 Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness).

Resistant Materials GCSE

What will I do?

In Resistant Materials you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

Resistant Materials allows you to gain an understanding of the exciting and innovative world of product design and development. You will develop your workshop skills through mini design and make tasks, as well as the more creative side of design and innovation. You will have the opportunity to work with wood, metal, plastic as well as up to date Computer Aided Design software and Computer Aided Manufacture.

To be successful in this course, you will need to have a keen interest in the designing and making of products and be interested in making innovative and exciting new designs.

The course is assessed by coursework, worth 60% of their final grade and an exam worth 40%. You will select a brief, set by the exam board, and design and make a product of their choice during Year 11.

Resistant Materials would be an ideal course for students looking to progress to A Level Product Design.

Spanish GCSE

What will I do?

In Spanish you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

During this course you will learn a whole range of topics that will help you to communicate abroad. You will learn to talk about yourself, your family, friends, school, jobs, your home and environment.

To be successful in this course you need to enjoy expressing yourself and you will be interested in other people and other ways of life.

As you study Spanish you will be assessed by coursework (written and spoken) and examination (reading and listening).

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A Level Spanish. Languages are vital for many university places. They are also very much in demand for a wide range of jobs including armed forces, teaching and tourism.

Textiles GCSE

What will I do?

In Textiles you will be able to achieve an A* to G grade which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.

During the course you will develop knowledge and understanding of textiles through practical activities. You will learn about fibres and fabrics, textile design, construction and decoration of textile products and consumer choice.

To be successful in this course you need to have a keen interest in

textiles along with reasonable to good practical skills.

In Textiles you will be assessed by completing 2 practical projects,

one in Year 10 and one in Year 11 and complete a written

examination at the end of the course.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress to A

Level Product Design.

BTEC Option Choices

Level 2 Btec Business

What will I do?

In Business if you are successful you will be awarded a Distinction Star, Distinction, Merit or Pass which is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

The course covers many aspects of business. You will set up your own fictional company and run it as a group. The course is divided into a range of units, four of which are core units.

Business Purposes: examines the different activities undertaken by businesses

Business Organisations: examines aims and objectives Financial forecasting: budgets, break even and cash flows People in organisations: roles and responsibilities in the

working environment

To be successful you will need to work on your own, in a group, communicate with others and enjoy research using the internet. You will use real life examples to complement your understanding.

The assessment is all through coursework.

After completing this course you will be able to progress onto Level 3 Business. It could lead to work in a business-related profession such as accountancy, law, marketing or the leisure and tourism industry.

Level 2 Btec Engineering

What will I do?

In Engineering if you are successful you will be awarded a Distinction Star, Distinction, Merit or Pass which is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

The BTEC Engineering course helps you to develop workshop confidence and practical ability. You will gain first-hand experience with a range of hand tools and machine tools that are commonly used in industry. You will also explore and practise many of the fabrication techniques used by engineers, mechanics and fabricators developing a sound knowledge to progress on to BTEC Level 3, A Levels, college courses or apprenticeships.

To be successful in this course you need to be confident experimenting with new materials, explain the processes you use and justify the reasons why you chose them.

In BTEC Engineering work is assessed at the end of each unit. Practical work is completed and recorded in a digital folio.

After completing this course you will be able to progress onto

A Level Product Design, Level 3 Engineering or various apprenticeships.

Level 2 Btec Health and Social Care

What will I do?

In Health and Social Care if you are successful you will be awarded a Distinction Star, Distinction, Merit or Pass which is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

This is an exciting opportunity to learn all about health and wellbeing whilst evaluating how different factors can affect peoples’ lives. This is also a chance to fully understand how the health service and social services provide support for people of all ages.

To be successful you will need to be able to research information and present your ideas within discussions. You will need to be a good communicator both verbally and in writing.

Health and Social Care is assessed through 2 exams which cover 25% of the total assessment for the qualification. 75% will be completed through coursework assignments.

The subject is useful for those considering many different careers including the food industry, teaching, the police, the health service, social work and sports and fitness

Level 2 Btec Hospitality

What will I do?

In Hospitality if you are successful you will be awarded a Distinction Star, Distinction, Merit or Pass which is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

When you study Hospitality you will develop a knowledge and understanding of how the multiple elements of the hospitality industry work. You will also have the opportunity to organise hospitality events in school where you will be able to gain hands on experience of planning, preparing and delivering catering needs to different types of events. You will learn about the production of the associated advertising material for major events. This course also allows you to develop your practical and creative skills through the production of various dishes.

To be successful in this course you need to have a keen interest in the hospitality industry and all the different aspects of this multi-faceted sector. Creativity and good organisational and planning skills would also be highly beneficial.

This course is entirely coursework based with no exam. Units of work will need to be submitted at regular intervals. The coursework is assessed on theory and practical outcomes.

After you have finished this course you will be able to progress BTEC Food and Nutrition at Level 3, associated A Level subjects or industry based apprenticeships.

Level 2 Btec Sport

What will I do?

In Sport if you are successful you will be awarded a Distinction Star, Distinction, Merit or Pass which is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

BTEC Sport students can learn about all aspects of sport, physical education and the importance of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. This course uses both practical and theory lessons in order to develop knowledge in these areas and also develop the application of skills in practical performances.

You will be successful in this course if you are dedicated and interested in the subject and the environment. You should be able to perform practically in a team or individual sport.

You will be assessed throughout the duration of the course, covering different modules in both theory and practical settings. There are no examinations.

You will be able to progress onto BTEC Level 3 Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness).

My thoughts…

I think I would like to study:

3 GCSEs □

1 GCSE and 1 Btec □

My Choices are:

1. ________________________________________

2. ________________________________________

3. ________________________________________

Reserve Choice: _______________________________