Newport Girls High School

NEWPORT GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

ACADEMY TRUST

GCSE OPTIONS

BOOKLET

2015 - 2017

GCSE

NATIONAL CURRICULUM

KEY STAGE 4

This booklet gives details of the curriculum on offer at NGHS at Key Stage 4.

The options process means that it is possible to study up to 11 GCSE and AS subjects at Key Stage 4. This is a broad and extensive Curriculum, which we are very pleased to be able to offer. The information published is correct at the time of going to print but may be subject to change for September in line with ongoing curriculum development.

KEY DATES FOR OPTION PLANNING

Date Activity

11th/12th February PSHE meeting - a detailed look at the GCSE Options booklet and choices at NGHS. Explanation of procedures for choosing options.

25th/26th February PSHE meeting – an opportunity to ask questions about GCSE courses to a panel of Year 11/12 students. Complete a detailed subject review sheet in preparation for your final subject preferences.

6th March Subject preferences to be handed in.

Early June Final Options Choices issued. Because of the idiosyncrasies of the timetable in a small school, it is impossible to give out the final options choices until this date.

19th June Final Option Choice sheet to be handed in.

KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM

It is important for your personal development and your ultimate career prospects that you have a sound all-round education, which shows your ability in many aspects of the curriculum. To ensure this a number of subjects are compulsory.

The table below indicates these compulsory subjects and how we meet our legal obligations at Key Stage 4.

In Years 10 and 11 you must study: / These compulsory components are examined as follows:
English / English and English Literature (two GCSEs)
Mathematics / Mathematics (GCSE)
An additional GCSE equivalent Further Mathematics qualification may be available for some students.
Science / Physics, Chemistry and Biology (three GCSEs)
A Modern Foreign Language / French or German (one or two GCSEs)
Religious Education / Religious Education (GCSE)
Physical Education / Non-examinable
PSHE/Citizenship / Non-examinable
Sex Education and Careers Guidance / Included as part of the Personal Social and Health Education programme and the week’s work experience in Year 10 (non-examinable)

* New reformed GCSE specification.

ᵻ New reformed GCSE specification for examinations in 2017.

WHAT CHOICES DO I NEED TO MAKE?

English, Maths, Science, RE, PE, PSHE, and a Modern Foreign Language are compulsory subjects for all students. You must choose three subjects, at least one of which must be French or German, from the following: Art, D&T, French, German, Geography, History, ICT (AS) and Music.

However, we ask you to put all 8 subjects in order of preference. This will give us the information we need in drawing up the option scheme and develop a personalised curriculum for every student.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?

We will look in detail at your choices, and the reasons for your choices. Every effort will be made to draw up a scheme of options which will satisfy your wishes, but it is impossible for any school to offer a completely free choice; subjects offered have to fit into a timetable pattern and are also limited by group size.

We cannot release our preferred scheme of options until we are sure that we can indeed timetable it. Remember we must first ensure that Years 11 and 13 can continue with their current course. In addition, some subjects are taught by only one member of staff and this severely restricts our timetabling capacity.

You and your parents will be informed of the option choices as soon as we possibly can do so, but this will not be until early June.

ADVICE ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHOICES

1. Do not choose a subject only because your friend is opting for it, or because of your liking for a particular member of staff.

2. Do not avoid choosing a subject because it has meant more homework in the past. All GCSE subjects involve more homework than in Year 9.

3. Discuss your choice with your form tutor and subject teachers who can give you valuable help.

4. Think about:

Where do my strengths and weaknesses lie?

Which subjects do my teachers recommend me to take?

What subject skills may I need for some subjects?

Which subjects particularly interest me?

5. Ask yourself - what ideas about my future career do I have at the moment?

6. Discuss your choice carefully with your parents.

7. Remember that some subjects can be taken at A level, which have not been studied at GCSE, for example, Art/DT. Discuss this with your subject teachers.

For languages it is necessary to follow the appropriate GCSE course if you intend to take the language at A level.

8. After you have made your initial choice you will have an opportunity to arrange a discussion with a senior member of staff if you wish.

9. Every effort will be made to allocate you to the subjects you have chosen. However, it may be necessary to modify the choice and you must be prepared for this to happen.

COURSEWORK AND EXAMINATION WEIGHTINGS

GCSE differs considerably from the Key Stage 3 courses, in its emphasis on controlled assessments. A proportion of class work and homework from an early stage in Year 10 will now be assessed by your teacher and will form an important part of your final grade. You will need to organise your homework time carefully in order to meet controlled assessments deadlines. A list of the relative weightings for examination and controlled assessments is given below.

Subject / Examination / Controlled Assessment
English Language / 100% / 0%
English Literature / 100% / 0%
Mathematics / 100% / 0%
Sciences / 75% / 25%
Art / 40% / 60% (coursework)
French / 40% / 60%
Geography / 75% / 25%
German / 40% / 60%
History / 75% / 25%
ICT – AS Level / 60% / 40% (coursework)
Music / 20% / 80%
Religious Studies / 100% / 0%
Technology / 40% / 60%

ART - OCR OPTION FINE ART

What will I study?

You will work from direct observation and imagination, develop ideas and explore different ways of responding to a topic. You will be encouraged to work with a variety of techniques to experiment in an imaginative way and to build upon and strengthen your current skills. You must use a range of media but often you can choose those you prefer for a final piece. Coursework can include any of the following:

painting / drawing / textiles / photography
mixed media / monoprinting / lino printing / digital artwork
sculpture / collage / manipulation of images

You will be expected to look at the work of well-known artists as this can suggest ways that materials can be used and how ideas might be put together, helping and informing you in your own work. You will also be expected to make connections with your work and the visual world around you eg. through first hand observation, images from books, internet magazines and other imagery or photographs. Visits to art galleries are an essential component of the course, locally, in this country and possibly elsewhere. All students may be given an extra option of going on an Art trip abroad in October or February half term. Places we have visited are Italy, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, New York and Amsterdam as well as London, Birmingham and Liverpool.

How is Art GCSE assessed?

Art is assessed on:

· the way you respond to a stimulus and how you can investigate to develop your ideas;

· your ability to experiment with and use a range of media;

· your ability to work from direct observation;

· your ability to change and develop work as it progresses to a final outcome or outcomes;

· the way you respond to the work of other artists.

Examination and Coursework

Component / Description / Duration / Weighting
Coursework / You will submit a portfolio (folder) of work for assessment (January Year 11) / ongoing / 60%
Examination / Exam paper is given out at least eight weeks in advance (after Christmas in Year 11). You then develop ideas, experiment, etc. to prepare the final piece which will be completed in the exam. (over 2 school days ie. 10 hours) / 10 hours
(2 days) / 40%

Marking

The work is marked by your Art teacher and will be moderated by a visiting moderator.

Display of coursework and exam pieces concludes the course.

What skills will I have developed?

· Working in a range of media successfully to a high level of skill

· Expressing ideas imaginatively in a visual and personal way

· Appreciation of work of other artists at first hand

· An understanding of the wide range of forms Art can take

If you are considering Art at A level, then this course is essential, as it gives a good foundation for further work (though if you are keen and well-motivated it is not always essential if you really want to study Art).

Homework

Specific tasks will be set, eg. drawing from direct observation, researching techniques, also further development of ideas, completion of work in progress and research on the work of other artists will be expected.

Your understanding of Art will be greatly enhanced by visits to galleries, locally or further afield.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (Graphic Products) – AQA 4550 (Optional)

What is GCSE Graphic Products?

The GCSE Graphic Products course covers both visual imagery and the production of 3 dimensional outcomes, such as packaging, advertising, product displays, board games, pop-up books etc. You will use a wide range of graphic techniques to create, develop and communicate solutions to problems. The solutions will be modelled in a variety of graphic materials to convey 3 dimensional concepts to others.

You will learn:

· Drawing techniques (sketching, 3D work, application of colour and formal drawings);

· Modelling methods (using card, plastic, foam);

· Develop ideas, plan and produce products;

· Analyse and evaluate commercially produced products;

· Develop an awareness of industrial processes (e.g. printing techniques);

· Consider how past and present design and technology affects society;

· Recognise the moral, cultural and environmental issues inherent in design and technology.

How is GCSE Graphic Products assessed?

The Assessment comprises two components, 60% Controlled Assessment project and 40% exam. The project consists of a completed design folder and a 3-dimensional outcome.

The exam considers various designs, materials and processes in the context of a central theme sent by the board in advance.

How much homework will be set?

There will be one 30 - 35 minutes homework session per week which will be used to reinforce themes and where possible will be of a practical nature. It is therefore advisable for students to have access to an A3 portfolio to carry work.

How does GCSE Graphic Products lead on to A Level?

GCSE Graphic Products provides a sound basis for A Level study since it develops the key skills of communication, application of number, ICT, working with others, improving own learning and performance and problem solving. Design and Technology Graphic Products is uniquely placed to provide opportunities for all six Key Skills required at A Level and it is advisable, although not compulsory, to study this first as an option at GCSE.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE AQA (Compulsory)

Students will prepare for the two subjects combined at GCSE as many of the skills crossover. The students will be assessed by closed book examinations at the end of Year 11. Students will also need to deliver a formal presentation as part of the English Language course. This will be endorsed on their certificate, but carries a 0% weighting.

About the subjects

English Language teaches skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. English Literature explores the effects writers can achieve through structure, imagery, diction and narrative style. The new courses offer a challenging and rewarding range of texts and topics and build on the skills that the students have been developing at Key Stage Three.

Why are they important?

Learning to analyse text and media is an important skill for everyone, as is the ability to recognise the line of an argument and to be able to produce a clear one yourself. You will often be expected in life to present information orally, and this too is something you will practise in English lessons.

Assessment

GCSE English Language (100% examination)

Paper 1 – Explorations in creative reading and writing (50%)

Paper 2 – Writer’s viewpoints and perspectives (50%)

GCSE English Literature (100% examination – closed book)

Paper 1 – Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel (40%)

Paper 2 – Modern texts and poetry (60%)

Information on set texts will be shared with students at the end of Year 9. They will be issued with a GCSE reading list which will include set texts and wider reading. More information can be found on the AQA website.

Homework

There are two homeworks of 30 - 35 minutes each week. However, preparation for practice exams may spread over a week or more, and may not fit neatly into the homework layout. A fair amount of time for completion of the task will always be negotiated with the students.

How do GCSE English Language and English Literature lead on to A level?

At the High School, the GCSE course leads to A level English Literature. Students who have enjoyed the literary elements of the GCSE course, who enjoy reading and are fascinated by language use, will want to hone their critical skills at this level.

GEOGRAPHY – AQA Specification A (Optional)

Why choose Geography?

Geography is a bridge between the arts and sciences and is therefore a relevant and flexible subject. It gives an awareness of issues at all scales from local to global.

These include:

· Environmental relationships between people and their surroundings;

· Sustainable development;

· Our global interdependence;

· An understanding of cultural differences.