Summary of course

GCSE Art and Design gives students the opportunity to explore materials, techniques and develop skills. The course focuses on four assessment objectives. These consist of observational drawing; analysing artists’ work and that of different cultures; developing and exploring ideas; and finally a personal response. Students will complete four projects over the two years, which will make up a portfolio of coursework (60%). 

Finally, students will be issued their exam paper at the end of January. Students start exam preparation and will complete their final exam in May. This is a 10-hour exam completed over 2 days, where students complete a ‘Final piece’ in response to all their preparation work completed previously (40%). All work is assessed through the 4 objectives mentioned earlier. It is marked by the teacher and then moderated with an AQA examiner. 

What it can lead to at College and beyond

GCSE Art and Design can be a stepping stone towards A Level Art, Textiles or a BTEC National Diploma in similar Art-related subjects. This could then lead to degree courses (BA/ BA Hons) in various subject areas. 

Art is so diverse that future careers can be very varied and could lead to professional artist, Art teacher, illustrator, graphic designer, interior designer, printmaker, fashion designer, theatre design, ceramics and many more. 

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

As with any Art-based subject, Art is very time-consuming, so you must be committed to finishing your work in your own time. We recommend that you attend subject study club regularly and complete homework which will include photography, practical work and written work; all of which will count towards your coursework portfolio. This will mean that you should also be prepared to have your own supplies for practical work that you keep at home, and access to a printer.

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs Pitassi.

Summary of course

As this course is on the art specification, it requires similar skills to Art and Design. Students will require a good base knowledge in painting and drawing as well as an enthusiasm for trying new things. On this course we explore the potential for fabric and embroidery to be used as tools to create art, illustration and sculpture.

The course is structured around four assessment objectives which look at your ability to: research and replicate the work of various artists; experiment with materials and processes and develop ideas; record your process through photography, drawing and written annotation; and to produce a personal final piece as the outcome of the project. Students will complete 3 projects during the course which will make up a portfolio of coursework (60% of overall grade).

Finally, as with Art, students will be issued with an exam paper in January of Year 11. This paper will provide project themes for the student to choose from, and complete independently before their final exam in May. This is a 10-hour exam completed over 2 days, where students will create a final piece for their chosen project, using the preparation work that they have produced (40% of overall grade). All work is then assessed by the teacher and moderated by an AQA examiner.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

GCSE Textile Arts can lead to further study at A level, either as an Art based subject or Technology Textile Design, UAL Diploma in Art or Fashion design. This could then lead to degree courses (BA/Hons) in a variety of creative subjects.

Possible future careers are Visual Artist, Art Teacher, Textiles, Fashion, Set and Costume Design, Interior Design, Buyer, Visual Merchandising, Surface Design and more.

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

As with any Art-based subject, Textile Arts is very time-consuming, so you must be committed to finishing your work in your own time. We recommend that you attend subject study club regularly and complete homework which will include photography, practical work and written work; all of which will count towards your coursework portfolio. This will mean that you should also be prepared to have your own supplies for practical work that you keep at home, and access to a printer

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs Pitassi.

Summary of course

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and extend their skills within catering in a vocational context. The specification encourages the investigation and study of catering in a variety of contexts and uses a range of assessment techniques to enable students to respond through practical and investigative work. If you enjoy cooking and developing a range of skills that will develop your understanding of different foodstuffs and how to use the equipment correctly and safely, then catering is an ideal option.

Areas of study include: the industry – food and drink, job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training: health, safety and hygiene; food preparation, cooking and presentation; nutrition and menu planning; costing and portion control; specialist equipment; communication and record keeping; and environmental considerations.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

It is a suitable qualification for those who want a broad background in this area and for those who wish to progress to further education, for example to complete a City & Guilds catering qualification. It will also offer valuable preparation for those entering the world of work. Possible future careers in this subject: catering; hospitality; tourism; nutritionist; dietitian; health & fitness work; and medical.

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

There will be an element of cost related to the purchasing of chef’s whites, ingredients etc. and you will be responsible for providing these items each practical session (including your washed and clean whites).

For more information on the course, please contact Miss Westmoreland

Summary of course

Computer Science offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the way computers work, and to create and review computer programs for real-life purposes. It encourages students to create games, applications and other systems, rather than simply use those designed by others. A high level of mathematics is required for this course. It is a linear specification and all assessments are taken at the end of the course.

During the course, in addition to the coding you will also cover:

Algorithms and code design - This will cover flowcharts and pseudocode.

Computer Systems - Included will be binary and computer architecture. This includes storage and compression techniques used in sound and images/video.

Computer Architecture - You will learn about the in-depth operation of the processor.

Networks - The benefits and dangers of networks will be discussed in this unit.

Databases - In this short unit, you will look at the use of databases.

Computers in society - You will study the use and misuse of computers and the legal (and moral) issues that this entails.

Data Representation - How data is stored in a computer. This will cover the most mathematical sections of the course as binary is introduced.

Cyber Security - Students look at all aspects of cyber crime and, more importantly, the steps that can be taken to avoid this.

Assessment is entirely done by examination covering the various parts of the course.

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs Burnham

Summary of course

You will study the media industry with a focus on new media, such as the internet, digital advertising and graphics presentation. You will look at how companies use media campaigns to develop their growth. You will learn practical skills in Photoshop, website design and animation. The written aspect includes detailing how companies brand themselves and the production elements needed to create a campaign.

By the end of Year 9, students will have transferable skills in the various areas that will support other subjects, as well as continuing iMedia into Year 10.

The course has a written exam at the end of Year 11 and two coursework-based projects.

Topics for coursework:

• Visual identity & digital design
• Animation with audio

What it can lead to at College and beyond

This course builds skills in digital design and an understanding of the industry that can transfer to any graphics/design-based course at College. With digital media being an ever developing sector of work, having skills and an understanding of the process could be invaluable in any job role.

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs Burnham

Why Study Dance?

Would you like to take a hands-on, practical course along-side your GCSEs that gives you a taste of what the Performing Arts sector is like, as well as giving you the skills and confidence to succeed in your next steps?

Why choose a BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts?

This course enables learners to develop the foundational skills that are integral to a wide range of roles (from performing to designing and directing) across the creative industries.

Through this course, learners will acquire sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through vocational contexts by studying professionals’ work and processes used, the skills and techniques used in different roles, and how to contribute to the creation of a performance role, in a performance role. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop their own practical and interpretative skills through workshops and classes.

As a creative subject with a focus on application, there is no written exam.

With a Tech Award you will:

• Get a taste of what a sector is like. 
• Gain transferable skills and confidence that will help you in the world today and prepare you for your futures.
• Be encouraged to commit to performing in a whole College production.

Content Overview

Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts (30%)
Learners will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining the work of performing arts professionals and the processes used to create performance.

Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts (30%)
Learners will develop their performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting, dance and/or musical theatre repertoire as performers or designers.

Component 3: Responding to a Brief (40%)
Learners will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to contribute to a workshop performance as either a performer or a designer in response to a brief and stimulus.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

The possibilities are endless. Performing Arts will enable you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities will be looking for. It can also give you opportunities to travel, meet people and get the most out of life.

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs Callaghan

Why choose GCSE Drama?

• You’ll develop a wide range of skills.
• You’ll gain confidence and have fun.
• You’ll learn to work within a team and balance a range of ideas. 
• You’ll have a mix of practical and written work unlike any other subject.

What skills will I develop?
You will have the opportunity learn and develop a range of transferable skills and practise applying these to new situations. These include analytical, problem-solving, organisation and time management skills. Your practical skills will be refined and will demonstrate creativity, reflection and resilience, as well as developing confidence and strong presentation skills. Your written skills, both analytical and creative, as well as your ability to self-reflect, will be developed through a range of tasks. Through studying drama, you will be equipped with the skills to succeed in your next steps.

What does GCSE drama involve?

The GCSE Drama specification is designed to give you a broad and balanced experience of Drama. You will collaborate in devising your own piece of theatre and perform in a performance from a text.

About the course:

Unit 1: Devising Theatre 40% (Teacher assessed, and externally moderated)

You will participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre. You will produce:

• A portfolio of supporting evidence based on the rehearsal process
• A performance lasting between 5-16 minutes (depending on the number of actors in your group)
• An evaluation of the final performance or design. 

Unit 2: Performing Theatre 20% (Externally assessed by a visiting examiner)

You will study two extracts from the same text chosen by you or your teacher. 

• A performance lasting between 5-14 minutes using sections of text from both extracts.

Unit 3: Interpreting Theatre 40% (Externally assessed examination)

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes - You will answer:

• Section A: Set Text - A series of questions based on the set text that you have studied. 
• Section B: Live Theatre Review – One question from a choice of two, analysing and evaluating a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course.
• Students must see live theatre.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

The possibilities are endless. Drama will enable you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities will be looking for. It can also give you opportunities to travel, meet people and get the most out of life.

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs Callaghan

Summary of course   (please note English Language is not an ‘optional’ subject)

You will study this course in parallel with English Literature.

For the Component 1 Exam, you will refine your skills as a reader of modern literary prose texts and develop your creative writing skills. For the Component 2 Exam, you will refine your skills as a reader of a range of non-fiction texts (from the nineteenth century onwards) and develop your non-fiction transactional writing skills.

Throughout the course you will develop and refine your skills as a speaker and a listener in a variety of situations- individually, in groups and in role. You will be able to analyse how language works in action.

By the end of the course you will achieve a GCSE in English Language… and you will be a confident, independent, critical thinker as well as a rounded, articulate and successful communicator!

What it can lead to at College and beyond

Success in English Language will, of course, lay the foundations for your work in English Language or Literature at AS level. But the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills you will develop will also be useful across a range of arts, humanities and social science subjects, and the evaluation skills you will develop will be useful in each and every subject, both at Sixth Form, College or in higher education. 

In fact, the ability to use English successfully will open doors for life!

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

You will be expected to complete regular study skill, reading or writing homework. Study Club will be offered in order to help you take your work to the next grade.

For more information on the course, please contact Mr Bezant

Summary of course   (please note English Literature is not an ‘optional’ subject)

You will study this course in parallel with English Language.

You will develop and refine your skills as a critical, independent reader of the three forms of fiction, as you study and respond to a wide range of texts – novels, poetry and drama, including Shakespeare. 

For the Component 1 Exam, you will study and respond to a play by Shakespeare and a range of classic and modern poetry. For the Component 2 Exam, you will read and respond to a modern novel or play, nineteenth-century prose and unseen poetry.

By the end of the course you will achieve a GCSE in English Literature… and you will be an independent, confident, rounded and articulate critical reader.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

Success in English Literature will, of course, lay the foundations for your work in English Literature or Language/Literature at AS level, and possibly for Drama too. 

In addition, the critical reading and writing skills you will develop will also be useful across a range of arts, humanities and social science subjects, and the evaluation skills you will develop will be useful in each and every subject, both at Sixth Form, College or in higher education. 

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

You will be expected to complete regular study skill, reading or writing homework. Study Club will be offered in order to help you take your work to the next grade.

For more information on the course, please contact Mr Bezant

Summary of course

Geography helps make the world make sense. This GCSE offers you the opportunity to explore the planet from the comfort of your classroom! Throughout the course you will look into a variety of exciting places, events and actions which have shaped the world we live in – piecing together the physical, human and environmental features around us to understand the bigger picture of this incredible planet.

The course will appeal to the naturally inquisitive and includes subject content questioning issues as varied as ‘Can cities really prepare for earthquakes?’, ‘How on earth did that massive cliff collapse?’ and ‘How will this place change over time?’.

We will be looking at new areas of geography not studied at KS3 including global futures for water resource management, river processes and landscapes, and geographical applications of fieldwork, alongside familiar areas of earthquakes, development and the UK.

In opting to study GCSE geography you will also be learning outside the classroom on fieldwork: a full day in the field completing investigation tasks. This links to the Geographical applications exam, assessing investigation issues and fieldwork techniques. There are two further exams, one in each of physical and human geography, testing geographical skills, knowledge and the application of examples and case studies. 

What it can lead to at College and beyond

Geography develops your skills of analysis, investigation and decision-making. The skills you will pick up during the course are easily transferable to many walks of life, from planning, environmental work, geology, teaching, park ranger... the list is endless. Geographers ask questions and find answers!

Employers and colleges love the inquisitive nature of geographers!

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

There is one compulsory day of fieldwork and you will be encouraged to attend revision clinics and to come on trips to bring to life the geography studied in the classroom and support your progress to reach your targets. Enrichment opportunities for subject development are also provided for all.

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs Edington

Summary of course

This ever-popular course at GCSE allows students to develop their interest in and enthusiasm for history. Students will study a wide range of periods, key events and people of the past and the ways in which these have shaped our present. History will encourage students to think critically and analytically and create their own balanced, reasoned responses.

1. The USA 1929 – 2000

This covers the Depression and how it ended; the struggle for Civil Rights; how  music, entertainment and books influenced teenagers to be rebellious; the changing role of women; the part played by different Presidents in changes within America; the Cold War and the search for peace after 1970.

2. Germany 1919 – 39

This looks at the impact of the Treaty of Versailles and the problems of the new Weimar Government. This also covers the rise of the Nazis and Hitler’s control over Germany through terror and persuasion. It also looks at the steps to World War Two.

3. The Elizabethan Age 1558 – 1603

This unit covers Elizabeth becoming Queen and how she ruled her country; the lifestyles of different groups in terms of their housing, fashion and education; entertainment from bull baiting to theatre; Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement and the numerous Catholic plots to topple her and the attempted invasion by the Spanish Armada.

4. Changes in Health and Medicine from c500 to the present day

This examines causes of illness and disease; changes in prevention and treatment; developments in patient care and public health and welfare. This also includes a case study.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

GCSE History is an excellent platform for further study at college and then University. It teaches vital skills. You will learn to absorb information, locate and sift facts, analyse sources and interpretations, weigh up evidence and reach balanced conclusions. You will be able to communicate these ideas verbally and in writing.

These skills are important when you move to college - not just for further study of History but many other subjects too.

It is also highly desirable for employers – if they see History on your CV they will know that you can think critically and analytically, weigh up evidence and reach a decision!

You will find History useful for a career in journalism and media, teaching, law, accounting, marketing, police, armed forces, archaeology, museums and galleries, local government…the list is endless!!!

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

Young historians will research and revise independently in addition to the offered revision sessions and they can also take advantage of other enrichment opportunities such as College trips.

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs McClenaghan

Summary of course

RS GCSE offers students the chance to engage with and make sense of the fast-changing world, by investigating and debating relevant moral issues, such as euthanasia, relationships, human rights, social justice, the environment, crime, and the use of the death penalty.

We use case studies to help the students to develop their own ideas around the issues covered as well as looking at the different views within Christianity and Islam. The GCSE will allow students to be able to develop their skills of debating and being able to argue their points constructively and being able to appreciate the views of others respectfully, even if they do not agree with them.

We are currently developing a range of enrichment opportunities to visit places of worship and engage with religious believers on how their faith works in the today’s world. Alongside this we will offer opportunities to discuss some of the issues we cover with professionals that work in those areas, such as medicine and the criminal justice system.

There are two exams:

• Paper 1 covers the religious beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam.
• Paper 2 covers the themes of Religion and Life, Crime and Punishment, Human Rights + Social Justice and Relationships and family. Both papers are 1hr 45mins.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

Religious Education is useful for further study at College and University, due to the skills it develops, such as evaluation and debate. Many employers value R.S. because it promotes understanding of people and cultures, which are important in any workplace. R.S. is advantageous for people considering a career in any caring profession or the public sector, such as the police, military, teaching, journalism, medicine, customer service, hospitality, social services or sales and advertising.

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

Students are expected to keep up-to-date with current affairs through newspapers, television, the internet and radio, as well as attending revision sessions and going on course related trips.

For more information on the course, please contact Mrs Jones

Summary of course   (please note mathematics is not an ‘optional’ subject)

Mathematics is offered at two levels of entry; Higher and Foundation. Students wishing to follow Mathematics beyond Key Stage 4 must study Higher. The course covers all aspects of Mathematics and is assessed by a terminal examination made up of three papers. These are 2 x calculator and 1 x non-calculator. In addition to this, all students are assessed each half term to ensure progress is maintained.

At GCSE we build upon the work covered at Key Stage 3 and prepare students to be efficient in the use of mathematics in real-life applications. In the Mathematics faculty, we embrace new technologies but these are underpinned by the traditional approaches to the subject that are required in the wider world. A successful mathematician will be able to show organisation, logic and ordering skills in order to break a problem down to smaller, more manageable tasks.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

Mathematics is required for practically every job that you can imagine. Most job advertisements will request Mathematics at a pass grade at GCSE. The skills developed will demonstrate that problems can be identified and broken down. 

As an A level subject it is widely considered to be the most marketable, opening doors into careers in ICT, law, engineering, medicine, science and business. The skills that you will develop are universal and can be implemented in many areas.

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

Students will be expected to complete a weekly homework of up to 1 hour in length. In addition, students will be asked to practice basic skills using the ICT available. 

For more information on the course, please contact Mr Patel

Summary of course

Students will study a range of topics including holidays, health and lifestyle, education and future career paths and personal relationships.

• Listening - Listening, speaking, reading and writing all count for 25% towards final grade and are assessed by final exam.
• Writing - Writing will take the form of short and longer written responses to stimuli at either Foundation or Higher Level. 
• Speaking - Speaking interactions will include a role-play task, a photo-based discussion and free discussion on various topics. 
• Reading - Reading will include a translation element, both into English and into the French.

What it can lead to at College and beyond

French can be studied as an A-Level at college or taken as a supplementary unit for courses such as cabin crew and leisure and tourism. Some universities (Edinburgh and UCL) and courses, like Law, require a language GCSE.  If applicants do not have this qualification, then they may be required to work independently in their first year to achieve one.

Speaking different languages can open up a wealth of opportunities, from increasing our cultural awareness to making us more employable. In a CBI survey 72% of businesses valued language skills amongst their employees. 

Extra-curricular commitment requirements

Students will be expected to do writing, reading and vocabulary learning tasks once a week.

GCSE help clinics run one lunchtime a week, or by arrangement with the teacher. There will be revision sessions for all skills in Year 11. 

For more information on the course, please contact Ms Clarke