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the k ing s school ely the king s school ely cambridgeshire cb7 4db england head sue freestone telephone +44 01353 660700 facsimile +44 01353 662187 email enquiries@kingsely.org website www.kingsschoolely.co.uk a company limited by guarantee registered in england no 2440509 the king s school ely is registered as a charity scheme reference 802427 registered office the bursar s office the king s school ely cambridgeshire cb7 4db england designed and produced by marion james design +4401926 800103 © 1.2012

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the k ing s school ely gcse curriculum september 2012

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introduction art and design business studies classical civilisation design and technology drama english english literature english for speakers of other languages geography history information communications technology latin learning support mathematics media studies modern foreign languages french spanish german music physical education religious studies rs sciences 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12

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introduction choosing gcse courses is a very important aspect of a student s senior school education time and care given to ensuring that the right decisions are made now will be of considerable benefit in the future the curriculum at king s is designed to allow four gcse option choices in addition to the compulsory core gcse subjects this is a greater number than in many other schools and is a feature which we hope gives students and parents greater flexibility career guidance is pivotal insofar as subject choices should not block potential career avenues the year 9 personal development gcse options day is held in the lent term closely followed by student-tutor interviews and a parents evening these events provide opportunities to discuss students future education in detail all gcse courses are for two years the arrangement of core and options in year 10 continues unchanged into year 11 with the gcse examinations being held in summer 2014 examination boards referred to on the following pages are aqa assessment and qualifications alliance ocr oxford cambridge and rsa examinations edexcel edexcel foundation compulsory core curriculum · · · · english,englishliteratureormediastudies mathematics religious studies science science plus additional science or option physics chemistry and biology informationandcommunicationstechnologyiscontinuedinto gcse through integration with core curriculum subjects studentsmustnormallyselectatleastonemodernforeign language students wishing to specialise in modern foreign languages may choose from french german and spanish personaldevelopmentandphysicaleducationarealsoin the curriculum 1

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art and design ocr the course provides the opportunity to explore the practical development of ideas and use of media in a highly stimulating atmosphere students will gain an understanding of contexts in art craft and design and have the chance to participate in a variety of art excursions as well as regular collaborative exhibitions students will follow a specialist approach which focuses on fine art or textile design fine art painting drawing printmaking sculpture lens-based imagery and other forms of two-dimensional or three-dimensional imagery textile design fashion printed and dyed constructed expressive textilesandinstalledtextiles inexploringvisualelementssuchasline,tone,colour,form compositional organisation structure and scale students will have the opportunity to · · · · · · · respondcreativelytoanidea,themeorsubject recordfromdirectobservationorpersonalexperience pursueadesignfromtheideastagetopracticalcompletion workindependently research,analyseandcommunicateideas combinematerials,ideasandtechniquesinasympatheticway presentapersonalresponse,makinginformedconnectionswith the work of others overview of content · businessactivityandthechangingenvironment­examinesthe objectives of businesses the changing environment and the criteria for judging success the focus is on the importance of having clear business objectives and how the business environment provides opportunities for and imposes constraints upon the pursuit of those objectives humanresources­looksatpeopleinorganisationsfocusingon their roles relationships and management in business accountingandfinance­explorestheuseofaccountingand financial information as an aid to decision making marketing­focusesonidentifyingandsatisfyingcustomerneedsin a changing and competitive international environment production­examinesthewayorganisationsuseandmanage resources to produce goods and services · · · · overview of assessment theassessmentofthisqualificationisthroughatwo-hourexaminationpaper set and marked by edexcel · · singletierofentry thetotalnumberofmarksavailableis100 classical civilisation ocr thepurposeofagcsecourseinclassicalcivilisationistoacquireanunderstanding of some of the elements of classical civilisation and literature which have had a profound influence on modern societies the study of which can deepen and enrich each student s own experience by considering a range of topics both greek and roman students will have the opportunity · · · toread,understandandmakeapersonalresponsetoclassical literature in translation tomakeaninformedresponsetovisualsourcematerial,using written oral and other means of communication todevelopanawarenessofthesimilaritiesanddifferencesbetween the classical world and later times thequalificationiscomprisedoftwounitsofwork.thefirstunitrequires the development of a portfolio of work and carries 60 of the final mark the second unit is the set task and is one unit of work worth 40 of the gcse art and design marks business studiesigcseedexcel 4bs0 key subject aims theedexceligcseinbusinessstudiesqualificationenablesstudentsto · · · · · · developaninterestin,andenjoymentof,businesssubjectsthatwill be sustained in later life userelevantterminology,conceptsandmethodseffectivelyand recognise the strengths and limitations of the ideas used developandapplytheirknowledge,understandingandskillsto current issues in a wide range of appropriate international and uk contexts useanenquiring,criticalapproachtodistinguishbetweenfactsand opinionandevaluatequalitativeandquantitativedata,tohelpbuild arguments and make informed judgements appreciatetherangeofdifferentstakeholderperspectivesinrelation to business activities haveanunderstanding of the dynamics of business activity and the related considerations of ethics and sustainability in business the syllabus the gcse is made up of four mandatory units each unit carrying 25 of the total gcse mark three being externally assessed and the fourth using controlled assessment the four units are unit 1 city life in the classical world option 1 athens focusing on the everyday life of an ancient greek citizen in one of the most flourishing city states in ancient times students willacquireaknowledgeandunderstandingofreligion,thefamilyin athens entertainment in athens and the concept of democracy as practised by athens 2

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unit 2 epic and myth option 1 homer odyssey books 5 6 7 9 10 and 12 unit 3 community life in the classical world option 2 pompeii,focusingonthestudyofpompeiiasauniquesourcefor our understanding of everyday life in a prosperous town at the height of the romanempire.instudyingtheindividualaspectsofpompeii,studentswill assess the evidence provided by the town and will draw conclusions about its prosperity the values and priorities of its citizens and the attractiveness of living in such a town students will also be expected to understand how the nature of pompeii s destruction was a key factor in its preservation and thereby its value as an archaeological site unit 4 culture and society in the classical world the aim of this unit is to encourage candidates to actively engage in enquiringintotheclassicalworld.studentswillstudyoneoutofachoice of six options sophocles antigone aristophanes lysistrata the olympic games virgil aeneid pliny letters roman britain this unit is assessed through controlled assessment each year two tasks will be set for each option each task will relate to one of the themes specified for that option each student will complete one task of 2,000 words · · · · explorewaysinwhichaesthetic,technical,economic environmental ethical and social dimensions interact to shape designing and making analyseexistingproductsandproducepracticalsolutionstoneeds wantsandopportunities,recognisingtheirimpactonqualityoflife developdecision-makingskillsthroughindividualand collaborative working understandthatdesigningandmakingreflectandinfluencecultures and societies and that products have an impact on lifestyle the units are divided as follows unit a561 introduction to designing making controlled assessment a562 sustainable design examination a563 making quality products controlled assessment a564 technical aspects of designing making examination unit a561 introduction to designing making controlled assessment candidates must select one of the published themes as a starting point for this controlled assessment candidates undertake research associated with a specific product before establishing their own design brief and detailed specification for an improved or similarly functioning product they develop their design and use modelling before making and testing their prototype product throughout the process the candidate will record research and design developments using a portfolio to include photographs unit a562 sustainable design examination total 30 20 30 20 design and technology ocr two courses in gcse design and technology d&t are offered to cater for students withdifferentinterests.eachofthesecoursesmorethansatisfiestherequirements of the national curriculum and the full range of gcse grades is available d&t resistant materials ocr resistantmaterialstechnologyqualificationenablestudentsto · · activelyengageindesignandtechnology makedecisions,considersustainabilityandcombineskillswithknowledge andunderstandinginordertodesignandmakequalityproducts this unit aims to develop a candidate s knowledge and understanding of sustainability environmental concerns cultural moral and social issues candidates will look at how design and technology has evolved through examination of products from the past and present and consider how future designs will impact on the world in which we live candidates will study examples of both old and new products in order that they might gain awareness and understanding of trends and innovations in design and production labelling packaging and the impact that the design of such productsishavingontheenvironment,societyandtheeconomy.moral cultural economic environmental and sustainability issues are inherent in design and technology within the commercial context the product life cycle choice and use of materials planned obsolescence and eventual disposal of products are of paramount importance 3

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unit a563 making quality products controlled assessment inthisunit,candidateswillbuildonskillsandabilitiesinordertodesignand makeafullyfunctioningqualityproduct.thetypeofprojectselectedneeds to be challenging but realistic in terms of the resources and time available candidates will need to design plan make test and critically evaluate their final product unit a564 technical aspects of designing and making exam this unit focuses on the knowledge skills and understanding underpinning thedesignandmanufactureofproductsmadefromresistantmaterials students should be aware of the following before choosing this course · · · theemphasisoncourseworkindesigntechnologymeansthat students will need to be well motivated and capable of working independently in order to succeed thesyllabusemphasisesthattheoutcomeoftheprojectshouldbea qualityproductabletobemanufacturedinquantity courseworkandwrittenexaminationaredivided60 40 unit b003 principles of food and nutrition 1½ hr exam which forms 40 of the total gcse marks candidates are requiredtoanswerfivecompulsoryquestions,includingshortanswersand free-responseformats.thequestionswillcoverallaspectsofthefollowing · · · · · · nutritionandhealth foodcommodities mealplanning foodpreparationandcooking foodsafetyandpreservation consumereducation drama aqa drama is an important and exciting option but you need to be clear about its intentions the course is not designed to produce actors or stage technicians drama develops people who can · · · · · solveproblems thinkontheirfeet betotallyreliable workinteams communicatewell home economics food and nutrition ocr thespecificationrequiresthecandidatestoplanandcarryout investigations candidates produce tasks in which they analyse issues and problems and identify gather and record relevant information and evidence candidates will also analyse and evaluate evidence make reasoned judgements and present conclusions candidates will develop knowledge and understanding of human needs within a diverse society and relevant technological and scientific developments this specification focuses on food and nutrition issues in relation to nutrition diet and health throughout life factors affecting consumer choice the nutritional physical chemical and sensory properties of foods in storage preparation andcooking;foodhygiene;safety;andtechniquesandskillsusedinfood storage preparation and cooking the specification is made up of three mandatory units unit b001 food and nutrition short tasks candidates submit three short tasks which form 30 of the total gcse marks two of the tasks will assess planning practical work and evaluation the third task will assess investigation skills all tasks are set by the exam board and allow the students to demonstrate their different practical skills and knowledge unit b002 food study candidates submit one task which forms 30 of the total gcse marks the food study will assess research selecting and justifying choices planning practical work and evaluation the task is chosen from a list supplied by the exam board and will allow the students to demonstrate a wide variety of skills 4 drama provides all these skills all theatre productions you have ever seen are good only if those skills are highly developed on and behind the stage inaddition,successinasubjectlikethiscangiveyouplentyofpersonal satisfaction and a lifelong leisure interest inthecoursestudentswillworkonpreparedpieces­performances based on a variety of texts as well as self-devised pieces where as a team theywillbewritingandactingascriptforaspecificaudience­suchas producingaplayonthethemeof`change forjuniorschools­learningabout acting design and technical support be introduced to improvisation and scriptwriting and study text interpretation writtenexamination­candidatesanswerquestionsbasedon · · · livetheatretheyhaveseen partstheyhaveplayedduringthecourse aspectsoftheatredesignandproductione.g.lighting,soundand costume practicalexamination­candidateschoosefromarangeofoptions including · · · · scriptedperformance devisingandimprovisation technicalanddesignskills theatreineducation.

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english aqa english language gsce english gcseaqa­compulsorysubject allstudentstakeeitherenglishlanguageorenglish.ifenglishliteratureis alsotaken,thenitispairedwithenglishlanguage.ifmediastudiesistaken as an alternative to english literature then the student would pair it with english gcse which unlike english language contains an element of literature the aims of the english course are that students should · · · · · · · understandfacts,ideasandopinionsastheypassoninformation becriticalofwhattheyreadandbeabletosortoutideasfor particular purposes beabletotalkaboutexperiences knowhowtheenglishlanguageisconstructed beabletousespokenenglish beawareofthedifferencesbetweenformalandinformalenglish enjoyreadingliteraturewhichexpressesmind-wideningideas there are three attainment targets · speakingandlistening,inwhichstudentshavethechancetoshow how well they can put experience into words expressing what they feel and imagine understand order and present facts ideas and opinions show a sense of audience and awareness of style in a variety of situations recognise different levels and kinds of meaning in a variety of contexts make a personal response to what is heard read and understood reflect on the way other people communicate reading,inwhichstudentswillbeabletoshowthattheycan get hold of facts ideas and opinions recognise different sorts of meanings understand how writers use language to get the effects they want writing,inwhichstudentswillhaveplentyofopportunitytoshow that they can write about personal feelings understand and present facts ideas and opinions show they can appreciate good grammar by using it well understand how flexible a tool language is to express what they want to say additional option almost all students will undertake a second complimentary gcse in english englishliteratureormediastudies.studentsinthecgroupswillhavethe option of choosing between the two subjects further details of the literature andmediastudiescourses are issued to the students prior to option choice · english literature aqa the course aims to give students opportunities to explore their literary interestsandtolearntheskillsnecessaryforliterarystudy.inparticular students will develop · · · theabilitytoread,understandandrespondtoawiderangeof literary texts and to appreciate the ways in which authors achieve their effects awarenessofsocial,historicalandculturalcontextsandinfluences in the study of literature theabilitytoconstructandconveymeaninginspeechandwriting · correct spelling and good punctuation will all be important here assessment candidates taking english and english literature will be awarded two grades the course is closely linked to the english language examination and students will study a variety of twentieth and pre-twentieth century literature including poetry prose and drama and a play by shakespeare 5

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english for speakers of other languages esol the esol department delivers a specialised english language programme for non-native speakers who would benefit from improving their english skills the aim of the course is to develop the four language skills · speaking to communicate ideas and information clearly and confidently using pronunciation and intonation intelligible to a native speaker to interact in conversational english in a range of contexts listening to comprehend english spoken with different accents and for different purposes interviews arguments lectures etc to extract gist and meaning from aural information and record in the form of notes reading:todevelopavarietyofreadingtechniquesscanning skimming and detailed reading to extract facts and main ideas from non-fictional literature to deduce meaning from and respond to fictional literature writing to compose a variety of text formats reports letters discursive essays etc for different audiences to compose clear accurate notes and summaries · showsensitivitytotheenvironmentandanawarenessofthe contrasts between rich and poor nations the core course content covers four themes · · · · riversandcoasts populationandsettlement naturalhazards economicdevelopment · thereisalsoageographicalenquirythatisassessedontwopiecesof controlled assessment one of which is based on fieldwork there is also anassessedsustainabledecisionmakingexercisebasedonthecorecourse content unit b561 sustainable decision making decision making exercise based on one of the four key themes supported by pre-release material unit b562 key geographical enquiry twotaskswithanenquiryfocus.oneoftheseisafieldworktask unit b563 key geographical themes theexamconsistsofquestionsonthreeofthefourmainthemesexcluding oneassessedinb561 thispaperrequireslearnerstodemonstratetheir ability to apply their geographical knowledge and understanding to a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts · · vocabulary and grammar are developed throughout the programme withlessonstailoredtothestudents individualneeds.individualsupportis also provided to students who experience language difficulties in specialised subject areas which have a high language content e.g religious studies business studies inyears10and11,studentsworktowardstheigsceinenglishasa second language history edexcel thehistorycoursewillbringthepastalive.duringthecoursestudents willexplorecauseandconsequence,continuityandchange,similarityand difference in a number of historical periods the development of particular skills will be important how to find out information from first-hand sources and from other people s writings how to present what has been discovered in a logical way this is an opportunity to develop an interest in history whichwillcontinueintoadultlife.intheexaminationcandidateswillbe expected to · · · · · recallandselectknowledge,settingitoutclearly showthattheyunderstandsomethingofthepatternofhistorical development provetheycanexplorehistoryusingavarietyofsources­books statistics and documentaries interpretfindings,sortingoutfactfromopinion reachbalancedconclusions geography ocr the aim of the geography course is to give students an understanding of the nature of the earth s surface the character of places and how human beingsinteractwiththeirenvironment.studieswillincludeenquirieson small regional national and international scales overall the course should enable students to make more sense of the world and encourage them to holdinformedviewsonrapidlychangingworldissues.intheexamination candidates will be expected to · · · · · showanawarenessofplacesinrelationtoothers explainunderstandingofenvironmentsandtheprocesses which affect them economic and technological developments showunderstandingofhowpeopleinteractwiththeir environment beawareofcommunitiesandculturesbothinoursociety and elsewhere demonstratearangeofskillsdevelopedthroughpractical work observing fact-finding and analysis using books maps and photographs the gcse now comprises of 4 stand-alone examined modules one of which may be taken at the end of year 10 and includes · questionswhichwillaskcandidatestorespondtoavarietyofforms of historical evidence 6

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information and communications technology london learning iam institute of administration management online certificate in ict compulsory subject ictisafundamentalpartofourlives.thegrowthintheuseofmobile telephones portable computers and the internet is affecting the way we all live and work the aim of this unit is to enable students to apply the skills they developed in presenting and handling information unit 1 in year 9 and to use appropriate software applications effectively in a range of curriculum subjects contexts the coursework unit this year unit 2 promotes independent learning and encourages students to be discriminating in the evidence they assemble for assessment the unit is delivered through the compilation of a portfolio ofevidencefortheapplicationofict,innaturallyoccurringlearning situations.ithelpsstudentsprepareforlifeasindependentadultsand enhances employment opportunities the course also provides an essential foundation for any further courses including those specific to the use of computers and new technology summary of learning outcomes to achieve unit 2 a candidate must demonstrate software skills in a range of subjects or contexts present information that is fit for purpose in a range of subjects or contexts 3 apply appropriate graphics and images from a range of sources 4 useicttoolstodraft,bringtogetherandrefineinformation and data 5 manageanelectronicportfolioofevidence · · · short-answerquestionstotestknowledgeandunderstanding questionswhichrequirecandidatestowritecontinuousprose,but not necessarily long essays controlledassessmenttask:markedbyteachersandmoderatedby the exam board method of assessment thisisapass/failqualification.assessmentisbyoutcomeinunit1.theseare internally assessed units that were examined in year 9 unit 2 is achieved by the completion of an electronic portfolio of evidence,accordingtotheunitassessmentcriteria.inordertoachieve the unit the evidence that the candidate presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that all of the learning outcomes for the unit are met the candidate must · 25 25 · producesixpiecesofevidencefromsubjectsinthecurriculum ordifferentcontextswhereictisusedcorrectly identifyitskillsappliedincourseworkevidenceandreflectonwhy they were used 7 1 2 the topics which will be studied are year 10 unit 1 outline study the cold war 1943-1991 unit 2 depth study germany 1918-1939 year 11 unit3 sourceenquiry.warandthetransformation of british society 1931-51 unit4 representationsofhistory.vietnam1960-75 controlled assessment 25 25%

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latin ocr why study latin this subject gives the opportunity to study the language and literature of ancient rome reading the works of authors such as virgil ovidandhorace.studentswillexperienceatfirsthandelementsofthe culture language and social and political life of the roman civilisation which has inspired many later generations as well as being exciting and inspiring this course will help develop analytical skills and intellectual flexibility which will be useful in a wide range of jobs or in further study students will study · · · thelatinlanguage,learningtoreadlatintextsintheiroriginal language literaturesettexts,byauthorssuchasvirgil,ovid,pliny,tacitusand horace backgroundtopics,includingtheromanarmy,dailylife,thecityof rome women roman britain and roman religion paper 2 latin translation 1 hour candidates choose either one passage for translation into english or one passage for translation into english and a number of short sentences for translation from english into latin paper 3 latin prose literature 1 hour candidates have a choice between two prescribed texts the paper consists of a series of shortextractsinlatinwithquestionswhichrequireshortanswers non-verbal responses and extended responses paper 4 latin verse literature 1 hour candidates have a choice between two prescribed texts the paper consists of a series of shortextractsinlatinwithquestionswhichrequireshortanswers non-verbal responses and extended responses paper 5 sources for latin 1 hour candidates are examined on two roman civilisation topics this paper consists of source-based questionswhichrequireshortanswersandextendedresponses classical greek ocr classical greek is taught with latin to a group of the most able students in year 9 but is offered as a separate subject outside of the curriculum at gcse itsaimsareverysimilartothoseoflatin,givingstudentstheopportunityto study the language and culture of another ancient civilisation which has been profoundly influential in the shaping of modern europe classical greek offers an exciting challenge to students and the chance to read the works of authors suchashomer,euripidesandherodotus the method of assessment of classical greek is the same as that of latin students will learn · · · · · howtodevelopasensitiveandanalyticalapproachtolanguage generally including an awareness of the relationship between latin and the languages of today howtoappreciatedifferentcultures howtoreadtextsinlatin howtoreadandappreciatelatinliteratureinitsculturalcontext and in its original language howtocommunicateclearlyandeffectively the syllabus candidates take papers 1 and 2 and two of papers 3 4 or 5 paper 1 latin translation and comprehension 1 hour this paper consists of three linked latin passages for translation and comprehension learning support the learning support department caters for students of all ages with varying degreesofdifficultyinlanguage-basedsubjectsandinmathematics,andalso providescurriculumsupportinlanguages,thehumanitiesandthesciences the learning support programme is flexible and is dependent on the number of students needing supportive help and the degree of difficulty they are experiencing students depending on their need are taught in a small group situation but with an individualised programme to suit their own needs the support programme in year 10 allows for structured support inbasicliteracyandstudyskills.inadditionstudentsfollowaprogrammeof life skills and are given help with the organisation of their coursework this leads to a more flexible programme in year 11 less emphasis is placed on skills and students are given more responsibility for their own learning inthemichaelmasterminyear11,timeisallowedforthecompletion ofcoursework.inthelentandsummertermstimeisgiventorevision.the areas of study are student-generated and depend on the individual need the learning support option is therefore ideal not only for the dyslexic student but also for the student who struggles moves at a slower pace than others or who needs that extra bit of help this helps to ensure success in slightly fewer subjects for those students who need support itshouldbenotedthatteachersthroughouttheseniorschoolaremade aware of students experiencing difficulties and are sympathetic to their needs 8

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mathematics provides a useful support to the study of many other subjects such as the sciences and geography the syllabus studied is ocr specification a j562 this is a modular course consisting of 3 units the content including · · · unita25 ratio,equations,pythagoras,trigonometry datahandling unitbnon-calculator25 number,indices,angles transformations,bivariatedata,surds,inequalities unitc50 socialarithmetic,bounds,areaandvolume algebraicmanipulation,probability,standardindexform all three units will be taken in june of year 11 thetopsetmayentergcseearlyandmayalsostudyanextraqualification suchasthefreestandingmathematicsqualificationinadditionalmaths media studies ocr contemporarysocietyismedia-saturated.itissaidthatthedistinction between reality and media-reality is becoming increasingly blurred every sphere of human experience the personal the economic the political the cultural the moral and the aesthetic is mediated the institutions that produce media texts for consumption are seen as consciousness industries shaping perceptions of ourselves and the world around us there has been a significant increase in the growth of the management and manufacture of information and its dissemination by the media and an increasing predominance of visual communication and information in many areas of society the aims of the course are · · · · · · · todevelopcandidates ownpriorknowledgeandexperienceof the media by learning the key approaches to studying the media through the assessment of the conceptual framework todevelopcandidates knowledgeandunderstandingofthewaysin which meaning is constructed through the forms and conventions of the media todevelopcandidates criticalknowledgeandunderstanding of the various ways in which the media function and of the associated debates arising from its functions todevelopcandidatesawarenessofhistoricalcontextsofmedia texts and the relationship between media representation and cultural diversity toenablecandidatestodevelopaninformedunderstandingofthe factors that influence media production processes by engaging in the production and evaluation of their own practical media production todeveloppracticalmediaproductionskills,whichofferopportunities for creativity imagination enjoyment and self-expression toenablecandidatestoutiliseictopportunitiesintheirmedia production work mathematics ocr compulsory subject the main aims of the course as a whole are to · · · useandapplymathematicsineverydaysituations solveproblemsthatwilltestconceptualunderstanding encounter,consideranddiscussalternativelinesofargument the syllabus is divided into three assessment objectives · · · recall and use their knowledge of the prescribed content 50 selectandapplymathematicalmethodsinarangeofcontexts 30 interpret&analyseproblems&generatestrategiestosolvethem 20 withineachtopicareatheskillsrequiredare · · · · · · · · usecalculatorsandcomputersefficiently developflexibilityincomputationalmethods expressrelationshipsinreal-lifesituations modelrealsituationsalgebraically explorethegeometryofgraphicimages undertakepurposefulenquiriesbasedontheanalysisofdata exploretheprinciplesthatgovernrandomevents useappropriatediagrammaticrepresentations 60 of the examination is coursework-based and has opportunities for creative work based on the student s knowledge of the media 9

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modern foreign languages french german spanish the gcse courses are designed so that students are encouraged to evaluate foreign languages in terms of their practical uses within a wholly contemporary framework the broad aims of the courses are to · · · · · · developtheabilitytouselanguageseffectivelyforpurposesof practical communication formasoundbaseoftheskillsandattitudesrequiredforfurther study work and leisure offerinsightsintothecultureandcivilisationofothercountries develop an awareness of the nature of language and languagelearning provideenjoymentandintellectualstimulation encouragepositiveattitudestoforeignlanguagelearningandto speakers of foreign languages as far as possible in french and students have ample opportunity to increase their confidence through role play pair work and debates authentic reading material is used wherever possible the course proves successful in preparing students for top-grade performance at gcse and smooth transition to as levelstudyfortheablelinguist.moreover,studentsareofferedthechanceto practise and improve their language skills on an annual trip to france german thisisalivelyandinspiringcoursethatwillequipstudentswithpracticallanguage skills through the use of varied and enjoyable activities as well as learning to communicate in german in a wide variety of everyday situations they are steered towardhighachievementinthegcseexamination.interestandmotivationis ensured through the use of a range of authentic and up to date media and material towhichyoungpeoplecanrelate.inadditiontoregularexposuretofeaturefilms satellite tv and various reading material from german speaking countries the useofictisstronglyemphasised.withregularlessonsintheitsuite,allstudents have easy access to engaging materials on the school intranet including interactive exercises in order to practise revise and enhance their skills in the language the schoolenjoyscloselinkswiththeliebfrauenschulemühlhausengymnasiuminely s twin town of kempen in germany which provides opportunities for regular visits exchanges and contact with pen friends spanish this course is taught in a new and exciting way traditional classroom instruction is combined with the latest technologies to motivate and facilitate learning the text books used are supplemented by a wealth of dvds worksheets interactive activities and computer games created especially for the students some of the lessons will also be delivered in the new state of the art language laboratory where students will have the opportunity to practise listening and oral skills in an innovative and challenging way during year 10 a school exchange is organised withourpartnerschool iesbenjamíndetudela intudela,northofspain.this will allow students to enhance their confidence and oral skills similarly a wide range of joint activities between both schools will also take place during year 10 the combination of all these different activities will lead to a smooth transition to aslevelstudywhileacquiringadeepunderstandingofboth,spanishlanguage and culture the emphasis on topics in the gcse syllabus means that students have the opportunity to prepare more thoroughly within a limited range of clearlydefinedtopicareassuchasmedia,hobbies,health,shoppingetc.students are therefore given credit for what they achieve rather than being penalised for lack of specific knowledge in a certain area the gcse examination is divided into four main skill areas · · · · listening reading writing speaking 20 20 30 30 the successful candidate should therefore be capable of understanding nativespeakers,askingandrespondingtoquestions,understandingformal yet authentic written material and writing informally e.g letters relating personal experiences reporting recent events etc inyears10and11,thereistheoptiontostudytwomodernlanguages to gcse those students who do not intend to proceed further will have acquirednewinsightsintooneormoremajoreuropeanlanguagesand cultures those who wish to continue their languages to a level and beyond will find the gcse courses suitable preparation for the revised a level specifications french this is a modern and dynamic course with a strong emphasis on the use of frenchintheclassroom.materialsareuptodate,andintendedtoappealto young people s interests students will be exposed to a variety of language throughdvd,cdromandsatellite.athoroughgroundingingrammarisalso assured and students have regular slots in the language laboratory to practise topic work and interactive grammar exercises lessons are lively and conducted 10 music edexcel thegcsemusiccoursecombinesperformance,compositionandlistening and appraising students will enjoy an opportunity to study a wide range of musical styles and will analyse compose and perform music from the classical repertoire as well as from the folk tradition jazz popular genres and world music the examination is in three parts unit 1 students will perform a solo piece and an ensemble piece at some stage 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four activities the course is an ideal foundation for students that wish to undertake physical education at a level or those who aim to pursue a career in the leisure industry the aims of the course are · · · toencouragecandidatestoimprovetheirplanning,performance and analysis of selected physical activities toencouragecandidatestoimproveinknowledge,understanding and skills in a range of relevant physical activities toenablecandidatestoknowandunderstandbothwhy people participate in games and the factors that affect performance unit 2 students will produce two compositions the combined length of which will not exceed 4 minutes the score writing programme sibelius will be used to create musical scores unit 3 ina1hour30minuteexam,studentsrespondtoquestions based around the set works for the unit section a features shortquestionsbasedonrecordedextractsandsectionbisan essayquestion inordertoaccessthiscourse,studentsarerecommendedtohavereached a reasonable level of proficiency approximately ab grade iiieitherasan instrumentalist or singer and to have a related understanding of the basics of musical notation approximately 60 of course time will be given to practical work and 40 of course time will be spent in the classroom these percentages are a reflection of the weighting given to practical and theory work in the final grade the examination consists of assessment of four activities from within a specified list religious studies rs edexcel this is a compulsory subject and all students will study for the full gcse course the unexamined life is not worth living ­ socrates religious studies offers students the opportunity to consider and reflect upon thoseexistentialquestionsconcerningthepurposeandmeaningoflife.the course consists of preparation for two examination papers one of the papers consists of ethical and philosophical issues such as relationships marriage and divorce sexuality contraception abortion euthanasia prejudice and discrimination atheism and agnosticism evil and suffering intheotherpaper,studentsstudyarangeoffurtherethicalissues consideringthesefromthestandpointsofchristianity,islamandanonreligious view the issues covered include rights genetic engineering and cloning environmental ethics war and pacifism and crime and punishment religious studies significantly contributes to the national curriculum crosscurricular themes of citizenship and personal social education the main aim of the course is to give students the opportunity to · · · · acquireanddevelopknowledgeandunderstandingofthebeliefs values and traditions of two religions and a non-religious tradition humanism considertheinfluenceofbeliefs,valuesandtraditionsonpersonal local and international levels considerreligiousandnon-religiousresponsestomoralissues identify,investigateandrespondtofundamentalquestionsoflife raised by human experience 11 physical education ocr the ocr gcse in physical education is an ideal option for the practically able student as 60 of the overall mark is awarded for practical performance in

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assessment objectives intheexaminationcandidatesmustdemonstratetheirabilityto · · · recall,select,organiseanddisplayknowledgeofthesyllabuscontent describe,analyseandexplaintherelevanceandapplicationofthe differing ideas beliefs and themes evaluatedifferentresponsestoreligiousandmoralissues indicate their preference by choosing biology chemistry physics from the option blocks available at option choice time all other pupils will take the course leading to awards in double award science certificate the year 9 biology chemistry and physics courses provide a common grounding for those taking either of the options outlined above all pupils entering year 10 will be starting the second year of their three-year science course double award science certificate equivalent to two gcses there are six examination papers two each in biology chemistry and physics eachpaperisonehourlong,withstructuredandopenquestions,andis worth 60 marks or 16.67 of the total double award certificate double award biology topics are as follows · · · · · · · · · · cell activity tissues organs and organ systems carbohydrates lipids proteins and enzymes humanbiology defendingourselvesagainstinfectiousdisease plants as organisms variationandinheritance adaptationandinterdependence energy and biomass in food chains decay and the carbon cycle examination there are two written examination papers at the end of year 11 sciences aqacertificatesigcse biology chemistry and physics asof2011wehaveofferedtheaqacertificatesalsoreferredtoasigcses theyarelinearqualificationsandallthewrittenexaminationpapersare satattheendofyear11.eachaqacertificateisequivalenttoagcsefull course but there is no controlled assessment candidates understanding of scientific investigations and practical work is instead assessed through the written papers in year 11 there is scope to cover more topics and this in turn allows for development of analytical and evaluative skills as well as allowing more factually based learning for these reasons the certificates are a better general background science education as well as also being better preparation for the science a levels we are flexible in our approach to teaching sciences at king s so there is the choice in year 10 to either continue to take biology chemistry and physics as three separate certificates or to study all three sciences in less breadth and takethedoubleawardsciencecertificateequivalenttotwogcses mostofthesciencesaretaughtbyasubjectspecialist.thisprovides each pupil with a balanced science curriculum in which all three sciences are studied and the separate subject areas remain clear which course both pathways provide a solid background to a level studies in biology chemistry and physics we hope that the numbers of pupils wishing to study biology chemistry and physics separately continues to grow these pupils will remain competitive as numbers nationally of pupils taking biology chemistry and physics gcses rise year on year pupils wishing to take the triple award must chemistry topics include · · · · · · · the periodic table bonding and structure air and water acids bases salts and metals rates of reaction crude oil and fuels alcohols,carboxylicacidsandesters the production of ammonia electrolysis and analysis physics topics include · · · · · · heatingprocesses energy and efficiency waves forces and their effects electricity nuclear physics assessment overview · · · · · · 12 unit b1 unit c1 unit p1 unit b2 unit c2 unit p21 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 16.67 16.67 16.67 16.67 16.67 16.67%

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