Y
1
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Curriculum and Assessment Information
for parents of students in Year 10
Here at North Bromsgrove High School, we are keen to involve our parents in every aspect of their
school. Parents often ask questions like “what is my daughter/son doing at school”, “how is my
daughter/son being assessed … and when?” and even more importantly “what can I do to help?”
What we have tried to do in this booklet is to provide you with some answers to these questions.
Each subject has a dedicated page which outlines the curriculum plan for the year, explains the
different forms of assessment and wherever possible includes dates so that you can see when
your daughter/son needs to prepare for important deadlines. You will read about formative
assessments (those that are continuous throughout the scheme of work) and summative
assessments (those that come at the end of a period of study and can take the form of tests,
examinations or controlled assessments). You will also find an email address for subject leaders so
that if you have any queries regarding your daughter/son’s work in that area then you can contact
them at your convenience.
As you will see from the following pages, a great deal of planning and organisation, not to mention
skill and creativity, goes into ensuring that your daughter/son gets the most out of their
curriculum time here at North. Because we are dynamic and forward thinking, things change: we
all know about the shifting sands of educational policy! However, we think that what follows is a
comprehensive guide to our curriculum that will keep you fully informed of the day-to-day nuts
and bolts of what happens in your daughter/son’s lessons.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the contents of this booklet and may I
take the time to thank you all for the wonderful support you offer to your school.
Best wishes
S. Schofield
Deputy Headteacher
North Bromsgrove High School
ssc@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
English Language
Syllabus: AQA
Curriculum – what we’re doing
All students study separate GCSEs in English Language and English Literature, leading to two qualifications.
These are new GCSEs, with 100% examination at the end of year 11 and graded 1-9.
Autumn:
Thematic Prose (Reading)
Spring:
Non-fiction Genres (Writing)
Summer:
Non-fiction Genres (Reading)
Formative Assessments
All work leads towards understanding of the skills and content required for GCSE examinations at the end
of year 11. Past exam questions form part of assessing student progress, with at least one being completed
and marked formatively and summatively each unit.
In the build up to these exam style questions students will receive appropriate ‘scaffolded’ assessments
that help them understand the content they will need for the end of half-term assessment.
Summative Assessments
Dates
12/10
7/12
8/2
14/3
16/5
11/7
Year 10 Assessments
Sample Prose Reading section of a GCSE exam
Sample Prose Reading section of a GCSE exam
Sample Writing section of a GCSE exam
Sample Writing section of a GCSE exam
Sample Non-fiction Reading section of a GCSE exam
Sample Non-fiction Reading section of a GCSE exam
How you can help


Ensure your son/daughter completes the independent study tasks set through Honeycomb and
booklets.
Encourage your son/daughter to read as often as possible in his/her spare time, anything helps!
Contact: Mr Horton (Head of Faculty) - mho@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
English Literature
Syllabus: AQA
Curriculum – what we’re doing
All students study separate GCSEs in English Language and English Literature, leading to two qualifications.
These are new GCSEs, with 100% examination at the end of year 11 and graded 1-9.
Autumn
Modern Prose or Drama (Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, DNA or An Inspector Calls)
Spring 1:
Power and Conflict Poetry
Spring 2:
Unseen Poetry
Summer:
Heritage Prose (The Sign of Four, Frankenstein, Jekyll and Hyde or A Christmas Carol)
Formative Assessments
All work leads towards understanding of the skills and content required for GCSE examinations at the end
of year 11. Past exam questions form part of assessing student progress, with at least one being completed
and marked formatively and summatively each unit.
In the build up to these exam style questions students will receive appropriate ‘scaffolded’ assessments
that help them understand the content they will need for the end of half-term assessment.
Summative Assessments
Dates
12/10
7/12
8/2
14/3
16/5
11/7
Year 10 Assessments
Modern Prose/Drama sample question
Modern Prose/Drama sample question
Power and Conflict Poetry sample question
Unseen Poetry sample question
Heritage Prose sample question
Heritage Prose sample question
How you can help


Ensure your son/daughter completes the independent study tasks set through Honeycomb and
booklets. If help is required, www.sparknotes.com is a good place to start or BBC Bitesize.
Encourage your son/daughter to read as often as possible in his/her spare time, anything helps!
Contact: Mr Horton (Head of Faculty) - mho@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Mathematics
Syllabus: Edexcel – 1MA1
Curriculum – what we’re doing
The curriculum in Year 10 follows the 2nd year of a
two-year GCSE syllabus and is based around the
following themes:
Within these four themes they are areas that are
promoted throughout the syllabus, including:






Number
Algebra
Ratio, proportion and rates of change
Geometry
Probability and Statistics



Developing fluid knowledge, skills and
understanding
Acquire, select and apply techniques
Reason mathematically
Comprehend, interpret and communicate
Formative Assessments
Baseline Assessment Strategy
End of Year 9 assessments completed in late June will form the basis of our setting in Year 10.
Formative feedback will be given every 3 weeks in the form of the completion of an assessment sheet by
both the teacher and the student. This will be done generally half way through a half term and at the end
of a half term. The expectation is for teachers to choose an appropriate piece of work, sequence of work or
independent study piece of work that will be assessed formatively and students will receive feedback on
this. The assessment sheet will be glued into every student’s book, which will be added to by the students
once teachers have provided direction on where they need to improve. Students will then record when
they have acted on the comments and the feedback loop will be closed. This will provide quality written
feedback to all students, which are signposted, by these assessments sheets. The feedback at the end of
each half term will be based upon a key assessment, which will be formative feedback based on a
summative assessment.
Summative Assessments
For all year 10 students they will be assessed once very half term, at the end of the half term. This will take
the form of a past GCSE paper, tiered appropriately to the set. This will provide real time accurate tracking
grades, as the assessment will be very similar to what they will get at the end of Year 11. As more concepts
and techniques are taught throughout the year, the expectation is that these grades do improve as they
can do more of the assessment. This is the only way to provide accurate data during a 2-year course. All
assessments will be completed in lesson time and marked by classroom teachers. A team assessment sheet
will then be filled in identifying areas for improvement and instructions on how this is to be improved,
teachers will follow this up to complete the feedback/assessment loop. The first assessment of each term
will be a GCSE non-calculator paper, with a calculator paper in the second half of each term.
How you can help
Useful web sites:
www.mymaths.co.uk
www.mathswatchvle.com
www.keshgcsemaths.wordpress.com
Contact: Mr Wynne (Head of Maths) - nwy@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Science
Syllabus: Edexcel GCSE Core Science and Edexcel GCSE Additional Science
Curriculum – what we’re doing
You can get a good idea of what we do in lessons by looking at our homework schedule in the table below.
Formative and summative assessments are outlined in the table below.
Key assessments based on GCSE questions will take place each half term, covering the content of that term.
The topics will be evenly divided so there is a constant delivery of Biology, Chemistry and Physics leading up
to the linear terminal GCSE exams in May 2016. For most students Core Science will be the only GCSE taken
in Year 10. The table below acts as a guide only and some teachers may vary the delivery order. All the
content will, however, be covered by Easter. There will be a very important mock exam in March. They will
have their Additional exams at the end of Year 11, along with all their other subjects. Homework will be set
based on the 6 mark GCSE style question. Your daughter/son will receive homework regularly. In addition
there will be regular spelling homework based on key scientific vocabulary. Top sets (N1 & E1) will be taking
Core and Additional GCSE exams in the summer of 2016, so they can sit the Further Additional in 2017. This
is sometimes known as ‘Triple Science’.
Date and assignment number
Sept 1
Biology 2
Sept 2
Chemistry 2
Oct 1
Physics 2
Oct 2
mid-term test
Nov 1
Biology 3
Nov 2
Chemistry 3
Dec1
Physics 3
End of term tests
Topic
B1b Variety, Genes and disorders
C2 Materials form the earth
P2 The electromagnetic spectrum
Test Paper in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
B3 Homeostasis, Nerves and hormones
C3 Acids
P3 Waves and Universe
Test Paper in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Important mock exam
Jan1
Biology 4
B4a drugs antiseptics and transplants
Jan 2
Chemistry 4
C4 Metals
Feb 1
Physics 4
P1 Visible light and Solar System
Half term assessment
Test Paper in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Mar 1
Biology 5
B4b Nitrogen and Carbon Cycle
Mar 2
Chemistry 5
C5 Fuels
Easter
Revision and Past papers
EXTERNAL GCSE science exams
B1 C1 P1
Commence controlled assessment
June 1
Planning
June 2
Collecting and Analysis
July 1
Evaluation and conclusions
Controlled assessment to be marked through half term; final marks for Core Science Assessment
complete by summer holidays.
How you can help
All students have a revision guide. Encourage your daughter/son to attend revision sessions to ensure they
can develop their understanding outside of lessons.
Contact: Mr Crawshaw – jcr@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
History
Syllabus: AQA History A (9140)
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Autumn and spring term:
Medicine through Time – Prehistory, Ancient, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Industrial and Modern
Summer term:
Controlled Assessment – Chartist Land Settlement
Formative Assessments
At the end of each topic a key assessment is set. This takes the form of an exam question and
approximately three of these per term will be set. After Christmas, exam questions will be set as
independent study at least once a fortnight. All assessments will be marked to GCSE grades and
targets for improvement will be set. Key assessment targets will be recorded by students on
assessment sheets in their books. Classwork completed in exercise books will be monitored and
additional targets may be set where necessary. Closer monitoring will take place where a student
is causing concern or needs extra input.
Summative Assessments
Progress is measured from a student’s performance in the key assessment and homework
questions. These will be graded to GCSE standard. Marks from year 10 exams will also be used to
arrive at a student’s Year 10 assessment level.
Dates
Sept
Oct
Nov
End Jan
End Feb
End March
Summer term
Key Assessments
Ancient World
Middle Ages
Renaissance
Industrial World 1
Industrial World 2
Modern World
Year 10 exams – final dates can be seen on the school calendar
How you can help
Encouraging your daughter/son to complete homework to a high standard. This is particularly
important with the exam questions as this develops skills and knowledge vital for the GCSE. Test
your daughter/son’s knowledge using the flashcards provided during the year to help with
revision. If you are ever in the relevant place, a visit to the Roman Baths in Bath, the Welcome
Collection in London (free entry) and the Thackeray Medical Museum in Leeds would be useful.
Contact: Mrs Noble - nno@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Geography
Syllabus: AQA Geography A9030
Curriculum – what we’re doing
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tourism- Summer term of Year 9 through to November of Year 10
Restless Earth (November- March)
Urban- (March- June)
Controlled Assessment- Bromsgrove Centre (Going into September of Year 11)
Formative Assessments
Each half term students will have one formal assessment activity which will include comments from
themselves, peers, and their teacher. Each half term they will have their classwork marked at least once
with subject based and literacy comments where appropriate with an overall comment at the end which
will also be dated for ease of monitoring. Each half term students will complete a key assessment which
again will have an overall comment for how to improve- this feedback will need to be recorded on the
student sheet at the beginning of the topic for easy student reference and ease of monitoring.
Students will be expected to undertake independent research and create case study revision materials as
the topic progresses. Students will then complete a glossary of terms, record the pages which the different
topics are on, and complete a mind map for each topic.
Summative Assessments
Summative and formative assessment will continue to go hand in hand in Geography. The key assessments
will generate a grade which will be compared to the GCSE grade boundaries so that students know exactly
where they are. This will happen once every half term. These grades will then inform our reports to
parents. Throughout lessons students can also expect to do a number of exam questions which will be
teacher assessed to GCSE standard.
Dates
From
Easter in
Year 9
Early Dec.
Mid
November
February
End of
March
End of
May
School
Calendar
Assessment
As soon as possible students to complete one 25 mark question so as to confirm the
baseline grade
Tourism Key Assessment- 25 mark question marked with mark scheme and actual
grade given
End of Tourism unit Key Assessment- 25 mark question marked with mark scheme
Restless Earth Key Assessment 1- 25 mark question
Restless Earth Key Assessment 2- 25 mark question
Population Key Assessment- 50 mark paper as two questions are combined- as it is a
short topic
Year 10 exams as scheduled
How you can help


Ensure homework tasks are completed
Purchase revision guides from subject teacher
Contact: Miss Price - dpr@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Sociology
Syllabus: WJEC 4510
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Miss Jones will be teaching:
Mr Nolan will be teaching:
An introduction to sociology
Introductory Core: Identity and socialisation
The Family - option
Formative Assessments
Classwork and notes in exercise books will be monitored with suggestions for improvement.
Targets will be set designed to challenge the students. After each major unit a key assessment in
the form of a past exam question will be set: there will be three of these per term. Key assessment
grades will be recorded by students. Independent study units on all major topics will be used by
students throughout the course, allowing students and teacher to have a clear idea of progress.
Summative Assessments
In addition to the assessments below, there will also be an end of year ten exam, in line with the
school assessment calendar.
Dates
Sept 2015
Nov 2015
Dec 2015
Feb 2016
March
2016
May 2016
July 2016
Assessment
Key word exercise
Family1
Feral children
Socialisation
Family2
End of unit assessment 1
End of unit assessment 2
How you can help
Encourage your daughter/son to watch and listen to news and current affairs programmes. Talking
and thinking about society and the world in which we live is important. If you can help them
understand how our society has changed since you were a child and since your parents were
children that would be helpful.
Please ensure homework is completed and encourage your daughter/son to take time and pride in
their work.
Contact: Miss Jones - ejo@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Mr Nolan - lno@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Spanish
Syllabus: OCR GCSE J732
Curriculum – what we’re doing
1.
2.
3.
4.
Local Area Description
Family and Relationships
Healthy Lifestyle
Leisure and Entertainment
Formative Assessments
There will be key assessments in writing/speaking (or both) at the end of each topic area, which
count towards final GCSE mark. All will be marked to GCSE grades and targets for improvement
will be set. Key assessment targets will be recorded by students on an assessment sheet in their
books. Classwork completed in exercise books, including listening and reading exercises, will be
monitored and additional targets set where necessary. Closer monitoring will take place where a
student is causing concern or needs extra input. Homework will be set at least once a week and
could include vocabulary or writing in the target language.
Summative Assessments
Progress will be measured from a student’s performance in key assessments and homework tasks.
Work will be graded to GCSE standard. Marks from listening and reading tasks will also be taken
into consideration.
Dates
October
December
March
May/June
Assessment
Home and Local Area
Family and Relationships
Healthy Lifestyle
Leisure and Entertainment
Writing
Writing
Speaking
Writing and Speaking
How you can help
Your support at home is always welcome. Ask your daughter/son how their assessment
preparations are going; test them on their grammar (past and future tense verbs, for example).
You could also check on Honeycomb as to their homework/assessment deadlines.
Useful textbook: CGP GCSE Spanish Vocabulary Tester
Contact:
Miss Normansell
- gno@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
French
Syllabus: OCR GCSE J730
Curriculum – what we’re doing
1. Home and local area – myself, family, and relationships
2. Leisure and entertainment – free time
3. Education and work – school/work experience
Formative Assessments
There will be key assessments in writing/speaking (or both) at the end of each topic area, which
count towards final GCSE mark. All will be marked to GCSE grades and targets for improvement
will be set. Key assessment targets will be recorded by students on an assessment sheet in their
books. Classwork completed in exercise books, including listening and reading exercises, will be
monitored and additional targets set where necessary. Closer monitoring will take place where a
student is causing concern or needs extra input. Homework will be set at least once a week and
could include vocabulary or writing in the target language.
Summative Assessments
There will be key assessments in writing/speaking (or both) at the end of each topic area, which
count towards the final GCSE mark. Work will be graded to GCSE standard. Marks from listening
and reading tasks will also be taken in to consideration.
Dates
October
December
Early February
End February
June
Assessment
Home and Local Area
My Town
Leisure and entertainment
Leisure and Entertainment
Education and Work
Speaking - Family
Writing
Speaking – Keeping fit
Writing - Freetime
Writing and Speaking - school
How you can help
Your support at home is always welcome. Ask your daughter/son how their assessment
preparations are going; test them on their grammar (past and future tense verbs, for example).
You could also check on Honeycomb as to their homework/assessment deadlines.
Contact:
Miss Normansell
Mr Boyle
- gno@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
- nbo@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Art & Design
Syllabus: AQA 4200
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Natural Forms which counts towards 30% of a student’s final GCSE grade
Baseline Assessment Strategy
When students start their GCSE studies we carry out some initial skills assessment which will provide us
with a baseline assessment at the beginning of the GCSE Art course.
Formative Assessments




AO1: Developing ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources,
demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding.
AO2: Refining ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials,
techniques and processes.
AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions in drawings
AO4: Present a personal, informed and meaningful finished piece which demonstrates and
understanding of the work of others and shows a clear development from sketchbook work.
Formative assessment is completed mainly in the students’ assessment booklets and can be completed by
the students – to reflect on their own work, by the teacher – to help students to develop or by their peers –
so they can learn from each other. Assessment is completed twice each half term formally. Teachers do
also use post-it notes to direct students to specific pages within their sketchbooks and endeavour to speak
to every student during double lessons.
Students are encouraged to complete at least one hour of work per week within their sketchbooks,
although many complete a lot more than this. This work takes many forms: some tasks are set by the
teacher and can be quite prescriptive. For example, researching specific artists, techniques, collecting
resources or completing a particular practical activity. Other activities will be development work which will
be different for every student based on their own ideas and interests. Some tasks will be set for more or
less able students to extend or develop their work.
Summative Assessments
Summative assessment of Unit 1 – Year 10 happens at the end of Year 10 once the unit is completed.
Dates
Two each halfterm
Assessment
Recorded in students’ assessment books/homework trackers.
All assessments are linked with progress made towards the completion of the four
assessment objectives.
How you can help

Ensure your daughter/son is spending the required amount of time each week on art controlled
assessment tasks- see above for guidance.
 Are they responding to teacher guidance on the Homework Trackers or Assessment Booklets in
their sketchbook? Is your daughter/son using the booklet guidance to help them work
independently?
Contact: Mrs Flello - gfl@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Home Economics: Child Development
Syllabus: AQA 4580
Curriculum – what we’re doing




Parenthood
Pregnancy
Diet, health and care of the child
Development of the child
Formative Assessments
Baseline Assessment Strategy
The Family: this initial key assessment in the first half-term will be used as a baseline assessment.




Students’ exercise books are marked every 3 weeks, these include: notes, activities,
diagrams etc.
Key assessment tasks will be completed every half term or upon the completion of the
topic.
‘Learning wheels – completed for Parenthood & Pregnancy
Various activities set for independent learning; learning keywords, research, development
work for controlled assessment.
Summative Assessments
Key assessments will help teachers to gauge students’ understanding for Unit 1: Written Paper.
Unit 2: Research Task is completed during the summer term and counts towards 20% of the
overall grade.
Dates
Assessment
Recorded in students’ assessment books and recorded in teacher mark books.
Assessments
at the end of
each topic
Parenthood, pregnancy, diet, health and care for the child.
Development of the child, support for parent and child
Controlled Assessment: Research Task
May 2016
Research Task
How you can help


Revision books are available for purchase online and can be a useful resource for
independent work.
Encourage homework tasks to be completed to the best of their ability.
Contact: Mrs Davidson - ada@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Design & Technology: Food Technology
Syllabus: AQA 4545
Curriculum – what we’re doing
1. Cooking Methods and
skills
2. Nutrients
3. Fats
4. Cakes and Biscuits
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Christmas Cakes
Carbohydrates
Protein
Dairy
Packaging
10. MESI- Medical
Environmental and
Social Issues
11. Smart Foods
Formative Assessments
Students will study basic design skills and learn how to design and make products to suit particular groups
of people.
Most weeks students will be required to bring ingredients in from home to complete a practical activity
which is often assessed.
Due to the nature of this subject formative assessment is given throughout lessons to all students by their
teacher along with peer and self-assessment.
Exam questions will be set per module along with reading / practising of recipes.
Summative Assessments
Each module lasts between 3-6 weeks and written summative feedback is provided for students to
comment on. Students are often asked to provide their own targets for improvement based on formative
and summative feedback they have received.
Exam questions will be set as independent study linked to the module they are currently studying. Students
will be given several weeks to complete them in pencil and then time is given to go over them in class.
Half termly key assessments usually consist of a practical and an evaluation during each module in addition
to the exam questions.
Dates
3-6 weekly assessment
(module dependent)
Assessment
One assessed practical activity and full evaluation
Approximately 25 past exam questions set as homework over the module
duration
How you can help
Remind your daughter/son to bring ingredients in for their double lessons (practical lists are issued at the
beginning of term, alternatively email me for a new copy)
Please encourage students to:
 Gather own ingredients (even shopping)
 Weigh ingredients at home if possible
 Read recipe over with you before class
 Discuss what you liked / weren’t so fond of when your daughter/son returns with their creation.
This will help with their confidence, self-esteem and also give them more ideas on how to improve
their product. All too often students say their parents are disinterested in what they bring home
which is extremely de-motivational for them.
 Encourage your daughter/son to cook at home once a week (Sweet and savoury products are
equally as important)
 Remind your daughter/son to complete the modular exam questions (usually submitted for
marking once a month).
Contact: Mrs Derwent - sde@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Design &Technology: Resistant Materials
Syllabus: AQA 4560
Curriculum – what we’re doing
May - Jul: Introduction to Resistant Materials, including (a) design, (b) practical skills(c) theory
Sept - Jan: Designing for and working with wood – Design and make projects with related
theory
Feb – Mar: Designing for and working with Plastics – Design and make plus theory
Apr – May: Designing for and working with metal- Design and make plus theory
Formative Assessments



Creativity and design skills
Practical skills for techniques, test pieces
Making of final product
Independent Learning set twice each month




Research for design activities
Research into techniques
Exam questions
Theory investigations
Summative Assessments



Work will be graded in line with GCSE assessment criteria
Effort grades will be provided along with guidance for improvement
The year 10 written exam mark will also count towards the end of year assessment
Dates
3 weekly
assessments
Assessment
Recorded in students’ workbooks and feedback record books.
Work set could be one of the following:
Work book exercise [theory]
Exam question [past papers]
Design and make coursework
How you can help






Check Honeycomb for homework submission date
Ensure work completed is appropriate to work set
Contact school if support is required or about purchasing materials and components
For the full specification you can access the AQA website at
http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcse/pdf/AQA-4560-W-SP.PDF
For revision support go to technologystudent.com
Purchase a good revision guide
Contact: Mr Wadams - awa@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Miss Nicklin – zni@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Media Studies
Syllabus: WJEC
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Summer term: Introduction to Media Studies learning key terminology and themes
Autumn term: Photoshop skills and Controlled Assessment on Representation in of Celebrities in
print-based media (10%)
Winter term: Controlled Assessment on Genre Conventions in Disaster Movies (10%)
Spring term: Practical Production where students create their own media piece (40%)
Formative Assessments



Students complete an assessment on magazines in September which helps with target
setting.
Each controlled assessment draft has written feedback comments with three areas of
improvement for students to act upon before they produce their final attempt
All research and planning for practical production has written feedback and with
suggestions for improvement
Summative Assessments
Date
July
Assessments
Magazine Assessment – creative task to create magazine cover and written task
November Written Controlled Assessment on Representation (print-based) worth 10% of target
grade
January
Creative task (storyboard/poster/ trailer) on Genre Conventions with written evaluation
March
Written Controlled Assessment on Genre Conventions (worth 10% of target grade)
May
Research for practical production graded according to mark scheme
June
Planning for practical production graded according to mark scheme
How you can help



Encourage your son/daughter to be an active media consumer, analytically considering
how different media texts they encounter have been created and why, such as films,
advertisements, music videos etc.
Discuss with your son/daughter how you interpret different media texts to open up a
dialogue about how different audiences react to media texts
Ensure your son/daughter completes all independent study tasks set, especially those
closely linked to the controlled assessment tasks.
Contact: Miss Strickland - cst@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk / Mr Horton (Head of English) mho@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Music
Syllabus: OCR J535
Curriculum – what we’re doing

We develop performing, composing and listening skills by focussing on performances on
the student’s chosen instrument, both in a solo and ensemble context. We also explain
how to compose and to listen to music analytically using key musical terms to describe it.
Formative Assessments


In the first half term of year ten, students record a diagnostic solo performance which
helps us to give realistic target grades.
There will be several formal key assessments during the course alongside mock exams in
year 10. Verbal feedback will be given on performance assessments in year 10 and a record
kept of this. Recordings of all assessments are kept to build up the portfolio of coursework
for performance and composition requirements.
Summative Assessments
All assessments are marked using coursework marking criteria and so reflect actual grades,
gradually building into a comprehensive portfolio
Dates
October
November
December
February
March
May
July
Assessment
Students record a solo performance which helps us to give realistic target grades.
Area of Study 4 Descriptive Music listening assessment
Recording of composition for their chosen instrument
Recording of an ensemble Performance
Recording of a Creative Task
Recording of a revised solo and ensemble performance
Start of a practice mock ensemble composition (10 hours)
Completion of the mock ensemble composition
How you can help


Encourage students to make music – practice is regular homework and over 30% of the
course is performance based. Perhaps even encourage them to take up instrumental or
vocal lessons.
Facilities for practising and working on compositions are available before school and at
break and lunchtime most days in the department.
Contact: Miss Chater - sch@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Psychology
Syllabus: OCR - Course Code J611- 3 units which are examined in 3 terminal examinations at the end of Year
11
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Unit B541: Studies and Applications in Psychology 1 Written examination 40% 1 hour 15 minutes
• Biological psychology: sex and gender
• Cognitive psychology: memory
• Developmental psychology: attachment
• Social psychology: obedience
• Individual differences: atypical behaviour
80 marks
Unit B542: Studies and Applications in Psychology 2 Written examination 40% 1 hour 15 minutes 80 marks
• Biological psychology: criminal behaviour
• Cognitive psychology: perception
• Developmental psychology: cognitive development
• Social psychology: non-verbal communication
• Individual differences: the self
Unit B543: Research in Psychology Written examination 20%
• Discovering and learning about the research process:
- Planning research
- Doing research
- Analysing research
- Planning an investigation
1-hour
40 marks
Formative Assessments
There will be ten key assessments throughout the duration of the course. These will sit alongside two formal mock
exams (one at the end of year 10 and one during the mock exams period). All theoretical assessments will be
constructed from past GCSE questions and will be marked in line with the GCSE standards and grade boundaries.
Research Methods will be taught discretely and students will be offered a separate mock paper for this examination
where appropriate. Each topic will have three independent learning opportunities including a research task, an exam
response style homework and a revision activity.
Summative Assessments
Summative and formative assessment will continue to contribute to tracking grades in Psychology. The key
assessments will generate a grade which will be compared to the GCSE grade boundaries so that students are aware
of their own performance level. There are ten key assessments during the two-year course. Throughout lessons
students can also expect to complete a selection of exam practice questions which will be teacher or peer-marked
against mark schemes.
Dates
Sept
Nov
Jan
Feb
April
June
Year 10 Assessments following study of topics
Memory
Attachment
Obedience
Atypical Behaviour
Criminal Behaviour
Perception
The remaining topics will be assessed after studying during Year 11.
Research Methods will also be covered during Year11.
Contact: Mrs Haley - nha@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
PE (GCSE)
Syllabus: Edexcel Course Code 2PE01
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Unit 1 – Examination
40%
Unit 1 is externally
assessed through a
written examination
paper of 1 hour and 30
minutes. This will
contribute a maximum
of 40% towards your
total marks.
Unit 2 – Controlled Assessment
60%
Unit 2 is assessed in two sections.
Section 1 – four practical performances in the role of player/participant, leader
or official.
Students can achieve 48% of the marks from four performances, two of which
may be in the role of a leader or official.
Section 2 – analysis of performance in one of the chosen activities. This will be
worth 12% of the marks and should include planning, performing and evaluating
a personal exercise programme
Formative Assessments
Student’s baseline will be divided into two clear areas: practical ability and academic ability. Practical
ability will be assessed in four generic sports against existing GCSE criteria. Both assessments will have
been concluded in late June/early July of Year 9. There will be ten formal key assessments throughout the
duration of the course. These will sit alongside two formal mock exams (one at the end of year 10 and one
during their year 11 mock exam season). All theoretical assessments will be constructed from past GCSE
questions and will be marked in line with the GCSE standards and grade boundaries. Practical assessments
will take place throughout the course, with the opportunity to be externally assessed by a professional
sports practitioner. There will also be an oral assessment that will contribute towards the practical element
of the course.
Independent study will take the form of fortnightly exam style questions. The length of these questions will
vary from 4-6 marks. These will be recorded in a separate book and will be either peer or staff marked,
again, in line with the GCSE criteria. The type of questions will relate to both past and current modules.
There is an additional expectation that students are involved in at least one sporting extracurricular club
to improve their practical performance.
Summative Assessments
Key assessments throughout the year will generate a grade which will be compared to the GCSE grade
boundaries so that students know exactly where they are. Throughout lessons students can also expect to
do a number of exam questions which will be teacher or peer marked again marked to GCSE standard.
Dates
End of Y9
Early Oct.
End Nov.
Early Jan.
Early March
TBC
Assessment
Healthy Active Lifestyle
Influences
Exercise & Fitness
Physical Activity (Methods & Principles)
Personal Health
Oral Assessment
The remaining topics will be studied and assessed during Year 11.
Contact: Mrs Lynch - tly@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
GCSE Computing
Syllabus: OCR J275
Curriculum – what we’re doing
The course is divided into two parts, theory and practical. In the theory topics students will
develop knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of the use of a range of computer
systems; how computer systems and software have developed over the years and how data is
represented and manipulated by computer systems. The first of the two practical tasks will
involve undertaking some background research, practical activities and evaluation.
Formative Assessments
Verbal feedback is given to students on the practical work undertaken in preparation for the
controlled assessment task. Theory work and fortnightly homework tasks are set, printed work is
stored in a folder and marked with targets for improvement.
Summative Assessments
Key assessments marked according to GCSE level:
Dates
End September
November
December
Jan
March
May
July
Assessments
Fundamentals of Computing – exam style questions
Computing hardware – exam style questions
Software – exam style questions
Representation of Data
Databases
Programming Project - interim
Programming Project - final
How you can help?
The following books and websites can aid learning and understanding for the course:

My revision notes OCR Computing for GCSE Computer Systems and Programming

OCR Computing for GCSE

www.teach-ict.com

my.dynamic-learning.com (username and password required)
Contact: Mrs Twist - dtw@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
GCSE ICT
Syllabus: Edexcel 2IT01
In Unit 1 students will explore how digital technology affects the lives of individuals, organisations
and society. By studying this unit students will understand the principles of features, functionality
and potential use of digital devices; how digital devices are used to communicate and how to
operate safely online and protect themselves from risk. Unit 2 allows students to investigate a
real world problem and provide solutions in a range of contexts.
Formative Assessments
Verbal feedback is given to students on the practical work undertaken in preparation for the
controlled assessment task. Theory work and fortnightly homework tasks are set, printed work is
stored in a folder and marked with targets for improvement.
Summative Assessments
Key Assessments marked according to GCSE level:
Dates
End of October
December
End Nov
February
End March
May
End June
Assessments
Personal Digital Devices – Exam style questions
Using Digital Tools Task 1
Connectivity – Exam style questions
Controlled Assessment Task 1
Online Shopping – Exam style questions
Using Digital Tools Task 2
Using Digital Tools Task 3
How you can help?
The following books and websites can aid learning and understanding for the course:

Edexcel GCSE ICT Revision Guide

Edexcel GCSE ICT Revision Workbook

www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/Pages/Pastpapers.aspx - past papers

www.teach-ict.com – revision website

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/ - revision website
Contacts: Mrs Twist - dtw@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Design &Technology: Textiles
Syllabus: AQA Textiles Technology (4570)
Curriculum – what we’re doing
May - Jul:
Sept – Jan:
October:
Feb – Mar:
Apr – Jul:
Introduction to Textiles, including equipment, techniques and practical skills
Fashion Design – Bag project inspired by nature using natural fabrics
Fashion show contribution/participation – T Shirt design
Garment production – corset project inspired by 60s / 70s using synthetic fabrics
Start of GCSE controlled assessment
Formative Assessments



Creativity and design skills
Practical Skills for techniques samples
Making skills of final product
Independent Learning set twice each month




Research for design activities
Research into techniques
Exam questions
Theory investigations
Summative Assessments



Work will be graded in line with GCSE assessment criteria
Effort grades will be provided along with guidance for improvement
The year 10 written exam mark will also count towards the end of year assessment
Dates
3 weekly
assessments
Assessment
Recorded in students’ workbooks and feedback record books.
Work set could be one of the following:
Work book exercise [theory]
Exam question [past papers]
Design and make coursework
How you can help



Check Honeycomb for homework submission date
Ensure work completed is appropriate to work set
Contact school if advice is required about purchasing fabrics and components
Contact: Mrs Davidson - ada@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
GCSE Business Studies
Syllabus: Edexcel 1503
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Unit 1





Section 1: An Introduction to business enterprise, understanding customer needs, market mapping,
analysing competitors strengths and weaknesses, understanding the need to add value, what are
the options for starting up a business
Section 2: What is enterprise? Thinking creatively, what questions do entrepreneurs ask? Invention
and innovation – generating ideas, taking a calculated risk, other important enterprise skills
Section 3: Objectives when starting up, the qualities shown by entrepreneurs, estimating revenues,
costs and profits, forecasting cash flows, obtaining finance
Section 4: Customer focus, the marketing mix, the importance of limited liability, start up legal and
tax issues, effective on time delivery and customer satisfaction, recruiting, training and
staff motivation
Section 5: Understanding the economic context - market demand and supply, impact of changes in
interest rates on small business, impact of changes in exchange rates on small businesses, how do
business cycles affect small business? What effect do business decisions have on stakeholders? Key
task assessment
Formative Assessments
A comprehensive assessment covering the whole unit of work is marked once a half term. In addition to
this a model answer is provided to allow students to make a comparative assessment between their
answers and a further model answer to allow them to make the marginal gains required to move to the
next improved grade. In the interim, marked class and homework, mini quizzes and peer marking help
monitor progress.
Summative Assessments
Each key assessment will be marked in line with GCSE examination board standards so students are fully
aware what is expected from them. This offers students an insight into expectation in order to achieve.
Model answers are issued to the students once papers have been marked and reviewed.
Dates
October
December
February
March
May
July
Assessment
Section 1 – Spotting a Business Opportunity
Section 2 – Showing Enterprise
Section 3 – Putting A Business Idea Into Practice
Section 4 - Making The Start Up Effective
Section 5 – Understanding the Economic Context
Investigating Small Businesses
How you can help
 Important website: www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk
 Revise Edexcel GCSE Business Units 1,3 & 5 Revision Guide (Pearson £3.99)
Contact: Mrs Mann - kmae@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Drama
Syllabus: OCR J315
Curriculum – what we’re doing
The first unit is A581 From Page to Stage which counts as 30% of a student’s final GCSE Grade.
The second unit is A582 Drama in the Making which counts as 30% of a student’s final GCSE
Grade. For more information visit http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-drama-j315-from2012/
Formative Assessments
Frequent performances enable formative feedback to be given by the teacher. There are also opportunities
for peer assessment to judge each other’s application of the techniques. The teacher gives formal feedback
after the run through of practical performances for From Page to Stage and Drama in the Making
Units
Summative Assessments
AO1 Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding of drama to generate,
explore and develop ideas
AO2 Apply practical skills to communicate in performance
AO3 Analyse and evaluate their own work and that of others using appropriate terminology.
Dates
Assessment
Teacher assessment of practical activities of solo and pair work.
October
Peer assessment task linked to evaluation of another’s work.
December
Teacher assessment (written and oral) of polished performance (From Page to Stage)
February
April
May
July
Self-evaluation is an essential requirement for the Written Record in Unit 1. This work is
assessed and graded.
Summative: at the end of the unit, students will be judged on practitioner knowledge
and application of techniques used during the rehearsal process of their chosen text
Teacher assessment (written and oral) of polished performance (Drama in the Making)
How you can help
1. Check the BBC GCSE Bitesize website: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/drama
2. When learning lines for Unit 1, performance of a script, you can help by reading in the other
parts and testing them on their lines.
3. In preparation for the written coursework, students evaluate all their performance work.
You can help check your daughter/son’s written work by reading through. If you don’t have a clear
understanding of the performance work that is being evaluated, then their work lacks the detail
required.
Contact: Miss Tabassum (Drama teacher) – ata@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk or Mr Horton
(Head of Faculty) – mho@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
Film Studies
Syllabus: WJEC
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Students will be introduced to the language of film and how films appeal to their target audience.
The external assessment, worth 50% of the total mark, is in the form of two papers. The first is
based on a set film made outside Hollywood and the second on the popular Superhero genre, both
topics introduced at the beginning of the year. Students will also start work on their coursework
(worth 50%) which involved analysing a key scene of a film and producing a film poster.
Formative Assessments
There will be a key assessment at the end of each topic area. Where appropriate, these will be
marked to GCSE grades, and targets for improvement will be set. Key assessment targets will be
recorded by students on an assessment sheet in their books. Classwork completed in exercise
books will be marked according to the school’s marking policy and extra targets set where
necessary. Closer monitoring will take place where a student is causing concern or needs extra
input. All pieces towards their coursework will have regular written feedback with suggestions for
improvement.
Summative Assessments
Date
30/6
6/10
24/11
26/1
23/3
18/5
6/6
Assessments
Creative task to design a storyboard
Analysis of a key scene focusing on two elements of film language
Practice written analysis of an opening scene (coursework task)
Exam question from Film Outside Hollywood paper – technical codes
A creative question involving individual responses to a film (e.g. a review or blog)
Industry Research section of coursework graded according to mark scheme
A micro analysis of a short extract from a film of the student’s choice (350 – 750 words)
graded according to mark scheme. (Coursework)
Draft pitch for an imaginary film (approximately 150 words) (Coursework)
How you can help



Encourage your son/daughter to be an active film consumer, analytically considering how
films they encounter have been created and why. Read film reviews and look at how they
are structured.
Ensure your son/daughter completes all independent study tasks set, especially those
closely linked to the controlled assessment tasks.
Contact: Miss Strickland - cst@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk / Mr Horton (Head of
Faculty) -mho@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 10 Parents’ Handbook
BTEC Hair and Beauty
Curriculum – what we’re doing
The BTEC Hair and Beauty course has three elements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Theory of the industry and the theory of what lies behind the treatments
Learning the practical elements
Practising what has been learnt on each other
Completing treatments and services on clients, to the required standards
Autumn Term:
Theory – Applying the colour spectrum to client requirements, offering full consultation.
Practical – Full consultation and application of the colour spectrum. Applying colour for nail treatments.
Full operation of a hair and beauty salon, receiving clients and completing treatments to a high standard.
Spring Term:
Theory – Preparing and designing “Nail Art” basic treatments and adherence to health and safety, along
with full client consultation and aftercare treatment.
Practical – Efficiently running a salon; to include nail art application, makeup; shampoo and condition hair,
style hair to the client’s requirements, plaiting and hair ups, all to a professional standard.
Summer Term:
Theory – The skin and hair; face painting, photographic makeup and the differences between day and night
application.
Practical –Full operation of a hair and beauty salon, receiving clients and completing treatments; offering a
full range of treatments to meet client requirements.
Formative Assessments
Theory work: worksheets are marked and feedback is given, which is added to the student’s evidence
portfolio. During practical work, feedback is given when required and after the student has completed a
treatment. Formative assessment sheets are used to enable the student to track their progression, leading
to the summative assessment.
Summative Assessments
The course consists of portfolio-based evidence, which students build up over the duration of the course,
and each learner will be at different stages of completing the work.
Assessment One – autumn: Students will research and create a booklet on the colour spectrum and how
colour is used in the industry. The students will create a style booklet and create an image using the
research they have undertaken.
Assessment Two – spring term: Summative assessments on all treatments that the student is competent
in. These are individual to each student and may include : shampoo and conditioning; manicure, make up
application, nail art, twisting and plaiting, styling women’s hair or photographic makeup.
Contact: Mrs Nash - rna@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents