Y
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Curriculum and Assessment Information
for parents of students in Year 11
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 11 Parents’ Handbook
Key Dates
25 September 2015
5 October 2015
3 November 2015
10 November 2015
24 November 2015
26 November 2015
14 December 2015
5 February 2016
14 March 2016
21 March 2016
15 April 2016
18 April 2016
16 May 2016
24 June 2016
25 August 2016
Progress review issued
Parents’ Evening
Sixth Form Open Evening
Sixth Form application deadline
Sixth Form interviews
Mock exams begin
Language speaking exams begin
Formal report issued
Mock exams begin
Language speaking exams begin
Progress review issued
Science mock exams begin
Summer series of exams begin
Summer series of exams ends
GCSE results day
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
English Language
Syllabus: OCR
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Autumn 1:
Autumn 2:
Spring:
Summer:
Controlled Assessment (Imaginative Writing/Spoken Language)
Information and Ideas 1
Information and Ideas 2
Information and Ideas Revision
Formative Assessments
For Information and Ideas study, regular 'mini' assessments will be in evidence, linked to the skills
that form the basis of individual examination questions. These will be used to inform
understanding of the ways in which the examination assesses different elements of the course.
Longer assessments, such as entire sections of a past exam paper will also be used to inform of
student progress.
Summative Assessments
Dates
ongoing
30/11
8/2
14/3
April and
May
Imaginative Writing and Spoken Language Controlled Assessments
Information and Ideas mock examination
Information and Ideas writing mock examination
Information and Ideas mock examination
Regular Information and Ideas ‘mini’ examinations
How you can help

Ensure your son/daughter completes the independent study tasks set through Honeycomb.

Make sure there is careful preparation at home for controlled assessments and that notes are
completed ready to bring in to the assessment.


Discuss the targets set in your son/daughter's exercise book with them.
Encourage the reading and comprehension of a range of non-fiction texts, from direct mail
to BBC News/Sport reports online.
Contact: Mr Horton (Head of Faculty) - mho@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
English (combined – one GCSE)
Syllabus: OCR
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Autumn 1:
Autumn 2:
Spring 1:
Spring 2:
Summer 1:
Controlled Assessments
Information and Ideas
Controlled Assessment/Information and Ideas Writing
Information and Ideas – Reading and Writing
Exam Revision
Formative Assessments
For Information and Ideas study, regular 'mini' assessments will be in evidence, linked to the skills
that form the basis of individual examination questions. These will be used to inform
understanding of the ways in which the examination assesses different elements of the course.
Longer assessments, such as entire sections of a past exam paper will also be used to inform of
student progress.
Summative Assessments
Dates
ongoing
30/11
8/2
14/3
April and
May
Controlled Assessment completion
Information and Ideas mock examination
Information and Ideas writing mock examination
Information and Ideas mock examination
Regular Information and Ideas ‘mini’ examinations
How you can help



Ensure your son/daughter completes the independent study tasks set through Honeycomb. If help
is required, www.sparknotes.com is a good place to start for assessments linked to any literary
text.
Make sure there is careful preparation at home for controlled assessments and that notes are
completed ready to bring in to the assessment.
Encourage your son/daughter to read as often as possible in his/her spare time, anything helps!
Contact: Mr Horton (Head of English Faculty) - mho@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Mathematics
Syllabus: Edexcel - IMAO
Curriculum – what we’re doing
The curriculum in Year 11 is based and aimed towards the GCSE Exam in June of Year 11. It will be
a year of consolidation and practice in order to prepare all students for their terminal
examinations. These will take the form of 2 examinations, the first non-calculator and the second
calculator, both lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. The tier of entry, Foundation or Higher will be
determined by a student’s progress throughout the year and a decision will be made by March of
Year 11.
Formative Assessments
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 which will be assessed formatively and students
will receive feedback on this. The assessment sheet will be glued into students’ 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
Year 11 will follow a rigorous revision schedule to prepare students for the GCSE exam. This will
begin immediately after February half ferm and follow a very structured approach, where the
expectation is that students will be required to do a considerable amount of work at home as well
as in lesson time.
Dates
Oct Half Term
Dec
Feb Half Term
Easter
June Half Term
End of Year
Assessment
Past GCSE Paper Non-Calculator
Past GCSE Paper Calculator
Past GCSE Paper Non-Calculator
Past GCSE Paper Calculator
NONE
Would have completed the GCSE exam in June.
How you can help
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 11 Parents’ Handbook
Mathematics
Syllabus: Edexcel - IMAO
Curriculum – what we’re doing
The curriculum in Year 11 is based and aimed towards the GCSE Exam in June of Year 11. It will be
a year of consolidation and practice in order to prepare all students for their terminal
examinations. The only difference is students achieving a grade A/A* in the end of Year 10
assessments, will be have an opportunity to follow an additional course in Maths to enrich their
experience, alongside GCSE.
They will begin the Certificate in Further Mathematics through AQA. This is a bridging course to
the study of AS level Mathematics and is recognised by Russell group universities as a challenging
and respected course. This will be completed during normal Maths lessons, but a large element
will be through independent study.
Formative Assessments
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 students’
books, 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
Year 11 will follow a rigorous revision schedule (depending on when they are being entered for the
examination) to prepare them for the next GCSE exam. This will begin immediately in September
if students are taking the exam in November, or will start at Easter if students are taking the exam
in June of Year 11.
Dates
Oct Half Term
Dec
Feb Half Term
Easter
June Half Term
End of Year
Assessment
Past GCSE Paper Non-Calculator
Past GCSE Paper Calculator
Past GCSE Paper Non-Calculator
Past GCSE Paper Calculator
NONE
Would have completed the GCSE exam in June.
How you can help
Useful web-sites: www.mymaths.co.uk; www.gcsepastpapers.blogspot.co.uk;
www.mathswatchvle.com
Contact: Mr Wynne – Head of Maths nwy@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Art & Design
Syllabus: AQA 4200
Curriculum – what we’re doing
1. Portraiture Unit 1. 30% of GCSE Grade – Deadline 5 Jan 2016
2. Examination Unit 2: 40% of GCSE grade- Exam Paper is distributed the first week back after
Christmas and, following a period of preparation, the students sit their 10 hour exam at the
end of April
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 an
understanding of the work of others and shows a clear development from sketchbook work.
Formative assessment is completed mainly in students’ sketchbooks and assessment booklets.
Assessments 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 formally, twice each half term. Teachers do also use post-it notes to direct students to
specific pages within their sketchbooks and endeavour to speak to each 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 each 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 11 happens at the end of Year 11 once the unit is
completed.
Dates
Two each halfterm
Assessment
Recorded in students assessment books and recorded in teacher mark-books. 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
coursework 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 11 Parents’ Handbook
Design &Technology: Resistant Materials
Syllabus: AQA 4560
Curriculum – what we are doing
Introduction to Resistant Materials
The course is split between Controlled Assessment Coursework (60%) and a 2 hour Theory Exam (40%)
Theory content: Materials and Processes.
Coursework content is a single Design and Make activity
Controlled Assessment Coursework Criteria Unit 2
Unit 1
Investigating the design context
Unit 2
Development of design proposals (including modelling)
Unit 3
Making
Unit 4
Testing and Evaluation
Unit 5
Communication
Written Paper preparation
Materials and components; Design and Market influences; Sustainability; Designing; Evaluation
Processes& Manufacture; Health & Safety; Systems & Control; Industrial Practices
Formative Assessments
Of all units as they progress. Verbal, formative feedback is given throughout lessons.
All students receive at least one set of written feedback on their work per objective
Independent Learning will be set twice each month and will include:
 Research for design activities
 Research into materials and processes
 Exam questions
 Theory investigations
Summative Assessments
Grades will be issued as each unit progresses. Every 3 weeks each improved or new page / topic
per assessment objective is given a grade from A* - G to help guide students on areas requiring
improvement. Final assessment of the student’s project is a holistic assessment of the completed
project in March.
What Can I Do?
Some students struggle with this level of work. In the first instance please contact us if you feel your
daughter/son is struggling.
Please encourage your daughter/son to:
 Involve you in their project. As a client you can provide valuable input in evaluating design work/
questionnaires.
 Research materials for their project.
 Purchase a revision guide
 Attend Technology after school sessions for catch up / support
IMPORTANT WEBSITES:
 www.designtechnology student.co.uk
 AQA has a database of past papers and mark schemes for Resistant Materials.
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 11 Parents’ Handbook
Design & Technology: Food Technology
Syllabus: AQA (4545)
Curriculum – what we’re doing
The completion of coursework (split into 4 assessed objectives) involving the designing and making
of a food product that meets a chosen design brief. Extensive revision of year 10 topics until
exams.
Formative Assessments
Verbal formative feedback given throughout lessons.
All students receive at least one set of written feedback on their work per objective
The use of lots of comparisons to exemplars, peer and self-assessment are used to help guide
students also.
Summative Assessments
Summative grades will be issued at each submission of each assessment objective. Each page /
topic per assessment objective is given a grade from A* - G to help guide students on areas
requiring improvement.
Dates
September - October
November –
December
End December
Beginning January
End January
Mid February
February - June
Deadlines / Assessment
Practicals 1-6 (homework weekly – evaluate practical)
Developments 1-4 (homework weekly – evaluate practical)
Draft Submission of AO1, AO2, AO3 and first half of AO4
Final Product
Completed draft submission
Final hand in. No changes can be made
Exam revision / completion of specification and lots of past papers including a mock
paper
How you can help
Some students struggle with this level of work. In the first instance please contact me if you feel your
daughter/son is struggling. Consider buying your daughter/son a memory stick – it will be invaluable for
them. Please encourage students to:
 have confidence in adapting their recipes
 gather their own ingredients in advance of lesson
 complete an evaluation for EVERYTHING they bring home this year as it will be counted towards
their coursework
 attend Food Technology after school sessions for catch up / support
Contact: Mrs Derwent - sde@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
French
Syllabus: OCR GCSE J730
Curriculum – what we’re doing



Travel and the wider world
Leisure and entertainment
Exam practice and technique
Formative Assessments
Reading and listening assessments will be done informally in class and feedback given to the whole
class. Homework will be set at least once a week and will take a variety of forms including learning
of vocabulary (which will be tested and marks recorded) writing short paragraphs related to each
topic or preparation for the speaking exam. All formative assessments will be marked in line with
the school’s traffic lighting system and targets for improvement will be set. All homework can be
checked via Honeycomb.
Summative Assessments
At the end of each topic area students will complete a Key Assessment in either writing or
speaking, or sometimes both, which could count towards their GCSE mark by being used as
controlled assessment. Students will receive a task sheet outlining the success criteria. An
indication of an expected grade will be given for each controlled assessment although it is made
clear that they are externally marked.
Marks from reading and listening tests will be considered.
Dates
Oct
December
January
January
Mid-March
End-March
Assessment
Work Experience
Writing
Travel and the wider world
Speaking /writing
GCSE Reading paper
Exam practice
GCSE Listening paper
Exam practice
Leisure and Entertainment
Writing
Leisure and Entertainment
Speaking
How you can help
Your support at home is always important. Be aware of assessment dates by checking on the
school calendar. Please feel free to contact staff if there are any issues. Check Honeycomb for
homework expectations and please test students on vocabulary, when set. Students will be
expected to prepare for each piece of controlled assessment at home and check with their teacher
on their progress so please encourage careful preparation and learning. Please encourage your
daughter/son to read his/her targets for improvement carefully and to speak to their teacher if
they do not understand. A good dictionary is vital.
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 11 Parents’ Handbook
Sociology
Syllabus: WJEC 4510
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Miss Jones will be teaching: Compulsory core: inequality – by race, gender, class, health and life
chances.
Mr Nolan will be teaching: Option: Crime and deviance – social control, white collar crime,
youth/street crime; sociological explanations for crime and deviance.
Summer Term:
Revision and preparation for examination
Formative Assessments
Classwork in books and folders will be monitored. Targets and suggestions for improvement will
be communicated to students. Key assessments will be set after each unit of work. Grades
recorded by students.
Summative Assessments
Dates
Sept
Dec
Spring
term
May
Assessment
Research methods end of unit assessment
Progress assessments for both units
End of unit assessment: crime and deviance
End of unit assessment: compulsory core
Mock paper on Paper one
GCSE exams
How you can help

All homework and assessment revision will be recorded on Honeycomb so a regular check
of your daughter/son’s homework would be very helpful.

Testing key word definitions and double-checking your daughter/son’s spelling is also
important.

Encourage your daughter/son to watch and listen to news and current affairs programmes.
Talking and thinking about society and how it changes over time and across the world is
important. Particularly issues to do with inequality (for example changes in law) and crime.

Be aware that this will be the first exam of the season so enough time for exam revision
needs to be encouraged.
Contact: Miss Jones - ejo@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Contact: Mr Nolan - lno@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Spanish
Syllabus: OCR GCSE J732
Curriculum – what we’re doing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Holidays
Wider world/environment
School and part time jobs
Work experience and future plans
Revision and exam skills
Formative Assessments
There will be key assessments in writing/speaking (or both) at the end of each topic area, which
could potentially 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 work 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 in
to consideration.
Dates
December
Early January
March
End January
April/May
Holidays
GCSE Reading Paper
School/future plans
GCSE Listening Paper
GCSE exam practice
Assessment
Speaking and writing
Exam practice
Speaking and Writing
Exam practice
Exam practice
How you can help
Your support at home is always important. Be aware of assessment dates by checking the school
calendar and please feel free to contact staff if there are any issues. Check Honeycomb and test
students on their vocabulary and grammar as well as the vocabulary they receive after every
reading and listening examination.
Useful textbook: CGP GCSE Spanish Vocabulary Tester
Contact:
Miss Normansell
Ms Moore
- gno@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
- amo@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Design &Technology: Textiles
Syllabus: AQA Textiles Technology - 4570
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Uplift:
GCSE Controlled assessment begins
Autumn term: design and make / controlled assessment, themes set by exam board
Theory: Materials and components, Processes of manufacture
Spring term: complete final product and controlled assessment.
Theory: Design and market influences
Summer term: Revision of theory, preparation for written exam
Formative Assessments




Creativity and design skills
Practical Skills for techniques samples
Making skills of final product
Textiles theory in preparation for exam
We will also be carrying out 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
Dates
Bi-monthly
Autumn
Spring
Summer
Assessment
Recorded in students’ workbooks and feedback record books.
Controlled assessment – formative feedback weekly
Preparation for exam – preparing revision notes and answering past papers
Mock Exam December
Controlled assessment – formative feedback weekly
Preparation for exam – preparing revision notes and past papers
Deadline for coursework and final product
1st submission Feb half term (Criteria 1-4) / Final submission April
Preparation for Section A exam question
Preparation for exam – preparing revision notes and answering past papers
How you can help




Check Honeycomb for homework submission data
Ensure work completed is appropriate to work set
Contact school if advice is required about purchasing fabrics and components
Encourage use of http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/textiles/
Contact: Mrs Davidson - ada@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Film Studies
Syllabus: WJEC 0155 01
Curriculum – what we’re doing


Practical Coursework where students create their own film pitch, storyboard/script and
poster campaign
Preparation for two exams, topics set by WJEC: Paper 1 - Superhero Genre (1.5 hours worth 30%) and Paper 2 - Exploring Film Outside Hollywood (1 hour - worth 20%)
Formative Assessments




Students have booklets for their practical piece - sections completed by the students to
reflect on their own work and by the teacher to help students to develop.
One to one tutorials with students on their practical coursework – verbal and written
feedback for improvement
Mock exam in spring term and grade/feedback given
Regular practice exam questions marked by peers and teachers. This will include analysis of
an unseen extract, to mirror Paper 1.
Summative Assessments
Key word definitions and one/two exam question (s) will be tested every half term, and these will
be marked according to GCSE criteria.
October
Exam Question (10 marks) based on audio visual stimulus (extract from
Superhero Film)
December Exam questions from Paper 2, Exploring Film Outside Hollywood (topics include a
film review, character analysis and representation)
February Full Mock Exam
March
Exam questions on marketing of Superhero Films. These will involve case studies
of different films and their marketing techniques.
June
Final Exam
How you can help



Encourage your son/daughter to access and analyse different Superhero Films at home e.g.
deconstructing different trailers and posters, identifying target audiences and researching
their marketing techniques.
Ensure all independent study tasks have been completed and encourage deadlines to be
met for the practical coursework
Encourage your son/daughter to read and complete the booklet on the close study film.
Contact: Miss Strickland - cst@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 11 Parents’ Handbook
Media Studies
Syllabus: WJEC 4390
Curriculum – what we’re doing


Practical Production where students create their own media piece (40%)
Exam on topic set by WJEC (40%). Summer 2016 topic is Film Trailers and Film Posters.
Students also have to design their own film poster as part of the creative section of the
exam.
Formative Assessments




Students have booklets for their practical piece - sections completed by the students to
reflect on their own work and by the teacher to help students to develop.
One to one tutorials with students on their practical production – verbal and written
feedback for improvement
Mock exam in spring term and grade/feedback given
Regular practice exam questions marked by peers and teachers
Summative Assessments
Key word definitions and one/two exam question (s) will be tested every half term, and these will
be marked according to GCSE criteria.
October
Exam Question (10 marks) based on print based stimulus (Film Trailer)
December Mock exam on section A of the exam: film trailers. Topics include
Representation and Audience.
Final Practical Production (worth 40%) graded according to mark scheme
February Full Mock Exam
March
Exam questions on Film Posters. These will be creative in nature and may involve
storyboarding or designing.
June
Final Exam
How you can help


Encourage your son/daughter to access and analyse different forms of media at home
related to the exam topic e.g. deconstructing different trailers and posters, identifying
target audiences and analysing how different groups are represented.
Ensure all independent study tasks have been completed and encourage deadlines to be
met for the practical production.
Contact: Miss Strickland - cst@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 11 Parents’ Handbook
Science – Additional and Further Additional
Syllabus: Edexcel
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 Exam in June. 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. Homework will be set based on 6 mark GCSE questions. Your
daughter/son will get homework at least every two weeks. In addition there will be regular spelling
homework based on key scientific vocabulary.
Top sets have already done Core and Additional Science in Year 10 and will study just one GCSE. It is called
Further Additional Science and contains further elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students in
these top sets are expected to keep up a high pace of learning. There will be chances for students to move
back to the normal double award route of Core in Y10 and Additional in Y11.
Date assignment number
Sept 1
Add Biology 1
Sept 2
Add Chemistry 1
Oct 1
Add Physics 1
Half term assessment
Nov 1 Add Biology 2
Nov 2 Add Chemistry 2
Dec1 ADD Physics 2
End term assessment
Jan1 ADD Biology 3
Jan 2 ADD Chemistry 3
Feb 1 ADD Physics 3
Half term
assessment
Mar 1 ADD Biology 4
Mar 2 ADD Chemistry 4
APR 1 ADD Physics 4
Topic numbers
Add B2 2.1-2.6
ADD C2 2.1-2.6
ADD P2 2.1-2.7
Add B2.7-2.14
Add C2.7 – 2.16
Add P3 2.8-2.15
½ paper B2, C2, P2
Christmas
Mock exam
ADD B2 2.15-2.24
ADD C2 2.17-2.23
ADD P2 2.16-2.22
ADD B2 2.25-2.34
ADD B2 2.24- 2.34
ADD B2 2.23-2.34
Easter
Revision and Past papers
June Real GCSE science exams
B2 C2 P2 Additional Science Paper
Students leave year 11
Or if year 10 triple they commence F additional coursework
How you can help
Your daughter/son has a revision guide and the best way you can support them outside of lessons
is to try and ensure they are looking through it regularly
Contact: Mr Crawshaw - jcr@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Science – Further Additional
Syllabus: Edexcel
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Please note: Further Additional applies only to students in 11N1 & 11E1.
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 Exam in June. 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. Homework will be based on the 6 mark GCSE question. Your daughter/son will get
homework at least every two weeks. In addition there will be regular spelling homework based on key
scientific vocabulary.
Date assignment number
Sept 1
F Add Biology 1
Sept 2 F Add Chemistry 1
Oct 1
F Add Physics 1
Oct 2-mid Autumn term
test
Nov 1 Biology 2
Nov 2 Chemistry 2
Dec1 Physics 2
End term Mock Exams
Topic
F Add B3 3.1-3.10
F ADD C3 3.1-3.6
F ADD P3 3.1-3.10
Test ¼ Paper F ADD B3,C3 P3.
F Add B3.11-3.14
F Add C3.7 – 3.12
F Add P3 3.11-3.16
½ paper B3, C3, P3
From Christmas on the students will be continuing the remainder of course
Jan1 Biology 3
ADD B3 3.15-3.21
Jan 2 Chemistry 3
ADD C3 3.14-3.19
Feb 1 Physics 3
ADD P3 2.16-3.22
Half term assessment
¾ paper B3, C3 P3
Mar 1 Biology 4
ADD B3 2.21-3.27
Mar 2 Chemistry 4
ADD B3 2.20- 3.27
APR 1 Physics 4
ADD B3 2.20-3.27
Easter
Revision and Past papers
B3 full paper Mock
May
C3 Full paper
P3 Full paper
May-June Real GCSE
B3 C3 P3 Additional Science Paper
science exams
How you can help
Your daughter/son has a revision guide and the best way you can support them outside of lessons
is to try and ensure they are looking through it regularly.
Contact: Mr Crawshaw - jcr@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
GCSE ICT
Syllabus: Edexcel 2IT01
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Students will continue to work on the theoretical aspects for Unit 1 and the practical aspects for Unit 2 in
Year 11. The focus for the theory work will be on investigating the services that are provided online; the
implications for online learning, leisure and social interactions with the emergence of online communities;
the legal, moral and ethical issues raised by the use of ICT.
Formative Assessments
Verbal feedback is given to students on the practical work undertaken in preparation for the controlled
assessment task. Theory work and weekly homework tasks are set, printed work is stored in a folder and
marked with targets for improvement set.
Summative Assessments
Key assessments marked according to GCSE level:
Dates
End September
October
End December
Mid February
March
May
Assessments
Online Goods and Services – exam style questions
Online communities
Using Digital Tools 1 – mock exam
Using Digital Tools 2
Using Digital Tools 3
Legal and Moral Issues – exam style questions
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
See the following websites:

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 11 Parents’ Handbook
GCSE Computing
Syllabus: OCR Computing J275
Curriculum – what we’re doing
During Year 11 students will continue studying theoretical and practical aspects of computing.
Topics in Year 11 will include how databases are set up and used in real-life contexts; how
computers are connected and the implications of the methods used. Students will also learn the
theory of programming including developing an algorithm by breaking problems down and then
turning the algorithm into program code. They will also complete the programming project which
involves writing code to solve a set of three tasks.
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 set.
Summative Assessments
Key Assessments are marked according to GCSE level:
Dates
End October
Mid December
February
March
Mid May
Assessments
Programming project
Practical investigation
Practical investigation - final
Computer communications and networking
Mock exam
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

www.teach-ict.com

my.dynamic-learning.com (username and password required)
Contacts: Mrs Twist - dtw@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Home Economics: Child Development
Syllabus: AQA 4580
Curriculum – what we’re doing



Child Study (worth 40% GCSE mark)
Support for the parent and child
Revision of all topics (year 10/11)
Formative Assessments





Students complete work books to be used as revision – marked every two weeks
Key assessment tasks will be completed every half term or upon the completion of the
topic.
Past exam papers set as homework – graded on completion
Child study – assessed to GCSE marking criteria
Various activities set for Independent learning; learning keywords, research, development
work for controlled assessment.
Summative Assessments



Students complete work books - graded on completion
Child study – assessed to GCSE marking criteria
Effort grades will be provided along with guidance for improvement
Dates
Bi-monthly
Autumn
Spring
Summer
Assessment
Recorded in students’ workbooks and feedback record books.
Child Study formative feedback weekly
Preparation for exam – preparing revision notes and answering past papers
Mock Exam December
Child Study – formative feedback weekly
Preparation for exam – preparing revision notes and past papers
Deadline for coursework 1st submission Feb Half term - Final submission April
Preparation for exam – preparing revision notes and answering past papers
How you can help


Encourage homework tasks to be completed to the best of their ability.
Help with revision of key terms
Contact: Mrs Davidson - ada@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Drama
Syllabus: OCR Drama J315.
Curriculum – what we’re doing
The second unit is A582 Drama in the Making which counts as 30% of a student’s final GCSE
Grade. The third unit is the practical exam A583 From Concept to Creation which counts as 40% of
the final GCSE grade. The exam Paper is distributed in February and following a period of
preparation the students sit their 10-hour exam in May.
For more information visit http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-drama-j315-from-2012/
Formative Assessments
Frequent performances enable formative feedback to be given by the teacher. Verbal formative
feedback is also given throughout lessons. 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 performance for Drama in the Making and Concept to Creation.
Summative assessment
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.
Assessment
October
December
February
April
May
Assessment of solo or pair work required by Unit 2.
Self-evaluation is an essential requirement for the Written Record in Unit 2. 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
Assessment of practical performance. Have they successfully applied the GCSE performance criteria as part
of the practical exam?
GCSE Practical Exam
How you can help
1. Check the BBC GCSE Bitesize website: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/drama
2. 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.
3. Each student is given a revision booklet for the set text for the final written exam, you can
ensure this has been finished and discuss their ideas with them.
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 11 Parents’ Handbook
History
Syllabus: AQA History A (9140)
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Germany 1918-45 – Problems of Weimar Germany, The Rise of Hitler, The creation of a
dictatorship, Nazi control, Life 1933-39 and Life 1939-45. Revision of medicine
Formative Assessments
At the end of each topic a Key Assessment is set which is an exam question. Approximately three
per term will be set. After Christmas exam questions will be set at least once a fortnight as
independent study tasks. All assessments will be marked to GCSE grades and targets set. Key
assessment targets will be recorded by students on assessment sheets in the front of 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 assessment
Dates
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
Assessment
Problems of Weimar Germany
Rise of Hitler
Creation of a Dictatorship
Nazi methods of control
Life in 1933-39
Life in 1939-45
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 exam.
Test your daughter/son’s knowledge using the flashcards provided during the year to help with
revision, for both Medicine and Germany. There are many good documentaries and films on this
period which are useful and a number of good biographies including “The Past is Myself” by
Christobel Bielenberg. Such programmes and books will deepen knowledge and help revision.
Contact: Mrs Noble – nno@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
GCSE Business Studies
Syllabus: Edexcel 1503
Curriculum – what we’re doing
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 businesses? What effect do business decisions have on stakeholders? Key task assessment.
Section 6 – Marketing – marketing, market research; product trial and repeat purchase; product life cycle;
branding and differentiation; building a successful marketing mix: Key task assessment
Section 7 – Meeting customer needs; design and research development; managing stock & quality costeffective operations & competitiveness; effective customer services; meeting consumer protection laws:
key task assessment
Section 8 –Effective financial management: how to improve cash flow; how to improve profit; break-even
charts & analysis; financing growth: key task assessment
Section 9 – Effective people management: organisational structure; motivation theory; communication;
remuneration: 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 marking so students are fully
aware what is expected from them in order to achieve at least their target grade. 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. Extensive marking of past papers/ mock papers will result in summative
assessment.
Unit 2 - Controlled coursework task takes place for 6 weeks during the first half term of the year.
Dates
October
February
March
April
May 2016
Assessment
Unit 2 Controlled Coursework
Section 5 – Understanding the Economic Context
Section 6 – Marketing
Section 7 - Meeting Customer Needs
Section 8 – Effective Financial Management
Section 9– Effective People Management
Unit 1 and Unit 3 exams (linear)
How you can help
There are books and websites to aid learning and understanding for the course:
www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk
Revise Edexcel GCSE Business Units 1,3 & 5 Revision Guide (Pearson £3.99)
Contact: Mrs Mann - kma@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Geography
Syllabus: AQA A Geography 9030
Curriculum – what we’re doing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Controlled Assessment- Bromsgrove centre- end Mid September
Coasts- Mid September- Mid November
Urban-Mid November- End of January
Glaciation- Beginning of February- Easter
Revision-Easter onwards
Formative Assessments
Each half term students will have one formal activity which will have ‘tips to improve’ comments
from themselves, peers, and their teacher. Each half term they will have their classwork marked
at least once with subject based and literacy targets where appropriate with an overall comment
at the end of which will also be dated for ease of monitoring. Each half term students will
complete key assessments which will have targets for improvement- 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.
Summative assessment
Summative and formative assessment will continue to go hand in hand in Geography. Each
student will be expected to undertake two weeks of revision prior to a key assessment so that we
can monitor progress. Students will also be expected to undertake independent research and
create case study revision materials as the topic goes on 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 each half term and grades will be fed into our reporting system.
Throughout lessons students can also expect to complete a number of exam questions which will
be teacher-marked to GCSE standard.
Dates
Mid
September
Early
December
End of
January
March
End of
May
June
Assessment
Controlled Assessment Completed- Marked and tracker informed asap
End of Coasts unit Key Assessment- 25 mark question marked with mark scheme
End of Urban Key Assessment: 1- 25 mark Question
Glaciation Key Assessment 2- 25 mark Question
Revision- 50 mark paper as two questions are combined
Terminal Exam
How you can help
Moral support and guidance is important throughout Year 11. Ensure your daughter/son attends
revision classes and completes all homework tasks to the best of their ability.
Contact: Miss Price – dpr@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Religious Studies
Syllabus: Edexcel Unit 1 – 5RS01; Unit 8 – 5RS08
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Students will study three units
 Environment and Medical Ethics
 Peace and Conflict
 Crime and Punishment
Formative Assessments
For each unit, students will complete pieces of work which will be marked formatively.
Summative Assessments
Key word definitions and one exam question will be tested every half term, and these will be
marked according to GCSE criteria. In addition, at the end of each term, an exam question/paper
will be set which assesses the units studied in that period.
Dates
Sept
Oct
Dec
Spring Term
Summative Assessment
End of unit assessment – full section of GCSE paper Rights and Responsibilities
Exam question on fertility treatments
End of unit assessment – full section of GCSE paper relevant to Environment
and Medical Ethics
Key word definition test plus one exam question for Peace and Conflict
End of unit assessment – full section of GCSE paper relevant to Peace and
Conflict
Mock paper on Unit one exam
How you can help

All homework and assessment revision will be recorded on Honeycomb so a regular check
of your daughter/son’s homework planners would be very helpful.

Testing key word definitions and double-checking your daughter/son’s spelling is also
important as spelling and grammar marks are given at GCSE. Tests can also be found on the
BBC Bitesize website.

Encourage your daughter/son to watch or listen to the news so that they are aware of
current events. Anything to do with Organ Transplantation, Fertility treatment, War in
Syria, crimes – death penalty or forgiveness. Plus programmes based on topics in year
9/10.

Be aware that this will be the first exam of the season so enough time for exam revision
needs to be encouraged.
Contact: Miss Jones - ejo@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Music
Syllabus: OCR J535
Curriculum – what we’re doing


In Year 11 students focus on their final compositions and performances along with the
paperwork that accompanies these. They need to complete a final solo performance and
composition for their chosen instrument, an ensemble performance, a second composition
chosen from an area of study set by the exam board, and a log and commentary.
Students will also prepare for the listening exam by becoming more familiar with key
stylistic features and specific musical genres, in addition to developing key musical
terminology.
Formative Assessments

The first term of year 11 is important in selecting the best of performance and composition
work. All recordings are graded according to OCR assessment guidelines and students are
given opportunities to improve these.
 Students are given individual targets and action points to work on in refining their
coursework, and time is also given to practise the Creative Task.
 Revision of areas of study is essential for the listening test
Summative Assessments

All assessments are marked using coursework marking criteria and so reflect actual grades.
Dates
End of
September
End of
October
End of
November
End of
December
January
End of
February
March
Assessment
Start controlled assessment for ensemble composition (10 hours in total) and Log
Recording of solo performance
Recording of ensemble performance
Completion of ensemble composition and log
Start controlled assessment for own instrument composition (10 hours in total)
and Commentary
Recording of revised ensemble and solo performance
Completion of own instrument composition and Commentary
Final deadline for all revised coursework
How you can help



Encourage students to make music – practice is regular homework.
Facilities for practising and working on compositions are available before school and at
break and lunchtime most days in the department.
BBC Bitesize Music is a good revision site for the listening test.
Contact: Miss Chater - sch@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
GCSE PE
Syllabus: GCSE Physical Education – 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. The assessment will divide both their practical ability
and academic ability.
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 the 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. Students will be required to
retake any exams where they fall significantly below their teacher generated target.
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 marked 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, to GCSE standard.
Dates
Sept
November
December
February
April
Assessment
Mind & Body
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Muscular System
Skeletal System
Contact: Mr Nolan - lno@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
BTEC Sport
Syllabus: Edexcel - BTEC First Award in Sport
Formative Assessments
Over the course of Year 11, students will carry out research into successful sports leaders using textbooks,
the internet and journals. They may also consider sports leaders who have led sporting events that they
have taken part in and/or sports leaders who coach professional or national sports teams. They will also
complete a piece of work about the attributes and responsibilities of sports leaders.
The formative feedback for BTEC will be on-going throughout the term, assignments will continuously be
marked in their first draft when they are handed in for their individual completion dates. Each piece of
work will be accompanied by a feedback sheet that will contain detailed feedback on how that student can
improve the piece of work they have handed in, and what they must do to improve and achieve the criteria
needed to increase their grade/mark.
There will be a final overall “first Draft assessment” date for the completion of a whole unit which will be
the official formative feedback opportunity. This will then include the date of the students next hand-in
date for the second and final completion date. This will probably be later in the year and be an allocated
time where students have a chance to work on all pieces of work, to act on the formative feedback given
and take their work to the next level i.e. produce a Merit piece of work by improving on a Pass. This time
schedule will be called “upgrade half term/month”
BTEC by its very nature is an independent learning platform for students. It is a coursework based subject
that allows students the opportunity to produce “independently” pieces of set coursework drawing from
lots of resources, such as books, internet, previous knowledge and taught lessons and notes.
Summative Assessments
This also will be an on-going process that will continue to happen throughout the term as individual pieces
of work come in. However there will be set date where the whole unit will have been completed and an
overall assessment of the students grades/progress will be submitted onto the tracking sheet. This again
will apply to the first draft and then later on to the final draft date.
Assessment
Dates*
November
January
March
Externally
Assessed
May
July
January
March
April
Unit Title
Final Assessment Dates*
Practical Sports Performance (assignment 1 feedback)
Practical Sports Performance (assignment 2 feedback)
Practical Sports Performance (assignment 3 feedback)
Fitness for Sport Exercise (external assessment)
Christmas of year 11
Training for Personal Fitness (assignment 1 & 2 feedback)
Training for Personal Fitness (assignment 3 & 4 feedback)
Leading Sports Activities (assignment 1 feedback)
Leading Sports Activities (assignment 2 feedback)
Leading Sports Activities (assignment 3 feedback)
Christmas of year 11
* Finalised dates will be given to students
Contact: Mr Mountford - mmo@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
No Dates required
June
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
BTEC Dance
Syllabus: Edexcel BTEC First Award in Performing Arts Dance
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Unit 1: Individual Showcase
Unit 2: Preparation, Performance and Production
Unit 4: Dance Skills
Formative Assessments
Each unit is achieved by completing a number of assignments with tasks related to the
performance industry. Learners can achieve a level 2 Pass, Merit or Distinction or a level 1 Pass.
There will be a number of performance opportunities which will provide assessment opportunities
for the dance course throughout Year 10 and Year 11.
Summative Assessments
The formative assessments will form the basis of Unit 2 and Unit 4. The Individual Showcase Unit is
marked externally and consists of a letter of audition completed during a 2 hour controlled
assessment and an individual dance audition based on a set theme.
Year 11 Assessments
Dates
Sept
November
February
May
June
Assessment
Preparation Performance and Production
Performance 3
Dance Skills
Performance 4
Theoretical coursework completion
How you can help



Encourage students to remember their kit for all practical dance sessions
Encourage students to use the Dance Studio to practise
Encourage students to attend extra- curricular dance classes
Contact: Miss Bartlett - dba@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 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 exam 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 live 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 relative to target. 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
Oct
Nov
Jan
March
Feb -Apr
Year 11 Assessments following study of topics
Perception
Cognitive Development
Non Verbal Communication
The Self
Research Methods
Revision and practice papers
Contact: Mrs Haley - nha@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
BTEC Jamie Oliver Home Cooking Skills.
Level 2
Syllabus: Edexcel
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Level 2 is 100% coursework based. This course is a natural progression from Jamie Oliver Home
Cooking Skills Level 1 taken in Year 10. The course is assessed by meeting all the required practical
skills along with passing one practical assessment involving making a healthy main meal and a
dessert.
Formative Assessments
Verbal formative feedback given throughout lessons.
Regular feedback written with advice on how to improve is given regularly.
Summative Assessments
All students are assessed monthly with written feedback to help them prepare for their final
assessment.
Dates
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
Deadlines / Assessment
Main Meal Assessment
Dessert Assessment
Main Meal Assessment
Dessert Assessment
Main Meal & Dessert Assessment
Mock Main Meal and Dessert Assessment
Final Main Meal and Dessert Assessment
How you can help
To help them prepare for their assessments please encourage your daughter/son to:
 have confidence in their practical abilities
 gather their own ingredients in advance of lesson
 go through their recipes and talk through the method step by step
 where possible, practicing the recipe makes an enormous difference to their confidence, speed and
independence
In addition to this, encouraging your daughter/son to help prepare / make dinner once a week will
also reinforce their learning and build on their skills.
Contact: Mrs Derwent - sde@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents
North Bromsgrove High School
Year 11 Parents’ Handbook
Public Services
BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community
Curriculum – what we’re doing
Unit 1 – Teamwork and Communication skills (10 credits)
Unit 2 – Employment skills in Uniformed Organisations (30 credits)
Unit 3 – Career Planning and self-assessment for uniformed organisations (30 credits)
Independent Learning
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Attendance to CCF Tuesday Evenings at Bromsgrove Private School.
Summative Assessments
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Assignments marked internally in line with BTEC assessment criteria
Effort grades will be provided along with guidance for improvement
Some work will be sent off to the exam board for external marking
What can I do?
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Ensure work completed is appropriate to work set
Contact school if support is required or about any difficulties with equipment
For more detail about content the EDEXCEL website is
www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts10/ps/Pages/default.aspx
Encourage students to document their experiences and stay on top of written tasks
Contact: Miss Bartlett - dba@northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Curriculum and Assessment Information for Parents