BURY ST EDMUNDS ALL-THROUGH TRUST:
COUNTY UPPER
CURRICULUM YEAR BOOK
YEAR 11
2016-2017
This booklet is for parents and students and it outlines
 the contents of the curriculum
 the methods used when assessing students' work
 key dates within the academic programme
Year 11 Curriculum
English
5ppw
Mathematics
4ppw
Science
6ppw
Physical Education
2ppw
Religious
Education
1ppw
Column 1
3ppw
one of
French
Geography
German
History
Spanish
Column 2
9ppw
three of
Art
Business Studies
Child Development
Computer Science
Design Skills
Drama
Food Technology
Geography
Graphic Products
History
ICT
Music
Physical Education
Religious Studies
Resistant Materials
with some students studying German by withdrawal from one lesson each of
English and Physical Education.
HOMEWORK
The homework policy is outlined in the Personal Journal. We
would remind students and parents that approximately 10/12
hours' homework per week should be completed during Year
11.
MY MATHS
This is a web based maths study package provided to all our
students free of charge. There is evidence that it improves
examination success when used as part of a broad study strategy.
Students can use it on all the curriculum machines here and at home
and can access a wide range of topics at all levels. They will be set
tasks from it as part of their maths course in class and for
homework. We strongly advise students to use this package to
complement the other support and materials provided.
EDEXCEL
AQA
OCR
A NOTE ON EXAMINATION BOARDS
incorporates the University of London Examinations
and Assessment Council and BTEC
(www.edexcel.org)
incorporates the Northern Examinations and
Assessment Board, the Southern Examining Group
and City and Guilds (www.aqa.org.uk)
incorporates the Midlands Examining Group and
RSA (www.ocr.org.uk)
WJEC
Welsh Joint Education Committee
(www.wjec.co.uk)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH
LITERATURE (AQA)
Course Content
All students will be entered for both English
Language and English Literature GCSEs. All
students will sit un-tiered exams at the end of
Year 11. These exams will count for 100% of the
final grade.
Students will sit practice examinations in class,
throughout years 10 and 11 to monitor their
progress. In year 11, students will take a
combination of formal practice exams and
shortened versions of final papers, targeting
key skills.
This course is based upon the new GCSE
arrangements for English which took effect from
September 2015. Students will be awarded a
numeral grade from 1-9, in place of grades A-G.
The programme of study builds upon the skills
and topic areas of key stage 3 The course covers
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At least one 19th century novel
At least one Shakespeare play
Fiction or Drama from the British Isles
A selection of poetry from 1789
onwards
Close reading, analysis and comparison
Creative and descriptive narrative
writing
Writing to express a viewpoint
Discussion and presentation
Key Dates
October 2016- English
Literature Paper 1, Formal
Practice Exam.
January 2017- English
Language Paper 2, Formal
Practice Exam
February 2017- English
Literature Paper 2, In- class
Practice Exam
March-April- Further Inclass Practice Exams, TBC.
GCSE Examinations
22nd May 2017 (am) English
Literature Paper 1
26th May 2017 (am) English
Literature Paper 2
06th June 2017 (am) English
Language Paper 1
12th June 2017 (am) English
Language Paper 2
Recommended Reading:
The department makes reading lists available to all students upon request. We
encourage students to read widely both from these lists and from a variety of books
of their own choice. It is a great help to students if they have access to their own
dictionary and thesaurus.
Homework: Students are set a minimum of an hour’s homework per week.
MATHEMATICS (EDEXCEL) 1MA1 Linear
This course is assessed through:
 Three equally weighted examinations at the end of the course in Year 11. Two
calculator papers and a non-calculator paper.
 Examinations are 1 hour 30 minutes in duration.
 Each examination has 80 marks available.
 The tests will include functional questions.
 The proportion of content in Foundation ( 22-28% Number, 17-23% Algebra,
Ratio Proportion and Rates of change 22-28%, Geometry and Measures 1218%, Statistics and probability 12-18%).
 The proportion of content in Higher ( 12-18% Number, 27-33% Algebra, Ratio
Proportion and Rates of change 17-23%, Geometry and Measures 17-23%,
Statistics and probability 12-18%).
 Internal tests take place at the end of each half term to track appropriate
progress and tier suitability. Just before the October half term, all students
will take a full examination paper to ensure the level of tiering is correct
for the practice examinations and beyond.
Examinations are taken at Foundation (grades available 1-5), or Higher (grades
available 4-9).
 Grades are provided on the 9-1 scale
Course Content
 Functional Mathematics is tested through the
examination papers.
 Number
 Algebra
 Ratio, Proportion and Rates of change
 Geometry and Measures
 Statistics
 Probability
 The Foundation course includes basic mathematical
skills used in everyday life as well as skills needed to
start some post 16 jobs and courses.
 The Higher course provides skills essential for
further study in mathematics.
Key Dates
Test weeks:
10.10.16
05.12.16
13.03.17
Set review:
14.11.16
Course Text Books
Collins Student Books
Foundation
Higher
978-0-00-811382-7
978-0-00-811381-0
978-0-00-753780-8
Higher
Foundation
978-0-00-811387-2
978-0-00-811388-9
Higher
Foundation
978-1-447980-20-9
978-1-447980-19-3
Skills Builder
Practice books
Edexcel Student books
We have a subscription to
MyMaths ( mymaths.co.uk )
Collins online (www.connect.collins.org)
pupils are expected to use these resources. A logon is supplied by the department.
Equipment
All students should bring pen (blue or black), ruler, pencil, protractor, pair of
compasses and a rubber to all mathematics lessons and examinations. Students
must also own a scientific calculator.
Further Reading
CGP revision resources
OCR Gateway GCSE Science Suite –
Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Triple Award)
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Three modules per subject have been studied in Year 10
Three further modules per subject are studied in Year 11, leading to
separate GCSE awards in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
There are two external written examinations for each subject in May /
June 2017
Length of papers: 1h 15 min = 35% of total mark and
1h 30 min = 40% of total mark
A practically-based Controlled Assessment (25% of total mark) has either
been completed in Year 10, or will be completed in Year 11.
Subject
Course Content
Key Dates
Biology
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Controlled assessment to be
completed in October 2016.
Chemistry
Physics
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Students will work on the
following Units in Year 11: It’s a
Green World, The Living Body
and Beyond the Microscope
Students will work on the
following Units in Year 11:
The Periodic Table, How Much?
and Chemistry Out There
Students will work on the
following Units in Year 11:
Radiation for Life, Space for
Reflection and Electricity for
Gadgets
Mid-unit and end of unit
tests each term.
Controlled assessment was
completed in Year 10.
Mid-unit and end of unit
tests each term.
Controlled assessment was
completed in Year 10.
Mid-unit and end of unit
tests each term.
Recommended reading:
Collins GCSE Science – student book for OCR Gateway Science / Additional
Science / Separate sciences
OCR Gateway GCSE Science / Additional Science / Biology/ Chemistry / Physics
(Oxford)
Revision guides for OCR Gateway biology, chemistry and physics (e.g. CGP,
Collins, or Lonsdale)
OCR Gateway
Core and Additional GCSE Additional Science
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Six modules are studied in Year 11 leading to an award in GCSE
Additional Science. In addition, students revise the core modules.
In May/June 2017, Year 11 students sit four examination papers:
Core Science: Unit 1 (modules B1, C1, P1) (1hr 15 mins = 35% of total marks)
Unit 2 (modules B2, C2, P2) (1hr 30 mins = 40% of total marks)
Additional Science:
Unit 1 (modules B3, C3, P3) (1hr 15 mins = 35% of total marks)
Unit 2 (modules B4, C4, P4) (1hr 30 mins = 40% of total marks)
Internal assessment is in the form of a practically-based Controlled
Assessment (25% of total mark) to be completed in November 2016.
Subject
Course Content
Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Living and Growing continued
from Year 10.
It’s a Green World then studied for
the remainder of the academic
year.
Chemical Economics continued
from Year 10.
The Periodic Table then studied
for the remainder of the academic
year.
Forces for Transport continued
from Year 10
Radiation for Life then studied for
the remainder of the academic
year.
Key Dates
Controlled
assessment to be
completed in
November 2016.
Tests approximately
once every half term
in each subject area.
Recommended reading:
OCR Gateway Additional Science. Chris Sherry (ed.)
Collins GCSE Science – student book for OCR Gateway Additional Science
OCR Gateway GCSE Additional Science (Oxford)
Revision guides for OCR Gateway Additional Science, e.g. those produced by
CGP, Collins, or Lonsdale.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (EDEXCEL)
Students study the final two modules that lead to half a GCSE and
are assessed by a final hour and a half written paper. Topics are
studied from the viewpoint of Christianity and Islam.
Course Content
Peace and Conflict: The United Nations,
The Just War Theory, Religious Attitudes
to
Bullying,
Forgiveness
and
Reconciliation.
Key Dates
End of Unit tests
throughout the
course.
Crime and Punishment: Law and Justice, Mock examination in
Religious
Attitudes
to
Capital January based on
Punishment, Drugs and Alcohol.
modules studied in
Year 10 and Year
11.
In addition some pupils have opted to study the Full Course GCSE.
This also is assessed by an examination at the end of Year 11 which
means Full Course pupils will sit two exams.
Course Content for the Full GCSE
Key Dates
Marriage and Family: We investigate how attitudes End of Unit
towards family life have changed during the last tests
twenty years and the possible reasons for this. The throughout
pupils also study varying Christian and Muslim the course.
attitudes to family, marriage, divorce and parenting.
Community Cohesion: The course questions how
multi-ethnic and multi-faith groups can live together
in contemporary Britain as a community. We study
discrimination, social change and the role of the
media in influencing our viewpoints.
Recommended Reading
National & local press, and broadcast programmes relevant to the
topics as taught.
CREATIVE ARTS
ART (EDEXCEL)
 Coursework (Personal portfolio) 60% - Includes supporting studies,
sketchbooks and final outcomes.
 Examination (externally set assignment) 40% - Includes an eight week
preparatory period and a 10 hour practical exam.
Course Content
Key Dates
Second Coursework Element
Sept 2016 –
Students will produce a personal portfolio in
December 2016 –
response to a given theme which will culminate in a
Preparatory work in
controlled assessment practice exam in December
response to given
and will form part of their Coursework.
theme
Students are encouraged to develop their own
December 2016 –
creative identity and create a personal interpretation
Final 10 hour
to the set theme through personal independent
controlled
research, experimentation and relevant engagement
assessment Exam.
with artists.
(This is a
Within their own personal portfolio they will
culmination of the
produce the following:
first term’s work).
 Drawing from observation
January 2017 – Start
 Independent research and recording of ideas
of final exam
 Experiment with new ideas and media
preparation time. (8
 Engage and analyse with artist and develop an
weeks)
understanding of historical and cultural context.
April 2017 – Final
 Produce a series of final outcomes.
practical exam (10
Students can choose to work from a selection of
hours)
media including Drawing, Painting, Printmaking,
Textiles, Three Dimensional Work, Ceramics and
April – May
Mixed Media.
completion of
personal portfolio
Final Exam
Final Exam Preparation time and Final exam
practical controlled assessment.
Portfolio and sketchbook completion
London Gallery Visit.
Annual celebratory Art Exhibition
CREATIVE ARTS
DRAMA (WJEC)
Course Content
Key Dates
In Drama students are encouraged to develop
their confidence, self-awareness and the
ability to co-operate with their peers. They
will learn how to devise drama and how to
interpret scripts from the point of view of an
actor, designer and director. They will
develop their critical writing and become
aware of significant theatre practitioners.
They are required to attend a professional
theatre performance in order to be able to use
it within their practical work. This will take
place in the Autumn term.
The rest of the Autumn term is set aside for
students to devise their coursework
presentation and write a written report on the
process.
In the Spring term, students will be allocated
groups and will prepare a script for
performance to an external examiner.
Alongside this, students will explore a set
play practically to prepare for a final written
exam in the summer
Trip to theatre
Autumn Term
Component 1
Practical
Coursework
Presentations:
in October 2016
(tbc)
Component 1
Controlled
Conditions
written report
Mid- November
(lesson time)
Component 2
practical exam:
April 2017 (tbc)
Component 3
written exam:
May /June 2017
CREATIVE ARTS
MUSIC (OCR)
The music course consists of:
Performance: 1 Solo Performance (15%), 1 Ensemble Performance
(15%)
Composing: 2 Compositions, including a commentary, a log &
evaluation (30%)
Creative Task: Combining composition & performing under exam
conditions (20%)
Listening: 1 Written listening paper (20%)
Course Content
Students begin their final composition, and
complete their coursework portfolio ready for
submission. For performing, students will
present their Solo Performance in January,
followed by the Creative Task (externally
examined) in the March. For the listening
paper, students respond to and make
judgements about different extracts of music
taken from 3 areas of study.
Areas of Study
1. Shared Music (inc. Pop Ballads, Jazz,
Concertos, African A Cappella singing & the
Choral Classics)
2. Dance Music (inc. the Waltz, Tango,
Salsa, Disco, Irish Jig & Reel, Club Dance)
3. Descriptive Music (Programme & Film
Music)
Key Dates
Completed
composition portfolio
submitted by
December of Year 11
Solo Performance
Exam – January of
Year 11
Creative Task Exam –
March of Year 11
Listening Exam – May
of Year 11
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (EDEXCEL)
GCSE students continue to follow the course begun in year ten. In
year eleven a final grade for practical coursework is awarded and
students undertake a practical examination. These two elements,
along with a mark given for ability to analyse performance, account
for 60% of the total mark. An end of course theory examination
makes up the remaining 40%.
Course Content
Students’ practical work is geared to
improving performance in their four
chosen sports and their analysis of
performance.
Key Dates
Practice theory exam:
January 2017
Practice practical
exam: Feb/March 2017
Theory sessions concentrate on
consolidating and refining knowledge of
the work covered in Year 10. Particular
emphasis is placed on the application of
students’ knowledge to “scenario” type
questions.
Final practical
examination:
March/April 2017
Final theory
examination: May 2017
Revision and catch up sessions are offered to all students at
lunchtimes. Revision guides will be offered to students after the
practice exams in January.
Recommended Reading
“Edexcel GCSE PE Student Book” Author Mr Tony Scott (pub. Pearson
Company)
Business Studies GCSE (AQA)
This course is a mixture of examination and controlled coursework
assessment which will all be completed in Year 11.
Key Dates
March 31st 2017 – All coursework completed
Reading
AQA Revision Guide and Workbook
Business Section of Newspapers
www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk
DESIGN AND TECHOLOGY
FOOD TECHNOLOGY (WJEC)
 One controlled assessment to be completed (60%)
 One written paper taken at the end of the course (40%)
The coursework requires a problem solving and investigative
approach.
Course Content
Key Dates
In the first term students will start with
the coursework (60%) – designing and Coursework
making their prototypes, showing product completed March
development.
2017
In the second term part of the time will be
spent manufacturing the final product and
evaluating their coursework.
Food
manufacturing and Systems and Control
will be studied in greater depth.
In the third term Processing Techniques
will be covered. The revision process
will continue from latter part of the
second term.
Recommended Reading
“Food Technology” by Celia Barker/Sue Kimmings/Charmain
Phillips (pub. Causeway Press Ltd)
Revision GCSE Design and Technology Essentials (Collins – bought
from the department if required)
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
GRAPHIC PRODUCTS (AQA)
The Graphics Products course is based on the skills of graphical
communication. The course enables students to design and make
products with creativity, originality and using a range of graphic
and modelling materials.
The students will design and make products by solving problems
using a range of graphic skills that includes sketching, technical
drawing, CAD (Computer Aided Design) and modelling by hand
and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture).
The course teaches the students the process of designing
products. This enables them to produce a controlled assessment
which is based on a range of real life themes.
This course leads to students developing skills to be able to:
 Analyse and evaluate products and processes;
 complete a range of focused tasks to develop
graphical skills;
 understand the design principles of form, function
and fitness for purpose
 understand the role of commercial designers and
their responsibility to society;
 learning how industry uses graphics and
modelling in products
 developing skills to present and make quality
products
 having an insight into the use colour, shape and
layout of design
 understand how a range of products are
manufactured commercially
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Developing quality products in quantity using
industrial processes such as CAD/CAM
consider social, cultural, moral and economic,
environmental and sustainability issues in
designing products
Assessment at the end of Year 11 has two components:
 Design and making practice - controlled assessment.
Consists of a single design and make activity from a range of exam
board set tasks which involves the production of a 3D Graphics
based product/model and a concise electronic folder.
(60% of the final mark).
 A written examination paper lasting 2 hours that will test
the students understanding of the knowledge and skills gained
throughout the Graphic Products course.
Students answer all questions in two sections (40% of the
final mark).
Controlled Assessment starts
Key Dates
May 2016
Controlled Assessment deadline
Final deadline for major project
March 2017
Practice examination
January 2017
Final external examination
June 2017
Recommended Reading
Collins GCSE Graphic Products revision guide (can be purchased in
the D/T department)
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
RESISTANT MATERIALS (AQA)
The Resistant Materials course encourages students to develop the
ability to design and make products with creativity and originality,
using a range of materials and manufacturing processes.
Resistant Materials has a practical element which requires the
application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas,
planning, producing products and evaluating.
The course teaches the students the process of designing products.
This enables them to produce a controlled assessment which is based
on a range of real life themes.
This course leads to students developing skills to be able to:
 Design and market influences
 understand the design principles of form, function and fitness
for purpose
 understand the role of commercial designers and their
responsibility to society;
 Design process skills focusing on; creativity, evaluation of
ideas, development of ideas; and planning a products
manufacture
 Selection of appropriate processes and construction methods
 Health and safety issues in the workshop
 Processes and manufacturing of products using industrial
processes
 Information technology – the use of Computer Aided Design
and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) processes to develop products
 consider social, cultural, moral and economic, environmental
and sustainability issues in designing products
Assessment at the end of Year 11 has two components:
•
Design and making practice - controlled assessment.
Consists of a single design and make activity from a range of exam
board set tasks which involves
the production of a prototype product and a concise electronic folder.
(60% of the final mark).
•
Written examination paper lasting 2 hours that will test the
students understanding of the knowledge and skills gained
throughout the Resistant Materials course
Students answer all questions in two sections (40% of the final
mark).
Controlled Assessment starts
Key Dates
May 2016
Controlled Assessment deadline
Final deadline for major project
March 2017
Practice examination
January 2017
Final external examination
June 2017
Recommended Reading
Collins GCSE Graphic Products revision guide (can be purchased in
the D/T department)
DESIGN SKILLS
This course is taught entirely at West Suffolk College and leads to a
City and Guilds Level 1 qualification. Successful pupils are also
given a priority place on a college course after year eleven. Students
study two fewer GCSE options and have no homework from the
design skills course. This allows them to focus on their core GCSEs
and their two options. When the college terms do not coincide with
ours, students can work in the library for part of the days and attend
the core lessons which take place on those days. The class assistant
who accompanies the group to college is also available on these
days.
FRENCH (AQA)
Examinations are taken at Foundation or Higher levels in Listening (20%)
and Reading (20%) in May/June of Year 11. Written and Spoken
Controlled Assessments (worth 60% in total) will be completed during the
year. A decision regarding the tier of entry / course will be made nearer the
exams.
Course Content
Students are taught to communicate in the
contexts listed below through the study of
vocabulary, grammar and structure and
through the learning of skills in the areas of
listening, speaking, reading and writing.
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Key Dates
Speaking and Writing
Controlled
assessments to be
completed by 5 May
2017
Daily Routine & Free Time
Home Town & Environment
Health & Fitness
Social Issues
Cafés & Restaurants
Shopping, Fashion & Trends
Public Services inc. Accommodation
Assessment
Vocabulary and structures tests occur at the end of each module. In
addition to the aforementioned Controlled Assessments, students will
complete Practice GCSE examinations for Listening and Reading during
January.
Recommended Reading
A bilingual dictionary, e.g. the Collins School Dictionary, is an essential
purchase.
Revision Guides will be available to purchase from the department.
GERMAN (AQA)
Examinations are taken at Foundation or Higher levels in Listening (20%)
and Reading (20%) in May/June of Year 11. Written and Spoken
Controlled Assessments (worth 60% in total) will be completed during the
year. A decision regarding the tier of entry / course will be made nearer the
exams.
Course Content
Students are taught to communicate in the
contexts listed below through the study of
vocabulary, grammar and structure and
through the learning of skills in the areas of
listening, speaking, reading and writing.
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Key Dates
Speaking and Writing
Controlled
assessments to be
completed by 5 May
2017
Daily Routine & Free Time
Home Town & Environment
House and Family Relationships
Health & Fitness
Social Issues
Shopping, Fashion & Trends
Public Services
Assessment
Vocabulary and structures tests occur at the end of each module. In
addition to the aforementioned Controlled Assessments, students will
complete Practice GCSE examinations for Listening and Reading during
January.
Recommended Reading
A bilingual dictionary, e.g. the Collins School Dictionary, is an essential
purchase.
Revision Guides will be available to purchase from the department.
SPANISH (AQA)
Examinations are taken at Foundation or Higher levels in Listening (20%)
and Reading (20%) in May/June of Year 11. Written and Spoken
Controlled Assessments (worth 60% in total) will be completed during the
year. A decision regarding the tier of entry / course will be made nearer the
exams.
Course Content
Students are taught to communicate in the
contexts listed below through the study of
vocabulary, grammar and structure and
through the learning of skills in the areas of
listening, speaking, reading and writing.
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Key Dates
Spanish Speaking and
Writing Controlled
assessments to be
completed by 5 May
2017
Daily Routine & Free Time
Home Town & Environment
House and Family Relationships
Health & Fitness
Social Issues
Shopping, Fashion & Trends
Public Services
Assessment
Vocabulary and structures tests occur at the end of each module. In
addition to the aforementioned Controlled Assessments, students will
complete Practice GCSE examinations for Listening and Reading during
January.
Recommended Reading
A bilingual dictionary, e.g. the Collins School Dictionary, is an essential
purchase.
Revision Guides will be available to purchase from the department.
GEOGRAPHY (WJEC)
(Syllabus B)
 Two written papers at the end of the course (75%)
 Higher and Foundation papers depending on students’ ability.
Course Content
Key Dates
Unit studied:
Year 11 – Fieldwork and Controlled Practice
Assessment in Autumn term 2016
Examinations –
January 2017
 Uneven Development and Sustainable
Environments
Recommended Reading
Wideworld Magazine (pub. Phillip Allan Updates)
“GCSE Geography for WJEC B” by Owen, Lancaster & Leeder
(pub. Hodder)
HISTORY (EDEXCEL)
GCSE History comprises:
 Controlled Assessment on Britain in 1951 - 1979, completed
in Year 10 (25%).
 A written paper on Germany 1919-1945, will be taught in
Year 10 and examined at the end of Year 11 (25%).
 A written paper on Medicine Through Time, taught in Year
11 and examined at the end of Year 11 (25%).
 A written paper on Surgery, taught in Year 11 and examined
at the end of Year 11 (25%).
Course Content
Key dates
1. Medicine and public health in
Britain c50AD to the present day
2. The transformation of surgery
c1845–c1918
February 2017 GCSE History
workshop and play
March 2017 GCSE Medicine
Artefacts handling session
Recommended Reading
“Germany 1918-1945” by Greg Lacey (pub. John Murray)
“Germany 1919-1945” by Collier and Pedley (pub. Heinemann)
Medicine & Health Through Time: an SHP Development Study
Schools History Project by Ian Dawson, Ian Coulson
Edexcel GCSE History B: Schools History Project - Medicine and
Surgery Student Book (1A & 3A) by Nigel Bushnell, Cathy Warren
Please also look at the faculty website where you can find more
information on courses and links to the CUS History Learning Site
where students can access topic information, quizzes, resources and
links. This can be found at www.history.bsecus.org. Revision guides
can be purchased through the department or are accessible online.
Students can also see our quizzes if they search historybsecus when
on the quizlet website or app.
HOME ECONOMICS
CHILD DEVELOPMENT (OCR)
 One controlled assessment: child study (30%)
 Three short tasks from Year 10 – (30%)
 One written paper taken at the end of the course (40%)
Course Content
Key Dates
In the first two terms Intellectual, Social
and Emotional Development will be
covered. During the first term and into
the second term the controlled assessment
will be undertaken. In the second term
the Family and the Community, along
with preparations for birth are covered
before the revision process begins.
Child Study observation of child
- begins – Sept 2016
and completed
March 2017
Recommended Reading
Child Care and Development (P. Minett)
Revision GCSE Child Development Essentials (Collins – bought
from the department if required)
OCR GCSE INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
This subject aims to introduce students to a range of ICT systems, as used
in the home and in society. Students will develop an understanding of the
current and emerging technologies and the impact these will have on
themselves and others.
Students will study a range of creative software applications in order to
create and develop multimedia products.
The course comprises four units over the two years:
 Unit 1: ICT in today’s world
 Unit 2: Practical applications in ICT
 Unit 3: ICT in context
 Unit 4: Creative use of ICT
Unit 3: ICT in Context
The unit covers:
 ICT systems
 Networks
 Information Knowledge Based Systems (IKBS)
and Expert Systems
 Project planning
 Exchanging information
 Presenting information
 Manipulating data
 Legal, social, ethical and environmental issues
when using ICT within context
 Managing data/keeping data safe and secure
when using ICT within a given context
 Current and emerging technologies
Unit 4: Creative Use of ICT
Students solve a problem by creating and developing a
multimedia solution with appropriate creative elements.
1 hour written paper
worth 10% of the
overall GCSE taken
at the end of Year 11
Controlled
assessment task set
by the exam board.
Worth 30% of the
overall GCSE.
OCR COMPUTING GCSE
This qualification comprises a 40% exam on “Computer systems and
programming” and 60% controlled assignments. The controlled
assignment is made up of two tasks, a programming project and a
practical investigation.
During Year 11 the students will study the following topics:


Fundamentals of computer systems
Software
Operating systems
Utility programs
Types of software

Hardware
CPU
Memory
Input and output
Secondary storage

Representation of data in computer systems
Images
Sound
Instructions

Databases
Relational databases

Computer communications and networking
Networks
The internet
The students will complete the programming project using Python 3
and the practical investigation where students will research a range
of tasks using the Linux operating system.
All students have access to an online MOOC (Massively Online
Open Course) which covers the course content
http://www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org/new-course.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (non examination)
In Year 11, students will have the opportunity to re-opt follow their chosen
learning pathway of study from Year 10. The level of study is more
advanced and students will be offered roles that best suit them including the
chance to be a performer, official, leader and choreographer if appropriate.
Additional activities may be offered to students such as; swimming, horse
riding, archery, golf during their curriculum PE time.
All students are encouraged to further their skills and knowledge and
experience through the extra-curricular programme and should end the Key
Stage with the confidence and competence to continue to get involved in
exercise activity in the community and in later life.
PE Kit Navy/light blue polo shirt*
Navy shorts/skorts*
Navy striped socks*
Navy (reversible) rugby shirt or Navy half zip top*
Trainers (for indoor use, non-marking soles)
Football boots
Plain navy tracksuit trousers* may be worn for trampolining and in severe weather
conditions.
* these items are to be purchased from reception when the current kit needs
replacing.
Notes:
 No jewellery to be worn.. All earrings or piercings must be removed before any
practical participation.
 Students with long hair will need to tie it back
Nb. Skateboarding, leisure type trainers and plimsolls are not suitable for PE. Shin
pads are recommended for football and hockey. Mouth guards are recommended
for hockey and rugby.
The Marking and Grading of Students’ Work
- a guide for students and parents
1. Regular Marking
In all subjects students receive two grades. One is for attainment and the
second is for effort. This effort grade has a circle around it to distinguish it.
The grades are:
A
:
excellent
B
:
satisfactory: no problems
C
:
basically satisfactory: some problems
D
:
poor: definite improvement required
and relate to the teaching group of the student.
2. Interim Assessments
These are sent home to parents at regular intervals and reflect the regular
marking. For every subject students receive grades for their classwork,
homework, effort and behaviour. The grades are:
A
:
always excellent
B
:
consistently satisfactory; no problems
C
:
usually satisfactory, but some problems
D
:
poor; definite improvement required
and relate to the teaching group of the students.
3. Annual Profile
In year eleven, students receive a Record of Achievement with subject
teacher comments and other summative information for the end of
compulsory schooling.
4. Grading for Public Examinations
At times it is necessary to grade work using GCSE grades. This
particularly applies to completed coursework and to tests. Students will be
advised of these occasions and it will be made clear that the marking falls
outside the County Upper grading policy.
YEAR 11 SETTING
Setting continues in Year 11 with pupils being taught mainly in groups of similar ability.
The setting is by subject and is reviewed termly. If you are unclear on any aspect of the
arrangements, please do contact Mr Willis or Mrs Neale.
English (The English setting is used as the basis for R.S. groups)
Edmund
Jocelyn
1x
Mrs Kennedy
1x
Mr Coleman / Miss Phillips
1y
Mrs Lay
1y
Mr Pollard
1z
Mr Heaton / Mrs Loughton
1z
Mrs Stevens
3x
Miss Phillips
3x
Miss Rhodes
3y
Mr Coleman / Mrs Griffin
3y
Mrs Griffin / Mrs Lay
5x
Mrs Kennedy / Miss Sutton
Mathematics
Edmund
Jocelyn
1x
Mrs Ibrahim
1x
Mr Balaam
1y
Mrs Fletcher
1y
Mr Penn
2
Mr Penn
2
Mr Masterman
3
Mr Masterman
3
Mrs Ibrahim
4x
Miss Holton
4x
Miss Holton
4y
Mrs Thomas
4y
Mrs Ford / Mrs Thomas
Science
In Science each set is taught by three members of staff each week to provide specialist
teaching in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Edmund
1xa
Dr Bevan
Dr Hanfrey
Mr Randé
1xb
Ms Townsend
Mr Western
Mr Willis
1y
Ms Whitehead
Ms Walters
Mrs Walker
3x
Mr Bishop
Dr Hanfrey
Mrs Walker
3y
Mr Jackson
Mr Western
Mr Redmonds
5x
Dr Bevan
Mr Redmonds
Mr Jackson
Jocelyn
1xa
Mr Jackson
Mrs Payne
Mrs Walker
1xb
Ms Walters
Mrs Tunstill
Mr Randé
1y
Ms Townsend
Mr Western
Mr Randé
3x
Dr Bevan
Dr Hanfrey
Mr Redmonds
3y
Ms Whitehead
Mr Western
Mr Redmonds
5x
Ms Townsend
Mrs Payne
Mrs Walker
All the remaining subjects are taught through the options’ system. Whenever there
is more than one group in a subject being taught simultaneously, setting is used.
This includes setting for Art, Business Studies, Geography, History and Modern
Foreign Languages.
KEY DATES FOR YEAR 11
2016
Thursday 13 October from 4.30 pm
Parents’ Evening
Monday 31 November
Work Experience fortnight begins
Wednesday 16 November
Interim assessments to parents
Thursday 17 November
Post 16 Open Evening
Monday 21 November
Individual Parent/Student
interviews with senior members
of staff begin
2017
Monday 9 January
Practice Examination fortnight
begins
Wednesday 25 January
Examination Scoresheets to parents
Thursday 2 February from 4.30 pm
Parents' Evening (1)
Wednesday 8 February from 4.30 pm
Parents' Evening (2)
Monday 15 May
Main GCSE written examinations
begin
Wednesday 21 June
Presentation of ROAs
Wednesday 21 June at 7.30 pm
Prom at Athenaeum
PARENTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO TAKE
STUDENTS OUT IN YEAR ELEVEN AT ALL AND IT IS
ESSENTIAL THAT STUDENTS ARE HERE FROM 9
JANUARY TO 20 JANUARY AND FROM 1 MARCH TO 30
JUNE FOR EXAMINATION PURPOSES.