The
Chalfonts
Community
College
key stage 4
option courses
2014 – 2016
The Chalfonts
Community College is
committed to being a
learning community
We are dedicated to the
success of your chosen
learning pathway.
We will give you the
opportunity to ensure your
success and help you
develop your own unique
way of learning.
Contents
Introduction
Key Stage 4 Curriculum 2014 – 2016
Core courses
2/3
C
English Language & English Literature
4/5
Mathematics & Statistics6/7
Core Science & Additional Science 8/9
(or Biology, Chemistry & Physics if Triple Science if chosen)
Lessons for Life10/11
Religious Education (short course GCSE)
Options courses
12/13
O
Art/Digital Art14/15
Business Studies16/17
Catering18/19
Computing 20/21
Dance 22/23
Drama
24/25
Engineering (counts as two option choices)
26/27
French or Spanish
28/29
Geography
30/31
History
32/33
Cambridge National in ICT 34/35
Music
36/37
Physical Education
38/39
Resistant Materials
40/41
Triple Science 42/43
Textiles 44/45
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
2014 – 2016
We offer an exciting curriculum to
prepare you for the ever changing
technological world in which we all
live, work and ‘play’.
The broad, ‘core’ curriculum is
supported by ‘option’ subjects,
to allow each and every one of you
to develop your talents and
be successful.
You will also have lessons in:
Lessons for Life
Physical Education
Religious Education (short course GCSE)
Choose subjects because:
In addition you will choose FOUR other
subjects from the options below.
You must make ONE of the subjects in
bold one of your four choices.
In Years 10 and 11 you will study the
following ‘core’ subjects at GCSE level:
English Language & English Literature
Details about each course can be found in the
next few pages. Courses will only run where
student numbers are viable. You will be asked
to select a reserve subject also, in case a
course is oversubscribed.
Art
Digital Art
Mathematics & Statistics
Business Studies
Core Science & Additional Science (or Biology, Chemistry & Physics if Triple
Science is chosen)
Computing
Catering
Dance Drama
Engineering (counts as two option choices)
French or Spanish
Geography
History
Cambridge National in ICT Music
Physical Education
Resistant Materials • you are interested in and enjoy them
• they will support your 6th form/career plan
If you are planning to take A Levels in Biology,
Chemistry, or Physics then you should
seriously consider taking Triple Science
at GCSE.
The Government has introduced the English
Baccalaureate as measure of a ‘good’
Education. This includes the study of French or
Spanish, Computing, Geography or History at
GCSE. You should give serious consideration
to including these subjects in your choices.
It is possible that studying these subjects
may give students an advantage, or be a
requirement for some courses at University in
the future.
Do not choose subjects because:
• your friends are choosing them
• of who teaches the subject
• you think they will be easy options
• of parental or teacher pressure
Triple Science Textiles 2
3
GCSE
English Language
/English Literature
GCSE English Language
C
C
Course Overview
Course Overview
English Language is a compulsory GCSE and
will develop your reading and writing skills.
You will focus on your basic literacy as well
as practising and extending your high order
skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation.
The texts that you will focus on when working
towards your English language GCSE will
predominantly be non-fiction based (e.g.
magazines, web-pages, autobiographies):
understanding the importance of genre,
audience and purpose is key to being
successful on this course. In addition to this
you will also extend your ability to discuss,
present and communicate - which are vital
skills to have in the future.
English Literature is a GCSE that all Year 11
students will take; it will develop your skills
of analysis and interpretation and you will be
encouraged to consider the interpretation of
others when looking at the texts.
You will be taught the skills to analyse poetry
and prose so you can independently learn to
look for hidden meanings in texts or learn to
link them to their social, historical, cultural or
moral setting.
Course Structure
The course is divided into 40% written
controlled assessment, 20% speaking and
listening and 40% examination. For your
written controlled assessment you will
complete creative writing tasks, a spoken
language study and an extended reading
analysis. The exam is 2hrs 15mins long and
you will complete four reading responses and
two writing tasks.
Where does it lead?
English Language is a crucial GCSE because
all employers, universities and colleges will ask
you about this result.
Having an English language GCSE means
that you are good at communicating and have
good skills of interpretation which are crucial
skills to have in life. GCSE language is a solid
foundation for courses in journalism, media
and languages, as well as many others.
4
GCSE English Literature
Course Structure
The course is divided into 25% written
controlled assessment, and 75% examination.
For your written controlled assessment
you will complete a comparison essay on a
Shakespeare play and one other text.
There are two exams, one that assesses you
on poetry and the other on prose. You will
study a variety of texts in preparation for your
exam including ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John
Steinbeck and possibly ‘Lord of the Flies’ by
William Golding.
Where does it lead?
English Literature is an academic GCSE and is
highly regarded by all employers, universities
and colleges.
Having an English Literature GCSE means
that you are good at interpreting and can look
beyond the surface for understanding.
You will also have been taught to present your
ideas in a sophisticated way and encouraged
to be aware of your written expression and
how this can shape other’s understanding
of you. GCSE English Literature is a great
qualification to have and can help you
enter into careers in journalism, publishing,
broadcasting and many more.
5
GCSE
Mathematics
/Statistics
GCSE Mathematics
C
C
Course Overview
Course Overview
The GCSE Mathematics course extends the
mathematics you have learnt in Key Stage 3.
It still contains Number, Algebra, Shape and
Data Handling but has an increased emphasis
on applications and functionality. Our aim in
this course is to ensure that you leave the
Chalfonts equipped with the Mathematical
skills you need to succeed in your chosen
Further Education course or employment.
The GCSE Statistics course extends the Data
Handling content of the GCSE Mathematics
course. The world we live in is rich in data
– whether it is choosing which broadband deal
to buy or deciding who the best
Premier League Striker is. GCSE Statistics
gives you the skills to collect and analyse
data accurately.
Course Structure
The Course is assessed with one examination
at the end of the course and one controlled
assessment during Year 11.
The Course is examined with two equally
weighted examinations at the end of the
course. Depending on your tier of entry and
set there may be opportunities for early entry.
There is no controlled assessment
or coursework.
Paper 1: Non Calculator
Paper 2:Calculator allowed
Where does it lead?
The GCSE Mathematics course will ensure
that you are numerate enough to interpret the
Mathematics we encounter in life. It is often
an essential requirement for many jobs and
Further Education Courses.
6
GCSE Statistics
Course Structure
Exam paper (Calculator allowed):
weighting 75%
Controlled Assessment:
weighting 25%
Where does it lead?
The GCSE Statistics course will ensure that
you are prepared to collate and interpret data
effectively throughout life and in the workplace.
It supports the Mathematical content of many
A levels including Geography, Psychology
and Mathematics.
7
GCSE
Core and
Additional Science
8
GCSE Core Science
C
GCSE Additional Science
C
Course Overview
Course Overview
The course covers a diverse range of
topics related to Biology, Physics and
Chemistry including:
The course covers a diverse and detailed
range of topics related to Biology, Physics and
Chemistry, which builds on the basic ideas of
GCSE Core Science. The course includes:
• Influences on Life
• The changing environment
• Cell structure
• Obtaining and understanding materials
from the Earth
• Organisms and energy
• Structure and bonding
• The science of fuels and energy
• Quantitative Chemistry
• Astronomy related Physics
• Electricity
• Energy related Physics
• Radioactivity
Course Structure
Course Structure
75%
Three terminal exams in:
Biology, Chemistry & Physics
75%
Three terminal exams in:
Biology, Chemistry & Physics
25%
Controlled Assessment
25%
Controlled Assessment
Where does it lead?
Where does it lead?
Most students complete the GCSE Core
Science in one year. Students who achieve
an A* - C in GCSE Core Science may go on
to take GCSE Additional Science in Year 11,
which can lead to A Levels in Science and
associated subjects at college.
Most students complete the GCSE Additional
Science in one year in Year 11. Students who
achieve a B or higher in Additional Science
may go on to take A Levels in Science and
associated subjects at college.
9
Lessons
for Life
Lessons for Life
C
Course Overview
Where does it lead?
This is a combination of PSHE and
Citizenship, both of which are National
Curriculum subjects.
The topics studied include:
Course Structure
This is a non-examination course studied by all
students in Years 10 and 11.
In Year 11, Lessons for Life includes elements
of Religious Education.
• Learning to Learn
• Enterprise
• Career Choices
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Sex and Relationships Education
• First Aid
• Safety
• Finance
Students consider and discuss a range of
issues relevant to them personally, in their
local communities and as citizens in the
wider world.
10
11
GCSE
Religious
Education
GCSE Religious Education
C
Course Overview
Course Structure
GCSE Religious Education involves the study
of a variety of moral issues relevant in
today’s world. Students explore a variety of
beliefs. They are able to compare their own
beliefs, whether religious or non-religious,
with those of others.
The course is 100% exam, with one exam
taken at the end of Year 10.
We cover 4 topics:
• Religious Attitudes to Matters of Life
• Religious Attitudes to the Elderly and Death
Where does it lead?
GCSE Religious Education involves the
development of a variety of skills which are
useful for a wide range of subjects, including
English, Philosophy and Ethics, Psychology
and Humanities subjects, amongst others.
• Religious Attitudes to Drug Abuse
• Religious Attitudes to Crime
and Punishment
12
13
GCSE
Art and Design
/Digital Art
GCSE Art and Design
/GCSE Digital Art
O
Course Overview
Course Structure
Art and Design and Digital Art are hugely
creative subjects which encourage students
to express their ideas through a variety of
different art disciplines.
Art and Design and Digital Art are both 60%
Coursework and 40% Examination.
Art and Design takes the form of more
traditional based skills like, painting in acrylic,
water colour, drawing, sculpture in clay,
wire and mod roc plaster, various printing
techniques and photography although
students will also produce some digital
based work too.
Students will be supported in generating their
own personal ideas and making connections
with artists and designers.
Students who opt for Digital Art will follow a
course similar to Art and Design but will be
making Art using Computer Software and lens
based media.
Students will develop photography skills
to generate ideas and then use Adobe
Photoshop as well as other packages
to create manipulated original images
and collages.
Students will learn to make animations and
other moving pieces of Art work with software
such as Adobe Flash.
14
Everything that students work on throughout
Year 10 and Year 11 will go toward their total
GCSE grade. This includes all class work
and homework.
Students will complete three projects in Year
10 and one main project in Year 11 and a
smaller project just before they start their exam
preparation. They will complete a mock exam
in Year 10 and another in Year 11 to prepare
them for their final exam and also to create
fantastic pieces of well developed work.
The examinations last for 10 hours, and will be
sat over two days.
Where does it lead?
There are a huge array of courses and careers
that a GCSE in Art and Design or Digital Art
can lead to.
An A Level in a related subject and other
college courses post 16 and then onto degree
courses and careers in Advertising, Animation,
Fashion and Textiles, Graphic Design, Set and
Scenery Design, Illustration, Professional Artist,
Film and Television and many, many more.
15
GCSE
Business Studies
GCSE Business Studies
O
Course Overview
In GCSE Business Studies you will study all
aspects of business from the setting up of a
small business to the largest companies in the
world. This course gives you the opportunity
to look at a variety of departments within
a business including marketing, people
management, production and finance.
You will also look at the economy and the
role of the Government.
Course Structure
Unit 1
Introduction to Small Business
Exam – 45 minutes (Multiple Choice)
Topics covered:
• - Spotting a business opportunity
• - Being an entrepreneur
• - Putting a business idea into practice
• - Making a successful business
• - How the economy affects business
Worth 25% of the final mark
Unit 2
Investigating Small Business
Controlled Assessment
Unit 3
Building a Business
Exam – 90 minutes
Questions based on case studies of
businesses
Topics covered:
• Marketing
• Meeting customer needs
• Finance
• People management
• The wider world affecting business
Worth 50% of the final mark
Where does it lead?
The knowledge of how a business works
will be helpful for every job. It is useful if you
want to be an entrepreneur and set up your
own business or if you would like to work in
a wide variety of careers such as Advertising,
Accountancy, Stock Broker, Recruitment
Consultant, Events Manager etc.
GCSE Business will lead on to A Levels and
is also a link for a variety of degrees at
university such as Law, Accountancy,
Economics, Finance, Management and
International Business.
Students choose one of five investigation titles
and will investigate a local business.
There is six hours of research time, with three
hours for writing up the investigation report.
Worth 25% of the final mark
16
17
GCSE
Catering
GCSE Catering
O
Course Overview
Course Structure
This course is only available to students who
have completed our Year 9 foundation course
in Catering. Catering GCSE requires a high
level of commitment throughout the two years
if a student is to be successful.
Coursework = 60%
Like all other GCSEs, Catering places a high
emphasis on good standards of literacy and
numeracy. Students need to be able to write
fluently, to plan in detail for practicals and to be
able to evaluate their own performance using
technical vocabulary.
• Task 2 – Year 11 – 30 hours = 40%. Will
consist of two written assignments and one
practical exam.
The course concentrates on food preparation
and service aspects of the hospitality and
catering industry.
Areas of study include:
• The industry – food and drink
• Job roles - employment opportunities and
relevant training
• Health, safety and hygiene
• Food preparation, cooking and presentation
Nutrition and menu planning
Two Controlled Assessments:
• Task 1 – Year 10 – 15 hours = 20%. Will
consist of two written assignments and one
practical exam.
The topics for the tasks are set by the
examination board. These tasks are internally
assessed and externally moderated.
Exam = 40%
1¼ hr written paper. Externally set and
marked.
Where does it lead?
A whole variety of qualifications within the
catering industry, from a BSC in Culinary Arts,
City and Guilds qualifications, a range of NVQs
and a BTEC in Hospitality and Catering.
• Costing and portion control
• Specialist equipment
• Communication and record keeping
• Environmental considerations
These areas of study will be taught through
a mixture of practical hands-on sessions
combined with the theory that underpins
everything that happens in this industry.
18
19
GCSE
Computing
GCSE Computing O
(Available to students in Maths Sets 1 and 2)
Course Overview
Course Structure
This carefully planned course gives students a
real, in-depth understanding of how computer
technology works.
The GCSE Computing consists of students
completing three units:
It offers an insight into what goes on ‘behind
the scenes’, including computer programming,
which many students find absorbing.
Through this qualification:
• Develop an understanding of current and
emerging technologies and how they work
• Look at the use of algorithms in computer
programs
• Become independent and discerning users
of IT
• Develop computer programs to
solve problems
• Evaluate the effectiveness of computer
programs and the impact of computer
technology in society
Why choose GCSE Computing:
• It’s a great way to develop critical thinking,
analysis and problem-solving skills, which
can be transferred to further learning and to
everyday life
• Students who want to go on to higher
study and employment in the field of
computer science will find it provides a
superb stepping stone
• Computer Science is now part of the
English Baccalaureate. The OCR GCSE
Computing has been approved by BCS
(The Chartered Institute for IT)
20
Unit A451: Computer systems and
programming
This unit covers the body of knowledge about
computer systems.
1 hour 30 minutes written exam
Unit A452: Practical investigation
An investigative computing task, chosen from
a list provided by OCR, Controlled assessment
which assesses the following: research,
technical understanding, analysis of problem,
historical perspective, use of technical writing
skills, recommendations/evaluation.
Unit A453: Programing Project
As part of this unit you will need to:
• Understand standard programming
techniques
• Be able to design a coded solution to
a problem: develop suitable algorithms,
design suitable input and output formats,
identify suitable variables and structures
and identify test procedures
• Create a coded solution fully annotating the
developed code to explain its function
• Test their solution: to show functionality,
to show how it matches the design criteria;
identifying successes and any limitations
Where does it lead?
You will gain an in-depth knowledge of the
basics of computing which will enable you
to pursue a career or educational path in
computer science or programming.
It will also benefit those looking to advance
into a science, further maths, technology or
engineering vocation.
21
GCSE Dance
GCSE Dance
O
Course Overview
GCSE Dance involves students exploring
the world of contemporary Dance. Students
will take part in solo and group practical
workshops where they will explore set
professional choreography and also create
their own practical work.
Students will study professional work in
preparation for a written exam where they
will consider how Dance is created and
understand the health and safety requirements
of Dance. Students should have some
experience of Dance and be prepared to
develop a strong understanding of the
language of Dance.
Course Structure
The Course is covered over 4 units:
Unit 1 - Critical Appreciation of Dance
A written exam where students are asked
a range of questions about two
professional Dances.
Unit 4 - Choreography
You will be marked on your ability to
choreograph two pieces of Dance. You may
perform in your own choreographed work
- or you can teach it to another dancer. You
will create one solo Dance and one group
Dance. You must be able to justify why you
have chosen the certain styles.
Both Units 3 and 4 are 60% of the entire
course - these sections are marked by your
teacher but are moderated on the day of
the exam.
Where does it lead?
Students could consider progressing to
A Lever Performance Arts - where Dance
could play a key part of the course. You
will have gained a strong knowledge of the
language of Dance - and will be in a position
to consider a BTEC National in Performing Arts
or A Level Dance.
Unit 2 - Set Dance
Students perform one solo dance which has
been set by the exam board and is taught by
the teacher.
Unit 3 - Performance in a Duo/Group Dance
In this section you will perform in a group
Dance which has been choreographed by
the teacher.
22
23
GCSE Drama
GCSE Drama
O
Course Overview
GCSE Drama is a combination of practical
Drama workshops, a performance and some
written work.
You will develop a wide range of exploring
and performing skills. You need to have the
confidence to want to “show off” in front of an
audience, but also be able to listen to other
people’s ideas.
Most sessions will be practical based –
developing your acting skills and learning
about how to consider the audience in
creating and devising performance ideas.
It is an excellent opportunity to learn about
working as a team, starting from a blank
canvas and achieving live deadlines.
Course Structure
Unit 3
A practical performance exam
You work in a group but are assessed
individually. Your group must create your
own 20-30 minute performance that is fully
rehearsed and demonstrates your vocal,
movement and characterization skills
Unit 3 is worth 40% of your final GCSE.
It is a practical assessment (no written work)
and is marked by an external examiner.
Where does it lead?
The course can lead to further study in
Drama or Performing Arts – but is recognised
for its transferable skills in working as a team,
leadership, creating according to a strict
deadline, thinking on your feet,
communicating to an audience and
starting from a blank canvas.
The Course is covered over 3 units:
Unit 1
A practical exploration of one main theme
– using a specific stimulus
Unit 2
A practical exploration of a play
– We always go to watch the play at a theatre
Each Unit is supported by some written work
which is written under Controlled
Assessment Conditions
Units 1 and 2 are worth 60% of your final
GCSE. These are assessed by your tutors
24
25
GCSE Engineering
(Double Award)
GCSE Engineering
(Double Award)
O
Course Overview
The course covers many relevant and
important topics from engineering design
– on industry standard 3D modelling packages
– to making your own high quality engineered
product. There are three units in total:
Unit 1
Worth 30% of the GCSE - Engineering
design and graphical communication
Unit 2
Worth 30% of the GCSE - Engineered
products
Unit 3
Worth 40% of the GCSE - Application
of Technology in engineering and
manufacturing
Assessment
Units 1 and 2 are assessed through controlled
assessment and are worth a combined 60%
of the final GCSE grade. Unit 3 is externally
assessed through a 1.5-hour exam,
and makes up the remaining 40% of the
final grade.
You will learn about:
• The properties of engineering materials
including ferrous and non-ferrous metals,
polymers, ceramics and composites
• The function of a range of different
mechanical components, electrical/
electronic components and pneumatic/
hydraulic components
You will develop a variety of skills when
designing an engineered product, including
the ability to:
• Analyse client design briefs for
engineered products
• Produce, use and modify
design specifications
• Create design solutions for
engineered products
• Read, understand and create a range of
engineering drawings to industry standards
You will also gain the skills needed to
engineer a product, including the ability to:
• Produce and use production plans
• Select and use different materials, parts,
components, tools, equipment and suitable
engineering processes
• Adhere to and apply health and
safety procedures
• Analyse and revise completed products
to see how they can be improved
Particular requirement or aptitude:
Candidates will be required to think “outside
the box”, to undertake sustained pieces of
independent work and to meet deadlines.
Candidates could be looking to follow a career
path in engineering, or simply looking to
develop their problem solving skills - which are
so highly sought after by employers.
• The properties and characteristics
of materials
• Quality control techniques
26
• The use and impact of new technologies
and modern and smart materials in the
engineering industries
27
GCSE
French/Spanish
GCSE French/Spanish
O
Course Overview
The course builds on knowledge and skills
acquired in the lower school. The syllabus is
based on real-life situations allowing natural
progression in the acquisition of vocabulary
and usage. Topics have relevance to holidays
and the world of work. The aim is to enable
the student to communicate and this involves
listening, speaking, reading and writing with
understanding.
Students cover four topics in the GCSE
course:
• Media and Culture
• Sport, Leisure and Health
• Travel and Tourism
• Business, Work and Employment
Course Structure
During the two year course, students are
assessed in the four skills:
Unit 1
Listening (20% of final grade):
Foundation Tier: 30 minutes (+ 5 minutes
reading time) or
Higher Tier: 40 minutes (+ 5 minutes
reading time)
Unit 2
Reading (20% of final grade):
Foundation Tier: 30 minutes or Higher Tier:
40 minutes
28
Unit 3
Speaking (30% of final grade):
(internally assessed by Controlled Assessment)
Two tasks in Year 10 and two tasks in Year 11
Unit 4
Writing (30% of final grade):
(externally assessed by Controlled
Assessment)
Two tasks submitted out of four for marking
(maximum of 60 minutes each)
Where does it lead?
All students have the choice to continue with
French or Spanish which they have been
studying since Year 7. The ability to speak
a second language is not only useful but is
advantageous in today’s world.
Our closer connection with Europe and the
rise of truly international companies means
that the ability to speak even a modest
amount of a second language is highly
prized by many employers.
Some Universities highly value MFL at GCSE.
Learning a language fits well with any subject
and it broadens your horizons. Having a
language qualification on your CV makes
you more desirable to an employer in today’s
global economy.
A languages qualification can lead to a career
in many diverse areas such as the Law,
Business, Management, Film, Computing,
Engineering, Travel and Tourism,
Criminology and many more, not just
translating and teaching!
29
GCSE
Geography
GCSE Geography
O
Course Overview
You will study the following topics:
GCSE Geography follows the AQA A syllabus
where the elements of Physical and Human
Geography are taught to create a vibrant,
relevant and exciting curriculum.
You will study Water on the Land, Restless
Earth and The Coastal Zone in Year 10 and
Changing Urban Environments, Tourism and
Population Change in Year 11.
• Water on the Land
You will be assessed by a piece of Controlled
Assessment (25%) and two written exam
papers each worth 37.5%.
Course Structure
Assessments
Year 10 - Summer Term
Fieldwork Investigation
– Controlled Assessment
Fieldwork & 20 hours classroom based
write-up
• Restless Earth
• The Coastal Zone
• Tourism
• Population Change
• Changing Urban Environments
Where does it lead?
Geography is a current and topical subject.
It is highly regarded by Universities and
Employers as it will enable you to develop a
range of skills from collecting and analysing
data to decision making.
It will provide you with a stepping stone to
study a wide range of subjects or open up the
opportunity for a multitude of jobs. It will not
restrict your opportunities but broaden them!
Year 11 - June
Unit 1 Physical Geography
Water on the Land, Restless Earth,
Coastal Zone
1 ½ Hours
Unit 2 Human Geography
Population Change, Tourism, Changing Urban
Environments
1 ½ Hours
30
31
GCSE History
GCSE History
O
Course Overview
GCSE History is a varied and interesting
course that challenges you to analyse
and explain. You will study the Vietnam
War focussing on Guerrilla Warfare and
representations of the anti-war protests in
America. This will be followed by a study into
the development of surgery between 1845
and 1918; this is a sourced based enquiry and
will develop your inference, cross referencing
and portrayal skill set. Towards the end of
year 10 you will begin to study the Nature of
Warfare between 1350 and the present day
concentrating on what changed and what
stayed the same. This will also include a trip
to the World War One battlefields in France
and Belgium. The final module focuses on
Germany 1919-1945 which analyses the
development, rise and practice of the Nazi
Party; this will also include a possible trip to
Germany at the beginning of the module.
There will be a variety of questions in the
examination papers
• Examiners want you to do well and will
be looking for comments to reward rather
than looking to spot mistakes or gaps in
your knowledge
• Many of the questions will be like those you
have already done in Key Stage 3.
There will be questions which ask you
what you know and have learnt, and other
questions which allow you to develop your
own explanations, opinions, and reasoning,
for something that happened in the past.
This is task based around an event in
history and will be written up in
lesson times.
• You will carry out some research,
analyse an aspect of the event and then
discuss different ways in which it has
been represented.
Where does it lead?
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Nature of Warfare
Summer examination June 2015
25% of the overall grade
Unit 2 - Life in Germany 1919-1945
Summer examination June 2015
25% of the overall grade
Unit 3 - Surgery 1845-1918
Summer examination June 2015
25% of the overall grade
Unit 4 - Vietnam War
Controlled Assessment
25% of the overall grade
32
Apart from enjoying the course and being
a lot more aware of the world around you,
GCSE History is a solid basis for many A-Level
subjects. Students who have done well in
history often study higher qualifications in
subjects such as Politics, Law, Economics,
and Sociology, along with History itself.
History also goes well with subjects such
as English and Languages, all of which are
analytical in nature.
Many people working in Law and Accountancy
have studied History because of the skills that
can be developed in reasoning and arguing
your point. There are also many areas more
directly related to History, such as Travel
and Tourism, Museums, the Media Industry,
Libraries, Government Research, Academic
Research and, of course, History Teaching.
Universities and companies look favourably
on History due to the skill set it provides. This
rewarding subject develops a good foundation
for students who wish to take it further or for
those who wish to apply the skills learnt to
other areas.
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Cambridge
National
in ICT
Cambridge National in ICT
O
Course Overview
ICT skills are essential for success in
employment and higher education, and are
among the fundamental transferable skills
required by employers. The OCR Cambridge
Nationals are vocationally related qualifications
that take an engaging, practical and inspiring
approach to learning and assessment.
They’re industry relevant, geared to key sector
requirements and very popular with schools
and colleges because they suit such a broad
range of learning styles and abilities.
The Cambridge National Certificate in ICT have
been founded upon the recommendations of
the Wolf Report and created in partnership
with teachers, students, education specialists
and industry leading employers. This
collaborative approach has resulted in a
qualification that offers students a solid
foundation for their future studies and careers.
Course Structure
The Cambridge National Certificate in
ICT consists of students completing two
mandatory units, and two optional units to
gain an equivalent qualification to one GCSE.
The units studied by students are chosen by
the department carefully making sure each
child has an open gateway to as many career
or educational paths as possible.
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The units currently studied within the
course include:
R001 (Mandatory)
Understanding computer systems
1 hour written paper
R002 (Mandatory)
Using ICT to create business solutions
Centre assessed tasks
R003 (Optional)
Handling data using spreadsheets
Centre assessed tasks
R007 (Optional)
Creating dynamic products using sound
and vision
Centre assessed tasks
Each unit consists of 60 marks, and is a 7525% breakdown of centre assessed tasks and
an examination. Students have the opportunity
to achieve a Level 2 (GCSE Level) Pass, Merit,
Distinction or Distinction* grade.
Where does it lead?
This course allows students to study ICT in
6th form (progressive Cambridge Technicals
course which we offer here), Employment in
the ICT field, Apprenticeships and other Level
3 courses including A-Levels.
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GCSE Music
GCSE Music
O
Course Overview
GCSE Music offers keen musicians and
singers the opportunity to develop their
musical skills further across the three areas
of listening, performing and composing.
Students develop confidence, self-esteem and
self-discipline throughout this course and learn
to express themselves musically.
Course Structure
Performing
30% Coursework
Performing is worth 30% of the GCSE.
It consists of one solo and one ensemble
performance recorded during your 2 years.
You would be expected to have individual
instrument/vocal lessons over the course with
either one of our private teachers in school or
your own outside of school and to develop
solo and band skills. All performances are
recorded without an audience and they will be
put on the VLE for self-assessment. Students
are never required to perform in front of any
kind of an audience.
Listening
40% Written Exam
There are 12 set works studied in this course
from 4 areas of study ranging from classical
music, jazz/blues, musical theatre, 20th
century developments, pop/rock music, world/
fusion and folk music. Each piece will be
studied so that you will gain an understanding
of how different composers through the ages
and across the world construct music and
how you as a composer can learn from these
masters. As well as learning a great deal from
these pieces, you will also have a final written
exam worth 40% at the end of the course
based completely on these set works.
Where does it lead?
Students studying GCSE Music often continue
into the sixth form where they take BTEC
music performing as an A Level and some will
continue studying music at university where
they can study pop music, musical theatre,
sound engineering, music production as well
as doing degrees in individual instruments
or singing.
Composing
30% Coursework
Composing is worth 30% of the GCSE.
Students are expected to complete two
compositions over the 2 years of the course.
Students will learn important compositional
skills through the Listening area of the course
and through composition workshops.
You will have access to state of the art
recording equipment both in our recording
studio, using Logic Pro and Garage Band on
the Mac suite. Compositions will be
converted into MP3s and put on the VLE
for self-assessment.
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GCSE Physical
Education
(Full Course)
GCSE Physical Education
(Full Course)
O
Course Overview
Course Structure
Add to your knowledge from Year 9 on the
components of fitness, the methods of
training, and the reasons for participation,
nutrition and health with:
In addition to your two core PE lessons
each week, you will also have a further three
GCSE PE lessons a week. At the start of the
course in September, two of these lessons
will be practically based, while the other will
focus on the theory side. As the final exam
approaches, more emphasis will be placed on
the theoretical aspects of study.
• The skeleton and its function
Identifying bones and discovering how the
skeleton works to create movement
• The muscular system
Identifying the different muscles that assist
with movement and learning how best to
use our muscles for sport
• The respiratory system
How we breathe and the impact that fitness
can have on performance
• The cardiovascular system
How the heart works to improve
performance and maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Drugs in sport
Discovering which performance enhancing
drugs are used by top athletes and why
• Sports injuries
Defining the different types of sports injuries
and identifying the correct treatment
required
The course is assessed in the following ways;
• You will be assessed in four sports from a
wide range of choices, from both sports
in school (football, netball etc) and out
of school (skiing, golf etc). Practical PE
lessons will be used to improve your grades
in your chosen sports. This is worth 50% of
your final grade
• You will sit an end of year exam. Your
theory PE lessons will prepare you for this.
This is worth 40% of your final grade
• You will have to perform two coursework
tasks worth 10% of your final grade.
These are very similar to the coursework
tasks completed for short course GCSE PE
in year 9.
Where does it lead?
You can go on to take A Level PE or BTEC
Sport in the Sixth-Form at Chalfonts,
continuing to gain an in-depth knowledge
of sport and performance. Qualifications
in PE can lead to careers in PE teaching,
Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Sport Studies,
Coaching, Sports Injuries, Scholarships and
many more related areas!
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39
GCSE
Resistant
Materials
GCSE Resistant Materials
O
Course Overview
Course Structure
Students with an interest in design, who enjoy
practical lessons and are interested in working
with a range of materials, would be well suited
to resistant materials.
A resistant material is any type of wood, metal
and plastic. As a Resistant Materials student
you will be designing and making products
using these materials.
Resistant Materials consists of one 2hr exam
making up 40% of the grade.
This course involves the designing and making
of products in a range of workshop materials.
A vast variety of production techniques are
taught from working with modern smart
materials and computer aided design to more
traditional wood and metal work.
Where does it lead?
Wherever possible, theory work is taught
through practical activity but often classroom
theory lessons are required. Learning about
the properties of materials and different
industrial production techniques is important
preparation for the written examination at the
end of Year 11.
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The other 60% is made up of controlled
assessment (a practical product and a folder
of work recording the design process followed
in its construction).
This course will enable you to progress to A
Level Product Design whilst also enabling you
to demonstrate many of the skills required
for access to apprenticeships and more
vocational college courses.
Many of the areas explored will give you
a good grounding in the skills used in
engineering as well as more creative courses
in further education.
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GCSE
Triple Science
GCSE Triple Science (Edexcel syllabus).
Separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs
(Available to Yr9 set 1 & 2 students)
O
Course Overview
Physics
The course covers a diverse and detailed
range of topics related to biology, physics and
chemistry including:
• Astronomy related physics
Biology
• Radioactivity
• Influences on Life
• The changing environment
• Cell structure
• Organisms & Energy
• Control systems
• Energy related physics
• Electricity
• Medical physics
• Gas laws
Course Structure
• Biotechnology
Terminal exams for all (equating to a total 75%)
and Controlled Assessment (25%) per subject.
Chemistry
Where does it lead?
• Obtaining and understanding materials from
the Earth
• The science of fuels and energy
• Structure & bonding
Students achieve 3 separate Science GCSEs:
Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is an
excellent preparation for advanced Science
study in Sixth Form.
• Quantitative chemistry
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Organic chemistry
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GCSE
Textiles Technology
GCSE Textiles Technology
O
Course Overview
Course Structure
Textiles Technology encourages candidates to
be inspired, moved and changed by following
a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile
course of study and gain an insight into
related sectors, such as manufacturing and
engineering. Students will learn to:
Controlled Assessment – 60% - A single
design and production activity selected
from a range of board-set tasks.
Approximately 45 hours.
• Engage in the processes of design
and technology
Written Paper – 40% - 2 hour exam
Where does it lead?
• Combine skills with knowledge and
understanding to design and make
quality products
• A Level Product Design
• Analyse existing products and produce
practical solutions
• A Level Textiles Technology (not offered at
The Chalfonts)
• Develop decision-making skills
• A College Foundation or BTEC in
Fashion Design
• Understand the influence of products on
culture, society and lifestyle
• Develop creativity
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The Chalfonts Community College
Narcot Lane
Chalfont St Peter
Gerrards Cross
Buckinghamshire
SL9 8TP
01753 882032
info@chalfonts.org
www.chalfonts.org