STUDENTS FIRST
YEAR 8
PREFERENCES
2013-2015
(OPTIONS)
School Preferences - Year 8 2013
Information for Parents/Students
Timeline:
23rd January 2013 – Year 8 assembly to explain the preferences process to the students.
Preferences booklet distributed to students and published on the website.
28th February 2013 – Preferences Evening (6pm – 8pm) – Talks in the main hall at 6pm and
7pm.
8th March 2013 – Preferences forms to be completed and returned.
w/c 15th April 2013 – Preferences confirmed to students and parents
The Preferences Form
The Preferences Form is included in this booklet. It must be returned by Friday 8th March 2013.
You will need to look at the list of choices and choose four subjects to study during Year 9 and 10.
We ask you to choose six subjects in order of preference. We always try to ensure that you are able
to study your preferred subjects, but some courses may not run due to low numbers.
When you are in Year 10 you will have further preference choices for courses you will study in Year
11.
Please return your Preferences form to your Tutor by Friday 8th
March 2013 making sure it is signed by your parent
Over the coming weeks, students will be making important choices about the subjects they will
study in Year 9 and 10. It is important that students choose courses which will enable them to
achieve as they lead to entry into further education, training or employment. It is important that
individual decisions are made after considering all the possibilities.
The curriculum on offer is a balance between subjects required by the National Curriculum and the
opportunity for choice which will help individuals meet their need for a broad and balanced
curriculum. All career paths require a broad basis of qualifications and the flexibility to be able to
adapt to new technologies and working practices. It is therefore important to study a range of
suitable subjects which allow for flexibility.
The following National Curriculum subjects will be taught to all students at Priory Community School.
The Compulsory Subjects
English
Mathematics
Religious Education (leading to a full GCSE)
PSCHE and ICT will be taught as cross-curricular subjects
Science
Physical Education
Qualifications Available
GCSE
All GCSE subjects are assessed in a combination of the following ways:
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a final examination or series of examinations
continuous assessment in the form of controlled assessments (coursework)
practical assessment where appropriate
BTEC
The BTEC qualification is equivalent to a GCSE. The course has a vocational rather than an
academic focus and involves learning through work related contexts. Assessment is through
assignments set and marked at school and a 25% externally assessed unit. Students may choose
to progress onto Level 3 BTEC courses offered by post-16 colleges. These are equivalent to A
levels and are a common route into specific careers.
Personalised Education
This is a flexible course where students will be able to develop a range of their own interests. This is
accredited by NCFE at level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grades D-G).
Basic Skills
This preference will give students a fantastic opportunity to boost their achievement in English and
mathematics by providing additional time to work towards qualifications in these areas as well as
developing good basic word and number skills. Students taking this preference will also have
opportunities for some Level 1 studies linked to Work Related Learning and to Personal
Development.
Making the Right Choice - STUDENTS
Who will help you make your choice?
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Discuss your choices with your parents/carers - they want you to do well
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Your Tutor will be able to advise you about your general skills and abilities
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Your subject teachers can tell you what your strengths and development needs are and can
advise you on the sort of work involved in upper school courses
What should you do?
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Consider which subjects you enjoy most and why
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Consider which subjects you are good at or not so good at
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Consider what you might want to do when you leave PCSA and how this affects your choice of
courses
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Check that you have accurate information about which qualifications you will need at the end of
Year 11 to go to college or into employment
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Ask if you need further information
What you should not do!
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Don't choose a subject just because a friend is doing it
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Don't choose a subject because you get on well with a teacher - it is possible that you will not
have the same teacher next year
English Baccalaureate (Ebacc)
The English Baccalaureate is an additional recognition that students can receive for taking a
particular combination of subjects. Students who aspire to a University education should seriously
consider this combination of subjects. It will be awarded at the end of GCSE study on successful
attainment in:
English - GCSE
Maths - GCSE
Core and Additional Science GCSE or Triple Science GCSE
History or Geography GCSE
French, German or Spanish GCSE
Students need to choose one of each area and achieve an A*-C grade in each to gain the English
Baccalaureate accreditation.
THE CORE CURRICULUM
English
Course Description
All students will study GCSEs in English Language and English Literature.
GCSE English Language includes the study of non-fiction, creative writing and a novel. Learners
will have the opportunity to write in different styles as well learning how to analyse written texts.
In addition they will be assessed on their use and understanding of spoken language.
GCSE English Literature involves studying plays, poetry and novels written both before and
after the year 1914 as well as a Shakespeare play.
Assessment
GCSE English Language
40% examination on non-fiction texts
40% 4 written controlled assessments
20% 3 speaking and listening controlled assessments
The four pieces of controlled assessment will be:
• 2 pieces of creative writing (15%)
• extended reading (15%)
• spoken language study (10%)
GCSE English Literature
40% examination on modern prose
35% examination on poetry across time
25% 1 written controlled assessment comparing a Shakespeare play with another literary
heritage text.
Mathematics
Course Description
The new secondary mathematics programme of study places a renewed emphasis on problemsolving, functionality and mathematical thinking. There is a much greater emphasis in
examinations on the assessment of applying mathematics and using mathematics to solve
problems, and some questions are set in contexts that students might be expected to deal with in
the real world. Students might be asked to answer questions on, for instance, decorating a room
or designing a garden; or perhaps paying bills or sorting out rota’s for shop staff.
Students at PCSA will have the opportunity to sit the Mathematics GCSE at either Foundation tier,
where grades G up to C may be achieved or Higher tier, where grades D up to A* are possible.
The GCSE will be entirely assessed by written examination, which means that no coursework will
be expected from any student.
The content of GCSE Mathematics has been grouped into the topic
areas of Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measures, Statistics and
Probability.
Assessment
The course has a linear structure which means that all the
examinations are taken at the end of the course and any part of the
specification can be tested on any paper. There are two papers and no
calculators are allowed for paper 1. The examinations account for
100% of the qualification. This course is designed to be holistic, with a
clear structure, and to encourage and motivate students. A variety of
‘Success Routes’ ensure that students are entered for exams at the
appropriate time after discussions between teachers, parents and students.
Religious Education
Course Description
This is a compulsory subject to be studied by all students. It is a full GCSE in Religious Studies.
The course covers Christian and secular attitudes towards philosophical and ethical issues.
The topics covered:
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The Nature of God
Good and Evil
Religion and Science
Death and the Afterlife
Medical Ethics (including abortion, euthanasia, medical testing on animals and fertility
treatment)
Human Relationships
Peace and Justice
Equality
Assessment
The course is 100% exam. You will sit four 1-hour exams at the end of the course. Each exam is
worth a total of 25% of your final grade.
Physical Education (Core)
Course Description
Students will continue many of the activities started in Years 7 and 8 but in addition, they may be
able to take part in some new activities. Activities to be studied will include sports such as:
Dodgeball, Badminton and Lacrosse as well as the more traditional activities such as: Netball,
Hockey, Football, Rugby etc. It is also important to note that the focus of Year 9 PE changes, from
skill based practices to more independent and responsibility based learning.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a number of Sport Education units, where they
will take ownership over their learning through adopting different roles within a team environment.
These can include: refereeing, captaincy, coaching etc.
Year 10 will be further enhanced through the introduction of ‘choice’ units, a process that has proved
extremely popular with our year 11 students (the whole of current Year 11 is structured like this).
This involves students choosing the activities they participate in, therefore providing a truly
personalised curriculum.
Science
GCSE Science: 75% examinations 25% controlled assessment
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Assessments will take place within a linear structure, which means examinations will be taken
at the end of the course.
• Students will only be allowed to take examinations in the summer that they complete any
course.
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The potential to re-sit individual units has now been removed, which means students will only
be allowed to re-sit examinations in the sciences’ after a whole year’s interval.
The new OCR Gateway Science Suite provides a clear progression from our lower school courses
as it is designed to encourage students to actively learn new scientific knowledge, understanding
and skills whilst developing a critical approach to scientific evidence so that links can be made
between scientific ideas and their implications for society. This is exactly what we aim to do with
our lower school course, here at PCSA, which focuses on how science can be used to solve ‘realworld’ questions.
If you are a naturally good scientist who tends to do well in tests and exams, the OCR GCSE
route is most definitely for you. If you are thinking A-level Chemistry, Biology or Physics would fit
well into your career plans, or if you feel you are a natural for pure science A-levels, again, GCSE
science is the essential route for you.
Double GCSE - Gateway Science & Additional Science
Triple GCSE - Gateway Separate Sciences*
BTEC Science: 75% portfolio work 25% examinations
The structure of the new BTEC Firsts in Applied Science is designed to reflect the unique nature of
science learning - in particular, the fact that content must span three disciplines (physics,
chemistry and biology) rather than just one.
The Principles of Applied Science Award delivers the upper school Programme of Study by
covering the key scientific principles vital for both scientists and citizens of the future. It develops
and exemplifies these principles in applied and vocational contexts, leading to an understanding
of how the principles are applied in practice. The Application of Science Award is suitable for
students who have covered the upper school Programme of Study. It develops students'
understanding of key applications of science, and builds the skills required both for the scientific
workplace and for further study.
BTEC First Awards in Applied Science
This qualification has been designed primarily for young people aged 14-19 who may wish to
explore a vocational route throughout the upper school programme of study.
The underpinning knowledge, understanding and practical skills that make up this qualification
reflect the needs of employers and higher and further education professionals. This gives full-time
learners the opportunity to enter potential employment within a wide range of science sectors,
such as process, industrial, medical, or forensic.
BTEC science is a superb route into level 3 Science qualifications and university study for such
courses as Medical Science, Forensics Science and Scientific engineering.
*Please note: We will invite students achieving level 6+ in Year 8 to choose Triple
Science as one of their preferences. Please do not choose triple science unless you have
spoken to your child’s science teacher
Students do not need to choose to study Double GCSE or BTEC Science as an option.
Decisions will be made at the end of Year 8 and a letter will be sent home to parents
with a suggested pathway throughout Year 9-11.
PREFERENCES
Personalised Education (NCFE Award)
Students will be able to complete 3 qualifications at Level 1 covering a variety of topics and skills
such as: - Sport and Leisure, Exercise Studies, Travel, Music Technology, Interactive Media,
Photography, Podcasting, Radio Production to list but a few of the opportunities. Each course will
involve 60 hours of study to complete a portfolio of evidence. Hence over the two years there
would be the possibility of completing 3 level 1 courses. This can be personalised to reflect the
individual’s needs. Students could take some of the courses to a Level 2 qualification if they have
the skills and capabilities to do so. Weston College offers NCFE courses so this can be a lead in to
further studies at the college. Level 1 NCFE qualifications are equivalent to Grade D – F at GCSE
level. These course will be offered in small groups and be subject to discussion with the Learning
Leaders.
Basic Skills
This preference will give students a fantastic opportunity to boost their achievement in English and
mathematics by providing additional time to work towards qualifications in these areas as well as
developing good basic word and number skills. Students taking this preference will also have
opportunities for some Level 1 studies linked to Work Related Learning and to Personal
Development.
Level 1 – BTECs
Caring For Children
Course Description
This is a comprehensive Foundation Learning programme covering development of children from
0-5 years, including:
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Communication
Physical Care needs
Valuing a child’s rights and responsibilities
Developing learning experiences for young children
This is an extremely practical course with opportunities to gain regular practical experience at
Priory Pre-School as well as many opportunities to have the ‘virtual baby experience’ at
weekends.
Methods of study include individual and group research, as well as using ICT and video
references. Visiting speakers including mothers with babies are invited into the classroom and are
a valuable source of information. An ability to work on your own is important.
Students who are considering a career working with children will find the course particularly
useful. Careers include nursery nursing, nursing, teaching and the caring professions.
Assessment
There is no written examination on this course but students will need to build a detailed portfolio of
evidence which will include written tasks, photo/video evidence, witness statements and diary
entries.
Construction
Course Description
Edexcel’s BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate and Diploma in Construction provides a basic
introduction to working in the sector and offers opportunities for accessing further study options.
The Certificate offers an introduction to a vocational sector and comprises of 12 units separated
into 3 sections. This course will provide a stepping stone into employment in the construction
industry where some previous experience is necessary
What you will be doing?
The BTEC level 1 construction course comprises of compulsory units and optional units. These
units include the following:
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Working in Construction
Developing Skills and Working Safely in Construction
Personal Effectiveness
Financial Management
Developing Joinery Skills
Developing Trowel Skills
Developing Painting and Decorating Skills
Developing Building Service Skills (for Certificate and Diploma)
Basic Building Maintenance (for Certificate and Diploma)
The qualification you can achieve will range from a pass, merit and distinction.
Assessment
The purpose of internal assessment is to ensure that effective learning of the content of each unit
has taken place. Evidence of this learning is required for each unit designated as ‘internally
assessed’ with an externally assessed project.
Level 2 - GCSEs
Child Development
Course Description
Over the course in Child Development, you will study:
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Parenthood and Pregnancy
Physical Development
Nutrition and Health
Intellectual, Social and Emotional Development
The Family and the Community
Methods of study include individual and group research, as well as using ICT and video
references. Visiting speakers such as mothers with babies / toddlers and midwives are also
invited into the classroom and are a valuable source of information. An ability to work on your
own is important. Part of the course is based on a child study where a child is observed so that
research on a theme of your choice can be carried out.
Students who are considering a career working with children will find the course particularly
useful. Careers include nursery nursing, nursing, teaching and the caring professions.
Virtual Babies
As part of the course you will have the opportunity to ‘be a parent for the weekend’. You can look
after a virtual baby for the weekend in order to gain an insight into the responsibilities and
demands of being a parent. Once the weekend is over information will be gathered from your
baby to determine how well you did as well as indicating any weaknesses. Students have really
enjoyed this experience and agree that it has helped reinforce their views of parenthood.
Assessment
You will carry out three pieces of controlled assessment throughout the course, which are worth
50% of the final grade. These include:
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Individual Child Study (30% of final grade)
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Resource Task: Home and Hospital births (10% of final grade)
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Resource Task: Breast VS Bottle Feeding (10% of final grade)
Classical Civilisation
Course Description
Classical Civilisation is an excellent complement to many other subjects, even non-Classical ones.
The skills that you develop in Classical Civilisation will help your work in English, English
Literature, History, Drama, Art and Religious Studies. As a result, GCSE Classical Civilisation will
also help you with your eventual A-Level subjects, because it feeds into so many other subjects
or topics. You get to learn about Greek myths, the Greek gods, the Olympics, the birth of
democracy and politics, the Persian Wars and the Spartans all in a single subject. Classical
Civilisation is a challenging GCSE. You'll study a great variety of topics in a rigorous and analytical
way. It's not for the fainthearted! This subject is designed to complement the studies of gifted
and talented students in Humanities and to enhance their learning.
It is particularly suitable for learners who; want to pursue an academic career; have an interest in
finding out more about the ancient world; and who possess relatively strong skills in English and
History. Students will study two Civilisation topics and two Literature topics over the two year
course.
Assessment
Assessment for the first three topics is by 1 hour examination, three exams, at the end of the
course. This will be 75% of your final mark. Your Controlled Assessment is the remaining 25%.
We will cover four specific topics throughout our studies; Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Herodotus’
Persian Wars and Greek Tragedy and Festivals. Iliad and Odyssey are two epic poems telling the
story of the siege and eventual destruction of Troy from the Greek Army. The Odyssey
concentrates more on the 20 year journey of Odysseus back to his home island of Ithaca.
Opportunities
Classical Civilisation is a very popular choice amongst students who want to follow academic
routes in colleges and universities.
Computing (with Mobile App Development)
Course Description
The GCSE Computing course is specifically designed to teach programming and help students
understand computer hardware and software. Employment in IT and Computing is one of the growth
areas in the economy and the skills learnt can be transferred across many different disciplines.
Computing develops students problem solving and independent learning skills.
The course is practical in nature and comprises 60% controlled assessment. The controlled
assessment is split into programming tasks that will appeal to both boys and girls, and a larger
project based around web development. The web development project can be designed as a desktop
or mobile application.
The theory section of the course comprised the following topics:
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6.
7.
Computer hardware
Operating Systems
Applications
Networks
Bits and Bytes
Databases
Programming techniques
Assessment
• External Exam 40%
• Controlled Assessment 60% (Programming tasks – 30% and Project – 30%)
Design Technology
Course description
Technology is something we take for granted in all aspects of our daily lives from the clothes we
wear to food we eat and the electronic devices we depend on. In Design Technology we offer
exciting opportunities to be creative and develop skills within the specific
focus areas of Technology that interest you the most. You will develop a
range of new and traditional techniques in all areas of your chosen focus
area with a general emphasis on modern technologies, environmental
issues, graphic presentation, design development, ICT and CAD/CAM, all of
which will ensure high quality learning outcomes.
Assessment
We follow the new GCSE Controlled Assessment Task (CAT) system which is broken down into a 2 hour
exam for 40% of your final grade with the remaining 60% gained fromthe CAT (coursework). The CAT
work (60%) consists of manufacturing a product of your choice and completing a design portfolio,
either paper based or electronic.
This year in Design and Technology at PCSA we are offering GCSE Design Technology full
courses in the following specialist areas:
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Systems and Control–This course covers Engineering topics with a focus on mechanical and
electrical systems. You will also learn about the physical aspects of how these systems
operate.
Catering–You will build on the cooking skills developed in KS3 projects and choose a
particular brief to focus on set by the exam board, your chance to be creative.
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Graphic Products – You will use CAD and graphic skills to design and manufacture a graphic
product from the given brief like a magazine cover, restaurant menu, business card,
advertising poster, CD cover.
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Resistant Materials – You will develop a range of carpentry skills to help design and
manufacture a product from wood, metal, plastic or a mix of all three.
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Textiles Technology–This covers a range of project briefs for you to build on the skills in
learnt in the KS 3 projects. The briefs will be provided by the exam board.
French
Course Description
The course consists of building on the four skills with which you are already familiar: listening,
speaking, reading & writing. The same format applies for each of the languages.
The work is split into four main areas covering several topics – Lifestyle, Leisure, Home &
Environment and Work & Education.
Lifestyle
Health
Relationships & choices
Leisure
Free Time & the Media
Holidays
Home & Environment
Home & Local Area
Environment
Work & Education
School/College & Future Plans
Current & Future Jobs
Assessment
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The Listening exam (20%) is either completed at Foundation or
Higher level
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The Speaking exam (30%) consists of 2 tasks and is completed
in school, marked by us and moderated by AQA
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The Reading exam (20%) is either completed at Foundation or
Higher level
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The Writing exam (30%) consists of two tasks as controlled
assessments, marked by AQA
Geography
Course description
Ever wondered why it rains so often or how lightning strikes? What about what our future cities
will look like, or how to battle global disease? What will Facebook be worth, and what impact it
has on the connections made across the world? Geography is the place to find the answers to
these questions.
We focus on big global issues, and issues that affect us in Weston super Mare. In an ever
changing world the one thing you can be sure of is an understanding of people and the
environment will be valued and sort after. Make sure you come and see us at the Geography
stall.
Learners will be expected to develop the following knowledge:
1. Specific knowledge of places, landscapes and events in Geography at a variety of scales
(local, national and global)
2. Detailed knowledge of Geographical concepts
3. Balanced way of thinking that will allow learners to make a reasoned judgement about
Geographical problems.
How can you help your child?
During Years 10 and 11, your child will be required to complete a piece of Controlled Assessment.
It is important that your child plans their work at home and does any additional research. However,
they will not be able to bring it into lessons, but they can organise their thoughts at home. This will
make a real difference in their Controlled Assessment grades. Additionally your child will be
expected to memorise around 20 case studies to prepare them for the exams at the end of Year 11.
I would appreciate parents review the case study checklist with your child periodically so that there
isn’t a panic at the end of Year 11.
Course Structure
Year 10 Programme 2013 - 2014
Term 1
Oceans on the
Edge
Year 11 Programme
Term 2
Battle for the
Biosphere
2013-2014
Term 1
Living Spaces
Term 2
The
Controlled
Assessment
(25%)
Term 3
Climate
Change
Term 3
Consuming
Resources
Term 4
Restless
Earth
Term 4
Making a
Living and
Population
Dynamics
Term 5
Water
Term 5
Development
Dilemmas and
Changing
Countryside
Term 6
Rivers
Term 6
Exam
Geology
Course Description
Ever wondered what’s inside the Earth? Ever wondered whether there is enough oil left to last out
your lifetime? Ever wondered why nearly all the dinosaurs suddenly died out? Yes – you’re a
geologist in the making. But what does a geologist do?
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Working with a team on the design of a dam in Venezuala.
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Hunting down precious natural gas reserves in Germany.
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Assessing how much limestone could be quarried from a hill in Somerset. Using microscopic
fossils to work out how near to underground oil a drill rig has got.
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Use dinosaur bones to work out how fast it was able to run.
All of the above are real jobs that a geologist could find themselves doing. Geologists can work
inside a laboratory or outside or as computer based data interpreters. Geologists are renowned as
being trained in the art of logical thinking – so a geology qualification is very useful even for those
who don’t follow it up as a career.
Our studies will take our minds deep into the oceans to study how our local rocks developed and
how we know that America and Europe really are moving away from each other! Our neurons will
come to terms with how fossils can be used to work out how old a pieces of rock is – and how the
animal that became the fossil behaved when it was alive. Our synapses will spark as we discover
how the rock around us determines the shape of the land on which we live – and what the land will
look like in millions of years time when the rocks that are now underground become the surface. Our
vocabularies will be expanded as we speak of plutons, schists, mineralogy, unconformities and
magnetic anomalies. We may even shout at the TV as we encounter yet another badly reported
earthquake or volcanic eruption on the news. Geology changes our lives. You can change the lives of
others with a knowledge of geology. Geology is not for fossils!
Assessment
1½ hour exam – that makes up 75% of your assessment. The other 25% of the marks come from a
‘field report’.
German
Course Description
The course consists of building on the four skills with which you are already familiar: listening,
speaking, reading & writing. The same format applies for each of the languages.
The work is split into four main areas covering several topics – Lifestyle, Leisure, Home &
Environment and Work & Education.
Lifestyle
Health
Relationships & choices
Leisure
Free Time & the Media
Holidays
Home & Environment
Home & Local Area
Environment
Work & Education
School/College & Future Plans
Current & Future Jobs
German requires a high level of commitment, as you have only studied French in any depth in
Lower School.
Assessment
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The Listening exam (20%) is either completed at Foundation or Higher level
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The Speaking exam (30%) consists of 2 tasks and is completed in school, marked by us
and moderated by AQA
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The Reading exam (20%) is either completed at Foundation or Higher level
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The Writing exam (30%) consists of two tasks as controlled assessments, marked by AQA
History
Course Description
GCSE History lessons include a wide range of different learning activities, making them
interesting and fun.
Studying GCSE History will give you key skills including research,
organisation and the ability to think for yourself. This will help to prepare you for sixth form
studies. Above all, taking this GCSE will give you a better understanding of the world we live in
today. There are two main study units and one piece of coursework.
Germany 1918 - 1945
This is an in depth study of three decades of European History and builds on knowledge acquired
during Year 9. You will learn about Germany’s attempts to create a new democracy after the First
World War and how these attempts failed and ended with the rise to power of the Nazis in 1933.
You will learn about different aspects of the Nazi State including the role of Hitler, how the Nazis
used propaganda and violence to keep control, how they attempted to win the support of the young,
how the Nazis changed German society and how the Second World War led to the downfall of the
Nazi State after only twelve years.
Medicine Through Time
This topic includes all of the gory details of medicine from the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks to
modern times. Did you know that people tried to cure Black Death by putting goat’s cheese on their
heads? Wounds were treated with boiling oil and a red hot poker, and before anaesthetics a surgeon
could amputate a leg in 30 seconds with the patient wide awake!
Assessment
As well as two written examinations, there is one piece of coursework. The coursework is based
on a local study ‘History around Us’ and will concentrate on the development of castles with a key
site being Chepstow Castle. Part of the coursework is a visit to the castle itself.
ICT
Course Description
The GCSE ICT course is specifically designed to build on young people’s love of digital devices. The
new course taps into students’ abilities to master and adapt technology to suit their own needs. It
demonstrates how technology touches every aspect of daily life: work, leisure and interpersonal
relationships.
The GCSE is made up of one examined theory unit ‘Living in a Digital World’ covering topics such as:
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Social Networking
Mobile Phone Technology
GPS
Computer Modelling
Online Shopping
Students also complete the controlled assessment ‘Using Digital Tools’ where
students work with a range of digital tools to produce effective ICT solutions.
These tools include graphics, web design, spreadsheet and database software.
Assessment
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Unit 1 ‘Living in a Digital World’ - External Exam 40%
Unit 2 ‘Using Digital Tools’ - Controlled Assessment 60%
MEDIA STUDIES
Course Description
GCSE Media Studies course attracts an increasingly large number of students every year because
it makes learning interesting, challenging, creative and fun. It offers rigorous but accessible
learning on a subject of key importance for young people’s understanding of the world they
experience. This specification is intended to keep the best of the previous specification whilst
responding to new technologies and media practices.
It offers:
• Extensive and meaningful coverage of media theory and practice
• Practical work which integrates theories and concepts
• A choice of assignments for production and pre-production covering advertising, music and
film promotion and magazine production
• Opportunities to learn about real media products and industries
Assessment
You will be expected to complete three pieces of
coursework, which will give 60% of your overall grade. In
the final term of the course you will complete a written
examination, which will account for the final 40% of your
marks.
Photography
Photography, Lens based and Light based Media
Course Description
This course enables students to develop and display their skills through a variety of experiences,
exploring a range of lens-based and light-based media, techniques and processes, including both
traditional and new technologies.
Students will produce creative work individually and collaboratively
in teams using digital photography and Photo Shop. In Year 9 and 10
you will develop your photography skills through a series of creative
workshops focusing on techniques and processes and through the
completion of three major projects. You will produce sketch books,
developmental work and evaluations to support all of your final Art
work.
Creative Projects
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Experimental Workshops
You will learn about basic techniques and processes in taking successful photographs and
manipulating imagery using digital cameras and Photo Shop.
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History of Photography
Throughout all projects you will research and analyse a range photographers and artists from
Art history, to gain inspiration and show an understanding of their work.
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Portrait Photography
You will learn how to take traditional and contemporary portrait photographs using natural
light, studio equipment and lighting.
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Landscape Photography
You will learn how to take Landscape photography, working from the built and natural
environment.
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Still Life Photography
You will learn about Still Life photography, working from natural and manufactured
objects.
Assessment
Students will be expected to evidence the development of their skills through;
Unit 1: Portfolio of Work which is completed under controlled assessment which contributes to
60% of the overall grade; and Unit 2: Externally Set Task, in which students will receive a
question paper from the exam board, given unlimited preparation time followed by 10 hours of
sustained focused study. Students will be expected to create a final piece of work in response to
their chosen question within this time. This will contribute to 40% of the overall grade.
Physical Education
Students who choose GCSE PE will all gain the opportunity to gain one
of two qualifications, depending on their achievement and
performance as the course develops:
1. Full Course GCSE PE – students will experience a broad range of
theoretical topics as well as submitting 4 main assessed practical’s.
2. Double Award GCSE PE – students will complete the same topics
as the full course students as well as some additional ones. Alongside
this, they will also submit 8 assessed practical activities.
Course Descriptions
The course includes both theoretical and practical lessons with 60% of the marks allocated to practical
work and 40% to theoretical work. Practical lessons cover a study of techniques, rules and tactics and
improvement of personal performance in a wide range of sports.
It is essential that all students are able to organise their work in order to keep up with both the
practical and theoretical aspects of the course. They must have a reasonable level of practical ability
but, more importantly, must be willing to try a wide range of activities, some of which may be new to
them. Students wishing to opt for the course will be expected to have shown interest and enthusiasm
for Physical Education in the past. In order to help improve practical assessment marks, it is expected
students on the course will show commitment to a variety of school clubs and teams.
Students are taught how to lead a healthy active lifestyle by choosing from a wide variety of roles
and activities. A range of practical activities are available for assessment across the six national
curriculum areas which reflect current trends in popular activities e.g Pilates, yoga and
skateboarding. Alongside the choice of physical activities students can choose to take on a range of
roles. There is flexibility for students to complete a single or double award GCSE in this subject.
Assessment
The examination paper is worth 60% and is accessible to all students through the introduction of a
new style question paper which includes multiple choice, structured questions and questions set in
response to a pre-released scenario.
Psychology
Course Description
The GCSE course introduces students to the research base of Psychology as well as giving them a
sound background in the subject. The engaging topics below each contain a core theory, core
study and application of research.
In addition, students are introduced to the world of
psychological research by means of a practical approach, learning how to conduct research in
preparation for the assessment, where they plan and design their own piece of research. This
course provides a strong foundation for moving onto study Psychology at A level.
Unit B541: Studies and Applications in Psychology 1
•
•
•
•
•
Sex and Gender
Memory
Obedience
Attachment
Atypical behaviour
Unit B542: Studies and Applications in Psychology 2
•
•
•
•
•
Criminal behaviour
Perception
Cognitive development
Non-verbal communication
The self
Unit B543: Research in Psychology
•
•
•
•
Planning research
Doing research
Analysing research
Planning an investigation
Assessment
•
•
•
Unit B541: Studies and Applications in Psychology 1- 40% of the total GCSE mark
Unit B542: Studies and Applications in Psychology 2- 40% of the total GCSE mark
Unit B543: Research in Psychology- 20% of the total GCSE mark
Sociology
Course Description
Sociology is about attempting to have
world around us. In Sociology you
develop informed views about the
particular we study aspects of modern
Family
Gender
Ethnicity
Crime
Media
a better understanding of the
will have the opportunity to
world in which we live. In
Britain including:
Education
Class
Poverty and Welfare
Politics
You will also have the opportunity to practice research skills using questionnaires, interviews,
experiment and observation. Lessons involve a variety of activities and encourage thought and
debate. Sociology students are encouraged to show an interest in news, current affairs and to
look out for relevant material in the media.
Students who have enjoyed Humanities in Year 7 and 8 should seriously consider taking sociology
for GCSE. Sociology is a very popular A Level subject and this GCSE course is excellent
preparation for A Level Sociology.
Assessment
Students will be assessed in 2, one and half hours exams at the end of Year 10. These exams focus
on all topics covered over the 2 years and have a mixture of essay and point based answers.
Spanish
Course Description
The course consists of building on the four skills with which you are already familiar: listening,
speaking, reading & writing. The same format applies for each of the languages.
The work is split into four main areas covering several topics – Lifestyle, Leisure, Home &
Environment and Work & Education.
Lifestyle
Health
Relationships & choices
Leisure
Free Time & the Media
Holidays
Home & Environment
Home & Local Area
Environment
Work & Education
School/College & Future Plans
Current & Future Jobs
Spanish requires a high level of commitment, as you have only studied French in any depth in Lower
School.
Assessment
•
The Listening exam (20%)
Foundation or Higher level
is
•
The Speaking exam (30%) consists of 2 tasks and is
completed in school, marked by us and moderated by
AQA
•
The Reading exam (20%)
Foundation or Higher level
•
The Writing exam (30%) consists of two tasks as controlled assessments, marked by AQA
is
either
either
completed
completed
at
at
Triple Science
Course Description
Following the AQA exam board specification will enable candidates to study GCSE Biology, Chemistry
and Physics over 3 years. During their lessons students are given opportunities:
• Use their knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions and define scientific
problems
• plan and carry out investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a
range of contexts
• collect, select, process, analyse and interpret both primary and secondary data to provide
evidence
• evaluate their methodology, evidence and data
NOTE: Students who are achieving level 6+ in Lower School will be approached and encouraged by
the Science faculty to choose Triple Science as one of their preferences.
Assessment structure at a glance
Biology GCSE
Chemistry GSCE
Physics GCSE
Unit 1 25%
Unit 1 25%
Unit 1 25%
Unit 2 25%
Unit 2 25%
Unit 2 25%
Unit 3 25%
Unit 3 25%
Unit 3 25%
Controlled Unit 25%
Controlled Unit 25%
Controlled Unit 25%
Unit 1:
Written paper – 1 hour
60 marks
Structured questions - One longer response question assessing Quality of Written
Communication in a science context
Unit 2: 2
Written paper – 1 hour
60 marks
Structured and closed questions -At least one question assessing Quality of Written
Communication in a science context
Unit 3:
Written paper – 1 hour
60 marks
Structured and closed questions - At least one question assessing Quality of Written
Communication in a science context
Unit 4: Controlled Assessment
Investigative Skills Assignment – 2 written assessments plus one or two lessons or practical
work and data processing
50 marks
Students sit exams for all their units of study in the summer term with no re-sit opportunities
for individual units.
Controlled Assessment can be completed at any time during the academic year but students
cannot be entered for controlled assessment units until the end of the course.
In written and externally assessed units, students will be awarded marks for spelling,
punctuation and the accurate use of grammar.
Level 2 - BTEC’s
Art and Design
Course Description
Level 1/ Level 2 First Award in Art and Design
This course enables students to develop and display their skills in a range of disciplines, producing
work individually and at times collaboratively in teams. In Year 9 you will develop your creative skills
by focusing on two core projects based on the theme of ‘Still Life’ and the completion of a unit of
work which will be externally set and assessed by the Edexcel exam board. In Year 10 you will
complete 2 further units of work developing your skills in the areas of both 2D and 3D in response to
design briefs. You will produce sketch books, developmental work and evaluations to support all of
your final pieces of Art work. You will develop skills in drawing and painting; illustration and design;
Printmaking; using ICT creatively; and Ceramic sculpture.
The main areas you will need to focus on are:
•
Unit 1 ‘Introduction to Specialist Pathways’ – You will learn how to analyse other artists work
from a range of movements and periods in Art History, to gain ideas for your own creative
work on the theme of Still Life. The Unit will be taught through a series of workshops
exploring different materials, techniques and processes. (30 Guided Learning Hours)
•
Unit 2 ‘Creative Project in Art and Design’ – This Unit is an externally set and assessed task
in which you will learn how to record observations, research and analyse various artists, and
experiment with materials on a specific theme from a given starting point. This will include
working in a number of disciplines in 2D and 3D. Final creative work will be produced in
controlled assessment conditions over a 10 hour period (Total Unit, 30 Guided Learning
Hours)
•
Unit 3 ‘Communicating Ideas in 2D’ – You will have the opportunity to further explore the
Visual Arts, researching artists and experimenting with 2D materials on the theme of Graffiti
and contemporary Pop Art to create a personal response to a design brief. (30 Guided
Learning Hours)
•
Unit 4 ‘Communicating Ideas in 3D’ – You will learn how
to create sculptures, using a variety of techniques and
materials, based around the theme of Science Fiction. (30
Guided Learning Hours)
Assessment
Students will be assessed throughout the course on the
continuous development of personal portfolios.
Business Studies
Business encompasses a broad range of fields, including retail, human resources, finance, law,
sales, marketing and administration.
A BTEC First can really open the door for students seeking a nationally recognised, Level 2
qualification in their chosen occupation. As well as providing the necessary skill set to enter the
world of work, it also equips you to progress to higher education and vocational qualifications
such as a BTEC Nationals and apprenticeships. All BTECs are unit-based and offer a choice for you
to select from to match your interests. Among those offered for this course are:
Developing Customer
Relations
Exploring Business Purposes
What will I
be
studying?
Consumer Rights
Finance
Exam
People in
Organisations
Marketing
Financial forecasting
The BTEC First Extended Certificate is equivalent to 1 GCSEs grades A*-C. You will be assessed
using coursework and modules. You need to pass each unit and a finance exam to accrue enough
points to gain your certificate.
Due to the nature of the course students need to be competent in Mathematics and English. This
is a challenging and demanding but highly rewarding and relevant course.
There will be opportunities to visit and make links with local businesses and meet business
professionals.
Please see Mr Bevan in Humanities if you have any questions concerning the course and what it
entails.
Engineering
BTEC Engineering Level 2
The BTEC Level 2 in Engineering are designed to introduce learners
to working in the sector or prepare them for further study, such as a
BTEC National qualification or an appropriate NVQ. Specialist study
that students can follow includes, for example, mechanical or
electronic maintenance fundamentals, using computer-aided drawing
techniques, and mobile communications technology. BTEC Level 2
Engineering covers a range of practical skills that are used in the
workplace, including Personal Learning and Thinking Skills, team
work and reflective study.
Course description
The BTEC Level 2 in Engineering is structured into different units that cover a number of engineering
related operations. These will include practical tasks as well as theoretical learning used to support
both the assignment writing and to produce quality products. Operations will include understanding
of electronics, machine and hand tools to produce products from a range of materials. Students will
look at the safety and legislation that relates to workshop practice in the unit Working Safely and
Effectively in Engineering.
Assessment
For every unit students will be required to undertake practical and theoretical learning tasks that will be
assessed through a written assignment document. Each unit assignment is designed to test the learning
and understanding of the unit content. At the end of the course, the assignment grades will be put
together to determine the overall grade. The time needed to complete the assignment will be linked to
the credit rating of the unit.
Music BTEC First Award Level 1/2
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the
real world of music making. Student will undertake
four modules from different areas of music making.
Three of the modules will be internally assessed with
external moderation with a final exam based on unit 1.
The Course will start with UNIT 5. Students will be
required
to
develop
their
instrumental
and
performance skills. The next unit will build on these
skills with a full concert production. All students must
participate in the concert.
Unit 1: The Music Industry
Level: 1 and 2 Unit type: Core Guided learning hours: 30 Assessment type: External
This unit will allow you to gain a good understanding of the scope of the music industry with a
view to getting work in and using the organisations that exist. You will investigate music
organisations to find out about the work they do and how they relate to and rely on one another.
You will also be given the opportunity to find out about the people who work in these
organisations, from performers to people who work in technical, production and administrative
roles.
Unit 2: Managing a Music Product
Level: 1 and 2 Unit type: Core Guided learning hours: 30 Assessment type: Internal
This unit will enable you to manage the planning, delivery and promotion of a live concert. The
success of your concert will rely heavily on the planning and development process. It is important
that different types of audience are understood and successful promotion is able to effectively
engage these audiences. Your research should introduce you to elements of industry practice. The
concert should showcase your performance work from UNIT 5.
Unit 4: Introducing Music Composition
Level: 1 and 2 Unit type: Optional specialist Guided learning hours: 30 Assessment type:
Internal
This unit will require you to develop a portfolio of ideas, some of which will be developed, and one
of which will be completed. You will discover a range of compositional techniques and produce
contrasting musical ideas to develop your compositional expertise. An idea might take the form of
a short melodic motif, a chord progression or a rhythmic idea. Ideas can be short or long – you
will consider the different ways in which these ideas could form the basis for a complete piece of
music. The course is geared towards popular music but has plenty of freedom for students to
compose music in a genre of their choice.
Unit 5: Introducing Music Performance
Level: 1 and 2 Unit type: Optional specialist Guided learning hours: 30 Assessment type: Internal
Over the course of this unit, you will explore skills and make decisions as you prepare for
performance. Planning and practising are both vital parts of a successful performance; you should
be aware of when your performances are due to take place so that you are able to plan your
preparation time. You should be encouraged to choose your own pieces for performance to an
audience. You should work with a specialist teacher to improve your technique and should keep a
practice/production log that details how you have improved over the duration of the unit. If
appropriate, you should organise your own accompaniment, whether this is a single accompanist
or a band.
Performing Arts
Course description
BTEC First Award in Performing Arts
The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts has
been designed to provide an engaging and stimulating introduction
to the world of performing arts. The BTEC philosophy of learning
through doing is at the heart of the qualification.
Learners will be given the opportunity to gain a broad understanding
and knowledge of, and skills in, Performing Arts.
The BTEC Performing Arts course contains two core units: Unit 1:
Individual Showcase (externally assessed) and Unit 2: Preparation,
Performance and Production (internally assessed). These units
provide the foundation for the rest of the qualification.
Unit 1: Individual Showcase is assessed via an externally set task that gives learners the
opportunity to apply for a fictional job or further training or education opportunity. This allows
learners to explore different progression opportunities within Performing Arts, preparing a letter
of application and audition pieces or presentations for a chosen opportunity most relevant to the
learner’s specialist skills.
Unit 2: Preparation, Performance and Production requires learners, as part of a performance
company, to take on a specific performance or production role within a performance piece.
Learners will be required to work together in the roles to explore, develop and shape ideas for the
performance. The unit culminates with the performance being presented to a live audience.
Optional specialist units
In the Award, all the specialist skills units are internally assessed and are 60 learning hours.
The following are ‘top up’ units to develop the students’ understanding of Performing Arts:
●
●
●
●
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
3:
5:
6:
7:
Acting Skills
Musical Theatre Skills
Musical Performance Skills
Production Skills for Performance.
All students are required to evidence their work throughout each unit, in the form of coursework
folder / video diaries / presentations / interviews and live performances.
All units are designed and centered on staging a live performance.
Sport
Course Description
Students who choose BTEC Sport will follow a structured route of practical and classroom based
lessons that will allow them to achieve 2 or possibly even 4 GCSE equivilant grades.
Initially all students will complete the BTEC First Certificate
The course comprises of 2 modules: Fitness Testing and Training and Practical Sport. The
course involves students participating in a series of classroom and practical based lessons in
order to complete a number of structures assignments. The course provides the equivalent points
score of 1 GCSE.
Once students have finished the First Certificate they will then move onto the BTEC Extended
Certificate
Students will complete 2 new modules: Anatomy and Physiology in Sport and Exercise and
Fitness Instruction. As with the first certificate, learning will occur through a combination of
classroom and practical based lessons and successful completion will lead to the equivalent
point’s score of 1 GCSE (2 in total when combined with the First Certificate).
Assessment
Both the delivery and assessment of the course will involve a combination of practical and
theoretical lessons, culminating in assignments being produced and marked plus 25% external
assessment.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHOOSE WISELY
Year 8 Preferences Form
Name: __________________________________
Tutor Group: _____________________________
Subject Preferences:
1. ____________________________________________1st Choice
2. ____________________________________________2nd Choice
3. ____________________________________________3rd Choice
4. ____________________________________________4th Choice
5. ____________________________________________5th Choice
6. ____________________________________________6th Choice
Student Signature: __________________________________
Parent/Carer Signature:___________________________________
Please return by Friday 8th March 2013 to your Tutor
Separate Sheet enclosed for completion
Please choose wisely. It can be very difficult to make any changes to your
courses in Year 9.
Year 8 Preferences - Individual Advice and
Guidance (IAG)
Record of IAG Meeting with Tutor
You will discuss the questions below with your tutor. If you are unclear about
anything your tutor will go through the relevant information with you in the
preferences booklet. Your tutor will record the key points of your conversation on
this sheet.
1. Are you aware of the important dates and deadlines?
2. Do you understand how many preference choices you need to make and how many
preferences courses you will study in years 9 and 10?
3. Are you clear on the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 courses?
4. Do you have a clear understanding of the types of courses you can choose from.
5. Based on this discussion with your tutor, what level of courses would be most suitable for
you to choose at this stage? (Please circle)
Mainly Level 1
/
A mix of Level 1 and 2
/
Level 2
6. Based on this discussion with your tutor, which courses do you most need to find out about
on Preferences Evening?
1. ____________________________
4. ____________________________
2. ____________________________
5. ____________________________
3. ____________________________
6. ____________________________
You can get more guidance from your tutor and from your subject
teachers.
Please discuss your preferences with you parents or carers.
Upper School Preferences/Options
Level 1
Personalised Education (NCFE Award)
Basic Skills
Level 1 – BTEC
Caring for Children
Construction
Level 2 - GCSE
Child Development
Classical Civilisation
Computing (with Mobile App Development)
DT Systems and Control
DT Catering
DT Graphic Products
DT Resistant Materials
DT Textiles Technology
French
Geography
Geology
German
History
ICT
Media Studies
Photography
Physical Education
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Triple Science
Level 2 – BTEC
Art and Design
Business Studies
Engineering
Music
Performing Arts (Drama)
Sport
Choose
4 Options
Remember it’s
your choice and
your future!
Choose Wisely
Queensway
Weston Super Mare
North Somerset BS22 6BP
Tel: 01934 511411
Email: mailbox@priory.n-somerset.sch.uk
Web: www.priory.n-somerset.co.uk
PLEASE KEEP THIS BOOKLET IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Published January 2013
The information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of publication but may be
subject to change at any time.