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Some pupils have no difficulty with this choice; they are quite sure which subjects they wish to continue with to
GCSE. For others, however, the choice is less obvious. If this is the case for you, I hope this booklet will be helpful
– and that it will encourage you to seek advice from your teachers, and from others.
The 4th form is essentially the entry point to the major public examination phase of a pupil’s education. Good working habits are very important from this point onwards. However, motivation, above all, is essential. For this reason it is very important that pupils are happy with the choices they make.
Do, therefore, read this booklet carefully before making your choice of subjects for next year.
T. J. Jefferis
Deputy Head (Academic)
4 Reforms to GCSE from 2015
4 The GCSE curriculum
Option blocks
Considerations when choosing
Timetable for choosing
6 Art
7 Business Studies
8 Computing
9 Design and Technology – Product Design
10 English
11 Geography
12 History
13 Home Economics – Food and Nutrition
14 Latin
15 Mathematics
16 Modern Foreign Languages
17 Music
18 Physical Education Studies
19 Religious Studies
20 Triple, Dual or Core Science
22 Textiles Technology
23 Welsh as a second language
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This year is an unusual year in that it brings with it some quite radical changes to the way GCSEs are structured.
From 2015 teaching of new specifications begins in English language, English literature and mathematics. These exams will be graded differently from the old GCSEs, so pupils starting
GCSEs in 2015 will have a mixture of old and new-style grades (see table 1).
The new GCSEs will include more demanding content and more assessment by examination. The new grading system allows for greater discrimination to be introduced at the top end.
TABLE 1: GCSE GRADING REFORMS
Current grading system
A*
A – B
C
D
E
F
New grading system
4
3
6
5
2
1
9
8
7
Six ‘pass’ grades (9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4) will replace the current four (A*, A,
B, C). The grade 9 boundary will be capped so that one half of the pupils who would have achieved an A* under the current system will be awarded the top grade; the other half grade 8.
Almost all 4th and 5th form pupils at Oswestry follow a similar course. A typical Oswestrian takes 9 GCSE subjects in total. This includes the following subjects at GCSE:
1. English Language
2. English Literature
3. Mathematics
4. Dual Science (or three separate sciences)
5. A modern foreign language (or Extra English/
Learning Support)
The teaching of GCSE subjects has to fit into the school’s timetable and working week. Although flexibility is a priority, not all combinations of subjects are possible. The provisional options scheme below gives some idea of the possibilities and will be used as the basis for pupils’ choices this year. Once all pupils’ choices have been collected the final scheme will be published. This usually happens towards the end of the present academic year.
Pupils may select one subject from each of the blocks (see table 2) of subjects, providing:
• They select either dual science or three separate sciences
• They select a modern foreign language (or
Extra English/Learning Support if advised)
These option blocks are still only provisional.
An attempt will be made to accommodate any further reasonable combinations once pupils’ provisional choices are known. However, it is important to note that no promises can be made.
There are a number of logistic, staffing and timetabling constraints which can make changes to the published scheme difficult.

When considering their choices pupils should try to balance the following factors:
Above all, we recommend that pupils study the subjects that they enjoy most, and at which they perform best. It is most likely that these are the subjects which would earn them the best grades at
GCSE, and that they will be among the subjects from which the pupils will eventually select their A-levels.
• Interest and enjoyment
• Ability and progress
• Sensible combinations (those which are likely to ensure a broad education)
Needless to say, we expect pupils to work hard in all of their subjects, compulsory or chosen.
It is too easy for a pupil’s choices to be determined by a single narrow consideration. In this connection it is worth remembering that:
1. A choice of career at this stage is premature and, experience shows, unlikely to last. A large proportion of pupils change their minds about careers – if they have any firm ideas at all – many times before the end of their education.
2. Although early experience can be reassuring, no GCSE is essential for further study at A-level or beyond in a particular subject.
3. Pupils should avoid choosing a subject if, in the opinion of their teachers, they are unlikely to secure a good GCSE grade. GCSE scores are still – and are likely to remain – important evidence available to university admissions departments at the time they offer places.
4. University admissions departments and employers will be more interested in the quality of GCSE grades rather than the subjects in which they were earned. Furthermore quality is also more desirable than quantity: 7 A or A* grades will be better viewed than a dozen or more lower grades.
Pupils will be given advice about choosing, and about the various subject choices, by subject teachers, form tutors and by the school’s careers and PSHE programme.
There will be a special choices meeting at the school on
Wednesday 11th February from 6.30 until 9.00pm in the Peter
Humphreys Centre. Pupils and parents will be welcome to attend this meeting together and to talk to teachers of the various subjects which they are interested in choosing.
After this meeting there will be time to discuss the options with your son or daughter. We ask that the options form is returned to us by Friday 20th March 2015 (one week before the end of term).
Your options should be submitted online using this form: http://bit.ly/UCBQel. This form is also available through the main school website (search ‘GCSE options form’).
What follows is a brief summary of what each subject entails at
GCSE.
Block A
Triple Science
Dual Science
Block B
Triple Science
Dual Science
Block C
Triple Science
PE Studies
Textiles
Home Economics
Block D
Geography
Religious Studies
Art
Computing
Block E
History
Design
Music
Bus Studies
TABLE 2: OPTION BLOCKS. Note: Alternative arrangements may be possible for those wishing to study Welsh, Latin or EAL outside of these blocks
Block F
French
Spanish
EAL
Learning Support
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Mrs S.R. Fensome
Head of Art and Photography srf@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: OCR
Specification title: Fine Art
Specification code: J161
6
The Art course of study is provided to enable pupils to explore drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, lens based imagery and other forms of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imagery.
The course’s aims are to develop a pupil’s creative and imaginative powers and the practical skills for communicating and expressing ideas, feelings and meanings in art, craft and design. The course will foster investigative, analytical, experimental and interpretative capabilities and enhance aesthetic understanding of the world around us.
It will teach pupils to understand the codes and conventions of art, craft and design. It will also develop a knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in contemporary societies and in other times and cultures. It is an exciting, vibrant and interesting course.
Candidates produce a portfolio of work showing their personal response to a set starting point provided by the centre. Candidates have a maximum of 45 hours in which to produce their portfolio.
This unit is worth 60% of the total GCSE marks and is produced as coursework.
The early release question paper will be issued in the January of the
5th Form and will provide candidates with a range of written and visual starting points, briefs, scenarios and stimuli. The candidates will have a supervised ten-hour period in which to complete their personal response. This unit is worth 40% of the total GCSE marks and is produced as a set task.
Additional activities:
Visits will be made to galleries and other centres of visual interest.
Visiting artists and contemporary designers will work with pupils to develop appropriate skills. Pupils will develop a visual diary in the form of a sketchpad and a record will be kept of projects undertaken. In the first year of the course, pupils will follow a general course but during the second year, will be encouraged to take a more personal and specialised approach to projects.
Assessment:
There will be continuous assessment over the two-year period and the coursework during this time will amount to 60% of the total GCSE mark. In the final year, pupils will respond to a themed question, which is set by the examination board and carries 40% of the total GCSE marks. Candidates will have a preparatory period followed by a supervised ten-hour period in which to complete their personal responses.
At the end of the GCSE course, pupils will be asked to put up an exhibition of work, which should include both units of the Fine Art options.
All work will be assessed both internally by staff within the
Art department and externally by moderators from the OCR examination board.

Mrs L.J. Stephens
Head of Business Studies ljj@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: EdExcel
Specification title: Business Studies
Specification code: 2BS01
It is unlikely that you will have studied business before taking this course, but that does not matter. You might have an interest in business, and want to start your own business one day. You may have an enquiring mind and be interested in learning about the world around you, how businesses are set up, and what it is that makes someone a great entrepreneur.
This course is both active and enjoyable.
You need to be good at communicating and explaining your ideas, and not afraid of learning new things and working with numbers to solve business problems. You will learn how to be a creative thinker and how to make decisions.
What’s more, you will also learn about the world of business through research and investigation, as well as through practical tasks.
While studying the first two units of this course you are likely to learn a lot of new things.
You will be introduced to the world of small businesses and will look at what makes someone a successful business person. You will find out how to develop an idea and spot an opportunity, and turn that into a successful business. You will understand how to make a business effective and manage money well. You will also see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved.
In the third unit you will learn more about how small businesses are developed and discover how businesses promote themselves and keep their customers happy. You will learn how businesses manage both their finances and the people who work for them.
For Unit 1 you will take a written examination paper with multiple-choice and objective test questions based on the unit. In Unit 2, you will be given a controlled assessment task. This task will be based on what you have studied in Unit 1. Unit
1 and 2 account for 50% of your final mark.
You will sit another written examination paper for Unit 3 giving you the other half of your marks. The questions will be a mixture of multiple-choice, data response, short-answer, extended-writing and scenario-based questions.
For example, you might be given details of a business and asked a few questions based on that business.
This course will help you prepare for AS/
A2 Levels. You will become skilled in making decisions, being creative, solving problems, understanding finance, dealing with data, communicating and working as part of a team.
Even if you do not want to go on to study business further you will have benefited from studying a GCSE business course because many jobs you do will involve working for a business.
However, a GCSE business course could lead to work in a business-related profession such as accountancy, law, marketing or the leisure and tourism industry.
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Mr A.R. Mulholland
Head of Computing and ICT arm@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: OCR
Specification title: Computing
Specification code: J275
The course will give students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works, an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming.
The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of computer science. The increasing importance of information technologies means there will be a growing demand for professionals who are qualified in this area. The course will develop critical thinking, analysis and problemsolving skills through the study of computer programming. This is a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and applied in day-to-day life, and is an excellent preparation for students who want to study or work in areas that rely on these skills, especially where they are applied to technical problems. These areas include engineering, financial and resource management, science and medicine.
Further Information: Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk for more details (search for J275)
There are three assessed units:
1 Computer systems and programming
Examination (one paper) 40%
2 Practical investigation
Controlled Assessment 30%
3 Programming project
Controlled Assessment 30%
Practical investigation
An investigative task. Students will need to:
• Perform research
• Show technical understanding
• Analyse a problem
• Demonstrate historical perspective
• Apply technical writing skills
Programming project
Design, develop and test a solution to a problem.
Students will need to:
• Understand standard programming techniques
• Be able to design a coded solution to a problem including:
− Develop suitable algorithms
− Design suitable input and output formats
− Identify suitable variables and structures
− 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

Mr N.W. Pottinger
Head of Design Technology nwp@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: AQA
Specification title: Product Design
Specification code: 4557
The course has been designed to encourage students to be able to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. Packaging, labelling and instructions are encouraged as part of the complete design proposal and advertising, point of sale, etc can be used to supplement the making experience and help create products which can be evaluated for their commercial viability.
Unit 1: Written Paper
40% of total marks
2 hours
120 marks
Candidates answer all questions in two sections
Pre-release material issued
Unit 2: Design and Making Practice
60% of total marks
Approximately 45 hours
90 marks
Consists of a single design and making activity selected from a range of board set tasks
Designing Skills
• being creative and innovative when designing;
• designing products to meet the needs of clients and consumers;
• understanding the design principles of form, function and fitness for purpose;
• understanding the role that designers and product developers have, and the impact and responsibility they have on and to society;
• analysing and evaluating existing products, including those from professional designers;
• developing and using design briefs and specifications for product development.
Making Skills
• selecting and using tools/equipment and processes to produce quality products;
• considering the solutions to technical problems in the design and manufacture process;
• using tools and equipment safely with regard to themselves and others;
• working accurately and efficiently in terms of time, materials/ingredients and components;
• manufacturing products and applying quality control procedures;
• having knowledge of Computer-Aided
Manufacture (CAM) and to using as appropriate
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Mr A.B. Liddell
Head of English abl@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: AQA
Specification title: English Literature and English Language
Specification code: 8702 & 8700
Under the new specification to be introduced in September 2015 most of our pupils will follow the traditional route of studying for a
GCSE in English Literature and a GCSE in English Language. Should it be necessary a pupil may take the English Language GCSE alone.
Occasionally, where appropriate, pupils will be entered for the
IGCSE English as a Second Language qualification.
From September 2015, English Literature and English Language will be completed via a linear route and examined by terminal exam only. Coursework and controlled assessments have disappeared completely from the syllabus. The new linear course means that pupils will take all their exams in the summer of 2017.
Resits, should they be necessary, are available in November. As you would expect, English examination papers contain explicit marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. The information below outlines the route that the English Department currently follows:
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel.
This is a written exam consisting of two sections and is worth 40% of the overall GCSE. Texts currently being suggested for 19th century novel are Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, A Christmas Carol,
Great Expectations, Jane Eyre , Frankenstein,
Pride and Prejudice and The Sign of the Four.
With the Shakespeare question the following texts are currently suggested, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice,
Much Ado & Julius Caesar.
Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry.
This is a written exam lasting 2 hours 15 mins and is worth 60% of the overall GCSE. The exam paper will test on the modern text studied, collection of poetry studied and a response to unseen poetry. Currently the modern text titles being suggested are An Inspector Calls, Blood
Brothers, The History Boys, DNA, Curious Incident of Dog in the Night, A taste of Honey, Lord of the
Flies, Telling Tales, Animal Farm, Never Let me
Go, Anita and Me and Pigeon English.
This GCSE consists of two external exam papers both equally weighted at 50% of the overall GCSE.
20% of the marks available on both exam papers will relate to skills in technical accuracy when writing.
Full details of the Specification can either be accessed via the English department web page on
OsNet or by the exam board website: www.aqa.org.uk.

Ms J.M. Johnson
Head of Geography jmj@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: AQA
Specification title: Geography A
Specification code: 9030
Geography may appeal to you if you enjoy learning about people and their societies, economies, cultures and the environment. It helps to explain what is happening in the world, from climate change to globalisation and natural disasters. The skills you use in your geographical studies make you of potential interest to a wide range of employers.
All lessons are taught in mixed ability sets. The
AQA A specification consists of three units of study. Two external examinations are taken at the end of the second year of teaching. The higher tier option offers grades in the range A* to D and the foundation tier offer grades in the range C to G. The tier for which each candidate will be entered is finalised after the mock
GCSE examinations. The final unit is assessed via a controlled assessment task which has a compulsory fieldwork element.
Physical Geography (37.5% of the full GCSE)
Assessment: 1 hour 30 minute examination.
Topics covered in this unit are:
1. Water on the Land
2. Restless Earth
3. Ice on the Land
Human Geography (37.5% of the full GCSE)
Assessment: 1 hour 30 minute examination
Topics covered in this unit are:
1. Globalisation
2. Changing Urban Environments
3. Tourism
Local Fieldwork Investigation (25% of the full
GCSE).
Candidates are permitted 20 hours of teaching time with additional time to collect fieldwork data. Six hours of the controlled assessment task are completed under high control conditions, with the remainder being delivered as normal lessons. The work is assessed internally and then externally moderated by AQA.
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Mrs S.C. Munford
Head of History scm@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: EdExcel
Specification title: Specification B Schools History Project
Specification code: 2HBO1
History is a subject that is well respected both by employers and universities. It encourages the development of open-minded, disciplined, independent thinkers who are good at problem solving, planning, evaluating arguments and able to pick out the essential from the trivial.
All lessons are taught in mixed ability sets and sit a common exam – there are no separate tiers in
History.
Medicine and treatment
1 hour and 15 minutes exam (25%)
This paper concentrates on looking at the broad issues of change and continuity over time
50AD to the present day, and covers some very strange ideas as to the possible causes of and cures for illness. It also examines Public Health arrangements which show amongst other things the sophisticated system developed under the
Romans and then the appalling conditions suffered by city dwellers in the 19th century.
Life in Germany c1919-1945
1 hour and 15 minutes exam (25%)
This paper covers the consequences of the first world war, the rise of the Nazi Party, the government of the Third Reich and the social impact of its policies on the population.
The transformation of surgery 1845-1918
1 hour and 15 minutes exam (25%)
The transformation of surgery is a source paper that covers how surgery transformed from the horrific days of pre-anaesthetic/pre-antiseptic into a more civilised and safe way of operating. It looks at how the problems of pain, blood loss and infection were solved.
Vietnam 1960-75 (Controlled Assessment
2 hours and 30 minutes spread over 3 sittings
(25%)
This covers the USA’s war in Vietnam and how people reacted to the conflict at home. There are three parts to the assessment. Students firstly have a short essay question to answer based on the first section, the second piece requires independent research which they then spend lesson time on to create notes, draw up an essay plan and bibliography. The final assignment involves evaluating sources and comparing different representations of the conflict. All pieces are written up in controlled conditions.

Mrs D.V. Walters
Head of Home Economics dvw@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: OCR
Specification title: Home Economics (Food and Nutrition)
Specification code: J431
Home Economics (Food and Nutrition) is available at GCSE to all pupils. However, kitchen restrictions limit the size of class which can be accommodated. The course involves coursework and a written examination at the end of two years.
Lessons will include both practical and theory sessions. Initially, practical cooking sessions will be based on utilising skills and theories learned in class. As the course progresses, the focus of practical work will move towards completion of the coursework elements. Candidate have the opportunity to select their own choice of recipe to meet each practical brief and are responsible for bringing their ingredients to class.
Throughout the course, pupils will be develop an understanding of concepts such as the function of nutrients, dietary guidelines, nutritional needs of different groups of people and factors affecting eating habits. Scientific principle such as heat and energy transfer, changes produced in food during storage, preparation and cooking and their application to various methods of food production will be considered.
The following topics are studied during the course:
1. Nutritional and health
2. Food commodities
3. Meal planning
4. Food preparation and cooking
5. Food safety and preservation
6. Consumer education
The coursework consists of four practical assignments.
30% of the assessment marks (10% per short task).
• Tasks are chosen from the practical list provided by the examination board.
• The short tasks submitted must demonstrate different practical skills and knowledge.
• Candidates must complete two practical tasks and one investigation task.
• Each task should take 7 hours.
30% of the assessment marks.
• The candidate must select a theme from the from the set OCR list and write their own title.
• This task requires a problem-solving and investigating approach.
• The study should take roughly 22 hours to complete.
40% of assessment marks.
• There is one paper of 90 minutes at the end of the course which will be graded A*-G.
• The written examination consists of five questions including structured, data response and free response questions.
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Mrs J.N. Meyer
Head of Latin jnm@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: WJEC
Specification title: Latin Level 2 Certificate
Specification code: N/A
The qualification pupils take in Latin at Oswestry is a Level 2 Certificate. This is not strictly speaking a GCSE, though it is equivalent to one, designed by Cambridge University, and fully endorsed by them. It is recognised by all major universities as equivalent to a GCSE and could, therefore, lead to A-level and/or the study of Latin at university.
Pupils are expected to do the following as part of the course:
• a core language paper (weighted at 66%)
• a Roman civilisation paper (weighted at 33%)
There is flexibility within this scheme, however, and the eventual structure of the course will depend very much on the competencies and talents of those who opt for the subject.
Latin is an excellent subject to take if you are interested in the way languages work, the origin of words or of grammar. Many of the country’s most famous leaders have had a classical education including, of course, the current Mayor of London – Boris Johnson. Latin is also, of course, useful for those wishing to pursue more conventional careers in the professions. There is a well-worn route to Law, Medicine and many other professions taken by Latinists.

Mr I.P. Hibbert
Head of Mathematics iph@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: OCR
Specification title: Mathematics GCSE
Specification code: J560
Pupils in the 4th and 5th Forms will follow the new model OCR Mathematics (9 – 1) course for first teaching from September 2015. The course will be examined by three written papers, each
1½ hours in length. Two will be calculator papers and one a non-calculator paper. Each paper will carry 100 marks and will be equally weighted.
These will all be taken at the end of the 5th Form.
Pupils will be entered for one of the two tiers of entry:
• Higher tier (Grades attainable, 4 – 9
• Foundation tier (Grades attainable, 1 – 5
The higher tier course provides a firm grounding for the AS and A2 Mathematics courses in the
Sixth Form.
The course focuses on twelve key areas of
Mathematics:
1. Number Operations and
Integers
Calculations with integers,
Whole number theory,
Combining arithmetic operations, Inverse operations
8. Basic Geometry
Conventions, notation and terms, Ruler and compass constructions, Angles,
Properties of polygons, Circles,
Three-dimensional shapes
2. Fractions, Decimals and
Percentages
Fractions, Decimal fractions,
Percentages, Ordering fractions, decimals and percentages
9. Congruence and Similarity
Plane isometric transformations, Congruence,
Plane vector geometry,
Similarity
3. Indices and Surds
Powers and roots, Standard form, Exact calculations
10. Mensuration
Units and measurement,
Perimeter calculations, Area calculations, Volume and surface area calculations,
Triangle mensuration
4. Approximation and
Estimation
Approximation and estimation
5. Ratio, Proportion and Rates
Of Change
Calculations with ratio, Direct and inverse proportion,Discrete growth and decay
11. Probability
Basic probability and experiments, Combined events and probability diagrams
12. Statistics
Sampling, Interpreting and representing data, Analysing data
6. Algebra
Algebraic expressions,
Algebraic formulae, Algebraic equations, Algebraic inequalities, Language of functions, Sequences
7. Graphs of Equations and
Functions
Graphs of equations and functions, Straight line graphs,
Transformations of curves and their equations, Interpreting graphs
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Mrs I.J. Chidlow
Head of MFL ijc@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: EdExcel
Specification title: French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese
Specification code: 2FR, 2SP, 2RU, 2CN
Studying modern foreign languages opens up a world of opportunities. Not only has study after study shown that mastering a foreign language is good for keeping your cognition sharp; but learning a language also gives you an invaluable window on an increasingly interconnected world.
Modern linguists find themselves very employable in a wide range of careers – certainly not only those confined to using their language explicitly.
The department offers two modern foreign languages at
GCSE level: French and Spanish. Russian and Chinese are offered for native speakers on request. Latin is also administered under the umbrella of the department but appears separately in this booklet.
Normally every GCSE pupil at Oswestry takes at least one modern foreign language.
Both French and Spanish courses follow a similar pattern.
Four language skills are assessed: listening and reading comprehension; writing and speaking through ‘controlled conditions’ tasks.
• Speaking 2 tasks 30%
• Writing 2 tasks 30%
• Reading 20%
• Listening 20%
Two tiers of entry are available: foundation and higher level.

Mr J.R. Cattley
Director of Music jrc@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: WJEC
Specification title: Music
Specification code: 7010 (Full Course)
The new specification for GCSE Music has a wide range of instrumental choices and now gives scope for a variety of contemporary performance styles alongside more traditional activities.
The study of music is explored through a wide range of key topics including the following:
• Aos 1: Music in Wales
• Exploring Welsh music from traditional and modern
• Aos 2: Music for Stage and Screen
• Considering film music and the development of the musical
• Aos 3: Music Evolution (20th Century music and beyond)
• Looking at specific musical developments including minimalism and fusions
• Aos 4: Forms and Devices
Appreciating the wide range of compositional techniques present in music
The course has three components, summarized below
Unit 1: Performing Music worth 30%. A practical exam where students perform one solo and one ensemble piece of music on any instrument of their choice.
Unit 2: Composing Music worth 30%. Candidates compose two contrasting compositions with one linking to an Area of Study from
Unit 3.
Unit 3: Appraising Music worth 40%. There will be a listening examination on four different areas of study.
Note: the exam also includes a question where you will evaluate your own composition or performance (from Unit 1 or Unit 2).
Whilst there is no restriction on students wanting to choose music it is preferable that they will be practical musicians and already undertaking formal tuition on one or more instruments. A secure knowledge of basic music theory is desirable.
It is expected that students will play an active part in school music activities, including solo and ensemble music making where appropriate. Opportunities include the orchestra, choir, concert band, world music ensembles and the possibility of forming other small ensembles as experience and skills allow.
All music students are expected to attend recitals, concerts and workshops as directed.
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Mr. D. Hollingsworth
Director of Sport dh@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: AQA
Specification title: GCSE Physical Education
Specification code: 4892
The syllabus consists of two units. One of which is externally assessed (Unit 3) and the other is internally assessed and externally moderated
(Unit 4).
Any pupil with a genuine interest or talent in sport would be suited to study GCSE Physical
Education. They should be aware that there is a substantial commitment to independent research around the subject. Pupils who undertake this course will be expected to set the standard for the school in terms of attitude, behaviour and commitment to school sport.
(40% of GCSE) 48903
60% of GCSE practical based48904
Overview of content
Section 1.1: Healthy, active lifestyles (Reasons for participation, exercise, fitness)
Section 1.2: Your healthy, active body (The skeleton, muscles, cardio-respiratory systems)
Overview of content
4 assessments from at least 2 groups / ways of thinking: at least 2 as player/performer.
Other groups include organising competitions, coaching and officiating.
Overview of assessment
• This unit is assessed through an externally set examination.
• The examination is 1 hour and 30 minutes, and includes multiple-choice, shortanswer, and longer-answer questions.
• The total raw mark available is 80.
Overview of assessment
• This unit is assessed under controlled conditions.
• This unit is externally moderated.
• The total raw mark available is 90.

Rev. A.D. Cranston
Head of Religious Studies adc@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: OCR
Specification title: Religious Studies B: Philosophy and Applied Ethics
Specification code: J621 (Short Course J121)
This course engages with some of the fundamental questions about human existence and how people behave and why. Pupils do not need to be religious to study Religious Studies but an opinion, along with a willingness to engage with and discuss other opinions, is useful. Both the Philosophy and Ethics sections are studied in reference to Christianity and pupils do not need to have studied the subject previously.
Studying RS could lead pupils towards a number of careers, including: the police force, counselling, social work, nursing, youth work, teaching, law or philosophy, or in any career that requires working with and understanding people. It would also be a good foundation for considering a vocation to the ordained ministry or the religious life.
Pupils will sit four 1-hour exams. Two of these will be based on the Philosophy units and two on the Ethics units. Each exam is worth 25% of the total mark. In each paper, pupils will be required to answer 2 out of 3 questions each of which includes a short essay component. Short Course candidates will sit only two 1-hour exams.
The GCSE Short Course is made up of any two units.
The GCSE Full Course is made up of all four units.
• Belief about deity
• Religious and spiritual experience
• The end of life
• Good and evil
• Religion, reason and revelation
• Religion and science
• Religion and human relationships
• Religion and medical ethics
• Religion, poverty and wealth
• Religion, peace and justice
• Religion and equality
• Religion and the media
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Mrs E.C. Renwick
Science Department Head ecr@oswestryschool.org.uk
Ms J. M. Holloway
Science Department Head jmh@oswestryschool.org.uk
Mrs L. Ellis
Science Department Head lee@oswestryschool.org.uk
At Oswestry it is possible to study science in three different ways:
Triple Science involves studying all 3 units of biology, chemistry and physics
All three sciences, examined separately and given separate GCSE grades. This is a good option for pupils who are serious about science and think they may move into a science related career in later life (e.g. medicine, dentistry, veterinary science etc.)
Assessment
This specification comprises three teaching modules in each science with each module being assessed by a 1 hour exam at the end of the course; each exam is worth 25% of each qualification. The remaining 25% is assessed by an Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) controlled assessment. In total this is 9 exams and 3 controlled assessments.
Assessment of the course is available at two tiers, higher and foundation. Higher tier covers grades
A-D and foundation tier covers grades C-G.
Examining Board: AQA
Specification title and code:
Science A – 4405
Additional Science – 4408
Dual science involves studying units 1 and 2 of biology, chemistry and physics
This comprises Core Science (explained below) and Additional
Science. Dual Science is an acceptable preparation for AS/A2 study assuming a pupil is awarded a B grade or higher. It should be stressed, though, that triple science is even better preparation for A-level science and is preferred by the most highly competitive universities. The Dual Science course is ideal for students who want to study courses such as nursing, primary teaching or other vocations where an understanding of all 3 GCSE sciences is needed but A-level sciences are not always required.
Assessment
Core and Additional Science are both examined by 2 written papers of duration 1 hour 30 minutes with structured and closed questions and at least one question assessing Quality of Written
Communication in a science context, worth 35% and 40% respectively and an Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) controlled assessment task worth 25% for each of the 2 qualifications. In total that makes 4 exams and 2 controlled assessments for the dual qualification.
Assessment of the course is available at two tiers, higher and foundation. Higher tier covers grades A-D and foundation tier covers grades C-G.
Examining Board: AQA
Specification title and code:
Biology – 4401
Chemistry – 4402
Physics – 4403

Core science involves studying units 1 of biology, chemistry and physic
A single science GCSE. This gives pupils one GCSE grade. It is appropriate for pupils who are not very scientifically minded and/or whose teacher(s) think it is their best chance of a good grade. Note this option does not appear in the blocks. It is assumed that all pupils will, as a minimum, start off on the Dual Science route. A decision to drop to Core Science for suitable candidates is made at a later date.
TABLE 3: SCIENCE UNIT CONTENT
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Biology
Keeping healthy, nerves and hormones, drugs, interdependence and adaptation
& genetic variation
Cells, tissues and organs, photosynthesis, proteins, respiration & inheritance
Movement of substances in and out of cells, transport system, homeostasis & humans and their environment
Chemistry
Atoms, limestone, metals, crude oil, plant oils & the earth
Physics
Energy, generating electricity & waves
Structure & bonding, quantitative chemistry, reaction rates, acids, energy & electrolysis
The periodic table, water, chemical analysis and industrial & organic chemistry
Forces, electrical circuits, mains electricity & radioactivity
Medical physics, moments, pendulums, circular motion & magnetic fields
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Mrs N. Mwebe
Textiles Technology Teacher nm@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: AQA
Specification title: Design Technology – Textiles Technology
Specification code: 3547
Design Technology – Textiles Technology is available at GCSE to all pupils. Inevitably, however, the small textiles room places a limit on the size of class which can be accommodated.
The course involves both coursework and a written examination at the end of the two years.
Pupils who opt to study Textiles Technology at
GCSE level are keen to design and make creative and unique pieces of textile work. Textiles
Technology is a very exciting subject that encourages students to consider technological advances in textiles as well as building up traditional textile skills, knowledge and understanding. The subject involves:
• Learning about fibres, fabrics and components.
• Being creative and understanding how designers get inspiration for design ideas.
• Investigating methods to colour, decorate, and stitch textile products.
• Testing, developing and evaluating ideas.
• Being aware of how textile products are manufactured.
• Knowing about the use of computers in designing and making.
Many textiles technology lessons involve practical work, to explore exciting new textile techniques. You may work with dyes, fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics and components to add colour, pattern, shape and texture to design ideas. Textile skills are taught to understand how to shape and add 3D features and fastening to products. Some lessons will focus on learning about textile materials and components, perhaps involving product analysis. You will need to know about how designers operate and how textile products are manufactured in order to develop their own successful products.
The GCSE grade will be awarded as a result of completing two units of work:
The written paper is two hours long and is worth
40% of the total marks.
Section A: This asks you to design a textile product. During the preparation period for the exam, a pre-release sheet is given to students to ask them to research the design question context.
Approximately 25% of the paper marks are for
Section A.
Section B: These questions will be based on the subject content listed in the Specification. It will test your subject knowledge and understanding.
Approximately 75% of the paper marks are for
Section B.
You will be required to select a design brief from a list of controlled assessment tasks. A concise design folder and a made piece will be completed in the classroom over a period of approximately
45 hours. Students should include photographs of the finished product as well as photographs at various stages of the making. The design and making activity is worth 60% of the total marks.

Mr K.D. Evans
Head of Welsh kde@oswestryschool.org.uk
Examining Board: WJEC
Specification title: Welsh
Specification code: 4559
The specification provides experiences which give all candidates the opportunity to reach their full potential in Welsh in line with their needs and abilities. The aim is to ensure that candidates are aware of the use made of Welsh in modern
Wales by nurturing a positive attitude towards the Welsh language and culture. Candidates’ skills are developed to make use of the language for effective and appropriate communication in their everyday lives and/or in occupational situations.
This examination is aimed at:
• Pupils whose first language is not Welsh.
• Pupils who wish to pursue further studies in Welsh by means of AS/A level certificate courses in Welsh Second Language.
• Studying the GCSE Welsh second language course should encourage candidates to:
• Develop their interest in Welsh and enthusiasm for the language.
• They should be inspired, stimulated and challenged through the study of a broad, coherent, satisfying and rewarding course.
• Develop their confidence when communicating effectively in Welsh.
• Develop essential skills while undertaking practical tasks which fulfil the needs of candidates, employers and further education.
• Develop the skills to make practical use of the language in order to communicate effectively, usefully and appropriately in the bi-lingual society of the 21st century.
• Develop the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills for further study.
Grades will be awarded on the scale A* – G
Within each examination, there are 2 tiers,
Foundation & Higher. Foundation will assess grades C – G. Higher will assess grades A* – D
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For further enquiries please contact:
Mrs S. Hicklin Registrar
Oswestry School,
Upper Brook Street Oswestry SY11 2TL
Telephone: 01691 655 711
Email: admissions@oswestryschool.org.uk
oswestryschool.org.uk