GCSE COURSE INFORMATION
2014–2016
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION
All students take a common core of subjects consisting of:
English
English Literature
Mathematics
French or Spanish
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Language and Communication
You will take IGCSEs in English Language and English Literature.
You are expected to take either French or Spanish as part of the core. You may take both
French and Spanish or either of these with an additional Modern Language (German, Italian or
Russian) if you so wish. In addition, you may opt for GCSE Latin and / or GCSE Greek (ab initio).
Mathematical Understanding
You will take IGCSE Mathematics.
Scientific Understanding
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied as separate sciences. In Year 11 you may take IGCSEs
in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (3 IGCSEs) or IGCSE Co-ordinated Science (2 IGCSEs).
Humanities
You are strongly advised to opt for at least one humanities subject - from Geography, History
and Religious Studies.
Creative and Performing Arts
You are encouraged to opt for a creative subject - from Design, Drama, Music and Visual Arts.
Physical Education and Well-being
In Year 10 you may also take a GCSE Short Course in PE (through study in lunch-time and
twilight classes).
In addition to the core, you may choose three or four optional subjects, one from each block.
In choosing your options, you are encouraged to maintain a breadth of skills and to consider
the amount and nature of coursework involved. The blocks for 2012-2013 are given below for
your information.
Block 1 Block 2
Block 3
French
Greek
Geography
German
History
History
Italian
Latin
Music
Russian
Religious Studies Religious Studies
Spanish
Geography
History
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
Block 4
Design (DT)
Drama
Geography
Latin
Visual Arts
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CLASSICAL GREEK
Greek is more than just a language. In studying Greek you will have a chance to revisit wellloved stories and literature in the original language and an opportunity to meet new ideas. You
will have the novelty of working with a new alphabet, which opens the door to a whole world
of exciting texts and experiences. There is a great sense of achievement gained in cracking the
code and, in doing so, you will enhance your critical thinking skills. Ancient Greek literature,
already accessible at GCSE level, is unique and justly famous in all its variety - history, drama,
philosophy and epic poetry. You will be challenged, naturally, because the course is studied in
two years, but this challenge will be satisfying, fascinating and rich in educational rewards.
Course Content
You will study the language, developing your translating skills, and be given a thorough
grounding in grammar and construction. Short stories for translation are a feature from the
start and consequently your knowledge of myths and legends, historical and social background
and culture is enhanced. You will prepare a selection from two set texts for GCSE. Homer’s
renowned epic poetry - from the Iliad or Odyssey - is studied as the verse text, whereas the
prose selection will give you a flavour of Herodotus’ lively and intriguing stories and an insight
into the history and ethics of the Greek world.
Assessment
• Two language papers (unseen translation and comprehension). The papers are themed: in
the first, stories will be drawn from mythology or domestic life and, in the second, from Greek
history.
• Two set-text papers: one prose, one verse.
All papers are worth 25%. There is no coursework for GCSE Greek.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
DRAMA
The GCSE Drama course is very practical and it has been designed to build on the work you
have done in earlier years. Many different types of performance work are explored; these
could be working on a script, creating a piece of improvised theatre centred around characters
that you create yourselves, or devised thematic theatre, also created by you, which can include
movement, mask work, mime or physical theatre. As well as these options, you can also choose
from a wide range of design and technical skills, such as make-up, sound or lighting design,
depending on your own interests.
Course Content
The lessons are almost always practical and in them you explore different skills; each term
we focus on a different type of performance work and, in the lessons, you will be helped to
develop the necessary skills. When you are creating your own pieces, you will be given an idea
or a stimulus and the teachers will help you shape your pieces in order to achieve the aims of
your group. At other times you will be working on scenes from scripted plays which cover a
range of theatrical styles and the teachers will help with the direction of these pieces. If you
are interested in the design or technical elements you can choose to focus on this within the
group work. At the end of each term the groups will perform their pieces to be assessed by the
staff; your final practical grade is made up of your two most successful practical assessments.
You will also be prepared for a 1 hour 30 minutes written paper. You have a compulsory
question about a piece of practical work that you have done and you then choose a second
question from two other sections, one of which focuses on a different piece of practical work
and the other focuses on a production you have seen. As preparation for this production
question, we organise trips to local theatres and also take you on at least two visits to London
theatres.
Assessment
The practical components are internally assessed and externally moderated [60%] and the
written paper is externally examined [40%].
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE IGCSE
English is an essential part of all schools’ core curriculum. It is compulsory at Key Stage 4 and at
the Stephen Perse Foundation is taught in an integrated course with IGCSE English Literature.
Success in any subject studied in the Sixth Form requires competent written English as well as
the analytical skills it fosters. As a candidate for IGCSE English, you will:
• develop your understanding of the spoken word and your ability to express yourself clearly
and logically
• read and respond to all types of writing
• develop your writing skills
Course Content
You will read a variety of texts in non-fiction genres, such as newspaper reports, websites,
travel reports and biographies. You will look analytically at the language used by writers for
their audience and compare different texts, assessing their effectiveness. You will also develop
your own awareness of an audience and your own creative, argumentative and descriptive
writing skills.
Assessment
Assessment takes place through two examinations. The first tests your responses to unseen
non-fiction passages while the second examination tests your own writing.
Each examination is worth 50% of the total mark.
Speaking and Listening is examined separately and is awarded as a certificate in addition
to the overall IGCSE grade. You will participate in a variety of activities such as individual
presentations and group work.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
ENGLISH LITERATURE IGCSE
Studying English Literature will encourage you to develop a love of reading. You will have the
chance to read and respond to many kinds of literary texts and to express your own critical
responses to them in discussion as well as in your written work.
Course Content
You will study a selection of literary texts from each of the genres of Drama, Poetry and Prose,
for example Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, the poems of Thomas Hardy or Jane Austen’s
Northanger Abbey. You will also study approaches to unseen literary texts through reading a
variety of texts during the course.
Assessment
Assessment takes place through three examinations. In the first, you will write one essay on
each of two literary texts that you have studied in class (poetry and prose). In the second
examination, you will write one essay on a drama text which you have studied. In the third, you
will write one essay on an unseen literary text, for example, a modern poem or extract from a
novel.
The first two examinations, on the set texts, are worth 75% of the mark. The examination on
the unseen material is worth 25%.
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
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GEOGRAPHY
Geography is about understanding our world. It illuminates the past, explains the present and
prepares us for the future. What is more important than that?
It is a contemporary subject which allows you, as a global citizen, to investigate the relationship
between the physical and human worlds, and to recognise how you can contribute to a future
that is sustainable and inclusive. You will develop an appreciation of what mankind is doing
to harm the planet as well as an understanding of the possible solutions that can be put in
place to make this planet sustainable economically, socially and environmentally. This course
encourages you to be an inspired, motivated and challenged learner with an emphasis on
developing essential skills that will enable you to become a reflective, analytical thinker with an
enquiring mind. These qualities are highly regarded by both universities and employers as they
enable you to be an independent thinker who has skills that transfer across the arts and the
sciences.
There are a number of local, compulsory trips which support the content of this subject as well
as the possibility of an optional trip abroad.
Course Content
There are four key themes which focus on a wide range of examples from around the world.
You will develop these through discussion, enquiry, research, examples and analysis.
1. Rivers and Coasts 3. Natural Hazards
2. Population and Settlement 4. Economic Development
Assessment
There are two examination papers and a Geographical Enquiry.
•The first is a 1 hour 30 minute written paper worth 25% of the GCSE.
This examination, known as a Sustainable Decision Making Exercise, is
based on a resource booklet containing a variety of data, graphs and
maps centred on one of the above topics.
• The second paper is based on the remaining three topic areas and is worth 50% of the marks.
•The third assessment (25% of the course) is a Geographical Enquiry. This has a fieldwork
focus which uses the collection of primary data based on a day’s fieldtrip to the Norfolk Coast.
From this a report of no more than 2000 words is written under controlled conditions in the
classroom. This assessment takes place in the Autumn Term of Year 11 and is marked internally
by the teaching staff.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
HISTORY
IGCSE History gives you the opportunity to study some of the major events of the twentieth
century. You will study World History, exploring a crucial period in the development of the
modern world. It encourages you to reflect upon the world around you and make links
between the problems you see today and the topics you discuss in the classroom. The focus
of lessons is firmly on discussion and debate, and even disagreement, encouraging you to
form your own opinion on the historical events that continue to shape the world that you live
in. IGCSE History enables you to develop the skills that will be invaluable in your future, such
as the capacity to think independently, overcome thought-provoking intellectual challenges
and construct your own viewpoint. It hones your ability to think critically and gives you the
personal confidence to challenge existing interpretations. These skills are very highly regarded
by universities and employers and History maintains a strong reputation as a valuable
qualification. This is a challenging, but highly rewarding course with a real focus
upon enabling you to think for yourself.
Course Content
The course covers aspects of the development of the modern world, focusing on the period
1905-2000. The Core Content will focus on International Relations since 1919. We will explore
how it was possible that another terrible conflict started only twenty years after the First World
War, examining the ‘roaring twenties’ and the role of dictatorships in the 1930s. You will also
study the Cold War, a period when the world stood at the edge of nuclear destruction. Learning
more about the Gulf War and the history of Iraq up to 2000 will help you to place the events of
the last decade in context.
The History department is committed to a cross-curricular approach to learning. Visits to the
battlefields and graveyards of Ypres and Somme are a particular highlight, giving students the
opportunity to consider first-hand the impact of World War One and to reflect on contrasting
approaches to remembrance and commemoration. This trip, in the Autumn of 2014, will be
especially significant, falling as it does in the one hundredth anniversary year of the start of the
conflict.
Assessment
Coursework makes up 27% of your final grade, where you will work on one piece of extended
writing based on twentieth-century dictatorship. You will take two written papers, one focusing
on factual content and short essays and the other primarily focusing on the critical evaluation
of historical evidence, which account for the remaining 73% of your grade.
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
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LATIN
The study of Latin is great fun! It introduces you to a different time, a different culture and a
different language which are at the same time amazingly familiar. It covers a breadth of areas
appealing to almost any interests and this is one of its many attractions. It will give you an
excellent basis for learning other European languages and will help you understand structures
and vocabulary in your own language and to write with sophistication. Universities and
employers are looking for people who can solve problems, think precisely and communicate
clearly. The study of Latin will give you all of this.
Latin introduces students to some of the finest literature ever written. It is both fascinating
in its own right and a source of enormous influence on European civilisation. In fact there is
hardly any area of study on which Latin and the ancient world have not left their mark. The
course is very enjoyable and will make for a rounder and more knowledgeable student.
The Latin Comenius Project, with partner schools in Italy, Belgium, Germany and Holland, is an
exciting venture, which we will host next year in Cambridge. You will have the opportunity to
take part in this ambitious and fascinating project, which will enrich your understanding of the
classical world and its influence and bring rewarding international friendships. Those involved
in previous years have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Course Content
The course combines language work and the study of a selection of Latin literature. You will
continue to follow the Cambridge Latin Course in Year 10, but in Year 11 you will begin the
study of the set texts. The verse will be from Virgil’s Aeneid, following the Trojan prince Aeneas
on his journey from the sack of Troy to a new home in Italy. The prose will be a selection from
the Cambridge Latin Anthology.
Assessment
• Two language papers (unseen translation and comprehension exercise)
• A prose set-text paper
• Either a verse set-text paper or a Roman sources paper
All papers are worth 25%. There is no coursework for GCSE Latin.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
MATHEMATICS IGCSE
You will be encouraged to develop your numerical, algebraic and spatial skills and to appreciate
the use of Mathematics in other fields of learning. The IGCSE course teaches you to think and
communicate in a precise, logical and creative way, and to apply your mathematical knowledge
when solving problems. It is important to have a firm foundation in the subject because of its
relevance to the workplace and to many university courses.
Course Content
The course covers numerical, algebraic, geometric and statistical topics. It encourages you to
think in a flexible way and to recognise relationships in Mathematics. The IGCSE course goes
beyond GCSE in introducing students to basic set theory, function notation and calculus, as well
as all the major GCSE topics.
Assessment
There is no coursework.
At the end of Year 11, you will sit two calculator papers which examine the extended
curriculum course.
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
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MODERN LANGUAGES
IGCSE FRENCH, GERMAN, SPANISH
GCSE ITALIAN, RUSSIAN
Through the study of foreign languages, you will understand and appreciate other cultures and
peoples. You will enjoy exploring similarities and differences and relating these to your own
experience.
Studying languages is increasingly important in the modern world and the Stephen Perse has a
long tradition of success in language learning. If you wish to study languages at University, or to
use them at work, having two languages at GCSE is a definite advantage.
Course Content
The Modern Languages Department offers the opportunity to take two languages to IGCSE,
one of which is either French or Spanish. In Years 10 and 11 you will consolidate the basic
structures of language that you have learned and develop your communication skills,
discussing topics such as health, travel, fashion and hobbies. The teachers place importance
on the teaching of grammar and accuracy both in speaking and in written work, and on the
customs and culture of the countries, comparing them with our own.
Conversation classes are held during one of your four weekly lessons. Exchange and study visits
are arranged during the course. This experience strengthens your knowledge of the language,
increases your confidence in speaking and raises your awareness of the culture. We consider
these visits to be a most beneficial and worthwhile experience.
Assessment for IGCSE Courses French, German & Spanish
You will be entered for the Higher Tier grades. The four key skills of reading, writing, listening
and speaking are assessed at the end of Year 11 and each paper carries 25% of the final mark.
The speaking test is conducted by a member of staff and lasts 15 minutes. It includes two rôle
plays, a presentation on a topic of your choice with a follow-up conversation and also a general
conversation. The listening paper lasts 45 minutes and comprises multiple choice questions
and questions in the foreign language. The reading and directed writing paper lasts 1 hour
30 minutes and includes multiple choice, true/false questions and questions in the foreign
language. The continuous writing paper lasts 1 hour and comprises three written tasks.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
MODERN LANGUAGES (Continued)
Assessment in GCSE Italian
You will be entered for the Higher Tier grades. The four key skills of reading, writing, listening
and speaking are assessed. The writing and speaking skills are assessed by coursework and
each skill carries 30% of the final mark. The listening and reading skills are assessed at the end
of Year 11 and each paper carries 20%.
You will be expected to submit two pieces of written work under controlled conditions in
class. You will usually spend two double periods preparing and answering the questions. You
will be allowed access to your textbooks, exercise books and dictionaries. This will be marked
externally. Speaking is assessed in two individual orals, each lasting around 4 – 6 minutes. This
will be conducted by your teacher, recorded digitally and marked externally.
Assessment in GCSE Russian
For Russian, all four key skills are assessed at the end of the course. The listening and reading
papers are worth 23% each of the final mark. The speaking and writing papers are worth 27%
each. Dictionaries are allowed in the writing paper. The speaking test is conducted by your
teacher and marked externally.
здравствуйте!
Guten Tag!
Bonjour!
Buongiorno!
¡Buenos Días!
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
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MUSIC IGCSE
This IGCSE course builds on the skills and knowledge that you have gained in your individual
instrumental or singing lessons and the Key Stage 3 Music curriculum. It has a strong practical
and creative emphasis, which can provide a good contrast to your other subject choices.
Whether you see Music purely as a hobby, or are considering further study in the Sixth Form,
you should find this course very rewarding.
Course Content
The syllabus focuses on the core musical components of Listening, Performing and Composing.
In the Listening course you will explore a wide variety of music as a means of developing your
aural perception skills. You will learn about the important historical periods in western music,
as well as exploring music from around the world. You will focus in detail on a set work.
For the Performing Component, you will play or sing a solo piece and offer an ensemble
performance. The two pieces can be on the same instrument, but you may use two if you wish.
In your Composing lessons you will be introduced to a variety of approaches so that you
develop the ability to write music in a style of your own choice. You will also learn about the
range and capabilities of different instruments or voices and will be taught to notate your
music accurately using computer software. You will submit two pieces for assessment at the
end of the course.
Assessment
Your listening skills (40%) are assessed through an examination at the end of the course,
in which you will answer questions about recorded extracts of music. Performing (30%) is
assessed as coursework, from recordings that have been made either during normal lesson
time or in concerts. Composing coursework (30%) is completed in lesson time throughout the
course.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
RS - PHILOSOPHY AND APPLIED ETHICS
RS - Philosophy and Applied Ethics is an exciting GCSE course which explores some of the
ultimate questions about human existence. It investigates how the beliefs of religions affect the
ways in which followers think about philosophical issues and how they make decisions about
moral issues.
RS Philosophy and Applied Ethics explores the ‘big’ questions which humans have always
asked. The topics are highly relevant and give lots of opportunities for lively discussion. The
course helps you to develop an understanding of the world, of the beliefs and customs of
others, and of the ideas and concepts which govern our behaviour. If you are considering
Medicine or Law as a career, you might find some of the ethics units particularly useful. In fact,
the knowledge and skills you will obtain will be of value in any career path as well as for your
own personal development. It will also extend your analytical skills and critical faculties, and
is an excellent basis for moving on to Sixth Form studies in Religious Studies or Philosophy. It
does not matter whether you are religious or not – RS Philosophy and Applied Ethics is suitable
for everyone.
Course Content
Year 10 Philosophy 1:
Religious & Spiritual Experience
The End of Life
Belief about Deity
Philosophy 2:
Good & Evil
Religion & Science
Religion, Reason and Revelation
Year 11 Ethics 1:
Religion & Human Relationships
Religion & Medical Ethics
Religion, Poverty & Wealth
Ethics 2:
Religion, Peace & Justice
Religion & Equality
Religion & the Media
Each topic will be studied from the point of view of one religion and students can study up
to three religions. Two topics from each of the four units will be studied and you get the
opportunity to write about your thoughts on the different topics too!
Assessment
The examination will consist of four papers
(one hour each), one for each of the units.
There is no coursework.
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
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SCIENCES IGCSE
The three sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, are studied as an important part of the core
curriculum. You will be taught for three lessons per week per subject. In the latter part of the
course you may opt to continue to study for IGCSEs in all three separate sciences; alternatively
you may choose to take a reduced science course leading to IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences
(Double Award). Decisions about this will be made in consultation with your Science teachers.
We will be following the well established CIE IGCSE Science syllabus that will provide you with a
thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The work covered will encourage your curiosity and will develop your understanding of the
world around you. It will also form an excellent platform for potential further study at Sixth
Form level.
Your Science lessons will include a wide variety of activities such as student experiments,
practical demonstrations, class discussion and debate, and ICT simulations and modelling.
BIOLOGY
Biology is the study of living things. You will discover how plants and animals function,
including the human body, and the requirements for healthy living. You will learn about the
role of Biology in society today and its importance in environmental contexts.
Course Content
The course in Years 10 and 11 is a continuation of the material studied in Year 9. Topics
covered include characteristics of organisms, cells and enzymes, nutrition and transportation,
respiration and gas exchange, reproduction and inheritance, ecosystems, coordination and
response.
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is the study of the matter and the materials that make up the world. In this course
you will be studying the nature of that matter, from atom up. You will learn how scientists can
make new materials, using the world’s resources wisely.
Course Content
The course in Years 10 and 11 is a continuation of the material studied in Year 9. Topics covered
include atomic structure, bonding and the periodic table, qualitative and quantitative analysis,
organic chemistry and oil, rates and equilibria.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
SCIENCES IGCSE (continued)
PHYSICS
Physics aims to describe and explain how the Universe works. Studying Physics will allow you to
understand both natural phenomena and technological advances more clearly for yourself, and
it will put you in a better position to make your own decisions about issues such as whether or
not we should build more nuclear power stations.
Course Content
The course in Years 10 and 11 is a continuation of the material studied in Year 9. Topics
covered include waves, electricity, forces, motion, nuclear physics, kinetic theory and
electromagnetism.
CO-ORDINATED SCIENCES (DUAL AWARD)
This course will contain two thirds of the material covered in the three separate sciences and
will provide two identical IGCSE grades. It is suitable for those students who feel that they
would like to follow a science course with less factual content.
Assessment
Each science IGCSE subject is assessed by three units: a multiple choice paper, a written answer
paper, a practical exam or an “alternative to practical” paper if available. All the exams will be
taken terminally, and a decision between the practical exam or the alternative will be taken by
the department towards the end of the courses.
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
VISUAL ARTS: ART & DESIGN SUITE
This innovative course is best suited to those who wish to channel their creative energies into
producing original art pieces that reflect their individuality, and to investigate and respond to
the world around them.
By studying GCSE Art & Design you will enjoy the very best of Digital Art, Fine Art and Textiles
in Year 10, with the opportunity to specialise in Year 11.
Course Content
In Year 10, you will rotate between the three disciplines using workshops designed to establish
a solid foundation in the following techniques and processes:
Digital Art: Final Cut Express, Adobe Photoshop, digital photography, 2D and clay animation
Fine Art: oil painting, sculpture, watercolours, pastels, lino/etching/collograph and monoprinting
Textiles: constructed textiles, fabric painting, dyeing, hand and machine embroidery, spray
painting, embellishing, distressing fabrics and reverse appliqué techniques
In Term 1 of Year 11, you will be selected to specialise in your strongest area in order to
continue to develop your coursework portfolio, culminating in the creation of a final piece
in the mock examination. In Terms 2 and 3 of Year 11, you will continue to specialise in the
discipline that you are best suited to for the Set Examination Task and create a final piece in the
real examination. The theme is set by the exam board and you will be given time to produce
a portfolio of work in preparation for the final examination. Although you will be matched to
the specialism which suits your talents you will find the course in Year 11 extremely flexible as
you will be able to combine your preferred media by having access to the MAC Suite, Fine Art
Room, Textiles Studio, Art Library, Editing Suite and Sculpture Room should you wish to.
Assessment
Coursework (60%): You will produce a coursework portfolio, submitting the best pieces from
Digital Art, Fine Art and Textiles and a creative sketchbook that acts as a source of visual
inspiration and research for your projects. You will have the freedom to interpret the set
theme in an appropriate way that reflects your interests. A mock examination will be held
in December of Year 11 in preparation for the official examination. In this you will have the
opportunity to create a final piece.
Examination (40%): In January 2015 the examination topic is released to students. A 10hour examination is taken between March and May 2015. You will be expected to produce a
portfolio of work prior to the examination which will be sat over two days in the VAC, with the
normal breaks.
Please note that, owing to timetabling and resourcing constraints, this option will be limited
to 45 students. It is usually possible to accommodate students who submit their options
form by the due date but places for late entries cannot be guaranteed.
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
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3D DESIGN
Design is a very rewarding and creative process which leads to varied outcomes from solving
specific problems to providing opportunities for self-expression. Designers can produce real or
abstract objects, processes, graphics, laws and even ways of communicating. Through design,
you can become a critical and informed user of products, an innovator and creative thinker.
This course has been designed to encourage you to express original ideas and to develop
an adventurous and enquiring mind. You will be inventive with materials and examine the
relationship between form and function. You will learn about the circular nature of the design
process from concept, formulation and analysis of a brief, research, experimentation to final
outcome. There will be interaction with professional designers, local visits, plus a study trip to
a major city.
Course Content
Workshop and design sessions using a range of modern materials such as wood laminates,
alloys, acrylics and ceramics will be used to create your individual portfolio and final piece of
practical work. In Year 10 you will be taught, in small groups, a wide range of skills through
focused practical tasks. This will be an opportunity for you to experiment with a range of
materials and processes and to start to build a portfolio of work.
Through these hands-on exercises, you will be expected to develop knowledge and
understanding of the following three areas of study:
• Architectural, Environmental and Interior Design: relationship between space and human
interaction (ergonomics); study of the built environment, aesthetics, function and green issues;
modelling using mixed media such as acrylic, plywood and foam board.
• Product Design: product design ideas, drawing skills, CAD, modelling and making skills in
mixed materials, shaping, joining and finishing processes.
• Jewellery Design: working with a range of materials and processes such as forming,
embellishing, cutting, bending, casting, enamelling and soldering; understanding the
connections between jewellery designs and the work of others.
For these areas of study you will be encouraged to research widely the work of influential
architects and environmental, interior and product designers. You will respond creatively
to your own design ideas and present your work with a range of techniques and models. A
healthy interest in modern media and using the rich selection of books in the library, alongside
personal study of your surroundings using photography, are encouraged. Towards the end of
Year 10, you will be asked to focus on an area of study and to build on your portfolio of work
through into Year 11. During the final two terms, you will work on your Set Examination Task
where you will produce a portfolio of work and a final piece.
Assessment
• Portfolio (60%): 45 hours of work from the two year course presenting one or more 3D pieces
• Set task (40%): A 10-hour examination and a small portfolio of preparation work
Please note that, owing to timetabling and resourcing constraints, this option will be limited
to 14 students. It is usually possible to accommodate students who submit their options
form by the due date but places for late entries cannot be guaranteed.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
21
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (SHORT COURSE)
The GCSE Short Course in Physical Education is available to Year 10 students. This is an
exciting course for those of you who want to take your interest in, and enthusiasm for, sport
and physical activity further. The course involves analysing sports performance in depth,
understanding what makes an elite sportsperson, developing an awareness of healthy, active
lifestyles and having a comprehensive knowledge of fitness and training.
Course Content
The course is both practical and theoretical in content and you will be expected to participate
in two sporting activities on a regular basis either at school or in a club. The theory unit focuses
on healthy, active lifestyles and the factors that influence participation in sport. The theory
coursework content involves designing and delivering a Personal Exercise Programme. You will
be required to test your fitness, set yourself a training target and undertake a six-week training
programme in order to achieve your goal. This content is taught through both theory lessons
and practical coaching sessions.
The practical assessment requires you to choose two assessed activities from a range of
different areas including games, athletics/gymnastics, fitness/training or outdoor/adventurous
activities. You must have a good knowledge of the rules, tactics and strategies and be able to
perform the skills of these sports to a reasonable level. You will also be expected to participate
in observation and analysis of technique in a range of activities.
The course is taught throughout the academic year. There is a 40 minute lunchtime theory
session and a one hour practical session after school each week.
Assessment
The course is assessed in three areas: a theory examination (worth 40% of the marks), analysis
of performance coursework (12%) and practical assessment (48%). The assessment for the
practical activities takes the form of ongoing observation and a final assessment towards the
end of the course
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
CRITICAL THINKING
Critical Thinking, an exciting non-examined course, is designed to encourage you to develop
your skills as a reflective, critical thinker, not afraid to question your own opinions and the
views presented to you. It will help foster an enquiring mind and an appreciateion that being a
learner is much more than just being a recipient of other people’s ideas.
Using the context of a range of philosophical, religious, ethical, social and global issues, you will
consider questions that will help you examine the very nature of thinking and learning.
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GCSE COURSE INFORMATION 2014–2016
asive?
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Stephen Perse Foundation
Union Road
Cambridge
CB2 1HF
Tel: 01223 454 700
Fax: 01223 454 707
Email: office@stephenperse.com
Web: www.stephenperse.com