Course Information
Booklet
2014 – 2015
Please find enclosed important information about each subject on
the curriculum that is relevant to Year 11. We hope you will find this
resource useful in supporting your son throughout the year.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Subject
Head of Department
English Language
Mrs C. Curtis
Exam board
Cambridge IGCSE (Syllabus Code 0522)
Website
http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/middlesec/igcse/subject?assdef_id=1029
Unit
Exam
Content (optional)
Examination (40%)
2 hours
Q1: Writing in response to a text (16%)
Paper 2: ‘Reading
Passages’
Q2: Language analysis (8%)
Q3: Summarising a text (16%)
Coursework (40%)
1: Creative writing
2: Writing to argue and persuade
3: Writing in response to a text
Speaking and Listening
(20%)
Individual speech followed by discussion with
teacher.
Recommended additional reading materials
Non-fiction texts on contemporary topics (e.g. newspaper articles, BBC website).
Additional subject support available
KS4 Support Sessions (Mondays after school in EN5).
MLE – English GCSE page.
Further information on re-takes
Only 1 draft of the coursework can be comment marked by the teacher. If students need to
redo coursework, they will need to do so in their own time and in agreement with their
English teacher.
All exams will be sat at the end of Y11 so re-takes will not be possible.
Additional information
If a student misses a lesson for any reason it is crucial that he is proactive about catching
up. All lesson resources are on the MLE.
ENGLISH LITERATURE
Subject
English Literature
Exam board
AQA
Head of Department
Mrs C. Curtis
Website
http://www.aqa.org.uk/resource-zone/english/english-literature.php
Unit
Exam
Content (optional)
Unit 1 (40%)
Exploring modern texts
1 hour 30 minutes:
Analysis of An Inspector Calls and Of Mice and
Unit 2 (35%)
Poetry across time
Section A Modern
Drama; Section B
Exploring Cultures.
Men (45 minutes per section).
1 hour 15 minutes:
Section A Poetry cluster
from anthology; Section
B unseen poem.
Comparison of two poems from the ‘Place’
cluster (45 minutes); analysis of an unseen poem
(30 minutes).
Unit 3 (25%)
Shakespeare and the
English literary heritage
Comparison of Macbeth and Dr Jekyll and Mr
Hyde. 2,000 words, 3-4 hours.
Course text book
Students are provided with poetry anthologies and copies of Of Mice and Men; An
Inspector Calls; extracts from Macbeth; and extracts from Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Recommended additional reading materials
Modern novels and plays, Shakespeare works, novels from the English literary canon, and
modern or English heritage poetry. Visit www.wcgs.org.uk/englishreadathon for
recommended reads.
Additional subject support available
KS4 Support Sessions (Mondays after school in EN5).
MLE – English GCSE page.
Further information on re-takes
All exams are taken in the summer of Y11 – there are no re-take opportunities.
Additional information
If a student misses a lesson for any reason during the preparation for or taking of the Unit 3
Controlled Assessment it is crucial that he is proactive in finding time after school to make
up for this missed time. Controlled Assessments must take place under teacher-supervised
exam conditions.
MATHEMATICS
Subject
Head of Department
Maths
Miss G. Bird
Exam board
IGCSE: Edexcel Level 2 Certificate in Maths (IGCSE for State Schools) (Identical to the
Edexcel IGCSE Specification A)
Add Maths: Set 1 & 2: OCR Free Standing Mathematics Qualification (FSMQ): Additional
Mathematics
Further Maths: Sets 3 & 4 (Students in sets 1 & 2 may also opt to take this exam – advice
will be given later in the year): AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths
Website
IGCSE: Edexcel Certificate – IGCSE for state schools:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/igcse/edexcel-certificate/maths/Pages/default.aspx
Add Maths:
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/fsmq/maths/add_maths/index.html
Further Maths: AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths:
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/igcse/maths
Unit
Exam
Edexcel Certificate in
2 papers of 2hrs each,
Mathematics (IGCSE for
one non-calculator, one
State Schools) Sets 3-5
calculator
May/June 2015
Notes/Content
All students sit the Higher Level
papers
FSMQ Additional
Mathematics
Sets 1 & 2
May/June 2015
One paper, calculator,
2hrs long.
Content as in the textbook. This is
a level 3 qualification and so is
graded as per A levels; A-E are
passes. It is a hard exam at the
level of AS Level.
AQA Level 2 Certificate in
Further Maths
Set 3 & Set 4
Students in sets 1 & 2
may also choose to do
this
2 papers: one noncalculator of 1hr 30mins,
one calculator of 2hrs
May/June 2015
Grades C, B, A, A*, A* with
distinction are available.
GCSE Algebra and Geometry plus
some extra topics, which are
mostly also on Add Maths. Harder
questions than in the IGCSE but not
as hard as Add Maths or AS Level.
Course text book
IGCSE: Students are not issued with a course textbook as class resources come from a
variety of sources. However, this is the book kept in the classroom and most frequently
used: Higher GCSE Mathematics Revision and Practice by David Rayner pub Oxford ISBN:
978 019 9139262 (Amazon link for 5th Edition) (some sets have the older version of this
textbook (ISBN: 978 019 9151141) (Amazon link for older edition)
Add Maths: Additional Mathematics for OCR by Val Hanrahan pub Hodder Education ISBN:
978 0 340 86960 4 (Amazon link for Add Maths book and revision guide)
Further Maths: The best resources for this course are provided by the exam board. We
provide a photocopied pack of their worksheets for students, and these are also posted on
the MLE.
Recommended additional reading materials
 Use of the website www.myimaths.com
IGCSE:
 You may already have a Mathswatch CD, which has video clips on every topic on the
syllabus together with practice questions which have clips going through the
solutions and a large number of worksheets. This is just as good for the IGCSE, but
follow the menu for the Linear GCSE. Some topics will not be on the IGCSE and there
will be 3 topics on IGCSE that are not on GCSE so not on the disc. Available via
Parentpay. Print the receipt and take it to your maths teacher who will exchange it
for your CD. When out of stock the link disappears but will reappear when new
stock comes in.
 Additional course specific Textbook for IGCSE: Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics A
Student Books 1 and 2 by Turner, Potts, Waite and Hony pub Pearson ISBNs 9780435966911 (Amazon Link Bk1) and 978-0435966928 (Amazon link Bk2)
 CGP Revision guides and Workbooks with answers for the Edexcel IGCSE are
available from school via Parentpay. Print the receipt and take it to your maths
teacher who will exchange it for your book(s). When out of stock the link disappears
but will reappear when new stock comes in.
Add Maths:
 Revision guide for Add Maths to go with the course book ISBN 978-1444154757
(Amazon link Add Maths Revision)
 CGP Revision guide for Add Maths (Amazon link for CGP Add Maths)
 Students may wish to extend their studies using A level textbooks, but preferably
not those they will use in the Sixth Form. The following is just one suggestion:
Introducing Pure Mathematics by Smedley and Wiseman, pub OUP ISBN 9780199148035 (Amazon link for Intro to Pure Maths)
AQA Further Maths
 CGP Revision guides and Workbooks with answers for the AQA Further Maths are
available from school via Parentpay.
 Additional course specific Textbook for AQA Further Maths: AQA Certificate in
Further Mathematics By Val Hanrahan, Roger Porkess, David Pritchard pub Hodder
Education ISBN: 978-1444181128 (Amazon link for AQA FM bk)
Enrichment
 Nrich http://Nrich.maths.org has problems, usually of an investigative nature,
targeted at different age groups on themes that change monthly. Students can
submit their solutions. Stages 3 or 4 would be appropriate for students in y9.
 The following has information about how maths is used in the workplace and many
articles about maths in the real world Mathscareers
 The following is an online magazine, again with many articles relating Maths to the
real world. It is aimed primarily at older students Plus Magazine but the majority of
articles are accessible to y9 students.
Additional subject support available
The Maths clinic run by Maths staff is on Thursdays after school.
The Maths Ambassadors support club is run by Sixth Form students on Tuesday lunchtimes
in Ma3.
Students are also welcome to see teachers at any other time if they need help, so long as
the teacher is not busy. They may ask any maths teacher for help or advice, not just their
own teacher.
Further information on re-takes
Students who took their IGCSE in Y10 and did not gain an A* will retake in y11.
Additional information
 Students MUST have their own scientific calculator (Casio fx83 recommended for
IGCSE but Casio fx991 recommended for higher level courses – please ensure it is
named) AND a protractor and compasses, in addition to a ruler, pencil etc AND
remember to bring them to lessons and exams!
 A level Mathematics is accessible to all students who gain an A grade in their IGCSE
Mathematics regardless of which set they are in.
 A Level Further Mathematics is accessible to students who gain an A* in their IGCSE
SCIENCE
IGCSE Biology
Subject
Subject Leader
Biology
Miss G. Farlow
Pupils study the academically rigorous EdExcel IGCSE in Biology from Y9 to Y11. This course
is normally 2 years in length but in order to give opportunities for greater enrichment and
exploration, this course is currently taken over 3 years at Wallington after which pupils
undertake their final exam in two papers. Our International GCSE in Biology aims to give
students a knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles, while
developing experimental skills. Students will also learn to form hypotheses and design
experiments to test them. This is a single-tier qualification, suitable for delivery in schools
and colleges, which is assessed via two exams and graded A* to G.
Key subject aims:






To give students a knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and
principles
To develop an appreciation of the significance of biological facts, concepts and
principles and the skills needed for their use in new and changing situations
To develop an appreciation of the importance of accurate experimental work in
scientific method and reporting
To enable students to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
To sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the study of living
organisms
To enable students to evaluate, in terms of their biological knowledge and
understanding, the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological
developments, including those related to social, environmental and economic
issues.
Assessment and progression



Single tier. Two exams. No coursework
Grading A* to G
Provides a sound foundation for progression to GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and
Advanced level, and other comparable post-16 qualifications.
Legally called the EdExcel Certificate in Biology but entirely the same as the IGCSE 2009
specification and can be referred to as an IGCSE in all applications and correspondence.
IGCSE Chemistry
Subject
Subject Leader
Chemistry
Miss J Gallagher
Students study the academically rigorous EdExcel IGCSE in Chemistry from Y9 to Y11. This
course is normally 2 years in length but we teach it over 3 years in order to give students
opportunities for a greater understanding and in depth exploration. Our International GCSE
in Chemistry aims to develop an understanding of the unifying patters and themes of
chemistry, as well as experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe
laboratory techniques. Students will gain an appreciation of scientific methods and learn to
form hypotheses and design experiments to test them. This single-tier qualification is
suitable for delivery in schools and colleges and is assessed via two exams, graded A* to G.
Key subject aims:
• To develop students’ understanding of the unifying patterns and themes of chemistry
• To further students’ appreciation of the practical nature of chemistry and develop
experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
• To develop an appreciation of the importance to scientific methods of accurate
experimental work and reporting
• To develop students’ ability to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
• To develop a logical approach to problem-solving in a wider context
• To develop an understanding of the widespread importance of chemistry and the way
materials are used in the world
• To show how the work of the chemist has social, industrial, technological, environmental
ad economic consequences for the community
• To prepare students for more advanced courses in chemistry or courses which require
them to have a knowledge of chemistry.
Assessment and progression
• Single tier. Two exams. No coursework
• Grading A* to G
• Provides a sound foundation for progression to GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced
level Chemistry, and other comparable post-16 qualifications.
Legally called the EdExcel Certificate in Chemistry but entirely the same as the IGCSE 2009
specification and can be referred to as an IGCSE in all applications and correspondence.
IGCSE Physics
Subject
Subject Leader
Physics
Mr. A Boothroyd
Pupils study the academically rigorous EdExcel IGCSE in Physics from Y9 to Y11. This course
is normally 2 years in length but in order to give opportunities for greater enrichment and
exploration this course is currently taken over 3 years at Wallington after which pupils
undertake their final exam in two papers.
Key subject aims:






To impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and the skills needed to apply
this in new and changing situations in many domestic, industrial and environmental
contexts
To foster an appreciation of the practical nature of Physics, and develop
experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory
techniques
To develop an appreciation of the importance of accurate experimental work and
reporting to scientific method
To enable students to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
To enable students to evaluate, in terms of their scientific knowledge and
understanding, the benefits and drawbacks (including social, environmental and
economic) of scientific and technological developments
To enable students to select, organise and present information clearly and logically,
using appropriate scientific terms and conventions.
Assessment



Single tier. Two exams in Y11. No coursework
Grading A* to G
Provides a sound foundation for progression to GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and
Advanced level, and other comparable post-16 qualifications.
Legally called the EdExcel Certificate in Physics but entirely the same as the IGCSE 2009
specification and can be referred to as an IGCSE in all applications and correspondence.
GEOGRAPHY
Subject Leader
Mr A. Abbas
Weight
Year
-ing Completed
Structure of
Assessment
Unit
Unit title
1
Dynamic Planet
Section A – Introduction to the Dynamic Planet
Compulsory topics: Restless Earth, Climate and Change, Battle for the
Biosphere and Water
World.
Section B – Small-scale Dynamic Planet
Optional topics: We will complete River Processes and Pressures.
Section C – Large-scale Dynamic Planet
Optional topics: We will complete Oceans on the Edge
2
People and the Planet
Section A – Introduction to People and the Planet
Compulsory topics: Population Dynamics, Consuming Resources,
Living Spaces and Making a
Living.
Section B – Small-scale People and the Planet
Optional topics: We will complete Changing Cities.
Section C – Large-scale People and the Planet
Optional topics: We will complete Development Dilemmas
3
Making Geographical Decisions
Overview of content
This unit will assess students’ ability to make decisions about
geographical issues and justify them.
The unit includes the pressures (conflicts), players and options that
are involved in making geographical decisions and which are related
to sustainable development and environmental issues.
Overview of assessment
This unit is assessed through a 1-hour, tiered, written examination.
50 marks are available, spread across three approximately equally
weighted questions.
The theme of the resource material will be released two years in
advance of the examination.
A pack of resource material will be pre-released for each sitting of the
exam. The material will
be available on a secure section of the Edexcel website in January and
hard copies will be sent to centres in February. Students should study
this material to give a context to the skills that they have learnt in this
topic. The exam will relate to this material.
25%
11
External
Assessment –
mixture of multichoice, short
answer and
extended answer
using a pre release
resource pack
4
Researching Geography
This unit is internally assessed under controlled conditions. Students
complete one of the fieldwork tasks from the list provided by Edexcel.
They must write up the fieldwork task under controlled conditions.
25%
10
Controlled
Assessment task
25%
External
Assessment –
mixture of multi9 into 10
choice, short
answer and
extended answer
25%
External
Assessment –
10 into mixture of multi11
choice, short
answer and
extended answer
The task is marked out of a total of 50 marks, across the following
areas:
- planning, methods of data collection, data presentation and report
production, analysis and conclusions and evaluation.
The task will be marked by the teacher and moderated by Edexcel
HISTORY
Subject
Subject Leader
History
Mr B.Greenley
Exam board
Edexcel (History A)
Website
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/history/a/Pages/default.aspx
Unit
Unit 2B: Russia 1917–
39
Exam
1 hour 15 minute
paper testing essay
skills (already taken
in January 2012)
Controlled Assessment
5: Vietnam 1960–75
Controlled
Assessment – in two
parts, taken in
October and
December 2012
1 hour 15 minute
paper testing source
analysis (taken in
June 2012)
Unit 3B: War and the
transformation of
British society c1931–
51
Content (optional)
- The collapse of the Tsarist regime in
1917.
- Bolshevik takeover and consolidation
1917–24.
- The nature of Stalin’s dictatorship
1924–39.
- Economic and social changes 1928–39.
- The impact of the Depression 1931–39
- Britain alone 1940-41
- Britain at war 1939-1945
- Labour in power, 1945–51
-
Unit 1: Peace and War:
International Relations
1900-1991
1 hour 15 minute
paper testing source
analysis (to be taken
in June 2013)
-
Course text book
The reasons for US involvement in
Vietnam.
The nature of the conflict and reasons
for US defeat.
The impact of the war on civilians and
the military, in the USA and in North
and South Vietnam.
The growth of protest in the USA and
the end of the conflict.
How did the Cold War develop? 1943–
56
Three Cold War crises: Berlin, Cuba and
Czechoslovakia c1957–69
Why did the Cold War end? The
invasion of Afghanistan (1979) to the
collapse of the Soviet Union (1991).
Unit 3B: Shuter, Jane War and the Transformation of British Society C.1931-51 Student Book
(Modern World History Texts) (Edexcel, 2009)
Units 1 and CA5: Wright, John & Waugh, Steven Superpower Relations and Vietnam 19451990 (GCSE Modern World History for Edexcel) (Hodder Murray, 2006
Recommended additional reading materials
Ask your teacher – extra reading of varying degrees of difficulty can be recommended on
request.
Additional subject support available
Source booklet for Controlled assessment
Resources on MLE for revision: past papers, model answers, quizzes, revision notes, useful
links etc.
Further information will be made available on how to prepare for Controlled Assessments.
Revision classes will be held for students retaking modules.
Further information on re-takes
Units 2B and 3B can be re-taken once each.
Units 1 and CA5 may not be retaken.
CLASSICS
Subject
Classics
Exam board
OCR
Website
www.ocr.org.uk
Unit
A351
A352
A353
A354
Course text book
Booklets provided
Subject Leader
Mr B. Greenley
Exam
Life in Athens
Homer’s Odyssey
Pompeii
Lysistrata
Content
Religion, Drama, Home
Books 5,6,7,9.10,12 (themes & events)
Eruption, Excavation, City Life
Control Assessment
Recommended additional reading materials
Renshaw, In Search of the Greeks
Homer’s Iliad
Additional subject support available
Drop ins Thursday lunch in IT2 (Latin + Classics Club)
LATIN
Subject
Latin
Subject Leader
Mr B. Greenley
Exam board
OCR
Website
www.ocr.org.uk
Unit
Exam
A401
Latin Language 1
A402
Latin Language 2
A403
Latin Prose Literature
A404
Latin Verse Literature
Content
Mythology & Domestic life
Roman History
Cicero: The Corruption and Crulty of
Verres; Livy The bravery of Mucius
Scaevola abd Cloelia
Horace – A traveller’s tale and The ship of
state on troubled waters.
Virgil - A storm at sea
Course text book
OCR Latin Anthology for GCSE
Additional subject support available
Drop ins Thursday lunch in IT2 (Latin + Classics Club)
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Subject
Subject Leader
Religious Studies
Miss L. Smith
In Year 11 students continue studying the AQA Religious Studies Specification B course. The
focus for this year is the content taught in Unit 3: Religion and Morality. This provides
students with an introduction to applied ethics. Throughout the GCSE course students
examine a Buddhist and a Christian response to the ethical issues studied.
Exam Board: AQA
The course specification and additional materials can be reached here:
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/his_rel/new/rel_studies_b_overview.php
The course textbook for study in Year 11 is:
AQA GCSE Religious Studies B - Religion and Morality by Anne Jordan, Marianne Fleming,
Peter Smith and David Worden (6 Apr 2009)
The following units are taught in Year 11:
1. Religious attitudes towards crime and punishment
2. Religious attitudes towards matters of life
3. Religious attitudes towards the elderly and death
4. Religious attitudes towards drug abuse
There is no controlled assessment. Students sit two GCSE external examinations at the end
of Year 11 and these form 100% of their RS GCSE grade. Students sit two papers: one based
upon the units studied in Year 10, and one based upon the units studied in Year 11.
Recommended additional reading materials
-
Websites on the topics covered as well as reading newspapers to have modern days
examples and further knowledge
Religion and Morality, Parry, Hayes and Hands. Hodder (2009). ISBN
9780340983669
Additional subject support available
-
Materials placed on the MLE
Course material completed by the Easter holidays and revision started in lessons,
with weekly examination papers covered in timed conditions
Exam revision booklet produced
Further information on re-takes
No re- takes available
ECONOMICS
Subject:
Subject Leader
Economics
Mr A. Somerville
Exam board
OCR
Website
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-economics-j320-from-2009/
Unit
Exam
Content (optional)
A591 (25%)
How the Market Works
Microeconomics - Exam Year 11 June
A592 (25%)
How the Economy works
Macroeconomics – Exam Year 11 June
A593 (50%)
The UK Economy and
Pre-released case study January
Globalisation
Exam Year 11 June
Course text book (used in class throughout year 9, 10 and 11 – should be purchased by
students)
OCR GCSE Economics Christopher Bancroft, Amy Chapman, Clive Riches
Endorsed by OCR
Published by Heinemann
ISBN 978-0-435-84905-4
This is an excellent book for revision, user friendly and written specifically for the syllabus.
Recommended additional reading materials (not essential).
Edexcel ICGSE Economics student book by Rob Jones
Published by Pearson
ISBN 978-0-435991-28-9
This Student Book comes with an ActiveBook CD, excellent book with lots of real life examples.
Highly recommended.
BBC news website and Tutor2u.net
Additional subject support available
Drop in clinic after school for those students who need academic support.
There are no revision guides available commercially. The department has written a revision
guide. This can be found on the MLE along with past exam papers, mark schemes and exemplar
answers.
Further information on re-takes
There are no re-sits available under linear assessment.
Additional information
The Economics Society is a club where students are welcome to come along and enter national
competitions. They can also write articles for the Society’s magazine. The Society meets
lunchtimes on Monday in EC1.
BUSINESS STUDIES
Subject
Subject Leader
Business Studies
Mr A. Somerville / Mr B. Collins
Exam board
OCR
Website
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-business-studies-j253-from-2012/
Unit
A291 (25%)
Exam
Marketing and Enterprise
Content (optional)
Controlled Assessment pre-released task (Year
10 Nov/Dec)
A292 (25%)
Business and People
Exam Year 11 (June)
A293 (50%)
Production, Finance and the
External Business Environment
Pre-released case study
Exam Year 11 (June)
Course text book (used in class throughout year 9, 10 and 11 – should be purchased by
students)
OCR Business Studies for GCSE, Peter Kennerdell, Alan Williams and Mike Schofield. Second
(revised) edition
ISBN 0340983493
Recommended additional reading materials.
OCR GCSE Business Studies Revision Guide, Neil Denby
ISBN: 9781444107784 Published April 2010
Additional subject support available
Drop in clinic after school for those students who need academic support.
Revision materials, past exam papers and exemplar answers can be found on the MLE.
Further information on re-takes
There are no re-sits available under linear assessment
Additional information
The Economics Society is a club where students are welcome to come along and enter national
competitions. They can also write articles for the Society’s magazine. The Society meets lunch
times on Monday in EC1.
FRENCH
Subject
Subject Leader
French
Mrs A. Gabriele (Faculty Leader of MFL)
Exam board
Edexcel
Website
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/mfl/french/Pages/default.aspx
Unit
Exam
Content (optional)
Unit 1
Listening &
20% of the GCSE
understanding
Tests their ability to understand spoken
French
Unit 2
Speaking in French
30% of the GCSE
2 controlled assessments
Tests their ability to use spoken French for
different purposes & in different settings
20% of the GCSE
Unit 3
Reading &
Tests their ability to understand written
understanding
French
30% of the GCSE
Unit 4
Writing in French
2 controlled assessments
Tests their ability to produce extended
writing (200 words minimum per piece)
Course textbook
Edexcel GCSE French (higher) written by Clive Bell, Rosi McNab and Gill Beckett
Each student has access to a copy of the textbook in class and is required to purchase an
online subscription to Active Learn which is mainly used for homework and extra listening
and reading exercises and to practise vocabulary and various grammar points. Through
Active Learn students also have access to the Edexcel GCSE French textbook learning
content.
Recommended additional reading materials
Magazines available to borrow from the MFL dept, books in the library, various websites
available (list available on the MLE in the French corridor)
Additional subject support available
Academic support/speaking practice available on Weds during lunchtimes (13:00-13:30)TBA
The websites listed on the MLE are great for listening & reading practice
French films are available from the library & the MFL office
Practice in small groups with Foreign Language Assistant
Further information on re-takes
No re-takes available
Additional information
SPANISH
Subject
Subject Leader
Spanish
Mrs A. Gabriele (Faculty Leader of MFL)
Exam board
Edexcel
Website
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/mfl/spanish/Pages/default.aspx
Unit
Exam
Content (optional)
Unit 1
Listening &
20% of the GCSE
understanding
Tests their ability to understand spoken
Spanish
Unit 2
Speaking in Spanish
30% of the GCSE
2 controlled assessments
Tests their ability to use spoken Spanish
for different purposes & in different
settings
Unit 3
Reading &
20% of the GCSE
understanding
Tests their ability to understand written
Spanish
Unit 4
Writing in Spanish
30% of the GCSE
2 controlled assessments
Tests their ability to produce extended
writing (200 words minimum per piece)
Course textbook
Edexcel GCSE Spanish (higher) written by Anneli McLachlan, Leanda Reeves and
Charonne Prosser.
Each student has access to a copy of the textbook in class and is required to purchase an
online subscription to Active Learn which is mainly used for homework, extra listening and
reading exercises and to practise vocabulary and various grammar points. Through Active
Learn students also have access to the Edexcel GCSE French textbook learning content.
Recommended additional reading materials
Magazines available to borrow from the MFL dept, books in the library, various websites
available (list available on the MLE in the Spanish corridor)
Additional subject support available
Academic support/speaking practice available on Thus during lunchtimes (13:00-13:30)
The websites listed on the MLE are great for listening & reading practice
Spanish films are available from the library & the MFL office
Practice in small groups with Foreign Language Assistant
Further information on re-takes
No re-takes available
Additional information
ART & DESIGN
Subject
Subject Leader
Art & Design
Miss L. Musselbrook
Exam board
EDEXCEL
Website
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/Art/Pages/default.aspx
Unit
Exam
Content (optional)
Unit 1 – Personal
Unit 2- Externally
See previous exam papers for layout. The
portfolio in Art &
set assignment in
Mock exam on ‘Order and Disorder’ is the
Design = 60% of final
Art & Design =40%
exam paper from 2014. The current year
grade based on 4
of final grade based
11 are preparing for their 10 hour mock
assessment objectives
on 4 assessment
exam during term 1. Year 11 pupils should
(25%each)
objectives.
focus on visual communication of ideas
Mock exam is final
Exam paper will be
with supporting research and analysis of
project for coursework. set in February 2014 artists and art history.
Students are expected with 8 weeks to
Pupils work will be exhibited for
to have a wide variety
prepare before the
moderation in June 2015. Consideration
of coursework showing 10 hour exam over 2 of exhibition layout will be essential for
a range of skills. A3
days in April.
candidates and they should be giving this
journals, display work
careful thought as they move towards the
and final pieces.
end of the course.
Pupils should submit a
Pupils will be supported during twilight
minimum of 4 quality
projects complete with
journals and a display
final outcome.
All work to be
submitted in A2
portfolio.
sessions to improve coursework and work
toward their target grade.
Course text book
NOT APPLICABLE
Recommended additional reading materials
REFER TO THE YOUNG TATE WEBSITE FOR SET TOPICS WE HAVE COVERED tate.org.uk
The school library has an excellent range of art books for research and ideas. There are
many useful websites.
Visits to art galleries/museums/places of interest are essential.
View the WCGS Art department blog - http://wcgsart.wordpress.com/
Additional subject support available
MLE power points of coursework topics
Twilight class every Wednesday 3.10 to 4.10/30 this time to be used for completing and
improving year 10 projects.
The department has an ‘open door’ policy – if pupils wish to work in the department
they are welcome to do so at break and lunch.
Art department library.
Further information on re-takes
Not applicable
Additional information
Subject
Design & Technology – GCSE (AQA)
Head of Department
Mr S. Weston
Core Skills
Design and Technology is a practical subject area which requires the application of knowledge and understanding when
developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them.
The distinction between Designing and Making is a convenient one to make, but in practice the two often merge. For
example, research can involve not only investigating printed matter and people’s opinions, but also investigating e.g.
proportions, adhesives, colour, structures and materials through practical work.
Designing Skills
• be creative and innovative when designing;
• design products to meet the needs of clients and consumers;
• understand the design principles of form, function and fitness for purpose;
• understand the role that designers and product developers have, and the impact and
responsibility they have on and to society;
• analyse and evaluate existing products, including those from professional designers;
• to develop and use design briefs and specifications for product development;
• consider the conflicting demands that moral, cultural, economic, and social values and needs
can make in the planning and in the designing of products;
• consider environmental and sustainability issues in designing products;
• consider health and safety in all its aspects;
• anticipate and design for product maintenance where appropriate;
• design for manufacturing in quantity and to be aware of current commercial/industrial processes;
• generate design proposals against stated design criteria, and to modify their proposals in the light
of on-going analysis, evaluation and product development;
• reflect critically when evaluating and modifying their design ideas and proposals in order to
improve the products throughout inception and manufacture;
• use, where appropriate, a range of graphic techniques and ICT (including digital media),
including CAD, to generate, develop, model and communicate design proposals;
• investigate and select appropriate materials and components;
• plan and organise activities which involve the use of materials and components when developing or manufacturing;
• devise and apply test procedures to check the quality of their work at critical/key points during
development, and to indicate ways of modifying and improving it when necessary;
• communicate the design proposal in an appropriate manner;
• be flexible and adaptable when designing;
• test and evaluate the final design proposal against the design specification;
• evaluate the work of other designers to inform their own practice;
• understand the advantages of working collaboratively as a member of a design team;
• understand the need to protect design ideas.
Making Skills
• select and use tools/equipment and processes to produce quality products;
• consider the solution to technical problems in the design and manufacture process;
• use tools and equipment safely with regard to themselves and others;
• work accurately and efficiently in terms of time, materials/ingredients and components;
• manufacture products applying quality control procedures;
• have knowledge of Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAM) and to use as appropriate;
• ensure, through testing, modification and evaluation, that the quality of their products is suitable for
intended users and devise modifications where necessary that would improve the outcome(s);
• understand the advantages of working as part of a team when designing and making products.
Subject
Head of Department
Design & Technology – GCSE Resistant Materials (AQA)
Mr S. Weston
GCSE Resistant Materials 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. Students will be enthused and challenged by
the range of practical activities possible. A working knowledge of woods, metals, plastics and composite
materials will be required, but other materials may be used in addition. The use of new technologies is
encouraged in this specification.
The new specification is designed to foster awareness amongst students, of the need to consider sustainability
and environmental impact of their designing.
The specification retains much of the content of the very successful previous GCSE specification. It continues to
provide the students with the opportunity to design and make a product using a range of materials.
Changes have been made to the controlled assessment criteria; they now reflect the style of the GCE D&T
courses where mark ranges are defined for each component of the controlled assessment. The changes continue
to allow full credit to be given to students who undertake innovative work, including projects with a very high
CAD/CAM content.
This course provides an excellent route into GCE Product Design.
Materials & Components
Students should be aware of the processes and techniques which aid manufacture and of the commercial
application of a range of materials used in manufacturing their products in quantity.
It is expected that designing and making will address complete product issues and therefore deal with materials
associated with the making of production aids, e.g. jigs, moulds, templates etc. It will be important therefore
that students can utilise a variety of suitable materials and components.
Whilst undertaking product analysis activities, it is expected that students will make detailed references to the
materials used as well as the associated manufacturing issues.
Recommended Textbook
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Resistant Materials Technology
Ian Fawcett, Roger Smith, and Mick Whittle
Price: £16.99
ISBN: 978-1408502730
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 30/04/2009
Paperback: 176 pages
Subject
Design & Technology – GCSE Electronic Products (AQA)
Head of Department
Mr S. Weston
GCSE Electronic Products has been designed to encourage students to be able to design and make quality electronic
products with creativity, originality and flair using a wide range of electronic components with appropriate materials to
package the electronic circuit. Students will be enthused and challenged by the range of practical opportunities this subject
offers. The packaging of the electronic circuit can include individually designed cases made from a range of resistant
materials, textiles, card or recycled materials.
The new specification is designed to foster awareness amongst students of the need to consider sustainability and
environmental impact on their designing. The Specification retains much of the content of the very successful previous GCSE
Specification and continues to provide the student with the opportunity to design and make an electronic product using
new technologies and modern electronic devices.
Changes have been made to the controlled assessment criteria: they now reflect the style of the GCE Design & Technology
courses where mark ranges are defined for each component of the controlled assessment. The changes continue to allow
full credit to be given to students who undertake innovative work including projects with a very high CAD/CAM content and
exclusive use of microcontrollers.
This course provides an excellent route into GCE Systems and Control Technology and Product Design.
Materials and Components
Knowledge and understanding of materials and making processes should be of sufficient depth for students to make an
appropriate and reasoned choice when designing and making an electronic system.
Knowledge and understanding of the materials and processes listed in the specification may be tested in the written
examination, but knowledge of the properties and characteristics of other common materials will not be tested in the
written papers. It is expected that students through their coursework will be able to show a general knowledge of the
properties and characteristics of a wider range of materials, including textiles.
It is expected that much of the knowledge and understanding of components will be delivered through consideration of the
electronic building block circuits. Students should develop their understanding of the concepts of input, process and output
and the importance of feedback in controlling systems. They should be able to describe the function of the building blocks
and be able to combine two or more of them to satisfy a design specification.
Assessment
Recommended Textbook
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Electronic Products
Richard Johnson, Samantha Forsyth, Neil Cafferky, Anderson Paul, Harry Longworth, and Keith
Mellens
Price: £16.99
ISBN: 978-1408504178
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 29/06/2009
Paperback: 144 pages
HOSPITALITY AND CATERING
Subject
Subject Leader
WJEC Hospitality & Catering
Miss D. Nunes
Introduction
At Key Stage 4, pupils undertake a Single Award in Hospitality & Catering.
The GCSE option will provide pupils with an opportunity to develop a wide range of practical skills in the
planning, preparation and serving of food. Pupils will study all aspects of the hospitality and catering
industry and pupils will be called upon to use the practical skills that they have acquired in KS3 to a
significant degree.
Pupils are taught twice a week and will, therefore, cook once a week. Pupils will be encouraged to source
their own ingredients for practical lessons and will be expected to research and provide their own recipes
for use in the practical lessons.
Assessment
GCSE Hospitality and Catering WJEC (Hospitality)
Hospitality Assessment: Single Award
ONE practical task (controlled assessment) from three externally set by WJEC.
The task is worth 60% of the final grade for the Single Award in Hospitality.
At the end of Year 11, one written paper of 1¼ hours - externally set and marked which is worth 40% of
the final grade.
Pupils are regularly assessed on class work (including practical tasks) and homework. At the start of the
academic year, pupils are given a Grade to aim towards and are encouraged to improve and develop
aspects of their work during the year in order to meet this Grade.
Assessments include self- assessment, peer assessment and class assessment which will allow pupils
to assess what they need to do to achieve their predicted grade.
Topics covered:

The Hospitality Industry

Job roles and employment within the Hospitality industry

Types of services within the industry and client groups

Costing menus and events

Customer Care and Corporate image

Standards of Service

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Teamwork and communication
MUSIC
Subject
Subject Leader
Music
Mrs J. Martin
Exam board
Edexcel
Website
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/music/
Unit
Exam
Content (optional)
Unit 1 – Performance
(coursework: 30%)
The exam for Unit 3 is
in two parts.
Area of Study 1:
One solo and one
ensemble performance
Unit 2 – Composition
(coursework: 30%)
Two compositions based
on different areas of study.
Unit 3 – Listening and
Appraising (examination:
40%)
Study of twelve set works
in four areas of study.
Western classical music
1600-1899
Section A will consist
of eight extracts of
music (from the 12 set
works) with questions
testing knowledge and
understanding of
different aspects of
these works.
Area of Study 2:
Music in the 20th
Century
Area of Study 3:
Section B will be a
short essay based on
one further set work
(choice of two).
Popular music in context
Area of Study 4:
World music
Course text book
Edexcel GCSE Music Student Guide (each student issued with a copy)
Edexcel GCSE Anthology of Music (each student issued with a copy)
Recommended additional reading materials
CGP Revision Guide for GCSE Music
Additional subject support available
Materials on MLE
Twilight lessons are scheduled on Wednesdays after school each week. All students are expected to
attend these lessons which will focus on the completion of units 1 and 2.
Further information on re-takes
No retakes available for GCSE Music.
Additional information
PE
Subject
Subject Leader
PE
Mr D. Johnson
Exam board
AQA
Website
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/science/new/phy_edu_overview.php
Unit
Full Course
Exam
Summer 2014
Content (optional)
See above website
Unit 3: Knowledge and
understanding for the active
participant (Theory)
Unit 3: 40%. 1 ½ hrs
Click key materials and then view
specification pages 6-15
Unit 4: 60%. 4 sports
assessed and
moderated by April
2014
Unit 4: The active
participant (Practical)
Course text book
AQA Physical Education; Kirk Bizley (Nelson Thornes) 2009
Recommended additional reading materials
Additional subject support available
- Study notes for each section produced for students
- Compulsory revision classes for selected students based on Mock results (Optional for
other students). Classes will be held once a week after school beginning in February.
- Revision and past papers completed in lessons from April until study leave
Further information on re-takes
No retakes
Additional information
Practical content is based on controlled assessment and will be moderated by April. Students
need to choose 4 sports to get assessed in, a maximum of 3 as a performer and at least one
as an Official, Leader or Coach.
Students are expected to be participating in their chosen sports outside of school. It is also
important for students who are participating in sports not offered at the school to provide
video evidence for the moderator (e.g. Skiing)