The Grammar School
Guernsey
GCSE Options
2010-2012
GCSE Courses 2010-12 Year 10 Options
As you approach the end of Year 9 and the first phase of secondary education (Key Stage 3), it is
necessary to make some important choices about the courses you wish to follow at GCSE level. The
Grammar School follows the Guernsey Curriculum which means all students study the same core
subjects and choose from a limited number of options.
This booklet gives information about the choices available and some advice about making those
choices.
You will receive further information in PSHCE lessons and from teachers and tutors.
We will try, as far as possible, to enable you to study the options you choose, but you must be aware
that certain constraints including:



staff availability;
the arrangement of subjects in timetable blocks;
viable teaching set numbers;
mean your choices cannot be guaranteed.
Making choices
We want you to be able to make informed, educated choices with the involvement of all concerned.
We will be explaining the options and providing guidance to you during the next few weeks.
Your parents will receive a letter explaining the process and will have an opportunity to discuss
matters at the Parents’ Evening on Thursday 11 March, at which careers advice will also be available.
You are required to return your option choice form by Friday 19 March. Forms should be returned to
the school office. All forms returned by this date will be treated equally and there is no advantage in
handing them in early. There is much to be gained by considering your options carefully and making
the right choices.
If you require any further help or information, please speak to your Tutor, your Head of Year, Mr
Banks (Head of Careers) or Mr Sebire (Deputy Head).
In making option choices, think carefully about the following points.
1.
Choose subjects which take account of your abilities, interests, enjoyment and commitment.
2.
Choose subjects which keep your options open at later stages, ie. when choosing Sixth Form
courses or a career. Careers guidance is available to you from the Head of Careers, and
information about A Levels from the Sixth Form Management team.
3.
Talk with people before you make a decision. Good sources of information are your subject
teachers, tutors, and the students in Years 10 and 11 currently taking the courses. Make sure
you discuss your choices with your parents.
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Programmes of Study at Key Stage 4
(Years 10 & 11)
The programme of study followed by all students in Years 10 and 11 consists of GCSE courses, each
of two years duration, except the short course in PE which is taught during Year 10 only. In addition,
lessons are provided in Physical Education, Games, Careers Guidance and Personal, Social,
Citizenship and Health Education, which do not lead to a qualification.
The programme of study consists of two types of course:
A Compulsory core;
B Optional subjects.
A. The compulsory core studied by all students:
English
English Literature
Mathematics (+ Additional Mathematics)
Information and Communication Technology*
Religious Studies*
Science - either a double or triple GCSE
certification
Modern Foreign Language
French or German or Spanish
* a GCSE short course. Equivalent to a half GCSE and counted as such in GCSE scoring
systems.
B. The optional subjects available:
The optional part of your programme of study is made up of two subjects you choose from those
listed below. You may choose freely from this list but should bear in mind the advice given on the
previous page.
Art
Geography
Business Studies
History
Design Technology (Graphic Products)*
Home Economics (Food & Nutrition)
Design Technology (Resistant Materials)*
Music
Drama
Physical Education
French
* Examination board rules mean you may study only one of the Design & Technology courses.
In addition to the two subjects you choose from the list above you may also choose to study a GCSE
short course in Physical Education. This subject will be taught, to students who select it, during the
usual Physical Education and some Games lessons during Year 10.
By choosing in this way you will follow a programme of study consisting of between 9 - 11½
GCSE’s.
Controlled Assessment has replaced coursework in the new GCSE specifications. It is a form of
internal assessment which measures subject specific skills which may not necessarily be judged
in formal examinations and will use assessment tasks set by the examination boards. The level of
control may vary with subject and task. Some tasks take place entirely within timetabled lessons
under the direct supervision of a teacher others may involve elements of research with less direct
supervision.
Some subjects have no controlled assessment and are assessed entirely by examination.
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A GCSE CORE SUBJECTS
All students study the following subjects to GCSE.
English and English Literature
Head of Department: Mrs L Jeffery
Assessment: English
The work in this double GCSE is interesting, varied and includes
Controlled assessment
controlled assessment. 40% of the assessment is via a terminal
Examination
examination and 60% via controlled assessment. The controlled
assessment will include elements of Speaking, Listening,
Reading and Writing. For the first time a Spoken Language Study will be included.
60%
40%
Shakespeare remains an important part of the study of English
Assessment: English Lit.
Literature. To date, students have enjoyed the modern film
Controlled assessment
60%
version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, as well as close textual study. A
Examination
40%
wide range of poetry is studied and enjoyed, including poetry
from other cultures. In Year 10 debating skills are taught through participation in the Youth Speaks
competition as part of the Speaking and Listening unit.
Students are encouraged to become responsible for organising their own work and for making
relevant contributions. They become adept at articulating informed opinion. Naturally, wide reading
is an essential component for success. Well-organised, imaginative and accurate written responses
are encouraged.
Mathematics
Head of Department: Mr K James
Mathematics is a core subject with two tiers of assessment. All
students follow a modular scheme (AQA Specification B) at the
Higher Tier, allowing access to grades A*-D.
The subject content is presented under the following assessment
objectives:
Ma1
Ma2
Using and applying mathematics
Number and Algebra
Ma3
Ma4
Assessment: Mathematics
Three modular examinations
Module 1
18%
Module 3
27%
Module 5
55%
Shape, space and measures
Handling Data
The scheme allows students to take the first two modules early in the course. Module 1 covers
‘Handling Data’ and Probability, while Module 3 is based mainly upon the numeracy component of
‘Number and Algebra’. Module 5 - which comprises Algebra, Shape and spatial reasoning - is taken
at the end of Year 11. ‘Using and applying mathematics’ is assessed through all the modules. The
division of the subject into discrete topic areas gives candidates the opportunity to recognize and
develop their strengths and to overcome weaknesses, with the chance to re-sit modules prior to final
certification.
N.B. Set 1 follows an accelerated scheme, completing the GCSE course in Year 10 and studying
Additional Mathematics in Year 11.
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Science
Head of Department: Dr P Gabriel
The provisions of the National Curriculum
(Guernsey) require all students aged between 14
and 16 to study a balanced course in science
which includes elements of biology, chemistry
and physics.
Assessment: Science
Year 10
Year 11
Course
Science
Practical skills –
teacher assessed
Edexcel activities Teacher assessed
Multiple choice tests
(Nov, Mar, June)
Structured Questions
10%
Additional
Science
10%
30%
30%
At the Grammar School, the majority of students
60%
30%
pursue courses which lead to two GCSE
qualifications in science – Edexcel 360 Science
30%
and Edexcel 360 Additional Science. Success at
grade B and above in these qualifications provides students with the entry requirements for science
courses in the sixth form. The two qualifications along with appropriate grades at GCE Advanced
Level also provide access to courses in science, engineering and medicine at all UK universities.
In addition, the school also provides the opportunity for up to 26 students in year 10 to follow courses
which lead to separate GCSE certification in biology, chemistry and physics. These three courses are
completed in the same time as the two described above, and as a result involve a much faster pace of
work including extended homework and more examinations. Selection of students to follow this
route to GCSE is made following the end of year examination in June, and places are offered strictly
on the basis of scores achieved in that examination. It should be stressed that failure to secure a
place on this more demanding course will not affect the prospects of students wishing to study
science at Advanced Level or beyond.
Information and Communication Technology
Head of Department: Mrs P Higgs
All students follow a short course GCSE which gives them an
understanding of the use of ICT in society today and an awareness
of the effect it has on our lives, as well as the opportunity to increase
their skills in the use of ICT applications. It gives a firm grounding
for students in their careers and for life long learning.
Assessment: ICT
Controlled assessment
Examination
60%
40%
The course consists of two modules.
Unit 1
ICT in today’s world. Students study a range of ICT systems as used in the home,
society and at school. They learn about current and emerging technologies and their
impact on themselves and others. This unit is examined in the written paper.
Unit 2
Practical applications of ICT. Students select from a range of set tasks that will
enable them to demonstrate their practical abilities. Using controlled assessment two
tasks showing research, design, implementation and evaluation of a product will be
undertaken. These tasks are marked internally and moderated by the examination
board.
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Religious Studies
Head of Department: Mr P Montague
All students in Years 10 and 11 take a short GCSE course in
Religious Studies. The purpose of the course is to give you the
opportunity to think deeply and carefully about some of the most
important philosophical and moral questions humans ask.
Assessment: Religious Studies
Controlled assessment
0%
Examination
100%
The course we have chosen is divided into four sections:
Believing in God;
Matters of Life and Death;
Marriage and the Family;
Religion and Community Cohesion.
Whatever your beliefs or attitudes, this course will engage you and make you question your
assumptions and those of your society.
The course is assessed by one exam lasting 1½ hours.
“This is no small matter. We are discussing how we ought to live.” Socrates.
Modern Foreign Languages
Head of Department: Mrs J Romanillos
Students will have the opportunity to study either either French or Spanish or German courses at
GCSE in core MFL lessons. Students opting to study Spanish or
Assessment: All languages
German GCSE should be aware that these courses will be taught at a
Examination
100%
faster pace than French because of limited prior knowledge of the
Listening
20%
language.
If students choose to study Spanish or German they may also study
French by choosing it as one of their option subjects.
Speaking
Reading
Writing
30%
20%
30%
The specification for languages at GCSE follows logically from the work covered in Key Stage 3. A
thematic approach to developing the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing
continues throughout Years 10 and 11 in each language.
Grammatical concepts are incorporated with particular emphasis on the present, perfect, imperfect
and future tenses. Some of the main GCSE examination topics include home life, self, family and
friends, Guernsey, meeting people, school routines at home and abroad, finding the way, transport,
eating and drinking, holidays and leisure activities.
The Modern Languages Department is a successful and thriving section of the school in which all
students working soundly can expect to gain at least one GCSE grade in the A*-C range.
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B GCSE OPTION SUBJECTS
All students select two subjects from this category.
Art
Head of Department: Miss S Nicolle
We aim to study a variety of themes, skills and media. Drawing
Assessment: Art
forms an important foundation for the course. Controlled
Controlled assessment
50%
assessment units need to show a range of materials, preparatory
Examination
50%
work, recorded observations, processes, historical references and
studies of the work of other artists. The examination is based on starting points from a question
paper. The final piece is limited to 10 hours and the same criteria apply as in controlled assessment.
In order to achieve success students need to be motivated as well as talented. At least two hours of
homework per week is required. This can be completed in the art rooms at lunchtime, after school or
at home.
Business Studies
Head of Department: Mr M Smith
GCSE Business Studies is a unit-based course which introduces students to the issues concerning the
setting up and operation of a business. It explores the activities of business and the reasons for
success or failure. It encourages students to appreciate that businesses must operate within society
and that this involves them engaging with a wide range of stakeholders who will hold differing
perspectives.
Units studied include:
 Starting a business
 Marketing
 Finance
 People in business
 Operations management
Assessment: Business Studies
Examination
Year 10 Unit 1 Setting up a business
Year 11 Unit 2 Growing a business
Controlled assessment
40%
35%
Year 10/11 Investigating businesses 25%
The specification is designed to promote a practical approach to learning business studies. It is
student-centred, with strong teacher support and guidance. The use of ICT applications is
encouraged.
This course requires no previous knowledge of Business Studies.
Design and Technology: Graphic Products
Head of Department: Mr S Nicholson
Assessment: Graphic Products
Design and Technology: Graphic Products is all about looking at,
Controlled assessment
60%
understanding and improving products and environments so that
Examination
40%
people’s lives can be made simpler, easier and more comfortable.
We hope our students will become adaptable in producing designs that will be suitable in an ever
changing world.
Students will be expected to complete a number of ‘design and make’ tasks, these are structured to
help them to improve the way they:
 approach problem solving;
 identify the strengths and weaknesses of other designs;
 produce creative and imaginative ideas;
 present their ideas in ways that allow other people to understand them easily;
 use modern technology, such as Computer Aided Design and Manufacture, to develop and
produce their work.
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The Graphic Products course addresses all the above concepts but concentrates on the use of graphic
media and aims to develop skills involved in Graphic Design such as layout and designing for print,
advertising and packaging. Larger designs are also worked on but the final outcome is modelled from
suitable materials, in this way architectural and interior design projects are possible. Many of these
skills will not only be useful in Design and Technology but will also be useful in and transferable to
other areas of the school curriculum.
During the Graphic Products course students divide their time between developing relevant
knowledge and techniques, and working on design tasks, these will allow the students to develop
their own ideas individually and in small groups. The GCSE will be assessed through a final end of
course exam which concentrates on the students knowledge and understanding of the subject. In
addition students are assessed on a design project which involves designing a solution to a realistic
problem.
This course provides an excellent route into A Level Product Design and hence towards design based
university courses and careers such as Product Design, Graphic Design and Architecture. Despite
being a demanding course many students find it a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Nb Design & Technology is a single GCSE and only one Design & Technology
option may be studied i.e. either Graphic Products or Resistant Materials
Design and Technology: Resistant Materials
Head of Department: Mr N Smith
This subject involves students in the process of looking at mass
produced products to highlight how they can be responsibly
designed and made in order to enhance people’s lives. Our goal
is to equip the students so that they can respond to a rapidly
changing future.
Assessment: Resistant Materials
Controlled assessment
60%
Examination
40%
Students learn through a number of ‘design and make tasks’ to:
 identify real-life problems and produce effective solutions;
 design in such a way that they account for the environment and associated moral concerns;
 be innovative and imaginative;
 communicate their ideas in many different ways such as; freehand sketching, modelling and
photo-real media;
 use modern design and manufacture methods such as 3D Computer Aided Design and the
Laser Cutting Machine.
This learning supports important skills within many other subject areas of the curriculum.
The GCSE grade that students achieve is based upon a final exam (40%) and one piece of controlled
assessment (60%); both of these units are taught with a combination of class-work theory, practical
experience and experimentation. These experiences involve both individual and group work.
This course provides an excellent route into A-Level Product Design and hence towards design
based university courses and careers such as Product Design, Industrial Design and Engineering.
In the past Design & Technology: Resistant Materials has been a particularly demanding course due
to the practical element, in recognition of this fact the Examination Board is now asking for smaller
and more innovative controlled assessment projects that can be completed in 40 hours over a 12
month period. Consequently, students find this a rewarding and enjoyable experience with a great
sense of personal achievement. This course follows the core designing skills in Design and
Technology but concentrates more on the use of resistant materials. Individual designs are realised in
the most appropriate material (usually wood, metal or plastics or any combination of these).
Nb Design & Technology is a single GCSE and only one Design & Technology option
may be studied i.e. either Graphic Products or Resistant Materials
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Drama
Head of Department: Mrs K Edwards
The controlled assessment is continually assessed throughout the
Assessment: Drama
two-year course. Candidates present practical work of scripted,
Controlled Assessment 60%
devised or Theatre in Education. Past scripted performances
Examination (90 min)
40%
have included ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’ by Dario Fo,
‘Shakers’ by John Godber and ‘Blue Remembered Hills’ by Dennis Potter. All candidates must
perform. There is also a written element which consists of analysis of students’ own practical work
with comparisons to other theatrical work they have studied.
Students opting for Drama must be willing to attend theatre productions
and rehearse out of school time.
French
Head of Department: Mrs J Romanillos
This option is available for those students who have chosen to study
German or Spanish in their core MFL lessons and who wish to
continue with two languages at GCSE.
This option will enable them to obtain a qualification in Spanish and
French or German and French at GCSE.
Assessment: French
Examination
100%
Listening 20%
Speaking 30%
Reading
20%
Writing
30%
Students follow the same course and are examined in the same way as those taking French in the
main MFL block.
Geography
This course offers first hand experience
of real issues in the local environment
and also investigates global concerns.
Head of Department: Mrs J Falla
Assessment: Geography
Decision Making based on pre-release material. 25%
Controlled assessment of fieldwork.
25%
Final examination based on the four main themes. 25%
There is an opportunity to undertake controlled assessment through enquiry, based on field work.
There are four main themes:
Theme 1: Rivers and Coasts
Theme 2: Population and Settlement
Theme 3: Natural Hazards
Theme 4: Economic Development
Studying Geography widens students’ horizons and helps them become better world citizens.
Geography contributes to employability. Employers like qualifications in Geography because they
demonstrate a wide range of skills, including data collection and analysis, computer literacy, selfmotivation and team work skills.
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History
Head of Department: Mr M Elward
Modern European and World History
Assessment: History
Controlled assessment
25%
The specification runs from the early 20th Century to the
Examination
75%
present day and aims to give candidates a clear understanding
of the key issues that have shaped the modern world. It also
aims to develop students’ awareness of how the past has been represented, interpreted and accorded
significance for different reasons and purposes.
Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Peace and War: International Relations 1943-1991
Modern World Depth Study: Russia 1917-39
Modern World Source Enquiry: A divided Union? The USA 1945-1970
Controlled assessment
Home Economics (Food and Nutrition)
Head of Department: Miss A Perrio
Main areas of study:
 nutrition, diet and health;
 nutritional, physical, chemical and sensory
properties of food in storage, preparation and
cooking;
 techniques and skills in food storage
preparation and cooking;
 factors affecting consumer choice;
 food hygiene and safety.
Assessment: Food & Nutrition
Examination
40%
Controlled assessment
Task 1 (research)
Task 2 (individual investigation)
15%
45%
Students will cook on a regular basis (usually once a week) and will be expected to provide their own
ingredients. Initially students will be given a selection of recipes to work with but as the course
progresses they will select appropriate dishes to meet the requirements of particular assignments.
Music
Head of Department: Mrs M Pugh
This course is a continuation of work done in Years 7-9.
The work is progressively more advanced but will still
consist of Listening, Composing and Performing.
Assessment: Music
Performing
30%
Composing
30%
Listening
40%
Two compositions will be submitted for assessment. For the performance paper candidates will
record one solo and one ensemble piece, which can be instrumental or vocal. Additionally candidates
have a 1 hour 30 minute listening examination in Year 11, based on four areas of study, which
include Western classical and 20th century music, popular music styles and world music.
It is recommended that candidates should be a minimum of grade 3 on one instrument at the start of
the course.
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Physical Education – Full course
Head of Department: Mr D Legg
GCSE Physical Education is taught as a full GCSE course
Assessment: Physical Education
during GCSE option lessons, students will continue with their
Controlled assessment
60%
Examination
40%
usual Physical Education and Games lessons. The course
includes a mixture of practical and theoretical sessions and
focuses on aspects of sport which help to improve performance. Students will be required to submit
scores in four different disciplines covering a number of areas of different sporting activity.
Written exam: Factors affecting performance and participation in physical activity.
Training.
Aspects of fitness and physical activity.
Introduction to human physiology.
Controlled assessment: The effective performance and analysis of physical activities.
Assessed practical performances.
The aims of this specification are to enable candidates to acquire knowledge and understanding of the
different factors which affect performance and participation in physical activities, and also the fitness
and health benefits and risks associated with taking part in physical activity. The different parts of the
assessment of practical activities have been designed to provide opportunities for candidates to
acquire and apply different skills and techniques.
Physical Education – Short Course
Head of Department: Mr D Legg
GCSE Physical Education is taught in Year 10 as a short course
Assessment: Physical Education
during normal Physical Education and some Games lessons. The
Controlled assessment
60%
Examination
40%
course comprises of one practical session and one theory session
per week, and focuses on aspects of sport which help to improve
performance. Students will be required to submit scores in two different disciplines covering different
areas of sporting activity.
Written exam: Factors affecting performance and participation in physical activity
Training
Aspects of fitness and physical activity
Controlled assessment: The effective performance and analysis of physical activities
Assessed practical performances
The aims of this specification are to enable candidates to acquire knowledge and understanding of the
different factors which affect performance and participation in physical activities and also the fitness
and health benefits and risks associated with taking part in physical activity. The different parts of the
assessment of practical activities have been designed to provide opportunities for candidates to
acquire and apply different skills and techniques.
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