NORTH BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY
KEY STAGE 4 - GUIDED
NORTH BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY
KEY STAGE 4
GUIDED CHOICES
EBAC ROUTE
Guided Choices Symbols
If you see this
symbol you will be
expected to write
a lot and complete
a lot of written
work.
If you see this
symbol you will be
expected to read a
lot and complete
your own
research.
If you see this
symbol you will be
expected to draw
or design
products.
If you see this
symbol you will be
expected to make
things.
If you see this
symbol you will be
using computers
and other forms of
media.
If you see this
symbol you will be
expected to
perform or present
your work to
people.
2
GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
&
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
Throughout the course of Years 10 and 11, students will obtain a single award or a double award
within English. The programme of study that the students will follow will be chosen to cater for their
particular learning style and needs in order to maximise students opportunity to achieve their full
potential. The Single Award qualification means students will study English; the structure of this
course allows students to study both literary texts as well as using English in a functional manner,
often related to the working world. This Single Award requires students to complete three units; two
units are controlled tests worth 60% of the overall mark and 1 unit which is an examination. The
Double Award allows students to study both English Literature and English Language, therefore
obtaining two GCSE qualifications at the end of the course. The Double Award course requires
students.
Course Overview & Structure
SINGLE AWARD - ENGLISH
Unit 1 - English Today: Controlled Test worth 20% of the overall mark
• Selection of pre-release non fiction texts to be read on screen or on paper
• Choice of two themes that are both meaningful to students
• Assessment based on two texts from the selection provided
• Two tasks:
- reading to analyse key points such as the writer’s choice of presentation, image and
language
- writing for identified purpose and audience
Unit 2 – The Writer’s Craft: Examination worth 40% of the overall mark
Foundation and Higher tier papers are available
• Three questions:
– one reading response to a Different Cultures prose text
– one reading response to a Shakespeare text
– one writing task for a specified audience expressing opinions and analysing ideas on a topic
relevant to students’ experiences
• Literature questions: three part structured questions based on a selection of the text identified
prior to the examination
• Similar writing task as set for assessment in GCSE English Language unit 2
Unit 3 – Creative responses: Controlled Test worth 40% of the overall mark
• Three speaking and listening tasks
- one reading response to poetry: either written, oral or multimodal
- one writing task: a personal and imaginative written response based on a stimulus provided by
Edexcel
DOUBLE AWARD – ENGLISH AND ENGLISH STUDIES: DIGITIAL MEDIA
ENGLISH - Unit 1 - English Today: Controlled Test worth 20% of the overall mark
• Selection of pre-release non fiction texts to be read on screen or on paper
• Choice of two themes that are both meaningful to students
• Assessment based on two texts from the selection provided
• Two tasks:
- reading to analyse key points such as the writer’s choice of presentation, image and language
3
Unit 2 – The Writer’s Craft: Examination worth 40% of the overall mark
Foundation and Higher tier papers are available
• Three questions:
– one reading response to a Different Cultures prose text
– one reading response to a Shakespeare text
– one writing task for a specified audience expressing opinions and analysing ideas on a
topic relevant to students’ experiences
• Literature questions: three part structured questions based on a selection of the text identified
prior to the examination
• Similar writing task as set for assessment in GCSE English Language unit 2
Unit 3 – Creative responses: Controlled Test worth 40% of the overall mark
• Three speaking and listening tasks:
– one reading response to poetry: either written, oral or multimodal
– one writing task: a personal and imaginative written response based on a stimulus
provided by Edexcel
ENGLISH STUDIES: DIGITIAL MEDIA
Unit 1 – Analyse Texts: Examination worth 40% of the overall mark
• Literature Develop skills in the close reading of digital texts
• Literature Understand and apply appropriate terminology for describing and analysing these
texts
• Be able to comment on how the text conveys ideas, attitudes and values
• Understand the purpose of texts
• Pre-release of digital texts
• Questions in the examination: analysing digital texts; responding to different types of text
Unit 2 – Produce Texts: Controlled Assessment worth 60% of the overall mark
• Develop skills in digital text production
• Work through the stages of planning, production and post-production
• Demonstrate skills in capturing, editing and organising content
• Use techniques appropriate to the chosen form to produce a text.2: Produce Texts
• Produce one digital text individually or within a group
DOUBLE AWARD – ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE
Students will study both English language and English literature and will obtain two GCSE
qualifications.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
You will study 3 units; 2 units are controlled tests and 1 unit is examination
Unit 1 – Extended Literary Text and Imaginative Writing: Controlled test worth 30% of the overall
mark.
Section A – Extended Literary Text response to one text: Response to one text, drama,
prose or poetry
Section B – two linked continuous writing pieces from a choice of personal and
imaginative writing or prose
Unit 2 – Speaking and Listening and Spoken Language: Controlled test worth 30% of the
overall mark.
Section A - Three Activities: drama focused, group activity and individual activity.
Section B - one activity assessed through a written response. Response to studying
spoken language by a public figure, the study of language, media and technology or
language and society.
4
Unit 3 – Information and Ideas; Examination worth 40% of overall mark.
Section A - Non fiction and Media: response to unseen authentic passage
Section B - Writing Information and Ideas: one continuous writing response from a
choice of two questions.
ENGLISH LITERATURE
You will study four units; three units would be examination and one unit will be a controlled test.
Unit 1- Literary Heritage and linked texts: controlled test worth 25% of the overall qualification
• Shakespeare and Film/Audio (10%) - Candidates respond to one task on one of the set
plays and a film or audio version of the same play
• Poetry (15%) - Candidates respond to one task on one of the set poets
Unit 2 – Modern Drama: 45 minute examination worth 25% of the overall qualification
Candidates respond to one question on one of the set plays. Choice of question ranging from
passage-based questions, essay question based on the whole text to empathic questions.
Choose one text from a choice of six texts
Unit 3 – Prose from other Culture: 45 minute examination worth 25% of the overall qualification.
• Candidates respond to one question on one of the set text. Choice of question ranging from
passage-based questions or essay question based on the whole text
• Choose one text from a choice of six texts
Unit 4 – Literary Heritage Prose and Contemporary Poetry: 1 hour 30 minute examination worth
25% of the overall qualification
Literature Heritage Prose (15%)
• Candidates respond to one question on one of the set texts. Questions will be passagebased questions, essay questions or empathic questions
• Choose one of six texts
Contemporary Poetry (10%)
• Candidates respond to one question on one poem by their chosen poet. Questions will be
poem-based questions, essay questions
• Candidates can choose to Either study one of six poets. Or respond to unseen poetry.
Candidates respond to one question on a previously unseen poem
.
Progression Routes & Qualifications
• 1 or 2 GCSE’s
• Level / University progression
• Employment in areas requiring written capabilities
For Advice And Further Information

Ms. Casey
5
GCSE MATHEMATICS
Course Overview
All students will take either Edexcel Modular / Edexcel Linear or OCR Linear. Exactly which tier a
student follows will depend upon their results in their Year 9 examinations and teachers’
recommendations.
Course Structure
Students will follow :
OCR GCSE Mathematics / Edexcel Linear
-
Students will sit two written
examinations at the end of Year 11
Edexcel Modular Units 1 and 2 during Year 10
There are two tiers of entry for each course:
1. Foundation
-
Grades G – C
2. Higher
-
Grades D – A*
Progression Routes & Qualifications
Our aim is to prepare students thoroughly for external examinations, and in doing so, prepare
them for life - whether at college or at work – on completion of Year 11 at the Academy.
Mathematics could lead you to the following careers; bank cashier, maths teacher, engineer,
architect or an accountant.
For Advice and Further Information

Mr. Allen
6
GCSE
IN
TRIPLE SCIENCES
Course Overview
This course is essential for students who wish to go onto study sciences at A level.
Students wishing to opt for this course must be highly motivated and attain at a high standard in
science.
Course Structure
Year 10 - Students are taught the 3 sciences, separately by specialist teachers.
In Year 10, students will study and be examined in these topics;
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B1 – Understanding Ourselves
B2 – Understanding our Environment
B3 – Living and Growing
C1 – Carbon Chemistry
C2 – Rocks and metals
C3 – The Periodic Table
P1 – Energy in the home
P2 – Living for the Future
P3 – Forces for transport
At then end of year 10, students will take external examinations:

Paper 1 Biology (1 hour)
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Paper 1 Chemistry (1 hour)

Paper 1 Physics (1 hour)
Year 11 - In year 11 students will study and be examined in the remaining topics:
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B4 – It’s a green world
B5 – The Living Body
B6 – Beyond the Microscope
C4 – Chemical Economics
C5 – How much?
C6 – Chemistry out there.
P4 – Radiation for life
P5 – Space for reflection
P6 - Electricity for gadgets
At then end of year 11, students will take external papers and submit coursework:

Paper 2 Biology (1 hour)
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Paper 2 Chemistry (1 hour)

Paper 2 Physics (1 hour)
Students will also submit coursework for each subject area.
Progression routes and qualifications
At the end of the course, students will receive a GCSE A*-G grade for each subject area. This
course is an excellent preparation for students who wish to study science at A level and beyond.
For advice and further information
Mr Southall
7
GCSE OCR Gateway Science (Core)
and
Additional Science GCSE
Course Overview
Based on attainment in science, students will follow either GCSE double award courses or BTEC
double award science.
Course Structure - GCSE (core)
This is a balanced science course which covers the GCSE basics in biology, chemistry and
physics.
In Year 10, students will study and be examined in these topics;

B1 – Understanding Ourselves

B2 – Understanding our Environment

C1 – Carbon Chemistry

C2 – Rocks and metals

P1 – Energy in the home

P2 – Living for the Future
At then end of year 10, students will take external papers and submit coursework:

Paper 1 (1 hour) – 33% of qualification
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Paper 2 (1 hour) – 33% of qualification

Coursework (completed in science class) – 33% of qualification
Students who are successful in their Year 10 examinations will go onto study the Additional
Science GCSE in year 11.
Additional Science GCSE
This course expands upon the topics studied at GCSE (core). The topics to be studied and
examined at in Year 11 are:
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B3 – Living and Growing
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B4 – It’s a green world
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C3 – The Periodic Table
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C4 – Chemical Economics
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P3 – Forces for transport
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P4 – Radiation for life
At then end of year 11, students will take external papers and submit coursework:
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Paper 1 (1 hour) – 33% of qualification
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Paper 2 (1 hour) – 33% of qualification
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Coursework (completed in science class) – 33% of qualification
Progression Routes and Qualifications
At the end of this course students will be awarded a GCSE (core) A*-G grade and an Additional
GCSE A*-G grade. This qualification will enable students to access separate science GCSE’s
(biology, chemistry, physics) should they wish to pursue science in their future college place.
For Advice And Further Information

Mr Southall
8
GCSE HUMANITIES
HISTORY
HISTORY
Course Overview
We currently study the OCR course for SHP. The GCSE involves four units. It is a modular
course with three examinations, which will be spread out across two years so that you do not
have to take them all at the same time. You can even re-sit them if you want to improve your
grade !
Course Structure
Paper 1
Development study: Medicine and Treatment
Study of the development of medicine through time, from Romans to the present day
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Why did the belief that illness was caused by evil spirits change?

How did people in the past cope with disease and injury?
As part of the course students visit the operating theatre and Science Museum in London.
Paper 2
Source based enquiry
An investigation into one period of medicine through time and how this period changed or
developed medicine for the better. Students will be informed of the topic prior to the examination
and will study source skills as preparation.
Paper 1
A Depth Study: The American West 1840-1895
Study of the development of America and the impact of this upon Native Americans.

The adventures of cowboys and outlaws
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We also look at the wars between the Native Americans and the US government
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How did the US government destroy the Native American’s way of life?
Coursework
History around us - Kenilworth Castle
An in depth look at the development of Kenilworth Castle through time and how the castle has
changed from a defensive stronghold to a stately home.
Students will visit the castle as part of the investigation.
Progression Routes and Qualifications
History is thought of as an excellent GCSE by lots of employers, colleges and universities
because of the skills that students develop. It can lead to many different career paths such as
marketing, media, law, politics and management positions. If you are interested in careers where
you have to look at evidence, come to conclusions and write persuasive arguments e.g. law and
journalism, then this would be a good course for you. It would also be a sensible choice for
anyone interested in a career in medicine.
For Advice and Further Information

Mr. Castle
9
GCSE HUMANITIES
GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY
Course Overview
This is an exciting course which was launched in 2009. The four themes covered within this
course are as follows:
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Extreme environments (desert and mountain environments).
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You as a global citizen - the impact of our decisions
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Similarities and differences (study of a UK location and a non - UK country; Birmingham
and Mumbai)
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Issues in our fast changing world (population change, climate change, trade and the
challenges of planning) this is based on a seen booklet which students study six weeks
prior to the examination.
Course Structure
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Extreme environments - 25% overall - Examination at the end of the year.
You as global citizen - the impact of our decisions - 25% overall - two pieces of
assessed work, based on consumer decisions and a local retail area
Similarities and differences - 25% overall - Examination at the end of the year
Issues in our fast changing world - 25% overall - Examination at the end of the year
Progression Routes and Qualifications
This new Geography GCSE course is very topical and relevant for the world we live in today,
therefore you will be studying up to date case studies throughout. The knowledge and skills you
will acquire from this course will make you a suitable candidate in a variety of different careers
such as, finance, retail, marketing, management and local governance
For Advice and Further Information

Miss Holloway
10
CORE
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Course Overview
Students further their knowledge and practical skills in a number of individual and team
sports throughout KS4.
As well as developing their practical skills, students will also have the opportunity to be a
coach, an umpire and an organiser.
Course Structure
100 % Practical
All students participate in 2 compulsory lessons per week, where they have the
participating in the following activities:
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option of
BTEC Sport course
Outdoor games
Basketball
Trampolining
Fitness
Badminton
Striking and Fielding
Swimming
Each student is assessed at the end of each activity block where 2 grades are given: one for
achievement and one for effort.
For Advice And Further Information


Mr Hetherington
Miss Brown
11
BTEC Level 2 CERTIFICATE in
CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION
Course Overview
This course offers you experience in areas such as creative design, audio and video editing and
research.
If you enjoy working both independently and part of a team as well as completing coursework
then this could be the course for you.
Course Structure
4 units to be completed in Year 10 (mainly theory)
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Media Research Techniques
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Media audiences and products
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Advertising production
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Communication techniques
4 units to be completed in Year 11 (mixture of theory and practical)
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Creative media sector
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Audio production
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Creative media production project
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Print production
Externally assessed units and externally assessed examination.
Successful completion of one year is equivalent to 1 GCSE and is graded pass, merit, distinction.
Year 2 will be a progression to either the Level 3 qualification or GCSE Media.
Progression Routes & Qualifications
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BTEC level 3 subsidiary diploma in creative media TV & film - equivalent to one ‘A’
level. One year course
BTEC Level 3 diploma in creative media (TV & film) Two year course - equivalent to two
‘A’ levels two year course
Production work in television, film and radio e.g. producer, editor, camera operator,
technician
Research skills that can be used in a number of industries.
For Advice and Further Information
Miss Cerrone
12
OCR NATIONALS AWARD in
ICT
Course Overview
This course is ideal for any student who wishes to further their knowledge of ICT and how
ICT is used by businesses. It is particularly suited to students who are good at
coursework. All assignments are practically based and assessed within the Academy.
Units may be externally assessed with externally assessed examination.
Students will develop their ICT skills which are relevant to future careers. They will use a
range of interactive software to create presentations and other business style documents.
Students will be given the opportunity to use ICT independently, building on the skills they
learnt in Key Stage 3. They will also have opportunities to work collectively, to share ideas
and solve problems.
Course Structure
Single Award
Year 10
ICT skills for business - Students are shown how to design, produce and review
business documents. They will explore the whole range of software that is in the suite
family and develop an insight into how to effectively create documents of a high
standard. This is an ideal grounding for any future career aspirations that students
may have.
Video Editing - Creating a promotional video for North Birmingham Academy, using a
wide range of video editing techniques.
Double Award
Year 11
Web page creation - Using the latest software to design, create and test an
interactive website. The website will contain an animation, video and images. They
also learn the skills to review and improve their own work.
Creating Sound - Students review and analyse a range of Audio clips from Radio
averts to movie soundtracks. They also learn the skills needed to design, produce and
test their own audio clips.
Progression Routes & Qualifications
This course prepares students for employment in ICT, career development into further
or higher education, work or training.
It is ideal for any student thinking of a career in website design or advertising, as it
helps to develop a practical approach to attractive and effective web messaging tools.
For Advice and Further Information

Mr. Gershwin-Williams

Mr. Panesar
13
GCSE ART AND DESIGN
Art and Design GCSE involves a great deal of commitment and a tremendous amount of work.
However, the results of such hard work are pleasing and something to be very proud of.
Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to study a range of techniques and develop
personal responses to a variety of themes.
Course Overview
All coursework is continually assessed and this makes up 60% of your final grade. At the end of
the course there is a final examination, which is ten hours long over two days. All work is
prepared before the examination so students know exactly what they are going to produce.

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60% Coursework
40% Examination
Course Structure
This course gives students the opportunity to explore with a range of techniques and develop new
skills.
The work will include:Drawing and Painting
Printmaking
3-D Design & Sculpture
Mixed Media
Photography
Textiles
Progression Routes and Qualifications
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A levels / BTEC Art and Design
University to study all areas of Art and Design
Employment in an Art and Design Industry
For Advice And Further Information

Miss S Collins
14
GCSE FRENCH
Course Overview
If you enjoy communicating with other people, finding out how language works and learning
about different countries and cultures, studying GCSE French is an excellent choice for you!
If having studied French at Key Stage 3, you already know some of the vocabulary and
grammar you will need for GCSE. You know how to talk about yourself, your family and friends,
your leisure time, local environment, school, holidays, food and drink.
Course Structure
You will build on the above topics during your GCSE course as well as moving on to new topics
under the following headings:
Lifestyle
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Health, Relationships and Choices
Leisure
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Free Time and the Media, Holidays
Home and Environment
Work and Education

School and Future Plans, Current and Future Jobs
Assessment
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Controlled assessments in Speaking and Writing

Examination papers in Listening and Reading in June of Year 11
Progression Routes & Qualifications
People with language skills are highly thought of in the modern world and stand out as talented
and successful people. Taking GCSE French means you will:
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have much more fun when travelling to a French speaking country
be able to study French at a higher level
add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone
who reads your CV
be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links or to work
abroad
For Advice And Further Information
Mrs Taylor
15
GCSE SPANISH
Course Overview
If you enjoy communicating with other people, finding out how language works and learning
about different countries and cultures, studying GCSE Spanish is an excellent choice for you!
If having studied Spanish at Key Stage 3, you already know some of the vocabulary and
grammar you will need for GCSE. You know how to talk about yourself, your family and friends,
your leisure time, local environment, school, holidays, food and drink.
Course Structure
You will build on the above topics during your GCSE course as well as moving on to new topics
under the following headings:
Lifestyle

Health, Relationships and Choices
Leisure

Free Time and the Media, Holidays
Home and Environment
Work and Education

School and Future Plans, Current and Future Jobs
Assessment

Controlled assessments in Speaking and Writing

Examination papers in Listening and Reading in June of Year 11
Progression Routes & Qualifications
People with language skills and knowledge are highly thought of in the modern world and stand
out as talented and successful people. Taking GCSE Spanish means you will:

have much more fun when travelling to a Spanish speaking country

be able to study Spanish at a higher level

add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone who
reads your CV

be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links or to work
abroad
For Advice And Further Information
Mr Gifford
Mrs Taylor
16
CHOOSE
ONE
OPTION FROM
C
17
GCSE BUSINESS STUDIES
Course Overview
This course is ideal for students with an interest in business as both a career option or generally.
Students who enjoy developing their own ideas and can rise to the challenge of problem solving
and who are looking to use this qualification to go onto further education or work, are perfect for
this course.
The course will also teach the principles and practices of how businesses are planned, developed
and run. This course is particlarly suited to students who are good at English as excellent written
and oral communication skills are required to be successful.
Course Structure
The specification is accredited by AQA and is listed 4133 on the web site. It is a two year course
that gives students one GCSE grade.
The course is split into 3 sections:
1.
Setting up a business - assessed by written
1 hour paper 40% of total mark
2.
Growing as a business - assessed by written paper
1 hour 35% of total mark
3.
Controlled assessment - investingating a business
25% of total mark
Progression Routes and Qualifications
This course prepares students for employment, a career in business and further education at both
A Level and BTEC National Level. This is a natural choice for candidates wishing to progress to
studies or career in business, communciation, hospitality and retail but is relevant to any
employment as general knowledge.
Although there are no formal entry requirements potential students are advised that the nature of
the course depends upon a good standard of literacy; students who do not achieve a Level 5 in
English may be advised to look clearly at the BTEC First Certificatre in Business Studies.
For Advice and Further Information

Mrs C Hardeman
18
GCSE TEXTILES
Course Overview
This G.C.S.E qualification will give you the opportunity to research and manufacture a product of
your choice. You will be developing your design and making skills for a ‘real life’ situation.
It is ideal if you wish to further develop your creative skills.
If you choose to work in this area you will be expected to research, develop, test, and manufacture
products in a range of materials
The exam board sets the task; you will be given a context and a design brief.
Other course information
Your Textiles project is called ‘the controlled assessment’
The controlled assessment (designing and making) is worth 60% of your final grade.
Your teacher will give you as much help as they are allowed to by the exam board, so do ask
them...but mostly it’s up to you to make a good job of your project.
Your folder should be about 30 pages of A3. You will lose marks if you do much more than this
so don’t waffle and don’t waste space on irrelevant stuff, especially at the research stage.
Once your ‘controlled assessment’ is marked’ only 20% of the mark is for your final product,
the other 40% is for the sheer brilliance of your folder.
Your design folder should ‘tell the story’ of your design. The moderator wants to see how you
got from the design specification to the manufacturing specification.
The moderator hates wading through pages and pages of products that you have printed off the
internet, you won’t get many research marks if that’s all you do.
The rest of your mark is made up with a written exam which is worth 40 %. In the exam you will
be tested on everything that you have learned during the course – materials, tools, how to
design things, how to make things, health and safety, environmental issues... When evaluating a design or a product, remember to explain which aspects of the design or product
need changing and why. It’s another little step on the long and winding road to coursework
heaven.
Written & practical activities used for assessment
Graded criteria from A* - G
Progression Routes & Qualifications
Level 3 creative crafts
‘A’ level Design & Technology
NVQ’s in various crafts
Btec fashion
Career opportunities within the fashion and clothing industry at all levels
Foundation course in Textiles or Fashion design
For Advice and Additional Information
Miss Mason
19
GCSE PERFORMING ARTS
Course Overview
The Edexcel courses that we follow at Key Stage 4 have been designed to build on learning from Key
Stage 3. For those who may wish to explore a vocational route throughout Key Stage 4 there is the
BTEC and for those who wish to achieve a GCSE there is the opportunity to do that too!
Both courses that we offer are taught over 2 years and have 3 units. Learners must complete all 3 units
to pass and both courses have units that your teachers will assess and a unit that Edexcel sets and
marks.
For the BTEC the units you will study are:
1 Individual Showcase
2 Preparation, Performance and Production
3 Acting Skills
For the GCSE the units you will study are:
1 Devising Plays
2 Scripted plays
3 Practical Exam
To succeed you will need to:
Attend every lesson because you cannot rehearse if you are absent
Be able to work independently and be good at problem solving
Enjoy working in a group
Be confident and willing to try new ideas out
Be creative!
Progression opportunities
The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts provides a good foundation for
learners in post-16 education. The qualification provides a suitable foundation for further study within the
sector through progression on to qualifications such as the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals in
Performing Arts. Alternatively, the underpinning knowledge, practical and vocational skills learnt on the
BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts will enhance and support progression to a
competency-based course. Successful learners at level 2 may also consider general qualifications at
level 3 such as GCE AS or A Levels in Drama and Theatre Studies and Performing Arts. Learners who
achieve the qualification at level 1 may progress to level 2 or consider progression to general
qualifications such as GCSE Drama.
Progression from the GCSE in Drama can lead to study in GCE in Drama and Theatre Studies, BTEC
National Award in Performing Arts (Acting), BTEC National Certificate in Performing Arts (Acting), BTEC
National Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting), 14-19 Diploma in Creative Media (Level 3).
For advice and further information
Mr Hodgson
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GCSE MUSIC
Course Overview
GCSE Music is an exciting course, offering students the opportunities to improve their personal
performance, composition skills and their awareness and knowledge of a variety of genres of
music. In addition to more traditional music to be studied, this specification now includes
opportunities for DJ-ing, beat boxing and digital sequencing, making it suitable for a wide range of
musicians.
GCSE Music offers students an opportunity to learn new skills and improve existing ones, offering
a learning experience rich in variety and benefit both for movement onto the next step in
education, but also in movement into the world of work.
Course Structure
This course gives the students the opportunity to produce work from four Areas of Study, which
can be tailored to the experience, skills and desires of the individual student.
How you will be assessed
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2 performances (one individual, one group)- assessed internally
2 compositions (one for your own instrument, one film music- assessed internally
1 ½ hour listening exam at the end of the course (externally assessed)
45 minute creative task (externally assessed)
Progression Routes & Qualifications
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A Level Music
BTEC level 3 Music/Music Technology
BTEC level 3 Performing Arts
University in all areas of Music and Music Production
Employment in the music industry in a variety of roles including performer, composer
and DJ
For Advice and Further Information
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Mrs S Harvey
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Further course-specific information is also available at www.ocr.co.uk
21
GCSE SOCIOLOGY
Sociology can be defined as ‘The scientific study of human social behaviour, the
development of human behaviour and organizations found in modern society.’ In fact
everything to do with the ways in which people live in the modern world.
Course Overview
The full GCSE course takes two years to complete. There is no tiered entry in GCSE Sociology.
Students will be graded A* to G depending on their performance in the examinations.
Course Structure
Year 10 – Unit 1
 Studying Society: An introduction to the central terms and concepts used by sociologists.
 Education: Students will study education as a political issue and will investigate recent
reforms in education.
Families: Students will study cultural diversity including the changes taking place in family
structures.
Year 11 – Unit 2
 Crime and Deviance: Students will investigate the ways in which criminal and deviant
behaviour can affect society.
 Mass Media: We will investigate the power of the media and its effect on individuals and
groups within society.
 Power: Work includes an understanding of the role of citizens in the political process.
Social Inequality: Students will study and offer sociological explanations for the pattern of
inequality in British society.
GCSE Award
Written Paper Unit 1
Written Paper Unit 2
One hour 30 minutes
One hour 30 minutes
50%
50%
Progression Routes and Qualifications
This GCSE can be continued at AS and A2 Level in the Sixth Form where it is a particularly
popular choice. Post 16 Education also offer a range of academic and vocational qualifications
related to Sociology. Most universities also offer degrees in Sociology and Sociology related
subjects.
For Advice and Further Information
Mr D. Hill-Ilderton
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GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Course Overview
Students who wish to further their knowledge and practical skills in sports, should opt for GCSE
Physical Education.
Students will participate in a range of team and individual activities on the games field, whilst
looking at the scientific effect these have upon the body, in the classroom.
As well as developing their practical skills, students willl also have the opportunity to be a coach,
an umpire and an organiser.
If you enjoy sport, like a challenge and would like to learn how exercise affects your body, then
Physical Education would be a smart choice.
Course Structure
The GCSE course is assessed over two units.
Unit 1 - 40% theory where the following areas are assessed through a written examination
paper of 1 1/2 hours.
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Healthy Active Lifestyles
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A Healthy Active Body
Unit 2 - 60% practical, assessed in two sections.
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Section 1 - 48%. You are assessed in four practical performances in the role of either
player, participant, leader or official
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Section 2 - 12%. You will develop a Personal Excercise Programme for one of your chosen
activities
Progression Routes & Qualifications
Where could GCSE Physical Education lead you?
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Onto further education, such as AS level P.E or BTEC Sport
A job in the leisure industry
Police force
Physiotherapy
P.E teacher
You should have:
A passion for sport.
A sound KS3 record of bringing your kit and taking part in all lessons.
A good scientific understanding of sport.
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For Advice and Further Information

Mr C. Hetherington
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AQA GCSE DANCE
Course Overview
Building on existing knowledge and skills learnt at key stage 3, the two year course takes a more
in depth look at Dance from the dancer’s, choreographer’s and the audiences perception. It
focuses on the visual and artistic qualities of dance and the use of movement to express and
communicate ideas and concepts through the processes of performance, choreography and
critical appreciation.
During the two years you will study two professional works providing the context for learning
through performance, choreography and critical appreciation, enabling you to experience
different cultural influences and styles of dance.
The practical emphasis of 80% will enable you to actively and physically demonstrate your
knowledge and experience in all three roles. The balance between performance and
choreography is equally weighted at 40% each.
Course Structure
The two year course is broken down into four units:
Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance
 Written Paper - 1 hour
50 marks - 20%
 You will learn how to appreciate and critique dance whilst looking specifically at two
professional works.
Unit 2: Set Dance Practical Examination
 Solo Performance - 1-1½ minutes
30 marks - 20%
 You will develop your physical competence and effectiveness as performers and your
knowledge of safe working practice.
Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance
 3 - 3½ minutes Controlled Assessment
30 marks - 20%
You will work in collaboration with the teacher to create a duo or group dance that links to a
professional work. This may be created in a dance style of the students own choice, if approved
by the teacher.
Unit 4: Choreography
 Task 1: Solo Composition 1-1½ mins
 Task 2: Choreography - solo/duo/group
20 marks - 15%
40 marks - 25%
Unit total: 60 marks - 40%
Progression Routes and Qualifications
This course gives underpinning knowledge needed for both A level dance and BTEC Performing
Arts, Dance pathway. It also develops your dance technique and performance skills.
For Advice and Further Information
Mrs Hickman.
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GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Course Overview
GCSE, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion is an exciting subject for any student looking to achieve a
high standard of academic achievement for the world of work, college and university. In an
increasingly international and diverse work place employers want innovative people with a high
amount of emotional intelligence, background knowledge of the world’s cultures and issues
combined with the ability to research the facts and present a valid and critical study.
This subject will give your child the chance to develop these skills.
Course Structure
Students will sit four exams, two in year 10 and two in year 11 based on philosophy and ethics.
Philosophy 1
Investigates beliefs about religion and how this affects beliefs about life after death and spirituality
itself.
Philosophy 2
Focuses on the debates about good and evil in the world & Religion vs. Science
Ethics 1
Studies religious and secular beliefs about human relationships and medical ethics and wealth
Ethics 2
Examines peace and justice across the world with particular emphasis on equality in all areas of
life
Progression Routes & Qualifications
This GCSE would compliment careers in Social Work, Law, Teaching, Government/Civil Service,
Council & Public sector, Police, Journalism/Writing, Acting
For Advice And Further Information

Mrs Allsopp
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