HAMPTON COURT HOUSE
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The GCSE Qualification is a two year process and requires hard work and commitment on the part of both student and teacher. If a student fails to put in the requisite amount of time, work and energy the school reserves the right to withdraw them or not enter them for any of the GCSE examinations.
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ART & DESIGN
nck@hchnet.co.uk
The Fine Art GCSE at Hampton Court House is an enriching and engaging experience where students develop technical skills in drawing, painting and sculpture. Students are encouraged to produce individual and imaginative work throughout the curriculum, whilst learning and refining their use and control over a wide range of materials and the formal elements of art. Students grow in self confidence throughout the two year course, which provides them with a platform for a life long interest and ability in art, design and culture. GCSE art compliments students wanting to build a portfolio and study art, illustration, graphics and media at higher education.
Unit 1: Set Projects Completed in Class and Homework
Personal Portfolio
Controlled Assessment Material
Approximately 45 hours
Worth 60% of the qualification
Students work under informal supervised conditions with their teacher. Students are producing their own work in response to set themes. Students are to make use of their research to inform their work. Students’ work needs to cover all FOUR
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES (each objective is worth 15% of your overall grade).
Assessment Objectives:
AO1: Develop your ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding.
AO2: Refine ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes.
AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to your intentions in visual and/or other forms
AO4: Present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating analytical and critical understanding, realising intentions and where appropriate, making connections between visual, written, oral or other elements
Unit 2: EXERNALLY SET ASSIGNMENT (set in the January of year 11)
Exam based paper
Approximately 25-hour preparatory period
10 hour formal exam
Worth 40% of the qualification
The four assessment objectives will be used again for unit 2, each objective is worth
10% of your overall grade.
To gain an A/A* in Art and Design students must …
AO1: Show imaginative ideas which are supported by perceptive and sustained investigations. Clear independent and sensitive insights in their work, which are supported by skilful use of critical understanding.
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AO2: Demonstrate insightful and in-depth review, resulting in creative and imaginative developments. Recognising the full potential of materials, techniques and processes selected.
AO3: Have a perceptive grasp of the ideas and issues they have recorded. This is evidenced through their sustained and comprehensive use of visual / or other forms, creatively. Any specialist art terms are used appropriately and are expressed with high accuracy.
AO4: Intentions are fully realised through personal outcomes, demonstrating original, imaginative, inventive and exciting qualities, with highly appropriate connections between elements.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE
glc@hchnet.co.uk
English Language is essential for communicating with others in school and in the wider world. It is also fundamental to learning outcomes in all curriculum subjects. In studying English at IGCSE, students continue to develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing that they need to participate in society and employment. The ICGSE is not only vital but it is also an engaging course which allows students to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others confidently and effectively.
Teaching in all cases is to the Higher Tier which enables awards in the A* to C range. To be taken alongside English Literature. The English Language grade is taken from one examination paper and five pieces of coursework (see below).
English Language (Specification A) The Examination.
Paper One (4EAO/01) Reading and Writing.
70% externally assessed paper – 60 marks (20 marks per section).
2 hour and 15 minute paper.
Section A – Reading – unseen passage with comprehension style questions. (20 marks)
Section B – Reading and Writing – an article from The Edexcel Anthology with comprehension style questions. This is followed by a writing task based on the above article. (20 marks)
Section C – Writing – one written piece testing the ability to inform, explain and describe. (20 marks)
Paper Two
English Language (Specification A) – Coursework.
Paper Three (4EAO/03) – Reading and Writing.
20% internally assessed paper - 80 marks (40 for each assignment).
This unit consists of 2 written pieces of coursework:
Assignment 1 – critical/analytical writing based on any text or texts from Section
B of The Edexcel Anthology (40 marks).
Assignment 2 – Writing to explore, imagine and entertain (40 marks).
Paper Four (4EAO/04) – Speaking and Listening.
10% internally assessed paper – 120 marks (40 for each assignment).
This unit is made up of 3 assignments/presentations: i) individual, ii) pair work and iii) group work.
Set Texts
The Edexcel Anthology for IGCSE - this includes pieces by Ellen MacArthur,
Adeline Yen Mah, Joe Simpson, Greenpeace, Sebastian Faulks, Wilfred Owen,
W. H. Auden, Guy de Maupassant etc...
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Edexcel IGCSE English Language Student Book – P. Taylor, R. Addison and D.
Foster.
ENGLISH LITERATURE
English Literature is as varied as it is inspirational. The Edexcel IGCSE
Literature reflects the experiences of people from many countries and times and contributes to our sense of cultural identity. The IGCSE helps students learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama, gaining access to the pleasure and world of knowledge that reading offers. Looking at the patterns, structures, origins and conventions of English also helps students understand how language works. This is a good all rounder of a course!
Teaching in all cases is to the Higher Tier which enables awards in the A* to C range. To be taken alongside English Language.
This is a 100% written examination course where students are graded on their performance in two papers.
English Literature - The Examination.
Paper One (4ETO/01) – Drama and Prose.
60% externally assessed paper – 60 marks (30 marks per question).
1 hour and 45 minute paper.
Section A – Drama one choice from two questions on J. B. Priestley’s ‘An
Inspector Calls’ (30 marks)
Section B – Prose – one choice from two questions on John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ (30 marks)
N.B. This is a closed book examination.
Paper Two (4ETO/02) –Unseen Texts and Poetry Anthology.
40% externally assessed paper – 40 marks (20 marks per question).
1 hour and 30 minute paper.
Section A – A compulsory question on an unprepared poem or prose text (20 marks)
Section B – One question based on poetry from The Edexcel Anthology Section
C Poetry. (20 marks)
Set Texts
J. B. Priestley ‘An Inspector Calls’; John Steinbeck ‘Of Mice and Men’ and
Section C of The Edexcel Anthology for IGCSE – this contains poems by Dylan
Thomas, Louis Macneice, Shakespeare, D. H. Lawrence, Keats, Blake,
Browning, Carol Ann Duffy, Wole Soyinka, Rudyard Kipling etc...
Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Student Book – Pam Taylor.
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FRENCH
cag@hchnet.co.uk
The French GCSE programme is built to help students develop an insight on
French and French speaking countries' culture. It will allow the students to develop an understanding of the language and will deepen their understanding of
English too. It is a good stepping stone towards fluency in French and will prepare the students towards A level and higher education.
France is also Britain's nearest neighbour and Paris is only two and half hours away from London! The relationship between the two countries is as ancient as the history of Europe and the course will allow you to have access to this.
French is also spoken all over the world by over 115 million people and will be an asset for students towards future career and personal development.
Candidates learn about the culture of countries where French is spoken and will be able to communicate with young people in these countries. French is studied in relation to everyday activities, personal and social life, the world around us, the world of work and the international world.
Candidates learn the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
The Examination OCR J730
Unit 1
Unit 2
Listening (A701) 40 mins 20%
Unit 3
Unit 4
Speaking (A702) 12-15 mins 30%
There are two speaking tasks, Candidates are given preparation time and then must speak on two given topics for four – six minutes. These topics will be examined separately.
Reading (A703) 50 mins 20%
Writing (A704) 30%
There are two written tasks, Candidates are given preparation time and then must write two pieces on two different topics. These topics will be examined separately.
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GEOGRAPHY
btr@hchnet.co.uk
Geography Specification A
We live in a time of rapid change. It is an exciting and challenging period in history, and there is increasing pressure on countries to develop fast. Decisions we make now will dramatically affect our future. Problems such as global warming, destruction of our reefs and forests, loss of important plants and animals, pollution, increasing poverty, unemployment, ill health and nutritional problems are some of the well known results of inappropriate development. The course aims to address such questions and to facilitate the pupil’s understanding of the Earth. It examines how places and countries differ, how natural and human environments work, as well as examining the connections between places, resources, people and development. Geography examines why some places develop and are good places to live, and why other places do not develop, or, in some cases, are worse today than they were in the past.
The Course - Edexcel 5GA
The course is split into four units:
Unit 1 – Geographical Skills and Challenges for the Planet
This unit looks at geographical skills and is examined at the end of the two year course. It also includes climate change and sustainability.
Unit 2 – The Natural Environment
Tectonics option – earthquakes, volcanoes, hazards and hazard mitigation.
The Watery World – looking at the themes of sustainability in relation to our ever more thirsty world.
Unit 3 – The Human Environment
Population- within months of reaching 7 billion. Will the population carry on increasing? What are countries doing about it and why?
Tourism- in a globalised world how tourism has bought us closer and driven us further apart.
Unit 4 – Investigating Geography
This is taken as Controlled assessment and a fieldwork study. Out in the field it is under low levels of controlled whereas back at school some of the write up is under exam conditions.
Textbook : Tomorrows Geography (3rd edition), Mike Harcourt and Stephen
Warren.
Revision Guides accompany the series.
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HISTORY
WJEC – Welsh Joint Education Committee drs@hchnet.co.uk
History is essentially the study of man. All human emotions, fears, doubts and hopes are writ large in our history. Not only does History provide us with a record of our past, it also provides with a road map to our future, a road map tragically often discarded by politicians and prelates. History influences all areas of our society and all areas of the world. A person without History is essentially blind not just to the beliefs and culture of their own country but also to those of neighbouring nations. In this global age of new emerging threats a full understanding of History has become vital to all educated people.
History at GCSE provides students with the opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of twentieth century history. Students look at the emergence of one super power and the eclipse of another – a phenomenon many believe is being repeated now; while developing their analytical skills through in depth studies of both Germany and Russia.
The Examination
All Candidates will be required to sit three written examinations at the end of their second year of study. Two of these examinations will be in depth studies
(Russia in transition 1914-1924 and Germany in transition 1929-1947) and will require a detailed knowledge of the periods covered. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a range of questions based primarily on source material. The third examination will deal with an outline study (The development of the United States 1929-2000) this examination will require candidates to demonstrate a greater breadth of knowledge, but a less detailed level of understanding. In addition to these examinations all candidates are required to produce two pieces of controlled assessment. While controlled assessment may be completed in the first year of study, all written units will be taken at the end of the second year of study.
In Brief
EXAMINATION BOARD: WJEC : Welsh Joint Education Committee
PAPER ONE (IN DEPTH STUDIES): 2 1 hour examinations 50%
Russia in transition (1914-1924)
Germany in transition (1929-1947)
PAPER TWO (OUTLINE STUDY): 1 hour examination 25%
The Development of the United States (1929-2000)
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT
An investigation into an issue of historical debate or controversy (25%)
Resources
+ The Russian Revolution – HCH Textbook
America – HCH Textbook
WJEC GCSE HISTORY: The USA 1910-1929 and Germany 1929-1947, Steve Waugh & John Wright,
Hodder Education, June 2010
WJEC GCSE HISTORY: The Development of the USA 1929-2000, Steve Waugh & John Wright, Hodder
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ICT
crt@hchnet.co.uk
The ICT GCSE is comprised of two units.
Unit 1 - 1 hour and 30 minute examination paper . 40% of the total GCSE
In this unit students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society.
They learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and wellbeing and on the move).
They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice.
Unit 2 - Coursework internally assessed under controlled conditions. 60% of the total GCSE
This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts.
They learn to reflect critically on their own work and others' use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.
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LATIN
Why study Latin?
lmm@hchnet.co.uk
GCSE Latin introduces you to our shared Western heritage. The course is a unique guide to understanding the cultural and social aspects of the ancient world that are still relevant in our own time. It does so by exploring the literature of ancient Rome through readings of and discussions about the most influential writers of the time. Latin provides a solid foundation for the development of our own language, while providing a good background for the acquisition of other languages. A systematic and analytical language, learning Latin helps students become more observant, precise and logical. The GCSE Latin course is rigorous, but highly enriching.
Latin at GCSE level is typically taken by pupils who have attained a good pass at
13+ and have a keen interest in language and linguistics; it is particularly valuable in combination with French or Spanish (both direct descendants of Latin), and provides an essential basis for those seeking to expand, improve and refine their
English vocabulary and stylistic skills. In addition, pupils will encounter for the first time a number of well-known Roman authors in the original Latin. This is a work-intensive course, but the intellectual and academic rewards are considerable. This is an essential building block for those wishing to continue
Latin at A level.
The Examination
Long Course Units
Unit A401H: Latin Language 1 (Mythology and domestic life)(Higher Tier)
Unit A402H: Latin Language 2 (History)(Higher Tier)
Unit A403H: Latin Prose Literature (Higher Tier)
Unit A404H: Latin Verse Literature (Higher Tier)
Unit A405H: Sources for Latin (Higher Tier)
Textbooks
Outlon, So You Really Want to Learn Latin, Books 1-3 (with accompanying workbooks). Galore Park.
Cambridge Latin Anthology. Cambridge University Press.
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MATHEMATICS
al@hchnet.co.uk
What Can You Gain From Studying Mathematics?
During the course of your study of Mathematics, however long that may be
(GCSE, A level, perhaps even a degree), you will be given opportunities to develop many skills. Some of these are specifically related to mathematics, and some have relevance outside it. Those skills that can be used in other contexts - such as the ability to solve problems, communicate well, learn quickly, organise your time - are called transferable skills
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Although it may seem a long way off, chances are that one day, degree-in-hand, you will be looking for a job. Your transferable skills will be of particular interest to potential employers, who will not just be concerned with your performance in your subject, but in the overall contribution you can make to their organisation. If you can convince an employer that you can work well within a team, solve problems, organise, innovate, adapt, and so forth, you will outshine your competitors in the job market.
Mathematics GCSE Outline
Mathematics is a compulsory part of the curriculum in Years 10 and 11; all students have four Mathematics lessons a week in each year.
Pupils are prepared first for Mathematics GCSE. This is examined by two written papers assessing pupils’ understanding of the syllabus content. Both of these papers are taken at the end of Year 11.
While we recognise the importance to all pupils of achieving the best possible grades in their Mathematics GCSE, the teaching of Mathematics at Hampton
Court House is not constrained by public examination syllabuses and students are likely to be also presented with a considerable amount of additional material which we consider useful, interesting or instructive to them.
Although some schools ask their more able students to take the GCSE exam at the end of Year 10 in order to get a head start on the AS material, we do not agree with this approach. The way to develop strong mathematicians, capable of taking on Maths and Further Maths at A level, is to challenge them with problems which require them to independently think rigorously through multiple stages of calculation, rather than to simply give them a cursory grounding in
‘more mathematics’. To rush students through examinations early only puts unnecessary limits on the curriculum that can be covered, and is therefore is in our opinion more detrimental than it is advantageous: our policy is one of enrichment rather than acceleration.
Syllabus: Edexcel GCSE in Mathematics A – Linear (1MA0).
There are two tiers available; it is our expectation that all our candidates take the higher tier.
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PSYCHOLOGY aa@hchnet.co.uk
Why study Psychology?
Psychology is the science of behaviour and mental processes. Psychology is a fascinating and life-enriching subject, which can prepare you for a wide range of career options, such as counseling, nursing and medicine, as well as other careers which require an element of psychological understanding, such as teaching, advertising, media, personnel management and finance.
The Examination
There are three written papers and no coursework. Pupils are expected to carry out some independent research in preparation for Unit B543 (below) which assesses students’ understanding of research methodology.
The Course - OCR J611
Unit B541 : Studies and Applications in Psychology 1 sex and gender memory attachment written examination
1 hour 15 minutes obedience atypical behaviour
Unit B542 : Studies and Applications in Psychology 2 criminal behaviour perception cognitive development written examination
1 hour 15 minutes non-verbal communication the self
Unit B543 : Research in Psychology research process: planning; doing; analysing written examination
1 hour
40%
40%
20%
Core Textbook
OCR GCSE Psychology, Mark Billingham and David Groves (Heinemann)
Other Resources :
Psychology, Science of Mind and Behaviour, Richard Gross (Hodder &
Stoughton)
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SCIENCE aa@hchnet.co.uk
Students are awarded two IGCSE grades, reflecting the appropriate level of study of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The course has clear, detailed and comprehensive subject content with three separate examinations at the end of a two year course. The assessment of investigative skills is integrated within the examinations, so that pupils develop a natural interest in practical science and how it can be applied in the real world, as they progress through the course.
Furthermore, the IGCSE course provides a sound foundation for progression to
GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced level science specifications.
The Edexcel Science IGCSE comprises 17 Science sections from Biology,
Chemistry and Physics.
Biology (4BI0)
Section 1: The nature and variety of living organisms
Section 2: Structures and functions in living organisms
Section 3: Reproduction and inheritance
Section 4: Ecology and the environment
Section 5: Use of biological resources
Chemistry (4CH0)
Section 1: Principles of chemistry
Section 2: Chemistry of the elements
Section 3: Organic chemistry
Section 4: Physical chemistry
Section 5: Chemistry in society
Physics (4PH0)
Section 1: Forces and motion
Section 2: Electricity
Section 3: Waves
Section 4: Energy resources and energy transfer
Section 5: Solids, liquids and gases
Section 6: Magnetism and electromagnetism
Section 7: Radioactivity and particles
Key features and benefits are: students are awarded two IGCSE grades, reflecting study of the prescribed amount of subject content is clear, detailed and comprehensive subject content with straightforward linear assessment it requires less curriculum time than teaching the three sciences individually there are no tiered papers it has assessment of investigative skills integrated within the examinations it provides a sound foundation for progression to Edexcel’s GCE Advanced Subsidiary and
Advanced level science specifications.
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SPANISH
jmacampos@hchnet.co.uk
Spanish is taught to all children by native speaker José Maria Alvarez Campos.
The language is studied in relation to everyday activities, personal and social life, the world around us, the world of work and the international world. Students develop the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, building a broader vocabulary and gaining an understanding of grammar rules and usage.
There are also trips to Spain designed to complement the students’ class work.
Spanish has become a popular GCSE subject and many graduates of HCH have gone on to study the subject at A Level.
Structure of the course
Unit 1 – Listening (5SP01) - 20% GCSE course
Students will be tested on their ability to understand spoken Spanish. Testing is through a variety of tasks which require a response, written or non-verbal, to demonstrate understanding.
Unit 2 – Speaking (5SP02) - 30% GCSE course
The focus of the speaking unit will be chosen by the teacher in consultation with the student and will relate to one or more of the following themes: media and culture, sport and leisure, travel and tourism or business, work and employment (or the centredevised option).
Unit 3 – Reading (5SP03) - 20% GCSE course
Students will be tested on their ability to understand written Spanish. Testing is through a variety of tasks which require a response, written or non-verbal, to demonstrate understanding.
Unit 4 – Writing (5SP04) - 30% GCSE course
The focus of the writing unit will be chosen by the teacher in consultation with the student and will relate to one or more of the following themes: media and culture, sport and leisure, travel and tourism or business, work and employment (or the centredevised option).
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