ALDER GRANGE COMMUNITY & TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL
An 11-19 School
KEY STAGE 4
2014-2016
Information for Pupils
Parents and Carers
Introduction
As you know, you are about to make one of the most important decisions of your life - the selection of subjects for study in Years 10 and 11. Increasingly, you need to see this as a step taking you to your destination at the age of 18 or even 21.
There are some things you should remember:
a)Your working life will go far beyond the present economic climate – so think long term!
b)Be realistic and ambitious - do not settle for being less than you are.
c)The greater the qualifications you have the more you are likely to earn over your lifetime and the greater your freedom to choose your own pathway.
Alder Grangehas always aimed to combine the advantages of a school with small class sizes and pupils well known personally to the staff, with the opportunities of a large school in terms of the number of subjects available to pupils. Once begun, it is usually impossible to change courses.
Pupils with special educational needs will have the same choice as all others and will enjoy continuing support from the various support agencies. Where we feel that the burden of a full range of GCSEs would not be appropriate for a pupil, we shall discuss alternative routes. Further advice for individual pupils will be an integral part of the process of setting up next year's curriculum.
With such a wide degree of opportunity a great deal of careful and informed thought is needed before making final choices and we are here to give you as much help, information and support as we can.
If you have a question related to a particular subject, please ask the Curriculum Leader of the Department concerned. A list is given below. If the question is to do with the range of choices available to you please see Mr Riddell, Mrs Griffiths,
Mr Varley or Mr Guest.
EnglishMrs Worden
Mathematics/Statistics Miss Barwick
ScienceMrs Tolley
Art & Design Technology Mr Stringfellow
Humanities (Geography/History/RE/IAG)Mr Ali
Computing/Business StudiesMrs Wood
Modern Foreign LanguagesMrs Pearson
CEPA (Media/Performing Arts/Music/Drama)Mr Heywood
Physical EducationMrs Holland
Applied Learning (Hospitality & Catering/Health & Social Care)Mrs Brind
Psychology/SociologyMrs Brind
What You Need To Think About
We aim to offer the widest degree of choice to meet individuals' needs and interests. We must meet other important needs, too, of course. These are just as important to your son or daughter’s education as the degree of choice they have, and include:
1.The need to satisfy the legal requirements of the National Curriculum.
2.The importance of all pupils keeping future options open by following, at this stage, a broad and balanced curriculum.
3.The practicalities of ensuring all courses can be adequately staffed and equipped.
There are, therefore, some subjects which every pupil will study. These are the National Curriculum "Core" Subjects of English, MathematicsandScience, together with Computing, PhysicalEducation, Independent Advice and Guidance (IAG) and Religious Education, although PE and Computing are available as options, too.
The DfE has announced significant reforms to the accountability framework, which come into effect for performance measures based on 2016 exam results. In 2016, the headline measures of secondary school performance will be:
- Progress across 8 subjects (which we are calling Progress 8)
- Attainment across 8 subjects (which we are calling Attainment 8)
- The percentage of pupils achieving a C grade or better in both GCSE or iGCSE English and maths
- The English Baccalaureate3.
Further details about these reforms are available at the following link:
In short, thiswill require pupils to achieve grade ‘C’ or above in GCSE Mathematics, English, Science, a Humanities (History or Geography), Computing and a Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish). There is an expectation that pupils who have studied French in Year 9 will continue this into Years 10 and 11. This should be combined with either Geography or History and one other option choice. We would advise pupils planning academic courses at University to consider these subjects when selecting their options.
You need to remember, too, that the following points apply to all the courses followed in Years 10 and 11:
- Our expectations of you are very high - we expect all pupils to work hard from the very beginning of the course until its end.
- Homework will be an important and normal requirement - you cannot cover all the necessary work without it.
- Your personal organisation must be of the highest standard - attendance and punctuality, completing work fully and on time, ensuring all necessary equipment is with you when needed - all influence your final results.
WHAT YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT
Nearly all courses lead to public examinations, usually GCSE. Your results will greatly affect your future educational, training and career opportunities. You should choose COMBINATIONS of subjects which keep your future options as wide as possible.
In Years 10 and 11 you will spend about twice as long each week studying each subject as you do now.
Each subject will be deeper, more specialised and more demanding than in Years 7 to 9.
You have an opportunity now to select subjects in which you are strongest and which you enjoy most. Can you say which will be most suitable for you?
AFTER YEAR 11
Throughout years 10 and 11 all pupils will receive advice and guidance about careers options for courses at Alder Grange Sixth Form (ag6) and other local colleges and sixth forms to help you achieve success during the next four years. Consider post-16 courses when choosing options at KS4 and discuss any queries with members of staff. For more information on ag6go to our websiteand follow the ag6 link.
Alder Grange has strong links with local industries, businesses, colleges and universities and we use these links to enrich the curriculum, providing work placements and enterprise events for all pupils.
THE GCSE GRADES
There has been some confusion in the past about what the GCSE grades are, what they mean and how BTEC qualifications equate to GCSEs. You might find it useful to remember the following points.
The PASS grades at GCSE are A*, A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Below that is the only "fail" grade which is called "Unclassified" or "U". Grades A* to C are considered the "Higher" grade passes, D and below are "Foundation" passes. Please do not think that grades F and G are "fails" - they are not.
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT
Almost all courses involve the completion of a controlled assessment(CASS) which is formally assessed under examination conditions and which counts towards the final grade. This allows pupils to lay a sound foundation for success and to be assessed in aspects of work not easily tested in formal examinations. It is extremely important that a pupil does well in their controlled assessment and this requires good personal organisation and self-discipline.
Attendance at controlled assessment is vitally important if you are to get the best grade possible. Failure to attend controlled assessment sessions risks losing up to 40% of the final grade.
LINEAR ASSESSMENTfor GCSE subjects
All GCSE qualifications are assessed at the end of the course of study.
DIFFERENTIATION
The GCSE examination was intended for around 90% of all young people in Years 10 and 11 which means the examinations are designed to differentiate between stronger and weaker candidates. In some subjects candidates will be entered for a "tier" of GCSE paper which gives them access to a particular range of grades. These arrangements are explained in the subject descriptions in the following sections.
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY
It is important you select your courses carefully. Avoid thinking that any particular subject is for girls or for boys - that idea is now thoroughly out-dated and the school is committed to enabling all pupils, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural heritage, to achieve the highest levels of attainment and excellence of which they are capable. Keep all your future options as open as possible.
Subject Information
As part of the requirements of the National Curriculum all pupils in KS4must study:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
All are to GCSE or BTEC.
In addition, all pupils are required to follow courses in
Religious Education (some to GCSE)
Physical Education
ICT
ARTDESIGN
This GCSE subject is divided into two components, Coursework which is awarded 60% of the marks, and the Controlled Test 40%.
All the work done during Years 10 and 11 is Coursework apart from the exam. A number of projects using a variety of media including drawing, painting, observation work, 3 dimensional work, graphics and print-making will be undertaken. Pupils must complete a ‘portfolio’ which may be one or more pieces of work. Pupils cover media skills, use of imagination, researching, recording, analysing, selecting, planning, creating a range of ideas and understanding and incorporating the ideas of other Artists/Designers which make up the ‘portfolio’. Pupils must be aware that more marks are awarded to the processes of making a piece of artwork than to the final piece. ICT plays an important part in GCSE Art.
The exam is a single project undertaken towards the end of Year 11. The same four areas are assessed as in the Coursework.
The Coursework and exam are marked in an exhibition put up by the pupils at the end of April in Year 11.
Approximately 100,000 people in the UK are employed in the design industry using qualifications gained in Art Education. Many other types of creative work from hairdressing to engineering design require some form of art training. 25,000 people alone are employed in the North West of England in companies such as Video Game manufacturing, which is now a bigger industry than the music industry or the US film industry.
This subject leads to A level Art and Design or Graphics at ag6.
BUSINESS STUDIES
The Business Studies course will be offered as a GCSE option
The subject content will include the following units:
The syllabus will be Edexcel GCSE in Business Studies 2BS01.
Unit 1: Introduction to Small Business (25%) – Exam in Year 11
Unit 2: Investigating Small Business (25%) – Controlled Assessment in Year 10
Unit 3: Building a Business (50%) – Exam Year 11
Pupils do not need any prior learning in the area of business to follow this course. However, it is expected that pupils have developed competence in literacy and numeracy in order for them to study at this level.
Pupils will find it useful to know someone with their own Business who can help them with their research for the controlled assessment, though this is not essential.
Various resources including a text book will be used for this course.
This subject leads to A level Business Studies at ag6.
COMPUTING
Pupils will study Computing and will work towards a GCSE in Computing
The fun of computing
This course will help develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills.
For many, it’ll be a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.
This course will help develop interest and engagement with technology and technology-related careers.
To find out more about Computing take a look at the cs4fn.com.
Looking to the future
Information technologies continue to have a growing importance. This means there will be a bigger demand for professionals who are qualified in this area. This subject can offer an excellent stepping stone to future study or careers in Computing.
This subject leads to A level Computing and Cambridge Technical In ICT at ag6. This subject also supports a range of problem solving and creative thinking courses.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
The Department will offer a curriculum which best meets the broad nature of Technology, and caters for the distinctive talents and individual aptitudes of our pupils. Pupils will choose from the following:
Design & Technology: Electronic Products
Pupils will follow a 2 year GCSE course where the emphasis is on designing and making products which incorporate electronic circuits designed and made by the pupil. Assessment is through Terminal Examination (40%) and controlled assessment (60%), which must include a Design Folder, and a practical Electronic Product.
Note: A good level of understanding in Mathematics and Science is essential for pupils wishing to study Electronic Products.
Design & Technology: Product Design
Product Design is an exciting, creative subject leading to a range of potential careers including Architecture, Fashion, Engineering and Design. Pupils will follow a 2 year GCSE course where the emphasis is on working in a variety of different areas including textiles, graphics and resistant materials. Pupils will analyse existing products and design and make a range of 3-dimensional products using a wide variety of materials. Assessment is through Terminal Examination (40%) and Controlled Assessment (60%), which must include a Design Folder, and 3-dimensional products.
Controlled Assessment in both Design Technology subjects requires strong evidence of the use of ICT, and in-depth knowledge and use of industrial practices.
NOTE: A positive approach and commitment to all Design Technology subjects is essential throughout the course. Pupils will be expected to put in 'extra time' if necessary to keep up with coursework deadlines.
This subjects lead to A level Graphics and Product Design at ag6.
DRAMA
GCSE drama offers a varied and interesting course covering performance, directing, set, costume and sound & lighting.
Key subject aims
The Edexcel GCSE in Drama encourages pupils to:
Develop a personal interest in why drama matters and be inspired, moved and changed by studying a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study.
Work imaginatively and creatively in collaborative contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas.
Consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama texts and activities.
Reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others.
Develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills.
Develop a basis for their future role as active citizens in employment and society in general, as well as for the possible further study of drama.
Actively engage in the process of dramatic study in order to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
The Edexcel course is 100% course work. Pupils study 3 units:
Unit 1: Drama exploration.
This consists of a piece of drama created by the pupil based around given stimuli (newspaper articles, films, posters, poetry, scripts, live theatre). This is then assessed by the teacher and includes a documentary response (2000 word maximum.) The documentary response can include drawing and diagrams as appropriate.
30% of total GCSE mark.
Unit 2: Exploring play texts.
In this unit pupils study a play and work on rehearsing the text, exploring different methods of staging, developing characters, recognising writers’ directions within the script.
Pupils will also watch a live performance.
This unit will be assessed by:
A documentary response analysing and evaluating the pupil’s own and other pupils’ work during the exploration process (maximum of 1000 words. Drawings, sketches, plans etc. may be included) and an evaluation of a live performance of a complete play (maximum of 200 words.)
30% of total GCSE mark.
Unit 3: Drama Performance.
This unit provides pupils with the opportunity to:
Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of practical drama skills through their application to a live performance.
Communicate to an audience.
This is an externally assessed unit. All pupils will present their work as either performers or performance support pupils in a single performance to an examiner appointed by Edexcel.
Edexcel will provide an externally set assignment brief which must be addressed for the final Unit 3 performance.
Performance support options are:
- lighting
- sound
- setting/props
- costume
- make-up/ masks.
This unit is worth 40% of the total GCSE mark.
This subject leads to A level 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) and 14-19 Diploma in Creative Media (Level 3) all offered at ag6.
ENGLISH
Sets 1 to 5 follow the WJEC GCSE course in English Language and WJEC GCSE course in English Literature.
In English Language pupils follow a course, which develops their abilities to communicate effectively in speech and writing, and to listen with understanding. It enables them to be enthusiastic, responsive and knowledgeable readers. Within an integrated programme of speaking and listening and reading and writing, they will be expected to; talk and listen in a variety of contexts and for a range of purposes; read a wide variety of literature, non-fiction and media texts, which will develop their appreciation of different genres and styles; write for a range of purposes and in a variety of forms.
In English Literature, pupils will develop their ability to respond to texts critically, sensitively and in detail, selecting suitable ways to convey their response, using textual evidence as appropriate; explore how language, structure and forms contribute to the meaning of texts; explore relationships and comparisons between texts, selecting and evaluating relevant material.
Assessment for English Language will be based on 40% Controlled Assessment and 60% examination.
In Literature, Controlled Assessment will make up 25% of the final grade, with two written papers making up 75% of the final grade. Pupils are entered for either Higher Tier, leading to grades A* - D, or Foundation Tier, leading to grades C-G. Decisions about entry levels do not need to be made until Year 11.
Pupils in set 6 follow the WJEC GCSE English course.