ADULT EDUCATION

GCSE Course Information Booklet

September 2020

English Language

Mathematics (Foundation)

Science Double Award (Biology,

Chemistry & Physics) Combined

Trilogy

2

TIMESCALE / GCSE APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Monday 6th April 2020: The GCSE application form will be available on our website:

http://www.aquinas.ac.uk/courses/adult-education-courses/gcse-courses/ You can print this off to complete by hand, or save it to your computer and complete it electronically. The form can then be posted, emailed or handed into Aquinas College Adult Education reception. Post to: Aquinas College Adult Education

Nangreave Road STOCKPORT SK2 6TH

Email to: sheila.lahan@aquinas.ac.uk Once received the application form is considered by course tutors and a letter will be sent to either invite you for interview/assessment or to suggest an alternative course. How do we assess your suitability for a course?

Monday 6th April 2020 to Friday 28th August 2020: Once your application has been received, you will be asked to attend an interview to discuss the course further and demonstrate to the course tutor/advisor that you have the commitment and skills necessary to successfully complete the course. You will complete Initial Assessments in literacy and/or numeracy (or a science related assessment) at this interview. The completion and results of the assessment(s) ensure you receive the correct advice and guidance. You will be advised before you leave college whether you are being offered a place and given a date to return to enrol during the month of August when you will be given starting information. Late applications: Applications received after the 28th August will be accepted if there are still places available. If there are no places, you will be held on a pending list until mid-September.

3

GCSE courses at Aquinas College

Each GCSE course is taught as a one year part-time course, designed for those who:

➢ may have been out of education for a while and would like another opportunity to take a course and achieve a qualification

➢ didn’t achieve a grade C (4) but need it now for higher education ➢ want to improve career/employment prospects ➢ want to go onto an Access to Higher Education course or an A level programme

English & Maths are taught on either Monday or Tuesday evenings (full details of this within each course description). Science requires attendance on BOTH Monday and Tuesday evenings. The courses cover everything you will need to be confident when taking the examinations during the summer. The examinations take place during the daytime in late May/early June and are either timed to start at 9.00 am or 1.00 pm. The examination dates and times are set by the examination boards and are not negotiable or changeable. If you are considering enrolling onto one of the GCSE courses, you must ensure that you are going to be available for these examinations. It is your responsibility to clear this with your employer if you normally work in the day (this is particularly important if you are thinking of Science GCSE as there are 6 separate examination dates). Many of our GCSE students’ progress onto an Access to Higher Education course either here at Aquinas College or elsewhere (depending upon the subject needed). Other students take more GCSE courses.

How many subjects can I do in one year?

The Adult Education Centre within the College is only open two evenings per week; therefore you can only apply for one or two courses from English and/or Maths or just for Science GCSE alone. We do not guarantee acceptance onto more than one course; this will be at the college’s discretion depending upon the outcome of the initial assessments carried out at interview.

How much time do I have to put in?

We run between 29 and 32 subject classes per academic year (64 for Science GCSE). Weekly attendance in class is extremely important and we would expect very little absence if you want to succeed. You should also expect to receive homework from your tutor taking up approximately 3 to 4 hours each week. The homework generally prepares you for the next lesson.

4

How do I apply?

You will need to complete an application form and post, email or bring this into the Aquinas College Adult Education reception. The form is available from Monday 6th April 2020 onwards and you can request a copy or download a copy from our website: http://www.aquinas.ac.uk/AdultEducation/GCSECourses Post to: Aquinas College Adult Education

Nangreave Road STOCKPORT SK2 6TH

Email to: sheila.lahan@aquinas.ac.uk

How do we assess your suitability for a course?

You will be asked to attend an interview to discuss the course further and demonstrate to the course tutor/advisor that you have the commitment and skills necessary to successfully complete the course. For English and Maths courses, you will complete Initial Assessments in literacy and/or numeracy at this interview. The completion and results of the assessment(s) ensure you receive the correct advice and guidance. Those applying for Science GCSE would need to bring their level 2 English & Maths certificates to the interview and will be asked to complete a short multi-choice test of science related topics.

FEE INFORMATION:

Course Fee English OR Maths

NO FEE if you do not already have a GCSE Grade C (4)

If do you have a Grade C (4) and want to improve this fees will be due: £500.00 (TBC) This fee Includes text books and examination fees

An Instalment scheme is available.

Science

NO FEE if you are in receipt of: Job Seekers Allowance Employment Support Allowance (work activity group) Universal Credit (mandated to seek work) Low Income: Earning less than £16,009 annual gross salary (3 months wage slips or current employment contract to be shown as evidence) Evidence for all the above will be requested at your first appointment for audit purposes.

If you do not receive any of the benefits listed, fees will be due: £450.00 (TBC) This fee Includes text books and examination fees

An Instalment scheme is available.

5

Other resources you may need to find:

Scientific Calculators, Maths sets, writing paper, pens, A4 ring binders or pocket wallets to store your assignments and other documents handed out by your tutor. (Refer to each individual course information sheet for specific details).

What resources and guidance are available?

Learning Centre Aquinas LC (Library, or Learning Centre) is well stocked for all GCSE subjects. You'll be given a full tour in the first few weeks of your programme. Twilight opening times are Monday and Tuesday 5.00 pm until 7.30pm.

Careers and Guidance Appointments are available to discuss Careers and Guidance for all students attending a course at Aquinas College. Learning Support: We can offer one to one learning support for GCSE students who may need extra guidance with their course plus with study planning, essay writing or maths.

ICT facilities ICT drop-in facilities are free to all students between 5.00 pm and 9.00 pm Monday and Tuesday evenings. You can print out essays etc. There are ICT Technicians available from 5.30 pm Monday and Tuesday evening to help with ‘logging in’ to the college system etc.

Refreshments Vending machines are available on site offering hot and cold drinks and snacks. Remember to bring enough change with you to access these. Some machines accept contactless card payment.

All college facilities have disabled access.

Contact details:

Head of Adult Education

Emma Bradbury 0161 483 3237 emma.bradbury@aquinas.ac.uk

Assistant Head of Adult Education

Sheila Lahan

0161 419 9163 or 483 3237

sheila.lahan@aquinas.ac.uk

Aquinas College Adult Education Nangreave Road

STOCKPORT SK2 6TH

http://www.aquinas.ac.uk/courses/adult-education-courses/ 0161 419 9163

6

GCSE English Language (AQA 8700)

Course Aims:

This course should prepare you to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices, and to use language to participate effectively in society and employment. The course will enable you to: demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing necessary to communicate with others confidently, effectively, precisely and appropriately express yourself creatively and imaginatively becoming critical readers of a range of texts, including multi-modal texts use reading to develop your own skills as writers understand the patterns, structures and conventions of written and spoken English, understand the impact of variations in spoken and written language and how you relate to identity and cultural diversity, select and adapt speech and writing.

Subject content:

Critical reading and comprehension: Critical reading and comprehension: identifying and interpreting themes, ideas and information in a range of literature and other high-quality writing; reading in different ways for different purposes, and comparing and evaluating the usefulness, relevance and presentation of content for these purposes; drawing inferences and justifying these with evidence; supporting a point of view by referring to evidence within the text; identifying bias and misuse of evidence, including distinguishing between statements that are supported by evidence and those that are not; reflecting critically and evaluatively on text, using the context of the text and drawing on knowledge and skills gained from wider reading; recognizing the possibility of different responses to a text Summary and Synthesis: identifying the main theme or themes; summarizing ideas and information from a single text; synthesizing from more than one text Evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features: explaining and illustrating how vocabulary and grammar contribute to effectiveness and impact, using linguistic and literary terminology accurately to do so and paying attention to detail; analyzing and evaluating how form and structure contribute to the effectiveness and impact of a text Comparing texts: comparing two or more texts critically with respect to the above.

Writing: Producing clear and coherent text: Writing effectively for different purposes and audiences: to describe, narrate, explain, instruct, give and respond to information, and argue; selecting vocabulary, grammar, form and structural and organisation features judiciously to reflect audience, purpose and context; using language imaginatively and creatively; using information provided by others to write in different forms; maintaining a consistent point of view; maintaining coherence and consistency across a text Writing for impact: selecting, organising and emphasising facts, ideas an key points; citing evidence and quotation effectively and pertinently to support views; creating emotional impact; using language creatively, imaginatively and persuasively, including rhetorical devices (such as rhetorical questions, antithesis, parenthesis).

Spoken Language: Presenting information and ideas: selecting and organising information and ideas effectively and persuasively for prepared spoken presentations; planning effectively for different purposes and audiences; making presentations and speeches Responding so spoken language: listening to and responding appropriately to any questions and feedback Spoken Standard English: expressing ideas using Standard English whenever and wherever appropriate.

7

What will the examinations consist of? Paper 1: Explorations and in Creative Reading and Writing

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language (this is recorded on film by video camera)

What’s assessed Section A: Reading

• one literature fiction text Section B: Writing

• descriptive or narrative writing

What’s assessed Section A: Reading

• one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text

Section B: Writing

• writing to present a viewpoint

What’s assessed

• presenting

• responding to questions and feedback

• use of standard English

Assessed

• written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

• 80 marks

• 50% of GCSE

Assessed

• written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

• 80 marks

• 50% of GCSE

Assessed

• Teacher set throughout course

• Marked by teacher

• Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)

Questions

Reading (40 marks) (25%) - One single text

• 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)

• 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)

• 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)

Writing (40 marks) (25%)

• 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Questions

Reading (40 marks) (25%) - Two linked texts

• 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)

• 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)

• 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)

Writing (40 marks) (25%)

• 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Progression: This course offers excellent preparation for progression onto English Language A level, Access to Higher Education, application for Teaching Assistant roles, or PGCE courses etc.) and is equally useful for career/employment progression. Attendance: Monday OR Tuesday Evening 6.00pm—9.00pm You will attend for approximately 30 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday evening 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm until the examinations have taken place. There are two examinations usually taking place in early June (either 9.00 am or 1.00 pm in the daytime). You must ensure you will be available for the examinations and don’t book holidays – if you miss either of the exams you will not gain the qualification. How will I be graded? The marks you gain during the examinations will determine the grade you achieve which will be awarded as Grade 9 to 1.

8

GCSE Mathematics Pearson Edexcel 1MA1 (Foundation entry)

Course Aims: This qualification in Mathematics encourages you to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in your own lives and to society. It prepares you to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices. Progression: This course offers excellent preparation for progression onto Math’s AS level, Access to Higher Education, applications for Teaching Assistant roles, or PGCE courses etc. and is equally useful for career/employment progression. Attendance: Foundation: Monday OR Tuesday Evening 6.00pm - 9.00pm You will attend for approximately 29 to 32 weeks until the examinations have taken place. Examinations usually take place in early June (either 9.00 am or 1.00 pm during the daytime). You must ensure you will be available for the examinations and don’t book holidays – if you miss one exam you will not gain the qualification. Equipment needed to complete the course:

• Scientific calculator

• Maths set which includes: angle measurer; pair of compasses; ruler and colour felt tip

pens/highlighters

How will I be graded? Foundation tier: grades 5 to 1 available

Overview of topic areas and weightings between levels:

Tier Topic Area Weighting

Foundation

Number 22 – 28%

Algebra 17 – 23%

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change 22 – 28%

Geometry and Measures 12 – 18%

Statistics & Probability 12 – 18%

Higher

Number 12 – 18%

Algebra 27 – 33%

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change 17 – 23%

Geometry and Measures 17 – 23%

Statistics & Probability 12 – 18%

9

What will I study?

The content of the course has been grouped into topic areas: Number: Structure and calculation Fractions, decimals and percentages Measures and accuracy Algebra: Notation, vocabulary and manipulation Graphs Solving equations and inequalities Sequences Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures: Property and constructions Mensuration and calculation Vectors Probability Statistics

How will my work be assessed? You will sit three examination papers (Foundation or Higher):

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3

33.33% of the total GCSE 33.33% of the total GCSE 33.33% of the total GCSE

Content: Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics

Content: Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics

Content: Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics

Written examination paper with a range of question types No calculator is allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both foundation and higher) 80 marks available

Written examination paper with a range of question types Calculator is allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both foundation and higher) 80 marks available

Written examination paper with a range of question types Calculator is allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both foundation and higher) 80 marks available

10

GCSE Science Combined Science: Trilogy (Biology; Chemistry & Physics) Double Award – AQA 8464

Course overview

GCSE Science should encourage you to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. The course will provide insight into and experience of how science works, stimulating your curiosity and encouraging you to engage with science in your everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study and about career choices.

Entry Requirements: You MUST already have a level 2 qualification (Functional skills or GCSE Grade C (4) or above in English and Maths).

The aims of taking this course are to enable you to: • develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of science • develop your understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science • develop an understanding of the importance of scale in science • develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-

solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments • develop ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the

methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively • Carry out practical assessments to support scientific concepts, develop investigate skills

and build and master practical skills.

GCSE Science offers the chance to develop scientific literacy needed by active and informed citizens in a modern democratic society where science and technology play key roles in shaping our lives. The course content has a clear focus on scientific literacy. Your teacher will use a wide range of teaching and learning styles, challenging you to consider critically the issues and choices raised by technology and science. You will appreciate what science has to say about people, the environment and the Universe. You will learn a great deal about how science works in a way that is relevant to you. You will develop skills which will enable you to weigh up evidence on both sides of an argument and make decisions about science issues.

By the end of the course you should feel more confident about dealing with the science you meet in your daily lives, as well as gaining a valuable qualification.

Although this course is primarily aimed at grade 4/5 it does include all aspects up to grade 9 (additional homework required to achieve the higher grades).

The course contains an element of mathematics therefore you need to be reasonably comfortable with all areas of maths.

Progression: Completing this course is a step towards further education such as Access to Higher Education or towards Primary / Secondary School Teaching qualifications. Health related Higher Education courses (degrees) expect you to have Science, English & Maths GCSE; this is a valuable qualification which will assist you in improving your career prospects.

How will I be graded? There are two tiers: Foundation tier: grades 5 to 1 available Higher tier: grades 9 to 4 available (grade 3 allowed).

11

When do I need to attend - what will I need? To complete this course in one year you need to attend on a Monday AND Tuesday evening – 6.30pm to 9.00pm. You will need a calculator.

Examinations & Controlled Assessments: The six examinations required for the three units are scheduled by the exam board during May/June in the daytime either at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm. Please ensure you are available for examinations at this time as these dates are fixed and we are unable to change them, regardless of the reason.

BIOLOGY

SIX written exams, assessed externally by AQA, each of which:

• is offered at Foundation and Higher Tiers

• multiple choice, structured,

closed short answer and open

response questions (there is

no choice of questions)

• assesses the quality of written communication. Each paper is specific to one unit, i.e. a biology paper, chemistry paper and a physics paper – makes it easier to revise.

Each paper has a maximum mark of 70 equating to a total scaled mark of 420.

Paper 1 1: Cell Biology 2: Organisation 3: Infection and response 4: Bioenergetics

70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper

16.7% of total GCSE

Paper 2 5: Homeostasis and response 6: Inheritance, Variation and evolution 7: Ecology

70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper

16.7% of total GCSE

CHEMISTRY Paper 1 8: Atomic structure and the periodic table 9: Bonding, structure and the properties of matter 10: Quantitative chemistry 11: Chemical changes 12: Energy changes

70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper

16.7% of total GCSE

Paper 2 13: The rate and extent of chemical change 14: Organic chemistry 15: Chemical analysis 16: Chemistry of the atmosphere 17: Using resources

70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper

16.7% of total GCSE

PHYSICS Paper 1 Energy Electricity Particle model of matter Atomic structure

70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper

16.7% of total GCSE

Paper 2 Forces Waves Magnetism and electromagnetism

70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper

16.7% of total GCSE

Practical Assessments Use of appropriate apparatus for biology, chemistry and physics by undertaking varied tasks

Students complete all the defined practical activities and records of the work done and learning derived from it.

12

Comments from past students:

A few general comments made by students attending all of these GCSE courses:

➢ They felt the pace was fast and furious; a lot to cover in 30 weeks. ➢ They felt it was hard work. ➢ Each week the teacher covers a different topic so if you miss a week, you have to get the

notes to catch up. ➢ I missed a couple of weeks of class and was able to get one-to-one help so was soon back

on track. On a positive note, a lot commented that the rewards on gaining the qualification are life changing. English:

- This is a very good college. I am enjoying my course and making progress. I hope I will get the grades I want.

- I missed quite a few lessons due to personal circumstances and was struggling to catch up; I asked for help and was able to get this.

Mathematics

- Great course, good teaching - The course is very well structured and the staff (tutors) are very knowledgeable and

approachable - I’m finding my course very fast and hard to keep up with. - The teacher is really knowledgeable and although the course is fast paced, he always takes the

time to explain things thoroughly and explains things in a different way if you don’t understand. He is passionate about his subject and gives tips to help you learn. He always takes time to go round the class to make sure you are doing ok. One of the best teachers I have ever had.

- The teacher is very helpful and makes the class fun and easy to understand. Also he doesn’t make you feel silly if you ask questions that you feel are unimportant.

Science:

- I am really enjoying the course. It’s hard attending two evenings per week but necessary to

learn all the units needed to pass all the 6 exams required to achieve this qualification. It’s a

good general overview of science and its varied subjects. I hope to attain my GCSE in the

summer of 2020.