Key Stage 4: Your Future

A Guide to the Curriculum

2016

2

Contents English Language and English Literature (Two GCSEs) ............................................... 4

Mathematics (GCSE) .................................................................................................... 5

Combined Science (2 GCSEs) ....................................................................................... 6

Art & Design (GCSE) .................................................................................................... 8

Business Studies (GCSE) ............................................................................................. 9

Computer Science (GCSE) .......................................................................................... 10

Film Studies (GCSE) .................................................................................................. 11

Food and Nutrition (GCSE) ........................................................................................ 12

French (GCSE) ........................................................................................................... 13

Geography (GCSE) ..................................................................................................... 14

Graphic Products (GCSE) ........................................................................................... 15

Health & Social Care (BTEC Award) ........................................................................... 16

History (GCSE - Full Course) .................................................................................... 18

Media Studies (GCSE) ................................................................................................ 20

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification ...................................................................... 21

Music (GCSE & BTEC Level 2) ................................................................................... 22

Performing Arts (DANCE) (Level 2 Award - BTEC) ...................................................... 23

Performing Arts (DRAMA) (Level 2 Award - BTEC) ...................................................... 24

Physical Education (GCSE or BTEC) .......................................................................... 25

Psychology (GCSE) ..................................................................................................... 28

Philosophy, Ethics and Beliefs (GCSE) ....................................................................... 29

Resistant Materials (GCSE) ........................................................................................ 31

Spanish (GCSE) ......................................................................................................... 32

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CORE

SUBJECTS

4

MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

English Language and English Literature (Two GCSEs) Examination Board: AQA

GCSE English Language and English Literature enable students to demonstrate their ability to use English in real life contexts and uses an investigative and analytical approach to Language topics, based on personal experience. Students take English Language and English Literature in years 9-11, with all elements being examined in year 11. Throughout the Language course, students develop skills in speaking and listening, technical accuracy, reading and writing. Students will take two exams, each worth 50% of their final result. Exams will assess reading and writing as well as technical accuracy. Speaking and Listening will be awarded a separate accreditation. The Literature course will cover a range of whole texts of different genres from both Contemporary and Literary Heritage writers. Students study a Shakespeare play, a 19th Century novel, a modern novel or play and poetry from an anthology cluster which will also help them to analyse unseen poetry. All students must be entered for both English Language and English Literature GCSE. Assessment is completed through external examination worth 100% of the GCSE grade.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Mathematics (GCSE)

Exam Board: Edexcel Maths at Key Stage 4 is compulsory for all students. Subject Overview The Mathematics curriculum for KS4 builds on content, knowledge and skills developed in years 7 and 8.

The course will focus on topics under the following headings:

Number,

Algebra,

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change,

Geometry and Measures,

Probability

Statistics.

Problem solving and the application of numbers in the real world are prominent features of the curriculum. Mathematics is a subject which is highly valuable to employers and all students will have the opportunity to do as well as they possibly can. Exam Board We currently use Edexcel (Pearson) as our exam board. As the GCSE has recently changed you can find more information at: http://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/mathematics/2015/misc/T772%20GCSE%20Maths%20Guide%20(web%20-%20final).pdf and http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html

Assessment The course for KS4 follows a new specification and so the exam format is different to previous years. The GCSE consists of 3 one and a half hour examinations at the end of the course – there is no coursework element to the Mathematics GCSE. There are two calculator papers and one non-calculator paper and each have the same weighting. The examinations, each marked out of 80, have 2 tiers of entry (Foundation and Higher) and students will be entered in to the tier most appropriate for them, which will be decided nearer to the exam. Students will sit the GCSE in year 11.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Combined Science (2 GCSEs)

Examination Board: Edexcel Combined Science is a compulsory subject. There is the option to extend the course on to GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics (Triple Science).

Science GCSEs encourage students to be inspired and challenged by a broad course of study. There are 6 theory units, the course is linear with exams at the end of year 11 for GCSE Science. Throughout the course there are opportunities to develop practical skills to solve problems and test hypothesis.

Assessment The GCSE consists of examinations (at the end of the course) – there is no coursework element to the science GCSE. The examinations have 2 tiers of entry (Foundation and Higher) and students will be entered to the tier most appropriate for them, which will be decided nearer to the exam. Students will sit the GCSE in year 11.

The specifications for the year group have yet to be published by the exam board and so, at this stage we are unable to provide any more information about the precise make-up of the course and material that will be covered. It will be forwarded to parents in due course.

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GCSE/BTEC OPTION

CHOICES

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Art & Design (GCSE) Examination Board: AQA Specification Code: 4201

Subject Overview: This course encourages and develops the ability to observe, select and interpret with imagination, understanding and feeling. Students make personal responses to experiences, environments and cultures. During the course students will be expected to develop a language that enables them to assess and interpret not only their own

work but also that of other artists, designers & crafts people, including those from other countries. A high level of commitment and the ability to work hard and independently is required. This course involves study in a number of disciplines: drawing and painting, printmaking, photography, textiles, ceramics and 3-D multi-media. As the course progresses, students determine their own responses to themes and selection of materials to communicate their ideas. Final assessment is made by a combination of 3 units of coursework and a controlled practical test. Students will be encouraged to develop at least one unit using photographic materials and techniques. Homework requires students to pursue their own research, development, planning and execution of work.

The GCSE course prepares students for a wide variety of careers and further education. Progress to ‘AS’ Art & Design in Year 12 is an option, and other Art & Design endorsements such as Graphics, Textiles and Photography. The course provides the opportunity to compile a portfolio for interview to enter Art & Design College.

Syllabus Content: 60% Coursework, 40% Exam

Three coursework units: Natural and Made – the Abstract World Portraiture – Figures and Symbolism Theme selected by student - with strong contextual element.

Exam: Students choose a theme from six externally set starting points and develop ideas over a 3 month period. The final outcomes are produced in a 10hr period (controlled test) at the end of the course.

Additional Information: Candidates achieving a grade 4+ will have the opportunity to progress to the A Level.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Business Studies (GCSE)

Examination Board: Subject to review

Subject Overview: A 3 year course, Business Studies is designed to give students an understanding of how business works and how business decisions are made. The course investigates how to put a business idea into practice and how the wider world affects business decisions.

Students will apply the knowledge learnt in a variety of ways:

By applying their knowledge and skills to their project for unit 2.

By visiting and studying local companies and locations where business activity has had an impact.

Some of the topics covered include: market research to spot a business opportunity; marketing; accounting and finance; recruitment and training; production and stock control; the impact of the wider economy on business decisions.

The course consists of three modules:

Unit 1 – Introduction to Small Business. This unit concentrates on the key issues involved in enterprise. It provides a framework to consider the marketing, financial, human and operational issues involved in starting and running a small business.

Unit 2 – Investigating Small Business. This unit is completed in controlled conditions. Students have to complete a project set by the examination board on a business problem. The project is completed in examination conditions within the classroom.

Unit 3 – Building a Business. This unit looks at how to make a business stand out from its competitors, how to meet customer needs, manage finance and economic issues affecting businesses.

Assessment:

Unit 1 – Multiple Choice Examination Paper (25%)

Unit 2 – Controlled assessment (25%)

Unit 3 – Written examination paper (50%)

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Computer Science (GCSE)

Examination Board: AQA

Specification Code: 4512

GCSE in Computing is a new course the ICT department are introducing for those who are interested in taking their ICT studies to a new level and are after a challenge.

The course is made up of 2 units of work:

Component1 Practical Programming 60% of marks

Each student completes two tasks. Working independently students demonstrate their ability to code a solution to a given problem. The tasks will be set in engaging and relevant contexts, eg gaming, web, mobile phone applications.

Component 2 Computing Fundamentals 40%

Externally assessed exam. Schools/colleges can choose to enter students for either a paper-based or on-screen version. All questions will be compulsory and will be taken from across the subject content. This component will include a range of types of questions from very short to extended answer.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Film Studies (GCSE)

Examination Board: WJEC Specification Code: 0155 01 Subject Overview: GCSE Film is becoming increasingly popular as Film and Media are the biggest growth industries, employing more university leavers than any other profession. It is an exciting subject which gives students the chance to study mainstream genres as well as films produced outside of Hollywood. Students can also choose from a range of creative production options and develop their ability to research. The subject can be followed onto A’ Level. Students wishing to access this course should be interested in Films. The course is made up of two units, one exam based, one coursework based.

Syllabus Content: 50% Coursework, 50% Exam

Coursework units: Students complete four linked coursework projects. They will write an analysis of a film sequence, pitch a potential new film, create a movie magazine and then evaluate their work. Genre will link these coursework pieces, and the current genre is Action Movies. Exam: Assessment is through two short examinations. One examination is on a film genre such as action, disaster or superhero movies. The other examination is on a film that was created outside of Hollywood. We currently study Del Toro’s ‘The Devil’s Backbone’ and

analyse how it reflects feelings of the Spanish Civil War. In the examination they will be expected to comment on use of camera shots, representations and then complete a creative element such as creating a film poster or writing a review. Please note that the specifications for the year group have yet to be published by the exam board and therefore some of the information above may be subject to change.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Food and Nutrition (GCSE)

Examination Board: AQA

Specification Code: To be confirmed

Content :

The aim of the AQA Food and Nutrition is to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. Assessment: 50% coursework and 50% examination.

Food. Students will understand where our food comes from and how it’s grown, reared or caught. The processing involved in farm to fork and the development of traditions in Britain and international cuisines.

Nutrition. In this section students will look at the guidelines for a healthy diet and the various nutritional needs depending on life stage. Students will look at the specific functions of nutrients in the diet and how to calculate energy and nutritional values. The study of the various food groups and their commodities within will also be scrutinised.

Cooking and food preparation. Students will understand why food is cooked and be able to choose the appropriate method. They will also look at the functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Food hygiene will also play an important part of the course.

Practical skills. There are a number of practical skills to be practiced through practical sessions and some of these will include: Making sauces, setting hot and cold mixtures, use of raising agents, making dough’s, filleting of fish and the careful dissection of chickens, as well as numerous other skills and practical sessions

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

French (GCSE)

Learning a foreign language is more than just a boost to your CV or handy for travelling. It will make you smarter, more decisive and even

better at English.

Examination Board: AQA Subject Overview The course aims to develop students’ ability to use French effectively for the purposes of communication and to improve their skills in Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening. Students should form a sound base for their future work, study and leisure. Target Group Taking GCSE French at KS4 is aimed at those students who feel they want to have a language in their list of qualifications and skills. The ability to learn vocabulary easily is an advantage. Recommended Level Level 4 by the end of year 8. Assessment and syllabus

Students will follow a full GCSE course. (3 years) The examination consists of: The four skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. They are equally weighted at 25%.

Reading, writing and listening will be externally assessed exams.

Writing will include translation.

Grades 1-5 are available for Foundation Tier, 4-9 at higher Tier.

Topics covered: Language contexts will be organised in a specified number of broad theme,

addressing relevant matters relating to: Identity and culture Local, national, international and global areas of interest Current and future study and employment

There is a defined grammar and vocabulary syllabus. Cost of the course Students will be expected to have a bilingual dictionary.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Geography (GCSE)

Examination Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8035

Course Summary: Geography is the study of where places are, what they are like, what life is like in these places and how places are changing. The course builds on topics studied during Key Stage 3.

There are 3 units:

Unit 1: Living with the physical environment

Unit 2: Challenges in the human environment

Unit 3: Geographical applications

Coursework has been replaced by an exam based upon field work experiences. This accounts for 30% of the total GCSE grade, whereas Units 1 and 2 count for 70% of the total grade. Entry for the examination consists of one tier.

Geography helps students develop a range of transferable skills such as decision-making, research, analysis and evaluation, and report writing. GCSE Geography is a useful subject that will help you to make more sense of some of the many changes taking place in the world that will affect you and other people. Geography bridges the arts and sciences giving students flexibility for further education courses.

Choosing Geography can lead to careers in environmental management, planning, surveying, teaching, management and administration.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Graphic Products (GCSE)

The Graphics curriculum is currently under-going a change and therefore new syllabi have not been written to take into account these changes.

Below is what is currently covered in the Graphics course.

Course Outline: The course provides students with the opportunity to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of graphic and modelling materials. Students studying the course will require a passion for drawing, model making and computer aided design work. Students will be encouraged to understand and apply colour and design, to develop spatial concepts, and to understand graphic materials and their manipulation. They will design and make products using different graphic media and current manufacturing processes to prepare them for the world of work. Design and make tasks will be carried out within the following areas; Branded Packaging and Products and Digital Promotion. The course is designed to foster awareness of the need to consider sustainability and the environmental impact of their designing.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Health & Social Care (BTEC Award) Exam Board: Edexcel 3 year course There is one external exam for this course: Human Lifespan and Development Exam: Knowledge of development through the life stages is important for learners who are

considering careers in health and social care because it will assist their understanding of the differing needs of individuals, including care needs. It will provide useful knowledge for health and social care workers, helping you to understand patients/service users and work with them more effectively. This unit is assessed externally using a paper based exam marked by Edexcel. The exam is for one hour and worth 50 marks. You will sit the first exam in year 10. You will also be studying 3 mandatory units during the three years of the course as follows. Units will normally be assessed through the submission of a portfolio of evidence. The completion of a unit portfolio will require you to undertake one or more assignment tasks. You will be provided with a deadline for the final submission of the unit portfolio and with other deadlines for the purposes of formative assessment. Formative assessment deadlines will require you to submit the portfolio as ‘work in progress’ or to submit individual assignment tasks on particular dates for review and feedback. Unit 2: Health and Social Care Values (Mandatory Unit) This unit will help prepare you for a career in any area of health and social care. You will look at the care values in health and social care and explore the effects of socialisation, in society we will look at individual rights and empowerment. Unit 3: Effective Communication in Health & Social Care (Mandatory Unit) Health professionals require good communication skills in order to carry out their roles respectively. This unit will offer you opportunities to explore and develop the skills of effective interpersonal interaction and communication essential to the operation of health and social care services. You will consider factors that enhance and inhibit communication and explore how communication supports patients and service users. Unit 5: Promoting Health & Well-being (Optional Specialist Unit) This unit looks at health promotion and well-being, why we have health promotion campaigns and the benefits of health promotion.

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This unit will involve you planning a health promotion campaign for a specific health risk and carrying out the campaign in a group. Useful Text Books, Websites: The following text book is recommended: Health and Social Care Level 2 BTEC First, Edexcel. ISBN No: 9781846906817 Website: www.edexcel.com

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

History (GCSE - Full Course)

Examination Board: Edexcel GCSE (9-11) Examination (including coursework): Assessment takes place throughout the year and there is an end of year examination. Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment (Paper codes: 1HI0/11) Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes

30%* of the qualification 52 marks (16 for the historic environment, 36 for the thematic study). Crime and Punishment in Britain c1000-present with Whitechapel, c1870-1900: Crime, Policing and the Inner City. Paper 2: British Depth Study B3 (20%) and Period Study (20%) Paper codes: B3 and 1HIO/20/21 Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 40% of the qualification 64 marks (32 for the period study and 32 for the British Depth Study) Henry VIII and his Ministers, 1509-40 and Spain and the ‘New World’, c1490-1555 Paper 3: Modern Depth Study (30%) Paper Code: 1HIO/33 Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes 30% of the qualification 52 marks The USA, 1954-75: Conflict at home and abroad History is a popular option choice at Maplesden Noakes School. Lessons are engaging and thought provoking! Students are encouraged to understand the causes and effects of the great events of most of the twentieth century; studying the international history that has shaped our world today. Students will also have access to a thematic study of history – for example, the Year 9 students will study Crime and Punishment in Britain from 1000 C.E onwards.

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During the course students are encouraged to use a variety of sources, including documents, DVD and the internet to support their work. Students are encouraged to express their views and opinions in class discussions; and to concentrate on the skills of analysis and interpretation. History is a subject that can lead to a variety of career choices and options. The subject teaches research skills, interpretation and argument that can be applied in a number of careers including business, marketing, finance, media, the leisure industry, police, armed forces, teaching and the Civil Service. Most British Prime Ministers studied History at university!

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Media Studies (GCSE)

Examination Board: AQA Specification Code: 4810

Subject Overview: GCSE Media continues to attract a large number of students because it makes learning interesting, challenging, creative and fun. The course exposes students to a broad range of media texts including film, television, radio, internet, etc. Students learn how to analyse these texts, identifying how they are constructed and how they target audiences. They also learn how to create similar texts and endeavour to make these as close to industry standard as possible. This course can be followed on at A’ Level. Students wishing to access this course should be interested in an area of Media. The course is made up of two units, one exam based, one coursework based.

Syllabus Content: 60% Coursework, 40% Exam

Coursework units: Students complete three coursework projects where they see their work go through all the stages of production; research, pre-production and production. Typical topics for coursework projects include:

Advertising and Marketing

Film/Television/Music Promotion

Print / Moving Image Production

Video Game Marketing

Exam: Students sit a formal exam lasting 1 hour 30 minutes in the final year of their course. This tests their knowledge on a subject decided in advance by the exam board. For example, the current exam topic is ‘Science Fiction Film.’ Students will endeavour to develop a thorough understanding of the topic, preparing to answer a range of questions and complete varied tasks related to this topic. Please note that the specifications for the year group have yet to be published by the exam board and therefore some of the information above may be subject to change.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Course duration: 3 years

Description: Students study to become a certified specialist in four Microsoft products; Word,

PowerPoint, Access and Excel. Each of the software products are standalone so students immediately receive a Microsoft Certificate when they pass each product.

Students achieve an industry-recognised certification in four Microsoft products and the equivalent to a GCSE qualification at the end of the course of study. This course is highly respected by employers and recognised as an asset by the ICT industry.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Music (GCSE & BTEC Level 2) Examination Board: AQA

OR

Specification Code: 4270

Examination Board: EDEXCEL

Subject Overview The Music course enables all students who have an interest in music to develop

performance and composition skills. Pupils need to have taken instrumental lessons before the course OR must show potential as either a singer or instrumentalist and be prepared to practise regularly. Additionally, students will be studying a wide variety of musical styles and develop their compositional techniques and performance skills through these. At the end of year 11 students will either take the GCSE Listening Paper or the Music Industry Exam. Which final course route the student takes will depend on the outcomes of many assessments and will be decided by the teacher only. Both courses have 4 units of work Areas of Study

Popular Music e.g. Rock, Dance, Film

World Music e.g. Salsa, Reggae, African

Western Classical Music Music Tech As part of the course pupils learn to use sequencing software (Cubase) and recording techniques. Assessment

•Students work on their performing skills and make regularrecordings throughout the course. At the end of the coursecandidates submit their best 2 recordings for assessment.

Performing

(Year 9)

•Students will compose a piece based on the areas ofStudy

Composing

(Year 9)

•Students will compose a composition ofchoice

•Students work to plan, create, promote &review a music product.

Composing

OR

Making a Music Product (Year 10/11)

•A listening exam is taken basedon the areas of study.

•Pupils will take an exam basedupon the different types oforganisations and job roleswithin the music industry.

Music Listening

OR

Music Industry Exam (Year 10/11)

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Performing Arts (DANCE) (Level 2 Award - BTEC)

PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE IS 50% WRITTEN WORK AND 50% PRACTICAL

Examination Board: Edexcel

Qualification Title: Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in

Performing Arts

The BTEC in Performing Arts has been developed in the performing arts sector to focus on: Education and training for those who work or are intending to work in the performing arts industry. What units will your child study?

Core Units Dance Skills

Preparation, Performance and Production

Individual Showcase

How is the course examined/assessed?

Internally Externally

Rehearsals Two audition pieces

Performances in front of open audiences A letter of application for an audition

Rehearsal logs (diaries)

Independent Research portfolio

Rehearsals and Performances Rehearsals and performances are a compulsory part of the course. Students should expect to stay behind at least once a week, as well as perhaps rehearsing during lunch and break times. Students are assessed during the rehearsals and performances and must keep a diary of their progress through rehearsals. Cost of course

Students are expected to attend trips and performances that are related to this subject area.

At times, students may need to provide costumes for their performances.

Dance kit is available at an extra cost. PE kit or plain black suitable clothing is acceptable for lessons and rehearsals.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Performing Arts (DRAMA) (Level 2 Award - BTEC)

PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE IS 50% COURSEWORK AND 50% PRACTICAL

Examination Board: Edexcel

Qualification Title: Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts

The BTEC in Performing Arts has been developed in the performing arts sector to focus on: Education and training for those who work or are intending to work in the performing arts industry. What units will your child study?

Core Units Individual Showcase

Preparation, Performance and Production

Acting Skills

How is the course examined/assessed?

Internally Externally Rehearsals Two audition pieces

Performances in front of open audiences A letter of application for an audition

Rehearsal logs (diaries)

Character portfolio

Rehearsals and Performances Rehearsal and performances are a compulsory part of the course. The students should expect to stay behind at least once a week, as well as perhaps rehearsing during lunch and break times. Students are assessed during the rehearsals and performances and must keep a diary of their progress through rehearsals.

Cost of course

Students are expected to attend trips and performances that are related to this subject area.

At times, students may need to provide costumes for their performances.

Dance kit is available at an extra cost. PE kit or plain black suitable clothing is acceptable for lessons and rehearsals.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Physical Education (GCSE or BTEC)

PE/Sport at KS4: From September 2016 onwards the PE department will be approaching grouping the GCSE and BTEC differently to previous years. If your child wishes to study PE there will be a generic PE option which you will need to tick. In September any student who has opted for PE will undergo a screening process which will enable us to see which pathway is more suitable. The screening process will take place during student’s normal PE lessons for the first 8 weeks of term. It will involve looking at each student’s practical capabilities to ensure that they are placed on the appropriate course. Our aim is to put each student on a course which will enable them to achieve their full potential regardless of whether they are on the BTEC or GCSE pathway. At KS4 level an A at GCSE is a Distinction at BTEC, a B at GCSE is a Merit at BTEC and a C at GCSE is a Pass at BTEC. Regardless of which pathway your child takes, they will still be able to access all pathways in their KS5 choices. If you are unsure of anything please do not hesitate to contact Miss H Bennett, Head of PE at Bennett.h@maplesden.kent.sch.uk

GCSE Physical Education: Course code 8582 Examination Board: AQA

Who is this course suitable for? GCSE is ideally suited for high performers in academic studies, this is due to 60% of this course being assessed theoretically so you will need to be very good at retaining

information. As well as being assessed through the examination at the end of the three year course, 40% is assessed through practical performance in which you will need 3

top sports.

Why Choose GCSE PE

Sport is big business

Sports contribution to the UK economy is over £10 billion each year

Year after year the sports sector outperforms the rest of the UK economy

Sport provides work for more than 600,000 people plus a further 5 million volunteers

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Non Exam Assessment Practical Performance

What's assessed? Practical performance in three different physical activities in the role of player/performer (one in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either a team or in an individual activity). Analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one activity.

How it's assessed Assessed by teachers Moderated by AQA

100 marks 40% of GCSE

GCSE PE: New specification content:

Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport

Written Paper – 1 hour 15 mins

78 marks – 30% of GCSE What’s assessed? Applied anatomy and Physiology Movement Analysis Physical training Use of data

Paper 2: Socio – cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport

Written Paper – 1 hour 15 mins 78 marks – 30% of GCSE What is assessed? Sports psychology Socio – cultural influences Health, fitness and wellbeing Use of data

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Units to be covered within the theory lessons (3 year overview)

1. Applied anatomy and physiology 2. Movement analysis 3. Physical training 4. Use of data 5. Sports psychology 6. Socio-cultural influences 7. Health, fitness and well-being BTEC Award in Sport: Examination Board: Edexcel

Who is this course suitable for? Anyone who enjoys PE should choose this option. There is an element of writing as well as practical. BTEC Level 2 First will continue for 3 years. The course has changed slightly in that there is now 1 externally assessed module, it is the equivalent of a GCSE. Why Choose BTEC Sport Sport is big business

Sports contribution to the UK economy is over £8 billion each year

Year after year the sports sector outperforms the rest of the UK economy

Sport provides work for more than 600, 000 people plus a further 5 million volunteers

This course will support you to go onto college or BTEC Level 3 in the sixth form. BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport (4 units over 3 years)

BTEC Award

Core Units

Fitness for Sport and Exercise Externally assessed

Practical Sports Performance Internally assessed

Specialist Units

Training for Personal Fitness Internally assessed

Leading Sports Activities Internally assessed

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Psychology (GCSE) Subject Overview:

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Psychologists

conduct research with human beings to try and understand how and why we behave

the way that we do. By studying Psychology, you will learn how Psychologists carry

out research with people and what we have learnt from this research.

Subject Content: There will be a new specification for GCSE Psychology from next year, meaning you

will be studying a brand new qualification.

Current topics include:

Memory

Non-verbal communication

Personality

Learning

Stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination

Social influence

Sex and gender

Aggression

You will study some of these topics during the GCSE, but there may also be some new

and exciting topics to study as well.

Psychology is all about studying human behaviour, and so you will also study research

methods. This will teach you how to conduct experiments, and other studies with

human participants, as well as how to analyse the data from your studies and use

this to explain human behaviour.

Prior learning:

Psychology has links with Maths and Science so having a good understanding of these

subjects is very important. It is also essential to have a good level in English.

Exams:

The current qualification is examined by 100% exam sat in year 11.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Philosophy, Ethics and Beliefs (GCSE)

(RELIGIOUS STUDIES A- FULL COURSE GCSE)

Examination Board: AQA GCSE Religious Studies A - Full Course

GCSE Religious Studies A offers students the opportunity for the thematic study of Religion and religious responses to fundamental questions of life. This specification is suitable for candidates of any religious persuasion or none.

This specification encourages students to: develop their interest and enthusiasm for the study of Religion and the relationship between Religion and the wider world; develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of Religion by exploring the impact of beliefs, teachings, practices, ways of life and forms of expressing meaning; express their personal responses and informed insights on fundamental questions about identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, values and commitments.

The course is made up of two components: Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices. Students should study any two of the following religions: • Buddhism • Christianity • Catholic Christianity • Hinduism • Islam • Judaism • Sikhism. Component 2: Thematic studies

Students should study a total of four themes which include: Religion, Peace and Conflict: This includes the investigation the concepts of peace, justice, forgiveness, war, terrorism, pacifism, use of nuclear weapons and victims of war. Religion, Crime and Punishment: This includes the study of good/evil actions, types and reasons for crime (addiction, mental illness, upbringing), punishments (prison, community service, corporal punishment, death penalty) and forgiveness.

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Religion and Life: This includes the study of the origins of the universe, environmental issues, animal exploitation and experimentation, origins of life, evolution. Also ethical issues of abortion, euthanasia, death and the afterlife. Relationships and Families: This includes the study of human sexuality, marriage, divorce, role of parents, same sex relationships, gender equality and discrimination. Assessment : Both Components account for 50% of the total exam and are assessed through two written exams of 1 hour 45 minutes each. There is a total of 96 marks (plus 5 marks for Spelling, punctuation and grammar

(SPaG)) for each paper.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Resistant Materials (GCSE)

The Technology curriculum is currently under-going a change and therefore new syllabi have not been written to take into account these changes. Below is what is currently covered in the Resistant Material course.

Course Outline: The course provides students with the opportunity to work with a range of materials including woods, metals and plastics. Students will experience various manufacturing processes using a variety of tools, machinery and equipment. The aim of this ‘hands on’ approach is to develop students’ practical skills and their understanding of the techniques involved, while working safely in a workshop environment. Throughout the course students are encouraged to consider aspects relating to design as they create and develop their own ideas and concepts.

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MAPLESDEN NOAKES KEY STAGE 4

SUBJECT

Spanish (GCSE)

Learning a foreign language is more than just a boost to your CV or handy for travelling. It will make you smarter, more decisive and even better at

English.

Examination Board: AQA

Subject Overview

The course aims to develop students’ ability to use Spanish effectively for the purposes of communication and to improve their skills in Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening. Students should form a sound base for their future work, study and leisure.

Target Group Taking GCSE Spanish at KS4 is aimed at those students who feel they want to have a language in their list of qualifications and skills. The ability to learn vocabulary easily is an advantage. Recommended Level Level 4 by the end of year 8.

Assessment and syllabus Students will follow a full GCSE course. (3 years)

The examination consists of: The four skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. They are equally weighted at 25%.

Reading, writing and listening will be externally assessed exams.

Writing will include translation.

Grades 1-5 are available for Foundation Tier, 4-9 at higher Tier.

Topics covered: Lifestyle, health and relationships Leisure and holidays

Home, local area and environment Work, education and future life. There is a defined grammar and vocabulary syllabus.

Cost of the course: Students will be expected to have a bilingual dictionary.