ks4 options booklet

KS4 COURSES2013-2015

Message from the Head

Dear Parent and Students

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to our Key Stage 4Curriculum Booklet for 2012. As you all know, this is a crucial time in the students' lives at secondary school. KeyStage 3 is, of course, an early preparation for GCSE - and some students may have already started on elements ofsome Key Stage 4 courses - but for the vast majority of students, the movement between Years 9 and 10 signals thebeginning of their GCSE studies and introduces, for really the first time, an element of choice into their curriculum.

So, it's an exciting time and a wonderful chance to reflect on past successes and to consider dreams and ambitionsabout future pathways and potential career opportunities.

The booklet is part of the options process to help students make informed and considered decisions. Making thesechoices is important and students should make the most of the opportunities available during the few weeks toensure that the right decisions are made.

Our current Year 9 cohort of students will have more choice and greater flexibility than any previous Year 9 cohortwithin the options scheme. This will allow more freedom over the GCSE subjects that can be chosen. Whilst this greater choice will enable students to choose more of their 'favourite' subjects we would stronglyadvise students to think carefully before coming to any final decision. Remember, a broad and balanced range ofsubjects will enable students to be more flexible in their career or education path at 16 and beyond.

There will be an Options Evening on Wednesday 6th February, when students and parents can find out more aboutthe excellent courses available, some of which will be new subjects, that have not been studied during Key Stage 3.

In addition to the evening and this booklet, students will have the opportunity in school to discuss thoughts they mayhave in coming to a decision about a particular course choice. Students will be able to discuss with their tutor, theirteacher as well as receiving information from Faculty Leaders. Equally, students who are currently studying at KeyStage 4 will also provide a good source of information, although, as previously mentioned, some of the courses onoffer to the current Year 9, will not have been studied by students in previous years.

If, at any point, you would like any further information and/or are unable to get to the Options Evening, then pleasedo get in touch with the school - good starting points would either be the Acting Head of Year 9, Mr Williamson orDeputy Head Teacher, Mr Marston.

I wish you well with this very exciting time for all Year 9 students. Choose wisely - and don't forget the deadline foroption choice returns.

Best wishes

A Richards

The Next Two Years at St Birinus School

At KS4 the statutory curriculum comprises of English,Mathematics, Science, Information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT), Physical Education and Ethics andMorality. These are subjects you must study. In addition,

you will study Personal, Social, Health and Enterprise Education (PSHEE); (at St Birinus this is taughtin tutorial time). The other subjects you study are called “options” and you are allowed to choosethem. This should be done carefully and with a good deal of thought about your aptitudes, abilities,interests and plans for the future.

Choosing Options

How many courses can I take?You have 8 periods per week in which to study courses of your choice.Courses take up 2 periods per week so you can choose a total of 4 courses. These are called Option A, B, C and D.

How should I make my choices?You are strongly advised to choose courses from different areas of the curriculum. This will ensure that you study a broad and balanced curriculum, rather than specialising in one or two narrow fields. This will maximise your opportunities in later life and help your general level of learning by enabling you to employ different skills and abilities.

What is a good reason to choose a course?You should base your choices on:

Subjects you are good at - this will lead to better examination results andqualifications are important.

Subjects which interest you, which you enjoy and which you want to study for two years.

Subjects which might help you with your future career (if you already have some idea of what thismight be).

Do not choose a particular subject because you get on well with the teacher or because a friendchooses it. The chances are that you will have a different teacher next year and you may not be inthe same class as your friend.

Where can I get more advice?There are lots of people who can discuss your future subjects with you, but in the end, the choicesyou make are up to you. You may find it helpful to talk to:o Your parents o Your Year Leader or Learning Co-ordinatoro Faculty Leaderso Your Form Tutoro Your subject teacherso Siblings and extended family

Spend a lot of time thinking and talking now and you are more likely to make wise choices.

Will I get my first choice of subjects?We try very hard to give you your first choice of subjects and in recent years all but a small handfulof students have been given the courses they requested. However, we cannot guarantee that the precise combination of subjects requested will always be possible since we are limited by factorssuch as the number of teachers of a particular subject and the number of students in a class. Courseswill run subject to sufficient numbers of students opting for the course, availability of staff, andrestrictions imposed by the timetable.

Reserve ChoicesThe above scenarios stress the importance of reserve choices. Every student is required to make fourreserve choices. In the rare circumstance when a first choice cannot be met then a reserve choicewill be allocated to a student. Every student must put down four reserve choices on their optionform. Failure to comply will result in your option form being returned.

GCSE Art & Design (Fine Art)Course OutlineDuring the GCSE Art course the students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of techniques and media including painting and drawing, 3D work and digital media. The course willinvolve studying the work of other artists and ultimately constructing a minimum of two units ofwork as well as attending educational visits to museums and art galleries.

During Year 11 candidates will undertake an Art exam. This will consist of a unit of work selected bythe students from a list assembled by the exam board. The unit will last a minimum of four monthsand will culminate in a 10 hour period in exam conditions.

AssessmentExamination Board: AQA

Coursework: 60%Minimum of 2 projects submitted45 hours of work

Examination: 40%Examination in the second year of the course.Papers issued from 1st January with a 10 hour exam sat in May.

Progression Post 16A-Level PhotographyA-Level Fine ArtA-Level Graphic Design

ContactMr Hudson- (Head of Art)[email protected]

GCSE Art & Design(Photography)Course OutlineIn the Photography course candidates will have the opportunity to experience a variety of media,techniques and processes with lens based and light based media.

Candidates will be expected to show both practical and critical skills. They will investigate the workof other photographers and artists; explore the formal elements of the visual language and be able tomake personal responses to a given theme. Themes of study will include comparing and contrastingthe natural and built environment; editorial design work and self portraiture.

The facilities available to candidates includes a photographic studio equipped with studio lighting; afilm loading/processing room; a darkroom for wet photography and a Mac Suite for digital photo-editing/printing.

Students are required to purchase Photography equipment (film, darkroom paper etc) and contribute to printing costs at a total of £35 per year.


Coursework: 60%Minimum of 2 projects submitted45 hours of work

Examination: 40%Examination in the second year of the course.Papers issued from 1st January with a 10 hour exam sat in May.

Progression Post 16A-Level PhotographyA-Level Fine ArtA-Level Graphic Design

ContactMiss Wilson- (Teacher of Photography)[email protected] Hudson- (Head of Art)[email protected]

GCSE Business StudiesCourse OutlineThe course is divided into two units:

Unit 1 - Introduction to Small Business : Including Spotting a Business Opportunity, ShowingEnterprise, Putting a Business Idea into Practice, Making the Start-up Effective and Understandingthe Economic Context.

Unit 2 - Building a Business : Including Marketing, Meeting Customer Needs, Effective FinancialManagement, Effective People Management and The Wider World Affecting Business.

The course requires a good level of literacy and numeracy.

AssessmentExamination Board: Edexcel

Coursework Unit 1: 25% Controlled assessment -Investigating a Business. Students will complete an investigation into aBusiness including research, analysis and evaluation.

ExaminationUnit 1: 25% Compulsory multiple-choice andobjective test questions.Unit 2: 50% Combination of multiple choice,short and extended-answer, data response andscenario based questions.

Progression Post 16AS and A2 Business StudiesNational Award Business (Level 3)AS and A2 Economics

ContactMr O.Suter - (Head of Business Studies) - [email protected]

GCSE Classical CivilisationCourse OutlineThis GCSE provides an excellent introduction to the Classical World, covering the study ofancient Greek literature (in translation) and civilisation. The course also features ControlledAssessment, allowing you to develop research skills and independent learning.

During the course you will have the opportunity too read and analyse both epic and tragedyo discover the conditions of life in the ancient worldo explore the similarities and differences between the ancient and the modern worlds.

NB It is recommended that you have a minimum English target grade of B in order to take thisoption most successfully.

AssessmentExamination Board: OCR

Controlled Assessment: 25%Unit 4 - Culture and Society in the Classical World:Sophocles' AntigoneControlled assessment essay (title taken from achoice of two)

Examination: 75%Unit 1 - City Life in the Classical World: AthensUnit 2 - Epic and Myth: Homer's Odyssey Unit 3 - Community Life in the Classical World:Sparta3x 1hr written paper (each the same format, as follows):

Section A: Candidates are required to answertwo questions from a choice of three.Candidates must answer all the sub-questionsset. Section B: Candidates are required to answerone essay question from a choice of two.

Progression Post 16The course provides an interesting introductionfor anyone considering AS/A levels in ClassicalCivilisation, History or English Literature.

ContactMiss C Salisbury (Head of Classics) [email protected]

GCSE DramaThrough GCSE Drama you will explore themes, ideas and cultures in a practical way and developcommunication and performance skills by working as a committed member of a small group. Youwill work constructively within your group to devise and improve original pieces of performance,you will analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of your own and others work with sensitivity andinsight. You will study texts from a practical perspective and you will learn to develop improvisa-tional skills and to effectively create characters and situations. You will have the opportunity tosee live productions and you will develop the skills necessary for analysing live performance.


Coursework: 60%60% of the total marks (marked out of 120)Students are required to present practical workfor two controlled assessment options, each witha weighting of 30% (60 marks each).o process and understanding of skills

development - 7.5% o final presentation: either performance or

demonstration/artefact(s) - 22.5%

Examination: 40%1 hour 30 min40% of the total marks (marked out of 80)The written paper comprises three sections:

A - Practical work completed during thecourseB - Study and performance of a scripted playC - Study of a live theatre production seen.Students must answer Question 1 fromSection A and choose one further questionfrom either Section B or Section C.

Progression Post 16GCSE Drama provides a very specific foundation for AS/A2 Drama, AS/A2 TheatreStudies and AS/A2 Performing Arts. Thecourse also leads into a BTech in PerformingArts.

ContactMiss J Hopkins (Teacher of Drama) - [email protected]

GCSE EnglishGCSE English Literature Course OutlinePupils will follow a course in either English Language and Literature (2 GCSEs) or English (singleGCSE). All GCSE English courses consist of three linked elements: reading, writing and speaking and listening. The texts covered include a Shakespeare play, a literary heritage text and a text fromdifferent cultures, in addition to a range of non-fiction and media texts. Writing involves creativetexts as well as responses to written texts. A range of speaking and listening activities and assessments are completed covering: presenting, role play and discussing and listening.

AssessmentUnit 1: ExaminationUnderstanding or Exploring Texts (non-fictionor literary) o Section A) Readingo Section B) Writing

Unit 2: Speaking and Listening o Presenting, role play and discussing and listening

Unit 3: Understanding and producing textso Readingo Spoken Language Studyo Creative Writing

LiteratureUnit 1: Modern Prose

Other Cultures Unit 2: Poetry across timeUnit 3 Significance of Shakespeare and the lit-erary heritage

Percentage of CourseEnglish/English Language:

o 20% Speaking/Listeningo 40% Controlled Testo 40% Examination

Literature o 40% Controlled Assessment (Unit 3)o 60% Examination(Units 1 & 2)

Progression Post 16The courses lead on naturally to the study ofEnglish at AS and A level, as well as being anadvantage in subjects such as Media Studies,Drama and Performing Arts.

ContactMs S Carter Tabasso (Head of Faculty English & Media) - [email protected]

GCSE Ethics and MoralityCourse OutlineThis course is about Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. You will cover topics such as:o Religion and Scienceo Prejudice and discriminationo World povertyo Beliefs about the afterlife

You will enjoy this course if you are interested in Philosophy and Ethics, or even if you just wantto be better informed about religion since it has always had an important influence on worldevents. The course builds on what you have already learnt about religion at KS3, and will enableyou to think about problems you may face in life and help you to work out how to deal withthem. You will also develop your ability to consider other viewpoints.

Ethics and Morality will help you develop your skills in communication, information technology,literacy, working with others and problem solving. It will also give you skills in making decisionsabout moral problems and help you to become sure about your own beliefs. This course is notabout making you 'religious', it is about enabling you to think for yourself about religious, philosophical and ethical issues.


CourseworkNo formal coursework requirement

ExaminationAssessment for this course is by examinationonly. Two one hour examination papers for theShort Course and four one hour examinationpapers for the Full Course.

Progression Post 16A GCSE in this subject is a good stepping-stone to a wide range of future opportunities.The skills you develop will support you inany further studies and employment. A goodgrade will help you to progress to an AS orA2 Level in Religious Studies or Philosophy.

It will also prepare you to work with peopleof different cultures and beliefs which can bevery useful for careers such as the policeforce, the armed forces or teaching.

ContactMrs G Hawthorne (Head of Ethics and Morality) - [email protected]

GCSE GeographyCourse OutlineThis course is divided into four units taught over the 2 years. Three units are taught and cover arange of current geographical issues. One unit is investigative and requires you to undertake twopersonal investigations, one based on fieldwork and the other on research.

You will learn about:The coastal environmentLiving with natural hazardsInvestigating the globalisation of industry

You will conduct fieldwork in the urban environment.You will complete a research project on either:Energy in the 21st Century or Water a Precious Resource

AssessmentExamination Board: AQA Specification B

Coursework 25%Local Investigation (including fieldwork) 15% Geographical Issue Investigation 10%

Examination 75%3 examinations on 1 of the 3 areas outlined above

Progression Post 16AS and A2 Geography

ContactMrs G. Hudson (Head of Geography) [email protected]

BTEC Level 2 Certificate inCountryside and EnvironmentCourse OutlineThis course offers a focused programme for those who would like to work outdoors or in the envi-ronment. This is a practical subject and will be taught through lessons, practical workshops andsite visits. You will study 3 units

Introduction to Environmental StudiesIntroduction to Countryside Access and RecreationUnderstanding Ecology of Tree, Woods and Forests

AssessmentExamination Board: EdExcel

Progression Post 16BTEC Countryside and Conservation

ContactMrs G. Hudson (Head of Geography)[email protected]

GCSE HistoryCourse OutlineHistory has 3 examined units and 1 controlled assessment unit.

The first examined unit is a study over time on Crime and Punishment. This offers the chance tostudy the development of Crime and Punishment in Britain from the Late Medieval Period to the21st Century.

The second examined unit is an in depth study on Germany c. 1919 - 45. This focuses on theeffects of World War One on Germany, the problems faced by the Weimar Republic 1919 - 33,the rise of National Socialism and life under the Nazis from 1933 until the Second World War.

The final examined unit is Protest, Law and Order in the 20th Century. This unit looks at theSuffragette Movement of 1903 - 14, the General Strike of 1926, the Miners' Strike of 1984 and thePoll Tax Riots in the early 1990s. The causes of these protests, their progress and official reactionsare assessed.

The controlled assessment focuses on the Vietnam conflict 1960 - 75 and involves a study of thereasons for US involvement, the nature of the conflict, the impact on US and Vietnamese civilians,the protest movement and the reasons for the US defeat.

AssessmentExamination Board: Edexcel History B -Schools History Project

25% Controlled Assessment75% Exam

Unit 1 Crime and Punishment will be a onehour and fifteen minute exam totalling 50marks from 4 questions and will be 25% of thefinal GCSE.

Unit 2 Germany c.1919 - c.1945 will be a onehour and fifteen minute exam totalling 50marks from 4 questions and will be 25% of thefinal GCSE.

Unit 3 Protest, Law and Order in the 20thCentury will be a one hour and fifteen minuteexam totalling 50 marks from 5 source basedquestions and will be 25% of the final GCSE.

Progression Post 16To study History at AS all students must obtaina grade 'B' or above. With a GCSE in Historystudents can go on to study Law, Philosophy,Psychology and Sociology.

ContactMr. R. Horton - Head of History andHumanities - [email protected]

GCSE ComputingCourse OutlineGCSE Computing (Grades A* - G)The course will give learners a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works.The course will give them an insight into what goes on 'behind the scenes', including computerprogramming. The course will also develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skillsthrough the study of computer programming.

Units studied:o A451 Computer systems and programming - this unit covers the body of knowledge aboutcomputer systems on which the examination will be based.o A452 Practical investigation - this unit is designed to provide you with an opportunity to carryout a practical investigation into a computing issue and engage you with computing in the realworld.o A453 Programming project - this unit will provide opportunities for the candidate to demonstrate practical ability to design, develop and test a solution to a problem.

Some students who have found ICT challenging at Key Stage 3 will work towards achieving theICT Functional Skills qualification.


Coursework 60% Controlled AssessmentUnit A452 Practical Investigation &Unit A453 Programming Project(approx. 20 hours each)

Examination40%Unit A451 Computer systems and programming (1 hour 30 minutes, written paper).

Progression Post 16AS and A2 ComputingAS and A2 ICT

ContactMrs J M Griffin, Head of ICT - [email protected]

ICT Functional SkillsCourse OutlineICT Functional Skills (Level 1 or 2)The Functional Skills qualification will provide a platform to further achievement through thedevelopment of fundamental, applied skills in ICT. The Functional Skills qualifications aredesigned to assess the development of skills in practical everyday contexts and real life situations. On successful completion of the course, students will be able to apply their skills andknowledge to a variety of real life situations by using a number of office based software applications to solve a problem.

Please note: Level 1 is comparable to GCSE grade D-G, Level 2 is comparable to GCSE grade A*-C

Students who have found ICT challenging at Key Stage 3 will work towards achieving this qualification.


Progression Post 16Functional Skills Level 2 pass required forentry to Level 3 Computing/ICT coursesAS and A2 ComputingAS and A2 ICT

ContactMrs J M Griffin, Head of ICT - [email protected]

GCSE MathematicsCourse OutlineGCSE Mathematics 2 Tier Linear

Higher Tier possible grades A* to DFoundation Tier possible grades C to G

The course develops many of the concepts covered in KS3 but also introduces many higherlevel tools that can be used for problem solving.

Some students will be advised to follow a course in Functional Maths which will be moreapplicable to vocational courses post 16 by relating the mathematical concepts covered to reallife situations wherever possible. The qualification is recognised by employers and traininginstitutions as showing a level of competency in mathematics and can be equivalent to a gradeC at GCSE.


Coursework0%Examination100%The students will either be entered in January orJune of Year 11. Those who take the examinationearly will then start preparing for A LevelMathematics.Very able students will take their GCSE a yearearly, in June of Year 10. These boys will thenwork towards achieving the OCR FreestandingAdditional Mathematics Advanced LevelQualification.

This will help them narrow the gap betweenGCSE and A Level.Those students entered for Functional Skillswill complete their assessments in June of Year11.Progression Post 16AS Mathematics (and Further Maths) in Y12This is a modular course covering Core Maths,and Mechanics or Statistics. Further Pure andDecision Maths will be the additional modulesif your son is taking Further Maths.

ContactMs R Kwan (Head of Maths)[email protected] C Collins (KS4 Maths Coordinator)[email protected]

GCSE Media StudiesCourse OutlineThe GCSE Media Studies course consists of the analysis and production of a range of mediatexts. During the course pupils learn to respond critically and analytically to a range of massmedia texts; gain a broad knowledge of the industrial and commercial nature of media production; investigate the nature of media consumption by different audiences; enhance theirskills in the planning and creation of media products; engage with the developing world ofmedia technologies. A variety of media are studied including; film and television; digital and new media; marketingand the music industry; comics and magazines.

AssessmentExam Board:AQAInvestigating the Media 1hr 30 minTask 1a and 1b: Knowledge andUnderstandingTask 2a and 2b: Research, Planning andPresentation, Production and Evaluation.40% of total marks

CourseworkCoursework Requirement:Understanding the MediaControlled assessment taken from banksof set assignments on three differentmedia 60% of total marks

Progression Post 16Media Studies uses ICT skills in both creativeand practical ways and leads quite naturally tocourses where these skills are required. Thecourse provides an interesting introduction foranyone wishing to pursue Media Studies AS/Alevel.

ContactMs S Carter Tabasso (Head of Faculty - English and Media)[email protected]

GCSE FrenchCourse OutlineThe students will have 2 hours of French a week. The course consists of 4 skills:o Listening skillso Reading skillso Speaking skillso Writing skills

This course covers the following topics:o Topic 1: Home Life and Personal informationo Topic 2: School and Worko Topic 3: Lifestyle (including Body Parts and Healthy Living)o Topic 4: Leisure and Free Timeo Topic 5: Widening Horizons (including Holidays and Travelling)

AssessmentExamination Board: OCRSpeaking Examination: 30%o 2 controlled assessments that are

taken during the course at scheduled times.

o Untiered - grade by outcome.Listening Examination:

o One listening exam paper at the end of the two year course.

o 20% of the GCSE courseReading Examinationo One reading exam paper at the end of

the two year course.o 20% of the GCSE course

CourseworkCoursework: 30%o 2 controlled assessments taken in

class during the courseo Externally assessed. o Untiered -grade by outcomeo Untiered -grade by outcome.

Progression Post 16AS and A2 FrenchBusiness Qualification in LanguagesBritish Airways Flag Award

ContactMrs N. FlynnCoordinator for Frenchnflynn@ st-birinus.oxon.sch.uk

Mrs E. DeadmanHead of Languages [email protected]

GCSE GermanCourse OutlineThe students will have 2 hours of German a week. The course consists of 4 skills:o Listening skillso Reading skillso Speaking skillso Writing skills



Speaking Examination: 30%o 2 controlled assessments that are taken

during the course at scheduled times.o Untiered - grade by outcome.

Listening Examination: o One listening exam paper at the end of thetwo year course.o 20% of the GCSE course

Reading Examinationo One reading exam paper at the end of the

two year course.o 20% of the GCSE course

Coursework: 30%o 2 controlled assessments taken in class

during the courseo Externally assessed. o Untiered -grade by outcome.

Progression Post 16AS and A2 GermanBusiness Qualification in LanguagesBritish Airways Flag Award

ContactMrs E. DeadmanHead of Languages [email protected]

GCSE ItalianCourse OutlineThe students will have 2 hours of Italian a week. The course consists of 4 skills:o Listening skillso Reading skillso Speaking skillso Writing skills



Speaking Examination: 30%o 2 controlled assessments that are taken

during the course at scheduled times.o Untiered - grade by outcome.

Listening Examination: o One listening exam paper at the end of thetwo year course.o 20% of the GCSE course






GCSE SpanishCourse OutlineThe students will have 2 hours of Spanish a week. The course consists of 4 skills:o Listening skillso Reading skillso Speaking skillso Writing skills



Speaking Examination: 30%o 2 controlled assessments that are taken dur

ing the course at scheduled times.o Untiered - grade by outcome.

Listening Examination: o One listening exam paper at the end of the






Progression Post 16AS and A2 FrenchBusiness Qualification in Languages British Airways Flag Award


GCSE MusicCourse OutlineTo be successful in this course you need to have an enthusiasm for all types of music and be ableto sing or play an instrument. You will study twelve short pieces of music set by the examinationboard that are grouped under the following headings:-

Area of Study 1: Western Classical Music 1600 - 1899Area of Study 2: Music in the 20th CenturyArea of Study 3: Popular Music in ContextArea of Study 4: World Music

You will also compose work (using computers) that relate to the Area of Studies above. GCSE Music is a very practical course but you do need to write essays about the music you havestudied.


Examination: 40 % One exam paper at the end of the course.You are asked questions on extracts of the musicyou have studied played to you on CD. Also youhave to answer two essay questions.

Coursework: 60 % By the end of the course you have to submit twocompositions related to the Area of Studiesabove. Also you have to perform two pieces ofmusic, one is considered as a solo and one asan ensemble piece.

Progression Post 16AS and A2 Music, Music Technology andPerforming Arts

ContactMr A W Walker - Head of Performing [email protected]

GCSE Physical EducationCourse OutlineThis course requires both practical and academic ability.

Lessons are split between the theory and practical elements of the course. One lesson eachweek will be practical and one lesson each week will be theory.

PracticalThe details of the practical element of the course are outlined in the coursework section below.

TheoryThe theoretical part of the course covers the following topics:Unit 1.1: Healthy, active lifestyles (including influences on lifestyle, exercise and fitness, diet)Unit 1.2: Anatomy and Physiology (including the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular andskeletal systems.)


Examination: 40%o 1 exam paper at the end of the two

year course.

Coursework: 60%o Coursework is in the form of practical

assessmento 4 activities (either as performer, official

or leader) one of which will involve ananalysis of performance.

o Students must also complete a personal exercise programme.

Progression Post 16AS and A2 Sport and Physical Education.BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport.

ContactMr. S. Tamblin - Head of PE - [email protected]

BTEC First Award in SportCourse OutlineThis course requires both practical and academic ability.Lessons are split between the theory and practical elements of the course.

Unit 1: Fitness for Sport and ExerciseComponents of fitness and the principles of trainingFitness training methodsFitness testing to determine fitness levelsUnit 2: Practical Sports PerformancePractical performance in two sports (one team sport and one individual sport).Rules, regulations and scoring systems.Review of sports performance.Unit 5: Training for Personal FitnessDesign, implement and review a personal fitness training programme.Strategies for continued training success.Unit 6: Leading Sports ActivitiesAttributes associated with successful sports leadership.Planning, leading and reviewing of sports activities.


Coursework 75%Unit 2, 3 and 4 are internally assessed assign-ments and a portfolio of work.

Examination 25%Unit 1 is externally assessed by on onscreentest (1 hour, 50 marks)

Progression Post 16AS and A2 Sport and Physical Education.BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport.

ContactMr. S. Tamblin - Head of [email protected]. T. Smith - Co-ordinator of BTEC [email protected]

GCSE PsychologyCourse OutlineGCSE Psychology consists of two units.

Unit 1 : Making Sense of Other PeopleThis unit covers how humans interact with each other including the way we perceive others, memory,body language and other non-verbal communication, interpretations of others non-verbal communication, factors impacting on the development of personality, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination. As well as studying these topics students will also develop an understanding of theresearch methods used in such studies, the strengths and weaknesses of these methods and the ethicalquestions raised by psychological research.

Unit 2: Understanding Other People

In this unit students will focus on social conditioning and human behaviour, social influences on psychology, sexual and gender based identities and the psychological, social and physical influence onaggression. Students will also continue their studies of research methods in this unit

AssessmentExamination Board: AQA 4182 Unit 1: Making Sense of Other People (41801)Written Paper - 1 hour 30 mins80 marks - 50%Candidates answer all questionsUnit 2: Understanding Other People (41802)Written Paper - 1 hour 30 mins80 marks - 50%Candidates answer all questions

Progression Post 16To study Psychology. Good links to Mathsand Biology.

ContactMr. R. Horton - Head of History andHumanities [email protected]

GCSE Science (Double Award)Course OutlineStudents will be taught units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics which will lead to GCSE Science in Year10 and GCSE Additional Science in Year 11.

The Science GCSE studied during Year 10 provides a thorough basic knowledge of the three sciences.Additional Science takes the science into more detail and provides a good grounding for AS and A level.

As well as enabling students to gain an understanding of the key concepts in Biology, Chemistry andPhysics through the use of experimental investigations and class practical, students are encouraged tobecome independent thinkers, developing their skills in organisation, manual dexterity, logical and systematic thought, data analysis, IT and oral and written communication skills (all elements of “HowScience Works”).


Examination: 75%Three written answer papers in Year 10 leadingto GCSE Science. Three written answer papers in Year 11 leadingto GCSE Additional Science.

Coursework: 25%Coursework takes the form of InvestigativeSkills Assignments (ISAs) involving both practical work and written answer papers.

Progression Post 16Successful completion of GCSE Science andGCSE Additional Science provides an excellent grounding for studying any of thesciences at A/AS level (Biology, Chemistry,Physics, Psychology) or could be used to prepare for an NVQ Level 1 or 2 in a relatedsubject.With further training, students could go into ajob related to science such as a teacher, laboratory researcher, science technician orpharmacist or go straight into employmentand do further training or part-time studywith the support of an employer.ContactMiss V Stokes, Head of Science Faculty [email protected]

GCSE Science (Triple Award)Course OutlineThis is a challenging course which offers the opportunity to study three single GCSEs in Biology,Chemistry and Physics. This is commonly known as “Triple Science” or “Triple Award” and due tothe workload involved is aimed at more academically able pupils. Students must be reasonablyable scientists acheiving at least a level 5a at the end of Year 9 but, more importantly, be interest-ed in science as a subject. Students study each of the three sciences separately and will receive aGCSE grade for each.

As well as enabling students to gain an understanding of key concepts through the use of experimental investigations and class practical students are encouraged to become independentthinkers, developing their skills in organisation, manual dexterity, logical and systematic thought,data analysis, IT and oral and written communication skills.

This is in addition to the three year course we are offering a two year course using an optionblock.


Examination: 75%Nine terminal written answer papers at end ofyear.

Coursework: 25%Coursework takes the form of InvestigativeSkills Assignments (ISAs) involving both practical work and written answer papers.

Progression Post 16Successful completion of GCSE Science - TripleAward provides an excellent grounding for studying any of the sciences at A/AS level(Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology) orcould be used to prepare for an NVQ Level 1 or2 in a related subject. It is hoped that many ofthe Triple Award students will progress to Post 16science education as they will be well equippedto be highly successful.With further training, students could go into ajob related to science such as a teacher, laboratory researcher, science technician or pharmacist or go straight into employment anddo further training or part-time study with thesupport of an employer.

ContactMiss V Stokes, Head of Science and Biology [email protected] P Brew, Head of Chemistry - [email protected] T Brunier, Head of Physics [email protected]

BTEC Certificate in Applied ScienceCourse OutlineStudents will be taught a mixture of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which will lead to a BTECAward in Principles of Applied Science at either Level 1 or Level 2 according to the ability of indi-vidual students. This could allow progression to a BTEC award in applications of Science.

BTEC Applied Science follows a vocational approach to the subject. The course is assessedthroughout the year and every assignment counts towards the final BTEC award. Assignments usea variety of communication skills such as ICT, practical work, reports and presentations. Studentswill also have a formal examaniation at the end of each year worth 25% of the final grade.

The course will enable students to gain an understanding of the major scientific concepts throughthe use of experimental investigations and class practicals. Students are also encouraged tobecome independent thinkers, developing their skills in organisation, manual dexterity, data analysis, ICT and oral and written communication skills.


Progression Post 16Successful completion of BTEC Applied Scienceat Level 2 provides a good foundation forprogressing to the BTEC Diploma in AppliedScience in Year 12 at Levels 2 and 3 or could beused to prepare for an NVQ Level 1 or 2 in arelated subject.

With further training, students could go into ajob related to science such as a laboratoryresearcher, science technician or other medicalor health-related occupations, or go straight intoemployment and do further training or part-timestudy with the support of an employer.

ContactMiss V Stokes, Head of Science Faculty [email protected] J C Bremner, Science BTEC Lead Verifier [email protected]

Entry BTEC Home Cooking SkillsCourse OutlineThis course has been designed by Jamie Oliver and covers practical cooking skills needed to

be able to cook meals at home. You will be taught how to use a range of ingredients andunderstand how they can be used in different recipes for different purposes.

AssessmentYou will be assessed on a practical project whichwill include recipe research, plan and a practicaltwo course meal to be presented.

Coursework1 Controlled Assessment within school to assessability to plan, follow and evaluate a healthy balanced two course meal.

Examination Board: Edexcel

Progression Post 16AS and A2 in Food Technology.

ContactMrs S. Ward - KS4 Subject Leader forTechnology - [email protected]

GCSE Food and NutritionCourse OutlineThe course covers practical cooking skills with the theory knowledge required to plan and prepare healthy balanced meals. The lessons will roughly be split with 1 practical and 1 theory lesson per week.

Year 10:You will cover basic cooking skills, Controlled Assessment Task 1, Unit 1: Nutrition, Diet andHealth throughout life, and Unit 2: Food Hygiene and Safety.

Year 11:You will cover advanced cooking skills, Controlled Assessment Task 2, Unit 3: Nutritonal,Physical, Chemical and Sensory Properties of Foods in Storage, Preparation and Cooking, andUnit 4: Factors Affecting Consumer Choice. You will have a mock exam before Christmas andyour final GCSE exam at the end of the year.

AssessmentExamination Board: WJEC

Examination: 40%1 exam paper at the end of the two year courseCoursework: 60%2 Controlled Assessment TasksTask 1 worth 20% includes 6 sides of A4 written work and a 1 hour practical assessmentTask 2 work 40% includes 8 sides of A3 written work and a 3 hour practical assessment

Progression Post 16AS and A2 in Food Technology.

ContactMrs S. Ward - (KS4 Subject Leader forTechnology) - [email protected]

GCSE GraphicsCourse OutlineThe course covers practical graphics skills with the theory knowledge required to plan and make apaper or card based product. This course would be a good start for anyone interested in a career inGraphic Design or Architecture.

Year 10: You will cover theory knowledge needed for the exam by undertaking a series of mini proj-ects to help prepare you for the controlled assessment.

Year 11: You will complete the Controlled Assessment task which will comprise a folder of 15 A3pages and a made graphic product. Your exam will be taken in June of this year.


Examination: 40%1 exam paper

Coursework: 60%1 Controlled Assessment task completed in Year 11

Progression Post 16AS and A2 in Product Design.AS and A2 in Graphic Design

ContactMr C Lockley - (Head of Technology) - [email protected]

GCSE Resistant MaterialsCourse OutlineThe course covers practical wood working skills with the theory knowledge required to plan andmake a wood based product. This course would be a good start for anyone interested in a career inCarpentry or Product Design.

Year 10:You will cover theory knowledge needed for the exam by undertaking a series of mini projects.Your exam will be taken in June of this year.

Year 11:You will complete the Controlled Assessment task which will comprise a folder of 15 A3 pages anda made wooden product.


Examination: 40%1 exam paper

Coursework: 60%1 Controlled Assessment task completed in Year 11

Progression Post 16AS and A2 in Product Design.

ContactMiss Cottrell - (KS3 Co-ordinator for Technology) [email protected]

BTEC Level 2 EngineeringCourse OutlineIn Year 10, students will complete three projects making soft jaws, copper name plate and wire cut-ters. They will be keeping a theory booklet to provide evidence of their understanding of the varietyof practical skills they use. They will complete two additional theory projects as homework throughthe year for their exam unit in Year 11.

Year 11 will follow the same format as the Year 10 work, but will be a further range of Engineeringtools needed for a basic tool kit. They will also be taking their externally set exam unit which iscompulsory to pass the course.

AssessmentExamination Board: EDEXCEL

Coursework Year 10: 3 practical projects, 2 theory projectsYear 11: 3 practical projects, 1 externally setexam unit

ExaminationThere is an externally set exam unit which is completed online with multiple choice questions

Progression Post 16AS/A2 levels exist in Engineering and are highlysuccessful at SBS with many students going onto study at university and higher level appren-ticeships. This course expands on the knowl-edge gained at Level 2 with a more complexdesign and make tasks and a more in depthstudy of manufacturing processes, and industrialexperience.

ContactMr A Leech (Design & Technology Head ofEngineering) - [email protected]

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