GCSE Curriculum 12018-2020

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2 GCSE Curriculum

Contents

Introduction 3

Curriculum Subject List 4

Core Curriculum Subjects 5 - 11

Optional Curriculum Subjects 12 - 20

Optional Subject Choices Form 22

GCSE Curriculum 3

Introduction

The move from the Lower Remove into the Upper Remove is a very exciting time for pupils studying at King’s. The challenge and academic demands of your subjects will grow and provide you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding and explore areas of interest. As you embark on your i/GCSE courses you will have to push yourself to achieve your potential and by aiming higher still, you can exceed your own expectations of your capabilities and give yourself the best possible platform for the next stage of your education.

Along with the core curriculum, you have the chance to make some subject choices that will allow you to optimise what you study for your particular aptitudes and aspirations. These choices are important and should be carefully considered because they can have an impact on future study and career paths. If you feel uncertain or unsure about what subjects to follow this is absolutely normal. To reach a final decision you should read about the courses set out in this booklet and make use of the opportunities to get advice from the many sources in school including your year group tutor, House tutor and subject teachers. Mrs Riddell, Head of Careers, would also be very happy to talk to you about any careers related enquiries you may have.

In addition to what you study in your timetabled subjects the upper remove and fifth form are an ideal time to pursue your academic interests beyond the classroom. I would encourage you to continue to be curious about the world in which you live and to support you in this endeavour there are numerous super-curricular opportunities on offer at King’s including academic enrichment and many academic clubs and societies.

I hope you find that this booklet gives a sense of the excitement of the next two years and is helpful in guiding your choices to set you on the path to future success.

Duncan King Deputy Head (Academic)

Upper Remove and Fifth Form CurriculumAll pupils are entered for the GCSE or IGCSE examinations, most of which are taken at the end of the fifth form. Pupils usually choose to study ten subjects for the two years in upper remove and fifth form. The subjects that all pupils take are:

• English: both Language and Literature, leading to two IGCSEs

• Mathematics• Physics, Chemistry and Biology: leading either to three

separate science grades or to a dual award examination• A Modern Foreign Language: at least one of French, German

or Spanish• Physical Education and Games (non-examined)• PSHE and Religion and Philosophy (non-examined)

Choosing GCSE OptionsIn addition to the subjects studied by all students, pupils choose three subjects, taken from the single list below.

• Art• German• Drama• History• Design and Technology• Latin• Classical Civilisation• Music• Geography• Spanish• Religion and Philosophy• French

General advice about choosing options:Do:choose subjects which you like and want to do.choose subjects which you are good at.choose subjects which keep your options for further study or careers open.make sure that your choices are informed.seek advice!

Don’tchoose a subject just because your friends are doing it.choose a subject just because you like the teacher you have this year.quickly write off a subject without looking at it closely first – you may well change your mind!

4 GCSE Curriculum

Core Curriculum Subjects

Optional Curriculum Subjects

Biology Chemistry Physics

English Language English Literature Languages

Mathematics

Art & Design Classical Civilisation

Drama Geography History

Latin

Design Technology

Music Religion & Philosophy

GCSE Curriculum 5

For further Information, please contact:Dr M Parkin (Head of Department) mparkin@ksw.org.uk

Biology (IGCSE)

The course aims to give pupils a very good understanding of the living world and is excellent preparation for further study at A-Level. We start the course in the Lower Remove year and aim to provide pupils with as much experience of practical work as possible.

Course Content

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4BI1The course has five main topic areas:

The nature and variety of living organismsIn this topic, pupils explore the classification of the main groups of living organisms on the planet.

Structures and functions in living organismsThis topic area enables pupils to develop an understanding of how animals and plants work. Pupils investigate topics such as cell biology, heart and circulation, photosynthesis, the kidney and excretion, the nervous system and many other topics!

Reproduction and inheritanceThis topic area focuses upon the methods of reproduction in plants and humans and the mechanisms of genetics. Pupils are able to explore how genes work and how they are inherited.

Ecology and the environmentThis topic area enables pupils to develop an understanding of how ecosystems work and how organisms interact with each other.

Use of biological resourcesThis topic area covers a range of examples of how we use organisms. We will look at a modern genetic technologies, animal and plant cloning and even fish farming!

Assessment ModelPupils sit two exam papers at the end of the Fifth Form.

Paper 1: 2 hours, 110 marks

Paper 2: 1 hour and 15 minutes, 70 marks.

There is only one entry tier (no separate foundation or higher papers) and so the grades available are 1 – 9.

How Can Families Help?• Watch television programmes related to Biology e.g.

‘The Blue Planet’.• Have scientific debates on current Biological issues e.g.

‘Are antibiotics being overprescribed?’, ‘What will be the eventual effects of the Greenhouse effect on our planet?’

“Biology at GCSE gave me a good insight into what is a complex and varied Science. The course covers a wide range of biological processes, systems and organisms, knowledge of which Is very important in everyday life, and now at A-level.”

Current lower sixth student

6 GCSE Curriculum

The IGCSE course seeks to challenge the student to seek the explanation behind the way substances behave, using practical work to illustrate the key ideas and develop the experimental skills of the student. As with the other Sciences, the Chemistry IGCSE  is an ideal qualification to help prepare students for Chemistry at A-level should they wish to study it. If students have got medical degrees as an aspiration now, achieving highly in Chemistry at IGCSE and A-level is an absolute necessity.

Course Content

There are four main sections to the course:1. Principles of Chemistry – including atomic structure and

bonding, states of matter,  the periodic table and writing word equations and balanced  symbol equations for chemical reactions

2. Inorganic Chemistry – studying in more detail the reactions of specific elements, e.g. group 1 & group 7 elements in the periodic table, how metals are extracted or manufactured and how to carry out chemical tests to prove the presence of certain elements.ions in reactions.

3. Physical Chemistry – including energetics, rates of reaction and reversible reactions

4. Organic Chemistry – including an introduction to hydrocarbons and crude oil, and reactions of compounds with specific functional groups e.g. alkanes, alkenes and carboxylic acids.

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4CH1Two papers are sat to get an IGCSE Chemistry qualification:

Paper 1 – a 2 hour paper, with a total of 110 marks, with a mixture of different question styles. These include multiple choice, short answer questions, calculations and extended open response questions. This paper contributes 61.1% to the overall score.

Paper 2 – a 1 ¼ hour paper, with a total of 70 marks. The question styles are as above, and the paper contributes 38.9% to the overall score.

There is no coursework component. However, there are some core practicals which will be done over the teaching of the course in lessons. Questions will be asked on these practicals. There are no foundation or higher tier papers. All students will sit the same ones.

“I really enjoyed the challenge of starting to explain why reactions happen as they do. The practical work is always interesting, but to be able to understand why and how is much rewarding. The area of pharmaceutical Chemistry could be a possible career path in the future. ”

Current fifth form student

For further Information, please contact:Mr R P Geary (Head of Department) rgeary@ksw.org.uk

Chemistry (IGCSE)

How can families help?• Encourage good use of the textbook – the answers can

be found if they look!• Help test some of the factual material – revision cards

are very helpful.• Encourage them to see where the subject can lead –

the world needs Chemists.

GCSE Curriculum 7

For further Information, please contact:Dr D Haddock (Head of Department) dhaddock@ksw.org.uk

Physics (IGCSE)

The IGCSE Physics course serves as excellent preparation for any student who may be intending to pursue the subject for A-level. The IGCSE in Physics covers a very broad range of topics, most of which are centred around students undertaking practical work to make conclusions to try and explain how the world around us actually works. Success in this subject is also reliant on having good mathematical skills, particularly when it comes to rearranging formulae and converting units. The IGCSE Physics course does well to stimulate interest, enjoyment and curiosity in many diverse areas of Physics.

Course Content

As with Chemistry and Biology, the IGCSE course begins for all students at the start of the Lower Remove. Most of the initial topics will recap ideas previously learnt by students lower down the school and then these ideas are developed to the standard required for the IGCSE. Throughout the whole course, the main topics covered are broken down as follows:

Lower Remove:Energy transfers, energy resources, waves & the electromagnetic spectrum, sound and vibration, density and pressure.

Upper Remove:Forces & motion, current electricity, mains electricity, static electricity, light, changes of state, heat transfer, ideal gas behaviour, moments, stellar evolution.

Fifth Form:Momentum and collisions, electromagnetic induction, the motor effect, alternators and generators, radioactivity, nuclear fission.

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4PH1The majority of our students will go on to complete the triple award course, so will sit two papers in the summer of 2020. Both papers are untiered i.e. there is no higher tier or foundation tier. The first paper is 2 hours in duration and is marked out of 110. Paper one makes up 61.1% of the overall mark. Paper 2 is 1 hour and 15 minutes in duration and is marked out of 70. Paper two makes up the remaining 38.9% of the overall mark. Students who are taking the dual award course will only sit paper 1. The papers contain a flexible combination of questions which can be broken down into the following main categories: short answer; factual recall (bookwork); multiple choice; longer written response and calculations which are generally preceded by students starting off by recalling a formula. There are a small number of formulae given to students in the examination(s) but they are expected to be able to recall the majority of them.

In paper 1, there will also be (at least) one question regarding a practical experiment which students will have done during the course. This is specifically put in with some general questions on working scientifically, and in the majority of cases will involve plotting a graph. These are skills which students should develop well throughout the course but they should not be taken for granted when it comes to exam revision.

How Can Families Help?• Encourage discussion about current scientific issues.

The website for the Institute of Physics (www.iop.org.uk) has a tab specifically for this.

• Encourage students to form opinions based on their scientific understanding.

• Help your son/daughter to learn the many equations from the course. They feature heavily, and if mastered can make up a considerable number of marks!

“The Physics course has a great syllabus for introducing the concept of the world around us and how it operates. If you’re interested in challenging yourself to work out how things work, Physics is an essential subject”.

Current A level student

8 GCSE Curriculum

English Language (IGCSE)

In the Lower Remove, you will continue to study a combination of English Language and English Literature throughout the year, in preparation for the two separate IGCSEs that you will be taking in these subjects at the end of the Fifth Form. You will have four lessons each week (usually a double lesson and two singles) and will be in a group set by ability.

During the Lower Remove year we will be building the skills for the IGCSE courses, so it may be useful for you to understand what these will involve. In the Upper Remove and Fifth Form, you will have five lessons per week (usually two doubles and a single), concurrently studying both English Language and English Literature. You will have one teacher for all these lessons and we aim for the same teacher to teach you in both the UR and the FF. Once again, you will be set by ability.

Course Content

Both of these exams will award results in the new 9 to 1 format; details of the two IGCSE courses are as follows:

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE Specification A 4EA1This has one exam paper and a coursework element, in which you complete two assignments for assessment.

Paper 1: Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing The focus of this component is the study and analysis of selections from a range of non-fiction texts and the exploration and development of transactional writing skills. Throughout the qualification, you will develop skills of interpretation and analysis. Paper 1 assesses 60% of the total English Language qualification in a two hour, fifteen minute exam.

It is our aim that you should, through the study of English Language and English Literature, develop your skills of communication in written and spoken English and explore the way in which a wide variety of non-fiction and fiction texts communicate their message and achieve their purpose to inform, argue, describe, persuade or entertain. As you will understand, such skills of communication and analysis are relevant to all the subjects you will be studying, as well as to your wider lives. At the same time, there is the opportunity to develop your own creative writing. We also study a range of texts from the rich cultural heritage of English Literature, including works from all three genres, Poetry, Prose and Drama; we hope by doing so to provide you with an understanding and delight in reading such texts that will stay with you for life.

English Language & English Literature (IGCSE)

Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing Coursework The focus of the coursework is the study and analysis of selections from a range of fictional poetry and prose texts and the exploration and development of imaginative writing skills. The coursework assesses 40% of the total English Language qualification, with two assignments being submitted.

GCSE Curriculum 9

Assessment: Cambridge International Exams IGCSE Specification 0477There are three exam papers and no coursework for English Literature. All questions encourage an informed personal response as well as testing your knowledge of the texts studied throughout the course.

Paper 1: Poetry and ProseA one hour and thirty minutes exam paper, worth 50 marks. You will answer two questions on two texts. Each question is worth 25 marks. You must answer one question on Poetry and one question a Prose text, based on texts you have studied throughout the two years of the course. Relevant passages and poems are printed on the question paper.

Paper 2: DramaThis is also a one hour, thirty minutes exam paper, worth 50 marks.

You will answer two questions on two texts, one on a Shakespeare play and one on another Drama text you have studied. Relevant passages are printed on the question paper.

Paper 3 Unseen ComparisonThis is also a one hour, thirty minutes exam paper, but this is worth 40 marks. Candidates answer one question from a choice of two. The question will require you to compare two unseen pieces of literary writing. You will be presented with a choice of either two poems or of two prose extracts to compare.

English Literature (IGCSE)

“The English course made me appreciate that just a single sentence can change the meaning of a book, and how its events will unfold. Through all the different styles of writing we looked at on the course, it really improved my analytical and writing techniques.”

Current lower sixth student

For further Information, please contact:Mr A Maund (Head of Department) amaund@ksw.org.uk

How Can Families Help?• Encourage students to discuss and/or read their literary

texts with you.• Promote reading of current articles from newspapers,

magazines and websites.

10 GCSE Curriculum

For further Information, please contact:Mr R Ball (Head of Department) rball@ksw.org.uk

Languages (IGCSE)

Double your abilities, potential and range of skills by demonstrating that you can shine in at least two foreign languages, whether for personal development, broadening your contacts, pleasure, work and business, culture or travel.

Strong linguists develop character: confidence, maturity of written and spoken expression, the ability to craft language (including a better understanding of English), self-awareness, reflectiveness, cultural awareness, sense of perspective and context, broader horizons, responsiveness and adaptability.

They also gain social and academic skills: communication, discussion and self-expression as well as cross-curricular skills such as summarising, deduction, code identification, analysis and memory skills.

It goes without saying that dual linguists enjoy deeper knowledge and understanding of culture, the wider world and diplomacy.

Course Content

In a typical week pupils can expect to apply the four key language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) to a particular topic, spend time learning vocabulary and revise and develop grammatical constructions. The balance of skills will vary over the course depending on which type of task is being prepared. Collaborative work (pair / group work) is a regular part of any lesson. Pupils are given regular time slots with our foreign language assistants to help achieve greater oral fluency from the summer term in Upper Remove and the Multimedia Centre offers listening and speaking support software and Internet resources among other benefits.

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4FR1 / 4GN1 / 4SP1The syllabus offers topics designed to be of relevance and interest. The skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are weighted to represent 25% of the IGCSE each. All three papers are assessed at the end of the course and marked externally. Reading includes summary skills, writing requires two texts of approximately 70 and 140 words each as well as a grammar test, and speaking involves discussion of a candidate-selected and teacher approved picture stimulus followed by discussion of two further topics and lasting no more than ten minutes in all. No dictionaries are allowed in the examination.

“Learning (two) languages is fun, rewarding and opens up a range of different opportunities. You will be able to travel, meet new people and make new friends all around the world, making yourself really stand out from the crowd. ”

Current lower sixth student

How Can Families Help?• Encourage regular learning and testing of vocabulary

(such as allowing post-it notes on fridges).• Support opportunities to travel, experience the

language, watch films (but not with English subtitles) in the language.

• Show enthusiasm for learning a language – perhaps alongside your child!

• Change phone settings / computer home page to the language.

GCSE Curriculum 11

The Mathematics Department is a strong and successful department where students make excellent progress. Strong mathematical understanding has always been a vital life skill in almost all career paths as well as everyday life. Regardless of ability, all pupils are stretched during Lower Remove in readiness for the demands of the IGCSE. Success is achieved through supporting all pupils and ensuring that they are in the set most appropriate to their needs at the time. The department is friendly and welcoming but does expect that all pupils give their very best at all times.

Course Content

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1This is the most suitable course to offer challenge and stretch, especially with a greater focus on algebraic techniques and their applications. All pupils will take the higher tier examination in the summer of Fifth Form and the most able will have the option of an additional qualification which is studied alongside the IGCSE.

Throughout the course, the students will study what are effectively  six main topic areas. In no particular order, these are: numbers and the numbering system; equations, formulae and identities; sequences, functions and graphs; geometry and trigonometry; vectors and translation geometry and finally statistics and probability.

The above content is split equally between paper 1H and paper 2H and each is out of 100 marks. Both papers permit the use of a calculator, however many areas which could be examined without a calculator are “show that” questions where the answer is already provided. It is essential that pupils can produce a reasoned mathematical argument to get to this answer. Here method and logical presentation is essential as well as clarity of communication.

To engage with the newer 9 – 1 grading system, there has been some further demanding content has been added. This has added extra challenge for all and will ease the transition from IGCSE to A-level in the future.

The recent ISI report highlighted the pupils’ mathematical confidence as one of the school’s strengths.

“Pupils show a strong grasp of mathematical concepts and methods: their mathematical skills are extremely well developed relative to their abilities in all areas of the subject. They enjoy using mathematics. Excellent skills involving mathematical calculations are evident throughout the school”

For further Information, please contact:Mr O Heydon (Head of Department) oheydon@ksw.org.uk

Mathematics (IGCSE)

How Can Families Help?• Talk to your son/daughter about the course content

they are learning. Ask them to explain their methods for solving problems.

• Encourage your son/daughter to make full use of the ‘myimaths website’ if they do not understand a topic.

“Although academically challenging, Maths really develops your logical thinking and problem solving skills. The teachers really push you to achieve the best you can and it is a really satisfying feeling when you have solved a problem that looked really difficult to start with.”

Current lower sixth student

12 GCSE Curriculum

The Art Department is committed to developing and supporting the skills and interests of all pupils, whatever their ability, through a structured programme of activities which promotes the learning of technique, whilst nurturing confidence, individuality and creativity. The department is friendly and welcoming but demands high standards and ambition amongst its pupils.

Course Content

Assessment: Edexcel GCSE 2AD01The GCSE course provides a wonderful opportunity for keen pupils, regardless of their initial ability, to explore a personal creativity whilst acquiring skills which will enable them to produce lively and ambitious work. The Year 10 course explores further the full range of media available in the Art School. These include drawing, painting, textiles, mixed-media, printmaking, sculpture and digital media. Year 11 builds upon the good practices established in year 10, but places an emphasis on a personal response. The course culminates in an assessment exhibition. There are two units of work:

Component 1 (part 1): Personal Portfolio 60%: The Cornish ExperiencePupils undertake four practical projects inspired by Cornwall in all its diversity. Pupils might explore aspects of the elements, myth and legend, weather and erosion, light, environmental issues or the passage of time. An emphasis is placed on drawing and the acquisition of skills and techniques using a range of media.

Component 1 (part 2): Pupils are encouraged to attend a five-day residential trip to St Ives, Cornwall during the autumn half term. Pupils visit the Tate St Ives, smaller galleries and studios. Well-known artists deliver lectures and workshops. On return to school, the pupils produce a painting, textiles or sculpture which reflects their St Ives experience. A sketchbook is produced in St Ives.

“Art is amazing. The level of support and encouragement you receive from your teachers makes the subject brilliant fun. As well as the coursework being super the St Ives trip was a highlight and one of the best weeks ever. I would highly recommend Art to anyone if interested.”

Current fifth form student

For further Information, please contact:Miss G Terry (Head of Department) gterry@ksw.org.uk

Art and Design

Component 2: Externally set Assignment 40% Pupils complete a two day practical examination in a medium of their choice, responding to a theme set by Edexcel. There is a preparation period allowing every pupil to undertake observation, recording, research, experimentation and the study of related artists.

Throughout the course pupils learn from the work of a wide range of artists and maintain written and illustrated documentation folders. Photography and computers may be used creatively throughout the course. Most pupils find the opportunity to train as a young artist stimulating, good fun and very satisfying.

GCSE Curriculum 13

Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation offers you the chance to study the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome. If you have a curiosity and interest about these two highly influential cultures, then you will enjoy this subject and gain a great deal from it. You may well be surprised by both what has changed over the past two thousand years or so and what has not.

Course Content

Myth and ReligionThe mythology of the Greek and Roman world – you will explore the hero Heracles/ Hercules and the foundation stories of Greece and Rome

The role of religion in the lives of the Greeks and Romans – you will study the pantheon of gods and their temples, as well as the beliefs and practices of death and burial and of the journey to the afterlife.

Roman City Life This topic deals with everyday life in Roman cities, such as Rome, Pompeii and Ostia by looking at objects buildings and literature.

You will learn about Roman housing and the types of homes lived in by the rich and poor. You will discover how Romans entertained themselves in theatres, watching chariot races and gladiator fights, as well as how they relaxed in the many impressive bath houses available to them.

Classical Civilisation develops your research skills, your ability to evaluate evidence and construct a clear argument. It encourages more flexible thinking, more open-mindedness and more effective communication.

For further Information, please contact:Mrs S C Bradley (Head of Department) sbradley@ksw.org.uk

“Studying Classical Civilisation really improved my knowledge of how ancient cultures have influenced how we live our lives today. It helped with my essay writing in general, which benefited my other subjects.”

Current lower sixth student

Assessment: OCR GCSE J199There are two papers each worth 50% of the qualification. There is no controlled assessment.

How Can Families Help?• Take a family holiday to one of the cities/towns we

study.• Ask your child to teach you what they have learned.

14 GCSE Curriculum

GCSE Design Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. The Department is very well resourced, and alongside developing traditional designing & making skills, students make full use of CAD and 3D modelling software, often outputting to the laser cutter or class set of 3D printers.

Course Content

Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

The subject allows Design Technology students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.

Assessment: AQA GCSE 8552Exam Paper – 2 hours (50%)

What’s assessed:Core technical principlesSpecialist technical principlesDesigning and making principles

How it’s assessed:There are 3 sections comprising a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding. An extended question assesses a more in depth knowledge in a specialist technical area.

One half of the exam assesses understanding of designing and making principles. “DT is the one subject where I’ve been able

to let my creativity flow and see my idea become a reality with the help and support of my DT teachers. It may be tough at times but it has given me essential life skills.”

Current lower sixth student

For further Information, please contact:Mr C Wilson (Head of Department)cwilson@ksw.org.uk

Design Technology

Non-examined assessment (NEA) (50%)Students complete a substantial design and make task. This involves investigation of design possibilities and producing a design brief and specification before generating and developing design ideas. This followed by the realisation of the design ideas and evaluation.

Students will produce a prototype and a portfolio recording the design process.

How Can Families Help?• Encourage problem-solving.• Use examples of creativity seen in everyday life to • initiate discussion and curiosity.• Question why the things around us have been designed

and made the way they have.

GCSE Curriculum 15

For further Information, please contact:Mrs S Parry (Head of Department) sparry@ksw.org.uk

Drama

GCSE Drama is an attractive course for any student that loves the whole all-round process of how theatre is made. There is a ‘conventional’ performance element - conventional in as much as candidates study a text and prepare and perform two extracts from it (with an option for design candidates to create the relevant production elements). These extracts are performed to a visiting assessor from AQA and the mark awarded is worth 20% of the total GCSE.

A second component centres on devising theatre: working from a given stimulus to explore a range of theatrical ideas and create a piece of original drama. This is internally assessed and then moderated by AQA. The devising component is worth 40% of the total GCSE, although not all the pressure is on a ‘one-off’ performance. Three-quarters of the marks are for the ‘devising log’ - a piece of on-going coursework that records where ideas came from, how they were explored, and how individual skills developed during the process.

The final element is the written exam. This is worth 40% and is a nicely balanced paper that starts with a series of short-answer multiple-choice questions, worth 4 marks in total, to ensure that candidates know the basics about different production elements and the theatre personnel responsible for them. The second section explores staging decisions for a set text studied during the course (Willy Russell’s “Blood Brothers”) across 4 questions worth a total of 44 marks. Finally, there is a 32 mark question evaluating the work of other theatre makers in pieces of live theatre seen during the course.

Course Content

Component 1: Understanding dramaWhat’s assessed• Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre• Study of one set play from a choice of six• Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers

How it’s assessed• Written exam:

1 hour and 45 minutes• Open book• 80 marks• 40% of GCSE

Questions• Section A: multiple choice (4 marks)• Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set

play chosen (44 marks)• Section C: one question (from a choice) on the work of

theatre makers in a single live theatre production (32 marks)

This component is marked by AQA.

Component 2: Devising drama (practical)What’s assessed• Process of creating devised drama• Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as

performer or designer)• Analysis and evaluation of own work

How it’s assessed• Devising log (60 marks)• Devised performance (20 marks)• 80 marks in total• 40% of GCSE

This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

Component 3: Texts in practice (practical)What’s assessed• Performance of two extracts from one play (students may

contribute as performer or designer)• Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play

chosen for Component 1

How it’s assessed• Performance of Extract 1 (20 marks) and Extract 2 (20 marks)• 40 marks in total• 20% of GCSE

This component is marked by AQA.

How Can Families Help?• Help your son/daughter with their line learning.• Encourage confidence when expressing creative ideas

vocally.

16 GCSE Curriculum

Geography involves the study of people, places and their environment. It features many of the key issues and global challenges that face us all. Studying Geography will allow you to appreciate the opportunities, challenges, and constraints that people face in different places and help you develop as a citizen in the rapidly changing twenty first century.

Statistics show that Geography graduates are among the most employable. This is because they have the skills that employees look for (source: Royal Geographical Society: www.rgs.org.uk). Being able to write fluently and have competent numeracy skills will be important to thrive at GCSE.

Course Content

Assessment: GCSE AQA 8035The GCSE course involves the study of human and physical topics using real examples from around the globe at a range of scales:

UNIT 1 (35%; 1½ hrs):Natural Hazards – tectonics, tropical storms, extreme weather in the UK & climate change.Physical Landscapes in the UK – river & glacial landscapes.The Living World – ecosystems, tropical rainforests, hot deserts.

UNIT 2 (35%; 1½ hrs):Urban Issues & Challenges – urbanisation, study of a city in the UK and in a poor country.The Changing Economic World – quality of life, contrasts in global economic growth.Challenge of Resource Management – energy, food & water.

UNIT 3 (30%; 1 hr):Geographical Issue Evaluation – critical thinking & problem solving.Fieldwork – geographical skills & questions based on your experience of fieldwork.

Two compulsory fieldwork days will be provided during the course, and an optional residential trip to the French Alps in the summer holiday is normally offered to UR pupils.

“The reason geography is such an enjoyable subject for me is you learn about real life issues that affect our lifestyles.”

Current fifth form student

For further Information, please contact:Mr S C Cuthbertson (Head of Department) scuthbertson@ksw.org.uk

Geography

“Geography GCSE has given me more confidence to share opinions and debate ideas. It is a very useful subject as you learn about real issues in the world and it broadens your general knowledge.”

Current fifth form student

How Can Families Help?• Encourage an interest in current geographical issues

e.g. diminishing environmental resources and the impact of the rapid growth of economies like China and India.

• Encourage use of maps when going to new places, rather than a satnav!

GCSE Curriculum 17

Opting to study a History GCSE contributes significantly to students’ appreciation of their contemporary world. A historical understanding is imperative to inform our questions, judgements and decisions about events and surroundings. It helps students to develop enquiring minds that question and construct rational arguments, while thinking with initiative, independently and creatively. A study of history will help students develop the following skills:

Writing with clarity and precision

Reading and research skills

Arguing a case both on paper and verbally

Forming their own opinion

Critically assessing the reliability and utility of evidence

Course Content

Over the two year course students will study the following four topics:

The First World War 1905-1918 (Paper 2)The origins of the Great War and the growth of tension among the Great powers. The Western Front, the War at Sea and Gallipoli as well as the subsequent defeat of Germany.

Development of Dictatorship: Germany 1918-1945 (Paper 1)The establishment of the Weimar Republic following the abdication of the Kaiser, the German plans for recovery in the 1920s and the subsequent rise of Hitler and the Nazis. Students will take an in depth look into life in Nazi Germany and the turmoil German citizens faced during the Second World War.

A world Divided: Superpower Relations 1945-1972 (Paper 1)An understanding into the reasons behind the Cold War, development in the 1950s followed by crisis in Berlin, Cuba and Czechoslovakia. Students will also study the Thaw and the moves towards Détente.

Changes in Medicine c.1848-c1948 (Paper 2). Students will study key developments in medicine, nursing, surgery and public health. They will study significant individuals and understand the role of government and war in helping or hindering government advances.

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4HI1

ExamsTwo 1 hour 30 minute exams taken at the end of the Fifth Form following study of a two-year course. There is no coursework.

“I am so glad I chose GCSE history, it is my favourite subject. I love it because not only is it amazing to be able to study the events of the past and how people were living hundreds of years ago, it is also fascinating as it can teach you so much about why the modern world is like it is today!”

Current upper remove student

For further Information, please contact:Miss E Cameron (Head of Department) ecameron@ksw.org.uk

History (IGCSE)

How Can Families Help?• Visit museums and historical places of interest wherever

and whenever you can.• Encourage students to watch history programmes on

the television.

18 GCSE Curriculum

Latin

GCSE Latin offers a unique challenge, the chance not only to study the Latin language (practising both translation and comprehension skills) but also to read literature that is more than two thousand years old. Despite its age, it still deals with issues that concern us today, such as family life and relationships, passion and intrigue. You will be transported back to ancient times and gain a fascinating insight into Roman culture. Analysing these texts will help you appreciate why they are so great.

Course Content

All the vocabulary and grammar covered in L4, U4 and LR forms part of the language component and many of the words on the specified vocabulary list you will know already. If you enjoy the thrill of code-breaking and the rigour of logical thinking but also like to be creative, then Latin GCSE may well be for you.

Supported by your teacher, you will read actual Latin literature on topics including love, poisoning, murder and growing up in Rome. You will be asked to consider how each author makes his stories dramatic and exciting and what we learn from the texts.

The study of Classical subjects has led to a variety of different careers for many people. It shows universities and employers that you are able to research, collate and analyse materials and to critically evaluate resources in order to formulate arguments.

It will offer an improved command of English, a better understanding of language in general, and an enhanced power to think for yourself.

Assessment: GCSE EDUQUAS C990PAThere is one language paper worth 50% of the qualification and two literature papers worth 30% and 20% respectively. There is no controlled assessment.

“Studying Latin language helped me in my appreciation of modern languages. The literature modules improved my knowledge of how ancient cultures have influenced how we live our lives today.”

Current lower sixth student

How Can Families Help?• Encourage regular review of vocabulary lists.• Ask your child to explain the stories they have explored

in their literature lessons.

For further Information, please contact:Mrs S C Bradley (Head of Department) sbradley@ksw.org.uk

GCSE Curriculum 19

“Such a fun and interesting course! I learnt loads about the art of composition as well as all the core elements of each creative style of music which have been played for centuries. It was really fascinating to discover how music has evolved and then use the new artistic techniques I had learnt about in my own composition. The course really opened my eyes to the fantastic world of music and inspired me to achieve my ambitions as a musician”

Current lower sixth student

For further Information, please contact:Mr S Taranczuk (Head of Department) staranczuk@ksw.org.uk

Music

The Edexcel GCSE music course is designed for musicians of all abilities to develop their skills in performing, composing and appraising. The course is diverse and inclusive yet stretching and rewarding for all students. They will study music from a wide range of musical styles and will learn about aspects such as the context in which the music was written, structure, harmony, melodic construction, use of technology and texture. The course serves students very well for further study at A-level or beyond.

Course Content

Performing (30%)You will record two performances during the Fifth Form; one will be a solo, the other an ensemble piece such as a duet, vocal ensemble, jazz band etc.

Composing (30%)Much of the Upper Remove will be spent developing composing skills using Cubase and Sibelius software. Coursework involves producing two compositions, one of which will be based on a brief set by the exam board.

Listening and Appraising (40%)The written exam will be based on the study of eight set works. You will study the social and historical context of each piece and learn the key features of each composition. There are four areas of study:

Instrumental Music 1700 – 18203rd movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 – J.S Bach1st movement from Piano Sonata no 8 in C minor - Beethoven

Vocal MusicMusic for a while – PurcellKiller Queen – Queen

Music for stage and screenDefying Gravity, from Wicked – SchwartzMain titles from Star Wars – John Williams

FusionsRelease – Afro Celt Sound SystemSamba Em Preludio – Esperanza Spalding

Assessment: GCSE Edexcel 1MU0Performing and Composing is Non-Examined Assessment and is marked internally and moderated externally.

Listening and appraising is assessed through a listening exam that will take place in the Elgar room at the end of the course.

How Can Families Help?• Encourage your son/daughter to listen to a wide

variety of music.• Ensure students practise their instruments as regularly

as possible.

20 GCSE Curriculum

“I have thoroughly enjoyed studying RP. Not only have I had the opportunity to explore Buddhism and Christianity but I have also been able to engage with fascinating ethical and philosophical topics that are relevant in today’s multicultural and ever-changing society.”

Current fifth form student

For further Information, please contact:Dr R J McLaverty-Head (Head of Department) rhead@ksw.org.uk

Religion and Philosophy(IGCSE)

The IGCSE in Religion and Philosophy offers a unique opportunity to think about some of the things that really matter: Is there a God? Why is there evil and suffering in the world? Is war ever justified? Is there life after death? What is the purpose of life?

The answers for most of these questions are hotly debated. Students are therefore required to think critically so that they can identify good arguments from bad. In other words, students learn to think philosophically.

By learning to express your arguments orally and in writing, the IGCSE in Religion and Philosophy will prepare you for the rigours of A level, university, and good careers beyond. The course will cause your brain to hurt at times but as Aristotle taught, excellence only comes through repeated mental endeavour.

A further benefit of the course is that it will improve your religious literacy, an important skill in a world, for good and ill and everything in between, that is still dominated by religion.

Course Content

Assessment: Edexcel IGCSE 4RS1The IGCSE looks at topics of philosophical and theological interest to Christians such as the nature of God and ethics, and the beliefs and practices of Buddhists:

The universe, human beings and their destiny

Ultimate reality and the meaning of life

Relationships, families and children

Rights, equality and responsibilities

Religious texts and sources of authority

Founders and leaders

Rules for living

Worship and celebration

Places of worship and pilgrimage

There are two terminal examinations and no coursework.

How Can Families Help?• Encourage pupils to read interesting books.• Discuss news stories about religion.• Have philosophical debates at the dinner table!

GCSE Curriculum 21

Choice of GCSE Optional Subjects 2018-2020PLEASE PRINT IN BLOCK CAPITALS

NAME HOUSE

You will be studying Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, a modern foreign language, and the three sciences (at either dual award or triple award).

GCSE optional subjectsChoose the THREE subjects from the optional list which you would like to study at GCSE, and write them in the grid below.

Please detach this form and return it to your Year Group Tutor in House by Friday 16th March 2018.

DATE

SIGNED

Please make a note of your selections to keep for yourselves.

To be completed by the House Tutor or the Year Group Tutor

I have checked that the above list has been completed successfully, and I am satisfied that the pupil has made an informed decision.

Any comments:

24 GCSE Curriculum

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5 College GreenWorcester WR1 2LL

Telephone: 01905 721700