at Rydal Penrhos

GCSE Curriculum

GCSE glossary

• Begun 2015

- English Edexcel (new format)

• Modular/Linear– England and English boards – all linear (no modules)

– Wales and WJEC – modular available

• Two tiers in some– Foundation

– Higher

• Coursework– ‘Controlled assessment’, supervised in class

• IGCSE– ‘International’ GCSE; linear and no coursework in most

GCSE grades

• Available Grades A* - G (Higher tier : A* - D Foundation Tier : C - G)

These grades will be for Science who are to remain with

Welsh Board

1 -9 (For all other GCSEs and IGCSE’s)

• ‘Pass’ level C/4

• Benchmark 5 GCSEs A* - C or 4 - 9

• Sixth Form Subjects At least Grade B/6

Science at GCSE

• Dual Award (7 Units)

• Physics = P1 + P2

• Biology = B1 + B2

• Chemistry = C 1 + C2

• + Practical Assessment = 10%

• Separate sciences = Ph+Bio+C

• Each is a separate, standalone qualification.

• Physics = Unit 1 + Unit 2

• Biology = Unit 1 + Unit 2

• Chemistry = Unit 1 + Unit 2

• + Practical Examination = 10% of each qualification

Learning Support

• Learning support is for pupils with an identified

specific learning difficulty

• Once they’ve met JCQ Access Arrangements

Criteria they may be entitled to:

– Extra time

– Readers

– Scribes

– School word processors

RPS Curriculum

English Language

Mathematics

Religion and Life course (1 lesson, non examined)

Dual Science

Science (Triple)

Option w – French/Spanish/LS/EFL

Option x – Humanity/Creative/Practical

Option y – Humanity/Creative/Practical/LS

Option z – Humanity/Creative/Practical

RPS Curriculum

RPS core curriculum delivers 8 GCSEs

RPS extended curriculum delivers up to 11 GCSEs

plus Additional Maths

This would include English Literature, Triple Award

Science and Welsh (co-curricular)

Top universities want 7/8 A/A* GCSEs

Option subjects

• Art

• Business Studies

• Design Technology

• Drama

• English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

• Engineering

• French

• Geography (IGCSE)

• History (IGCSE)

• Home Economics (food and nutrition)

• Learning Support (LS)

• Music

• PE

• Religious Studies

• Spanish

• Welsh*

Making Options Choices

• A balance of subjects is recommended

• Look at how the subjects are examined: exam or

coursework?

• How do my choices fit within the ‘blocks’

http://www.rydalpenrhos.com/Curriculum

Timeline

• Individual interviews with Head of Middle School/Tutors to start the Options process

• March1. Options presentation to pupils

2. Options presentation to parents

3. Parents’ Evening discussions

4. Pupil discussion with parents

April1. Choices form signed and returned by Wednesday 3rd April

• April onwardsLate submission choices or changes of heart will be limited by set size restrictions

Option blocks

at Rydal Penrhos

GCSEOptions