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GCSE Curriculum Handbook!"

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st j college:Layout 1 8/9/08 12:28 Page 1

! Introduction ! "

This Curriculum Handbook gives details of the GCSE courses your son/daughter will be

starting in September.

"To maximise GCSE potential, we ask pupils to select their subjects at the end of R13/Year 8;

an aspect judged as one of many “Outstanding Features” in our Estyn inspection report.

Most pupils study 10 GCSE subjects and grade quality is very important for future university

selection.

"In addition to the six core subjects, English, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology,

Chemistry and Physics, your son/daughter will be asked to select a further four subjects.

Physical Education and PSE/RE will also continue to be incorporated into the weekly

timetable.

"We hope that you find the subject information in the curriculum booklet helpful in making

these choices.

""More detailed information on subjects can be found in the specifications, these are available on the appropriate examination boards’ websites: ""www.wjec.co.uk""www.aqa.org.uk""www.ocr.org.uk""

! Senior School ! " GCSE Results 2013 "A* / A Grades: 62.3% A*-C Grades: 95.7% These excellent results include several students with 10 A* grades and 10 A*/A grades.Dr Neville (Head & Principal St John's College) commented: "Students, staff and parents are absolutely thrilled with these outstanding results combined with top A level results in The Times last week.  They are all to be warmly congratulated." ""Beyond the classroom "Besides the exciting sports programme, there is also ample opportunity for drama, performance and public speaking. The most recent Senior School drama production, Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, was performed with panache, musicality and professionalism that could have graced any West End Stage. Pupils enjoy regular public speaking coaching and have recently represented Wales at the ESU Public Speaking Final in London and at the Rotary Youth Speaks Regional Final. Careers activities days are provided throughout the year in collaboration with Careers Wales, enabling pupils to demonstrate creativity, communication, problem solving and team work to design outfits from raw materials. The annual options evening allows students to research the subjects in which they have a keen interest. The College also offers an extensive and varied programme of external educational visits, including the annual History trip to the battlefields of the First World War and Biology field trips to the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Weekly clubs such as Young Engineers, Chess Club and the History Department’s Debating & Public Speaking Society have had outstanding success in national and international competitions, as have our mathematics students. The annual Middle School Eisteddfod celebrates the talents and efforts of pupils across a host of disciplines, and allows our pupils to explore their Welsh heritage in the context of this national festival. The elected School Council gives pupils the chance to influence decision-making and campaign on issues that are important to the school community. """""""""""

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English Language! "

"R14 pupils follow a course designed to prepare them for the rigours of the new GCSE specifications which pupils taking GCSEs in English will study. For example, creative writing is studied in R14 then used for a Controlled Assessment in R15. "All pupils will take GCSE English Language and many will also take GCSE English Literature as a separate subject. ""For English Language, candidates will be assessed by means of two one-hour written papers (Units 1 and 2) in R15 or R16: "

•Unit 1 tests understanding of a prose text by a major writer and tests imaginative writing skills. "•Unit 2 tests transactional and discursive writing through an extended task such as writing letters, articles, leaflets or reviews. It also tests reading of media texts. ""

Assessment also takes place through two controlled assessments (Units 3 and 4). Controlled assessments are, in effect, timed coursework pieces written in school only, under supervision, following preparation in class and at home. "

•Unit 3 comprises two assignments to be completed by the end of R16. One involves the study of instructional, explanatory or persuasive writing. The other is a writing task set by the WJEC. "•Unit 4 involves completing a range of speaking and listening tasks, covering a presentation or talk (formal or informal) and a group discussion with a community or workplace focus. """

Within lessons drama techniques are drawn on to improve empathy and hone speaking and listening skills. Activities such as role play provide a unique way to explore character and theme in texts whilst enhancing pupil confidence and team work skills. """"

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1: Written Paper (30%) Unit 2: Written Paper (30%) Unit 3: Controlled Assessment (20%) Unit 4: Controlled Assessment (20%)

!

English Literature! "

"This specification is based on the conviction that the study of literature should centre on an informed personal response to a range of texts in the genres of prose, poetry and drama. "For English Literature, results are also achieved through both controlled assessment and examination: "•Unit 1 (35% of the marks) is an examination available from R15 that focuses on prose from different cultures and on unseen poetry comparison. ""•Unit 2 (40% of the marks) is an examination available only in R16 which tests knowledge of either British Drama Heritage and Contemporary Prose or Contemporary Drama and British Prose Heritage. ""•Finally, Unit 3 (the remaining 25% of marks) is the controlled assessment element, testing on a range of

pre-selected poetry and on a Shakespeare play – all to be completed in R16.

Assessment for GCSE English Literature is tiered, i.e. externally assessed components/units are targeted at the grade ranges of A*-D (Higher Tier) and C-G (Foundation Tier), while controlled assessments cater for the full range of ability. Questions and tasks will be designed to enable candidates to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do. """"""""

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1: 2 hour written paper (35%) Unit 2: 2 hour written paper (40%) Unit 3: Controlled Assessment (25%)

! Mathematics (linear) ! "

Mathematics is a compulsory, core subject. A qualification in Mathematics is required by most employers and is often required for entry into higher education. It is, therefore, very important that pupils work hard to achieve the best GCSE grade possible. Maths from R14 builds upon the work covered in R12 and R13. "We follow the Linear Mathematics course, which means that pupils sit the GCSE examinations at the end of the course in R16. There are two papers, a non-calculator paper and a paper where the use of a calculator is expected. There are no Controlled Assessments in Mathematics. "What will be studied? - Number - Algebra - Geometry and Measure - Statistics ""Homework This is set twice a week. This is usually written work or may be on-line homework from MyMaths.co.uk. By the time pupils get to R16, homework usually takes the form of working through past GCSE papers. "Assessment Higher Tier: Grades A* - D Foundation: Grades C - G "Most pupils will sit the Higher Tier examination. Full details of the syllabus can be obtained from the WJEC website. "Extra Curricular Activities Those who enjoy Maths, and have an aptitude for it, may wish to take part in one or more of the following. "

• Intermediate Mathematical Challenge, organised by the UK Mathematics Trust. • Royal Institution Master Classes at the University of Glamorgan on Saturday mornings in

January and February • Under 17 Maths Pop Quiz held annually at the University of Glamorgan • Fortnightly Maths Puzzle "

Everyone will be encouraged to improve mental skills by continuing to participate in World Maths Day (March). "

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Paper 1 (non-calculator) - Foundation/Higher tier (50%) Paper 2 (calculator) - Foundation/Higher tier (50%)

! Science ! Examining Board: WJEC "Pupils in R14, R15, R16 study WJEC Biology, Chemistry and Physics leading to GCSEs in Science and Additional Science. Depending upon ability, pupils can also be entered for an extra qualification in Separate Science. Pupils are timetabled three 55-minute lessons each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics per week. The text book series ‘Biology, Chemistry or Physics for You’ are used in each Science. "All of the courses are modular which enables pupils to sit external examinations throughout R15 and R16. All external modules are tiered, foundation or higher. No coursework is undertaken by pupils, instead throughout the course pupils sit externally set, practical examinations during lesson times which are marked internally by staff. These Controlled Assessments have a 25% weighting towards their final GCSE grades. "Summary of Assessment "The units comprising the assessment are summarised in the table below plus their weighting (in brackets) as a percentage of each qualification. "

"GCSE Science A involves 3 units, externally assessed written exam plus an internally assessed, untiered controlled assessment, covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This qualification is ‘cashed-in’ in June of R15 for pupils not taking Separate Sciences. "GCSE Additional Science involves another 3 units, externally assessed written exam, plus internal controlled assessment, as above. "GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics each consist of the relevant subject units from the GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science qualifications plus a further unit for each Separate Science, externally assessed. There is also an internally assessed controlled assessment for each of the GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics subjects. "External Assessment

• Units with the same title (e.g. Biology I in GCSE Science A and GCSE Biology) are common units and may be used in aggregation for either qualification.

• All external assessments are tiered (foundation or higher). • Assessments are composed of structured questions involving some extended prose which assess the quality of the

pupil’s written communication (QWC). "Internal Assessment

• The controlled assessments are untiered. • The tasks will be provided annually by WJEC, to be marked by teachers and moderated by WJEC. • Science: Three exercises one Research Task, one Experimental Task and One Scientific Risk Assessment based upon

subject content of Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and Physics 1. • Additional Science: 1 investigation based on the subject content of Biology2, Chemistry 2, and Physics 2. • Biology: 1 investigation based on the subject content of the Biology units. • Chemistry: 1 investigation based on the subject content of the Chemistry units. • Physics: 1 investigation based on the subject content of the Physics units.

Quali&ication External  Units  (%  weighting)Biology Chemistry Physics Internal

Science  A Biology  1  (25%) Chemistry  1  (25%)

Physics  1  (25%) Internal  1  (B+C+P)  25%

Additional  Science Biology  2  (25%) Chemistry  2  (25%)

Physics  2  (25%) Internal  2  (B+C+P)  25%

Biology  3  (25%) Chemistry  3  (25%)

Physics  3  (25%)

Internal  Biology  (25%)

Internal  Chemistry  (25%)

Internal  Physics  (25%)

! Art and Design ! "

"Assessment 1: candidate portfolio (60%)

Internally set and developed from personal and/or given starting points. The candidate portfolio must:

• be selected and presented by the candidate from work undertaken within the course • provide evidence of how the candidate has met each of the assessment objectives Assessment 2: externally set task to elicit a personal response (40%)

The externally set task or starting point should:

• enable learners to provide evidence of how they have met each of the assessment objectives • provide a sustained period of focused study of no longer than 10 hours • be presented to the learners no earlier than the start of January in the year of the examination "R14 pupils will improve skills when drawing and painting from observation. We will look at the themes of colour, cubism, photo-realism and landscapes. Educational visits to the National Museum and Bristol Zoo provide first hand experience from which pupils will use to develop their design ideas. Pupils will produce three-dimensional outcomes in ceramics, pewter and will delve into the work of other craftworkers and designers. "R15 and R16 pupils work on their candidate portfolio for the duration of R15 and the first term of R16. Candidates will then work towards the externally set examination for the remainder of the course. ""Many candidates choose to undertake a course in Unendorsed Art & Design allowing pupils to explore different areas such as graphics, 3 dimensional design, ceramics, photography, applied art, jewellery design, textiles and print making. It allows different disciplines for the portfolio and final examination. "However, it is possible to focus on one specific area gaining a GCSE certificate in Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles, Photography etc. Both the portfolio and the examination would have to be in the same focus area. "

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Candidate Portfolio - 60% Externally Set Exam - 40%

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Business & Communication Systems

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"The specification is designed to encourage pupils to consider the practical application of business and economic concepts. The units also provide the opportunity to explore the theories and concepts in the context of events in the business and economic world. All pupils sit the same exam papers. There is no tiering at GCSE level in this subject. ""

Examining Board: AQA Summary of Assessment: Unit 8 - Written Examination - 1 hour (40%) Unit 9 - Practical Examination - 1.5 hours (35%) Unit 10 - Controlled Assessment (25%)

R14 R15 R16

Theory

"•Business Administration • Human Resources •Communication Systems

"As before in R14 but investigating in more depth using a range of business scenarios.

"As before in R15 using theory knowledge and understanding to evaluate various ICT systems used in different types of businesses.

Practical

"•Word Processing •Desk Top Publishing •Spreadsheets •Multi-Media Presentation Software

"As before in R14 plus: •Flat File Databases •Introduction to Website Authoring

"As before in R15 using more advanced techniques of software in a variety of business scenarios including Relational Databases and Mail Merge Documentation.

" Assessment

"Internal Assessment:

1-hour written theory paper ""1-hour practical examination.

"Internal Assessment:

1-hour written theory paper ICT practical examination (1 hour 30 minutes)

“Mock” Controlled Assessment Task (Maximum 12 hours)

"External Assessment: "Unit 8 - ICT Systems in Business (Written theory paper – 1 hour/40%) Summer Term "Unit 9 - Using ICT in Business (Practical exam paper – 1 hours 30 minutes/35%) ""Unit 10 - Investigating ICT in Business (Controlled Assessment – 12 hours/25%)

Design & Technology: Systems & Control !

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R14 TERM 1 – ELECTRONIC GAME During this term pupils will design and make an game of their choice which includes an electronic dice. They will explore basic component theory, CAD software and soldering their own components.

TERM 2 – COLOUR CHANGING MOOD LIGHT

Pupils will be required to design and make a colour changing mood light aimed at a particular target market. They will design their ideas on 2d Design software and use the laser cutter to cut out their design. They will have to work independantly to solder their own components and use fault finding techniques to solve problems.

TERM 3 – PERSONAL ALARM

At the start of this project, we will visit Bristol Zoo to attend sustainable workshops and gather sketches of the animals. This is to help with the designing and making stages for the personal alarm. Pupils will design their alarm circuit on ‘Yenka’ software and produce their circuits from scratch. This will increase their subject

Sustainable design • Consideration of products • Consideration of the environment • Consideration of society and the economy

Introduction to designing and making • Developing research and investigating skills • Developing drawing skills • Modelling • Evaluation process

Making quality products • Designing for a need • Working with tools and equipment • Evaluating a product

Technical aspects of designing and making • Working with tools, materials and components • Selecting processes • Designing for success

GCSE Units – R15 & R16

This particular specification aims to promote careful and thoughtful use of electronic systems as appropriate to a situation, along with their associated components.

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1: Theory (written examination paper: 2 hours) - 40% Unit 2: Controlled Assessment (coursework: 30 hours) - 60% "Pupils also have an opportunity to resit the theory examination in June of R16. (NB. this may change if the Welsh Government decide to follow England and offer Linear only awards). The scheme of assessment is untiered, covering all ability ranges (grades A* to G) "

Design & Technology: Graphics

""In R14 pupils will be taught the basic concepts of designing & working with Graphic Materials as preparation for their exams and coursework. "Pupils will be required to develop their knowledge and personal style through a series of projects and lessons on technical drawing, presentation techniques and sustainable design. Projects include: "• a Stationery Pack suitable for the” back to school market” focussing on new skills such as product analysis and vacuum forming •Money Box design created from limited materials and focussing on the development of nets into 3D shapes •Point of Sale design to enable pupils to understand how typography, colour & corporate image sells products, alongside developing quality making skills. "Pupils will also visit Bristol Zoo to develop awareness of Sustainable issues and use this new knowledge to create a pop up mailer to encourage the general public to be more “green” "In R15 pupils will embark on the theory required for the June exam. To reinforce knowledge pupils will complete mini projects on topics such as Sustainable design, Typography, Product analysis Printing & Finishing alongside developing further skills in Technical drawing and Design History focussing on specific designers. "In R16 pupils will begin their 40 hour Coursework Controlled Assessment chosen from a list of Briefs sent from the WJEC. This coursework is designed to show off pupils skills and knowledge culminating in a quality 3 dimensional project. Currently pupils will have the opportunity to resit the theory paper in June of this year.

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1 : Theory (written examination paper: 2 hours) - 40% Unit 2: Controlled Assessment (coursework: 30 hours) - 60% "Pupils also have an opportunity to resit the theory examination in June of R16. (NB. this may change if the Welsh Government decide to follow England and offer Linear only awards) "The scheme of assessment is untiered, covering all ability ranges (grades A* to G)

! French ! """"""""The GCSE specification in French will enable learners to: • develop understanding of the language in a variety of contexts • develop knowledge of the language and language learning skills • develop the ability to communicate effectively in the language • develop awareness and understanding of countries and communities where the language is spoken. Topics covered in R14 include: •Talking about themselves including revision of the present tense and adjectives. Reflexive verbs in present tense. •Talking about places, towns and areas including using perfect tense. •Hobbies: including imperfect tense; comparative and superlative •Education: using different forms of the negative and expressions of future times •Future plans: past, present, future •Healthy living •Holiday plans "Book used: ‘Encore Tricolore 3’ Assessments: Topic Tests; Grammar Tests; Internal Examinations in December and June. "Topics covered in R15 include: •Education: talk about school life, French education system, subjects, pupils and opinions of school. Including revision of the present tense, past and conditional (Winter Term) •Hobbies, fitness and healthy eating •Family & friends: describe people, discuss relationships (February - Easter) •Holidays & travel: different types of holiday, location, activities, holidays abroad, ideal holidays, past holidays. "Book used: ‘ Encore Tricolore 4’ Assessments: Topic Tests; Controlled Assessment writing (December, March/April, June) Internal Examination: Reading and Listening Comprehension; Speaking: Structured Conversation (February) and Presentation (April/May). "Topics covered in R16 include: •Region, transport, area, talk about town or countryside •Environment: discuss climate change, natural disasters, pollution, world problems •Healthy living and diet (September-December) •Future plans: talk about exams, future education and career plans •Unemployment and part-time jobs •Problems of young people, relationship with parents, friends, tabac, drugs, alcohol and consequences of addiction. "Book used: Tricolore 4 Total’ Assessments: Topic Tests & Grammar Tests Controlled Assessment writing (December, February, March if necessary) Speaking - structured discussion and presentation (December, February, March if necessary); External Examination: Reading and Listening Comprehension (May/June)

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1 - Listening: Foundation/Higher Tier (20%) Unit 2 - Controlled Assessment: Speaking (30%) Unit 3 - Reading: Foundation/Higher Tier (20%) Unit 4 - Controlled Assessment: Writing (30%)

! Geography ! "

""R14 The Restless Earth •Study of plate tectonics including the formation of fold mountains, volcanoes, supervolcanoes and earthquakes •Impact on population and environment; management strategies investigated "The Coastal Zone •Wave processes and the landforms on the coastline made by erosion and deposition •Coastal management and conservation are researched •Mapwork skills are studied using coastal locations. "Tourism •Reasons for the growth of tourism and its importance for the economy are studied. •UK tourist cycle and the variety of landscapes offering tourist opportunities •Tourism in National parks and in Kenyan Game parks are part of the course •Differences between mass tourism and sustainable tourism. •Mapwork skills are practised using tourist location map extracts. "R15 Changing Urban Environments •Studying the growth of urban areas and their functions and land-uses. •Issues in UK cities are studied using case-studies. LEDC cities are also studied and issues and solutions for these. •Sustainable urban living possibilities are part of the course. •Mapwork extracts of urban areas are utilised fully as appropriate. "Water on the Land •Processes of rivers and the formation of resulting landforms in valleys are learned. •Discharge pattern of rivers and flooding events are studied using example from the UK and LEDC’s. •Management of rivers and flooding are studied. UK water supplies are also part of the course. •Mapwork using river locations are used. •A river fieldwork investigation is undertaken in the spring term. Weather and Climate •Certain aspects of this topic are studied to broaden the pupils’ general knowledge in geography. "R16 Controlled Assessment •This human geography investigation and fieldwork takes most of the Autumn term to carry out. All planning, preparation and follow up work is done in school. It is worth 25% of the final GCSE grade. Population •Global, EU, UK changes in population are studied. •Population structures and pyramids are learned using case studies from around the world. •Strategies to cope with ageing and youthful populations are assessed. •Migration and its implications are also part of this course. Revision of all topics is carried out during the R16 year. Mock exams are taken during the year.

Examining Board: AQA Summary of Assessment: Unit 1 - Physical Geography (1 hour 30 mins) 37.5% Unit 2 - Human Geography (1 hour 30 mins) 37.5% Unit 3 - Controlled Assessment Investigation - 25% "

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History ! "

"Pupils who choose History as a GCSE option will consider important key events, people, changes and issues affecting British and American society during the course of the twentieth century. They will examine the social, cultural and religious diversity of these societies and the differing roles of men and women, as well as the impact of both World Wars and the Cold War. The WJEC specification aims to encourage candidates to adopt an enquiry based approach to the study of history throughout their course. "The external assessment requires pupils to complete three written papers, each lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes and a controlled assessment undertaken in lesson time. Each of these individual elements is worth 25% of the total mark. "R14 "Depth Study Paper 1 – Wales and England in the Early Twentieth Century 1890-1919 (25%) "

• The main political, social and cultural issues. (Liberal government reforms, votes for women, pressures on Welsh language, religion and culture)

• The main economic and industrial developments. (The importance of the coal industry, industrial unrest; Penrhyn Lockout, Tonypandy Riot and Llanelli Rail Strike)

• The impact of the First World War. (Role of women, Battle of the Somme, life on the Home Front, the influence of the war poets) ""Field trip to the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium "The field trip to the battlefields of northern France and Belgium is one of the highlights of the GCSE course. We visit numerous sites including the town of Ypres in Belgium where we attend the Menin Gate Last Post ceremony; the Somme area including the Thiepval Memorial, Newfoundland Park and the Welsh Regiment memorial at Mametz Wood. The trip helps pupils gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the war and is a memorable part of the GCSE course. "

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1: Wales & England in the Early Twentieth Century, 1890-1919 (25%) Unit 2: Depression, War and Recovery in Wales & England, 1930-1951 (25%) Unit 3: The Development of the USA, 1930-2000 (25%) Unit 4: Controlled Assessment (25%)

 

 

 

 

 

History Department 

 

GCSE History Course – WJEC (Route A)  

Pupils who choose History as a GCSE option will consider important key events, people, changes and 

issues affecting British and American society during the course of the twentieth century.  They will 

examine the social, cultural and religious diversity of these societies and the differing roles of men 

and women, as well as the impact of both World Wars and the Cold War.  The WJEC specification 

aims to encourage candidates to adopt an enquiry based approach to the study of history 

throughout their course. 

The external assessment requires pupils to complete three written papers, each lasting 1 hour, and a 

controlled assessment undertaken in lesson time.  Each of these individual elements is worth 25% of 

the total mark.   

 

R14 Depth Study Paper 1 – Wales and England in the Early Twentieth Century (25%) 

 

The main political, social and cultural issues. 

(Liberal government reforms, votes for women, pressures on Welsh language, religion and 

culture) 

The main economic and industrial developments. 

(The importance of the coal industry, industrial unrest; Penrhyn lockout, Tonypandy riot and 

Llanelli rail strike) 

The impact of the First World War. 

(Role of women, Battle of the Somme, life on the Home Front, the influence of the War poets) 

 

Field trip to the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium 

 

The field trip to the battlefields of northern France and Belgium is one of the highlights of the GCSE 

course. We visit the town of Ypres in Belgium and attend the Menin Gate ceremony in the evening. 

After an overnight stay in Lille we drive to the Somme area and visit sites such as the Thiepval 

Memorial, Newfoundland Park and Mametz Wood, the scene of fierce fighting by the Welsh 

Regiment.  The trip helps pupils gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the war and is a 

memorable part of the GCSE course. 

 

 

R15 "Depth Study Paper 2 – Depression, War and Recovery in Wales and England, 1930-1951 (25%) "

• The impact of the Depression years. (Impact of the Wall Street Crash, decline of heavy industry, unemployment and the dole, hunger marches)

• The impact of war on life on the Home Front. (Threat of Nazi Germany, the Blitz, evacuation and rationing, role of Churchill)

• Political, social and economic developments in post-war Wales and England. (Labour election victory of 1945, Aneurin Bevan and the NHS, ‘Homes for All’, educational opportunities, Nationalisation) "Controlled Assessment (25%) "Candidates complete a historical study which is split into two parts demonstrating;

• Knowledge and understanding of a specific historical issue • Knowledge and understanding of how aspects of the past have been interpreted and represented in

different ways "The controlled assessment complements the external examinations by offering a distinct means of assessment enabling candidates to;

• Engage in the process of historical enquiry and reach substantiated conclusions • Analyse and evaluate historical sources and interpretations of history • Produce extended written narratives and evaluations ""

R16 "Outline Study – The Development of the USA, 1930-2000 (25%) "

• Changing attitudes to the race issue in the USA, 1930-2000. (Segregation, Ku Klux Klan, Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Freedom Rides, Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights movement, Malcolm X and the Black Power movement, the extent of black successes in politics, sport, media and culture) "

• The USA and the wider world, 1930-2000. (Isolationism, Pearl Harbor, the US role in WW2, Cold War, Berlin Wall, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam war, Nixon and Détente, Reagan and Gorbachev, US involvement in the first Gulf War, Kosovo and relations with Iran) "Currently in Wales, GCSE History candidates sit a modular course.  This means that pupils in can sit the two British History papers at the end of R15 (Year 10) as modules, with possible resits available at the end of R16 (Year 11). ""

! Latin ! !

!GCSE Latin offers students the opportunity to study elements of the language, literature and culture of the Roman world. It is useful for all students but especially for those who may go on to study medicine, law, history, English or languages at university. !R14 topics include:

• Revision of nominative, vocative, accusative and dative case of nouns • The agreement of adjectives • Formation of adverbs • The irregular verbs- possum, volo and nolo • Principal parts of verbs • Imperative of verbs • Pluperfect tense • Present participles of verbs • Pronouns- ego, tu,hic, ille and qui • Continued practice in translation and comprehension !

Internal exams in November and June. Cambridge graded exam (public exam) Course Book: Cambridge Classics Course, Book 2. The book is set in Roman Britain and Egypt, depicting life in these two areas of the Roman World. !!R15 topics include:

• Past participles of verbs • Imperfect and pluperfect subjunctive tenses • Use of subjunctive in indirect questions, purpose clauses, indirect commands, result clauses • Cum and subjunctive • Continued practice in translation and comprehension • Prose literature in the original !

Internal Exams in November and June. Course Book: Cambridge Classics Course, Book 3. GCSE Set Course Book: selection from Cambridge Anthology or Oxford Anthology, including Latin writers such as Pliny, Caesar, Tacitus, Cicero. GCSE Set List VocabularyI. The book is set in Bath and Roman Britain and life in these places is told in the translations. !!R16 topics include: Translation/Comprehension practice is set weekly for homework. A section of the verse set text is set weekly concentrating on translation, historical context and literacy appreciation. !Course Books: Essential GCSE Latin and Momentum Tests in Latin, GCSE Verse Set Text (usually Virgil and approximately 150 lines), GCSE Vocabulary Set List 2. Assessment: Mock exam in November; GCSE examinations in May/June.

Examining Board: OCR Summary of Assessment: A401: Latin Language - 1 hour (25%) A402: Latin Language - 1 hour (25%) A403: Latin Prose Literature - 1 hour (25%) A404: Latin Verse Literature - 1 hour (25%)

!! Music ! !

!!Why study GCSE music? !Employers and Universities recognise that those who study Music and sing in choirs and play in orchestras tend to develop a a vast array of valuable academic and social skills as well as other sought-after skills such as self-reliance, initiative, and self-discipline. The correlation between students who take part in music and who are successful in university applications (medicine and dentistry etc.) is remarkable, and several of our former pupils who have studied GCSE Music have won choral and orchestral scholarships to study at top universities including Oxford and Cambridge. !Potentially 60% of the marks (30% for composing and 30% for performing) are obtained in March of R16, before the busy months of written GCSE exams in May and June. !!1. Performing two pieces: (i) Solo (ii) Ensemble It represents 30% of the GCSE. !An external examiner visits school to examine GCSE candidates on a day in March / April of R16. This can be performed on any instrument (for no more than 5 minutes) and it is important to select two contrasting pieces of music and that the choice of repertoire enables you to display your musicality most effectively. Each candidate prepares for this through private lessons on his / her chosen instrument / voice, and for this performance, in March / April of R16, the minimum standard is Grade 3. !Pupils need to display the following features to obtain the highest marks: • technical control • expression and appropriate interpretation • clarity and accuracy of rhythm and pitch • the use of appropriate pace (tempi) • effective use of dynamics • fluency of performance • sensitive balance of phrasing • stylistic awareness • empathy (in ensemble playing) • and if appropriate, the use of music technology. !!!!!

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1 - Controlled Assessment: Performing (30%) Unit 2 - Controlled Assessment: Composing (30%) Unit 3 - External Examination: Appraising (40%) !

!2. Composition of two contrasting pieces It represents 30% of the GCSE. !Whereas some subjects involve essay-based coursework, music coursework involves composing two pieces with a total playing time of 5 minutes. These are posted, with your own written commentary / evaluation and a CD recording to an external examiner at the end of March / start of April. !!Pupils need to display the following features to obtain the highest marks: • Variety: rhythm, pace, pitch, melody, harmony, texture, dynamics and timbre. • Unity: consistency of style. • Balance: control of variety and unity within each composition. • Form: shape, design and organisation of ideas. • Medium: technical knowledge and control of the medium used. !!!3. Appraising (Listening) exam (1.5 hrs) in May / June of R16, representing 40% of the GCSE. There are no essays in GCSE music but the exam in May / June of R16 is based on four areas of study: • Music in Wales • Musical Structure • Music for Stage and Screen • Music Evolution !!!!

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! Physical Education ! !

!The content of this GCSE Physical Education specification is designed to enable students to enjoy and understand the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle. Students can choose from the following ways to participate: player/performer; organiser; leader/coach; official; choreographer. !Specification at a glance

! !!Brief outline of the theory and practical content from the syllabus !

!

Examining Board: AQA Summary of Assessment: Unit 3 - Written Paper (40%) Unit 4 - Controlled Assessment (60%)

5

2

GCSE Physical Education for teaching from September 2009 onwards (version 3.0)

2 Specification at a Glance

PE (Double Award)

4894

Unit 3: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant (Full Course)

Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins

80 marks – 20%

Scenario issued to centres in advance of the examination.

Unit 4: The Active Participant (Full Course)

Controlled Assessment – 90 marks – 30%

4 assessments from at least 2 groups/ways of thinking: at least 2 as player/performer.

plus

Unit 5: Knowledge and Understanding for the Involved Participant

Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins

70 marks – 20%

Scenario issued to centres in advance of the examination.

Unit 6: The Active Participant (Double Course)

Controlled Assessment – 90 marks – 30%

4 assessments – including a 3rd group/way of thinking (if 3 are not already covered in Unit 4)

plus

plus

PE (Short Course)

4891

Unit 1: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant (Short Course)

Written Paper – 45 minutes

40 marks – 40%

Scenario issued to centres in advance of the examination.

Unit 2: The Active Participant (Short Course)

Controlled Assessment – 45 marks – 60%

2 assessments from 2 groups/ways of thinking: at least 1 as player/performer.

plus

PE (Full Course)

4892

Unit 3: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant (Full Course)

Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins

80 marks – 40%

Scenario issued to centres in advance of the examination.

Unit 4: The Active Participant (Full Course)

Controlled Assessment – 90 marks – 60%

4 assessments from at least 2 groups/ways of thinking: at least 2 as player/performer.

plus

Year Group R14 R15 R16

!THEORY 1 Lesson per week

The range of physical activities and the different roles that the active participate can choose from

Linking physical activity with diet, work and rest for personal health and a balanced healthy lifestyle

Making informed decisions about getting involved in a lifetime of healthy lifestyle

!PRACTICAL

2 Lessons per week

Introduce 5 Roles ! 1. Performer 2. Leader/Coach 3. Organiser 4. Official 5. Choreographer!

NOTES Over the 3 years teachers will try to use as many practical sports from the 6 groups (where possible) to give candidates both a rounded view and the opportunity to choose from as many different activities as possible. !Practical lessons will be taken looking at 1 of the 5 roles or may look at a specific activity and introduce the roles within the activity. !In practical lessons the candidates will need to be videoed performing their different roles to use as video evidence for moderation.

! Religious Studies ! !

!The school follows the WJEC specification for GCSE Religious Studies. This aims to encourage learners to be inspired, moved and challenged by a broad range of study which will equip them for constructive lives in the modern world. !AIMS !It should enable students to:

• Adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion • Enhance their personal, social and cultural development by increasing their appreciation of different cultures

locally, nationally and in the wider world • Reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in light of their learning. • Express their reasoned judgements on questions and issues about identity, belonging, meaning, purpose,

truth, values and commitment. !To reflect the school’s Catholic ethos and foundation, pupils study Unit 3 – Roman Catholicism 1 and Unit 4 – Roman Catholicism 2. The content material of each unit is divided into 6 modules with the following headings: !

1. Beliefs, Teachings and Sources 2. Practices and Ways of Life 3. Expressing Meaning 4. Identity, Diversity and Belonging 5. Meaning, Purpose and Truth 6. Values and Commitments !

(Further and more detailed information about the content can be obtained in the printed WJEC Specification or from their website.) !Candidates who opt to take the GCSE in Religious Studies will receive three lessons every week through R14 up to the time of their external exams in June of their final year. Being an option subject, class sizes do vary from year to year, but there is always plenty of opportunity for debate and discussion. !!Assessment takes place at the end of R16 when students will sit two written paper exams, each 1 hour and 45 minutes in length. The first exam usually takes place at the end of May and the other near the end of June. There is no longer any internal assessment or coursework component in this subject. !The specification may be followed by any candidate, irrespective of gender, ethnic, religious or cultural background. It emphasises the educational basis for a study of religion and is, as such, accessible to students of any religious persuasion or of none. !In conclusion, there is no hard and fast rule about what makes Religious Studies a suitable subject to take. The main requirement is an interest in the subject matter, which is diverse, and an open and inquiring attitude.

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 3 : 1 hour 45 minute written paper (50%) Unit 4: 1 hour 45 minute written paper (50%)

!

Spanish ! !!!!

!!!!!The GCSE specification in Spanish will enable learners to: •develop understanding of the language in a variety of contexts •develop knowledge of the language and language learning skills •develop the ability to communicate effectively in the language •develop awareness and understanding of countries and communities where the language is spoken. !!R14 Preparation for GCSE work: •Speaking - structured discussion and presentation •Writing - controlled assessment on a prepared topic •Listening and Reading - based on prepared topics including personal and social life and the local community !Text book: Mira 3 and work book !!R15 GCSE preparation over two years, in particular controlled assessment of speaking and writing: •Speaking - structured discussion and presentation on given topics •Writing - controlled assessment on a prepared topic •Listening and Reading are tested in formal (internal) examinations in December and June. !Topics studies include: personal and social life, the local community, the world of work, the wider world. !Text book: Mira Higher and work book and other resources e.g. past papers, practice papers and exercises for Listening and Reading. R16 Further work on speaking and writing controlled assessment. Over R15 and R16, four pieces of work may be carried out, and the best two from each are submitted to the WJEC at the end of the course. !Listening and Reading are tested in formal examinations in December (internally) and May (externally). Text book: Mira Higher and work book and many other resources e.g. past papers, practice papers and exercises for Listening and Reading. !

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1 - Listening: Foundation/Higher Tier (20%) Unit 2 - Controlled Assessment: Speaking (30%) Unit 3 - Reading: Foundation/Higher Tier (20%) Unit 4 - Controlled Assessment: Writing (30%)

! Welsh (Second Language) ! !

!!!!!!!!!R14 topics include: •Myself (family, friends, home and special occasions) •Leisure time (sport, cinema, pop music) •Area •Shopping and fashion •Welsh culture (Wales and Welsh celebrities) !Preparation for controlled assessment to be examined in R15 - · Individual presentation (10%) · Conversation in pairs/groups (10%) !

R15 topics include: •Holidays •Area (2) •Environment •Work experience (charity and part time work) !Preparation for pair / group oral exam which will be examined in R16. Revision of all topics from R14 (and some topics from R15) ready for unit 1 and 2 exams.

• Unit 1 (May / June): Written exam (25%) • Unit 2 (different times throughout year): Controlled assessment exam (25%) -

- Individual presentation - Structured conversation -Written task based on conversation. !!R16 topics include: •School experiences •Media •Technology •Keeping fit and healthy •Alcohol, drugs and smoking !Revision of all topics from R15 ready for unit 3 and 4 exams.

• Unit 3 (April): Group/pair oral exam (25%) • Unit 4 (May/June): Written exam (25%)

Examining Board: WJEC Summary of Assessment: Unit 1 - Written examination (25%) Unit 2 - Controlled Assessment (25%) Unit 3 - Oral work (25%) Unit 4 - Written exam (25%)

! A Cathedral Choir School ! !!St John’s College is immensely proud of its outstanding musical reputation and strongly believes in music’s ability to enrich academic learning. The College’s many instrumental ensembles include its award winning Concert Orchestra, which has been a finalist in the Welsh Proms Schools Competition. The Concert Orchestra gives three very popular evening concerts a year to packed audiences, has toured Bruges and Ghent, performs in St David’s Hall, and most recently appeared on S4C. !The heart of St John’s College is undoubtedly its choral foundation. As the choir school to Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral, St John’s provides the boy and girl choristers (aged 8 to 18) and a variety of musicians for weekly services, two annual concerts at St David’s Hall, and concert tours across continental Europe. In 2012 the Cathedral Choir performed with the world-renowned consort The Tallis Scholars, and enjoyed a tour to Paris, singing at Nôtre Dame to an audience of over 1000. In the past year, the Choir has performed in broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and 4, and in a major Hollywood film. Please see www.cardiffcathedralchoir.org and email Dominicneville@cantab.net for information about joining the choirs and chorister bursaries.