KEY STAGE 4 CHOICES 2014 - 2016 - Hathaway …hathawayacademy.attrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Options... · KEY STAGE 4 CHOICES 2014 - 2016 ... Level 1 & 2 Cambridge Nationals

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KEY STAGE 4 CHOICES

2014 - 2016

Your guide to KS4 subjects

Pathway A

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KEY STAGE 4 SUBJECT CHOICES 2014-16 Introduction At The Hathaway Academy, we are determined to ensure that all our students have a personal pathway to success between the ages of 14 and 16 and beyond. We will offer an appropriate pathway for each student to enable them to reach their full potential and we will direct them towards the pathway most suited to their needs. They will then be able to make their choices as to which subjects they wish to study. Students will be following a learning pathway that will enable them to build on their strengths, interests and career ambitions. You son/daughter’s programme for the next two years will build on their current attainment and ensure they take the most suitable range of courses to enable them to reach their academic potential. It is vital that you take the time to discuss and evaluate all the choices available and allow your child to make an informed decision which will shape their future. During the first three years (Key Stage 3) students have followed the National Curriculum. At Key Stage 4 (KS4) there is a smaller compulsory element to the curriculum and far more opportunities for student choice. This booklet contains details of the option process and the type and range of subjects available at the academy. Both parents and students are urged to read it carefully. The academy will continue to offer a range of qualifications that enables all our learners to access qualifications that are suitable to their needs and have a post 16 progression route. Students should think carefully about these as access to quality training and further employment opportunities will rely upon informed decisions made with their option choices during Year 9. What is meant by the term “Options”? Until the end of Year 9, students follow a compulsory curriculum comprising a combination of core and foundation subjects. At Key Stage 4 an element of choice is introduced and students are able to select a range of subjects they wish to study at public examination level. Students will be required to select two subjects plus two reserves from a single list. What qualifications are available? At The Hathaway Academy, we offer a range of qualifications at two levels within the National Qualification Framework: Foundation Tier qualifications leading to an award of a GCSE grade(s) between D and G (or equivalent) or Level 2 qualifications leading to an award of a GCSE grade(s) between A* and C (or equivalent). There are two types of qualification at both levels. GCSE is the traditional type offered by many subjects, or a BTEC qualification which offers a more vocational programme, leading to the award of the equivalent of one GCSE; if a student studies BTEC Science, this can be equivalent to two GCSEs.

Not Pathway A How do I select my Options? In addition to the core curriculum, students will be required to select from a single list of subjects. In total students will select two subjects plus two reserves. These can be a combination of GCSEs or GCSEs and BTEC courses.

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Every effort will be made to ensure that as many first choice requests are granted as possible. If courses are under-subscribed they may not run. If courses are over-subscribed appropriate criteria will be applied to fill the places available and this may involve an interview. Unsuccessful applicants will be offered a placed on their second choice course, if possible. The deadline for option choices to be made is Tuesday, 11th February 2014. Your child needs to complete the form at the back of this booklet, separate it from the booklet and hand it in to Student Reception. The first day your option form can be returned is 6th February. The closing date is 12th February 2014. The process, wherever possible, will be done on a first-come-first-served basis. The academy will endeavour to meet all requests. However, if it is not possible to provide the subjects requested a meeting will be arranged with the student and, if necessary, the parents, to discuss an alternative selection. The academy reserves the right to disapply any student from either one or both of the option choices if they have fallen more than three sub levels (one grade) behind their target in English or Maths. The additional time will be used to teach additional Maths and English

COMPLETED OPTIONS FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO STUDENT RECEPTION NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2014

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What will I be taught?

GCSE English Language and English Literature

AQA

Students will follow a combined course which includes English Language and English Literature and will result in two GCSEs. GCSE English Language allows students to demonstrate their ability to use English in real-life contexts and uses an investigative and analytical approach to language topics, drawing on personal experience. GCSE English Literature requires candidates to explore texts from a personal perspective and offers the study of: literature today; literature globally and the literary heritage. The English Language course is organised into units which include: the understanding and production of non-fiction texts; speaking and listening; the understanding written texts and writing creatively. The English Literature course is also organised into units which include: exploring modern texts; poetry across time; Shakespeare and the English literary heritage.

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What type of student is best suited to How will I be assessed? this course?

What qualification will I gain? GCSE What will the home learning be like? What could I do with this qualification?

What websites, books and other resources will help with my learning?

Texts: ‘Of Mice and Men’ - John Steinbeck ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ - Harper Lee Poems from ‘Moon on the Tides’ anthology ‘An Inspector Calls’ – J B Priestley ‘Macbeth’ or ‘Othello’ - William Shakespeare ‘GCSE AQA Unseen Poetry Study’ - CGP ‘Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar’ - CGP ‘GCSE Complete Revision and Practice’- CGP Websites: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize www.purplehobbit.co.uk/texts www.sparknotes.com www.englishbiz.co.uk

Throughout the year students will be encouraged to improve the accuracy of their spelling, punctuation and grammar. They will be expected to complete home learning to the best of their ability. In order to achieve an A* grade, students need to show they have studied independently. Home Learning will reflect and encourage this.

English and communications skills are essential in most careers. English has many transferable skills such as writing, editing, problem solving and critical thinking which many employers value. If you particularly enjoy writing, careers in journalism, advertising and publishing might be of interest. Most jobs require good standards of spoken and written English.

All students will take courses in English Language and English

Literature.

Students will sit examinations at the end of the two-year course which will assess their ability in reading and writing and their knowledge of texts (prose, drama and poetry). They will complete controlled assessment pieces. Speaking and listening skills will be developed and assessed as part of the course.

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BTEC Home Cooking Skills

Edexcel BTEC level 2

Home Cooking Skills (course designed by Jamie Oliver) will ''teach you to cook great food that tastes amazing, saves money and, in the long run, will help you lead a happier, healthier life. Whether you are having a party, cooking for friends, feeding your future children or making lunch, you will be fending for yourself, saving money and using these skills every day for the rest of your life.'' His dream is to see everyone cooking good food from scratch and learning new ways to get creative in the kitchen. This course will give students sensible, practical knowledge that they can take into the world and actually use. Students will be planning and preparing a series of nutritious home-cooked meals for breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner, and it will help them understand how to cook economically. Students will:

1. Select and prepare ingredients for a recipe. 2. Use cooking skills when following a recipe. 3. Demonstrate food safety and hygiene throughout

preparation and cooking. 4. Reflect on own learning about value of gaining

cooking skills. 5. Identify ways to pass on information about home

cooking.

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What qualification will I gain? What will the home learning be like? What could I do with this qualification?


A range of basic recipe books or internet access. Suggested websites: www.bbcgoodfood.com http://www.jamieshomecookingskills.com/

Research recipes. Watch cookery shows for hints and tips on presentation. Practice skills at home. Buy, weigh and measure ingredients and bring them to school.

Students will be awarded units towards: BTEC Level 2 Home Cooking Skills Students will also gain: Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 Further training could be available as a chef.

Students who are interested in working with food or developing a lifelong skill.

100% coursework only with learner record completed to show all cooking skills, with photographic evidence. Two hour practical exam in February of Year 11.

Design a method to pass on information about home cooking, i.e. leaflet, PowerPoint presentation.

NO WRITTEN EXAMINATION

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ICT Core: Level 1 & 2 Cambridge Nationals in ICT

OCR

The OCR Cambridge Nationals are vocationally related qualifications that take an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. They are industry relevant, geared to key sector requirements and very popular with schools and colleges because they suit such a broad range of learning styles and abilities. From personal computers to smartphones, from apps to websites, all of our lives, every day, are enhanced through the use of ICT. The new Cambridge Nationals in ICT reflect this and provide students with a solid foundation for understanding and applying this subject in their future working lives. Course overview:

• Unit R001 – Understanding computer systems: As the first mandatory unit and a foundation for others, this unit will give students a solid base to develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems.

• Unit R002 – Using ICT to create business solutions: In the second mandatory unit, students will refine their existing knowledge of computers to reflect the working practices of the commercial world. This includes using a wide range of software efficiently.

• Unit R008 – Introduction to computer programming: At the heart of every successful app or software is the programming. In the technical units, students will gain additional skills to develop their knowledge and understanding of the use of programming and scripting to enable computer systems to solve problems.

• Unit R009 – Exploring computer hardware and networks: Everyone gets frustrated when their computer goes wrong. Students will gain an appreciation of computer hardware and the range of platforms currently available, including gaming and mobile devices.

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Websites: http://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals-ict-level-1-2-j800-j810-j820/ http://www.teach-ict.com http://www.reviseict.co.uk https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/Dynamic-Learning Books: OCR Cambridge Nationals in ICT Student Book (Sonia Stuart) – ISBN 9781444176537 My Revision Notes OCR Cambridge Nationals – ISBN 9781444193855

Home learning will be varied throughout the course. There will be practical, extended writing and creative home learning tasks that will be linked to the curriculum and will enable students to learn new things to help their understanding for future lessons, or simply consolidate what they have learnt already.

This course will allow students to gain valuable ICT and computing skills for future employment or the academic achievement required to go on to a Level 3 vocational ICT course in Higher Education.

This course is ideal for students that have completed a Key Stage 3 ICT programme of study and want to further develop their skills and gain qualifications for the future. Due to tight deadlines throughout the course, students must have excellent time management skills and meet all deadlines.

The first year of study will comprise of: completion of a controlled assignment and preparation for (and then the sitting of) a formal written examination. The final year of study will require two controlled assignments to be completed. The controlled assignments and the written exam each carry 25% of the total course marks.

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GCSE Mathematics

Edexcel

All students continue to study Mathematics in Years 10 and 11. They follow a course leading to a GCSE in Mathematics. All students will follow a linear course and there is no coursework to complete in this subject. The topics covered are:

v Number

v Algebra

v Geometry

v Measures

v Probability

v Statistics

v Functional Maths The Academy will provide students with online resources. Students are invited to purchase additional revision guides in addition to the revision CD they have already been given. Students will use ICT and scientific calculators throughout the course. It is expected that students will provide their own mathematical equipment. This should at least include an appropriate scientific calculator, geometry set containing at least an angle measure, a pair of compasses, pencils, pens, pencil sharpener, rubber and a 30cm ruler.

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Websites useful for revision: www.pearsonactivelearn.com www.mymaths.co.uk Maths watch CD Revision guide and workbook for Edexcel

Home learning is usually set as two pieces lasting up to 45 minutes or one piece lasting up 1½ hours per week. Home learning tasks can be: completing an exercise, doing a past test paper, solving a range of problems, personal revision or research, depending on the topic being taught. Students will also have access to on-line web site Pearson active learn to complete task and revision.

Students will obtain a GCSE in Mathematics. They would be able to go on to study ‘A’ level Mathematics or the ‘Use of Mathematics’ course. Career opportunities are available in all job sectors including: environmental, science and engineering, health, sports and the traditional banking and finance. Advice on how to use a Maths qualification is available at www.mathscareers.org.uk.

This is a core subject which is compulsory.

Assessment will be in the form of a written exam at the end of Year 11. There are two tiers: Foundation (grades G-C) and Higher (grades D-A*).

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Physical Education - Core

This subject will not be examined

During core PE students will take part in a variety of different sports and will cover the following:

• Skills • Tactics • Rules, regulations and scoring systems • Officiating • Coaching

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www.topendsports.com www.brianmac.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/sport www.thefa.com/ www.rfu.com/

Home learning will not be set.

You will not gain a qualification in core PE. The skills you gain in core PE will help with enrichment courses such as games at college.

Formal assessment of core PE does not take place; however, the following are closely monitored:

• Engagement in learning • Participation • Fitness • Progress of skills • Behaviour

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BTEC Science

Edexcel

In Principles of Applied Science you will:

• Use microscopes to investigate cell structure, consider the impact of genetic engineering on our lives as well as recognise the importance of the nervous system in protecting us.

• Make models to compare the various structures of

the atom, carry out a range of chemical reactions to explore science in action as well as recognise the link between indigestion and neutralisation.

• Research various types of energy and understand

how energy transfer occurs, appreciate the uses and dangers of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as learn to interpret gas and energy bills.

In Applications of Applied Science you will:

• Have the opportunity to enjoy the practical side of science. This will involve cultivating bacteria, carrying out reactions to prepare salts as well as exploring nuclear power. You will also be involved in writing and testing plans, displaying data in a variety of ways, collecting evidence and explaining your findings.

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BOOKS:

1. Biology For You 2. Chemistry For You 3. Physics For You 4. BTEC First Award Principles of Applied Science by Pearson 5. BTEC First award Applications of Applied Science by Pearson

WEBSITES:

1. https://www.edexcel.com/QUALS/FIRSTS2012/APPLIED-‐SCIENCE/ 2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ 3. http://www.docbrown.info/page10/page10.htm

Home learning will focus on the use of workbooks and online study tasks to cement students’ understanding of the content. Home learning will also include research skills to help students build up their portfolio of evidence to reach a distinction qualification.

In this course you will obtain a level 2 BTEC qualification which is equivalent to 2 A*-C grades in Science.

A qualification in BTEC Science allows you to consider any of the following careers:

Forensic science, catering, health and social care, psychology etc.. It also offers a good pathway to follow further vocational courses.

This course is suited to students who prefer a vocational science qualification and who will not be pursuing a career involving A-level Science. Students who follow this course need to be able to persevere with coursework as this is the focus of the course but it provides good opportunities to achieve high grades.

In Year 10 you will study Principles of Applied Science and in Year 11 you will study Applications of Applied Science. Each course is assessed as follows: 1 exam taken in March of each year. 3 classroom based assignments which will contribute to your overall portfolio of evidence.

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Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural

Social Moral Spiritual Cultural (SMSC) education is a skills-based programme that will enable students to have high aspirations and achievement when they leave The Hathaway Academy. Through presentations and research-based learning, each year students will be taught key skills of exploration, participating, co-operation, teamwork and understanding through a range of different topics. In addition, students will learn life skills such as employment and money management as well as practical experience in CV writing and interview techniques. Throughout this programme, students will build upon their cultural and personal beliefs. They will investigate moral and ethical issues to help them understand the importance of being a good citizen and a valuable part of the community. Students will learn the importance of communication, body language and other social and health issues including relationships, healthy lifestyles, mental wellbeing and staying safe. All the skills will be taught through a range of different subjects including religion, citizenship, health, PSHE and careers - all underpinned by developing high levels of oracy, literacy and numeracy. The fundamental principle of this course is for students to develop skills which will help them to live in the 21st Century world where tolerance, respect and understanding are the keys to success.

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What will the home learning be like? What could I do with this qualification?


Newspapers and news programmes. Conversations at home about current affairs. BBC website.

Home learning will be set based on a range of projects and research.

This course will prepare students for life outside of school including the workplace, socially and in further education.

Any student can participate in SMSC as its purpose is to prepare them for their future after The Hathaway Academy.

Students will be given a record book which they keep through their time at The Hathaway Academy. It will demonstrate the skills they have learnt and how they have developed these skills.

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BTEC WorkSkills

Edexcel

WorkSkills is a BTEC qualification from Edexcel developed in consultation with employers, schools and colleges. Employers want people with a positive attitude and employability skills. Units the students will be looking at include: Personal Life Skills Sustainable Employability Skills Work Placement Skills Skills for Business Managing Your Own Money The aim of WorkSkills is to deliver the skills that will enable students to gain and retain a job. The units build upon skills already taught in schools and colleges and students will receive a formal BTEC qualification equivalent to one GCSE at A-C for a Level 2 Diploma. WorkSkills encompasses interview techniques, teamwork and vocational skills, as well as the soft skills that employers look for, such as adaptability, eagerness to learn and a can-do attitude. A survey revealed that wider employability skills such as team-working and communications were deemed to be the most valuable assets in the workforce. Employers felt job seekers who could demonstrate these attributes were more likely to succeed in the workplace.

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www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise www.skillsworkshop.co.uk www.moveon.org.uk Work Skills Activator Level 2

Home learning will include researching topics and writing about them and Functional Learning activities in English, Maths and ICT.

The maximum a student can achieve is a Level 2 Diploma in WorkSkills. This is equivalent to 1 GCSE at A-C grade. WorkSkills helps the learner with essential skills for employment and in life. Employers support programmes such as this and state that having learners who are prepared for work and are engaged in learning is a huge advantage to them.

This course is ideal for students who are committed to life-long learning and skills development. We have identified seven key learner profiles and highlighted how WorkSkills can be used to add value, promote career progression and build confidence.

There are no external assessments. All assessments will be conducted internally by the teacher and will then go through the process of internal verification.

Documents

KEY STAGE 4 CHOICES 2014 - 2016 - Hathaway …hathawayacademy.attrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Options... · KEY STAGE 4 CHOICES 2014 - 2016 ... Level 1 & 2 Cambridge Nationals