Options Subject descriptions

ENGLISHDuring the English curricular time, the majority of students are studying for two GCSE’s - Language and Literature; some however, study only English Language. In English Literature students cover a range of texts including novels and a play. They also study an anthology of poems. 30% of the GCSE is assessed by coursework.

In English Language students will be assessed on speaking and listening skills (20%) a folder of coursework (20%) and a final examination testing written and comprehension skills.

MATHSAll students are entered for Higher or Foundation Maths GCSE. Some may be offered the opportunity to complete this course in the November of Year 11 and then enrich their curriculum via other GCSEs. There is now no coursework element to the Maths GCSE. Assessment is through external examinations.

The Maths course is made up of the following areas of knowledge: number, algebra, geometry, measures, probability and statistics.

SCIENCELike English, during the Science curricular time, the majority of students are studying for two or three GCSE’s in 21st Century Science. Some, however, study only the single core GCSE with Practical Support.

21st Century Science is divided into Core Science followed by Additional Science modules for the Double Award and Physics, Chemistry and Biology for the Triple Award. The students are examined at the end of each module throughout the course.

In addition, all students study Wellbeing, Citizenship and recreational PE.

Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 CORE CURRICULUM

Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 2010 EXAMINATION RESULTS (A full analysis is obtainable from the school’s website)

GCSE98% of Year 11 students were entered for at least one GCSE examination and achieved at least one A* to G grade.

92% of all Year 11 students gained 5 or more A* to G grades.

73% gained 5 or more A* to C grades.

50% gained 5 A* to C grades including English and Maths

19% A* and A grades achieved in GCSE.

Subjects and Percentage A* to C Grades %English Language 58English Literature 58Maths 63Science - Core 62Science Additional 55Biology 100Chemistry 96Physics 98Art 80Art & Design BTEC 100Drama 100Music (GCSE) 23Geography 68History 58Sociology 65Business BTEC 100ICT 77Food Technology 20Graphics 52Product Design 67Textiles 47French 49German 56Italian 91Media BTEC 100Spanish 58 Sport BTEC 100Dance BTEC 100COPE 86 Health & Social Care OCR National ) Music BTEC ) Not examined in 2010Personalised Project )

The subjects are broken up into the following hours per fortnight:

Yr 10 Yr 11

English Language and Literature (double GCSE) 7 7

Mathematics 7 7

21st Century Science (double or triple GCSE) 9 9

Physical Education (PE) 2 2

Personal & Economic Wellbeing and Personal, Social & 3 3Health Education

A choice of 4 from the following: 20 20

Art, Drama, History, Geography, Sociology, French, German, Italian, Spanish,ICT, Textiles, Food Technology, Law, Product Design, Graphics, Health & Social Care, BTEC Dance, BTEC Music - equivalent to 2 GCSE’s*BTEC Business Studies, Media, Travel & Tourism, Sport, Art & Design - equivalent to 4 GCSE’s*These count as two choices

In addition to these, we are offering British Sign Language (BSL) Level 1 to students who have studied it at KS3. Ace Club, COPE and Urban Farming where the students can achieve the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness equivalent to one GCSE.

We also offer a Personalised Project option where students can seek further help and advice with their coursework from other subject areas and secure accreditation for studying an individual project qualification.

For our most able students there is opportunity to study an additional GCSE during period 8 (after school) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These students are offered a choice from Economics, RE, Astronomy, Statistics, Film Studies, French or Spanish.

It is possible therefore for most students to obtain 9 GCSE’s. Some can achieve 13 while others will have a reduced offer to focus on 6 or 7.

Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 THE KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM

Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 ART

You will...

• use a variety of processes including drawing, painting, print making, sculpture, installation, mixed media and photography

• develop an appreciation of colour, form, tone, texture and shape

• use a range of mediums and processes

• develop an appreciation of art movements and cultures

2 units in total...

Unit 1 - Personal portfolio in art and design -internally set and marked

Unit 2 - Externally set assignment in art and design -externally set and internally marked.

• Further study at AS/A2 level

• BTEC Art and Design

• AS/A2 Photography

• Post-16 education via Foundation and Degree courses

• Art will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved

•Specialist diploma in creative and media.

the COURSE the ASSESSMENT Potential PATHWAYS

Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 BTEC MUSIC

You will...

• study structure in Music

• develop an understanding of changing directions in music

• learn about popular music

• perform and compose to briefs related to the different areas of music

• working as a musical ensemble

• producing a musical recording

• learn how to use musical technology

The BTEC 1st in Music will comprise six units over two years including:

• Music Computer Systems• Exploring Musical Composition• Planning a Music Project

This is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s.

• BTEC Music Performance Level 3

• A broad variety of careers including performance and media industry

• Music will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 DRAMA

You will have the opportunity to...

• develop inter-personal and group working skills

• learn new drama forms and acting skills

• create your own plays and performances for a variety of audiences

• take part in practical workshops and theatre visits both in and out of school

• explore the social, cultural and historical content of plays.

Unit 1 : Drama exploration 30% performance & coursework

Unit 2 : Exploring play texts 30% performance & coursework

Unit 3 : Drama performance 40% performance (externally examined)

• Further study at AS/A2 level on the Drama and Theatre Studies course

• BTEC Level 2 or 3 Performing Arts

• An additional qualification towards 5 A*-C grades.

• A broad variety of careers including Advertising, Law and others involving presentation skills

• Drama will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 BTEC ART & DESIGN

You will...• use a variety of processes in art and design such as drawing, painting, textiles, photography and graphics

• develop an appreciation of the formal elements, eg tone, texture, colour, form

• use a range of materials and processes

• develop an appreciation of other art movements and culture

• gain an understanding and the competency necessary for employment within the sector

• receive vocational education and training to work in the art and design industry

• work on performances such as the fashion show, drama performances, costume design, set and prop design, fashion design.

• BTEC First Extended Certificate made up of two core units and one specialised unit which equals 2 GCSE’s. 100% coursework.

• If you are excelling you will be entered for the BTEC 1st Diploma made up of four core units and two specialised units. This is also 100% coursework and is equivalent to 4 GCSE’s.

• The units will be taught in a vocational context through exciting project briefs and assignments.

• Presentation work to professionals in the industry

Higher education vocational qualification such as:

• Level 3 BTEC National Award in Art and Design (equivalent to 1 A level)

• Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Art and Design (equivalent to 2 A levels).

• Level3 BTEC Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels).

• AS/A2 Art

• AS/A2 Photography

• Pathway to employment in the Art and Design sector

• Art and Design will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 BTEC MEDIA

You will...

• work collaboratively, creatively and independently

• develop your ICT skills

• use industry standard equipment to produce a range of your own media products, eg short films, digital and darkroom photographs, print media

• learn about the media industry

• keep an ongoing record of your learning process in a creative portfolio so good attendance is vital.

100% coursework...

• 8 units at Level 2 equal to 4 GCSE’s grade A*-C

• Further study at AS/A2 level especially closely linked to photography, film studies, art and design and media.

•Further study at BTEC National level 3 (the vocational equivalent of AS/A2 levels)

• Useful inclusion on CV in application for work in any of the creative and media industries

• Media will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 BTEC SPORT

You will...

• work collaboratively and creatively

• develop an insight into different aspects of sport • be given opportunities to coach as well as play

• develop key skills such as communication, co-operation, leadership, problem solving and team work

• develop a greater knowledge of different careers in sport

• study units including the body in sport, health & safety, nutrition, planning and leading sports events, practical sport, fitness testing and training.

100% coursework...

• You will complete 7 units of work from a choice of 14

• You will achieve a pass, merit or distinction according to the quality of your work

• Equivalent to 4 GCSE grades at A*-C.

• Further study of sport at Post-16 at level 3

• Support your application to other 16+ courses

• Useful if you are interested in various courses involved in the sport and leisure industry

• Sport will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 BTEC DANCE

You will have the opportunity to:

• gain two GCSE grades in one option choice• work with professional dancers and choreographers• go to see live dance• have original dances made for you by professionals• work with Greenwich Dance Agency• Perform to live audiences• Work with cameras and handheld devices• Create your own choreography• Learn dance Jazz and Contemporary dance techniques• Develop an understanding of the relationship between dance and music• Learn how to warm up, stretch and strengthen your body• Evaluate your work• Develop an understanding of the life of a professional dancer

Three units of equal value:

Performing dance C13 - with four practical criteriaJazz Dance C12 - with three practical criteriaContemporary Dance C10 - with five practical criteria

You will perform in a minimum of seven dance pieces. Performances will include working to camera, small invited audiences, large open audiences. reflection will involve discussion within small groups, discussion in larger groups, discussion with the teacher to camera and written evidence of your strengths and weak-nesses.

• BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts• Foundation courses in Performing Arts or Arts administration

• Can provide 2 GCSE A*-C grades towards the five grades required for continuing education (sixth form etc).

• Dance will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 GEOGRAPHY

Are you looking for excitement and a challenge? are you interested in making your own sense of the changing world we live in? do you want a balanced viewpoint that allows you to make your own mind up about key issues such as global warming? If you do then you should seriously think about geography.

Theme 1 : Challenges of Living in a Built EnvironmentBig issues include migration, sustainable megacities and urban and rural social inequalities.

Theme 2 : People and the Natural World InteractionsBig issues include protecting unique ecosystems from de-struction, understanding the causes and effects of extreme weather and the impact of global warming.

Theme 3 : People, Work and DevelopmentBig issues include making trade fairer and looking at the world food crisis and thinking about solutions to famine.

Within the course a fieldtrip is organised to ensure you experience first-hand how to carry out a geographical investigation.

Unit 1 : Challenges and Interactions in Geography (30%) Year 10 Written Paper : 1 hourTwo questions, one from Theme 1 and one from Theme 2, each containing a choice of case study.

Unit 2 : Development and Problem Solving Geography (45%) Year 11 Written Paper : 2 hoursSection A : One question from Theme 3 containing a choice of case study.Section : A cross-unit problem solving exercise.

Unit 3: Geographical Enquiry (25%) (year 10 7 Year 11) Controlled AssessmentAn enquiry based on fieldwork (15%) and an issue based on research (10%)

By studying geography you will equip yourself with important skills for your future. Here are just a few...Geographers can:Think creatively and independentlyWrite a concise reportHandle dataAsk questions and find answersMake decisions about an issueAnalyse materialOrganise themselvesGeographers are:Good communicatorsProblem solversGood team playersComputer literateSpatially awareFlexible thinkersSocially, economically and environmentally aware

Nationally, geography has one of the best graduate employment records in the country. Geographers are employed in a wide range of occupations including business, law, advertising, education, marketing and environmental management

Geography will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE OCR

The qualification is equivalent to 4 GCSE’s (A*-C) and will both introduce an equip those wishing to enter the health and social care sector with the essential skills and knowledge necessary. Topics explored include Communication, Individual Rights, Ensuring Safe Environments, Cultural Diversity and The Impact of Diet on Health. All lessons are delivered through a variety of theoretical and practical elements in addition to a minimum of 60 hours vocational experience.

You will:• Develop good oral and written communication skills• Learn basic practical skills, such as how to prepare well-balanced nutritional meals• Learn how to meet the needs of service users from diverse backgrounds• Learn how to effectively communicate with both service users and professionals• Learn about the different health and social care professions• Learn about equality and rights and how legislation is used to promote the rights of service users.

This is a 100% internally assessed qualification. This means there are no examinations throughout the two year duration of the course.

Although there are written assignments, you may also be assessed through oral presentations, blogging, video recordings and group discussions.

Successful completion of this qualification can lead to:

• Advancement to other Level 2 and Level 3 courses at Post-16 (A Level 7 BTEC)

• Apprenticeships

• Employment - Nursery or Teaching Assistant


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 HISTORY

You will...

• develop your knowledge and understanding of how people’s lives have changed and how people in the past may have seen and understood the world differently from us

• explore concepts of causation and effect, continuity and change over time, through overview of Unit 1 on Medicine 1350-2000 and in depth in Unit 2 on Germany 1919-1945

• enhance your independent research, enquiry and communication skills through Unit 4 (A) Controlled Assessment on the Impact of WWI and WWII on society

• develop your critical thinking by analysing and historical evidence and representations, through the surgery source enquiry Unit 3 and the Controlled Assessment Unit 4 (B) on The Civilians’ Experience of World War II.

• reach your own judgements and learn how to convey these convincingly throughout the course.

Unit 1 : Medicine 1350-2000What did people think made you sick and how did they treat illnesses?Exam 1 hour 15 mins - 25%

Unit 2 : Life in Germany c1919-1945Why did Hitler come to power and what was life like inNazi Germany?Exam 1 hour 15 mins - 25%

Unit 3 : The Transformation of Surgery c1845-1918Source EnquiryHow horrific was surgery in 1845 and why did it improve?Exam 1 hour 15 mins - 25%

Unit 4 : The Impact of War on Society 1914-1950Source EnquiryWhat was life like in WWI and WWII and what impact did it have on groups in society.

Controlled Assessments - 25%A & B (i) and (ii)

• Further study of History at AS/A2 level

• History will support your application for a range of Post-16 Level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved. (Qualifications in a Humanities GCSE are a requirement for several other subjects at level 3 such as Film Studies and Philosophy)

• History will support your application for Post-16 Level 2 courses if a D-E grade is achieved.

• Historians develop valuable transferable skills; they are independent and creative thinkers, critical and evaluative in their approach and effective communicators.

• Potential career pathways include The Civil Service, curatorship and research, the legal profession, education, journalism and media.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 SOCIOLOGY

The course looks at the relationship between people and social structures in Britain today, making itparticularly relevant for those interested in under-standing, analysing and critically evaluating the world around them and in many cases giving learners the tools to make a difference throughout their lives. Quite simply, sociology isn’t merely transmitting factual knowledge; it’s about developing skills that are trans-ferable and relevant.

Students will aim to develop their comprehension of society, focusing on social issues such as inequality and the distribution of power. In Year 10 this will be supplemented by a study on Education and the Family. Year 11 will permit students opportunities to learn about Crime and Deviance, Power and Social Inequali-ties or Media. Over both years, students will use vari-ous research methods, allowing students to practise sociology as an empirical discipline.

Year 10Unit 1 : Studying Society, Education; Families

A written paper lasting 1 hour 30 mins totalling 50%of the total GCSE

Year 11Unit 2 : Crime and Deviance; Media; Power; Social Inequality

A written paper lasting 1 hour 30 mins totalling 50%of the total GCSE.

• Further study of Sociology at AS/A2 level

• Useful inclusion on CV in application for all areas of work

• Useful for all adult life skills

• Sociology will support your application for a range of Post -16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 BTEC BUSINESS

You will...

• work on your own and in groups, producing presentations, leaflets and posters, which become part of your assessed work in this subject

• build and improve on your ‘soft or functional’ skills including communication, ICT, display, teamwork and meeting deadlines

• acquire technical and employability skills to enable you to adapt to the world of work

• visit places such as Citigroup and The Bank of England

• listen to outside speakers from the world of Business

The BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s. You could potentially be entered for the BTEC Level 2 Diploma which is the equivalent to 4 GCSE’s however this depends on your progress in Year 10.

The Level 2 Diploma requires 60 credits to be com-pleted in order to achieve this qualification. There are some compulsory units which need to be completed (these will be completed in Year 10 and make up 20 credits):

Unit 1 : Business PurposesUnit 2 : Business OrganisationsUnit 3 : Financial Forecasting for BusinessUnit 4 : People in Organisations

The remaining credits will come from a variety of units including:• Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication in Business Contexts• Training and Employment in Business• Promoting and Branding in Retail Business• The Marketing Plan

On this course you will gain a nationally recognised vo-cational qualification to enter employment or progress to other vocational qualifications such as:

• BTEC National Award or Certificate in Business or Personal and Business Finance (equivalent to1 or 2 A2 level qualifications).

• NVQs or Apprenticeship programmes in Administration, Customer Service or Retail.

• You can continue to study AS and A2 Economics.

• Business will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 ICT

• You will learn how to use the following as individual applications and together, in order to solve problems:

- DTP software - Database software - Spreadsheet software

• You will also learn web page design as means of presenting your work

• You will have the opportunity to focus on projects in real life situations

• You will achieve an Award in Digital Applications (Equivalent to 1 GCSE)

You will produce, maintain and update an e-portfolio of completed tasks.

• There is no written exam• 100% coursework

• Further study of Computing/ICT at AS/A2 level.

• Most jobs require ICT skills in some form, and therefore this course will provide you with skills that are useful for employment in most industries.

• ICT will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 BTEC TRAVEL & TOURISM

• You will learn about the travel and tourism industry in the UK, Europe and Worldwide. This course has a strong business and customer service element which is ideal for students who want to enter work or to take study further.

• This course will also have a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) element; the language is still to be decided for this course. This will help you to develop your language and employability skills.

This course is assessed by 100% courseworkwhich will be started in Year 10 and continues into Year 11.

Coursework topics include:

• The UK Travel & Tourism Industry• Understanding Customer Service• The Nature and Effects of World Travel• UK Tourism Destinations• European Tourism Destinations• Organising a Travel and Tourism Study Visit• Exploring Airports and Airlines• Work Experience in Travel and Tourism• Overseas Holiday Operations

This course is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s at C grade or above if you complete the full Level 2 Extended Certificate.

• Further study of Travel & Tourism at AS/A2 level or BTEC National Level• Further study at College/University• Employment opportunities in the travel and tourism industry

There are a wide range of employment opportunities within the local and regional area such as those in Greenwich and Central London; there are also opportu-nities in the travel industry such as airline cabin crew, railway staff and airports.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 LAW

• You will gain an introduction and fascinating insight into the subject of Law, from how laws are made, to the role of the courts, and what evidence is required to lead to a conviction. Additional topics also include the law of tort, criminal law and family law. As well as encouraging an awareness of the rights and responsibilities of individuals.

To compliment the subject knowledge you will also develop skills of selection, analysis, critical thinking and decision making.

This subject is 100% externally assessed by two com-pulsory, equally weighted written exams.

• Unit 1 : The English Legal System Written paper - 1 hour 30 mins 90 marks - 50% of overall GCSE

• Unit 2 : Law in Action Written paper - 1 hour 30 mins 90 marks - 50% of overall GCSE

• Provides a broad knowledge base for those students wishing to study Law at AS/A2 level

• This is a great starting point if you are interested in a career in Law.

• This subject also equips students with skills and knowledge for other fields of study and work. For example: humanities, citizenship, business and journalism.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 FRENCH

You will...

• work creatively to develop, practise and improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills

• gain an understanding of the culture of French speaking countries

• have an opportunity to travel abroad to practice using French language in its natural environment

Topics covered range from healthy lifestyle to family relationships and much more.

• Listening exam = 20%

• Speaking exam = 30%

• Reading exam = 20%

• Writing = 30%

Students will do two controlled writing and speaking assessments over the course of Year 10 &11.

• Further study at AS/A2 level.

• French will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.

• A GCSE pass (A-C) in a Modern Foreign Language is now an expectation of UCAS applications for entry to Russell group universities

• Useful inclusion on CV in application for work in international business or travel industry.

• Development of transferable skills which will be desirable in a number of career pathways.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 GERMAN

You will...


• gain an understanding of the culture of German speaking countries

• have an opportunity to travel abroad to practice using German language in its natural environment





• Writing = 30%



• German will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.

• A GCSE pass (A-C) in a Modern Foreign Language is now an expectation of UCAS applications for entry to Russell group universities.




Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 ITALIAN

You will...


• gain an understanding of the culture of Italian speaking countries

• have an opportunity to travel abroad to practice using Italian language in its natural environment





• Writing = 30%



• Italian will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.





Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 SPANISH

You will...


• gain an understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking countries

• have an opportunity to travel abroad to practice using Spanish language in its natural environment





• Writing = 30%



• Spanish will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.





Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE (by invitation only)

You will...

• learn a second language

• get an insight into the Deaf Culture and Community

• develop your communication skills, especially with Deaf people

• participate in the Deaf Community and learn about Deaf history and Deaf issues.

Please speak to Ms Beauchamp if you have an interest in studying BSL but have not received an invitation to do so.

Unit 101 ) assessedUnit 102 ) by BSL tutorUnit 103 ) in school

These assessments will be recorded on DVD and sent off to the exam board ‘Signature’ for marking.

When you pass the above you will receive a Level 1Certificate.

Unit 101 : min15 marks out of 18 to passUnits 102 & 103 : min 20 marks out of 40 to pass

• Further study to Level 2 and Level 3 BSL - Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE B grade - Level 3 is equivalent to an AS Level.

• Support your application to Post-16 courses

• Useful too for further study - personal and as a profession, eg Communication Support Worker, Interpreter or Teacher of the Deaf.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 ACE CLUB (by invitation only)

You will...

• work collaboratively on different activities and challenges

• work with others to achieve goals and improve problem solving

• improve your own learning and performance

• plan and carry out a piece of research

• communicate through discussion

• plan and give an oral presentation

• achieve the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (COPE)

Please speak to Ms Beauchamp if you have an interest in studying Ace Club but have not received an invitation to do so.

• There is no formal exam but you must be able to:

• show that you can perform skills in each study unit by presenting a portfolio of evidence of your reflections and experience

• demonstrate evidence in the form of written and photographic records

• demonstrate skills to be assessed internally by staff and externally by the ASDAN exam board

• ASDAN examining body qualifications are fully recognised and accepted by schools, colleges and employers

• Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grade D and Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grade B

• The portfolio of evidence can be used as part of your CV

• Level 2 can lead on to the University Award studied post-16

• ACE Club will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 CERTIFICATE OF PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

You will...

• experience a mixed programme of classroom lessons, sports and practical activities

• work collaboratively on different activities and challenges

• work with others to achieve goals and improve problem solving

• improve your own learning and performance

• plan and carry out a piece of research

• communicate through discussion

• plan and give an oral presentation

• work towards gaining your St. John Young First Aider certificate

There is no formal exam but you must be able to:

• show you can perform the skills in each area covered

• present a portfolio of evidence containing your reflections and experience

• demonstrate evidence in the form of written and photographic records

• demonstrate skills to be assessed internally by staff and externally by the ASDAN exam board


• Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grade D and Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grade B


• COPE supports your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a B grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 PERSONALISED PROJECT (with study support)

You will...

• work independently with support if you need it on your chosen project, which can be related to a subject you are studying for GCSE/BTEC, part of a diploma course or simply be something you are interested in, and at the appropriate times...

• work on coursework/homework with support if you need it;

• do exam revision and practise exam techniques;

• prepare for your education/employment post KS4.

The project, which is accredited by AQA and City & Guilds, can be done at Level 1 foundation or Level 2 higher. It is graded A*, A or B (Foundation) and A*, A, B,C, (Higher).

• Also, we will monitor your attainment grades, estimated grades and target grades so as to help make sure you are on track in your GCSE examination subjects

The project will provide evidence of the ability to study independently, to study a subject in greater depth and finally to present your findings to others.

It can be directly related to your chosen career path.

The extra time for coursework/homework will help you reach your potential and achieve the best possible results for you at KS4. This will allow you to follow your chosen courses post-16 or apply for employment with greater confidence.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 URBAN FARMING

You will...

• work with others on a range of collaborative tasks

• learn how to keep healthy animals including bees, chickens, goats and pigs in an urban environment

• understand how to grow and harvest a range of fruits, salads, herbs and vegetables in your back garden or window box spaces

• experience the annual growing cycle through the seasons

• investigate uses for the produce in terms of lotions, crafts and recycling

• develop the skills required to set up a web based business as a retail and exchange centre

• take your skills in the local community to improve a shared space

• learn the principles of preserving produce naturally.

There is no formal exam, instead you will need to:

• demonstrate your skills in each unit by presenting a portfolio of evidence of your experience and reflections for the wider key skills.

• use written evaluations, photographs, video and sound recordings to provide evidence of your achievements

• describe the skills you have developed to both internal staff and the ASDAN exam board.


• Level 1 is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s grade D and Level 2 is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s grade B


• If Level 1 is achieved in KS4 you could continue onto Level 2 as part of your KS5 choices

• If Level 2 is achieved it would support an application to any Level 3 courses.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 FOOD & NUTRITION

This course is for you if you...

• enjoy working with food

• enjoy cooking

• are keen to learn about ingredients

• want to make good quality products

You will learn in depth about the function ofingredients by making a wide range of dishes

Unit 1 : Written Paper (1.5 hours) 40%Short answer, structured and free response questions drawn from all areas of the specification.

Unit 2 : Controlled Assessment (30 hours) 60%Task 1 : 10 hours (20%)One task to be selected from a choice of three set by the exam boardTask 2 : 20 hours (40%)One task chosen from a choice of two set by the exam board. Both tasks are marked by your teacher and then externally moderated.

• Entry to AS/A2 food technology and also degree courses

• Opportunities to go into the food science industry. There is a shortage of food scientists

• Opportunities to go into catering at college and to work in the restaurant industry

• Opportunities to work in the health sector

• Food Technology will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 GRAPHICS

You will develop your...

• theoretical knowledge

• making/modelling skills

• designing skills

• drawing and presentation skills

• ICT- CAD/CAM skills.

A written paper - 2 hours40% of the total marksThis paper will have two sections.

A controlled assessment which will comprise asingle design and make activity.60% of the total marks.

• Further study as AS/A2 level

• Opportunities to go into the professional design industries

• Graphics will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 PRODUCT DESIGN

You will...

• learn about a good and bad design through in-depth product analysis

• experience a broad range of materials and processes

• have access to computer aided manufacture

• design and make your own product to a professional standard

• Coursework = 60%

• Written exam = 40%

• Further study at AS/A2 level

• Career routes include...

- Architecture - Engineering - Graphic Design - Product Design - Industrial Design - Computer gaming design

• A range of other art and design based careers

• Product Design will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


Tallis Choices • 2011-2013 TEXTILES

You will...

• use creative thinking and develop practical life skills

• find out more about how fabrics are made

• use CAD and CAM to aid learning

• practice many different decorative techniques

• develop greater knowledge of designing and making

• Coursework - researching, designing, developing, planning and making an educational product = 60%

• Written exam = 40%

• Further study within Art and Design BTEC

• Can be included on CV when applying for work within the Art, Design and Craft field

• Textiles will support your application for a range of Post-16 level 3 courses if an A*-C grade is achieved, or a level 2 course if a D or E grade is achieved.


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