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The New, Reformed
GCSEsA Guide for Students and Parents
Guide to GCSE Courses
Contents Page
Introduction 2
Change to GCSE - The Core Subjects and Wider Curriculum 3
GCSE Options Timeline 4
Changes to GCSEs 5
GCSE Performance By Department 6
Frequently Asked Questions 8
Core Subjects 10
Optional Subjects 15
1
Introduction
Choosing GCSE subjects can be a daunting process for both girls and parentsand this guide is intended to assist you in the decision-making process.
I’m sure you’re aware of recent nationwide changes to the examination systemand to GCSEs in particular. We, as a school, have been monitoring the changesclosely and have already put into place modifications to the curriculum toensure your daughters are able to achieve the best possible results at GCSE.We have explained some of these changes and the implications for yourdaughter later in the booklet.
As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me with any queries or questionsyou may have regarding your daughter or her progress.
With all good wishes
Jonathan ForsterPrincipal
2
Changes to GCSE - The Core Subjectsand Wider Curriculum
3
All students are expected to study the following core subjects:
n English Language*
n English Literature*
n Mathematics*
n Science*
Additionally, most students will take some of the following subjects:(other languages are available on request, eg Italian).
n Art
n Business
n Computing
n Drama
n Food Technology
n Greek
n History* and/or Geography
n Latin
n Modern Foreign Language* e.g. French, Spanish, German and Mandarin
n Music
n PE\Games
n Religious Studies
Eight or nine GCSEs are recommended for the new reformed courses, but this willvary according to the individual abilities and needs of each student.
There will be opportunities to pursue interests in areas such as Business, Drama,Music, Art, Sport and ICT/Computing as part of the wider curriculum.
(* indicates subjects that are required in order to achieve the English Baccalaureate - EBacc).
GCSE Options Timeline
4
Consultation and advice about GCSE choices are available from tutors, subjectteachers, heads of department, housemistresses and careers department staff.Students are advised to seek guidance from as many sources as necessary.
January: Upper 4 GCSE Options Meeting followed by theParents/Staff Meeting – an opportunity to discuss potential optionswith subject teachers.
Preliminary choices made.
February: Upper Four (Year 9) talk given by the Director of Studies.Options form and GCSE information booklet sent out to parents at the end of thefirst half of the Spring term.
Students should discuss potential choices with parents over the Half Term break.
There are no timetabling restrictions imposed at this stage.
Extensive advice is available at all stages in the selection process.
Option forms should be returned to the Director of Studies by the end of the Spring Term.
April: Choices are finalised and option blocks constructed to attempt to find abespoke fit which accommodates virtually every student’s requests. The policy of notpre-setting option blocks gives us the flexibility to tailor the blocking accordingto your child’s requests.
From this point onwards changes can still be made (but normally only withinthe set option blocks).
5
Changes to GCSEs
The new GCSEs includes more demandingcontent, more assessment by examination and greater discrimination has been introduced atthe top end. Six grades (9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4) replace the previous four (A*, A, B, C)
Only 50% of the students who would haveachieved A* in the previous GCSE structurewill achieve the top grade 9.
In September 2012 the Government introduced a number of changes to the GCSE courses. The main points to be aware of are as follows:
n Students must take all of their examinations at the end of the course, in other words in June of Upper Five (Year 11). There will be no modular examinations during the two years of the GCSE course.
n In English Literature, Geography, History and Religious Studies, additional marks will be awarded for the accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
n There will be no opportunities for re-sits apart from in English Language and Mathematics. In these subjects, students can re-sit their examinations in November.
Previous gradesNew grading structure
A*
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
U
987654
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2
1
U
Reformed GCSE Grades
5 and above = top of C and above
4 and above = bottom of C and above
GOOD PASS (DfE)
AWARDING
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2018% 9
% 9 - 8% 9 - 7% 9 - 6% 9 - 5% 9 - 4% 9 - 3% 9 - 2% A*
% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E2017
% 9% 9 - 8% 9 - 7% 9 - 6% 9 - 5% 9 - 4% 9 - 3% 9 - 2% A*
% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E2016
% A*% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E
3 15 10 36 27 35 0 0 0 0 27 50 11 67 15 0 43 29 0 15 35 27.5 45 45 57 6 0 23 14 27 50 44 100 30 50 86 71 33 28 52.5 42.5 73 68 74 28 17 38 43 45 100 67 100 55 50 86 71 67 68 77.5 45 100 82 91 50 50 85 100 64 100 89 100 85 100 100 86 67 85 92.5 55 100 100 100 89 78 92 100 91 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 67 98 97.5 90 100 100 100 100 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 8 75 - 100 100 11 - 38 88 - 100 100 78 - 73 88 - 100 100 89 - 92 100 - 100 100 89 - 96 100 - 100 100 89 - 100 100 - 100 100 100 -
6 13 4 15 26 17 34 47 40 60 62 57 77 83 74 89 91 85 98 100 94 100 100 100 40 40 40 0 0 23 10 33 64 14 40 100 75 100 0 0 27 8 17 85 0 0 38 90 75 85 11 17 60 20 56 73 50 60 100 75 100 100 50 60 31 50 100 25 50 50 100 100 100 48 57 77 60 78 82 64 80 100 88 100 100 75 80 62 83 100 50 100 88 100 100 100 81 96 89 80 78 100 86 100 100 94 100 100 100 87 77 100 100 100 100 88 100 100 100 93 100 94 80 89 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 85 10 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 96 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100
16 29 31 66.7 65.6 75 12 13 41.3 31.6 50 100 40 18.2 100 53.3 - 50 100 40 38 0 84.6 25 57.1 28.6 62 64 60 97 90.6 93.8 44 34.8 73.9 73.7 58.3 100 63.3 54.5 100 86.7 - 50 100 68 63 50 100 50 85.7 57.1 90 93 74 100 100 100 92 87 95.7 89.5 83.3 100 73.3 72.7 100 93.3 - 50 100 88 81 100 100 87.5 100 100 100 98 93 100 100 100 100 100 97.8 94.7 100 100 86.7 100 100 100 - 100 100 96 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 100 100 100 100 100 97.8 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - 100 100 96 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
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GCSE Performance By Department
2018% 9
% 9 - 8% 9 - 7% 9 - 6% 9 - 5% 9 - 4% 9 - 3% 9 - 2% A*
% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E2017
% 9% 9 - 8% 9 - 7% 9 - 6% 9 - 5% 9 - 4% 9 - 3% 9 - 2% A*
% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E2016
% A*% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E
ENGL
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3 15 10 36 27 35 0 0 0 0 27 50 11 67 15 0 43 29 0 15 35 27.5 45 45 57 6 0 23 14 27 50 44 100 30 50 86 71 33 28 52.5 42.5 73 68 74 28 17 38 43 45 100 67 100 55 50 86 71 67 68 77.5 45 100 82 91 50 50 85 100 64 100 89 100 85 100 100 86 67 85 92.5 55 100 100 100 89 78 92 100 91 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 67 98 97.5 90 100 100 100 100 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 8 75 - 100 100 11 - 38 88 - 100 100 78 - 73 88 - 100 100 89 - 92 100 - 100 100 89 - 96 100 - 100 100 89 - 100 100 - 100 100 100 -
6 13 4 15 26 17 34 47 40 60 62 57 77 83 74 89 91 85 98 100 94 100 100 100 40 40 40 0 0 23 10 33 64 14 40 100 75 100 0 0 27 8 17 85 0 0 38 90 75 85 11 17 60 20 56 73 50 60 100 75 100 100 50 60 31 50 100 25 50 50 100 100 100 48 57 77 60 78 82 64 80 100 88 100 100 75 80 62 83 100 50 100 88 100 100 100 81 96 89 80 78 100 86 100 100 94 100 100 100 87 77 100 100 100 100 88 100 100 100 93 100 94 80 89 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 85 10 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 96 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100
16 29 31 66.7 65.6 75 12 13 41.3 31.6 50 100 40 18.2 100 53.3 - 50 100 40 38 0 84.6 25 57.1 28.6 62 64 60 97 90.6 93.8 44 34.8 73.9 73.7 58.3 100 63.3 54.5 100 86.7 - 50 100 68 63 50 100 50 85.7 57.1 90 93 74 100 100 100 92 87 95.7 89.5 83.3 100 73.3 72.7 100 93.3 - 50 100 88 81 100 100 87.5 100 100 100 98 93 100 100 100 100 100 97.8 94.7 100 100 86.7 100 100 100 - 100 100 96 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 100 100 100 100 100 97.8 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - 100 100 96 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t do all the subjects I want to, at GCSE?
At Moreton we have already anticipated that the reduction in the overall number of GCSEs may mean that students won’t be able to pursue all their subjects of choice to GCSE. However, there will be opportunities to pursue areas of interest as part of the wider curriculum.
What is considered a ‘good’ pass?
To align the UK with the best education systems in the world, the government has raisedexpectations of achievements and will now consider a ‘good pass’ at GCSE to be a grade 5. A grade 4 is a pass.
My eldest daughter took 11 GCSEs, but my younger daughter will onlyachieve 8. Will this affect her chances of getting into a good university?
Universities are fully aware of the changes to the examination system and have been consulted throughout the process. They will be aware of the context of each application and will make offers accordingly.
At what stage does my daughter decide whether to take Combined orSeparate Science?
All students commence the GCSE Science course in Upper Four (Year 9). At the end of the Upper Four (Year 9), there will be an opportunity for some girls to narrow their focus and work towardsa Separate Science programme.
What is the EBacc and how will it affect my daughter?
The Government have introduced the ‘English Baccalaureate’ (EBacc) to ensure that pupilsachieve passes in a broad range of core subjects. To achieve the EBacc, pupils need to gain aGCSE at Grade 5 or above in English Language, Mathematics, Science, a Language or History. It is difficult to predict the importance that will be placed on the EBacc in the future, but it may be considered as a benchmark qualification by some employers or universities. We have alwaysadvised our pupils to follow a broad and balanced curriculum in core subjects, but haveadapted our option system to ensure that girls do not preclude their chances of gettinginto the University of their choice.
8
9
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Computer Science an EBacc subject?
To pass the Science element of the EBacc, pupils are expected to take Dual AwardScience or follow three separate sciences. Computer Science can be counted as oneof those separate sciences, although nearly all pupils will choose to take Biology,Chemistry and Physics as their science subjects.
There has been a lot of publicity recently regarding Examination Boards. How do you decide which Examination Boards to follow?
As a result of consolidation a few years ago, there are currently four GCSE ExaminationOrganisations: AQA, OCR, Edexcel and Eduqas. Heads of Department are able to giveconsideration to the specifications of all these boards and choose the examining groupand subject content best suited to our pupils. These choices are constantly underreview and we remain alert to changes within the examination boards at all times.
What are IGCSEs and why do you offer them?
In line with other independent schools, some departments offer IGCSEs.
IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) were devised byCambridge University to give students a step up to their A Level curriculum, by being moredemanding. However, with current changes to the GCSE system, all GCSE qualifications willsoon become terminal, with no options for coursework. The departments that have chosento follow the IGCSE route believe that it offers their pupils a stimulating and rewarding course, with the best opportunity for examination success at the end of the two years.
10
Core Subjects (Taken by all students):
ENGLISH LANGUAGE : EduqasUnder the new specification, the English Language course takes in both spoken and writtenlanguage, including the ability to read literary, non-fiction and media texts and the necessaryskills to write both discursively and creatively, using a range of grammar and with accuratespelling and punctuation.
Speaking and listening continues to be an element of the course but is now given its own separate award, which does not contribute to the overall English Language GCSE grade.
Qualifications and type of study:GCSE: Two final examinations (worth 100% of the GCSE) Speaking and Listening (covered by the ESB examination in Lower Five/Year 10)
ENGLISH LITERATURE : EduqasUnder the new specification, everything is examined at the end of the two year course, with no coursework or controlled assessments. American literature is no longer on the syllabus, and it is now a requirement to study a 19th century English novel, from a list of six, including Pride and Prejudice, A Christmas Carol and Silas Marner. In addition, the syllabus requires the study of: one Shakespeare play; poetry from 1789 to the present day; and a post-1914 novel or play.
Qualifications and type of study:GCSE: Two final examinations (worth 100% of the GCSE)
MATHEMATICS : EDEXCELMathematics is compulsory. The syllabus covers number, algebra, shape and space and handling data and how this knowledge applies to real life via a functional mathematics element.
The vast majority of girls are entered for the higher tier while a few may be prepared and entered for the foundation tier. Both tiers are examined in three 1hr 30min papers (two with calculator, one without) at the end of the Upper Five (Year 11) year.
There may be the option for a small group of students (who are predicted a Grade 9 GCSE) to study Additional Mathematics in parallel to GCSE (9-1) during their Upper Five (Year 11) year; this decision will be made at the end of Lower Five (Year 10).
Qualifications and type of study:GCSE (9-1): Linear - no coursework
Core Subjects (Taken by all students):
11
SCIENCE : EDEXCELScience is compulsory. All girls begin the Separate Science programme in Upper Four (Year 9) which leads to separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
At the end of the Lower Five (Year 10) there will be an opportunity for some girls(typically about 50% of the year group) to narrow their focus and work toward aCombined Science programme which will lead to two science GCSEs rather than threein the individual disciplines. The appropriate programme for each girl will be decided afterfull discussion between the Science Department, parents and student.
Qualifications and type of study: GCSE (9-1): 2 or 3 GCSEs depending on decision made at end of Lower Five (Year 10). For each science there are theoretical and practical elements. All examinations will be taken at the end of Upper Five (Year 11).
Humanity Subjectscontributing towards the EBacc
HISTORY : AQAThe GCSE course focuses on two fascinating and different aspects of History.
n Understanding the Modern World covers the detailed study of a country, Russia between 1894-1945, and the broader study of global Conflict and Tension, 1918-1939
n Shaping the Nation focuses on British History and covers the detailed study of one period, Medieval England - the reign of Edward I, and then a broader study of Power and the People: 1170 to the present day. Power and the People looks at events starting with the Magna Carta through to the growth of Trade Unionism, the Suffragette Movement and immigration to the UK.
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Humanity Subjectscontributing towards the EBacc
A study of History will give students a real understanding of the world we live in today as well as skills associated with historical analysis such as the ability to examine and evaluate sources of information and present coherent arguments. Work is based around the analysis of historical sources and the course also involves a number of visits to historical sites and museums relatedto the key themes.
Qualifications and type of studyGCSE: There are two examinations both of 1 hour 45 minutes and both worth 50% of the overall marks. There is no controlled assessment. Both examinations involve a mix of short and longer answer questions.
GEOGRAPHY : CAMBRIDGE IGCSE Areas of study include… n population and settlement n economic development and the use of resources n the natural environment, including natural hazards
Geography involves recording and analysing facts, and includes practical work such as using maps, photographs and statistics. The course also includes fieldwork
Qualifications and type of studyGCSE: The main examination is worth 45%. 27.5% is based on a skills examination and the other 27.5% is based on a piece of coursework. All assessment is at the end of the course.
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Modern Foreign Languagescontributing towards the EBacc
FRENCH: AQA The GCSE course in French builds on the key skills already acquired and develops them further. Subject content centres around three key themes;
n Identity and culture n Local, national, international and global areas of interest n Current and future study and employment
Emphasis is placed on a sound understanding of French grammar, translation skills and ondeveloping greater confidence in speaking and conversation tasks.
The course will develop pupils’ knowledge of France and French-speaking communities, their culture and way of life and will include the study of some literary texts as well as other authentic materials. In addition, we have a long established exchange programme with a partner school,the Institut St. Dominique, near Paris. Qualifications and type of studyAll examinations will take place at the end of the course. There are four papers(listening, speaking, reading and writing) each worth 25% of the total mark.
GERMAN : AQAThe GCSE course builds upon existing familiarity with the four skill areas: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, whilst augmenting of familiar topics and broadening cultural awareness. An understanding of German grammar is emphasised. Linguistic skills are developed within three distinct themes over the two year course:
n Theme 1 is “Identity and Culture”. n Theme 2 is “Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest”. n Theme 3 is “Current and Future Study and Employment”.
The department has an established exchange programme with a grammar school in Essen.
Qualifications and type of studyThe four skills of Listening (25%), Speaking (25%), Reading (25%) and Writing (25%)will be examined at the end of the two-year GCSE course.
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2018% 9
% 9 - 8% 9 - 7% 9 - 6% 9 - 5% 9 - 4% 9 - 3% 9 - 2% A*
% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E2017
% 9% 9 - 8% 9 - 7% 9 - 6% 9 - 5% 9 - 4% 9 - 3% 9 - 2% A*
% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E2016
% A*% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E
3 15 10 36 27 35 0 0 0 0 27 50 11 67 15 0 43 29 0 15 35 27.5 45 45 57 6 0 23 14 27 50 44 100 30 50 86 71 33 28 52.5 42.5 73 68 74 28 17 38 43 45 100 67 100 55 50 86 71 67 68 77.5 45 100 82 91 50 50 85 100 64 100 89 100 85 100 100 86 67 85 92.5 55 100 100 100 89 78 92 100 91 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 67 98 97.5 90 100 100 100 100 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 8 75 - 100 100 11 - 38 88 - 100 100 78 - 73 88 - 100 100 89 - 92 100 - 100 100 89 - 96 100 - 100 100 89 - 100 100 - 100 100 100 -
6 13 4 15 26 17 34 47 40 60 62 57 77 83 74 89 91 85 98 100 94 100 100 100 40 40 40 0 0 23 10 33 64 14 40 100 75 100 0 0 27 8 17 85 0 0 38 90 75 85 11 17 60 20 56 73 50 60 100 75 100 100 50 60 31 50 100 25 50 50 100 100 100 48 57 77 60 78 82 64 80 100 88 100 100 75 80 62 83 100 50 100 88 100 100 100 81 96 89 80 78 100 86 100 100 94 100 100 100 87 77 100 100 100 100 88 100 100 100 93 100 94 80 89 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 85 10 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 96 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100
16 29 31 66.7 65.6 75 12 13 41.3 31.6 50 100 40 18.2 100 53.3 - 50 100 40 38 0 84.6 25 57.1 28.6 62 64 60 97 90.6 93.8 44 34.8 73.9 73.7 58.3 100 63.3 54.5 100 86.7 - 50 100 68 63 50 100 50 85.7 57.1 90 93 74 100 100 100 92 87 95.7 89.5 83.3 100 73.3 72.7 100 93.3 - 50 100 88 81 100 100 87.5 100 100 100 98 93 100 100 100 100 100 97.8 94.7 100 100 86.7 100 100 100 - 100 100 96 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 100 100 100 100 100 97.8 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - 100 100 96 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
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Modern Foreign Languagescontributing towards the EBacc
SPANISH : EduqasThe course builds on the skills learnt at Key Stage 3, listening, reading, writing and speaking, developing them further in three broad themes over the two year course.
Qualifications and type of study:GCSE: Assessment takes the form of four assessments in Speaking (25%), Writing (25%), Reading (25%) and Listening (25%) examined at the end of the two year course. There will be opportunities for students to take part in Spanish workshops at universities, and school trips with special focus on recreating scenarios students might find in their speaking exam and on experiencing and enjoying the culture and traditions of the places visited.
CHINESE : EDEXCELLearn how to communicate in Chinese at GCSE level. Pupils will learn about Chinese cultureand develop their abilities further on existing familiarity of the language. They will learn to speak, listen, read, translate and write in Chinese. Topics include: 1. Identity and culture; 2. local area,holiday and travel; 3. school; future aspirations, study and work; 4. international and globaldimension. With such benefits they will be able to talk to Chinese visitors or get by when in China for business or travel. The knowledge and understanding of this challenging language will add great value to their future employment and higher education. Qualifications and type of study:GCSE: Assessment takes the form of four assessments at the end of two-year course: Listening 25%; Reading 25%; Speaking 25% - includes a Role - Play, a Picture based task and 2 conversation tasks; Writing 25% - includes 1 translation from English into Chinese and a choice to do 1 of the 2 writing tasks.
Identity and culture Local, national, internationaland global areas of interest
Current and future studyand employment
Youth Culture
n Self and relationships
n Technology & social media
Lifestyle
n Health and Fitness
n Entertainment and leisure
Customs and traditions
n Food and drink
n Festivals and celebrations
Home and Locality
n Local areas of interest
n Transport
Spain & Spanish Speaking Countries
n Holidays and tourism
Global Sustainability
n Environment
n Social issues
Current studyn School/college life & studies
World of Workn Work experience and part time jobs
n Skills and personal qualities
Jobs & Future Plansn Applying for work/study
n Career plans
2018% 9
% 9 - 8% 9 - 7% 9 - 6% 9 - 5% 9 - 4% 9 - 3% 9 - 2% A*
% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E2017
% 9% 9 - 8% 9 - 7% 9 - 6% 9 - 5% 9 - 4% 9 - 3% 9 - 2% A*
% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E2016
% A*% A*- A% A* - B% A* - C% A* - D% A* - E
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3 15 10 36 27 35 0 0 0 0 27 50 11 67 15 0 43 29 0 15 35 27.5 45 45 57 6 0 23 14 27 50 44 100 30 50 86 71 33 28 52.5 42.5 73 68 74 28 17 38 43 45 100 67 100 55 50 86 71 67 68 77.5 45 100 82 91 50 50 85 100 64 100 89 100 85 100 100 86 67 85 92.5 55 100 100 100 89 78 92 100 91 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 67 98 97.5 90 100 100 100 100 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 8 75 - 100 100 11 - 38 88 - 100 100 78 - 73 88 - 100 100 89 - 92 100 - 100 100 89 - 96 100 - 100 100 89 - 100 100 - 100 100 100 -
6 13 4 15 26 17 34 47 40 60 62 57 77 83 74 89 91 85 98 100 94 100 100 100 40 40 40 0 0 23 10 33 64 14 40 100 75 100 0 0 27 8 17 85 0 0 38 90 75 85 11 17 60 20 56 73 50 60 100 75 100 100 50 60 31 50 100 25 50 50 100 100 100 48 57 77 60 78 82 64 80 100 88 100 100 75 80 62 83 100 50 100 88 100 100 100 81 96 89 80 78 100 86 100 100 94 100 100 100 87 77 100 100 100 100 88 100 100 100 93 100 94 80 89 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 85 10 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 96 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100
16 29 31 66.7 65.6 75 12 13 41.3 31.6 50 100 40 18.2 100 53.3 - 50 100 40 38 0 84.6 25 57.1 28.6 62 64 60 97 90.6 93.8 44 34.8 73.9 73.7 58.3 100 63.3 54.5 100 86.7 - 50 100 68 63 50 100 50 85.7 57.1 90 93 74 100 100 100 92 87 95.7 89.5 83.3 100 73.3 72.7 100 93.3 - 50 100 88 81 100 100 87.5 100 100 100 98 93 100 100 100 100 100 97.8 94.7 100 100 86.7 100 100 100 - 100 100 96 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 100 100 100 100 100 97.8 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - 100 100 96 94 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Optional Subjects(available as GCSE subjects or as part of the wider curriculum)
ART AND DESIGN - Fine Art : (Eduqas)Learners are encouraged to actively engage in the creative and practical processof making Art and Design, while developing their skills as effective, critical andindependent thinkers. They will learn through practical experimentation and thedevelopment of techniques while documenting ideas in sketchbooks and portfolio. Learners strengthen their cultural and critical understanding. Art and Design assesses the candidates on their ability to record observations and ideas through visual forms such as drawing, painting, photography and film, printing and sculpture. Computers and cameras are used to support allresearch and recording. Drawing as observationis an important aspect of this course.
This course consists of:1. Foundation Term (September of Lower Five - February of Upper Five). Working on a set theme, learners will explore and extend their drawing, painting, printmaking, 3D and digital skills. They will develop their understanding of Artists and their working practices, and learn how to evaluate and respond to them. This project is used as a springboard for the coursework: Portfolio Project.
2. Portfolio Project (60% of the qualification). An Individual Project. Preparatory investigation and outcome: Three terms to reflectively record observations, creatively make and experiment with materials, show contextual understanding, develop ideas and produce a final piece.
3. Externally Set Assignment (40% of the qualification) Preparatory investigation and outcome: Externally set titles with one term of preparation study and 10 hours of controlled examination conditions.
The whole GCSE Art is internally assessed and externally moderated by Eduqas.
BUSINESS - Developing Enterprising Minds: EDEXCELThis is a dynamic and interesting course focusing on current business issues. It provides excellent preparation for either A Level Business or Economics and helps students gain an understanding of what is involved in a business-related profession, such as; business management, law, marketing, events management, accountancy, etc.
What will I learn?You’ll start by exploring the world of small businesses through the lens of an entrepreneur. How and why do business ideas come about? What makes a successful business? You’ll learn how to develop an idea, spot an opportunity and turn it into a successful business. You will understand how to make a business effective, manage money and see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved.
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Optional Subjects(available as GCSE subjects or as part of the wider curriculum)
Then you’ll move onto investigating business growth. How does a business develop beyond thestart-up phase? You’ll learn about key business concepts and issues and decisions you need to make when growing a business and working in a global business. You’ll learn about meet customer needs, making marketing, operational, financial and human resourcing decisions and you’ll explore how the wider world impacts the business as it grows.
Course Structure:Year 1, Theme 1: Investigating small businessYear 2, Theme 2: Building a businessFor each theme there is a 90 minute, 90 mark, written exam. Each paper is worth 50% of the total GCSE. Papers will consist of multiple choice, calculations, short-answer and extended writing questions.
COMPUTER SCIENCE: OCRThis exciting GCSE is an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how theyare used, and to develop computer programming and problem-solving skills. Pupils will also do some fascinating in-depth research and practical work. This course is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a look at what goes on ‘behind the scenes’. The course will help you learn about critical thinking, analysis and problem solving. We hope you will find it a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can also be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.
The computer systems and programming unit will teach you the theory about a wide range ofissues such as hardware and software, the representation of data in computer systems, databases, computer communications and networking, programming and more. There is a programmingproject which will call on you to design, code and test a solution to three tasks using a suitableprogramming language. The course requires a period of independent study of Python via thewebsite codeacademy, in the summer before the start of the course.
The increasing importance of information technologies means there is a growing demand forprofessionals who are qualified in this field. The course is also an excellent preparation if you wantto study or work in areas that rely on the skills you’ll develop, especially where they are applied totechnical problems. These areas include engineering, financial and resource management, scienceand medicine. In addition to this GCSE in Computer Science, self-directed courses in ICT are available, such as The MOS Course (Microsoft Office Specialist), which could lead onto an Advanced course of study in Microsoft Office. Equally, there are also opportunities to follow self-directed courses to learnto code in a variety of languages such as C++, Python, Java, or for web development or Robotics.
Qualifications and type of study:GCSE: The assessment consists of two written examinations and a programming project totalling 20 hours. Examination Paper 1: Computer Systems (1 hour 30 minutes) (50%) Examination Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (1 hour 30 minutes) (50%)
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Optional Subjects(available as GCSE subjects or as part of the wider curriculum)
DRAMA : EduqasThis course covers many aspects of Drama production including improvising and acting from scripts, learning about designing sets, using lighting, costumes and make up. You will visit many theatres including the West End, to enrich your understanding of live performances. There is a high element of practical work, much of it as part of a group working together. Time is also spent learning about and analysing Drama styles and techniques. The course develops key life skills: communication, confidence, problem solving, teamwork and initiative.
Qualifications and type of study:
Component 1:Devising Theatre Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated40% of qualification Learners will be assessed on either acting or design. Learnersparticipate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devisedtheatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre,in response to a stimulus set by WJEC. Learners must produce: a realisation of their piece of devised theatre a portfolio of supporting evidence an evaluation of thefinal performance or design.
Component 2:Performing from a Text Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visitingexaminer 20% of qualification Learners will be assessed on either acting or design. Learners study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre. Learners participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts.
Component 3:Interpreting Theatre Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of qualificationSection A: Set Text A series of questions on one set text ‘Hard to Swallow’ by Mark Wheeller. Section B: Live Theatre Review One question, from a choice of two,requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre productionseen during the course.
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Optional Subjects(available as GCSE subjects or as part of the wider curriculum)
FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION : AQAThis new GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students’ practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition.
Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:
n Food, nutrition and health n Food science n Food safety
n Food choice n Food provenance.
Assessments Paper 1: Food preparation and nutrition
What’s assessed Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from Sections 1 to 5 above.How it’s assessed Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 50% of GCSE Questions - Multiple choice questions (20 marks) Five questions each with a number of sub questions (80 marks)
Non-exam assessment (NEA) What’s assessedTask 1: Food investigation Students’ understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task.
Task 2: Food preparation assessment Students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved.
How it’s assessedTask 1: Written or electronic report (1,500–2,000 words) including photographic evidence of the practical investigation.Task 2: Written or electronic portfolio including photographic evidence. Photographic evidence of the three final dishes must be included.
Time management skills are a key element in this course, a real asset if this is a strength of thecandidate, but highlighted and developed if it is not! At the same time they develop theirpractical skills and should have a greater understanding ofthe functional properties of ingredients.
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Optional Subjects(available as GCSE subjects or as part of the wider curriculum)
GREEK : OCRThe course covers the ancient language, literature and culture of the Greeks. It is assessed through three components: there is a compulsory language paper which is worth 50% of the GCSE. Thereare then three further options (Verse Literature; Prose Literature; Literature and Culture) of which two must be taken. All the components are examined at the end of the two-year syllabus. The course will help students develop their interest in language, literature and history. It also supports the study of Latin and English through an appreciation of grammatical constructions and linguistic derivations, as well as cross-curricular skills through the study of literature.
Qualifications and type of study:GCSE: OCR exam only (100%).
LATIN : OCRThe course covers the ancient language, literature and culture of the Romans. It is assessed through three components. The first is a compulsory language paper which is worth 50% of the GCSE. There are three further optional components (Verse Literature; Prose Literature; Literature and Culture), of which two must be taken. All the components are examined at the end of the two-year syllabus. The course will help students develop their interest in language, literature and history. It also supports the study of English through an appreciation of grammatical constructions and linguistic derivations, as well as cross-curricular skills through the study of literature.
Qualifications and type of study:GCSE: OCR exam only (100%).
MUSIC : EduqasIn the words of Albert Einstein: “Music is creativity having fun”. It is true to say that Music canbe considered part art, part science. Music will help you build your problem solving, research, planning, analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as develop your creativity.
Studying music will engender discipline, composure under pressure, time management,communication, team and individual working ability - all gained from practice and performing. It is important to note that such key skills are transferable into any career path.
The GCSE music course is open to anyone on approximately Grade 3 or above on voice or their instrument and has, or is working towards, Grade 5 Theory. The course is focused on threecomponents: Performing, Composing and Appraising/Listening.
Much of the qualification is based on practical and composition work - this counts for 60%which will be completed over the two years and is internally assessed and externally moderated. The listening exam counts for 40% which takes place at the end of the course.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION : EDEXCELPE at GCSE offers students the opportunity to develop skills in a wide range of sports andactivities and will help to improve students’ own performance. The syllabus covers exercise,how the body works to help you exercise and then through training how performance can beimproved. The course is practically based and involves participating in three practical activitiesas well as developing the knowledge to improve students’ own ability in these activities.
Qualifications and type of study:The theory of Physical Education is worth 60% and is assessed in two writtenexaminations atthe end of the course. The practical section of Physical Education is worth a total of 40% and isassessed through three different practical performances and an internally marked piece of coursework (Personal Exercise Plan).
GCSE: Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 36% of the qualification 90 marks
Component 2: Health and Performance Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes 24% of the qualification 70 marks
Component 3: Practical Performance Non-examined assessment: internally marked and externally moderated 30% of the qualification 105 marks (35 marks per activity)
Component 4: Personal Exercise Programme (PEP) Non-examined assessment: internally marked and externally moderated 10% of the qualification 20 marks
RELIGIOUS STUDIES : EDEXCELIn Religious Studies, students study philosophical and ethical arguments from a religious and secular perspective. The course will provide the opportunity to explore the world of beliefs and practices and the link between how religious people think and act. It provides the chance to think aboutwhat Christianity and Islam teaches on moral and social issues and to develop opinions, based on appropriate evidence and argument. The course is designed to facilitate a high level of philosophy and ethics and is excellent preparation for A Level philosophy and religious studies. It is important when considering this course that you think about the following questions: Are you willing to think for your-self? Are you open minded and interested in the world around you? Can you listen to and appreciate the views of others even when you don’t agree with them? Do you enjoy askingquestions about the meaning of life and why we are here?
Qualifications and type of study:GCSE: 100% Examination. No coursework or controlled assessment.
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Notes
Moreton Hall, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EWTel: 01691 773671 l Email: [email protected]
www.moretonhall.orgCharity Registration Number: 528409
Fifth Form / Years 10 & 11December 2018
@moretonhall /moretonhall /moreton_hall
