bloxham school gsce...in english language and the majority also take igcse english literature. for...

Bloxham School

A GUIDE TO GCSE SUBJECT CHOICE

for

THIRD FORM PUPILS

2015

CHOOSING YOUR SUBJECTS

You are about to make some of the most exciting choices of your education so far, as you

start to think about which subjects you want to take in the 4th and 5th Form. The choices

you make now may well influence the rest of your academic education, and lead to

opportunities later in your life. It is important that you appreciate from the start which options

are available to you, and what is involved, so you can make thoughtful and informed choices.

The notes in this booklet are intended to be a general guide to help you to select the subjects

you wish to study. You should also talk to your teachers about their subjects, and even the

older students about the subjects they chose. The school careers advisor, your Tutor,

Housemaster and Head of Year will also be a source of valuable information and advice

over the next few weeks.

The lessons you have next year will be a mixture of core compulsory and options subjects;

most students will take 10 GCSEs in total. The curriculum has been developed to take

account of national changes, whilst retaining flexibility and choice in our options.

From September 2015, teaching in Mathematics will reflect the new subject content for

GCSE. At the end of the course, candidates’ results will be on a numerical scale from 9 (the

highest) to 1 (the lowest). There will be no change in the subject content of any other

subject, where candidates’ results will be on the previous scale, A* to G.

All students will take the following core (compulsory) subjects:

English Language & Literature (2 GCSEs)*

Mathematics (“Fat Maths” counts double)

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Physical Education

Games

PSHE – a subject tackling religious, moral, political, economic and social themes, as well as

research and study skills

Optional subjects:

There are four provisional option blocks. Students study one subject from each block. All blocks are

taught for five periods per two weeks. If a student cannot do the combination of subjects of their

choice they should speak to Mr Buckland or Mr Cooper.

All students must choose to study at least one Modern foreign Language (French or Spanish) except

those students on the Dyslexia course or those having English as an Additional Language (EAL)

lessons.

When choosing

Procedure for choosing subjects We are anxious to ensure that the decision to study a subject is taken after consultation and

careful thought. The most important event in the process is the Third Form Parents' Meeting on

Sunday 8th February. This will begin at 7:00 pm with a talk by the Headmaster in the Chapel.

This evening will provide you with the opportunity to consult your teachers. You should then read

through this booklet, and talk through the matter with your parents or guardians, and of course your

Tutors.

Student choices must be submitted via Firefly by 6pm on Monday 23rd

February 2015.

Block 1

French

Spanish

EAL

Dyslexia course

Block 2

Business studies

Design technology

Drama

Food Technology

PE

Block 3

Art

French

Geography

History

Latin

PE

Block 4

Art

Design technology

Geography

History

Music

Textiles

Theology

Some words of wisdom…

► Don’t focus too much on what career you think you want when you are older – you will probably

change your mind many times before you get a job!

► Try to achieve a good balance of subjects – this will keep your future options open.

► Think about the skills that each subject will teach you – a good balance between the arts,

humanities and sciences will lead to a more rounded student. We would strongly recommend you

consider continuing the study of at least one practical subject to GCSE level.

► Discuss your choices with lots of people - this will help you come to the right decision

Some questions you may have… Should I choose my subjects to fit in with one particular career? It is unlikely at this stage that you will have made up your mind about what you would like

to do in the future. Most Third Year studentss only have vague ideas, which are sure to

change over time. It is perhaps most sensible to select a good balance of subjects in order

to keep open as many future paths as possible.

Should I choose the subjects I am best at?

It is true that to gain entry into Further Education and many careers you will need good

grades in examinations. However, you should make sure you are genuinely interested in

the subjects you choose, and that it’s not just that you find some easier than others.

How do I work out if a subject is useful?

All the subjects we offer are meaningful and useful. The core curriculum (English,

Mathematics, Science and a Modern Foreign Language) covers the requirements of most

universities and careers. Your options subjects all offer you knowledge, skills and

understanding that can be applied to a range of situations and future contexts. Try to avoid

asking yourself, what job will this lead to. Instead consider that the skills you will learn will

be extremely valuable in your future career.

core subjects – examined

Board: Edexcel IGCSE Coursework (English Language 30%, English Literature 40%)

All students at Bloxham in their Fifth Form year are entered for the Key Stage 4 IGCSE examination

in ENGLISH LANGUAGE and the majority also take IGCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE.

For ENGLISH LANGUAGE, assessment will be based on a terminal examination (70%) and

Coursework (30%). There will be one exam paper, covering the reading and production of non-fiction

writing, and directed creative writing. One coursework task covers the reading of prose passages

and poetry from the Edexcel IGCSE Anthology. The second task assesses the candidates’ ability to

write creatively. ORAL skills are also assessed as an element of the coursework for English.

For ENGLISH LITERATURE, assessment will be based on a terminal examination (60%) and

Coursework (40%). The examination will cover a novel and a drama text. The coursework task

requires students to write on three poems from the Edexcel IGCSE Anthology in connection with

three further poems studied with their teacher.

Candidates will be required to explore and practise the use of language in a variety of contexts and

for a range of purposes, to interpret different kinds of writing – both literary and non-fiction, and to

study works of prose, poetry and drama both from their own time and from earlier centuries. Students

are encouraged to read beyond the specifications’ set texts in order to broaden their understanding

of the subject and to enable them to extend their vocabulary.

Students are placed into one of four sets, according to their ability. Both ENGLISH LANGUAGE and

ENGLISH LITERATURE are single-tier courses.

English


Board: Edexcel No Coursework

Mathematics is one of the core subjects at GCSE, and is designed to develop investigational and

practical skills, as well as the traditional computational and manipulative processes, logical thought

and abstract reasoning.

GCSE Mathematics covers the topic areas of Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion, Rates of change,

Geometry, Measures, Statistics and Probability. The assessment of GCSE Mathematics is by

terminal examination.

We follow the Edexcel GCSE linear syllabus. The three terminal examinations (one non-calculator),

each of which count for a third of the final GCSE, seek to give the candidates plenty of opportunity

to show what they understand.

Those entering the Fourth Form in 2015 will be placed into one of four sets according to their ability.

In 2017, candidates will be entered for the tier which enables them to achieve the highest grade of

which they are capable.

Students in sets 1, 2 and 3 will be entered at the highest tier which allows the most able to aim for

grades 7 to 9. Students in set 4 will be considered for entry at the Foundation tier where a grade 5

is the maximum.

Mathematics


Board: AQA level 2 certificate (iGCSE)

Science is one of the core subjects in the National Curriculum.

Students at Bloxham School will follow separate science courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics

(some students may take double award science if that is deemed to be a more appropriate course

and the decision for this will be taken at the end of the 4th form). The year group is streamed by ability

and is taught by subject specialists. The first part of the course has been covered in the Third Form.

All assessment is by way of structured exam papers taken at the end of the 5th form. There is no

internal assessment or coursework.

Assessment:

Biology 2 x 90 minute written exams

Chemistry 2 x 90 minute written exams

Physics 2 x 90 minute written exams

The separate science papers are not tiered and are aimed at grades A* to C (although grades A* to

G can be awarded). The double award papers are tiered as Higher (A* to D) and Foundation (C to

G).

After the trial exams in the Fifth Form a decision will be made as to whether the double award

candidates should sit the Higher or Foundation papers.

The Sciences

blocked subjects

Board: AQA Coursework (100%)

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

You will be encouraged to follow the Fine Art endorsed option which allows for study

in Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking and Photography

Willingness to develop basic drawing skills and artistic appreciation and awareness

through coursework and studio learning

To develop the confidence to experiment with materials and ideas

Perseverance, enthusiasm, independence

What will I learn on this GCSE course?

Developing creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills

Visually communicating and expressing ideas, feelings and meanings

Investigative, analytical, experimental and interpretative skills

Understanding conventions and the context of art in different cultures

Improving practical skills, using a variety of artistic materials and

media

How will I be assessed?

Unit 1 Portfolio of Work (Controlled Assessment) - 60% of total marks

A Portfolio of coursework with one main project and supporting pieces from 4th form.

Responding to all assessment objectives of Developing, Experimenting, Recording and Resolving.

Centre-assessed and moderated by AQA.

Unit 2 Externally Set Task (Examination) - 10 hours - 40% of total marks

Candidates respond to one starting point from a choice of seven set by AQA.

Eight weeks preparatory period and 10 hours of supervised time.

Set by AQA, centre-assessed and moderated by AQA.

For what kind of student is this course suitable?

For the intellectually curious, creative and practically inclined students. Suitable for a wide range of

abilities and for those who are interested in exploring their imagination and ideas through visual

means.

Art

blocked subjects

Board: Edexcel Timed Assessment (25%)


Business Studies will be new to all students and so no prior knowledge of the subject is assumed or

required. What is important is that you have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in finding out

about business and finance and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively.


Business Studies is a subject that can help students to acquire the understanding, knowledge and

skills relevant to the changing world of work. The course aims to develop a critical understanding of

all aspects of business and how it operates, addressing questions such as:

how are businesses owned, organised and controlled?

what are, or should be, the aims and objectives of business?

how can people in business best be managed, developed and motivated?

how can products be made most efficiently and sold most effectively?

what are the essential components of successful financial management?

how can products be successfully marketed and sold to consumers?


The course is assessed both through written examinations (75%) and timed assessment (25%).

There are two written exams: one has multiple choice questions and the second paper has short and

long answer questions. The assessment project is a major research investigation offering you the

opportunity to pursue your own research and to develop skills of information handling, selection,

interpretation and presentation.


This course will appeal to you if you:

like doing a subject which is real, relevant and often practical

enjoy keeping up with what's going on in the world of business and finance

appreciate the importance of being a responsible consumer, citizen and employee

wish to develop your skills of communication, numeracy, ICT and self-organisation

want to broaden your options, choosing a subject which can lead on to Sixth Form

study or stand alone as a useful qualification for the future

Business Studies

blocked subjects

Board: Edexcel Controlled Assessment (Creative Design and Make task) (60%) What do I need to know and be able to do before taking this course? Most students will have completed the Bloxham Third Form technology circus and many will have studied technology in the First and Second Form too. All the skills and knowledge that have been acquired will be extremely useful for the study of design and technology to GCSE. This background is not essential, but it will be assumed that all students wishing to take this course have a basic knowledge of designing and making products, and they enjoy these activities. What will I learn on this GCSE course? To present your design ideas in a clear way through various free-hand drawing techniques. To make decisions, consider sustainability and combine skills with knowledge and understanding. To present your final design ideas using computer aided design packages. To plan practical projects. To create your ideas in a variety of materials including plastic, wood and metal. To test and evaluate the things you have made and other products. To use all the equipment in the school workshop when appropriate. To identify potential projects. Research techniques. About industrial processes and applications. About mechanisms and mechanical systems and other appropriate components. To use strategies to develop ideas. To recognise the needs of potential users of the products you design and make. How will I be assessed? Students will be assessed on their ability to acquire and apply knowledge, skill and understanding:

Of materials, components, processes, techniques and industrial practices When designing and making quality products When evaluating processes and products

Scheme of assessment Final one and a half hour exam

40% Internally assessed design and make controlled assessment project

60%

For what kind of student is this course suitable? This course is appropriate for a wide range of students with a variety of interests and abilities. Those with artistic or creative talents will do well but this is certainly not essential. The students who are keen to learn and work hard are always the most successful in this subject. If you have enjoyed design and technology in the past it is likely that you will continue to do so up to GCSE. If you are thinking you might suit a technical, creative or business career then this subject will give you good grounding.

resistant materials Design & Technology

blocked subjects

Board: Edexcel

What do I need to know and be able to do before taking this course?

In Drama you will learn how to: create theatre from scratch; become truthful actors; work collaboratively as

an ensemble; and explore both contemporary and ground-breaking theatrical texts from throughout history.

There will be several trips to see the best contemporary theatre at the Warwick Arts Centre, RSC in

Stratford, Oxford Playhouse and London. The course is driven by an ethos of creativity, energy, collaboration

and fun. Two-thirds of the assessment is through practical work, with written coursework accounting for the

other third, where students express their opinions about theatre and reflect on and evaluate their work and

live theatre, for which they are given close guidance and support.


Unit 1 Drama Exploration 30% of GCSE (60 marks available)

Practical Exploration of a Theme (6 hours) – marked out of 40

Written Response to Practical Exploration (maximum 2,000 words) – marked out of 20

Unit 2 Exploring Play Texts 30% of GCSE (60 marks available)

Practical Exploration of a text (6 hours) – marked out of 30

Written Response to Practical Exploration (maximum 1, 000 words) – marked out of 10

Live Theatre Evaluation of a Production Seen (maximum 2, 000 words) – marked out of 20

Unit 3 Drama Performance 40% of GCSE (80 marks available)

Devised or scripted performance marked out of 80

Groups of between 3-9

7 Reasons to study GCSE Drama

Collaborating in a supportive environment to build confidence and skill

Working with energy and a sense of fun with student excitement and ownership of their work

Watching inspiring professional theatre & working with professional theatre companies

Developing a personal interest in why drama matters and being inspired, moved and changed by

studying a broad and exciting course with students considering their world view

Boosting confidence and the ability to convince others to believe in you (just as an actor does with an

audience); a crucial lifelong skill in any career path

Progression – Drama is recognised as a strong subject choice for students thinking of studying an

essay-based (and vocational) subject at competitive universities with an array of transferable skills

Participating in an exciting extra-curricular performance programme

Drama

blocked subjects

Board: AQA Controlled Assessment 60%


It will be assumed that all students wishing to take this course have an interest in diet and health,

and enjoy practical cooking activities.


GCSE Food Technology is an interesting and stimulating course for students of all ability ranges to

gain relevant transferable skills and knowledge. It will help you develop your creativity by making

food products and develop an understanding of our food within a diverse society and to work within

a variety of contexts.

Nutrition, diet and health throughout life

Nutritional, physical, chemical and sensory properties of food in storage

Preparation and cooking as scientific processes

Identify and use stages in the development of a food product prototype

To understand the functional and nutritional properties of food

Food hygiene and food safety

The course enables you to make discriminating consumer choices about food and it is also

developed to enable candidates to demonstrate their creativity, with making food products a vital

feature. You will have the option to design and make a range of delicious food products for the

farmers shop or market, the school canteen, ready-made meals and for festivals and other special

occasions to demonstrate your imagination and skill when creating food products.


The single tier assessment covers grades A* to G. There is one exam of 2 hours (40%) plus one

internally marked controlled assessment involving a single design and make activity for a food

product from a range of broad set tasks (60%).


This course is appropriate for a wide range of students with a variety of interests and abilities. Food

Technology is a creative course focusing on design and making a food product. It will suit students

who like to plan and work independently and it encourages self-evaluation. The course introduces

sound life skills and is highly recommended if you are interested in a future career in Food, Nutrition

and Food Technology.

Food Technology

blocked subjects

Board: Edexcel


You will need to need to have studied some French before – probably for at least two years. You will

need to be enthusiastic and willing to learn.


You will develop the ability to use language effectively for purposes of practical communication, and

to use language imaginatively and creatively. You will also develop an awareness of the nature of

language and language learning whilst acquiring the skills and attitudes which will form a sound

basis for further study, work and leisure. You will learn to speak, listen and understand, read and

write in French.


You will have four unitised examinations, requiring you to demonstrate an ability to:

understand and respond to the spoken language

communicate using the spoken language

understand and respond to written language

communicate in writing


You will need to be hard-working and interested in languages and other cultures.

French

blocked subjects

Board: AQA iGCSE No coursework What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? Geography GCSE is a two-year course building on foundations laid down in the Third Form. Students new to the school can still take the course without serious disadvantage. What will I learn on this GCSE course? Candidates will learn about the world in which they live whilst gaining various analytical skills. These include the interpretation of Ordnance Survey maps, aerial photographs, satellite images or graphs. The Physical Geography element investigates:

Rivers – e.g. oxbow lakes on the Mississippi and flooding in Bangladesh

Volcanoes and Earthquakes – e.g. the Haiti earthquake and Japanese tsunami The Human Geography element investigates:

Towns and Cities – e.g. regeneration of Birmingham and shanty towns in Brazil

Tourism – e.g. extreme tourism in Antarctica and conflict in Phuket, Thailand

Other topics such as Population, Globalisation and Coasts will be studied as required by Paper 3. Examples are taken from around the globe, though local fieldwork is also a major feature. Students are encouraged to supplement these examples with observations from home and holidays. They are also encouraged to keep track of places in the newspapers and on television; the specification allows topical events to be covered in class as and when they occur. How will I be assessed? The course followed is AQA's iGCSE. This involves 3 formal exams and no coursework: Paper 1: Physical Geography, 1hr, 30% Paper 2: Human Geography, 1hr, 30% Paper 3: Geographical Skills and Decision Making, 1hr 30 minutes, 40% The decision making aspect of this paper is based on a pre-release Information Booklet that will be studied in class. Although there is no lengthy controlled assessment, local and regional field work will be carried out in order to prepare students for the skills required in Paper 3. For what kind of student is this course suitable? The course demands a mixture of factual knowledge, the understanding of processes and evaluation of contemporary issues related to geographical phenomena. Few students fail to master these requirements and interest is regarded as the key when selecting the subject. In return for hard work, geography candidates will gain a life-long interest and a variety of essential skills for deployment in all walks of life.

Geography

blocked subjects

Board: AQA Controlled Assessment (25%) What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? The GCSE course builds on some of the foundations covered in the Third Form, although much of the content taught at GCSE will be new to you. What will I learn on this GCSE course? You will learn about the history of the 20th Century and so gain a knowledge and understanding of the events and ideas which have shaped the world in which we live. The International Relations component investigates:

The Treaty of Versailles, the failure of the League of Nations and the outbreak of the Second World War

The development of the Cold War in both Europe and Asia, the Nuclear Arms Race and the Space Race

The Depth Study investigates:

America in the 1920s, including prohibition, the escalation of organised crime and the growth of the Ku Klux Klan

The development of Stalin’s dictatorship within the USSR and his attempts to turn the USSR into a World Power

The Vietnam War, including reasons for US involvement in, and withdrawal from Vietnam, methods of warfare and media reporting

Through the course, you will learn to analyse original sources, distinguish fact from opinion, and construct logical arguments; skills which have a wide-ranging application beyond the subject. How will I be assessed? There are 3 examination papers. Questions will involve factual recall, the evaluation of cause and effect and the assessment of sources/documents. Paper 1: International Relations (1 hr 45 mins, 37.5%)

Paper 2: The USA, The USSR, The War in Vietnam (1 hr 45 mins, 37.5%)

Paper 3: Controlled Assessment Britain at War (25%)

For what kind of student is this course suitable? You need to be interested in the past and willing to improve your ability to argue logically. You will need a reasonably efficient memory for facts, but no more than for most other subjects.

History

blocked subjects

Board: OCR (J281) No Coursework What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? Students will have studied Latin for approximately three years and reached a good level of proficiency. They should also have an interest in finding out about the ancient world. What will I learn on this GCSE course? The study of Latin at GCSE level will provide candidates with an opportunity to study the language and literature of ancient Rome, and elements of the culture, language and social and political life of the Roman civilisation. Particular areas of study include:

The Latin language Latin texts in their original language. The Roman Army, Social Life, the City of Rome, Women, the Empire, Roman Britain and Roman Religion are studied through the sources and evidence which the Romans left behind them.

How will I be assessed? Assessment is at Higher Tier (with grades A* - E available). Candidates will take Papers 1 and 2, plus two of 3, 4 and 5. Candidates have to take:

Paper 1: Latin Language 1 Paper 2: Latin Language 2

Candidates have to take two of:

Paper 3: Verse literature Paper 4: Prose literature Paper 5: Civilisation through the sources

For what kind of student is this course suitable? The course is suitable for students who are interested in languages and the ancient world. A knowledge of Latin will be particularly useful for those who pursue their study of a romance (French or Spanish) language to a high level.

Latin

blocked subjects

Board: OCR Coursework (60%) What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? GCSE Music is an exciting course that will develop your interest and understanding of how music is created through a very practical approach. Essentially, anyone with a musical interest can study for GCSE Music, although students who have already reached about ABRSM Grade 3 and can read music will be at an advantage. Music Theory classes are available for those students who need help either learning or refreshing the basics! What will I learn on this GCSE course? You will learn in a very active way. We will explore a variety of musical genres through listening, appraising, composing and performing. There will be many opportunities for sharing music with your friends on the course. You learn very effectively if you do something, talk about it and show others how to do it … and that's what we'll do. And, of course, you will also have access to over twenty specialist staff. How will I be assessed? Skills in composing, performing and listening/appraising are assessed in three ways. Unit 1: Coursework - integrated tasks (30%) In this unit you will record one performance and one composition for your instrument. You will also write a commentary which links both of these together. Unit 2: Coursework - practical portfolio (30%) In this unit you will record one performance that shows an understanding of how parts work together in an ensemble. You will also produce a composition (or arrangement) based on one of your Areas of Study. You will also complete a log book and evaluation form. Unit 3: Controlled assessment - creative task (20%) In 45 minutes you will create a short composition, based on a given stimulus which you can then present either as a performance or in written or recorded formats Unit 4: Listening test (20%) The listening test is a written exam in which you will listen to extracts of music and answer questions on them.

Music

blocked subjects

Board: OCR Coursework: 10%


Students should have a keen interest in sport and be of a competent playing standard. An awareness

of a balanced, healthy lifestyle will be advantageous.


You will learn in a very active way. Much emphasis will be on socio-cultural factors for participation,

such as local and national provision, together with focus on balanced, healthy lifestyles and the

impact of diet, work and rest. Targeting physical activity for maximum effect is also an essential part

of the course. Overall, the content will be a valuable foundation for AS Physical Education.


50% = Practical Performance in 4 sports

10% = 2 written coursework tasks (Controlled Assessment)

40% = 2 written examinations (each lasting one hour)


The course is suitable for students who are interested in sport and are practically competent in a

number of areas.

A real desire to develop an understanding of Physical Education through rigorous academic learning

and practical involvement is a must.

Physical Education

blocked subjects

Board: AQA No Coursework From September 2015 Fourth and Fifth form students will be prepared for the AQA full course GCSE

in Religious Studies. They will complete two papers, Religious Studies Specification A, Unit 1:

Christianity, and Unit 5: St Mark’s Gospel, at the end of the 5th form. There is no coursework

element. Religious Studies introduces students to many skills and ways of thinking that underpin

work they will do in other subjects, at A level and beyond. Critical thinking, study of texts, analysis

and evaluation of views and beliefs, and the application of knowledge and ideas to real situations

and people, all help to prepare students for more mature and adult ways of looking at the world they

live in, the sources that influence human thinking, and the people around them. We call the subject

“Theology” in school because we focus on academic aspects of the subject rather than religious or

confessional teaching.

The main areas of study are:

Unit 1: Christianity

1. Beliefs and Sources of Authority

2. Commitment and Membership

3. Places of Worship

4. Worship

5. Holy Communion

6. Festivals

Unit 5: St Mark’s Gospel

1. Background to Mark’s Gospel

2. Jesus’ Ministry

3. Jesus’ Suffering, Death and Resurrection

4. The Person of Jesus

5. Jesus’ Relationships with Others

6. Discipleship

Religious Studies

blocked subjects

Board: Edexel


You will not need to know a huge amount, but revising work done in the Third Form will be useful.

You will need to be enthusiastic and willing to learn.


You will develop the ability to use language effectively for purposes of practical communication and

to use language imaginatively and creatively. You will also develop an awareness of the nature of

language and language learning, whilst acquiring the skills and attitudes which will form a sound

basis for further study, work and leisure. You will learn to speak, listen and understand, read and

write in Spanish.


You will have four unitised examinations, requiring you to demonstrate ability to:

understand and respond to the spoken language

communicate using the spoken language

understand and respond to written language

communicate in writing


You will need to be hard working and interested in languages. If you enjoy travelling, this may be the

course for you.

You will have the opportunity during your GCSE course to travel to Madrid and experience Spanish

culture.

Spanish

blocked subjects

Board: AQA Unit 1 – Written Paper (40%) Unit 2 – Controlled Test (60%) What do I need to know and be able to do before taking this course? Most students will have completed the Bloxham Third Form technology circus and many will have done textiles in the First and Second Forms. All skills and knowledge acquired will be extremely useful for the study of GCSE. Though this background is not essential, it will be assumed that in order to embark on this course, some basic knowledge of designing and making products and an enjoyment of textiles would already have been experienced. What will I learn on this GCSE course?

Application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them

A variety of decorative and constructional techniques including: machine embroidery, free machining, appliqué, seams and hems

Use of sewing machines: Bernina 1008, computerised machines and overlockers

Knowledge and use of fibres and fabrics

Understanding of manufacturing processes and production systems

Considering conflicting demands that moral, cultural, economic and social values and needs can make in the planning and designing of products

How will I be assessed? Students will be assessed on their ability to acquire and apply knowledge, skill and understanding:

when designing and making quality products (Unit 2 – controlled test)

when evaluating processes and products and examining the wider effects of design and technology on society (Unit 1 – written exam).

For what kind of student is this course suitable? This course is appropriate for a wide range of students with a variety of interests and abilities. Those with artistic or creative talents will do well but this is certainly not essential. The students who are keen to learn and work hard are always the most successful in this subject. If you have enjoyed textiles in the past it is likely that you will continue to do so up to GCSE. If you are thinking you might suit a technical or creative career then this subject will give you good grounding.

Textiles

bloxham school gsce...in english language and the majority also take igcse english literature. for...

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