igcse & gcse curriculum guide 2019-2021...igcse chemistry students begin to write up an...

IGCSE & GCSE Curriculum Guide2019-2021

THE FOURTH AND FIFTH YEAR CURRICULUM (2019-21)

The Fourth and Fifth Years are a really exciting time: a time in which our pupils are engaged, challenged and inspire. Through their GCSE courses, pupils face increasing academic demands and real opportunity to begin honing in on their interests. Over these two years, our pupils mature rapidly from the schoolboys and schoolgirls of the Lower School to our next School leaders in the Sixth Form.

Brentwood School endeavours to develop young people who are:

• Inquirers • Knowledgeable Thinkers • Communicators • Reflective • Resilient • Prepared • Open-minded • Caring • Principled • Balanced

2

Common Core Subjects (taken by all pupils)

• English Language and English Literature (two separate IGCSEs) • Mathematics • Physical Education and Games (non-GCSE) • The Human Universe: an interdisciplinary course intended to expand pupils’

intellectual horizons, culminating in the Higher Project Qualification research project, which helps develop pupils’ research and self-management skills

Science Pathway

In the GCSE years, most of our pupils choose to continue studying three Science IGCSEs: Chemistry, Physics and Biology, while others choose two Science subjects:

i) Biology and Chemistry ii) Biology and Physics

Please note that reducing to two subjects does not enable pupils to choose an additional optional subject. The Science subjects are taught in a timetable block of twelve periods per fortnight. Pupils studying three Sciences will have four periods of each Science per fortnightly cycle. Those electing for two Science subjects will benefit from a 50% increase of contact time in each of their two chosen Sciences (i.e. six periods per cycle as opposed to four).

Pupils who may wish to pursue Science or Mathematics in the Sixth Form should certainly elect to continue with all three Sciences. Pupils who wish to study IGCSEs in both Chemistry and Physics will need to opt for the three-Science route.

Reducing to just two sciences will result in the award of nine GCSEs as opposed to ten.

Option Subjects (pupils select FOUR from the following)

Modern Foreign Languages (at least one subject from this block must be chosen)

Humanities(at least one subject from this block must be chosen)

Creative and Technical subjects

• French • German • Spanish • English as an

Additional Language

• Geography • History • Religious Studies • Latin

• Music • Drama • Art • Computer Science • Greek • Food and Nutrition • Design Technology • Physical Education

3

1. All pupils must choose at least one option from the Humanities Block and one

option from the Modern Foreign Languages Block.*

2. Pupils are then free to choose an additional two options drawn from any block. This provides considerable flexibility with pupils being able to select combinations that include two Creative and Technical subjects, or alternatively three Humanities, or up to three subjects from the Modern Foreign Languages block.

3. All pupils must choose a reserve (fifth) subject which they would like to study if it

proves impossible to timetable their preferred combination of subjects. This provides us with a degree of flexibility in terms of timetabling whilst still allowing pupils plenty of choice.

* Very occasionally, pupils are granted permission to opt out of a modern foreign language. This permission needs to be explicitly granted by the Deputy Head (Academic) and is dependent upon support from the EAL or Learning Development departments.

For further details concerning the individual courses, please refer to the subject specific information set out within this booklet. As an independent school, we have greater flexibility in the qualifications we offer than schools in the state sector. Our academic Heads of Department each choose whether to offer a GCSE or an IGCSE course, and a particular specification, based on their judgement about the content and the balance of valuable skills the syllabus helps foster.

Brentwood School Model United Nations Conference

4

Grading The current Third Year will receive their GCSE results in the summer of 2020. They will be graded 9-1 as opposed to A*-G. Grade 9 is the highest grade, set above the old A*. The numerical grading system is intended to provide more differentiation, especially among higher achieving students. The approach to awarding the top grades will be the same for all GCSE subjects.

5

Making Informed Subject Choices

Since the majority of GCSE courses are designed and structured to be taken throughout the course of the Fourth and Fifth Years of secondary education, it is necessary for pupils to make their subject choices during the Third Year. For some pupils, the process of making subject choices will be refreshingly straightforward and will be guided and informed by academic aptitude, intrinsic interest and/or career aspirations. However, for other pupils, the process may be slightly more complicated or problematic. We want all pupils to make informed choices so that they benefit from a curriculum which is academically challenging and hugely enjoyable.

We believe that all young people should study at least one modern foreign language to GCSE level. As an IB World School, we are committed to our pupils developing an active engagement with the world. Indeed, in the global village of the twenty-first century, language skills are essential. Young people should aspire to be culturally and politically literate and studying a humanities subject enables them to develop their skills of communication, analysis and evaluation.

Our insistence on some GCSE subjects being compulsory, having some subjects where there is a restricted choice, plus some completely free choice, means pupils can construct a personalised curriculum path, while being confident that they are retaining an effective balance of subjects, valued in Sixth Form, by universities and employers.

In order to enable us to structure the timetable option blocks, we will require you to indicate on a pro forma which subjects your son/daughter would ideally like to study for GCSE, in addition to the core subjects.

Timetable option blocks are determined that seek to ensure that as many pupils as possible are able to study the combination of subjects that they have indicated. Therefore, a late form could mean that a pupil’s preferences are not taken into account. Parents will appreciate that the various constraints on the school timetable may mean that a few pupils will need to make alternative choices. For this reason, it is sensible for pupils to clearly indicate their preferred reserve subject on the option form. Similarly, if the number of pupils wishing to study a particular subject is extremely small, then the Headmaster may take the decision that the subject should not run. Parents will be contacted in either event.

Once pupils have returned their option forms, they are able to change their minds about which subjects to study at a later date, providing (i) their new combination of subjects fits the timetable option blocks that will have been drawn up and includes one modern foreign language and one humanity; and (ii) class sizes permit.

GCSE courses are designed to develop independent learning and critical thinking. Pupils must be actively engaged and motivated in their studies. Conscientious and self-disciplined pupils will routinely achieve top grades. As pupils move up through the School, they are expected to demonstrate greater personal initiative and active involvement with their learning. Consequently, it is vital that pupils choose subjects which they enjoy and where they will succeed.

6

It is important for pupils to consult with parents and teaching staff when making subject choices. They may also choose to discuss subject choices with their Form Tutor or Head of Year. Additionally, Mr Salisbury (Head of Careers) is available to provide career guidance to pupils and their parents. Mr Higgins (Director of Sixth Form) can discuss choice of subjects and how it may impact upon specific university courses. Oxford, Cambridge and other prestigious universities will pay particularly careful attention to a GCSE profile; they will be interested in the breadth and perceived academic rigour of GCSEs. It is also worth noting that top universities will expect students to achieve 7-9 grades in the majority of their subjects.

Even at this stage, that pupils give careful consideration to the subjects that they may wish to study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or for A Levels. As much as possible, pupils should aim to keep their options open and choose courses, which provide them with the freedom and flexibility to pursue Sixth Form choices that support their future aspirations.

Please do contact me if you have any general queries about combinations of GCSE subjects. Making these choices can seem a little daunting and we will do everything we can to guide and support you through this process. We hope that it is an exciting step, and one which will enable our pupils to flourish in the next stage of their education.

Jonathan Barfield Moore Deputy Head (Academic)

Subject Information

Contents

Art & Design

Biology

Chemistry

Classical Greek

Computer Science

Drama

English Language / English Literature

Food Preparation & Nutrition

French

Geography

German

History

Latin

Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Design & Technology

Religious Education

Spanish

1

4

7

10

13

16

19

23

25

28

31

34

37

40

42

45

48

50

53

56

7

Key Stage Four Academic Prospectus

IGCSE CHEMISTRY

Students begin to write up an experiment

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of important and transferable practical and investigative skills. Chemistry is often called the central science since key chemical principles underpin both the physical environment and the biological world. Chemistry is, at heart, the study of the material world and seeks to make a connection between material properties and structure. As such, Chemistry plays a vital role in the continuing development of a vast range of new materials for our rapidly changing technological world.

What skills will this subject help you develop?

The study of Chemistry will enable students to develop many key transferable skills. These include:

• The ability to understand and question abstract concepts and ideas

• The ability to communicate scientific observations, ideas and arguments effectively and objectively, both in writing and orally

• The ability to undertake critical enquiry and reflection

• The ability to solve often complex qualitative and quantitative problems

• The ability to analyse, interpret, evaluate and make informed judgements from relevant facts, data, observations and phenomena

• The ability to work in a team to solve a problem and manage a project.

IGCSE CHEMISTRY

8

The students will continue to develop their understanding of the process of science through regular investigations. There is no coursework as part of the IGCSE, but 20% of the final marks will relate to questions on investigative skills.

IGCSE Chemistry

Content The course is divided into 24 topics. The key content though can be summarised as below:

• Acids and salts • Atomic structure • Bonding and structure • The Periodic Table • Amount of Substance • Organic Chemistry • Thermochemistry • Rates of reactions • Reactivity and Extraction of metals • Electrolysis • Reversible reactions & Equilibria • Qualitative analysis • Salt Preparations

Optional Topics None

Internal Assessment

None

External Assessment

Students will sit 2 papers in Chemistry totalling three hours and 15 minutes of assessment. The students will then be awarded a numerical grade for Chemistry, ranging from 9-1.

How the course is taught

The current IGCSE course is taught over three years – Third, Fourth and Fifth Year. The students are given many opportunities to do practical work alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course. In addition, students are encouraged to make use of ICT in research-based activities.

Expectations/Homework

The Chemistry Department has high expectations of all students and homework is set weekly as per the School’s homework timetable. There are regular topic tests as well which are taken at the end of each individual topic and these are used, alongside more substantial tests and exams, to place students within appropriate sets.

IGCSE CHEMISTRY

9

All classes are conducted in our impressive Science laboratories, part of the Queen’s Building, opened by Her Majesty in 1957

13


GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE

OCR Computer Science (9-1) J276

The OCR GCSE Computer Science Course?

OCR’s GCSE (9–1) J276 in Computer Science will encourage you to:

• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation

• analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs

• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically

• understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems

• understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society

• apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.


Skills you will develop

• Problem solving

• Algorithm design

• Decomposition of problems

• Abstract the detail of problems

• Programming


14

GCSE Computer Science

Content Computer systems (50%) • Systems Architecture • Memory • Storage • Wired and wireless networks • Network topologies, protocols and layers • System security • System software • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (50%)

• Algorithms * • Programming techniques • Producing robust programs • Computational logic • Translators and facilities of languages • Data representation

Programming Project

• Programming techniques • Analysis • Design • Development • Testing and evaluation and conclusions

No project report work required

Internal Assessment

None

External Assessment

Paper 1; Computer Systems – 1 hour 30 mins 50% Paper 2; Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – 1 hour 30 mins 50%


Pupils will have one teacher for six lessons per cycle. All teachers have their own dedicated computer suite in the department. A variety of teaching methods will be used to teach the theory and the practical programming skills. Students will work in a range of different programming environments but primarily Java using the BlueJ development environment. BlueJ has been specifically designed to support


15

the teaching and learning of the Java programming language. We have developed a unique teaching book to support our students in their use of BlueJ and Java. Students will be issued an OCR GCSE Computer Science textbook and access to the accompanying online resource Elevate. Pupil progress will be assessed regularly throughout the two-year course via their personal online journal. A trip to The National Museum of Computing including Bletchley Park – the National Museum of Computing - is offered to the Fifth Year which enables them to place the study of Computing Science in context.


Subject teachers set tasks according to an agreed scheme of work which helps students to manage their time. All pupils are expected to engage fully in lessons, keep up to date and to read and research widely in order to support their independent learning. Using online Visual Basic programming tutorials is also an essential part of the course.

23


GCSE FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

Students enjoy a trip to Yo Sushi Lakeside

What is Food Preparation and Nutrition?

This exciting new course focuses on practical skills and ensures that pupils develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of a wide range of foods.


This course will help you to learn a wide range of practical skills so you are able to produce high level dishes but will also teach you how to plan your work – so organisation will be a key part. Investigations form a large part of one of the assessed areas so an ability to research and analyse material is important.

GCSE/SUBJECT

Content • Food, nutrition and health – Nutrients, balanced diet dietary needs and diseases

• Food Science – Heat Transfer, various cooking methods, and chemical properties of food

• Food safety- food spoilage and contamination and safe cooking of food

• Food choice – Factors affecting our food choice. British and International Cuisines

• Food Provenance.—Environmental impact and sustainability of food

• Food Practical skills – knife skills, use of equipment, different cooking methods, use of raising agents, bread, pasta and bread doughs to name just a few

• Future aspirations, study and work

GCSE FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

24

• International and global dimension


Internal Assessment

Task 1: Food investigation: Understanding the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients Task 2: Food preparation: Assessment includes research, planning, analysis, evaluation and 3 hours - assessed practical – students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of 3 dishes within a maximum of a 3 hour period with planning in advance.

External Assessment

Written exam paper of 1 hour 45 minutes – 100 marks and represents 50% of the total GCSE

How the course is taught?

A variety of teaching methods will be used. Pupil progress will be assessed regularly throughout the two year course. A trip to Yo Sushi or something similar is offered to the Fourth Year which enables them to research ideas and gain an insight into new products that are available. Pupils will undertake one practical session per week in the Fourth Year.


Subject teachers set tasks according to an agreed work programme and the homework timetable which helps students to manage their time. All pupils are expected to engage fully in lessons, keep up to date and to read and research widely in order to support their independent learning. It is expected that pupils will be aware of current issues with regard to nutritional advice and new food products.

Students enjoy hands on experience in the classroom

34


IGCSE HISTORY

Fourth Year pupils visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

What is History?

The Edexcel IGCSE Modern World History course provides the opportunity to study the 20th Century in both breadth and depth.

History is more than the study of the past. It is the process of recording, reconstructing and interpreting the past through the investigation of a variety of sources. It is a discipline that gives people an understanding of themselves and others in relation to the world, both past and present. As a result, History gives pupils an exceptional understanding of the world in which we live. Pupils of History will learn how the discipline works. It is an exploratory subject that poses questions without always providing definitive answers. In order to understand the past, pupils must engage with it, both through exposure to primary historical sources and through the work of historians. Historical study involves both selection and interpretation of data and critical evaluation of it. Pupils of History should appreciate the relative nature of historical knowledge and understanding, as each generation reflects its own world and preoccupations and as more evidence emerges. A study of History both requires and develops an individual’s understanding of, and empathy for, people living in other periods and contexts.

IGCSE HISTORY

35

In a changing and uncertain world, History has never been more important. History is always a very popular GCSE option at Brentwood School.


IGCSE History at Brentwood School aims to make you think but also to be fun. The skills you will acquire will serve you well in the Sixth Form, at university, in your future career and for life. The Edexcel IGCSE History course will enable pupils to:

• acquire knowledge and understanding of selected periods and/or aspects of history, by exploring the significance of historical events, people, changes and issues

• use historical sources critically, in context, by recording significant information and reaching conclusions

• organise and communicate their knowledge and understanding of history

• draw conclusions and make historical judgements.

• write fluently

• critically evaluate the views of others including historians

These skills are valued by employers and universities alike. They are also useful preparation for a wide variety of university subjects, for example, Law, Journalism, and English. Above all, you will be able to reflect on how the past has played a role in shaping the present and explore the past in all its richness.

IGCSE History

Content Two following topics are studied during the course of two years:

• Dictatorship and conflict in the USSR, 1924–53 • A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72 • The USA 1918-1941 • The changing role of international organisations: the

league and the UN, 1919–c2011


Internal Assessment

None

External Assessment

Paper 1; Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins 50% Paper 2; Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins 50%

IGCSE HISTORY

36


A variety of teaching methods will be used. Pupil progress will be assessed regularly throughout the two-year course. We run trips in October Half Term or May Half Term that allow the History course to come alive for our pupils.


Subject teachers set tasks according to an agreed work programme, which helps students to manage their time. All pupils are expected to engage fully in lessons, keep up to date and to read and research widely in order to support their independent learning.

Brentwood School production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – 1913

Many of these boys served during World War One, including Jeffery Heulin Carey who died during the Second Battle of Ypres (April 1915). He signed up underage and died aged just 16.

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

48


IGCSE PHYSICS

What is Physics?

Physics is the study of matter and motion from the sub-atomic to the intergalactic. Studying IGCSE Physics empowers pupils to ask questions about why things happen the way they do and why the universe is like it is – questions which have fascinated scientists for centuries.

Pupils learn how science is conducted, how discoveries are made and what the implications of these discoveries are. Through experimental work, pupils get a feel for how early scientists questioned the world around them and what drove them to press forward with innovation and discovery. Physics remains an extremely important option both within Brentwood School and beyond.

What skills will this subject help you to develop?

IGCSE Physics at Brentwood School aims to make you aware of the world around you and consider the “what if” questions we all like to ask. The skills you will acquire will serve you well in the Sixth Form, at university and in your future career and for life. The Edexcel IGCSE Physics course will enable pupils to:

• Develop an appreciation of the complexities of physical systems and how they shape the world around us

• Discover the “rules” that control the universe from the very small scale to the largest in the universe

• Understand how research in physics is changing our perception of nature and the cosmos.

Three of Saturn’s moons – Titan, Mimas and Rhea – taken by probe Cassini

IGCSE PHYSICS

49

Students continue to develop their understanding of the process of science through regular practical investigations. There is no coursework as part of the IGCSE but 20% of the final marks will relate to questions on investigative skills. Physics remains a highly valued qualification by employers and universities. The Study of Physics demonstrates a level of discipline that is easily transferable to other subjects such as Engineering, Medicine and Technology.

IGCSE PHYSICS

Content The following topics are studied during the course:

• Motion and Forces • Energy and energy resources • Radioactivity and nuclear processes • Astronomy • Electricity and charge • Solids, liquids and gases • Magnetism and electromagnetism • Waves

Internal Assessment None

External Assessment Students will sit 2 papers in Physics totalling three hours and 15 minutes of assessment. The students will then be awarded a numerical grade for Physics, ranging from 9-1.


Physics is taught through theory based lessons, problem solving and practical investigations. Progress is assessed regularly throughout the three-year course by means of end of unit examinations.


Subject teachers set tasks according to an agreed work programme which helps students to manage their time. All pupils are expected to engage fully in lessons, keep up to date with assignments and to carry out their own independent revision.

53


GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES

British academic, philosopher, theologian and prolific author, Dr Peter Vardy was the guest speaker at an intellectually demanding and challenging enrichment day

What is Religious Studies?

Religious Studies (RS) confronts and seeks to understand the greatest questions of modern times, including the ethical dilemmas faced by everyone today. By studying Christian and Islamic values towards issues like Justice, Peace and Conflict, you develop the ability to apply philosophical ideas to actions and can make a highly informed series of insights into issues which are shaping the modern world. RS is the academic study of some of the most powerful, inspirational and emotive ideas in human history. A major component of what it means to be human is to 'believe'. In RS, we discuss these ideas, where they come from and how they influence and structure believers’ lives.

If you enjoy debate, discussion, thinking about important topics and learning how to explore a complex issue, then this is the perfect subject for you.


RS at Brentwood doesn’t just stretch your mind, it also gives you some powerful skills which will improve your performance in other subjects too. We focus on developing your debating, thinking and writing skills – and the crucial ability of learning to evaluate ideas and conclude with reason.

GCSE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

54

Perhaps more importantly, RS teaches you about other cultures and beliefs and this gives you not only strong knowledge, but also an insight into the most complex issues facing the modern world. You will have confidence, insight, intelligence and powerful ability to see beyond the surface and be able to explore the ideas which underpin actions. This skill is at the heart of success in many legal, journalistic and political careers.

Religious Studies GCSE (AQA Specification A)

Content Over the two years you will study: The key beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam; & Religious, philosophical and ethical themes such as attitudes towards Religion and Life, Crime, and Peace & Conflict from these two religions.

Internal Assessment

No coursework, but regular assessment throughout the course.

External Assessment

2 exams, each of 1 hour 45 minutes at the end of the course, each worth 50% of the overall mark.


Teachers have a wide range of options for teaching and you will find in class, time given to debate, research, present and learn to construct extended pieces of writing. You will be stretched and engaged by the pace and challenges of the course.


Subject teachers set tasks according to an agreed work timetable which helps students to manage their time. All pupils are expected to engage fully in lessons, keep up to date and to read and research widely in order to support their independent learning.

GCSE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

55

World-renowned British philosopher Professor Anthony Grayling addresses students

Middleton Hall Lane Brentwood Essex CM15 8EE

telephone: 01277 243243 email: [email protected]

igcse & gcse curriculum guide 2019-2021...igcse chemistry students begin to write up an...

Documents