Hyde Community College

KS4 INFORMATION2014 - 2016

Updated January 2014

Dear Parents/Carers

As Year 10 approaches, all Year 9 students have an opportunity to make some choices about their course of study in Key Stage 4. Certain subjects remain compulsory, but as this guide shows, there is scope to choose from a selection of subjects also.

The curriculum we offer is arranged in such a way to encourage students to study as broad and balanced range of subjects as possible, in line with the aims and philosophy of this school. Choosing such subjects means that students should think about what they are good at and enjoy, as well as possible future career paths. Above all, it is important to keep options open, so that no doors remain closed in the coming years.

Over recent years we have widened the range of course opportunities considerably and make every effort to ensure that each child has a personal curriculum appropriate to achieving maximum potential

We strongly encourage students to talk over their choices with both parents and teachers at this time, so that subjects are chosen for sound reasons.

We hope you find this booklet both clear and useful.

Mrs D SpenceHeadteacher

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The Curriculum in Years 10 and 11The curriculum in Years 10 and 11 is made up of compulsory and optional elements. The compulsory core comprises English, Mathematics and Science. Religious Education/Citizenship and Physical Education are also included as part of the students’ general education and in line with National Curriculum requirements.

All students need to make 3 additional subject choices. Details of these courses are outlined in this booklet. It is important that students keep their future as open as possible and we strongly advise that the subjects considered ensure that a balanced curriculum is followed. There are a number of people who can help and give advice. These include form tutors and individual subject teachers. It is imperative that students talk to the right people to clear up any queries.

Some students may wish to achieve the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) This is a certificate to recognise students who have achieved 5 good GCSEs (A*-C) in English, Maths, Science, a Language (French or Spanish) and a Humanities subject (Geography or History).

The process for making choicesThe process of making choice is complex and the school is committed to guiding students towards suitable decisions. However, limitations on class size and available resources can inhibit complete freedom of choice. Final decisions about subject availability in relation to student choice will rest with the school.

We do our best to give each student all appropriate choices

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TimelineMonday 4th February, 2014 – Thursday, 13th February – Students receive KS4 information from class teachers for those subjects studied at KS3

Friday, 7th February, 2014 – All KS4 information issued to students

Monday, 10th February, 2014 – Taster session forms to be returned to Student Services

Thursday, 13th January, 2014 – Taster sessions of subjects not offered at KS3

Wednesday, 26th February, 2014 – KS4 Choices Evening for parents/carers and students

Tuesday, 4th March, 2014 – Year 9 Parents Evening

Friday, 7th March, 2014 – KS4 final choice sheet returned to Student Services on or before this date

From Tuesday 18th March, 2014 - Individual interviews for parents/carers and students. We will offer you a range of dates and times. You are advised to attend

Do not hesitate to contact Mrs Elms if you have any queries

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KS4 Choices

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Additional MathematicsAccreditation: Free Standing Maths Qualification

Subject Leader: Mr R Eyre

InformationThe course is designed for those students we feel will comfortably achieve Grade A (or higher) in GCSE Mathematics. It provides excellent preparation for students who may be considering studying AS and A Level Mathematics. The course is a Level 3 qualification (above GCSE Level) which attracts points on the UCAS tariff for application to universities. Students who do not wish to continue with mathematics beyond Year 11 would also find it to be a worthwhile and enriching course in its own right. Students considering studying AS and A level science would find it extremely valuable.

How you will be examinedThe course is examined with one final 2 hour examination to be taken at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework.The aims of the course are:

To introduce students to the power and elegance of advanced mathematics. To allow students to experience the directions in which the subject is developed post-

GCSE. To develop confidence in using mathematical skills in other areas of study.

The content consists of four areas of Pure Mathematics:

Algebra; Co-ordinate Geometry; Trigonometry; Calculus.

Each of these is used to support a topic from a recognised branch of Applied Mathematics.

Note: Students wishing to take the course in Year 10 must be in top set maths in Year 9.

Art and DesignAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs A Gadsby-Mace

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InformationSyllabus A. (General) This syllabus is intended for those students who wish to follow an exciting, broad and varied course. It encourages a variety of creative experiences and employs a wide range of media, processes and techniques. The course encourages students’ personal responses to initial starting points in all areas. It provides a sound basis for all college courses and careers in Art, Design, Graphics, Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, 3-D and Textiles as well as careers in Stage Design, the Media and Architecture. Coursework consists of a folder including a minimum of 3 practical assignments. Students may choose to include any of the following: Drawing and Painting (Fine Art), Textile Design (including 3D / Soft Sculpture), Graphic Design (Printmaking is included in all of the above areas.), 3D – Design,. At Least 2 areas from the above list must be included in their coursework folder. (Students may wish to include all areas however!)

Homework and personal art work is an essential part of the course. This may be ongoing classwork, or a special assignment. Students will be encouraged to visit exhibitions and galleries, and will have the opportunity to gain insight into the work of other artists.

Students are kept informed of further education and career opportunities in all areas of Art and Design. College visits will be arranged to acquaint students with currently available courses. Art college students are invited to the department to advise our students and give information on available courses.

How you will be examinedThis takes place at the end of the 2 year course via a student exhibition. Work is graded by students’ course tutors plus an external moderator:

Coursework = 60% (Minimum of 3 assignments + preparation)Examination = 40% (10 hours unaided work with a theme set by the exam board over 2 days).

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Business StudiesAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Ms K Lang

InformationBusiness Studies is a dynamic subject which blends a number of specialist fields such as marketing, human resources, accounting and finance and operations management, which together make up a course which is highly relevant to the modern world. The syllabus gives students an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the features and dynamics of business activities. Some of the areas covered during the course are business ownership, different industrial sectors, communication, customers and financial documentation. The course structure enables students to develop a variety of skills including organisation, communication, numeracy and research skills.This popular subject combines practical and written work and helps students make sense of the economic realities of the world in which they are going to live and work. Industry related activities, outside visits, visiting speakers, field and market research and the extensive use of information technology features strongly in the course.

At the end of the two year course, the students will be in an excellent position to move into further education, whether that is an A level or a vocational qualification in a Business Studies related course.

How you will be examinedThe Business Studies GCSE is equivalent to 1 GCSE and consists of two units. Unit 1 is completed in Year 10 and is worth 60% of the final GCSE. Students independently investigate 2 different businesses based upon themes such as aims and objectives, stakeholders, ethics and the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. Unit 2 is worth 40% of the GCSE, this is examined externally in the summer of Year 11. This exam focuses on business finance and the students will learn about financial documents, methods of payment, profit and loss, balance sheets and evaluating ways in which businesses can improve their financial performance. Your numeracy skills will be assessed throughout this unit.

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CateringAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs S JohnsonInformationGCSE Catering offers students a unique opportunity to develop their knowledge and extend their skills within catering, from a vocational prospective. It is a suitable qualification for those who want a broad background in this area, and for those who wish to progress to further education. It will offer those entering the world of work valuable preparation. The course encourages the investigation and study of catering in a wide variety of different contexts and uses a range of assessment techniques enable the student to respond through practical and investigative work.Areas covered on this course will include: 

The Industry: Food and Drink. Types of service available. Job roles, employment and training. Health, safety, hygiene and legislation covering these areas. Food preparation. Methods of cooking. Culinary terms. Presentation of food. Nutrition, including healthy eating, special diets etc. Menu planning. Costing and portion control. Specialist equipment and the use of. Communication and record keeping. Environmental considerations. Food packaging.

How you will be examined

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plus

Unit 2: ONE written paper of 1 1/4 hours externally set and marked. Worth 40% of the final grade   

Unit 1: Two practical task (controlled assessments), worth 60% of the final grade. from a selection set by WJEC.

Catering(Single Award)

Computer ScienceAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs R Mitchell

Information As technology progresses we are increasingly relying upon the use of computers, and people with the skills to create new software are very much in demand within our economy.

The course will give students the opportunity to gain a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. They will examine current trends in technology such as mobile apps and “The Internet of Things”. The overall aim of the Computer Science course is to empower students to not just be users of technology, but to also be innovative creators of it.

The Computer Science course is very unique in that it requires students who are extremely well rounded and versatile. One lesson students could be debating a government’s use of electronic surveillance, requiring them to communicate effectively to express their opinions and then the next lesson they could be using high level mathematical skills to decode binary code into a program.

How you will be examinedThe course is broken down into three separate units. The largest section of the course is worth 40% and is assessed via an exam where students will be required to answer both theory questions and analytical questions using their mathematical skills. The other two units are coursework based and are both worth 30% each, in these unit students will be required to apply their knowledge and demonstrate their programming skills by creating new software.

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Expressive ArtsAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs A Gadsby-Mace

InformationExpressive Arts enables students to broaden and deepen their imagination, creative knowledge and gain understanding of their cultural heritage through the study of two or more art forms, including Art, Drama, Music and Creative Writing.

Students acquire a range of skills across two or more artistic disciplines. They will make comparisons across the art forms and relate practices in different art forms. This course offers new ways of working. For a wide range of students, the integrated arts approach opens new doors and creates new opportunities to work collaboratively on projects. It enables students to access a variety of arts experiences and to explore new subjects and issues with confidence. Through a process of critical analysis and through their own creative work they will be encouraged to develop the potential to identify and comment on some of their own concerns.

The course encourages self-motivation and independent learning.

How you will be examinedCoursework = 60% (Minimum of 3 assignments + preparation)Examination = 40% (10 hours unaided work with a theme set by the exam board over 2 days).

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GeographyAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs K Bentley

InformationTwo of the main advantages of studying Geography are that it enables people to make sense of the rapidly changing world in which we live and it helps with many careers such as the Tourist and Leisure Industries, Business Management, Redevelopment, Environmental management, hazard management plus a host of other opportunities.

Geography is a subject that both universities and employers value. This is due to the skills that you develop whilst studying the course, which include: decision making, problem solving and handling data. On top of this it is considered very highly by all colleges and universities due to its academic status.

It would be impossible to study Geography without seeing other places in the world for yourself. Therefore, there will be opportunities to undertake field work in the UK.

How you will be examinedThe course studied is GCSE OCR B. This contains three sections: Sustainable Decision Making (25%);Controlled Assessment (25%);Terminal exam (50%).The syllabus studied is based on 4 themes:

Rivers and Coasts;Population and Settlement;Natural Hazards;Economic Development.

The controlled assessment has a fieldwork focus to ensure students can undertake their own enquiry obtaining primary data. The students are required to create a 2000 word piece of work on topics such as rivers, coastal management, settlement patterns and location of industry.

GCSE Geography covers many topics which have already been looked at briefly at Key Stage 3. However, they are covered in more depth. This means that our students are already aware of the basics included in each topic and can develop their knowledge further.

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Graphic ProductsAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mr N Drury

Information Are you looking for a career in advertising, web design or architecture? Do you enjoy new and interesting ways of coming up with and presenting ideas. Then Graphic Products is the option for you.Graphic design is the art of communication, stylizing, and problem-solving through the use of type, space, and images. You will look closely at logo design, corporate identity and how graphic products are designed and made. You will learn and use new and exciting software to create your ideas which are used in industry, and this GCSE course will encourage you to think about designing and modelling. You will use ICT, CAD/CAM, paper, card and lots of different graphic media to produce your ideas and models. There will be extra-curricular opportunities to develop your skills and external visits to Design Centres to help you understand how design works in the real world.Sketching and freehand drawing techniques, enhancement techniques, using colour and different methods of presenting ideas will be explored. Some formal methods of drawing will also be taught and how to illustrate thoughts and ideas effectively. You will look into commercial packaging methods and create 3-dimensional outcomes in different materials. Practical skills will need to be developed and new methods of construction and modelling explored.There are clear links between the Art and Design curriculum and the study of GCSE Graphic Products. In combination, the two subjects complement each other and are a good launch pad for those of you who might want to study Art or Product Design for AS or A level.

How you will be examinedThe assessment is determined through coursework (60%) and external examination (40%). The coursework is a large component of this curriculum and takes a considerable time to complete. Therefore, meeting deadlines is one of the most important skills students need to demonstrate.

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Health and Social CareAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs S Johnson

InformationThe course studied by students is OCR GCSE Health and Social Care (single award)

Unit 1 - Health, Social Care and Early YearsHealth, Social Care and Early Years Provision is the study of health and social care services, the people who work in the services and the people who use them. This piece of work is completed in year 10 and examined through controlled assessment worth 60% of the final grade.

Unit 2 - Understanding Personal Development and RelationshipsUnderstanding Personal Development and Relationships is the written examined unit. Topics covered include the stages and pattern of human growth and development, how people develop their self-concept and major life events and sources of support. Students also consider relationships and the effect they have on people throughout their lives. This exam is sat in year 11 and is worth 40% of the final grade.

Employment opportunities and further studyExamples of appropriate employment to which a GCSE in Health and Social Care candidate might progress include: Nursery Nurse, Care Assistant, Child minder, Pre-school/Nursery school Assistant.

Many students progress to studying the subject at A level or may choose to study a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

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HistoryAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Ms K Bentley

InformationThe course studied is the Modern World

You will studyOutline study, Peace and war 1901—1991.This unit includes World War One and Two, The Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

A depth study about Germany 1918-1939.This unit focuses on The Weimar Republic, Hitler and the rise of the Nazi Party and Nazi controlled Germany.

A source enquiry about The USA 1945-1970.This unit include the Civil rights movement andMartin Luther King, Malcolm X and Black Power and anti-war protests and the 1960’s.

Representations of History - Crime, Policing and Punishment in England c1880-c1990.This unit includes the abolition of the death penalty with a case study on Derek Bentley, Law and order with a focus of the miners strikes and on developments in policing and a case study on Jack the Ripper.

How you will be examinedUnit 1 - Outline study - Exam worth 25%;Unit 2 - Depth Study - Exam worth 25%;Unit 3 - Source enquiry - Exam worth 25%;Unit 4 - Representations of history - Controlled assessment worth 25%.

Is it for me?The course is academic in nature. It leads on to AS and A2 levels, and is useful for any career where valuable skills like thinking skills, analysis and organisational skills are needed. In History you deal with real people and work out why they did what they did. You will improve your ability to judge how much of the truth you are being told.

It will suit anyone who is interested in finding out more about the world they live in as the events of the last 100 years help to explain the problems and opportunities of the world today.

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 Hospitality

(Single Award)

HospitalityAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs S Johnson

InformationGCSE Hospitality involves the study of the hospitality industry in particular the skills related to the preparation and carrying out of events and functions.  Areas of study include:  · The industry – hospitality.· Types of service provided and the related client groups.· Job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training.· Menu planning, preparation and presentation.· Planning for functions and events.· Costing menus and events.· Customer care.· Standards of service.· Communication and teamwork.· Environmental considerations.

This is a course which will allow students to develop and extend their skills within Hospitality in a vocational context, this means that everything they do will be directly linked to working in any area of the Hospitality Industry e.g. Chef, waitress, restaurant manager, housekeeper or reception .  

Students will also be involved in: preparing for in – house functions e.g. Christmas lunches, coffee

mornings , charity cake sales etc. practical sessions where they will be expected to produce dishes to develop competent

practical skills and ensure a sound knowledge of dishes for all occasions e.g. wedding buffets, three course evening meals and dishes which meet specific client needs e.g. Coeliac and vegetarians.

simulated work experience / role-plays/ watching case study videos and visits to different outlets.

 How you will be examined

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UNIT 3: Hospitality skills related to events and functionsEvent Based TaskOne event based task taken from a list of WJEC set tasks. Internally assessedusing WJEC set criteria and externally moderated.45 hours in total.

UNIT 4: Hospitality and the customerWritten Paper 1 ¼ hoursOne paper which will be externally set and marked. The paper will contain short-answer,structured and free 

response questions drawn 

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ICTAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs R Mitchell

InformationGCSE ICT is for everybody. Whatever career choices you make in life you will always need to know how to operate computers. When you leave school in 2016 what type of digital world will you be joining? ICT at Hyde prepares you for the digital age and will teach you many different skills you will need to be successfully operate computers; from how to set up a home network to why different mobile phones are suitable for different people.

How you will be examined

The course is broken down into the following units:

UNIT 1: Living in a Digital WorldIn this unit, students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. Students learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and well-being, on the move). They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice. This is assessed by external exam and it is worth 40% of the GCSE.

UNIT 2: Using Digital ToolsThis is a practical unit and is undertaken in Year 10, so from the very beginning of the course students will be learning in a ‘hands on’ way how to use professional digital tools. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability by working with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions across various contexts. Students learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice. In this unit you may have the opportunity to create and develop ICT solutions using both PCs and Macs. This unit provides students with practical experiences that can be applied to real world contexts. Unit 2 represents 60% of marks in the form of a controlled assessment.

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Media StudiesAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs L Mallon

InformationMedia Studies is an exciting subject in which you will be encouraged to gain in-depth knowledge of advertising, newspapers, magazines, television, film, radio and popular music. You will be expected to analyse the different media as well as using your knowledge to make your own media texts. Media Studies will help you to develop a better understanding of the world around you.As part of your Media Studies course you will learn how to analyse a variety of media texts. You may look at how newspapers and magazines are made, study the development of popular music genres and analyse a variety of films. You will analyse print as well as moving image texts. You will apply what you have learned to making your own media texts such as newspapers, magazines and television programmes.

It is important to have a real interest in this subject. Enthusiasm and hard work will be rewarded. Media Studies is one of the fastest growing courses in this country and as media is so much a part of all our lives it is very useful to learn how the industry works.

How you will be examinedYou will complete three pieces of controlled assessment and a practical project over the two years. These controlled assessments will make up 60% of your final mark. You will also sit an examination at the end of Year 11 which will make up the remaining 40% of your award. You will know in advance what the exam is about and will have prepared the work in class. Controlled Assessment is an essential part of Media Studies GCSE so you will need to be committed to the subject.

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Modern Foreign LanguagesSpanish and French

Accreditation: GCSESubject Leader: Mrs D Eyre

InformationStudents follow a two year course in Spanish or French covering four areas of experience - ‘Lifestyle’, ‘Leisure’, ‘Home and Environment’ and ‘Work and Education’. There are many International companies with branches here in the UK which prefer applicants to have a language. It enables employees to work in, or with people from, many different countries.

If you have language skills you really can have a successful career in many different fields. A language can add 10–15% to your salary and really make you stand out from the competition. More than 30% of UK businesses employ people specifically for their language skills. 72% of UK international trade is with non-English-speaking countries. Most employers do not require complete fluency. They want conversational ability, which will give a good impression, help to build relationships and make new contacts.

How you will be examinedThe GCSE exam consists of 4 elements: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Writing and speaking are examined by controlled assessment. Writing is examined by submission of 2 pieces of coursework (30%) and speaking is examined by carrying out two extended dialogues (30%). Listening (20%) and reading (20%) are examined by formal exams at the end of Year 11. Candidates may be entered for foundation or higher tier for listening and reading only, controlled assessments are not tiered. This is dependent on student attainment.

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MusicAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs L Poole

Why GCSE Music?Do you enjoy music, ICT and practical based lessons?Are you keen to learn an instrument or how to sing?Have you got good listening skills?Do you prefer coursework rather than sitting an exam?

What is involved?40% Performance - perform two pieces of music which will be recorded on CD and sent to the examination board for assessment.20% Composition – create one piece of music in any style you choose. This is recorded and sent to the exam board.20% Listening – this is related to the areas of study.20% Composing and Appraising – create one composition using ICT – then evaluate the process.

What type music is it?During the two years you will cover five Areas of Study:

Rhythm and MetreHarmony and TonalityTexture and MelodyTimbre and DynamicsStructure and Form

These will be explored through 3 strands

The Western Classical TraditionPopular Music of the 20th & 21st CenturiesWorld Music

What skills will it develop?Even if you don’t want to plan a career in the music industry, employers favour key skills which are developed in a subject like music:Commitment, concentration, coordination, learning a new language, patience, dedication, numeracy skills.

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Music (continued)Accreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mrs L Poole

What if I don’t play an instrument?You have two years to develop these skills further and get one extra lesson a week with a visiting teacher (which is paid for by the school).Most students have good keyboard skills or can sing so this is not a problem!

How you will be examined40% of the marks for GCSE Music is Performance coursework, which will include one piece as a Solo and one as an Ensemble (group).In addition there will be a listening exam, where students will be required to answer questions after listening to excerpts played from a CD (20%). There will also be a Controlled Assessment for Composing and Appraising (20%). Students will compose a piece of music then evaluate the process. The final marks are made up from a second composition that links two of the areas of study. (20%)

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Music TechnologyAccreditation: BTEC

Subject Leader: Mr S Anthony

InformationStudents who wish to study this subject cannot chose GCSE music as one of their pathway choices.

Why Music Technology?Do you enjoy ICT activities and want to develop IT skills?Do you enjoy using GarageBand?Do you enjoy Music?Do you have an interest in recording techniques? Do you want to create your own CD?Are you interested in learning about the Music Industry?

You don’t have to be able to play an instrument as it is an ICT based course!

What is involved?This is an Edexel BTEC Level 2 qualification which requires students to work through 4 units of work. The units available cover a range of interests including; The Music Industry, Managing a Music Product, Music Sequencing, Performance, Composition and more. Students will choose four units to complete in two years.

What skills will it develop?Music Technology gives a fantastic experience in music and technology. It allows you to explore many different music pathways from live sound engineering to studio producer and gives an insight to working within the music profession. It also provides students with a great platform who then wish to continue onto the BTEC Level 3 course at college.

How you will be examinedThere is a one hour exam but the majority of assessment will be done through coursework. Work is marked at Pass (C Grade) Merit (B Grade) Distinction (A/A* Grade) and can be improved at any time throughout the two year course.

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PEAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mr J Dolan

This specification follows on from the Key Stage 3 Physical Education programme of study by providing students with exciting opportunities to lead a healthy and active lifestyle by choosing from a variety of roles and activities in which to participate in physical activity.• The content of this GCSE Physical Education specification is designed to enable students to enjoy and understand the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle; to provide a route to further study in Further Education awards, such as A levels and/or the new Diplomas, and to Higher Education in PE as well as to related career opportunities.

• The style of the question paper in the Full Course has been designed to include a mixture of multiple choice questions, some structured questions, and extended written answer questions set in response to a pre-released scenario. We believe this will beaccessible and appealing to all students. • Students can choose from the following ways to participate: player/performer; organiser, leader/coach, choreographer or official

The course may include the following units.

Unit :Knowledge and Understanding PLUS Unit: The Active Participantfor the Active Participant

Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins Controlled Assessment -80 marks – 40% 90 marks – 60%Scenario issued to centres in Students can choose from the advance of the examination following ways to participate; player/performer;organiser/leader

Choreographer or official.

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PE (continued)Accreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mr J DolanRange of activities Students should understand that regular physical activity that is fit for purpose, safe and enjoyable has the greatest impact on physical, mental and social well-being. This can be achieved through planning the targeted selection from the following physical activities as part of a balanced healthy lifestyle. Students should understand the reasons for and benefits of choosing different types of activities.

Skill Type of Activity Success is…Outwitting opponents games activities overcoming opponents in

competition by directly affecting each other’s performance

Accurate replication of actions, phrases and sequences

gymnastic activities the ability to repeat actions, phrases and sequences of movement as perfectly as possible

Exploring and communicating ideas, concepts and emotions

dance activities how well a performer or choreographer expresses ideas, feelings, concepts and emotions to communicate artistic or choreographic intentions to an audience

Performing at maximum levels in relation to speed, height, distance, strength or accuracy

athletics activities achieving personal best scores or times, and in competition with others’ scores or times

Identifying and solving problems to overcome challenges of an adventurous nature

life saving, personal survival and outdoor and adventurous activities

overcoming challenges effectively and safely

Exercising safely and effectively to improve health and well-being

fitness and health activities improving feelings of health, fitness and wellbeing

Product DesignAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mr N Drury

Information

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This GCSE course is designed for students who love to design and make their own high quality products. Students can design, develop and make high quality products like docking stations, lighting products, leisure games along with designing concept products using technologies of the future. Products are designed and manufactured using state of the art software and CAD/CAM equipment enabling students to gain real life skills that are currently used in Britain’s design and manufacturing industries. This provides students with essential skills that benefit students as they move in to full time employment giving them the edge over other students in the authority.Projects undertaken give students the opportunity to develop their understanding in the different areas of Product Design including CAD/CAM, traditional hand craft skills, Graphics and Electronics. Students will be able to confidently undertake their assessed coursework. In previous years students have developed interactive projects based on educational learning aids, IPOD speakers, mood lighting, along with other innovative products. This course is a great launch pad for those students who might want to study Art or Product Design for AS or A level, along with the skills that every employer in the design and manufacturing industries are looking for.

How you will be examinedThe assessment of students is determined through coursework (60%) and external examination (40%). The coursework is a large component of this syllabus and provides an interesting and fun way to design and make high quality products.

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TextilesAccreditation: GCSE

Subject Leader: Mr N Drury

InformationAre you up to date with the current trends in fashion? Do you aspire to be the next name on the catwalk? Then Textiles is the option for you!In this GCSE course, students will be involved in a wide range of creative activities which encourage students to experiment and develop brand new and exciting products using textile and smart materials. Students are given the opportunity to develop skills in using hand sewing techniques, up to date technologies (CAD/CAM) and develop products using surface graphics on textile materials. Students have the opportunity to design and make a wide variety of products ranging from garments to home furnishings. The course is designed so that high quality products can be developed and manufactured to the same standard as products produced in industry. Students will need to use ICT effectively when designing products using the software that we have in school. Students will also be able to use up to date CAD/CAM sewing machines and manufacturing equipment like laser cutters and 3D Printers to help develop ideas.Projects undertaken give students the opportunity to develop their understanding in the different areas of Textile Product Design where students could have the opportunity to include Graphics, Electronics and Resistant Materials within their creative designs. Students may have the opportunity to visit local fashion shows and study latest trends in fashion design to use as inspiration for their own designs ideas. Students will gain a wide variety of skills which they will be able to use confidently and successfully to undertake their assessed coursework and work independently within a fun and inspiring environment. How you will be examinedThe assessment of students is determined through coursework (60%) and external examination (40%). The coursework is a large component of this GCSE and provides an interesting and fun way to design and make high quality products.

Work SkillsAccreditation: Foundation learning

Subject Leader: Mr R Kojder

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The Work Skills course offers imaginative ways of developing, recording and certificating a wide range of young people’s personal qualities, abilities and achievements, as well as introducing them to new practical activities and challenges.

Students can achieve the Bronze Award and the file of work produced can be used to help gain entry to work placements and college courses.

Although the course is a non-GCSE course, some students may continue it further to complete the CoPE Level (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness), which is equivalent to GCSE Levels B or E, by the end of year 11.

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