YEAR 9 OPTIONS 2018

CONTENTS

LETTER FROM MR LAWS 3

WHAT “OPTIONS” ARE ALL ABOUT 4

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 6

DOS AND DON’TS 7

WHEN THINGS HAPPEN 8

COMPULSORY SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS 9

ENGLISH 9

ENGLISH LITERATURE 9

MATHEMATICS 10

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 11

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Short Course GCSE 11

GCSE SCIENCE 12

WORK RELATED LEARNING 14

OPTIONAL SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS

ART 15

ART ILLUSTRATION 15

BUSINESS STUDIES 17

Technical Award - BTEC FIRST IN BUSINESS 17

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 18

GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WITH RESISTANT MATERIALS 19

GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WITH GRAPHICS 19

Pearson BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (ACTING) 20

FOOD TECHNOLOGY 20

FRENCH/SPANISH 21

GEOGRAPHY 22

HISTORY 23

AQA ICT Computer Science 25

Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA)** 26

LEARNING SUPPORT 27

MEDIA STUDIES 28

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 28

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Long Course GCSE 29

Technical Award - WORK SKILLS 30

OPTION CHOICE SHEETS Blue Pathway 32 Yellow Pathway 33 Green Pathway 34

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February 2018 Dear Parents and Students This booklet has been written to give you information about Year 10 and 11 courses and to help students choose their options. As well as traditional courses we are offering Technical Awards, worth 1 GCSE. With a lot of subjects to choose between, it is very important to make the best choices - it may not be possible to change once the course is underway. We recommend that parents and students go through the booklet together. We will also provide plenty of advice and assistance. We are holding an Options Evening on 22nd February 2018 and I very much hope you will be able to attend. The evening will start at 6pm with a talk in the Main Hall. It will provide an opportunity for parents and students to find out more about the courses being offered and meet staff and ask questions. This is an important meeting and I urge all families to be represented by at least one parent if at all possible. Following the Options Evening, students will be offered an interview with Mrs Ball, Assistant Headteacher, Mr Lynch, Head of House and Mr Cully, Head of House to discuss their choice of subjects. Parents are very welcome to attend at the time arranged for their son/daughter. I very much hope you will be able to attend on the evening of Thursday 22nd February 2018. Yours sincerely Mr R Laws Headteacher

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WHAT "OPTIONS" ARE ALL ABOUT

Up Until Now - Key Stage 3 In your first three years at Valentines, you have studied a lot of different subjects - English, Mathematics, Science, Technology subjects, Arts subjects, a Modern Foreign Language, Humanities subjects, Physical Education and Religious Education. These have provided you with a wide range of skills, experiences and knowledge and have built a sound foundation for the future. From Now On - Key Stage 4 You are moving up to a higher level of learning - Key Stage 4, where you do GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and Technical Awards. In this key stage, you continue to study some subjects (compulsory ones) but have a choice about the others (options). Options subjects include ones you may not have studied before.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

There is no choice about these - you have to do them. This is because they are seen as very important by the Government, colleges, universities and most employers. They include GCSE subjects and non-examination subjects.

GCSE subjects Non - examination subjects

English Mathematics Science Religious Education (RE)

Physical Education (PE)

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OPTION SUBJECTS There are three different coloured pathways to follow.

What you will study

Blue Pathway History or Geography French or Spanish Any 2 other subjects

Yellow Pathway History or Geography Technical Award ICT (CIDA), PE, or Business Any 2 other subjects

Green Work Skills and/or Learning Support Technical Award ICT (CIDA), PE, or Business Any 2 other subjects.

The other option choices include subjects you have studied before and know a lot about and new ones you may not know much about at all. Read very carefully what it says on this page and the next about the new ones and for all subjects read the subject descriptions very carefully. If you are not sure about anything, ask!

Technical Awards - equivalent to 1 GCSE

These courses offer a different approach to learning and provide students with experiences, knowledge and skills, which are relevant to adult and working life. Key skills such as Numeracy, Literacy and use of Information Technology are central to a student’s development in the modern world and are all part of what technical awards provide. Students are assessed both internally with various coursework units and externally (40%), giving them good opportunities to demonstrate their potential and succeed. They have proved to be very successful courses in the past. They are equivalent to one GCSE at grades 9-1.

Please read the information that the teachers have written about each subject in this booklet. If you need any more information, please ask.

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Questions and Answers

Here are some questions you might ask, with the answers.

Question: How can I decide which subjects to choose? I don't know where to start!

Answer: Start by asking yourself these questions: Which subjects am I most interested in? Which ones am I best at? Are there any new subjects I'd like to take up?

Question: I know what kind of career I want. Which will be the best subjects to study for it?

Answer: Have a chat with our Careers Personal Adviser from Redbridge Connexions Centre. They can help you make the right Year 10/11 subject choices. They will be able to give you independent and impartial Careers Advice and Guidance. They see students individually as well for Careers Advice and Guidance and to help/support them plan their future. You can arrange to see her for a full Careers Guidance interview - the appointment can be arranged through Mr Woodley.

Question: But what if I change my mind in a year or so about what career to do?

Answer: Well … you might! A lot of people your age do. You can't be sure how you will change as a person over the next few years. You may find new things, which interest you or develop new skills. And, you can't be sure how technology and the working world will change and exactly what job opportunities there will be when you are older and are going for a job. That's why it is a good idea not to specialise too early. A balanced choice of subjects is the best bet as it is likely to leave doors to lots of different careers open.

Question: My problem is that I've got no idea of what I want to do when I leave school. Does this matter?

Answer: No. It's a good idea to start thinking about what you may be interested in now but you don't have to make any definite plans. Go for subjects you are interested in and are good at. Try to keep your future choices open by choosing a range of subjects. Avoid too many similar subjects.

Question: I don't think that I'll start a job at the end of Year 11. I'll probably stay on in the sixth form and then go on to college or university. What options should I choose now?

Answer: Even if you think you know what you want to study at university, remember that colleges and universities expect you to have a good general education at Key Stage 4. If you follow your interests and abilities but keep a balance, you should be OK. If you're still worried, see your Head of House.

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Dos and Don'ts

Do choose subjects that you are interested in, do well at and enjoy.

Do choose a range of subjects so that you keep your choices open for the future.

Don't choose a subject because your friends have. This is a very easy mistake to make. If you are hoping to be in the same group as them, you probably won't because most option subjects have more than one group. Anyway, we are all different so choose for yourself, not for someone else.

Don't choose a subject because you like a particular teacher. You may not get the same teacher next year.

Don't link all your option choices to a single career or interest. You might change your mind later on. You need your choices to be balanced so you are open to a variety of career opportunities.

Don't panic! if you don't know what you want to do when you leave school. Most students in Year 9 have no idea and the ones that think they have can often end up doing something completely different. The important things are to follow the advice you have been given in this booklet and then do as well as you can in all of your studies … whatever they are.

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When things happen and what deadlines you need to meet.

Year 9 Options Assembly Monday 5th February 2018

You get your Options Booklets and options choice sheet

Monday 5th February 2018

Year 9 Options Evening

Where the teachers can give you and your parents more information and answer your questions.

Thursday 22nd February 2018

You make your choices by ticking your options choice sheet. Do a copy of your choices on the back cover.

Monday 5th March 2018

You are interviewed to discuss your choice of subjects

PLEASE BRING YOUR OPTIONS CHOICE SHEET WITH YOU

Monday 5th March - Friday 16th March 2018

Final Option Choices - communicated to students and parents

May - June 2018

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Compulsory Subject Descriptions ENGLISH AND ENGLISH LITERATURE English is an extremely valuable subject. The skills developed at GCSE level are useful in all areas of life. Many colleges and employers look for a grade 5 or above in GCSE English. Doing well in English can be very helpful in many different careers. Although English appears as one subject on the timetable, you actually study both English and English Literature. This gives you the opportunity to gain two grades at GCSE, provided you work hard and keep up to date with written assignments. In 2015, a new English GCSE course began; the course you follow may be very different to that studied by older relatives or friends. A number of changes have been made to the way you are assessed:

You will no longer receive grades A*-G, but will instead receive a number. A grade ‘9’ under the new specification is the equivalent to an A*. A grade ‘5’ is the equivalent to a high C. The lowest grade is grade ‘1’.

You will be assessed through a series of exams at the end of Year 11 - you will no longer be required to complete coursework.

The English and English Literature course will be taught thematically, meaning we will study both subjects together and look for links between the two. In Year 10 you will study Conflict, Relationships, and Society. In Year 11 you will study 19th Century Britain and Making Connections. ENGLISH LANGUAGE During this part of the course you will analyse a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, connecting and comparing them. You will use the texts you have studied as inspiration for your own writing, including argumentative, persuasive and descriptive. The English Language GCSE will be assessed by two exams, requiring you to respond to unseen texts and then produce your own pieces of writing. ENGLISH LITERATURE This subject involves the study of a range of literary texts, including novels, plays and poetry. The study of Shakespeare and other pre-twentieth century authors is compulsory. The English Literature GCSE will be assessed by two exams, requiring you to write about the texts you have studied in lesson. Reading widely will be essential for both English Language and English Literature, and we expect you to read both fiction and non-fiction texts independently as part of your homework. Alongside your GCSEs in English, you will also receive a certificate in Spoken Language - this is separately assessed and will be taught alongside English Language and Literature.

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MATHEMATICS The programme of study follows the National Curriculum guidelines with the following topic areas: Number; Algebra; Geometry and measures; Ratio, proportion and rates of change; Probability; Statistics. Both tiers of the GCSE mathematics syllabus features elements of: applying standard techniques; reasoning and interpreting; and solving maths problems in other contexts. The weighting of these assessment objectives in the final assessments is shown in table below.

Assessment Objectives Weighting

Higher Foundation

AO1 Use and apply standard techniques 40% 50%

AO2 Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically

30% 25%

AO3 Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts

30% 25%

Examination questions require students to be able to communicate the mathematics they have applied. This may involve, for example, giving a reason for an answer, correctly setting out a proof or accurately marking up a statistical diagram. On the Higher tier grades 9-4 may be achieved and on the Foundation tier grades 5-1 may be achieved. You will be set according to your ability based on previous assessment results. Assessment The assessment for each tier of entry consists of three externally-examined papers, all three must be from the same tier of entry. Students must complete all three papers in the same assessment series. Each paper carries 80 marks and is 1 hour 30 minutes in length. Paper 1 is non-calculator and Paper 2 and 3 are calculator papers. The Future Many employers expect pupils to have a good grade in GCSE Mathematics. You may need to get a grade 5 or above for some sixth form and college courses and for some jobs. Mathematics is a very important subject in so many areas of life so it is essential that you study hard from the start of the course to achieve the best possible grade you can. Students who gain the highest grades at GCSE, (i.e. grades 7, 8 or 9) may go on to take A Level Mathematics. This is a useful qualification for many careers in science or in business.

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Compulsory PHYSICAL EDUCATION (non-examination) The PE department offers GCSE PE and Technical Award Sport courses at Key Stage 4. The course that students study depends on their learning needs and assessment preferences. Both courses offer the same content but are assessed in different ways. GCSE PE is assessed through a practical performance and two written exams, whereas the Technical Award is mainly coursework based but has one unit that is assessed by written exam. Students who do not wish to choose an option in PE however, will still have PE as part of their timetable. PE develops pupils’ competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities that hopefully become a central part of their lives, both in and out of school. Our high-quality PE curriculum enables all pupils to enjoy, achieve and succeed in many kinds of physical activity. They will tackle complex and demanding activities and get involved in physical activity that is mainly focused on performing, promoting healthy and active lives, or developing personal fitness. During the Key Stage pupils should be taught to: • Use and develop a variety of tactics and strategies to overcome opponents in team

and individual games. • Develop their technique and improve their performance in other competitive sports. • Take part in further outdoor and adventurous activities in a range of environments

which present mental and physical challenges and which encourage pupils to work in a team, building on trust and developing skills to solve problems, either individually or as a group.

• Compare their performance with previous ones to achieve their personal best. • Continue to take part in competitive sports and activities outside school through

community links or sports clubs. Compulsory Short Course - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – AQA GCSE RE is the study of what makes people “tick”. What do they believe? What do they think is right and wrong? How does it affect their lives? RE is about understanding each other. RE is a very important subject not only because we live in a very multi-cultural country but also because, with advances in communications technology, we will increasingly come into contact with people of other beliefs and cultures from around the globe. It is vital that, in such a world, people learn the skills they need to understand other people’s beliefs and actions. RE is a very broad subject and includes aspects of literature, history, geography, art, science, ethics and philosophy. Every student will study RE in Year 10 until the end of Year 11. This will lead to an examination at the end of Year 11, a nationally recognized qualification worth half a GCSE with AQA. Students will sit one exam (1 hour 45 minutes each) at the end of year 11 comprising of the following sections:

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Section A: The Study of Religions

Beliefs and teachings

O Christianity O Islam

Section B: Thematic Studies:

Religious, philosophical and ethical studies O Relationships and families O Religion Peace and Conflict

An RE qualification is useful in any work which requires you to deal with a wide range of people, or jobs in which you have to see things from other people’s points of view, or jobs involving travel to other countries: eg the police, law, journalism, medicine, the armed forces, leisure, tourism and education. This qualification will also help students stand out from their contemporaries either when they are applying for entry to 6th Form, university entry or any competitive job applications. Compulsory - GCSE SCIENCE

1. Some students will follow the combined double Science syllabus from AQA, with the final assessment in the June of Year 11. Progress will be monitored throughout the course in Year 10 and 11 using unit tests. There will be numerous opportunities for practical investigation, ensuring we meet and exceed the Governmental guideline of 16 required practicals.

2. Students will be awarded a grade worth two GCSE’s, following six separate exams. The exams will feature multiple choice, long and short-answer questions. There will be higher and foundation tier options.

3. Students assessed as achieving the highest KS3 levels will be given the option to follow the Triple Science course. This will involve accelerated learning through the study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through Years 10 and 11 with formal exams at the end of the course. Students will be awarded three separate GCSE grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the end of Year 11.

Introduction The GCSE Science papers have been carefully designed to engage students so that they can show what they can do. The papers are deliberately flexible in terms of the mixture of question types and number of marks within each topic. The topics that the exam board are assessing are split across each paper so that you can prepare for examinations more easily. Each question assesses an assessment objective and in some cases more than one assessment objective. There is a consistent range of question types: • Closed - multiple-choice, link boxes, sentence completion, labelling diagrams. • Open - labelling/drawing diagrams, short answer, calculations, extended response.

The questions are structured:

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• Within a whole question (e.g. question 01) there are several parts (e.g. 01.1, 01.2, 01.3 and 01.4) that link to a common theme/topic.

• The exam board scaffold questions more in Foundation Tier papers. There will be a higher proportion of multiple-choice and short answer questions in the Foundation Tier too.

• In Higher Tier papers there will be more marks for open and extended response questions.

Foundation Tier papers are made up of: • low demand questions (aimed at grades 1‒3) • standard demand questions (aimed at grades 4‒5). A greater proportion of questions

will be low demand. Higher Tier papers are made up of: • standard demand questions (aimed at grades 4‒5) • standard/high demand questions (aimed at grades 6‒7) • high demand questions (aimed at grades 8‒9). Assessment Objectives The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives. AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 40% 1) scientific ideas 2) scientific techniques and procedures. AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of: 40% 1) scientific ideas 2) scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures. AO3: Analyse information and ideas to: 20% 1a) interpret 1b) evaluate 2a) make judgements 2b) draw conclusions 3a) develop experimental procedures 3b) improve experimental procedures. Extended response and linked questions Some questions will test students’ ability to link topics across different areas of the specification. These questions are more likely to require an extended response and are marked using a levels of response mark scheme. Mathematical skills in Science Mathematical skills will be tested at least to the standard of: • Key Stage 3 Mathematics in Foundation Tier papers • Level 1/Foundation Tier GCSE Mathematics in Higher Tier papers. • A minimum of 10% of marks will test mathematical skills in biology; 20% in chemistry;

and 30% in physics. For the combined sciences a minimum of 20% of marks will test mathematical skills (made up of a minimum of 10% in biology; 20% in chemistry; and 30% in physics).

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WORK RELATED LEARNING

Work related learning is an essential part of the full preparation for an adult life. Learning about work and enterprise, developing employability skills, understanding the links between learning and earning are essential for students’ understanding and appreciation of why they need to make the most of their education and achievement. This is all part of the 14 - 19 curriculum. Direct experience of the world of work, through a variety of activities is at the heart of work-related provision in all secondary schools. The statutory requirements in Key Stage 4 are:

To learn through work (i.e. work experience or workshop days focussed on developing key work skills)

To learn about work (i.e. through vocational courses, enterprise and careers education)

To learn for work (i.e. mock interviews, work simulations and problem solving activities) At Valentines we will be offering the following as part of 14 - 19 curriculum:

Enterprise within the core-curriculum.

Sam Learning as part of students raising their learning and examination skills (this is delivered through the internet).

Enterprise and problem solving events, particularly in relation to our Specialist Status as both a Training and Teaching School.

Careers Fairs, both in the school and delivered through Connexions, plus other relevant outside agencies, as realistic opportunities arise.

Opportunities to visit employers by pupils and talks in school by employers/employees.

Business/Industry related competitions.

Careers Prospects and Connexions advisors and careers staff. Building links with outside business partners who will be invited in to the school to work directly in school.

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OPTIONAL SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS ART The two year GCSE course will introduce learners to a variety of experiences exploring a range of fine art media, techniques and processes, including both traditional and new technologies. Leaners will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of Fine Art, Design and Illustration. Whilst techniques and processes will be taught to you it is important to note that imagination and originality in approach will be expected. Technical skills are important but a creative approach is also essential, as is the willingness to undertake personal and independent research in the development of your ideas. Weekly art homework tasks are set throughout the course and these are an important and integral part of the course. Good time management and organisational skills are essential. There will be opportunities to visit museums, art galleries, artist workshops and other places of interest to enhance the learners' knowledge, skills and understanding in this subject area. The course consists of 2 projects in the first year, and a final externally set assignment in the second. The Component 1 - Portfolio completed in the first year contributes to 60% of the final GCSE grade, and the remainder 40% from the Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment. The final exam takes the form of a 10 hour practical assessment in the Art room worked over 2 school days, with ten weeks preparation time beforehand with your teacher. You will have a mock exam in Year 10 to experience this. An exhibition of coursework and examination work is displayed at the end of the course and will be assessed in school by an external examiner from the exam board. Careers in the Creative Industries – GCSE Art/Illustration is an exceptionally useful qualification to gain entry into a vast array of careers, as companies and organisations realise that creativity is an important factor in generating new business. It can open the door to exciting career opportunities including for example: Commercial Art, Fine Art, Fashion Design, Illustration, Gaming Design, Media, Advertising, Publishing, Architecture, Film, Character and Set Design, Storyboard Artist, Fashion Illustration, Graphic Design, Styling, Photography and Art Direction. ART - ILLUSTRATION The GCSE Illustration course will introduce learners to a variety of experiences exploring a range of modern art techniques and processes. Learners will explore contemporary illustrators and designers to create a personal response to the brief using a range of media including drawing, printmaking, digital media and photography.

Learners will gain knowledge of how to interpret a brief and develop a wide variety of illustration skills and techniques including ink drawing, watercolour painting, printmaking, mixed media and digital processes.

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Weekly art homework tasks are set throughout the course and these are an important and integral part of the course. Good time management and organisational skills are essential. There will be opportunities to visit museums, art galleries, artist workshops and other places of interest to enhance the learners’ knowledge, skills and understanding in this subject area. The course consists of 2 projects in the first year, such as Image and Text, and a final externally set assignment in the second. The Component 1 - Portfolio completed in the first year contributes to 60% of the final GCSE grade, and the remainder 40% from the Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment. The final exam takes the form of a 10 hour practical assessment in the Art room worked over 2 school days, with ten weeks preparation time beforehand with your teacher. You will have a mock exam in Year 10 to experience this. An exhibition of coursework and examination work is displayed at the end of the course and will be assessed in school by an external examiner from the exam board. Careers in the Creative Industries – GCSE Art/Illustration is an exceptionally useful qualification to gain entry into a vast array of careers, as companies and organisations realise that creativity is an important factor in generating new business. It can open the door to exciting career opportunities including for example: Commercial Art, Fine Art, Fashion Design, Illustration, Gaming Design, Media, Advertising, Publishing, Architecture, Film, Character and Set Design, Storyboard Artist, Fashion Illustration, Graphic Design, Styling, Photography and Art Direction.

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BUSINESS Introduction - This subject will give you a good introduction to the world of business. You will either follow the GCSE course or the Technical Award (BTEC) First Award in Business*. AQA GCSE Business Course Content - Students will apply their knowledge and understanding to business decision making including:

The interdependent nature of business activity

Influences on business

Business operations, finance, marketing and human resources

How different business contexts affect business decisions

The use and limitation of quantitative and qualitative data in making business decisions.

Assessment - You will follow the AQA GCSE Business Studies course and this is made up of two exams worth 100% of the final GCSE grade. Paper 1: Influences of operations and HRM on business activity - This is a 1 hour 45 minute exam worth 50% of the final grade where the following is assessed:

Business in the real world

Influences on business

Business operations

Human resources Paper 2: Influences of marketing and finance on business activity - This is a 1 hour 45 minute exam worth 50% of the final grade where the following is assessed:

Business in the real world

Influences on business

Marketing

Finance Progression - Many of our students will go on to do an A level in Business or Economics and then to university to do a related degree course. This course will give you a good insight into a variety of different jobs that you might be considering such as careers in advertising, market research, human resource management, accountancy, banking, computing, law, retail management and economics. Technical Award - BTEC Level 2 First Award in Business* The Technical Award (BTEC) First Award in Business* has been designed to cover the main business content that employers consider essential for school students. Students will be taught a range of important business topics as well as how to develop the key vocational skills that employers are looking for. Course Content - This is a two year course consisting of 4 business units. 1. Enterprise in the Business World - in this unit the students will examine the types of

businesses ownership, business aims and objectives, study factors that influence the business environment e.g. the economy, look at the role of market research when starting a business and develop a business plan for a realistic business start-up in the local area based on the research.

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2. Finance for Business - students will examine the costs and revenues of a business and how profit is calculated, how to calculate and use break even analysis, how to produce and use a cash flow forecast and how to interpret a profit and loss account and balance sheet.

3. Promoting a Brand - students will learn the importance of the brand, the role of promotion in the marketing mix, the range of different methods of promotion and they will review branding methods and techniques used by business to promote their brand.

4. Recruitment, Selection and Employment - in this unit students will look at the variety of job roles that exist in businesses and the functions they perform, the role of recruitment in a business, the documents used and procedures followed when recruiting staff and then students will consider how to prepare for interview and employment and their own career plan.

Assessment - Three units are internally assessed pieces of coursework, meaning that the teachers will set the assignments, mark them and send off a sample for an external verifier to check. Unit 2 Finance for Business will be assessed by an external exam lasting 1 hour which students can re-sit if necessary. For each unit, students can be awarded a fail, pass, merit or distinction and these are the grades students can get for the overall award. To get a merit, students will need to have achieved a merit or distinction in each of the units and to get a distinction* they should have been awarded a distinction in all units. The BTEC Level 2 First Award is the equivalent of a GCSE grades 4-9. Progression - In the past many of our students who have done a similar course have gone on to do the next level course which would be either the BTEC Level 3 or AS and A levels and have then gone on to study university courses in accountancy, banking, business/retail management, personnel/HR and marketing. *Please note this course is subject to change in the academic year 2017-18 due to national specification changes and is subject to DofE performance tables 2019

GCSE DESIGN AND TECHOLOGY Imaginative practical work is at the heart of this course. Students explore, design, create and evaluate products to solve real world problems. The new GCSE allows students to study a common core of knowledge and skills in a range of different material areas while also specialising in one chosen material area and exploring that material area in greater depth. Students are given credit for incorporating different material areas into their final product and we are embracing this new approach. Students will be asked initially what area they would like to specialise in during the options process however they will be working throughout the department over the course of the subject. The GCSE course assessment has two components.

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(a) “Design and Make” non-exam assessment (50% of total GCSE grade) - You will produce a high quality design folio, 2D and 3D products.

(b) An examination at the end of the course (50% of total GCSE grade) - this tests your

understanding of products, manufacturing techniques and knowledge of materials.

Examination Board - AQA Specification No. 8552 No special equipment is required but, you will be expected to have your own basic equipment including an A3 folder, drawing instruments, coloured pencils and pens. These items can be obtained through the school at a discounted rate if needed. Success at GCSE level would give you the opportunity to join Valentine’s very successful Product Design “A” level courses in Product Design or Fashion and Textiles.

GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WITH RESISTANT MATERIALS Manufactured Products are an integral part of our society and their design is continually changing and developing. Everything from tables and chairs to mobile phones have been carefully designed and developed as technology and user requirements change. British Product designers are amongst the best in the world and responsible for styling many inspirational products including the I-Pod and the Dyson vacuum cleaner. The aim of this course is to develop your skills and knowledge by helping you understand and appreciate the design and manufacture of products, making you a more discriminating user and purchaser. It will help you to be creative in your approach to design assignments and you will use CAD/CAM and “SMART” materials as well as traditional methods to help with your design ideas and in creating high quality products. Material focus in this area will be plastics and woods.

GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WITH GRAPHICS This course provides a suitable foundation for students who would like to pursue a career in any area of design or study the subject at a higher level. There are many career opportunities available including advertising, animation, web design, packaging design, interior design, illustration, game design, special effects, film and theatre work. Graphic products are those items normally made of paper, plastic and card that are printed, such as

packaging, advertising and promotional products. The aim of this course is to develop creativity by helping students understand and appreciate the design and manufacture of graphic products. Students will have the opportunity to be

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creative, develop exciting ideas and work in 2D and 3D using a range of materials. The ability to think creatively and produce outcomes that fulfill a design brief is highly valued in today’s competitive job market. Design is one of the few areas that the UK continues to excel at! Students will learn how to use industry standard software such as Photoshop and illustrator to develop high quality 2D and 3D products. They will develop a range of traditional practical skills used in the production and manufacture of products made from paper, plastic and card. We will use CAD/CAM and “SMART” materials to help with design ideas and in creating high quality products. Pearson BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (ACTING) The Pearson BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (Qualification Number: 603/0406/6), equivalent in size to one GCSE, is for learners who wish to acquire technical skills by studying acting as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. Course Content: This is a two year course consisting of 3 Performing Arts units.

1. Exploring the Performing Arts 2. Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts 3. Performing to a Brief

The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:

Development of key skills that prove learners’ aptitude in performing arts, such as reproducing repertoire or responding to stimulus.

Process that underpins effective ways of working in the performing arts, such as development of ideas, rehearsal and performance.

Attitudes that are considered most important in the performing arts, including personal management and communication.

Knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, processes and attitudes in the sector, such as roles, responsibilities, performance disciplines and styles.

Assessment The qualification consists of three components that give learners the opportunity to develop broad knowledge and understanding of the performing arts industry and specialist skills and techniques in acting at Level 2. GCSE FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION This new GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure that you develop a thorough understanding of nutrition and culinary expertise. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing your practical cooking skills to give you a strong understanding of nutrition. The food preparation skills are divided into five core topics: • Food, nutrition and health • Food science

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• Food safety • Food choice • Food provenance (Practical Culinary Skills). You will develop practical cooking skills and you will be encouraged to be adventurous, creative and innovative in your choice of products. The course is assessed as follows: Written examination Worth 50% of the GCSE award 1 hour 45 minutes paper to test your knowledge of the five core topics. on- Practical Assessment Worth 50% of the GCSE award - you will have to complete 2 tasks Task 1: Food investigation and experimental work Investigate the properties of a range of ingredients and discover their uses in some exciting recipes. Task 2: Food preparation assessment You will need to design, plan and cook your own unique meal for a given target audience. Can you capture the examiners imagination with your culinary skills and wow your customers with a mouth-watering menu? Your knowledge, skills and understanding will be tested in this exciting change to the food curriculum. FRENCH or SPANISH (Only available for those students on the Blue Pathway) In a world where people travel more and more and the UK will still be trading with the European Union even after Brexit, speaking a foreign language remains a very useful skill. Many British employers are involved in trade or have contacts with the rest of Europe and look very favourably on applicants with a modern language qualification. Increasingly, we do business with Latin America, where Spanish is widely spoken.

Modern languages are an essential part of some university courses; some universities will even require a Modern Language as an entry requirement.

In sets 1 to 3, you started the KS4 programme at the beginning of Year 9 and have already made real progress into the course, covering ¼ of the whole syllabus already. Lessons will continue to be carried out in the language being studied with students working in groups, in pairs or individually. There is strong emphasis on developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. At KS4, we make even more use of our language lab and you will spend at least half of your lessons improving your four skills using a range of media from the computer room. The course offers an appropriate way of learning for students including provision of short-term goals and continuous feedback of progress. It is essential to have your own French or Spanish dictionary. The courses followed are part of the Edexcel syllabus. The Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing examinations are assessed in a terminal examination in the summer of Year 11.

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GEOGRAPHY In GCSE Geography, we follow the EDEXCEL Geography B specification course, which is an issues based syllabus. The course is divided into 3 components. Component 1 - Global Geographical Issues

Hazardous Earth Two studies of tectonic hazards and tropical storms

Development dynamics A study of an emerging country

Challenges of an urbanising world A study of a developing or emerging country.

Assessment Written examination 1 hour 30 minutes. 94 marks. 37.5% of the qualification. The exam includes multiple choice questions, short open, open response and extended questions and 8 marker extended writing question. Component 2: UK Geographical Issues

The UK’s evolving physical landscape • 2 studies of coastal and river landscapes and issues • Fieldwork investigation: physical

The UK’s evolving human landscape • 2 studies of Dynamic inner-cities and Changing rural settlements • Fieldwork investigation: human Two pieces of fieldwork will be undertaken

Assessment Written examination 1 hour 30 minutes. 94 marks. 37.5% of the qualification. The exam includes multiple choice questions, short open, open response calculations and 8 mark extended writing questions. Component 3 People & Environment Issues - Making Geographical Decisions

People and the biosphere

Forests under threat

Consuming Energy Resources All three topics will form the basis of the decision-making context. Students will be expected to draw across their conceptual knowledge and understanding from the whole course Assessment Written examination 1 hour 30 minutes. 64 marks. 25% of the qualification

Recent events and issues will be investigated whenever possible. These components will be studied using a variety of case studies throughout the course from different parts of the world. These work undertaken will provide students with the

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opportunity to carry out group work, individual research, use of ICT, fieldwork and decision making activities. Geography is an extremely adaptable subject which tackles many present day issues. It complements many other subjects at AS/A2 level and is recognised by the Russell Group universities as a facilitating subject. Geography is a good foundation subject for careers in the travel, tourist and leisure industry, in environmental, conservation, energy and wildlife work, in teaching, management planning, surveying, civil service, engineering, accounting and finance, the armed services and any other work where the ability to handle data, solve problems, interpret diagrams or have a broad outlook on things is an advantage. It provides students with an invaluable insight into the changing nature of the world and the challenges it faces. HISTORY The GCSE History course has a wide range of periods that are studied from medieval to modern; they will be studied in breadth style, depth and thematically. The units we will study are: 1 Paper 1: Crime and Punishment c1000-present (30%) A study of the development of law enforcement and understanding of the causes of crime

as well as methods of punishment from the Middle Ages to the present day A source based enquiry into the ‘Historical Environment’ of Whitechapel during the time

of the Jack the Ripper murders

2. Paper 2, part A: The Cold War, 1943-1991 (20%) A study of the development of relationships between the two superpowers of the 20th

Century - the USA and the Soviet Union. How the relationship between the countries changed over the period from the probability

of nuclear conflict to the collapse of the Soviet Union. How Germany was used as a tactical issue in the aftermath of World War 2; an emphasis

on the building, and impact of, the Berlin Wall.

3. Paper 2, part B: Early Elizabethan England, 1558-1588 (20%) A study of Elizabeth’s succession to the throne, including her legitimacy, character and

strengths The Elizabethan religious settlement - challenges from the Puritans and the Papacy Foreign Policy and the Age of Exploration - the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the

discovery of the ‘New World’

4. Paper 3: Germany, 1919 – 1939 (30%) A study of the Nazis’ rise to power in Germany and the way Hitler was able to become one

of the most powerful men in 1930s Europe. The development of the police state - the ways Nazi policies affected different people in

German society, including the belief in the master race, the treatment of minority and religious groups and the persecution of the Jews, which led to the establishment of the death camps and the start of the Holocaust.

A largely source-based paper, in this unit students will be required to analyse and evaluate the usefulness of sources as well as how and why they have been interpreted in different ways

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There are three examinations at the end of year 11. What skills will be developed? The course will provide students with a sound knowledge of recent world history to enable them to understand and appreciate the world in which they live - to understand the lessons of the past is to understand the present. The course also develops skills of enquiry, evaluation and empathetic understanding which are invaluable in all aspects of life. Who would this subject suit? If you have enjoyed History in Years 7 to 9, there is a good chance that you will enjoy the periods of history studied in the GCSE course. History is, above all, about exploring the past and developing your own interpretation of events that have shaped the modern world If you like the challenge of detective work, want to find out more about the amazing actions of extraordinary people (some of them inspiring, others downright awful!) and you are not afraid of trying to puzzle out problems for yourself then it is the ideal subject for you! You must also be able to organize, present and explain your ideas clearly and in detail. What could I do next with this subject? Further study of History in Sixth Form, or related subjects such as Philosophy and Ethics or Economics. Be informed about the world you live in and find out more about the amazing story of humankind over the ages. Those who study History have a well-rounded view of the world as well as developing conceptual knowledge that relates well to many other areas. Many students go on to have careers in politics, public administration, journalism, law and education. History students are the people ‘most likely to do anything’ - as a subject History will open a lot of doors to you in the future Do I need to know anything else? The course is taught through a variety of activities and teaching styles and regular use is made of audio-visual clips and documentaries. We consider our innovative and flexible approaches to History teaching, along with the extremely memorable trip, to be vital in increasing our students’ understanding and enjoyment of the subject.

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ICT AND COMPUTER SCIENCE The various qualifications that we have to offer give pupils of all interests and abilities the opportunity to study ICT and Computer Science in Years 10 and 11. Qualifications offered from September 2018

Qualifications offered from September 2018

AQA GCSE Computer Science Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Certificate in Digital

Applications (CiDA)**

AQA ICT Computer Science This is a new qualification offered by AQA which has been taught at Valentines since 2014. The course is aimed at pupils who have a real passion for ICT and the programming aspects of the subject. We would recommend that pupils have perhaps some prior experience of computer science aspects of ICT such as some programming/coding experience. Students studying this specification will learn to work with real-world programming and the fundamental principles of computing. The course content is made up of some of the following computer science topics:- Constants, variables, procedures, functions, error handling computer structure (CPU, memory, secondary storage), algorithms, data representations, software development cycle, networking, database concepts (SQL).

ASSESSMENT*

Paper 1: What is assessed: Computational thinking, problem solving, code tracing and applied computing as well as theoretical knowledge of computer science How it is assessed Written exam set in practically based scenarios: 1 hour 30 minutes

80 marks 40% of GCSE

Paper 2: What is assessed This paper tests a student's ability to answer questions from subject content How it is assessed Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

80 Marks 40% of GCSE

Non-exam assessment

What is assessed

The non-exam assessment (NEA) assesses a student's ability to use the knowledge and

skills gained through the course to solve a practical programming problem. Students will

be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving, consistent with the

skills described in Section 8 of the subject content above.

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How it is assessed Report: totalling 20 hours of work 80 marks 20% of GCSE

*This is subject to change once DfE approves. Teaching Methods All ICT teachers are subject specialists. There is a heavy mix of both theoretical and practical work. Teachers therefore use a range of techniques to deliver the Computer Science curriculum, ranging from programming, exam questions and peer assessment. The learning environment is designed to be fun, engaging and pupil progress is extremely high. There are a number of software applications that the computer science course will utilise. These applications may need to be downloaded onto pupil’s home machines, most are free and readily available. Progression Many of our students will go on to do an A Level in Computer Science and then onto university to do a related degree course. This course will give a good insight into a variety of different jobs that you might be considering, such as careers as a Database Administrator, Systems Analyst, Computer Programmer or Software Developer - just to name a few.

Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA)** This qualification is aimed at creative learners with a passion for digital applications. Tailor-made to meet the needs of today’s creative industries, it covers creative multimedia, artwork and imaging, game making and developing web products. This qualification aims to:

● Equip young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to design and make, effective digital products for others to use

● Enable young people to use digital tools as a means of expression to inform, persuade and entertain

● Foster young people’s creativity and develop their independent learning skills ● challenge young people to reflect on what they produce and strive for

excellence ● Increase young people’s awareness of their responsibilities in the digital world

and their respect of other people’s rights ● Equip young people with professional, real-world skills in planning, project

management and communication ● Give young people the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to

support future learning and exploit the creative digital industries. The qualification is made up of 2 units: Unit 1: Developing Web Products (Mandatory)

You will demonstrate your ability to design, build and test a web product in a practical computer-based examination set by Pearson. 25% of the qualification

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Unit 2: Creative Multimedia You will demonstrate your ability to plan, design, build and test interactive multimedia products through your work on a major project set by Edexcel. This will include the development of an e-portfolio that exhibits your achievements and is in itself an effective multimedia product. 75% of the qualification

**Course title may change whilst waiting for DfE approval

LEARNING SUPPORT The focus of this course is to improve basic skills and boost self-confidence, which ultimately helps students in fulfilling their potential at GCSE. Students take the AQA adult literacy and numeracy exams and EDEXCEL online Maths and English exams which are recognised by employers and learning establishments nationally. These examinations are phased and students can work their way through the qualifications dependant on their ability in that area. Students are also given assistance towards learning in their GCSE subjects and coursework, as well as advice and guidance on exam preparation and technique and how to maximize their learning potential Students who would benefit from this course will be identified by Mrs Hamit our SENCO. They and their parents will have an opportunity to discuss the benefits of the course before options are finalised.

Edexcel: Functional Skills

Level 2

Edexcel:Functional Skills

Level 1

AQA: Entry Level English Gold Step

AQA: Entry Level English Silver Step

Edexcel: Functional Skills

Level 2

Edexcel:Functional Skills

Level 1

AQA: Entry Level Mathematics

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MEDIA STUDIES In GCSE Media Studies you will study the Mass Media: TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Video Games, Music Video, Advertising and Marketing. You will find out who controls them and how they are produced. You will learn how to interpret and understand the messages they communicate and investigate what effect they have on us as individuals and on society in general. The work you will do in Media Studies will be a balance of analytical and practical, making use where possible of the department’s video, audio and computer equipment. The course is split into two units: 70% examination and 30% coursework. There are 2 exam sessions of two Media components: Exploring the Media and its Audience and Understanding Media Forms and Products. The coursework brief is to produce the opening sequence of a new television programme which is individually produced. For the topic Exploring the Media you will study print Adverts, Bond film posters, Pride and GQ Magazine and The Sun and The Guardian newspapers

In exploring the Media Industries and Audiences you will study the videogame Pokemon Go and Radio 4s The Archers. For Understanding Media Forms and Products you will study the tv series Luther and The Sweeney. Music Videos and Online Media will involve studying Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood and Pharrell Williams, Freedom and their respective websites. GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION/Technical Award SPORT GCSE PE and Technical Award sport are courses that cover very similar content but are delivered in different ways to suit learners’ needs. GCSE PE contains a traditional theory examination and a practical performance examination, however the Technical Award is a vocational qualification which is predominantly coursework based, but does have an examination as one of the core units. Both of these qualifications will offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in a wide range of sports and activities and help you improve your own performance, whilst learning the relevant knowledge behind the human body systems and benefits of taking part in regular physical activity. You will learn about exercise, how the body works to help you exercise and then through training how performance can be improved. The course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established in Key Stage 3 Physical Education. It will give you exciting opportunities to be involved in a number of different physical activities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. You can perform in a range of roles including player/participant, leader and official. The course has both theoretical and practical elements. These develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the human body systems, how the human body is affected by exercise and the benefits that sport and exercise have to offer. You will also develop the analytical skills necessary to look at and improve your own and others performance.

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As well as being the ideal preparation for the A Level Physical Education course, GCSE Physical Education and Technical Award allow for progression to related vocational qualification, such as Level 3 Technical Awards in Sport or Sport and Exercise Sciences. The course develops the transferable key skills that employers are looking for such as leadership, communication, discipline, teamwork and co-operation. PE can lead to a wide variety of employment opportunities and can include further training in areas such as medicine, sport science, recreational management, leisure activities, coaching, officiating, the fitness industry, the armed forces and the Civil Service. Alternatively, it is a valued qualification for many careers and further education courses. Optional Long Course - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – AQA GCSE RE is the study of what makes people “tick”. What do they believe? What do they think is right and wrong? How does it affect their lives? RE is about understanding each other. RE is a very important subject not only because we live in a very multi-cultural country but also because, with advances in communications technology, we will increasingly come into contact with people of other beliefs and cultures from around the globe. It is vital that, in such a world, people learn the skills they need to understand other people’s beliefs and actions. RE is a very broad subject and includes aspects of literature, history, geography, art, science, ethics and philosophy. In Year 10 students will start the GCSE course in Religious Education. This will lead to an examination at the end of Year 11, a nationally recognized qualification worth a full GCSE with AQA. Students will sit two exams (1 hour 45 minutes each) at the end of year 11 comprising of the following sections: Section A: The Study of Religions:

Beliefs and teachings and practices O Christianity

O Islam Section B: Thematic Studies:

Religious, philosophical and ethical studies

O Relationships and families

O Religion Peace and Conflict o Religion and Life o Religion and Crime and Punishment

An RE qualification is useful in any work which requires you to deal with a wide range of people, or jobs in which you have to see things from other people’s points of view, or jobs involving travel to other countries: eg the police, law, journalism, medicine, the armed forces, leisure, tourism and education.

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This qualification will also help students stand out from their contemporaries either when they are applying for entry to 6th Form, university entry or any competitive job applications. Technical Award - BTEC WORK SKILLS Why is Valentines’ EAL Department offering Work Skills? Work Skills is an excellent qualification for students with English as an Additional Language who are still developing their English language skills. It not only enables students to learn about and prepare for the world of work but also gives opportunities to develop their English language skills through the course units. What is BTEC Work Skills? BTEC Work Skills is a suite of units typically 10 hours each. Some of the units that you will be working on are:-

• Interview skills • Working in a team • Running an Enterprise Activity • Career Progression • Developing a CV • Managing your own Money

What qualifications are available? There are three main qualifications: Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2. Most students take the BTEC Level 2 certificate which is equivalent to one GCSE. Is there a final examination? No. All units require coursework which takes place in lesson time and in homework time. This course has had a 100% pass rate so far as students have worked hard to keep up to date with their coursework. Should you take WorkSkills? If you are aware that you need to develop English language skills and also want to find out about the world of work this course will suit you. Those students who have not been learning English for many years must take this course in order to improve their English language skills.

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Option Choices Sheet 2018-19: BLUE Pathway Name _______________________ Form _______________ You must select History or Geography

Please tick

History

Geography

You must select French or Spanish

Please tick

French

Spanish

You must select 4 subjects in order of preference, 1 being your most preferred. You will be given 2 subjects from your selection of 4.

Please label 1-4

Art

Art Illustration

GCSE Business

Computer Science

Food Technology

Graphics

Tech Award ICT (CIDA)

Media Studies

GCSE Physical Education

Product Design

Geography

Technical Award Performing Arts

Religious Education

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Option Choices Sheet 2018-19: YELLOW Pathway Name _______________________ Form _______________ You must select History or Geography

Please tick

History

Geography

You must select either BTEC Business, BTEC ICT or BTEC PE

Please tick

Tech Award Business

Tech Award ICT (CIDA)

Tech Award PE

You must select 4 subjects in order of preference, 1 being your most preferred. You will be given 2 subjects from your selection of 4.

Please label 1-4

Art

Art Illustration

GCSE Business/Technical Award Business

Food Technology

Graphics

Tech Award ICT (CIDA)

Media Studies

GCSE PE

Product Design

Tech Award Performing Arts

Geography

Religious Education

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Option Choices Sheet 2018-19: GREEN Pathway Name _______________________ Form _______________ You must select Work Skills or Learning Support

Please tick

Work Skills

Learning Support

You must select either Technical Awards in Business, ICT or PE

Please tick

Tech Award Business

Tech Award ICT

Tech Award PE

You must select 4 subjects in order of preference, 1 being your most preferred. You will be given 2 subjects from your selection of 4.

Please label 1-4

Art

Art Illustration

Technical Award Business Studies

Technical Award Performing Arts

Food Technology

Geography

Graphics

History

Technical Award ICT (CIDA)

Media Studies

Technical Award PE

Product Design

Work Skills

Religious Education