You can choose four subjects from the list below. At least one of your subjects must be a modern foreign language. You can choose to study more than one language if you wish (see subjects marked with an *). You can find out more about any of the subjects by clicking on their names in the list below.
Exam board & specification code: OCR Art & Design (Fine Art) J171
You will be following a traditional taught course learning about line, form, tone and colour.
You will work from direct first hand observation, developing both an understanding of the analytical process and greater confidence in handling a range of media. You will learn the value of looking at artists’ work from the past and integrating your observations into your own practice. You will be encouraged to think both sequentially and tangentially, and your final responses to the projects covered, will illustrate the best of your discoveries.
There are two components:
Coursework (Controlled Assessment) 60%
You will be led through your coursework project in the initial stages, then given more artistic freedom as the project progresses. The coursework starts in the September of year 10 and finishes at the Christmas of year 11
Examination (Set Task) 40%
You will be given a selection of five themes, of which you will choose one as your exam unit. The paper is given to you shortly after Christmas in year 11. You then have a term to use your experience to help you prepare for a ten hour exam. The exam will be split into four separate sessions and will take place shortly after Easter.
The OCR GCSE course provides a sound platform for further study in Fine Art, either on the IB Diploma or at a local College of Art. Most students who pursue a career in an art-related field will have used their portfolio to access a foundation course before they attend university. Expertise in art is applicable to a wide range of future careers, including some you may never have considered: Movie Set Designer, Costume Designer, Game Designer, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Graphic Novelist, Pet Rock Painter, T-Shirt Designer, Soft Toy Maker, Illustrator and many more.
Exam board & specification code: Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Business
One of the key reasons why this subject is so popular at GCSE is that the themes and topics that you will study come directly from everyday life. The best way to think about the course is to imagine that you are going to set up your own business . . .
First, you will need an idea. Then, you will need to take this idea to potential customers. You will need to produce a business plan to take to a bank or other investors. You will then need to decide the type of business you wish to form, where you will locate yourself and how many employees you will need. Next, you will need to look at production methods and calculate your accounts to see how efficiently your business is running. Finally, you will need to research the help and advice the government gives to start-up businesses.
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes
50% of the qualification
90 marks
Theme 2: Building a business
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes
50% of the qualification
90 marks
Business Studies at GCSE is perfect for those who wish to study IB Business and Management and Economics. It is a natural progression. Business also connects well with languages and psychology and, due to its flexibility, is very popular on combined courses at university.
Exam board & specification code: AQA 8552 Design and Technology GCSE (9-1)
GCSE Design and Technology is a unique subject that requires and promotes the combined use of your academic, technological and practical skills through a wide range of different media.The course requires you to draw on your knowledge from other subjects as we explore a range of topics that influence design and manufacture in the current world.
There are three sections to the course:
Section A- Core Technical Principles.
New and emerging technologies, energy generation and storage, developments in new materials, systems approach to designing, mechanical devices, materials and their working properties.
Section B- Specialist Technical Principles.
Selection of materials or components, forces and stresses, ecological and social footprint, sources and origins, using and working with materials, stock forms, types and sizes, scales of production, specialist techniques, surface treatments and finishes.
Section C- Designing and Making Principles.
Investigation, primary and secondary data, environmental, social and economic challenge, the work of others, design strategies, communication of design ideas, prototype development, selection of materials and components, tolerances, material management, specialist tools and equipment, specialist techniques and processes.
Theory
2 hour written exam (50%)
Section A Core Technical Principles (Multiple choice. 20 marks)
Section B Specialist Technical Principles (30 marks)
Section C Designing and Making Principles (50 marks)
Non-Exam Assessment (50%)
Approximately 30-35 hours of work.
Answering a challenge set by the exam board, you will manufacture a working prototype and produce an accompanying portfolio. Your portfolio should be approximately 20 pages of A3 paper, or the digital equivalent.
GCSE Design and Technology opens doors to further study in the following careers:
Architecture, Engineering, Product Design, Graphic Design, Medical Product Design, Property Development, Interior Design, Film and Set Design.
Miss Speake, Head of Design & Technology:
Exam board & specification code: Edexcel 1DR0
In Devising Drama you will create a group performance piece, together with an accompanying written portfolio documenting your creative development.
In Performance from Text you will present a live performance, by either acting or designing/delivering in a technical capacity. This will be performed for an invited audience and visiting examiner. You will prepare two performance pieces from the same play.
In Theatre Makers in Practice you will analyse a set text, currently ‘An Inspector Calls’. You will also analyse and evaluate a current, hopefully live, theatrical performance.
Component 1: 40%
Devising Drama. Coursework. Marked by your teacher. Moderated by Edexcel.
Component 2: 20%
Performance from Text. Practical Exam. Marked by a visiting examiner.
Component 3: 40%
Theatre Makers in Practice. Written Exam. Marked externally.
GCSE Drama is not just for those seeking a career in the Arts industry, it is an outstanding subject to have for any career. Employers, universities and colleges like drama students because their skills are transferable. Students who take drama can communicate well, are self-confident, work effectively in a team, think on their feet and adapt their practice to suit the changing environment. GCSE Drama fully prepares you for the study of IB Theatre and offers a further pathway to BA Hons in Theatre Education, Community Theatre, Costume & Lighting Design, Stage Management and Performance Arts, Theatre, Dance or Music.
Exam board & specification code: AQA 8658
This stimulating and enjoyable course will develop your ability to understand and use both spoken and written French, teaching practical communication skills and developing your awareness of your own culture and the cultures of French-speaking countries.
You will study three themes:
People and Lifestyle
Popular Culture
Communication and the World Around Us
Paper 1: Listening Exam (25%)
Understanding and responding to different types of spoken language.
You will answer questions in both English and French.
Paper 2: Speaking Exam (25%)
Communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a variety of purposes
Paper 3: Reading Exam (25%)
Understanding and responding to different types of written language.
You will answer questions in both English and French.
Paper 4: Writing Exam (25%)
Communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes
French is a global language with more than 220 million speakers across the five continents, making it a valuable language for the job market, for travel and for careers in business. It is worth remembering that 90% of the world’s population live in a country where English is not the native tongue and 74% of employers are looking for candidates with language skills.
French is highly regarded by universities and language knowledge is relevant to a number of degree courses, including Business, Finance, Law, Sales and Marketing, Engineering, Tourism, Leisure, Public Sector,International Institutions, Teaching (Primary and Secondary), Translating, Interpreting and the Media.
A language GCSE is compulsory for progression to the IB Diploma and a number of students opt to study IB French at either Ab Initio, Standard or Higher Level each year.
Mrs Marshall, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, or talk to a Teacher of French
Exam board & specification code: Cambridge IGCSE 0976
The course covers aspects of Human and Physical Geography in a context that is appropriate and relevant to our modern world. Issues of local, national and global importance are tackled through the use of a range of resources, personal research, discussion in class and fieldwork.
The course has three main themes:
Theme 1: Population and Settlement
You will study population dynamics and structure, population density and distribution, migration and settlement.
Theme 2: The Natural Environment
You will study earthquakes and volcanoes, rivers, coasts, weather, climate and natural vegetation.
Theme 3: Economic Development
You will study food production, industry, tourism, energy, water supply and environmental impacts of economic development.
There is a fourth area of study, integrated within these themes, that enables you to develop geographical skills, including map skills, and carry out geographical investigations.
Paper 1: Geographical Themes (45%)
This paper is based on Themes 1, 2 or 3.
Paper 2: Geographical Skills (27.5%)
This paper is based on skills of application, interpretation and analysis of geographical information, e.g. maps, diagrams, graphs, tables of data and photographs. There is always a map skills question.
Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework (27.5%)
As an alternative to coursework, you will be set a series of tasks on issues relating to geographical investigations. The knowledge required for this paper is gained throughout the course.
The course provides an excellent foundation for the study of Geography at IB level.
The very nature of Geography and the great breadth of the subject means it combines well with several other subjects at sixth form and degree level. Geography studied at school and beyond is highly sought after by employers as it shows you have had a broad education and developed useful and transferable skills.
Mrs Helen Emmett, Head of Geography
Exam board & specification code: Edexcel International GCSE in History (4HI1)
A range of varied and interesting twentieth century topics that will help you learn how today’s world has been shaped. This will deepen your understanding of life around you and current affairs.
You will study four main units:
Germany: development of a dictatorship
You will focus on the rise of Hitler and life in Nazi Germany before and during World War Two. This unit will build on what you have studied in year 9.
The Cold War: superpower relations
During this unit you will learn how the Cold War started and various crises, such as the Vietnam War and the Cuban missile crisis.
The USA: 1918-1941
This unit starts with the “Roaring Twenties” in the USA before moving onto the causes and reactions to the Great Depression.
China: conflict, crisis and change – 1900 to 1989
In year 10 you will be able to choose the final topic from a list of several options. China is what the current year 11 have chosen to study.
Two examination papers both 90 minutes in length.
You will answer a mixture of source-based and essay style questions.
History qualifications are highly regarded by businesses and universities because you develop skills in communication, research, independent thinking, problem solving, and analysis. When you move on to sixth form, the skills you learn will help you in all humanities subjects and lay the foundation for IB History or Global Politics if you choose to go down that route. History is beneficial for a variety of careers including law, politics, education, journalism, investment banking and archaeology.
Exam board & specification code: Eduqas C660QS
There are three sections to GCSE Music: Performing, Composing and Appraising.
Performing: You can perform music of your own choice, on any instrument or voice. You will choose two or more performances for submission. Your whole submission should last between 4 – 6 minutes. One of your performances must be an ensemble performance (i.e. performed with other people)
Composing: You will develop your skills in composing music. You will submit two compositions for the final exam, one of which will be composed to a brief set by the exam board in September of year 11. You will be required to complete a composing log, explaining how you went about composing your pieces.
Appraising: You will learn about music from a variety of different times, places and styles. In the final examination, extracts are played, and you will answer questions about what you hear.
60% of this qualification is based around coursework, so you will be supported as you self-direct your chosen area of study and work on individual projects.
Performing (30%)
Completed under controlled conditions (coursework). Marked by your teacher and moderated by an examiner.
Composing (30%)
Completed under controlled conditions (coursework). Marked by your teacher and moderated by an examiner.
Appraising: (40%)
Written paper based on extracts of music played during the examination. Marked by an examiner.
Direct opportunities might include Music at IB, A Level or BTEC Level 3. GCSE Music is also useful for continued study of Drama and Performing Arts.
However, the benefits of Music at GCSE are not just music related, but linked to the many transferable skills that are developed by studying the subject. These include communication skills, emotional intelligence, problem solving and ability to self-regulate. Music is a subject that is well-regarded by universities and employers.
Exam board & specification code: AQA 8582
If you are passionate about sport, enjoy participating in a range of activities, and are interested in how sports performance can be improved, then GCSE PE is the course for you.
You will study seven key areas:
Applied anatomy and physiology
Movement analysis
Physical training
Use of data
Sports psychology
Socio-cultural influences
Health, fitness and wellbeing
If you choose this GCSE, you must commit to improving your practical scores in your own time; it is expected that you will regularly attend sports clubs and play for the College teams. It is also expected that you will work on your practical scores in core PE and Games lessons but, more importantly, outside of school.
It is recommended that you only choose GCSE PE if you play for, or belong to, at least one sports club outside school.
Theory (60%)
Two written papers, both 1 hour and 15 minutes in length.
You will answer a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions.
Practical (30%)
Your practical performance will be assessed in three different physical activities in the role of a player/performer: one team activity, one individual activity, and a third in either a team or as an individual.
Coursework (10%)
You will produce a written piece of coursework which provides an opportunity for you to analyse and evaluate your own performance in order to bring about improvement in one of your sports.
GCSE PE is an excellent foundation for IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science.
It is also extremely useful for careers in the following areas: Sport Science, Professional Sport, Sports Coaching, Physiotherapy, Sports and Business, Sports and Events Management and more.
Exam board & specification code: AQA 8062
The aim of the course is to help you develop your critical thinking skills, your ability to reflect and your ability to formulate arguments. You will explore current world issues, develop your own opinions and develop your understanding of the opinions of others.
You will study two world religions:
Beliefs and teachings of Christianity and Islam
Religious practice within Christianity and Islam
You will study four ethical themes:
Religion and Life (abortion, the environment, animal rights, euthanasia)
Relationship and the Family (marriage, sexuality, divorce, gender equality)
Human Rights and Social Justice (prejudice, poverty, inequality)
Peace and Conflict (terrorism, causes of war, pacifism)
You do not need to have any religious beliefs to study this course.
Two exam papers of 1 hour 45 minutes in length.
Paper 1: Christianity and Islam
Paper 2: Thematic Ethics paper
This is a valuable GCSE for anyone who is interested in people or current affairs. It is relevant for anyone who is considering a career in law, medicine, police or social work. The course is also a useful foundation for future studies as it equips you with the ability to write balanced analytical essays.
Exam board & specification code: AQA 8698
This stimulating and enjoyable course will develop your ability to understand and use both spoken and written Spanish, teaching practical communication skills and developing your awareness of your own culture and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.
You will study three themes:
People and Lifestyle
Popular Culture
Communication and the World Around Us
Paper 1: Listening Exam (25%)
Understanding and responding to different types of spoken language.
You will answer questions in both English and French.
Paper 2: Speaking Exam (25%)
Communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a variety of purposes
Paper 3: Reading Exam (25%)
Understanding and responding to different types of written language.
You will answer questions in both English and French.
Paper 4: Writing Exam (25%)
Communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes.
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world with more than 400 million native speakers. With an ever-increasing presence in the global market, Spanish is becoming a business necessity with more and more workplaces in the UK and abroad recruiting Spanish speakers.
It is worth remembering that 90% of the world’s population live in a country where English is not the native tongue and 74% of employers are looking for candidates with language skills.
.Spanish is highly regarded by universities and language knowledge is relevant to a number of degree courses, including Business, Finance, Law, Sales and Marketing, Engineering, Tourism, Leisure, Public Sector, International Institutions, Teaching (Primary and Secondary), Translating, Interpreting and the Media.
A language is compulsory for the IB Diploma and a number of students opt to study IB Spanish at either Ab Initio, Standard or Higher Level each year.
Mrs Marshall, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, or talk to your Teacher of Spanish
