Back to Year 9 Options

You have to study for GCSEs in English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science and Spanish. You will also have lessons in PE which are non-examined.

English literature & language

English, maths and science make up the core of subjects in your set of essential qualifications. 

For more information, contact Ms S Mace (suzanne.mace@mascallsacademy.org.uk), Director of English. 

To enable you to:

  • Develop your ability to read, understand, enjoy and respond to all types of text; recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers achieve their effects; develop information retrieval strategies for the purposes of study.
  • Develop your ability to construct and convey meaning in written language using appropriate grammar, matching style to audience and purpose.
  • Develop the awareness of personal, social and cultural significances in the study of literature.

We currently offer both English Literature and English Language courses.

These two courses cover:

  • Spoken Language. (Internally assessed)
  • Reading. A wide variety of texts including media texts and a variety of genres. Fiction and non-fiction. Poetry, prose and drama, including a play by Shakespeare and other pre-twentieth century texts.
  • Writing. Technical aspects of English (spelling, punctuation and text organisation), creative writing, writing specific audiences and purposes, informative, persuasive and analytical writing, response to literature.

All GCSE English and English Literature courses are now 100% terminal examination intended to test the skills learned over the two-year course.

There is a single tier of entry.

Assessment:

  • Language: 2 written exams. Each paper tests a mixture of reading and writing skills.
  • Literature:  2 written exams.  Closed book.

GCSE English at Grade 4 vital for a whole range of employment options, college and university courses, including Mascalls’ sixth form.

For most jobs, employers will look for good communication skills, both written and spoken, and the ability to read with insight and understanding.

Jobs using English specifically can include work in media, journalism, proof reading, publishing, legal professionals, advertising, book selling, office administration, web design, editorial work, secretarial work, public relations, poet, author, management and teaching.

English, maths and science make up the core of subjects in your set of essential qualifications.

Mathematics

English, maths and science make up the core of subjects in your set of essential qualifications. 

For more information, contact Mr Metcalf (neal.metcalfe@mascallsacademy.org.uk), Director of Mathematics.

  • To make a connection with the KS3 curriculum
  • To teach mastery principles at KS4
  • To include a range of learning activities
  • To provide strong formative assessment opportunities
  • To develop confidence and enjoyment in using Mathematics

Course Outline:

There are 6 broad areas of study.

  • Number 
  • Algebra 
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change
  • Geometry & measures
  • Probability
  • Statistics

The course is made up of themes whereby practical problems, investigations and topics provide the stimulus for individual, group and class work. Activities involve applying mathematics to real-life problems as well as exploring and investigating within mathematics itself. 

A variety of teaching approaches and resources are used including published texts, worksheets, practical materials and computers. Students are expected to have scientific calculators.

Sparx maths is used as an independent marketing tool. 

You are grouped according to your level of attainment, using KS3 results and teacher assessment. Individual progress is carefully monitored and movement between groups takes place as, and when, appropriate, although constant movement between groups is deemed inappropriate.

The assessment pattern is differentiated to enable students to show their ability. Students will be entered for either higher or foundation tier according to their expected level of achievement. The choice of sitting whether higher or foundation paper will be decided using the student’s potential to gain a grade 6.  The qualification will be graded and certificated on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1 using the total mark across all three papers where 9 is the highest grade. Foundation tier will be graded from 1 to 5 and higher will be graded 4 to 9, note that grade 4 and 5 are achievable in either tier of papers. It is not possible to mix higher and foundation papers together.

The course is linear and the assessment comprises of three papers lasting 90 minutes. Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment and paper 2 and 3 are calculator papers. 

The skills developed through the study of maths are in high demand from employers and universities. In addition to developing the ability to solve problems and think logically, the study of maths provides opportunities to develop team-working skills, resilience, effective communication of complex ideas and the ability to use your own initiative. Maths underpins most of science, technology and engineering and is also important in areas as diverse as business, law, nutrition, sports science and psychology. There are many opportunities to use maths to make a difference in society, for example through the analysis involved in medical research, developing new technology, modelling epidemics or in the study of patterns of criminal activity to identify trends. 

Science - combined and separate

English, maths and science make up the core of subjects in your set of essential qualifications. 

For more information, contact Ms R Collingwood (rachel.collingwood@mascallsacademy.org.uk), Director of Science.

Combined science

The purpose of the Combined Science course is to help students to understand the material world around them. Scientific developments shape our societies, change our lives and are vital to the world’s future prosperity. It is important therefore that all students learn essential aspects of scientific knowledge, methods, processes and the uses of science.

The key ideas of the course are:

  • the use of theories and models to understand the things that we see around us;
  • how parts of systems affect each other;
  • how the “scientific method” can be used to develop our understanding of real-life problems and phenomena;
  • that students should be able to evaluate claims based on science, in order to judge their merit.

In addition to the Combined Science course detailed earlier in this booklet, students can choose to study Separate Science as an option subject. Students who choose Separate Sciences receive five extra science lessons per fortnight, which allows them to cover additional Biology, Chemistry and Physics content.

Students are awarded three separate GCSEs, (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), rather than being awarded two GCSEs for Combined Science.

Due to the demanding nature of the courses, students must have achieved at least an overall IB MYP Level 6 score in Science at the end of Year 9, in order to be accepted onto this option subject.

Combined science

Exam Board: Edexcel

Course Name: GCSE (9-1) Combined Science (1SCO)

The Combined Science course covers a range of topics across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The volume of content covered is deemed sufficient for students to be awarded two GCSEs on successful completion of the course.

Students can choose “Separate Science” as an option subject. Please see the relevant page in later in this booklet for more information.

Topic areas covered are as follows:

Biology: Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology; Topic 2 – Cells and control; Topic 3 – Genetics; Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification; Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines; Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions; Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis; Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals; Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles.

Chemistry: Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry; Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures; Topic 3 – Chemical changes; Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria; Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table; Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes; Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science. (Topic 5 is a Separate Science only topic, so has deliberately been omitted from this list).

Physics: Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics; Topic 2 – Motion and forces; Topic 3 – Conservation of energy; Topic 4 – Waves; Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum; Topic 6 – Radioactivity; Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work; Topic 9 – Forces and their effects; Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits; Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect; Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction; Topic 14 – Particle model; Topic 15 – Forces and matter. (Topics 7 and 11 are Separate Science only topics, so have deliberately been omitted from this list).

Exam Board: Edexcel

Course Names: GCSE (9-1) Biology (1BIO); GCSE (9-1) Chemistry (1CHO); GCSE (9-1) Physics (1PHO); 

Students are taught all of the content covered in the Combined Science specification, plus additional content as detailed below:

Biology: The topics taught in GCSE Biology are the same as in the biology element of Combined Science, but many of the topics have additional lessons that extend student knowledge and understanding. For example, there is a significantly greater level of detail in the teaching of the Genetics module in Separate Biology.

Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology; Topic 2 – Cells and control; Topic 3 – Genetics; Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification; Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines; Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions; Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis; Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals; Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles.

Chemistry: The topics taught in GCSE Chemistry are the same as in the chemistry element of Combined Science, with the addition of two extra topics, referred to as “Separate Chemistry 1” and “Separate Chemistry 2”.

Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry; Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures; Topic 3 – Chemical changes; Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria; Topic 5 – Separate Chemistry 1; Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table; Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes; Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science; Topic 9 – Separate Chemistry 2.

Physics: The topics taught in GCSE Physics are the same as in the physics element of Combined Science, with the addition of two extra topics, covering Astronomy and Static Electricity. Some topics are also covered to a greater level of detail. For example, Separate Science students will cover extra material in the Radioactivity topic.

Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics; Topic 2 – Motion and forces; Topic 3 – Conservation of energy; Topic 4 – Waves; Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum; Topic 6 – Radioactivity; Topic 7 – Astronomy; Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work; Topic 9 – Forces and their effects; Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits; Topic 11 – Static Electricity; Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect; Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction; Topic 14 – Particle model; Topic 15 – Forces and matter.

Combined science

Students are assessed through six exam papers, all taken at the end of Year 11 at the same time as Separate Science students. There are two exam papers each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each paper is 1 hour and 10 minutes long, and is out of 60 marks.

Students will take either Higher Tier or Foundation Tier papers. All six papers must be the same tier.

Final grades are assessed as a total of the six papers.

Students are awarded two GCSEs, with the grades either being the same (e.g 7-7) or adjacent grades (e.g. 6-5).

Higher tier students can achieve grades up to two Grade 9s (9-9). The top grade on Foundation Tier papers is two Grade 5s (5-5). This reflects the relative demand of the tiers of entry. Decisions regarding your child’s tier of entry will be taken by the Director of Learning for Science.

Students are assessed through six exam papers, all taken at the end of Year 11 at the same time as Combined Science students. There are two exam papers each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Each paper is 1 hour and 45 minutes long. All papers are out of 100 marks.

Students will take either Higher Tier or Foundation Tier papers. As each science is a separate GCSE, students can take papers of different tiers in different sciences. For example, a student who is achieving strong grades in Biology, but finds Physics more challenging, could take Higher Tier papers in Biology, but Foundation Tier papers in Physics. 

Each science is assessed separately, with the grade being determined by the total score in the two papers for that subject.

Higher tier students can achieve grades up to Grade 9. The top grade on Foundation Tier papers is a Grade 5. This reflects the relative demand of the tiers of entry. Decisions regarding your child’s tier of entry will be taken by the Director of Learning for Science.

Combined science

Science is a valuable qualification for a variety of post-16 options. Employers value the combination of logical thinking, data handling, scientific knowledge and rigour of a science qualification. Those considering careers in construction, plumbing or becoming an electrician will benefit from the knowledge and skills developed with a science qualification. Students may go on to pursue A Levels in Physics, Biology, or Chemistry. These advanced subjects then can lead to University science study. A wide range of professions require a science background, including medicine, dentistry, teaching, veterinary work, forensic science, cosmology, space science, oceanography, laboratory technician, nanotechnology, weather forecaster, pharmacology, optician, soil science, biochemistry, toxicology, radiography, electrician, cosmic science, zoologist, science research, environmental work, chemical engineering, oil and petrochemicals industry, etc.

Science is a valuable qualification for a variety of post-16 options. Employers value the combination of logical thinking, data handling, scientific knowledge and rigour of a science qualification. Those considering careers in construction, plumbing or becoming an electrician will benefit from the knowledge and skills developed with a science qualification. Students may go on to pursue A Levels in Physics, Biology, or Chemistry. These advanced subjects then can lead to University science study. A wide range of professions require a science background, including medicine, dentistry, teaching, veterinary work, forensic science, cosmology, space science, oceanography, laboratory technician, nanotechnology, weather forecaster, pharmacology, optician, soil science, biochemistry, toxicology, radiography, electrician, cosmic science, zoologist, science research, environmental work, chemical engineering, oil and petrochemicals industry, etc.

Spanish

For more information, please contact Mrs E Fuller (emma.fuller@mascallsacademy.org.uk), Head of MFL.

Students will continue their Spanish studies and build on their Key Stage 3 knowledge. We follow the AQA GCSE Spanish course during which students will cover a range of vocabulary and grammar structures that will allow them to communicate in all 4 skills (listening, reading, writing & speaking) on the following topics:

Theme 1: People and lifestyle

Theme 1 covers the following three topics:

  • Topic 1: Identity and relationships with others
  • Topic 2: Healthy living and lifestyle
  • Topic 3: Education and work

Theme 2 covers the following three topics:

  • Topic 1: Free-time activities
  • Topic 2: Customs, festivals and celebrations
  • Topic 3: Celebrity culture

Theme 3 covers the following three topics:

  • Topic 1: Travel and tourism, including places of interest
  • Topic 2: Media and technology
  • Topic 3: The environment and where people live

As well as learning the language, students will also become familiar with the Culture of Spain and Spanish speaking countries.

The delivery of the lessons is mainly in Spanish and students are encouraged to use Spanish as soon as they enter the classroom. There are a range of resources available to support classwork and independent study. Homework is set on a weekly basis and will vary in skill. All students will also have weekly vocab tests and be expected to learn the vocabulary (as part of their homework) which can be accessed digitally and via interactive websites that we subscribe to.

Students are assessed in the 4 skills above. There will be an exam in each skill which will take place at the end of year 11. Each exam is worth 25% of a student’s final grade. Students can either sit Foundation or Higher exam papers but they must sit all four skills at the same tier. No exam can be retaken. No dictionaries are allowed in any of the exams.

Physical Education

This is a non-examined, compulsory subject.  All Year 10 and 11 students will partake in PE lessons

For more information, please contact Mr J Carman (jamie.charman@mascallsacademy.org.uk), Head of PE.

In both Year 10 and Year 11, all pupils will obtain the opportunity to choose from different sporting pathways and experience a variety of specific sports appropriate for each pathway. Throughout this time, pupils will increase their own knowledge and understanding of the rules, regulations and tactics for each activity as well as enhancing their own and others skills and techniques required for each sport. The pathways offered will be dependent on numbers of students who opt for each pathway and the teaching allocation.

Traditional Boys Sports/Fitness

You will be in a group of all boys taking part in traditional PE sports as well as learning about fitness and creating habits for life. These will mainly consist of team based sports, as well as some gym based activities. You can expect from your lessons, skill development, game play, coaching of tactics, opportunities to officiate, learning how to use fitness equipment and planning to improve/maintain fitness levels.

You will be in a group of all girls taking part in traditional PE sports as well as learning about fitness and creating habits for life. These will mainly consist of team based sports, as well as some gym based activities. You can expect from your lessons, skill development, game play, coaching of tactics, opportunities to officiate, learning how to use fitness equipment and planning to improve/maintain fitness levels.

You will be in a group of mixed gender students who have opted to study GCSE/OCR Sports Science. These lessons will be used to extend your practical ability and continue to challenge you through use of the GCSE practical specification.

NOTE – In this class you will also have the option to take the Leadership course and have all of the same opportunities (see below), however, it will be a class of Sports Science students.

Students will have the opportunity to lead both younger peer age groups and primary school students. They will work towards an accredited course of the sports leaders’ level 1 which is a recognisable qualification towards post 16 education. Students will be taught and given confidence of how to teach a small group of pupils to organising and leading tournaments, sports days etc.

The Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership provides the ideal starting point for learners who wish to develop their leadership skills, whilst under the direct supervision of their teacher. The syllabus is designed to develop generic leadership skills that can be applied to a variety of sports and/or recreational situations as well as contributing to the personal development of the learner. The Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership is a practical qualification in which learners must demonstrate their ability to lead others in simple sport/activity.

All remaining pupils will not be assessed in their practical performance against the national curriculum criteria throughout the whole of Key Stage 4 core PE. However, they will be expected to participate to the best of their ability and will have opportunities to develop personal skills and qualities as a performer, official, leader and coach.

Although there is no qualification that can be ascertained in core PE, it provides opportunities for pupils to develop personal skills such as knowledge, structure, communication, organisation, target setting, effective use of language and qualities such as independence, leadership styles, teamwork, confidence, competence, motivation, enthusiasm and humour all of which future employers look for when at an interview.