Optional GCSE SUbjects

Our exam board is Eduqas, further information regarding the specifications can be found on their website.

Students will work on a number of projects, which will involve them in thinking about how to communicate ideas and how feelings and meanings are conveyed in images and artefacts. They will look at and write about the work of relevant artists and designers and produce their own work using a range of techniques and processes.

In January of Year 11, a portfolio of coursework units will be submitted for assessment and the resultant grade counts as 60% of the overall GCSE grade. The remaining 40% is based on a final exam project, lasting for a number of weeks and with the final piece(s) being produced under exam conditions (10 hours).

Any role that requires you to be creative:

Artist, architect, designer in fashion/textiles, graphics, products, interiors, printmaker, visual merchandising, ceramics, art historian, art therapist, event organiser, gallery curator, advertising, garden design, architecture, set design, prop maker, interior design, medical illustration, animation, photography, floristry, costume design, special effects, web design, creative educator.

The possibilities are endless.

Our exam board is Eduqas, further information regarding the specifications can be found on their website.

Students will work on a number of projects, which will involve them in thinking about how to communicate ideas and how feelings and meanings are conveyed in images and artefacts. They will look at and write about the work of relevant artists and designers and produce their own work using a range of techniques and processes. While most basic equipment and materials are provided, students are required to provide pens, pencils, sketchbooks and a portfolio. Students may be required to make a contribution to costs in some instances.

In January of Year 11, two or three coursework units will be submitted for assessment and the resultant grade counts as 60% of the overall GCSE grade. The remaining 40% is based on a final exam project, lasting for a number of weeks and with the final piece(s) being produced under exam conditions (10 hours).

Any role that requires you to be creative. Graphic design and visual communications, illustration, advertising, print industry, computer aided design and manufacturing industry, web design and layout, art directors, animation and graphic animation, multimedia roles, computer game design, graphics and effects – film industry, set designer, design management.

The possibilities are endless.

Our exam board is Eduqas, further information regarding the specifications can be found on their website.

You will work on a number of projects, which will involve you in thinking about how to communicate ideas, feelings and meanings as conveyed in images and artefacts. You will look at and write about the work of important photographers, and produce your own work in a range of ways including traditional darkroom processes and digital imaging. The final unit of work is an exam project.

In January of Year 11, a portfolio of coursework units will be submitted for assessment and the resultant grade counts as 60% of the overall GCSE grade. The remaining 40% is based on a final exam project, lasting for a number of weeks, with the final piece(s) being produced under exam conditions (10 hours).

Any role that requires you to be creative. Photographers are needed in many industries, such as:

Art, advertising, fashion, design companies, journalism, sport, visual communications and education.

The possibilities are endless.

Our exam board is Eduqas, further information regarding the specifications can be found on their website.

Students work on a number of projects concerned with some or all of the areas above. They will have the chance to use their own creative ideas and to work through a process of experimenting and research leading to a final piece. They will write about their own work and research relevant themes.

A portfolio of coursework projects are submitted for final assessment in January of Year 11, and count for 60% of the overall GCSE grade. The remaining 40% of the GCSE grade is based on the exam project, which is similar to the coursework projects except that the final piece is produced under exam conditions (10 hours).

Any role that requires you to be creative:

Fashion designer, fabric designer, pattern cutter, surface pattern designer, printmaker, costume design, artist, furniture designer, interior designer, art historian, set designer, stylist, teacher, curator, event organiser.

The possibilities are endless!

Theme 1:

• Topic 1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Topic 1.2 Spotting a business opportunity
• Topic 1.3 Putting a business idea into practice
• Topic 1.4 Making the business effective 
• Topic 1.5 Understanding external influences on business

Theme 3:

• Topic 2.1 Growing the business.
• Topic 2.2 Making marketing decisions
• Topic 2.3 Making operational decisions
• Topic 2.4 Making financial decisions
• Topic 2.5 Making human resource decisions

• 2 exam papers (50% each of the overall grade) – 1hr 30mins, out of 90 marks
• Consists of multiple choice, short answer and long answer questions based on a business context.
• There will be some basic business maths questions

Chartered management accountant, banking, human resources, insurance underwriters, retail manager, marketing executive and many more.

The course is made up of 2 components as follows:

Paper 1: Computer Systems

This is an externally assessed examination unit. It is worth 50% of the candidate’s overall grade, and will be 1.5 hours in duration. It will consist of a mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing systems architecture, memory and storage, computer networks, network security, software and ethical and legal impacts.

Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

This is an externally assessed examination unit. It is worth 50% of the candidate’s overall grade, and will be 1.5 hours in duration. It will assess the student’s knowledge and ability in writing or refining algorithms as well as the programming fundamentals, robust programs, boolean logic and programming languages.

This qualification is designed to enable you to enter employment at operative or trainee level within a wide range of business and creative environments that utilise computing. For example, you may start work as an Applications programmer, web developer, games programmer software designer. You may undertake an apprenticeship, NVQ or other occupational qualification. You may decide to take higher level qualifications.

This course is made up of three components.

Component 1—Devising  (practical with coursework –40%)

In this unit, students will create a piece of theatre with the use of a stimulus and document the devising process. THey can contribute as a performer or designer. 

Component 2 – Performance from Text  (Practical 20%)

In this unit, students must perform two extracts from any play text, although it must contrast with the script chosen for Component 1. They can contribute as performer or designer.

Component 3 – Theatre Makers in Practice (Written exam — 40%)

In this unit, students will develop their knowledge of drama and theatre, as well as studying a set play and evaluating the work of live theatre makers.

Component 1—40% – internally assessed performance and coursework 

Component 2— 20% – externally assessed performance

Component 3—40% – externally assessed written exam

This course enables the student to seek a career in the performing arts industry. In addition, the transferable skills are essential in almost any job- for example: teamwork, leadership, communication, confidence, flexibility and determination.

This course is designed to draw on an existing enthusiasm for film and introduce you to a wide variety of cinematic experiences through films which have been important in the development of film and film technology. You will study 6 films from a range of different historical, social and cultural contexts. 

You will develop your knowledge of US mainstream film by studying one film from the 1950s and one film from the later 70s and 80s, thus looking at two stages in Hollywood’s development. In addition, you will study more recent films in the forms of a US independent film, as well as films from Europe, including the UK, South Africa and Australia.

Production is also an important part of this course and is integral for your understanding of film. Studying a diverse range of films from different contexts will support you to apply your knowledge and understanding to your own filmmaking and screenwriting. 

Component 1- Key Development in US films (35%). Written examination. You will study three US films for this component.

• A comparative study of mainstream genre films from the 50s and 70s/80s. (Focus on key developments in Film technology).

• One independently produced film. (Key focus on specialist and academic writing about film and film criticism).

Component 2 – Global Film (35%). Written examination. You will study three films from outside the US for this component.

• One global English language film. (Focus on narrative)
• One global non-English language film. (Focus on representation).
• One UK film produced since 2010. (Focus on aesthetics qualities of film).

Component 3 – Production (30%). Non-Exam Assessment. You will have a choice of production options to meet a brief set by the exam board.

• Either a film extract from a genre film. (2-2.5 minutes)
• Or a screenplay for a genre film (800-1000 words) + a shooting script.

You will also be required to complete an evaluative analysis (750-800 words) – explaining the choices you have made.

Film opens up opportunities for jobs within the art/design/culture sector and, within the film + TV industry itself.  A typical film employs around 200 people as cast and crew, but the big films such as Avengers employ up to 4000! There are so many possibilities, you just have to open your eyes and see them!

This course has been designed to enable a balance between practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding. It is divided into six areas of content with two tasks for each of the assessments. This specification in food preparation and nutrition enables learners to make connections between theory and practice so that they are able to apply their understanding of food science and nutrition to practical cooking. This content relates to the study of both food and drinks.

By studying food preparation and nutrition students will:

• be able to demonstrate effective and safe cooking skills by planning, preparing and cooking a variety of food commodities whilst using different cooking techniques and equipment
• develop knowledge and understanding of the functional properties and chemical characteristics of food as well as a sound knowledge of the nutritional content of food and drinks
• understand the relationship between diet, nutrition and health, including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health
• understand the economic, environmental, ethical and socio-cultural influences on food availability, production processes, diet and health choices
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of functional and nutritional properties, sensory qualities and microbiological food safety considerations when preparing, processing, storing, cooking and serving food
• understand and explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions (traditional British and international) to inspire new ideas or modify existing recipes.

• Component 1: Principles of Food Preparation
  This component will consist of two sections both containing compulsory questions and will assess the six areas of content as listed in the specified GCSE content.
  Section A: questions based on stimulus material.
  Section B: structured, short and extended response questions to assess content related to food preparation and nutrition.
• Component 2: Food Preparation and Nutrition in Action
• Assessment 1: The Food Investigation Assessment (8 Hours)
  A scientific food investigation which will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to scientific principles underlying the preparation and cooking of food.
• Assessment 2: The Food Preparation Assessment (12 Hours)
  Prepare, cook and present a menu which assesses the knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food.
  These assessments will be based on a choice of tasks released by WJEC annually.
• Principles of Food Preparation and Nutrition
  Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
  50% of the qualification
  100 marks
  Students will be given the opportunity to develop technical skills through practical and experimental work. This opportunity will allow students to develop sound technical skills whilst exploring and consolidating knowledge and understanding relating to food preparation and nutrition.
• Areas of Content
  Food commodities
  Principles of nutrition
  Diet and good health
  The science of food
  Where food comes from
  Cooking and food preparation
• Food Preparation and Nutrition in Action
  Non-examination assessment
  50% of the qualification
  100 marks
  The non-examination assessment is composed of two assessments that are set by WJEC.

Students will be able to select from a choice of two tasks for each assessment.

The course culminates in two exams in the summer of year 11 as shown below:

Component 1 – Exploring the Media (30%). Written examination.

Assesses knowledge, understanding and skills by analysing media products. Media industries will also be assessed in relation to media form and audience.

Component 2 – Understanding Media Forms and Products (40%). Written examination.

The exam builds on component 1 with a focus on all theoretical frameworks, through an in-depth study of audio visual products set by the exam board.

Component 3 – Media Production (30%). Non Exam Assessment.

An individual media production for an intended audience, from a brief set by the exam board. This will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media language and representation.

Film and TV directors, fashion photographers, graphic designers, business managers, software producers, copywriters, advertising specialists, television producers, website designers, journalists, teachers and video game testers are amongst some occupations that media graduates go into. The media industry is enormous and growing, especially in the South East. The industry offers thousands of career paths and opportunities to those interested in it.   

Year 1

Over the first year you will complete a number of small ‘mini’ projects that will allow you to develop the knowledge and skills to understand working with the different specialisms. This will focus on the theory aspect of the course as well as develop coursework skills and techniques ready for their given brief that is created by the exam board

Year 2

In the final year you will be given a design brief from the exam board. You will be expected to respond to the brief and will produce approximately 20 to 30 pages of A3 paper for your design, make and evaluation for your design, along with any models and your final prototype.

50% Exam 50% Coursework

Students should be aware that 15% of the exam is maths based questions.

• Written examination:
  2 hours
  50% of the qualification
  100 marks
  Section A: Core
  This section is 40 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-response, graphical, calculation and extended open response questions.
  There will be 10 marks of calculation questions in section A.
  Section B: Material categories.
  This section is 60 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open response, graphical, calculation and extended open response questions. There will be 5 marks of calculation questions in Section B.
• Non – examined assessment:
  50% of the qualification
  100 marks
  Students will undertake a project based on a contextual challenge, released by the exam board a year before certification. The project will test students’ skills in investigating, designing, making and evaluating a prototype of a product. Your work will be internally assessed.

The marks are awarded for each part as follows:

1. Investigate (16 marks)
2. Design (42 marks)
3. Make (36 marks)
4. Evaluate (6 marks)

Product design is a popular subject for further and higher education and through its transferable skills will enable you to pursue many potential career paths. Product design graduates can go on to careers in teaching, architecture, engineering, interior design, garden design, marketing, advertising, theatre set designers and vehicle design.

Students will study the below topics and explore their values, beliefs and attitudes in light of Christianity, Islam and Humanist (non-religious) beliefs.

Religion and life -which questions the value of life, animal testing, the perceived conflict between science and religion and whether abortion or euthanasia are morally right or wrong.

Religion, peace and conflict – which questions the use of violence, terrorism, whether nuclear weapons are necessary and if reconciliation and forgiveness are desirable, or even possible.

Religion, crime and punishment – which questions law and order, why people commit crime, what the aim of punishment is and if evil is a reality or an excuse.

Relationships and families – which questions the purpose and role of family, the utility of divorce and what human sexuality and gender is.

The GCSE specification requires the study of the leading world religions: Christianity and Islam. Students will study the beliefs, teachings, practices and sources of authority of both religions. 

Students will be assessed at the end of Year 11 with 2 x 1 hour 45-minute examination.

Students will study each of the following units: 

Unit 1 (50%)

• Social Research 
• The Family 
• The Education System 

Unit 2 (50%) 

• Social Research
• Crime and Deviance 
• Social Stratification and Social Inequality

The course is examined at the end of Year 11 with 2 x 1 hour 45 minute examinations.

Sociology at GCSE is useful for a range of careers including journalism, teaching, social work, healthcare, law, politics and any job where communication with others is important.

In their first year of the course this will comprise classroom and practical lessons. Students will have regular homework and mini tests throughout the semester. In year 11, candidates will have allocated time to complete their controlled assessment, regular mini tests and 2 mock exams. The practical lessons in both year 10 and year 11 will be an opportunity for students to excel in the variety of sports that we teach and candidates must work effectively in all aspects of the practical lesson as the assessment is ongoing.

Candidates who opt for GCSE sport science will be assessed in a 40% practical and 60% theory weighting.

All candidates will be assessed as a performer in 3 sports (1 in a team sport, 1 in an individual sport and 1 in either team or individual). Due to the high level of practical performance required, students opting for this course should be competing for the school or for external clubs in at least 2 sports.

As part of the 40% practical assessment, students will be required to complete an analysis of their own performance. This will be completed through a controlled assessment. The remaining 60% theory will be assessed by 2 exams each being 1 hour and 15 minutes, at the end of year 11.