Academy Curriculum
Curriculum Design
The curriculum at Aston Academy is ambitious, broad and balanced, designed to be in line with the National Curriculum.
Curriculum Overview Y7
Half Term 2 Curriculum Overview Y7
In English lessons this half term, under the theme of ‘Heroes and Villains’, Y7 students are studying how character and plot are presented in the novel ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. They continue to practise their technical writing skills, information retrieval, and analysis. They will also be studying non-fiction in the form of biographical writing linked to iconic figures while also studying some fiction extracts from Charles Dickens to explore how he created villainous characters in his novels.
Once a week, students will read a short extract from a fiction or non-fiction text to promote reading for pleasure. In all lessons across all subjects we relentlessly prioritise reading.
In Y7 Drama, students have been introduced to some of the key terminology and skills, equipping them with a foundation of knowledge prior to them working more specifically on texts and with a range of stimuli. They are busy learning theatrical terms, conventions, roles and enjoying working in groups to develop performance pieces.
Over in the design technology rooms, students are learning how to work with a range of timbers and learning the process of designing, making, evaluating and refining – while those in the cookery kitchens are learning how to safely prepare a range of snacks and meals including vibrant chef’s salads and student staples like cheese on toast.
In Y7 Art, students have looked inward for inspiration, learning about the psychology of colour and shape to design and complete an abstract piece of work based on their own ‘Personality House.’ Students are also learning the conventions of caricature, understanding how to exaggerate some of their facial features and explore what makes them unique. During these tasks students will be introduced to different media and techniques.
In history, Y7 have moved on to an in-depth study of life in Britain and across the world in the Medieval period of around 1000 to 1500AD. Students can, with increasing confidence, catergorise topics of study into political, economic and social features, using source materials to make inferences and draw conclusions. In geography students are studying Africa and Oceania, carefully examining human and physical geography, culture, stereotypes and place.
In maths this half term your child will be learning the basic rules of algebra, extending their learning on perimeter, area and volume as well as looking into the application of multiples, factors and primes. Every maths lesson consolidates and builds mastery of previous content – practice makes permanent!
In the science labs Y7 students are learning how to use a microscope while tackling ‘big ideas’ of organisms, matter and forces, while in PHSCE students are learning about and discussing how to keep themselves healthy, safe and happy during the physical and emotional changes of puberty and adolescence.
In both French and Spanish lessons Y7 students are acquiring new vocabulary at speed and learning how to give physical descriptions of people and places using correct and increasingly complex grammar.
Music lessons this half term have seen students appreciating and unpicking ‘Big Music from the Little Screen,’ appreciating and appraising the role of music in television while building their skills of notation and performance.
In PE lessons and as part of our formidable extra-curricular sports teams, Y7 students are thriving – developing their tactics, teamwork, mental and physical capacity, self-esteem and confidence through team sports and individual performance.
Curriculum Overview Y8
Half Term 2 Curriculum Overview Y8
In Physical Education this half term, Y8 students will be participating in a team sport and an individual activity - all students are encouraged to push themselves beyond their comfort zone while sharpening tactics, endurance and evaluation skills.
In music lessons, Y8 students continue to sharpen their performance skills in groups while learning about the music of the Baroque period. Listening, notation and composition are at the heart of the Y8 music curriculum.
In RE, students are exploring the moral maze – what it means to be a moral person and how we make moral decisions. Students are looking at how religious people use sources of authority in religion (for example: holy texts, key figures and teachings) to make decisions.
In PHSE this half term Y8 students are following a scheme of learning based on national work completed by the charity Barnardos. Students will consider aspects of healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships, including vital work on how to keep themselves safe.
In Spanish and French this half term students are learning how to give a fuller picture of themselves and their spare time – discussing their preferred genres of books and films, sports and leisure activities. Students are learning how to express a range of opinions precisely and with increasingly ambitious vocabulary.
In Science, year 8 students are learning the big ideas within energy, reactions, genes and organisms – including exploratory work on combustion, breathing, digestion and thermal energy.
In maths this half term your child will be further developing their understanding of equations and inequalities and developing their understanding of and looking in to the application of fractions, decimals and percentages.
Y8 geographers will be wrestling with the challenging and very relevant question: ‘Can humans learn to live with natural hazards?’ by closely examining a range of people and places, while in history we will continue to develop their understanding of the Industrial Revolution in Britain - concentrating on the social and political changes. They will learn how the north of England was involved in the push for greater democracy, and how women gradually obtained the vote. Students will continue to focus on developing descriptions and explanations of causes and consequences.
In English lessons this half term, under the theme of ‘Crime’, students will be studying the novel ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ to explore how a more complex novel presents character and genre. They will be developing their reading skills further while also building their vocabulary. They will also be studying non-fiction crime-related writing, such as reports and newspaper articles in order to develop their own written style in a range of formats. Once a week, students will read a short extract from a fiction or non-fiction text to promote reading for pleasure.
Drama lessons will see students exploring the conventions and ‘rules’ of melodrama to enhance their understanding of the Victorian novel in their English lessons.
In art, students are studying a range of ‘isms’ – various movements in art and aesthetics, including detailed study of iconic pieces such as those produced by Van Gogh.
Design technology students are working how different metals are suitable for different design brief, while those in the kitchens are learning how to bake from scratch creating fresh scones and pizzas. Across all mediums, students are learning how to research, plan, produce and evaluate their work.
In PE lessons and as part of our formidable extra-curricular sports teams, Y8 students are thriving – developing their tactics, teamwork, mental and physical capacity, self-esteem and confidence through team sports and individual performance.
Curriculum Overview Y9
Half Term 2 Curriculum Overview Y9
In English lessons this half term Y9 students are exploring poetry and Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night. Students continue to develop their thinking when accessing a range of challenging literary texts as well as sharpening their written expression.
In music lessons this half term the focus is on music in film – how music can create and enhance atmosphere and the close study of a range of famous and iconic film pieces. Students continue to develop their confidence in composition and performance skills.
In RE this half term Y9 students are wrestling with one of the biggest questions – Is there life after death? They are looking at this from a rage of religious and philosophical perspectives and learning more about a range of world religions including Sikhism and Christianity.
In Relationships and Sex education this half term Y9 students are considering the various attitudes teenagers may have towards sex using the award winning educational film ‘Screwball’ as a platform for discussion. Students are discussing ideas around consent and the influence of the media including pornography. The importance of communication and mutual respect in relationships is central to all discussion work. Students will be learning about sexual health including sexually transmitted infections and how to reduce risk including how contraceptives work.
The world of work is the focus in Spanish and French this half term, with students learning how to discuss their future careers with a range of sophisticated vocabulary and accurate future/present/past grammatical constructions. Towards the end of the half term, all student will learn about festive traditions in France and Spain.
In Science, Year 9 students are learning the big ideas within electromagnets and reactions. They have been learning about electrical circuits, chemical reactions linked to acids and bases and how the rate of a chemical reaction can be controlled.
In maths this half term your child will be learning about properties of algebraic graphs, developing their knowledge of sequences and using their knowledge of angles and mathematical equipment to introduce constructions. Repetition of previous maths learning to the point of mastery is central to our maths lessons – practice makes permanent!
In humanities,Year 9 students will complete alternate units of geography and history. The first unit of geography explores the ‘Urban Planet’, looking at cities and populations around the world and comparing this to their own city of Sheffield. They will then begin a unit on the ‘Violent Planet’ exploring a range of hazardous environments in greater depth.
Students are continuing to study Portraiture in Y9, in line with the overall theme of 'Identity' across Key Stage 3 Art lessons. Students are continuing to explore the styles of portraiture artists, Francis Bacon and his abstract and expressive style and Frida Khalo who used symbolism in her work to tell the story of her life. Students will continue to gain inspiration from their unique and creative styles, while also building upon their skill in using a range of media.In textiles, students are designing and creating their own gauntlets based on research work into mythology and folklore.
In PE lessons and as part of our formidable extra-curricular sports teams, Y8 students are thriving – developing their tactics, teamwork, mental and physical capacity, self-esteem and confidence through team sports and individual performance.
Curriculum Overview Y10
Y10 Curriculum Overview – Half Term 2
In English lessons this half term students are studying the Victorian novel element of GCSE literature through Charles Dicken’s festive classic ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Students are enjoying developing a deeper understanding of this familiar tale as well as a fresh perspective on some of the social and political change Dickens wanted to see.
In Physical Education students are gaining a fuller insight into the intricacies of the cardiovascular system and continuing to develop their teamwork and individual sporting performance.
In Religious Studies this half term students study the topic of Religion, Crime and Punishment. In this topic they are learning about religious (Christian and Muslim) and non-religious perspectives towards crime and punishment and examining contentious debates around capital punishment and the possibility of forgiveness.
Year 10 students are also exploring the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships, coercive and controlling behaviour and how to make healthy, safe choices within relationships. They will consider the dangerous and harmful effects of sexist attitudes and behaviours by exploring statistics and case studies. Students will also study the issues of forced marriage and Honour Based Violence (HBV). Throughout these units there are references to places and organisations students can go to for support with any of the issues raised.
In Science, Year 10 students are learning the big ideas within energy, matter and organisms. This includes knowledge and skills from GCSE Paper 1 across all science disciplines. They will gain an understanding of ideas such as; the structure of the atom and how this model has changed over time, how eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are structured and how energy is transferred between different energy stores.
In maths this half term your child will be learning to develop their equation knowledge and understanding, they will be applying their knowledge of angle rules to problem solve and be investigating transformations of shapes. There will be frequent practice of all previous mathematical learning to ensure complete mastery of vital mathematical knowledge.
Y10 students have now settled into their optional programmes of study and are quickly getting used to the demands of Key Stage 4. The Year 10 team have been delighted to see all students bringing their planner every day as part of their basic equipment and this is a really useful tool in organising learning and revision
Curriculum Overview Y11
Year 11 Curriculum Overview – Half Term 2
In English, students have been revising Macbeth and poetry for the literature element, as well as preparing carefully for the non-fiction reading and writing required on English Language Paper 2.
In Science, Year 11 students are learning the big ideas within ecosystems, Earth and forces. This includes knowledge and skills from Paper 2 across the scientific disciplines. For example, they will gain understanding of the role different species play in an ecosystem, biodiversity and how the Earth’s atmosphere has changed over time.
In maths, students are learning, revising and applying a vast range of topics including In maths this half term your child will be learning, revising and applying the following topics including Pythagoras, pie charts, ratio, laws of indices, standard form, rounding and estimating, expanding double brackets, sequences, substitution and angles in parallel lines.
Students continue to thrive within their option subjects. Those students who study GCSE French or Spanish are building on their understanding of ‘the world of work’ – learning to discuss in sophisticated detail their preferred future careers. Geographers are learning about coastal landscapes and completing local urban fieldwork, while sociologists are unpicking social stratification, poverty and different types of political power. Our talented GCSE musicians continue to refine their solo performances and gaining a deeper understanding of the music of Bach. In all subjects staff are working closely with students to ensure that they are learning how to revise effectively. Students are coached on the most effective memorisation techniques and how to oragnise and manage their workload.
Naturally, as students progress through Y11 our PSHE focus shifts to careers - with a particular emphasis on preparing students for life after GCSEs and school. Students are being reminded about the different pathways into the workplace. They will be prompted to reflect on their interests, skills, hobbies and values which they need to consider when making post-16 choices. They will also be given some time to explore post-16 courses, apprenticeships and places of study. They will finish the term by thinking about how to successfully prepare for an interview as well as how to write an effective personal statement – ensuring that they can confidently take the next steps on their own journey.
For further information about subjects studied at KS4, please click on the relevant subject.
English
Exam Board: Eduqas
What is studied?
English Language: The GCSE English Language course develops skills in reading comprehension and writing accuracy. Throughout year 10 and 11, students will learn how to select relevant information, infer meaning, explore language use and compare texts’ ideas and messages. Students will also learn how to be more effective writers of a variety of writing text types, including fictional stories, letters, reports, and articles. They will improve their written accuracy through the study of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
English Literature: The GCSE English Literature course develops close reading skills through the study of classic literary texts. Throughout year 10 and 11, students will study one novel (‘A Christmas Carol’); two plays (‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘Macbeth’) and an anthology of fifteen poems. Students will also study unseen poetry. Students will closely examine the texts, studying plot development, character development, themes, and social, historical context. Students will also develop essay writing skills, including planning and commentary.
What specific skills do students need to succeed on this course?
In order to study English Language and English Literature at GCSE, students will build upon the skills they have already developed at Key Stage 3. Students will need to write clearly, in detail, and with technical accuracy, using sophisticated and appropriate vocabulary as they do so. Students will also need to be able to understand and analyse a text in detail, commenting on a writer’s language choices, and compare the way that writers present a specific idea or viewpoint.
Students will also develop their skills in spoken language and present on a topic of their choice.
How will this course be assessed?
For English Language, students will be assessed in two examinations at the end of Year 11. These will cover the following:
Exam 1 (40%)
- Unseen fiction reading comprehension.
- One creative writing piece.
Exam 2 (60%)
- Non-fiction reading comprehension
- Persuasive/ transactional writing
Students will also complete a spoken language assessment where they present a topic of their choice and answer a set of questions relating to this.
For English Literature, students will be assessed in two examinations at the end of Year 11. These will cover the following:
Exam 1 (40%)
- ‘Macbeth’ – two questions; one based on an extract, one an essay
- The Poetry Anthology – two questions; one single poem analysis and one comparative essay
Exam 2 (60%)
- ‘An Inspector Calls’ – one essay question based on an extract
- 19th Century Prose – one essay question based on an extract
- Unseen Poetry – two questions – one single poem analysis and one comparative essay
Maths
Exam Board: OCR
What is studied?
In Year 10, students will begin their GCSE journey for Maths and, whilst continuing to learn new content, they will also get the chance to apply skills and knowledge over time, improving their mathematical understanding.
Students’ studies will still include topics from across the full Maths curriculum - Number, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Probability.
How will this course be assessed?
GCSE Maths is assessed by three full examination papers (two where students are allowed to use a calculator), in the summer of Year 11.
Science
Exam Board: AQA (Trilogy)
GCSE Science is either Combined Science (AQA trilogy), which is worth 2 GCSEs, or Single Sciences (AQA trilogy: Biology, Chemistry and Physics), which is worth 3 GCSEs.
In Combined Science and Single Sciences, students will continue to study the big ideas that underpin the world around us. They will explore question such as;
‘What can fossils tell us about the history of life on Earth?’
‘How do forces affect the speed of a racing car?’
‘Why are the Earth’s resources so important to our society?’
How will this course be assessed?
There are six written papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess their knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. All examinations are held in the Summer of Year 11.
French/Spanish
Exam Board: AQA
What is studied?
Through a variety of contexts and topic areas, the GCSE MFL course aims to develop skills in four key areas: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. There are three overarching themes to the course:
- Theme 1 - Identity and Culture
- Theme 2 - Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Theme 3 - Current and future study and employment. Through studying a language at GCSE, students not only learn the language, but they also learn about different countries and cultures.
How will this course be assessed?
Students will be assessed in 4 key areas with 4 examinations at the end of Year 11:
Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. There will be entries at both Foundation and Higher Level. Each of the 4 examinations is worth 25% of the final GCSE grade.
Geography
Exam Board: AQA
What is studied?
The course has been designed to allow a large number of topics to be studied over the 2 years and to provide an insight into some of the most important and topical issues that will shape students’ life today and in the future. From climate change to resource depletion, from global pandemics to trade wars between countries, from population growth to sustainable living, Geography has never been more relevant!
GCSE Geography gives students the chance to get to grips with some of the big questions and understand the social, economic and physical forces and processes which will shape and change their world. Topics that students will study include:
Natural hazards - looking at volcanoes, hurricanes, extreme weather events and climate change, Living world - studying tropical rainforests and cold environments,Urban issues and challenges - topics range from shanty towns/ slums in the poor countries to building new green carbon neutral cities. We also study the changing economic world - looking at why some countries are richer than others and how international companies are changing the world in which we live.
How will this course be assessed?
Students will be assessed with three exams
- Paper 1: Living with the physical environment - 1 hour 30 minutes, 35% of GCSE
- Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment- 1 hour 30 minutes, 35% of GCSE
- Paper 3: Geographical application -1 hour 30 minutes, 30% of GCSE (This paper links to fieldwork and issue evaluation this changes every year and is linked to a real-life current issue)
History
Exam Board: EDEXCEL
What is studied?
In GCSE History, we study a range of topics to ensure students gain as broad an understanding of History as possible.
Topics studied include:
- Medicine Through Time – the way medical knowledge and understanding has changed from 1250 to present day.
- Anglo-Saxon and Norman England – how different aspects of life changed after 1066 and the battles that took place to gain control.
- The Cold War – the fight for supremacy between the USA and the USSR in the 20th century.
- Weimar and Nazi Germany – how Germany changed and recovered after WW1 and Hitler’s rise to power.
How will this course be assessed?
GCSE History is assessed through three separate examinations at the end of Year 11. With no coursework to complete, we focus on developing knowledge, understanding and skills throughout the two year course.
- Paper 1: Medicine through time and the British sector of the Western Front – 1 hour 15 minutes, 30% of GCSE
- Paper 2: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060-88 with Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941- 1991 – 1 hour 45 minutes, 40% of GCSE
- Paper 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-1939 – 1 hour 20 minutes, 30% of GCSE
GCSE PE
Exam Board: Pearson
What is studied?
Edexcel GCSE in Physical Education
What specific skills are needed to succeed on this course?
The PE GCSE course is the ideal for any student that loves all sports, physical education and the challenge to academically develop their knowledge of fitness, body systems, health and performance. Throughout the course students will complete practical PE lessons each week with a focus on promoting physical fitness, developing a range of skills across a broad and varied curriculum and an understanding of the benefits of exercise that can last beyond school years. In Y10 students will have the opportunity to select particular sports to specialise in. Here they will spend time developing advanced skills and have access to competitions and create a sport specific fitness training programme. By Y11 students will have to select 3 sports to be assessed in and prepare for the 2 written theory exams.
How will this course be assessed?
Students are assessed in 3 ways:
- 60% of the final grade is achieved in 2 written theory exams .
- Paper One: Fitness and Body Systems which is 1 hour and 30 minutes, marked out of 80 (Applied anatomy and physiology, movement analysis and physical training). Paper 2: Health and Performance which is 1 hour and 15 minutes marked out of 60 (Health, fitness and well-being, Sports psychology, socio-cultural influences).
- 30% of the final grade is achieved through 3 practical performances . One team game/sport, one individual game/sport and one more of the students’ choice.
- 10% of the final grade is achieved through the writing and completing of a Personal Exercise Programme (coursework) .
Sport
Exam Board: OCR
What is studied?
A Cambridge National Sports Science qualification. Students will develop their knowledge of reducing the risk of sports injury, improving personal fitness through training and diet and sports performance.
What specific skills do I need to succeed on this course?
The OCR Cambridge National Sports Science course is ideal for any students that appreciate how sports science underpins performance in sport at all levels.
How will this course be assessed?
Students will complete 3 Units of work. 2 of these will be coursework units and the third will be a written exam, to gain an OCR Cambridge National qualification in Sports Science, which is equivalent to a GCSE. Coursework tasks will include information leaflets, brochures, presentations and even participating in fitness testing sessions. The exam will be a 1 hour 15-minute written exam at the end of the course.
The 3 units:
- Unit R180: Reducing the risk of sports injuries and dealing with common medical conditions (exam unit worth 40%)
- Unit R181: Applying the principles of training: fitness and how it affects skill performance (coursework unit worth 40%)
- Unit R183: Nutrition and sports performance (coursework unit worth 20%)
Religious Studies
Exam Board: AQA
What is studied?
At Aston Academy students complete the AQA GCSE Religious: Studies A specification. The course is designed to develop an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of British culture. Students are challenged to consider questions about beliefs, values, meaning, purpose and truth. They will be able to learn to form, express and justify their own opinions about modern religious and secular issues. This course includes an in-depth study of Christianity and Islam, building a foundation of knowledge about their key religious beliefs and practices. When students are confident with this knowledge they go on to study a range of ethical questions about family life and relationships, peace and conflict, crime and punishment and issues of life and death.
How will this course be assessed?
The GCSE course is examined at the end of year 11 through two external examinations. Each of these will be 1 hour and 45 minutes long. The first will examine students’ knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and teachings of Christianity and Islam. The second will examine students’ ability to apply these beliefs and teachings to thematic studies of peace and conflict, crime and punishment, religion and life and relationships and families. Each of these exams is worth 50% of the final result.
Fine Art and Photography
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Exam Board: AQA The course is broken up into 2 components: Portfolio – 60% Externally Set Task – 40% All of our art courses are technically Non-Examined Assessments, but a part of the Externally Set Task has to be completed independently. Areas of study can include:
Skills:
In Y10 students will complete a series of workshops which will build their skills in specialist areas, whilst exploring specific themes (year 10 work will contribute to their portfolio). In Y11 students will develop a project with a final piece and also complete the Externally Set Task. Do students get to choose what kind of things they make/create? Like all GCSE subjects, we have to work to the exam board's requirements, but we design our courses so that students get a lot of personal choice. Students are given a range of starting points that they can then choose to develop in their own way. Students will also get to exhibit their work at the end of the course. |
3D and Textile Design
Exam Board: AQA
The course is broken up into 2 components:
- Portfolio – 60%
- Externally Set Task – 40%
All of our art courses are technically Non-Examined Assessments, but a part of the Externally Set Task has to be completed independently.
Areas of study can include:
- Art textiles
- Fashion design and illustration
- Costume design
- Constructed textiles
- Printed and dyed textiles
- Surface pattern
- Stitched and/or embellished textiles architectural design sculpture
- Ceramics
- Jewelry and body adornment
Skills:
- Weaving
- Felting
- Stitching
- Appliqué
- Construction methods
- Printing model making
- Constructing
- Assembling
- Modelling
- Carving
- Sgraffito
- Sculpting
- Casting
- Glazing and decoration
In Y10 students will complete a series of workshops which will build their skills in specialist areas, whilst exploring specific themes (year 10 work will contribute to their Portfolio).
In Y11 students will develop a project with a final piece and also complete the Externally Set Task.
Do students get to choose what kind of things they make/create?
Like all GCSE subjects we have to work to the exam boards requirements, but we design our courses so that students get a lot of personal choice. We give students a range of starting points that they can then choose to develop in their own way.
Students will also get to exhibit their work at the end of the course.
GCSE Computer Science
Exam Board: OCR
What is studied?
This 2 year course will take students from beginner to advanced levels in computer science. This will cover the theory of computer science and how students can use this information to create software to solve problems.
What specific skills do students need to succeed on this course?
- Problem solving - Computer science involves a lot of problem solving
- Programming - Students need to have a keen interest in programming and be willing to work hard out of school
- Working under pressure - Students will be assessed by exam only so they need to be able to excel at this
How will this course be assessed?
The course is assessed completely by exams. There are 2 exams that both represent 50% of the overall grade. 50% on the theory of computer science and 50% on application of the programming skills students have learned.
Design Technology
Exam Board: Eduqas
What is studied? Core Knowledge
Through several different projects and focused practical sessions students will study:
- Design Technology and our world
- Modern and Smart materials
- Timbers
- Metals
- Plastics
- Electronics and mechanisms
- Art Textiles
Students will investigate given tasks, identify clients and their needs. Students will develop an exciting range of designing and presentation techniques and work with a wide variety of tools and equipment to make a range of products in different materials.
For section B of the written exam we study the material area of ‘natural and man-made timbers.
This includes:
- Sources of timbers
- Environmental, ethical and cultural influences on designs.
- Stock forms
- Process and techniques when working with timbers
- Specialist techniques, tools and technology when working with timbers
- Finishes and treatments
How is this course assessed?
The course is broken up into 2 assessments.
- External exam. Y11 = 50% and a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) = 50%. Both completed in Y11
For the NEA students will design and make a product they have chosen within the set context provided by the exam board. The external exam has two sections: in Section A students are assessed on all the core knowledge areas above, and in Section B students are assessed on their knowledge of paper and boards.
Health and Social Care
Exam Board :OCR
What is studied?
A Cambridge National qualification in Health and Social Care. This course equips students with the knowledge and understanding of how to meet the needs of individuals in a range of Health and Social Care Settings. We also aim to give students opportunities to gain experience of working with a range of individuals during curriculum time.
What specific skills do I need to succeed on this course?
OCR Cambridge National in Health and Social Care is the ideal course for any students with an interest in the Health and Social Care industry.
The course is an ideal qualification for students who want a broad background in Health and Social
Care. An ability to display empathy, an understanding of the needs of others and a desire to reach out and help different sectors of our community would be beneficial for students to reach their potential in this subject.
How will this course be assessed?
Students will complete 3 units of work. 2 of these will be coursework units and the third will be a written exam, to gain an OCR Cambridge National qualification in Health and Social Care, which is equivalent to a GCSE.
Coursework tasks will include information leaflets, brochures, presentations and delivering sessions to individuals in our local community. The exam with be a 1 hour 15-minute written exam at the end of the course. The 3 units are:
- Unit RO32: Principles of care in health and social care settings (exam unit worth 40%)
- Unit RO33: Supporting individuals through life events (coursework unit worth 30%)
- Unit RO35: Health promotion campaigns (coursework unit worth 30%)
Sociology
Exam Board AQA
What will I study?
Students complete the AQA GCSE Sociology specification. This subject aims to broaden students’ minds, helping them to see their world from different viewpoints and in new, thought-provoking ways. We analyse the way society works, and the way society makes us who we are. We investigate how sociologists carry out their research. We consider a range of sociological perspectives on the world including Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism and Interactionism. We then apply these viewpoints to aspects of society including the family, the education system, crime and the way that society is structured as a hierarchy. We look at questions such as, what is the purpose of school or the family? Who has power in our society? Why do people commit crime?
How will this course be assessed?
The GCSE course is assessed at the end of year 11 through two external examinations. Each of these is 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Each exam is made up of shorter questions and essays. The first exam tests students’ ability to explain and evaluate the sociology of families and education. The second assesses students’ ability to explain and evaluate the sociology of crime and deviance, and social stratification. Within each of the four sections, students are also required to critically interpret data from research studies on that topic, and link this to the theoretical perspectives. Each of these exams is worth 50% of the final result.
Hospitality and Catering
Exam Board: Eduqas
What is studied?
This is a practical course where students will make a range of food products and develop skills related to food preparation, including food hygiene, food presentation and production. The course is split into two units:
Unit One
Students will learn and develop the skills and knowledge to be able to create a new hospitality and catering outlet to open in a specific location. During this unit, students will explore all the different job roles in the hospitality and catering industry and how they could go on to study further for these careers. There will be an exam at the end of Y10 but they can re-sit the exam in Y11.
Unit Two
Students will learn and develop the skills and knowledge to safely plan, prepare, cook and present nutritional dishes.
The aim is to develop a range of practical skills and use a variety of catering equipment to produce a wide range of dishes.
There will be an assignment that is to be completed to show their knowledge and understanding of the subject and demonstrate their practical skills. This is called a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA). For the final part of this assessment students will complete a 4 hour practical exam: this is split into two 2 hour exams
How is this course assessed?
The course is broken up into 2 assessments.
- Unit 1 – THE Hospitality and Catering Industry External exam = 40%
- Unit 2 – Hospitality and catering in Action. Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) = 60%.
For the NEA students will design and make a product to meet the criteria of one of the set contexts from the exam board.
GCSE Music
Exam Board Eduqas
What is studied? Edexcel GCSE in Music
What specific skills are needed to succeed in this course?
The music GCSE course is ideal for any student that loves music and would like to develop their knowledge of music composition, analytical skills music appreciation, and performing on a variety of instruments. Throughout both years students will cover four areas of study including: musical forms and devices, music for emsemble, film music and popular music. By year 11 students will have completed two pieces of course relating to performing and composing.
How will the course be assessed?
Students will be assessed in 3 ways
- 40% of the final grade is achieved through an examination unit - Component 3 Appraising
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30% of the final grade is achieved through a student performance. This is a minimum of two pieces with one being an emsemble of at least one minute duration.
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30% of the final grade is achieved through a two compositions with total duration between 3-6 minutes
GCSE Drama
Exam Board: AQA
What is studied?
Throughout the two-year course, students study a range of performance styles, a set play from a choice of nine, and develop analytical and evaluative skills in relation to the work of live theatre makers. Students create their own devised piece of drama, contributing either as a performer or designer, and produce an analysis and evaluation of their own work. Students also work on performance styles by performing two extracts from one play, again, contributing as either performer or designer.
What specific skills do students need to succeed on this course?
In order to study Drama at GCSE, students will build upon the skills they have already developed at Key Stage 3. Students will need to be confident working as a team to produce a polished performance. Students will need to be able to take risks with their performance and be committed to evaluating their own work and the work of others in order to achieve the best outcomes. Students will need to write clearly, in detail, and with technical accuracy, using relevant subject terminology in their devising logs and extended written answers.
How will this course be assessed?
- Component 1 – Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes, open book, 80 marks, 40% of the GGSE
- Component 2 – Devising drama – practical performance of devised piece with an analysis and evaluation of own written work – 40% of the GCSE
- Component 3 – Performance of two extracts from one play - Performance of Extract 1 and Extract 2 – 20% of GCSE