So what do I have to study?

These are the subjects which you have to take, although, as you will see, you do have a certain amount of choice in how you do them. These subjects are available for all students in Key Stage 4 and culminate in a public examination, usually GCSE, at the of Year 11 unless stated otherwise.

Click on each of the Subjects listed below to find out more about the topics that you will study, and how you will be assessed throughout the course. We've also included an information sheet that shows how the subject might lead to a future career.

English is a core subject in the National Curriculum. Key Stage 4 students will study English Language and English Literature. This will give students two GCSEs in English. Where appropriate, some students may be entered for a single GCSE in English. We follow the AQA syllabus. There are two tiers of entry for both exams: Higher (Grades A* - C) and Foundation (Grades C – G). Each tier follows the same syllabus, but tiering is decided in relation to classwork, assessment grades and mock exam results. The exams are in June of Year 10 and in January and June of Year 11. Both GCSEs are a combination of controlled assessment and exams. English Language explores written and spoken language; while English Literature works on texts from the three main genres of Prose, Poetry and Drama. The majority of Year 10 is spent on the literature course as Year 11 follows the language course. The whole syllabus supports functional skills and the awareness of cultural and historical heritage. Year 9 is important as it provides an opportunity to develop the skills needed to be successful at GCSE level. Students are set in Year 10 using the assessment data from their Year 9 work. English is important in relation to other subjects as the key skills are tested in most other exams. Please speak to Mr Hogg if you have any further queries.

All students follow the National Curriculum in Mathematics and will have access to a GCSE at a level appropriate to their ability. The new GCSE places an emphasis on problem-solving, functionality and mathematical thinking. There will be much greater emphasis in examinations and the assessment of applying mathematics to solve problems. Some questions will be set in contexts that students should be expected to deal with in the ‘real’ world. Students might be asked to answer questions on decorating a room or designing a garden, or perhaps sorting bills or working out rotas for shop staff. Questions will also require students to be able to communicate the mathematics they have applied (a requirement called Quality of Written Communication, QWC). This may involve giving a reason for an answer, correctly setting out a proof or accurately labelling a statistical diagram. About 5% of marks in the examination will be given over to QWC. GCSE Mathematics is entirely assessed by written examination. There is no controlled assessment. The content of the GCSE is grouped into the topic areas of Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measures, Statistics and Probability. The course is split into three modules with only certain topic areas being covered in each. Module 1: (calculator) contains Statistics, Probability, Number and small amount of Algebra, Geometry and Measures. Module 2: (non calculator) contains Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures. Module 3: (calculator) contains Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures. Each module can be set at a higher or foundation tier and students will be entered for the most appropriate tier for their ability. Module 1 (30% of the total mark) will be examined in Year 10 with Modules 2 (30% of their total mark) and 3 (40% of their total mark) being examined in Year 11. Some students will be selected to sit all modules at foundation level in Year 10. If they gain a Grade C, the option of personalised learning in Year 11 will be discussed. Please speak to Mrs Dunton for further information or queries.

The Science Department has developed four courses to best suit the individual students’ learning and qualification needs. We operate a system of guided choice as Science is not an option and must be studied by all students. Students are invited to study for a particular course and suite of qualifications based upon their examination performance, teacher assessment and career aspirations. There are four possible routes from Year 10 to the end of Year 11 in Science each yielding a suite of qualifications: Programme 1 - Double Award (Academic): AQA Science A (4461) Core Science – Year 10 AQA Additional Science (4463) – Year 11 This will lead to the awarding of two grades for Science. Programme 2 - Double Award (Applied): In Year 11 some students will be invited to study Additional Applied Science (4863) instead of Additional Science providing a more vocational route for those requiring GCSEs for future courses and covering topics such as food science, forensics and sport. AQA Science A (4461) Core Science – Year 10 AQA Additional Applied Science (4863) – Year 11 This will lead to the awarding of two grades for Science. Programme 3 - Triple Award (Academic): Selected students identified as Gifted and Talented, will be offered the opportunity to study a triple award of: AQA Biology (4411) AQA Chemistry (4421) AQA Physics (4451) This will lead to the awarding of three grades for Science. Each course consists of a combination of examinations and controlled assessment. Controlled assessment content contributes between 25% and 40% of the final mark depending on the programme followed. External examinations contribute between 40% and 75% of the final mark depending on the programme followed. Programme 4 - BTEC (Vocational): For students who work best with project and coursework-based assessment and need a Science qualification for Level 3 qualifications at college. Edexcel BTEC First Certificate – Year 10 Edexcel BTEC First Diploma – Year 11 This programme will be 100% coursework assessed. This will lead to the award of at least two grades for Science. * Please note - we offer two Core Science courses: Science A and B. Science A is taught as Chemistry, Physics and Biology with examinations in January and June. Science B is a content led course with examinations in November, March and June. For more information, please contact Mrs Ryans or Mrs Edwards.

The French and German courses in Years 10 and 11 will be a continuation of the work already covered in Years 7, 8 and 9 and will lead to the EDEXCEL GCSE examination. The aims of the courses are: - to develop the student's ability to use French/German effectively for the purpose of communication - to encourage positive attitudes towards foreign language learning - to promote a sympathetic approach to international cultures - to provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation. It is our aim to make the learning of French/German relevant to the needs of individual students using a variety of authentic materials, visual and audio stimuli, contact with native speakers and the use of the internet. For the final examination, four areas of skill will be tested on two different levels, Foundation and Higher, depending on the ability of the candidates. These areas are: Listening 20% Reading 20% Speaking 30% Writing 30% Dual Linguists We currently offer the exciting opportunity for our top set students to continue with both French and German to GCSE by adding one after-school session per fortnight. This has been running for six years and is proving highly popular and successful with our Key Stage 4 students. For more information about studying French, please speak to Mrs Sinclair. If you'd like more information about studying German, speak to Mrs Johnstone.

In GCSE Physical Education, students will be assessed both in their practical ability and their theoretical knowledge. In order to succeed on this course, it is important that students have both a strong sporting background as well as the academic capability to cope with a written exam at the end of Year 11. GCSE Dance AQA This course is suitable for those students who have a sound dance background and have had some experience of contemporary dancing. There are four components to the GCSE Dance course:- Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance A classroom based theory aspect worth 20% of the final mark. This consists of a one-hour written paper at the end of Year 11 based on comparing and contrasting different choreographers, dance works, styles and cultural influences. Unit 2: Set Dance A practical solo examination, which is externally assessed and is worth 20% of the final mark. Unit 3: Performance in a Duo/Group Dance Students will perform in a group dance that relates to a professional work. The group size must be between 2,3,4 or 5 dancers. Each candidate must be dancing for a minimum of 2 minutes. Three clear links with the chosen professional work must be demonstrated, for instance: - Choreographic style - Dance style - Accompaniment - Recognisable action, content or motifs - Similar costume, props, staging or setting (This will be internally assessed and is worth 20% of the final mark.) Unit 4: Choreography This unit involves two tasks; a solo composition worth 15% of the final mark and a solo, duo or group choreography based upon a selected starting point or stimulus worth 25% of the final mark. Choreography is an important element of the course and it is vital to have some previous dance experience to create a contemporary dance as this unit is worth 40% of the final mark. BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Performing Arts: Dance This is an assignment based course that consists of both theoretical aspects and practical aspects. The course is delivered through a variety of units where dancers are required to meet specific assessment criteria through assignment based activities. Dancers will establish and develop further techniques in an array of dance styles that compliment the assessment criteria. They will become diverse and knowledgeable about the performing arts industry and develop an understanding of the pathways to access the industry in preparation for career opportunities or further educational experiences. Dancers are required to have a varied background in dance possessing knowledge of dance techniques and performance skills. Dancers will need to be able to apply independent learning skills throughout the course and be good self-managers within the rehearsal and class time. Throughout the course dancers will perform to live audiences through the school's Dance Show, assemblies and further dance specific productions. This will enable students to develop their esteem and confidence through the expansion of performance skills. GCSE Physical Education Unit 1: The Theory of Physical Education This 1 hour 30 minute written exam involves 10 multiple choice questions, short answer questions and three scenario questions based upon various topics covered throughout the two years. For example, students will be questioned on the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and how this can affect the cardiovascular system. This unit is worth 40% of the final exam. Unit 2.1: Practical Activities Students must select four activities from the specification and they may select Leader and/or Official as one of their four sports. Students will be externally examined by a moderator in all four sports and this will take place in the Spring term of Year 11. This is worth 48% of the final exam. Unit 2.2: Analysis of Performance Students will be questioned by their teacher on one of their four sports, demonstrating for example, their knowledge and understanding of the rules, regulations and technology and their ability to plan a personal exercise plan. This brief interview is worth 12% of the final exam. EDEXCEL BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport The BTEC course is a vocational course where students cover both practical and theory elements. The qualification is worth two GCSEs Grade C or above. Students can achieve a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* BTEC Grade (and GCSE Equivalent): Pass (CC) Merit (BB) Distinction (AA) Distinction* (A*A*) Four units of work are covered over a two year period; each unit is made up of several different assignments. The units studied are: Unit 1: Fitness Testing and Training Unit 2: Practical Sport Unit 4: Anatomy and Physiology in Sport Unit 5: Injury in Sport. The assessment of the course is through various assignments that are marked internally. There is no examination and therefore the course is more suitable to some students. The practical element does not assess how good students are at playing sport; instead evidence is required to show regular participation within PE lessons. It is important to understand that the BTEC qualification is not a suitable foundation for A Level PE. For more information about the PE courses, please speak to Mrs Andrew.

In addition to the core subjects, all students must choose to follow one option from the Design and Technology subject list: Food, Textiles, Graphics and Resistant Materials. These subjects can be taken as GCSEs. All GCSE Design and Technology subjects will have have a controlled assessment section and a single-tier final exam. Food and Nutrition This course gives students an opportunity to extend and apply their skills, knowledge and understanding of food and nutrition within a variety of contexts. It provides opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking and to manage a range of resources in order to develop food items which are suited to the needs of individuals or families and to recognise the influence of current trends, the market economy and technological change. Students need to be well-organised as the course involves a lot of practical work. The main areas of study are: 1 – Nutrition, Diet and Health Throughout Life 2 – Factors Affecting Consumer Choice 3 – Nutritional, Physical, Chemical and Sensory Properties of Foods in Storage, Preparation and Cooking 4 – Food Hygiene and Safety Assessment Written exam – 40% - one exam at the end of Year 11 Controlled Assessment – 60% - consisting of two tasks: Task 1 – (20%) to be completed in the Spring Term of Year 10 Task 2 – (40%) to be completed at the start of Year 11 Students are given a design task and must make a range of suitable products. They are then assessed on the following: (a) Investigation and Planning (b) Production (c) Evaluation For more information about the Food course, please speak to Ms McIndoe. Textiles The course is concerned with the understanding and use of textiles as a material and the designing and production of fashion textiles. You will study fibres, fabrics, construction and decorative techniques including dyeing, stitching, printing, appliqué, padding, quilting, tie-dye and stencilling. Students will study the use of textiles in everyday life and the endless opportunities to create an exciting 'new look' or enhance an 'old look' through the skilful use of fabrics in a variety of ways. You will design and make textile products, study industrial practices and investigate and evaluate the quality of both commercial and self-made textile products. Scheme of Assessment for Textiles: Written Paper 40% Controlled Assessment 60% (20% Designing; 40% Making) Students will be expected to complete a major project consisting of a design folder and a realisation of their design. This task will provide the opportunity for students to design and make a textile product. Students should note the making skills carry TWICE the weighting of designing skills, therefore the course has a significant practical element. For more information about the Textiles course, please speak to Mrs Cole. Graphics The main aim of this course is to enable students to communicateideas and information through drawing, computer-aided design and modelling. By the end of the course students will be able to: - understand how and when to use formal drawing techniques - understand the uses and purposes of models and prototypes - draw accurately with good presentation and with a high standard of finish - understand the commercial and industrial applications of Graphic Design - use ICT to improve their presentation and design skills, including being proficient in computer-aided design. A full range of graphic and model-making materials will be available and explored in orderto give the students the opportunity of experiencing as wide a range of these as possible. CAD/CAM, DTP and graphic editing software will be used during the course where appropriate. Exam Board: AQA Scheme of Assessment: Written Paper 40% (Single tier Entry) Controlled Assessment: Project 60% (40 hours) For more information about the Graphics course, please speak to Mr Dwyer. Resistant Materials: Wood, Metal and Plastic This course allows students the chance to develop a variety of skills including designing and making skills and also their understanding in a field of special interest to them. In the first year they tackle four mini-projects leading up to the major project of forty hours. Weekly assignments are set to supplement folders, work, knowledge and skills. Students should note that Design and Making are equally important in the completion of a controlled assessment project. The main project is set by the examinations board and could be based on a hobby, seating, display/storage, lighting and sports equipment and should be completed by February half-term in the final year and linked to industrial practices. The final assessment is based on a written paper of two hours and is a test of students' theory knowledge. Scheme of Assessment for Resistant Materials: Written paper: 40% (Single Tier Assessment) Controlled Assessment: Project (60%) (40 hours) For more information about the Food course, please speak to Mr Dwyer and Mrs Plotkin.

OCR Nationals Level 2 – GCSE - 100% Coursework Students begin their Key Stage 4 (OCR Nationals) course in ICT in Year 9. These are work-related qualifications which provide learners with practical ICT skills. Students take three units, which together are equivalent to one GCSE. The work is awarded at a Pass, Merit or Distinction level. Pass = C Grade Merit = B Grade Distinction = A Grade There are no exams and learners can work at a pace that suits them and develop their independent learning techniques. The course begins in Year 9, with Unit 1: ICT Skills for Business. Topics covered in this unit include safe working practices with IT, email, business presentations and documents, spreadsheets and databases. Students also complete a unit in creating computer graphics. In Year 10, students complete the third unit of work in which they create an interactive multimedia product. For those students who wish to take ICT as a double award (equivalent to two GCSEs), after-school classes (one hour per week) are available in Years 10 and 11. Here, a further two units are studied from: Spreadsheet Design and Use, Web Page Design, Databases and Desktop Publishing. For more information about the ICT course, please speak to Mr Inal.

All students in Key Stage 4 will work towards achieving a qualification in Religious Education. This is in accordance with the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus and a requirement of the Education Act. Students will study an Ethics course for one hour per week. At the end of Year 10 each student will be entered into the GCSE Short Course examination in May. This course finishes in the Summer of Year 10. The course covers a variety of subjects including: - Sex and Human Relationships - Poverty and Capital Wealth - Peace and Justice - Medical Ethics - Equality, Prejudice and Discrimination - The Media and Freedom of Speech. For more information about the Ethics course, please speak to Miss Allen.

Building on the progress made in Key Stage 3, topics covered from the middle of Year 10 include Preparation for Work Experience and Sexual Health and Relationship Education. We encourage all students to self-generate a Work Experience placement for the following October and provide help and support for those students who need it. In Year 11 students will be given the opportunity to learn about subjects such as ‘rights and responsibilities’ in the workplace, writing CVs and letters of application, going for a successful interview, researching a future career and dealing with personal finances effectively. Time is also spent looking at revision techniques ahead of the GCSE exam season. For more information about the PSHEE, Citizenship and Careers course, please speak to Mr Fish.