If you are creative and imaginative, a GCSE in Art: Craft and Design will enable you to express yourself, and is also great preparation for the world of work.
Art & Design: Textiles specialism
Computer Science
A GCSE in Computer Science is a great choice for students with strong mathematical skill and an interest in technology and programming.
Course outline
This course enables students to develop their understanding of the current and emerging technologies and how they work. Students develop computer programs to solve problems and evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs / solutions and the impact of computer technology in society.
As well as learning about the theory of computer systems, students will also study computational thinking, algorithms and programming. In Year 10 all students will complete a programming project where they will be challenged by a range of exciting and engaging tasks to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.
Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world problems. This qualification will value computational thinking and help learners to develop the skills to solve problems and design systems that do so.
This option is subject to a teacher recommendation due to the advanced mathematical nature of the course.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 100% | Exam | External assessment |
The future
These skills will be the best preparation for learners who want to go on to study Computer Science at A-level and beyond. This meets the fundamental requirements of employers and leads to occupations such as Computer Programmers, Games Design and Network Engineers.
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Construction & the Built Environment (Vocational)
A Technical Award in Construction is a great choice for practical, hands on students with an interest in construction careers or DIY.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
MR O JEFFERSON (Course Leader)
EXAMINATION BOARD:
WJEC
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Technical award
WEBSITE
Course outline
This course is suitable for students who are interested in the construction industry as a career or who are just interested in having great DIY skills for the future. The course should suit pupils who enjoy practical tasks such as:
Wood e.g. hang a door, make a frame, attach a skirting-board, create a timber stud wall
Decorate e.g. emulsion a surface, gloss a panel door, paper an internal corner or around a switch
Tiling e.g. floor and wall, patch repair
Blockwork e.g. bricklaying and repointing
The course suits those with a general interest in the subject and a commitment to work hard. The course is 60% practical and 40% theory, so writing, IT and presentation skills will also be valuable. An ability to measure (mm) accurately and use hand tools safely is desirable.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | External | Exam - Health and Safety |
| 2 | 60% | Internal | Practical assessment of skills such as wood, tiling and decorating |
The future
The successful completion of this qualification, together with other equivalent qualifications, such as in Maths and the Sciences, could provide you with opportunities to access a range of qualifications including A-levels, apprenticeships, vocationally related and occupational qualifications in the construction industry.
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Enterprise & Marketing (Vocational)
Ever fancied yourself as an entrepreneur? Whether you dream of your own start up or a career in business, a qualification in Enterprise and Marketing will give you practical skills and experiences.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mr W Beaumont
EXAMINATION BOARD:
OCR
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate
WEBSITE
Course outline
Enterprise and Marketing is a practical introduction to life and work as an entrepreneur, students will:
Learn about enterprise and marketing concepts
Design a business proposal
Market and pitch a business proposal
Students will learn about what needs to happen to support a start-up business, and what key factors to decide when starting a business. They will design a proposal to meet a specific business challenge, identifying the customer profile for a specific product and completing market research to generate product ideas. Financial calculations will be completed to propose a pricing strategy and determine the viability of their product proposal. They will also work on brand identity and promotion as part of their business pitch.
IT skills are required for this course as well as team work and research skills.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | Exam | External |
| 2 | 25% | Internal | Ongoing controlled assessment |
| 3 | 25% | Internal | Ongoing controlled assessment |
The future
The subject can be taken at A-level in Economics or Business or at Level 3 BTEC Business. There are a wide range of employment opportunities for students that have knowledge of business studies. You could set up a business of your own or work within one to help it to perform better or more effectively.
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Hospitality and Catering (Vocational)
Good food brings people together. Studying Vocational Hospitality and Catering will not only provide you with practical skills for a career in catering, but a lifelong skill that will bring you health and enjoyment.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
MR O JEFFERSON (Course Leader)
EXAMINATION BOARD:
WJEC
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Technical award
WEBSITE
Course outline
Vocational Hospitality and Catering is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. The course has a large written element as well as plenty of food preparation; students should only choose this course if they enjoy both these elements.
At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students’ practical skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:
Food, nutrition and health
Food science
Food safety
Food choice
Food provenance
Students should demonstrate good organisational skills and time planning. They should enjoy studying food at KS3 and love cooking. There is an expectation that students will provide their own ingredients for this course.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | Exam | Written exam – 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| 2 | 60% | Internal | Controlled Assessment: Approximately 12 hours |
The future
Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, or embark on an apprenticeship or full time career in the catering or food industries. They will also develop vital life skills so that they can feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously.
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Health & Social Care (Vocational)
At the heart of Health and Social Care is care and compassion. This practical course is about working with people, developing understanding and empathy.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs G Whiteley
EXAMINATION BOARD:
Edexcel
LEVEL:
Edexcel Level 1/2 Technical Award
WEBSITE
Course outline
This is a vocationally related qualification, which is ideal for students who wish to gain a qualification, which will prepare them for employment in the Health and Social Care sector. It teaches many transferable skills so it also prepares students for any profession in which they work with people. Students will take part in discussion lessons where they explore different concepts and ideas relevant to Health and Social Care. There will also be time for independent research to collect together information and consolidate understanding. Practical tasks and videos are used to help explain the theoretical aspects of the work.
To succeed you will:
Have a caring personality with a desire to work in the field of Health & Social Care.
Be able to discuss ideas and work in groups as well as individually.
Course presentation
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | Exam | External Assessment |
| 2–3 | 60% | Internal | Controlled assessment units – Health and Social Care Values & Human Lifespan Development |
:
The future
On successful completion of the BTEC Technical Award you may progress on to a BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care course. You may then wish to continue your education and study to become a care worker, social worker, nursery nurse, midwife, teacher or occupational therapist. Alternatively, after completing the Level 1/ 2 Award you may take on an apprenticeship or a training position.
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Photography
If you are creative and imaginative, a GCSE in Photography will enable you to express yourself but is also good preparation for the world of work.
Course outline
If you are creative and imaginative and have a passion for taking photographs a GCSE in Photography, will enable you to express yourself and prepare for the world of work. Photographic skills are transferable to many sectors. Alongside a range of practical arts and digital skills, the course will develop good observational, analytical, research skills including the ability to solve problems creatively and work well both independently and in groups
Students explore the processes of digital photography, digital and manual image manipulation, animation and film. They develop observation and creativity skills and experience a wide range of techniques such in camera skills, Photoshop, Graphic design and mixed media. Through careful analysis of Photography and culture, students are given a vital opportunity to express themselves in a personal and meaningful way.
The course is a project based course that introduces students to how photography works in the outside world. If students like photography (or art) of any kind or have good ideas and want to find a way of using them then this course offers a variety of ways to express those ideas.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60% | Internal | Portfolio of work consisting of digital and camera based workshops, use of camera, light, lens and photo-shop through two projects. |
| 2 | 40% | Exam | Externally set assignment consisting of supporting work and a 10 hour exam |
The future
Photography courses can lead to real jobs and careers. Individualised teaching ensures students can tailor their work towards personal interest or career aspirations. The creative industries are some of the UK’s most successful, varied and fastest growing sectors, they provide millions of fulfilling job opportunities such as Sports and Music photography, Illustrator, Animator, Computer game designer, Graphic designer, Teacher, Web designer. Any career requiring creativity of approach and imaginative strategies would benefit from experiences gained on a Photography course.
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Sports (Vocational)
Follow your passion. If you love sports and fitness, studying Sports will enable you to gain knowledge, experience practical skills and a qualification.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Ms L Newey
EXAMINATION BOARD:
PeARson/Edexcel
LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1) / BTEC OCR LEVEL 1/2
WEBSITE:
GCSE
TECHNICAL AWARD
Course outline
The Cambridge National in Sport Science will encourage students to think for themselves about the scientific world of sport whilst putting those theories and concepts into practice in both theoretical and practical sport situations. They will gain a full and complete understanding of these areas to enable progression at level 3
The GCSE PE option enables students to develop their personal practical ability, their knowledge and understanding of tactics, strategies and rules and to study the theoretical side of the subject. The theory sessions cover a range of different areas including anatomy, physiology, sociology and psychology of sport.
Students need to have an interest in sport and issues surrounding sport. The course will suit students who:
Have good scientific knowledge
Are able to perform at least three sports at a good level
Participate in extra-curricular PE
students will be entered for either the GCSE or Vocational option depending on which better suits them.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 60% | Exam | Two written examinations |
| 3–4 | 40% | Internal | Controlled assessment – two pieces assessed in school. Marks are given for 3 practical activities. Students must be assessed in at least 1 team and 1 individual activity |
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | Internal | R180: Reducing the risk of sports injuries and dealing with common medical conditions (written paper exam) |
| 2 | - | External | R181: Applying the principles of training: fitness and how it affects skill performance |
| 3 | - | External | R183: Nutrition and sports performance |
:
The future
Physical Education or Sport can be taken at A-level or as a vocational course. It is also a valuable qualification and provides a pathway into higher and further education for a number of different subject areas.
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Statistics
Studying Statistics enables you to put Mathematical learning into real life scenarios. Understanding how to interpret and apply data will be a key skill throughout your life.
Course outline
Statistics is the science of collecting and analysing numerical data, and learning from it.
Statistics incorporates numerous examples of real-life data and contexts, which build skills that students will use in other subjects, such as Science and Geography. Students will study topics covered in Mathematics GCSE but will have the opportunity to extend these and to apply them in realistic scenarios. Based on the principles of the statistical enquiry cycle, students gain a rounded understanding of how to interpret and apply data to a number of scenarios, both across subjects and in the real world.
Students will gain an additional Mathematics qualification which has a very practical focus and will also support in other subjects.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | External | Exam | 2 x 1 hour 30 minute exams – Foundation / Higher Tier entry |
The future
This course is good preparation for study of Maths and other ‘STEM’ subjects at A-level. You can study Statistics at degree level and apply it as a career. Because it deals with data, the skills are very useful in countless real life jobs and situations, including marketing and retail, economics, business analysis and research. Everyone can benefit from a solid understanding of statistics.