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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Drama
Taking a GCSE in Drama is perfect for those with a passion for performing. It also develops many key stills for life including confidence and self-expression.
Course outline
Students work to develop an understanding of dramatic form and history of drama through rehearsal and performance. The students begin with the study of influential drama practitioners, specifically focusing on Stanislavski, Brecht, Godber and Berkoff, then move on to understanding historical drama from Greek to Medieval, Elizabethan, Victorian and Contemporary plays. Building on this knowledge, the students then develop their imagination, artistic awareness and creative development to enable students to devise a highly sophisticated original piece of performance.
A willingness to experiment in practical performance through developing skills in class workshops is needed for this course. As well as motivation and commitment – theatre teaches students that success comes to those who are highly committed to the task at hand and who are willing to work together.
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Please note: Drama cannot be studied alongside dance
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | Internal | Devised performance – externally moderated – performance of 5 – 20 minutes, report of approximately 1500 words |
| 2 | 20% | Exam | Text in performance, script based work – students work in designated groups to produce and perform a well-known play |
| 3 | 40% | Exam | Exam on set text, evaluation of performance from a text |
The future
The Drama GCSE is excellent preparation for A-level Performing Arts where students take a lead selective from the choice of Drama, Music and Dance. Drama gives you the creative discipline for all occupations and has a wide range of benefits that include self-expression, development of imagination, and fluency of speech, self-knowledge, self-discipline and self-confidence. Learning how to co-operate in groups, problem solving on social and moral dilemmas and helping students prepare for real life.
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Film Studies
Follow your passions! A GCSE in Film Studies will enable you to gain many transferable skills, knowledge and explore creativity.
Course outline
Film is an important part of many people’s lives. Those who choose to study it characteristically bring with them a huge enthusiasm and excitement for film which constantly motivates them in their studies. They experience a powerful medium which inspires a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective as they are drawn into characters, their narratives and the issues films raise. The root of that power is the immersive audio-visual experience film offers – one which can exploit striking cinematography, composition and locations as well as powerful music and sound.
The WJEC Eduqas specification in GCSE Film Studies aims to develop knowledge and understanding of:
the ways in which meanings and responses are generated through film
a contrasting, culturally diverse range of films from different national contexts
film as an aesthetic medium
how films reflect the social, cultural and political contexts in which they are made
the relationship between film and film technology over time
The course suits those with an interest in and enjoyment of film and a degree of creativity in order to explore the creative possibilities of film and film products.. You’ll develop the ability to be critical and investigative in your approach to film and an analytical approach that should seek to discover patterns of similarity and difference, ways in which films represent people, ways in which film technologies shape film productions across a range of films.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2 | 70% | Exam | Exploring Films |
| 3 | 30% | Internal | Controlled Assessment |
The future
An introduction to Film Studies at this level opens up options both academic and vocational. Academically it is an ideal grounding for both A-level Film Studies and other Media based courses. Vocationally students will find out about many areas of employment within this nationally important area of the economy. It could be the ‘jumping off point’ for any of the thousands of technical careers in this area or the inspiration to start building a student’s own portfolio and film making career.
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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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French
Studying a Modern Foreign Language GCSE opens doors to travel and adventure. But it is also has many cognitive benefits including memory, critical thinking and concentration. We strongly recommend you consider studying a language.
Course outline
You will build on the skills you have been working on in years 7-9 in the areas of listening, reading, speaking and writing in French. All the skills are examined at the end of the course in Year 11.
Topics covered will include:
People and lifestyle
Popular culture
Communication and the world around us
The course will suit those with confidence in speaking the language, accuracy in writing, an understanding of basic grammar such as verbs and an interest in learning about the culture of different French-speaking countries.
“With languages, you are at home anywhere.”
French speaking countries around the world.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25% | Internal | Speaking |
| 2 | 25% | Exam | Listening |
| 3 | 25% | Exam | Reading |
| 4 | 25% | Exam | Written (including translation) |
The future
By taking French at GCSE you will have amazing skills and a valuable talent that’s applicable to almost everything you do. Some examples of jobs where languages would be useful include; the world of business, finance, government, media, manufacturing and marketing, teaching, technology, travel and tourism. Languages mean business – being able to speak a language is a real achievement that employers will love! Universities also see having a language as a valuable asset, and some have it as an entry requirement as part of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).
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Geography
GCSE Geography suits those with an interest in other places and world events, and a desire to understand the causes and consequences of global change.
Course outline
This course explores both human and physical Geography and the processes that shape our world. You will study natural disasters, rivers and coasts, the living world including tropical rainforests and cold environments. You will learn about human Geography focusing on the challenges facing our cities, the changing economy and the challenge of managing resources. The course includes many topical issues facing the world today and will help you to understand why things change and how humans can cope and adapt to this change.
“GCSE Geography has helped me to understand more about the world around me – from the way our towns are changing to the consequences this is having on the environment, for example, for example the Calder Valley floods. Every day, there is something in the news that I can link to Geography. ”
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30% | Exam | Living in the UK today – 1 hour |
| 2 | 30% | Exam | The world around us – 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| 3 | 40% | Exam | Geographical skills – 1 hour and 30 minutes |
The future
A-level Geography can be studied here at Ryburn; we expect a minimum of a grade 5 at GCSE. Geography combines well with other subjects both in the Humanities or the Sciences and is one of the most flexible qualifications you can gain, giving access to a variety of careers and higher education courses. Geography is highly valued by universities. Graduates in Geography experience some of the best rates of employment of all graduates compared to all other disciplines in jobs as diverse as town planning, flood management, tourism, accountancy and the energy industries (e.g. oil production or renewables).
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History
Studying History enables us to understand the world and our place within it. It builds skills that are crucial in today’s world: the ability to think analytically and critically, to research and evaluate sources, and to present and communicate our ideas persuasively.
Course outline
The History GCSE encourages learners to become curious and to develop their own opinions based on a respect for evidence. Students will build a deeper understanding of the present by engaging with and questioning the past. The course develops a wide and deep knowledge of a range of different periods. Students will engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers.
Students will develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and why different interpretations have been constructed about them. Throughout the course students will study a variety of interesting historical topics: the people’s health, the Elizabethans and America, between 1920-1973.
Students are required to have a personal interest in History and be able to demonstrate strong written, oral and analytical skills.
“History is great! Learning about the foundations of everything around you is interesting and without History, where would we be today?”
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | Exam | ‘The People’s Health’ and ‘The Normans’ – 2 hours |
| 3 | 50% | Exam | ‘America, 1920-1973’ and ‘The First World War’ – 2 Hours |
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The future
A-level History can be studied at Ryburn. History is one of the most flexible qualifications you can gain, giving access to a variety of careers and higher education (degree) courses. History is highly valued by universities and employers. History graduates experience some of the best rates of employment ranging from law, journalism and television production. History is a highly valued academic subject, as well as handy in a pub quiz!
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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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Religious Studies
GCSE Religious Studies will teach you the skills and understanding needed to work with people of all faiths and cultures.
Course outline
In this course students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth. Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. Students will be able to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues and analytical and critical thinking skills, which will help them prepare for further study.
To be successful you need to:
Be able to ask questions and give opinions.
Be interested in others and in human beliefs and behaviours.
Express your own beliefs whilst taking into account the beliefs of others.
“I enjoy learning about the different ways religious believers practice their faith and debating questions like ‘War can never be fair’. ”
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | Exam | Study of religions – the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam – 1 hour 45 minutes |
| 2 | 50% | Exam | Religious, philosophical and ethical themes – 1 hour 45 minutes |
The future
A GCSE in Religious Studies is a stepping stone to a wide range of future opportunities. The skills you develop will support you in further studies and employment. A good grade at GCSE will help you progress to an A-level in Religious Studies.
Furthermore, as you enter the world of work, you will be expected to work alongside people with different beliefs than your own. Religious Studies will teach the skills and understanding needed to work with people of all faiths and cultures. These skills are vitally important in all careers especially professions such as the police, retail, teaching, the law, the caring professions and the armed forces, in fact any profession that brings you into contact with other people.
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Product Design
A creative and practical GCSE in Product Design will develop design thinking and problem solving, as well as skills working in wood, metals, plastics, electronics and more.
Course outline
The GCSE course is excellent for pupils who have enjoyed all elements of Design and Technology at key stage 3. Pupils will be examined on their knowledge of a range of materials; Wood, Metals, Plastics, Fabrics, as well as Electronics and Structures. Pupils will also have the opportunity to explore a design challenge and create a product that they have designed. This course is great for pupils who enjoy being creative; using both sketching by hand, using the computer and practical skills in wood, metal and plastic to design and make a product.
Students should show a general interest in the subject and a commitment to work hard on the folder work and theory as well as the manufacturing of products.
“I love Product Design because it allows me to be creative and build things I otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | Exam | Principles of Design & Technology – 2 hours exam |
| 2 - 3 | 50% | Internal | Iterative Design Challenge |
The future
This course can lead into A-level or Vocational (entry requirement grade 5 at GCSE) and then courses in Further and Higher Education in many areas of design including product, furniture, automotive, architecture and engineering.
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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.