Morriston Comprehensive SchoolYsgol GyfunTreforysinspire engage achieve

Key Stage 4 Option Information

2018/2020

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CONTENTS

Contents

�ntroduction 1

CORE SUBJECT

%athematics 2

English 3

Double Science 4

Triple Science 5

Welsh 6

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS

/rt and Design 7

Business 8

Computer Science 9

Construction 10

CoPE 11

Engineering 12

French 13

Geography 14

Creative and Media 15

Hair Services 16

Health and Social Care 17

History 18

Hospitality 19

ICT 20

Music 21

Performing Arts 22

Photography 23

Physical Education 24

Product Design 25

Religious Studies 26

SWEET 27

Textiles Design 28

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INTR

ODUCTIO

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Introduction

1

�ear Parent / Carer,

I am delighted to provide you with our 2018 Year 9 Option Information brochure. I hope the information provided will help

you and your child make informed decisions for next year.

Your child is nearing the end of Key stage 3 and about to make the most important decisions of their school life. The

choices made about what subjects to study for the next two years may well have a major bearing on their future career and

employment.

It is vital that pupils make informed and considered decisions and they fully understand the requirements of the courses.

As parents you have a very important role in helping and guiding your child during this process.

The aim of this brochure is to provide detailed information about the many subjects we offer and to explain the range of

qualifications available.

All pupils starting in Year 10 in September 2018 will take two-year courses leading to GCSE or BTEC equivalents. Most of

our courses are Level 2.

Level 2 qualifications – allow pupils to achieve grades A*-C

Level 1 qualifications – allow pupils to achieve grades D-G

Your child will follow a curriculum made up of the following:

Core SubjectsAll pupils in Wales are expected to study English, Mathematics, Science, along with Welsh (2nd language) RS, PE and PSE to

the age of 16. English, Mathematics and Science Core subjects offer the possibility of gaining two GCSE equivalents in each

core subject. In Morriston, we also offer the opportunity for pupils to take RS, Welsh or Triple Science to GCSE.

Every child in Wales will also be expected to study for the Welsh Baccalaureate. There are timetabled Welsh Bac challenge

lessons that will count as a stand-alone GCSE, pupils can then achieve the full Welsh Baccalaureate if they achieve A*-C

passes in Maths, English and three other subjects.

Option subjectsWe offer a wide range of GCSE and vocational BTEC courses at Key stage 4. The majority of students usually take one

vocational course, these courses are equivalent to GCSE qualifications and recognised by employers, colleges and universities.

In Morriston pupils will choose three option subjects, they will study each subject for 5 hours a fortnight.

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CORE SUBJECTS

�ntroductionMathematics and numeracy play an essential part in everyday life and therefore you will need to be properly equipped

and have the confidence to apply, combine and adapt your mathematical skills to new situations in your life and work.

The CourseGCSE Mathematics: This course will enable learners to:

� �evelop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical techniques and concepts required for progressioninto mathematics or mathematically-related disciplines or employment routes

� �ake connections between different areas of mathematics� &elect and apply mathematical methods in both mathematical and real-world contexts� �eason mathematically, construct arguments and simple proofs and make logical deductions� �evelop and refine strategies for solving a range of mathematical and real-world problems� #ommunicate mathematical information in a variety of forms

GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy: This course will enable learners to:

� �evelop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods, techniques and conceptsrequired for everyday life, in the world of work, and in other general curriculum areas

� &elect and apply appropriate statistics in everyday situations and contexts from the real world� se mathematics to represent, analyse and interpret information� !cquire and use strategies for problem solving and modelling in context� nderstand that there may be more than one way to solve a problem� "nterpret mathematical results and draw and justify conclusions that are relevant to the context

AssessmentThe structure for both GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy is the same.

There are 3 tiers of entry.

Higher Tier: Grades A* – C 1hr 45mins 80 marks

Intermediate Tier: Grades B – E 1hr 45mins 80 marks

Foundation Tier: Grades D – G 1hr 30mins 65 marks

There are 2 papers for both qualification, each counting for 50% of the final grade of each qualification. Paper 1 is non

calculator and Paper 2 allows the use of a calculator. There are no controlled assessments or course work, but pupils are

expected to complete a substantial amount of work at home including past papers and other revision materials in

preparation for their exams.

ProgressionPupils are taught in sets and are entered for Higher Tier, Intermediate Tier or Foundation Tier, depending upon progress.

These sets are fluid and movements are made in response to pupil needs for further challenge or support.

GCSE Mathematics is regarded as one of the key subjects as it is necessary for enhancing job opportunities and career

prospects. Many careers require a formal qualification in Mathematics namely Engineering, Banking, Business,

Economics and Teaching. Higher Tier pupils are offered lessons in Additional Maths in order to achieve a Level 2

certificate and to prepare them for A level studies.

GCSE Mathematics – Numeracy will assess the mathematics that learners will need in their everyday lives, in the world

of work, and in other curriculum areas. It will have an emphasis on those aspects of mathematics which are of most

relevance to learners functioning as informed twenty-first century citizens. It will prepare learners to make decisions about

further learning opportunities and career choices. Solving problems in the real world and the problem-solving cycle will

feature within the specification as well as the more numerical aspects of mathematics. Learners will make informed

decisions about the use of technology, the management of money and the use of statistics.

GCSE Mathematics

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CORE SUBJECTS

�ntroductionPupils study the WJEC GCSE English Language and WJEC GCSE English Literature specifications at Key Stage 4.

The CourseThe GCSE specification for English Language aims to address recommendation 18 of the final report of the Review of

Qualifications for 14 to 19-yearolds in Wales (Welsh Government, 2012). Pupils develop their literacy skills, build explicitly on the

levels of literacy that are developed in Key Stage 3 and a greater emphasis is placed on the quality and accuracy of writing and

on core writing skills such as spelling, punctuation and grammar than in previous specifications. The qualification is assessed

predominantly through externally marked assessments that are consistent across Wales. The questions and tasks on the

exam papers are designed to enable candidates to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do.

Assessment

The English Language qualification is made up of two equally weighted externally assessed units, and one internally

assessed unit. The two externally assessed units test reading and writing skills, whilst the internally assessed unit tests oracy

skills. Varied question types and clear rubric will aim to make this untiered assessment accessible to learners of different

abilities. A key aim of this specification is to encourage candidates to produce high-quality texts in their Writing responses.

To help learners achieve this, WJEC’s assessment materials will ensure that high-quality writing will be studied as part of

the Reading assessment which may be beneficial to learners as a model for their own Writing.

Progression

The GCSE specification in English Literature is based on the conviction that the study of literature should centre on an

informed personal response and a critical understanding of a range of texts in the genres of prose, poetry, and drama. This

qualification is made up of two externally assessed units, and one internally assessed unit. The two externally assessed units

test learners’ knowledge and understanding of a novel from different cultures, “Of Mice and Men”, contemporary unseen poetry,

a literary heritage text, “An Inspector Calls” and a contemporary novel, “Heroes”. The internally assessed unit tests learners’

knowledge and understanding of a play by Shakespeare and Welsh writing in English via the completion of two essays.

WJEC GCSE English

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CORE SUBJECTS

�ntroduction

Studying GCSE Science (Double Award) provides the foundations for understanding the material world. Scientific

understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all learners are taught essential aspects

of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.

The Course

The course is split into the three discrete sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each science is taught by a specialist in

that subject.

The course is allocated 9 hours of lesson time a fortnight (3 hours per subject).

Assessment

All three sciences will be tested throughout the two years with external summer exams and a practical assessment. All exams

are 1 hour 15 minutes and worth 80 marks.

Progression

Studying the Double Award science gives all pupils a good level of science knowledge with which to progress onto any chosen

path post-16.

GCSE Double Science

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CORE SUBJECTS

�ntroduction

GCSE Triple Science gives students a good knowledge of Science by studying units extensively from each of the sciences.

It is more suitable for students of higher abilities due to the academic demands of the course. Any student thinking of studying

a science based subject post 16 should consider choosing Triple Science as it gives an excellent grounding.

The Course

The course is split into the three discrete sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each science is taught by a specialist in

that subject.

The course is allocated 12 hours of lesson time a fortnight (4 hours per subject).

Assessment

All three sciences will be tested separately throughout the two years with external summer exams and a practical assessment.

All exams are 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 80 marks.

Progression

If you’re already thinking about university and

careers and are interested in science-based degrees

and jobs then it is definitely worth considering taking

Separate Science GCSEs. Most top universities

prefer applicants for Science subjects to have taken

the Triple Award option at GCSE.

GCSE Triple Science

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CORE SUBJECTS

GCSE Full Course Welsh

6

�ntroductionThe GCSE specification in Welsh second language will enable candidates to:

� ¨nderstand and use the language for a variety of purposes and audiences.� �evelop language learning skills and strategies in order to enable candidates to communicate and interact confidently and

spontaneously in relevant situations and specified context.� �evelop language learning skills and strategies to enable candidates to develop their grasp Welsh further.� �evelop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in an integrated manner, emphasising listening and speaking skills.� ¨se Welsh in further studies, in the workplace and in their communities.� �evelop curiosity about the Welsh language.

The CourseThe qualification is made up of four units: Unit 1 and Unit 2 are non-examination speaking and listening assessments. Unit 3and Unit 4 are reading and writing examinations. The course is suitable for teaching over two years within 120 guided learninghours. The context for learning the language is organised under three broad themes:

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Pupils will have come across these during their studies at KS3 and therefore should have a good base of knowledge to thenbuild upon at GCSE.

AssessmentUnit 1: Oracy response to visual materialAssessment: 6 – 8 minutes (pair) 25% of qualification 50 marks 1 task(10%) Speaking (15%) ListeningThe assessment will consist of two parts which are to be carried out in the following order:� ªatch a visual clip (twice) and fill in a sheet while listening to the stimulus. Discussion between the pair/group on what was watched.

Unit 2: Communicate with othersassessment: 6 – 8 minutes (pair)25% of qualification 50 marks 1 task(20%) Speaking (5%) ListeningA task for a pair/ group of three based on the stimuli provided by the WJEC to stimulate discussion.

Unit 3: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes25% of qualification 100 marks.(15%) – Reading (10%) – WritingReading and writing tasks with non-verbal and written responses, including one translation task from English to Welsh and a proof reading.

Unit 4: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes25% of qualification 100 marks.(10%) – Reading (15%) – WritingReading and writing tasks with non-verbal and written responses.

ProgressionThe GCSE course will allow you to go onto study A-level and AS-level courses in Welsh Second Language which could lead toaccess onto a Welsh Language Degree Course at University.

Opting for Full Course Welsh will also be very useful to anybody considering a career in the public sector in Wales and an increasing number of private sector companies in Wales have also adopted a Welsh Language Policy making this qualificationmore valuable than ever. The ability to teach basic Welsh is almost a prerequisite in Primary Teaching and a knowledge ofWelsh would benefit anyone interested in almost any field, especially: education; publishing; journalism; tourism; secretarialwork; office work; retail; industry; banking and so on.

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