St John’s College Strive & Achieve

St John’s College

Strive & AchieveGCSE Information Booklet Students thrive at St John’s College

www.stjohnscollege.co.uk

02.

Choosing your options

Options time is an important point in your education; you’ll be making decisions about the subjects you will study for the next two years.

All of us at St John’s College want to support you to start making decisions about your learning and to choose subjects that suit your aspirations, skills and needs. Please use all the information available to you: this booklet, advice from teachers, your tutors and your parents. All of these people know you in some way and may be able to suggest whether they think a subject would suit you as a learner.

It might be useful to ask yourself the following questions:

• Will I enjoy the subject?

• Will I be good at the subject?

• Does it offer the prospect of interesting and challenging post-GCSE study?

• What possible A Level combinations might I want to consider?

• Will this subject enhance my Higher Education and career ambitions?

Some of these may be hard to answer, as you may not know what career you would like. In fact the Government itself suggests that 7 out of every 10

pupils leaving school now will end up in careers and work not yet invented. Therefore it is best to think in general terms. For example, would languages help in a career in business and so broaden your longer term employability? Could Design Technology be of use in engineering? Could Art be of use in architecture or advertising?

Think about possible A Level subject combinations. For example, History develops your essay writing skills, and at A Level can be studied in combination with almost any subject. Geography sits comfortably with both the arts and the sciences.

We hope that the information in this booklet and the conversations you will have with staff, friends and family members allow you to make the right choices.

We will continue to give you the support to reach your potential; we look forward to seeing you succeed over the next two years and go on to the Sixth Form as a confident, mature and well-rounded young person.

Mrs Mary Maguire Head of College

Year 9 Options Evening Use this opportunity to discuss ideas with staff.

03.

Our Subjects

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In years 10 and 11, you will follow a two-year programme of study leading to GCSE or IGCSE examinations. In addition to courses in our core subjects listed below, and to ensure you have a balanced curriculum, four further subjects are selected:

Next Steps: • Further details about each subject can be found on the following pages of this booklet. The core subjects are listed first, followed by optional subjects listed alphabetically.

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CORE SUBJECTS

• English Language• English Literature• Mathematics• Sciences • Biology • Chemistry • Physics

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS

• Art• Business• Computer Science• Design and Technology• Drama• French• Geography• Global Perspectives• History • Music• Physical Education• Religious Philosophy & Ethical Studies • Spanish

Other compulsory, non-examined subjects include:

• Physical Education & Games

• PSHE• Careers guidanceSelected students will be invited to study:

• Additional Mathematics

04.

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English Language Exam board: Edexcel, IGCSE

METHOD WEIGHTING

Unit 1: Written examination (2 hours 15 minutes)• Section A – Reading: short and long answer comprehension,

analysis and comparison questions based on two non-fiction articles, one of which is unseen

• Section B – Writing: one transactional writing task from a choice of two which persuades/ argues/ informs/ explains/ reviews

60%

Unit 2: Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes)• Section A – Reading: one long answer question related to a

fiction text (poetry or prose) students will have studied• Section B – Writing: one imaginative writing task from a choice of three

40%

CORE SUBJECT

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

YOU WILL BE STUDYING:

• Non-fiction texts

• Poetry and prose texts

• Transactional and creative writing skills.

English is a compulsory subject for good reason. Through studying English, you will develop a wide array of skills including the ability to:• Read, understand and respond to material from

a variety of non-fiction sources and literary texts

• Make comparisons between texts and analyse the ways in which writers achieve their effects

• Construct and convey meaning in your own written work, matching your style to a given audience and purpose

• Develop imaginative writing skills to engage the reader

• Write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately

• Use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately

• Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions

• Listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively.

ENG

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05.

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English Literature Exam board: Edexcel, IGCSE

CORE SUBJECT

YOU WILL BE STUDYING:

• One modern prose text

• One collection of poetry

• One modern drama text

• One literary heritage text

METHOD WEIGHTING

Unit 1: Written examination (2 hours)• Section A – Unseen Poetry: one long answer question on an unstudied poem • Section B – Anthology Poetry: one long answer question comparing two

studied poems (open book)• Section C – Modern Prose: one long answer question on a studied prose text

(closed book)

60%

Unit 2: Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes)• Section A – Modern Drama: one long answer question on a studied drama text

(open book)• Section B – Literary Heritage: one long answer question on a studied drama

text (open book)

40%


Not only does studying literature improve your skills, helping you to both understand and interact with the world around you – key employability markers – it also enriches your life, giving you new perspectives on universal issues, allowing you scope to develop a personal response and even to escape to imagined worlds.Perhaps you may also be inspired to read or write yourself. In short, studying literature will enable you to better understand yourself and the world around you.

06.


MathematicsExam board: Edexcel, IGCSE Specification A

CORE SUBJECT

METHOD WEIGHTING

Paper 1F or 1H: Written examination (2 hours)• Calculator allowed 50%

Paper 2F or 2H: Written examination (2 hours)• Calculator allowed 50%


In today’s tech-focused and ever-changing world, Mathematics will arm you with the basic skills you need to engage with IT, science, engineering and data analysis. Today, many of the most exciting new careers require a foundation in Mathematics. App development, data analytics, AI research – some of the most stimulating job roles are filled with Mathematics specialists.

In common with an increasing number of independent schools, we have elected to follow the IGCSE examination in Mathematics for all sets.

The course is designed to extend your knowledge by broadening and deepening skills, for example:

• You will develop problem-solving skills by translating problems into mathematical contexts from non-mathematical contexts

• You will develop reasoning skills through exercises such as presenting arguments and proofs, and making deductions and drawing conclusions from mathematical information.

07.

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Further Mathematics Exam board: AQA

CORE SUBJECT


Selected students may also be entered for an additional qualification, AQA Level 2 certificate in Further Mathematics. This course runs parallel to the IGCSE course and is designed to support the teaching of the grade 9 topics. It helps students to develop their problem solving skills and stretches the most able students. There are a few new topics to learn which makes it an excellent foundation for the study of A Level Maths.

Towards the end of year 11, students are offered the choice of whether they would like to sit the exam.

The course is fully examined at the end of Year 11.

YOU WILL STUDY HOW TO:

• Recall and use manipulative techniques• Interpret and use mathematical data,

symbols and terminology • Recognise the appropriate mathematical

procedure for a given situation

• Formulate problems into mathematical terms and select and apply appropriate techniques of solution

• Pursue a mathematical argument rigorously and with a high level of algebraic skill.

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METHOD WEIGHTING

Paper 1 (non-calculator): Written examination (1 hour 45 minutes)• Calculators are not permitted 50%

Paper 2(calculator) Written examination (1 hour 45 minutes))• Calculator are permitted 50%

08.


Sciences Exam board: Pearson Edecel, IGCSE

CORE SUBJECT

METHOD WEIGHTING

Triple Award (3 GCSEs) total 6 examinations (2 per subject)Paper 1Paper 2

61.1%38.9%

Sciences Double award (2 GCSEs) total 3 examinations BiologyChemistryPhysics

33%33%33%

Sciences Single award (1 GCSE) total 3 examinations BiologyChemistryPhysics

33%33%33%

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessment is through external exams which contain both multiple choice and longer written questions.

In science you will learn to evaluate and describe the world around you as well as learn many transferable skills.

We offer the Edexcel IGCSE course because it contains traditional Sciences and is a good run into A Levels; it is internationally recognised and provides an international pathway for students to continue their studies around the world. The IGCSE has a similar curriculum in relation to the tier of entry, which allows us to decide later in the course as to the best exam entry.

Biology students study topics covering, Cell Biology, Human Biology, Plant Biology, Genetics, Ecology and Biotechnology.

Chemistry sees students study topics covering, Particulate theory of matter, Industrial Chemistry, Electrochemistry, The Periodic Table, Organic Chemistry and Earth cycles.

Physics comprises, General Physics, Thermal Physics, Properties of Waves & Light, Electricity & Magnetism, Space and Atomic Physics. This course also contains circuit work and logic work.

09.

Art

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Exam board: Edexcel, GCSE

METHOD WEIGHTING

Component 1 : Personal portfolioIn Years 9 & 10 and the Autumn term of Year 11 students produce a portfolio of work in response to three themes set by the school. The themes are broad and allow students to explore a wide range of ideas and experiment with a variety of media in 2-dimensions and 3-dimensions.This component allows students opportunities to:• Develop and explore ideas• Research primary and contextual sources• Experiment with media, materials, techniques and processes• Present personal responses.

60%

Component 2 : Externally set assignmentIn January of Year 11 students receive an assignment from the examination board and have approximately eight school weeks to prepare for a final 10 hour timed piece of work under examination conditions.

40%

OPTIONAL SUBJECT


Creative thinking and expression are incredibly important skills. Being creative can help you become a better problem solver in all areas of your life. It helps you to see things differently and better equips you to deal with the challenges that further education may bring. Creative industries are driving economic growth across the UK, and it is currently estimated that one million new and exciting jobs will be created between 2019 and 2030. Film, gaming and TV are just a handful of industries that rely on artistic talent. It is a subject that breeds independence, confidence and an appreciation that any question may have multiple solutions.

Art, craft and design is about exploring an idea in a creative way and learning how to express it in order to create an original outcome. Within the GCSE students explore a range of key skills such

as drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, 3D work and digital arts. You get to develop an understanding of art, craft and design by looking at and responding to a range of both traditional and contemporary artists. As the course develops, students will become more independent and have the opportunity to direct their own project work.

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10.


Business Exam board: AQA, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT

METHOD WEIGHTING

Paper 1: Influences of Operations and Human Resource Management on business activity (1 hour 45 minutes)• Section A has multiple choice questions and short answer questions worth 20 marks• Section B has one case study/data response stimuli with questions worth

approximately 34 marks• Section C has one case study/data response stimuli with questions worth

approximately 34 marks

50%

Paper 2: Influences of Marketing and Finance on business activity (1 hour 45 minutes)• Section A has multiple choice questions and short answer questions worth 20 marks• Section B has one case study/data response stimuli with questions worth

approximately 34 marks• Section C has one case study/data response stimuli with questions worth

approximately 34 marks

50%


If you would like to understand just what goes on in the world of work, know what businesses look for when they recruit staff, see how a business gets its money to operate, understand why the same big businesses operate around the world and think you might like to be your own boss running your own business, GCSE Business could be for you.In addition, if you enjoy:

• Communicating and explaining your ideas• Thinking creatively and making decisions• Working with numbers to solve business problems• Learning about the world of business through real

and relevant local and international brands• Then GCSE Business is definitely

the right subject for you! During the course you will study six units:

• Business in the Real World - the purpose and nature of businesses, enterprise and entrepreneurship and the dynamic nature of business

• External Influences on Business – the economic climate, technology, globalisation and how

businesses change in response to these influences• Business Operations – the different ways that

businesses produce goods and services whilst managing stock, quality and customer service.

• Human Resources – how businesses structure their organisations, recruit and select new employees and how they motivate and train employees once they start work.

• Finance – how businesses raise the finance they need to establish and expand their businesses. Managing cash, calculating profits (or losses) and using financial data to judge performance.

• Marketing – how businesses identify, research, understand and target customers’ needs and wants, therefore creating awareness and demand for their products and services.

11.

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Computer Science Exam board: OCR, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT


METHOD WEIGHTING

Unit 1: Computer Systems Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes)• Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory

and storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.

50%

Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes)• Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. You

develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, translators and data representation. The skills and knowledge developed within this component will support the learner when completing the component 03 programming project.

50%

Computer Science is a very practical subject – you will be able to use the knowledge and skills you learn in the classroom on real-world problems. It’s also a highly creative subject that calls on learners to be inventive and think outside the box. This is an engaging modern qualification that is highly accredited and it will allow students to follow a variety of different career paths in all walks of life. If we look at society today it’s hard to think of any job/career where this qualification wouldn’t be useful.

Students will be taught valuable thinking and programming skills that are extremely attractive

in the modern workplace. You will gain a deep understanding of problem solving and experience in creating logical and efficient solutions.

Students will develop their ability to write down solutions to problems for other people to understand and will also receive a good grounding in mainstream computing theory and its understanding.

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* Unit 3 will be removed from the syllabus in June 2022.

12.


Design and Technology Exam board: Edexcel, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT

METHOD WEIGHTING

Unit 1: Written examination (1 hour and 45 minutes)• Section A: Core • Section B: Material Categories 50%

Unit 2: NEA (Non-exam assessment)• Investigate • Design • Make • Evaluate 50%


Design and Technology is very much a cross-curricular course. It draws upon many subject areas and skills in ICT, Maths, Science, Economics and Engineering. Design and Technology gives you skills for life and an appreciation of everything ‘designed’ around you. It is an excellent subject to continue to study at A Level, and leads on to careers in Engineering, Architecture, Product Design, Manufacturing and many more.

Studying this subject allows you to:

• Consider sustainability and combine skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make quality products.

• Explore ways in which aesthetic, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social, dimensions interact to shape designing and making.

• Analyse existing products and produce practical solutions to needs, wants and opportunities, recognising their impact on quality of life.

• Develop decision-making skills through individual and collaborative working.

• Understand that designing and making reflect and influence cultures and societies, and that products have an impact on lifestyle.

• Develop skills of creativity and critical analysis through making links between the principles of good design, existing solutions and technological knowledge.

Students gain knowledge of a range of material areas including woods, metals, plastics, electronics, textiles and paper & card, this knowledge is gained through both theory and practical tasks. Students develop and build on their manufacturing techniques gained during KS3 through practical projects. Current projects include:

• Timber Shelving Unit

• Polymer Designer Clock

• Metal Wind Chime

• Pop Up Celebration Card

To facilitate students during these projects the department is well equipped with a fully kitted out workshop, laser cutter, 3D printer and much more. Creativity, problem solving and independence are key factors within this subject. As well as this you will be expected to improve your subject knowledge and understanding in preparation for subject exams.

15% of the subject content is Maths or Science based knowledge. This will be tested during Unit 1 as it cannot be tested during the NEA section of the subject.

13.

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Drama Exam board: AQA, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT


METHOD WEIGHTING

Component 1: Written examination (1 hour 45 minutes)• Section A – Understanding Drama – four multiple choice questions, worth 4 marks• Section B – Study of a Set Play: “Noughts and Crosses” – four essay style questions

on an extract worth 44 marks• Section C – Live Theatre Production – one evaluative essay worth 32 marks

40%

Component 2: Devising Drama• Section 1 – 3 – Three part devising log coursework, reflecting on the different

stages of devising worth 60 marks.• Section 4 – Devised performance based on given stimuli worth 20 marks

40%

Component 3: Texts in Practice• Extract 1 – Performance of one act of a play• Extract 2 – Performance of another act of a play

20%

Confidence. Public speaking skills. Creativity. Drama offers a range of transferable skills, allowing students to develop core skills and personality traits desired by universities and work places alike. Furthermore, the opportunity for creativity and reflection allows students to develop their originality, giving them an outlet to be imaginative and do interesting and engaging activities, ranging from devising performances to watching theatre. The creative industry is one of the quickest growing industries with 312,000,000 creative jobs within the UK! Nevertheless, even if that isn’t a route of interest at the moment, there is so much to learn and experience. Drama is a worthwhile subjects for all students, which enables them to present themselves in a more confident and desirable way.

Throughout the course, students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of theatre, with each of the three components focusing on a different aspect: script interpretations, performance, and analysis and evaluation of drama.

The weighting between practical and theory work is 30:70, so each week there is one double lesson exploring practical skills, and one focused on the theory.

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French Exam board: Edexcel, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT

METHOD WEIGHTING

Unit 1: Listening and Understanding (45 minutes) 25%

Unit 2: Speaking (12 minutes) 25%

Unit 3: Reading and Understanding (1 hour) 25%

Unit 4: Writing (1 hour 20 minutes) 25%

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?GCSE French has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All units are assessed by final exam and there is no controlled assessment or coursework.

There is no doubt that learning a language will open doors in many aspects of your life. More and more employers and universities see a foreign language as a specific and transferable skill that will set you apart. Languages teach you communication skills, adaptability and cultural awareness. They give you a sense of achievement and are a social skill. Languages give you the edge in the job market and provide greater opportunities to travel and work abroad. Languages combine well with virtually any subject for further study.

The new Edexcel specification contains a series of stimulating and relevant topics for young people:

• Theme 1: Identity and culture, Customs and festivals in France

• Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

• Theme 3: Current and future study and employment.

We use the latest digital textbooks that students can access anytime and anywhere. Interactive whiteboards help make full use of language-related websites. We use an interactive and differentiated approach to get students actively engaged in their language learning. We are building links with our partner schools in France and there will be opportunities for students to contact students from these schools through either project work or trips and exchanges.

Students must have a positive attitude towards foreign languages and an enthusiasm for the work needed to succeed. A solid background from Year 9 will give you the best chances at GCSE. Half of the final grade is for the ‘active’ skills of Speaking and Writing so students need to be keen to practise expressing themselves in these ways.

15.

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GeographyExam board: AQA, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT


METHOD WEIGHTING

Paper 1: Living with the physical environment (1 hour 30 minutes written examination)• The challenge of natural hazards • The living world• Physical landscapes in the UK • Geographical skills

35%

Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment (1 hour 30 minutes written examination)• Urban issues and challenges • The changing economic world• The challenge of resource management • Geographical skills

35%

Paper 3: Geographical applications (1 hour 15 minutes written examination)• Issue evaluation • Fieldwork • Geographical skills 30%

Geography is a broad-based academic subject which is well respected by academic institutions and employers. It is one of only seven subjects identified as a facilitator subject by the Russell Group of Universities which highlights the subject for its broad range of skills and topic areas. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment.

The main focus of this syllabus is an understanding of physical processes and factors that produce diverse and dynamic landscapes over time. This includes the interdependence of physical environments and the interaction between people and the environment as well as an understanding of the need for sustainable management of both physical and human environments. Students will learn to appreciate the differences and similarities

between people, places and cultures, leading to an improved understanding of societies and economies.

In the specification content, students are required to study case studies and examples. Case studies are broader in context and require greater breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding. Examples are more focused on a specific event or situation, are smaller in scale and do not cover the same degree of content.

In terms of fieldwork students will be required to conduct at least two examples of fieldwork to be undertaken outside school. This year we studied coastal landforms at West Wittering and conducted an urban redevelopment study at Gunwharf Quays.

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16.


Global Perspectives Exam board: Cambridge, IGCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT


METHOD WEIGHTING

Component 1: Written examination (1 hour 15 minutes) 35%

Component 2: Individual report 30%

Component 3: Team project 35%

Young people face unprecedented challenges in an interconnected and information-heavy world, not least, in how they will gain a sense of their own active place in the world and cope with changes that will affect their life chances and life choices. Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives candidates will have opportunities to acquire and apply a range of skills to support them in these challenges. Students will focus on developing and applying skills rather than the acquisition of knowledge. Candidates develop transferable skills that will be useful for further study and as active citizens of the future.

This subject choice will develop critical thinking, social and communication skills by studying topics and looking at them from three perspectives:

• Global and international

• Family and personal

• Local and national.

Y

ou will study topics such as Education, Migration, Law and Criminality, Trade and Aid. At the end of Year 11 you will sit one written paper but will have to submit two written reports over the two years of study.

The individual report will pose a question related to a prescribed list of topics and you will then conduct research on the topic you have chosen. For the Team project, you will work collaboratively in groups of 2 – 5. The project should state your aim, a brief description of your outcome and how you arrived at that outcome. You must also submit a reflective report outlining your contribution to the team project.

17.

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HistoryExam board: Edexcel/Pearson, IGCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT

METHOD WEIGHTING

Paper 1: Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes)• 4 explain questions and 2 essays

50%

Paper 2: Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes)• Source based questions, analysis and interpretations 50%


Why is the world today as it is? How do revolutions happen? How did people try to change the world in the Twentieth Century? If you are interested in learning how to put forward a point of view, then History is for you.We cover a variety of topics, all of which will deepen your understanding of life around you, including:

• Germany: Development of dictatorship, 1918 – 45

• Russia in revolution, dictatorship and conflict, 1905 – 53

• The Middle East: Conflict, crisis and change, 1917 – 2012

You will develop the ability to:

• Explain, analyse and make judgements about historical events and periods studied using second order historical concepts

• Use a range of source material to comprehend, interpret and cross-refer sources

• Analyse and evaluate historical interpretations in the context of historical events studied.

History prepares you for higher education, a wide range of careers and professions and has many transferable skills – how to analyse, reason, interpret, and communicate as well as giving valuable information and a personal interest for lifelong learning.

IGCSE History is an internationally recognised qualification and is one of the designated facilitating subjects identified by the government and Russell Group of Universities. This means that the subject is held in the highest regard and renowned not only for its academic depth and breadth, but also the development of high level reasoning and written communication skills.

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18.


Music Exam board: OCR, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT


METHOD WEIGHTING

Component 1: • Solo Performance (15%)• Free composition notated and recorded (15%)

30%

Component 2: • Ensemble Performance (15%)• Briefed composition notated and recorded (15%)

30%

Component 3: • Listening & Appraising (1 hour 30 minutes)• Written exam

40%

A Music qualification is highly regarded and can supplement any career. Musicians tend to work with talented individuals and possess many transferable skills from critical thinking to administration. The GCSE is a wide ranging course that should appeal to anyone who has an interest in Music. It is important, however, that a student be proficient in a musical instrument in order to achieve well in the performance assessments.

There are five areas of study

• Area of study 1: My music• Area of study 2: The Concerto Through Time• Area of study 3: Rhythms of the Word• Area of study 4: Film Music• Area of study 5: Conventions of Pop

Component 1: Integrated portfolio

Students develop their understanding of performance and composition through exploration

of their own instrument within styles and genres of their choosing. They are required to perform as a soloist and complete a free composition.

Component 2: Practical component

Students develop their skills and understanding of performance and composition. The focus of the performance aspect of this component is on the demands of performing with an ensemble. Students are also required to compose a piece of music appropriate for one of the areas of study in response to a set brief.

Component 3: Listening and appraising

This component focuses on areas of study 2, 3, 4, and 5. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language.

19.

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Physical Education Exam board: AQA, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT

THE COURSE INCLUDES THE STUDY OF:

• Applied Anatomy and Physiology • Physical Training• Sports Psychology • Socio-cultural Influences• Health, Fitness and Wellbeing.

METHOD WEIGHTING

Unit 1: Written examination (1 hour 15 minutes per paper)• Paper 1• Paper 2

60%

Unit 2: Course work • Practical performance• Coursework – Evaluation and analysis of performance

40%


If you love playing sports, have bundles of energy and enjoy learning about the science and world of sport, then studying Physical Education at GCSE could be a good move for you. Physical Education is one of those subjects that lends itself to a variety of different careers, including:

• Sports science industry• Teaching• Physiotherapist• Professional sportsperson

• Sports coach/consultant

• Personal trainer.

Students also perform within three sports/activities which are assessed as well as produce a piece of coursework on the analysis and evaluation of their performance in one sport/ activity.

This course will suit a student who is currently playing sport/engaged in physical activity at a representative level. Students will have the opportunity to continue the subject at advanced Level in the Sixth Form.

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20.


Religious Philosophy & Ethical Studies Exam board: Eduqas, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT


METHOD WEIGHTING

Component 1: Religious, philosophical and ethical studies in the modern world (2 hours written examination) 50%

Component 2: Study of Christianity (1 hour written examination) 25%

Component 3 : Study of a World Faith – Islam (1 hour written examination) 25%

Religious Studies at GCSE will follow Eduqas Route A. There are three units examined in three separate exam papers.

Is there really such a thing as evil? Is there any evidence for God? Would you kill an old man in order to save a young baby? In Religious Studies we tackle questions to which other subjects simply assume the answer or they choose to ignore.Religious Studies is for students of all abilities. It is a modern subject which engages with both the traditions and the changing nature of society. It enables you to think critically about the world in which you live. You will be challenged as you explore controversial and ethical issues. You will develop transferable skills such as clear and logical thinking, planning, problem solving, research and working to deadlines. There is a clear link with all subjects involving literacy.

Religion plays an important role in our society and influences how people think, feel, and believe. Through studying Religious Studies, students gain an insight into how religion and spirituality form the basis of our culture.

Religious Studies also helps you develop marketable skills and aptitudes including:

• Analytical and strategic thinking• Research skills• Critical judgement• The ability to work with abstract,

conceptual ideas

• An ability to ‘understand both sides’ and negotiate and resolve conflict

• Problem-solving skills• Leadership skills• Understanding of the impact

of conflicting ideologies • An appreciation of human diversity, belief

systems, cultural and spiritual experiences.

Students will study issues from the viewpoint of Christianity and the Muslim faith, although other religions will be referred to and discussed. The Eduqas exam papers are particularly accessible for all students as the exam rubric is clear and the questions are formulaic in that they follow a set pattern which students will know and have practised prior to the exam. There is no coursework requirement. To support and extend the knowledge and understanding of Christianity and Islam, students visit St Thomas’s Cathedral in Old Portsmouth, The Al Mahdi Centre, Fareham and other places of worship.

21.

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Spanish Exam board: Edexcel, GCSE

OPTIONAL SUBJECT


METHOD WEIGHTING

Unit 1: Listening and Understanding (45 minutes) 25%

Unit 2: Speaking (12 minutes) 25%

Unit 3: Reading and Understanding (1 hour) 25%

GCSE Spanish has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9).Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All units are assessed nal exam and there is no controlled assessment or coursework.

There is no doubt that learning a language will open doors in many aspects of your life. More and more employers and universities see a foreign language as a specific and transferable skill that will set you apart. Languages teach you communication skills, adaptability and cultural awareness. They give you a sense of achievement and are a social skill. Languages give you the edge in the job market and provide greater opportunities to travel and work abroad. Languages combine well with virtually any subject for further study.

The new Edexcel specification contains a series of stimulating and relevant topics for young people.

• Theme 1: Identity and culture, Customs and festivals in Spain

• Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

• Theme 3: Current and future study and employment.

We use the latest digital textbooks that students can access anytime and anywhere. Interactive whiteboards help make full use of language-related websites. We use an interactive and differentiated approach to get students actively engaged in their language learning. We are building links with our partner schools in Spain and there will be opportunities for students to contact students from these schools through either project work or trips and exchanges.

Students must have a positive attitude towards foreign languages and an enthusiasm for the work needed to succeed. A solid background from Year 9 will give you the best chances at GCSE. Half of the final grade is for the ‘active’ skills of Speaking and Writing so students need to be keen to practise expressing themselves in these ways.

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Alternatives to GCSE options Learning Support Students who currently receive learning support may be advised to choose three option subjects and to receive specialist support in place of a fourth, or to receive one lesson of support in place of their single PE lesson. Where appropriate, provision will also be made for any additional access arrangements required in the examinations themselves.

Functional Skills for English and Maths For students who take the learning support option, there is also the opportunity to study functional skills in English or Maths. Problem solving is at the heart of Functional Skills, which also underpin the skills required to support GCSE Maths and English studies. Each subject has an allocation of two periods a week.

English as an Additional LanguageStudents with English as an Additional Language (EAL) will continue to receive support as needed. In some cases, students will be offered an EAL course in place of GCSE English. Some students may be advised to choose three option subjects and to receive EAL support in place of a fourth. Students will also be assessed for any Examination Access arrangements during the Autumn Term of Year 10 to identify any reasonable adjustments necessary for their GCSE examinations. The Learning Support and EAL Departments will make applications to the Examination Boards for these arrangements. Parents will be notified of these at the end of the Autumn Term. There is a possibility of sitting IGCSE ESL English on a case by case basis.

During your GCSE years, you will experience many activities and events to enhance your learning.

Whether it’s donning your wellie boots for a Geography field trip, visiting a London theatre or travelling further afield for the Spanish or French exchange, there are plenty

Students thrive at St John’s College

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+44 (0)23 9281 5118 [email protected]

Grove Road South Southsea

Hampshire PO5 3QW

T: 023 9281 5118 E: [email protected] W: www.stjohnscollege.co.uk

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St John’s College Strive & Achieve

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