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TUNBRIDGE WELLS GIRLS’ GRAMMAR

SCHOOL

GCSE OPTIONS 2013-2015

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Year 9 and beyond ..... Year 9 is an important time for you. Major decisions concerning your future and

the GCSE courses you will follow in Years 10 and 11 have to be made. This

booklet will give you the basic information you need to assist you in your

selection. However, do remember that we are here, along with your parents, to

help you make the right choices.

Your subject teachers will be available on the evening of Tuesday 8th January

2013 to discuss your suitability for their GCSE course. Senior staff will also be

present to answer any questions about the KS4 curriculum.

You will find at the back of this booklet an OPTIONS FORM, to be completed and

returned to school by Tuesday 15th January 2013. The form has been designed

to give you a broad academic education and therefore certain subjects are

compulsory.

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Compulsory Subjects

English Language and Literature Mathematics Science - which will count as three GCSEs for most girls, two for some P.E. Religious Studies

Choose either Geography or History (you may take both) and one modern language from French, German and Spanish (you may choose more than one). In addition, you can select two subjects as grouped on the options form. How do you choose?

Read the following information for each subject Discuss the course requirements with your subject teachers and listen to individual advice on

the Options Evening in January Mrs Vallely and Mrs Elinson, our careers advisers, would welcome the opportunity to offer

guidance on the impact of your choices on future career opportunities Discuss your choices with your parents Do not choose a subject simply because your close friend has chosen it Do not choose a subject simply because you like your present teacher; you may have a

different teacher for GCSE How is GCSE examined? Most courses rely upon a combination of Controlled Assessments, coursework and final examinations. The way that controlled assessments are carried out will vary from subject to subject. In most cases you will have the opportunity to carry out independent study and research. However, the writing-up of the assessments will all be completed during lessons under supervised conditions. Controlled Assessment and Coursework

May be done at any stage of the course Will be completed in school under supervision (Controlled Assessments) Can be written, oral or practical work Is assessed by teachers Is moderated by the examination board

The proportion of marks allocated respectively to examination, Controlled Assessments and coursework for each subject is shown in the booklet. A coursework (Controlled Assessments) planner, giving submission deadlines in all subjects, will be issued in September. It is important to plan your work in order to meet these deadlines. What are the grades? At GCSE level there are a range of grades from A star (i.e. A*) - G. Grades A* - C are required for entry to Higher Education and for many careers. Educational Visits A reminder that The Southfield Fund is available to provide financial support for course-related visits and field trips. Please contact Mrs Wybar should you wish to apply for assistance. Any requests will be dealt with in complete confidence.

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ART AND DESIGN

Specification: Edexcel Examination: 40% Coursework: 60%

GCSE Art begins with an induction course enabling pupils to gain the necessary skills they need to express themselves in a visual form, and equip them with the concepts needed to embark on a personal project and outcome. This involves exploring, learning visual/analytical skills, researching, investigating, learning methodology, contextual references, reviewing and evaluating, producing and presenting. The assessment objectives are the focus for learning, to ensure understanding of the essential elements for future project development. For all disciplines, pupils should:

AO1 – develop their ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding

AO2 – refine their ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resources,

media, materials, techniques and processes

AO3 – record ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions in visual and/or other forms

AO4 – present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating

analytical and critical understanding, realising intentions and, where appropriate, making connections between visual, written, oral and other elements

The disciplines associated with Art & Design GCSE are: painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramic design, photography, film and video. Pupils will be required to work in two or more of the disciplines in each unit submitted.

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THE GCSE

Is made up of: UNIT 1 – Personal Portfolio in Art and Design UNIT 2 – Externally Set Assignment in Art and Design

COMPONENT WEIGHTING METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

REQUIREMENTS

Coursework

UNIT 1 Personal Portfolio

2 Projects

60%

Internally set

Internally marked

Externally moderated

Must show evidence of all

assessment objectives

Must include a work journal or a collection of related studies

Externally Set Assignment

UNIT 2

40%

Externally set

Internally marked

Externally moderated

Eight weeks preparation time

10 hours timed

examination

Must show evidence of all assessment objectives

Must include a work journal or a collection of related studies

When choosing Art and Design, future candidates should have an interest in and motivation for the subject and should take into account the amount of work involved, in addition to the allocated lessons. Each project requires a sketchbook. School provides the first for a collection of experimental studies, but pupils should budget for subsequent sketchbooks. Pupils would benefit from acquiring a range of art materials for homework tasks, and this should include soft drawing pencils, a set of pastels, charcoal and water colour paints. It is the aim of the department to organise one Art trip to an art venue during the two year course and pupils should take every opportunity to visit other exhibitions. This year girls visited the Royal Academy to study the work of David Hockney. The cost of this trip was £15 and covered transport costs.

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DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Specification: OCR Examination: 40% Coursework: 60%

Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in today’s rapidly changing world of technology. This subject asks for pupils to become creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. During the GCSE course pupils will take part in design and technology projects, which are linked to their own interests and industrial practice. Pupils use ICT to help with their work, including computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) software, control programs and ICT based sources for research. Pupils are encouraged to use the latest design software packages to produce technical drawings, initial ideas, prototypes and to improve the presentation of their coursework projects. Pupils may select one of the three options detailed below.

Graphic Products

This course will require pupils to explore many design issues relating to advertising, packaging design, promotional work, illustration and visual communication. A typical project could be focused on promoting a new restaurant, designing menus, posters, fliers, and additional stationery. Graphics will be taught in the Design and Technology block, which is equipped with a range of modern facilities. Each girl will have an A2 workstation, with a reversible desk unit and access to a suite of computers. Pupils will learn how to produce two and three dimensional illustrations with the help from programs such as 2D Design Tools, Pro DeskTop, and Photoshop. Examples of typical career paths following a course in Graphic Design are as follows: Animator/Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Advertising, Product Design and Architecture. “Design and Technology is about making things that people want and that work well. Creating these things is hugely exciting; it is an inventive, fun activity”. James Dyson, Chairman, Dyson Ltd.

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Textile Technology

The Textile course will enable pupils to develop their understanding and confidence when creating products with a range of materials. A typical project could be focused on designing a textile item based on research into an art movement, or designing an item for a teenager. Pupils will work in the Design and Technology block, within a purpose built room, which accommodates all of their needs. They will have access to a variety of sewing machines, over-lockers and a range of other facilities. The nature of the course will encourage creative thinking. Examples of typical career paths following a course in Textiles Design are as follows: Interior/Spatial Designer, Wardrobe Designer, Fashion Illustrator and Retail Buyer.

Resistant Materials Pupils will be asked to create design ideas to meet a need and they will then progress to making the item from wood, plastic or metal. A typical project could be focused on jewellery or furniture design for example. Pupils will have the opportunity to work in the workshop which is equipped with a laser cutter, computer numerically-controlled milling machines, networked computers, a lathe, pillar drills, a vacuum former and a range of other facilities. Pupils will also learn how to use hand tools in addition to the more complex machines, in order that they develop a sense of enjoyment and pride in their ability to design and produce outcomes of high quality. Examples of typical career paths following a course in Resistant Materials are as follows: Product Design, Industrial Design, Design Engineering, Architecture, Interior and 3D Design.

Pupils interested in following a course in Design and Technology (no more than one option may be selected) should circle ‘Design and Technology’ on the options form. They should also indicate an order of preference (where applicable).

Example 1. Textiles 2. Graphics 3. Resistant Materials

Please note that pupils who are only interested in one option should indicate this as follows: Example

1. Textiles 2. N/A 3. N/A

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Specification: Edexcel Unit 1: Drama Exploration 30%

Unit 2: Exploring Play Texts 30% Unit 3: Drama Performance 40%

In GCSE Drama the emphasis is on response to drama texts, rehearsal and performance. Ideas, situations and relationships are explored by pupils adopting roles in both script work and rehearsed improvisations. The course includes the practical study of a range of play texts and an introduction to the ideas of a leading theatre practitioner. There are opportunities to learn about stage lighting and set design for those pupils who wish to do so. Group work is an essential element of this course, as is a commitment to attend after school rehearsals, for examination pieces. The written element requires pupils to keep a working record of their practical work which then becomes the basis for two Documentary Responses undertaken as Controlled Conditions Assessments. There are two practical units which are assessed internally and externally moderated, and a final performance assessed by an external examiner. The course will appeal to those who enjoy the theatre, like devising their own plays and want to develop their acting skills as well as those who want to develop in confidence. Three or four productions, either at a local theatre or in London, are seen over the two years. The cost of these trips will be approximately £75.00 in total.

DRAMA

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ECONOMICS

Specification: Cambridge IGCSE

Examination: 100%

Economics is a relevant, academic and challenging subject, which investigates and analyses real world issues.

The content of the course will include:

How resources are allocated How prices are determined in a free market How producers interact with consumers The operation of businesses The role of government in an economy Issues such as unemployment and inflation The developing world

The subject will give pupils an understanding of the British economy in a globalized world and might prove useful for career options such as banking, accountancy, law, marketing and advertising. It might also attract those willing to become a successful entrepreneur! The examination involves two written papers to be taken at the end of Year 11. These include data response work and multiple choice questions. The department is pleased to take advantage of the recent government decision to allow state schools to take the Cambridge IGCSE. We believe that this examination is not only better suited in this subject to the strengths and aptitudes of our girls, but also provides an excellent foundation for AS/A2 Level work and is highly regarded by the country’s leading universities.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE Specification: AQA (A)

UNIT 1: Understanding and Producing Non-Fiction Texts

External Examination 40% of the total GCSE marks

2 Hours

Section A: Reading 20% of the total marks – four compulsory questions based on three reading sources

1 Hour

Section B : Writing 20% of the total GCSE marks – two compulsory writing tasks – one shorter task worth 16 marks and one longer task worth 24 marks

1 Hour

UNIT 2: Speaking and Listening Controlled Assessment 20% of the total GCSE marks – three equally weighted activities:

• presenting

• discussing and listening

• role playing UNIT 3: Understanding Spoken and Written Texts and Writing Creatively

Controlled Assessment – 40% of the total GCSE marks Part a: Extended Reading Part b: Creative Writing Part c: Spoken Language Study

15% of the total GCSE marks 15% of the total GCSE marks 10% of the total GCSE marks 3-4 Hours 3-4 Hours 2-3 Hours

ENGLISH LITERATURE Specification: AQA (A)

UNIT 1: Exploring Modern Texts

External Examination 40% of the total GCSE marks

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Section A: Modern Prose or Drama 20% of the total GCSE marks – one question from a choice of two on each set text

45 Minutes

Section B: Exploring Cultures 20% of the total GCSE marks – one question on the text they have studied. The question will be in two parts:

• Part a will ask candidates to respond to a passage from the text

• Part b will ask candidates to link this passage to the whole text

45 Minutes

UNIT 2: Poetry Across Times External Examination 35% of the total GCSE marks

1 Hour and 15 Minutes

Section A: Poetry Cluster from the Anthology 23% of the total GCSE marks – candidates answer one question from a choice of two on the poetry cluster they have studied

45 Minutes

Section B: Responding to an Unseen Poem 12% of the total GCSE marks – candidates are given one compulsory unseen poem about which they answer one question

30 Minutes

UNIT 3: The Significance of Shakespeare and The English Literary Heritage Controlled Assessment 25% of the total GCSE marks – candidates complete one Controlled Assessment task which asks them to make links between a play from Shakespeare and any other text, of any genre, from The English Literary Heritage

3-4 Hours

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GEOGRAPHY

Specification: Edexcel B – Evolving Planet Examination: 75%

Controlled Assessment: 25%

The GCSE Geography course is issues-based, and gives pupils the opportunity to investigate places, environments, and geographical patterns at a range of scales from local to global. The new 2012 specification contains a range of modern, up to date topics and focuses much more on our own impacts on the environment.

UNIT TOPICS ASSESSMENT 1

Dynamic Planet

Tectonic Hazards, Climate Change, Battle for the Biosphere, Managing Water Resources, Coastal change, Oceans on the Edge.

1 hour 15 minute examination – structured answers based on resources and own knowledge. 25%

2

People and the Planet

Population Dynamics, Consuming Resources, Globalisation, Development Dilemas, Changing Settlements, The Urban World

1 hour examination - structured answers based on resources and own knowledge. 25%

3 Making

Geographical Decisions

Skills based, decision making activities on modern topics.

1 hour 30 minute examination with pre-release material 25%

4

Researching Geography

Write up of a fieldwork task based on one of following: Coasts or urban environments

Controlled assessment completed in school. 25%

There is a 3 day fieldwork programme in Brighton and Eastbourne. Fieldwork is an essential part of Geography and these trips allow pupils to study a range of coastal and urban environments covered in the exam, and to collect appropriate data for their Controlled Assessment. The approximate cost of the field trip is £40. A magazine which supports the GCSE course) is available for purchase at a cost of approximately £10.

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HISTORY

Specification: Edexcel History A The Making of the Modern World

Examination: 75% Controlled Assessment: 25%

The syllabus studied, examines selected events from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. The syllabus develops the study of the Two World Wars covered in Year 9 and introduces world history to pupils for the first time. Modern World History has four units (each worth 25% of the final marks):

An outline study A depth study A source enquiry A Controlled Assessment topic

The syllabus will include the following:

The Cold War 1943 – 1991 Germany 1918 – 1939 A Divided Union? -The USA 1945 – 1970 The Impact of War on Britain 1914 - 1950

The examination consists of:

3 written papers which account for 75% of the total mark. All written papers are 1 hour and 15 minutes long

An internally-assessed Controlled Assessment of 2 hours and 30 minutes, taken over two or more supervised sessions. The assessment accounts for 25% of the total mark

The historical skills required at GCSE are the same as those developed in the lower school, namely, the examination of why events take place and the evaluation and interpretation of evidence. Pupils are encouraged to develop both oral and written skills through a variety of activities such as group/class discussion, essay writing, presentation of data in diagrammatic ways and group presentations. Pupils may also have the opportunity to visit the Imperial War Museum to complement their coursework studies. The approximate cost of this trip is £12.

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Specification: Edexcel

Unit 1: Living in the Digital world Unit 2: Using Digital Tools

The new GCSE ICT builds on young people’s love of digital devices. It explores how technology impacts on every aspect of our daily lives: learning and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and well being and on the move. It teaches and encourages pupils to become ‘savvy ICT users’, who understand the risks as well as the benefits and use ICT safely and responsibly. The Controlled Assessment has an emphasis on ‘doing’ rather than ‘writing about’. It helps develop important transferable skills including problem solving, creative thinking and collaborative working. Assessment:

Unit 1: 40% Exam Paper 1hr 30 mins A sample of topics covered are: Digital Devices – mobile phones, computers, tablets and laptops The Digital Divide Internet Safety Networks

Unit 2: 60% Controlled Assessment

A sample of topics covered are: Website Design Spreadsheets Flash Animation Video Editing Sound Editing Databases

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Specification: Edexcel

GCSE Mathematics is divided into 2 tiers of entry and there is no coursework element. All higher five sets are entered for the tier with all exams being taken at the end of Year 11. Girls enjoy the challenge of problem solving, extending their Key Stage 3 knowledge and developing skills which will be tested in the new Functional elements of the course. As part of our Gifted and Talented programme, pupils in set A1 will be taught extra statistics elements with the view to being entered for GCSE Statistics which involves a Controlled Assessment undertaken in the Spring Term of Year 11. Success at GCSE usually means that there is a considerable amount of interest in pupils carrying on to study AS/A2 Mathematics in the Sixth Form.

MATHEMATICS

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FRENCH GERMAN SPANISH

Specification French: AQA

German: AQA Spanish: AQA

At KS4, it is compulsory to study at least one modern language from French, German or Spanish. During the course pupils will be encouraged to work independently at comprehension skills. They will be encouraged to learn vocabulary regularly, now that dictionaries are no longer allowed in the examination. In all three languages the examination consists of four skill areas: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. The language content will prepare pupils to cope with everyday situations and to communicate effectively when travelling abroad. Pupils will be advised on revision techniques using CD Roms, videos, websites and conventional guides as appropriate. Pupils will have conversation sessions with our language assistants. Speaking and Writing will be assessed at different times during the course.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS

FRENCH There is an exchange to France in Year 10 with Collége Dheurle at La Teste de Buch. Approximate cost £310

GERMAN There will be the opportunity to take part in the Exchange with Clara-Fey-Gymnasium in Bonn. Approximate cost £230

SPANISH There is an exchange to Real Colegio Alfonso XII in Madrid. Approximate cost £320

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MUSIC

Specification: AQA Examination: 20% Coursework: 80%

This course is designed for anyone with a keen interest in and a commitment to music. There are four main units in this examination. Unit 1: Listening to and Appraising Music In this unit, five key areas of music will be studied through the three Strands of Learning: The Western Classical Tradition, Popular Music of the 20th and 21st Centuries, and World Music. Through the exploration of the five areas of study, pupils will develop an understanding of the organisation of sounds. The five areas of study are: AOS1: Rhythm and Metre AOS2: Harmony and Tonality AOS3: Texture and Melody AOS4: Timbre and Dynamics AOS5: Structure and Form This unit is assessed by means of a written paper lasting 1 hour. It is worth 20% of the GCSE. Unit 2: Composing and Appraising Music This unit is divided into 2 sections. The first part asks pupils to complete a composition that focuses on two or more of the areas of study listed above. For 2012 the composition must also be in the style of the Western classical tradition. There will be 20 hours of supervised time in which to finish the composition, but preparation outside of these 20 hours is also permitted. The second part asks that pupils complete an appraisal of their work. For this they will be given 2 hours of controlled time. This unit is worth 20% of your GCSE. Unit 3: Performing Music For this part of the course, pupils will be asked to perform a solo on their chosen instrument or using the voice. They will also perform as part of an ensemble. Ideally they should be of at least Grade 4 standard on their instrument to benefit most from this part of the course, which is worth a substantial 40% of your GCSE. Unit 4: Composing Music In this unit pupils will be asked to compose one piece of music that focuses on two aspects of the five areas of study they have looked at. They will have 25 hours of Controlled Assessment time and just as in Unit 2, they may use extra time for research and preparation. This unit is worth 20% of the GCSE. It is hoped that pupils opting to take music at GCSE will commit fully to the department’s extensive extra-curricular programme, as this will enhance their enjoyment of the subject and their chances of success.

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RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Specification: OCR Examination: 100%

The GCSE syllabus has been deliberately chosen to prepare pupils to play an active role in the world in which they live. It covers two areas: (1) Christianity and Personal and Social Issues, and (2) Islam. In the Christianity and Personal and Social Issues module, we examine such diverse subjects as euthanasia, suicide, marriage and divorce, world poverty, the environment and racism. Christianity is used as a starting point for a consideration of these issues. Pupils are not expected to agree with its perspectives, and all views are respected. A variety of perspectives are thoughtfully considered, as appropriate – perspectives such as Humanism, Individualism and occasionally, other religious traditions. By ranging across a wide variety of moral topics and considering them from a wide variety of angles, pupils are encouraged to develop their analytical skills and broach a number of issues that will undoubtedly continue to pose a dilemma for society throughout their lives. In the Islam module, we examine the beliefs and practices of the Muslim faith. Since September 2001, there has been a growing awareness of Islam in Western media. We aim to enable our pupils to evaluate media coverage and to consider the significance of the Islamic faith. As the world’s fastest growing religion, with some 700 million Muslims worldwide, knowledge of Islam is essential for anyone who wants to understand the modern world. The Religious Studies department has produced a tailor-made textbook ‘Religious Studies at TWGGS’, containing all and only the information the pupils need to get an A* at GCSE. Pupils are encouraged to use it in lessons. The skills developed by the course include debating, empathising, evaluating and the production of extended writing. All pupils will be entered for the GCSE exam.

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SCIENCE

Specification: Edexcel

From Year 9 all girls follow Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate and independent GCSE subjects and have two lessons in each subject per fortnight. In Year 10 there will be three lessons per fortnight in each subject. Each subject is divided into three sections and each section is assessed by a one hour written paper at the end of Year 11. There will also be Controlled Assessments scheduled during the course. We are following Edexcel’s specification. Most girls will continue to follow the separate Science course, but some will follow the Science/Additional Science route if, in their teacher’s opinion, they are finding the pace challenging. These girls will attain two GCSE grades; this will not affect the total number of lessons per fortnight.

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS GIRLS’

GRAMMAR SCHOOL YEAR 10 CURRICULUM OPTIONS FORM- SEPTEMBER 2013

PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS

SURNAME: ..…………………………….……..

FIRST NAME: ..………………………………... FORM: ..…………………………...……….…...

ALL GIRLS TAKE THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS ENGLISH MATHEMATICS PE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SCIENCE COMPLEMENTARY STUDIES

ALSO You must choose FOUR subjects from the boxes below. At this stage you may indicate more than one choice in the

same column and every effort will be made to resolve your ‘clash(es)’. However, this may not be possible and then you will have to choose ONE subject from EACH column.

You must choose either GEOGRAPHY or HISTORY (you may choose both) and at least one from FRENCH, GERMAN and SPANISH.

Please circle your choices.

ALPHA αααα KAPPA κκκκ LAMBDA λλλλ OMEGA ΩΩΩΩ

ART

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

FRENCH

ART

ECONOMICS

DRAMA

GERMAN

DRAMA

FRENCH

GEOGRAPHY

SPANISH

GEOGRAPHY

HISTORY

HISTORY

HISTORY

GEOGRAPHY

MUSIC

ICT

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR FORM TUTOR BY TUESDAY 15TH

JANUARY 2013 Parent's signature: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Design Technology

If you wish to take DT, please indicate your subject preferences in this space (you may indicate one, two or three preferences).

PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBJECTS WILL NOT RUN IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT DEMAND. ALSO, THE ONLY DESIGN TECHNOLOGY SUBJECT AVAILABLE AT THIS SCHOOL TO ‘A’ LEVEL IS ‘PRODUCT DESIGN: GRAPHIC PRODUCTS’. PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILST EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO MEET REQUESTS, THIS IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE. ONCE FINAL CLASSES HAVE BEEN DETERMINED, THERE MAY BE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE OPTIONS. (THIS IS PARTICULARLY THE CASE AFTER YOU BEGIN YOUR GCSE COURSES IN SEPTEMBER.)

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Note:

The contents of this Options booklet are correct at the time of going to

press. However, all aspects of GCSE provision at TWGGS are under a

continuing review in order to effect the greatest refinement and efficiency.

Parents and girls will be informed before the start of the next academic year

of any major changes to be introduced.

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