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Year 10 & 11 Examination Guide

2016-2018

Downlands Community School, Dale Avenue, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 8LP

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CONTENTS PAGE

PAGE NUMBER

Introduction 4

New GCSEs 4

Different types of course and methods of assessment 5

Understanding Assessment 6

Terminal Examinations 7

Developing your own calendar 7

Important differences between KS3 and KS4 8

Homework Expectations 8

Plagiarism 9

Importance of regular attendance and punctuality 9

Enjoyable events for KS4 10

Support for Students 10

Exam Board Web sites 11

Useful websites and other support 11

Essential Information 13-17

KS4 Controlled Assessment & Coursework Schedule 18-19

Information on GCSE English 20-22

Internal Appeals Process 23

Exam Board Notices 24-28

Forward Planner Calendar 29-39

Key Dates for Year 10 40-41

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KEY STAGE 4 – YEAR 10 BOOKLET

INTRODUCTION Key Stage 4 is the most important phase in your education so far. Years 10 and 11 are where you study for either GCSEs or other recognised national qualifications. By its end you will have to make a decision which will affect the rest of your life; will you stay on into further education at college or will you seek employment with a local company? Do you see yourself going on to university, training through a modern apprenticeship or training elsewhere? These decisions are yours to make, BUT only if you succeed at Key Stage 4.

REMEMBER……………..

Success at the end of Year 11 allows YOU

to choose where you go next; failure gives you NO choice.

Your future is NOT decided yet

YOU decide it over the next few years and it begins NOW

NEW GCSE’s

Current Year 10 students will study “‘new’ GCSE’s in all subjects apart from some Design and Technology qualifications (Child Development, Product Design, Resistant Materials and Art - Textiles). The ‘new’ GCSE’s will be graded using the numerical 1 to 9 system whilst the Design and Technology Qualifications listed above will be graded using the old A*-G system. The diagram below shows the appropriate comparison between the two qualifications.

New GCSE

Points 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Old GCSE

Grades G/F- F/E E+/D C C+/B- B/B+ A A+/A* A*

New GCSE Grading Structure

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 U

A* A B C D E F G U

CURRENT GCSE GRADING STRUCTURE

4 = C

and and

above above

Broadly the same proportion

of students will achieve a

grade 4 and above as currently

achieve a grade C and above.

Broadly the same proportion

of students will achieve a

grade 7 and above as currently

achieve an A and above.

The bottom grade 1 will be

aligned with the bottom of

grade G.

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Formal exams are done in the hall, in silence, against the

clock! Coursework is usually done at school or at

home, working at your own speed although to a deadline

CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS are

prepared for and completed in school

DIFFERENT TYPES OF COURSE AND ASSESSMENT

The most important reason for understanding the structure of the next two years is so you can cope with the demands of Key Stage 4 courses. All subjects are assessed through either COURSEWORK, EXAMINATIONS or CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS and some use a combination. Some subjects have little coursework or controlled assessments whilst others have a lot; 75% in some cases! Controlled Assessments have replaced coursework in GCSE subjects. A full breakdown of course requirements can be found later in this booklet.

A major challenge for all students of your age is to be able to cope with the pressures of completing Coursework and Controlled Assessments on time AND to a high standard. You will find that at various points during the next two years, many subjects will be asking for work at the same time. This can be very demanding and the better prepared you are for it, the better you will cope with it.

To succeed, you will need to produce work to the best of your ability …….

And on time!

It’s NOT enough to leave tasks to the last minute then simply say

“I DIDN’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME”.

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Exam Paper 1

In subjects with less controlled assessment you still need to complete tasks to the best of your ability, but on these courses you need to pay particular attention to revision and practice examination questions as well, as these carry the bulk of the marks.

The Cambridge National Award in Sports Studies is equivalent to GCSE and is accepted by all colleges, employers and training establishments. The equivalencies with GCSE are as follows:

Level 1 Level 2

This qualification consists of 7% coursework and 25% examination.

Most GCSE subjects are now assessed by controlled assessment and terminal examination. This means that the examination is at the end of the course, i.e. June 2018.

Exam Paper 2

Controlled

Assessment

or

coursework

100%

80%

60%

0%

Grade ‘C’ Mark (or grade 4)

If you study subjects with high course work content, you must ensure you complete tasks on time and to the highest standard you are capable of. Every mark you score on the coursework means the less you need to score in the exams to achieve a good grade.

UNDERSTANDING ASSESSMENT

Students have more chance of success in subjects when they have a clear idea of the course

content and structure, and when they understand how the course is assessed. Subjects, which

are assessed through a combination of coursework, controlled assessments or exams, need to

be understood in terms of achieving a “good” mark. GCSE courses grade any grade as a

“pass”. The diagram below shows an example of how courses are actually assessed.

Distinction D

Merit E

Pass F/G

Distinction* A*

Distinction A-

Merit B

Pass C

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TERMINAL EXAMINATIONS

Terminal examinations mean that all of the course content from years 10 and 11 are examined in June 2018. It is vital that work covered in lessons is learnt effectively and that notes are kept carefully and safely so that they may be used for revision. Students will need to start revising for their terminal examinations from February half-term onwards in Year 11!! Students will receive additional support in Key Stage 4 to help them develop revision techniques. Mock examinations will take place the week after the February half term in Year 11.

DEVELOPING YOUR OWN CALENDAR

At the back of this booklet is a 2-year blank planner, a schedule of coursework dates and when they are set for each subject and a guide to homework requirements. Over the next few weeks your teachers will help you fill in the dates of assessments, exams and coursework and module test dates. As you complete your calendar, you will be able to see times of most pressure, where you will be under most stress. This should help you plan ahead, to ensure you give yourself enough time for coursework tasks, exam revision etc.

Write your ‘option’ subjects in the four spaces provided. You can also use the other spaces to mark dates of particular importance to you e.g. trips, visits, exams etc.

If, for example, English plan to do a piece of controlled assessment in the second full week after half term of Year 10, and Computer Science do likewise, you should draw lines across the relevant dates (as shown below). This will allow you to identify times when you will be under most pressure and to plan your time accordingly.

Nov-13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Day Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

English

Maths

Science

French

History

PE

ICT

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IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KEY STAGES 3 AND 4

There are many differences between Key Stages 3 and 4. Apart from the amount and the level of work, the most important of these differences is the level of responsibility required from you in Years 10 and 11.

Full attendance is a must as work tends to be covered more quickly and only once, if you

miss it, it’s up to you to catch it up. The pace at which work is covered is much faster than at Key Stage 3. Clearly, taking a holiday during term time will severely hinder your chances of keeping up with the work and apart from in exceptional circumstances, holidays will not be authorised by the school.

Concentration in class is vital – the level of work is more demanding than you will be used

to and you need to ensure you understand it all.

Full completion of homework is essential – this forms a vital part of each course and can

often be the preparation for a piece of coursework.

Developing a clear ‘overview’ of each course you follow is very important – this will help

you understand the demands you face.

Essential is an understanding of HOW each course is assessed – and WHEN. This will

help you concentrate your efforts properly and appropriately, and let you know when to begin revising!

Commitment to success is essential – you need to be determined to achieve the best

grades you can.

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS

Teachers enter homework on SIMS and parents and pupils will be able to access it from home via Moodle. (Please contact the school if you require a login.).

As outlined on the attached sheets each subject will set you homework; it will vary in type, length and complexity.

Subject staff will discuss with you when it will be set each

week.

Homework forms a vital element of courses at Key Stage 4. You must complete it fully. At this age, you need to understand the importance of homework and accept it’s contribution to your chances of success.

REMEMBER: You are not achieving anything by NOT doing homework.

You only cheat yourself by not doing homework.

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PLAGIARISM

In short, this is a posh word for copying.

You MUST understand the seriousness of trying to enter work, which is not yours. If caught, the exam boards reserve the right to withdraw you from EVERY subject you are entered for in the series of exams – you don’t just fail the one in which you cheated, you fail them all.

Where help and support has been received i.e. help with coursework and practical assignments, this MUST be detailed in your work (in accordance with exam board rules).

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

As mentioned earlier, regular attendance is essential for success. Key Stage 4 courses are very demanding, as staff have to cover a comprehensive subject syllabus, which do not have ‘catch-up’ times built into them for student absence from school. If you miss sections of work you will need to catch them up in your own time – not easy, as you will also be doing other new work. Further, if you miss the beginning of a topic it is often very difficult to follow later work that uses the first bit as its foundation.

Students who take time off regularly or who go on family holidays will find it very difficult to keep up; Give yourself the best chance of success – be here and work hard!

Whilst opportunities are available to re-take missed assessments, it is better to do them when they are planned, as this tends to be immediately after the relevant course has been covered.

Examples of plagiarism include, amongst others, the copying of other students’ essays, results data, coursework etc. Copying from the Internet is strictly banned, as is using any practical work completed by someone else. Allowing another student to use your work is also considered an act of plagiarism and will result in failure.

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ENJOYABLE EVENTS FOR KEY STAGE 4

Work experience in the Summer Term of Year 10 offers you the chance to spend a week in

the workplace, in an employment environment of your choice (where this can be arranged).

Senior student interviews occur towards the end of Year

10, when you will have the chance to put yourself forward to take some responsibility for events throughout Year 11. This can be hugely rewarding and support later applications for jobs, college etc.

The Prom, held after the GCSE Summer examinations,

has become a rite of passage, and an event not to be missed!

The Yearbook will be issued to Pupils in May.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Subjects offer support sessions after school; help is available with homework, coursework, topics covered in missed lessons, work you didn’t understand fully and revision etc.

Pastoral staff (form tutors, Year Heads/deputies), Student Support Staff and Senior Managers are all there to help; use them to support your learning!

Revision sessions are held in most subjects in lesson time and after school towards exams. A full timetable will be published in the spring term of Year 11.

Please note: many of the events detailed above are not available to students

with poor records of attendance, punctuality or behaviour.

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EXAM BOARD WEB SITES

There are four exam boards. All your courses will be studied and assessed through one of these. They are:

OCR (www.ocr.org.uk)

AQA (www.aqa.org.uk)

EDEXCEL (www.edexcel.org.uk)

WJEC (www.wjec.co.uk)

EDUQUAS (www.eduqas.co.uk) Each course syllabus can be found through the links on the appropriate exam board site. These will allow you to understand the ‘content’ of each subject and how it is assessed. If you look at the ‘content’ for a particular subject, you will be able to check if you really understand what you can be tested on in the actual exams. Your teachers will be able to help you understand the subject syllabus if you find it difficult to follow.

Additionally, the exam board subject web sites often have useful support information, including specimen exam questions with mark schemes, past exam questions, recommended reading lists, support materials etc.

These can be really useful in helping you prepare for your exams and with the completion of coursework assignments.

Try them!

USEFUL WEB SITES AND OTHER SUPPORT

Individual subject documents offer web-sites which support individual courses. There are many web-sites, more than those listed and too many to name here! If you use a search-engine for a particular subject or topic you will find lots of sites, some of which will prove very useful and others less so. New web sites are coming on-line all the time; you need to be selective of the sites you use.

The BBC has a very useful web-site and their ‘Bite-Size’ is particularly good. This supports revision and course understanding.

Try this too!

www.bbc.co.uk or www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

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AND FINALLY – why is this so important?

If you could travel forward in time and see yourself in 20 years, what would you like to see? Forget looks and think about your job; will you be happy in your choice of career, will people respect who you have become and what you have achieved?

Take a few minutes to think about the following:

Will you be satisfied when you are older that you made the

most of your time at school?

What, realistically, would you like to do and what will you

need to be able to do it?

All these things will be decided over the next few years……..beginning now!

Good Key Stage 4 grades will allow you to get the college place, apprenticeship, training opportunity or job you need to begin working up the ladder towards your goal.

Speak to the careers adviser if you need further information regarding jobs, qualifications,

how to achieve professional positions etc., and remember…… we are all here to help!

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SUBJECT WEEKLY HOMEWORK OTHER COMMENTS

English Language &

Literature (AQA)

1 hour minimum

Terminal examination of English Language in

June 2017 (current Year 10).

Terminal examination of English Literature in

June 2018 (current Year 10).

Mock assessments throughout Years 10 and 11.

Mathematics

(Edexcel)

A written homework followed by an online homework.

1 written homework

1 Mymaths/MethodMaths

Bi-weekly

Students will study the linear Edexcel course with two exam papers sat at the end of Year 11.

Top Tier—Further Maths IGCSE (AQA)

Combined Science

One piece of homework in each subject every 2 weeks.

Gives 2 Science GCSEs Study Biology, Chemistry and Physics

over 2 years (A teacher for each subject)

New GCSE has mathematical input and must complete assessed practicals

All GCSE examinations in year 11 A HW in each subject every 2 weeks Assessment:- 6 GCSE papers to be sat. Each worth

16.7% and taking 1hr 15mins each.

Triple Science Course

(AQA)

One piece of homework in each subject every 2 weeks.

Gives 3 Science GCSEs - Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Study Biology, Chemistry and Physics over 2 years (A teacher for each subject)

New GCSE has mathematical input and must complete assessed practicals

All GCSE examinations in year 11 A HW in each subject every 2 weeks Assessment 2 papers each in Biology, Chemistry

and Physics Each paper worth 50% of final GCSE Written exams: 1 hour 45 minutes

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (all GCSEs unless stated)

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SUBJECT WEEKLY HOMEWORK OTHER COMMENTS

Art & Design

(AQA)

Students should spend at least 1-2 hours per week on homework. All homework contributes towards the coursework portfolio. Independent gallery visits may be set as part of homework.

Component 1

60% Coursework Portfolio. This is completed during the first four terms (and includes homework). The coursework will contain two projects and a series of workshops This will be completed by December 2017.

Component 2

40% Externally set assignment. This will be prepared for in the Spring Term in response to a choice of questions from the exam board. The preparatory work will include both class work and homework and is marked with the final piece. The final piece will be completed in the art rooms during two, five hour sessions.

All work must be submitted and marked by mid May 2018.

Child Development

(OCR)

1-1½ Hours, may vary according to the unit being studied, could involve some local surveys and information gathering plus coursework.

60% Controlled Assessment and 40% Final Examination.

Three Controlled Assessments, lasting approximately 7 hours each are completed in Year 10; One each term. One Child Study completed in the Autumn/Spring terms of Year 11.

Computer Science

(OCR)

Homework is 1 hour a week and will include preparation and research for Controlled Assessment work, and theory work in preparation for the final exam.

Exam 1: Computer systems, 40%

Exam 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and pro-gramming, 40% Programming project - Controlled Assessment. Approx. 20 hours, 20% The Programming Project involves students developing programming solutions to a series of problems set by the exam board.

Design & Technology

(AQA)

Product Design: 4555

30 Minutes-1 Hour linked to class work or Controlled Assessment work.

Resistant Materials: 4560

30 Minutes-1 Hour linked to class work or Controlled Assessment work

Product Design:

1 Controlled Assessment Task – 60% of total GCSE

1 External Examination 1 ½Hrs – 40% of total GCSE

Resistant Materials:

1 Controlled Assessment Task – 60% of total GCSE

1 External Examination 1 ½Hrs – 40% of total GCSE

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SUBJECT WEEKLY HOMEWORK OTHER COMMENTS

Drama

(OCR)

Regular attendance for rehearsing after

School is essential.

There will be written evaluations, exam

preparations, a drama portfolio and

60% Non-Exam assessment (Both practical performance

and written portfolio work) taking place through Y10 and Y

11.

40% externally marked written paper (1½ hr.).

The Assessed performances are based on scripted work as

Foundation Learning

One piece of homework per fortnight. Students are also expected to prepare themselves for lessons with either sports kit or food containers, as required. Closer to assessments students are expected to spend more time revising and preparing.

The course has two components.

BTec Jamie Oliver Home Cooking Skills. This course is

100% coursework and students are expected to

maintain a portfolio of work which is then

submitted for assessment. Portfolios remain in

school with Ms Reid. The BTec award is worth

half a GCSE.

VCert in Health and Fitness. This course is 75%

practical and 25% theory. Students sit one 45

minute exam to achieve their theory grade.

Students study a range of health and fitness

components and have to produce two

assessment case studies.

French

(Edexcel)

2 homeworks per week. Approximately 1 hour total to include regular vocabulary learning as well as written work

Pupils will sit terminal exams in Listening, Reading and Writing in May/June of year 11. They will complete a speaking exam in April/May of year 11. Each language skill is worth 25% of the final grade. Everyone is required to spend a significant amount of time EACH WEEK on Vocab Express practising vocabulary learning as well completing written and speaking tasks to practise productive skills. The ability to persevere and keep practising makes all the difference when learning a foreign language and is crucial to making progress!

Food & Nutrition

(Eduquas)

1 Hour as per scheme of work which can be accessed on Moodle.

50% Controlled Assessment and 50% Examination.

One Food Study task to be completed in Year 11.

Geography

(Eduquas Spec B)

Approximately 45 minutes per week. To include past exam questions, vocabulary tests and wider reading tasks.

Component 1: 40% 1 hour 45 mins Examination

Changing Place and Economies.

Changing Physical Environments.

Environmental Issues.

Component 2: 30% 1 hour 30 mins Examination

Problem Solving and Decision Making (using Component 1 topics)

Component 3: 30% 1 hour 30 mins Examination

Fieldwork and geographical skills (to include 2 fieldtrips; 1 physical and 1 human).

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SUBJECT WEEKLY HOMEWORK OTHER COMMENTS

German

(Edexcel)

2 homeworks per week.

Approximately 1 hour total to include regular vocabulary learning as well as written work.

Pupils will sit terminal exams in Listening, Reading and Writing in May/June of year 11. They will complete a speaking exam in April/May of year 11. Each language skill is worth 25% of the final grade. Everyone is required to spend a significant amount of time EACH WEEK on Vocab Express practising vocabulary learning as well completing written and speaking tasks to practise productive skills. The ability to persevere and keep practising makes all the difference when learning a foreign language and is crucial to making progress!

History

(Edexcel)

1 Hour a week – Practice and revision for past exam questions. Research and written tasks in preparation for exam questions, length and time duration variable.

Thematic Study – Medicine in Britain, c1250-present (20%)

Historical Environment - the British sector of the Western Front 1914-1918: injuries, treatment and the trenches (10%)

Period Study – Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91 (20%)

British Depth Study – Early Elizabethan England, 1558-1588 (20%)

Modern Depth Study – Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-1939 (30%)

Information and Communication

Technology

(Edexcel)

Homework is 1 hour a week and will include preparation and research for Controlled Assessment work, and theory work in preparation for the final exam.

60% Controlled Assessment, 40% Examination: For the Controlled Assessment Task students have a total of 40 hours. Students must produce a variety of digital products based on a brief provided by the exam board. The overall task is broken down into a number of activities which must be completed during lessons.

Music

(Edexcel)

Homework will be no more than 1 hour a

week and take the form of research into

the set works, exam practice, music

theory exercises and composition.

Additionally, they will be expected to be

practicing regularly in preparation of

performances and undertaking their own

composing preparation in the lead up to

and during the composition controlled

tests in year 11.

It is expected that each student will

participate in one extracurricular group

each week.

60% Controlled Assessments, 40% Examination.

The music course involves the study of music theory,

performance and composition. There will be a

concentrated focus on music theory during the first term

with the possibility of sitting an ABRSM exam in November

2016. The pupils study eight separate set works from four

different areas of study, this gives an insight into the music

of the last 400 years and provides the subject matter for

the final exam. Coursework consists of two compositions

and two performances. The compositions are completed

as timed assessments during lesson time, while

performances are worked on in class, with individual music

tutors and at home through personal practice. All

coursework will be completed in year 11.

All students will need to be receiving instrument or singing

tuition and participate in at least one extracurricular music

group

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SUBJECT WEEKLY HOMEWORK OTHER COMMENTS

Physical Education

(AQA)

One piece of homework is set per week (30 Minutes – 1 Hour).

We also recommend that students attend extra-curricular clubs on a weekly basis,

60% THEORY: Students will sit two examinations in year 11; both are worth 30% each. The exams cover the following topic areas - PAPER 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport PAPER 2: Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport 40% PRACTICAL: Practical performance in three different physical activities in the role of player/performer. PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE 1: Individual activity PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE 2: Team activity PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE 3: Either a team or individual activity Analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one activity.

Cambridge National Award in Sport Studies

(OCR)

Level 1/2

Homework will be set once a fortnight when necessary. Additional help will be available at lunch time and after school when necessary (exact timings to be confirmed)

75% Coursework assessed internally. Students will complete a series of coursework tasks covering 3 units: Developing Sports Skills, Sport & the Media and Sports Leadership.

25% Assessed through external examination in Contemporary Issues in Sport. Exam in January 2018.

Religious Studies

(AQA syllabus A)

For more information, go to: www.aqa.org.uk

Search: RS,GCSE syllabus A

1 Hour per half term: REACT marked and response.

There is no coursework, but we expect pupils to keep up to date with current events (e.g. changes to law regarding euthanasia, etc.) and there will be research assignments.

100% Examination.

Two written exams at the end of Year 11 each lasting for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Paper 1: Religions Beliefs and Practices (Christianity and Judaism)

Paper 2: Religious Themes (War & Peace)

Spanish

(Edexcel)

2 homeworks per week. Approximately 1 hour total to include regular vocabulary learning as well as written work

Pupils will sit terminal exams in Listening, Reading and Writing in May/June of year 11. They will complete a speaking exam in April/May of year 11. Each language skill is worth 25% of the final grade. Everyone is required to spend a significant amount of time EACH WEEK on Vocab Express practising vocabulary learning as well completing written and speaking tasks to practise productive skills. The ability to persevere and keep practising makes all the difference when learning a foreign language and is crucial to making progress!

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GCSE Subject

Total Controlled Assess %

Autumn Term

Year 10

Spring Term Year 10

Summer Term Year 10

Autumn Term Year 11

Spring Term Year 11

Summer Term

Year 11

Art & Design-

Fine Art

60% Coursework Portfolio (3 projects) 40% externally set task

Project 1 - Project 2 - Project 3 Jan-April Natural Identity Mock Externally set task Environment Externally set task

Child Development

60% 3 Short tasks + 1 child Study

Resource task(1) L/H

Resource Task 2 L/H

Resource Task 3 L/H

Child Observation Study = 30% L/H

Computing

60% Controlled Assessment throughout Yr. 10 and Yr. 11.

Design & Technology:

Resistant Materials

Technology

45602 60% Controlled Assessment Design & Making Project

Controlled Assessment External Exam 60% 2 hours (40%)

Design & Technology:

Product Design

4555 60% Controlled Assessment Design & Making Project

Controlled Assessment External Exam 60% 2 hours (40%)

Drama

60% (5-6pieces)

Units of Coursework on-going throughout years 10 & 11. Exam at end of Year 11.

French Speaking

25%

Speak Ass 3 – April

Food &

Nutrition

50% (4 pieces)

Short Task 1 Short Task 2 Short Task 3 Food Study Task

German Speaking 25%

Speak Ass 3 – April

ICT

60% Controlled

Assessment 40%

Examination

Music

60% (6)

L/H

L/H

L/H Jun/Jul

L/H

L/H

Jan L/H

March L/H

KS4 Controlled Assessments Schedule for 2016/2018 (correct at time of writing) L = Lesson/ H = Homework

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GCSE Subject

Total Controlled Assess %

Autumn Term

Year 10

Spring Term Year 10

Summer Term Year 10

Autumn Term Year 11

Spring Term Year 11

Summer Term

Year 11

P.E

60% (1) Controlled Assessments throughout year.

Sport Studies (OCR)

Level 1/2

75% coursework

assessed internally.

75% Coursework assessed internally. Students will complete a series of coursework tasks covering 3 units: Developing Sports Skills, Sport & the Media and Sports Leadership.

Spanish Speaking

25% As French /German above

Science

25% (1) Controlled Assessments (ISA’s) throughout year.

KS4 Controlled Assessments Schedule for 2016/16 (correct at time of writing) L = Lesson/ H = Homework

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AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature (Current Year 10)

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AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature (Current Year 10)

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GCSE English Language & English Literature = 2 GCSEs

These courses build in skills explored and developed in KS3. All students will study for both courses.,

following a common curriculum.

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

Skills and interests developed over the course of study:

An interest in reading a variety of texts and genres.

An interest in writing creatively and analytically, exploring how writers shape ideas.

The ability to work independently, researching ideas from a variety of sources.

The ability to participate in both small and whole-class groups, contributing ideas and listening carefully and respectfully to

others.

P1: Creative

Reading and

Writing - 50%

Reading : 20th

Century Fiction

Text Analysis

Poetry: A comparison

between one named

poem and a chosen

poem

19th Century novel:

analysis of extract

and then write about

the text as a whole

Shakespeare: analysis

of extract and then

write about the play

as a whole

Modern Text:

P1: Shakespeare

and the 19th

century novel - 40%

P2: Modern

Texts and

poetry - 60%

Writing:

descriptive or

story opening

Writing:

extended writing

task - non-fiction

P2: Writers’ View-

points and per-

spectives - 50%

Reading:

Comparison of 2 non

-fiction texts (19th

and 21st century)

Unseen poem:

analysis and

comparison with

another unseen poem

20% of the marks are based

on spelling, punctuation

and grammar.

Both examinations are

closed book - candidates

will not have copies of the

text.

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Downlands Community School – INTERNAL APPEALS PROCEDURE

Policy on Internal Assessments for Qualifications with English Awarding Bodies.

In accordance with the Code of Practice for the conduct of external qualifications produced by the QCA, Downlands Community School is committed to ensuring that:-

Internal assessments are conducted by Staff who have the appropriate knowledge, understanding and skills.

Assessment evidence provided by candidates is produced and authenticated according to the requirements of the relevant specification for each subject.

The consistency of internal assessments is assured through internal standardisation as set out by the Awarding Bodies.

Staff responsible for internal standardisation and/or assessment attends any compulsory training sessions.

Written Appeals Procedure

Each Awarding Body publishes procedures for appeals against its decisions and the Examination Officer will be able to advise pupils and parents of these procedures.

Appeals may be made to the school/college regarding the procedures used in internal assessment, but

not the actual marks or grades submitted by the school/college for moderation by the Awarding Body.

A pupil or parent wishing to appeal against the procedures used in internal assessments should contact the Examination Officers, Mr D Hall, as soon as possible to discuss the appeal and a written appeal must

be received by the School at least two weeks before the date of the last external exam in the subject.

On receipt of a written appeal, an enquiry into the internal assessment will be conducted by the Examinations Officer and the Director of Studies/Curriculum Manager. This enquiry will consider whether the procedures used in the internal assessments conformed to the published requirements of the Awarding Body.

The appellant will be informed in writing of the outcome of the appeal, including details of any relevant communication with the Awarding Body and of any steps taken to further protect the interests of the candidates.

Statement for Pupils:

“If at any stage during your exam courses you have concerns about the procedures used in assessing your internally marked work for public exams (e.g. Coursework, Portfolio, Projects) you should see the Examination Officer, Mr Hall, as soon as possible. "The school has a more detailed policy “Internal Appeals Policy for Assessment Decisions at GCSE.” If any pupil or parent requires a full copy they may contact the school.

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27

28

29

Co

urs

ew

ork

/Ho

mew

ork

Fo

rwar

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lan

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nd

ar 2

01

6-2

01

8

Sep

-1

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

1

12

1

3

14

1

5

16

1

7

18

1

9

20

2

1

22

2

3

24

2

5

26

2

7

28

2

9

30

3

1

Day

M

on

Tu

es

Wed

Th

urs

Fr

i Sa

t Su

n

Mo

n

Tues

W

ed

Thu

rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

on

Tu

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Wed

Th

urs

Fr

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n

Mo

n

Tues

W

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Thu

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Fri

Eng-

Mat

h

Sci-

Oct

-1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

Sa

t Su

n

Mo

n

Tues

W

ed

Thu

rs

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Sun

M

on

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es

Wed

Th

urs

Fr

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Tues

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30

No

v-1

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2

3

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7

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9

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1

22

2

3

24

2

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26

2

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28

2

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30

3

1

Day

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Wed

Th

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Fr

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n

Tues

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Thu

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M

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M

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Mat

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De

c-1

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

1

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1

3

14

1

5

16

1

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18

1

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20

2

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22

2

3

24

2

5

26

2

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28

2

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30

3

1

Day

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Tues

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nce

31

Jan

-17

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

Su

n

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n

Tues

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rs

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Sun

M

on

Tu

es

Wed

Th

urs

Fr

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Feb

-17

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

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0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

W

ed

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rs

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Sun

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on

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Wed

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urs

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Tues

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32

Mar

-17

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

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1

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15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

W

ed

Thu

rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

on

Tu

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Wed

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urs

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Ap

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7

1

2

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4

5

6

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8

9

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3

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1

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1

7

18

1

9

20

2

1

22

2

3

24

2

5

26

2

7

28

2

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30

Day

Sa

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n

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n

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33

May

-17

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

M

on

Tu

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Wed

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urs

Fr

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n

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n

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ed

Thu

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hs

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nce

Jun

-17

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

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21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

Day

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34

Jul-

17

1

2

3

4

5

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8

9

1

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1

6

17

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8

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2

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21

2

2

23

2

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25

2

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27

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3

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31

Day

Sa

t Su

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Sep

-17

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

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0

21

2

2

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2

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25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

Fr

i Sa

t Su

n

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n

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ed

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rs

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Sun

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on

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Th

urs

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n

Tues

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rs

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35

Oct

-17

1

2

3

4

5

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7

8

9

1

0

11

1

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1

6

17

1

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2

2

23

2

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2

6

27

2

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29

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0

31

Day

Su

n

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n

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rs

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Sat

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M

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Tues

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on

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No

v-1

7

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

1

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1

3

14

1

5

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1

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18

1

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3

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2

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28

2

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30

3

1

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Sat

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36

De

c-1

7

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

1

12

1

3

14

1

5

16

1

7

18

1

9

20

2

1

22

2

3

24

2

5

26

2

7

28

2

9

30

3

1

Day

Fr

i Sa

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n

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Thu

rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

on

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M

on

Tu

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urs

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hs

Scie

nce

Jan

-18

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

M

on

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es

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Th

urs

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i Sa

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n

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Tues

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ed

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rs

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Sat

Sun

M

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37

Feb

-18

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

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1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

Th

urs

Fr

i Sa

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Tues

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rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

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Tues

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ed

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rs

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M

on

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Mat

hs

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nce

Mar

-18

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

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29

3

0

31

Day

Th

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Fr

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M

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38

Ap

r-1

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

1

12

1

3

14

1

5

16

1

7

18

1

9

20

2

1

22

2

3

24

2

5

26

2

7

28

2

9

30

3

1

Day

Su

n

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W

ed

Thu

rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

on

Tu

es

Wed

Th

urs

Fr

i Sa

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n

Mo

n

Tues

W

ed

Thu

rs

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Sat

Sun

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on

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nce

May

-18

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

Tu

es

Wed

Th

urs

Fr

i Sa

t Su

n

Mo

n

Tues

W

ed

Thu

rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

on

Tu

es

Wed

Th

urs

Fr

i Sa

t Su

n

Mo

n

Tues

W

ed

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rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

on

Tu

es

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hs

Scie

nce

39

Jun

-18

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

0

11

1

2

13

1

4

15

1

6

17

1

8

19

2

0

21

2

2

23

2

4

25

2

6

27

2

8

29

3

0

31

Day

Fr

i Sa

t Su

n

Mo

n T

ues

Wed

Thu

rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

on

Tu

es W

ed Th

ur

s Fr

i Sa

t Su

n

Mo

n T

ues

Wed

Thu

rs

Fri

Sat

Sun

M

on

Tu

es W

ed Th

ur

s Fr

i Sa

t

Engl

ish

Mat

hs

Scie

nce

40

September 2016

15 Study Skills Information Evening 6.30 pm in the Hall

28 PE FC Porto Trip Meeting 5pm

October 2016

1&2 Duke of Edinburgh tbc

7 INSET day

11 Art trip to Wakehurst Place

13 Art Trip to Wakehurst Place

14 History Trip to Ypes

15&16 Duke of Edinburgh tbc

24 Break up for Half Term

November 2016

2 Music Trip to Glyndebourne

w/c 2 November Child Development Controlled Assessments

25 Winter Art Exhibition

26 Christmas Market

30 Ski Trip Information Evening

December 2016

2 School closed

w/c 5 December English assessments

7 Year 10 Treat Event

8 Battle of the Bands

9 Science Trip to Science Live

14 Christmas Lunch

16 Break up for Christmas Holidays. School finishes at 1.30pm

January 2017

2 Bank Holiday

6 Year 10 Reports to Parents

12 Year 10 Parent Consultation Evening

26 Flexiday

February 2017

2 Science Intervention Evening

20 Break up for Half Term

w/c 27 Feb Child Development Controlled Assessments/English Assessments

March 2017

23 Spring Concert

w/c 20 March MFL Speaking assessments

Key Dates for Year 10 (all dates subject to change)

41

April 2017

7 School breaks up for Easter. School ends at 3.05pm.

13-16 Art Trip to Paris

24 INSET day

May 2017

1 Bank Holiday

29 Break up for Half Term

June 2017

9 Reports to Parents

15 Technology Coursework Information Evening

w/c 19 June Sports Leaders trip to Eastbourne (tennis)

22 Art & Textiles Creative Arts Exhibition

24 Downlands Fayre

28 Science Big Bang Evening

29 PE Awards Evening

July 2017

7 Sports Day

13 Awards Evening

w/c 17 July Year 10 Work Experience

25 Break up for Summer Holidays. School finishes at 1.30pm.

Please note that all dates are subject to change.

42