PARENT/CARERS HANDBOOK

YEAR 102011/12

Year 10 Handbook

Year 10 Handbook

BIDEFORD COLLEGEPARENT/CARERS GUIDE TO YEAR 10

Miss V Matthews Principal

Ms Alison Pollok Assistant Principal (Key Stage 4)

Ms Vicky Hollister Head of Year

Mrs Marilyn Trott Home School Liaison Officer

Miss Claire Sanders Admin Support

Contact Number 01237 477611

LETTER FROM HEAD OF YEARDear Students and Parents/Carers As a year group we have worked very hard in all aspects of college life, be it academic, sporting, charity fundraising or numerous other extra curricular activities over the last 3 years. It is now time to take the skills we have learnt and apply them to our GCSE courses.

We need to be fully motivated, organised and ready to work hard right from the first day. We will have many coursework deadlines to meet. The College Planners are designed to aid this process and must be utilised fully and a good attendance record is essential.

Year 10 students will have Careers Interviews during the year and in March 2012 they will have Work Experience placements for a week.

A new system of rewards called ‘Credits’ starts at Key Stage 4. These replace the present award scheme.Subject teachers will award credits at regular intervals to students who are working well and students can also gain them for extra curricular activities.

At the end of Year 11 students may be nominated for Gold Governors’ Awards for high academic achievement, or for other significant contributions that they make to College life. Students need to be aiming towards this right from the beginning of Year 10.

So, Year 10 will be a very challenging but rewarding year indeed!

Ms V HollisterHead of Year 10

Year 10 Handbook

TUTOR GROUP ARRANGEMENTSEvery student is in a mixed ability tutor group for registration purposes.

CODE OF CONDUCTPlease refer to this section in the College prospectus.

REWARDSEveryone works better when the good work they do is recognised. Your child’s teachers will praise enthusiasm, effort and achievement in a variety of ways; by speaking to the student in class, by writing comments on their work and by giving good marks. Recognition of achievement is open to all students of all ages and all abilities: it will reflect effort and achievement related to the students’ individual ability.

To reward good effort and achievement on a particular piece of work, or over a period of time, teachers will use the College Award System. Recognition may also be earned for anything which is done that sets a new standard for the student personally, or for others to follow; for example: good conduct, helpfulness, leadership and other qualities which make a genuine contribution to College and community life.

We run a different Reward System for students in Key Stage 4 than the postcards of KS3. Every month, teachers will award a “credit” to every student who has made good progress and shown

sustained effort. This can be in lessons, in extra-curricular activities, in any college activity and for good attendance and punctuality.

Each month, your child will be told how many credits they have. They should record the total in the planner. When your child has achieved 25 credits, their Year Head writes home. When your child has achieved 50 credits, the Director of Key Stage 4 will present them with a Certificate, a

letter home, and a pen. When your child has achieved 100 credits, the Principal will present them with a Certificate, a letter home,

and a cash donation. When your child has achieved 150 credits, the Chair of Governors will present them with a Certificate, a

letter home, and a cash donation.

Principal’s and Governor’s Certificates will be presented to students in The Principal’s Office.

SANCTIONSWe hope that formal discipline procedures are not required, but if the informal warnings are not acted upon, students may be involved in more formal and recorded consequences. These are: Being on report to Subject Teacher, Form Tutor, Year Head or Principal. Being sent out of the lesson (withdrawal) to another classroom Isolation which will include the student losing their time at break or lunch or after college College detention Principal’s detention Fixed Period exclusion Permanent exclusion

If it is necessary to remind students of the need for better behaviour or a better attitude to their studies, the College has a detention policy. Detentions are held after College from 3.15pm to 3.45pm. Parents/carers will be informed by letter of the reason and of the date of the detention at least 24 hours in advance. More serious punishments, involving temporary or permanent exclusion will involve parents/carers and Governors.

We want to work closely with parents and carers in our efforts to improve the behaviour and attitudes of those students who are not making best use of their time here. Everyone has the right to work: students and teachers. Every teacher has the right to teach and every student has the right to learn.

Parents/carers are invited to contact their child’s Form Tutor or Head of Year if they wish to discuss their child’s progress. The Principal and members of the College Leadership Group are also available but it is usual for the first contact to be made with the Year Head or Form Tutor.

USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGYBideford College has a large network of computers used for the education of all containing up-to-date software.

In Key Stage 4, students can gain access to the latest computer technology through consultation with Mr Fairweather, Head of ICT. Subjects often make use of the network to enhance the teaching of their courses.

Year 10 Handbook Our intention is to increase the range of Information and Communication Technology provision for students and remain at the forefront of this technology. This will give our students up to date information and practical experience resulting in a thorough grounding in information technology.

The network obviously utilises a range of information. To ensure proper use of the system we maintain the following rules: Students and parents/carers support the College in ensuring that all students act responsibly with all

computer equipment and treat it with respect. Students are expected to obey the rules in the use of computer equipment.

Parents/carers permission is sought for students to access the Internet. The College will take all reasonable precautions to ensure students cannot access inappropriate materials, but cannot be held responsible for the nature or content of materials accessed through the Internet. The College is not liable for any damages arising from the use of Internet facilities.

If selected, students’ work may be published on the College Website, with parents’/carers’ permission. Photographs that include students may be published, with parental permission; such photographs will not

clearly identify individuals and full names will not be used.

USE OF THE LIBRARYWe have an extensive library based in the Geneva building. CD-ROM facilities are available to students and we encourage students to use the library as a resource for homework and private study, as well as reading for pleasure. Library staff are always pleased to give all students, and their parents/carers, advice on the most appropriate books and reference materials.

Students also have access to networked computers that they may use to assist them with their studies.

YEAR 10 CURRICULUMAt Key Stage 4 all students study English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Personal Social Health Education (including sex education) Citizenship, Information Communication Technology and Religious Education. Students then choose to study from a range of optional subjects. They are expected to choose a Language and a Technology subject and are advised to choose a creative arts subject and a humanities subject. For some students there may be an educational reason for them not to take a Language or Technology subject. All students have the opportunity to gain additional experience in Information Communication Technology across other subjects of the curriculum. (There is also the opportunity for some students to take ICT as a GCSE option subject.) The majority of students study ten GCSE subjects, eleven if Religious Education (full or short course) is included.

A ‘Certificate of Achievement’ is offered as an alternative to GCSE for particular students in English, Science, Design Technology: Food, Design Technology: Design Technology and Realisation, Geography and History.

The College is placing a greater emphasis on the range of courses that are on offer to students, particularly matching this to ability and interest. For some students it is more appropriate to focus on a narrower range of skills than for other students and to emphasise the work related or vocational elements of education. These courses reflect the needs and expectations of employers and, for some students; part of their College time is spent on an extended work placement in a vocational area of their choice. Our XL programme – a special programme for Year 11 students has been particularly successful in helping students who have not found school very rewarding. Parents are involved in the Key Stage 4 course decisions.

HOMEWORK POLICYHomework is both important and necessary. Homework done regularly throughout secondary school can be equivalent to an additional year of study!

The Student Planner is used to keep a check on what students have to do and by when it must be completed. Students should talk to their teachers and arrange when the homework will be set each week. The homework for each subject must be written in the subject space of the Student Planner. Homework can take a variety of formats including, revision, research and improving coursework.

Please note: Students should try to do homework in a quiet place where they are free from distraction. Students are likely to achieve more by working regularly for relatively short periods (say 1 hour at a time)

than in a single long session when concentration will fail. Please remember – it is not the time taken to the homework that is important, it is the quality of the work that

is done. Above all, it is vital to plan ahead to make the best use of time and not to leave projects, coursework or

homework until the last minute.

Year 10 Handbook In Years 10 & 11 the length of time for homework will extend to 10 hours per week during the GCSE courses. In Years 10 & 11 you will have homework for each of your subjects. All of your GCSE subjects will set at least one task per week; sometimes it will be two.

Young people with learning difficulties do not always follow the official homework timetable, as a more flexible approach may be necessary in these cases; these changes are discussed during the regular and routine review meetings with the College SENCO.

We ask parents/carers to encourage their child to do the homework set and, as far as possible, to provide them with suitable facilities. If your child has difficulties with homework, please let the subject teacher or form tutor know.

There are homework clubs and revision sessions available.

The College subscribes to SAM Learning, a top quality online learning service that can be used at home and at College. The website address is www.samlearning.com

SAM Learning usually costs home users £49.99 per year, but students now have full use of this service totally free of charge. It's useful for students to take a break from textbooks and try learning on the Internet instead.

Learners need three details to login:

School ID EX39BC

User ID Date of birth followed by two initials; first name then last name. Example: 010885DJ is the User ID for David Jones born 1st Aug 1985.

Password Initially same as User ID, you should change your password as soon as you login.

We hope you will take full advantage of this service. We wish all our students good luck with their studies. If any student has a problem accessing this website, they should see Mrs Meaker in the Burrough building.

Year 10 Handbook

SUBJECT INFORMATIONART AND DESIGNStudents follow the AQA range of courses in Art and Design. Students will be building on the skills gained in KS3 and may be focusing on an area of study as the GCSE course progresses.

Students produce units of coursework that will take about a term to complete and collectively contribute to 60% of the final grade. Students will be expected to produce work at home in sketchbooks and should take advantage of the extra art clubs that are on offer.

The final 40% of the GCSE is gained by sitting the exam in Year 11, which represents another project. Students would find it beneficial to own their own basic art materials such as pencils, paints, and so on. These are sold by the Art Department in the autumn term.

Students studying the OCR level 2 national course complete a range of units to complete the qualification. This course is achieved through 100% coursework.

BUSINESS STUDIESThe business studies course in Year 10 investigates a variety of topics and students take one external exam (25% of grade).

Topics studied in Year 10 include: What is business? Getting started in business Business Enterprise

Customer needs Putting a business idea into practice The economic context

Texts are issued in September. An additional text that is highly recommended is The GCSE Business Studies Handbook (published by Hodder). The BBC Bitesize Revision Guide is also excellent, as is their website. The ‘Bized.ac.uk’ website is also very useful. Students will also need calculators and internet access.

CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCEAt Key Stage 4 all students follow a planned programme of careers education delivered mainly but not entirely as part of the taught PSHE programme. The programme has been constructed in line with the National Framework for Careers Education and Guidance.

All students in the year will have ten lessons in PSHE time. This will cover self-assessment, target setting, employment trends and learning opportunities and different education and training pathways. Students will use and evaluate a range of careers information.

All students in Year 10 will also undertake a week of work experience late in the Easter term. Four of the lessons in PSHE will be devoted to preparation for work experience, including health and safety. During work experience, students complete a workbook to develop their career development and career management skills. At Progress Day students will review and set targets with their form tutors.

CITIZENSHIP, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICSAll Year 10 students have an entitlement to Religious Education. Citizenship, Philosophy and Ethics is a new course which follows the OCR GCSE short course in Philosophy and Ethics. All students will study this course which will also lead to the option of gaining GCSE short course accreditation. This will be 100% exam, with no coursework. This is a fantastic subject for students who enjoy heated discussions, and are able to express strong opinions about topical and moral issues!

Students will study the following modules: Religion and Human Relationships Religion and Medical Ethics Religion and The Media

Religion and Equality Religion, Poverty and Wealth

Citizenship, Philosophy and Ethics is taught by a small team of specialist staff. Students work on a modular basis on a rotation with ICT, they will therefore have 1 x 50 mins lessons every half-term. Clearly some of the issues may be sensitive, if parents, guardians and students have any concerns, please contact the Head of Religious Education, or any member of the department.

Year 10 Handbook

CitizenshipCitizenship encourages students to play a positive part in the life of their school and community.

Citizenship is taught across the whole curriculum. With a large part of it being taught in PSHE and Citizenship, Philosophy and Ethics. It gives students the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in society. It helps them to become informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens who are aware of their duties and rights. Citizenships also teaches students about our economy and democratic institutions and values; encourages respect for different national, religious and ethnic identities; and develops student’s ability to reflect on issues, take part in discussions and consider other people’s views.

DRAMAThe course is organised as follows:Paper 1: Coursework written and practical 60%Paper 2: Performance 40%

Students follow the Edexel GCSE Drama Course. During Year 10 students experiment with a number of practical approaches to the subject, building knowledge and understanding of the requirements of this examination. All students will be working on a ‘Dreams and Nightmares’ project which focuses upon the requirements of Paper 1: Unit 1 – here students explore Dreams and Nightmares using Drama Strategies, Mediums and Elements. In addition our students will explore a whole range of genres and styles through different text and stimuli.

For Paper 1: Unit 2 students will be exploring a complete play either ‘The Wall’ or ‘The Freeze’ and they will rehearse and present a performance (as part of Paper 2 Performance) in the Summer Term. Finally reading and working on ‘Blood Brothers’ which will be their examination text for Year 11.

ENGLISH, ENGLISH LITERATURE

“English is the dominant international language in communications, science, business, aviation, entertainment, diplomacy and the Internet…and is considered… to be the universal language.” (Wikipedia.)

Communication is a key aspect of human society; it goes on around us all day, every day. We listen to the radio, watch TV, read magazines, newspapers, books, instructions, web pages, signs and we converse on a daily basis. We write frequently, whether we are writing notes in class, filling out forms or writing an e-mail. Language and the ability to understand it and use it well is the key to success. The English department aims to provide you with the necessary skills to effectively communicate in today’s modern environment.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

This is a core subject and is not optional. However, the skills you will learn in English are all transferable and will help you to succeed in your other subjects too.

Assessment overview

Controlled Assessment: available in January and June.

• Selection of pre-release non-fiction texts to be read on screen or on paper• Choice of two themes that are both meaningful to students• Assessment based on two texts from the selection provided• Two tasks:

– reading to analyse key points such as the writer’s choice of presentation, image and language

– writing for identified purpose and audience.

Unit 2: The Writer’s VoiceExamination: one hour and 45 minutes, available in January and June.

• Foundation and Higher tier• Two questions:– one reading response EITHER based on an extract from aDifferent Cultures prose text OR on an extract from aNon-fiction text– one writing task for a specified audience expressing

Year 10 Handbook opinions and analysing ideas on a topic relevant tostudents’ experience.Unit 3: The Spoken LanguageControlled Assessment: available in January and June.• Three Speaking and Listening tasks• One spoken language study: a commentary on two examples of spoken language that students have listened to during their study• One writing task: from a choice of speeches, stories with a focuson dialogue, and scripts.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Examination: one hour and 45 minutes, available in January and June

• Foundation and Higher tier• Two questions:– one on a Different Cultures text– one on a Literary Heritage text.• Two question styles:– four part question based on an extract forLiterary Heritage texts– essay question for Different Culture texts.Unit 1: Understanding ProseExamination: one hour and 45 minutes, available in January and June.

• Foundation and Higher tier• Two questions:– response to one unseen poem– response to two poems based on the collectionchosen from the Edexcel Poetry Anthology.Unit 2: Understanding PoetryUnit 3: Shakespeare and Contemporary DramaControlled Assessment: available in January and June.• Two tasks– Shakespeare task linking one Shakespeare play to aversion on page or screen– Contemporary drama task on play

For Entry-level certificates students are expected to complete coursework and also sit tests on a regular basis. These tests are administered in the classroom.

There are a number of study guides available in bookshops that can be very valuable. It is essential, however, that students use these to inform their own thoughts, as examiners are extremely familiar with their contents. Websites of value include BBC Bitesize.

HomeworkStudents are set coursework support tasks based on the specification. Homework in Year 11 is exam-based.

Websites: www.bbc.co.uk/education/bitesize

GEOGRAPHYStudents in Year 10 start the OCR B Geography GCSE. They study the following topics:

Term Winter Spring SummerTopics Natural Hazards (tectonic)

Natural Hazards (climatic)Economic development (1)

Economic development (2)

Coasts

CoastsControlled assessment

After each topic (and twice in Natural Hazards) students will take an End of Topic Tests after a period of revision. These are marked, discussed with students, filed for future reference, self-evaluated and based on this work, students set themselves targets for the next End of Topic Test.

Year 10 Handbook In the summer term, students take part in a field day at either Westward Ho! or Barnstaple. This counts towards their final GCSE grade and is 15% of the total. Some students follow a Certificate of Geography course, which involves the collection of a portfolio of work based on the above themes.

Students will be set homework based on the topics they are studying at that time. These might take for the form of:Exam questions based on the class work done during that day’s lessonRevision for End of Topic Tests and Mock examsAdditional/preparatory research – if there are difficulties in performing these tasks, students can look in the

library, or come and use department resources in breaks and lunchtimesConsolidation tasksThinking tasks – where there is little to write but a lot to think about!Completion of work started in classReading as a preparation for the next lessonLiteracy based work – e.g. focused on poems, leaflets, persuasive writing, diaries etc.What have you learnt today? Give me 5 things you have learntRecording informationTranslating information from one format to another

As a department, we are keen to help ALL students reach their potential – please ask your child to ask us for help if they are stuck or unsure!

HEALTH & SOCIAL CAREGCSE Health and Social Care

This GCSE consists of a piece of coursework worth 60% and an exam worth 40% of the final mark.The exam, Understanding Personal Development and Relationships, is taken in June of year 10 and covers all aspects of development across the life stages including how a range of experiences and factors can affect a person’s life.The coursework is by controlled assessment and is started in year 10 but completed in year 11. This piece of work, Health, Social Care and Early Year’s Services, involves students selecting a local service to investigate and report upon.Health and Social Care provides an excellent grounding for those students who feel they may be interested in care work of any kind: nursing, paramedicine, working with children or the elderly.This GCSE is studied through the OCR exam board. Further information is on our website and accessible through the OCR website.

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care

The BTEC course is more practical in approach and students are expected to apply what they learn to care settings. This course is equivalent to 4 GCSEs grade A-E and is awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction level depending on both the quantity and quality of work submitted. Full attendance at all lessons is essential to keep up with the demands of this course as all work is assessed by coursework only. Students are also expected to select work experience placements which reflect their interest in health and social care: working in a care home, nursery or primary school setting.Students study a total of 8 areas and complete 8 pieces of work to complete their portfolio. Topics covered in year 10 include: Communication in Health and Social Care; Individual Rights in Health and Social Care; Individual Needs; Ensuring Safe Environments in Health and Social Care and Human Lifespan development. The BTEC examining body is Edexcel.

HISTORYWe begin the year studying the Work of the Historian. We will look at how historians reach conclusions about the past and how these can be challenged. This unit is examined in January.

Germany 1918-1945Students will study Germany after World War 1and the impact of the Peace Treaty. They will consider the problems of early Weimar Germany from 1918-1923 and then evaluate to what extent they were resolved in the years 1924-1929. Students will then study the Wall Street Crash, the Depression that resulted and the subsequent rise of Hitler and the Nazis.

Finally we will consider the Third Reich and how it changed people’s lives as well as the downfall of the regime in World War II. This unit is examined in June.

Useful reading

Year 10 Handbook Broadsheet Newspapers Any books on Nazi Germany, Vietnam or Medicine Listen to radio. Radio 4 often has relevant programmes related to the course.

Please see the department pages on the College website for details of useful websites. For more detailed information see the department handbook.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY GCSEStudents are studying towards GCSE Information and communication technology (ICT) using the OCR specification B syllabus.(Further Information may be found on the Bideford College website in the ICT department pages).ICT is a fundamental part of our lives. The growth in the use of mobile telephones, portable computers and the Internet is affecting the way we all live and work. This GCSE explores the use of ICT in society and gives students the essential background they need to work and live in a technological society. It will prepare students for life and work, helping them to secure employment. The course will also provide them with an essential foundation for any further courses, including any specific to the use of computers and new technology, such as A Level, AS Level, vocational and occupational courses.

Topics covered in the course: Practical use of ICT How to design ICT systems The growth in the use of the Internet, mobile

telephones and other communications technology

How ICT is used in society, including moral and ethical considerations, and security

How to use the best hardware and software for a given situation

Skills learned by students: How to use hardware and software How to research ICT use

Skills related to numeracy, communication and ICT Practical design of ICT systems

The method of assessment divides into three main sections:Paper 1 – Key Skills Examination = 20% of total mark taken in the June of Year 10

Coursework = two main sections: Coursework Task 1Extended Coursework Task

Paper 2 – Industry Context Examination = 20% of total mark taken in the June of Year 11

During Year 10, students concentrate on developing their core knowledge and understanding of the use of ICT. They develop and enhance their practical skills and understanding relating to the use of ICT applications. This is done by working through various practical examples of ICT use and combining this with general work on ICT theory.

In January, students take a mock examination to prepare for Paper 1. This tests their specific understanding of the use of ICT and applications. After Easter, students begin the formal work on their coursework units. Students should have completed the first part of their coursework by the end of Year 10. In June students take their first formal GCSE paper, the multiple choice, Paper 1. This tests specific understanding of the use of ICT and applications.

Students and parents/carers support the College in ensuring that all students act responsibly with all computer equipment and treat it with respect. Students are expected to obey the rules in the use of computer equipment.

Parent’/carers’ permission is sought for students to access the internet. The College will take all reasonable precautions to ensure students cannot access inappropriate materials, but cannot be held responsible for the nature or content of materials accessed through the Internet. The College is not liable for any damages arising from the use of Internet facilities.

If selected, students’ work may be published on the College Website and/or Virtual Learning Environment (frog) with parents’/carers’ permission.

Photographs that include students may be published, with parental permission; such photographs will not clearly identify individuals and full names will not be used.

ICT Entitlement CourseThis follows on from the ICT lessons at Key Stage 3. Students study ICT for half of the year on a rotation with Citizenship/PSHE. The course is intended to provide a good grounding in the skills and understanding of ICT and task management required by all students studying at Level 2.

Year 10 Handbook The course is based within the framework of Edexcel AIDA (Award in Digital Applications). They study all main applications program areas (Word processing, Presentations, Spreadsheets, Databases and Web design). This allows students to compile an e-portfolio of evidence for possible submission in Year 11.

INTEGRATED COURSEStudents following the Integrated Course study a variety of subjects. The aim of the course is to provide information and experience which the students will find both interesting and useful, in and out of school.

Subjects studied are on a modular basis, each lasting approximately one term. Modules to be studied will include: You and Your Body, The Environment, Schools Traffic Education programme, The War at Home and in Europe, The Law and Young People, Money and European Awareness. In addition students work towards the ASDAN Award and complete courses in First Aid and Basic Food Hygiene.

MATHEMATICSIn Year 10 students will continue to study for their double award in mathematics: ‘Methods in Mathematics’ and ‘Applications of Mathematics’.

Students will study mathematics from all the key areas such as:Number, Algebra, Shape and Space, Data Handling.

Throughout the year, students will be given opportunities to develop problem solving skills and work on functional mathematics. Students are assessed regularly through formal exams and end of topic tests and their attainment is measured in GCSE grades rather than National Curriculum levels. At the end of the year, students will sit an exam paper in each qualification representing 60% of their GCSE grades.

Students need to have their own mathematical equipment for lessons including pens, pencils, ruler, protractor, compass and a scientific calculator.

MEDIA STUDIESMedia Studies is a demanding course, just like any other GCSE subject. Students are expected to work hard, and homework is set every week. This may be a specific task, or a general preliminary coursework task that needs completing by a certain date.

Please note that this year, several homework tasks will require access to a computer, connected to the internet, and a working printer. Students who do not have this facility will be given access to a computer at school during lunch and/or break time and/or after school, but not having a computer at home is not an excuse for not completing the work!

A USB pen drive would be useful, but is not essential.

The course is a double award (the student will receive two GCSE’s on completion of the course), and is organised as follows:

YEAR 1Unit 1: Investigating the MediaWritten Paper – 1 hour 30mins – 60 marks – 20%External AssessmentBased on pre-released topic with guidance and stimulus.Unit 2: Understanding the MediaControlled Assessment taken from banks of set assignments – 90 marks – 30%Three Assignments: Introductory assignment; Cross-media assignment; Practical Production and Evaluation.

YEAR 2Unit 3: Exploring Media IndustriesWritten Paper – 1 hour 30mins – 60 marks – 20%External AssessmentSection A: 10 short answer questions. Section B: 5 longer responses to a media stimulus.Unit 4: Responding to a Media BriefControlled Assessment – set brief (changed annually) – 90 marks – 30%Research, Planning and Presentation to a ‘client’. Fully Realised Production and Evaluation.

Assessment40% the marks will come from two exams, the remaining 60% from coursework.

Year 10 Handbook

What else do you need to know?Media Studies is not an easy option. It’s a steep learning curve, and students are expected to work independently as well as receiving support from their teacher.

They will have to be able to work as part of a team, as well as work on their own, so they need to be able to communicate with others. They will be expected to take responsibility for their own work, and the work of any group they are part of. And of course they have to be reliable as well as responsible, as they will be working with expensive equipment and will not always be supervised.

Warning - Outstanding CourseworkCoursework has to be completed under controlled conditions. However, the preliminary work and research will be undertaken prior to the final piece. If this is not completed by the deadline set, parents will receive a letter and/or phone call informing them of this.

As a significant part of the final grade is based on coursework, where a student consistently fails to carry out the necessary research, planning and preliminary work and subsequently produces a poor piece of work, it may be necessary to re-consider their place on the course.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGESIn Key Stage 4, students follow the NJEC GCSE course in French or Spanish, practising listening, reading, speaking and writing. Please note students will need to have a bilingual dictionary.

The GCSE course consists of 4 units based on the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Listening and reading are externally assessed by examination and speaking and writing will be internally assessed by the teacher. Themes to be covered in the course will be:1. Media and Culture – Music, films and reading2. Sport and Leisure – Hobbies and interest, sporting events, lifestyle choices.3. Travel and tourism – Holidays, accommodation, eating and food and drink.4. Business, Work and Employment – Work experience and part-time jobs, product and service information.

Homework is vital as it reinforces the work covered during lessons and contributes toward the production of coursework. In addition, regular practice and thorough learning of the necessary vocabulary and grammatical structures relating to the themes and topics covered will have a beneficial effect on performance in all skill areas. Use of revision guides and Internet sites will also have a positive impact, as will homework booklets.

MUSICMusic at GCSE level aims to increase the student’s ability to perform, both individually and as a member of an ensemble, and to compose music with understanding. Developing skills of listening and appraising, the development of Western music from late Renaissance to the present day provides a foundation for class discussion and individual research. Additionally, students are introduced to a range of World Music and are encouraged to integrate the range of techniques encountered with more conventional devices in developing their own ideas. Students’ instrumental progress is assessed throughout the academic year and individual progress in all areas of the syllabus is monitored. It is the requirement of the GCSE examination that students submit a Composition Portfolio and perform both as a soloist and as a member of a group. The development of their skills is of primary importance to the Year 10 syllabus.

PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICSAll Yr 10 students complete the second year of the OCR GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Course. This will be 100% exam, which will be sat in the summer of Year 10. This is a fantastic subject for students who enjoy heated discussions, and are able to express strong opinions about topical and moral issues.Students will study the following modules;

Religion and Human relationships Religion and Medical Ethics Religion and The Media Religion and Equality Religion, Poverty and Wealth Religion, Peace and justice

Philosophy and Ethics is taught by a small team of specialist staff. Clearly some of the issues may be sensitive, if parents, guardians and students have any concerns, please contact Mrs R Vowles.

Year 10 Handbook

PSHEPSHE lessons in Year 10 are based on the learning outcomes identified in the Passport Framework. Students participate in activities which help them to: Develop confidence and responsibility and make the most of their abilities Develop a healthy, safer lifestyle Develop good relationships and respect the differences between people Know and understand about becoming informing citizens.

Year 10 students complete six units of work which are delivered by specialist teachers. The topics covered include: Drug Education, Citizenship, Parenting, Sex Education, Health and Wellbeing and Careers Education.

Each unit of work will be assessed separately and graded as follows:

P*: Progress ExcellentThe student has displayed an excellent ability to work with others, has good communication skills, has understood the unit of work well and contributed to discussion work. They have consistently worked to the best of their ability.PG: Progress GoodThe student has worked well with others, communicated effectively, contributed occasionally to group discussion and has a sound comprehension of the issues raised. The student has concentrated well on the tasks in hand and has worked with continuous interest and enthusiasm.PS: Progress SatisfactoryThe student has worked satisfactorily with others and attempted to complete most tasks set to the best of their ability. Not all tasks have been completed. There have been occasional contributions to discussion. The student is not working consistently towards achieving their potential.PU: Progress UnsatisfactoryThe student has made little effort, finds concentration difficult and does not participate in class discussions. The student has not co-operated in the lessons, and has made very little effort to improve their work.

During the Sex Education aspect of the course, students will recap and build on previous lessons on Sex and Drugs Education. There will be a short series of lessons building on the A Pause programme delivered in Year 9. For these lessons, which have been developed by the University of Exeter, Child Health Department, a trained nurse will deliver the programme, although the PSHE teacher will also be present throughoutWe hope that all pupils will benefit from this course, and that you will have the opportunity to discuss with your son or daughter what they are learning in College. If you have any queries about the course, please feel free to contact Mrs Vowles, Head of Citizenship and PSHE, at the College.

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONAll students are expected to bring full Bideford College PE kit and safety equipment where necessary and to take part in every lesson.

At Key Stage 4, the students will have an element of choice in deciding the courses they will follow. These will come from a selection of activities, including basketball, badminton, netball, fitness, hockey, football, rugby, aerobics, trampolining, tennis, cricket, rounders, squash, athletics, dance, golf, walking, problem solving, surfing and cycling. There will be an opportunity for students to take a course which will give them the Sports Leader Award qualification.

The Year 10 GCSE PE course includes assessment in four practical areas and theory work based on health and fitness.

HOMEWORK September Learning or written homework on the skeleton and joints.October Learning or written homework on muscles. Revision of all work for pre-half term tests.November Learning or written work on the circulatory system.December Written homework on the respiratory system. Revision of respiration and circulation for test.January Health and fitnessFebruary Components of fitness. Revision for test on components of fitness.March Aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

Principles of TrainingApril Revision for Year 10 examsMay DietJune Individual differences, participation and performance,.July Physiological and Psychological factors affecting performance.

Year 10 Handbook Leisure and recreation

BTEC Sports CourseThe BTEC Sport level 2 course is divided into four separate modules covering the following areas over 2 years:

1. Anatomy and Physiology for Sport (studied in year 10)2. Planning and Leading Sports Activities (studied in year 10)3. Practical Sport (studied in year 11)4. Fitness Testing and Training (studied in year 11)

Anatomy and Physiology and Planning and Leading are studied in year 10 and Practical Sport and Fitness Testing and Training are followed in year 11.

Anatomy and Physiology explores the four main body systems. The skeletal system which includes main bones, joints and movement. The muscular system is then examined, the main muscles, antagonistic pairs and types of contraction are covered. The structure and function of the cardiovascular system is then covered which includes the structure of the heart and the blood vessels that carry blood around the body. To complete this unit, the respiratory system is explored and includes mechanics of breathing and gaseous exchange.

Planning and Leading looks at the qualities needed for effective sports leadership. Learners will identify the qualities required by studying real examples of successful leaders, possibly those they have worked with or observed in the community. Through completion of this unit learners will develop their knowledge and experience of how to lead sports activities and events. Learners will have the opportunity to put into practice the delivery of an activity session and sports event. They will be able to develop their leadership qualities and skills through their own relationship with their peers.

Practical Sport focuses on developing and improving the learners own practical sports performance. This is achieved through learners taking part in practical activities and reflecting on their own performance and that of other sports performers. At least one team and one individual sport will be studied giving students the opportunity to improve and develop their understanding. Learners will be able to practice and refine individual skills and techniques, experience tactics and team formations and be able to analyse their strengths and areas for improvement of themselves and others. Rules and regulations of each sport will be investigated and learners will apply knowledge through officiating different sports.

Fitness Testing and Training will give learners an insight into the physical fitness requirements and training methods used to achieve excellence in a selected sport. Learners will explore lifestyle factors, which may affect sports performance. The unit will enable learners to participate in a series of fitness tests to assess their current fitness levels and performance. Learners can then compare their own level of fitness and potential with the demand of competing at their desired level. Learners will also examine psychological factors, which may affect training and sports performance.

Each unit requires learners to complete coursework based on these units. Coursework can be expected at the end of each half term and time will be allocated for students to complete within lessons with access to computers. Usually students are given two weeks from the initial date to complete coursework and after one week there is the opportunity for a half time hand in to make sure they are on track to achieve their potential. Assignments are then returned for learners to make any alterations required in order to pass the assignment.

You can expect some examples of assignments to include:Presentations where the learner is expected to talk about a subject using powerpoint.Designing a leafletPlan and lead a sporting activity with younger students and writing reviewsParticipation in a sporting activity and officiating the sportObservation and analysis of a sports performer etc.

Anatomy and Physiology (Year 10)

Assignment 1 Understanding the Skeleton and movement occurring at the joints.You are going to create an easy-to follow article that will form part of a revision aid to assist the GCSE students in our College with their anatomy and physiology revision for their up and coming mock examination.

Assignment 2Understanding the Muscular System You must create a leaflet to be used as information for gym users at Fusion Gym. This must be bright and eye catching as well as informative.

Year 10 Handbook

Assignment 3Understanding the Cardio Vascular System and how it is affected by Exercise.In the Bideford Medical Centre, staff are seeing a greater number of obese children every year and concern is growing over the health of the North Devon children.Awareness of the dangers of inactive lifestyle have lead the Medical Centre to request some information to be displayed in a slide show presentation highlighting the risks of not looking after your heart, on a TV monitor in reception.You are going to work in a pairs to create a 5 min Power Point presentation which you will present to the class in a fortnights time. In this presentation you are going to give us information on these key areas.

Planning and Leading (Year 10)

Assignment 1Understand the skills, qualities and responsibilities associated with successful sports leadership As a trainee Sports Leader you have observed a wide variety of sports teachers, coaches and instructors. All of these people teach sport in a wide variety of ways. You must produce an essay to describe a range of skills and qualities and responsibilities that a good sports leader should be able to demonstrate. You must also provide examples of sports leaders who display these special skills.

Assignment 2Planning and leading an activity session, then reviewing their planning and leadership of a sports activity. You are all going to plan a simple sports session to teach to a groupIn a sport of your choice. It must fit to this criteria: -

1. Session is for 15 people2. Session will last 20 mins3. You have the use of gym / sportshall

You must inform me of any equipment you may need prior to the session

Assignment 3Be able to assist in the planning and leading of a sports event and then review their planning and leadership in the sports event.

1. You are all going to acting as Sports Leaders in the annual Multiskills Festival. You will be assigned a role during the festival which will assist towards the success of the whole festival. This role will be either: -

a. As an activity leader, where you must plan and create an activity which will cover a set theme in which small groups of pupils will participate on your activity.

b. As a group leader, where you are responsible for a set of primary school pupils and supervise them throughout the festival.

SCIENCEThe GCSE courses in Science changed enormously in 2006. Below is the combination of courses we offer and the routes through these courses with assessment values.

CORE SCIENCEEvery student must be taught Science. For most students this will be done by following the AQA Science A specification. This is a modular course and the modules are examined by written tests throughout Year 10. This year the Physics exam will be in January and the Chemistry and Biology modules in June. There is also a practical assessment worth 20% of the total mark. This is a single GCSE.All students will be required to follow a second course in Science from the list below

ADDITIONAL SCIENCEMost students will follow this course. It is taught as AQA Additional Science. It is examined with short answer questions and has a practical controlled assessment element worth 20% of the total mark. The course is equivalent to one GCSE and, when taken with Core Science, it is the Double Science course. This is a suitable grounding for A levels in the Sciences.

SEPARATE SCIENCES (AQA)A number of students will be entered for Biology, Chemistry and Physics as three separate GCSEs. This still involves following all of the Core and Additional material as well as an extra module and practical for each subject. Students who opt for this course must use one of their option choices. They will only be allowed to follow this course if they obtained a Level 6 or higher in the Science SATs test, at Key Stage 3.

Year 10 Handbook

BTEC APPLIED SCIENCE LEVEL 2 (EDEXCEL)This course is completely separate from those mentioned above and is broadly equivalent to two GCSEs. Practical uses of Science in the real world are studied and students produce a portfolio of work which counts for 100% of the final grades. This is a suitable grounding for the BTEC Level 3 which is broadly equivalent to an A level but is not suitable for further study in A level sciences.

SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the study of society. At GCSE, this involves looking at the different groups within society, such as the family, religious and ethnic groups, males and females. We ask how we fit into these groups ourselves, and how they influence our life chances.

Sociology will be of interest to those students who are interested in inequality, that is, how our society is not a fair place for some people, perhaps because of their gender or their ethnic group or religion.

Much use is made of students’ own knowledge and experience, and they are encouraged to read newspapers and listen to the news regularly. Sociology also involves the study of theories and ideas, and students need to be able to read and understand the writings of sociologists.

The topics studied in Year 10 are:

Studying Society How sociologists do research The social roles of people in society and role conflicts How we are socialised into behaving in certain ways Which skills children fail to develop if they are not socialised in the normal way

The family: Changes in the typical family since the 1950’s Changes in the rate of divorce and cohabitation and reasons for these Differences in family life for people of different ethnic groups and different social classes How family life can be difficult for some children and adults Who does most of the housework and child care in different types of household

Education Changes in the education system since the 1960s and how the Government is trying to raise standards in

schools Who is most likely to do well in schools and why, for example, girls or boys, Indian or African Caribbean

At the end of Year 10, after studying these modules of work, the students will take an examination on the topics covered, and this will give them a half GCSE. If they wish to improve their mark in this examination, they may resit it during Year 11. They will also take a further exam in Year 11 on the topics covered during that year, and the two exams together will give them a full GCSE in Sociology.

TECHNOLOGY (CATERING)The GCSE Catering course covers four main areas. We will look at the Catering Industry, Nutrition and Menu Planning, Food Production and Technological advancements. As part of the GCSE course students will take the Level 2 ‘Food Safety in Catering’ certificate.

Students will work using a large selection of equipment and techniques. They will develop practical catering abilities by making a wide range of foods to include: stocks, sauces, starters, egg dishes, rice, pasta, fish, meat, poultry, pastry, cakes, desserts and yeast mixtures.

GCSE coursework will include a controlled practical assessment completed in the summer term of Year 10. There is another practical assessment carried out during the spring term of Year 11 and a final written exam paper.

TECHNOLOGY (CHILD DEVELOPMENT)The aim of this course is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the development of a child from conception to the age of 5 years. This covers all the stages of development in the areas of physical, intellectual, social and emotional. There are two pieces of coursework, which are worth 60% of the final marks; one is a study of a child’s development over a period of 6 months combined with an element of research. The second one is a smaller task to be completed in College. The final exam counts for 40% of the final mark.

Year 10 Handbook

At the end of the course, students should have a qualification, which will equip them well for any further course in Child Care or Health and Social Care.

TECHNOLOGY (PRODUCT DESIGN)This course is designed to give students an insight into how products are designed and made. In Year 10 they will be given two design brief for projects. The first will concentrate on advertising and the other will include looking at a famous designer from history. All this will then lead to two final project sin Year 11. Making project worth 30%. Design project work 30%.

TECHNOLOGY (ELECTRONICS)Students follow a course in electronic products. They will be taught to integrate their knowledge in the following areas: design and making, materials and components, systems and control, products and applications, and health and safety, and culminating in production of a quality product in Year 11. The course is assessed by 40% written examination and 60% coursework. www.bideford.devon.sch.uk/blogs/electronics.

TECHNOLOGY (FOOD)We start the course by studying for our Level 2 ‘Food Safety in Catering’ certificate. We then progress onto a range of practical tasks to develop our basic skills. We will look at food product design and production and the functional properties of ingredients. Throughout the course students will participate in a range of investigative, experimental and practical activities.

In May students begin their final GCSE controlled assessment task which counts for 60% of the final grade. They develop a design brief and then design and make their own innovative and creative food products. There is also a written paper based around a preparation sheet that students receive in March of Year 11.

TECHNOLOGY (GRAPHICS)In this course, students learn to design and make graphic products in response to needs which they identify. The assessment of their work for GCSE is split between practical coursework (worth 60% of the total marks) and a written exam (worth 40% of the total marks).

TECHNOLOGY (RESISTENT MATERIALS)This is a course of design and technology, concentrating on aspects of designing and making in various materials. This is a double GCSE and the resistant materials aspect will be assessed at the end of Year 10. Assessment is broken into two sections. Section one is a major project whether the students will take an idea from the design to the making of the final thing. Section Two is a written paper that will test all areas of resistant materials.

TECHNOLOGY (HOSPITALITY & CATERING)This double award CGSE expands on what is offered in the single catering GCSE by investigating the hospitality industry in more depth. This information will then be used to organise and host an event.

There are four units which are assessed in the following ways:Unit 1 – Catering skills related to food preparation and service (practical assessment) - 30%Unit 2 – Catering, food and the customer (written paper) - 20%Unit 3 – Hospitality skills related to events and functions - 30%Unit 4 – Hospitality and the customer (written paper) - 20%

TECHNOLOGY (TEXTILES)In Year 10, the course includes a range of practical tasks to develop different techniques. This is followed by two projects: one on fashion and one on furnishings, to enable students to develop their designing and to give further skills and understanding of textiles.

In June, students begin their final GCSE controlled assessment task which counts towards 60% of the final grade. They choose a design brief with their teacher and will then design and make their own innovative and creative textile products.

Year 10 Handbook

DIARY DATESCOLLEGE TERMAutumn Term 6 September 2011 – Friday 16 December 2011

Autumn Half Term Holiday Monday 24 October – Friday 28 October 2010

Staff Training Days Friday 25 November 2011 Tuesday 3 January 2012

Spring Term Wednesday 4 January – Friday 30 March 2012

Spring Half Term Holiday Monday 13 February – Friday 17 February 2012

Easter Holiday Monday 2 April – Friday13 April 2012

Summer Term Tuesday 16 April – Friday 19 July 2012

May Bank Holiday Monday 7 May 2012

Summer Half Term Holiday Monday 4 June – Friday 8 June 2012

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Tutor Parents Evening

Reports to Parents/Carers Week commencing Monday 14 November 2011Week commencing Monday 6 February 2012Week commencing Monday 21 May 2012

Progress Day Thursday 9 February 2012

Work Experience Week Week commencing Monday 26 March 2012

Year 10 Exams (Internal) Week commencing Monday 8 May 2012.Parents/Carers Evening Thursday 14 June 2012

Newsletters are issued every half term and contain up-to-date College news.