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Year 8

Options Booklet

2020

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Page Page

Options 2020 key dates 3 History- EBacc 15

Introduction and key information 4 Computer Science- EBacc 16

Options Grid 6 Drama 17

English- Core 8 Music 18

Maths- Core 9 Food Preparation and Nutrition 19

Science - Core 10 Design and Technology 20

Triple Science 11 Art 21

French- EBacc 12 GCSE Physical Education 22

Spanish- EBacc 13 GCSE Religious Studies 23

Geography- EBacc 14 Compulsory non-examined subjects 24

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Year 8 Options 2020

Calendar

• Tuesday 11th February: Options Launch Assembly

• Thursday 5th March: Options Evening

• Week beginning 9th March: Subject Assemblies

• Fortnight beginning 9th March: One-to-one meetings

• Thursday 19th March: Year 8 Parents' Evening

• Friday 20th March: Survey Monkey opens to select choices

• Thursday 26th March: Options deadline – Survey Monkey closes

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INTRODUCTION

Dear Parent/Carer,

The Options Process is an important time for your child; the decisions that they make will impact upon the

next phase of their education. Selecting appropriate options choices now is crucial if our young people are

to succeed in their studies, their GCSE exams, and are to be prepared for life after Ryedale School.

This booklet is to inform you about the courses available to Year 9 students at Ryedale School in September 2020.

How Many Subjects Will My Child Study?

All students are required to study mathematics, English language, English literature and at least two sciences at GCSE level. Other subjects, such as core physical education, religious education,

citizenship and personal development do not lead to examinations, but remain valuable compulsory

elements of the curriculum, as do our extended project courses in history, geography, DT, art,

computing and music. In addition to this provision, students will choose four subjects to specialise

in from Year 9. All students will select one of the humanities, some students will select one modern

foreign language and students’ remaining options are selected from an extensive list that includes art, drama, food preparation & nutrition, geography, history, computer science, music, design and

technology, religious studies, French, Spanish and GCSE physical education.

Most students will therefore be entered for nine GCSEs in total. The only exceptions are:

- students who study Triple Science will be entered for ten GCSEs in total - a small number of students who require a less academic pathway will be guided towards taking

three option subjects (eight GCSEs in total). Those opting for three rather than four options will

use the extra time available to support the learning, coursework, homework and preparation for

assessments in their remaining eight GCSE courses. Maths and English will be a major focus of

this support.

What is the Impact of Recent GCSE Reform?

As I am sure you are aware, the past few years have seen significant changes both to the content

and rules governing assessment of GCSEs in England. Current Year 8 students will be taking reformed GCSEs for all of their subjects. These changes include:

• The replacement of modular assessment with terminal linear assessment, students are now

examined at the end of Year 11 rather than at regular intervals throughout the course.

• A reduction in opportunities to re-sit individual units.

• Greater emphasis upon written examinations at the expense of coursework and controlled

assessment. • More marks awarded for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG).

• An increase in the amount of content that students are expected to cover in each specification.

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• Specific changes to assessment in individual subject areas such as the removal of controlled

assessment and separate reporting of the speaking and listening component of the English Language GCSE.

The Government’s reforms to GCSE, which are intended to drive up standards and bring England into line with other high performing countries (as measured by international tests such as PISA)

represent a significant change to the way in which, and the level at which, students are assessed at the end of Year 11. Key features of the new reformed GCSEs include:

• Increased content and challenge

• Terminal linear assessment

• Exams the default method of assessment • Single tier exams in most subjects

• Greater emphasis upon literacy

• Grades 9-1 to replace current A*-G*.

The chart below shows how the existing A*-G grades map across to the new 9-1 grading system. By

replacing the current A* with Grades 8 and 9, the new system allows for greater differentiation

between the highest grades.

The remainder of this booklet will outline the Options Process and give detailed information about the

range of subjects on offer.

If you have any other questions about the options process, please do not hesitate to contact myself or Mr

Pepper.

Mr France

(Assistant Headteacher)

You will be the first year group for whom all GCSE subjects will be graded using the new GCSE grading system.

The new grading system is shown in the table below.

You will receive numbers as grades instead of letters, where 9 is the top grade, and 4 is similar to a current grade C.

Grading the new GCSEs in 2017 , Ofqual (2014), The Department of Educat on

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Guided Choices

To ensure that all students study an appropriate, broad and balanced curriculum at GCSE, we construct

Options Pathways from which students should choose their guided option choices.

Students should look carefully at their pathway and then select from the subjects available to them. We

also ask that students choose reserve options choices in case a course is not viable.

All students will receive guidance and support throughout the process. For those that require

additional support, there will be 1:1 options support meetings.

English

Sets

Guided

Option 1:

Humanities

Guided Option 2:

Modern Foreign

Languages

Options / Free Choices x 2

1

History

Or

Geography

French or

Spanish*

• Art

• Computer

Science

• DT

• Drama

• FPN

• French

• History

• Geography

• Music

• GCSE Physical

Education

• GCSE Religious

Studies

• Spanish

• Support

2

3

PE, Art, or

Spanish

*Students are selected for a modern foreign language based on their achievement at KS3.

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How to Decide

There are many good reasons for studying a subject at GCSE:

➢ It will give you a broad and balanced range of subjects ➢ You may need it for your career ➢ You may need a particular GCSE to access your chosen post-16 course ➢ You may be good at it ➢ You may enjoy it

Students with option choices that reflect a breadth of study including languages and humanities

subjects are highly valued, which is why we ask students to follow a particular pathway that includes a humanities subject for all. This is also true for students who achieve very high standards

in any subject area; therefore, if you are good at a subject, think very carefully before giving it up.

Subject Information

The remainder of this booklet provides an outline of all GCSE core subjects, options subjects and

compulsory non-examined subjects.

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Head of Department: Ms K Round Contact: kround@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk AQA: English Literature 8702 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-literature-8702

AQA: English Literature 8700 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700

COURSE AIMS

Students will study for two GCSEs which will be taught together as one integrated course;

lessons include elements of both English

Language and English Literature.

The course will allow and encourage students to develop the ability to read,

understand, enjoy and respond to all types of text, and develop the ability to construct and

convey meaning in written language and

write creatively.

COURSE CONTENT

In Year 10, students will focus on both English Language

and English Literature. Students will begin with their

study of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by

Robert Louis Stevenson, whilst revisiting, consolidating

and extending their previous study of Macbeth and a

range of poetry. Through careful interleaving and

retrieval practice students are taught how to revisit and

retain knowledge across the study of their English

Language and Literature course. The English Literature

set texts include: Macbeth, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll

and Mr Hyde, An Inspector Calls and Power and Conflict

poetry.

In Year 11, students study An Inspector Calls as part of

their modern text component of their English Literature

exam in the autumn term, whilst continuing to revisit

their previous Literature texts and Language skills.

Towards the end of the autumn term students begin

preparing and revising for their mock examinations.

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ASSESSMENT 100% of the assessment for English Language

and English Literature will be through examinations taken at the end of Year 11.

Spoken Language Assessment

A formal presentation on a chosen topic.

Language exams Paper 1 - Fiction 1 hour 45 mins (50%)

Paper 2 - Non-fiction 1 hour 45 mins (50%)

Literature exams

Paper 1 - Shakespeare/19th Century novel 1

hour 45 mins (40%) Paper 2 - modern texts/poetry/ unseen

poetry 2 hours 15 mins (60%)

OTHER INFORMATION English book packs are sold through Ryedale School and contain all the set texts and

revision guides for the GCSE study.

Head of Department: Mr C Butterworth Contact: cbutterworth@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk AQA: Mathematics 8300 https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300

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COURSE AIMS The main aims of the course are to allow and encourage students

to develop an ability to think

mathematically i.e. precisely,

logically and creatively; they will also develop understanding of

mathematical concepts and how to communicate them effectively.

Through independent and co-operative study, students will

develop an appreciation of how maths can be used in their own

lives as well as the place of maths

in society as a whole.

Maths underpins many other

subjects; this course gives

students a firm foundation for

further study across the

curriculum.

COURSE CONTENT Number – arithmetic, fractions, percentages, application to finance, powers and estimating;

Algebra – algebraic manipulation, equations,

formulae, graphs and sequences;

Ratio, proportion and rates of change - measures, scale factors, maps, ratio, proportion, percentage and

speed;

Geometry and measures – angles, construction, 2D

and 3D shapes, Pythagoras, area, volume, trigonometry, vectors and similarity;

Probability – experimental and theoretical probability,

outcomes and combined events;

Statistics – averages, charts, cumulative frequency,

histogram and scatter graph

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is based on 3

examinations taken at the end of

Year 11.

Each exam is 1 hour 30 mins long and will be a mix of short single

mark questions and multi-step

problems.

Students are expected to be

competent at mental and written calculation to solve problems and

interpret the result.

OTHER INFORMATION Year 9 is a preparatory year developing the knowledge and skills essential to a successful GCSE.

This will be built upon in Years 10 and 11 where topics

will be studied at greater depth.

Students are placed in sets based on their Year 8

achievement. The sets are constantly reviewed to ensure students are in the best group to support their

ability. Students will follow either the Foundation

course (1-5) or the Higher course (4-9). Final decisions

regarding tier entry are made in Year 11.

Additional Maths will be offered as an extra course to the most able students and is usually delivered across

Year 10 and 11.

Entry Level Certificate will be available for those

students working below grade 2.

Head of Department: Dr R Beal

Contact: rbeal@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk AQA: Trilogy Science

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

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COURSE AIMS The aim of the science course is to enable

students to recognize the impact of science

and technology on everyday life, make

informed personal decisions about issues related to science and to understand and

reflect on the information included in media

reports.

By the completion of the course, students will have gained a broad body of scientific

knowledge and understanding across the three sciences of biology, chemistry and

physics.

COURSE CONTENT

All students will follow the new GCSE

specification for science, leading to 2 GCSEs.

The course alternates between biology,

chemistry and physics, with each being

further divided into discrete topics.

The course covers a wide range of fundamental scientific principles

relevant to all our lives; it provides a solid foundation of science literacy and

gives insight as to how scientists

develop an understanding of the world

we live in. ASSESSMENT

The students will be assessed through

examinations at the end of Year 11; the practical work that the students undertake in class will be

assessed within these examinations.

Biology paper 1 - 1 hour 15 mins

Biology paper 2 - 1 hour 15 mins

Chemistry paper 1 - 1 hour 15 mins

Chemistry paper 2 - 1 hour 15 mins

Physics paper 1 - 1 hour 15 mins

Physics paper 2 - 1 hour 15 mins

OTHER INFORMATION

The Combined Science GCSE course will

begin in the Autumn Term of Year 9.

This will continue in Years 10 and 11.

Students will be placed in sets based on their Key Stage 3 achievement.

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Head of Department: Dr R Beal

Contact: rbeal@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk AQA: Separate Science GCSE Biology (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461) Chemistry (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462) Physics (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463)

COURSE AIMS To give students an in-depth look at many

of the fundamental scientific principles and

ideas needed to study science in further

and higher education.

This course develops many transferable

skills, the most important being the ability

to make sound judgments, based on

scientific evidence.

COURSE CONTENT Triple science will be taught alongside the

content for the combined science award, so

that students get the deeper understanding

of scientific concepts. Knowledge that will be beneficial for those students going on to

study science at A level.

This course will lead to a separate GCSE in

Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A series of required practicals will be incorporated into

the course, helping develop key scientific skills.

Students will study a range of topics

including: cutting-edge gene technologies, research in space, production of chemicals

used in everyday life and new energy

technologies important in sustaining our

energy needs in years to come.

ASSESSMENT 100% of the assessment for this course is by examination at the end of Year 11.

Biology paper 1 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)

Biology paper 2 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)

Chemistry paper 1 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)

Chemistry paper 2 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)

Physics paper 1 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%) Physics paper 2 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)

OTHER INFORMATION The Triple Science GCSE course will begin in the Autumn Term of Year 9. This will

continue in Years 10 and 11.

Students are selected for Triple Science

based on their achievement at KS3 and their suitability for this more challenging Science

course.

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Head of Department: Mrs Z Pinkney

Contact: zpinkney@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk AQA: French http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658

COURSE AIMS Study a language at GCSE! By taking a language at GCSE you will not only be able to communicate abroad and experience a new and exciting culture, but will gain skills that are applicable to almost everything you do. A language GCSE builds on what you have already learnt at KS3, giving you the skills to write and talk about anything; from how you intend to celebrate your birthday to what you think of the latest apps You will not just be learning the language, you will be finding out about other people, countries and cultures. Why is the 14th of July such an important date on the French calendar? Why is pinning a fish on someone’s back the ultimate prank? Languages are a gateway to the world!

COURSE CONTENT The course is divided into three main

themes: Identity and Culture; Local, National, International and Global

Areas of Interest;

Current and Future Study and Employment.

Students will build on their knowledge of

topics covered at KS3, such as self and family, free time, hometown, school life

and customs and festivals in French-

speaking countries.

The course will also introduce new topics

such as marriage and partnership, social

media, social issues, the environment, post-16 education and career choices.

ASSESSMENT The students will be assessed by examination

at the end of Year 11.

Paper 1 - Listening (25%) Foundation tier - 35

mins Higher tier - 45 mins

Paper 2 - Speaking (25%) Foundation tier - 7

to 9 mins Higher tier - 10 to 12 mins

Paper 3 - Reading (25%) Foundation tier - 45 mins Higher tier - 1 hour

Paper 4 - Writing (25%) Foundation tier - 1

hour Higher tier - 1 hour 15 mins

OTHER INFORMATION Students currently studying French will have the opportunity to choose French as a GCSE option. Support is given to students through study clubs and individual help with the

preparation of the speaking and writing exams.

Revision sessions are also available after

school for those students wanting help

with the reading and listening papers.

Students are selected for a modern foreign

language based on their achievement at

KS3.

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Head of Department: Mr H Connor-Crabb

Contact: hconnorcrabb@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk

AQA: Spanish

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/spanish-8698

COURSE AIMS Study a language at GCSE! By taking a language at GCSE you will not only be able to communicate abroad and experience a new and exciting culture, but will gain skills that are applicable to almost everything you do. A language GCSE builds on what you have already learnt at KS3, giving you the skills to write and talk about anything; from how you intend to celebrate your birthday to what you think of the latest apps. You will not just be learning the language, you will be finding out about other people, countries and cultures. Why are the dead celebrated in Mexico? Who are the people who go bull-running in Spain each year? Languages are a gateway to the world!

COURSE CONTENT The course is divided into three main themes:

1. Identity and Culture; 2. Local, National, International and Global

Areas of Interest;

3. Current and Future Study and

Employment.

Students will build on their knowledge of

topics covered at KS3, such as self and family,

free time, hometown, school life and

customs and festivals in French-speaking

countries.

The course will also introduce new topics

such as marriage and partnership, social

media, social issues, the environment, post-

16 education and career choices.

ASSESSMENT The students will be assessed by

examination at the end of Year 11.

Paper 1 - Listening (25%) Foundation tier - 35 mins Higher tier - 45 mins

Paper 2 - Speaking (25%) Foundation tier -

7 to 9 mins Higher tier - 10 to 12 mins

Paper 3 - Reading (25%) Foundation tier -

45 mins Higher tier - 1 hour

Paper 4 - Writing (25%) Foundation tier – 1 hour, Higher tier - 1 hour 15 mins

OTHER INFORMATION

Students currently studying Spanish will have the opportunity to choose Spanish as a GCSE option.

Support is given to students through study

clubs and individual help with the

preparation of the speaking and writing

exams.

Revision sessions are also available after school for those students wanting help with

the reading and listening papers.

Students are selected for a modern foreign language based on their achievement at KS3.

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Head of Department: Mr C Rodd Contact: crodd@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk

AQA: Geography http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035

COURSE AIMS An exciting, contemporary new course in

which students develop an understanding of key processes and features in UK and around

the world.

The course aims to highlight important challenges and opportunities the human race

is facing including; natural hazards, climate

change, poverty, global shifts in economic

power, the importance of new technologies

and the sustainable use of the planet's resources.

Students will be encouraged to make links

between issues and appreciate different

values and attitudes in order to recognise the

complex inter-relationships found within and

between physical and human geography

COURSE CONTENT Unit 1 Living With the Physical Environment:

• The challenge of natural hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, tropical

storms, extreme weather in the UK and

climate change)

• Physical landscapes in the UK (relating

to rivers & coasts)

• The living world (the characteristics and sustainable management of cold

environments and tropical rainforests)

Unit 2 Challenges in the Human Environment:

• Urban issues and challenges

• The changing economic world (the

development gap, factors driving rapid economic development in lower income

countries and understanding the UK economy)

• The challenge of resource management

(globally & in the UK)

Unit 3 Geographical application:

• Issue evaluation

A decision making enquiry based on a

contemporary geographical issue

• Fieldwork

Two fieldwork enquiries in which

students; collect, analyse, present, interpret and evaluate primary data in a

physical (coasts) &human (town/city) location.

ASSESSMENT Assessment is by examination at the end of Year

11.

Unit 1: 1 hour 30 mins (35%)

Unit 2: 1 hour 30 mins (35%)

Unit 3: 1 hour 15 mins (30%)

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Head of Department: Ms N Kesterton

Contact: nkesterton@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk OCR: SHP B History http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-history-b-schools-history-project-j411-from-2016/

COURSE AIMS The course aims to develop the students'

depth of knowledge and understanding of a wide range of fascinating periods,

societies and aspects of history. This fosters an understanding and interest in

society, politics, the world and current affairs.

Students will also develop the skills

necessary to examine, analyse and

evaluate evidence, to ask relevant

questions, to carry out research and

improve independent thinking.

COURSE CONTENT

This course will help students understand how local, national and international society has been shaped by historical events. It will develop understanding of the diversity of human experience across history with a particular appreciation for change over time and the causal relationships between events. The course will help students to develop the widely transferable skills of analysis and evaluation; understanding and breaking down interpretations; independent enquiry and developing evidence-based arguments. GCSE history will also develop students' depth of knowledge and understanding of a wide range of interesting periods and topics:

• The People's Health - 1250 to present A thematic study of people and government’s responses to health and epidemics over time.

• The Elizabethans - 1580 to 1603 A depth study of life in Elizabethan England and the political and religious events of Queen Elizabeth’s final years. Includes study of later interpretations of this period; by historians, authors, film-makers and artists.

• History Around Us: Site Study - Helmsley Castle An overview study of the history of the castle, the people who used it and what the physical remains can teach us. (includes a visit to the Castle)

• The Making of America - 1789 to 1900 An overview study of crucial years in the development of the United States of America focusing on the stories of native, black and white Americans.

• Living Under Nazi Rule - 1933 to 1945 A depth study of Germany from the year the Nazis took power, the impact this had on all groups of people and the events of the Second World War in particular its impact on occupied territories and Jews. Includes study of sources contemporary to the period and later interpretations by historians, authors, film-makers and artists.

ASSESSMENT 100% of the assessment will be through examinations taken at the end of Year

11.

Paper 1

- The People's Health (thematic study) (20%)

-The Elizabethans (British depth study) (20%)

1 hour 45 mins

Paper 2

- History Around Us (20%)

1 hour

Paper 3

- The Making of America (period study) (20%)

- Living Under Nazi Rule (world depth study) (20%)

1 hour 45 mins

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Lead Teacher: Mr A Williamson

Contact: awilliamson@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk OCR :J277 GCSE(9-1)OCR GCSE Computer Science J277 Specification

COURSE AIMS The course will enable students to:

- Understand and apply the principles and concepts of computer science;

- Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of

solving such problems; - Understand the components that

make up digital systems and how

they communicate with one another and with other systems;

- Think creatively, innovatively,

analytically, logically and critically; - Understand the impacts of digital

technology to the individual and to

wider society; - Apply mathematical skills relevant to

computer science.

COURSE CONTENT Through year 9 students will have the

opportunity to enhance some of the skills learnt in years 7 and 8. This includes

further understanding computer hardware and networks, developing a

wider understand of some of the jobs

available in computer science with a

focus on Cyber Security. All students will

be enrolled into a national competition designed to challenge and enhance their

problem-solving skills and applying

computational thinking skills.

Moving into the GCSE years students will then investigate the impact of computing

on society, gain a clearer understanding of how computers communicate and

how we as users and designers of

systems can ensure that we remain safe.

Topics will include data representation,

systems architecture, systems security and legal and ethical considerations. It

will also involve understanding and evaluating algorithms

ASSESSMENT Assessment for Computer Science will be through examinations taken at the end of Year 11. Examinations (90 minutes each) - principles of Computer Science. This examines how computer systems are built and interact with each other and how computers function. It also examines the students understanding of how to protect computer systems through design and prevention - application of computational thinking. This will examine how you can process information logically to reach predetermined conclusions. All students will develop their programming

skills as part of the course but there is no

formal assessment of this skill.

OTHER INFROMATION

Students should be aware that the majority of the course is theory. There

are practical, programming elements but

these are used as a means of securing

and testing other knowledge at GCSE.

Learning programming languages takes time and commitment. Those looking to

progress beyond GCSE Computer Science

would benefit from ensuring that they

practice their programming skills on a regular basis and, where appropriate,

share this learning with staff.

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Head of Department: Mr A Moxon

Lead Teacher: Mr J Lewis Contact: amoxon@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk Edexcel Drama GCSE (9-1) in Drama https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/drama-2016.html

COURSE AIMS Students will work together imaginatively

and creatively, developing and communicating ideas through performance,

reflecting on their own and others’ work, and

exploring key texts and practitioners in the

dramatic arts.

COURSE CONTENT Component 1 is focused on devising theatre, where students are required to research, develop and perform an issue-based piece of drama, then produce a 2000-word portfolio essay analysing and evaluating the creative process. Component 2 involves developing students’ skills and understanding when working with performance texts; here, students undertake a practical exploration of a complete play and are assessed through a live performance played to a visiting examiner. Component 3 is based on understanding theatre makers practice, and involves pupils studying a second performance text and learning how to reflect on and evaluate live professional theatre; the knowledge and skills acquired is assessed through a written examination.

ASSESSMENT Drama at GCSE level is assessed through two

coursework components and one written examination:

Unit 1: Devising (40%)-Create and perform a

devised play from a stimulus.-Write a

portfolio essay describing, analysing and evaluating creative process.

Unit 2: Performance from Text (20%)-Study a

play text in detail. Perform two key scenes in

front of a visiting examiner.

Unit 3: Theatre Makers in Practice 1 hour 30

mins (40%) -Practical study of one play text -Write about it in exam -Evaluation of a live

performance.

OTHER INFORMATION

Students should be aware that although the approach is largely practical, there will also be more ‘writerly’ lessons. Students must be sometimes willing to commit extra time during lunch and after school when we are rehearsing for practical assessments; they must also participate in at least one extra-curricular trip to the theatre.

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Head of Department: Mr A Moxon

Contact: amoxon@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk Edexcel Music - GCSE (9-1) in Music https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/music-2016.html

COURSE AIMS The course will enable students to develop

into an excellent all-round musician, by improving performance, composition and

listening skills.

Musicians of all types are welcome and

extensive previous musical experience will

help students achieve the highest grades.

Understanding how to read and write music accurately is an important part of achieving

the highest grades in GCSE music.

Improving your general musicianship by

regularly attending an extra-curricular

musical activity is desirable. Demonstrating a

high level of commitment to ensemble music

and regular practice based on work set by

individual instrumental and singing teachers

is essential.

COURSE CONTENT Performance

➢ One solo performance

➢ One ensemble performance

➢ The highest performance grades are only achievable by students performing at Grade 5 level in Year 11

➢ Preparation to the expected standard requires help from an instrumental or singing teacher

➢ It is preferable but not essential that students have instrumental or singing lessons in school

➢ Taking ABRSM/Trinity exams is not essential, but students that have prepared and passed exams are likely to gain the best marks

Composition - students have to compose two pieces, one free choice and one to a set brief from EDEXCEL. These pieces can be in any style, and produced using manuscript, Sibelius, Cubase, or any other recognised means. Listening - students study set works of a range of composers, such as Bach, Beethoven, John Williams (Star Wars), Queen, music from Wicked, Samba and Club Dance.

ASSESSMENT Performance - recordings of two performances, one as a soloist and one as an ensemble musician, are assessed (30%). Composition - both the free choice and set brief compositions are assessed (30%). Listening - an exam, sat in the summer of Year 11, with a variety of questions based on the set works, and other related pieces of music (40%).

OTHER INFORMATION A high level of commitment to your musical activities and a natural curiosity of different musical styles and periods is essential. As mentioned above having instrumental/vocal lessons during the GCSE is essential to support performance and general musicianship. Ideally, these lessons will be taught at Ryedale School. If you have older siblings who have taken GCSE music at Ryedale, the set works you are studying may be different from what they studied..

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Lead Teacher: Miss Wallis

Contact: dwallis@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk AQA: Food Preparation and Nutrition www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/food/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-8585

COURSE AIMS This is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills

to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food

provenance and the working

characteristics of food materials.

COURSE CONTENT Food preparation skills are integrated into 5 core topics:

- Food, nutrition & health - students will learn about the main nutrients, why our bodies need them and which foods contain them.

- Food science - this involves the study of the

science of processes affecting food such as gelatinisation, coagulation and emulsification.

- Food safety - this will further develop themes

covered in Key Stage 3.

- Food choice - this will cover ideas such as why we make certain choices about food.

- Food provenance - the students will cover

issues such as food miles, organic produce and food labelling

ASSESSMENT 50% of the assessment will be via examination taken at the end of Year 11. Students will also complete two other assessments tasks: Task 1 - Food investigation assessed via a 1500-2000 word report (15%) Task 2 - Food preparation assessed via practical tasks, presented as an electronic portfolio (35%) Written exam- 1 hour 45 mins (50%)

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Head of Department: Mr B Howard

Contact: bhoward@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk

AQA: GCSE design and technology. http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552

COURSE AIMS GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

COURSE CONTENT The GCSE allows students to study core, technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials, techniques and equipment. Students will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth. This is the nearest course to GCSE product design, which has now been phased out. This course has a design based focus and pupils opting should enjoy the whole range of skills involved in the work they have covered at key stage 3.

ASSESSMENT UNIT 1: A 2 hour exam paper taken at the end of year 11. (50%) Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks) A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding. Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks) Several short answer questions (2–5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in depth knowledge of technical principles. Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks) A mixture of short answer and extended response questions including a 12 mark design question. The exam will also test the application of mathematics within a design and technology context.

UNIT 2: Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) which is issued by the exam board in June of year 10 and runs into year 11. This is assessed through a substantial design and make task. (50%) The time allowance is 30-35 hours. The task will cover: • Investigating • Designing • Making • Analysing and Evaluating

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Head of Department: Mr D Hopkins

Contact: dhopkins@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk AQA: Art www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design-8201-8206

COURSE AIMS

The GCSE in Art, Craft and Design is a broad and flexible course that requires students to develop an appreciation of the creative process through a practical response, using a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, materials, techniques and processes. Students should explore critically how artists, craftspeople and designers from diverse cultures, times and societies have arrived at solutions and communicated meaning using the formal elements. Students should use this knowledge when developing new ideas, recording observations and creating outcomes, which fully realise their personal intentions.

COURSE CONTENT

The course offers students a wide range of creative and exciting opportunities to explore art & design through a variety of media, with reference to contemporary artistic practice Students develop their own coursework projects from a common starting point, deciding on an area of study they wish to follow. Students are encouraged to use and experiment with a variety of media, techniques and approaches. The themes are selected and developed by the Art department. Our Art, Craft and Design course involves: Drawing, painting, print making, textiles and sculpture as project responses.

ASSESSMENT Students are assessed through coursework and an exam: Unit 1 60% Assessment of coursework completed in Years 10 & 11, consisting of : - 2 or more completed projects (preparation, research, development and final piece) - a portfolio of work (study sheets, homework, experimental and workshop pieces). Unit 2 40% Choice of one question from approximately 7, set by the exam board. There are at least two months of preparation before the final piece is created under exam conditions in the art rooms. This is exam lasts 10 hours, spread over 2 days (in early March).

OTHER INFORMATION

GCSE Art is highly rewarding but equally demanding in terms of the time needed to complete projects. Students will be expected to plan and develop work beyond lesson time. We want to encourage students to demonstrate self-expression and imagination - this is not just limited to the talented few.

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Head of Department: Mr P Marwood (boys) and Miss J Middleton

(girls) Contact: pmarwood@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk

jmiddleton:@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk

AQA: Physical Education www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physicaleducation/GCSE

COURSE AIMS

To provide students with an interest and enthusiasm in sport and the opportunity to

learn advanced skills and techniques. This results in students becoming highly skilled

and knowledgeable in many areas of physical education.

COURSE CONTENT

GCSE students participate in 5 lessons per fortnight, in addition to 4 hours per fortnight of core PE. This composes of practical and theory lessons. The theory part of the course covers: applied anatomy and physiology; movement analysis; physical training; use of data; sports psychology; socio-cultural influences and health, fitness & well-being. In the practical part of the course, students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, including hockey, netball, badminton, athletics, football, rugby, tennis and cricket.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment has practical and written components; exams are sat at the end of Year 11. Practical performance - assessment in the skills and techniques of 3 sports activities (One team sport and two individual sports or vice versa). This can include sports done outside of school. Assessment includes a written analysis of practical performance. (40%) Paper 1 - the human body & movement in physical activity & sport. 1 hour 15 mins (30%) Paper 2 - socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport. 1 hour 15 mins (30%)

OTHER INFORMATION

All students will do 2 hours a week of compulsory core PE, even if they do not choose a GSCE PE option.

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Head of Department: Mr R Pepper (Assistant Headteacher)

Contact: rpepper@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk

AQA: Religious Studies https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies

COURSE AIMS

Students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth,

enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. They will gain an

appreciation of how religion, philosophy and

ethics form the basis of our culture.

COURSE CONTENT The course is divided into two parts. In component one students will study the beliefs, teachings and practices of three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism. This will give a full understanding of the scope of religion and of religious life in a variety of cultures and contexts. In component two, students will tackle four thematic studies. These will include investigating key ethical issues, such as abortion and euthanasia, capital punishment, and animal rights as well as analysing religious sources of authority such as visions, miracles, and revelation. Students will study religious and non-religious beliefs as a way of informing and developing their own personal views on these issues.

ASSESSMENT There are two examinations, each made up of four five-part questions. The structure of the five-part questions is identical and marks will be allocated as follows; 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12. In the 12 mark questions students will be asked to evaluate a statement, giving clear reasons and evidence to support their own views.

OTHER INFORMATION

This is a new GCSE at Ryedale School. Current students will be familiar with the sort of material covered in component one, but will not have experience of discussing and debating the ethical issues of component two. The GCSE will be taught by Mr. Pepper, who is a subject specialist and taught the subject at GCSE and A level at Harrogate Grammar and Ripon Grammar schools.

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Head of Department: Miss D Wallis (Assistant Headteacher)

Contact: dwallis@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk Aims of Citizenship Citizenship equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. Citizenship encourages students to take an interest in topical and controversial issues and to engage in discussion and debate. Students learn about their rights, responsibilities, duties and freedoms, and about laws, justice and democracy. Content Britain - covers topics on diversity, multi-culturalism, multi-ethnicity and identity The UK's role in the world - covers topics on the EU, the single currency, Commonwealth and the UN Global challenges - covers topics on the environment, poverty, health and education, war and terrorism The law - covers topics on how laws are made, crime and punishment, anti-social behaviour, the youth justice system Human rights - covers topics on refugees and asylum seekers Racism - covers topics on discrimination The media - covers topics on freedom of speech Government - covers topics on Parliament, elections, democracy, local government Working for change - covers topics on pressure groups, volunteering and community activities.

Head of Department: Mr R Pepper (Assistant Headteacher)

Contact: rpepper@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk

Aims of RS Religious Studies develops open, sensitive, reflective and critical approaches to understanding humankind's varied religions and beliefs, exploring practices, values, beliefs and lifestyles, relating these to students' own experiences and to questions of everyday life.

Content In Year 10 students will study the history, beliefs, philosophy and practices of Islam. In year 11, students will study a wide range of philosophical and ethical issues, which are pertinent to the English Literature GCSE.

Head of Department: Mr P Marwood (boys) and Miss J Middleton (girls) Contact: pmarwood@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk jmiddleton@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk