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GCSE
OPTIONS BOOKLET
2017-2019
2
GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2017 - 2019
CONTENTS
CURRICULUM 2017- 2019 3-4
ART & DESIGN (Edexcel) 5-6
CLASSICAL CIVILISATION (OCR) 7
COMPUTER SCIENCE (OCR) 8
DANCE (AQA) 9-10
DRAMA (WJEC) 11-12
ENGLISH IGCSE (CIE) 13
ENGLISH LITERATURE (AQA) 14
GEOGRAPHY (OCR) 15
HISTORY (CIE) IGCSE 16
LATIN (OCR) 17
MATHEMATICS IGCSE (Edexcel) 18
MODERN LANGUAGES IGCSE/GCSE (French, German, Spanish)
(Edexcel)
19-20
MUSIC (AQA) 21-22
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY (OCR) 23
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (AQA) 24-26
PRODUCT DESIGN (OCR) 27-28
SCIENCE IGCSE (Edexcel) 29
3
A note on the GCSE CURRICULUM 2017 – 2019
The GCSE curricula are undergoing a national programme of reform with new
specifications being introduced on the dates shown in the table below. The new GCSEs
will be using numerical grades (1-9) rather than (G to A*). Recently the decision has
been taken to align the IGCSE specifications with the new GCSEs so in the future they
will also be graded 1-9.
Date of
introduction
GCSE subjects
Sept 2015 English Language. English Literature and Mathematics
Sept 2016 Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dance, Double
Science, Drama, Geography, History, MFL (French,
German, Spanish), Music, PE and RS
Sept 2017 Classical Civilisation, Design Technology, Economics, ICT.
More information about the changes will be given at the talk on the Options Evening;
this will be on Tuesday 24th January 2017 where you and your daughters will be given
help and advice from the staff in order to finalise their GCSE choices.
We hope that the year 9 parents’ evening on the 6th December was helpful in assisting
your daughters in evaluating their academic strengths. We have briefed them on
making GCSE option choices this term and we hope that you will have time to discuss
their choices further with them using this booklet over the holiday.
Choosing your GCSEs is an exciting time and both Mrs Hathway and myself are only
too happy to provide any broader advice on GCSE choices. We will be holding “drop
in” advice sessions for pupils in January.
The final subject choices should be submitted online by Wednesday 1st February 2017
Dr Sarah Lindfield
Deputy Head - Academic
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GCSE CURRICULUM 2017 – 2019
All pupils will study a common core of seven subjects:
CORE
English (IGCSE)
English Literature (GCSE)
Mathematics (IGCSE)
Biology, Chemistry and Physics (IGCSE)*
A Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish) IGCSE or GCSE
( *girls may opt for Science and Additional Science in Year 11 on the advice of the
Head of Science)
And a further three option subjects:
OPTIONS
Art, Classics, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, Geography, History, French,
German, Spanish, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies.
ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS
PSHE and PE are taught to all pupils.
Dance is available as an 11th GCSE option as an alternative to core PE.
AS level Thinking Skills will be offered to pupils whose performance in the Year 9
examinations indicates that they would benefit from additional challenge in Year 10.
OPTIONS PROCESS
Please select options via the online form at https://bromleyhigh.fireflycloud.net/gcse-
options-2017-2019 by 1st February 2017 at the latest.
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ART & DESIGN (Edexcel)
Course Description In Year 10 pupils are encouraged to produce work in response to a given theme through
projects exploring Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, Textiles, Sculpture and
Film. Pupils will be introduced to artists and designers from different countries and cultures,
past and present, which will provide inspiration for their own work and will be encouraged
to seek out their own. The studies produced and discoveries made are presented in
sketchbooks and developed into final pieces outside the sketchbook. Towards the end of the
year pupils have ‘free reign’ to develop a piece of work in any media of their choice.
In Year 11 pupils are given the freedom to write their own brief choosing their own media
appropriate to the ideas they wish to communicate.
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Assessment
Paper title Method of assessment Weighting
2 pieces of coursework
completed in class and in
homework tasks over Years 10
& 11
Coursework
(Personal Portfolio)
60%
Externally set assignment: 8
week preparatory period
Examination (10 hours)
(Externally set examination)
40%
Candidates are given several weeks to develop and plan their own examination project, using
any medium in response to a set ‘theme’ (i.e. ‘Time’, ‘Movement’, ‘Forces’). The final piece
itself must be made in 10 hours spread over a number of days.
The culmination and highlight of the course is the exhibition in which the best work of the
pupils is put on view for assessment by the Art & Design tutors and the external examiner, as
well as to be appreciated by pupils’ families and friends.
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CLASSICAL CIVILISATION (“Classics”) OCR
This is a revised GCSE course created for first teaching in 2017 and it involves the study of a
wide variety of ancient Roman and Greek materials. For the final examination, the Classics
Department have elected to study Myth and Religion and the Homeric world from the choices
below.
Content Overview Assessment Overview
Component Group 1: Thematic Study
Learners must study one component in this
component group, chosen from:
Myth and religion (11)
Women in the ancient world (12)
Both of these components involve a comparative
study of ancient Greece and Rome, and combine
literary and visual/material sources.
Thematic Study
90 Marks
1 hour 30 minutes
Written paper
50% Of total
GCSE (9-1)
Component Group 2: Literature and Culture
Learners must study one component in this
component group, chosen from:
The Homeric world (21)
Roman city life (22)
War and warfare (23)
All of these components contain two elements;
one in-depth cultural study and one study of
related literature.
Literature and
Culture
90 Marks
1 hour 30 minutes
Written paper
50% Of total
GCSE (9-1)
8
COMPUTER SCIENCE (OCR)
Course Description
The OCR computer science course we offer is both engaging and contemporary, where
companies like Microsoft, Google and Cisco, organisations like Computing At School (CAS),
plus teachers and academics have been consulted in the creation of the syllabus content. There
is a focus on cyber security – looking at phishing, malware, firewalls and people as the ‘weak
point’ in secure systems, which students will study for the first time at this level. A greater
emphasis is now placed on ‘computational thinking’ and pupils can use Codio’s (specialist
education technology company) cloud based programming and course content platform to
aid their learning of the theory and apply it in real life situations, in any computing language.
We specialise in Vb.net programming, whilst offering a range of other programming
languages for pupils to gain exposure to.
We aim to encourage mental versatility – students use their new-found programming skills
on an independent coding project by solving a real-world problem of their choice.
Assessment
Paper title Method of assessment Weighting
Component 01 – Computer Systems Examination 40%
Component 02 – Computational
Thinking, Algorithms and
Programming
Examination 40%
Component 03 – Programming Project Non-exam assessment 20%
9
DANCE (AQA)
Course Description
This course will enable candidates to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of dance
as choreographer, performer and critic through:
• applying and adapting a wide range of skills and techniques effectively in performing
and choreographing dance, including the ability to improve
• creating dances for a range of purposes and in response to different stimuli
• developing the ability to analyse, evaluate and appreciate dance
Candidates will also appreciate the contribution of dance to their personal and social health,
fitness and wellbeing and be aware of the range of opportunities and pathways available in
dance.
Candidates will have the opportunity to perform at different times and events throughout
school the year.
Assessment
Paper title Method of assessment Weighting
Component 1
Performance
and
choreography
Internally marked and externally moderated
Performance
Set phrases through a solo performance (approximately one
minute in duration)
Duet/trio performance (three and a half minutes in
duration)
Choreography
30%
10
Solo or group choreography
30%
Component 2:
Dance
appreciation
Written exam (1hr 30min)
Knowledge and understanding of choreographic
processes and performing skills
Critical appreciation of own work
Critical appreciation of professional works –
candidates will study six different works from a
dance anthology set by the board.
40%
11
DRAMA (WJEC)
Course Description
The candidates should develop knowledge and understanding of
different genres and performance styles ;
the ways in which meaning is communicated through drama;
a range of staging and performance conventions;
drama terminology and how to use it appropriately;
how plays are constructed and realised through the study of at least one substantial
published play;
how to create, interpret and communicate a role or character; drama within its social,
cultural and historical context.
This will be achieved through
workshop style lessons studying practical techniques;
written evaluation of one’s own and others’ work;
theatre trips (candidates should budget for 5 trips over the course of 2 years);
formal performances to family and friends (at least 2 per year);
the study of a set text (currently Face by Benjamin Zephaniah);
This course will be of interest to pupils who wish to learn more about acting, costume, make-
up, set design and the technical elements of drama as a whole. The course provides an
excellent foundation for those who wish to develop their interpersonal skills and who may
also wish to balance their studies with a practical based subject.
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Component 1: Devising Theatre
Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated
40% of qualification
Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.
Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised
theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in
response to a stimulus set by WJEC. Learners must produce:
a realisation of their piece of devised theatre
supporting evidence
an evaluation of the final performance or design.
Component 2: Performing from a Text
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
20% of qualification
Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.
Learners study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre.
Learners participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts.
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
40% of qualification
Section A: Set Text
A series of questions on one set text from a choice of five:
Section B: Live Theatre Review
One question requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre
production seen during the course.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE (CIE IGCSE)
Course Description
The Cambridge IGCSE consists of two components. The first component is a two hour
examination where pupils answer three questions on two passages of differing text types but
on a similar topic. Pupils must display a variety of skills including: the ability to understand
and explicit meaning, to be able to analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions
and to sequence them, to use a range of vocabulary and to articulate experience and express
what can be thought, felt or imagined. Pupils must also be able to demonstrate how writers
achieve effects and be able to summarise key points. The second component consists of a
coursework portfolio where pupils will submit three assignments. The assignments should
cover a range of writing styles including writing to argue, analyse and inform, descriptive
and/or narrative writing and a response to a text.
Assessment
Paper title Method of assessment Weighting
Paper 2 (Reading passages) Examination 50%
Component 4 (Extended coursework) Controlled Assessment 50%
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GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE (AQA)
Course Description
The AQA English Literature course involves the study of one Shakespeare play, one 19th
century novel, one modern prose text or modern drama (post 1914) and a cluster of poetry
taken from the AQA poetry anthology, Poems Past and Present. There is a choice of two clusters
each containing 15 poems which are linked thematically and written between 1789 and the
present day. The titles for the two clusters are ‘Love and Relationships’ and ‘Power and
Conflict.’ Pupils will also be required to answer a question on an unseen poem hence the skill
of poetry analysis is foregrounded.
Assessment
No texts are allowed.
Paper title/content Method of assessment Weighting
Paper 1 - Shakespeare and 19th century
novel
Examination 40%
Paper 2 - Modern texts and poetry Examination 60%
15
GEOGRAPHY
OCR GEOGRAPHY B (Geography for Enquiring Minds) This specification includes inspiring content throughout eight topic areas, encapsulating both
the geography of the UK and the rest of the world, brought to life by engaging enquiry
questions.
Course Description
However, based on the information that we have so far we can tell you that we are planning
on continuing with OCR and we can give some idea as to what that course will contain.
The course is delivered and assessed through 3 main components.
Our Natural World – Global Hazards, Changing Climate, Distinctive Landscapes, Sustaining
Ecosystems and Field work/Geographical Skills.
People and Society – Urban Futures, Dynamic Development, UK in the 21st Century, Resource
Reliance and Field work/Geographical Skills.
Geographical exploration – Synoptic Assessment of topics linked to components Our Natural
World and People in Society, Geographical Skills, Decision making exercise.
Field work
Physical and human field work is a compulsory requirement of the course. All Bromley High
geographers participate in a residential visit during the course. We currently use study
centres operated by the Field Studies Council.
Assessment
Paper title/content Method of assessment Weighting
Component 1 - Our Natural World Examination 1 hour 15 mins 35%
Component 2 – People and Society Examination 1 hour 15 mins 35%
Component 3 – Geographical Exploration Examination 1 hour 30 mins 30%
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16
HISTORY (CIE) IGCSE- The 20th Century: International Relations
Course description
This is a 20th Century Course in which pupils study the following:
a) International Relations 1919 – 1989; The legacy of World War One, The causes of
World War Two and The Cold War 1945-1989.
This involves investigating such questions as:
Why had international peace collapsed by 1939?
Who was to blame for the Cold War in Europe, 1945-1949?
Who won the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Why did the USA fail in Vietnam?
b) Depth Study: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918 – 1945.
c) Coursework: The Civil Rights Movement, 1945-1970.
Assessment
Paper title Method of assessment Weighting
Paper 1 – International Relations and
Germany Depth Study
Examination: 2 hours
(60 marks)
40%
Paper 2 – Source Evaluation of an
International topic
Examination: 2 hours
(50 marks)
33%
Paper 3 – The Civil Rights Movement Coursework
(40 marks)
27%
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LATIN (WJEC)
Course description
This course offers the opportunity to study the language and literature of ancient Rome.
Candidates experience elements of the culture, language, social and political life of Roman
civilisation which has inspired many later generations. Analytical skills and intellectual
flexibility are developed throughout.
Year 10: The Cambridge Latin Course completes all the language work necessary for GCSE
by means of stories set in Roman Britain (Bath and Chester) and Imperial Rome. Background
topics such as domestic life and social life and entertainment are also covered. We study the
literature and sources for paper 2 in year 10.
Year 11: The GCSE examination involves reading short extracts from major Roman authors
such as Ovid and Virgil. The works studied are witty, romantic, sometimes sad, and
sometimes rather rude! In year 11, we chose which topic to study for paper 3 – either literature
or a prescribed topic of Roman Civilisation.
Candidates learn how to develop a sensitive and analytical approach to language generally,
including an awareness of the relationship between Latin and the languages of today; an
appreciation of different cultures; how to read and appreciate Latin literature in its cultural
context and in its original language and how to communicate clearly and effectively.
Assessment
Examinations are taken at the end of Year 11, as follows:
Paper title/content Method of assessment Weighting
Paper 1- Latin Language
(comprehension and translation)
Examination 50%
Paper 2 – Latin Literature and Sources
(chariot racing)
Open book examination 30%
Paper 3 – Latin Literature or Roman
Civilisation
Open book examination 20%
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MATHEMATICS Edexcel IGCSE (Specification A)
Course description
In the continued study of Mathematics, candidates develop their knowledge and
understanding of Mathematical concepts and techniques; acquire a foundation of
Mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas; enjoy using and applying
Mathematical techniques and concepts, and become confident to use Mathematics to solve
problems; and appreciate the importance of Mathematics in society, employment and study.
Pupils will study topics in the broad areas of number, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Numerical topics build on learning from earlier years. In algebra, girls will learn how to
manipulate algebraic expressions and to set up and solve problems using algebraic
techniques. In geometry, girls will expand their knowledge of transformations and shape and
space. In statistics, girls will learn how to use different statistical measures and diagrams to
represent a set of data.
All pupils will take the Higher IGCSE examination during Year 11.
Set 5 pupils will take the Foundation IGCSE at the end of Year 10. They will then continue to
take the Higher IGCSE at the end of Year 11.
Assessment
Paper title Method of assessment Weighting
Paper 1 Examination 50%
Paper 2 Examination 50%
Calculators can be used in both examinations
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MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH/GERMAN/SPANISH AQA GCSE
Course Description
All pupils are prepared for the GCSE course in all languages. This course is designed to
develop effective communication skills – understanding what is heard and read and
expressing clear and accurate information when speaking and writing.
This is a practical as well as academic course, at the end of which, pupils should be able to
cope with most everyday situations – ordering a meal, booking a room in a hotel, travelling
by train or shopping. The specification also covers wider issues such as the environment,
health and the world of work and education. A wide and relevant vocabulary is taught whilst
providing a thorough grounding in the grammar.
In Year 11, pupils have 20 minutes conversation lessons with the Foreign Language Assistant
once a week in groups of three or four.
Internal examinations at the end of Year 10 and in January for Year 11 assess the progress
made in all four skills. All pupils will take either Foundation or Higher tier papers at the end
of Year 11.
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Assessment
GCSE
Paper title Method of assessment Weighting
Unit 1 – listening Examination Year 11 25%
Unit 3 – reading Examination Year 11 25%
Unit 2 – speaking Examination Year 11 25%
Unit 4 – writing Examination Year 11 25%
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GCSE MUSIC (EDEXCEL)
Course description The three units consist of two performances, two compositions, and a written listening and
appraising examination. Pupils learn about musical language and explore the elements
underlying the organisation of sound, through listening to music, performing, composing and
appraising. This specification encourages:
Understanding and appreciation of a range of different kinds of music.
The development of musical interests and skills including the ability to make music
individually and in groups and to use music technology.
Evaluation of their own and others' music.
Critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity, emotional awareness, cultural
understanding, self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-motivation.
Pupils need to be of a minimum Grade 3 standard (or equivalent) on an instrument or voice
at the start of Year 10.
Assessment:
Performance A solo and an ensemble performance on an instrument or voice. (At least one
performance will be recorded each term and the best will be submitted in May of Year 11).
Composition Pupils study a wide variety of compositions, styles, and techniques using both
written notation and music technology. They then compose two pieces which can be for any
instrument or combination of instruments and in any style. Final submissions are completed
under controlled conditions.
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Appraising Pupils study set works taken from four areas of study; Instrumental Music, Vocal
Music, Music for Stage and Screen and Fusions. Assessment is through a combined written
and listening exam taken in June of Year 11.
Paper title Method of assessment Weighting
Component 1 – Performing Coursework 30%
Component 2 – Composing Coursework 30%
Component 3 - Appraising Examination 40%
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PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY (OCR)
Course Description
This GCSE specification does not assume faith, and is designed to be accessible to students of
any religious persuasion or none. Religious Studies is a subject which requires the ability to
examine important questions with an open mind, to weigh up arguments and reach reasoned
conclusions. Skills such as these are relevant, not only to life as a whole, but are also relevant
to many jobs. The course offers the opportunity to explore and discuss some of the key issues
that face us today thereby becoming better informed, an independent thinker, a good listener
and a convincing debater. The course also allows the chance to step into the shoes of people
from a different culture and religion.
OCR Religious Studies 9-1 (J625)
Beliefs and teachings & Practices (01–06)
Learners are required to study the following two religions:
Christianity (J625/01)
Buddhism (J625/05)
Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world from a religious perspective (07–
12)
Learners are required to study this component from Christian (J625/07) perspective and the
four themes to be studied are:
Relationships and families
The existence of God, gods and the ultimate reality
Religion, peace and conflict
Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes
The 2 papers on Beliefs and Practices section will carry 25% of the total marks and the
papers will be 1 hour each.
The Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the Modern World from a Religious Perspective
paper will carry 50% of the total marks and will be 2 hours.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION AQA
60% Theory
Mixture of multiple choice/objective test questions, short answer questions and
extended answer questions.
40% Practical
Three different physical activities in the role of player/performer
One in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either a team or
in an individual activity.
Analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one
activity
This can include sports that you take part in outside of school
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Theory:
Paper Theory topics: Weighting Time
Paper 1:
The human body
and movement in
physical
activity and sport
Applied anatomy and
physiology
Movement analysis
Physical training
Use of data
30% 1 hr 15 min
Paper 2:
Socio-cultural
influences and well-
being
in physical activity and
sport
Sports psychology
Socio-cultural influences
Health, fitness and well-being
Use of data
30% 1 hr 15 min
Practical:
Sports available to be assessed in:
Team
Sports
1. Association football
2. Badminton (Cannot be assessed with singles badminton.)
3. Basketball
4. Camogie (Cannot be assessed with hurling.)
5. Cricket
6. Dance (Can only be used for one activity.)
7. Gaelic football
8. Handball
9. Hockey (Must be field hockey. Cannot be assessed as ice hockey or
roller hockey.)
10. Hurling (Cannot be assessed with camogie.)
11. Lacrosse
12. Netball
13. Rowing (Cannot be assessed with sculling, canoeing or kayaking.)
14. Rugby League (Cannot be assessed with Rugby Union or rugby
sevens. Cannot be tag rugby.)
15. Rugby Union (Can be assessed as sevens or fifteen-a-side. Cannot be
assessed with Rugby League and cannot be tag)
16. Squash (Cannot be assessed with singles squash.)
17. Table tennis (Cannot be assessed with singles table tennis.)
18. Tennis (Cannot be assessed with singles tennis.)
19. Volleyball
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Individual 1. Amateur boxing
2. Athletics
3. Badminton (Cannot be assessed with doubles badminton.)
4. Canoeing/kayaking (slalom) (Cannot be assessed in both canoeing
and kayaking. Cannot be assessed with canoeing/kayaking sprint,
rowing or sculling.)
5. Canoeing/kayaking (sprint) (Cannot be assessed in both canoeing
and kayaking. Cannot be assessed with canoeing/kayaking slalom,
rowing or sculling.)
6. Cycling Track or road cycling only. (Cannot be assessed in track
cycling and in road cycling.)
7. Dance (Can only be used for one activity.)
8. Diving Platform diving only.
9. Golf
10. Gymnastics (artistic) Floor routines and apparatus only. (Cannot be
rhythmic gymnastics.)
11. Equestrian - must perform in fully competitive situation (Dressage
test, show class individual, show jumping, working hunter class
event)
12. Rock climbing (Can be indoor or outdoor climbing.)
13. Sculling (Cannot be assessed with rowing, canoeing or kayaking.)
14. Skiing Outdoor/indoor on snow. (Cannot be assessed with
snowboarding. Must not be on dry slopes.)
15. Snowboarding Outdoor/indoor on snow. (Cannot be assessed with
skiing. Must not be on dry slopes.)
16. Squash (Cannot be assessed with doubles squash.)
17. Swimming (Cannot be synchronised swimming. Cannot be personal
survival. Cannot be lifesaving.)
18. Table tennis (Cannot be assessed with doubles table tennis.)
19. Tennis (Cannot be assessed with doubles tennis.)
20. Trampolining
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GCSE Product Design (OCR)
Course Description
The new Product Design GCSE course offers for the first time a truly cutting edge and leading
qualification for the 21st century. Designed to develop the skill set required for the modern
world, students will study across five areas of learning; exploration; design thinking; design
communication; prototyping ideas; and evaluating products. No longer is the focus of study
on the delivery of material and process knowledge for a manufacturing career, but on the
broad creative skills needed for all careers and industries, from archaeology to medicine.
Students will develop the skill set needed to research and explore modern industries,
formulate ideas and identify opportunities, respond creatively to broad challenges, and create
solutions through human centred design approaches. The learning that takes place during the
course will enhance every students ability to engage with any future careers, and the ever
advancing technologies that power them, from marketing through social media to artificial
intelligent robotics. Throughout the course, students will be given the chance to respond to
global issues including social and environmental developments, and generate real solutions
to these. This could include methods of developing farming in the 3rd world countries to
products that reduce child mortality rates in 1st world countries
Year 10 will involve the development of all of the core skills and knowledge for the GCSE,
including working with computers and cloud based software to develop e-portfolios of work,
learning and applying programming for functional computer control, computer aided design
and manufacture, and as a tool to develop communication skills in industry leading software.
The physical manipulation of materials and use of tools and equipment is still part of the
course, but with a greater emphasis on design thinking, practical tasks are designed to
generate quick testable solutions rather than bespoke items of furniture.
28
The Year 11 course will see the release of the design challenge context, a broad title under
which students will be given the opportunity to explore, design and iterate ideas that form a
solution to a real problem. Known as the “Non Exam Assessment” (formerly the coursework
element), students will be given a restricted 40 hours of lesson time within which to develop
a design challenge proposal, from their own brief through to a functional prototype as proof
of concept. This will be worth 50% of the course final mark and is all produced as an e-
portfolio using a computer or Ipad.
The Exam Assessment (end of Year exam), will make up the remaining 50% of the GCSE
course, and will ask students to respond to questions relating to core knowledge on design
thinking, and a series of “deeper” learning questions, which will relate to topics chosen by
the student themselves. In this way students interested in a specific field of design, such as
architecture, interior design, product, electronics or robotics and automation, will be able to
study one of these fields in more detail and deepen their learning. This will include for all
students an emphasis of the study and application of mathematics and science to support
design thinking. Those studying computer science will benefit especially from the cross
curricular links of programming and microcontrollers in this course , whilst those unsure of
future careers will be able to study this GCSE as a facilitator and developer of skills to access
learning for a lifetime, including independent learning online and the use of digital
technologies to excel in all areas of further study.
GCSE Assessment (all completed in Year 11)
50% Non Examination Assessment (NEA) for a context chosen by the student, submitted as
an E-Portfolio
50% Examination Assessment on core design thinking skills and a student selected deeper
learning body of knowledge (chosen from specific sub areas of design including electronics,
robotics, systems design, graphics and architecture)
29
SCIENCE (Edexcel IGCSE)
Course description
This course aims to
provide pupils with a science base for further
study in a modern technological society
prepare pupils to become a confident citizens
with informed interests in matters of scientific
importance
enable pupils to recognise the usefulness and
limitations of the scientific method and to
appreciate its application to everyday life
develop an understanding of scientific
concepts together with the skills to
communicate, apply and investigate them.
Triple Science will result in the award of three separate IGCSE grades in Biology, Chemistry
and Physics. On the basis of assessment in the first two years of the course, some candidates
may be prepared for Dual Science in Year 11 leading to two IGCSE grades. Dual Science is
pupils will only sit Paper 1 in each Science discipline
Assessment
Biology
Paper 1 (2 hours) Examination 66%
Paper 2 (1 hour) Examination 33%
Chemistry
Paper 1 (2 hours) Examination 66%
Paper 2 (1 hour) Examination 33%
Physics
Paper 1 (2 hours) Examination 66%
Paper 2 (1 hour) Examination 33%
There is no controlled assessment or coursework