gcse course information booklet september 2021
TRANSCRIPT
ADULT EDUCATION
GCSE Course Information Booklet
September 2021
English Language
Mathematics (Foundation)
Science Double Award (Biology,
Chemistry & Physics) Combined
Trilogy
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Academic courses delivered at Aquinas College are subsidised by the Greater
Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and also partly by the Education &
Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) (for students 18 or under), where funding is
available.
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TIMESCALE / GCSE APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Monday 10th MAY 2021: The GCSE application form will be available on our website:
http://www.aquinas.ac.uk/courses/adult-education-courses/gcse-courses/ You can print this off to complete by hand, or save it to your computer and complete it electronically. The form can then be posted, emailed or handed into Aquinas College Adult Education reception. Post to: Aquinas College (Adult Education Department)
Nangreave Road STOCKPORT SK2 6TH
Email to: [email protected] Once received the application form is considered by course tutors and a letter will be sent to either invite you for interview/assessment or to suggest an alternative course. How do we assess your suitability for a course?
Monday 10th May 2021 to Friday 27th August 2021: Once your application has been received, you will be asked to attend an interview to discuss the course further and demonstrate to the course tutor/advisor that you have the commitment and skills necessary to successfully complete the course. You will complete Initial Assessments in literacy and/or numeracy (or a science related assessment) at this interview. The completion and results of the assessment(s) ensure you receive the correct advice and guidance. You will be advised before you leave college whether you are being offered a place and given a date to return to enrol during the month of August when you will be given starting information. Late applications: Applications received after the 27th August will be accepted if there are still places available. If there are no places, you will be held on a pending list until mid-September.
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GCSE courses at Aquinas College
Each GCSE course is taught as a one year part-time course, designed for those who:
may have been out of education for a while and would like another opportunity to take a course and achieve a qualification
didn’t achieve a grade C (4) but need it now for higher education want to improve career/employment prospects want to go onto an Access to Higher Education course or an A level programme
English & Maths are taught on either Monday or Tuesday evenings 6 – 9 pm (full details of this within each course description). Science requires attendance on BOTH Monday and Tuesday evenings 6 – 9 pm. The courses cover everything you will need to be confident when taking the examinations during the summer. The examinations take place during the daytime in late May/early June and are either timed to start at 9.00 am or 1.00 pm. The examination dates and times are set by the examination boards and are not negotiable or changeable. If you are considering enrolling onto one of the GCSE courses, you must ensure that you are going to be available for these examinations. It is your responsibility to clear this with your employer if you normally work in the day (this is particularly important if you are thinking of Science GCSE as there are 6 separate examination dates). Many of our GCSE students’ progress onto an Access to Higher Education course either here at Aquinas College or elsewhere (depending upon the subject needed). Other students take more GCSE courses.
How many subjects can I do in one year?
The Adult Education Centre within the College is only open two evenings per week; therefore you can only apply for one or two courses from English and/or Maths or just for Science GCSE alone. We do not guarantee acceptance onto more than one course; this will be at the college’s discretion depending upon the outcome of the initial assessments carried out at interview.
How much time do I have to put in?
We run up to 34 subject classes per academic year (68 for Science GCSE). Weekly attendance in class is extremely important and we would expect very little absence if you want to succeed. You should also expect to receive homework from your tutor taking up approximately 3 to 4 hours each week. The homework generally prepares you for the next lesson.
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How do I apply?
You will need to complete an application form and post, email or bring this into the Aquinas College Adult Education reception. The form is available from Monday 10th May 2021 onwards and you can request a copy or download a copy from our website: http://www.aquinas.ac.uk/AdultEducation/GCSECourses Post to: Aquinas College (Adult Education Department)
Nangreave Road STOCKPORT SK2 6TH
Email to: [email protected]
How do we assess your suitability for a course?
You will be asked to attend an interview to discuss the course further and demonstrate to the course tutor/advisor that you have the commitment and skills necessary to successfully complete the course.
For English and Maths courses, you will complete Initial Assessments in literacy and/or numeracy at this interview. The completion and results of the assessment(s) ensure you receive the correct advice and guidance.
Those applying for Science GCSE would need to bring their level 2 English & Maths certificates to the interview and will be asked to complete a short multi-choice test of science related topics.
Cont’d….. FEE INFORMATION*:
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NO FEE: FEES PAYABLE:
(If you live outside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area you may NOT BE entitled to fee remission or the fee payable may be more than stated below – please check with reception staff).
English GCSE or Maths GCSE (foundation level):
No fee if you do NOT currently hold a grade C/4-5 in either qualification yet.
English GCSE only: If you already have a Grade C (4) and want to improve this:
THE FEE IS: £500.00 This fee Includes text books and examination fees
Science GCSE (presuming you do not currently have a grade C/4 yet):
NO FEE payable if any of the following applies to you:
You receive: Job Seekers Allowance Employment Support Allowance (work
activity group) Universal Credit (mandated to seek work)
You are on a low income: You are studying up to level 2 (GCSE) and you are employed (full or part time) and your annual gross salary is less than £18,135.00, (evidence req’d: wage slip within 3 months of your start date OR current employment contract stating gross monthly/annual pay to be shown as evidence of the employment)
You are 19-23 studying your first Level 2 qualification on the day you start the course not the day you enrol.
If you already have a Grade C (4) and want to improve this, you will have to pay the fee shown above (£500).
If you do not qualify for fee remission (as shown in the table opposite), fees will be due:
THE FEE IS: £450.00 This fee includes text books and examination fees
An Instalment scheme is available. *NB These rules may be subject to change before your course starts – check at interview)
Other resources you may need to find:
Scientific Calculators, Maths sets, writing paper, pens, A4 ring binders or pocket wallets to store your assignments and other documents handed out by your tutor. (Refer to each individual course information sheet for specific details).
What resources and guidance are available?
Learning Centre Aquinas LC (Library, or Learning Centre) is well stocked for all GCSE subjects. You will be given a full tour in the first few weeks of your programme. Twilight opening times are Monday and Tuesday 5.00 pm until 7.30pm.
Careers and Guidance Appointments are available to discuss Careers and Guidance for all students attending a course at Aquinas College.
Learning Support: We can offer one to one learning support for GCSE students who may need extra guidance with their course plus with study planning, essay writing or maths.
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ICT facilities ICT drop-in facilities are free to all students between 5.00 pm and 9.00 pm Monday and Tuesday evenings. You can print out essays etc. There are ICT Technicians available from 5.30 pm Monday and Tuesday evening to help with ‘logging in’ to the college system etc.
Refreshments Vending machines are available on site offering hot, cold drinks, and snacks. Remember to bring enough change with you to access these. Some machines accept contactless card payment.
All college facilities have disabled access.
Contact details:
Head of Adult Education
Emma Bradbury 0161 483 3237 [email protected]
Assistant Head of Adult Education
Sheila Lahan
0161 419 3620 or 483 3237
Aquinas College Adult Education Nangreave Road
STOCKPORT SK2 6TH
http://www.aquinas.ac.uk/courses/adult-education-courses/ 0161 419 3620
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GCSE English Language (AQA 8700)
Course Aims:
This course should prepare you to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices, and to use language to participate effectively in society and employment. The course will enable you to: demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing necessary to communicate with others confidently, effectively, precisely and appropriately express yourself creatively and imaginatively becoming critical readers of a range of texts, including multi-modal texts use reading to develop your own skills as writers understand the patterns, structures and conventions of written and spoken English, understand the impact of variations in spoken and written language and how you relate to identity and cultural diversity, select and adapt speech and writing.
Subject content:
Critical reading and comprehension: Critical reading and comprehension: identifying and interpreting themes, ideas and information in a range of literature and other high-quality writing; reading in different ways for different purposes, and comparing and evaluating the usefulness, relevance and presentation of content for these purposes; drawing inferences and justifying these with evidence; supporting a point of view by referring to evidence within the text; identifying bias and misuse of evidence, including distinguishing between statements that are supported by evidence and those that are not; reflecting critically and evaluatively on text, using the context of the text and drawing on knowledge and skills gained from wider reading; recognizing the possibility of different responses to a text Summary and Synthesis: identifying the main theme or themes; summarizing ideas and information from a single text; synthesizing from more than one text Evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features: explaining and illustrating how vocabulary and grammar contribute to effectiveness and impact, using linguistic and literary terminology accurately to do so and paying attention to detail; analyzing and evaluating how form and structure contribute to the effectiveness and impact of a text Comparing texts: comparing two or more texts critically with respect to the above.
Writing: Producing clear and coherent text: Writing effectively for different purposes and audiences: to describe, narrate, explain, instruct, give and respond to information, and argue; selecting vocabulary, grammar, form and structural and organisation features judiciously to reflect audience, purpose and context; using language imaginatively and creatively; using information provided by others to write in different forms; maintaining a consistent point of view; maintaining coherence and consistency across a text Writing for impact: selecting, organising and emphasising facts, ideas an key points; citing evidence and quotation effectively and pertinently to support views; creating emotional impact; using language creatively, imaginatively and persuasively, including rhetorical devices (such as rhetorical questions, antithesis, parenthesis).
Spoken Language: Presenting information and ideas: selecting and organising information and ideas effectively and persuasively for prepared spoken presentations; planning effectively for different purposes and audiences; making presentations and speeches Responding so spoken language: listening to and responding appropriately to any questions and feedback Spoken Standard English: expressing ideas using Standard English whenever and wherever appropriate.
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What will the examinations consist of? Paper 1: Explorations and in Creative Reading and Writing
Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language (this is recorded on film by video camera)
What’s assessed Section A: Reading
one literature fiction text Section B: Writing
descriptive or narrative writing
What’s assessed Section A: Reading
one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
Section B: Writing
writing to present a viewpoint
What’s assessed
presenting
responding to questions and feedback
use of standard English
Assessed
written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
80 marks
50% of GCSE
Assessed
written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
80 marks
50% of GCSE
Assessed
Teacher set throughout course
Marked by teacher
Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)
Questions
Reading (40 marks) (25%) - One single text
1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)
Writing (40 marks) (25%)
1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Questions
Reading (40 marks) (25%) - Two linked texts
1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)
Writing (40 marks) (25%)
1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Progression: This course offers excellent preparation for progression onto English Language A level, Access to Higher Education, application for Teaching Assistant roles, or PGCE courses etc.) and is equally useful for career/employment progression. Attendance: Monday OR Tuesday Evening 6.00pm—9.00pm You will attend for approximately 34 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday evening 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm until the examinations have taken place. There are two examinations usually taking place in early June (either 9.00 am or 1.00 pm in the daytime). You must ensure you will be available for the examinations and don’t book holidays – if you miss either of the exams you will not gain the qualification. How will I be graded? The marks you gain during the examinations will determine the grade you achieve which will be awarded as Grade 9 to 1.
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GCSE Mathematics Pearson Edexcel 1MA1 (Foundation entry)
Course Aims: This qualification in Mathematics encourages you to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in your own lives and to society. It prepares you to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices. Progression: This course offers excellent preparation for progression onto Math’s AS level, Access to Higher Education, applications for Teaching Assistant roles, or PGCE courses etc. and is equally useful for career/employment progression. Attendance: Foundation: Monday OR Tuesday Evening 6.00pm - 9.00pm You will attend for approximately 34 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday evening 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm until the examinations have taken place. Examinations usually take place in early June (either 9.00 am or 1.00 pm during the daytime). You must ensure you will be available for the examinations and don’t book holidays – if you miss one exam you will not gain the qualification. Equipment needed to complete the course:
Scientific calculator
Maths set which includes: angle measurer; pair of compasses; ruler and colour felt tip
pens/highlighters
How will I be graded? Foundation tier: grades 5 to 1 available
Overview of topic areas and weightings between levels:
Tier Topic Area Weighting
Foundation
Number 22 – 28%
Algebra 17 – 23%
Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change 22 – 28%
Geometry and Measures 12 – 18%
Statistics & Probability 12 – 18%
Higher
Number 12 – 18%
Algebra 27 – 33%
Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change 17 – 23%
Geometry and Measures 17 – 23%
Statistics & Probability 12 – 18%
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What will I study?
The content of the course has been grouped into topic areas: Number: Structure and calculation Fractions, decimals and percentages Measures and accuracy Algebra: Notation, vocabulary and manipulation Graphs Solving equations and inequalities Sequences Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures: Property and constructions Mensuration and calculation Vectors Probability Statistics
How will my work be assessed? You will sit three examination papers (Foundation or Higher):
Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3
33.33% of the total GCSE 33.33% of the total GCSE 33.33% of the total GCSE
Content: Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics
Content: Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics
Content: Number Algebra Ratio, proportion and rates of change Geometry and measures Probability Statistics
Written examination paper with a range of question types No calculator is allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both foundation and higher) 80 marks available
Written examination paper with a range of question types Calculator is allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both foundation and higher) 80 marks available
Written examination paper with a range of question types Calculator is allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes (both foundation and higher) 80 marks available
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GCSE Science Combined Science: Trilogy (Biology; Chemistry & Physics) Double Award – AQA 8464
Course overview
GCSE Science should encourage you to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. The course will provide insight into and experience of how science works, stimulating your curiosity and encouraging you to engage with science in your everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study and about career choices.
Entry Requirements: You MUST already have a level 2 qualification (Functional skills or GCSE Grade C (4) or above in English and Maths).
The aims of taking this course are to enable you to: • develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of science • develop your understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science • develop an understanding of the importance of scale in science • develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-
solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments • develop ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the
methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively • Carry out practical assessments to support scientific concepts, develop investigate skills
and build and master practical skills.
GCSE Science offers the chance to develop scientific literacy needed by active and informed citizens in a modern democratic society where science and technology play key roles in shaping our lives. The course content has a clear focus on scientific literacy. Your teacher will use a wide range of teaching and learning styles, challenging you to consider critically the issues and choices raised by technology and science. You will appreciate what science has to say about people, the environment and the Universe. You will learn a great deal about how science works in a way that is relevant to you. You will develop skills which will enable you to weigh up evidence on both sides of an argument and make decisions about science issues.
By the end of the course you should feel more confident about dealing with the science you meet in your daily lives, as well as gaining a valuable qualification.
Although this course is primarily aimed at grade 4/5 it does include all aspects up to grade 9 (additional homework required to achieve the higher grades).
The course contains an element of mathematics therefore you need to be reasonably comfortable with all areas of maths.
Progression: Completing this course is a step towards further education such as Access to Higher Education or towards Primary / Secondary School Teaching qualifications. Health related Higher Education courses (degrees) expect you to have Science, English & Maths GCSE; this is a valuable qualification which will assist you in improving your career prospects.
How will I be graded? There are two tiers: Foundation tier: grades 5 to 1 available Higher tier: grades 9 to 4 available (grade 3 allowed).
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When do I need to attend - what will I need?
Attendance: Monday AND Tuesday Evening 6.00pm - 9.00pm You will attend for approximately 34 weeks on Monday AND Tuesday evenings 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm until the examinations have taken place. Equipment required: You will need a calculator including stationery.
Examinations & Controlled Assessments: The six examinations required for the three units are scheduled by the exam board during May/June in the daytime either at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm. Please ensure you are available for examinations at this time as these dates are fixed and we are unable to change them, regardless of the reason. If you miss one exam you will not gain the qualification.
BIOLOGY
SIX written exams, assessed externally by AQA, each of which:
is offered at Foundation and Higher Tiers
multiple choice, structured,
closed short answer and open
response questions (there is
no choice of questions)
assesses the quality of written communication. Each paper is specific to one unit, i.e. a biology paper, chemistry paper and a physics paper – makes it easier to revise.
Each paper has a maximum mark of 70 equating to a total scaled mark of 420.
Paper 1 1: Cell Biology 2: Organisation 3: Infection and response 4: Bioenergetics
70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper
16.7% of total GCSE
Paper 2 5: Homeostasis and response 6: Inheritance, Variation and evolution 7: Ecology
70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper
16.7% of total GCSE
CHEMISTRY Paper 1 8: Atomic structure and the periodic table 9: Bonding, structure and the properties of matter 10: Quantitative chemistry 11: Chemical changes 12: Energy changes
70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper
16.7% of total GCSE
Paper 2 13: The rate and extent of chemical change 14: Organic chemistry 15: Chemical analysis 16: Chemistry of the atmosphere 17: Using resources
70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper
16.7% of total GCSE
PHYSICS Paper 1 Energy Electricity Particle model of matter Atomic structure
70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper
16.7% of total GCSE
Paper 2 Forces Waves Magnetism and electromagnetism
70 marks 1 hour 15 minutes written Paper
16.7% of total GCSE
Practical Assessments Use of appropriate apparatus for biology, chemistry and physics by undertaking varied tasks
Students complete all the defined practical activities and records of the work done and learning derived from it.
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Comments from past students:
A few general comments made by students attending all of these GCSE courses:
They felt the pace was fast and furious; a lot to cover in 34 weeks. They felt it was hard work. Each week the teacher covers a different topic so if you miss a week, you have to get the
notes to catch up. I missed a couple of weeks of class and was able to get one-to-one help so was soon back
on track. On a positive note, a lot commented that the rewards on gaining the qualification are life changing. English:
- This is a very good college. I am enjoying my course and making progress. I hope I will get the grades I want.
- I missed quite a few lessons due to personal circumstances and was struggling to catch up; I asked for help and was able to get this.
Mathematics
- Great course, good teaching - The course is very well structured and the staff (tutors) are very knowledgeable and
approachable - I’m finding my course very fast and hard to keep up with. - The teacher is really knowledgeable and although the course is fast paced, he always takes the
time to explain things thoroughly and explains things in a different way if you don’t understand. He is passionate about his subject and gives tips to help you learn. He always takes time to go round the class to make sure you are doing ok. One of the best teachers I have ever had.
- The teacher is very helpful and makes the class fun and easy to understand. Also he doesn’t make you feel silly if you ask questions that you feel are unimportant.
Science:
- I am really enjoying the course. It’s hard attending two evenings per week but necessary to
learn all the units needed to pass all the 6 exams required to achieve this qualification. It’s a
good general overview of science and its varied subjects. I hope to attain my GCSE in the
summer of 2021.