Welcome to Year 9 and GCSEs

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Contents

Facts about the New 9-1 GCSEs Pages 3-4

English Courses Outline Pages 5-6

Maths Course Outline Page 7

Science Courses Outline Pages 8-9

RE Course Outline Pages 10-12

GCSE Option Subjects - Specific Requirements Pages 13-14

Careers at St Peter’s Page 15 Your Notes Pages 16-18

Notes

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A Quick Guide to the New 9-1 GCSEs

The Department for Education have said that courses and exams have been changed to ensure that young people have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st Century. The new GCSEs will ensure that students leave school better prepared for work or further study. They cover more challenging content and are designed to match standards in the strongest performing education systems elsewhere in the world.

A new 9 to 1 grading scale is being used to better differentiate between the highest performing students and distinguish clearly between the new and old exams.

Grade 9 is the highest grade and will be awarded to fewer students than the previous A*.

The new GCSEs are being rolled out over a few years. In the summer of 2017 students sat the new exams in English Language, English Literature and Maths. In the Summer of 2018 they sat the new exams in the majority of other subjects

The old and new GCSE grading scales do not directly compare but there are three points where they align, as the diagram shows:

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A; The bottom of grade 4 is aligned with the bottom of grade C; and The bottom of grade 1 is aligned with the bottom of grade G.

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Although the exams will cover more challenging content, the Department for Education have said that this this won’t mean students gets a lower grade than they might have under the old system. Ofqual, the exams regulator, will ensure that broadly the same proportion of students will get grades 1, 4 and 7 and above in any subject as would have got grades G, C or A and above respectively in the old system, other things being equal.

The Department for Education currently recognises grade 4 and above as a ‘standard pass’; this is the minimum level that students need to reach in English and Maths, otherwise they will need to continue to study these subjects as part of their post-16 education. There is no re-take requirement for other subjects.

Employers, universities and colleges will continue to set the GCSE grades they require for employment or further study. The Department for Education are encouraging them to have realistic expectations of students in the first cohorts to sit the new, tougher GCSEs when setting their entry requirements for work or further study. Employers and colleges will also need to recruit the same number of students as previously, so are likely to set their criteria in terms of equivalence to a C and above and 4 and above.

The Department for Education currently recognises grade 5 and above as a ‘strong pass’, a benchmark in line with the expectations of top performing education systems around the world.

Assessment will be mainly by exam. Other types of assessment are used only where they are needed to test essential skills.

Courses will no longer be divided in to different modules. Students will take all of their exams in one period at the end of the course.

Tiered Papers - exams can be split in to foundation and higher tiers. These are only permitted in Maths, Science and Modern Foreign Languages.

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English Course Outlines

English Language AQA – course outline

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

Assessment: Written exam – 1 hour 45 minutes 80 marks in total 50% GCSE

Section A: Reading (one literature fiction extract - unseen) Reading = 40 marks (25% of GCSE)

Section B: Writing (descriptive or narrative writing) Writing = 40 marks (25% of GCSE)

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

Assessment: Written exam – 1 hour 45 minutes 80 marks in total 50% GCSE

Section A: Reading (two linked unseen extracts – one non-fiction extract and one literary non-fiction extract) Reading = 40 marks (25% of GCSE)

Section B: Writing (writing to present a viewpoint – writing for purpose, audience, form) Writing = 40 marks (25% of GCSE)

Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language

Assessment: set and marked by teacher during the course with a separate endorsement 0% of GCSE grade

Students will have to prepare and deliver a presentation in front of a specified audience and then respond to questions and feedback. Students will be assessed on their use of language and Standard English and their skills of delivering a presentation. (AO7 – 9)

English Literature AQA – course outline

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel

Assessment: Written exam – 1 hour 45 minutes 64 marks in total 40% GCSE

Section A: Shakespeare 34 marks (30 marks + 4 marks AO4) One question on the studied play (Macbeth). An extract from the play will be provided. Students will have to write in detail about the extract and then write about the play as a whole.

Section B: The 19th Century novel 30 marks One question on the studied 19th Century novel. An extract from the novel will be provided. Students will have to write in detail about the extract and then write about the novel as a whole.

Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry

Assessment: Written exam – 2 hours 15 minutes 96 marks in total 60% GCSE

Section A: Modern Texts 34 marks (30 marks + 4 marks AO4) Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two (usually one on character and one on theme) on their studied modern text.

Section B: Poetry 30 marks Students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the studied anthology cluster.

Section C: Unseen Poetry 32 marks Students must answer both questions in section C. They will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.

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English in Year 9

In Year 9 we will complete a foundation year for GCSE English Language and Literature. This

year will cover all the key skills and text types that students will face in their GCSEs.

In English Language there are no set GCSE texts, but students will face unseen texts from the

19th Century, 20th Century and 21st Century. These texts will be both fiction and non-fiction.

Students will also have to write creatively, and be able to write texts which present a

viewpoint for specific purposes and audiences. Towards the end of Year 9, students will do a

speaking presentation which will be their Spoken Endorsement for GCSE.

In Literature, we will be training Year 9s to approach literature texts in preparation for their

GCSE Literature exams. They will read and study a novel, a Shakespeare play and a range of

poems.

The course outlines will help you understand the types of texts and the exam structure faced

in both the English Language and English Literature exams.

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Maths Course Outline.

GCSE Course Outline.

- Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1Ma1)

- 3 year course (although content taught at key stage 1 & 2 could be tested)

- Three 1.5 hours exam papers (1 x non calculator, 2 x calculator)

- Assessed at either Foundation (grades 1-5) or Higher (Grades 4-9)

Sets (Tier) Set (Tier) 9x/Ma1 (Higher) 9y/Ma1 (Higher)

9x/Ma2 (Higher) 9y/Ma2 (Higher)

9x/Ma3 (Higher) 9y/Ma3 (Foundation) 9x/Ma4 (Higher) 9y/Ma4 (Foundation)

9x/Ma5 (Higher) 9y/Ma5 (Foundation)

Course Content.

The course content continues to build on Mathematics taught throughout key stage 3 and 4,

covering Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and Rates of change, Geometry and Measure as

well as Statistics and Probability.

Content Foundation Higher Number 25% 15%

Algebra 20% 30%

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of change 25% 20%

Geometry and Measure 15% 20%

Statistics and Probability 15% 15%

Pupils have nine taught lessons a week, and should receive at least one piece of homework a

week. This homework is online and provides appropriate to support their learning and

progress, each homework should last between 45 minutes and an hour.

Throughout the course the difficulty and level of challenge will change dependent on a

student’s perceptions of topics as well as the content covered. To support students in

managing these challenges they each receive a login to www.hegartymaths.com an online

platform providing video tutorials, online assessment and tracking to support progress.

As pupils move throughout the course and towards year 11 they will also receive further

resources such as past papers, guided online resources and revision sessions in preparation for

their final examinations

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Science Courses Outline.

1. This is a 3 year course covering all three disciplines of science. Students will be taught

Physics, Chemistry and Biology by subject specialists in the department.

2. There will be 11 lessons a fortnight in Yr9, followed by 13 hours a fortnight in Yr10,

completing with 14 hours a fortnight in Yr11.

3. Course modules are broken down as follows:

Paper 1 - Biology Paper 2 - Biology

1 Cells and organisation

2 Disease and bioenergetics

3 Biological responses

4 Genetics and reproduction

5 Ecology

B1 Cell structure and transport

B5 Communicable diseases

B10 The human nervous system

B13 Reproduction

B16 Adaptations, interdependence, and competition

B2 Cell division B6 Preventing and treating disease

B11 Hormonal coordination

B14 Variation and evolution

B17 Organising and ecosystem

B3 Organisation and the digestive system

B7 Non-communicable diseases

B4 Organising animals and plants

B8 Photosynthesis

B12 Homeostasis in action

B15 Genetics and evolution

B18 Biodiversity and ecosystems B9 Respiration

Paper 1 - Chemistry Paper 2 - Chemistry

1 Atoms, bonding, and moles

2 Chemical reactions and energy changes

3 Rates, equilibrium and organic chemistry

4 Analysis and the Earth’s resources

C1 Atomic structure

C5 Chemical changes

C8 Rates and equilibrium C12 Chemical analysis

C2 The periodic table

C6 Electrolysis C9 Crude oil and fuels C13 The Earth’s atmosphere

C3 Structure and bonding

C7 Energy changes C10 Organic reaction C14 The Earth’s resources

C4 Chemical calculations

C11 Polymers C15 Using our resources

Paper 1 - Physics Paper 2 - Physics

1 Energy and energy resources

2 Particles at work 3 Forces in action 4 Waves, electromagnetism, and space

P1 Conservation and dissipation of energy

P4 Electric circuits

P8 Forces in balance

P12 Wave properties

P5 Electricity in the home

P9 Motion

P13 Electromagnetic waves

P2 Energy transfer by heating

P6 Molecules and matter

P10 Force and motion

P14 Light

P15 Electromagnetism

P3 Energy resources

P7 Radioactivity P11 Force and pressure P16 Space

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4. All elements of course work have now been dropped in the new GCSEs. Required

practical work will be covered in lessons and examined as part the final papers in each

science.

5. Formal exams for each subject will take place at the end of Year 11. Each discipline

will have 2 written papers each being 1 hour 45 minutes in duration, covering a

possible maximum of 100 marks. Each paper will make up 50% of the final grade in

that subject. Papers will be of either foundation or higher tier dependant on setting

and progress. Questions can take the form of multiple choice, structured, closed short

answer and open response.

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RE Course Outline.

AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062)

Component 1: The Study of Religions: beliefs, teachings and practices (Christianity and Islam) Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 96 marks (plus 5 marks for SPaG) 50% of GCSE Component 2: Thematic Studies Theme A: Relationships and Families Theme B: Religion and Life Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict Theme E: Religion, Crime and Punishment Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 96 marks (plus 5 marks for SPaG) 50% of GCSE

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE The course is a highly stimulating and respected course of study. You will be allowed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of religion by exploring the significance and impact of the beliefs and practises of Christianity and Islam. Also by exploring the significance and impact of Christian belief on a variety of sensitive and thought provoking ethical and philosophical issues. You will be encouraged to express personal opinions, challenge misconceptions and interact with highly relevant and worthwhile issues whilst gaining an appreciation of different religious perspectives and opinions. All students follow the Full GCSE Religious Studies based on AQA Specification A for exams beginning in the summer of 2018 onwards. This includes 2 components:

Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices Christianity Beliefs and teachings Key beliefs The nature of God Creation Beliefs about the afterlife and their importance Jesus Christ and salvation Beliefs and teachings about: The incarnation and Jesus the son of God The crucifixion, resurrection and ascension Sin and the means of salvation, including law, grace and spirit The role of Christ in salvation including the idea of atonement Practices Worship and festivals Different forms of worship Prayer and its significance The role and significance of the sacraments: baptism and communion The role and importance of Christian pilgrimage eg Lourdes and Iona and celebrations eg Christmas and Easter

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The role of the church in the local and worldwide community The role of the church in the local community including food banks and street pastors The place of mission evangelism and church growth The importance of the worldwide church including working for reconciliation and responding to persecution The work of CAFOD, Tearfund or Christian Aid Islam Beliefs and teachings Key beliefs The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam and the five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam The Oneness of God (Tawhid) The nature of God Angels including Jibril and Mika’il Predestination (al-Qads) and human freedom and its relationship to the Day of Judgement Life after death (Akhirah), human responsibility and accountability, resurrection, heaven and Hell Authority Prophethood (Risalah) including the role and importance of Adam, Ibrahim and Muhammad The holy books: Qur’an revelation and authority; the Torah, the Psalms, the gospel, the scrolls of Abraham and their authority. Practices Worship The five pillars of Sunni Islam and the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam Shahadah and Salah Duties and festivals Sawm, Zakah, Hajj and Jihad Festivals and commemorations: origins and meanings of Id-ul-Adha, Id-ul-Fitr and Ashura Component 2: Thematic studies Religious, philosophical and ethical studies Students will study different Christian arguments and non-religious views Relationships and families Sex, marriage and divorce Families and gender equality Religion and Life The origins of the world, the environment and animal rights Abortion, euthanasia, death and the afterlife Religion, peace and conflict Religion, violence, terrorism and war Religion and belief in 21st century conflict Religion, crime and punishment Religion, crime and the causes of crime Religion and punishment

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Students have access to both AQA textbooks (Christianity and Islam) via Kerboodle. This will enable them to

view their textbook at home. They should read over topics studied in class for consolidation and use the pages

that help with how to approach different styles of questions. At the end of each unit there is a checklist of

what they need to know and sample examination questions they can use to prepare for assessments, prelims

and ultimately their GCSE examinations.

RE Surgery is on a Monday in H66, 1:30-2pm for support if needed. If you have been asked to attend, please

do so as you can have directed support by RE teachers at this time to prepare you for your GCSE.

Development is often an issue for students wishing to improve grades – make sure you can support your

points with examples and evidence. Go through each topic and write a list of bible references (and references

from the Qur’an or Hadith when we get to Islam) you could use and real life examples of people/events you

could include in an answer.

Revision cards can also be very helpful for learning key terms and definitions, or concepts. Write the key word

on one side and the definition on the other. Test yourself or get someone else to test you. Apps like

Flashcards or Brainscape can be used on your phones or tablets.

Mindmaps work for some people – write one for each topic including key terms, key concepts and

evidence/examples. Use colour to separate ideas and images to help trigger your memory. Put them up at

home.

Kerboodle username and

password are first initial

and surname e.g.

esheeran

Institution Code: sta3

Basics

Remember equipment – pen, pencil, green pen, planner, exercise book

Respond to feedback as fully as possible and act on it to make progress

Complete tasks within time given e.g. meet homework deadlines

Seek support with work you don’t understand

Be open minded and listen to others

Capitalise on opportunities given – e.g. trips, visitors

Always do your best

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GCSE Option Subjects - Specific Requirements History

Students are expected to independently study and complete homework tasks that support their personal

learning

Students need to manage their own homework choices to ensure that their subject knowledge and skills are

developed to achieve

They are given a detailed work booklet which needs to be completed both within lesson and at home

Log onto the school website and familiarise Yourself with both GCSEPOD and CLICKVIEW

You will be set PB targets based on current attainment and will be expected to achieve these targets in

examinations. If PB targets are not met you will be given the opportunity to redo the examination

Geography

Attend all fieldtrips and complete all fieldwork write ups

Attend intervention sessions offered

Attend all revision sessions

Purchase a revision guide – your teacher will tell you which one

Log on to Google Classroom to download help sheets, knowledge organisers and more. Code: 3lrwbz

Practice exam papers at home, available to download at

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

Modern Foreign Languages (French, German and Spanish)

Sign up to school Memrise group (www.memrise.com) and work online to gain points which can be exchanged

for green notes

Use vocabulary books given (one per year for French and German, one per term for Spanish) to practise for

weekly vocabulary tests

Consider taking part in the language exchanges to France or Spain

Music

Bring your instrument to lessons, including equipment where necessary (drum sticks, sheet music, plectrum

etc)

Take part in an extra-curricular ensemble, whether that's in/outside of school or your own group

Play a part in whole school music events, such as the Cathedral Christmas Service and Summer Concert

Food and Nutrition

Take full part in all practical cooking activities

Practise the practical skills and techniques needed outside of school time

Computing

Complete all work set by teacher on repl.it

Check and use school email

Access your electronic folder from home using the FOLDR app

Download and use PYTHON at home

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Resistant Materials Technology

Be self-motivated in completing your coursework pieces.

Be prepared to work independently, without significant teacher input to develop coursework.

PE

Bring your PE kit to all practical lessons, both core and GCSE

Take part in extra-curricular sport, either in or outside of school

Take responsibility for your own practical performance grades by understanding the sports you can be

assessed in and the criteria for these – available at

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Physical%20Education/2016/Teaching%20and%2

0learning%20materials/gcse-pe-2016-brochure.pdf

Photography

Own a camera (either a good quality mobile phone or digital SLR),

The photography teachers are happy to advise on types and places to purchase second-hand.

Take photos regularly outside of school.

Spend at least one hour per week developing your book at home or attend in school sessions Tuesday &

Wednesday lunches, Thursday 3:30-5pm.

Be prepared to analyse the work of photographers in detail, as well as create your own pieces

Regularly check google classroom for resources & homework. Parents can access this too!

Art

Always bring your book to class.

Spend at least one hour per week on you artwork at home. Regularly attend in school sessions, these are

Wednesday / Thursday lunches & after school both days. Art packs available to support work at home.

Be prepared to analyse the work of artists in detail, as well as create your own pieces.

Drama

Go to the theatre in your own time and with school, you will also need to show knowledge of theatre

companies and their styles

Be ready to work with students you don’t know very well

Be self-motivated to create and rehearse your own 15 minute play

Develop the self-confidence requires to take risks in performance

Graphic design

Have access to a computer at home or use the school computers at lunch times or after school. Support

sessions Monday lunch and Thursday PM.

Have an awareness of your surroundings in terms of design of packaging etc.

Be willing to generate new ideas through photography and hand drawn art work

Sign up to google class room to access assignments and lesson content. Parents can access this too!

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Careers @ St Peter’s

Offering impartial and independent careers education, advice and

guidance to EVERY student.

By helping students with decisions at crucial stages, informing

them of all their options and introducing them to the world of

work, we aim to prepare them for life after school whichever

path they choose.

In a nutshell, your GCSE results could affect the following:

The sixth form you go to

The qualifications you take next

Your eligibility for a university course

The universities you can apply for

Your career prospects

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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