years 10 and 11 - wirral grammar school for boys · 2015-09-16 · years 10 and 11 a guide to...

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WIRRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL A BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Years 10 and 11

Contents Page Introduction - A Guide to Events and Commitments 2015/2017 1

Key Stage 4 Reporting and Events Timetable 2

Changes to GCSEs 3

Challenge Target Statements 3

Reporting on Progress 3 - 4

Careers Information 4 - 5

Joining the Sixth Form at Wirral Grammar School 5

Revision Guides 5

Subject Information Section:

Art 6

Biology 7

Business Studies 8 - 9

Chemistry 10

Product Design 11

English Language 12 -13

English Literature 14 - 15

French/Spanish 16 - 17

Geography 18

Geology 19

History 20 - 21

ICT & Computing 22 - 23

Mathematics 24

Music 25

Physical Education 26

Physics 27

Religious Education 28 - 29

Years 10 and 11

A Guide to Events and Commitments 2015-2017

Dear Parents

Your son’s GCSE years are now upon us and as such, they are the most important years of your

son’s education so far.

In an ever increasingly competitive world, getting the best results possible is a pre-requisite for

gaining employment and a University education. Whatever your son’s chosen route is, I am

keen to ensure that he gets the very best from the next two years and that his achievements

reflect his true potential.

I hope that you will find this guide to be of value to you over the next two years.

Success at GCSE depends on three things:

1. Knowing your targets and working towards them;

2. Understanding the work and preparing effectively for tests and examinations;

3. Knowing your commitments in each subject so that you can manage your time

effectively.

This guide contains information for each subject so that your son can plan carefully. On page

2 you will see a listing of the main events in Years 10 and 11, next to this list is a column where

you, or your son, can make a note of commitments that apply to the subjects that are

relevant.

Because there are commitments all year round, absence from school needs to be kept to a

minimum and term time holiday absence, in particular, should be avoided.

It is my expectation, based upon progress made so far, that results in the Summer of 2017 will

be excellent. I wish each pupil every success.

Yours sincerely

David Hazeldine

Headteacher

1

Key Stage 4 Reporting and Events Timetable

Year 10

Notes of subject deadlines/module exams etc

October 2015 Challenge Target

Statements Issued

Monday 23 November

2015

Progress Bulletins issued

during this week

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Year 10 Parents’ Evening

Monday 8 February 2016 Progress Bulletins issued

during this week

Monday 29 February 2016 Subject Reports Issued

during this week

Monday 18 April 2016 Progress Bulletins issued

during this week

Tuesday 7 June – Friday 17

June 2016

School Examinations –

exact dates to be

confirmed

Monday 18 July 2016 Progress Bulletins Issued

during this week

Year 11 – approximate dates at this stage – will be

published in next year’s calendar

Notes of subject deadlines/module exams etc

October 2016 Challenge Target

Statements Re-issued

November 2016 Subject Reports Issued

December 2016 (last two

weeks of Autumn Term)

Mock Examinations

January 2017 (week after

Mock Results Day)

Y11 Parents’ Evening

January 2017 Sixth Form Information

Evening

April 2017 (prior to Easter) Progress Bulletins Issued

June/July 2017 Main GCSE Examination

period

2

Changes to GCSEs

The GCSE qualification is changing and this is a gradual change over the next three years. At

this first stage, from September 2015, Mathematics, English Language and English Literature are

the first subjects that will be assessed using the new scale from 9 (highest grade) to 1 (lowest

grade). All other subjects will be assessed in the current A* to G scale.

It should be noted that the two scales are slightly different. A Grade 9 in the new GCSE is

actually above an A* standard. Grades 7 and 8 will approximately equate with grades A* and

A. A Grade 6 will be equivalent to a higher Grade B and a Grade 5 will be equivalent to a low

Grade B/high Grade C.

The new national minimum standard that will be expected will be Grade 5 replacing the

minimum standard of Grade C under the current system.

Challenge Target Statements

In October/November of the Autumn Term all parents are issued with a Challenge Target

Statement that details the grades at GCSE that each boy is capable of achieving. All pupils are

also provided with this information to stick inside their Planners.

We ask parents to discuss target grades with their sons and work with us in seeking to maximise

each boy’s potential. Over the last few years we have seen a significant increase in the

proportion of passes that are at the highest grades of A*/A because of this collective approach.

Reporting on Progress

These are the ways in which we monitor, support and report on your son’s progress:

Progress Bulletins are issued each term. This records each boy’s current level of attainment

in relation to his target grades using a progress indicator. Grades for their “Attitude to

Learning” (A2L) and “Barriers to Learning” (B2L) are also included.

At each reporting occasion the boys reflect on their progress as part of a conversation with

their House Group Tutor.

The Progress Indicator shows your son’s current performance with respect to his overall

Target. The colour scale enables you to see at a glance whether your son is on course to

reach his challenge target. The key for the progress indicator is as follows:

A single red indicator should not be a concern if the trend over the year shows improvement.

The A2L and B2L indicators give targeted information about your son’s performance in school.

They highlight any areas of concern.

Value Description

green On/Above target

yellow Slightly below target

red Below target

3

A full written report is issued for each boy during the Spring Term of Year 10. The annual report

is written by subject teachers, form tutor and Head of Year. It contains detailed information

about their progress and includes targets to help them improve. The Year 11 report is timed

to precede mock examinations in the Autumn Term.

Parents will be contacted by Heads of Years to celebrate success or when concerns arise.

Tutors and Head of Year monitor progress carefully and intervene where necessary to help

boys get back on track. This support can take the form of extra study sessions, regular

mentoring and meetings with parents.

Parents’ Evenings take place each year and this is an opportunity for parents to meet

individual subject staff. We are conscious that Parents’ Evenings can be busy occasions and

keeping to the time allocation can be a challenge. We do expect all parents to attend as

this helps to ensure that each boy is supported by both school and home. Many boys attend

along with their parents. Please be aware that it may not be possible to see all the subject

teachers during a parents’ evening.

Whenever parents feel that they would like an “up-date” on their son’s progress we are

happy to provide this. Weekly monitoring is arranged for every lesson when we feel there is

a need to do so. This arrangement can be put in place by contacting the Head of Year.

For pupils who are considered to be performing significantly “below target”, intervention

meetings are arranged with the Headteacher and Head of Year. Where it is considered

necessary, parents may also be asked to attend these meetings so that there is a unified

approach to supporting those individuals concerned.

Careers Information

Careers Education and Guidance (CEG) is taught as part of the Personal Social and Health

Education syllabus (PSHE) as a six week module (this format is followed by subsequent year

groups.)

A2L Codes B2L Codes

1 Consistently complies with all

expectations

(blank) – no concerns

2 Usually complies with expectations

C – concentration concerns

3 Some cause for concern

D – causes disruption

4 Significant cause for concern R – behaviour in class has caused such concern

that he has been referred to the Head of Year

Q – quality of work concern

M - struggles to memorise facts/skills; more

revision/practise is required to improve test scores

O – organisation concern

4

Topics covered include:

self- awareness

using computer programmes such as `fast tomato’ which stimulate thought

an awareness of gender equality and

to introduce new ideas to developing minds

All pupils have the opportunity of meeting the link careers officer through an introductory talk.

These talks take place in PSHE lessons. In turn, this can lead to one to one interviews for the

pupils if they want one. Also, for pupils who are having academic problems and may not meet

the levels required to join the sixth form, meetings are set up with an interview with the Link

Careers Officer.

The School organises a Biennial Careers Convention and the next one will be in the Spring Term

2016. It would benefit your son to attend this very popular event. There is now a (CEG) section

in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) devoted to careers advice which is easily accessible to

all pupils. Please tell your son to make use of this resource.

Joining the Sixth Form at Wirral Grammar School

We very much hope that all Year 11 students who want to continue into the Sixth Form gain the

GCSE results that will allow them to do so.

Our expectation is that students joining the Sixth Form will have a minimum of 6 Grade Bs and

A* or A in the subjects that they wish to study. With the new GCSE gradings this is likely to be a

minimum of 6 Grade 6, and Grades 7, 8 or 9 in the subjects they wish to study.

National data shows that students with GCSE grades lower than 6 Grade B minimum, are unlikely

to gain the quality of A Level results that are required for University. University grade offers are

increasing year on year and minimum offers are typically in the order of A,A,B. Please note that

as the new GCSE grading system is introduced, it is likely that it will be a minimum of Grade 6

that will become expected.

We feel that it is important for students to be aware of this situation from the start of Year 10 so

that they can focus on achieving the grades that they will require for further study at A Level.

Please note that in January of Year 11, we will be holding an Information Evening about the

Sixth Form when parents and students will be able to meet with subject staff to find out more

about the subjects that we are able to offer.

Revision Guides

Many students like to have their own revision guides that they can use to assist them in revision

for tests and exams over the period of the two year course. A particularly popular series among

students are the CGP revision guides. These are available for most courses. The books are simply

illustrated, contain the summary points for each topic and have revision questions at the end of

each topic section. CGP books tend to be available from most book retailers, but can be

purchased more cheaply ‘on-line’ through retailers like Amazon. Please be aware that teachers

will provide students with revision resources such as past exam papers etc.

5

Subject Information Section

The following section contains information about each subject and this includes:

The Examination Board and syllabus

How the subject is assessed

When the assessment takes place

Any other requirements of the course

Name of subject : Art & Design

Examination Board and Syllabus : AQA

The subject is assessed in the following ways:

Portfolio (coursework) - Controlled assessment

60% of the total marks

Marked out of 80

The portfolio should be selected from work undertaken during the course of study and will

include 2 projects. It is recommended that the total portfolio submission will comprise

approximately 45 hours of work. Initially the first project titled ‘Natural Structures’ will be teacher-

led and result in a sculptural bird, however the second project ‘Urban environments’ presents a

starting point that pupils are encouraged to take on a more personal creative journey.

A response to all assessment objectives is required in the portfolio as a whole. Work presented

is marked by the centre and moderated by the Examination Board.

Controlled Test (examination) - External assessment

40% of the total marks

Marked out of 80

10 hours of sustained focused study

Students respond to their chosen starting point.

Question papers can be issued to students from 1 January in the year of the exam.

Unlimited preparation time and 10 hours of supervised time.

A response to all assessment objectives is required.

Work presented is marked by the centre and moderated by the Examination Board.

60% weighting for the Portfolio of Work and 40% weighting for the Externally Set Task.

Assessment

Both the Portfolio of Work (coursework) and the Externally Set Task (examination) are marked

according to the same criteria. There is an expectation in both that candidates address all four

assessment objectives to the best of their ability.

Timing of assessment over the two year course:

Coursework Portfolio (60%) - Two projects (Natural Structures and ‘Choice Project’)

completed by February of Year 11

Controlled Test (40%) - January –May of Year 11

Other requirements of this course:

Attendance to lunchtime Art sessions once per week

Visit to local or national Art gallery once per half-term

Participation in artist-in-residence workshops

Head of subject: Mrs K Johnson

6

Name of subject: Biology

Exam Board: Edexcel

Course: Level 1/2 Certificate in Biology (KBI0)

Level 1/2 Certificate in Science (Double Award – KSC0)


There are no external module tests and the examinations will be in June 2017. All pupils have

the opportunity to take three separate sciences but this will be reviewed following the year

11 mocks. It may be decided that it is in your son’s best interests to take only two sciences or

to take the Double Award option. This decision will be based on results taken from all three

sciences, the aim being to maximise the grades gained.

The course consists of 8 units listed below:

1: Cells

2: Digestion

3: Plants & photosynthesis

4: Circulation

5: Hormones & excretion

6: Inheritance

7: Environment & ecosystems

8: Food production


Year 10

Throughout the year – End of unit tests (which contain both current and previously

taught units).

June – End of year internal exam.

Year 11

Throughout the year – End of unit tests (which contain both current and previously

taught units).

November – Mock exam.

June – External examinations.

Head of subject: Mrs B O’Gorman

7

Name of subject: Business Studies

Examination Board: WJEC

The aim of this course is to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the way in

which businesses operate, including an appreciation of the wider environment in which they

exist.

Areas covered include:

Enterprise & Business Start up

Marketing

Business Operations

Business Finance

People in Business


The course is assessed by final written examination (2hours) worth 75% and a controlled

assessment 25%. Assessment is now terminal, that is, the examination will take place at the end

of Year 11.

More specifically:

Business aims and objectives

Legal structure of business

Factors of production

Primary, secondary and tertiary activity

Location of Industry

Government and EU Influences on business

Technological and environmental influences on business

Human resources including; communication, recruitment, selection, training,

negotiation and motivation

Accounting and finance including: internal and external sources of finance, budgets

and forecasts, costs and break-even as well as the final accounts of a business a ratio

analysis

Marketing including: product, price, place and promotion

Production including: methods of production and economies/diseconomies of scale

Students will have the opportunity to go on at least one industrial visit to give them an insight in

to how real businesses operate.

Teaching techniques include the use of group activities, role play and student presentations.

In Year 10 students have the opportunity to get involved in various activities including:

Mini-enterprise - starting a small business

Student Investor - share dealing competition

The course provides an excellent insight in to the world of work and provides a good basis for

study of this subject and other related subjects, such as Economics, at a higher level.

8

In summary, this course will appeal to those students who:

Have an interest in how a business operates

Enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to their own lives and experiences

Would like to do a subject that offers opportunities for a career in business

Would like to learn how to make business decisions and solve business problems

Want to keep their options open – business studies can be a useful choice for a wide

range of careers and can be combined with a wide range of subjects.

Head of subject: Mr P E Harrison

9

Name of subject: Chemistry

Examination Board: Edexcel

Course: Level 1/2 Certificate in Chemistry (KCH0)


There are no external module tests and the examinations will be in June 2017. Pupils are

taught in mixed ability classes. There are 16 topics each having an end of topic test. Towards

the end of each term there is a larger test reviewing learning from ALL previous topics – this is

to encourage learning of the content from an early stage. Progress bulletins will be based on

these larger tests rather than the smaller end of topic tests. Homework tasks will cover a

mixture of learning support activities and each topic has a minimum of one extended

assessment task (designed to improve question answering technique as well as giving

feedback on learning and understanding).

All pupils have the opportunity to take three separate sciences but this will be reviewed

following the year 11 mocks. It may be decided that it is in your son’s best interests to take

only two sciences or to take the Double Award option. This decision will be based on results

taken from all three sciences, the aim being to maximise the grades gained.

The course covers five major areas:

Principles of chemistry

Chemistry of the elements

Organic chemistry

Physical chemistry

Chemistry in industry


Year 10

Throughout the year – End of unit tests plus more substantial overarching tests every few

months.


Year 11

Throughout the year – End of unit tests.



Head of subject: Dr L A Bromley

10

Name of subject: Product Design

Examination Board and Syllabus: AQA


Unit 1: Written Paper: 2 hour exam paper (40%)

Unit 2: Design and Making Practice: Coursework (60%)

This coursework is carried out through a ‘Controlled Assessment’ which is externally set, internally

marked and externally moderated. It will consist of one project focussing on the design and

making of a single product or closely related range of products that addresses all of the

assessment objectives in an integrated way and will take 45 hours to complete. This will be

evidenced and supported through a portfolio of work. We start this work towards the end of

year 10 and carry on into year 11.


Written Exam paper – mainly carried out as a weekly presentation in lessons – September to

January (Year 10) with pupils completing a theory booklet and carrying out additional

support activities. More focused exam lessons will be given throughout Year 11. Pupils will

only be allowed to sit the theory paper at the end of year 11 under the new government

guidelines for GCSE.

Practical Work/Graphics Work – Pupils will carry out a range of small practical projects which

include a sweet dispenser and a USB stick from September to January (Year 10). They will

also use 2D and 3D computer aided design (CAD) programs and produce artefacts using

the computer aided manufacturing (CAM) equipment. (Year 10). During all of this work in

lessons pupils will be introduced to a range of graphical communication skills as part of their

on-going work.

Controlled Assessment Task – Details of the ‘Controlled Assessment Task’ will be issued by the

examination board well in advance of year 10 and pupils will be encouraged to look at

what this involves. They will carry out some research as appropriate over the half-term and

the summer holiday and continue with the timed controlled task from September onwards

in year 11.


Pupils will sometimes need to carry out additional work/sessions outside of normal lesson times

in order to complete some aspects of their coursework throughout Years 10 and 11.

Head of subject: Mr D Andrew

11

Name of subject: GCSE English Language



Examination - there are two exams for English Language:

Paper 1 (50% total GCSE) 1 hour 45 minutes - this exam is split into 2 sections:

1. Reading

In this section of the exam they will be asked to respond to an unseen extract from a novel or

short story, and answer detailed questions outlining their understanding of the style in which it is

written and exploring the language and structural choices made by the writer. They will be

asked four questions on this section:

1 short form question (1 X 4 marks)

2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)

2. Writing

Students will be asked to writing a story or description using their creative writing skills. The topic

will be linked to the fiction they have responded to in the reading section of the paper. In this

section their accuracy of written English is worth approximately 40% of their grade and their

general content is worth approximately 60% of the mark available.

Paper 2 (50% of total GCSE) 1 hour and 45 minutes - this exam is split into 2 sections:

1. Reading

In this section of the exam they will be asked to read a non-fiction text which is usually from a

magazine, autobiography, travel writing, newspaper, leaflet, and a fiction text, usually an

extract from a short story, or novel. Both texts will be linked thematically and will be from two

different time periods i.e. 19th century and either the 20th and 21st century. Pupils answer detailed

questions outlining their understanding of the style in which the texts are written and the

language and structural choices made by the writer. There will four questions on this section:

1 short form question (1 X 4 marks)

2 longer form questions (1 x 8 marks/1 X12 marks))

1 extended question (1X 16 marks)

2. Writing

Students will be asked to write one non-fiction piece of writing which is usually an argumentative

piece written in the form of a letter, magazine or newspaper article. In this section their technical

accuracy of written English is worth approximately 40% of their grade and their general content

is worth approximately 60% of the mark available.

12

Speaking & Listening (0%)

Pupils will complete 3 Spoken English tasks which will be assessed by their teachers.

1. Group-work task

2. Individual task

3. Pair-work task

This will be assessed as a separate assessment alongside their GCSE (but will not contribute

towards their final GCSE grade) in which they will gain recognition of their communication skills

which can be used on application forms in the future. Note two of these pieces will have been

completed in Year 9 as part of their Functional Skills Course. All pupils must complete this

component to validate their completion of the English Language qualification.

NB: There is no written coursework


Both English Language Examinations (Paper 1 & Paper 2) will be taken by all pupils in the summer

term of Year 11.

Mock interim tests will be sat in the Autumn and Spring terms of Year 10 to assess individual

students progress. These grades using 1-9 grade criteria will be reported in interim grades sent

home to parents.

Extra support sessions are available on a Thursday Lunchtime in EN5 on a drop in basis and one

after school session a week in Year 11.

Head of subject: Mrs H Davies

13

Name of subject: GCSE English Literature


The subject is assessed through two external examinations:

Paper 1 (40%) 1 hour and 45 minutes

Section A

Shakespeare: Pupils will answer one question on ‘Macbeth’ which they will have studied in

class. They will be required to write about an extract of the play in detail and then to write

about the play as a whole.

Section B

19th Century Novel: Pupils will answer one question on a novel they have studied in class. They

will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the

novel as a whole. Set texts will include one of either: “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr

Hyde” (Robert Louis Stevenson); “Frankenstein” (Mary Shelley); “The Sign of Four” (Arthur Conan

Doyle). The choice of text will be made by the individual class teacher.

Paper 2 (60%) 2 hours 15 minutes

Section A

Modern Texts: (One question)

Pupils will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied prose or drama text.

Set texts will include one of the following: “Lord of the Flies” (William Golding); “An Inspector

Calls” (JB Priestley); “The History Boys” (Alan Bennett). The choice of text will be made by the

individual class teacher.

Section B: Comparative Poetry: (One Question)

In this section of the exam they will be asked to compare two poems which they have previously

studied in class, and explore their understanding of the poetic techniques, themes and

structures used to create effect. (The texts studied for this section are in the AQA GCSE Poetry

Anthology).

Section C: Unseen Poetry: (Two questions)

In this section pupils will have to answer one question on one unseen poem and another

question comparing the first poem with another unseen poem. To achieve success in this section

they will need to explore their understanding of the poetic techniques, themes and structures

used to create effect.

NB: There is NO coursework for Literature


Papers 1 and 2 will be examined in Summer of Yr11

Pupils will sit mock interim tests throughout the year to assess individual pupil progress. These

grades will be reported to parents in interim grade reports using the 1-9 grade criteria.

14


Extra support sessions are available on a Thursday Lunchtime in EN5 on a drop in basis. Additional

workshops to support pupils at different grades are made available after school in Year 11.

The exams are all closed book examinations therefore students will need to have a highly

detailed knowledge of the texts studied and be able to remember and use quotations from

across the whole text as well as discussing the writer’s use of language techniques and structural

choices. This requires that students have read each text at least three times outside school and

made detailed individual noted to support their own leaning.

It is useful if students also read a range on poetry and classic fiction in preparation for the course.

Head of subject: Mrs H Davies

15

Name of subject: French/Spanish

Examination Board and Syllabus: WJEC


Unit 1

Listening (20%)

Written paper: 35 minutes (foundation) - 45 minutes (higher)

40 marks (40 UMS)

Listening comprehension with non-verbal responses and verbal responses in English

Unit 2

Speaking (30%)

Controlled assessment (un-tiered)

40 marks (60 UMS)

Two tasks – structured conversation; Presentation and discussion (contexts*)

Unit 3

Reading (20%)

Written paper: 35 minutes (foundation) – 45 minutes (higher)

40 marks (40 UMS)

Reading comprehension with non-verbal and verbal responses in English

Unit 4

Writing (30%)

Controlled assessment (un-tiered)

40 marks (60 UMS)

Two written tasks from different contexts*

*Contexts

Personal and social life – Self, family, friends, home life, shopping, meals, healthy living, illness

and accident, free time, fashion, relationships, future plans.

Local community – Home town, school, education, local environment, pollution, recycling, local

facilities, comparisons with other towns and regions, weather and seasons.

The world of work – Work experience, part-time jobs, future careers, technology (sending

messages, accessing information).

The wider world – Travel and holidays, media, social issues (eg life of young people today,

homelessness, crime, drugs, healthy living, religion, politics), life in the countries and communities

where the language is spoken.


Boys will sit their controlled assessments in year 10. The first controlled assessments for writing and

speaking will be in November/ December of year 10 and will be of the same topic.

16

The second set of controlled assessments will take place in March/ April of year 10 and will again

be a writing and speaking examination on the same topic.

Listening and reading papers are completed in May/June of Year 11.


During the second half of the Autumn term those boys not progressing as they should will be

asked to attend after school support sessions at a mutually convenient time.

Head of subject: Mr J Hughes

17

Name of subject: Geography

Examination Board and Syllabus: AQA iGCSE


Pupils will study both Physical and Human Geography.

Unit 1

Dynamic Physical World

River Processes and Pressures

Ecosystems and Global Environments

The paper will be 1 hour and consist of 50 marks.

This accounts for 30% of the GCSE.

Unit 2

Global Human Issues

Contemporary Population Issues

Contemporary Issues in Urban Environments.

The paper will be 1 hour and consist of 50 marks.

This accounts for 30% of the GCSE.

Unit 3

Application of geographical Skills and Decision making.

Section A – Application of geographical Skills

Section B – Geographical Decision making

The decision making is based on pre-release material available from 1st February 2017.


All pupils need to attend the river study in July 2016.

Pupils may be asked to attend extra sessions if they fall behind with the controlled assessment.

Head of subject: Miss H Strand

18

Name of subject: Geology



Theory Paper – external assessment 75% - 1 ½ hour – 100 marks

An on-screen non-tiered written paper consisting of compulsory structured data and stimulus

response questions, marked by WJEC.

Controlled Internal Assessment – 25% - 50 marks

Option 1 – Directed investigation of a virtual location presented as ‘field’ notes and a written

report. Marked by centre.

Or

Option 2 – Directed investigation of an actual location presented as field notes and a written

report. Marked by centre.


Fieldwork reports submitted throughout Year 10 and 11 for interim assessments. Completed

report submitted Spring of Year 11. On-screen examination sat in June of Year 11.


Local fieldwork and visits into North Wales will be required. The specification demands a

minimum of three days be spent (or the equivalent) on “fieldwork”.

Head of subject: Mr C Hughes

19

Name of subject: History

Examination Board and Syllabus: AQA – Modern World History Syllabus B

Current status of the examination: GCSE History has recently been “strengthened” and at

present will remain unchanged until 2016 when major revisions come into place. The outline

below is for the strengthened GCSE.


Unit 1: International Relations in the 20th Century.

The material studied for this unit covers:

Peace making 1918-1919 and the League of Nations

Hitler’s Foreign Policy and the Origins of the Second World War

The Origins of the Cold War 1945-1960

Unit 2: 20th Century Depth Studies

The material studied for this unit covers:

Hitler’s Rise to Power and Rule 1929-1945

The Roaring Twenties: USA 1919-1929

Vietnam War

Both of these units will be examined in the June of Year 11(2016) and each represents 37.5% of

the marks available for the examination. Each paper is 1 hour and 45 minutes duration.

Unit 3: Historical Enquiry – coursework component to be completed under controlled

conditions

The material studied for this unit will be decided once sources are released but will be one of

the following:

The British People in War

Britain at War

Britain and the Aftermath of War

It is likely that this unit will be assessed in the spring term of Year 11. It represents 25% of the total

of the marks available for the examination. Pupils will be required to answer two questions,

based on sources they will have studied, under controlled conditions. They will, however, be

allowed access to their annotated copies of the sources studied, and their Research Diary and

Plan, when writing up their Historical Enquiry.


As the two examination papers take place at the end of the two year course it is essential

that pupils remain organised throughout that period and store materials carefully for revision

purposes. They will be provided with colour coded, numbered documents to help in this

process.

20

Pupils will need to complete all class and homework tasks to the best of their ability in order to

develop the skills necessary for the examinations and controlled assessment.

Pupils will be given regular end of topic assessments and it is essential they prepare for these

thoroughly. After school extra/support lessons will be provided for pupils who underperform in

these assessments.

Tracking Trails of pupil performance will be placed at the front of their folders and record

details of assessment performance. It would be appreciated if you could sign this document

after each assessment to indicate that you have seen it and are aware of your son’s/ward’s

performance.

It is essential that pupils revise thoroughly for the final papers as the demonstration of historical

knowledge and understanding is essential to meet the upper mark levels.

Pupils will be required to produce a detailed plan in preparation for the writing up of their

Historical Enquiry.

We wish your son every success on the course and look forward to working with him and you

to maximise his performance in GCSE History.

Head of subject: Mrs A Jones

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Name of subject: ICT

Examination Board and Syllabus: OCR


There are two theory units, B061 and B063 which are both worth 20% of the final grade. The

theory units can either be taken as a written paper or a computer based assessment lasting

for an hour for each theory unit.

There are two coursework units, B062 and B064, which are both worth 30% of the final grade.

Both of these units are taken under controlled assessment conditions lasting twenty hours for

each coursework unit.


The B061 theory unit will be assessed in the summer of 2017 and the B063 theory unit will also be

assed in the same year. There are no strict deadlines when the B062 and B064 coursework units

are set.


Extra sessions are available for pupils who fall behind with their coursework and for those that

wish to improve their work.

Head of subject: Mr G Allcock

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Name of subject: Computing



There are two component units; Component one, ‘Practical programming’ worth 60% of the

final grade and component two, ‘Computing Fundamentals’ worth 40% of the final grade.

Component one is approximately 50 hours of controlled assessment and is split into two

tasks. Each pupil completes two tasks from a choice of four. Working independently

students demonstrate their ability to code a solution to a given problem. The tasks will be

set in engaging and relevant contexts, eg gaming, web, mobile phone applications.

Component two is a 1 hour and 30 minutes examination paper that pupils take at the

end of Year 11. The theory focuses around learning the fundamental computing

concepts using variables, data structures, selection, iteration, procedures and functions

and considering the way computers communicate and the workings of a computer,

particularly looking at the role of the CPU, memory and secondary storage.


The component one theory unit will be assessed in the summer of 2017. There are no strict

deadlines when the component two coursework units are set.


Extra sessions are available for pupils who fall behind with their coursework and for those that

wish to improve their work.

Head of subject: Mr G Allcock

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Name of subject: Mathematics (Set 1)

Examination Board and Syllabus:

A. MEI Foundations of Advanced Mathematics Specification 6989

B. Edexcel GCSE Specification 1MA1


A. One terminal, multiple choice examination of 2 hours.

B. Three terminal examinations – Paper 1 is non-calculator and Papers 2 and 3 are

calculator allowed. Each paper is 1½ hours (Higher Tier).


A. January of Year 11

B. May/June of Year 11


None.

Name of subject: Mathematics (Sets 2 - 5)

Examination Board and Syllabus: Edexcel GCSE Specification 1MA1


Three terminal examinations – Paper 1 is non-calculator and Papers 2 and 3 are calculator

allowed. Each paper is 1½ hours (Higher Tier)

Timing of assessment over the two year course: May/June of Year 11


None.

Name of subject: Mathematics (Set 6)

Examination Board and Syllabus: Edexcel GCSE Specification 1MA1


Three terminal examinations – Paper 1 is non-calculator and Papers 2 and 3 are calculator

allowed. Each paper is 1½ hours (Foundation Tier)

Timing of assessment over the two year course: May/June of Year 11


None.

Head of subject: Mr S P Adamson

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Name of subject: Music



Listening and appraising. Test at end of course (1 hour).

Individual performances, both solo and ensemble.

Composing (controlled assessment) (45 hours maximum)

Students will be awarded grades A*-G


Composing completed during the Autumn/Spring terms of Year 11. Performances assessed

during Spring term of Year 11


Continuing study of at least one instrument, as well as membership of at least one group, are

essential preparation for both solo and ensemble performances. Regular practice is also

required to enable students to perform at the required level.

Head of subject: Mr T Dickinson

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Name of Subject Physical Education

Examination Board and Syllabus EDEXCEL


The Theory of Physical Education – UNIT 5PE01 (40% of the GCSE)

Overview of Content

Section 1.1 Healthy, active lifestyles (Year 10)

Section 1.2 Your healthy, active body (Year 11)

Overview of Assessment

The unit is assessed through an externally set examination in June 2015. The examination is 1

hour and 30 minutes, and includes multiple choice, short and long answers. The total raw marks

are 80.

Performance in Physical Education – UNIT 5PE02 (60% of the GCSE)

Overview of Content

Section 2.1 Practical Performance (Year 10 & 11)

Section 2.2 Analysis of performance (Year 11)

Overview of Assessment

The unit is externally moderated and assessed under controlled conditions. The total raw marks

available are 50.

GCSE in Physical Education students are required to offer four performances, in practical

contexts, in the role of either player/ participant, official or leader. At least two of the four

performances must be in the role of player/participant.

Further requirements of the course:

Pupils perform regularly in school sport, playing in house competitions and showing a

willingness to achieve the highest standards.

Pupils are to complete all class and homework tasks to the best of their ability in order to

develop the skills for examination preparation.

Pupils are to keep all work in their Physical Education folder and bring the correct

equipment and practical kit for each lesson.

The approach and attitude to GCSE Physical Education will ensure that your son achieves

his very best.

Head of Subject: Mr P Crowley

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Name of subject: Physics

Examination Board and Syllabus: EDExcel Certificate in education (IGCSE)


There are no module tests and the examinations will be in June 2017. Not only will this mean

that there will be more teaching time but it will also be possible to start all pupils off taking the

three separate sciences.

The course consists of 7 topics listed below

1: Forces and motion

2: Electricity

3: Waves

4: Energy resources and energy transfer

5: Solids, liquids and gases

6: Magnetism and electromagnetism

7: Radioactivity and particles

Topics 1-3 to be taught in Year10

Topics 4-7 to be taught in Year11


Year 10

Throughout the year – End of Topic tests


Year 11

Throughout the year – End of Topics tests



(All tests will contain past paper IGCSE questions).

Head of subject: Mr C Devoy

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Name of subject: Religious Education


“God has no religion” - Mahatma Ghandi (1869-1948)

Religious Education is a relevant, bright and vibrant subject that is capable of inspiring those

who study it at all levels. It is of fundamental importance that students have a clear

understanding of the importance of learning about the diversity of religion and belief, in

contemporary society, in addition to learning about themselves. This deep and cognate subject

is well received by the students, regardless of their own belief system.

This subject is not about the differences which can separate people from one another; it is

about the similarities which bring us all together. It is fair to state that there are clear and

universal moral truths which underpin human attitudes and it is these which will lead the aims

of your son’s programme of study:

Students will focus on the key concepts and searching questions that shape people’s

motivations and behaviour. GCSE Religious Studies, for years ten and eleven, includes concepts

which are peculiar to a single religion, such as ‘Trinity’ within Christianity or Buddhist ‘Karma’;

ones which are shared by religions, such as ‘divine’ or ‘sacred’; those that are used by the boys

during their enquiries, such as ‘belief’ or ‘ritual’ and ones which help to find meaning, such as

‘love’ and ‘identity’.

The GCSE Examination and its requirements

Your son will study for the WJEC Full Course examination, which comprises of two units:

1. ‘Religion and Life Issues’, and

2. ‘Religion and Human Experience’. This is divided into eight modules over the two years.

These units are detailed further in the table below:

Topic of Study Summary of Content

Love and

Relationships

Types of love

Sex, celibacy and contraception

Marriage, cohabitation and

same-sex relationships

Divorce and remarriage

Is it Fair? Human Dignity

Racial, social and gender divisions

Wealth and Charity

Looking for Meaning The existence of God

The nature of God and ideas

about God

Acts of Worship

Death and the afterlife

Funeral rites

Our World The place of humankind in this

world

The purpose of humankind

Care for the world, animal rights

and the environment

Religion and Conflict Peace

Suffering

Forgiveness and reconciliation

Conflict, war and non-violent

protest

Religion and

Medicine

The sanctity of life

Medical ethics and IVF

Abortion

Euthanasia

Religious Expression The work of religious charities

Expression of Faith

Pilgrimage

Sharing Faith with others

Authority – Religion

and State

Human Rights

Duty

Punishment and Capital

Punishment

The authority of Sacred Text

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The examination will take place at the end of year eleven, usually in the May

Your son will be examined over two sessions, each of 1 hour and 30 minutes

This examination is terminal; there is no longer an option to sit a module at the end of Year

ten

There is no coursework for this full course qualification

The exciting position of RE

Since this subject is not included in the English Baccalaureate, it presents an outstanding

opportunity for your son to actively choose a programme of study which will reflect on him as

an individual who appreciates his position as a global citizen.

Your son’s future

Potential employers are always keen to see a Religious Studies qualification on applicants’ CVs,

as it shows a breadth of study as well as a breadth of mind and openness to the views of other

people. In short, studying RE can help to develop you into a ‘people-person’. If you think that

you have the potential to excel at personal enquiry, personal response, application of

teachings to real-life situations and respectful evaluation, then this is the subject for you.

Head of subject: Ms R Razbully

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years 10 and 11 - wirral grammar school for boys · 2015-09-16 · years 10 and 11 a guide to...

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