If you are creative and imaginative, a GCSE in Art: Craft and Design will enable you to express yourself, and is also great preparation for the world of work.
Construction & the Built Environment (Vocational)
A Technical Award in Construction is a great choice for practical, hands on students with an interest in construction careers or DIY.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
MR O JEFFERSON (Course Leader)
EXAMINATION BOARD:
WJEC
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Technical award
WEBSITE
Course outline
This course is suitable for students who are interested in the construction industry as a career or who are just interested in having great DIY skills for the future. The course should suit pupils who enjoy practical tasks such as:
Wood e.g. hang a door, make a frame, attach a skirting-board, create a timber stud wall
Decorate e.g. emulsion a surface, gloss a panel door, paper an internal corner or around a switch
Tiling e.g. floor and wall, patch repair
Blockwork e.g. bricklaying and repointing
The course suits those with a general interest in the subject and a commitment to work hard. The course is 60% practical and 40% theory, so writing, IT and presentation skills will also be valuable. An ability to measure (mm) accurately and use hand tools safely is desirable.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | External | Exam - Health and Safety |
| 2 | 60% | Internal | Practical assessment of skills such as wood, tiling and decorating |
The future
The successful completion of this qualification, together with other equivalent qualifications, such as in Maths and the Sciences, could provide you with opportunities to access a range of qualifications including A-levels, apprenticeships, vocationally related and occupational qualifications in the construction industry.
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ICT (Technical Award)
Studying a Technical Award in ICT takes a practical approach to developing skills and knowledge of IT and data systems in the workplace.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mr L Cleary
EXAMINATION BOARD:
Edexcel
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Vocational Award in ICT
WEBSITE
Course outline
The Vocational award in ICT is for learners who want to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, understanding and skills related to coping with rapid changes in technology, designing, programming, testing and evaluating software systems. Students will specifically gain a working knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, automated documents and images.
Learners will develop a number of skills which are attractive to employer, colleges and universities including:
· Communication
· Coping with rapid changes in technology
· Critical thinking
· Designing, programming, testing and
· evaluating software systems
· Learning independently
· Numeracy and data handling
· Problem solving
· Research
· Taking on responsibility
· Time management.
Assessment method
The qualification is made up of 2 units:
Unit 1: ICT in Society
Unit 2: ICT in Context
You will be assessed through a mixture of exams and controlled assessments. Unit 1 will be assessed through an exam which is worth 40% of your qualification. The exam will last 1 hour and 20 minutes, it will be made up of short and extended response questions. Unit 2 will be assessed with project work (no exam) which is worth 60% of your qualification. As part of this assessment, you will be given a scenario and will need to undertake a number of tasks.
| Unit | % of final grade | Type of Assessment | Additional details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: ICT in Society | 40% | Internal | An exam lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| Unit 2: ICT in Context | 60% | Internal | Assessed project work |
The future
Students who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects, or to study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in IT. This prepares students to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the digital sector.
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Enterprise & Marketing (Vocational)
Ever fancied yourself as an entrepreneur? Whether you dream of your own start up or a career in business, a qualification in Enterprise and Marketing will give you practical skills and experiences.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mr W Beaumont
EXAMINATION BOARD:
OCR
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate
WEBSITE
Course outline
Enterprise and Marketing is a practical introduction to life and work as an entrepreneur, students will:
Learn about enterprise and marketing concepts
Design a business proposal
Market and pitch a business proposal
Students will learn about what needs to happen to support a start-up business, and what key factors to decide when starting a business. They will design a proposal to meet a specific business challenge, identifying the customer profile for a specific product and completing market research to generate product ideas. Financial calculations will be completed to propose a pricing strategy and determine the viability of their product proposal. They will also work on brand identity and promotion as part of their business pitch.
IT skills are required for this course as well as team work and research skills.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | Exam | External |
| 2 | 25% | Internal | Ongoing controlled assessment |
| 3 | 25% | Internal | Ongoing controlled assessment |
The future
The subject can be taken at A-level in Economics or Business or at Level 3 BTEC Business. There are a wide range of employment opportunities for students that have knowledge of business studies. You could set up a business of your own or work within one to help it to perform better or more effectively.
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Hospitality and Catering (Vocational)
Good food brings people together. Studying Vocational Hospitality and Catering will not only provide you with practical skills for a career in catering, but a lifelong skill that will bring you health and enjoyment.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
MR O JEFFERSON (Course Leader)
EXAMINATION BOARD:
WJEC
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Technical award
WEBSITE
Course outline
Vocational Hospitality and Catering is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. The course has a large written element as well as plenty of food preparation; students should only choose this course if they enjoy both these elements.
At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students’ practical skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:
Food, nutrition and health
Food science
Food safety
Food choice
Food provenance
Students should demonstrate good organisational skills and time planning. They should enjoy studying food at KS3 and love cooking. There is an expectation that students will provide their own ingredients for this course.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | Exam | Written exam – 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| 2 | 60% | Internal | Controlled Assessment: Approximately 12 hours |
The future
Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, or embark on an apprenticeship or full time career in the catering or food industries. They will also develop vital life skills so that they can feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously.
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French
Studying a Modern Foreign Language GCSE opens doors to travel and adventure. But it is also has many cognitive benefits including memory, critical thinking and concentration. We strongly recommend you consider studying a language.
Course outline
You will build on the skills you have been working on in years 7-9 in the areas of listening, reading, speaking and writing in French. All the skills are examined at the end of the course in Year 11.
Topics covered will include:
identity and culture
local, national and international areas of interest
current study and future employment.
The course will suit those with confidence in speaking the language, accuracy in writing, an understanding of basic grammar such as verbs and an interest in learning about the culture of different French-speaking countries.
“With languages, you are at home anywhere.”
French speaking countries around the world.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25% | Internal | Speaking |
| 2 | 25% | Exam | Listening |
| 3 | 25% | Exam | Reading |
| 4 | 25% | Exam | Written (including translation) |
The future
By taking French at GCSE you will have amazing skills and a valuable talent that’s applicable to almost everything you do. Some examples of jobs where languages would be useful include; the world of business, finance, government, media, manufacturing and marketing, teaching, technology, travel and tourism. Languages mean business – being able to speak a language is a real achievement that employers will love! Universities also see having a language as a valuable asset, and some have it as an entry requirement as part of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).
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Health & Social Care (Vocational)
At the heart of Health and Social Care is care and compassion. This practical course is about working with people, developing understanding and empathy.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs G Whiteley
EXAMINATION BOARD:
Edexcel
LEVEL:
Edexcel Level 1/2 Technical Award
WEBSITE
Course outline
This is a vocationally related qualification, which is ideal for students who wish to gain a qualification, which will prepare them for employment in the Health and Social Care sector. It teaches many transferable skills so it also prepares students for any profession in which they work with people. Students will take part in discussion lessons where they explore different concepts and ideas relevant to Health and Social Care. There will also be time for independent research to collect together information and consolidate understanding. Practical tasks and videos are used to help explain the theoretical aspects of the work.
To succeed you will:
Have a caring personality with a desire to work in the field of Health & Social Care.
Be able to discuss ideas and work in groups as well as individually.
Course presentation
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | Exam | External Assessment |
| 2–3 | 60% | Internal | Controlled assessment units – Health and Social Care Values & Human Lifespan Development |
:
The future
On successful completion of the BTEC Technical Award you may progress on to a BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care course. You may then wish to continue your education and study to become a care worker, social worker, nursery nurse, midwife, teacher or occupational therapist. Alternatively, after completing the Level 1/ 2 Award you may take on an apprenticeship or a training position.
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Photography
If you are creative and imaginative, a GCSE in Photography will enable you to express yourself but is also good preparation for the world of work.
Course outline
If you are creative and imaginative and have a passion for taking photographs a GCSE in Photography, will enable you to express yourself and prepare for the world of work. Photographic skills are transferable to many sectors. Alongside a range of practical arts and digital skills, the course will develop good observational, analytical, research skills including the ability to solve problems creatively and work well both independently and in groups
Students explore the processes of digital photography, digital and manual image manipulation, animation and film. They develop observation and creativity skills and experience a wide range of techniques such in camera skills, Photoshop, Graphic design and mixed media. Through careful analysis of Photography and culture, students are given a vital opportunity to express themselves in a personal and meaningful way.
The course is a project based course that introduces students to how photography works in the outside world. If students like photography (or art) of any kind or have good ideas and want to find a way of using them then this course offers a variety of ways to express those ideas.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60% | Internal | Portfolio of work consisting of digital and camera based workshops, use of camera, light, lens and photo-shop through two projects. |
| 2 | 40% | Exam | Externally set assignment consisting of supporting work and a 10 hour exam |
The future
Photography courses can lead to real jobs and careers. Individualised teaching ensures students can tailor their work towards personal interest or career aspirations. The creative industries are some of the UK’s most successful, varied and fastest growing sectors, they provide millions of fulfilling job opportunities such as Sports and Music photography, Illustrator, Animator, Computer game designer, Graphic designer, Teacher, Web designer. Any career requiring creativity of approach and imaginative strategies would benefit from experiences gained on a Photography course.
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Product Design
A creative and practical GCSE in Product Design will develop design thinking and problem solving, as well as skills working in wood, metals, plastics, electronics and more.
Course outline
The GCSE course is excellent for pupils who have enjoyed all elements of Design and Technology at key stage 3. Pupils will be examined on their knowledge of a range of materials; Wood, Metals, Plastics, Fabrics, as well as Electronics and Structures. Pupils will also have the opportunity to explore a design challenge and create a product that they have designed. This course is great for pupils who enjoy being creative; using both sketching by hand, using the computer and practical skills in wood, metal and plastic to design and make a product.
Students should show a general interest in the subject and a commitment to work hard on the folder work and theory as well as the manufacturing of products.
“I love Product Design because it allows me to be creative and build things I otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | Exam | Principles of Design & Technology – 2 hours exam |
| 2 - 3 | 50% | Internal | Iterative Design Challenge |
The future
This course can lead into A-level or Vocational (entry requirement grade 5 at GCSE) and then courses in Further and Higher Education in many areas of design including product, furniture, automotive, architecture and engineering.
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Sports (Vocational)
Follow your passion. If you love sports and fitness, studying Sports will enable you to gain knowledge, experience practical skills and a qualification.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Ms L Newey
EXAMINATION BOARD:
PeARson/Edexcel
LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1) / BTEC OCR LEVEL 1/2
WEBSITE:
GCSE
TECHNICAL AWARD
Course outline
The Cambridge National in Sport Science will encourage students to think for themselves about the scientific world of sport whilst putting those theories and concepts into practice in both theoretical and practical sport situations. They will gain a full and complete understanding of these areas to enable progression at level 3
The GCSE PE option enables students to develop their personal practical ability, their knowledge and understanding of tactics, strategies and rules and to study the theoretical side of the subject. The theory sessions cover a range of different areas including anatomy, physiology, sociology and psychology of sport.
Students need to have an interest in sport and issues surrounding sport. The course will suit students who:
Have good scientific knowledge
Are able to perform at least three sports at a good level
Participate in extra-curricular PE
students will be entered for either the GCSE or Vocational option depending on which better suits them.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 60% | Exam | Two written examinations |
| 3–4 | 40% | Internal | Controlled assessment – two pieces assessed in school. Marks are given for 3 practical activities. Students must be assessed in at least 1 team and 1 individual activity |
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | Internal | R180: Reducing the risk of sports injuries and dealing with common medical conditions (written paper exam) |
| 2 | - | External | R181: Applying the principles of training: fitness and how it affects skill performance |
| 3 | - | External | R183: Nutrition and sports performance |
:
The future
Physical Education or Sport can be taken at A-level or as a vocational course. It is also a valuable qualification and provides a pathway into higher and further education for a number of different subject areas.