STEM

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Computer Science

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A GCSE in Computer Science is a great choice for students with strong mathematical skill and an interest in technology and programming.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mr L Cleary

EXAMINATION BOARD:
OCR

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

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Course outline

This course enables students to develop their understanding of the current and emerging technologies and how they work. Students develop computer programs to solve problems and evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs / solutions and the impact of computer technology in society.

As well as learning about the theory of computer systems, students will also study computational thinking, algorithms and programming. In Year 10 all students will complete a programming project where they will be challenged by a range of exciting and engaging tasks to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.

Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world problems. This qualification will value computational thinking and help learners to develop the skills to solve problems and design systems that do so.

This option is subject to a teacher recommendation due to the advanced mathematical nature of the course.

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1-2 100% Exam External assessment

The future

These skills will be the best preparation for learners who want to go on to study Computer Science at A-level and beyond. This meets the fundamental requirements of employers and leads to occupations such as Computer Programmers, Games Design and Network Engineers.

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Construction & the Built Environment (Vocational)

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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

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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
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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

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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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Science (Combined or Triple)

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GCSEs in Science help us to understand the world around us, and teach us to ask questions, solve problems and think critically. Studying Science opens up many future education and career opportunities.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mr P Marshall

EXAMINATION BOARD:
AQA

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE:
Combined SCience
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

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Course outline

GCSE Science is linear with all exams sat at the end of Year 11 (May/June 2023).

The Combined Science GCSE course covers Biology, Physics and Chemistry over the course of Key Stage 4. The course is examined as one unit, but the awarded grade counts twice as the content is so extensive. Students will be awarded two GCSE grades at the end of the course.

The Triple Science GCSEs offer separate qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These will be awarded as individual grades for each subject.

GCSE Science provides insight into how science works, stimulating students’ curiosity and encouraging them to engage with science in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about future study and career choices.

The decision about whether students will follow the Combined or Triple pathway will be taken after discussion between students and their teachers.

Assessment method

Combined Science
Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
Biology 33.30% Exam Each subject will have 2 x 75 minutes exams
Chemistry 33.30% Exam See above
Physics 33.30% Exam See above
Triple Science
Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
Triple Science 100% Biology/Chemistry/Physics each Exam Each subject will have 2 x 105 minutes exams. Each exam is worth 50% of the total qualification

Questions will be a variety of multiple choice, structured, short closed answer and open response. Higher (grades 9 – 4) and Foundation (grades 5 – 1) tiers are available. There is no coursework element to the new Combined Science GCSE, instead there is a significant practical component which will be tested within the exams.

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The future

Students who are successful at Combined Science GCSE can progress onto further qualifications, such as A-level Biology, Chemistry and Physics; BTEC Level 3 Applied Science qualifications, apprenticeships and employment. It opens up a rich world of career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

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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.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
mr o jefferson

EXAMINATION BOARD:
OCR

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

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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.”
— Kathryn, Y11

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
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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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Statistics

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Studying Statistics enables you to put Mathematical learning into real life scenarios. Understanding how to interpret and apply data will be a key skill throughout your life.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
MS N LEWIS

EXAMINATION BOARD:
EDEXCEL

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

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Course outline

Statistics is the science of collecting and analysing numerical data, and learning from it.

Statistics incorporates numerous examples of real-life data and contexts, which build skills that students will use in other subjects, such as Science and Geography. Students will study topics covered in Mathematics GCSE but will have the opportunity to extend these and to apply them in realistic scenarios. Based on the principles of the statistical enquiry cycle, students gain a rounded understanding of how to interpret and apply data to a number of scenarios, both across subjects and in the real world.

Students will gain an additional Mathematics qualification which has a very practical focus and will also support in other subjects.

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1-2 External Exam 2 x 1 hour 30 minute exams – Foundation / Higher Tier entry

The future

This course is good preparation for study of Maths and other ‘STEM’ subjects at A-level. You can study Statistics at degree level and apply it as a career. Because it deals with data, the skills are very useful in countless real life jobs and situations, including marketing and retail, economics, business analysis and research. Everyone can benefit from a solid understanding of statistics.

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