GCSE English Language and Literature are core subjects because the language and communication skills you develop are essential for success whatever you do in the future.
Mathematics
Science (Combined or Triple)
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
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
| 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 |
| 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.
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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PE
Building the habit of being regularly physically active in PE is one of the best things you can do for your body - and your mind. Sports build many skills like coordination, resilience and teamwork. And it’s fun!
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Ms L NEWEY
Course outline
All students in Years 10 to 11 participate in PE for one hour per week. During this time, students will be allowed to select their activities from the options available in that term. In some activities there will be an option to participate as a coach, an official or a performer. Students participate in groups that rotate around activities, therefore all students experience each activity.
It is important that all students take part in Physical Education in Years 10 to 11, and it is an expectation that students will always play an active part in their lesson. It is for this reason that all students, even if they are excused, are expected to bring their kit. If students are excused, they can participate in the lesson as coaches or umpires and therefore be involved.
Some of the sports offered:
| Winter Sports | Summer Sports |
|---|---|
| Football | Tennis |
| Netball | Rounders |
| Badminton | Cricket |
| Trampolining | Alternative Games (e.g Kingball) |
| Rugby | Baseball |
| Fitness | Athletics |
| Hockey | |
| Gymnastics | |
| Handball |
This is a non-Assessed subject.
The future
Sports and physical activity are important for your long term health and wellbeing. If it’s a subject you enjoy, there’s potential to develop related careers, whether playing or coaching, sports science or events.
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iGen & iDays
iGen and iDays are an opportunity to learn about the world and your place in it. It’s about developing as a well-rounded person with the skills and confidence for the road ahead.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs S AttAh / MS L ROBINSON (Course Leader)
Course outline
The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson is one of the iGen books studied in Year 10
iGen continues to be a timetabled subject throughout your time at Ryburn, making use of one tutor-time session per week. Through exploring the contemporary novels including ‘The Art of Being Normal’ by Lisa Williamson and ‘An Act of Love’ by Alan Gibbons students cover the PSHCE curriculum by focusing on a range of issues including personal skills and qualities; emotional health and well-being; gender issues and extremism.
iDays are whole school drop down days which aim to build on the PSHCE curriculum. As well as covering the key PSHCE themes we also aim to prepare students for the world of work, providing them with the knowledge, understanding, creativity and confidence to be wealth creators in their future lives.
This is a non-Assessed subject
The future
iGen and iDays are all about preparing you for the future! It’s about ensuring you have the skills and knowledge to feel confident, whatever life throws at you. It’s about becoming someone who can develop healthy relationships with others and yourself and have empathy and understanding. Being able to keep yourself healthy and have the practical skills to live a happy life.
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Philosophy & Ethics
Studying Philosophy and Ethics enables young people to understand and articulate their own views on the world and religion. It is a subject for all students whatever their own family background and personal beliefs and practices.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs J Knowles
LEVEL:
Calderdale local agreed syllabus for religious studies
Course outline
All students in Years 10 to 11 will study Philosophy and Ethics in one hour per fortnight. The following topics will be studied during the course:
Religion and life and death: views on abortion and euthanasia.
Is Britain a Christian country?
Issues with Crime and punishment, including the death penalty.
Does religion cause or solve conflict?
Students will have the opportunity to discuss a variety of responses and beliefs. They will explore further questions and consider their own reactions to the issues covered. It will stimulate their understanding of themselves and their environment.
This is a non-Assessed course
The future
This is an essential area of study to prepare students for life in a world where controversy over religious and non-religious views is pervasive and where many people lack the knowledge to make their own informed decisions. Understanding why people think and behave differently and builds a more cohesive society.