DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL

Transcription

1 DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL GCSE Choices Booklet Discovery School, Blandford Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BT

2 INTRODUCTION CONTENTS - Biology - Chemistry - Computer Science - Electronic Products - Engineering - English Language - English Literature - Geography - History - Maths - MFL - Physics - Product Design ENTRY REQUIREMENTS To study GCSEs at Discovery School you simply need to have a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the courage to leave the school you are currently learning in and join Discovery School. For some this will involve travelling quite a distance. However, that journey will be a pleasure if you are looking forward to coming to work at Discovery School. Following a number of one to one meetings with students and their parents and key staff from Discovery School we will collectively know if Discovery School is right for you. We will know if Discovery School is the place where your one chance will be your best chance. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Dr Wendy Allen Principal wendy.allen@discoveryschool.org.uk

3 GCSE BIOLOGY Students are required to study Biology at GCSE Level 6+ in Science & Maths is preferred for Triple Award Science Exam Board AQA Year 1: Students will cover units from B1 Keeping Healthy and B2. Students will complete at least 1 controlled assessment. Year 2: Students will cover units from B2 and B3. Students will complete at least 1 controlled assessment Units Units are split into B1, B2 and B3 each being assessed as a paper at the end of Year 11. A list of the individual units are on the reverse of this sheet. All GCSE students will study at least 1hour of Biology each week. GCSE ASSESSMENTS Unit 1: Biology 1 Unit 2: Biology 2 Unit 3: Biology 3 (Triple Award only) Unit 4: Biology 4 Controlled Assessment Two written assignments plus up to two hours for practical work and data processing 50 marks 25% Thomas McN aught Roberts Department Team Leader thomas.mcnaught-roberts@discoveryschool.org.uk

4 GCSE CHEMISTRY Students are required to study Chemistry at GCSE Level 6+ in Science & Maths is preferred for Triple Award Science Exam Board AQA Year 1: Students will cover units from C1 and C2. Students will complete at least 1 controlled assessment. Year 2: Students will cover units from C2 and C3. Students will complete at least 1 controlled assessment Units Units are split into C1, C2 and C3 each being assessed as a paper at the end of Year 11. A list of the individual units are on the reverse of this sheet. All GCSE students will study at least 1hour of Physics each week. GCSE ASSESSMENTS Unit 1: Chemistry 1 Unit 2: Chemistry 2 Unit 3: Chemistry 3 (Triple Award only) Unit 4: Chemistry 4 Controlled Assessment Two written assignments plus up to two hours for practical work and data processing 50 marks 25% Thomas McN aught Roberts Department Team Leader thomas.mcnaught-roberts@discoveryschool.org.uk

5 GCSE Computer Science There are no previous learning requirements. However logical thinking skills and strong maths skills are advised. GCSE Content 1. Constants, variables and data types 2. Structures 3. Program flow control 4. Procedures and functions 5. Scope of variables, constants, functions and procedures 6. Error handling 7. Handling external data 8. Computer structure 9. Algorithms 10. Data representation 11. Software development life cycle 12. Prototyping 13. Application testing 14. Networking Client server Web application concepts 15. Use of external code sources 16. Database concepts Query methods (SQL) Connecting to databases from applications and web based apps 17. The use of computer technology in society GCSE ASSESSMENTS Component 1: Practical Programming: 50 hours of controlled assessment (two 25 hours tasks) 60% of GCSE 126 marks (63 marks for each controlled assessment) Working independently students demonstrate their ability to code a solution to a given problem. The tasks will be set in engaging and relevant contexts, e.g. gaming, web, mobile phone applications. Component 2: Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of GCSE 84 marks All questions will be compulsory and will be taken from across the subject content. This component will include a range of types of questions from very short to extended answer. Stephen Agnew Stephen.agnew@discoveryschool.org.uk

6 GCSE Electronic Products There are no prior learning requirements. However, it is useful for candidates to have studied the National Curriculum for Design and Technology at Key Stage 3. GCSE Design and Technology: Electronic Products (4540) helps students to design and make quality electronic products with creativity, originality and flair using a wide range of electronic components with appropriate materials to package the electronic circuit. The packaging of the electronic circuit can include individually designed cases made from a range of resistant materials, textiles, card or recycled materials. Alternatively, candidates can purchase a commercially made case and modify the case to meet their project needs. This two-unit specification requires students to develop their ability to consider sustainability and environmental impact on their designing. It also provides the candidate with the opportunity to design and make an electronic product using new technologies and modern electronic devices. This course has 60 per cent controlled assessment. Course Content Unit 1: Written paper Knowledge and understanding of materials and making processes should be of sufficient depth for candidates to make an appropriate and reasoned choice when designing and making an electronic system. Unit 2: Controlled assessment Students will undertake a single design and make activity which is selected from a range of board-set tasks. Students will submit a 3-dimensional outcome and a concise design folder and/or appropriate ICT evidence. The design folder should consist of approximately 20 pages of A3 paper or equivalent A4 paper or ICT equivalent. It is expected that students should spend approximately 45 hours on this activity. Assessment Unit 1 Written Paper - 40% Candidates answer all questions in two sections. Pre-release material issued. Unit 2 Controlled Assessment - 60% Consists a single design and make activity selected from a range of board set tasks. Skills You will Develop The Electronic products GCSE specification enable students: develop as effective and independent learners make decisions, consider sustainability and combine skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make quality products analyse existing products and produce practical solutions to needs, wants and opportunities, recognising their impact on quality of life develop decision-making skills through individual and collaborative working develop skills of creativity and critical analysis through making links between the principles of good design, existing solutions and technological knowledge. Daniel Laidler Daniel.laidler@discoveryschool.org.uk

7 GCSE Engineering There are no prior learning requirements. Unit 1 Materials, Technologies and Design Considerations This unit provides details of the subject content to be covered by candidates for the Single Award. Candidates are required to use the stated knowledge and understanding in the Unit 1 examination and in the completion of their Controlled Assessment in Unit 2. Unit 2 Designing, Communicating and Manufacturing This unit is a compulsory Controlled Assessment unit. This is a practically based unit where knowledge of the Unit 1 subject content is applied to the design and making of projects. Unit 3 Application of Technology This unit provides details of the subject content that will be required to be covered by candidates at Double Award. Candidates are required to use the knowledge and understanding stated in the Unit 3 examination and in the completion of their Controlled Assessment in Unit 4. Candidates taking the Double Award must also have covered all of the content as outlined in Unit 1 above. Unit 4 Developing Design and Manufacturing Products This unit is a compulsory Controlled Assessment unit. This is a practically based unit where knowledge of the Unit 3 subject content is applied to the design and making of projects. The Controlled Assessment unit will focus upon the application of manufacturing systems for the production of a working product. GCSE ASSESSMENTS Engineering (Single Award) Unit 1: Written paper 40% Pre-release material issued Candidates answer questions on two sections. Unit 2: Controlled Assessment 60% Designing and manufacturing an Engineering product - Portfolio. Engineering (Double Award) Unit 1: Written paper 20% Pre-release material issued Candidates answer questions on two sections. Unit 2: Controlled Assessment 30% Designing and manufacturing an Engineering product - Portfolio. Unit 3: Written paper 20% Candidates answer questions on two sections. Unit 4: Controlled Assessment 30% Developing and manufacturing an Engineering product. Portfolio - two projects, or one project combining two technologies. Daniel Laidler Daniel.laidler@discoveryschool.org.uk

8 GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE Students are required to study English Language at GCSE Unit 1A - Prose Writing (Stories and Autobiographical) This work is assessed through an end of year exam. It is worth 25% of the overall English Language GCSE. Students develop their ability to write originally and imaginatively by experimenting with creative writing. Unit 1B Reading 20 th Century Literature This work is assessed through an end of year exam. It is worth 25% of the overall English Language GCSE. Students develop their ability to analyse the language in pieces of literature. Students will study extracts from texts including: Holes, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Of Mice and Men, Blood Brothers, Lord of the Flies, The Great Gatsby, and Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. Unit 2A Reading non-fiction and comparing 19 th century with 21 st century This work is assessed through an end of year exam. It is worth 25% of the overall English Language GCSE. Students develop their ability to analyse and compare language in non-fiction texts from the 19 th and 21 st century. For instance; a Coca Cola advert from 1886 and a Coca Cola advert from Unit 2B Writing Transactional and Persuasive Writing This work is assessed through an end of year exam. It is worth 25% of the overall English Language GCSE. Students develop their ability to write letters, adverts, newspaper articles, reviews, etc. Unit 3 Individual Speaking and Listening Presentation This work is assessed by the teacher. It is recorded and submitted to the exam board for moderation. It is worth 0% of the overall English Language GCSE, but failure to complete it will result in a disqualified GCSE English Language GCSE. Students create a presentation on Science and Technology. This is presented to the class and teacher. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Alex Waine alex.waine@discoveryschool.org.uk

9 GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE Students are required to study English Literature at GCSE Unit 1A - Romeo and Juliet taught in conjunction with a thematic Poetry Anthology This work is assessed under controlled assessment conditions. It is worth 10% of the overall English Literature GCSE. Students will study a whole Shakespeare play in conjunction with thematically linked poems. Themes will be one of the following: commitment OR relationships OR conflict. Unit 1B Unseen Poetry. This work is assessed through an end of year exam. It is worth 30% of the overall English Literature GCSE. Unit 2 The Woman in Black This work is assessed through an end of year exam. It is worth 30% of the overall English Literature GCSE. Students will develop their ability to analyse 20 th century prose by developing their reading and writing skills. Unit 3 Pride and Prejudice This work is assessed through an end of year exam. It is worth 30% of the overall English Literature GCSE. Students will develop their ability to analyse 19th century prose by developing their reading and writing skills. Alex Waine alex.waine@discoveryschool.org.uk

10 GCSE GEOGRAPHY There are no previous learning requirements. However high levels in English and Science are advised. Exam Board AQA Unit 1: Physical Geography Section A (one from) The Restless Earth Rocks, Resources and Scenery Challenge of Weather and Climate Living World Section B (one from) Water on the Land Ice on the Land The Coastal Zone Style of Assessment 1 hour 30 minute examination Candidates answer three questions, one from Section A and one from Section B plus free choice of one other. Unit 2: Human Geography Section A (one from) Population Change Changing Urban Environments Changing Rural Environments Section B (one from) The Development Gap Globalisation Tourism Style of Assessment 1 hour 30 minute examination Candidates answer three questions, one from Section A and one from Section B plus free choice of one other Spelling, punctuation and grammar will be assessed in this unit. Unit 3: Local Fieldwork Investigation Marked out of 60. Maximum word guidance of hour write-up under direct supervision. Thomas McNaught Roberts Department Team Leader thomas.mcnaught-roberts@discoveryschool.org.uk

11 GCSE HISTORY There are no previous learning requirements. However high levels in English and an inquiring mind are advised. Potential Topics Studied Path to War Stages of War Armistice Britain before WWI Treaty of Versailles League of Nations Failure of the League The Inter War Years Impact of WWII on Britain Post-War Britain The Welfare State Immigration in Britain Changing Role of Women in Britain Growing up in Britain since the 1950 s Education in Britain ASSESSMENT Exam Board OCR Controlled Assessment 2000 words, 25% of course Written Paper: Aspects of International Relations (in a specific area studied) plus Depth Study (based on a specific area studied) 2 hours, 45% of course Written Paper: Changes in Britain 1.5 hours, 30% of course Thomas McNaught Roberts Department Team Leader thomas.mcnaught-roberts@discoveryschool.org.uk

12 GCSE MATHS Students are required to study Maths at GCSE Maths is a fascinating subject which is the foundation of all natural sciences. A good GCSE in maths will open many doors for you in the future. Topics that will be studied are: 1. Number 2. Algebra 3. Ratio, proportion and rates of change 4. Geometry and measures 5. Probability 6. Statistics Two tiers are available: Foundation (grades 1-5 available) Higher (grades 4 to 9 available) We aim for as many students as possible to sit the higher tier paper. EDEXCEL MATHS ASSESSMENTS All Examinations in June, Year 2 Paper 1: Written Examination Non-calculator Paper 2: Written Examination Calculator Paper 3: Written Examination Calculator All examinations are equally weighted and each one last 1hr30mins. All three exams cover all topics on the curriculum. At GCSE and at A Level, there are also many opportunities for mathematicians to be involved in national and local competitions. Paul Terry paul.terry@discoveryschool.org.uk

13 GCSE MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES There are no previous learning requirements. However having studied the language previously would be extremely beneficial. ASSESSMENT Exam Board OCR Potential Topics Studied Lifestyle, Relationship & Choices Health Leisure and Free Time Technology Holidays Equality and Poverty Home and the Local Area Home and the Environment Students are examined based on topics studied Unit 1: Listening 40minutes, 20% of course Unit 2: Reading 50-minutes, 20% of course Unit 3: Speaking Two tasks, 30% of course Unit 4: Writing Two tasks, 30% of course Thomas McN aught Roberts Department Team Leader

14 GCSE PHYSICS Students are required to study Physics at GCSE Level 6+ in Science & Maths is preferred for Triple Award Science Exam Board AQA Year 1: Students will cover units from P1 and P2. Students will complete at least 1 controlled assessment. Year 2: Students will cover units from P2 and P3. Students will complete at least 1 controlled assessment Units Units are split into P1, P2 and P3 each being assessed as a paper at the end of Year 11. A list of the individual units are on the reverse of this sheet. All GCSE students will study at least 1hour of Physics each week. GCSE ASSESSMENTS Unit 1: Physics 1 Unit 2: Physics 2 Unit 3: Physics 3 (Triple Award only) Unit 4: Physics 4 Controlled Assessment Two written assignments plus up to two hours for practical work and data processing 50 marks 25% Thomas McN aught Roberts Department Team Leader thomas.mcnaught-roberts@discoveryschool.org.uk

15 GCSE Product Design There are no prior learning requirements. Unit 1 Materials and Components Properties of materials Classification of Materials Manipulating and Combining Materials Electronic and Control Components New Materials Design and Market Influence Evolution of Product Design Design in Practice Communication of Ideas Design Methodology Packaging Marketing Design in Human Context Safety Ethics and Sustainability Processes and Manufacture Unit 2 Product Manufacture Industrial and Commercial Practice Use of ICT Manufacturing Systems Methods of Production Students design and make a single 3-dimensional outcome and concise design folder approximately 20pages of A3. Approximately 45hrs work. GCSE ASSESSMENTS Unit 1 Written Paper - 40% Candidates answer all questions in two sections. Pre-release material issued. Unit 2 Controlled Assessment - 60% Consists a single design and make activity selected from a range of board set tasks. Design and Technology is a practical subject area which requires the application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them. The distinction between Designing and Making is a convenient one to make, but in practice the two often merge. For example, research can involve not only investigating printed matter and people s opinions, but also investigating e.g. proportions, adhesives, colour, structures and materials through practical work. Daniel Laidler Daniel.laidler@discoveryschool.org.uk

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