ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE. Year 11 Information for Parents

Transcription

1 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE Year 11 Information for Parents

2 Achieving Excellence Testbourne pupils are incredibly able and highly capable of achieving the very top grades. With the demise of the AS qualification, universities are looking even more closely at GCSE grades because they will be the only concrete evidence of a pupil s achievement. Therefore, in a globally competitive environment our top universities such as Oxbridge and The Russell Group, and employers, will be looking for the A*, 8 and 9 grades at GCSE. These grades should be where most of our pupils are aiming towards over the course of Year 11. The next 8 months will be intense, focused and academically rigorous to prepare our pupils to achieve the very top grades. The new specifications are incredibly demanding and require pupils to learn huge amounts of content by heart and have strong exam technique to meet the demands of the GCSE papers. The success of our pupils, your sons and daughters, depends on the consistently high levels of effort made in every single lesson, homework and revision class between now and May. We know that a strong relationship between school and home provides the best possible support for pupils. This booklet has been compiled with information that is designed to help parents in supporting their children. It is a point of reference to help with sourcing extra revision materials, finding exam board information and recommended apps and websites. We know that with a strong partnership with home, our pupils will achieve the highest grades they are capable of. 2

3 ACHIEVING GRADES 8 & 9 Throughout the new specifications, across all the subjects, there are some common themes to securing the highest grades. Show a comprehensive and relevant knowledge learn the content by heart. This takes a great deal of time and effort so must start on day 1 with making revision notes and constantly testing yourself. Critically evaluate information develop opinions and consider the perceptions of others. Solve problems and be analytical what is the information telling you? You should practise working through data and learning the steps to interpret it, in whatever form. Express your ideas and opinions. Talk about these ideas with your peers, family and teachers. Substantiate your opinions and back up your understanding with evidence (quotes, statistics). You will need to memorise a lot of evidence so use apps, games, quizzes to help you. Make connections and links with other topics. Show that there are complex interactions in the real world. Keep up to date with current affairs so you know how your learning fits in to the wider context. Demonstrate a wide range of subject specific skills. Download the list of skills you will be tested on and tick them off once you have practised them. Year 11 Produce complex and challenging work when completing practical tasks. Aim for a professional level product/performance. Spelling, punctuation and grammar needs to be error-free. Take care to learn the correct spelling of technical vocabulary. 3

4 Edexcel ENGLISH All pupils study two GCSE subjects in English lessons at Key Stage 4. Pupils will follow courses in English Language and English Literature, and both GCSEs are examined at the end of Year 11. Pupils will sit two papers in English Language and two papers in English Literature. English Language: Paper 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing (worth 40%) Paper 2: Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing (worth 60%) English Literature: Paper 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature (worth 50%) Paper 2: 19 th- Century Novel and Poetry since 1789 (worth 50%) Resources on Show My Homework and Moodle (including on-line resources) Pupils have their own login Revision Guides: A Christmas Carol Study Guide (ISBN: ) A Christmas Carol Complete Text (ISBN: ) An Inspector Calls Study Guide (ISBN: ) An Inspector Calls Complete Text (ISBN: ) Macbeth Study Guide (ISBN: ) Macbeth Complete Play (ISBN: ) Pearson English Language Revision Guide (ISBN: ) Pearson English Language Revision Workbook (ISBN: ) Encourage the weekly making of mind maps or revision cards and attendance of revision sessions Take a look at what is set on Show My Homework and Moodle Share ideas and ask to see work Get involved with Exam set texts - shared reading/viewing plays Discuss/share interpretations/nuances of characters/themes/nuances (context) Test your children: What do they know characters/themes? Good for Novels/Plays. What quotes can they remember? Good for Poetry! Revision Guides/Exercise books (learning notes) 4

5 MATHEMATICS AQA Specification 8300 The GCSE course is formally assessed with three linear papers. In all three papers content from any part of the specification may be assessed. There is no coursework in GCSE mathematics. A mix of question styles from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems will be included in each GCSE paper. The mathematical demand increases as a pupil progresses through a paper. A higher paper (grades 5-9) or foundation paper (grades 1-5) can be taken. Paper 1: non-calculator written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks, 33⅓% of the GCSE Paper 2: calculator written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks, 33⅓% of the GCSE Paper 3: calculator written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks, 33⅓% of the GCSE Diagnostic Questions APP & on-line - details will be provided at the appropriate time. CGP Books New Grade 9-1 GCSE Linear Maths AQA Revision Guide / Workbook / CD Resources on Testbourne Moodle, Show My Homework, Mymaths and other useful websites as detailed in the full mathematics guide which will be ed to parents. Get them to learn the facts and formulas required (details of these will be provided). Check they are doing their homework, ask to see it (papers during the months before the examinations) or check their on-line Mymaths record. Assist them in making a revision plan, revision cards and mind maps. Download papers provided on Moodle and encourage them to work through them. Start the revision process now and ensure they attend revision sessions. 5

6 COMBINED SCIENCE AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) 6 exams This qualification is equivalent to a double award, graded on a 17 point scale, from 1-1 to 5-5 for Foundation Tier, and 4-4 to 9-9 for Higher Tier. Biology paper 1: Topics B1-4 Biology paper 2: Topics B5-7 Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 70 marks 70 marks 16.7% of GCSE Chemistry paper 1: Topics C % of GCSE Chemistry paper 2: Topics C6-10 Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 70 marks 70 marks 16.7% of GCSE Physics paper 1: Topics P % of GCSE Physics paper 2: Topics P5-7 Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 70 marks 70 marks 16.7% of GCSE 16.7% of GCSE Mathematical skills will be tested in a minimum of 10% of marks in biology; 20% in chemistry; and 30% in physics. Working scientifically will be tested in 15% of marks, relating to the 21 required practical activities pupils completed during this course. CGP New Grade 9-1 GCSE Combined Science: AQA revision guides and workbooks. Revision resources on Show My Homework. Ensure your child is using their revision guide to prepare for unit tests and exams. Test their mathematical skills, and ensure they have memorised the equations list. Encourage the weekly production of mind maps or revision cards, and completion of practice exam questions. 6

7 SEPARATE SCIENCES AQA Biology (8461), AQA Chemistry (8462), AQA Physics (8463) 6 exams (2 per GCSE) Separate sciences comprise GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics, graded from 4-9 for Higher Tier. Pupils are awarded three distinct GCSE grades. GCSE Biology paper 1: Topics B1-4 GCSE Biology paper 2: Topics B5-7 Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 100 marks 50% of GCSE GCSE Chemistry paper 1: Topics C1-5 50% of GCSE GCSE Chemistry paper 2: Topics C6-10 Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 100 marks 50% of GCSE GCSE Physics paper 1: Topics P1-4 50% of GCSE GCSE Physics paper 2: Topics P5-8 Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 100 marks 50% of GCSE 50% of GCSE Mathematical skills will be tested in a minimum of 10% of marks in biology; 20% in chemistry; and 30% in physics. Working scientifically will be tested in 15% of marks, relating to the 28 required practical activities pupils completed during this course. CGP New Grade 9-1 GCSE Biology/Chemistry/Physics: AQA revision guides and workbooks. Revision resources on Show My Homework. Ensure your child is using their revision guide to prepare for unit tests and exams. Test their mathematical skills, and ensure they have memorised the equations list. Encourage the weekly production of mind maps or revision cards, and completion of practice exam questions. 7

8 FRENCH AQA 8658 GCSE French How will it be assessed? All pupils following the French AQA GCSE course will be tested in four skill areas ~ listening, reading, speaking and writing. The examination will be weighted: - Paper 1 Listening 25% Paper 2 Reading 25% Paper 3 Speaking 25% Paper 4 Writing 25% All papers will be sat as final examinations at the end of the course. Tiering: Candidates will be entered for either Foundation Tier (Grades 1-5) or Higher Tier (Grades 4-9) They will be entered in the same Tier across all four skills. (DJTestbourneMFL, MissLordMFL, MissBoukari4) (Your son/daughter can access the course book and many online resources for practice and revision using his/her Kerboodle login). Please test your son and daughter weekly on vocabulary they have been given to learn by their teacher. Encourage your son and daughter to practise their speaking exam questions with you. It doesn t matter if you do not understand. The more practice they get the more confident they will become. Encourage your son/daughter to use the online resources listed above. 8

9 GERMAN AQA 8668 GCSE German How will it be assessed? All pupils following the German AQA GCSE course will be tested in four skill areas ~ listening, reading, speaking and writing. The examination will be weighted: - Paper 1 Listening 25% Paper 2 Reading 25% Paper 3 Speaking 25% Paper 4 Writing 25% All papers will be sat as final examinations at the end of the course. Tiering: Candidates will be entered for either Foundation Tier (Grades 1-5) or Higher Tier (Grades 4-9). They will be entered in the same Tier across all four skills. (DJTestbourneMFL) (Your son/daughter can access the course book and many online resources for practice and revision using his/her Kerboodle login). Lessons and Revision on Pupil Shared Drive MFL/German Please test your son and daughter weekly on vocabulary they have been given to learn by their teacher. Encourage your son and daughter to practise their speaking exam questions with you. It doesn t matter if you do not understand. The more practice they get the more confident they will become. Encourage your son/daughter to use the resources listed above. 9

10 SPANISH AQA 8698 GCSE Spanish How will it be assessed? All pupils following the Spanish AQA GCSE course will be tested in four skill areas ~ listening, reading, speaking and writing. The examination will be weighted: - Paper 1 Listening 25% Paper 2 Reading 25% Paper 3 Speaking 25% Paper 4 Writing 25% All papers will be sat as final examinations at the end of the course. Tiering: Candidates will be entered for either Foundation Tier (Grades 1-5) or Higher Tier. They will be entered in the same Tier across all four skills. (DJTestbourneMFL, MissLordMFL, MissBoukari4) (Your son/daughter can access the course book and many online resources for practice and revision using his/her Kerboodle login). Please test your son and daughter weekly on vocabulary they have been given to learn by their teacher. Encourage your son and daughter to practise their speaking exam questions with you. It doesn t matter if you do not understand. The more practice they get the more confident they will become. Encourage your son/daughter to use the online resources listed above. 10

11 HISTORY AQA 2 exams Paper 1: Germany Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 84 marks (including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG)) 50% of GCSE Paper 2: Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 84 marks (including 4 marks for SPaG) 50% of GCSE New Grade 9-1 GCSE History AQA Revision Guide Resources on Show My Homework We have regular mini tests in class. Help them by quizzing them from their books. Watch documentaries with your child such as the History Channel/ BBC, feature films such as Hitler the Rise of Evil, Breaking the Mould. Encourage the weekly making of mind maps or revision cards. 11

12 GEOGRAPHY AQA 3 exams Paper 1: Living with the physical environment Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG)) 35% of GCSE Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPaG) 35% of GCSE Paper 3: Geographical applications Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 76 marks (including 6 marks for SPaG) 30% of GCSE Pre-release resources booklet made available 12 weeks before Paper 3 exam Kerboodle Pupils have their own login New Grade 9-1 GCSE Geography AQA Revision Guide and Workbook CGP Resources on Show My Homework (e.g. Revision checklists) We have regular mini tests in class, help them by quizzing them from their books. Watch documentaries with your child such as Planet Earth or Panorama on; Deserts, Rainforests, Rio, Globalization, Rivers, Tropical storms, Flooding. Discuss the news, particularly when big geopolitical events or natural hazards take place. Encourage the weekly making of mind maps or revision cards. 12

13 COMPUTER SCIENCE OCR 3 exams Paper 1: Computer systems Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks 40% of GCSE Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks 40% of GCSE Programming Project Non-Exam Assessment 40 marks 20% of GCSE New Grade 9-1 GCSE Computer Science Revision Guide and Workbook CGP Resources on Show My Homework and Pupil Shared (Access via Testbourne Connect) GCSE Bitesize has a range of computing activities that are relevant Encourage programming at home and give pupils access to resources such as Python. A structured approach to revision and regularly revisiting topics will be useful. 13

14 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION STUDIES AQA (legacy) 3 exams Unit 8: ICT systems in Business Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 60 marks 40% of GCSE Unit 9: Using ICT in Business Computer based exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 60 marks 35% of GCSE Unit 10: Investigating ICT in Business Controlled Assessment 40 marks 25% of GCSE New Grade 9-1 GCSE Geography AQA Revision Guide and Workbook CGP Resources on Show My Homework and Pupil Shared (Access via Testbourne Connect) Past papers available for Unit 8 & 9 Encourage an overall interest in Business. It is in the news constantly and shows such as Dragon s Den can really engage pupils. Share your own experiences from your workplace. A structured approach to revision and regularly revisiting topics will be useful. 14

15 MUSIC Pearson / Edexcel The course is graded 9 1 and assessed by three components: Performing (30%) a portfolio of solo and ensemble pieces where 1 solo and 1 ensemble piece is assessed. It is expected that students will meet approximately ABRSM grade 4/5 standard by the end of the course. Composing (30%) 1 free composition and 1 set by the exam board. Appraising (40%) an examination lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes based around the 4 areas of study above and set works. Students will learn how to analyse and appraise music based on the four areas of study listed below and two set works from each area: Instrumental Music Vocal Music Music for Stage and Screen Fusions Resources on Moodle Focus on Sound (Aural and Theory training programme) Online Music Classroom (pupils have their own accounts) Show My Homework assignments Ensure that they are doing regular and focussed practice on their instruments Support with the showcase concerts Support with the coursework days ( s will be sent to let you know when these will take place) Revision they should use the resources above to prepare for the exam Test them on the Music Theory using the revision materials on moodle 15

16 DANCE Pearson / Edexcel 3 Units across the 2 years (10 and 11): Unit 4: Dance Skills Practical Classes to build your technique. Apply these skills in a performance. (Completed in Year 10) Unit 2: Preparation, Production and Performance Research into the choreographer Bob Fosse. Use the research to choreograph a piece using Fosse style. Perform the piece in a showcase. (Completed at the start of Year 11) Unit 1: Individual Showcase 2 solos choreographed by the pupil, lasting a minute each. The solos are using the scenario of an audition piece. There will be a written exam lasting 2 hours long where the pupils will type up a letter of application to accompany their audition solos. Unit Number Title % of grade Marked internally or externally 1 Individual Showcase 25% External 2 Preparation, Production and Performance 25% Internal 4 Dance Skills 50% Internal There is resources and information about the course on the exam board website: qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts/performing-arts-2012-nqf.html Resources for the pupils to complete the assignments will be given to them in lesson. Rehearse/practice technical exercises at home. Assure they attend all rehearsals and performance dates (these will be on letters that will be given to the pupils prior to a performance). 16

17 DRAMA Pearson / Edexcel This is a practical course with a varied content that allows pupils to experience and explore a variety of performance techniques. In Component 1, using stimuli provided, the pupils will create their own performance using skills and techniques they have learned. They will keep a log of their rehearsals and the decisions that were made. They are assessed on the performance and the writing up of the process. 40% of GCSE The pupils will also perform two key extracts from a script to a visiting examiner. The choice of play for this is decided by the pupils, providing it contrasts with the text being studied for Component 2. This performance can be completed in small groups, pairs or as a monologue. 20% of GCSE The final exam is split into two parts. The first is a series of questions about the set text they will have studied. It focusses of the performance aspect of the play and decisions made as actors, technicians and directors. This year they will be studying An Inspector Calls. The second part of the exam will be two questions directed towards a play they will have seen and concentrates on the pupil s ability to evaluate a live performance. N.B for this part of the exam, they are allowed to take up to 500 words of notes into the exam. 40% of GCSE New Grade 9-1 GCSE Drama Revision Guide (this guide looks at all the set texts available, so some of it is not relevant to your son/daughter). BBC Bitesize Performance Techniques. There are also some clips of An Inspector Calls Trips to the theatre or watching theatrical performances that are shown on TV Testing your son or daughter with their lines prior to the scripted performance Encouragement with after school rehearsals 17

18 HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Edexcel 3 internally assessed units and 1 externally assessed unit The externally assessed core unit is Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development and is worth 25% of the final grade. This is an externally examined unit and the pupils will sit a 1 hour exam in June in year 11. Assignments relating to the following units will be set throughout the year and each unit is worth 25% and will be assessed internally and moderated externally. Unit 2: Health and Social Care Values Unit 3: Communication in Health and Social Care Unit 6: Impact of Nutrition on Health Pupils are graded as follows for BTEC qualification s: Level 1 Pass (equivalent to grade 3 at GCSE); Level 2 Pass (equivalent to grade 4 at GCSE); Level 2 Merit (equivalent to grade 5/6 at GCSE); Level 2 Distinction / Distinction star (equivalent to grade 7/8 at GCSE). Kerboodle Pupils have their own login BTEC Health and Social Care Revision Guide and Workbook Resources on Show My Homework Past Exam papers and review Mock exam Q&A We have regular mini tests in class. Help them by quizzing them from their books. Check they are doing their homework and sticking to assignment deadlines. Discuss the news and recent or local events, particularly when big health and social care changes take place. Encourage attending the weekly making of mind maps or revision cards and attending after school intervention classes. 18

19 PHYSICAL EDUCATION Edexcel (9-1) Two exams Paper 1: Fitness and Body Systems Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 90 marks 36% of GCSE Paper 2: Health and Performance Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 70 marks 24% of GCSE Practical performance 105 marks (35 marks from three activities) Team-based and individual sports required 30% of GCSE Personal Exercise Programme 20 marks 10% of GCSE Moodle: useful websites, podcasts Resources on Show My Homework Revision guide: further details on recommended guide by end of September Encourage attendance at revision sessions (beginning before mocks). Remind them to complete training sessions in own time as part of PEP. Encourage the weekly making of mind maps or revision cards. Maintain attendance at clubs and sports outside of school. 19

20 ART & DESIGN AQA 60% Unit 1: Controlled Assessment and Portfolio of work 40% Unit 2: Externally set Exam Each unit is marked out of 96. The Assessment Objectives which are marked are as follows: AO1: Research; Images & Artists AO2: Experiments with Media AO3: Ideas, Observational Drawings and Explanations AO4: Final Idea & Final Piece, Links with Artist Unit 1: Controlled Assessment is at least one full project, which meets all 4 Assessment Objectives. The Portfolio of work can be any pieces of work which meet any Assessment Objectives, which do not necessarily flow or have a journey of a project. Unit 2: Externally set Exam will be given out in January of Yr11. This follows the same process as a project with all 4 Assessment Objectives, except the final piece (AO4) needs to be completed within the 10hour Exam. AO1-3 is completed before the Exam starts, which is worth 75% of the overall Exam grade. The mark scheme, with all the Assessment Objectives is readily available on Show My Home- YouTube is a great resource to practise or watch someone s skill and technical process Resources on Show My Homework Encourage weekly attendance to an After-School Support/Intervention session. When they need to take Primary Source photographs offer to take them to more interesting locations or events, depending on their project title. Discuss their developing ideas and what they could do for a final piece. Seek out exhibitions or galleries which can influence their work directly. Attend College exhibitions/open Evenings to see A level Art work! 20

21 ART PHOTOGRAPHY AQA 60% Unit 1: Controlled Assessment and Portfolio of work 40% Unit 2: Externally set Exam Each unit is marked out of 96. The Assessment Objectives which are marked are a s follows: AO1: Research; Images & Artists AO2: Experiments with Media AO3: Ideas, Observational Drawings and Explanations AO4: Final Idea & Final Piece, Links with Artist Unit 1: Controlled Assessment is at least one full project, which meets all 4 Assessment Objectives. The Portfolio of work can be any pieces of work which meet any Assessment Objectives, which do not necessarily flow or have a journey of a project. Unit 2: Externally set Exam will be given out in January of Yr11. This follows the same process as a project with all 4 Assessment Objectives, except the final pieces (AO4) need to be completed within the 10hour Exam. AO1-3 is completed before the Exam starts, which is worth 75% of the overall Exam grade. The mark scheme, with all the Assessment Objectives is readily available on Show My Homework; pupils also have a personal copy at school. YouTube is a great resource to watch someone s technical process Resources on Show My Homework Encourage weekly attendance to an After-School Support/Intervention session. When they need to take photographs offer to take them to more interesting locations or events, depending on their project title. Discuss their developing ideas and what they could do for a final piece. Seek out exhibitions or galleries which can influence their work directly. 21

22 RE AQA 2 exams Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices We explore Christianity and Islam Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 96 marks (including 5 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar (SPaG) 50% of GCSE Component 2: Thematic Studies Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 96 marks (including 5 marks for SPaG) 50% of GCSE Kerboodle Pupils have their own login New Grade 9-1 GCSE Religious Studies AQA website Resources on Show My Homework Resources on Moodle We have regular end of unit tests in class. Help them by quizzing them from their books. Watch the News, The Big Question and any other current affairs programmes with your child and discuss your opinions around the topics covered. Encourage the weekly making of mind maps or revision cards. 22

23 FOOD OCR Food Preparation and Nutrition 50% Written exam 50 % Non exam assessment which includes; 15% Task 1: Food Investigation Assessment (practical experiment and report) 35% Task 2: Food Preparation Assessment (3 dishes prepared within a single 3 hour period accompanied with evidence of designing, making, evaluative) My revision notes: OCR GCSE Food preparation and nutrition; Hodder Education (available on Amazon) Their class notes and practical experiences Let them cook at home and help them to develop their skills Watch cookery programmes and documentaries about food production, nutrition etc and discuss them afterwards Get them to check SMHW and their planner so they know when they are next cooking. Encourage them to do the shopping to develop understanding of where food comes from.+ 23

24 PRODUCT DESIGN AQA (legacy) Unit 1: 40 % written exam 2hrs (120 marks) Candidates answer all questions in 2 sections. Pre-released material issued. Unit 2: 60% controlled assessment 45 hours (90 marks) Single design and mark activity selected from a range of board set tasks. GCSE Design & Technology Product Design AQA Revision Guide (A*-G course) by CGP The AQA website has lots of past papers and mark schemes to download Talk about their design, ask questions and help source materials Watch documentaries about engineering, design and production Make a note of the interim deadlines on the family calendar to remind them about when work is due in. 24

25 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE Key Dates Year 11 Careers Fair - W/B 9th October Mock exams begin- Monday 20th November Peter Symonds Application deadline Monday 18th December QMC Application deadline Sunday 31st December 2017 Year 11 Parents Consultation Evening 1 - Thursday 18th January Year 11 Parents Consultation Evening 2 - Wednesday 28th March GCSE examinations - 14th May -26th June 2018 Year 11 25