Year 10 Options

In the first year of this course you will learn about livestock management based on the school farm. This includes life cycles of beef, sheep, pigs and poultry. You will be working practically with these animals and learning ways in which we can increase productivity and profitability. In the second year of this module you will study a Estate skills unit; this includes modules in boundaries, surfaces and habitats. A large amount of this unit is practical work that will take place around the school’s estate.

How is the course structured and graded?

On completion of this course you will be awarded a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* and this is the equivalent to a GCSE. This award is calculated based on completed written work. There is no exam for this course, and is therefore 100% coursework based.

Will this course be suitable for me?

Your time spent in lessons will be split as 60% written theory work and 40% practical lessons on the school farm. You will need to enjoy working with livestock and being in the great outdoors. Due to the amount of written work, you will need to have good literacy skills.

What could this course lead to?

After completing this course, students can go on to complete a Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture or BTEC Level 3 in Agriculture.

A Specialist Education in the Visual Arts.

The Art Department offers and delivers a wide ranging multi disciplinary GCSE Art and Design course (Edexcel). This broad approach to visual work is essential for both experience – there is no better way to develop creative skills – and for the discovery of strength. Students embark on a creative journey that develops their ideas through experimentation and sustained investigations to produce a personal portfolio (coursework) demonstrating their ability to develop responses into creative and sophisticated final outcomes. We divide the course into 3 main parts: 2 units of coursework that makes up the personal portfolio and the externally set assignment (ESA).
The ESA is approached in the same way as the personal portfolio but the final outcome is completed under a timed 10 hour examination in the Art Department.

How is the course structured?

Personal Portfolio. 60 %

ESA. 40%

Will the Course be suitable for me?

We ask for:
Commitment, students will be required to work beyond the school timetable, and most importantly, passion and a love of subject!

What could this course lead to?

A Level Art and Design and beyond….
Apprenticeship. Foundation Course. Degree. Career.

There is an increasing demand for creative and innovative people in industry and business in Great Britain and abroad. Art and Design students are such people. Creativity takes on many forms and, likewise, the creative industry encompasses a broad array of jobs requiring different practices, talents and skills. Apprenticeships in Art Therapy, Puppet Making, Stage Design, Visual Effects….. to name but a few, allow students to immerse themselves in the world of creative work beyond the school environment.
The number and variety of courses available to students wishing to continue their studies to degree standard is wide and exciting. In fact, there are more degree choices in Art and Design than any other subject. From Architecture to Graphic Design, Fashion Illustration to Special Effects for Film, From Fine Art to Interior Design, this subject provides, at the very least, a life enhancing experience and at best a foundation which could open the door to a relevant University Degree and career.

The aims of this qualification are to offer imaginative ways of supporting young people to become confident individuals who are physically, emotionally and socially healthy. Pupils will learn more about the importance of being responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society and embrace change, whilst also taking on new activities and personal challenges.

How is this course structured and graded?

The qualification is 100% coursework. Pupils are required to build up a portfolio of evidence ranging from small pieces of written work to photographs and witness statements. The course is delivered through a series of challenges, which accrue credits. Challenges include Environmental Awareness, Health Lifestyles and Preparation for Work. 6 credits are required for the Award and 13 credits for the full Certificate. Each credit represents at least 10 hours of study.

Will this course be suitable for me?

This course is suitable for pupils who may find the GCSE pathway challenging and would benefit from developing confidence whilst learning in a safe environment.

What could this course lead to?

Pupils on the 6th form can study ASDAN CoPE at level 1 or 2, with Level 2 being the equivalent of a B grade at GCSE.
“I found this course a lot of fun and enjoyable. The teachers helped me to become better at studying and understanding how to solve problems.”

This course covers the principles of Biology and topics covered include: Cell Level Systems (cell structures, what happens in cells, respiration, photosynthesis); Scaling Up (supplying the cell, the challenges of size); Organism Level Systems (coordination and control, maintaining internal environments); Community Level Systems (ecosystems); Genes Inheritance, Selection and Global challenges (monitoring and maintaining the environment; feeding the human race; monitoring and maintaining health). Practical work is also heavily involved and enhances the theoretical ideas covered.

How is the course structured and graded?

Content is split into six teaching topics and a practical skills topic that consists of a minimum of eight practical activities. Students will sit two exams at the end of the two year course; each exam with a duration of 1 hour 45 minutes, and a weighting of 50%. The practicals carried out during the course will account for 15% of the questions asked in the examinations. GCSE qualifications are now graded on the scale: 9–1, where 9 is the highest.

Will this course be suitable for me?

If you are working at around Grade 2 or above in Year 9 this may be the course for you. All assessment is by means of exams which are taken at the end of the two-year course. Your teachers will recommend which Science course is suitable for you, taking into account your work in Year 9 and how likely you are to succeed on this course.

What could this course lead to?

Attaining a grade 5 or above will allow you to progress to further study at Sixth Form at Level 3 (BTEC Science). Attainment of a 5 at GCSE in Science is often a prerequisite for going to college or Sixth Form.

“It’s great that I can just study Biology. I always struggled with Chemistry and Physics. I love all the practical work too”

These qualifications encourage an understanding of the knowledge and the skills needed to care for young children. They cover children’s growth, learning and development. There are also units to help with self-development.

How is the course structured and graded?

Assignments will be assessed by your tutor or assessor using a range of methods. This could include tasks set by CACHE such as designing charts or leaflets, coursework or methods such as oral questioning.

Will this course be suitable for me?

These qualifications are suitable for you if you are considering a career in caring for children. They could also support you with re-engaging with learning and help you enter the childcare workforce.

What could this course lead to?

This course is specifically designed to give real world experience of the childcare and education sector. This course gives some good opportunities to make contacts in the field and gain references from employers. It is ideal preparation for our Level 3 course in Sixth Form.

“I have experienced working in a nursery on this course. The mentors were really welcoming and I have gained experience and confidence.”

Please note: Cisco is in 2 option groups, thus a double option, and students must select Cisco in both option groups.

What will I study? 

The Cisco IT Essentials course consists of the following:

1. Introduction to PC hardware
2. PC Assembly
3. Advanced Computer Hardware
4. Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
5. Networking Concepts
6. Applied Networking
7. Laptops and Mobile Devices
8. Printers
9. Virtualization and Cloud Computing
10. Windows Installation
11. Windows Configuration
12. Mobile, Linux and macOS Operating Systems
13. Security
14. The IT Professional

Most of the theoretical work is supported with a practical element.

How is the course structured and graded? 

There are 6 Cisco classes per week. In total there are 14 chapters. Chapters 1 to 9 focus on hardware and Chapters 10 to 14 focus more on the software side of computers and networks. Each chapter have an exam and at the end of each part there is a final exam. Students also do practical exams throughout the course duration. Students must gain 70% for the final theory and practical exams to pass the course. Please note that there is no grading system and this is a pass or fail course. Students are allowed to re-sit final exams.

What will be the next step after GCSE?

This certification will lead on to a career path within the IT Sector. Students normally follow through to 6th Form where they do the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Industry Certification. After 6th Form students follow through to a BSC degree in Networking and Cybersecurity or a higher tier/degree level Apprenticeship.

This course teaches innovation and iterative design, taking students through a process of making products and prototypes using a range of materials, tools and processes. You will also apply mathematical and scientific knowledge and learn about manufacturing and environmental issues. Students study one area in depth such as timbers or textiles.

How is the course structured and graded?

The Iterative Design Challenge is a single task that is carried out in class and is worth 50% of the qualification. The other 50% of the qualification covers the principles of design and technology in an examination with questions covering both ‘core’ and ‘in-depth’ knowledge of design technology as well as mathematics and science.

Will this course be suitable for me?

This course teaches students to become creative and critical thinkers, developing skills to design and deliver prototypes that solve real and relevant problems. You will gain skills which would be useful in a wide range of jobs, in further study and in your personal life, developing decision making skills as well as planning and organising. There are written aspects as well as practical work as part of this course.

What could this course lead to?

The study of Design and Technology can lead to a future career in product design, engineering, architecture, fashion and graphic design. It will develop your design and thinking skills that open up a world of possibility.

“You need to do written work and remember some facts as well as doing practical work.”

The use of materials as well as components, tools, processes and finishes to design and make quality products and carry out practical tasks. The focus can be on either Resistant Materials (wood, metal, polymers and ‘smart’ materials) or Textiles.

How is the course structured and graded?

The Unit Award Scheme is a way of accrediting skills through certification but is not a formal qualification. It allows you to build practical skills through project work, each of which are then certificated at an equivalent level. By the end of the course you will have a portfolio of work demonstrating your skills and certification for each project completed. This can be used to take to employers as a record of your skills and achievements.

Will this course be suitable for me? Do you enjoy learning about materials and processes as well as designing and making things? You’ll need to carry out practical work safely and accurately to achieve high quality products. This course is ideal for you if you like hands-on practical learning and are willing to turn imaginative ideas into reality.

What could this course lead to?

This course could lead to a GCSE with further work in the future. It could help create some great career options in a range of different industries, especially if you are also taking Engineering, as well as provide access to further training.

“The course was challenging but very interesting. Although there is practical work, there is some planning and preparation, which is important too.”

Engineering and engineers have shaped the modern world; how products are resourced, designed and manufactured; how engineers and engineering are at the forefront of making our planet a cleaner and greener place; how engineering is a universal language spoken all over the world; and how new production techniques are leading to increasingly advanced products.

How is the course structured and graded?

This qualification is available as a three-unit Award that is equivalent to a single GCSE. In the first year you will study units covering: The Engineered World (this is a compulsory unit and is externally examined), Investigating Engineering Products and Machining Techniques. These units are graded at a Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*. These are equivalent to grades 4 – 9 at GCSE level.

Will this course be suitable for me?

This course is a mixture of continual assessment and a final exam. While containing a range of practical elements, it does have a written and research element. If you have a genuine interest in engineering and are hoping to develop your skills and abilities with a view to a career in the engineering world, this is an ideal course for you. It will give you a springboard into the engineering world beyond Bredon School. It is also an ideal companion subject to Maths, Science and Law.

What could this course lead to?

This course could lead to an engaging and fulfilling career in a wide range of engineering fields from automotive to aeronautics. It could also lead to further more in-depth and specialised studies on our Level 3 course in the Sixth Form.

“The things I learned about Health and Safety have really helped me when I was setting up my own business.”

Bredon School has adopted Cambridge International GCSE, First Language English Qualification. This well-respected and popular course retains written coursework, worth 50%. The final exam, also worth 50%, tests reading and writing skills. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

There are three pieces of written coursework to complete (two which test writing skills only and a third which also tests reading skills) and these may be drafted in class. Students may also undertake a range of speaking and listening exercises. The final exam tests both reading and writing skills. The final grading will be from levels 1 – 9. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

As a core subject, this course is compulsory. Bredon has chosen the IGCSE because it is flexible and allows students to succeed at their highest possible potential. What have other students said about the course? Year 11 students who have been entered so far have enjoyed the course. They particularly like the fact they are writing coursework which can be redrafted rather than controlled assessments which cannot. The scope of the course also allows for a wide range of literary material to be used as a basis for written work. 

What could this course lead to? 

Many Level 3 courses and jobs cannot be undertaken unless you have a Level 2 qualification in English, so this course is really important, regardless of what you might like to do later in life. Students who do not get a level 4 in IGCSE English will always automatically do retakes in the Sixth Form, in line with government policy.

If you are in set 1 for English you may study this course alongside the iGCSE in Language. In it you will study a range of poems, plays and novels. You will be assessed through written coursework and some in the final exam. You will cover familiar and also unfamiliar texts in a course that is great for developing your enjoyment of literature.

How is the course structured and graded?

For the exam (worth 75%) you will study one play, one novel and one collection of poetry from a wide and interesting range. The coursework requires the close study of two texts. These essays may be redrafted until they are as good as possible. The final grading will be from levels 1 – 9

Will this course be suitable for me?

It is a really good preparation for A Level Literature in the Sixth Form but also helps with any courses that involve a lot of reading and writing, such as History or Politics. What have other students said about the course? Past students who have studied similar GCSE courses have really enjoyed reading and thinking about the thought-provoking texts involved.

What could this course lead to?

It is a well-respected international qualification which shows colleges and employers you have the ability to read and understand a range of texts. Because of this, it is good preparation for almost any future course of study or employment.

This exciting course in Enterprise and Marketing will help you develop the business skills demanded by employers today. It offers a broad understanding of the key Business elements (Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and Operations) as well as external influences on business. Coursework focuses specifically on Marketing. 

How is the course structured and graded?

Pupils will learn and apply their knowledge and skills using a variety of methods, such as investigation (internet and real-world businesses), formal written assignments, reports and presentations to class. We also visit businesses and invite guest speakers. The course will be assessed by exam (50%) and coursework (50%). The coursework comprises the development of a business proposal and a pitch of that proposal to an audience (the audience need not be large for those who do not relish such situations).

Will this course be suitable for me?

An interest in the business world is important. With a large emphasis on coursework, it is important that students become independent learners. Engaging content and practical learning will allow you to develop business acumen and enterprise skills.

What could this course lead to?

This course is ideal for studying Business related courses or preparing for the workplace. Students taking this course have gone on to study Business at Level 3. Others have moved onto apprenticeships in business or employment.

“I really enjoyed learning about the real world. It doesn’t matter what you want to do, business will always be useful. Having an understanding of how business works puts you one step ahead of others in the job world. I enjoyed the assessment through practical work and the trips and visits on the course were great as well.”

This course is designed to build on basic skills and knowledge acquired at KS3 in Years 7, 8 and 9. It allows you to develop a broad knowledge of cookery and a detailed understanding of the related nutrition. It will help you develop a wide range of practical cookery skills as well as improving skills such as planning, organisation and timekeeping. The course covers the science behind cookery, enabling you to be able to explain what happens to the ingredients in the preparation and cooking processes. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

The first year is all about learning and working with the various food commodities. Fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, rice and pasta products are all covered. Each week, you will cook a dish related to one of the food groups and at the end of each six-week block, you have the opportunity to showcase your own chosen recipe. The second year is a busy year where you carry out an investigation into a given topic (worth 15%), a practical assessment (worth 35%) and a final exam (worth 50%). 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

This course will appeal to students who enjoy working in a practical situation and have a passion for food. This course is not a cooking course, even though it has a strong practical element. As with all Level 2 courses, there is an expectation that the learner is able to carry out in-depth research, writing and analysis about given food topics. Students will also need to be able to work independently and have a desire to continually improve. 

What could this course lead to? 

This course could potentially lead on to further study or an apprenticeship in the catering industry. Many who take this course move onto a Hospitality course in our Sixth Form. Courses include the BTEC Level 3 Award in Hospitality and the BTEC Technical Certificate in Patisserie

“I love the way this course has challenged me to become better. Not only in my cooking but in the way I choose more difficult and different recipes to make.”

Using a range of non-fiction texts and situations based around the world of work, you will learn how to respond using a variety of written formats such as reports, emails, letters and articles. Literacy skills will also be reinforced and taught in order to write accurately and to present yourself in a professional and legible manner. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

The course is divided into three examined parts. The first part tests your response to reading non-literary texts such as leaflets or articles. You will then have to respond to summarise ideas in the article or comment on what is written. The second examination is a writing test where you complete two written tasks. The final section is a speaking and listening test. You are graded either a Pass or Fail at Levels 1 and 2. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

Your English teacher will guide you as to whether this is the correct core option in English for you. What have other students said about the course? Some students prefer this course to IGCSE English language because it uses real life situations and factual texts rather than responding to fictional texts. 

What could this course lead to? 

The work you do in Functional Skills gives a firm foundation in communications for a wide range of employment opportunities.

This engaging course covers three relevant and exciting themes, building upon your previous geography study: ‘Population and Settlement’ including world population issues, migration and the impact of rapid urban growth; ‘The Natural Environment’ including earthquakes and volcanoes, managing coastal erosion, using weather and climate data and ecosystems; ‘Economic Development’ including globalisation, renewable energy and sustainable development. Your geographical skills are developed throughout the course. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

Paper 1: Geographical Themes (45%) written paper Paper 2: Geographical Skills (27.5%) written paper Coursework: Residential coastal investigation – Slapton Ley (27.5%) 

Will this course be suitable for me?

If you are enthusiastic, have an enquiring mind and an interest in the world around you, then yes! If you enjoy exploring new places and investigating important issues relevant to your daily life, then this is the course for you. Lessons are practical and draw upon multiple resources including video footage, news reports, photographs, data and recent case studies. 

What could this course lead to? 

This course prepares students for further study at A Level. It not only complements both humanities and science subjects, but it also provides students with practical skills needed in today’s workplace such as decision making and problem solving.

“The course was challenging but there was lots of help and support for me to succeed.”

You will cover a range of topics that develop your understanding of key periods of world history. Paper 1 Thematic study has two sections: Medicine in Britain 1250-present; The British sector of the Western Front, 1914-18: injuries, treatment and the trenches Paper 2 has two sections: Superpower Relations 1941-1991: Cold War; and Henry VIII and his ministers. Paper 3 Modern non-British depth study: Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

There are three externally examined units at the end of Year 11. In particular, the course tests your ability to recall and use historical data, your ability to communicate your interpretations of events and evaluate how time affects perspectives. Exams last for between 1 hour 20 mins and 1 hour 45 mins depending on the paper. The ability to write extended answers is an essential key to success at GCSE History. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

If you have a genuine interest in the past and a willingness to connect the dots then the study of History is for you. It will help develop your analytical skills, your communication skills and provide you with a framework to relate modern issues to their historical roots. 

What could this course lead to? 

An awareness and accumulation of skills provides an excellent foundation to study History at A-Level. It is recognised as one of the traditional subjects and is highly valued by both employers and universities.

“There is no such thing as a bad question… the teachers encourage you to have an opinion and express it openly – just remember to have the evidence to back it up.”

Introduction

This course is a broad study of the health and social care sector. This qualification is designed to support progression to higher education, not exclusively health and social care, when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.

The course is Equivalent in size to one A Level and consists of 4 units of which 3 are mandatory and 2 are external. Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (58%). The mandatory units are Human Lifespan Development which covers the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan. Working in Health and Social Care which explores working in health and social care and Meeting individual Needs which focuses on the principles and practicalities of meeting an individuals’ care and support needs.
Optional units are 1 of the following – Sociological perspectives Psychological perspectives, Supporting individuals with additional needs or Physiological disorders and their care.

This course is suitable for anyone who wishes to go to further education or directly into employment in the sector, e.g. childcare, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, healthcare assistants.

This course is designed to build on basic skills and knowledge acquired at KS3 in Years 7, 8 and 9. It allows you to develop a broad knowledge of cookery and a detailed understanding of the related nutrition. It will help you develop a wide range of practical cookery skills as well as improving skills such as planning, organisation and timekeeping. The course covers the science behind cookery, enabling you to be able to explain what happens to the ingredients in the preparation and cooking processes. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

The first year is all about learning and working with the various food commodities. Fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, rice and pasta products are all covered. Each week, you will cook a dish related to one of the food groups and at the end of each six-week block, you have the opportunity to showcase your own chosen recipe. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

This course will appeal to pupils who enjoy working in a practical situation and have a passion for food. This course is not a cooking course, even though it has a strong practical element. As with all Level 1 courses, there is an expectation that the learner is able to carry out in-depth research, writing and analysis about given food topics. Pupils will also need to be able to work independently and have a desire to continually improve. 

What could this course lead to? 

This course could potentially lead on to further study or an apprenticeship in the catering industry. Many who take this course move onto a Hospitality course in our Sixth Form for example, the BTEC Technical Certificate in Patisserie Level 2.

“I love the way this course has challenged me to become better. Not only in my cooking but in the way I choose more difficult and different recipes to make.”

This is a flexible and personalised course with a wide range of options, suited to the learner’s needs and interests. For example, you could choose: Threatened Ecosystems, Responding to a Major Tectonic Event, Climate Change and People and Protest.

How is the course structured and graded?

The course is an Entry Level course and is made up of separate units. One unit is studied each term over two years. Individual units can be entered at either Entry 2 or Entry 3 level, which is just below the range of GCSE grades. All units offered have either two, three or four credits attached to them. Award = 8-12 credits Certificate = 13-36 credits. This course is ideal for students who are also taking other Entry Level courses.

Will this course be suitable for me?

If you enjoy working as part of a group, discovering the world around you, and have an interest in current affairs, then this course can be tailored to suit your needs. It is best suited if GCSE Geography or GCSE History would be very challenging for you.

What could this course lead to?

Taking units on this course leads to a greater understanding of the world around you. This has a benefit in a globalised world, increasing your confidence and understanding, and will help in future interviews and work placements. It will also develop your social understanding and awareness.

Students will study a wide range of topics, including Number, Algebra, Statistics and Measures, Probability, Geometry and Shapes. The topics will be split into calculator based and non-calculator. You will work through these topics using a range of interesting activities, many of which involve solving mathematical problems and applying mathematical understanding. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

The course is offered at two tiers. We will select the most appropriate tier for each student, based on their progress. Higher tier allows the student to achieve up to a Grade 9, whilst the Foundation paper is capped at grade 5. Final exams are linear based and will take place at the end of the two-year course. Final assessment consists of three papers. Paper 1 is non-calculator, Paper 2 and 3 are both calculator based, all for one hour and 30 minutes. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

A minimum of grade 4 Maths is essential for many Sixth Form courses as it shows a general knowledge of Mathematics. All students must study Mathematics during Year 10 and 11; it is a compulsory subject for all pupils in the UK.

 What could this course lead to? 

A minimum grade 4 is needed for the next step in education. If you would like to go to university, a grade 4 is needed to access many courses. If you don’t achieve a grade 4 the first time around, you will automatically be entered to retake it in the Sixth Form.

“I’ve always enjoyed Maths and it makes such a difference having teachers who know their subject very well and are enthusiastic about it”

Students will study a wide range of topics, with the aim of further developing their basic maths skills. The course looks at the subject in a practical way, helping students to apply their maths to everyday life tasks, such as understanding percentages or making measurements. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

Assessment for entry level involves two short written exams and coursework at the end of the two-year course. The course will look at a range of mathematical areas, covering the key knowledge and skills necessary to achieve at Entry Level 1, 2 or 3. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

Some students find a GCSE Mathematics course too much at this stage. This course enables students to carry on studying and improving their basic maths skills at a more accessible level, without experiencing the frustration of studying a course that is too challenging. This course is ideal for students who are taking other Entry Level courses. 

What could this course lead to? 

After completing this course a student could consider studying GCSE Maths at Foundation Level in the Sixth Form.

A LAMDA exam is the speech and drama equivalent of a music grade, which begin at basic levels and culminates at Grade 8. The exams use performance to develop self confidence, physical presence and a strong speaking voice.

You will create a portfolio of coursework plus a final exam project. Students are required to study different photographers and artists and make cultural links, to experiment with different techniques and to produce a personal final outcome. The coursework will be a bespoke project, inspired by your own interests, while the set task is chosen from the exam paper. You will learn about both the technical and creative aspects of photography. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

You will create two projects. The coursework project is worth 60% of your final mark. The set task is worth 40%. You will have a controlled assessment at the end of your coursework project plus a 10-hour exam in the Spring term of Year 11 in which to complete one outcome for your set task project. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

To be successful on this course you will need to be enthusiastic and committed to the subject. You will be required to put in an extra three hours a week on top of your timetabled lessons. If you are a creative and motivated student this is a fantastic course for you. We will advise you whether this GCSE or the Level 1 option is the best route for you. 

What could this course lead to? 

Students who take this course can go on to study it at AS/A2 Level. This further opens up fantastic pathways to Art Foundation Courses and Degrees in the Arts.

Students study aspects of the beliefs and practices of two contrasting world faiths (Christianity and one other religion). You will also study contemporary ethical issues from both a religious and secular point of view. In doing so, you will consider religious and other attitudes towards abortion, euthanasia, relationships, human rights, and good and evil 

How is the course structured and graded? 

The course is assessed through examination only. There are three components: ‘Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World’ is assessed by a two-hour examination and is worth a total of 50% of the qualification; ‘The Study of Christianity’ has a one-hour examination and is worth 25% of the final qualification; ‘The Study of a World Faith’ is also examined by an exam of one hour and is worth 25% of the final qualification. The course is awarded with the 9-1 grading system. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

In order to do well in this subject, you must be interested in exploring the beliefs of others and be able to see things from different perspectives. You will need to have good written English as the exams are mostly essay based. 

What could this course lead to? 

Further study in Religious Studies in Sixth Form is possible. The key skills of analysis and structured argument are a good platform for study in other areas such as Law, Politics and History too.

“The GCSE is a great course. I really enjoyed looking at the different issues and learning about the different opinions out there. I especially liked ethics as it allowed me to express my views on some really great topics.”

This course covers the principles of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and topics covered include: Cell Level Systems: Organism Level Systems (Coordination, and Control & Maintaining Internal Environments); Ecosystems; Genes; Global Challenges; Particles; Elements; Compounds; Mixtures and Reactions; Matter; Forces; Waves; Electricity and Energy. Practical work is also heavily involved and enhances the theoretical ideas covered. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

Most students will start their GCSE course in Year 9. Content is split into 18 teaching topics with some practical skills topics that consists of a minimum of 18 practical activities. Students will sit six exams at the end of the three year course; each exam is 1 hour 10 minutes. The practical’s carried out during the course will account for 15% of the questions asked in the examinations. GCSE qualifications are now graded on the scale: 9–1, where 9 is the highest. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

If you are working at around Grade 3 or above in Year 9 this may be the course for you. All assessment is by means of exams which are taken at the end of the two-year course. Your teachers will recommend which Science course is suitable for you, taking into account your work in Year 9 and how likely you are to succeed on this course. 

What could this course lead to? 

Attaining a grade 5 or above will allow you to progress to further study at Sixth Form at Level 3 (BTEC Science). Attainment of a 5 at GCSE in Science is often a prerequisite for going to Sixth Form or college.

“There is a lot of practical work in this course. This is the course to do if you like Science and it will let me to do the courses I want to in Sixth Form.”

Students cover the basic ideas and principles of all three Sciences in this course. The emphasis is on applying the sciences in a useful way to everyday things. Much of the learning is practical based. 

How is the course structured and graded? 

The course consists of a number of small units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each unit has a short test and a ‘Can Do Task’. Assessment is by means of accumulating points from the short tests and tasks as well as a longer assessed practical. 

Will this course be suitable for me? 

If you are working at Grade 1+ this is the course for you. Your teacher will help advise you on what is the most suitable science course. 

What could this course lead to? 

By completing this course to a good standard you could then progress to studying GCSE Biology in the Sixth Form.

“I find that the short units and tests mean I can learn the material in a short time. I really like the practical work and tasks.” 

You will learn about many aspects of Sport Science, particularly thinking about how the body works to enable humans to participate in sport and creating training programmes to improve sport performance. Time will be spent discovering how to recognise injury, deal with recovery and explore psychological factors that impact performance. You will also develop practical skills in fitness testing and training techniques. 

How is the course structured and graded?

This qualification is available in a four-unit Certificate form (equivalent to a GCSE). Three of the units are coursework based and externally moderated. The other unit is an exam that assesses your knowledge of injuries, prevention of injury and health and safety in sport. The first unit studied is Applying Principles of Training, then we prepare for the exam which is taken at the end of Year 10. In Year 11 you will study the Body’s Response to Exercise and finally Sports Psychology.

Will this course be suitable for me?

To be successful on this course, you need to have an enthusiasm for sport, be it playing, watching or just wanting to learn more about your body. The course involves quite a bit of writing, with PowerPoint presentations and practical lessons. You will not be just playing sport but learning how to analyse and recognise good practice. This course will give you a well-rounded view on sport from biological views to practical issues.

What could this course lead to?

Pupils taking this course have gone on to study sports related courses at Level 3 in our Sixth Form. Others have moved onto apprenticeships in the sport industry or employment in personal training.

“I found that this course really helped to improve my understanding of how the body works and the effect that sport has on it. It gave me confidence to talk to others about my subject and my knowledge of how to look after myself increased. I now have a clear idea of what I want to do in the future, thanks to this course.”

NCFE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN UNIFORMED PROTECTIVE SERVICES

The purpose of this qualification is to provide an insight into the uniformed services as a potential area for employment. The key focus is to develop new technical skills for learners to attain a foundation of technical skills required in the uniformed protective services such as the Navy, Army, RAF, Police Service, Prison Service and the Fire and Rescue Service.

While completing this qualification, learners may develop the knowledge, understanding and essential skills employers look for in employees. These range from familiar ‘key skills’, such as team working, independent learning and problem solving, to more tricky-to-measure skills, such as:

• An appreciation for appropriate behaviour, dress and have personal manners and good deportment.
• Appropriate interpersonal skills.
• Communicating with professional colleagues/peers and/or hierarchical seniors.
• Supporting other aspiring employees.
• Personal manners and deportment.
• Understanding work practices and how different roles and departments function within an organisation.

The qualification will also:
• Offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge.
• Provide opportunities to acquire a number of practical and technical work-related skills.
• Allow the learners to progress to employment or further study and towards the entry qualifications and requirements of a specific uniformed service.
• Provide an understanding of work practices and how different roles and departments function within an organisation.

How is the course structured and graded?
To be awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services, learners are required to
successfully complete 2 graded mandatory units; Introduction to Uniformed Protective Services Skills and Physical Preparation for the Uniformed Protective Services.

Will this course be suitable for me?
To be successful on this course, you will need to be working at a level GCSE level 3/4. The course is designed to give an understanding of the uniformed sector and an opportunity to investigate career opportunities. There are no formal entry requirements, although we would expect pupils to be involved in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

What could this course lead to?
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to A Levels and further Level 2 and 3
qualifications, such as:
• NCFE Level 2 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services (601/2456/8).
• Other Level 2 or 3 Uniformed or Public Services qualifications.
• NCFE Level 3 Introductory Certificate (601/8790/6), Certificate (601/8791/8), Diploma ((540)
• 601/8792/X)/((720) 601/8793/1) and Extended Diploma (601/8794/3) for Entry to the Uniformed Services.
• Protective Services Apprenticeships such as policing, security, HM forces, fire service, paramedics.