Strength from Diversity

West Island School

A better school, a better world

Key Stage 4
Options 2008

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 WEST ISLAND SCHOOL
Key Stage Four (Years 10 and 11) - Options 2008

Dear parents and students,

This booklet is about education at West Island School during Key Stage 4 (KS4), which consists of
years 10 and 11. It gives some information about the courses we plan to run and the choices that
have to be made by students at this stage of their educational career.

West Island School Key Stage 4 Curriculum – An Overview

The curriculum offered by all schools of the English Schools Foundation, including West Island
School, is based broadly on the National Curriculum for England. The underlying principle of
this curriculum is that students are entitled to a curriculum that is broad and balanced. All students
will take subjects which provide coverage of the following areas of learning:

Expressive and Creative Scientific

Linguistic and Literary Human, Social and Environmental
Mathematical Religious, Spiritual and Moral
Physical and Recreational Technological

This range of experience is achieved by providing a core of compulsory subjects, a set of optional
subjects for students to choose from, and a set of guidelines for making these choices.

Many of the courses at KS4 are accredited through the UK General Certificate of Secondary
Education (GCSE) or its international equivalent (IGCSE). Typically, at the end of two years of
study, your child will be sitting GCSE and IGCSE examinations in the summer of 2010. The pass
grades for this qualification are A to G, with an A* for the most exceptional performances.

Over the next few weeks, students can get more information about the courses from their subject
teachers, and their form tutors will be helping them with the choice procedure. If you would like
more details about any aspect of the Key stage 4 curriculum for Year 10 and 11, please do not
hesitate to contact us. We look forward to discussing your child’s options at the Key Stage 4
Options Evening on Wednesday 14th November 2007.

Mrs. K. Isaac Ms. S. Lenson Mr. P. Tough

Mr. D. Kirby
Head of Lower School Head of Year 9 Vice Principal
Vice Principal

For further information:

www.nc.uk.net - for details of the National Curriculum for England.

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 Introduction for Students
The rest of this booklet is written for you, although we recommend that you read
it together with your parents.

In August 2008 you will move into year 10 and start a two-year programme of
study. This booklet tells you something about your courses over that two-year
period. It explains what GCSE is about and why you have a choice in some areas
and not in others.

Contents
1. The plan – an overview of years 10 and 11.

2. Achieving a Broad and Balanced Curriculum – keeping doors open

3. What to aim for – a word or two about GCSE.

4. Reasons why – explaining the plan.

5. What next? How you tell us your choices.

6. Courses – some information about each subject.

Before You Start

Remember that there is a limit to how much information and advice you can get
from a booklet like this. Talk with people; ask questions; listen to what they say.

• Talk to your parents – they know you best. They, and you, are invited to a Key Stage 4
curriculum meeting about options on 14th November 2007 at West Island School.

• Talk to your Tutor – your Tutor is probably the teacher who knows you best.

• Talk to your subject teachers to get further details about their courses.

• Talk to Mrs. Isaac (Head of Lower School), Ms. Lenson (Head of Year 9), Ms. Schofield
(teacher responsible for careers guidance) – in fact, anyone who you think might be able to
help you. It is better to spend the time now, rather than risk being unhappy next year.

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 1. The Plan
To get a picture of your typical school week for the next two years, it is best to think of two groups
of subjects. The first group – the core – contains certain subjects, which you all have to study.
Here is the list:
CORE
English Language and Literature
Mathematics
Science
Lifeskills
ICT
Physical Education
Supervised Self-Study

The second group of subjects – the options – is where you have some choice. You will be
carefully guided in that choice. These subjects, in alphabetical order, are as follows:

OPTIONS

Examined Subjects Faculty

Art and Design Creative Arts Faculty
Business Studies Business & Vocational Education Faculty
Chinese Modern Languages Faculty
Design & Technology (Food Technology) Technology Faculty
Design & Technology (Graphic Products) Technology Faculty
Design & Technology (Resistant Materials) Technology Faculty
Design & Technology (Textiles Technology) Technology Faculty
Drama Creative Arts Faculty
Economics Business & Vocational Education Faculty
ESL (English as a 2nd language) IGCSE EAL Department
French Modern Languages Faculty
Geography Humanities Faculty
History Humanities Faculty
Information and Communications Technology ICT Faculty
Media Studies Creative Arts Faculty
Music Creative Arts Faculty
Physical Education Physical Education & Sport Faculty
Religious Studies Humanities Faculty
Spanish Modern Languages Faculty

Non-Examined Subjects
EAL (English as an Additional Language) Support EAL Department
Learning Support Individual Needs Department

WISCAL (EAL) students must choose WISCAL (English literature) as one of their 4 options in
order to have the literature experience necessary for the IB Diploma. If you are a WISCAL student
you should seek advice from the EAL Faculty on this.

You must choose 4 of these courses to achieve a full timetable.

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 2. Achieving a Broad & Balanced Curriculum - Keeping Doors Open

In making your choices, you should try to ensure that you will experience all eight areas of
learning through your core and optional courses. The areas of learning are:

• Expressive and creative • Scientific

• Linguistic and literary • Human, social and environmental
• Mathematical • Religious, spiritual and moral
• Physical and recreational • Technological

Much of this is covered by the CORE subjects.

There are some special combinations and choices which need to be carefully considered. This
includes ESL, Learning Support and Design Technologies as follows.

Students who are advised to take IGCSE ESL will be counseled individually on the breadth and
balance of their choices. They will typically be required to ensure that the three areas above are
covered.

The Learning Support course is typically open to students who are advised by the Individual
Needs team to take it. Other students who think that they may not be able to cope with 4 examined
options should talk to their tutor about this.

Special note on Technologies

There is a considerable overlap between the four Design Technologies on offer and students are not
permitted to take more than one of these. However, any one of the Design Technologies together
with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an acceptable combination.

Looking ahead – Year 12

In year 12, most of you will stay at West Island and enroll on one of the ESF
Diploma courses that will be on offer:

• IB Diploma
• Advanced Diploma / IB Careers Related Diploma
• Intermediate Diploma

It is anticipated that you will want to keep your year 12 Diploma choices
open at this stage. Any combination of GCSE options will leave your choices
open for the Advanced and Intermediate diplomas. However, this is not
necessarily the case for the IB Diploma and a bit of knowledge about the IB
Diploma is useful. The IB Diploma involves six courses, three at standard
level and three at higher level. Your form tutor will be able to guide you and
the options form you have to fill in with your choices for years 10 and 11 has a section which asks
you to look ahead to possible future courses. You need to use this section to let us know what your
plans are. This information will help us to guide you in your year 10 choices and make sure that

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you keep your options for year 12 open. The table on the next page offers some advice on taking an
IB subject in Year 12 if you don’t take it for GCSE.

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 IB Subject Must you take this Advice if you are wishing to take this subject for IB but didn’t study it
subject at Key for GCSE
Stage 4 to study it
for IB?
Geography No It is useful to have taken the IGCSE course as it provides an excellent
foundation for the knowledge and understanding that is required for IB
Geography. Students who have an interest in global issues and the impact of
the environment will enjoy this subject.
History No The History course will involve using a range of different sources. You
should enjoy reading widely around the subject; enjoy debate and
discussion and have an interest in current affairs and world politics
Philosophy No (not offered at An interest in philosophy is essential. You should enjoy debate and thinking
GCSE) critically about philosophical arguments.
Psychology No (not offered at Students should have an interest in scientific issues. Psychology looks at
GCSE) behavior and the development of the mind. Students should enjoy
discussion and reading widely around the subject.
Business Studies No It is useful to have taken the GCSE course as it provides an excellent
foundation for IB level Business & Management.
Economics No It is useful to have taken the GCSE course as it provides an excellent
foundation for IB level Economics.
Environmental No (not offered at Students should have an interest in environmental issues. A basic
Systems GCSE) background in biology would be useful.

Technology No It is useful to have taken the GCSE Resistant Materials course as it provides
an excellent foundation for the knowledge and understanding that is
required for IB.
If you are choosing Textiles, again, any GCSE experience would be
beneficial as you also need to do RM in the core element.
Computer Science No To be successful in this subject you should have strong mathematical skills
and logical thought processes and enjoy problem solving. An interest or
prior experience of computer programming is advisable.
Music No It is necessary for you to be able to play a musical instrument and/or sing.
You should be able to read music fluently as well.
Film Studies No Students don't need to have studied GCSE Media, although it would be an
advantage. You should be very interested in both the process of making and
editing films and analysing films from a range of genres and through
history. This is a specific and technical film course only.
Visual Arts No Prior study at GCSE level is desirable for the IB Visual Arts course but not
essential. It is however important to have an interest in the visual recording
of ideas and images, a desire to develop your creative potential and the
tenacity to work to deadlines as you produce a series of artistic outcomes
Theatre Arts No Previous drama experience is advisable, either through GCSE Drama or
work outside of school. The course requires strong English Language skills.
Language B - Higher Yes This is for the foreign language learner who has 2 to 5 years experience of
Level (French, the language. This course is at a high level which can enable the student to
Spanish, Chinese) study the language further at degree level if they wish. A GCSE grade A*-C
is advisable.
Language B - Yes This is for the foreign language learner who has 2 to 5 years experience of
Standard Level the language. It is a course which aims to enable the student to attain a high
(French, Spanish, level of language competence. A GCSE grade A*-C is advisable.
Chinese)
Language ab initio - No Ab initio means from the beginning. This course is for the beginner, no
Standard Level previous experience of the language is necessary. It is the most challenging
(French, Spanish, of the IB language courses and aims to enable the student to attain a level
Chinese) beyond GCSE. It is advisable to visit the target language country and learn
as much as you can about the language and culture before the course starts.

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 3. What to aim for – a word about GCSEs
English, Mathematics, Science and the optional subjects (except for EAL and Learning
Support) lead to a qualification called the General Certificate of Secondary Education
(GCSE), or its international equivalent, the IGCSE. GCSE/IGCSE pass grades go from G
up to A*.

Although most GCSE/IGCSE courses lead to written examinations at the end of the two years, in
nearly all subjects some of the work you do during the course also counts towards your final grade.
This is what is meant by “coursework” in the subject details. Your subject teachers can tell you
more about the type of coursework that you will have to do.

In some subjects, there are different levels of examination. If you are good at the subject, you can
show your full abilities on the hardest paper. If you find the subject difficult, you can still show that
you know the basics by doing well on an easier paper. We do not need to decide on your level of
entry until much nearer the time – entry deadlines will be about two years after the time you first
read this booklet. All the grades of GCSE/IGCSE results represent worthwhile achievement.

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 4. Reasons why
Why do you have to do all of the Core Subjects?

No secondary school student’s curriculum could possibly be complete without

Mathematics, Science and (in an English language school) English. These
are the first three subjects on the list. Virtually all higher education institutions
worldwide expect you to have a qualification in English and mathematics and
in a world increasingly affected by science, a good grounding in scientific
thinking is essential.

Education is not just about passing examinations, important though they are. It is also about
learning to be a healthy, active and useful member of society, with the right balance of self-interest
and concern for others.

The Physical Education course will ensure that you all have regular activity under
expert guidance.

The Lifeskills course prepares you for the opportunities, responsibilities and
experiences of the adult world – a world you are rapidly approaching. To live and
work effectively in an increasingly complex and changing world, you need to develop
a broad range of knowledge, understandings and skills, particularly the aptitude to be
a flexible, lifelong learner. Furthermore you need to work out your own views and
values, as well as appreciate and respect other people who hold views and values
different to your own.

The ICT and Supervised Self-study lessons are aimed at equipping you with skills
that you can apply across the curriculum. All of this will make you better at what
you do now as well as prepare you well for future study, whatever course your school
career takes.

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Why do you have to choose Optional Subjects?

The main reason you cannot take all subjects and have to choose four is time.
Add up the total number of subjects mentioned in the core and options
together. In a week, how many periods, on average, would each subject get?
This would be nothing like enough to get you anywhere near GCSE standard.
To study all the subjects in the sort of depth appropriate to your age would
require a school day about twice as long as ours, and think of the homework!

So why can’t you just choose your four favourite subjects? There are two reasons. The first is a
kind of theoretical reason – we think it is important for your development as an educated person that
you study a broad range of subjects. The Core and Optional courses in combination should be broad
enough to offer you experience in the 8 areas of learning.

The second reason is more practical. You may have an idea about what you are going to do for
your career, but you are probably not certain yet. It is most important that you do not close any
career doors – in other words, that you do not leave out subjects, or types of study, that you may
need later. (This is another reason why we insist that you all do English, Mathematics, and Science
in the core).

Reasons for choosing

Does it really make any difference which courses you choose? Let us look at some of the reasons
for choosing some subjects and not choosing others. Some of the reasons are good, some not so
good.

You may think that a particular subject will be useful for the future course or career you have in
mind. That is a good reason. For instance, if you want to go into catering in a serious way, Design
and Technology (Food) might be a good choice; if urban planning appeals to you, Geography would
provide some useful background; and if you feel your future lies in China, then perhaps you should
study Chinese.

However, there are very few courses and careers that require particular GCSE subjects, with the
exception of English, Mathematics and Science. If you have a particular career in mind, you should
check with Ms. Schofield. Your tutor will be able to help you with this.

Here are two more good reasons for choosing a subject:

1. because you enjoy it, or
2. because you are good at it.
Often the two go together. Be careful, though. Make sure that it is the subject you like and not just
the particular teacher you have this year. You may well have a different teacher next year.

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 Now for some wrong reasons for choosing a subject. Do not be tempted to choose
a subject you really do not like, just because your friends have chosen it. It might
be the right subject for them but not for you and you could let yourself in for an
unhappy two years and a poor result at the end of it. Also, you should not choose
or reject subjects because you think they are “girls’ subjects” or “boys’ subjects”.
This sort of thinking is really out of date.

For some students it may be better for them to take two courses from one faculty. This means they
will concentrate more on an area they are really interested in but lessen the breadth of their
curriculum. In doing this, they need to be aware of the implications for further education.

Some students may prefer or be advised by the school to take a course to further enhance their skill
and understanding. This could be EAL or Learning Support.

To sum up, the school has a clear expectation that students need to follow a broad and balanced
range of courses to ensure that their future education and career options are safeguarded. We will
advise and guide you and your parents in making your decisions so that they are consistent with the
curriculum principles explained in this booklet.

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 5. What next?

In the week of the Key Stage 4 Options Evening you will be given two blank copies of the choice
form. After reading this booklet carefully and discussing your thoughts with your parents, teachers
and friends, complete both copies and keep one for your reference.

Finally, make sure your name and signature are on the form and the signature of a parent or
guardian is at the bottom, and hand it in to your Form tutor by 17th December 2007. Forms that are
in earlier will not get any special treatment, but if your form is late you may not have such a good
chance of getting all of your first subject choices.

After that, we will do our best through timetabling to meet everyone’s wishes. A copy of the form
appears on the next page.

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West Island School Key Stage 4 Options Form 2008

Dear Year 9 students

By now you will have read the Options Booklet for year 10 subjects and discussed this with your
tutors and your parents. On 14th November, you had a chance to talk to teachers about the subjects
on offer at the KS4 Options Evening. You should now have a good idea of which subjects you will
be choosing. This is now your final choice form which needs to be completed and returned to your
Form Tutor by 17th December.

It is important to get this form returned on time. There will be no special treatment for students
who return their form early but if you return it late, we may not be able to give you your first
choices. It is also important to make sure that these are the subjects you wish to do. If you change
your mind later, we may not be able to change your courses

Write down, in order of preference, the four optional subjects you would like to do. Then put
down a fifth and sixth choice in case we cannot provide one of your first four or in case we find that
your first four don’t suit your future plans.

If you are currently in an Individual Needs, EAL or WISCAL class then ensure you discuss your
options with your teacher before submitting this form.

Next, try to think ahead two years to what you might want to do in Year 12. We do not want you to
close down any options for the future. If you think you might want to take the ESF Intermediate or
Advanced Diploma, you can do this with any combination of GCSEs. If you think you might want
to take the IB Diploma, you need to be more careful. In this case, think ahead and fill in six
choices, three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL), and show which are SL and which
are HL. This is not a commitment. We ask you to do this so that we can help to guide your choices
for Year 10.

Sign the form, ask one of your parents/guardians to sign it, and then return the form to your tutor by
17th December. He/she will then pass it on to the school timetabling team.

Your choices for Years 10 and 11

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st RESERVE 2nd RESERVE

KS4
Y10/11

Note: you can only select one D&T subject.

Student’s Name (IN CAPITALS): _______________________

Tutor Group:________
Signed:______________________(student) _______________________(Parent)

Date:________________
Now turn over and give us some information about your plans for the future.
 A message from the EAL and Individual Needs Departments

Nervous about going into year 10?

Anxious about how hard the lessons might be?

Worried about the coursework you will have to do?

All the staff in the school are dedicated to making sure that you do your best over the next two
years … so do not worry. Always ask. Do not assume that you are the only one who does not
understand things!

EAL and Individual Needs teachers will be available to you if you feel that you may need extra
help with your GCSE courses. We offer Learning Support and EAL. These options provide the
extra support you need to improve your performance in the GCSE curriculum. During this time
you will be following a set schedule for learning. This may involve:
 revising important ideas, facts or language used in your GCSE course;
 spending extra time to complete coursework to a higher standard;
 doing a specific course to improve your skills in language, studying and revising;
 working on tasks which address your specific learning needs.

You will probably be familiar with the way we work; we support students during lessons, run
activities at lunchtimes and help individuals outside of lessons. If you have received our help in
the past, you may be advised to take the EAL or the Learning Support options. EAL is for those
students who would like some help with GCSEs simply because English is not their first
language and academic language for examinations and coursework may be a little difficult for
them. SEN students may have wider learning needs. Read the sections dedicated to them in the
booklet.

You may not have needed help before, but may now feel that you are more comfortable with
taking 7 or 8 instead of 9 GCSE subject courses. You might want to improve your research and
study skills or spend more time on certain subjects. Talk to your tutor about this in the first
instance and get some advice on what you might be able to do.
CORE GCSE SUBJECTS
Remember, these are the subjects that you all have to study for GCSE

ENGLISH MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

 English Faculty

English and English Literature

IGCSE – English Language – (OCR 0500)
IGCSE – English Literature – (Edexcel 4360)

During the two year course, all of you will study for two IGCSE qualifications- English and
English Literature. Although examined separately, these will be taught as one course during
your weekly lessons of English.

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. As an

international school, with many different cultures and beliefs, we feel that this course offers a
greater range of opportunities and challenges that relate well to our students. The IGCSE
qualifications are run by Edexcel International and Cambridge University in England and are
fully recognised by universities and centres of higher education worldwide.

In the English Language component you will study a wide range of fiction and non-fiction,
examining how writers construct texts, as well as extracting information for your own writing
tasks. Imaginative, personal and creative writing will also be important elements of the course.
You will be asked to write in a variety of ways and for different purposes, ranging from
descriptive to informative and argumentative writing. Every piece of work that you complete in
English could count as coursework, which makes up 50% of your final mark.

Another area of English Language that you will study is Speaking and Listening. You will be
asked to use appropriate language in a variety of situations, including personal anecdotes,
speechmaking and debating. You will develop an awareness of how language changes
depending on situation in both speech and writing.

In the English Literature component you will read a novel, a play and a selection of poems. You
will be asked questions on two of these texts in your final examination, which makes up 70% of
your final mark and to write an analysis of poetry for your coursework, which makes up the
remaining 30% of your final mark. There will be an emphasis on learning about the literary
techniques and language used by authors as well as looking at themes and ideas in a variety of
texts. You will be asked to make comparisons between texts and to relate the ideas and issues
that are raised to one another.

When you receive your examination marks at the end of Year Eleven you will be awarded three
final grades and three qualifications as a result of this. One grade will be for English Language
and with this will be a separated Speaking and Listening grade; the third grade will be for
English Literature. It is possible to be awarded different grades in all three areas.

English Language and Literature are subjects that both allow a great deal of creativity,
imagination and personal writing. However, they also both require hard work and
determination. With these pre-requisites we believe you have every chance for success.

For Further Information :

Please see Mr Burnett
 Mathematics Faculty

Mathematics – IGCSE
Your mathematics course in Years 10 & 11 will be a continuation of your Year 9 course. You
will follow the EdExcel International London Examinations IGCSE Specification at one of two
tiers: Higher or Foundation. Please see the website link at the bottom of the page to find full
details of these specifications as well as Examiners Reports, examples of Past Papers and
relevant mark schemes.

Assessment for both tiers consists of two exam papers worth 50% each. The papers will cover
three Assessment Objectives (AO) with unequal weighting as follows:

AO1 Number & Algebra 55%

AO2 Shape, Space & Measures 25%
AO3 Handling Data 20%

Higher Tier IGCSE includes grades A*to D, Foundation Level grades C to G. There is 40%
common content in these two tiers of examination to aid standardisation and comparability of
award given.

In addition, the Mathematics Faculty includes an Assessment Objective from the domestic
GCSE of England & Wales: Using & Applying Mathematics. This Assessment Objective is seen
as essential to you successfully completing IB Diploma or BTEC National Diploma courses.
The investigation and modeling tasks used through Years 10 & 11 will stand you in good stead
for a life surrounded by numbers, data and patterns.

Your teaching and learning experience in mathematics will consist of a variety of approaches
and techniques. Group work, ICT based learning, research tasks and whole class teaching
supported by dedicated textbooks, and extension materials where appropriate, will support you
in fulfilling your potential.

You will be placed in one of eight groups depending on your tier of IGCSE entry and the timing
of your examination:

Accelerated One IGCSE Higher June Year 10

Accelerated Two IGCSE Higher November Year 11
Higher (Four Groups) IGCSE Higher June Year 11
Foundation/Higher IGCSE Higher/ Foundation June Year 11
Foundation IGCSE Foundation June Year 11

A Texas Instrument TI 84 Plus calculator is compulsory for all students studying IGCSE
mathematics. This same model will be used for all IB Diploma courses. Calculators will be
available through the school.

For Further Information: http://www.edexcel-international.org/quals/igcse/4400/

For Further Information

Please see either Mr. Bengey or Ms. Lee
 Science Faculty

Science – IGCSE Co-ordinated Science (0654)

Cambridge International Examinations

In your first three years at West Island School, you have studied a subject called “Science”, and
this will continue into your IGCSE course. However, unlike your Key Stage 3 science course,
IGCSE Co-ordinated Science is divided into Biology, Chemistry and Physics sections. You will
still cover the whole range of science – life and living processes, the behaviour of matter and
materials, physical phenomena such as waves and electricity – but you will now start to
appreciate the traditional divisions of science.

This course will therefore provide a strong foundation for future science courses at GCE AS and
A level and beyond and helps to provide those who will not be continuing with science after
GCSE with a firm idea of the nature of scientific ideas and principles.

This is such a vast subject that you will spend more time on science than any other single
subject, and after two years you will have the opportunity to gain a double GCSE in Science.
20% of your GCSE assessment in science will be based on coursework. This will test similar
skills to those assessed at Key Stage 3 but you will not have to do entire investigations.

As in earlier years, the course will be firmly based on experimental work and on the
development of your scientific skills and understanding. As you get deeper into the subject,
however, you will probably find that it seems more theoretical. This is because you cannot
exercise scientific skills without a firm base of scientific knowledge and concepts. You will be
taught by more than one science teacher, so that we can make the best use of their specialist
knowledge.

Your final grade for the whole subject will be a double one: for example, A*A*, BB or DD, but
not mixtures like AB or DE. This is different from the grading in English and English Literature.

For Further Information :

Please see Mr. Martin
OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
Your choice
 Creative Arts Faculty

Art and Design – GCSE – EDEXCEL (1000)

What will the course be like ?

This is a practical course, and most of the lessons will be concerned with the production of your
own art work. The year 10 programme begins with a review of techniques and approaches
taught during years 7, 8 and 9. What follows is a series of projects, each involving your
individual artistic responses to a stimulus. Incorporated into the course are the introduction of
new techniques and skills, a programme of critical and historical studies and visits to galleries.

In each project your responses will normally progress through the following stages:

• Recording observations, experiences and ideas by drawing, photographing and collecting.

• Analysing and evaluating images, artefacts and objects.
• Developing and exploring ideas using media, processes and resources.
• Presenting personal responses to realize intentions and produce finished pieces of work.

You may choose to work in one or more of the following areas :

 Drawing – recording, analysing, communicating, expressing and recognising through the

use of line, tone, texture and colour.
 Painting – exploration of media, colour, composition and stylistic qualities.
 Printmaking – using blocks, plates and stencils.
 Graphic Design – advertising, illustration, lettering and packaging.
 Textile Design – structured textiles, dyeing, printing, and embroidery.
 Three Dimensional Studies – modeling, carving and construction, ceramics.
 Photography – processing, developing, and printing of black and white images.

What will I be assessed on ?

There is no written examination for GCSE Art and Design. Your final GCSE grade will be
based on 60% coursework and 40% on a controlled test – a sort of examination.

For a general (“unendorsed”) GCSE you will have to show competence in at least three of these
areas. It may be possible later in the course to specialise in just one, e.g. Textiles Design, for an
“endorsed” GCSE assessment.

Is this the right course for me ?

To do this course, you must be able to work hard; work co-operatively with other students in
your group; and work imaginatively and creatively; give and receive helpful criticism.

Above all, you must be someone who has an interest in and enjoys Art.

For Further Information :

Please see Mr. Stanley
 Drama – GCSE – (EDEXCEL 1699)

What will the course be like ?

This is a mainly practical course, and most of the lessons will be concerned with preparing for
performance or with improvisation. You will be expected to write about your work, though,
both in class and for homework. Homework may be written or practical. You will also take part
in a number of visits to the theatre.

What will I be marked on ?

There is no written examination for GCSE Drama. You will instead be graded on three separate
sections of the course. These three sections are:

EXPLORATION I – exploring characters and situations using drama techniques. The work for
this section of the course will be similar to the type of Drama work you have done in years 8 and
9. You get 30% of your final mark for this section.

EXPLORATION II – Study of a play. You will be assessed on your practical work as well as
creating a portfolio of coursework evidence. You get 30% of your final mark for this.

PERFORMANCE – contributing to a major performance. This may be a piece of original

work created by students, or a scripted play. You will work on three performances during the
course. You get 40% of your final mark for this section.

Is this the right course for me ?

To succeed in this course, you must be able to:
 work hard;
 work cooperatively with every other student in your group;
 be a reliable and responsible group member;
 work imaginatively and creatively;
 give and receive helpful criticism;
 work on practical projects in your own time, including after school and weekends;
 attend theatre visits in your own time and at your own expense.

Above all, you must be someone who enjoys drama !

For Further Information :

Please see Mr. Kallagher
 Media Studies - GCSE
Welsh Joint Education Committee 186
There is a powerful force sending its messages to virtually everyone on the planet. It is using
every form of communication tool available. It is in your sitting room, your bedroom, maybe
even your bathroom. It is in shops, cinemas, libraries and churches. It travels in cars, on buses,
trains, planes and ships. No matter how hard you try, you cannot escape it.

The name of this force is ‘the media’ and, whether you like it or not, to a large extent it defines
your life and the way you think. ‘The media’ is the name given to channels of communication a
society uses to speak to itself. It includes television, cinema, video/dvd, radio, newspapers,
magazines, mobile phones, advertising and computer-internet communication.

How influential is the media? Is it a good or a bad force? Does advertising dominate our lives?
Do films encourage violence? How are teenagers represented in magazines? Do pop videos
influence which CDs we buy? Has the internet really changed our lives?

If you are interested in these questions, or any others related to the media, then this subject
might be for you.

What do we study in Media Studies and what skills will you acquire?

50% of the course is evaluated in a final examination where students are expected to critically
dissect at least two different forms of media. The first section requires analysis of audio-visual
media which may include watching and evaluating television advertisements, broadcast news,
film trailers, music videos or as was the case in 2008, animation. The second section requires
students to analyse print based media such as newspapers, magazines, film posters or
storyboards. Students will acquire a range of skills to critically appraise most aspects of the
media.

50% of the course demands three pieces of practical coursework. Previous GCSE students
have designed and produced web pages promoting a new animated version of Harry Potter, a
front cover and contents page for a new sports magazine, a short extract for a television
documentary about terrorism, an advertising campaign for a new clothes item and the opening
five minutes of a new radio soap opera. Your options are only limited by your creativity.

Is the course for me?

If you intend to take GCSE Media Studies you must be interested in all aspects of the media. It
is not an easy course and requires hard work and commitment. You also need a good standard of
written English because the examination requires timed essay writing skills and all pieces of
coursework have to be accompanied by substantial written evaluations. If you are prepared to
work hard and have an interest in the media, or even a future career in fields such as journalism,
marketing, advertising, TV/Film broadcasting, then you will thoroughly enjoy this course.

For further Information :

Please see Mr. Tranent
 Music – GCSE – Edexcel
What will the course be like?
GCSE Music is about making and listening to music. It covers performing, composing and listening in a
wide variety of musical styles – popular music, world music, and classical music. There are opportunities
to use music technology such as sequencing and recording.

Will I enjoy this course ?

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that
 involves performing
 involves listening to all kinds of music
 involves composing or arranging music
 gives you the opportunity to play music with others in e.g., rock bands, small ensembles,
orchestras or choirs
 gives you the opportunity to learn more about and use music technology

How does it follow on from what I have learned before ?

You will improve your skills in performing and composing different types of music. You will listen to a
wide variety of music and learn more about how and why it was written and/or performed.

What about exams ?

There is one exam in the summer worth 40%. You will listen to a CD and answer questions on the four
Areas of Study which cover popular music, classical music and music from around the world.

Is there any coursework ?

Yes. You will perform (play, sing or sequence) two pieces altogether. One of the pieces will be a solo in
any style and on any instrument you choose. The other performance will be with other players in an
ensemble. These performances may take place in the classroom, in school music groups or outside
school. They will be recorded and marked by your teacher. This dimension of the course is worth 30% of
your total mark.

You will also compose two pieces according to a brief written by the teacher or yourself. These
compositions must be recorded. They can be in any form or style that you have chosen from a list which
includes popular songs, African music, ternary and rondo forms, experimental or electronic music and
dance music. If you like, you could write a song for a musical. Composing music contributes to 30% of
your total mark.

If you are interested in technology, you may use computers and special music software to compose your
own music.

What other skills might I develop ?

As well as covering Music at GCSE level, the course will enable you to develop skills in communication
and ICT which could be useful to you in whatever you do afterwards. In particular, GCSE Music offers
opportunities to develop your ability to work with others (e.g. taking part in rehearsals, performing).

What could I do next with GCSE Music ?

GCSE Music is good preparation for further musical. You may wish to take a GCSE in Music for its own
sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest. Alternatively, you may wish to go into a job where it
is useful to have had experience of music or where you will need to use some of the skills developed
during this course. These might include careers in the music industry, publishing, media entertainment
and teaching or any job which involves communication and expressive skills.

For Further Information :

Please see Ms. Dalgarno
 Physical Education & Sport Faculty
Physical Education – GCSE – (EDEXCEL 1825)

What will the course be like ?

This is a part theory, part practical course. Over two years you will cover a range of sports in
depth looking at areas such as planning and tactics, individual skills and teamwork. On the
theory side you will study a variety of topics including anatomy, physiology, sports injuries, diet
and health and reasons for participating in sport and activity. Practically, the emphasis will be
on enhancing performance through skill and fitness development.

How will I be assessed ?

The assessment is split into three sections:

 40% of the final grade is based on an examination taken at the end of year 11. This consists
of multiple choice and short answer questions on all the theory.
 50% of the final grade is taken from practical assessments in four selected sports over the
two years. You will be marked on each sport as you go through the course and then you will
get a mark in a final practical examination held at the end of year 11. If you have special
talents in other activities not covered during the course which you pursue in your own time,
you may also be assessed in these areas.
 10% of the overall mark is based on your ability to analyse your own and others’ practical
performance in any given sport/activity.

Is this the right course for me ?

To do this course you must be able to:

Work hard on developing fitness;
Be flexible;
Enjoy challenge and sport;
Work co-operatively with others;
Give and receive helpful criticism.

Above all, you must be someone who enjoys sport !

For Further Information :

Please see Mr. Lant
 Business and Vocational Education Faculty

Business Studies – GCSE – EDEXCEL 1503

What will the course be like ?

GCSE Business Studies helps you develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets
they serve and the process of adding value. This will involve consideration of the internal
workings and management of organisations and, in particular the process of decision-making in
a dynamic world.

We will study business behaviour from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders including
customers, managers, creditors, shareholders and employees. We raise our awareness of the
economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues
associated with business activity. Business Studies draws on a variety of disciplines which are
interrelated.

Some of the topic areas you will cover include: internal structure of businesses, business
ownership, human resource management, marketing, production, accounts, and economic
concepts. This will be achieved through a variety of teaching methods such as business
simulation, case studies and use of Internet integrated with the traditional approach to classroom
teaching.

How will I be assessed ?

One piece of coursework (25%) and one final examination (75%)

Is this course right for me ?

• You must have strong Mathematical and English skills. You will be drawing break-even
charts and dealing with accounts!
• You must be able to contribute to class discussion and offer opinions.
• You must be interested in the world of work.
• You will need to be able to solve problems and make business decisions.
• You must enjoy a challenge!

For Further Information :

Please see Mrs. Cooper
 Business and Vocational Education Faculty

Economics – GCSE

What is the course about?

Economics is the study of how humans deal with the universal problem of scarcity and how
society attempts to solve it through making choices. It is a modern and dynamic subject which
looks at modern economic issues.

Economics has theory but also deals with how economics is put into practice and therefore looks
at policies and current economic problems in the UK and elsewhere. Economics is a constantly
changing subject so an interest in current affairs is very important. While Economics does not
examine specific businesses, it does look at the markets in which business operates and what the
role of business is in producing goods and services to solve the economic problem.

Is this the course for me?

• You must be interested in current events

• You must be prepared to think independently and consider alternatives.
• You must be prepared to offer your opinion and to back it up
• You need to have good basic mathematics skills.

For Further Information :

Please see Mrs. Cooper
 ICT Faculty

Information and Communications Technology – IGCSE with EDEXCEL

What will the course be like ?
This is an exciting course – it combines the elements of using different application software
(programmes) with information about the technology that lies behind how we use ICT every
day. We investigate current issues in ICT, as well as looking at the new inventions and how
these can be put to use in our lives.

Students will learn how to use applications currently in use in the business world. These include
image manipulation, web-site design, desktop publishing and word-processing, spreadsheets and
databases. Students will have practical lessons in learning the capabilities of these programmes
and will then need to use their skills to solve a realistic problem. This problem-solving using
ICT is central to the philosophy of the course – we believe that students need to know how to
use the right ICT products to solve a problem.

ICT isn’t about programming at KS4 – that is covered in the IB Courses that will be available to
you in Years 12 & 13. ICT is about becoming skilled in and knowledgeable about a wide range
of ICT topics. To aid your learning you will be encouraged to read widely – this includes
magazines, books and of course the Internet. Don’t worry - your teacher will give advice about
this in class and show you the resources that we already have.

How will I be assessed ?

Like most GCSE courses the ICT course has both examination and coursework components.
Your final assessment is based on an examination (70%) and two pieces of coursework. Each
coursework task is worth 15% - there is a set task from the board that is completed in class, and
an individual project where the student solves a problem that they have investigated (allowing
students to pick the software programme that they are most familiar with).

Is this the right course for me ?

To be successful in this course you need the following attributes:
 be able to work hard
 be able to practice using new software outside of class (the computer rooms are open for
students to do this)
 be able to think logically about a problem and break it into smaller parts.

You don’t need:

 to be artistically gifted
 to be able to program
 to already be ‘good’ at computers – we can teach you that!

This is also a good course to pair with Business Studies or one of the Design and Technology
subjects. The skills you learn in ICT will help with these subjects and the knowledge you gain
from the other subjects will assist with your learning in ICT.

What could I do next with IGCSE ICT?

This course is good preparation for both the Computing Science and Information Technology in
a Global Society (ITGS) courses on offer at IB. It will give you the necessary practical skills and
understanding of issues to have a successful start in these courses. Above all, ICT IGCSE will
equip you with the tools to function effectively and efficiently in the future.

For further information: Please see Mr. Lewis

 EAL Learning Support Option

Students who have English as their second or additional language are advised to take the EAL
Learning Support Option instead of an 8th or 9th GCSE subject.

These small group lessons take place twice a week and are taught by a Language specialist.
Students are given an intensive academic language skills programme which includes grammar
and vocabulary as well as advice on efficient study habits in the context of their GCSE work in
other subjects. They also get language tips and advice on drafting, editing and improving
coursework pieces from across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to bring challenging
homework and class work tasks to these lessons for consultation, review and clarification.

EAL specialist teachers maintain close links with staff teaching other GCSE subjects to ensure
the relevance and transferability of the work done in these lessons. Wherever necessary, work
from other GCSE subjects is pre-taught, revised or followed up during this time.

What does the EAL Learning Support Option offer you ?

 A SMALL GROUP environment with supportive teachers to help you.

 TIME to revise what you have learnt in other subjects.

 HELP and ADVICE with drafting and editing coursework assignments, projects and
homework.

 CLARIFICATION of the language and vocabulary used in subjects.

 STUDY SKILLS to make revision for tests and exams easier.

 LEARNING STRATEGIES like mind-mapping, concept mapping and brainstorming to

improve your knowledge and understanding of subject work.

 ACADEMIC LANGUAGE SKILLS to make you more confident in every subject.

 ACCESS to INTERACTIVE language activities online.

For Further Information :

Please see Ms. Koshy
 IGCSE English as a Second Language
This course is designed for students who have English as their second or additional language. It
is a full IGCSE course that is accepted at A-Level and Universities around the world as a valid
English Language qualification.

The IGCSE ESL is a skills based course that aims to enable students to do the following:

♦ To develop the ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication
in a variety of situations.
♦ To form a sound base for the skills required for further study and employment using English
as the medium.
♦ To develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning skills along with
skills of a more general application, (e.g. writing for specific purposes, analysing and
synthesizing material).

Students are examined on Reading and Writing for 2 hours and on Listening Skills for 40
minutes. There is also a 15-minute oral examination.
All students are currently required to take the English Language (First Language) exam – which
takes place in May at the end of Year 11. The IGCSE ESL exam is therefore taken in November,
soon after students enter Year 11 and offers students an additional English language
qualification.

What are the advantages of taking IGCSE ESL ?

 No long coursework assignments – improve your speaking confidence with the 15-minute
oral assessment.
 Better English Language reading and writing skills that are useful in all subjects.
 Improved general knowledge and vocabulary from exposure to newspapers and magazines.
 Exposure to radio and television excerpts to enhance listening skills.
 Developing Oral confidence and speaking skills through short group discussions,
presentations and speeches.
 Summarizing, skimming, scanning and note-taking skills.
 Writing in different registers, both formal and informal. Writing for specific purposes -
reports, business letters, letters of complaint, persuasion, transactions, arguments etc.
 Less examination pressure in May, because you take this one in November. Lots more time
after November in Year 11 to work on improving subject coursework in other subjects and
developing revision and study skills.
 Two useful English Language GCSE grades – IGCSE ESL and the English as a First
Language.

For Further Information :

Please see Ms. Koshy
 THE LEARNING SUPPORT OPTION

The Learning Support Option exists as a choice for students where, instead of 1 or 2 GCSE
courses, they can receive direct support for their learning needs and assistance with the
coursework and homework they get in their chosen GCSE subjects.

Places are reserved for students that the Learning Support Team has worked with during their
lower school years or those who exhibit substantial need for support. Such students need to be
invited by the Learning Support Team.

WHAT DOES THE LEARNING SUPPORT OPTION HAVE TO OFFER STUDENTS ?

Small Class Size……. Dedicated Resources…….

Time for Study……. Time for Study Skills……. Time for Seminars……

Small Class Sizes The option has sessions each week in small classes.

Dedicated Resources Learning Support is based in a classroom equipped with access to 4

desktops computers as well as specialist study books which cover
many areas of the KS4 curriculum. CD-ROM resources are also
available. Students may also book access to the ICT and library
resources by arrangement with the School Librarian.

Time for Study Students are encouraged to further develop their skills in independent
learning. Time management, organisation, goal-setting and reflection
are skills constantly reinforced and expected in Learning Support.
Examination preparation will be a priority at appropriate times in the
school year.

For Further Information :

Please see Ms. Hogan
 Humanities Faculty

Geography – GCSE (Edexcel 4370)

IGCSE Geography is an innovative and interesting course. It is divided into four units and will
include the following topics within those units :

Year 10

Unit 1: People and the natural environment

1A Water: how river landforms are created and how to manage the hazards i.e.
flooding)

1B Hazards: how and why volcanic, earthquake and weather hazards occur and
how to minimize the impact

Unit 2:People and work

2A Production: employment in different areas around the world and how and why
it differs

2B Development (partially completed in Term 3): why some regions and

countries are richer than others and how that may be changed.

Year 11

Coursework (about 8 weeks): students participate in an overnight fieldtrip to a river in the New
Territories where they collect data. After returning to school, they learn how to best present and
analyse this data and draw conclusions.

2B Development (continued from Term 3 Year 10)

Unit 3: People and places

3A Migration: where and why people migrate and the impact it has on the places
of origin and the receiving country

3B Urban environments: how and why cities are structured in different ways

Unit 4: Global Issues (schools choose one of 3 topics – WIS has chosen 4A)

4A Fragile environments: tropical rainforests and desertification –how these areas

should be managed. Underpinned by the concept of sustainable development.

ASSESSMENT
IGCSE Geography is assessed as follows:
PAPER 1 Examination Paper 1F
- grades C – G (Foundation Tier)
- Weighting 80%
- Exam length 1 hour 45 minutes

OR

PAPER 2 Examination Paper 2H

- grades A* - D (Higher Tier)
- Weighting 80%
- Exam length 2 hours 30 minutes

AND
Coursework
- grades A* - G
- weighting 20%
- based on 1 and a half days river fieldwork
- approximately 2000 words (presentation and analysis of data collected)

All of these processes and issues are relevant to your daily life now in Hong Kong and/or for
your future anywhere around the globe. If you wish to learn more about the real world, both
natural and human, and how you can have an impact, you will find this course very interesting.

For Further Information :

Please see Miss Devine
 History – “Modern World History” – GCSE – (EDEXCEL 1334)

Examination Units

• The Emergence of Modern China 1911-1976

• A Divided Union- The USA 1941-1980
• Conflict in Vietnam c1945-1975
• Nazi Germany c1930-1939

Coursework Units

• Jack the Ripper- Law and Order in 19th Century London

• The 1960s- Decay and Decadence?

Twentieth century events have shaped our world and have an effect on our lives today. In the
GCSE History course you will study four twentieth century options through a variety of sources,
from political speeches to newspaper cartoons. We also make extensive use of excellent archive
videos.

This syllabus gives you the opportunity to study History in outline and in depth. The skills you
have learned over the past three years will be developed and extended. You will also learn new
skills of evaluation and analytical argument. The course will require you to cover a substantial
amount of private study reading but you will be given time and support in class to help you with
this.

Your final grade will also be based on coursework. The coursework gives you the opportunity to
explore a different type of history- focusing on social change at the end of the nineteenth century
and during the 1960s. This counts for 25% of your final mark. The other 75% will be 2 papers
under formal examination conditions.

If you are prepared to work hard and have an interest in political, economic and social issues,
you will enjoy this course.

For Further Information :

Please see Mr. Forde
 Religious Studies – GCSE – (EDEXCEL 1479)

Religious Studies at GCSE is interesting, relevant and fun. We have the opportunity to study
philosophy, ethics and comparative religion.

Students study Religion and Life from a Christian Perspective in Year 10, considering why
people do or do not believe in God, what happens after death, and what kinds of killing are or
aren’t acceptable through a focus on abortion and euthanasia. We also consider multi-cultural
and multi-faith communities, the role of family life in the modern world, and the issues arising
from extremes of wealth and poverty.

In Year 11 the students take a course called Religion and Society in which they consider issues
of social responsibility including politics, war, crime and punishment, as well as the
environment and science. They are given the opportunity to extend their religious knowledge
through adding a religion of their choice to the study.

Your final grade is made up of one exam (2 hours) in Yr 10 and one exam (2 hours) in Yr 11.
There is no coursework.

This is an excellent course which inspires many debates; we use film and other forms of media
as stimuli for these discussions. The exam questions require concise written answers that reflect
the understanding and evaluation that we practice in class.

For Further Information :

Please see Ms. Burdess or Mr. Forde
 Modern Languages Faculty

GCSE/IGCSE CHINESE, FRENCH, SPANISH

The ability to speak Modern Foreign Languages such as those listed above, which rank in the
top ten most spoken languages in the world today, is, without a doubt, a huge advantage in these
days of growing internationalism, competition and the global economy. The courses offered,
faithful to the spirit of the International Baccalaureate, are infused with an international flavour
and emphasise the development of an appreciation of the target language settings and cultures.

In each of the GCSE language courses offered, you will develop your skills in Speaking,
Listening, Reading and Writing. Each of these skill areas is worth 25%, so finding one skill
particularly difficult does not mean disaster. In addition, the skills are tested in the same way as
you are tested in the end of unit assessments in Year 9. In French and Spanish, there is also a
coursework option instead of the writing paper which takes a great deal of pressure away from
the final examination in Year 11.

You will study a variety of topics, many of which you have covered to some extent in years 7 to
9. These include:

Life at Home Food and Drink

Health and Fitness
Myself, Family and Friends
Home Town and Local Area
Further Education and Work
Travel at Home and Abroad
School
Free Time and Social Activities
The Environment and Society
Language and Communication in the Workplace
World Events and Issues

We use a wide variety of resources during our courses, including videos, songs, listening and
reading packs. To complement the entire course and help with your preparations for the Oral
Exam and Coursework you are given a step by step Study Guide with helpful vocabulary, notes
and tips for success. We also promote individual language home stays as well as one and two
week language immersion programmes in the Target Language countries themselves, where
students speak nothing but the target language and enhance their oral fluency in the language
considerably as a result. It is possible to participate in these in Year 9 as well, just before
embarking on the GCSE programme, as an added boost.

You will need to work hard but remember, having a qualification in a Modern Language can be a
passport to exciting career prospects in the future and the rewards can be very great indeed.

In French and Spanish, you are given the opportunity to learn more about French and Spanish
culture, food, music, art and dance in addition to language structures and using the language for
practical purposes. You will also find out about famous people in French, Spanish and Latin
American history as well as the countries where French and Spanish are spoken.

In Chinese (IGCSE and GCSE Second Language Programmes – i.e. as a foreign language),
students develop a range of skills and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the
language. There is an emphasis on developing an understanding of the spoken and written
forms of Putonghua and using the language effectively in different contexts.
In all the GCSE foreign language courses, students are exposed to a wide range of grammar,
equipping them with the tools needed for further study of the language at IB level, where they
can choose to continue either with the Language B Standard or Higher options.

IGCSE Chinese – First language Course

For native or near-native speakers of the language

The course aims to improve students’ confidence in expressing themselves in Chinese and places
an emphasis on accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in both written and oral
communication. Students will explore Chinese literature, studying a wide variety of texts, while
also enhancing their knowledge of Chinese culture, history, geography and philosophy. Students
following this programme will sit the IGCSE Chinese First Language examination at the end of
Year 11 and this is also a bridging course to help students to move towards IBDP Chinese A1
and A2 in KS5.

For Further Information :

Please see Ms. Joshua
 Design & Technology

Design & Technology: Resistant Materials Technology – AQA (3545)

If you enjoy creating items in materials such as wood, plastic and metal then consider this course
which builds on the experience and skills you have developed at Key Stage 3. Over the two-year
course you will develop your designing and making skills as well as gaining an understanding of
the technology behind the subject. You will learn about the methods used by industry to
manufacture the products we use every day and gain an insight into issues related to design and
technology that affect us all. Both computer-aided-design (CAD) and computer-aided-
manufacture (CAM) will be practised.

What will I be assessed on?

Coursework Project 60% of total marks:

This is for an extended personal design assignment consisting of a 3-dimensional product and a
concise design folder.

Written Paper (2 hour examination) 40% of total marks:

The final examination that tests the student’s ability to understand the design process and the
theory and techniques behind their knowledge and understanding of designing and making based
on the resistant materials range.

Is this the right course for me?

Students who enjoy this course are hardworking, well organized, able to meet deadlines, solve
problems, creative and enjoy practical activity. Above all, they have a personal passion and
interest of how products we use on a daily basis are designed and made.

What are my Career Options?

If you wish to consider a career in Architecture, Computer Aided Design, Product Design,
Environmental Design, Furniture Design, Industrial Design or Mechanical or Structural
Engineering.

For Further Information:

Please see Mr. Zobrist
 Design & Technology
Design & Technology: Graphic Products – AQA (3543)

If you enjoy creating items in materials such as paper, plastic and card then consider this course
which builds on the experience and skills you have developed at Key Stage 3. This course is
concerned with the designing of graphic products and presenting solutions through drawings and
models. Graphic Products are items such as display posters, packaging and promotional items to.

There are a wide range of graphic products used to enhance advertising and marketing such as
advertisements, promotional merchandise, displays, packaging, poster and magazines as well as
presentation drawings for products and architecture. There are also many elements of graphical
design that enhances the styling and colour of everyday products, such as your laptop or mobile
phone. All of these areas offer the student the opportunity to express their creativity and skills.

For much of the course the student will be placed in a situation, much like a professional graphics
studio, where real life design problems will have to be solved within the restraint of the
commercial environment. Students will also have to study industrial manufacturing processes so
that their designs could be produced in quantity.

What will I be assessed on?

Coursework Project 60% of total marks:

This is for an extended personal design assignment consisting of a 2- and 3-dimensional product
and a concise design folder.

Written Paper (2 hour examination) 40% of total marks:

The final examination that tests the student’s ability to understand the design process and the
theory and techniques behind their knowledge and understanding of designing and making based
on the graphic products range.

Is this the right course for me?

Students who enjoy this course are hardworking, well organized, able to meet deadlines, solve
problems, creative and enjoy practical activity. You should enjoy designing and making using
card, paper and other modeling materials and be willing to work as part of a team. Above all, they
have a personal passion and interest of how products we use on a daily basis are designed and
made.

What are my Career Options?

If you wish to consider a career in Architecture, Product Design, Computer Aided Design, Graphic
Design, Promotion & Advertising (Marketing), Interior Design or Engineering.

For Further Information:

Please see Mr. Zobrist
 Design & Technology

Design & Technology: Textiles Technology – AQA (3547)

Textiles is a creative, challenging and inspiring course. You will experience the opportunity to
use your imagination and develop your own ideas. You will play the role of Fashion Designer
and Manufacturer and will have the opportunity to design and print you own fabrics, to design
for fashion, interiors or theatrical costume. ICT plays a good part in this course and you will
have a chance to use Computer Aided Design systems.

What will you be doing in Year 10?

• Fashion design and illustration: You will design a range of fashion clothing or interiors while
analyzing what makes a good design.
• Fashion History: you will investigate what influences fashion and will look at current
fashion designers to see what inspires them.
• Manufacture: Learn to make paper patterns and improve your sewing skills in a creative
way.
• Fibres & Fabrics: What are the properties and qualities, what makes a fabric suitable for its
purpose.
• Technological Textiles: textiles of the future, electro textiles, micro encapsulation and nano
textiles, where does textiles fit into our future?
• Developing your CAD & CAM skills: Learning to design using Computer Aided Design &
Manufacture.

What will you be doing Year 11?

• Major Project: This counts for 60% of your final grade. The coursework is comprised of a
research and design folder (20%) and a practical product (40%).
• Exam: A 2 hour written exam accounts for the other 40%.

What are my career options?

If you wish to pursue a career in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Theatrical Costume Design,
Textiles Manufacture, Fashion Forecasting, Textiles Science, Fashion Manufacture, Fashion
Merchandising, Fabric Manufacture, Costing, Retailing, Quality Control, Shoe Design, Bag
Design, Textile Engineering, CAD or CAM then this course would be an excellent choice for
you!

For Further Information:

Please see Ms. Inger-Smith
 Design & Technology

Design & Technology: Food Technology – AQA (3542)

This is a fun, creative and technological course where you get to play the role of the Food
Technologist, the Designer, the client and use ICT!

What will you be doing in Year 10?

• Lots of COOKING!
• A foundation practical skills unit : you will make various cakes, pastry and sauces
• Special diets e.g. vegetarianism, food allergies
• Food hygiene and preservation – jam making and risotto
• Christmas cookery: Chocolate Logs
• Product analysis / sensory analysis using chilled desserts, soft drinks, cheeses etc.
• Nutrition – with focused practical tasks of your own choice
• The famous Pizza Factory Project – including a visit to San Marzano Pizza Express
restaurant to make pizza to their design specifications
• The functional properties of food –focused practical tasks to help you to understand why
sauces thicken, eggs set, how egg whites form foams, etc.
• Designing food for colour, taste, texture – make cheesecakes
• Food processing
• Food additives and labeling
• Nutritional analysis using the P.C. Nutrients programme

What will you be doing Year 11?

• A major coursework project over 6 months from September to March. This counts for
60% of your final GCSE grade. The 2 hour written exam in June accounts for the other
40%.
• You will choose a coursework outline and develop new food products in response to a
design brief
• Example of an Outline: Design and make a special occasion sweet food or dessert
product for a food outlet of your choice

You will further your knowledge and understanding in concepts for example:

• Food Product Development & it’s stages

• Food Product Design, Development & market influences
• The application of appropriate screening and checking procedures in the food production
system in order to provide feedback, monitor performance and ensure quality control
Nutrition, Labelling, information, legislation and codes of practice
• Awareness of the social and economic implications of food production and processing
technology
• Food Processes and Product Manufacture
• The effect of combining different ingredients and the interaction of foods during
preparation and cooking
• The importance of appropriate proportions on the structure, shape and volume of
mixtures
 • The need and effect of additives on the appearance, flavour, consistency and storage of
food

• The beneficial and detrimental effect of micro organisms and enzymes on food
• Selection and use of equipment for a particular task or process to produce a consistent
result in both test kitchen and industrial production
• Preparation and preservation methods that affect quality and storage of food

What are my career options?

If you wish to pursue a career in Food Product Development, Food buying, Quality Assurance
and Control, Food Science, Food Technology, Hospitality, Dietetics, Food Manufacture, Food
merchandising, Food Manufacture, Costing, Retailing, CAD or CAM then this course would be
an excellent choice for you!

For Further Information:

Please see Ms. Revans