Year 10 & 11 Options

Exam board: Edexcel

The study of Art & Design promotes and encourages the development of imagination, creativity and critical thinking. Students will work individually and together developing ideas and exploring creative processes. Students will learn to develop further their use of sketchbooks to gather ideas that interest and inspire them, and refine these ideas into more resolved outcomes. They will gain experience of working broadly across a range of disciplines within the design fields, learning about the building blocks of visual language, and covering work in the following areas:

•             Drawing and photography
•             Painting and printmaking
•             Textile and fashion design
•             Ceramics and sculpture
•             Graphic design
•             Contextual studies

The Art & Design GCSE comprises three projects spread across the two years. Each one is themed and students will be supported to produce a sketchbook of research and ideas, as well as a body of classwork for each. The themes are very much open to interpretation and the development of personal and individual imaginations will be promoted and encouraged.

Assessment of work

Students are assessed on four main criteria: the ability to research; the ability to develop design ideas from looking at the work of artists and designers; the ability to experiment with, review and refine their own work; the realisation of ideas. Coursework related to the first two projects contributes 60% of the final assessment.  The other 40% is for the final project. All work is marked internally and externally moderated at the end of the course when an exhibition is mounted of every candidate’s work.

Exam: 0%

Coursework: 60%

Other controlled assessment: 40%

Further study

Completing a GCSE in Art is essential preparation for A levels in Art & Design and History of Art (Critical & Contextual Studies in Art). It is also good preparation for Photography A level.

Exam board: OCR

Classical Civilisation is a wide-ranging humanities subject, which explores the ancient world through original sources, both literary and archaeological. All sources are studied in translation, so no knowledge of Latin or Greek is required. The course provides an excellent introduction to the Classical world and its legacy. Students will study material from ancient Greece and Rome, and other societies with which they came into contact.

Many learners come to Classical Civilisation due to a love of Greek mythology, and this forms a central part of the GCSE. In the first year of the course, learners will study myths about the role of gods and heroes such as Hercules. They will also explore links between myth and the exercise of power, rituals surrounding death and burial, and festivals. Other topics that run through the modules include gender, politics, and morality; these foster creative thinking and encourage students to make comparisons between ancient and modern society. They also learn a range of skills including the rigorous interpretation of written and material evidence and analytical essay writing.

Assessment of work

Students do two written papers. The first is a comparative study of ancient Greece and Rome, and combines literary and visual/material sources. In the second paper, students couple an in-depth cultural and archaeological study with the study of a related body of literature.

Exam: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Classical Civilisation can be continued at A level. A study of Classical Civilisation also complements further study of other humanities subjects such as English, History, Politics and Philosophy.

Exam board: OCR

The study of Computer Science encourages students to understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science through of a combination of practical activities, algorithm design, problem analysis and studying real world applications. Through logical discipline and imaginative creativity, students can develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts. The course encourages students to extend their horizons beyond the school environment in order to appreciate the effects of computer science on society and individuals.

Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examination.

Assessment of work

Students are assessed through two examinations. The first assesses knowledge of computer hardware and architecture, logic, communication, the organisation and structure of data, software, principles of programming, security and ethics. The second exam is screen based and will test the student’s ability to think computationally by writing algorithms, create user interfaces and debug programs.

Exams: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessment 0%

Further study

Students are able to go onto study A level OCR Computer Science.

Exam board: AQA

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

The new GCSE Design and Technology course will give students the opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems. Whilst considering their own and others’ needs wants and values, students can learn about a wide variety of contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices.

Assessment of work

Students do one written exam and coursework. In the exam there is a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions. It is split into sections assessing breadth of Technical knowledge, Specialist technical principles and Designing and making principles. In the Non-Exam Assessment students will undertake a single ‘design and make’ activity, which will arise from investigating one of five contextual challenges set by the exam board (released annually by AQA on 1 June in the year prior to the submission of the NEA). Students will produce a working prototype and a portfolio of evidence (max 20 pages). Work will be marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

Exam: 50%

Coursework: 50%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students who gain GCSE Design & Technology can go on to study the subject at A level, where students study 3D Design: WJEC Art and Design.

Exam board: UAL

This course is aimed at students who have a passion for Drama and is shaped to get the maximum out of its students as performers, production technicians and designers. The key qualities we look for: enthusiasm, passion for theatre, and a ‘can do’ attitude. You can approach this course as an actor, technician or a mixture of both.

You will explore many aspects of performance and production and develop as an artist, an academic and as a person developing resilience, responsibility, organisation, critical & creative thinking, teamwork and professionalism. A variety of performance opportunities will allow you to put your skills and technique into practice. Such projects include: From page to stage – bringing a text to life, devising, scripted performance, personal research project and presentation. All practical work will be produced to the highest technical standard at King Alfred’s very own Phoenix Theatre and be internally marked externally moderated.

Assessment of work

Practical assessments are carried out through a series of projects based on real industry scenarios and academic tasks. Projects are accompanied by written work varying from essays to presentations to journals that document student progress.

NOTE: this course is not a GCSE, but is equivalent to the standard of work carried out at GCSE.

Qualification Structure

Controlled assessment: 100%

Further study

Students can go on to take A level Theatre Studies or the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts.

Exam board: CIE

The CIE iGCSE Language qualification meets the needs of students of differing abilities and interests and encourages an exploration of a variety of texts and the development of students’ own writing.  The syllabus encourages students to develop independent and critical thinking; engage with the richness of our language; and experiment in writing across a range of contexts and styles.

The specification is designed to encourage students to engage critically with and explore a variety of non-fiction texts. Underpinned by a skills-based approach, the emphasis is on building students’ confidence in developing and articulating a fresh, individual response to texts that is supported and justified. Speaking and listening skills, as well as writing skills, are assessed as the course progresses. Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways English can be used.

Assessment of work

2 Hour Exam Paper

• Learners answer three compulsory questions on three texts
• Learners write one piece of original non-fiction

Coursework Portfolio

• Assignment 1: writing to discuss, argue and/or persuade in response to a text or texts
• Assignment 2: writing to describe
• Assignment 3: writing to narrate

Speaking and Listening Test (Separate Endorsement)

10–12 minutes in total

• Comprised of Individual Talk and Conversation

Exam: 50%

Coursework: 50%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level English Literature.

Exam board: OCR

The OCR Literature qualification encourages an exploration of communication, culture and creativity through a range of poetry, drama and novels.  The syllabus encourages students to develop independent and critical thinking; engage with the richness of our language and literary heritage; and develop their ability to respond cogently top texts in their own writing.

Assessment of work

GCSE English Literature is made up of two units, each assessed by a two-hour exam: Unit 1 asks candidates to study one modern prose and one 19th century prose text and Unit 2 sees students study one thematically linked poetry cluster and one Shakespeare play. There is an unseen element to each exam where candidates will have to compare one of the texts they have studied to a text or section of text which is new to them.

For illustrative purposes, this year’s Year 11 have studied the following texts: a cluster of poetry all with the theme of Love and Relationships, A Christmas Carol OR Jekyll and Hyde, Macbeth and Animal Farm.

Exam: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level English Literature.

School Directed Course

This course is now in its second year and offers an alternative to the GCSE Literature qualification. We have created a Literature syllabus that is more closely aligned with our core values of knowledge and understanding of the world, independence and the transferable skills of creative thinking and communication.

Our overarching aim with this qualification is to instill in students a holistic appreciation of literature and its study and to leave them with the ability to talk and write about texts in an assured and cogent manner.

We are going to achieve this through:

1. The inclusion of a wide range of texts from far more varied cultures and time periods.
2. Providing far greater opportunities for students to make choices about their learning and assessment.
3. A movement away from final examinations as the sole method of assessment.
4. A movement towards varied modes of assessment including oral responses, recreative writing, traditional coursework and reading logs as well as final examination.

Sample course outline:

Year 10

Year 11

* The item of recreative writing will see the student respond by producing a piece of original written work based on a studied play.

Assessment of work

Internal assessment: 100%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level English Literature.

Exam Board: OCR

By focusing on the major global issues likely to dominate our future sustainable use of the planet, Geography encourages students to think about their own place in the world, their values, their rights, and their responsibilities. Modern Geography attempts to provoke students into asking and coming up with answers to, the big questions facing society. Climate change, hazard management, the disparities between rich and poor, the future of urban areas, sustainable management of global resources such as the Arctic & the Rainforest, and the changing face of 21st Century UK are just some of the topics about which students can expect to develop a well-informed opinion.

Alongside the ability to think critically and creatively about the changing world,  students will also develop fieldwork skills to allow them to investigate the theory learnt in class in the world around them. There are two field trips, one day trip and one residential, that explore the geography of contrasting places and environments.

Employers and universities see geography as a robust academic subject rich in skills, knowledge and understanding. As a subject linking the arts and the sciences it is highly flexible in terms of what you can combine it with, both at GCSE and A level. In terms of careers, Geographers can be found in every sector of the economy; working in corporations, local business, not-for profit organisations, academia, local and national government and the media. Geography is part of the academic group of English Baccalaureate GCSE subjects and the Russell Group of universities have recognised it as one of their preferred ‘facilitating’ subjects, which support an application into a wide range of undergraduate courses.

Geography bridges the gap between the natural and social sciences. By developing an understanding of how physical and human systems operate and by considering why others’ views may differ from their own, the subject enables students to make sense of the world around them and encourages them to become active local & global citizens.

Assessment of work

There are three exam papers at the end of the course: Our Natural World; People and Society; Geographical Exploration.

Exam: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level Geography.

Exam board: Edexcel GCSE

History GCSE at KAS equips students to understand crucial themes, stories and events that shaped our world.  Students learn to analyse and organise information, argue and explain their ideas, evaluate source material and use evidence to answer historical questions.

There are four main units of study:

• Migration to Britain from c800 – today.  This is the story of how Britain has been shaped by and responded to human migrations, from Saxons and Vikings to the Windrush generation. This unit includes a depth study on the experiences of Caribbean migrants in Notting Hill in the 1950s and 1960s.
• The Cold War – How a conflict between two nuclear-armed superpowers dominated the second half of the twentieth century.
• Elizabethan England – Power, religion, society and culture in the Elizabethan age.
• Mao’s China – The dramatic and revolutionary impact that Mao’s rule had on the world’s most populous country.

The course provides an insight into contemporary debates in British history around colonialism and its legacy, and how our world has been shaped by global forces and powers.

Students who are inquisitive, and interested in understanding how our world was shaped by the past will thrive on this course.

In Year 10 we organise a trip to Berlin, to see a city as the epicentre of these events, and also take students out in London to see history on their doorsteps.

Assessment of work

There are three exams of between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes in length. There is no coursework on the GCSE syllabus.

Exam: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study History A level, and it is useful background for A levels in Politics, Economics and Sociology.

Exam board: OCR

Latin is all around us; it is the basis of much of our language and culture. Studying Latin helps enlarge and clarify English vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. It is also invaluable when learning foreign   languages – especially those directly derived from it, such as French, Spanish and Italian. It opens the door to much of the history, literature, and philosophy of the West, and is invaluable for an understanding of the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods in particular. Much contemporary art, film, and writing derives from Greek and Roman history and myth. Latin at KAS is fun but challenging. As most students will not have had the opportunity to study Latin before, they will be guided through an intensive two-year course, culminating in the reading of two pieces of Latin literature in the original language. This is a programme that requires commitment, but one that offers great rewards.

Assessment of work

There are three components: Language, Prose Literature, and Verse Literature (set texts in the original Latin).

The Language paper is worth 50% of the GCSE and tests translation and comprehension skills as well as the understanding of the derivation of English words from Latin.

The Prose and Verse Literature papers are each worth 25% of the final mark. There is considerable choice of topics. Recent students have studied an extract from Apuleius’ The Golden Ass, about witches in Thessaly and extracts from Virgil’s Aeneid about the hero’s descent to the Underworld to meet his father. The examination tests linguistic understanding and literary appreciation and students welcome the opportunity to study sources in the original language at such an early stage.

Exam: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level Latin and/ or A level Classical Civilisation.

Exam board: Edexcel

GCSE Mathematics at KAS is a three year course and the students in Year 10 continue on from the excellent work that they started in Year 9. Currently in Year 9 all students are studying for the Higher level of entry where they can achieve Grades 4-9.

As in Years 7 to 9 students are encouraged to come to a ‘drop in’ Mathematics Clinic in the mornings before school starts, for extra help when needed (these run each weekday from 8:05am – 8:55am).

Homework of 1 hour per week in Year 10 rising to 1½ hours in Year 11 is required. Parental guidance and encouragement are welcome and members of the Maths Department are always available to give specific help.

Assessment of work

The examination involves three written question papers.

Exam: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level Mathematics and / or A level Further Mathematics.

Exam board: IGCSE Cambridge

Students can choose to study either French or Spanish or both.

In both French and Spanish, students work on all four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The department run fortnightly debating clubs in both languages as well as drop in language support sessions.

In Spanish, Year 10 students are offered a chance to participate in our residential trip to San Sebastian at the end of the Summer Term. Students are immersed in the language as they stay with Spanish families and attend school during the day.

In French, Year 11 students are offered a chance to participate in our residential trip to Lyon during the Autumn Term. Students are immersed in the language as they stay with French families and attend school during the day.

Assessment of work

Speaking is worth 25%. This will be a 8-10 minute oral examination in April or May of Year 11.
Listening is worth 25%. This will be examined in May or June of Year 11
Reading and writing is worth 50%. This will be examined in May or June of Year 11.

Exam: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level French and A level Spanish.

Exam board: OCR

Music GCSE is an enjoyable and exciting way to consolidate and advance a thorough understanding of a wide range of musical styles and cultures. It is creative course that is designed to suit all young musicians no matter how eclectic their taste.

GCSE Music students need skills on an instrument or voice (around Grade 5 level by the second year of the GCSE course) and an understanding of Music Theory (working towards Grade 3 prior to the start of the course). Any instrument and style of playing is acceptable. Students must take instrumental and vocal lessons, in or out of school, and be willing to attend Music Theory sessions to supplement the work done in class and develop the skills necessary to access the course content.

Unit 1: Listening and appraising (40%)
•             1 hour 30 minute Exam Paper with listening exercises using excerpts of music.

Unit 2: Performing (30%)
•             Performance 1: Solo performance (15%)
•             Performance 2: Ensemble performance (15%)

Unit 3: Composing Music (30%)
•             Composition 1: Composition to a brief (15%)
•             Composition 2: Free Composition (15%)

Candidates are required to contribute to some of the many extra-curricular musical activities in the school. This is a direct and enjoyable way to polish musical skills and broaden musical experience, as well as being a requirement of the exam.

Assessment of work

Students are assessed verbally throughout the GCSE course when both the teacher and their peers give feedback and positive criticism of their performances or compositions. The compositions are completed in lesson time under informal controlled assessment.

The Listening and Understanding exam is the final summative assessment at the end of Year 11. Students work towards this exam by completing practice exercises that are marked together and the answers reflected upon by the group.

Students regularly perform at school concerts to further develop their performing skills and to build their confidence.

Compositions are performed, annotated and recorded throughout the course as a record of progress made. Again, students are given feedback that is taken from the Assessment Guide developed by the exam board.

Exam: 40%

Coursework: 60%

Other controlled assessment: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level Music and / or A level Music Technology.

Exam board: Eduqas / WJEC

In GCSE the specification used is Art & Design (Photography). It emphasises the importance of photography as an art form as well as a way to communicate ideas.

Development of ideas through sustained research and individual work is the most important aspect of the course. Candidates are encouraged to understand the potential of photography through experimenting widely and creatively with the equipment, process and ideas they have available to them which include:

• Analogue photography and work in the school darkroom
• Experimental processes such as pinhole photography, cyanotypes and image transfer printing
• Digital photograph and the use of digital software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge and Adobe Lightroom
• Making moving film and editing software such as Adobe Premier Pro
• Designing and making self-published magazines to present their photographs and using software such as In Design

The work you do will also introduce you to aspects of photographic and art history as well as looking at contemporary photography through gallery visits and visits to museums. The work we do in the school is also complemented with work carried out on school trips and on location.

Students may choose to work in many areas of the subject area including: Photo-journalism; Fashion; Portraiture; Illustration; Documentation; Landscape and Cityscape.

All students must provide their own 35mm Single Lens Reflex camera in good working order, a digital camera and ideally a tripod.

Assessment of work

The GCSE examination consists of a coursework Portfolio (60% of the final mark), several projects looked at together as a group, externally set assignments (40% of the final mark). Work is documented in work journals and a portfolio. All work is internally marked and moderated by the exam board.

Exam: 0%

Coursework: 60%

Other controlled assessment: 40%

Further study

Students can go on to study A level Photography.

Exam board: OCR

GCSE specification in Physical Education will equip students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and values to develop and maintain their performance in physical activities and understand the benefits to health, fitness and well-being. The content of OCR’s GCSE in Physical Education is divided into three components:

Component 1: Physical factors affecting performance
Students explore how parts of the human body function during physical activity and the physiological adaptations that can occur due to diet and training. They also develop skills in data analysis, and an understanding of the principles of training, why we train in different ways and how training plans can be made to optimise results.

Component 2: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology
Students develop their knowledge of the social-cultural and psychological influences on levels of participation in sport, and also how sport impacts on society more broadly. This includes the individual benefits to health, fitness and well-being of participating in physical activity, as well as the influences of commercialisation, sponsorship and the media.

Component 3: Performance in physical education
Students are assessed in performing three practical activities and one performance analysis task. In the practical performance, they demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions. They are also required to demonstrate their ability to analyse and evaluate their own performance to produce an action plan for improvement. GCSE practical activities include; football, badminton, trampolining, netball, skiing (off-site), handball and more. Students are also encouraged to do the Higher Sports Leadership award (HSLA) to gain coaching experience.

Assessment of work

There are two exams assessing taught content in component 1 and component 2. Component 3 is the non-exam assessment (NEA), contributing 40% of the GCSE.

Exam: 60%

Coursework: 10%

Practical: 30%

Further study

This course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology.

Exam board: Edexcel IGCSE

Pupils follow the Edexcel IGCSE course in Science (Double Award) in Year 9. In Year 10 they can choose to follow the Single Award course, continue with the Double Award course or study science as separate subjects, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Choosing to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects requires extra time as there is more content and consequently it will take up one of the six
options.

The Science course (Single Award) is built up of content taken from Biology, Chemistry and Physics and pupils will attain a qualification in
Science worth one IGCSE. The Science course (Double Award) is built up of content taken from Biology, Chemistry and Physics and pupils will attain a qualification in Science worth two IGCSEs. If students choose to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects then they will obtain three IGCSEs. There is no coursework for any of the routes but pupils will experience a wide range of practical activities to develop their skills in this area. All three courses help to develop transferable skills valued by universities and employers as
well as help to broaden and deepen student’s analytical, logic, and maths skills.

Assessment of work

A summary of the three course is shown below. For both Single and Double Award pupils take three examinations, one in each subject. For the Triple Award, pupils take two examinations in each subject.

Exam: 100%

Coursework: 0%

Other controlled assessments: 0%

Further study

Students can go on to study A levels in Biology, Chemistry and/ or Physics.

School Directed Course

This five-term course is different from other GCSEs. It introduces students to the big socio-economic, environmental and ethical challenges facing the world, and allows them to develop their own informed responses. Students design and implement social impact projects which align with their concerns. In line with one of the School’s primary objectives, they engage with external agencies to have an ‘impact on the world’. There is no exam. Instead, final outputs might take the form of an event, a film, podcast, a children’s book, a mini social enterprise, an awareness-raising campaign, or something else. There is a strong emphasis on skills development: project management, research skills, presentation, collaboration.  This is ‘real world’ learning.

To prepare students for the project element(s) of the course, there is formal learning about ethics, migration, human rights, inequality and poverty, sustainability, and peace and conflict. Students then select an area of particular interest, research it further, with support, and develop their practical response.

Qualification Structure

Assessment of work

Students undertake two externally validated Higher Project Qualifications (HPQs), an individual project in Year 10, and a group project in Year 11. Each of these will address a ‘Global Challenge’ and propose a response to it. Each HPQ is equivalent to half a GCSE.

Further study

Global Challenges links to Geography, Politics, Economics and Sociology which students may want to take at A level.