The Howard School | Year 8 Options Booklet

The Howard School | Year 8 Options Booklet

The Howard School Key Stage 4 Curriculum Guide (2021-2024)

Table of

Contents

Message to Parents Message to Students

Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7

Important Dates & Deadlines

Your Timetable

Types of Qualification

The Option Process

The Howard Sixth Form

Page 10

Core Subjects English Language & English Literature

Page 11 Page 13 Page 15 Page 17 Page 19 Page 21 Page 23 Page 25 Page 27 Page 29 Page 31 Page 33 Page 35 Page 37 Page 39

Mathematics

Science

Geography

History

Optional Choices - GCSE Fine Art

Business Studies Computer Science

Drama French Spanish

3D Design Photography

Religious Education

Food Preparation & Nutrition

Optional Choices - BTEC Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Music

Page 41 Page 43 Page 45

BTEC First in Sport

01

Message

to Parents

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are now at that important time in your son’s school career when a choice has to be made about the subjects he is to study throughout Key Stage 4.

This booklet is designed to help you and your son make an informed decision about the nature of the courses he will follow.

We are committed to providing a curriculum which will: • meet individual needs and aspirations • be broad, challenging and motivating • offer progression to study Post 16 • prepare students for a positive role in the future

Some considerations to discuss with your son:

• Some students say they like a subject when they are really motivated by a belief that it won’t involve much work. However, your son will have to work hard in all subjects to achieve his potential and gain a good grade. • Some students choose a subject to stay in the same class as their friends. Timetabling to meet everyone’s needs is a complex process, and your son may find himself in a different class from friends. • Some students think they like a subject because they like the teachers. Again, timetabling (and the possibility of staff changes) can place them with a different teacher. Students should be confident that they will enjoy the subject no matter who teaches it.

We will endeavour to ensure that each student can access the option subjects they choose.

The information in this booklet is correct at the time of going to print and we are committed to the structure and courses described. However, if after analysing the information from students, we find that some courses are not viable due to small numbers or problems with staffing, we may have to offer students their reserve choice. If this happens, you will be fully informed.

Thursday 4th February 2021 Subject Information videos posted on the school website.

Thursday 11th February 2021 Virtual Options Evening - a brief introduction to the options process. Bookable virtual subject Q&A sessions with subject leaders. Tuesday 23rd February 2021: Extra Advice From 3.30pm to 5pm key staff will be available via virtual appointments to discuss any concerns with students/parents that remain undecided.

02

Thursday 25th February 2021 All options need to be entered onto the ‘TOOLS’ system.

Message

to Students

Dear Student,

In your first two years at The Howard School, you have followed a general course of education covering all the National Curriculum subjects. The curriculum you have followed has hopefully provided you with a broad and interesting range of subjects and provided a solid foundation for Key Stage 4 studies. In September 2021 you will start your Key Stage 4 courses which last until June 2024. These will end in either taking GCSE examinations or vocational qualifications and lead on to courses you will take in the Sixth Form. Students stay in the Sixth Form for two years. During your remaining time at The Howard School, you will be able to gain a vast range of qualifications, including GCSEs, A-Levels and vocational qualifications. Your success at Key Stage 4 will depend, more than anything else, on how much work you put into your studies. We will provide the opportunities, but you must produce the results. We hope you enjoy your new courses and wish you every success with your Key Stage 4 studies.

Getting What You Want

We will endeavour to ensure that each student can access the option subjects they choose. The information in this booklet is correct at the time of going to print and we are committed to the structure and courses described. However, if after analysing the information from students, we find that some courses are not viable due to small numbers or problems with staffing, we may have to offer students their reserve choice. If this happens, you will be fully informed.

How to make your choices:

For each choice carefully consider, in this order: 1. How good are you at a subject? 2. What future career might you want to follow? 3. What subjects do you most enjoy? 4. Does the assessment method best suit how you learn and achieve well?

Plan Ahead

DON’T just choose a course because you like the teacher! That teacher may not be teaching you next year.

DON’T just follow your friend’s choice. You may not have the same interests or needs and you may not be in the same classes next year anyway.

03

Important

Dates and Deadlines

Month / Year

Event

Thursday 4th February 2021 Option booklet and option subject videos posted on THS website.

Subject teachers present the video in their lesson and offer further advice and guidance on studying their subject. Virtual assembly during registration explaining the option process. Virtual Options Evening Bookable Q&A sessions for option subjects and process queries. Additional Guidance (Optional) Virtual appointments available with key staff for students/ parents who are undecided about their option choices and need further guidance.

4th-11th February 2021

Thursday 11th February 2021

Tuesday 23rd February 2021

Thursday 25th February 2021

Deadline for submission of options on ‘TOOLS’.

The curriculum will be arranged using the choices you have given us. Some students may be informed that it is necessary to study their reserve choice. Once the curriculum is completed, parents and students will be given confirmation of their choices. What To Do

During Terms 4 & 5

• Read this booklet carefully. Look at the content of each course, for example is the era of History covered of interest to you? • What future careers and post sixteen education might the course link to? • Ask subject teachers for more information about specific courses when they present their subject video to you during lessons. • Ask your teachers if they think you would cope well with the course content and assessment methods. • If you have a particular career in mind are there any specific subjects you must have studied

at GCSE or A-Level? • Attend the virtual Options Evening with your parents if you want further advice. • Discuss your choices with your parents and family members.

04

Your

Timetable

Core Subjects - These must be studied

Core Subjects

Notes

The English course leads to two GCSEs, English Language and English Literature. English Literature will be examined in the summer of Year 10 (2023). English Language will be examined in the summer of Year 11 (2024). All students complete the three year course and are examined in the summer of Year 11.

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

GCSE Science All students complete GCSE Combined Science (2 GCSEs). Selected students may be invited to study separate Sciences.

Games

Practical games lessons.

Students must choose at least one of these subjects. If you wish to take both, you can add the other subject to Choice 1, 2 or 3 below.

GCSE Geography or GCSE History

Your Option Choices

You can choose any other subjects from the booklet. You can only choose a subject once.

Choice 1

You can choose any other subjects from the booklet. You can only choose a subject once.

Choice 2

You can choose any other subjects from the booklet. You can only choose a subject once.

Choice 3

05

Types of

Qualification All the subjects you study lead to level two qualifications, but there are different types of courses available to you. When choosing subjects, you should also consider how the course is assessed. Some students are happy to study courses where all the assessment takes place at the end of Year 11 via written examination. Other students may prefer courses where there is an opportunity to complete coursework as well as written examinations that count towards your final grade during the three years of study rather than being assessed only at the end of the three years.

Course Type

Subject

Assessment Arrangements

English Language English Literature Mathematics Sciences (all) Business Studies Computer Science French Geography History Religious Education Spanish

GCSE

Multiple written examination papers all at the end of Year 11

Fine Art 3D Design Photography

Mainly coursework Practical examination at the end of Year 11

GCSE

An element of coursework Practical examination (performance) Written examination at the end of Year 11 Mainly coursework 1 external assessment (1 resit available) Mainly coursework 1 external assessment (1 resit available)

Drama

GCSE

Music Sport Science

BTEC

OCR Cambridge National

Creative iMedia

06

The Op

21st January (3:15pm - 7pm) Parents Consultation Evening

29th Ja

Year 8 Information booklet Year 8 student virtual as proc

An opportunity to discuss progress with class teachers and your potential to study the subject at Key Stage 4 via Schoolcloud.

23rd February (3:30pm - 6:30pm)

11th Fe

Invitation to make a virtual appointment for anyone still unsure of option choices and needing support via Schoolcloud.

‘TOOLS’ opens for submi

Term

25th February

Internal curriculum modelli timeta

Deadline for submission of Option choices.

07

ption

Process

4th February

anuary

Subject video guides published on the website. Parental option process video guide published. Option subject teachers begin Q&As with students. ‘TOOLS’ username and passwords issued for submission of option choices.

published on the website. ssembly explaining the cess.

11th February (5pm - 7pm) Virtual Options Information Evening

ebruary

Invitation to join virtual meetings for open Q&A with option subject leads. Invitation to join a virtual meeting for open Q&A on process and core subjects queries.

ission of Option choices.

m 4

Term 5

ing and planning of school able.

Option choices confirmed to students.

08

09

The Howard

Sixth Form It may seem bizarre that you are being asked to think about Sixth Form courses as you select your GCSE options, but it’s important to remember that your secondary education is a seven year journey, not just to the end of GCSEs. You will have to stay in some form of education until you are 18 years of age and we hope that destination is The Howard School Sixth Form. The subjects that you choose at GCSE may have an impact on the options that are available to you post 16, whether that be staying on at The Howard School to study A-Levels, attending college or applying for an apprenticeship, so it’s important to spend time selecting the right GCSEs for you. If you are lucky enough to have a career in mind already, then choosing those subjects you wish to study will be more straightforward. For the majority, this will not be the case and it’s important to select subjects that you enjoy, those which you are good at and which will teach you skills that employers see as most valuable (Team Work, Problem Solving, Communication, Initiative, Strong Work Ethic and ICT Skills). It’s no easy decision, but as a school we are on hand to support you with any advice you require. To assist you in your choices at GCSE, the table below highlights the current entry requirements for courses at Post 16 (A-Level / Level 3 BTEC).

Courses

Course Entry Requirements

Art & Design – Fine Art or 3D Design

Grade 5 Fine Art or Art & Design

Photographic & Graphic Communication

Grade 5 Photography, Art & Design or Fine Art

Business Studies

Grade 6 Business & Grade 5 Maths & English

Criminology

Grade 5 English Language or Literature

English Language

Grade 6 English Language or English Literature

English Literature & Language

Grade 6 at English Literature & Grade 5 in English Language

Film Studies

Grade 5 English Language or Literature

Geography

Grade 6 Geography & Grade 5 English & Maths

History

Grade 6 History & Grade 5 English

Mathematics – Mechanics

Grade 7 Maths

Philosophy & Ethics

Grade 5 English

Grade 6 in chosen science or Grade 6-6 Combined Science, Grade 4 Maths & Grade 4 English (preferable)

Biology, Chemistry or Physics

Science – Applied Science with Forensics

Grade 5-5 Combined Science

Sociology

Grade 5 English

10

English GCSEs

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/english-literature-gcse/#tab_overview https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/english-language-gcse/#tab_overview

Course Title

Exam Board

Specification Code

Head of Department

GCSE English Literature

Eduqas

601/5246/1

Miss Mulrooney

601/4505/5

Miss Mulrooney

GCSE English Language

Eduqas

Course Information

In the English Department, we have a saying that is ‘English is information – obtaining it and bequeathing it’ and that ‘English is communication’. We communicate all the time, to so many people through so many different mediums: for that very reason, everything we do in English must be vital for life! The skills you have already in reading for meaning; explaining meaning; analysing and evaluating texts plus the ability to produce texts for different audiences, purposes and genres. Plus An open mind; a willingness to give everything a go; the ability to take on constructive advice and criticism to become ever better readers and writers.

Skills/Aptitude Required

Next Steps The chance to read a wide variety of texts for meaning; explore the world from past to present and to use language to express one’s own opinion and ideas is invaluable to both the A-Levels we offer in English at The Howard School – 1. A-Level Language and 2. A-Level Literature & Language.

The skills of communication, analysis and evaluation at GCSE will aid all subjects at A-Level.

Future Careers As English is communication, the subject will aid any future career where you will be communicating with people through speech or through writing.

More specifically, English can lead to careers in advertising, media, retail and marketing, proof-reading & editing, policing and law, education, social care, web content, research and interpreting. Just to name a few…

11

The Course in Depth

Year 9 Topics Covered

• Poems from our ‘Poetry Anthology’ • ‘Lord of the Flies’ • A 19th Century text – ‘A Christmas Carol’ or ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde’ • A range of unseen poems

Year 10 Topics Covered

• Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ • Poems from our ‘Poetry Anthology’ • Revision of all the texts studies

Year 11 Topics Covered

This 1 year course focuses on the core skills of reading and writing. We will study a range of short stories and learn how to effectively explain, analyse and evaluate meaning within them and we will do the same with a range of non-fiction texts.

We will also further develop our skills in writing – focusing on producing our own engaging fictional anecdotes and composing a range of biased, often persuasive non-fiction texts.

Internal Assessment

GCSE English Literature is 100% exam.

GCSE English Language is 100% exam PLUS there is a separate component (Spoken Language) which is internally examined and receives its own certificate.

External Assessment

GCSE English Literature (taken at the end of Year 10)

Component 1: Shakespeare and Poetry – 40% (2 hours)

Component 2: Post-1914 Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose and Unseen Poetry – 60% (2 hours 30 minutes)

GCSE English Language (taken at the end of Year 11)

Component 1: 20th Century Fiction Reading and Creative Prose - 40% (1 hour 45 minutes)

Component 2: 19th and 21st Century Non-fiction Reading andTransactional/PersuasiveWriting – 60% (2 hours)

Component 3: Spoken Language

“English is Communication and we communicate all the time.”

12

Maths GCSE

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html

Course Title

Exam Board

Specification Code

Head of Department

GCSE Mathematics

Edexcel

1MA1

Mr R Hillier

Course Information

Mathematics has its place in many industries and subjects. It may be unlikely that you will need to use trigonometry if you plan to become a chef, but learning basic maths skills at GCSE level helps to build up other essential skills that are used on a daily basis. Skills such as problem solving, >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48

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