ContentsPage
Introduction
Compulsory subjects
English
Mathematics
Science – Core and Science - Additional
List A - GCSEs
Art
Art & Design: Photography
Business Studies
Catering
Computing
Drama
Electronics and Resistant Materials
French
Geography
Graphics and CAD
History
Music
PE
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Textiles
List B – Applied Learning (BTECs that count as one choice)
BTEC – ICT
BTEC – Music
BTEC – Travel and Tourism
List C – Applied Learning
BTEC – Art and Design (2 choices)
BTEC – Sport (2 choices)
Application Form - Year 10: 2015-2017 - Options for Futures Pathway
Introduction
Congratulations! You have been selected for the FUTURES Pathway. This means that we are hoping to support you in choosing a range of applied and academic subjects to give you as many choices as possible for post-16 education. You should think about choices that will really challenge you and help to develop your strengths and areas of interest. You will also be supported in getting the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. If necessary, you may be given a Literacy or Numeracy class to ensure your success in English and Maths.
Unless you achieve a Level 5b in English and Maths you will need to do Booster: this means you will lose one of your options. This will be communicated to you in March.
So, what are your choices?
1)You MUST study the following subjects for your GCSE qualifications:
1 - 2 / 1 / 1-2English Language and/or Literature / Mathematics
(depending on your progress, you may also study Higher Maths: speak to your teacher about this) / Science
(depending on your progress, you may also study Double Science: speak to your teacher about this)
2)Finally, you can may choose from the following list: (please see above)
List A: GCSEs / List A: BTECs / List C: BTECs –counts as two choices. You may only choose one subject from this list.
Art / ICT / Art and Design
Art: Photography and lens-based Media / Music / Sport
Business Studies
Catering
Computing
Drama
Product Design: Electronics and Resistant Materials
French
Geography
Product Design: Graphics and CAD
History
Music
PE
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Textiles
Compulsory Subjects
English – Language and Literature
Subject: English Language and English LiteratureExamination board and specification: AQA English Language (4705), AQA English Literature (4710)
Number of hours a fortnight: 8
Skills required to be successful on this course:
Passion and enthusiasm for reading
Good writing skills
Analytical skills
Excellent speaking and listening skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Qualifications gained:
A* to G English Language GCSE A* to G English Literature GCSE
Course description:
In English Language students will focus on understanding and producing a variety of non-fiction texts. They will also study creative writing, spoken language and read an extended text ‘Of Mice and Men’.
In English Literature students will study a drama text ‘An Inspector Calls’, a Shakespeare text and a selection of poetry.
How the course is assessed:
For English Language students will take a 2 hours 15 minutes exam on understanding and producing non-fiction texts (40%) and four controlled assessments (40%). Students will also be assessed on their speaking and listening skills (20%).
For English Literature students will take a 1 hour 30 minutes exam on exploring modern texts (40%) and a 1 hour 15 minute exam on poetry across time (35%). They will also complete a controlled assessment on the significance of Shakespeare and the English literary heritage.
Students who will enjoy this course:
Students who are planning to study English Language and/or English Literature at A Level
Students who enjoy reading, writing and speaking
Careers these qualifications can lead to:
Achieving a C grade in English Language is considered a benchmark for a wide range of jobs and for access to sixth-form colleges.
GCSE qualifications in English equip students for all careers that demand high levels of literacy, communication skills and analytical skills.
For further information:
Speak to Mr Butlin, Ms Watson or Mrs Roberts
Visit the AQA website links:
Mathematics
Subject:Foundation MathematicsExamination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE in Mathematics
Number of periods a fortnight: 8
Skills required to be successful on this course:
Good basic standard of numeracy
Good communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
A willingness to work hard
Qualifications gained:
Grades C - G
Course description:
This qualification encourages students to develop confidence in Mathematics and to recognise the importance of Mathematics in their own lives and to society. This qualification prepares students to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices.
This qualification contains modules on:
1. Number
2. Algebra
3. Geometry
4. Measure
5. Statistics
6. Probability
GCSEin Mathematics A will assess the functional elements of Mathematics, as required by the KS4 Programme of study for Mathematics.
This GCSE in Mathematics gives students the opportunity todevelop the ability to:
acquire and use problem-solving strategies
select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in every day and real-world situations
reason mathematically, make deductions, make inferences and draw conclusions
Interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.
How the course is assessed:
Each paper contributes to 50% of the qualification
Two written papers
Each paper lasts 1 hour 45 minutes
Each paper contains 100 marks
Paper 1 Non-calculator, Paper 2 Calculator
Grades C – G available
Available March, June and November
30-40% of each paper assesses the functional elements ofMathematics.
Students who will enjoy this course:
Maths enthusiasts who are planning to continue studying Mathematics at A level
Those planning to pursue a career in Mathematics
Students who enjoy academic subjects.
Careers these qualifications can lead to:
Financial professions such as Actuary, Accountancy, Stock Market roles and Banking.
More hands-on roles such as Architecture, Engineering and roles within the Civil Service.
Many othercareer options including: Teaching, Quantity Surveying, Software Development/Engineering, IT-based roles, Graduate Research, Sales, Graduate schemes in Multinational companies and many more.
For further information:
Speak to Mr Matthews or Mr Kirman. Visit the website link:
Subject: GCSE Science B
Examination Board and Specification: OCR Gateway Science Suite (J261)
Number of hours a fortnight: 10
Skills required to be successful on this course:
Good basic literacy and numeracy
Good practical skills
Some research and analytical skills
Good communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Qualifications gained: 1 full GCSE
A* to G GCSE Science
For students who will be studying for the Double Award, this is the outline for Year 10 only. Please see GCSE Additional Science for the Year 11 programme of study.
Course description:
The course aims to develop scientific ideas, linking these to everyday life and their implications for society.
In Biology, students will study 2 units (B1 and 2) covering key areas such as health, the nervous system, sustainability and ecology.
In Chemistry, students will study 2 units (C1 and 2) covering key areas such as Carbon Chemistry, Metals and Chemical Manufacturing.
In Physics, students will study 2 units (P1 and 2) covering key areas such as energy, waves and the solar system.
How the course is assessed:
Core Science GCSE is assessed through a 75-minute paper (35%), a 90-minute paper (40%) and a controlled assessment (25%). The exams are taken at the end of Year 11 whilst the controlled assessment is completed during the course. Core Science students will complete a total of 2 exams and 1 controlled assessment, all to be sat at the end of Year 11.
Students who will enjoy this course:
Students who want to further develop the Scientific knowledge they have gained at KS3
Students who enjoy academic subjects with a mix of written and practical work.
Careers this qualification can lead to:
Further study at college
More vocational subjects such as animal care, beauty, sports science
For further information:
Speak to Ms Goulding, Ms Muhley or Mr Chappell
Visit the OCR website links:
Science – Additional
Subject: Additional Science BExamination Board and Specification: OCR Gateway Science Suite (J262)
Number of hours a fortnight: 10
Skills required to be successful on this course:
Enjoy courses with a mixture of exams and coursework
Good practical skills
Research and analytical skills
Good standards of literacy and numeracy
Good communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Qualifications gained: 1 full GCSE (in addition to Core Science)
A* to G GCSE Science, this programme of study is followed in Year 11 for those students that have followed Core Science in Year 10 (2 full GCSEs in total).
Course description:
The course aims to further develop the skills, knowledge and understanding from Core Science.
In Biology, students will study 4 units (B3 and 4) covering key areas such as Genetics, Growth, Diffusion and Agriculture.
In Chemistry, students will study 4 units (C3 and 4) covering key areas such as the Periodic Table, Atomic Structure, Chemical Economics and Nanochemistry.
In Physics, students will study 4 units (P3 and 4) covering key areas such as Speed, Forces, Electricity and Radioactivity.
How the course is assessed:
Each GCSE is assessed through a 75-minute paper (35%), a 90-minute paper (40%) and a controlled assessment (25%). The exams are taken at the end of Year 11, whilst the controlled assessment is completed during the course.
Students who will enjoy this course:
Science enthusiasts who are considering studying Science at A level, or who just want to develop their knowledge and skills in the subject.
Those considering a career in Science
Students who enjoy academic subjects with a mix of written and practical work.
Careers these qualifications can lead to:
Further study at college
Science-based degree courses
Medical professions, e.g. Nursing, Midwifery, Veterinary Science, Pharmacist
Many other career options including: Teaching, Laboratory Technician, Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigator, Consultant, Sales Representative
More vocational subjects such as animal care, beauty, sports science
For further information:
Speak to Ms Goulding, Ms Muhley or Ms Chappell
Visit the OCR website links:
LIST A
GCSEs
Art and Design
Subject: Art and Design (GCSE)Examination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE Art and Design
Number of hours a fortnight: 5
Skills required to be successful on this course:
Passion and enthusiasm for the subject
Good technical skills in a range of materials/media
Willingness to experiment and take creative risks
Ability to research artists and analyse their artwork
Ability to evaluate, review and refine your own work
Ability to work independently
Qualifications gained:
A* - G GCSE Art and Design
Course description:
Students will complete 3 sketchbook-based coursework projects which will enable them to develop a broad range of technical skills, experiment with different materials and techniques and use the inspiration of a range of artists to support their own ideas.
Students will review and refine their ideas to develop a final piece of work at the end of each project.
In Year 11, students will also complete an externally Set Assessment: a project they have 8 weeks to complete preparatory sketchbook work, before completing a final piece in a 10 hour period under exam conditions.
How the course is assessed:
40% externally Set Assessment
60% Personal Portfolio (coursework projects)
Students who will enjoy this course:
Students who enjoy practical subjects and working independently
Students who enjoy being creative and developing their own ideas through reflection and evaluation
Students who enjoy studying the work of other artists for inspiration
Students who are planning to pursue a creative career.
Careers these qualifications can lead to:
Artist, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Architect, Craftsman, Sculptor, Fashion Designer
Photographer, Film or TV Director, Cinematographer, Editor
Web or Game Designer, Animator
Art critic, Theorist, Historian, Teacher or Lecturer
Gallery owner, Art dealer or Curator
Advertising Designer or Director, Art editor for a magazine or website
Many other careers in which the ability to think creatively is vital, for example, careers in performing industries such as Music and Theatre, in Retail, in the Media or Press, Events Planning, Charity or Youth Work, etc.
For further information:
Speak to Miss Hall or visit,
Subject: Photography (GCSE)
Examination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: Photography: Lens and Light-Based Media
Number of hours a fortnight: 5
Skills required to be successful on this course:
Passion and enthusiasm for the subject
Good technical skills in digital photography and editing
Willingness to experiment and take creative risks
Ability to research photographers and analyse their photography
Ability to evaluate, review and refine your own work
Ability to work independently
Qualifications gained:
A* - G GCSE Art and Design: Photography: Lens and Light-Based Media
Course description:
Students will complete 3 sketchbook-based coursework projects which will enable them to develop a broad range of photography skills, experiment with different editing and presentation effects and use the inspiration of a range of photographers to support their own ideas.
Students will review and refine their ideas to develop a final presentation at the end of each project.
In Year 11, they will also complete an externally Set Assessment: a project they have 8 weeks to complete their preparatory sketchbook work, before completing a final piece in a 10-hour period under exam conditions.
How the course is assessed:
40% Externally Set Assessment
60% Personal Portfolio (coursework projects)
Students who will enjoy this course:
Students who enjoy practical subjects and working independently
Students who enjoy being creative and developing their own ideas through reflection and evaluation
Students who enjoy studying the work of other photographers for inspiration
Students who are planning to pursue a creative career.
Careers these qualifications can lead to:
Photographer, Film or TV Director, Cinematographer, Editor
Photojournalist, Wedding Photographer, Studio Photographer
Artist, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Architect, Craftsman, Sculptor, Fashion Designer
Web or Game Designer, Animator
Art Critic, Theorist, Historian, Teacher or Lecturer
Gallery owner, Art dealer or Curator
Advertising Designer or Director, Art Editor for a magazine or website
Many other careers in which the ability to think creatively is vital, for example, careers in Performing industries such as Music and Theatre, in Retail, in the Media or Press, Events Planning, Charity or Youth Work, etc.
For further information:
Speak to Miss Hall, or visit:
p27.
Art and Design: Photography
Business Studies
Subject: Business Studies & EconomicsExamination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE Business studies and Economics (2BE01 linear)
Number of hours a fortnight: 5
Skills required to be successful on this course:
Communicating and explaining your ideas
Thinking creatively and making decisions
Working with numbers to solve business problems
Enthusiasm about the world of business
Have an interest in how businesses operate around the world
Have an interest in how businesses grow
Qualifications gained: 1 full GCSE
A* to G Business Studies and Economics GCSE
Course description:
The course comprises of 3 units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Small Business. This unit explores how to spot business opportunities, how to put a business idea into practice, making an effective start in business, and understanding the economic context. These topics prepare students for study at A Level, e.g. Planning and Financing a Business, Market Analysis and Strategy, and Business Strategy.
Unit 2: Investigating Small Business. This unit investigates the economic context of starting a small business and analyses how they operate, as well as their factors of success and failure. These topics prepare students for study at A Level, e.g. Managing a Business and Strategies for Success.
Unit 3: Introduction to Economic Understanding. This unit explores the world of an economist and the government’s role in economy and its impact on business. These topics prepare students for study at A Level e.g. The Business Environment and Change, Managing the Economy, and the Global Economy.
How the course is assessed:
The GCSE is assessed through the following:
Unit 1 is assessed through a 45-minute paper (multiple-choice and objective test questions) (25%)
Unit 2 is assessed through an internal controlled assessment (25%)
Unit 5 is assessed through a 90-minute paper (50%)
The exams are taken at the end of Year 11 whilst the controlled assessment is completed during the course.
Students who will enjoy this course:
Business enthusiasts who are planning to continue studying Business Studies or Economics at A Level.
Students who are interested in starting up their own business in the future
Students who want to learn more about the economy and its impact on the World.
Careers these qualifications can lead to:
Business Studies and Economics can lead to a career in many business-related industries such as:
Entrepreneurship
Accountancy
Law
Marketing
Leisure and tourism
Finance
For further information:
Please speak to Mr McArdle
Visit
Catering
Subject: CateringExamination board and specification:WJEC
Number of periods a fortnight: 5
Skills required to be successful on this course:
An interest in food preparation and nutrition.
Confidence in the kitchen.
Good literacy and numeracy.
Use of ICT for research and presentation.
Ability to communicate ideas clearly.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to work with others.
Qualifications gained:
1 GCSE
Course description:
Two year course.
In the first year students will learn how to work with a variety of ingredients and use a range of equipment, alongside development of theoretical knowledge. They will also complete a short plan and make task, which will contribute 20% to the final grade.
Theoretical knowledge will include: The food and drink industry. Job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training. Health, safety and hygiene. Food preparation, cooking and presentation. Nutrition and menu planning. Costing and portion control. Specialist equipment. Environmental considerations.
In the second year students will continue to develop their theoretical knowledge in preparation for the final exam. They will also complete a longer plan and make task, which will contribute 40% to the final grade.
The course is split and will include a significant amount of theory in addition to practical work.
How the course is assessed:
The final qualification will be based on an exam (40%), the coursework for a short plan and make task (20%) and a longer plan and make task (40%).
Students who will enjoy this course:
Logical
Reflective
Dedicated
ICT competent
Kinaesthetic ‘hands on’ learners
Students with a keen interest in food and nutrition.
Careers these qualifications can lead to:
Head Chef
Junior Chef
Pastry Chef
Food Technologist
Food Scientist
Product Developer
Marketing Manager
Buyer
And many other careers within the food and drinks industry.
For further information:
Please speak to Miss Dibley, or another Design and Technology teacher, to find out more.
Computing