Dear Students,

You are about to make an important decision. So read this booklet carefully; discuss your thoughts with your teachers, parents and carers and dedicate time to the process of selecting your GCSE options.

English Language

Examination Board: WJEC Eduqas

Specification Code: C700QS

Subject Details

English is a core component of the curriculum. The English Language specification is 100% examination; it requires students to answer questions on unseen 19th, 20th and 21st century texts.

The curriculum is divided into two examination units and one additional component that does not form part of the final grade:

Component 1: Reading and Prose writing 40% of the qualification (1 hour 45 minute examination)

Component 2: Non-fiction reading and Persuasive writing 60% of qualification (2 hour examination).

Component 3: Spoken Language (this will not form part of the final grade but is a GCSE requirement)

•The specification is untiered.

•The qualification will enable successful students to access the SKA CP 6th Form programme, College, A Levels, and apprenticeships.

Future career opportunities

Achieving a good grade in GCSE English Language is vital in opening career pathways for all young people; it is essential for successful applications to further and higher education and a very wide range of employment. It is a qualification that all employers will use as a way to learn how effective a communicator and how literate a potential employee is likely to be.

English Literature

Examination Board: WJEC Eduqas

Specification Code: C720QS

Subject Details

English Literature forms part of compulsory English for all students to study at GCSE. The new specification is externally assessed by two examinations. Students will study a Shakespeare text, a range of poetry - both unseen and part of an anthology - and prose from the 19th and 20th century.

• The new curriculum is divided into two examination units:

Component 1: Shakespeare and Poetry 40% of the qualification (2 hour examination)

Component 2: Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose and Unseen Poetry 60% of qualification (2 hour 30 minute examination).

• The specification is untiered.

• The qualification will enable successful students to access the SKA CP 6th Form programme, College, A Levels, and apprenticeships.

Assessment

Two externally assessed examinations, outlined above.

Future career opportunities

Achieving a good grade in GCSE English Literature s vital in opening career pathways for all young people; it is essential for successful applications to further and higher education and a very wide range of employment. It is a qualification that all employers will use as a way to learn how effective a communicator and how literate a potential employee is likely to be. It also indicates a students’ ability to be analytical and formulate arguments.

Mathematics

Examination Board: Edexcel

Specification: 1MA1

Subject Details

This specification has particular benefits for learners:

• Content is taught in any order to help students make connections across the different topic areas of Mathematics.
  
• Time is made available for cross-curricular work, for example to support work done in subjects which requires Mathematics (e.g. Science, Geography).
  
• A wide range of manipulatives and pedagogical approaches are used in order to support learners of all types and abilities to reach their full potential.
  

Assessment

The assessments will cover the following content: Number, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability and Statistics

Two tiers are available: Foundation and Higher (content is defined for each tier). The qualification consists of three equally weighted written examination papers at either Foundation tier or Higher tier. All three papers must be at the same tier of entry and must be completed in the same assessment series. Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment; a calculator is allowed for Paper 2 and Paper 3.

Each paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long; each paper has 80 marks. The content outlined for each tier will be assessed across all three papers. Each paper will cover all Assessment Objectives, in the percentages outlined for each tier. Each paper has a range of question types; some questions will be set in both mathematical and non-mathematical contexts.

The qualification will be graded and certificated on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1 using the total mark across all three papers where 9 is the highest grade.

Individual papers are not graded.

• Foundation tier: Grades 1 to 5.

• Higher tier: Grades 4 to 9

Future career opportunities

Having a good grade in GCSE Mathematics is vital in opening career pathways for all young people. It is essential for successful applications to further and higher education and a very wide range of employment. It is a qualification that all employers will be keen to look at as an indicator of how numerate a potential employee is likely to be.

Successful completion of Mathematics will support you in applications for many courses at college or Sixth Form, as they require a 4 or above in Mathematics as well as other more specifically related subjects.

Students who are strong in Mathematics will find this course will support applications for Engineering; Sciences; Accountancy; Teaching; Business Studies; ICT.

Combined Science

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: 8464

There have been major advances in science over the last 100 years and the world is a complex place of new technology. Studying Science sets out to help students understand the world around them and explore some of the new technological advances that have been made. All students will study the AQA Trilogy course which is a double award qualification. This is a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will be taught over three years from Year 9 to Year 11.

GCSE specifications in the three sciences should enable students to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics

• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them

• develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments

• develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The course will be assessed by six exams at the end of Year 11, two each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each paper is 1hr 15mins long. There are also 21 practical experiments which the students are required to do by the exam board. Science GCSEs will be tiered: foundation tier for grades 5 to 1 (or unclassified); higher tier for grades 9 to 4 or unclassified.

Topics

Future career opportunities

Many further courses and careers look for successful qualifications in Science. Scientists don’t just wear white coats! The career opportunities open to you when you study Science further are endless from game creation to race car engineers. Other careers in Science include: forensic scientist; environmental scientist; animal scientist; food scientist; biomedical scientist; doctor; pharmacist and many more. If you would like more information about the opportunities that studying Science further can offer, then please speak to the Science or Careers Team.  

French

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: 8652

GCSE French enables students to:

• develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing, conveying what they want to say with increasing accuracy
  
• express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently
  
• listen to and understand clearly articulated, standard speech at near normal speed
  
• deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary in order for them to increase their independent use and understanding of extended language in a wide range of contexts
  
• acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through the ability to understand and respond to a rich range of authentic spoken and written material, adapted and abridged, as appropriate, including literary texts
  
• develop awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where the language is spoken
  
• be encouraged to make appropriate links to other areas of the curriculum to enable bilingual and deeper learning, where the language may become a medium for constructing and applying knowledge
  
• develop language learning skills both for immediate use and to prepare them for further language study and use in school, higher education or in employment
  
• develop language strategies, including repair strategies
  

The aim of the course is to encourage learners to derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning. We wish to provide students with the skills required to take their place in a multilingual global society and prepare them to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.

Assessment

• All examinations will take place at the end of Year 11 in each of the four skills, Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.
  
• Each skill is worth 25% of the total GCSE.
  
• Knowledge of grammar and vocabulary are essential
  

Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about three distinct themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries/ communities where the target language is spoken.

• Theme 1: People and Lifestyle
  
• Theme 2: Popular Culture
  
• Theme 3: Communication and the world around us

Future Career Opportunities

GCSE French may prove a useful qualification in many employment situations, from lorry driving to estate agency and from banking to work of many types in the travel industry. It is also a highly regarded qualification for further and higher education applications. In addition, the learning of a Modern Foreign Language serves in many cases to improve a student’s overall communication skills.

Spanish

Examination Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8692

The aim of the course is to encourage learners to derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning. We wish to provide them with the skills required to take their place in a multilingual global society and prepare them to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.

GCSE Spanish enables students to:

• develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing, conveying what they want to say with increasing accuracy
  
• express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently
  
• listen to and understand clearly articulated, standard speech at near normal speed
  
• deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary in order for them to increase their independent use and understanding of extended language in a wide range of contexts
  
• acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through the ability to understand and respond to a rich range of authentic spoken and written material, adapted and abridged, as appropriate, including literary texts
  
• develop awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where the language is spoken
  
• be encouraged to make appropriate links to other areas of the curriculum to enable bilingual and deeper learning, where the language may become a medium for constructing and applying knowledge
  
• develop language learning skills both for immediate use and to prepare them for further language study and use in school, higher education or in employment
  
• develop language strategies, including repair strategies
  
• Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about three distinct themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries/ communities where the target language is spoken.
  

• Theme 1: People and Lifestyle
  
• Theme 2: Popular Culture
  
• Theme 3: Communication and the world around us
  

Assessment

• All examinations will take place at the end of Year 11 in each of the four skills, Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.
  
• Each skill is worth 25% of the total GCSE. Knowledge of grammar and vocabulary are essential.
  

Future career opportunities

GCSE Spanish may prove a useful qualification in many employment situations, from lorry driving to estate agency and from banking to work of many types in the travel industry. It is also a highly regarded qualification for further and higher education applications. In addition, the learning of a Modern Foreign Language serves in many cases to improve a student’s overall communication skills.

Art and Design

Examination Board: OCR

Specification: Fine Art (J171)

GSCE Art and Design is a vibrant, exciting and challenging subject. Students create a range of 2D and 3D artworks in response to briefs covering a large breadth of subject matter. Students create work that is conceptual and aesthetic and are taught a variety of skills, techniques and processes. In Year 10 students focus on drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics. In Year 11 students have a choice of media (2D or 3D) and chose media for their projects based on personal ability and interest. Over Year 10 and 11 students work to complete a Portfolio (sketchbook work and final art pieces), as well as the Exam Component which consists of a separate sketchbook and final artwork. The Portfolio weights 60% and the Exam weights 40% of the Art GCSE. As Art and Design is created to be assessed based on the accumulation of practical and theoretical work, all work produced over the two-year GCSE counts for final assessment.

Art and Design students are encouraged to:

• actively engage in the creative process of art, craft and design to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
• develop creative, imaginative and intuitive capabilities when exploring and making images, artefacts and products
• become confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques
• develop critical understanding through investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills
• develop and refine ideas and proposals, personal outcomes or solutions with increasing independence
• acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent
• develop knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures
• develop an awareness of the different roles and individual work practices evident in the production of art, craft and design in the creative and cultural industries
• develop an awareness of the purposes, intentions and functions of art, craft and design in a variety of contexts and as appropriate to learners’ own work
• demonstrate safe working practices in art, craft and design.

This is no ‘soft’ option.

Assessment

The qualification is made up of two components. Work for final assessment begins at the very start of Year 10.

Component 01: Portfolio (60% of the overall qualification) (NEA COMPONENT)

Students should produce a portfolio of practical work showing their personal response to either an Academy or student set starting point, brief, scenario or stimulus. This portfolio consists of a variety of projects completed over Year 10 and 11.

Component 02: Externally set task (40% of the qualification) (EXAM COMPONENT)

The early release paper will be issued on 2 January each year and will provide students with five themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points and stimuli, their response (exam practical piece) should be based on one of these options. This exam piece is completed over two terms at the end of Year 11.

Art students need to be focussed, hard-working and have a passion for the subject. Art as a subject includes Homework on a weekly basis; there is an emphasis on observational drawing skills and sketchbook work involving significant written tasks.

Why would I want to study Art and Design at GCSE?

• The Arts make self-starters and develop emotional intelligence.
  
• The Arts are stretching, meaning they require long hours of hard work and dedication which teaches invaluable organisational and time-management skills.
  
• Arts students are highly sought-after by employers because they have self-discipline, confidence and the ability to accept criticism.
  
• The Arts develop the broader dimensions of the human being – mind, body and soul.
  
• The Arts provide vital cultural education.
  
• The teachers at The Skinners’ Kent Academy are subject specialists and are truly passionate about the teaching of Art!
  

How is the qualification marked?

Art students are assessed in four key areas:

• Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
  
• Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
  
• Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
  
• Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.
  

Future career opportunities

Study a subject that feeds our creative industries; which are now a major part of the economy bringing in billions of pounds annually. The creative industries are one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the UK. Many employers actively seek those who have studied the Arts due to the creative and problem-solving skills and attitudes students have developed in their studies.

Business

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: 8132

GCSE Business allows students the opportunity to explore real business issues and how businesses work. Students learn about each of the different functional areas of a business, how they are managed, resourced and funded. They also develop an understanding of methods that real businesses use to increase revenues and reduce costs in order to make a profit.

Assessment

Business is a linear course; it is assessed by two exam papers at the end of Year 11. Both exams are equally weighted and last 1 hour 45 minutes. Both papers start with multiple choice questions, followed by a case study with longer answer questions.

Paper 1: Influences of Operations and Human Resource Management on Business Activity

• Business in the real world
  
• Influences on business
  
• Business operations
  
• Human resources
  

Paper 2: Influences of Marketing and Finance on Business Activity

• Business in the real world
  
• Influences on business
  
• Marketing
  
• Finance
  

Future career opportunities

Successful candidates will be very well prepared to study Business and Management at IB level, A Level or at College as well as Business or Economics based subjects at university. The course develops self-confidence, communication and presentation skills which are beneficial in a wide range of future studies and careers. This course is of interest to students who see themselves either running their own business in the future or working in an existing corporation when they leave school.

CITIZENSHIP STUDIES

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: 8100

This course is designed to empower and motivate a deeper knowledge of democracy, government and law. Citizenship education develops knowledge, skills and understanding that students need to play a full part in society as active, thoughtful and responsible citizens. Students will also reflect on current issues, questions and debates. Students will develop skills to sustain and have reasoned arguments through critical thinking, present various viewpoints, interpretation of evidence and plan practical citizenship actions to benefit society, all of which are essential skills valued by higher education and employers.

Subject details

Assessment: Paper 1: Active citizenship and Politics and participation – 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of GCSE. Paper 2: Life in modern Britain and Rights and responsibilities – 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks 50% of GCSE. Question types: multiple-choice, short answer, source-based questions and extended answers.

Future career opportunities

GCSE Citizenship is highly thought of by universities and employers, students will be able to look at careers in politics, police, law, public services, education, journalism, the travel industry, medicine, social care, TV and film research, health care and so much more.

Computer Science

Practical Programming

Students are given the opportunity to undertake programming task(s) during the 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 examinations, in particular component2.

Assessment

• Examination Paper 1: Computer systems: - 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of final GCSE grade

• Examination Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming: - 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of final GCSE grade

Future career opportunities

Successful candidates will be well equipped to progress into Further Education to study a wide range of courses including: IB Digital Society, AS Level Computer Science, A Level Computer Science, or Cambridge Technicas – IT Level 3 or Digital Media Level 3 (these are OCR vocational qualifications that offer an alternative to A levels for students aged 16+).

This can lead students into a range of exciting and rewarding careers such as Software Developer, Database Administrator, Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Network Architect, Web Developer, Information Security Analyst, Computer Programmer, and many other possibilities. It also provides a good grounding for other subject areas that require problem solving and analytical skills.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: 8552

This course has been designed to encourage students to be able to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. Students will be enthused and challenged by the range of practical activities possible to develop their skills. For their Non-Examined Assessment task, students will work independently through a range of contexts to create a high level prototype outcome. They will consider each element of the design process from the very first ideas right up to the final prototype suitable for commercial development.

Subject Details

Students develop their understanding of a vast range of materials to work with, such as timbers, polymers, metals, graphic based mediums and textiles as well as a range of modern and smart materials. Students will look in greater detail at sustainability as well as social, moral and cultural issues that can impact on a designer’s decision making. They will have to design, make and market products to meet the needs of specific clients and consumers, generating design proposals against stated design criteria. Students will be encouraged to modify their proposals in the light of on-going analysis, evaluation and product development. They will develop their knowledge of ComputerAided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) and ensure, through testing, modification and evaluation, that the quality of their products is suitable for intended users. Students will further their understanding of production methods for the mass market, point of sale, packaging design and advertising.

Assessment

• Unit 1: Written Paper 2 hours – 50% (20% of this paper is related to Scientific knowledge and Mathematic calculations used in Design)
  
• Unit 2: Design and Making Practice (NEA) Approximately 35 hours - 50%
  

Future career opportunities

Successful candidates will be equipped to progress to study a wide range of courses including IB Design Technology, A-Level Product Design, Physics, Engineering and Graphic Design and further education courses. This can lead students into a range of fast paced and challenging careers including Architecture, Advertising, Product Design and Manufacturing, Digital Gaming, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing, Illustration, Carpentry and so much more.

Film Studies

Examination Board: WJEC Eduqas

Specification: 670QS

Subject Details

There is so much more to Film Studies than simply watching films. As well as gaining an appreciation of film as an art form in terms of its visual storytelling, studying film can enhance your understanding of the world. The development of deeper critical and creative thinking gained by studying film is a much sought-after transferable skill in both employment and further study. Film Studies is an extremely enjoyable subject, but expect to be constantly challenged and excited by the course. Not only will it change the way you watch film, but more importantly it will challenge you to think in new ways and question or change your perspective on a whole host of issues. Studying film allows you to understand important issues and developments within history, society and culture, using film as the medium. Students of Film Studies are the students of the future, gaining the skills needed to develop healthy careers and great academic minds.

What will I Study?

• You will study the following areas: US Film 1930-1960, US Film 1961-1990, US Independent film, Global Film and Contemporary UK Film
  
• You will study the following concepts: Film Technology, Narrative & Genre, Representation, Film Style and Film Criticism
  
• You will study the key elements of film form including cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing and sound. You will also study the contexts of your chosen films and what was happening when the film was made.
  

Assessment

There are two exams, each worth 35% of the qualification with the remaining 30% assessed by Production work [NEA]. Each exam lasts 90 minutes and consists of three different sections:

Future Opportunities

GCSE Film Studies will lead to a variety of other qualifications including IB/A-Level Film Studies or Media Studies. It will particularly enhance your progression in English, Art, DT, History and Geography. This course will allow you to follow a career path in many areas in the media, both practical and theoretical. From technicians and directors to writers, journalists and presenters to name just a few - we live in one of the largest media & film industries in the world. The possibilities are endless!

FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: 8585

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students' practical cookery skills together with a strong understanding of nutrition.

Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:

• Food, nutrition and health
  
• Food science
  
• Food safety
  
• Food choice
  
• Food provenance
  

Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, with a course on offer in the 6th form (Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition), or students can embark on an apprenticeship or full time career in the catering or food industries.

Assessment

Examination: Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition - 50% of final GCSE grade

Non-Exam Assessment: Two controlled tasks – 50% of final GCSE grade

Task 1: Food investigation - Students' understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients.

Task 2: Food preparation assessment - Students' knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. Students will plan, prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours.

Future career opportunities

Even if students do not wish to study this area at a higher level, this course includes important life skills which allow students to become confident and competent consumers and young adults. It enables them to make healthy food choices and understand how these impacts upon their future.

However, for students who wish to do further study, we can offer an A level equivalent, with a diploma in food science and nutrition, which is a two-year course.

GEOGRAPHY

Examination Board: Edexcel

Specification: 1GB0

GCSE Geography inspires students to develop a sense of ownership of the world they live in and seeks to develop their understanding about the interlinked facets of our ever-changing planet. Now more than ever, geographic literacy is necessary for us to understand global events, cultures and the impact of humans on the natural world; as Sir David Attenborough says “The whole of life is coming to terms with yourself and the natural world. Why are you here? How do you fit in? What’s it all about?” So why not let Geography continue to give you a head start?

Subject details

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• build on their Key Stage Three knowledge and skills, extending and developing their knowledge of location, places, environments and processes and of different scales and social, political and cultural contexts.
  
• gain understanding of the interaction between people and environments, change in places and processes over time and space, and the relationship between geographical phenomena and processes at different scales and in different contexts.
  
• develop and extend their competence in a range of skills including those used in fieldwork, in using maps and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and in recording secondary evidence, including digital sources; and applying the cycle of collecting, presenting and analysing geographical data, including categorising and evaluating information and hypotheses.
  
• apply geographical knowledge, understanding, skills and approaches appropriately and creatively to real world contexts, including fieldwork, and to contemporary situations and issues; and develop well-evidenced geographic arguments drawing on their knowledge and understanding and using evidence to reinforce and justify their arguments.
  

External Assessment

Future career opportunities

The skills and knowledge you will develop while studying GCSE Geography will support you in applications for and the study of IB/A-Levels in not only Geography but also, Social Studies (Law, Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology), History, and English, as well as links with Mathematics, Sciences, and Languages. Many jobs also appreciate the skills GCSE Geography will give you, including: tourism officer, sustainability officers, energy advisors, travel agent, geologist, civil engineer, social work, medicine, retailer, diplomatic work, market research, architect, teaching, and many more. Universities and employers value geography as a ‘facilitating’ subject due to the broad range of skills that it develops.

HISTORY

External Assessment

The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives:

• AO1: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the period studied.
• AO2: explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-order historical concepts.
• AO3: analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) to make substantiated judgements, in the context of historical events studied.
• AO4: analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ) in the context of historical events studied.

Future career opportunities

Successful completion of GCSE History could support you in applications for further and higher education courses leading to possible future careers in law, politics and accountancy, for example, where skills in reasoning and arguing your point are useful. There are also areas more directly related, such as travel and tourism, museums, leadership and management, the media industry, libraries, research and teaching. This is also an excellent subject to prepare students to study IB History or A Level History.

Music

Examination Board: WJEC eduqas

Specification: C660QS

This exciting specification for GCSE (9–1) Music encourages an integrated approach to the three distinct components of performing, composing and appraising through four interrelated areas of study. The four areas of study are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of music through the study of a variety of genres and styles in a wider context- Musical Forms and Devices (area of study 1), Music for Ensemble (area of study 2), Film Music (area of study 3) and Popular Music (area of study 4).

Developing as ‘all-round’ musicians

Students will have the opportunity to compose music in a variety of genres as well as appraising the musical works of famous composers and music artists across a wealth of different periods in time. Students will also further develop their knowledge, understanding and practical abilities as Solo and Ensemble musicians through class workshops, rehearsals and private practice.

Assessment

• The qualification is made up of three components: There are two non-exam assessments- Performing and Composing (60% of the overall qualification) and one exam assessment- a written paper focusing on Appraising music (40% of the overall qualification).
  
• Theory and practical work will be integrated throughout the course. Students need to be able to work well individually and as part of an ensemble. Students should ideally be able to play a musical instrument and/or be prepared to sing. Music Tuition is available outside of classroom music lessons.
  

Why would I want to study music at GCSE?

Research has found that the study of music can cultivate social skills, refine discipline and patience, improve academic skills and boost self-esteem. These are all essential skills that continue to be utilised by all.

Music can be an incredibly rewarding subject to study. To get the most out of this qualification, you must be prepared to work hard as an individual as well as part of an ensemble – practising regularly on your chosen instrument and learning to appreciate a wide variety of musical genres from the past to the present day

How is the qualification assessed?

Students are assessed on the key components of Performing, Composing and Appraising throughout the course:

• Performing- Demonstrating your ability to perform as an ensemble (compulsory) and solo (optional) musician
  
• Composing – Demonstrating your ability to create your own music
  
• Appraising- Demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of music across the four Areas of Study
  

Future Career Opportunities

GCSE Music provides a wide range of future opportunities for students and will help build long lasting social, technical and business skills ready for a career in the music industry. Future careers include session musician, sound technician, composer, performer, classroom teacher, band manager and more. GCSE Music will provide you access to post 16 courses like BTEC Music Performance course in the Academy Sixth Form or A-Level Music or Music courses at College to open further industry doors such as Music Therapist or Music Journalist.

PE

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

SEPARATE SCIENCE

Examination Board: AQA

Syllabus Number: Biology 8461, Chemistry 8462, Physics 8463

For those students who have ability in Science and may be looking to do Science subjects in Key Stage 5, we offer the option of doing all three Sciences as separate GCSE qualifications. This will be an option in one of the option blocks. The separate Sciences have the same content as the Trilogy course the whole year group does, except there is extra content which extends the work beyond the Trilogy course. There are still 6 exam papers, which are sat at the same time as the Trilogy course, but they are 1hour and 45 minutes long, to cover the extra content. There are also several additional practical activities to complete.

Am I suitable for this course?

This course is suitable for students in top sets who show an aptitude for the subject and who may want to study Science at KS5 and beyond.

Assessment

The course will be assessed by six exams at the end of Year 11, two each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each paper is 1hr 45mins long. There are also 21 practical experiments which the students are required to do by the exam board.

Additional Content

Biology – Growing micro-organisms, testing antibiotics for efficacy, investigating disinfectants required practical, plant diseases, plant defences, monoclonal antibodies, the brain, the eye and how it works, eye defects, controlling body temperature, water balance, the kidneys, kidney failure and dialysis, auxin their uses and other plant hormones, the effect of light and gravity on the growth of germinating seedlings required practical, the structure of DNA, proteins, mutations, the work of Gregor Mendel, the work of Darwin and Wallace, speciation, cloning, biomass in food webs, decay, investigating the decay of milk at different temperatures required practical, food security, biotechnology.

Chemistry – transition metals, properties and uses of nanoparticles, atom economy, concentrations of solutions, gas volume and molarity, titration required practical, strong and weak acids, cells batteries and fuel cells, alkenes and their reactions, alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters, addition and condensation polymerisation, amino acids, DNA and other natural polymers, flame tests, metal hydroxides and testing for anions, identifying unknown ionic compounds required practical, flame emission spectroscopy and other instrumental methods of identifying unknown ions, corrosion and its prevention, alternative methods of metal extraction, alloys, ceramics polymers and composites, Haber process and production of NPK fertilisers.

Physics – Static electricity, electric fields, energy transfers, effect of pressure on gases, nuclear fusion fission and the uses of nuclear radiation, moments, gears and levers, fluid pressure, atmospheric pressure, sound waves and ultrasound, seismic waves, lenses, images and magnification, emission and absorption of infrared radiation, temperature of the Earth, loudspeakers, the generator effect and its uses, transformers. Also a completely new topic about Space.

Future career opportunities

Many further courses and careers look for successful qualifications in Science. Separate Sciences are ideal, but not essential, if you wish to go on and study Science at KS5 and beyond. The career opportunities open to you when you study Science further are endless from game creation to race car engineers. Other careers in Science include forensic scientist; environmental scientist; animal scientist; food scientist; biomedical scientist; doctor; pharmacist and many more.

Careers Advice for Parents & Students

The Careers Team at Skinners’ Kent Academy are keen to support Year 9 students and their parents through the process of picking GCSE subjects. The team consists of:

• Mrs Srinivasan – Careers Manager/Advisor
  
• Mrs Wright – Careers Administrator
  
• Mrs Read – Director of Sixth Form and Careers Leader
  

Support for Year 9 students in school

• The school will be supporting your child with lessons during House Time on the following topics
  
1. Decision Making
   
2. Linking subjects to career areas
   
3. Exploring skills and qualities
   
4. Looking Ahead
   
• The Careers team will be available on Year 9 Options Evening (Thursday 18 January 2024 ) for any careers related questions and can be contacted on careers@skinnerskent.org.uk with any questions.
  
• 1-1 appointments for students can be booked with the Careers Advisor by e-mailing bsrinivasan@skinnerskent.org.uk
  

Common Queries

There are also a couple of important considerations to think about when picking GCSEs that might affect future pathways.

• If you don't pick an art subject for GCSE it is highly unlikely that you will be able to pick an Art subject in the Sixth Form (unless your child has a significant body of artwork produced in their own time)
  
• The same is said for languages unless you have significant skills developed outside of school.
  
• If students do not take PE GCSE they will need to be playing a significant amount of sport outside of school (possibly in a team) to gain entry onto Sport in the sixth form.
  

Research is key when making decisions about subjects to pick.

• Find out as much as you can about the subject before making a decision.
  
• Come along to Choices Evening and talk to the teachers.
  
• Read through all of the information on the subjects.
  
• Find out what jobs are linked to subjects by using the websites below: