BURFORD SCHOOL

OXFORDSHIRE

HEAD: MRS K M HAIG

CHELTENHAM ROAD BURFORD OXFORDSHIRE OX18 4PL TEL: 01993 823303 FAX: 01993 823101 A SPECIALIST COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE SCHOOL

Burford School Oxfordshire :

Curriculum Choices 20122014

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 - 2014

CONTENTS:
i) ii) iii)
INTRODUCTION

STUDENTS NOTE PAGE

SUBJECT PAGES:

PSHE AND CITIZENSHIP CAREERS WORK EXPERIENCE INCREASED FLEXIBILITY PROGRAMME ART BUSINESS STUDIES CHILD DEVELOPMENT DRAMA ENGLISH GEOGRAPHY HISTORY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MATHEMATICS MODERN LANGUAGES MUSIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION RELIGIOUS STUDIES SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY

This booklet can also be found on the school WEBSITE (www.burford.oxon.sch.uk)

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 - 2014

CURRICULUM YEARS 10 and 11: 20122014

INTRODUCTION This booklet provides you with valuable information about the curriculum you will follow during the next two years. The curriculum has evolved in the last few years with changes in legislation. The changes are designed to increase the relevance of the curriculum and, wherever possible, the flexibility, so that it can meet more of your needs. Three pathways can be identified through the KS4 curriculum:

K S 4

T R A D I T I O N A L

10 GCSEs

A P P L I E D

Up to 2 GCSEs replaced by BTECs

Level l/2

Level 1/2

A L T Up to 7 GCSEs E replaced by R NVQ N Work Exp. A BTECs T COPE I V E Level 1

The Traditional Pathway contains core and optional GCSE subjects. In The Applied Pathway a number of the optional GCSE subjects are replaced with vocational BTEC courses. The Alternative Pathway offers the greatest flexibility and contains qualifications mainly at Level 1; Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grades D G. Students are invited to join The Alternative Pathway if we consider that the curriculum in this pathway is the one best suited to meet their needs. Whichever pathway is followed, every student must follow a common core of:

ENGLISH MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

PERSONAL HEALTH and SOCIAL EDUCATION and CITIZENSHIP PHYSICAL EDUCATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Core Information Technology will be taught through a variety of subjects. The rest of the curriculum is made up of a number of optional subjects. The exact number and nature of these choices will depend on the pathway that you are following. Most students will be able to choose four optional subjects from the list below. We recommend that you follow a curriculum that gives you the experience of different areas of learning, ensuring that you have a broad education base that will not limit your choices in the future. We therefore suggest that you choose one optional subject from each of the groups below.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 - 2014

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: French CREATIVE SUBJECTS: Art TECHNOLOGY: Drama

Spanish

Music

Graphics Catering Textiles Engineering Systems & Control Product Design Resistant Materials

OTHER SUBJECTS: Business Studies Information Technology History Geography Child Development Physical Education (full course)

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION GCSE Short Courses Most subjects will be examined at GCSE full course level. Religious Studies and Core Physical Education will be examined by a GCSE short course. A short course receives the same grades as a full course GCSE (A* G) but is worth half the points. BTEC Courses These courses are part of the Applied Pathway although they may form one of the options for students following the Alternative Pathway. The courses are work-related and students are asked to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in practical situations. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course with a short external exam worth 25%. Most students will follow The Extended Certificate course, which is equivalent to two GCSEs at grade C or above. Increased Flexibility Courses As part of a recent government initiative to increase the flexibility of the curriculum, a small number of students will be invited to join a vocational course based at the Abingdon-Witney College. These courses are part of the Alternative Pathway. See information page on Increased Flexibility Package. Entry Level Courses In addition to the GCSE examinations, we will also be able to offer a range of other courses which are intended for students who are unlikely to reach a Grade G at GCSE. These Certificate of Achievement courses are designed to maximise the progress of this group of students by the use of the following: short units of work, (which can often be certified separately); reduced content; and the range of activities with which the students will be involved. The syllabuses have been designed to meet National Entry Level requirements. Students who successfully complete the course would be eligible to move on to The National Foundation Level. The English Baccalaureate This is a new measure of performance introduced recently by the government, it is not, in itself a qualification. To attain a baccalaureate a student must achieve a GCSE at Grade C or above in the following subjects: Mathematics, English, Science, History or Geography and a Modern or Ancient Foreign Language.
This does not alter our advice to choose a subject from each of the three option groups to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum.

TIERED PAPERS Most GCSE subjects have been examined using tiered papers. A Foundation Tier covers grade G to C, and a Higher Tier covers grade D to A*.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 - 2014

THE OPTIONS PROCESS The procedure for choosing your options goes through a number of important stages: I WEEK BEGINNING 6th FEBRUARY: - Subject teachers talk to you about GCSE courses. - Options booklet and initial choice sheet distributed. I 23rd FEBRUARY: - Parents/Options Evening. Your chance to talk to your teachers about your progress and the GCSE courses on offer. I 8th MARCH: - Your initial choice sheet returned. This is not your FINAL choice. We collect your initial choice to see if we can timetable and staff what you want. I WEEK BEGINNING 19th MARCH: - FINAL choice sheet given out, asking if you want to make any changes. I 29th MARCH: - FINAL choice sheet returned to your tutor. If your final choice cannot be met, then I will talk with you individually about the different possibilities. In making your decisions, make sure you have talked to your parents and teachers, and also think about your own interests and strengths. Remember, it will be your enthusiasm and commitment that will bring you success. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS, then please ask for help from your subject teachers and your form tutors. The final options offer will endeavour to provide the widest choice for the greatest number of students, although some courses may not run, either because of lack of numbers or because some subject combinations may not be possible. P. N. HARPER
ASSISTANT HEAD TEACHER

PARENTS and OPTIONS EVENING:

Thursday 23rd February 2012

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 - 2014

This page is for your notes:

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 - 2014

PERSONAL SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP

Co-ordinator:

Mr D Williams

Form Tutors deliver this course in the PSHE lesson and, when appropriate, specialist staff support the Form Tutor. In Years 713, the Form Tutors have their specialist topic within the programme and this is delivered on a rota basis during the year. PHSE comprises all aspects of the schools planned provision to promote the students personal and social development, including health and well-being. Through knowledge, skills and understanding, the students will develop confidence and responsibility, make the most of their abilities, lead a healthier lifestyle, and have good relationships, respecting the difference between people. This area aims to provide a positive and supportive framework in which students can explore and develop mature and moral attitudes about personal issues, such as feelings within relationships and assertiveness in sexual relationships. Through a mixture of information and group discussion sessions, issues regarding Drug Abuse, Contraception and Pregnancy, Parenting, STI's - including HIV and AIDSwill be addressed. The school Nurse, the School Counsellor, Thames Valley Police, Youth Workers from Allendale Youth Centre, Carterton, and the Oxfordshire Fire Service, support the delivery of the PHSE programme. Citizenship Citizenship is delivered in three ways. 1. Topics incorporated in the PHSE programme 2. Cross curricular 3. Suspended timetable days. Students will gain a broad knowledge and understanding of topical events they study; the rights, responsibilities and duties of citizens; the role of the voluntary sector; forms of government; provision of public services and the criminal and legal systems. Students will show understanding of how the public gets information; how opinion is formed and expressed, including through the media, and how and why changes take place in society. Students will take part in school and community-based activities, demonstrating personal and group responsibility in their attitudes to themselves and others. OTHER TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE: CAREERS Students have an opportunity to discuss the range of career paths open to them and to find out detailed information about particular jobs from a range of sources, including our computer data base. More practical job-hunting skills, such as completing application forms and interview techniques are taught in Year 11. Also this year, students will receive individual interviews with the Connexions Careers Advisor about their options post-16. WORK EXPERIENCE At the end of Year 10 there is a one-week work placement. This provides students with a valuable opportunity to participate in a real-work situation. Preparatory and follow up exercises reinforce the importance of future training and give insight into industrial and economic practices.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

INCREASED FLEXIBILITY PACKAGE

Co-ordinator:

Mrs Judith Knowles

As part of the Alternative Pathway a small number of students will be invited to join vocational courses based at Abingdon and Witney College. Students opting for a college course will attend at either the Witney or Station Lane or Common Leys (Hailey) campus on Tuesday morning. The timetable will be organised so that they will not miss any of their lessons, but they will only need to choose 2 options. Students attending college will also follow an Information Technology Course. Students opting for a college course will be invited to attend a taster day after Easter in order to view the college facilities and to sample their chosen course. The viability of these courses is dependant on numbers. The courses on offer will be: NVQ in Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing(Level 1) BTEC Introductory Certificate in Construction (Level1) City and Guilds (Level 1) Certificate in Land-based Studies, With options in: Animal Care Or Horse Care Or Conservation Or Horticulture

NVQ IN BEAUTY THERAPY AND HAIRDRESSING, LEVEL 1. This level one qualification in Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing is equivalent to 5 GCSEs grade D G and will be delivered at the Witney Campus for half a day over two years. Students will learn hairdressing skills in Year 10 and beauty therapy treatments in Year 11. The course includes the following: Prepare and maintain the beauty therapy work and hairdressing areas Developing effective working relationships Shampooing and conditioning hair Blow drying hair Plaiting and twisting hair using techniques Assisting with facial treatments Assisting with nail treatments on the hands Assisting with salon reception duties in both hairdressing and beauty areas.

Assessments will be practical and written.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

BTEC INTRODUCTORY DIPLOMA IN CONSTRUCTION, LEVEL 1. This course is equivalent to 4 GCSEs D G and takes place at the Skills Centre in Station Lane, Witney. The course focuses on practical skills and students will undertake a mixture of skill areas from: Painting and Decorating Plastering Carpentry Plumbing Bricklaying CITY AND GUILDS LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATE IN LANDBASED STUDIES. STUDENTS SELECT ONE OPTION FROM : ANIMAL CARE HORSE CARE CONSERVATION HORTICULTURE Classes are held at the Common Leys Farm Campus in Hailey near Witney and involve a mixture of practical and written work. This course is equivalent to 4GCSEs D G. ANIMAL CARE OPTION The course deals with: The basics of Animal Care Feeding Animals Moving and handling Animals Assisting with the care of animals and their accommodation Maintaining safe and effective working practices. HORSE CARE OPTION The course deals with: Basic care of horses Feeding horses General stable management Maintaining the health of horses Preparation for exercise and the aftercare of the horse. CONSERVATION OPTION The course deals with: Safe and effective working practices Assisting with the repair and maintenance of structures in the countryside Introduction to wildlife conservation Assisting with maintenance of plants and sites in the countryside Developing skills for working in land based industries. HORTICULTURE OPTION This course deals with: Growing plants from seeds Planting and establishing plants Identifying and controlling common pests Maintenance of equipment Harvesting, collecting and preparing crops

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

ART
Examination Board: 2 year Course: Number of Lessons: Aims: AQA

Head of Department:

Mr C King

3 The course is based on the following: to develop awareness and appreciation of the relationships between Art and Design within the historical, cultural and social environmental context; to acquire a working vocabulary in Art and Design; to develop the ability to use feelings in a visual form; to learn how to record, using a variety of media (pencil, chalks, paint etc.) from direct observation and personal experience; to develop the ability to be experimental and inventive in the use of different materials and techniques; to be able to solve problems creatively and imaginatively, and through research. The course consists of a series of Art and Design tasks as part of a portfolio of work that is completed for coursework. A sketchbook must be kept, and homework will be set. There is a final examination project set by the exam board. All work is marked by the School and moderated by the Examination Board.

Coursework: Final Exam Board set project:

60% towards the GCSE grade.

40% is awarded for final exam set projects.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

BUSINESS STUDIES
Examining Board: Number of Lessons per week: OCR 3

Head of Department:

Mr C Brooks

Business Studies is considered to be a relevant, dynamic subject which deals with issues facing commerce today. Its main concern is enabling students to understand and relate to the economic and business dimensions of the community. It allows them to ask business and economic questions; think for themselves; discriminate and make informed decisions about their future; learn about products and services offered for sale, and economic issues facing the community. For those students considering studying Business Studies or Economics in the 6th form it is ideal preparation - providing a good foundation for future studies. The Business Studies suite is located in the new building, providing a modern, pleasant working environment with an interactive whiteboard and ICT Suite. Whilst this is a Business Studies course there is an emphasis upon Information and Communication Technology. It provides a useful introduction for those students lacking experience but also allows those students who already have expertise, to develop their skills. This is a modular course, consisting of 3 modules, which together contribute to a final grade A* G Assessment: Unit 1: worth 25% of the final grade Controlled Assessment

Investigating a business activity. Candidates study marketing and enterprise and after spending time carrying out individual research in these areas, students write up their findings in supervised conditions. Unit 2: worth 25% of the final grade Written Examination Paper

Candidates study the different types of business that can be formed, the importance of people in business and the issues facing the employment of workers. Unit 3: worth 50% of the final grade Written Examination Paper

Candidates study the nature of production, the importance of financial information and the significance of the external business environment including competition, globalisation and ethics. Further information can be obtained from Head of Department Mr C Brooks.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Examination Board: Number of Lessons per week:
OCR 3

Head of Subject:

Mrs K Haig

Why study GCSE Child Development? Would you like a practical challenge? Do you enjoy working with children? Would you like to be kept up to date with child development issues? Are you ready for life away from school? If you have answered yes to these questions then choose to study Child Development. In this course you will develop your knowledge and skills through studying a range of different topics. You will also have the opportunity to carry out a variety of practical investigations. The qualification can lead to further study at AS/A Level and/or GNVQ/VCE in a variety of subjects. There will also be career opportunities in nursery nursing, nursing, teaching and the caring professions. You will study: * Parenthood and Pregnancy; * Physical Development; * Nutrition and Health; * Intellectual, Social and Emotional Development; * The Family and Community. You will learn how to: * Observe and interact with young children; * Carry out individual, original research; * Explore and investigate the needs of young children; * Apply the skills learned in coursework to the examination paper. Strategies include: * Practical work investigating the development of children; * Use of surveys, questionnaires, the Internet and ICT; * Study of the theoretical aspects of the topics listed above. Assessment: There is a choice between two levels of entry: Foundation and Higher. At Foundation level (Paper 1) the grades available are G to C and at Higher level (Paper 2) the grades available are D to A*. Coursework: You will produce one Individual Task, which should take 12-14 hours to complete and two Resource Tasks which should take 2-3 hours each to complete. You can take either: Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes) Foundation This includes short answer, data response, structured and free response questions. Or: Paper 2 (2 hours) Higher This includes short answer, data response, structured and free response questions.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

DRAMA
Examining Board: Number of Lessons per week: EDEXCEL 3

Head of Department:

Ms G Nielsen

The world around us is changing, and young people can now expect to change career several times during their working life. Therefore, you will need skills which stretch across subject knowledge; skill which are actively taught in Drama. In lessons, you will be expected to become good at: working in teams to accomplish a shared goal; contributing ideas and opinions with clarity and conviction; listening actively to others and building on their ideas. You will work to develop leadership and communication skills; become an independent learner with an enquiring mind; develop your creativity and imagination. These are important life skills, and are leaned alongside specific Drama skills such as: developing and demonstrating competence in a range of practical, technical and performance skills; considering and exploring the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama text and activities; reflecting on and evaluating their own work and the work of others. SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT: There are THREE units to this course:

UNIT 1: Drama Exploration (COURSEWORK: 30% of the total mark) Study of a devised topic/theme/issue Overview of assessment 6 hours of practical work and a written response (maximum 2000 words) The coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated by Edexcel

UNIT 2: Exploring Play Texts (COURSEWORK 30% of the total mark) Studying a full and substantial play text chosen by the centre and experience of live theatre as a member of the audience Overview of assessment 6 hours of practical work on the play text; a written response to practical exploration (maximum 1000 words); a written response to live theatre (maximum 2000 words) The coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated by Edexcel

Candidates are required to produce two pieces of portfolio work. These will be written in lesson time and after school under controlled conditions.
UNIT 3: Practical exam (40% of the total mark) Plan, rehearse and present a live performance to an audience OR plan, design and present a technical skill to an audience. Overview of assessment Students will present their work as either performers or performance support students in a single performance to an examiner appointed by Edexcel. This unit is externally assessed by Edexcel.

For further information about this course contact Ms Nielsen E-mail: gnie4852@burford.oxon.sch.uk

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

ENGLISH
ENGLISH LANGUAGE Examination Board: Qualification: Course Time: Content: AQA GCSE 4 lessons per week

Head of Department:

Mr E Scates

Unit 1: Understanding and Producing Non-Fiction Texts Unit 2: Speaking and Listening Unit 3: Understanding Spoken and Written Texts and Writing Creativity Tiers: Foundation and Higher Exam papers 1 paper, worth 40%, 7 controlled assessment tasks, totalling 60%.

Assessment:

Additional Points: ENGLISH LITERATURE Examination Board: Qualification: Number of lessons: Content:

Must be taken with English Literature.

AQA GCSE 4 Unit 1: Exploring Modern Texts Unit 2: Poetry Across Time Unit 3: The Significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage. Tiers: Foundation and Higher Exam papers 1 paper, worth 75%, 1 controlled assessment task, worth 25% Must be taken with English Language.

Assessment:

Additional Points: ENGLISH Examination Board: Qualifications: Number of lessons: Content:

AQA GCSE 4 Unit 1: Understanding and Producing Non-fiction Texts Unit 2: Speaking and Listening Unit 3: Understanding and Producing Creative Texts Tiers: Foundation and Higher Exam papers 1 paper, worth 40%, 6 controlled assessment tasks, totalling 60% Cannot be taken with English Language or English Literature

Assessment:

Additional Points:

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

GEOGRAPHY
Examining Board: Number of Lessons per week: Units of the Syllabus:

Head of Department:

Mrs M Steward

WJEC GCSE in Geography (B) 3 THEME 1: Challenges of Living in a Built Environment. Different residential areas Changing housing and service provision Planning issues in urban and rural areas. Urbanisation and Counter urbanisation. THEME 2: People and the Natural World Interactions. Weather, climate and people. Changing ecosystems. Water supply.
Landforms and people (Rivers and Coasts).

THEME 3: People, Work and Development. Development. World interdependence. International trade and aid. Role of multinational companies. Economic activity and the environment.

Syllabus Components:

COMPONENT

NAME

DURATION

WEIGHTING

Paper 1 (F) Paper 2 (H) Paper 3 (F) Paper 4 (H) Paper 5*

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Controlled Assessment

1 hr 45 mins 1 hr 45 mins 1 hr 15 mins 1 hr 15 mins * 2 pieces

40% 40% 35% 35% 25%

* i) An enquiry based on field work (15%)

ii) A report on an issue of concern (10%) Tiered papers [F] Foundation tier maximum grade = C [H] Higher tier maximum grade = A*

Question paper requirements: Paper 1/2 will be based on all 3 Themes. This paper will be taken at the end of Year 11. Paper 3/4 will be a problem solving exercise. This paper will also be taken at the end of Year 11.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

HISTORY
The Modern World:

Head of Department:

Mrs J Norridge

Number of lessons per week:

Examining Board:

AQA Syllabus 4045 The scheme of assessment consists of one tier covering the whole of the ability range Grades G - A*

The final result will be based on two Examination Papers and Controlled Assessment Paper 1: Carries 37 % of the final mark.

Core Content: International Relations: Conflict and Peace in the 20th Century. This will cover topics such as the origins of the First World War, the Peace Treaties, The League of Nations and why the Second World War broke out. Paper 2 Carries 37% of the final mark.

This will consist of three depth studies on the Roaring 20s USA 1919 1929, Hitlers Germany 1933 -39 and Race Relations in the USA 1955 1968. Coursework: Carries 25% of the final mark.

Unit 3 Britain At War Q1 = is a utility question worth 15 marks. Q2 = is an interpretation question worth 25 marks. The controlled assessment is source based and involves using : 5 sources for Question 1 8 sources for Question 2. The word limit for question 1 is 800 and for question 2 is 1200 words.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Examination Board: WJEC

Head of Department:

Mrs M Bogduikiewicz

This course will appeal to students who want to develop their practical ICT skills as it has a high proportion of practical work. In Y10 the course gives students the opportunity to experiment with the more advanced features of the standard office packages. During Y11 the full course students will be able to use their creative skills to develop a short animated movie. Qualification: Full GCSE and Short Course GCSE

Number of Lessons: 3 Aims/Content of Syllabus The course encourages students to investigate and apply ICT to a wide range of application problems. Students are given opportunities to acquire competence and capabilities across a range of application software including spreadsheet and database software as well as multimedia solutions.

Assessment:

60% coursework and 40% examination. 4 units comprising of: Unit 1 consists of a 1hour exam worth 20% of GCSE with questions relating to the use of technology in the home and school environments. Unit 2 consists of 22hours of controlled assessment worth 30% of the GCSE in which the candidate works through a series of practical exercises assessing his/her working knowledge of spreadsheets, databases and multimedia applications. Unit 3 consists of 1 hour exam worth 20% of GCSE and the students understanding of the application of ICT in organisations. Unit 4 consists of 22hours controlled assessment worth 30% of the GCSE in which the students are asked to develop a multimedia ICT solution using a task brief provided by WJEC.

Additional Points:

Students taking short-course GCSE ICT will only study Unit 1 and Unit 2. They can achieve the full range of grades A* to G but it is equivalent in points to a GCSE. There are no tier papers in ICT

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

MATHEMATICS

Head of Department:

Mrs R Britton

Examining Board: Qualification Number of lessons per week: AIMS / CONTENTS OF SYLLABUS:

AQA

Syllabus 4365

GCSE Mathematics 4

There have been big changes to the mathematics GCSE. Although the content remains the same as the Programme of Study for KS4 of the National Curriculum, there is an increased focus on. Applying Mathematics in Context Problem Solving Reasoning The Functional Elements of Mathematics

ASSESSMENT:

There are no longer modules. There are two papers at the end of the course. Paper 1 - Non Calculator (40%) Paper 2 - Calculator (60%)

Each is available at Foundation or Higher Level.

Foundation Paper 1 1 hour 15 mins Foundation Paper 2 1 hour 45 mins Higher Paper 1 Higher Paper 2 1 hour 30 mins 2 hours

Foundation Tier Grades C G available Higher Tier Grades A* - D available

ADDITIONAL POINTS:

There is no coursework. All pupils require basic mathematical equipment, ruler, pair of compasses, angle measurer or protractor and a scientific calculator.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

MODERN LANGUAGES
Examining Boards: Qualification: Number of lessons per week: Aim of Syllabus: WJEC GCSE Full Course 3

Head of Department:

Ms Santovety

Students will be given opportunities to develop confidence, independence and creativity through the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. They will be given opportunities to explore the differences and similarities between other languages and English and learn how language can be manipulated and applied in different ways. They will develop an understanding of the structure of another language and gain an insight into the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work.

The topics that will be covered are: Self, Family & Friends Interests and Hobbies Home & Local Environment School and Future plans Travel and Holidays Shopping Personal Identification Accommodation Holiday Activities Healthy Living Part Time Jobs and Work Experience Character and Personal Relationships Social Issues, Choices and Responsibilities Life in the Countries and Communities where the language is spoken Assessment: Listening Reading Speaking Writing 20% 20% 30% 30% Daily Routine Tourism Home Life Services Education Illness and Accidents Career and Future Plans The Environment Leisure

Final exam (Tiered) Final exam (Tiered) Two controlled assignments. Two controlled assignments.

Controlled Speaking Assessments: These assessments will take place in Year 11. The two tasks are: Task 1: Presentation and discussion. Task 2: Structured conversation. (more information on these assessments can be found in students booklet) Controlled Writing Assessments: Students will complete 3 pieces over the Two Year Course and we will submit the best two to the Board.

The work at GCSE is a continuation of the language skills acquired at Key Stage 3, as a result of this is not possible to start a new language in Year 10.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

MUSIC
Examining Board: Number of Lessons per week: AQA 3

Head of Department:

Mr S Frankcom

GCSE is all about performing, listening to, and making up music. It is a practical course for people who like music. The course is divided into three areas:

Performing:

40%

A lot of time is spent performing music. Students will learn how to perform using either their voice or an instrument. All students must offer both solo performing and performing during the course. Solo performing (20%) - students will perform ONE piece. The performance will be recorded and marked by the teacher. The CD recording will be sent to the exam board for external moderation Performing during the course (20%) - students will perform in one ensemble during the 2-year course. Students will have to show that they can perform an individual part within an ensemble.

Composing:

40%
Composition No 1 (20%) The teacher will give students a brief to follow, and a step-bystep guide of how to compose the piece of music Composition No 2 (20%) Again, the brief will be given to the student and a step-by-step guide will help them achieve this goal. Using the music technology equipment will help enormously as every student's ideas can be stored on disk.

Listening & Appraising:

20%

Students will study Western Classical, Pop music and World music covering music from 1600 up to the present day. They will then, at the end of Year 11, sit an exam lasting 1 hour, answering questions based on the topics covered.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Examining Board: AQA GCSE (Full Course)

Head of Department:

Mr C Williams

Number of Lessons per week: SYLLBUS:

Students opt to follow a full course in Year 10 and 11; During the course practical work is combined with separate theory lessons; Students are assessed in all practical activities, but will choose their best four marks from different areas for moderation; with at least one activity in the role of coach or official. Practical work consists of 60% of the overall mark; There is also a 2 hour written paper, worth 40% of the overall mark; The theory section includes fitness, media, socio-cultural issues, muscles, joints, circulatory system and the effects of training; Practical activities include: Games, Athletics, Trampolining, Outdoor and Adventurous activities. They will be continuously assessed throughout the course.

Students are encouraged to involve themselves in extra-curricular activities and to be a member of clubs outside of school, where possible.

Examining Board: Number of Lessons per week: AQA GCSE (Short Course) 2

SYLLBUS: All students who do not opt for the full course follow a short course in Year 10 and 11; During the course practical work is combined with two main blocks of theory: Students are assessed in all practical activities, but will choose their two best marks from different areas for moderation; with at least one activity in the role of coach or official. Practical work consists of 60% of the overall marks: The theory section includes fitness, media, school sport and physical education, sociocultural issues and the effects of training. There is a one hour written paper, worth 40% of overall mark. Practical activities include: Rugby, Badminton, Hockey, Netball, Athletics, Basketball, Fitness, Cricket, Rounders Softball. They will be continuously assessed throughout the course.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

LEVEL 2:

BTEC EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN SPORT:

Examination Board: Number of Lessons: SYLLABUS:

Edexcel 3 per week

The course consists of mandatory and optional units. Many of the units will be completed by carrying out practical tasks and will include: Fitness Testing and Training Practical Sport Planning and Running a Sports Event Development of Personal Fitness

The course is equivalent to 2 GCSE grades A* C. Work will be continually assessed internally and verified externally. There is a written examination worth 25% Students who opt for a course in Years 10 and 11 and will be selected for either the GCSE Full Course or the BTec Extended Certificate, based on end of Key Stage levels and breadth of sporting involvement. MANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES ARE SUPPORTED BY THE EXTENSIVE EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Head of Department:

Mr P Harper

GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES B: (PHILOSOPHY AND APPLIED ETHICS) OCR SHORT COURSE: COURSE CODE: J121
Number of lessons per week: 1

"What is Religious Studies?"

Religious Studies gives you the opportunity to learn about people and their beliefs and how those beliefs affect the way they live in a world full of difficult issues. It will inspire and challenge you; hopefully leaving you feeling equipped to lead a constructive life in the modern world.

"Why does everybody do the Religious Studies course?"

Everybody is entitled to have the opportunity to gain an understanding of what people think and believe about many of the issues and problems which are part of everyday life throughout the world. It will give you an informed opinion and help open your mind to many of the attitudes, values and lifestyles you may encounter throughout society. If you are to understand how the world has developed and your place in it, it is vital that you have an informed view of the whole of the global community.

"What type of work will I be doing?"

Religious Studies will provide a huge range of opportunities for you to develop your skills. These include the following: debates, discussions, problem solving, creative writing, evaluation exercises, display work, independent and group research, and much, much more. GCSE SHORT COURSE (100% examination - 2hours)
Students will study six units: Philosophy (B601)

Belief about Deity Religious and Spiritual Experience The end of life Ethics (B603) Religion and human relationships. Religion and medical ethics. Religion, poverty and wealth. All units are studied through the religion of Christianity in order to help students adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion. This subject involves debate, discussion, writing and presenting arguments. It leads on naturally to the AS/A2 levels in Philosophy and Ethics.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

SCIENCE
OPTION 1: Double Award Examining Board: Number of lessons per week:

Head of Department:

Mrs C Brown

GCSE SCIENCE and GCSE ADDITIONAL SCIENCE AQA 6 This course takes 20% of the total curriculum time. GCSE Core Science will be completed at the end of year 10. Written exams in June of Year 10 will provide 75% of the final mark, with 25% coming from internal assessment of investigative and practical skills made during the year. Students will be taught 2 periods each of Biology, Physics and Chemistry by a specialist teacher. GCSE Additional Science will be completed in Year 11 and follows a similar breakdown and format of assessment.

IMPORTANT Students must follow this option or Triple Science if there is any possibility that they may want to take any of the following A-level subjects: Physics or Chemistry or Biology.

OPTION 2: Examining Board: Number of lessons per week:

GCSE TRIPLE SCIENCE AQA 9 This course takes 30% of the total curriculum time. Students will be taught 3 periods each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They will be awarded separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the end of Year 11. 25% of the marks for each Science will be from Internal Assessment. Only pupils who are likely to achieve a level 6 or 7 in their Year 9 Science levels are eligible for this course. Pupils will also need the approval of their Year 9 Science Teacher. Students need to follow this Option OR GCSE Science and Additional Science option if they wish to take A Level Sciences.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

OPTION 3:

BTEC LEVEL 2 EXTENDED CERTIFICATE: The BTEC Course has been developed to: Provide students with an Applied Science qualification that covers the key stage 4 programme of study for Science. It is assessed through small assessments apart from a short written examination at the end of the course. Provide students with the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life. Enable students to consider their relationship with the scientific community and their responsibilities towards the community and the environment. The programme is taught as a series of topics to gain 30 credits. Each topic ends with an assignment. This is a vocational qualification which allows pupils to apply knowledge to real-life scenarios. For students who enjoy project work, the BTEC is a suitable choice.

Assessment:

All units are internally assessed and students can achieve a pass, merit or distinction. This is equivalent to 2 GCSEs:Pass = CC grade Merit = BB grade Distinction = AA grade

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

TECHNOLOGY
TEXTILES CATERING GRAPHICS RESISTANT MATERIALS PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEERING SYSTEMS & CONTROL Head of Department: Mr S Love GRAPHIC PRODUCTS Examining Board:

AQA The aim of the course is to develop the ability to communicate information, using graphical means,(e.g. drawing, use of computers, model making etc.,) by working through the design process. Students will be working through a range of short design and make assignments to increase graphic skills before embarking on a controlled assignment set by the exam board, for which students will identify a need and write a design brief and specification. The scope for this project is very wide and could range from designing and making packaging for a new computer game, through to re-designing and modelling a personal CD player. Students will gain experience of a range of graphical techniques, from markers, pencils, pastels, paints, air brushes, computer work, technical drawing, model-making, CAD/CAM etc.

Assessment:

Paper 1: 40% Paper 2: 60%

a knowledge paper which covers the theory aspects of the course. a major project and design folder.

GRAPHIC PRODUCTS is useful if students are interested in the following: design work illustration product design engineering design graphics/advertising architecture interior design These courses are principally about designing and making in wood, metal and plastic, by working through the design process. PRODUCT DESIGN: This is a new course for September aimed at students who want to make, but not on the scale of pieces of furniture. Students will be working through a range of short design and make assignments, with a jewellery theme, learning basic skills and theory work. In Year 11 they will undertake a controlled assignment set by the exam board. The course although called product design is aimed at students interested in using the finer practical skills such as addative and subtractive form silver smithing, enamelling and fretwork, on a range of materials both traditional and modern. AQA Paper 1: 40% Paper 2: 60% a knowledge paper which covers the materials, processes and tools involved in the making of a syllabus; a major project and its design folder.

Examining Board: Assessment

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

RESISTANT MATERIALS:

Students will be working through a range of short design-and-make assignments learning all the basic skills and theory work. They will then embark on a controlled assignment set by the Exam Board.. This course will specialise in designing and making quality products, and students will gain experience of a wide range of tools, materials and processes such as: brazing/welding lathe work power tools forge work engineering work turning CAD/CAM work AQA Paper 1: 40% Paper 2: 60% a knowledge paper which covers the materials, processes and tools involved in the making of a syllabus; a major project and its design folder.

Examining Board: Assessment

DESIGN REALISATION is useful if students are interested in the following: Engineering Design Product Design 3D Design Furniture/Manufacturing Design SYSTEMS AND CONTROL AQA Content: The course is divided in two sections: Section 1: 40% An external examination paper covering core materials, processes, components and electronic control and mechanisms. Section 2: 60% Students manufactured project and design folder, brief set by exam board. Systems and control is useful for students who are interested in the following: electronics PIC programming product design mechanisms CAD/CAM robotics. Systems and Control is used extensively in industry from automated manufacturing processes using production line robots, to systems for maintaining stock control using real time level indicators in component hoppers. It is also the core element used in every electronic product from washing machines to computer games. This new course being introduced to the school in September is designed to give candidates an opportunity to acquire and apply skills in core technology systems, using Electronic Control with an extended specialism in Mechanisms. The course will make use of industrial manufacturing processes including programmable chip technology and an extensive use of CAD/CAM processes. It will also give students the opportunity to learn computer programming. In Year 10, students will work through short design and make projects based on electronic and mechanical control. This is followed in Year 11, with students manufacturing a complete electronic and mechanical project of their own choice. This is a single award which is primarily aimed at students who are capable of Obtaining A* to C in Mathematics and Physics.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

TEXTILES

AQA GCSE 3547 The course concludes with a written paper of 2 hours, based on a design context set by the Board and issued in a Preparation Sheet at the beginning of March, in the year of the exam. 40% of total mark A coursework project will be completed, chosen from a number of titles, during the latter part of the course. 60% of total mark Your school has been asked to submit work to be displayed at a Textiles Technology exhibition. Design and make a range of futuristic 3D decorative items that illustrate the use of modern material and techniques, with particular emphasis on the use of CAD/CAM this will be the first of six projects that students will complete to cover the course: materials and components; design and market; influences; processes and manufacture. Students will have a chance to use their imagination, skills and learn new ones through fabric and haberdashery.

CATERING Examination Board: Assessment:

WJEC 124 01 Coursework Internal Assessment 60% 2 practical assessments Year 10 20% Year 11 40% These will be internally assessed and externally moderated. Theory 40% 1 hour paper. All questions compulsory

This specification content is divided into four compulsory areas of study which must be interrelated whenever possible and the content treated as an integrated whole. 1) 2) 3) 4) The Catering Industry Nutrition and Menu Planning Food Production Technological Developments

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014

ENGINEERING: Examining Board:

AQA

The single engineering award is a demanding vocational GCSE which means that students will be using local companies for educational visits, to help manufacture products etc. During the course you will: Learn practical engineering skills to a high standard Develop a knowledge and understanding of engineering Use ICT to design, write and illustrate reports Investigate different aspects of engineering industries Design, make and test engineering products The course is divided into two units: Unit 1: External Assessment Written Paper 40% of total marks In this unit students will look at manufacturing and materials, and carry out a product study set by the exam board. Unit 2: Internal Assessment Controlled Assessment: Practical Engineering. 30% of total marks. In this unit students will make an engineered artefact to very high standards, read engineering drawings, select materials, create a production plan, use a range of tools and materials including CAD/CAM and evaluate their finished work against a range of criteria. This unit will be done in Year 11.

Unit 3: Internal Assessment Controlled assignment: Design and Communication. 30% of total marks. In this unit students will design an artefact stipulated by the Exam Board. They will be expected to research, develop ideas and create a set of working drawings, but not to be expected to make the artefact. This unit will be done in Year 10. During the course students will carry out a number of assignments and activities mainly about unit 2. They will have an opportunity to produce a product design brief that will allow them to use the practical skills they have learnt as well as make several engineered products. If students wish to continue studying engineering they may consider staying on to do A level Product Design or a BTEC in Engineering. Alternatively they may wish to join a modern apprenticeship scheme.

Burford School Oxfordshire: Curriculum 2012 -2014