Return to flip book view

GCSE Options Booklet 2024 - 26

Page 1

2024-26GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLETFIDE ET LABORE CONFICERETHE PRIORY SCHOOLDORKING

Page 2

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-262TABLE OF CONTENTSGCSE Options timeline 2024 3GCSE Options To do List 4The GCSE Exam Structure 5GCSE A*-G/1-9 Equivalent 5Art & Design 6Dance 7Design & Technology 8Drama 9Geography 10Health & Social Care 11History 12Hospitality & Catering 13Modern Foreign Languages 14Music 15Physical Education 16Religious Studies 17Sociology 18

Page 3

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2634th January4th JanuaryJanuary 2024February 2024March 202421st March 202428th March 2024Options Information Evening for Parents/Carers and StudentsStudents receive an assembly from Reigate and East Surrey College to learn about their choices and the impact on Post16 education. Students pick the four subjects they are most likely to choose at GCSE in a ‘Straw Poll’.School constructs Option Blocks to ensure the maximum amount of students get their rst choices. Updated Options booklet released.Year 9 reports go to Parents/Carers. GCSE choices form sent as a Google form.Year 9 Options Evening.Deadline to submit GCSE Options form.GCSE OPTIONS TIMELINE 2024

Page 4

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2644th JanuaryOPTIONS INFORMATION EVENINGPOST16 COLLEGE ASSEMBLIESOPTIONS STRAW-POLLGCSE OPTIONS EVENINGSUBMIT FINAL CHOICES VIA FORMTO DO:TO DO:TO DO:TO DO:TO DO: f Read Subject Information Booklet f Speak to Teachers and your parents/carers f Ask lots of questions f Compare the two types of college f Ask questions about how your GCSE choices might a󰀨ect your future courses f Choose the subjects you are most likely to study f Choose subjects you enjoy and are succeeding in f Attend and ask nal questions f Submit form by the deadline of 28th MarchGCSE OPTIONS TO DO LIST

Page 5

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-265New GCSE grade1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9Old GCSE GradeF/G E D CBottom 2 thirds BBottom thirdCTop thirdBTop 2 thirds A A* A*Top 20% Grade A and above f All students follow the ‘Core’ programme of English, Maths and Science GCSE. f All students complete Short Course RE GCSE in Year 10. f All students continue with PSHCE and Core PE. f All students choose 4 ‘option’ subjects, one of which must be Geography, History or a Modern Foreign Language. We will do our best to accommodate your choices but you must remember that there is no guarantee that you will be able to follow all your rst option choices. You should be aiming for a minimum of 96% attendance in Year 9 and maintaining this across Key Stage 4. Where a subject is oversubscribed and we have to make decisions about who gets a place, attendance will be a consideration alongside attainment, potential and behaviour in that subject.ENGLISH MATHS SCIENCERS SHORT COURSEPSHCE PECORE SUBJECTSCOMPULSORY SUBJECTSFOUR CHOSEN SUBJECTS?OPTION 1 OPTION 2?OPTION 3?OPTION 4?THE GCSE EXAM STRUCTUREGCSE A*-G/1-9 EQUIVALENT

Page 6

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-266ART & DESIGNFor more information contact Mr Harris at bhs@priorycofe.comAQA GCSE Art and Design Fine ArtFIDE ET LABORE CONFICER EWHAT WILL I STUDY?In Fine Art GCSE, students will explore a range of materials, techniques and processes whilst developing their contextual knowledge and critical understanding. Students will be encouraged to use a wide range of materials and rene their skills, producing artworks that are relevant and personal to them in individual projects that are reective of their experiences, identities, cultures and aspirations. By working in this way, students will improve their practical and theory skills and develop into conscientious young artists.There are four assessment objectives which students will evidence throughout their sketchbooks:• Develop ideas inspired by works of artists• Rene ideas and use a range of media• Record ideas through a variety of drawing skills• Present a coherent portfolio of work alongside nal larger scale workDuring their Art GCSE students will participate in practical lessons throughout the year. Students will be producing exciting nal artworks using a variety of materials and techniques.COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEArt books and folders: approximately £11.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?The course is made up of two components:Component 1: Personal portfolioThis constitutes 60% of the overall marksPortfolio needs to show explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. Component 2 Externally Set AssignmentThis constitutes 40% of the overall marksStudents respond to their chosen starting point from a paper set by AQA. They produce sketchbook work exploring their chosen theme before creating a nal artwork during a 10 hour exam.The number of creative jobs in the UK totalled 2.8 million last year, including not only careers in Art and Design, but in areas such as manufacturing, engineering and health. The careers open to the artistically-minded individual are nearly innite. Some of the skills that you will gain are resilience, courage, self-awareness, the ability to reect and collaboration.Fine Art GCSE, and then later A Level, can lead students into careers such as Architect, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Photographer, Curator, Practicing Artist.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Page 7

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-267DANCEWHAT WILL I STUDY?Through the study of performance, Dance helps students develop technical and expressive skills, as well as knowledge and understanding of the various vocational and academic professions of dance.No formal experience in Dance is necessarily required. For those with experience the course will support their further development and enhance their progression. This is a rigorous course that includes in depth written work. There are three written exam elements.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER EYou will study the following units:• Exploring the Performing Arts• Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts• Performing to a BriefYou will take part in professional performance opportunities in a theatre in addition to attending the extra-curricular opportunities on o󰀨er. Each component has separate grading criteria and learning outcomes. In order to pass each component, students have to do coursework, led by the tutor to prove they have reached each of theIndividual learning outcomes. They will also sit internal exams and complete video auditions which will be externally assessed. We also put on an annual show at The Harlequin Theatre to showcase the students’ work. Internal assessmentComponents 1 and 2 are assessed through internal assessment.External assessmentComponent 3 builds directly on Components 1 and 2. The external assessment takes the form of a set task taken under supervised conditions that are then marked and awarded a grade awarded by Pearson.For more information contact Mrs Hastings-Holland at shd@priorycofe.comThe performing arts are a major part of the creative and cultural industries in the UK. Overall, the industry contributes £3.5 billion to the UK economy. There are 5,480 businesses and 101,593 people working in the performing arts sector. WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEPearson BTEC Tech Award in Performing ArtsWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?Dance T-Shirt and sweatshirt: approximately £25.

Page 8

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-268DESIGN & TECHNOLOGYWHAT WILL I STUDY?If you enjoy designing, inventing, problem solving and manufacturing, Design & Technology is the course for you!Design and Technology is a creative subject where students will be designing and making a product that fulls the needs of a target market or user. You will need to use ingenuity combined with excellent analytical skills to make a high quality working prototype using a range of manufacturing skills. Where possible, you will learn in a practical way and the knowledge you gain in the theoretical part of the course can be employed in your own designs.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?The course will be delivered through a mix of theory and practical based lessons. These will be delivered in the school’s workshops and computer suite to design and make ideas using a mix of hand and power tools, Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture. In year 10, students may be given an opportunity to go on a trip to that relates to the course content.This experience will connect students to real products currently being designed and developed in our world, providing inspiration for coursework and deeper learning incentives.Donation towards project materials and cost of Design Trip: approximately £40CourseworkPortfolio (Non-exam Assessment)Constitutes 50% of total GCSE marks.Students will produce a prototype and a portfolio of evidence recording the research and design process.Written Examination2 hoursConstitutes 50% of total GCSE marks testing theory of materials and manufacture.For more information contact Mrs Brundish at abh@priorycofe.comA wide range of career opportunities exist within Design Technology such as: marketing, designing products, packaging design, media, manufacturing and many more.GCSE Design Technology students develop skills that apply to many elds such as project management; as well as practical skills and designing skills. Students will acquire core knowledge to progress onto Level 3 qualications like A-Levels, employment or apprenticeships in: Design, Product Design, Architecture, Engineering, Graphic Design, Model Making, Set Design, Interior Design.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEAQA GCSE Design & TechnologyWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER E

Page 9

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-269DRAMAWHAT WILL I STUDY?GCSE Drama gives you the opportunity to make your own creative decisions and exercise your imagination. You will develop self-condence and presentational skills as well as work with others as part of a team. You will also study plays, learn about the history of theatre and see a range of live performances.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?You will learn how to:• apply knowledge and understanding when making, performing and responding to drama• explore performance texts, understanding their social, cultural and historical context including the theatrical conventions of the period in which they were created• develop a range of theatrical skills and apply them to create performances• work collaboratively to generate, develop and communicate ideas• develop as creative, e󰀨ective, independent and reective students able to make informed choices in process and performance• contribute as an individual to a theatrical performance• reect on and evaluate their own work and that of others• develop an awareness and understanding of the roles and processes undertaken in contemporary professional theatre practiceLive Theatre trip to watch a play for the written examination: approximately £35The subject content for GCSE Drama is divided into three components: Component 1: Devising (Non-exam Assessment NEA) Devised performance based on a given stimuliConstitutes 40% of overall gradeComponent 2: Performing from a text (NEA)Constitutes 20% of overall gradeComponent 3: Theatre Makers in PractiseWritten Exam Constitutes 40% of overall grade• Section A: One question based on an unseen extract from the chosen performance text.• Section B: Live Theatre Evaluation. Two questions requiring students to analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance they have seen.For more information contact Mr Sherringham at jsm@priorycofe.comGCSE Drama is not simply about ‘becoming an actor’. The course has many transferable skills which can be applied to other areas of study and future careers. GCSE Drama is a solid foundation for A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies. It can lead to employment as an actor, stage technician, director, teacher or writer. Drama teaches invaluable skills which are transferable to any chosen career pathway. Employers always look favourably upon a Drama qualication as it represents someone who is creative, cooperative and condent.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEPearson GCSE DramaWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER E

Page 10

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2610GEOGRAPHYWHAT WILL I STUDY?GCSE specications for the discipline of geography give students the opportunity to understand more about the world, the challenges it faces and their place within it. This GCSE course will deepen understanding of geographical processes, illuminate the impact of change and of complex people environment interactions, highlight the dynamic links and interrelationships between places and environments at di󰀨erent scales, and develop students’ competence in using a wide range of geographical investigative skills and approaches. Geography enables young people to become globally and environmentally informed and thoughtful, enquiring citizens.WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER EComponent 1: Global Geographical Issue• Topic 1: Hazardous Earth• Topic 2: Development dynamics• Topic 3: Challenges of an urbanising worldComponent 2: UK Geographical Issues• Topic 4: The UK’s evolving physical landscape• Topic 5: The UK’s evolving human landscape• Topic 6: Geographical investigations - including physical and human eldwork investigationComponent 3: People and Environment Issues - Making Geographical Decisions• Topic 7: People and the biosphere• Topic 8: Forests under threat• Topic 9: Consuming energy resourcesStudents will complete exams at the end of the course.The course will have three written papers: Paper 1 37.5%Paper 2 37.5% Paper 3 25%For more information contact Mr Harrington at rhn@priorycofe.comA qualication in Geography is highly regarded by employers. This is because it provides students with the opportunity to broaden their understanding and knowledge of the world and to develop valuable skills in Information Technology, research, report writing and problem solving. Geography has links with various jobs and careers - here are a few examples. Travel and Tourism, Environmental Management, Conservation, Ecology, Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, Town and Country Planning, Landscape architecture, Cartography (map making), Teaching and Meteorology.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEGeography Field trips to Christchurch and Portsmouth: approximate total cost £40.Pearson GCSE Geography BFor more information contact Mr Harrington at rhn@priorycofe.com

Page 11

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2611HEALTH & SOCIAL CAREWHAT WILL I STUDY?This BTEC Tech Award is a practical, vocational course designed for students who are interested in working in the health or caring professions. You learn through a combination of assignments and timed practical assessments.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?Students will investigate how, in real situations, human development is a󰀨ected by di󰀨erent factors and that people deal di󰀨erently with life events. They will then study the health and social care services and how they meet the needs of real service users whilst also developing skills in applying care values. For the examined element, students will then study the factors that a󰀨ect health and wellbeing, learning about physiological and lifestyle indicators, and how to design a health and wellbeing improvement plan.Component 1Human lifespan and developmentComponent 2Health and Social care valuesComponent 3Health and WellbeingThe subject content is divided into three components. Component 1 - 30%Internal assessment through assignments that are subject to external standards verication.6 hour assessment under exam conditions. Component 2 - 30%Internal assessment through assignments that are subject to external standards verication.6 hour assessment under exam conditions. Component 3 - 40%Written examination. External examination.For more information contact Mrs Hastings-Holland at shd@priorycofe.comStudents can continue onto the BTEC National Level 3 course in Health and Social Care or apply for apprenticeships in the sector. About 3 million people in the UK work in the health and social care sectors, which is equivalent to 1 in every 10 people. Demand for both health care and social care is likely to continue to rise due to the ageing population, so it is undisputable that it plays a key role in UK society. Studying this subject can lead to a wide range of careers including professions in the NHS, childcare sectors, teaching and many more.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?Pearson BTEC Technical AwardWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER E

Page 12

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2612HISTORYWHAT WILL I STUDY?History is the subject for your if:• You have enjoyed the work in year 9• You are curious about why things have happened in the past• You are interested in people and what makes them tick• You enjoy discussion and expressing your opinion• You are keen to improve your writing skillsHOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?Paper 1Thematic study and historic environment - Medicine in Britain 1250–presentThe British sector of the Western Front, 1914-1918: injuries, treatment and the trenches (30% weighting – 1 hour 15 minutes exam)Paper 2Period study and British depth study - The American West 1835-1895 Tudor study: Elizabeth I 1558–88 (40% weighting – 1 hour 45 minutes exam)Paper 3: Modern depth study – Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918 - 1939 (30% weighting – 1 hour 20 minutes exam)• The examination papers cover the whole range of grades from 9 (Highest) to 1 (Lowest). Non-Tiered one level of entry• The examined elements are covered in three examinations at the end of the course 2. For more information contact Mr Roche at kre@priorycofe.comChoosing history at GCSE will provide you with plenty of opportunities for further progression. At colleges and universities, History is considered to be an academically rigorous subject and is therefore very highly regarded no matter what career path you wish to pursue in the future.Through the study of History, you will gain vital key skills such as problem-solving, analysis of evidence, and teamwork. These skills are essential, not only for history and other subjects in school but for any career. Therefore, History can gain you entry into a wide range of careers, including Law, Media, Education, Travel and Tourism, Police, social work and the civil service.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?Pearson GCSE History 1HIOFIDE ET LABORE CONFICER EWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Page 13

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2613WHAT WILL I STUDY?This course o󰀨ers an exciting insight into the hospitality and catering industry where you can unveil your creativity through the art of food. It is a perfect opportunity for those who love to cook and bake wonderful dishes. This course is split between an exam, coursework and practical work.It will provide students with experience of the industry, including identifying a range of hospitality and catering providers, types of job roles available, nutrition and food safety, as well as food preparation and cooking skills.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?There will be a mixture of practical and theory based lessons in the food classroom. Students may have the opportunity to enter a number of national competitions.Unit 1: the Hospitality and Catering IndustryThis section enables students to acquire knowledge of all aspects of the industry and be able to propose new hospitality and catering provisions for specic locations. It provides a broad introduction to the vocational sector in a way that is purposeful and develops a range of transferable skills.Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in ActionThe purpose of the unit is for learners to safely plan, prepare, cook and present nutritional dishes. In this unit you will gain knowledge of the nutritional needs of a range of client groups to go on a menu. You will learn and develop safe and hygienic food preparation, cooking and nishing skills required to produce nutritional dishes.• Ingredients for practicals once a fortnight: approximately £5 per session• Ingredients for nal exams and mocks: approximately £20Unit 1 Written Examination (90 min) - externally assessedConstitutes 40% of the overall grade (80 marks)Unit 2Coursework style project Using a given brief taken over 12 hours including a three hour practical assessment. Constitutes 60% of the overall grade (40 marks)By the end of the course, you will receive one of four outcomes – Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.HOSPITALITY & CATERINGFor more information contact Mr Taylor at mtr@priorycofe.comHospitality and catering is a dynamic, vibrant and innovative sector delivering vital jobs, growth and investment in the heart of our local communities - important culturally, socially and economically. Hospitality is the 3rd largest private sector employer in the UK; double the size of nancial services and bigger than automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace combined.Employment can range from waiting sta󰀨, receptionists and catering assistants to chefs, hotel and bar managers, and food technologists working for supermarket chains. Some of these roles require further education and training either through apprenticeships or further and higher education.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEWJEC Level 1/2 Vocational AwardWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER E

Page 14

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2614MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGESWHAT WILL I STUDY?Speaking a foreign language will open opportunities for travel and always looks impressive on a CV.You will learn about the countries where the language is spoken and will develop an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. You will add an international dimension to your choice of GCSEs, which is something many future employers and higher education providers look for. Through the study of a foreign language, you will develop many skills which are useful later on in life, such as comprehension skills, communication, problem-solving ability and public speaking. You will create better opportunities for yourself, for example to study the language at A Level.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?The course in French or Spanish covers three main topics:1: Identity and culture2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest3: Current and future study and employmentIn addition, students are often o󰀨ered the chance to travel abroad on organised trips to France or Spain. It is strongly advised that language students take every opportunity to participate in these visits in order to develop their cultural understanding of the target country and to improve their overall GCSE grade.When we organise a trip abroad, we work with reputable travel companies and our Finance Department in order to keep costs to a reasonable amount. We always communicate with parents/carers at every stage so all students are able to benet from this experience.You will be assessed in all four skills; Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each skill is worth 25% of the overall grade. Students will be entered into Foundation or Higher tiers.Listening (25%)A variety of questions requiring both English and French/Spanish responses. Questions will be either multiple choice or open ended.Speaking (25%)The speaking exam includes a role play, conversation about a photo and a general conversation about the topics studied.Reading (25%)You will need to respond to questions in both English and French/Spanish and will be required to translate a French/Spanish text into English. Writing (25%)You are required to complete structured and open ended writing tasks and a translation into French or Spanish.For more information contact Mr Terry at sty@priorycofe.comSpeaking another language complements any career. A second language can also be studied at A Level and university with any other subject. Furthermore, it is considered a ‘facilitating subject’ at A level which means it will help you get into university even if you don’t plan to study languages at degree level. Some popular careers involving languages are: translator/interpreter, journalism, international law.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEAQA Spanish/French GCSEWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER E

Page 15

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2615GCSE Revision book: approximately £15Private Tuition (price varies)MUSICWHAT WILL I STUDY?GCSE Music is an engaging and challenging course which aims to develop your understanding and enjoyment of music through performing, listening and composing. • If you play an instrument, sing, or are learning an instrument with a private teacher then you already have the potential to achieve at least a 4 in GCSE Music.• If you enjoy performing then you will have the opportunity as a group to perform a wide repertoire of popular music• If you like making up songs or pieces of music, you can continue to produce your own original material in your GCSE music lessons, using either your instrument, Garageband, Logic.• Studying Music develops your motor skills, enhances your creative problem solving abilities, improves your concentration and develops your self-awareness.• If you don’t play an instrument or aren’t taking instrumental lessons and are considering taking Music GCSE - make sure you start having lessons as soon as possible, as this is essential in order to achieve a good grade in GCSE Music.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?The GCSE Music course is broken down into 4 areas of study. You will listen to and have an understanding of examples of music from the following genres:• Instrumental Music 1700-1820• Vocal Music• Music for Stage and Screen• FusionsComponent 1: Performing 30% You will perform a solo piece and as part of an ensemble for your coursework.Component 2: Composing 30%You will produce two compositions in di󰀨erent styles.Component 3: Appraising music 40%Listening to music and evaluating - written exam. You will study di󰀨erent genres of music and evaluate how various musical devices have been used. During the exam you will listen to extracts of music and answer questions about them.For more information contact Mr Pohlman at spn@priorycofe.comGCSE Music o󰀨ers a solid foundation for progression to other music studies, including A-level Music, and often to a music-related career. A multi-faceted discipline, it provides the opportunity for students to develop valuable transferable skills such as self condence, critical thinking, creativity and teamwork; whilst also developing the academic rigour required for many university and A-level choices. Many students nd that it gives them the background they need to pursue a lifelong interest in playing and listening, and to join the many professionals in other walks of life who are enthusiastic and highly accomplished amateur musicians.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEPearson GCSE MusicWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER E

Page 16

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2616PHYSICAL EDUCATIONWHAT WILL I STUDY?GCSE Physical Education is an ideal start for any student with aspirations of studying physical education in further education and beyond. The increased detail and complexity of the theoretical element of the course will provide students with an excellent stepping stone to A level Physical Education.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?Theoretical - 60%Paper 1 involves looking at the human body and movement in physical activity and sport. The areas of study are Applied anatomy and physiology, Movement analysis, Physical training and the use of data. Paper 2 looks at Socio-cultural inuences and well-being in physical activity and sport. Topic areas include Sports psychology, Socio-cultural inuences, Health, tness and wellbeing and the use of data. Practical - 40%Practical performance is assessed in three di󰀨erent physical activities (one in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either a team or in an individual activity). There is also an Analysis and Evaluation of Performance to bring about improvement in one activity.Paper 1 - Written Examination - 30%Paper 2 - Written Examination - 30%Practical performance 40%3 Practical Activities and an Analysis of Performance.Assessed by teachers, moderated by AQA. For more information contact Mr Dunn at tdn@priorycofe.comA GCSE in PE can lead to a diverse number of careers. You can continue studying PE at A Level and at University, through a number of di󰀨erent sports courses including; Sports Science, Sports Massage, Sports Coaching, and Sports Psychology to name but a few. The health and tness industry is a booming market, and a GCSE in PE can be the rst step you take in preparing for a future career in this area.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSEAQA GCSE Physical EducationWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER EThe theory has a large amount of content to cover and this contributes to the majority of the GCSE PE grade. Therefore, students will have more theory lessons than practical. Please do not assume this is a practical course with a few easy theory lessons. You will be required to study hard and have a good knowledge base of not just sport but English, Maths and Science.In school we cover a large number of sports. However, If you play one outside of school for teams/clubs; it is highly advisable that you obtain video footage of you competing. This footage will need to be collected during GCSE years for a grade to be submitted in this sport. Students must take one team activity, one individual activity and their next best activity.GCSE PE shirt: approximately £15

Page 17

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2617RELIGIOUS STUDIESWHAT WILL I STUDY?RS is recognised by the Russell Group of top universities in the UK as a strong subject base for going on to study in higher education. In many businesses now sta󰀨 are required to take part in training that focuses on religious understanding. In our ever changing world RS is becoming increasingly valuable as an academic subject with real relevance to life beyond school. As well as developing subject knowledge students that study RS develop essential skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. To be successful students will need to be empathetic as well as having a good self-awareness.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?Component 1:The study of Christian beliefs, teachings and practices.The study of Buddhist beliefs, teachings and practicesComponent 2:The study of 4 modules from the following themes:• Theme A: Relationships and families• Theme B: Religion and life• Theme C: The existence of God and revelation• Theme D: Religion, peace and conicts• Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment• Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justiceTwo examinations at the end of the two years of study.Paper 1 - Christianity and Buddhism 1h45m - 50%Paper 2 - Thematic Studies 1h45m - 50%For more information contact Mrs Page at ape@priorycofe.comReligious Studies provides pupils with a diverse range of valuable and transferable skills. Being able to construct a well-sustained and uent written argument, the ability to evaluate critically, showing sensitivity to di󰀨erent viewpoints and lifestyles, and justifying one’s own opinion articulately are skills valued in many careers and other subjects. Pupils have found that the study of RS therefore not only helps them in other Humanities subjects, but also aids some of the skills that are required in higher study of Science and Mathematics, such as the ability to present well-reasoned, precise arguments, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly. All pupils can also continue their study of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics to A-levelWHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?AQA GCSE Religious StudiesWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER E

Page 18

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2618SOCIOLOGYWHAT WILL I STUDY?If you are fascinated by how society works then this course is for you. Sociology is a ‘living’ subject that looks at topical issues. It is suited to students who have an interest in current a󰀨airs and who want to have a better understanding of the society in which they live and their role within it. The subject encourages students to think for themselves and develop rational arguments based upon theoretical and statistical evidence. Sociology aims to enable students to structure a clear, logical, analytical argument, a skill that is vital for all future academic work.HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?Throughout the course students will study the theories of famous sociologists such as Karl Marx and Talcott Parsons and apply their theories to today’s society. Students will develop the skills of analysis, interpretation, comparison and evaluation as well as begin to form their own opinions on a range of contemporary sociological issues such as the meritocracy of education. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills they can transfer to other subjects including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.Outline of ContentThere are four main sections that we study in Sociology:• Sociology of families• Sociology of education• Sociology of crime and deviance• Sociology of social straticationIn addition we study relevant areas of sociological theory and methods of research.Sociology is assessed entirely by examination at the end of the two year course. Students will sit two papers covering content from all the areas studied. Each paper includes a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions. Students will be well prepared through a variety of practice examination papers, model answers and exam preparation sessions.Paper 1 - The sociology of families and education - Written Exam 1h45m - 50%Paper 2 - The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratication - Written Exam 1h45m - 50%For more information contact Mrs Page at ape@priorycofe.comSociology provides you with a dynamic set of subject-specic and transferable skills and also encourages you to think about your own position in the world, how you got here, and what your life could be like in the future. Sociology improves your potential for adaptability in many jobs and careers by helping you to understand key social factors such as culture, race, ethnicity, gender, power, economics and inequality etc. Studying Sociology opens up a range of careers in areas such as welfare, education, social research, and local and central government. Examples of jobs using sociology include: Social worker, community development worker, further education teacher, housing manager/o󰀩cer, marketing executive, police o󰀩cer, secondary school teacher.WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GCSE?AQA GCSE SociologyWHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?FIDE ET LABORE CONFICER E

Page 19

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2024-2619

Page 20

FIDE ET LABORE CONFICERE