Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11 students follow both a core (English, maths, science) and options curriculum. The options curriculum allows students to progress further in areas in which they have a particular skill or interest. In keeping with our aim of preparing students for the world of work, all students follow a vocation course as part of their options curriculum.
All courses in Year 10 and 11 lead to formal qualifications in the form of GCSE, BTEC, Entry Level Certificate, Functional Skills, OCR Cambridge National and Duke of Edinburgh Award. Each student is therefore able to follow a programme which will lead to accreditation at a level which is appropriate to their ability and which will prepare them for post-16 choices.
Post-16 careers advice is provided throughout Key Stage 4, through careers lessons and our independent careers guidance advisor, and all students will complete at least one work experience placement.
The qualifications available to students in Years 10 & 11 are:
GCSE
English Language
Summary of GCSE English Language
Employers say that one of the most valuable things they look for in the people who work for them is good communication skills and this means writing and presentation, as well as talking. Being able to write a good cover letter, which is error free, can also be key to getting a job. Essentially, whenever you need to persuade, inform or connect with someone, English is the tool that you require.
Paper 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing. Externally assessed. 40% of the total GCSE
Overview of content
Study selections from a range of prose fiction.
Develop skills to analyse and evaluate 19th-century fiction extracts.
Develop imaginative writing skills to engage the reader.
Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately.
Overview of assessment
Section A – Reading: questions on an unseen 19th-century fiction extract.
Section B – Writing: a choice of two writing tasks. The tasks are linked by a theme to the reading extract.
The total number of marks available is 64. Assessment duration 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Paper 2: Non-fiction and Transactional Writing. Externally assessed. 60% of the total GCSE
Overview of content
Study a range of 20th- and 21st-century non-fiction texts (including literary non-fiction).
Develop skills to analyse, evaluate and compare non-fiction extracts.
Develop transactional writing skills for a variety of forms, purposes and audiences.
Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately
Overview of assessment
Section A – Reading: questions on two thematically linked, unseen non-fiction extracts.
Section B – Writing: a choice of two writing tasks. The tasks are linked by a theme to the reading extracts.
The total number of marks available is 96.
Assessment duration: 2 hours and 5 minutes.
English Literature
Summary of English Literature
Studying English literature helps to sharpen your analytical skills. If you can take a text and find the themes plus connect it with other texts, theories and historical events, you are showing that you can handle complex ideas, search for patterns and interpret information in a wider context.
You will also develop your planning and research skills as well as gain knowledge of history and culture.
Paper 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature. 50% of the total GCSE
Overview of content
Develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and context of texts can create meanings and effects. Develop skills to maintain a critical style and an informed personal response.
Overview of assessment
Section A – Shakespeare: a two-part question, with the first task focused on an extract of approximately 30 lines. The second task is focused on how a theme reflected in the extract is explored elsewhere in the play. We will be studying Much Ado About Nothing
Section B – Post-1914 British play or novel: ONE essay question. We will be studying The Women in Black by Susan Hill.
The total number of marks available is 80.
Assessment duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes. Closed book (texts are not allowed in the examination).
Paper 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789. 50% of the total GCSE.
Overview of content
Study a 19th-century novel and a poetry collection from the Pearson Poetry Anthology.
Develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and context of texts can create meanings and effects. Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response. Develop comparison skills.
Overview of assessment
Section A – 19th-century novel: a two-part question, with the first part focussed on an extract of approximately 400 words. The second part is an essay question exploring the whole text. We will be studying ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Section B – Part 1: ONE question comparing a named poem from the Pearson Poetry Anthology collection to another poem from that collection. We will be looking at ‘Time and Place 'anthology. The named poem will be shown in the question paper. Part 2: ONE question comparing two unseen contemporary poems.
The total number of marks available is 80.
Assessment duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Closed book (texts are not allowed in the examination).
Mathematics
GCSE in Mathematics
The assessments will cover the following content headings:
Number
Algebra
Ratio, proportion and rates of change
Geometry and measures
Probability
Statistics
Two tiers are available: Foundation and Higher (content is defined for each tier).
Each student is permitted to take assessments in either the Foundation tier or Higher 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 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 (grade 3 allowed).
Physical Education
Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Sport
What does the qualification cover?
This course provides an engaging and relevant introduction to the world of sport. It incorporates important aspects of the industry, such as fitness testing and training for sport and exercise, the psychology of sport, practical sports performance and sports leadership. It enables you to develop and apply your knowledge, while also developing a range of relevant practical, communication and technical skills.
You will study three mandatory units, covering the underpinning knowledge and skills required for the sports sector:
● fitness for sport and exercise
● practical performance in sport
● applying the principles of personal training.
You will build on the knowledge gained in the mandatory units by choosing one further unit, covering areas such as:
● the mind and sports performance
●the sports performer in action
● leading sports activities.
Where will this take me?
If you are interested in taking your study of sport further, the subject-specific knowledge and skills outlined above and developed through studying this qualification, will give you a strong foundation for academic or vocational study at Level 3, including apprenticeships.
Art and Design
Students study the AQA course in Art. Students will build their own portfolios working on personal journeys from a selection of previous AQA themes. Students will support their findings with regular gallery visits. Students will gain more skills using traditional drawing, painting and sculpting media but will work on their own strengths in Year 11. They will develop and apply their skills through experimentation, analysis and refining work as it progresses.
How can I support my child in this subject?
Make sure your child is supported to complete their homework tasks on time. Equipping your child appropriately with art materials for their lesson will also help.
Talk to your child about their work and help with presentation. Attending galleries and museums to keep up to date with the world of art will also develop their interest in art.
Vocational
Arts Award
Arts Award
The awarding body responsible for the Arts Award is Trinity College London.
Arts Award’s principles
To offer learning and qualifications which support individual creative development in any setting
To place young people at the heart of the Arts Award process
To increase young people’s experience and understanding of arts practitioners and cultural organisations
To embrace new art forms and technologies
To reach the widest possible range of young people
Progressing through the levels, young people get to:
Discover the enjoyment of creating and participating in arts activities
Experience arts events
Develop creative and communication skills that are essential for success in 21st century life
Explore the work of artists and craftspeople and gain insights into the professional arts world
Gain experience and knowledge to help progress into further education and employment.
Bronze Award
Bronze Arts Award: Level 1 Award in the Arts.
Bronze Arts Award is a Level 1 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
To achieve a Bronze Arts Award, young people collect evidence in an individual arts log or portfolio of their experiences of:
Actively participating in any art form
Attending at least one arts event and their review of that event
Researching the career and work of an artist or craftsperson
Passing on an arts skill
Silver Award
Silver Arts Award: Level 2 Award in the Arts.
Silver Arts Award is a Level 2 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
To achieve a Silver Arts Award, young people collect evidence in an individual arts portfolio of their experiences of:
Arts practice and pathways
Identifying and planning an arts challenge
Implementing and reviewing their arts challenge
Reviewing arts events and sharing their views
Researching future opportunities and careers in the arts
Arts leadership
Identifying a leadership role and planning the project's aims
Planning the practical issues
Being an effective arts leader
Working effectively with others
Reviewing their project and leadership role
BTEC First Applied Science
BTEC Level 1/2 Award in Applied Science
The Principles of Applied Science Award has been designed to deliver the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for Science by covering the key scientific principles vital for both scientists and citizens of the future. The qualification is appropriate for learners of all abilities who will benefit from a practical and applied approach to learning in a vocational context. It has been developed to:
· exemplify scientific principles in vocational contexts, leading to an understanding of how those principles are applied in practice, and can facilitate a move either onto further periods of study or into employment.
· give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of science principles and practice
· give learners the opportunity to develop a range of related skills and techniques that are essential for successful performance in working life
· give opportunities for learners to achieve a nationally recognised level 1 or level 2 science qualification
· support progression into a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic course or into an apprenticeship
· give full-time learners the opportunity to enter potential employment within a wide range of science sectors such as process, industrial, medical, or forensic.
Qualification Structure
Entry Level Certificate in Science
The Entry Level Certificate in Science has specifically been designed to closely match the programme of study and provide a progression route to higher level qualifications. The certificate supports advancement in science by cementing core understanding and maximising engagement with the subject.
Assessment consists of 6 short question papers:
Biology 1A: Cells, genetics, inheritance and modification
Biology 1B – Health, disease and the development of medicines
Chemistry 1A – Atoms, compounds and states of matter
Chemistry 1B – Separating mixtures, breaking down substances, acids and metals
Physics 1A – Forces, movement and energy
Physics 1B – Waves and radiation
BTEC First Sport
Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Sport
What does the qualification cover?
This course provides an engaging and relevant introduction to the world of sport. It incorporates important aspects of the industry, such as fitness testing and training for sport and exercise, the psychology of sport, practical sports performance and sports leadership. It enables you to develop and apply your knowledge, while also developing a range of relevant practical, communication and technical skills.
You will study three mandatory units, covering the underpinning knowledge and skills required for the sports sector:
● fitness for sport and exercise
● practical performance in sport
● applying the principles of personal training.
You will build on the knowledge gained in the mandatory units by choosing one further unit, covering areas such as:
● the mind and sports performance
●the sports performer in action
● leading sports activities.
Where will this take me?
If you are interested in taking your study of sport further, the subject-specific knowledge and skills outlined above and developed through studying this qualification, will give you a strong foundation for academic or vocational study at Level 3, including apprenticeships.
BTEC First Business Studies
Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award in Business
This course is a general business qualification designed to provide you with a solid understanding of business and the additional skills needed to progress to the next level or secure employment. During this course, you will develop the skills that employers are really looking for, such as communication, numeracy, presentation skills, analysis, interpretation, application and the evaluation of information.
What will I study?
The list below contains a snapshot of the core and additional units you will study:
Enterprise in the business world (Core)
Finance for business (Core)
Customer service
Promoting a brand
Work experience
So you can complete the Customer Service section of the course you will have the opportunity to complete a work placement in an employment field you are interested in.
Employability
The course is designed to improve your employability skills through the successful completion of the main qualification, meeting guest speakers and attending enrichment trips and work experience.
How long is the course?
This is a 2 year course and on completion you will receive a BTEC Level 2 Award.
How will I learn and how will I be assessed?
All learning is based on real-life vocational experiences. Three of the assessments are coursework based, but the Finance for business unit will be examination assessed.
How will I know how I am doing?
Feedback will be verbal, written and electronic, with each being specifically designed to support you on your course and to ensure that you know exactly what you need to do to achieve a pass, merit or distinction.
What can I do next?
Students who achieve a distinction in the course will have the opportunity to progress onto a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business. Many students who have completed this qualification have continued their studies by gaining places on the Diploma in IT or Travel and Tourism. Achievement on this course can also help you to get the job you want.
What are my career options?
This course will prepare you to set up your own business, or for a job in Business Administration or Retail. Alternatively, you may wish to consider an apprenticeship or employment in a different field.
BTEC Home Cooking Skills
BTEC Level 1/Level 2 - Home Cooking Skills qualifications
Cooking is an essential life skill, empowering us to make changes that benefit our health and wellbeing. The BTEC Home Cooking Skills course aims to give every young person the basic skills and knowledge to be able to cook for themselves in a healthy, cost-effective way, as well as gain the confidence to share these skills with friends and family.
Why choose BTEC Home Cooking Skills?
Learning to cook used to be passed down through the generations, but these days our lives are so busy that it can be difficult to prepare meals from scratch after a hard day at work or looking after children. Instead, more people rely on pre-prepared or ready-cooked food, a major cause of the obesity epidemic affecting our nation’s health.
This engaging course aims to change all that. For some, it may be the start of a career in cooking; for others, it will help them to learn the basic skills and recipes that will help them to make healthy choices throughout their lives. I also ensure that there are some fun recipes along the way for those special occasions when a treat is needed.
What you will learn?
You will learn essential knowledge and skills such as:
Kitchen basics: What equipment you need and the best way to stock your store cupboard, fridge and freezer
Food safety and hygiene: Knife safety, fridge management and rotation
How to shop cleverly: Shopping lists, seasonal food and planning ahead
Preparing ingredients and understanding confusing food labels.
How are BTEC Home Cooking Skills qualifications structured?
The Home Cooking Skills include two single-unit BTEC qualifications, one at Level 1 and one at Level 2. These are taken over two years.
|
Year 10 Level 1 |
4 credits |
Focuses on giving all young people the skills to prepare delicious and nutritious home-cooked food using fresh ingredients, as well as an understanding of the value of passing on cooking knowledge. |
|
Year 11 Level 2 |
6 credits |
Develops the student’s ability to plan and prepare a series of nutritious home-cooked meals for breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner and helps them understand how to cook economically. |
How is the work assessed?
You will cook a new recipe or two each week. You have to write an evaluation after each practical as this is essential for your records along with photographic evidence. You will have theory lessons to go alongside the practical so that you learn all that is needed to be able to cook in a healthy, hygienic and safe way.
At the end of each year you will be assessed on a recipe of your choice that you are confident in preparing. You will choose the recipe and ingredients as well as preparing and presenting the dishes. This course is hugely engaging and successful for learners of all cooking abilities.
BTEC Construction Trades
BTEC Level 1 Award/Certificate in Construction
BTEC Construction is a very practical course; it involves pupils working with their hands to create a product or work on DIY skills.
The course is made up of multiple units which relate to different construction skills. You will create a product or carry out a task in order to show skills and knowledge in a practical area, i.e. Brick wall for Unit 13 Bricklaying. All units are provided as workbooks which are to be completed throughout the design process of each product.
To pass this course pupils need to complete a minimum of three units and be able to work by themselves and follow all health and safety rules in the construction workshop.
Pupils learn the names of tools, develop the skills to use them safely and gain confidence in using them independently. Many students take their skills home and enjoy using their new skills to help with DIY.
The construction course involves working on several elements of construction including:
· Woodwork
· Painting and decorating
· Wallpapering
· Bricklaying
· Plastering
· Plumbing
· Basic DIY
You will be assessed whilst you are working; making sure you are adhering to all of the health and safety rules, along with the completed work within each unit workbook. Your teacher will also collect photographic evidence to put in your workbook.
BTEC Photography
BTEC Entry Level/Level 1 Award in Creative Media Production
The Pearson BTEC Entry Level (Entry 3) (QCF) and Pearson BTEC Level 1 Award in Creative Media Production have been developed to give learners the opportunity to:
· Engage in learning which is relevant to them and will provide opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life
· Achieve a nationally recognised Entry or Level 1 vocationally related qualification
· Prepare for employment in a particular vocational sector
· Progress to related general and/or vocational qualifications.
The course will consist of two units:
Unit 7: Developing Video Products
Unit 8: Exploring Digital Photography
Unit 7: Developing Video Products
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with knowledge of the basic techniques and technology of video production and the skills required.
The main emphasis of this unit is on the processes involved in video production work. The unit is likely to be delivered using digital systems. After an initial investigation of video production techniques learners will work through the three stages of pre-production, production and post-production, to produce a video product. Learners could be encouraged to work as part of a team.
Assignment Task 1 – generating ideas, planning, storyboard/scripting, shot choices.
Assignment Task 2 – filming, capturing footage, basic editing and exporting including daily log of learner work.
Unit 8: Exploring Digital Photography
This unit is an introduction to digital photography and is intended to enable learners to explore basic techniques, equipment and materials in order to produce digital photographs.
Photography has a wide range of applications within the media sector, including photo-journalism, advertising and fashion photography, as well as applications such as wedding and portrait photography. Learners will explore the processes involved in digital photography and will develop ideas for their own photographic work inspired by an agreed theme. This will encourage them to create a range of photographic images. They will then review their work.
Introduction to assignment – Plan and produce a series of photographs for an exhibition promoting the local area based on the theme ‘old meets new’.
Assignment work:
Planning, sketching ideas and deciding locations and resources.
Taking photographs.
Choosing, cropping, editing and printing final images & exhibiting work.
Group discussion with peers and tutor to receive feedback and comment on work.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Your D of E programme is a real adventure. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from.
You just need to be aged between 14 and 24.
You can do D of E programmes at three levels:
Bronze (aged 14+)
Silver (aged 15+)
Gold (aged 16+)
*Currently we run both the Bronze and Silver Award via The Hub
You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections:
Volunteering: Undertaking service to individuals or the community.
Physical: Improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
Skills: Developing practical and social skills as well as personal interests.
Expedition: Planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.
Bronze Award Requirements
Silver Award Requirements
There is a massive choice of activities that count towards D of E programmes. You can select practically any activity you want – as long as it’s legal and morally acceptable.
Functional Skills
English
English Entry Level/Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills
At Key Stage 4 students are prepared for GCSE English Language, Functional Skills English at Entry level and Level 1 and 2. GCSE English Literature is an optional course. At Brandles we use Edexcel for both GCSE and Functional Skills exams.
Summary of Functional Skills
Functional Skills offer accreditation in a range of English skills in real-life settings, so students can use these in a functional way throughout life. They have flexible assessment structure that can be adapted to meet the needs of individual learners. They provide a progression route through to higher achievement at college and apprenticeships.
Entry Level
| Component | Component Content | Notes on Assessment |
|---|---|---|
|
Speaking, Listening and Communicating |
E1 - 10 minute assessment |
Audio-recording or Video |
| Reading |
45 minute assessment at all levels |
On-Demand Computer Based Dictionary permitted at all levels. |
| Writing |
50 minute assessment at all levels |
Paper based |
Level 1 and 2
| Component | Component Content | Notes on Assessment |
|---|---|---|
|
Speaking, Listening and Communicating |
1 discussion and a presentation is required. |
Audio-recording or Video |
| Reading |
60 minute on-screen test |
On-Demand Computer Based Dictionary permitted at all |
| Writing | 75 minute on-screen test |
On-Demand Computer Based |
Mathematics
Functional Skills Mathematics
Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications are designed to give learners the skills to operate confidently, effectively and independently in education, work and everyday life. They have been created in response to employers’ perceptions that many learners are not achieving a sufficiently firm grounding in the basics.
The aims of these qualifications are to develop learner understanding and skills in:
Representing – selecting the mathematics and information to model a situation.
Analysing – processing and using mathematics.
Interpreting – interpreting and communicating the results of the analysis.
Assessment is via a 1 hour exam that is internally assessed.