GCSE glossary Begun 2015 - English Edexcel (new format) - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

GCSE Curriculum at Rydal Penrhos

GCSE glossary • Begun 2015 - English Edexcel (new format) • Modular/Linear – England and English boards – all linear (no modules) – Wales and WJEC – modular available • Two tiers in some – Foundation – Higher • Coursework – ‘Controlled assessment’, supervised in class • IGCSE – ‘International’ GCSE; linear and no coursework in most

GCSE grades • Available Grades A* - G (Higher tier : A* - D Foundation Tier : C - G) These grades will be for Science who are to remain with Welsh Board 1 -9 (For all other GCSEs and IGCSE’s) • ‘Pass’ level C/4 • Benchmark 5 GCSEs A* - C or 4 - 9 • Sixth Form Subjects At least Grade B/6

Science at GCSE • Dual Award (7 Units) • Physics = P1 + P2 • Biology = B1 + B2 • Chemistry = C 1 + C2 • + Practical Assessment = 10% • Separate sciences = Ph+Bio+C • Each is a separate, standalone qualification. • Physics = Unit 1 + Unit 2 • Biology = Unit 1 + Unit 2 • Chemistry = Unit 1 + Unit 2 • + Practical Examination = 10% of each qualification

Learning Support • Learning support is for pupils with an identified specific learning difficulty • Once they’ve met JCQ Access Arrangements Criteria they may be entitled to: – Extra time – Readers – Scribes – School word processors

RPS Curriculum English Language Mathematics Religion and Life course (1 lesson, non examined) Dual Science Science (Triple) Option w – French/Spanish/LS/EFL Option x – Humanity/Creative/Practical Option y – Humanity/Creative/Practical/LS Option z – Humanity/Creative/Practical

RPS Curriculum RPS core curriculum delivers 8 GCSEs RPS extended curriculum delivers up to 11 GCSEs plus Additional Maths This would include English Literature, Triple Award Science and Welsh (co-curricular) Top universities want 7/8 A/A* GCSEs

Option subjects • Art • Business Studies • Design Technology • Drama • English as a Foreign Language (EFL) • Engineering • French • Geography (IGCSE) • History (IGCSE) • Home Economics (food and nutrition) • Learning Support (LS) • Music • PE • Religious Studies • Spanish • Welsh*

Making Options Choices • A balance of subjects is recommended • Look at how the subjects are examined: exam or coursework? • How do my choices fit within the ‘blocks’ http://www.rydalpenrhos.com/Curriculum

Timeline • Individual interviews with Head of Middle School/Tutors to start the Options process • March 1. Options presentation to pupils 2. Options presentation to parents 3. Parents ’ Evening discussions 4. Pupil discussion with parents April Choices form signed and returned by Wednesday 3 rd April 1. • April onwards Late submission choices or changes of heart will be limited by set size restrictions

Option blocks

GCSEOptions at Rydal Penrhos