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GCSE/IGCSE Level Subjects
Students aged 14-16 follow a full two-year programme leading to GCSE/IGCSE in up to 9 subjects chosen from a wide range. All students study the compulsory core of English, Mathematics and Core Science with supporting courses and activities. Within this framework, students may choose up to five subjects from the following: Art and Design, Business and Communication Systems (ICT), Geography, Graphic Design, History, Music and Spanish. Students have discreet Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons in their second year of GCSE studies with an option to take all three subjects.
Prospective students and parents may specifically request subjects that do not form part of our standard GCSE curriculum. While it will not always be possible to meet such requests, some subjects can be offered as an optional extra. Please ask for further details.
GCSEs are examined through a mixture of written papers, coursework assignments and, where appropriate, practical assessments. GCSEs are graded on a scale from A* (highest mark) to G (lowest mark) plus an ungraded U. Grades A*, A, B and C are considered to be acceptable pass grades for university entrance.
Padworth offers a number of IGCSE courses which are the international version of the GCSE as set by Edexcel and Cambridge. Coursework is always optional in IGCSE courses.
The range of GCSE and IGCSE courses on offer is constantly under review and new subjects are offered from time to time. Equally, it cannot be guaranteed that all the subjects listed will run in any particular year as this depends upon the number of students who wish to take them.
A one-year GCSE/IGCSE programme operates for older or re-sitting students where they have previously studied the subject.
EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 3201-3206
GCSE Art and Design is a practical course focusing on developing drawing, painting and design skills.
Qualification
Students will learn to draw and paint from observation and experiment with a range of media. Students will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and to produce a body of work on set and chosen themes. Students will also analyse work by other artists to help inform their own ideas.
Assessment
Coursework - a minimum of 2 projects based on topics from different areas of study (Graphic Design, Fine Art and Textiles) such as:
* 3D project based on natural forms, e.g. plants or shells
* Batik project based on the theme of the sea or landscape
* Poster design project based on the theme of African or Chinese Art and produced using computer aided design.
Exam Unit – 2nd year
Specified preparation time. Preparation includes recording of ideas, analysing other artists, developing own ideas to create a final piece.
Exam - 10 hour practical exam in which students create a final piece.
Entry requirements
Whilst an aptitude for art and design is desirable, no previous experience in art and design is necessary to embark on this course.
GCSE ART AND DESIGN (GRAPHIC DESIGN)
EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 3203
Students will learn the basic principles of Graphic Design. They will study how images and text communicate, and learn Photoshop in order to realize final images.
Coursework is developed over five terms and encompasses computer graphics, illustration, advertising and packaging. Each student will complete 3 coursework projects for submission. The sixth term will involve a practical exam and guided preparation.
This course would benefit those students who are interested in a design career or would complement business studies and media studies.
EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 4411
This course is aimed at students with prior scientific experience wanting to gain a first qualification in Biology. At Padworth College, this is taught in the second year of the GCSE course.
Qualification
Biology is a practical subject and practical skills will be developed through the course and will be assessed by an investigative skills assessment and a practical skills assessment during lesson time.
The new specification in biology has been designed to make the subject more relevant to the modern world, including work related learning and how science works. It is also rigorous enough to provide a good foundation for those wanting to study A level Biology.
Topics covered include:
B2: What are animals and plants built from? How do dissolved substances get into and out of cells? How do plants obtain food they need to live and grow? What happens to energy and biomass at each stage in a food chain? What happens to waste material produced by plants and animals? What are enzymes and what are some functions? How do our bodies keep internals conditions constant?
B3: How do dissolved get into and out of plants and animals? How are dissolved materials transported around the body? How does exercise affect the exchanges taking place within the body? How do exchanges in the kidney help us to maintain the internal environment in mammals and how has biology helped us to treat kidney disease? How are micro organisms used to make food and drink? What other useful substances can we make using micro organisms? How can we use micro organisms safely?
Assessment
The GCSE Biology course consists of four units all worth 25% of the total mark. Units 1-3 are assessed by external exams. Unit 4 is a practically based centre-assessed unit. Unit 1 is taken in two multiple choice parts in November and March and the content will have been studied in the G1 course The written papers for Unit two is taken in January and Unit 3 in June 2008. Written papers are 45 minutes. It is possible to sit all three papers in June. Units 1-3 can be taken at Foundation or Higher level - Foundation covers grades G-C and Higher covers grades D- A*.
Entry requirements
Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Science and Mathematics in G1 or the equivalent.
EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 3133
Qualification
Business Studies concerns the business aspects of organisations within their economic, political and social contexts. It involves the investigation of how enterprise adds value by organising the production of goods and services. The performance of business is studied from a range of perspectives.
Using case studies, Business Studies ensures that candidates have knowledge, understanding and experience of the real world of business organisations.
Assessment
The scheme of assessment comprises of three exams.
Entry Requirements
Students should be confident in their use of English. No previous study is required for this course. This is a one year GCSE course which students may take in their last year of GCSE studies.
EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 4421
This course is aimed at students with prior scientific experience wanting to gain a first qualification in chemistry. At Padworth College this is taught in the second year of the GCSE course.
Qualification
Chemistry is a practical subject and practical skills will developed through the course and will be assessed by an investigative skills assessment and a practical skills assessment during lesson time.
The new specification in chemistry has been designed to make the subject more relevant to the modern world, including work related learning and how science works. It is also rigorous enough to provide a good foundation for those aiming to study A level Chemistry.
Topics covered include:
C2: How do sub atomic particles help us to understand the structure of substance? How do structures influence the properties and uses of substance? How much can we make and how much do we use? How can we control the rates of a chemical reaction? Do chemical reactions always release energy? How can we use ions in solutions?
C3: How was the periodic table developed and how can it help us understand the reactions of elements? What are strong and weal acids and alkalis? How can we find the amounts of them in solution? What is in the water we drink? How much energy is involved in a chemical reaction? How do we identify and analyse substances?
Assessment
The GCSE Chemistry consists of four units all worth 25% of the total mark. Units 1-3 are assessed by external exams. Unit 4 is a practically based centre-assessed unit. Unit 1, can be taken in two multiple choice parts in November and March - the content for which will have been studied in the G1 course The written papers for Unit 2 will be taken in January and Unit 3 in June. Written papers are 45 minutes. It is possible to sit all three papers in June. Units 1-3 can be taken at Foundation or Higher level. Foundation covers grades G-C and Higher covers grades D- A*.
Entry requirements
Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Science and Mathematics in G1 or the equivalent.
EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 4462
This is the first part of the suite of GCSE Science subjects. It is compulsory for all students and forms the prerequisite to study separate science GCSE’s in the second year of the course.
Qualification
This is an exciting new approach to the basics in science. It is science for the sustainable world and should captivate the students.
The programme of study includes the following topics: healthy eating, drug abuse, controlling infectious diseases, co-ordination and control, how people affect the planet, variation, evolution, adaptation to survival, crude oil, rocks and building, rocks and metals, products from oil, plant oils, the changing world, heat transfer, using energy, electrical energy, generating electricity, electromagnetic waves, radioactivity, and the origins of the Universe.
Assessment
The scheme of assessment comprises two components: Investigative skills assessment which accounts for 25% of the marks and six multiple choice modules which account for 75% of the marks. The externally marked units are available in November, March and June and can be sat at Foundation or Higher level - Foundation covers grades G-C and Higher covers grades D- A*. The practical assessments take place throughout the course and can support either tier.
Entry requirements
Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Science and Mathematics to the equivalent of KS3 level.
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL: Specification 4355
This qualification is modelled and marked to the same standard as the UK GCSE English and is regarded as a first langugage qualification.
Study is based on an anthology of fiction and non-fiction texts which have been carefully chosen to extend the range of reading. Through studying these texts, students will learn about the conventions of different forms and styles of writing and can use these as models for their own writing. This approach has the added benefit of helping students to prepare for their final exams as they are assessed on both the anthology pieces they have studied, and their responses to unprepared reading materials.
Assessment
This qualification is assessed with a Foundation tier (grades C to G) or Higher tier (grades A* - D) available to suit students of different abilities.
Students can be entered for either coursework or for the exam alternative. Those choosing the coursework option are additionally required to submit two assessments to demonstrate their competence at speaking and listening and are assessed by the teacher.
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL Specification 4360
Qualification
The specification gives students the opportunity to
* engage with and respond to literary texts from around the world
* develop a critical appreciation of the writer’s craft through close textual study and
through wide reading
* explore through literature the cultures of their own and other societies
* find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies
* explore literature as a means of emotional and intellectual growth.
Assessment
This specification requires students to demonstrate
* a close knowledge of texts and the contexts in which they were written
* understanding and appreciation of the craft of the writer
* a focused, sensitive, lively and informed personal response.
Paper 1: Drama and Prose (1 hour 30 minutes)
This paper is taken by all candidates. It is divided into two sections: Drama and Prose. Students must answer one question from each section. This is a closed book examination.
Paper 2: Poetry from the anthology (45 minutes)
There will be two questions on the paper. Students must answer one question.
OR
Paper 3: Poetry coursework (School based assessment)
Students will be required to submit one unit of coursework based on the poems in the anthology.
Entry requirements
A good command of the English Language is necessary but no previous study of English literature is required to undertake this course.
IGCSE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL Specification 4357
IGCSE in English as a Second Language is designed primarily as a qualification either for candidates obtaining their secondary education through English as a medium of instruction, or studying English in order to enhance their future educational or employment prospects.
Qualification
Candidates will be expected to communicate formally and informally in a range of contexts, but will be expected to understand a wider range of texts, styles and registers than they can produce.
The aims of the course are for candidates to:
* Understand a wide variety of complex reading texts, recognising implicit meaning and adapting own style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes
* Understand standard spoken language normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational contexts.
* Write clear, well-structured texts using an appropriate style
* Express them fluently and spontaneously
* Develop the skills necessary for further study or employment either in English speaking countries or where English is used as the main medium of communication
* Develop an understanding of different cultural contexts
Assessment
Reading, writing and listening skills are tested through two examination papers:
Paper 1 (2 hours) Reading and Writing
Paper 2 (45 mins) Listening
Paper 3 (12 minutes) Speaking (optional)
Speaking is tested through a face-to-face interview at the centre. The speaking test is optional and endorsed separately.
The specification will be examined twice a year, in May and November.
Entry requirements
Pre-intermediate level of English
Non-native speakers who are following GCSE courses in other subjects will take IGCSE English as a Second Language
For more information about this course, please go to http://www.edexcel-international.org/quals/igcse/esl and click on Specification
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL Specification 4370
Qualification
Geography IGCSE represents a highly suitable course for students from a variety of international backgrounds. It covers ideas and case studies from different environments and countries around the world, so that material covered relates to some ideas and examples which students from overseas may be familiar with. In addition, it explores material new to many overseas students, relating to Europe and the United Kingdom, so that progression is built in. It therefore provides a suitable foundation for AS and A2 Geography. The course can be covered in either one year or, more thoroughly, over two years. The one-year course is recommended only for students with an acceptable standard of English, as it is very intensive.
Geographical skills, including mapwork, graphs and other data presentation methods, are covered in the first term (or first half term for the one year course), which provide an essential basis for the rest of the course. We then move on to study four major themes:
Unit 1 People and the natural environment
This emphasises how people interact with and manage the physical environment, starting with Water which includes the Hydrological Cycle, river processes, and flooding and management. We then move on to consider Hazards, including tectonic processes and hazards (candidates carry out an independent investigation into volcanoes OR earthquakes), and climatic and atmospheric hazards (tropical revolving storms, tornadoes, severe gales, drought). At each stage, the effects of physical processes and hazards on human populations are examined.
Unit 2 People and work
This section of the course focuses largely on human geography themes, including Production (economic activity: agriculture, manufacturing industry and services), and Development (examination of More Economically Developed and Less Economically Developed countries, and Newly Industrialising Countries). Attempts to improve economic conditions are considered, and future patterns discussed.
Unit 3 People and places
An increasingly important topic, the movement of people within and between countries, and the places where they settle, are the focus of unit 3. Types of Migration are examined, including voluntary international migration for economic reasons, and forced or involuntary migration due to natural or man-made disasters; and finally Urban Environments, including examples of cities in the Developing and Developed worlds, and future changes to these environments, are considered.
Unit 4 Global issues
One of three major world themes is explored, which affects people and the environment in both the developed and developing worlds. Fragile Environments examines the idea that environmental abuse has serious consequences which need to be tackled to ensure future sustainability. Process caused or made worse by human activities are covered, including soil erosion and desertification, causes and consequences of deforestation, management of rainforests, the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Assessment
Coursework is optional for the IGCSE and in practise, it is not normally undertaken during the one-year course for time reasons - instead Paper 3 (alternative to coursework) is taken. In addition to mapwork skills and the independent study undertaken in the first term, students are introduced to techniques of data collection and analysis during the main course of study so that they are prepared for this paper. A variety of teaching resources, including IT investigations, photographs, videos and short field visits, are used to illustrate and reinforce class work.
There are TWO tiers of examination papers in the Edexcel IGCSE- the Higher Tier for candidates with good or improving English and analytical skills, and who wish to access the higher grades (A* to C) with a view to carrying on the subject at A level; and the Foundation Tier which is more suited to those candidates with weaker English and who are more likely to pass the subject with a C grade or lower (grade C being a minimum GCSE grade requirement for UK universities and many employers).
In either case, candidates answer six compulsory short-answer, structured questions testing understanding of Units 1, 2 and 3; followed by one structured question testing understanding of Unit 4. In addition, all candidates take Paper 3 - alternative to coursework, which consists of three compulsory questions, two skills-based and one enquiry-based, to test the skills and experience gained by candidates from practical work and fieldwork undertaken during the course.
Higher calibre candidates taking the Higher Tier papers are stretched by being able to give more extensive answers to some of the questions, while weaker candidates (with less developed English) are able to gain marks through numeracy, graphicacy and mapwork.
| Paper/ component | Mode of assessment | Weighting | Length |
|
1 OR 2 |
Examination Paper 1F, targeted at grades C-G (Foundation Tier)
|
80%
|
1 hour 45 minutes
|
|
Examination Paper 2H, targeted at grades A*-D (Higher Tier) |
80% |
2 hours 30 minutes |
|
|
3 OR 4
|
Examination Paper 3, targeted at grades A*-G (common to both tiers) |
20%
|
1 hour
|
|
Coursework, targeted at grades A*- G (common to both tiers)
|
20%
|
___
|
Entry Requirements
A good command of the English Language is necessary but no previous study of Geography is required to undertake this course.
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL Specification 4380
Qualification
Our two theme studies this year (2007-2008) have been A1 Revolution and Reaction; France 1789-1830 and A4 The Road to War in Europe, 1870-1914.
Our special topics for study in 2008-2009 will be B9 The Second World War and /or B8 The Holocaust 1939-45 and The Work of the United Nations.
Assessment
This is based on the content of the Edexcel GCSE and GCE O level History specifications.
There are two tiers of entry and we use the higher one and the non-coursework option. This means our students take paper 2H and paper 3.
Entry Requirements
A good command of the English Language is necessary but no previous study of English literature is required to undertake this course.
GCSE BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (ICT)
EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 3126
Qualification
The course introduces students to various aspects of the world of business and encourages them to consider the impact of the business environment, workplace organisation, human resources management and effective communication in the running of a business.
Students will acquire useful practical skills in a wide range of computer applications in business contexts. These include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphs and desk top publishing.
Assessment
The scheme of assessment comprises two components:
Theory paper (33% of the marks)
Practical paper (67% of the marks)
Entry requirements
Students should be confident in their use of English. No previous study is required for this course.
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL
GCSE Mathematics is compulsory for all students and is an essential qualification for university entrance.
Qualification
There are two tiers of entry:
Foundation - Covering Grades C to G
Higher - Covering Grades A* to D
Most students are entered for the Higher tier.
Topics covered include number, statistics and probability, graphs, algebra, areas and volumes, trigonometry and geometry. Students are also encouraged to make use of their mathematical knowledge and skills in solving real-life problems and in investigating mathematical topics for themselves.
In addition to the two year course, there is a one year course for A Level students who do not already have a GCSE or equivalent qualification. Normally students will be entered for the Foundation level covering grades C-G.
Assessment
The assessment is based on two final examination papers.
Entrance requirements
Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Mathematics to the equivalent of KS3 level.
EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 3271
Qualification
Music GCSE is structured into five Areas of Study, which students explore through performing, composing, and listening and appraising activities.
The five Areas of Study are:
* Music for Film
* Music for Dance
* Music for Special Events
* Orchestral Landmarks
* The Popular Song since 1960
Assessment
The scheme of assessment will require students to demonstrate aural perception, musical knowledge and understanding and communication through the following skills:
* Coursework composition - one coursework composition which is based on Area of Study : Music for Special Events (25% of total marks)
* Coursework performing – one solo and one ensemble performance (25% of total marks)
* Integrated assignment - one composition based on an AQA-set assignment, arising from one of four of the Areas of Study. The assignment is issued by AQA in the Autumn term (25% of total marks)
* Listening and appraising test – drawing on music from all five Areas of Study (25% of total marks)
Entry requirements
Instrumental or vocal skills
For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/
Back to TopEXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 4451
This course is aimed at students with prior scientific experience wanting to gain a first qualification in Physics. At Padworth College, this is taught in the second year of the GCSE course. The speed of the course is fast so a good command of English, maths and scientific understanding are required.
Qualification
Physics is a practical subject and practical skills will developed through the course and will be assessed by an investigative skills assessment and a practical skills assessment during lesson time.
The new specification in physics has been designed to make the subject more relevant to the modern world, including work related learning and how science works. It is also rigorous enough to provide a good foundation for those aiming to study A level Physics.
The topics covered include:
P2: How can we describe the way things move? How do we make things speed up or slow down? What happens to the movement energy when things speed up or slowdown? What is momentum? What is static electricity, how can it be used and what is the connection between static electricity and electric currents? What does the current through an electrical circuit depend on? What is mains electricity and how can it be used safely? Why do we need to know the power of electrical appliances? What happens to radioactive substances when they decay? What are nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?
P3: How do forces have a turning effect? What keeps bodies moving in a circle? What provides the centripetal force for planets and satellites? What do mirrors and lenses do to light? What is sound? What is ultrasound and how can it be used? How can electricity be used to make things move? How do generators work? How do transformers work? What is the life history of stars?
Assessment
The GCSE Physics consists of four units all worth 25% of the total mark. Units 1-3 are assessed by external exams. Unit 4 is a practically based centre-assessed unit. Unit 1, can be taken in two multiple choice parts in November and March. The content will have been studied in the G1 course. The written papers for Unit 2 will be taken in January and Unit 3 in June. Written papers are 45 minutes. It is possible to take all three papers in June. Units 1-3 can be sat at Foundation or Higher level. Foundation covers grades G - C and Higher covers grades D - A*.
Entry requirements
Students should be confident in their use of English and have studied Science and Mathematics in G1 or the equivalent.
GCSE SPANISH
Exam Board: EDEXCEL specification 1246
Qualification
The language is normally approached via a series of general topics which as follows:
* At home and abroad
* Education, training and employment
* House, home and daily routine
* Media, entertainment and youth culture
* Social activities, fitness and health
The various skills- listening, reading, speaking and writing- are developed within the context of the topics mentioned. A variety of books, tapes, films will be used.
Assessment
The assessment scheme is based on three papers: listening, reading, oral and written coursework on two levels, Foundation and Higher.
Entry requirement
No previous study of Spanish is required.