March 3 rd 2010

All change…… New Modular approach to GCSE in many subjects New Syllabus for many subjects Controlled Assessment replacing Coursework

The benefits of the year 10 exam Material covered in year 10 does not need to be revisited in year 11. Pupils have completed a proportion of their final GCSE. Confidence is boosted. Pupils can see the results of their hard work before the end of the key stage.

Religious Education Year 10 exam - 50% of final GCSE grade There will be a further exam in year 11 also worth 50%.

Science Complete GCSE in Year 10 GCSE Additional Science in Year 11. Triple Science group who will do a module in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which is 33% towards the 3 grades received at the end of Year 11. Controlled Assessment of skills is 33%: Science In The News (Drink-driving) Can Do Tasks

English Coursework counts for 20% of English marks during Year 10 Speaking and Listening assessments is 20%. Both elements of coursework will be ongoing until January of 2011, ready for Februarys deadline. Two English exams required at the end of Year 11. These count for 30% each and include both Reading and Writing responses.

English Literature: 30% is assessed by coursework essays. Both the Shakespeare and Prose assessments are also entered for English Literature. 70% is assessed in one examination. Reading and preparation for Literature exam will begin in September 2010.

Maths No Coursework All exams are at the end of Year 11

Geography Year 10 2 hour exam – 50% Year 11 – Controlled Assessment – 25% Year 11 – External Exam – 25% Pupils have been entered for either the HIGHER (maximum grade A*) or FOUNDATION (maximum grade C) tier paper.

History Year 10 2 hour exam – 50% Year 11 – Controlled Assessment – 25% Year 11 – External Exam – 25%

Music Listening exam May % Performance controlled assessment by March % Composition controlled assessment conditions by March %

Drama Drama Coursework – 60% Unit 1 – Drama Exploration October 2010 Unit 2 - Play Exploration – Summer 2010 Drama Performance March 2011 – 40%

MFL Controlled Assessment through Yr 10/11. Two Speaking =30% of overall final grade Two Writing = 30% of overall final grade Examination end of Year 11 Listening =20% of overall final grade Reading = 20% of overall final grade

ART Coursework comprises of 1 unit that is fully explored from February in Year 10 through until the end of January in Year 11 and is worth 60% Pupils are then given the exam paper and have approximately 8 weeks to prepare for the timed exam. The preparation work and timed exam make up the remaining 40%.

Applied Business The Year 10 GCSE Applied Business examination is worth 20% of the overall qualification Two Controlled Assessments worth 30% each Year 11 exam worth 20%

Design and Technology Controlled assessment accounts for 60% and will last until February 2011 Year 11 Exam is worth 40%.

Physical Education Practical element based on their 4 best sports by the end of Year 11 and is worth 60% This includes a Personal Exercise plan and a verbal discussion on training, leadership and coaching The written part (exam) is also at the end of Year 11 and is worth 40%

Health and Social Care Controlled Assessment already completed– 30% External Exam in Year 10 – 20% Second Controlled Assessment – 30% by Feb 2011 External Exam in Year 11 – 20% GCSE is a double award and they therefore receive two grades for this – 2 GCSEs.

BTEC Courses Construction Horticulture Engineering Business Health and Social Care All wholly assessed on coursework

Internal exams Year 10 Exams are happening at the moment. Pupils are on study leave for this week. Results will influence entry to Foundation or Higher entry Exam Papers where applicable.

Preparation for Summer Exams Mocks will highlight key areas for revision focus Revision Guides available in most subjects Information on Learning Platform Revision Materials in lessons Regular Homework tasks Practice papers in class

Homework / Coursework Worrying times Upwards of 50% towards final grade. Do you use regularly ? We would like to keep you informed when your child does not do their homework or misses coursework deadlines via if possible.

Measuring Progress April Mentoring Day: At this stage your child may be working a grade below their target. This will also give you an assessment of how well your child has performed under exam conditions.

Measuring Progress Summer Term Reports The grade on this report will give an indication of how well your child has achieved in a number of subjects.

The Bigger Picture Extra-curricular activities Sport Enrichment Discussing their learning with their parents

If you are concerned? Just ask a member of staff! Subject Teacher/ Head of Department Tutor/ Mentor Learning Mentor- Kay Klymyszyn Year Leader- Phil Coldicott Use the learning platform

Do the best that is possible