For revision

For exams

·         Post-stick notes

·         A4 lined and plain paper

·         Flash cards and/or sheets of card

·         Bright coloured pens/pencils

·         Highlighters

·         Folders/plastic wallets/dividers to organise notes

·         Clear pencil case

·         Several black pens

·         Several pencils

·         Pencil sharpener

·         Rubber

·         Ruler

·         Highlighter (to annotate exam papers)

·         Scientific calculator

·         Other specialist equipment will be advised by teachers

If you need any assistance in providing these materials please contact your son/daughter’s tutor

 ART

This is a fun and creative two year course which follows the AQA specification. Students are expected to use a range of materials and techniques and will usually complete two coursework projects over the two years.  Most of this will be done in lesson time but there is also the expectation that students will work at home and/or in after school sessions where appropriate.  They will be introduced to a range of different artists and inspiration and be taught how to use the artists techniques in their own work.  They will be expected to take their own photographs and produce work in response to these and other stimuli. Teacher-led activities lead students towards an ability to work independently and confidently with a wide range of materials/techniques and skills.

The course offers them an excellent opportunity to learn more about Art and all the many and varied skills and techniques that are available to them.  It is not just about learning how to be an artist but also how to think and respond in a creative way.  Making their own decisions and creating their own journey.  Art at the Castle School is a more traditional Art option (compared to Art and Commercial Design).  Students will look at many different drawing and painting techniques and be free to create work which is devised by them.

 
Coursework forms 60% of the course and is done mainly in lessons from the very start of year 10 through till Christmas in year 11.  The exam begins in January and is set by the exam board.  Students choose from a range of starting points and then spend 3 months creating a range of work relating to their chosen topic.  The 10 hour exam runs over 2 days and will be after the Easter holiday.  Students will produce a final piece in this time which they should have planned and be ready for with support from their teacher. This marks the end of the exam period and all work will be collected by the teacher to be marked.  

ART and COMMERCIAL DESIGN

This is an exciting and dynamic two year course which follows the AQA specification. Students are expected to use a range of materials and techniques and will usually complete two coursework projects over the two years.  Most of this will be done in lesson time but there is also the expectation that students will work at home and/or in after school sessions where appropriate.  They will be introduced to a range of different artists and designers and be taught how to use the alternative techniques in their own work.  They will be expected to take their own photographs and produce work in response to these and other stimuli. Teacher-led activities lead students towards an ability to work independently and confidently with a wide range of materials/ techniques and skills.

The course offers them an excellent opportunity to learn more about Art and Design and all the many and varied skills and techniques that are available to them.  It is not just about learning how to be a designer but also how to think and respond in a creative way.  Making their own decisions and creating their own journey.  Art and Commercial Design at the Castle School is a more design based Art option (compared to Art)  Students will look at how to create exciting and purposeful designs in both 2 and 3D.  They will learn how to use photoshop and other digital processes in a professional manner and make 3D models.

Coursework forms 60% of the course and is done mainly in lessons from the very start of year 10 through till Christmas in year 11.  The exam begins in January and is set by the exam board.  Students choose from a range of starting points and then spend 3 months creating a range of work relating to their chosen topic.  The 10 hour exam runs over 2 days and will be after the Easter holiday.  Students will produce a final piece in this time which they should have planned and be ready for with support from their teacher. This marks the end of the exam period and all work will be collected by the teacher to be marked.  

What course is the right course?  (you can do both)

Useful revision resources

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201/specification

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8202/specification

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/

https://www.screenskills.com/developing-your-career

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

• Taking photographs of things to do with their subject
• Drawing from these photos or other images
• Learning how to use photoshop and other digital editing tools.
• Collecting interesting things – materials/objects/images
• Looking at others art work
• Discussing ideas
• Writing down why they like certain art work and why
• Making maquettes are taking photos of these
• Designing for a purpose
• Encourage to take photos of anything interesting when away anywhere
• Visit galleries and museums
• Email teacher of things to do if you are unsure

Key Contact for Faculty

Emma Wilson – Head of Art  -  Emma.Wilson@CSET.co.uk

Topic / Key Question

Reference points

PPE Week

PPE Week

Research Theme create an annotated ideas board /

Take Photos / Drawing Attend Art Revision/Catch Up sessions

AQA Question paper

Art Dept Powerpoint

Pinterest – Art @castle

Internet research

Research Artists / Theme  / Take Photos / Drawing

Attend Art Revision/Catch Up sessions

As above

Work in artists style / Take Photos / Drawing

Attend Art Revision/Catch Up sessions

As above

Work in artists style / Take Photos / Drawing

Attend Art Revision/Catch Up sessions

As above

Holiday Homework - Take Photos / Draw from photos / Develop ideas

As above

Draw from photos / Develop ideas using artists styles

Attend Art Revision/Catch Up sessions

As above

Develop ideas using artist’s styles, consider final piece composition. Draw thumbnail sketches and annotate.

Attend Art Revision/Catch Up sessions

As above

Start to consider final piece composition, create 2/3 alternate designs

Attend Art Revision/Catch Up sessions

As above

Finalise composition, draw out final piece.

Attend Art Revision/Catch Up sessions

As above

Drawing

As above

GCSE Exam

As above

Course overview

Theme 1 – Investigating a small business

Externally assessed exam – Year 11:

Enterprise and entrepreneurship

Spotting a business opportunity

Putting a business idea into practice

Making the business effective

Understanding external influences

Theme 2 – Building a business

Externally assessed exam – Year 11:

Growing the Business

Making marketing decisions

Making operational decisions

Making financial decisions

Making Human Resource decisions

Useful revision resources

·         Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Business 

Pearson - https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/business-2017.html

Helen Coupland-Smith, Andrew Redfern, Catherine Richards, Ian Rowbory, Julie Smith

ISBN 978 1 29217 984 1

·         Student book and Revision guide - https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/business-2017.resources.html?filterQuery=category:Pearson-UK:Publisher%252FPearson 

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

Suggest activities parents could do to support their child. Examples include:

·         Making flash cards and testing them

·         Downloading past papers from Pearson Edexcel GCSE Business 1-9

·         Create glossary of key terms from their folders and materials

·         Weekly revision (mymaths/bitesize etc)

·         Watch documentaries – e.g. The Apprentice, Hotel Inspector, Investigates

·         Watch the news regularly – BBC, Channel 4, (or social media)

Key Contact for Faculty

Clare Bowden - clare.bowden@cset.co.uk

Course overview

The course is split into two main components. The theoretical component of the course is 80% and is split equally over two written examinations, each 1 hour and 30 minutes. Paper 1 will examine

students’ understanding of computational thinking, problem solving and code tracing as well as fundamentals of algorithms and programming.

Paper 2 will examine students’ knowledge and understanding of computer networks, cyber security and the ethical, legal and environmental impact of digital technology on wider society.

Note: Data representation and computer systems are generic topics which may be examined in one or both of these papers.

The Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) makes up the final 20% of the qualification and will enable students to demonstrate their ability to plan, develop, test and evaluate a coded solution to a problem set by AQA. This work may only be completed in lesson time, under supervision, and will be completed by the end of Term 2.

Useful revision resources

AQA GCSE (9-1) S Robson and PM Heathcote

CGP GCSE Computing revision guide.

Past papers and mark schemes available online:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8520/assessment-resources

SAM Learning

BBC Bitesize

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

·         Making flash cards and testing their understanding across all topics listed above.

·         Downloading past papers and encouraging them to complete them and review their answers.

·         Create a list of topics covered so far with a traffic light system to guide revision.

·         Create glossary of key terms and definitions to review regularly.

·         Weekly revision (SAM Learning/bitesize) sessions.

·         Checking the student is up to date with Non Examined Assessment.

Key Contact for Faculty

Chris Pegler - Head of Computer Science and ICT chris.pegler@CSET.co.uk

Course overview

Dance GCSE AQA Course code 8236

60% practical in performance and choreography 40% Theory including anthology of six set works.

1 hour 30 Min written theory paper on set works and student’s own practice and knowledge of skill.

Practical assessment in three components

·         Performance of two short set dances

·         Performance in a Duo /Trio

·         Choreography-choreographing a solo or group dance

Written exam has three sections

·         A-Knowledge and understanding of own choreography

·         B-Knowledge and understanding of performance

·         C-Knowledge and understanding of the six set works which make up the anthology.

Useful revision resources

Look at the AQA website GCSE Dance new specification where specimen and past papers can be found. Also video links to the taught set phrases the students need to know.

YouTube for some of the links to the set works. Emancipation of Expressionism by Blue Bot Entertainment,

A Linha Curva – Rambert  , Infra- Wayne Mcgregor , Shadows – Christopher Bruce , Artificial Things – Lucy Bennett , Within Her Eyes – James Cousins.

Google Classroom for resources from teachers.

Their own phones for photographed resources .

Lots of resources available in Dance studio  –posters for each work and packs for each. Also Interactive guides for several set works. These have been purchased from Artspool and are very helpful. Students cannot take them home but have access to them in school.

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

Remind themselves of the resources available and USE them. Ensure any photographed resources are in clearly marked files.

Ensure all paper files are organised. Subject dividers needed to separate each set work and also sections on choreography skills  (8 sections in all).

Downloading of past papers together with the mark scheme.

Making revision flash cards and regularly testing their child on the key information about each work –costume, music, setting and choreographic intention. They have photos of all this.

Supporting teachers in making sure homework is done and that any suggested additional sessions offered are attended.

Key Contact for Faculty

Fran Henderson - Fran.Henderson@CSET.co.uk

Course overview

AQA GCSE Design and Technology 8552 - 50% exam, 50% NEA

Written exam – One paper, 2 hours, 100 marks, and 50% of GCSE. The paper is split into three sections. Section A (20 marks) covers the core technical principles and will consist of 10 multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Section B’s content (30 marks) is specialist technical principles where students will answer questions based on certain material areas (eg Timber-based materials, Metals and Alloys, Polymers, Textiles, Electronic systems, and Paper and board. Finally Section C (worth 50 marks) will examine the designing and making principles.

Non-exam assessment (NEA) – Students have 35 hours to complete this assessment. It is worth 100 marks, 50% of the GCSE. The NEA consists of a substantial design and make task which begins in Term 6 of year 10. The deadline for this assessment is 29th March 2019.

Useful revision resources

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/design-and-technology/specifications/AQA-8552-SP-2017.PDF Link to Specification :

Useful websites:

http://www.technologystudent.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/

Useful apps:

http://www.dtapp.info/

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

·         Follow the revision strategies highlighted at the front of the handbook

·         Ensure your child attends D&T catch-up sessions during lunchtime and afterschool. These sessions will provide NEA support as well as revision sessions.

·         Watch documentaries about great designs and designers, new technologies, how things are made and environmental, sustainability issues.

·         For product inspiration visit design, fashion, science and engineering museums.

·         Practice using specialist software (Eg SolidWorks, Fusion 360 Yenka) by accessing the student remote desktop. These skills would benefit their NEA work.

Watch Mr Ridley’s revision YouTube videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9aOpwkXEoJbR-VnXF2gtFw

Key Contact for Faculty

Dave Cowan (Head of Faculty) - David.Cowan@CSET.co.uk

AQA Drama

Written paper = 1 hr 45 mins

Sect A: multi-choice questions on theatre general knowledge

Sect B: Answer on set play “Hansel and Gretel”

Sect C: Answer on 1 live theatre performance

Useful revision resources

1.       Vocabulary sheets (in folders and on Google Classroom)

2.       Websites for “Noughts and Crosses” and “Wise Children” Productions

3.       Sample answers and questions from AQA (in folders)

4.       Revision materials on Hansel and Gretel (in folders and on Google Classroom)

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

·         Read “Hansel and Gretel” with them – and get them to explain each character (what they are like and how they develop through the play, what Karl Grose is trying to show in each scene)

·         Discuss each scene and what it would be important to achieve (in terms of acting in character/ action/ mood)

·         Discuss how they would use acting / lighting / sound / set / costumes to achieve this

·         Look at the websites for the live performances and especially the gallery photos: discuss what they remember was happening and what  lighting/ set / costume/ acting is shown in the photo….can they explain why/ what effect this had

·         Go over vocab sheets and help them to find verbs, adverbs, adjectives that help them explain really accurately

Key Contact for Faculty

Lindsay Hall  -  Lindsay.hall@cset.co.uk

Course overview

The Eduqas English Language GCSE course is split into two components.

Component 1 is worth 40% of the marks and is a 1 hour 45 minute written exam. In Section A (1 hour) students will be presented with an extract of literature from the 20^th century. They will need to read the extract and answer 5 questions. Students will be tested on their ability to retrieve information from the text; to analyse the writer’s use of language and structural devices and to evaluate a particular aspect of the text. In Section B (45 minutes) students will have to write their own narrative text. They will have a choice of 4 titles and will need to construct a straightforward plot to suit their chosen title. It is recommended that students write from their own personal experience. Students will be tested on the ideas within their story, as well as their organisation, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Component 2 is worth 60% of the marks and is a 2 hour written exam. In Section A (1 hour) students will be presented with two extract of non-fiction writing, one from the 19^th century and one from the 21^st century. They will need to read the extracts and answer 6 questions. Students will be tested on Students will be tested on their ability to retrieve information from the text, to analyse the writer’s use of language and structural devices and to evaluate a particular aspect of the text. They will also be asked to compare certain elements of the texts. In Section B (1 hour) students will need to complete two pieces of transactional writing, spending 30 minutes on each. These could be a speech, article, letter, review, report or leaflet. Again students will be tested on the ideas within their writing, as well as their organisation, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Useful revision resources

·         Oxford Eduqas Language Revision Workbook.  ISBN: 978-0198359210

·         CGP WJEC Eduqas English Language Workbook. ISBN 978-1-78294-372-3

·         BBC Bitesize website

·         YouTube (Mr Bruff is very good)

·         http://resources.eduqas.co.uk/

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

·         Practise answering exam questions within the time limits.

·         Practise tracking a text from beginning to end. For example, following an argument or identifying a sequence of events.

·         Read extracts together and discuss how a writer creates tension and drama.

·         Practise writing stories, creating tension and drama.

·         Create revision posters for the different writing types e.g. speeches, articles, letters, reviews, reports and leaflets.

·         Learn the spelling of high frequency words and homophones. 

·         Improve technical aspects of writing: spelling, punctuation, grammar, tenses paragraphing etc. using the CGP Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar for GCSE workbook.

·         Encourage them to proof-read and edit their work after every lesson.

Key Contact for Faculty

Mr Larry Smith – larry.smith@cset.co.uk

Course overview

The Eduqas English Literature GCSE course is split into two components.

Component 1 is worth 40% of the marks and is a 2 hour written exam. In Section A (1 hour) students will be tested on the Shakespeare play that they have studied. They will need to respond to an extract question and then write an essay on a particular character or theme. In Section B (1 hour) students will be tested on the Eduqas Poetry Anthology. They will be presented with one poem from the anthology and they will need to write about how a particular theme is presented. They will then need to choose one other poem from the anthology to compare to the printed poem. Context is also assessed for this question. This exam is closed book so students will need to learn quotations from the play and from each of the poems.

Component 2 is worth 60% of the marks and is a 2 hour 30 minute written exam. In Section A (45 minutes) students will be tested on the modern novel/drama that they have studied. They will need to respond to an extract question on a particular character or theme and then make links to the wider text. In Section B (45 minutes) students will be tested on the 19^th century novel that they have studied. They will need to respond to an extract question on a particular character or theme and then make links to the wider text. Context is also assessed for this question.  In Section C (1 hour) students will be presented with two unseen poems. They will write about the first poem individually and will then write a comparison of both poems. This exam is closed book so students will need to learn quotations from the two set texts.

Useful revision resources

·         York Notes Revision Guides

·         Hodder Revision Guides

·         CGP Revision Guides

·         CGP Workbooks

·         Literary Eye Magazines

·         Lit Charts Website

·         Spark Notes Website

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

·         Re-read all three set texts at least twice: revising key events, characters and themes.

·         Create revision cards for each topic.

·         Purchase revision guides for the set texts.

·         Learn key quotations for all set texts including the poetry anthology.

·         Practise the unseen poetry question.

·         Attend performances of set texts (cinema or theatre).

·         Ask them to explain a particular plot, character, theme or poem to you.

·         Encourage them to proof-read and edit their work after every lesson.

Key Contact for Faculty

Mr L Smith -  larry.smith@cset.co.uk

Course overview

Exam Dates:  Speaking exam – between 23^rd  April and 3^rd May

                         Listening and Reading exams – Tuesday 14^th May

                         Writing exam – Friday 17^th May

Exam requirements

Listening exam: Foundation tier 35 mins, Higher tier 45 mins.  You will listen to passages of French and answers questions on what you have heard.  Some questions will be in French requiring answers in French, some questions will be in English requiring answers in English.

Speaking Exam: Foundation tier 7-9 mins, Higher tier 10-12 mins.  At both Foundation and Higher tier you will have to complete a photo card task (worth 15 marks), a role play (worth 15 marks) and conversation on 2 themes (worth 30 marks).  The conversation lasts 3-5 minutes at Foundation tier, and 5-7 minutes at Higher tier.  You will be able to nominate one theme for the conversation.

Reading exam: Foundation tier 1 hour, Higher tier 1 hour 15 mins. You will read passages of French and answers questions on them.  Some questions will be in French requiring answers in French, some questions will be in English requiring answers in English.  The final task is a translation of a short passage of French into English.

Writing exam: Foundation tier 1 hour 15 mins, Higher tier 1 hour 30 mins.

The Foundation paper has 4 tasks.  For question 1 you will have to write 6 sentences.  This is worth 12 marks.  For question 2 you will have to write 60 words on a given theme addressing 3 areas.  This is worth 16 marks.  For question 3 you will have to write 90-120 words on a theme addressing 3 areas and be able to show that you can use past and future tenses.  This is worth 20 marks.  For question 4 you will have to translate 5 sentences into French. This is worth 12 marks. 

The Higher writing paper has 3 tasks.  For question 1 you will have to write 90-120 words on a theme addressing 3 areas and be able to show  that you can use past and future tenses.  This is worth 20 marks.  For question 2 you will have the choice of two tasks and will need to write 150-180 words on the task you choose showing the range of linguistic competence you are capable of.  This is worth 28 marks.  For question 3 you will have to translate a passage of English into French.  This is worth 12 marks.

Useful revision resources

The Eduqas website has all the details of the exams as well as a list of vocabulary for the whole specification: www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/french/gcse

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/

Recently updated and provides very useful Reading and Listening revision and mini exam-style tests at Foundation and Higher level.

www.languagesonline.org.uk

Try the Games link on the left for topic vocabulary revision.

Click on French from the Quick Links, then choose topic vocabulary to revise.  There are some useful revision exercises in the main French section – scroll down to the Topics link for some useful reading exercises.

http://www.language-gym.com Use the Game Room  and the Boxing Game to practise a range of vocabulary.

http://frenchrevision.org.uk/KS4  Work through the Key Vocab section.  Make a note of new words and learn them.

https://quizlet.com/ Sign up for this site and you can use pre-prepared revision cards and games as well as create your own revision vocabulary cards to play and learn with.

Google “German vocab revision” and follow the first link.  There are useful vocabulary revision links as well as lists.  Here’s the link:

http://frenchvocabrevision.pbworks.com/w/page/14423248/FrontPage

www.linguascope.com username: thecastle      password: schloss

Choose the Intermediate Section and click on the French flag for French, then select the topic area you want to revise. 

http://www.ashcombe.surrey.sch.uk Click on the Language College tab, then select the MFL resources, then the French Video quizzes.  These are excellent for Listening practice and testing.  Here’s the link:

http://www.ashcombe.surrey.sch.uk/07-langcoll/MFL-resources/french/fr-video-index.shtml

If you need to use an online dictionary you can try:

www.leo.org    or    www.dict.cc

Apps – get them on your phone or tablet

cRamiT

Memrise

Duolingo

Activities you can do with your son/daughter

For practising for the speaking and writing components

Examples of effective learning activities are:

·         Students record themselves speaking the material prepared onto a phone or mp3 player. Listen to the recording frequently to learn the material.

·         Practise with a friend or family member.

·         Prepare revision cards: questions on one side, answers on the other.

·         Write out the prepared answers on mini white boards (available at school from the languages department).

·         Highlight key answers or difficult sections.

·         Gett a friend or family member to test them.

The most effective use of revision time is to do little, but often.  For example, three 15-20 minute focused sessions will probably be more beneficial than a 1 hour revision sitting. 

For practising for the listening and reading components

Examples of effective learning activities are:

·         Revise vocabulary as you would for a test

·         Prepare vocabulary revision cards: German on one side, English on the other.

·         Choose any texts from the textbook and complete the comprehension questions.

·         Use the suggested websites to practise listening comprehension.

Key Contact for Faculty

Janice Bradshaw - Janice.Bradshaw@CSET.co.uk