OPTIONS 2018 - 2019

GENERAL INFORMATION

Dear Parents/Carers

Decisions which are made about subjects to be followed at Key Stage Four are arguably the most important that
students make during their time in secondary education. For the first time, they will have a say about what they
learn and how they learn, giving them the opportunity to follow their interests and develop their skills, knowledge
and understanding in particular areas. It hardly needs to be said that making the right decisions, and for the right
reasons, is a major responsibility that lies ahead of them.

With your support, we will do our very best to support your son/daughter through what can be a difficult process,
but we will also rely on him/her to read very closely the information which follows, to ask us for advice, support
and explanation as soon as and whenever necessary, and to think very carefully about the final choices which
are made.

Our aim is to provide students with the best possible opportunity for success at Key Stage Four. If we are to do
this, we need them to have high expectations of themselves, to be responsible and prepared to take
responsibility, and to consistently invest in their learning.

The Key Stage Four curriculum is designed to provide for the wide-ranging needs and interests of each and
every individual learner. However, there will be a common core for everyone which includes:

 English
 Mathematics
 Science
 Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education
 Physical Education

When the time comes for students to make their choices, they will have an interview with a senior member of
staff. Parents will also be invited, so that the decisions which are made can be discussed and agreed together.

We will do everything we can to ensure that individual preferences are met, but it is important to note the
following points:

 As well as students’ interests, strengths and plans for future education and employment, we will want to
look very carefully at their performance in school, and their ability to achieve well in particular subjects.

 Unfortunately, we cannot run courses which don’t attract interest from enough students. For this reason,
we will ask students to choose a reserve subject, in case this happens with one of their first choices.

Andy Peirson
Principal
March 2018

1
This brochure gives you information about the variety of courses available and lists
the subjects, including the core subjects and those that are optional.

Introduction Page

General Information for Parents/Carers………................. 3

General Information for Students………………………….. 3

The Option Subjects………………………………………… 4

Subjects you have not met before………………………… 4

How much homework will you get?.................................... 4

After Year 11?..................................................................... 4

What happens next?........................................................... 4

Finally?................................................................................ 4

Core Subjects

GCSE English………………………………………………. 5

GCSE Mathematics…………………………….…………... 6

GCSE Science.....…………………. ………………………. 7

GCSE Physical Education ………………………………… 8

Option Subjects Page

GCSE Art & Design………....…….………………………… 9

GCSE Business Studies………………………….………… 10

GCSE Computer Science…………………………………… 11

GCSE and Vcert Design and Technology……………….. 12

GCSE French (Modern Foreign Languages)…………….. 13

GCSE Geography……………………………………………. 14/15

BTEC Health & Social Care ..........................……………… 16

GCSE History…………………………………………………. 17

BTEC Hospitality and Catering ……………………………… 18

BTEC Performing Arts ……………………………………….. 19

GCSE Psychology …………………………………………….. 20

GCSE Science (Triple Award)…………………….…………. 21

GCSE Sociology ………………………………………………. 22

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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

This booklet has been produced to help you, the student, in the choices you are about to make.

In the first two years in this school you have received a general education in a wide range of subjects and with no
choice. As you prepare to go into Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11) you will have the opportunity to choose the
route which is going to give you the best chance of success. It is a very important step in your school life and
your future. You will need to talk to your parents and your teachers and you must take a long, honest look at
yourself and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

It is difficult to predict what the future holds in terms of employment for you, but all young people need a wide
range of knowledge and skills. You may not have definite career intentions at this stage and if you have, you may
well change your mind. Recent research indicates that fewer people will remain in the same job for a working
lifetime, and therefore your chosen pathway should open a range of career opportunities.

It is therefore important for you to select your option subjects carefully. They should reflect your own interests and
strengths and areas of success. You will need to have discussions with your parents/carers and your teachers.
You will then have an individual interview with a senior member of staff.

Who chooses the courses I do?

Basically YOU choose your subjects. You should talk things through with your parents/carers, and your teachers
will also help and guide you in making the right choices.

Why is my choice important?

 You are making a three year commitment and it is vital that you enjoy what you are doing.
 You are preparing yourself for both working and leisure time in the future; you should consider both aspects.
 Your choice now may well make a big difference to which courses you can take Post 16 and, later, at College,
University, or at work
 Similarly, certain areas of employment may not be open to you, if particular subjects have not been taken in
Years 9, 10 and 11.

How do I choose the subjects?

DON’T choose a subject because:
 Your friend is doing the course
 You like/dislike the teacher
 You think it will be easy
DO
 Find out exactly what each course involves by reading the details in this booklet. Consider how well you can
cope with the demands of the subject. (Ask your teachers for help).
 Consider the entrance requirements of any area of employment you are interested in, but remember these are
minimum requirements and in today’s employment situation the standard of entry may be pitched higher.
 Be careful not to close any doors at this stage because you may well change your mind about jobs later on.
 Consider what type of learner you are and try to match your preferred style to how the course will be delivered.

The Core Subjects are those subjects which everyone must take. These are:
 English  Personal, Health and Social Education
 Mathematics  Physical Education
 Science
In your chosen route you will have a choice of subjects to select from. Read the information carefully before
making your choice.
NOTE: The school will do its best to run every option. However, if too few students opt for a particular
subject, it may be impossible to run it.

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The Option Subjects

You can choose other courses you wish to study over the next two years to broaden your education. To give
everyone the best possible chance, Armthorpe Academy offers a large range of courses in Year 9, as well as the
subjects which are compulsory by law.
 Art & Design  History
 Business Studies  Hospitality and Catering
 Computer Science  Performing Arts
 Design and Technology  Science (Triple Award)
 French  Psychology
 Geography  Sociology
 Health and Social Care

Subjects you have not met before

Most of the subjects follow on from a subject you are doing already and your subject teachers will be able to tell
you more about them. There are a number of ‘new’ subjects you can start in Year 9 and there is information
about them later in this booklet.

How much homework will you get?

In every subject, you will be set regular homework. You will be expected to spend at least 30-40 minutes on each
subject that is set. The courses are all devised so that the homework is an important part of them, as is the work
you do in class. You will not be ready for your examination in three years time unless you do all the homework
that is set. This is doubly important in the next three years as the amount of work increases.

After Year 11?

You should also be aware of the total range of options open to you, including further study Post 16, Further and
Higher Education, Training Schemes, Apprenticeships etc. and the implications of any choices you make.

Your choices now could be affected by what you might want to do at 16, whether you want to follow a training
course, work based training or start Advanced Level courses. Everyone is looking for good examination results
and a good account of your work and attitude in school. We shall be encouraging you always to achieve your
own personal best. We will have to say whether you are well organised and hardworking, whether you can stick
at something and how well you get on with other people. These things are just as important as your
examination results.

What happens next?

th
At the Year 8 Options Evening on Thursday 15 March 2018, you and your parents/carers will have the
opportunity to listen to an Option Choice Presentation, ask questions, see exhibitions and talk to subject
teachers.

Following the Options Evening you will complete the yellow Option Choice Form which is at the back of the
nd
Options booklet and hand it in to your Form Tutor by Thursday 22 March 2018. An appointment will then be
made for you and your parents with a senior member of staff where you will be able to finalise your options.

Finally?
We do our utmost as a school to give you your first choice of subjects within the curriculum model on offer, but
clearly, it is impossible to guarantee that this will be so. We have to match up the demand of what is practical and
possible. If a subject is oversubscribed and we are unable to offer two groups or if a class is not viable due to
insufficient students, then we may have to direct you to a reserve choice.

We look forward to seeing you at the Year 8 Options Evening on Thursday 15th March 2018. You will find it
useful to bring this booklet with you.

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ENGLISH GCSE English Language and GCSE Literature
Examination Board: Eduqas

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr A Bridge

Any member of the English Faculty

Language

The Eduqas English Language course is assessed by 100% examination at the end of Year 11. It is made up of 2
exam papers. The first exam, 20th century literature reading and creative prose writing, counts for 40% of the
course, and lasts for 1 hour 45 minutes. The second exam, 19th and 21st century non-fiction reading and
transactional/persuasive writing, counts for 60% of the course, and lasts for 2 hours. Students also complete a
spoken language task, which does not count for the GCSE course, however achievement in spoken language will
be reported on.

Literature

The Eduqas English Literature course is assessed by 100% examination at the end of Year 10.* It is made up of
2 exam papers. The first exam, Shakespeare and Poetry, counts for 40% of the course, and lasts for 2 hours.
The second exam, Post 1914 Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose and Unseen Poetry, counts for 60% of the
course, and lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The texts that we have chosen to study are Romeo and Juliet, An
Inspector Calls and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

*Please note that students completing their English literature exams at the end of Y10 is a provisional plan, but is
still subject to change.

What skills do I need?

In your English lessons, you will be continuing to improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
When you make progress in these essential skills, you enable yourself to do well in English and, in addition, you
improve your chances of doing well in other subjects.

What is next for me after this course?

A qualification in English is recognised as being extremely important by colleges, universities and employers. The
ability to communicate effectively is virtually a prerequisite of most jobs.

GCSE English Language and/or Literature can lead to further opportunities to study at AS/A2 Levels. The
knowledge gained in one aspect fully complements the other, and links logically to other subjects.

Possible careers include:

 Law
 Journalism
 Media, including traditional and electronic publishing

 Teaching
 Most forms of management
 Business

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MATHEMATICS GCSE
Examination Board: EDEXCEL

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Miss J Martin

Any member of the Mathematics Faculty

What will I learn to do?

The course extends and consolidates the work done on fluency, reasoning and problem solving at KS3 across
the following areas:
 Number
 Algebra
 Shape and space
 Data handling

What skills do I need?

The core skills studied throughout KS3 will mean that students can move onto the higher level GCSE topics more
smoothly. Also the fact that they will have been answering GCSE exam questions in tests at KS3 will help with
the transition.

Students will need to be focussed and committed to being successful .

What is next for me after this course?

Mathematics is a very important core subject and a grade 5 in the subject will be a requirement for most jobs and
courses that students will want to follow after Year 11. Obviously, there are options for further study of the subject
with GCE A Level.

This is a linear course which includes statistics and number; number and algebra; geometry and algebra.

The examinations will test mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem solving.

Students will be expected to use mathematical vocabulary accurately.

There is no coursework component to Mathematics GCSE.

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SCIENCE
All students are required to study at least one dual/combined award Science course (2 x GCSE).

GCSE Trilogy Science

Examination Board: AQA

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr Farry

Any member of the Science Faculty

What will I learn to do?

During the first half of Year 9 you will study transition topics to complete the KS3 Science course to prepare you
for your GCSEs. After the October half-term break, you will start the AQA Trilogy course which will continue to
the end of Year 11.
You will have 6 X 1 hr 15 minute exams in June 2020. Some examples of the topics you will study will include:

 Drugs and Health

 Nervous System
 Crude Oil
 Metals and their uses
 Energy Transfers
 Generating electricity

What skills do I need?

You need to have an understanding of the Science you have covered so far and a thirst to know more about the
world in which you live. You should be making at least expected progress by the end of Y8 in Science to be able
to cope with the academic demands of the course.

What is next for me after this course?

This course is designed to cover the KS4 National Curriculum requirements for all students in Science and an
understanding lends itself well to most careers and future pathways. See the example careers listed on the
Triple Science page. Transferable skills include problem solving, planning, risk assessing, critically examining
evidence and evaluating.

Learners can progress on to traditional

Science A Levels or BTEC Level 3 Science
courses.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Examination Board: PEARSON

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr A Petrie

Any member of the PE Faculty

What will I learn to do?

Range of activities
Students should understand that regular physical activity that is fit for purpose, safe and enjoyable has the
greatest impact on physical, mental and social well-being. This can be achieved through planning the targeted
selection from the following physical activities as part of a balanced healthy lifestyle. Students should understand
the reasons for and benefits of choosing different types of activities.

Components Content Assessment

Fitness and Body Applied anatomy and 1 hour 45 mins

systems Physiology. 90 marks
Movement analysis 36%
Physical Training

Health and Health fitness and well- 1 hour 15 mins

performance being 70 marks
Sport psychology 24%
Socio-cultural influences

Practical Skills during individual 30%

performance activities
Skills during team activities

Personal Analysis of proposed PEP 20 marks

Exercise Carry out and monitor the
Programme PEP
Evaluation of the PEP 10%

What skills do I need?

Students need to be enthusiastic, organised and have a willingness to learn a new area. It is essential that you
be prepared to participate in all practical lessons.

What is next for me after this course?

Physical Education emphasises an understanding of factors that influence health and future lifestyle patterns.
Physical Education can provide the opportunity for further study at AS/A2 Level or BTEC Level 3 courses.

Possible careers include:

 Teaching and coaching
 Physiotherapy
 Fitness instructor
 Journalism

A commitment to science based theory content is necessary to be successful in this qualification.

Two lessons will be theory/classroom based and one lesson will be practical.

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ART & DESIGN GCSE
Examination Board: AQA
60% Coursework 40% Examination

Who can I ask about this course?

Teacher: Mr G Hutchinson

What will I learn to do?

GCSE GCSE Art and Design (Fine Art) gives you the skills and knowledge to create personal and imaginative
work. You can choose to focus on a specialist area of study from a variety of exciting processes and media to suit
your individual interests and abilities. Over the course of the programme you will engage in projects covering
portraiture, the human form, landscape and the urban environment, graffiti and illustration/Graphic based
projects. These projects will provide you with the opportunity to work in painting, extensive drawing techniques,
3D skills, Collage, Photography, and Printmaking.

What skills do I need?

 Students need to be enthusiastic about being creative and have a willingness to take on new ideas and
techniques.
 You must be well organised and be able to work independently as the majority of the course is coursework.
 You must be able to solve problems and be positive about mistakes as they can help your next idea.
 To develop your skills beyond what you do in the class

How will you be assessed?

There are two components:

Component 1 Portfolio: produce a sustained project and a selection of further work that represents the course of
study. This is worth 60% of your overall marks.

Component 2 Externally set assignment: there’s a separate externally set task paper for each title. It features
seven tasks and you have to complete one of them. You get preparation time, plus ten hours of supervised time.
This is worth 40% of your total marks.

What is next for me after this course?

A GCSE in Art and Design can provide the opportunity of further study at College and University and careers
ranging from painting portraits to producing exotic fashion costumes or designing futuristic architecture. If you
have an adventurous, creative and enquiring mind and are excited by shaping and determining the visual world
around us, there is a career opportunity waiting for you. The creative industries in the U.K are rapidly growing.
They contribute £92 billion to the economy and employ over 3 million people. People with creative skills are
highly valued in a rapidly changing world of work.

Possible career paths:

   Animator    Jewellery design

   Architect    Photographer
   Fashion design    Sculptor
   Film director    Tattoo artist
   Furniture design    Teacher
   Game design    Web design
   Graphic design    Illustrator
   Interior design   

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BUSINESS STUDIES GCSE (Single)
Examination Board: EDEXCEL

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Miss Martin

Teacher: Mrs Bisby

What will I learn to do?

You will learn different aspects of Business Studies and Economics which will be applied to issues in a range of
local, national and global contexts. Some of the topics you will cover are below:

 Business Start up
 Cash Flow
 Breakeven
 Organisational Structures
 Introduction to economics
 Communication
 Business Ownership
 Ethics
 Interest rates
 Globalisation

What skills do I need?

You need to be good at communicating and explaining your ideas, not afraid of learning new things and using
mathematical equations to solve business problems. You will learn how to be a creative thinker and how to make
decisions. Furthermore, you will learn about the world of business through research and investigations, as well as
through practical tasks. Throughout the course you will develop the following skills:

 Practical skills – time management, personal organisation and action planning.

 Presentational skills – addressing audiences using a variety of media and forms.
 Personal skills – showing evidence of progression.
 Interpersonal skills – communication and group work.
 Cognitive skills – reflection and review of own performance and that of others.

What is next for me after this course?

Business courses can help you prepare for further and higher education. They prepare you for A Level as well as
BTEC courses in many different subjects. You will become skilled in making decisions, being creative, solving
problems, understanding finance, dealing with data, communicating and working as part of a team. This
qualification could lead to work in professions such as accountancy, law and marketing.

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COMPUTER SCIENCE
Examination Board: OCR
Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Miss Martin

Teacher : Miss K Holmes

What will I learn to do?

The course will give you an exciting look into how computers work and help you to develop your skills from user
to developer of systems. You will investigate the fundamentals of computer systems, taken an in-depth look at
how computer hardware and software work and learn a new programming language with a view to developing
your own programs.

What skills do I need?

 You must have a keen interest and enthusiasm in not only using computers, but also finding out how they
work.
 You must have achieved a ‘secured’ in Maths and have a real desire to take your knowledge of the subject to
the next level.
 You need to be prepared to learn a programming language both in and outside of school.

What is next for me after this course?

GCSE computer science will help build foundations for an exciting career in a whole host of IT related jobs
including:

 Games Designer
 System Analyst and programmer

This qualification is excellent preparation for a Level 3 course in Computer Science or IT.

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DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
GCSE VCert
Examination Board: Pearson/AQA NCFE
50% Coursework 60% Coursework
50% Examination 40% Examination

Who can I ask about this course?

Teacher: Mr T Shieber-Smith

What will I learn to do?

You will learn to design and make products using wood, metal, plastic and textiles. You will learn to use a range
of traditional hand skills and more modern computer aided construction methods to make your designs.
In recent years students have worked on the following projects:

 Metal sculptures, Electronic speakers and amplifiers, Storage boxes, Candlesticks, Children’s toys, Mood
lamps and lighting, Gadget storage and Animal habitats.

What skills do I need?

Essential
 You must be well organised. The coursework is worth a large part of the qualification and you must be able to
organise your own work.
 You must be able to write clearly and be able to explain your ideas and your research in detail.
 You must be keen and enthusiastic about working in the workshops.
 You must have good manual dexterity and be prepared to try new things.
 You must be able to solve problems and have a positive attitude towards the work.

Desirable
 You should be a creative thinker.
 You should have good drawing and sketching skills.
 You should be interested in how things are made and how they work.

What is next for me after this course?

Design Technology/Engineering can lead into a very wide range of careers. Students can study further at AS/A2
level in various areas of Technology including graphics, product design and engineering. This could lead onto
university courses following a similar path or into employment and apprenticeships in the following areas:

 Engineering; Construction; Architecture; Product Design; Material Fabrication/Manufacture.

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FRENCH GCSE
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Examination Board: AQA

Who can I ask about one of these courses?

Faculty Leader: Mr A Bridge

Teacher: Mrs C A Turner

What will I learn to do?

Studying a language exposes learners in a positive way to cultures other than their own as more and more
people are realising that English just isn’t enough.
Live life in another language - choose a language at GCSE.

We cater for students of all abilities and build on KS3 study. Students will develop language skills in a variety of
different contexts, as well as acquire a good working knowledge of grammatical and linguistic structures whilst
developing a wider vocabulary.

1. Identity and Culture

Relationships with family and friends, marriage and partnerships, technology, social and mobile media,
music, cinema, food, eating out, sport, customs and festivals in French speaking countries.

2. Local National and Global Areas of Interest

Home, town, neighbourhood, region, charity and voluntary work, healthy and unhealthy living, the
environment, poverty and homelessness, travel and tourism.

3. Current and Future Study and Employment

My studies, school life, education post 16, jobs, career choices and ambitions.

What skills do I need?

Learning a language develops good listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. As well as this students will
need team working skills; the ability to work independently; organisational skills; presentation skills; problem
solving skills and interpersonal skills and many more.

What will the exam look like?

GCSE French has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four
question papers (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) at the same tier at the end of Year 11.

What is next for me after this course?

This course can lead to an A Level of study in languages or a further vocational qualification linking languages
with tourism, business and the international world.

Maximum career prospects

You will be very employable. Languages open doors in computing, customer services, engineering, finance,
tourism and many more...

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GEOGRAPHY GCSE
Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr J Hancock or your Geography Teacher

Is this subject right for me?

 Do you want to know why some companies are more powerful than countries?
 The world consumes 1 billion gallons of petrol a day. Will you know what we will do when it runs out?
 Do you want to know why the number of McDonalds hamburgers sold is 12 times the world’s total
population?
 Do you want to complete practical work away from the classroom?
 Do you want to learn skills and topics that will help you in other subjects such as Maths, Science, Business
Studies, English and IT?

What will I learn to do?

The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. GCSE
Geography helps to explain why, and prepare you for those changes. There are three units that you will study.

Theme 1: Changing Places-Changing Economies

This Theme looks at the changing nature of the world and how cities have become Globally significant. We also
look at the changing nature of our countryside’s and their use, and the impact of our shopping habits.

What topics are covered?

Urban and Rural differences
Retail
Leisure
Global Cities
Development

What will the exam be like?

This is a resource based exam paper you will have maps, photographs and diagrams to help you answer the
questions. The questions will range from short answers up to larger extended-writing questions based on case
studies you have studied. Assessed in Y11.

Theme 2: Changing Environments

This Theme looks at the dynamic processes that are shaping our world and their interactions with humans. We
look at how the rivers and the coastlines are forever changing, and how people are managing these changes,
and also the effect weather and climate has on us.

What topics are covered?

Rivers
Coasts
Weather and Climate
Climate Change

What will the exam be like?

This is a resource based exam paper you will have maps, photographs and diagrams to help you answer the
questions. The questions will range from short answers up to larger extended-writing questions based on case
studies you have studied. Assessed in Y11.
The exam with have the same structure as Unit 1. Assessed in Y11.

Theme 3: Environmental Challenges

This Theme looks at the human interaction with the natural world and its effects upon it. We look at how water is
managed, ecosystems and the impacts of humans upon them and the issue of desertification, particularly in the
Sahel.
14
What topics are covered?
Ecosystems
Water supply and demand
Desertification

What will the exam be like?

This is a resource based exam paper you will have maps, photographs and diagrams to help you answer the
questions. The questions will range from short answers up to larger extended-writing questions based on case
studies you have studied. Assessed in Y11.

Decision Making Paper

There will be a decision making paper that will also be examined, and this will be based around all the topics
covered in the course. It is what it says, and you will be given a number of options and you will have to use your
Geographical knowledge and understanding to choose an option and explain your thinking

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?

You will have learnt a number of geographical skills and a body of geographical knowledge at Key Stage
3. GCSE Geography will take these further, and give you a deeper understanding of the world. Much will be new
but your previous study of Geography will have helped prepare you to think like a geographer, so the
development of new skills and concepts will be easy!

What is next for me after this course?

Geography really is an education for life. Employers and Universities value the broad range of transferable skills
that Geography delivers. Geography fits neatly with science, arts and humanities.

15
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE BTEC
Examination Board: PEARSON

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr D Farry

Teacher: Miss N Jackson

What will I learn?

This subject will give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of, and skills in, the
Health and Social Care sector, e.g. the underpinning care values and understanding of the different life stages
that individuals go through and the factors that may affect our growth and development.

Units you will cover:

 Communication
 Impact of nutrition on health and wellbeing
 Care values
 Human lifespan Growth and Development

What skills do I need?

You need to have a genuine interest in the Health and Social Care vocational sector.

How will I be assessed?

Level 2 First Award in Health and Social Care includes one externally assessed unit and three internally
assessed units (coursework).

What is next for me after the course?

This course will help to support progression to a more specialised Level 3 vocational or academic Health and
Social Care course; it can also lead to an apprenticeship or, more broadly, progression to qualifications in other
sectors, such as early years.

16
HISTORY GCSE
Examination Board: EDUQAS

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr J Hancock

or Mrs Sowden

What will I learn to do?

History helps us to understand the world in which we live, and take an

active part in it. Studying the subject will equip you with a unique
package of knowledge, concepts and skills.

We live in a time of great change, and it is essential that we

understand how it works. You will understand how changes occur and
how they affect people.

‘Why?’ is the most important question you can ask or answer. You will understand why things happen in the way
that they do, in the past, present and future.

History develops a number of vital skills:

 The ability to analyse events and situations.

 The ability to solve problems.
 The ability to think critically about sources.
 The ability to use a variety of sources as evidence
 The ability to write coherent, well-organised explanations

Topic content will be chosen from a list including Elizabethan England, USA in the 1920’s, Germany in the
Twentieth Century, Changes in Health and Medicine, including the British Sector of the Western Front.

What skills do I need?

The History department has a proven track record of helping a variety of individuals develop the skills they need
not only in the subject, but in school as a whole, and life in the outside world. All we ask is that you have an
opinion and some curiosity. If you are the sort of person who argues and asks why, you may not always be
popular elsewhere, but we’ll love you!

What is next for me after this course?

Anything you want! The variety of knowledge, understanding and skills outlined above will help you cope better
with any advanced level course you choose, or any training or employment you move into.

Examples include:- accounting, administration, architecture, archivism, banking, broadcasting, civil service,
conservator, curator, the Church, journalism, law, librarianship, management, police, politics, teaching, the list is
endless!

We have an excellent record of helping students gain entrance to the best universities.

N.B.History is not examined through tiered papers, so everyone has an equal chance of each grade from 1 to 9.

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HOSPITALITY AND CATERING LEVEL 1 & 2
BTEC
Examination Board: Eduqas
50% Coursework: 1 controlled practical assessment and 1 written investigation)
50% Examination:

Who can I ask about this course?

Teacher: Mrs J Reid

What will I learn to do?

 This course will enable you to develop your knowledge of food and nutrition. You will learn the science behind
food and how to prepare it.

What skills do I need?

Essential
 Practical work will be completed regularly. Students must be prepared to bring ingredients to lessons on a
regular basis.
 An interest in cooking.
 Students will need to be well organised and enthusiastic about the subject.
 The ability to plan ahead and make good use of time.
 An understanding of food safety and hygiene.
 Sound practical skills as demonstrated at KS3.
 The ability to explain in writing your practical work.

Desirable
 An interest in Science.
 Good presentation skills which are necessary for the folder of evidence.
 Basic ICT skills.

What is next for me after this course?

The food industry is one of the countries largest employers. Careers include:
Hotel Manager; Teacher; Restaurant Manager; Dietician;
Wedding Organiser; Restaurant Owner; Chef / Waiter / Waitress; Product Development Chef.

Many colleges and universities offer food related courses.

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PERFORMING ARTS BTEC Award
Examination Board: PEARSON

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr A Petrie

Teacher: Mr P Sowerby

What will I learn to do?

 This is a varied course covering a range of performance skills which can include elements of
drama, music and dance.
 Students will gain an insight into a range of careers within the Performing Arts industry
 Devise and develop a workshop performance
 Analyse, evaluate and enhance your performance skills

The course is assessed through three components:

Component 1 – Exploring the Performing Arts
(internally assessed)
Component 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques
(internally assessed)
Component 3 – Performing to a Brief
(externally assessed)

What skills do I need?

 You need enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

 You need good communication skills, as the work will require
you to work in pairs or groups.
 The confidence to get up and perform your ideas is essential.

What is next for me after this course?

All areas of the Performing Arts require good communication, organisation and people skills, as well as
independent thinking.
This course could lead on to BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts for those wishing to further their studies.

Possible careers include:

 A career on the stage or in television
 Teaching and Coaching
 Arts Administration
 Any job which requires; teamwork, communication, people skills, independent thinking, organisation skills and
confidence.

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PSYCHOLOGY GCSE
Examination Board: EDEXCEL

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr J Hancock

Teacher: Miss N Chadwick

What will I learn to do?

Psychology is the study of human mind and behaviour,

taking various theories and environmental issues into
account. Psychological theories and ideas are tested using
scientific research methods and data analysis.

What will I study?

Section A: Compulsory topics:

 Development - How did you develop?
 Memory - How does your memory work?
 Psychological problems - How would psychological problems affect you?
 The brain and neuropsychology - How does your brain affect you?
 Social influence - How do others affect you?

Section B: Optional topics:

 Criminal psychology - Why do people become criminals?
 The self - What makes you who you are?
 Perception - How do you interpret the world around you?
 Sleep and dreaming - Why do you need sleep and dream?
 Language, thought and communication - How do you communicate with others?

Section C: Research methods: Compulsory topic

 Research methods - How do you carry out psychological research?
How will I be assessed?
2 external exams
 Paper 1-1hour 45 minutes - 55% towards final grade.
 Paper 2-1 hour 20 minutes - 45% towards final grade.

What skills do I need?

You will need to have an interest in finding out why or how humans behave in a particular way. Although you
will develop a range of personal and interpersonal skills, it will help if you can analyse and evaluate sources of
information, be an independent enquirer, and have an interest and awareness of social issues.

What is next for me after this course?

Psychology GCSE will show you have a good understanding of the world around you. This course will prepare
you for post-16 subjects such as A-Level Psychology, Sociology, Law, Health and Social Care.
Career options in the field of psychology are varied; these include Forensic Psychology and Criminology,
Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Environmental Psychology, Occupational Psychology and
Health/Sport Psychology and various other related professions.

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SCIENCE TRIPLE AWARD GCSE
Examination Board: AQA

Who can I ask about this course?

Faculty Leader: Mr D Farry

Or any member of the Science Faculty

What will I learn to do?

You will cover a wide range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics. You will study the same units that are
being covered by students on the Trilogy course as well as studying some of these subjects in more detail. This
extra detail will prepare you for studying Science at A-Level.
You will gain an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of science topics and will learn about some of the latest
scientific developments e.g. smart alloys, nanotechnology and stem cell research. You will study each of
Chemistry, Biology and Physics with a different teacher over three years leading to three separate qualifications;
GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics. You will take 6 exams at the end of Year 11, each being
1 hour 45 minutes long.

What skills do I need?

You will need a strong enthusiasm and love of all science topics. You will need skills in analysing and
interpreting data, retaining large amounts of factual content and being able to apply science knowledge to new
and unusual situations. You will have good revision skills and be willing to complete regular homework and other
tasks outside of lessons in order to succeed. You should have made at least good progress at the end of Year 8
to be able to cope with the academic rigour of the course. You will be willing to work very hard to achieve your
goals.

What is next for me after this course?

This course is designed to cover the KS4 National Curriculum requirements for all students in Science and then
extends the study to more in-depth knowledge. It should only be chosen by those students who are
confident that they want a future career in Science and/or want to progress onto A Level sciences.

Careers could include:

 Forensic Science
 Medicine
 Dentistry
 Veterinary Science
 Pharmacy
 Medical Physicist
 Researcher

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SOCIOLOGYGCSE
(GCSE Full Course)
Examination Board: AQA

Who can I ask about this course?

Teacher: Miss Jackson

What will I learn to do?

You will develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about society, and how sociologists study and
understand its structures, processes and issues.

Students will be encouraged to take a questioning approach to evidence and issues.

You will develop critical and evaluation skills.

What will I study?

Topics covered:

 Families
 Education
 Crime and Deviance
 Social Stratification
 Sociological research methods

Students will also study key sociologist such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim.

Assessment:

Two exam papers each 1 hour 45 minutes

Paper 1: The Sociology of Families and Education

Paper 2: The Sociology of Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification.

What skills do I need?

 Be willing to express your views in class discussions, debates and presentations.

 Be able to listen to and respect the views of others.
 Keep up to date with current issues by reading a newspaper or watching TV news.
 Be able to summarise research your evidence in your essays to present a clear, two-sided argument which
reaches a clear conclusion.

What is next for me after this course?

Preparation for moving on to AS and A Level Sociology.

Possible careers include: media research, law, police, journalism, teaching, social and welfare work, personnel
work, business analysts, civil service and local government, advertising, nursing, medicine and market research.

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 Armthorpe Academy
Ambition Respect Responsibility Pride

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

2018

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