Optional Subject Information
Below are introductions, videos and presentations about the optional subjects which can be undertaken at GCSE. Further information, including course content, assessments, exams and activities are available in the Key Stage 4 options booklet.
Art and Design
This is a broad course exploring practical and critical/contextual work through a range of 2D and/or 3D processes
and media and techniques such as textiles, wood, plaster, plastic and paint. It is an unendorsed course where
students can work in appropriate art, craft and design materials and processes. Students will produce practical
and contextual work associated within two or more art specialties i.e. graphics, textiles, fine art, jewellery/costume,
fashion, sculpture and photography.
Business
The GCSE Business course is an introductory course to studying Business and is ideal for any student who:
- Wants a good understanding of how businesses work
- Is intending to study any business subject in the future
- Wishes to understand how to make a success of their future career in business
- Who might be thinking of setting up their own business
GCSE Business looks to give students an understanding of a wide range of ideas, theories and skills that are essential for any business to succeed, with particular focus on small businesses and business start-ups.
Child Development and Care in the early years
The NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Child Development and Care in the Early Years is designed for learners who want an introduction to child development and care that includes a vocational and project-based element. The qualification will appeal to learners who wish to pursue a career in the early years sector or progress onto further study. To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully demonstrate the knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of all 9 content areas of this qualification.
Child Development Presentation
Design and Technology
Are you interested in solving problems? Do you enjoy designing, modelling and manufacturing? Are you a creative person with an inquisitive mind? Can you be innovative and use your imagination? Do you like working with others in a practical environment? In Design Technology you will learn how to use Computer Aided Design (CAD) alongside developing your drawing and sketching skills. You will use a variety of technical skills, working on hi-tech machines and equipment including 3D printers and laser cutters. You will also develop workshop skills, through the use of hand tools and machines. You will develop your knowledge of a range of materials including, polymers, metals, wood, textiles, papers/boards and use many of these in your projects. You will develop an understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, learn about industrial production systems and consider how Design Technology links to the environment and sustainability.
Design and Technology Presentation
Food Preparation and Nutrition
This GCSE course enables learners to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. The course is designed to create a balance between practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding. You will gain a wide range of practical skills ranging from pastry, cakes, breads and dough products, hot and cold desserts, pasta, vegetable, meat and fish dishes. Students will learn many set skills as well as having the opportunity to choose and create their own dishes. In addition, you will learn how to plan, research and carry out investigations and specific target market tasks.
Food Preparation and Nutrition Presentation
geography
Students will find a flexible and enquiring mind useful along with good personal organisational skills. Geography will help you to develop your spatial and interpretational skills. In addition, you will learn to work with data and the presentation of this data, sometimes using statistical analysis, develop modelling and role playing skills, produce ICT presentations and have the opportunity to debate issues. Throughout the course you will constantly develop your literacy and numeracy skills. Fieldwork will help develop your individual, group and social skills. You will complete research using a variety of information sources including the internet, TV programmes and newspapers.
Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK with demand for both health and social care employees continuously rising. In 2019/20, the adult social care sector contributed approximately £41.2 billion a year to the UK economy. Social care employees such as care assistants and social workers work with individuals to support them to be as independent as possible in their own homes, in care homes or nursing homes. This course will give you the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. You will develop key skills relevant to the health and social care sector such as research techniques and how to measure someone’s physical health. You will also develop your written communication skills as you create health and wellbeing plans for an individual with specific needs.
Health and Social Care Presentation
History
The Edexcel History course aims to:
- Develop and extend student’s knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods and societies in local, British, and wider world history; and of the wide diversity of human experience
- Engage students in historical enquiry to develop them as independent learners as well as critical and reflective thinkers
- Develop student’s ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically and to make valid historical claims by using a range of sources in their historical context
- Develop student’s awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them
- Help students organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions
Computer Science
The OCR GCSE in Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving. It encourages students to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Students also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.
Media Studies
The GCSE in Media Studies helps students develop a wider understanding and appreciation of the media, both historical and contemporary, and their role in society, culture and politics. Students apply their academic knowledge in the creation of their own media production.
Microsoft Office SPecialist Certification
Demonstrate that you have the skills needed to get the most out of Office by earning a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in a specific Office program. The course enables students to access the full features and functionality of Microsoft Office, resulting in increased academic and job performance, individual differentiation and personal confidence. This course will be delivered in after school sessions.
Music
Studying GCSE Music offers fantastic opportunities to further your musical and creative development, whether pursuing a career in music or experiencing the benefits it offers in a wide range of career choices. You will be equipped with all the skills you need to write and produce music on our industry standard software in the Production Suite and Studio. You will be guided in how you can produce high quality performances in both a solo and ensemble/group context. To assist with this, the cost of instrumental lessons on your first instrument will be covered by the school. Through the examination component, you will learn how to listen to a variety of musical styles with a critical ear, allowing it to inform your own music performance and composition work. We cover a broad range of styles, learn about the techniques and theory behind them and show you how to apply them to your own music making.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts is a fun, exciting and challenging subject. You will not only create your own original plays but also
bring existing plays to life. Drama gives you many of the skills employers look for. You will practice building up your team, leadership, self-confidence, research, independence and motivational skills so that you can progress confidently into any career
path. For a performer it’s about understanding what it’s like to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and empathise with the different roles and situations they find themselves in. It’s an emotional and intellectual journey that allows you to get in touch with your creativity.
Physical Education (PE)
You will learn all about how the body works, how this links to sport and leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle. You should be participating in at least one of your three sports outside of school, we will look at some sports in GCSE PE and core PE and internally assess your performance to award your three highest sporting performances.
