Y9 Option Subjects

Course Details:

Qualification: BTEC Tech Award in Sport, Activity and Fitness Level 1/Level 2
Exam Board: Pearson (Edexcel)

Subject Leader: Mr N. Osmond

What is a BTEC Award in Sport?

This award is equivalent to one GCSE. It is suitable for everyone; it aims to provide every learner with a working knowledge of PE and how the body works during physical activity. Additionally, there are some really interesting aspects that have been introduced including the use of technology in sport, sports injuries, nutrition and sport psychology, as well as opportunities built into the course to develop leadership skills. The course is graded throughout the two years of study, leading to a Level 1 (Pass, Merit or Distinction) or Level 2 (Pass, Merit or Distinction) being awarded. Learners will need to show commitment to the subject, and be well prepared, to successfully complete the award. This will include having the appropriate equipment for practical lessons and the desire to achieve within the theory lessons.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mr Osmond, Subject Leader for PE, explains the different topics you will study on BTEC Sport:

To complete the award, learners will study three units in total. Teaching approaches are varied, including teacher led tasks, independent learning, practical assignments and group discussions. Coursework will be graded through teacher assessments and an externally assessed written exam.

All components of this course are compulsory, these include:

• Component 1 – Understand the Body and the Supporting Technology for Sport and Activity
• Component 2 – The Principles of Training, Nutrition and Psychology for Sport and Activity (written exam paper)
• Component 3 – Applying the Principles of Sport and Activity

Additional support will be given in after school sessions, to help complete teacher assessments and prepare you for the written exam, if needed.

Careers in Sport

This qualification will be useful for anyone, no matter what job or career they are thinking about.  The course provides a greater understanding of the sports industry and how to live a healthy lifestyle.  This course can also be used as a stepping stone into further education, whether you want to study A Levels or higher level technical qualifications.  In terms of employment, you may progress into careers in Teaching, Sports Coaching, Fitness Instruction, Sports Nutrition, as well as developing leadership and evaluation skills that are required/useful in many occupations.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Sport courses you can use the form below to contact Mr Osmond, Subject Leader for PE.

Course Details:

Qualification: Level 1 / 2 Award in Hospitality and Catering
Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas
Specification: 5569QA

Subject Leader: Mrs J. Kulandhaisamy 

What is an Award in Hospitality and Catering?

Do you enjoy cooking? Have you enjoyed the products you have made this year? Then the Level 1 / 2 Award in Hospitality and Catering is the course for you. Over two years you will learn about the skills relating to the Hospitality and Catering Industry, and also develop your own practical skills. The course also allows you to think creatively and be more independent, while creating exciting and innovative food products.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mrs Kulandhaisamy, Subject Leader for Design Technology, explains the different topics you will study on the Hospitality and Catering course:

Level 1 / 2 Hospitality and Catering is made up of two different units. You will be required to complete each unit independently, using the knowledge and skills you have developed during the course.

Unit 1

• The Hospitality and Catering Industry (External Exam)
• This is a written exam which is taken at the end of year 10 and you will take this exam on a computer.
• The exam is 90 minutes long and is worth 40% of your final grade.

Unit 2

• Hospitality and Catering in Action (Internally Assessed Controlled Coursework)
• This is a controlled assessment that lasts 9 hours and is worth 60% of your final grade.

This is a classroom based portfolio, and a practical exam which is completed under exam conditions. You will be asked to plan, prepare and cook two different dishes in response to a brief set by the exam board WJEC Eduqas.

You will need to demonstrate an understanding of the nutrients in the dishes you are making, as well as the effect that different cooking methods can have on the nutritional value of food. You will also need to demonstrate that you are aware of which nutrients different groups of people need.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Hospitality and Catering courses you can use the form below to contact Mrs Kulandhaisamy, Subject Leader for Design Technology.

Course Details:

Qualification: BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Dance)
Exam Board: Pearson (Edexcel)

Subject Leader: Mrs A. Warburton

What is a BTEC in Performing Arts (Dance) ?

The aim of this course is to provide every learner with a good knowledge of Performing Arts and provide learners with an insight into the working environment of the Performing Arts industry. This is a practically based course, with theoretical elements, so it is important that you are dedicated to both parts of the course.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mrs Warburton, Subject Leader for Dance, explains the different topics you will study on the Performing Arts course:

The course is made up of three separate units:

• Component 1 – Exploring the Performing Arts – Internally Assessed – In this unit, learners will explore the Performing Arts industry. They will explore performance styles, creative intentions, and the purpose of different dance pieces.
• Component 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts – Internally Assessed – Learners will develop skills and techniques in dance.
• Component 3 – Performing to a Brief – Externally Assessed – This unit involves working in small groups to create a performance, in response to a set brief from the exam board.  Learners will complete externally assessed tasks, under controlled examination conditions, to demonstrate their work, in the form of logbooks and a final performance.

Additional Information

To support learners, extra-curricular lessons are held after school, and during lunch times. Learners are given the opportunity to attend a number of different dance workshops, with professional artists, throughout the year. In addition to practical workshops led by professionals from the industry, learners will be given the opportunity to watch professionals at work in live performances and productions.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Performing Art courses you can use the form below to contact Mrs Warburton, Subject Leader for Dance.

Course Details:

Qualification: GCSE Music
Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas
Specification: C660QS

Qualification: Level 2 Certificate in Performance for Music Practitioners
Exam Board: RSL (Rock School Limited)
Specification: 600/6655/6

Subject Leader: Mr C. Smith

What are the Music Courses?

Learners will study either GCSE Music or Level 2 Certificate in Performance for Music Practitioners. Mr Smith will advise individual learners on the most appropriate qualification.

The aim of both courses is to give learners the opportunity to:

• Develop their understanding and appreciation of a range of different kinds of music
• Extend their own musical interests and develop their chosen instrument skills
• Develop a range of life-skills and personal attributes including critical thinking, team working and independent learning skills

Course Overview

In the video below, Mr Smith, Subject Leader for Music, explains the different topics you will study on the two Music courses:

The aim of both courses is to give learners the opportunity to:

• Develop their understanding and appreciation of a range of different kinds of music
• Extend their own musical interests and develop their chosen instrument skills
• Develop a range of life-skills and personal attributes including critical thinking, team working and independent learning skills

Each qualification is divided into three sections as follows:

All music learners will receive an additional 30 minutes of instrumental/vocal tuition per week

Suitability and Progression

The courses will be taught either in separate cohorts, or concurrently as a single group. The teaching and learning methods for the courses are a mixture of teacher directed, independent learning and instrumental self-study.

Learners can attend after school support sessions, instrumental lessons and a wide range of musical activities to enhance their performance skills.  There are opportunities to take on a variety of roles in school concerts and productions throughout the year, performances in which can contribute to the qualifications.

Career Opportunities in Music

Learners may progress into a range of careers both inside and outside of music.
Music students are extremely attractive to employers and can follow a career in almost any field thanks to the transferable skills they acquire during the course.
Examples of available careers include publishing, the media, education, arts administration, music therapy, banking, law, public services and the charity sector.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Music courses you can use the form below to contact Mr Smith, Subject Leader for Music.

Course Details:

Qualification: GCSE Art and Design (Graphic Communication)
Exam Board: AQA
Specification: 8203

Subject Leader: Mrs J. Kulandhaisamy

What is a GCSE in Graphic Communication?

Do you enjoy a mix of technology and art? Do you have an eye for design? Then Graphics could be the course for you. It is split into two components (described below) with the main focus on learning through practical. Whilst there is an exam and some written work, the course is tailored to those people who are practically and creatively minded, and who enjoy making and designing products.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mrs Kulandhaisamy, Subject Leader for Design Technology, explains the different topics you will study on the Graphics course:

This GCSE in Graphic Communication is ideally suited to learners with a passion for practical. This qualification is tailored towards specific career areas and all have a focus on creativity.

Component 1

Portfolio – 96 marks 60% (internally and externally assessed)

Every learner will create a classroom based portfolio that shows clear attention to the four assessment objectives.  It will include a main project evidencing the journey from initial thoughts and ideas to the development and final product, as well as a selection of further work undertaken during the learner’s course of study.

Component 2

Exam – externally set assignment 96 marks 40% – preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time (internally and externally assessed)

Learners will be given a list of different topics where they need to choose one and create a portfolio and final piece evidencing coverage of all our assessment objectives.

Where this can take you:

Graphic Communication will provide opportunities to progress to one of the many further and higher education courses such as A-Levels, BTEC Advanced Diplomas in any Graphic Design, Photography, Architecture, Media or Animation courses.

It will also provide valuable skills for working in a range of similar careers including: Graphic Designer, Animator, Illustrator, Landscape Architect, Production Designer, Photographer, Interior Designer, theatre, film/television and many more.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Graphic Communication courses you can use the form below to contact Mrs Kulandhaisamy, Subject Leader for Design Technology.

Course Details:

Qualification: GCSE History
Exam board: AQA
Specification 8145 (RJ)

Subject Leader: Mrs S. Forsyth

What is GCSE History?

The History GCSE course runs for 2 years and will give you a full GCSE in History. The aim of the course is to help you to understand some of the most important events that have happened in Britain and the World. We also want to help you to build skills that will be useful when you leave school.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mr Forsyth, Subject Leader for History, explains the different topics you will study on the History course:

The History GCSE covers a wide range of topics and is divided into two papers; ‘Understanding the Modern World’ and ‘Shaping the Nation’. Module 1, which is started at the end of Year 9, examines conflict and tension between 1919-39. Learners will explore peace-making efforts after the First World War, the weaknesses of the League of Nations and Hitler’s foreign policy; which led to the outbreak of World War Two. In Module 2, we will look at opportunity and inequality in the United States between 1919 and 1973. This will include period studies of prosperity in the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression of the 1930s and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Module 3 is an in-depth study of Norman England from 1066-1100. Learners will be taught about the Norman Conquest, life under the Normans as well as studying a specific Norman site within the UK. The final Module is a thematic study which explores migration, empires and the people of Britain from 790 AD to the present day. Learners will study how war, religion, science and technology have all influenced Britain. Topics include the Vikings, the Anglo-Saxons and, the colonisation of America, India and Africa, as well as the end of the Empire.

You will take TWO exams at the end of Year 11. In class we will do lots of different activities that will help you to understand what has happened in the past. This will include video and audio footage to help you relive past events. We will also look at photographs, paintings, cartoons and written text. The teaching styles that are used will mean you are always doing lots of different activities, similar to your Year 9 lessons.

During Key Stage 4 lessons, you will develop lots of skills that will help you; teamwork and independent research, analysis, evaluation as well as how to effectively communicate your knowledge and understanding. For those who need it, extra help is given after school. This can involve help with homework or any topics that you are worried about. In the final year of the course, revision classes will take place after school, if you should need them.

With further training and study, learners who have taken History at GCSE have gone on to jobs in law, the police, accountancy and education. The skills you learn during your course will be valuable to you in whichever career you choose.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 History courses you can use the form below to contact Mr Forsyth, Subject Leader for History.

Course Details:

Qualification: BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care
Exam Board: Pearson (Edexcel)

Subject Leader: Mrs L. Mirley

What is a BTEC in Health and Social Care?

This new qualification is the same size and level as a GCSE and is aimed at those who want to find out more about Health and Social Care. About 3 million people in the UK work in the Health and Social Care Sector in jobs such as nurses, midwives, social workers and counsellors, and the demand for people to fill these vital jobs will only increase in the coming years.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mrs Mirley, Subject Leader for Health and Social Care, explains the different topics you will study on the Health and Social Care course:

Course Aims

This course gives you the opportunity to study how people grow and develop throughout their lives, from infancy to old age, and the factors that may affect this, such as major life changing events like marriage or parenthood. Throughout the course you will learn how people adapt to these changes and the types of support available to help them.

You will also learn about the different Health and Social Care services, and about ‘care values’ (attitudes) and their importance in making sure that the people who use these services get the care they need. You will be able to demonstrate these care values practically and will also develop skills in interpreting data about someone’s health in order to design a plan that will allow them to improve their health and well-being.

Assessment

This course will help you to develop sector specific skills, knowledge and techniques to be able to review your own performance in demonstrating care values. This will be done through various inter-related written tasks during the course, which will be internally assessed.  You will be required to complete an extensive piece of written work, using your knowledge to independently design a health improvement plan.

All learners must study three compulsory units:

• UNIT 1: Human Lifespan Development (Internally assessed* portfolio – 30%)
• UNIT 2: Health and Social Care Services and Values (Internally assessed* portfolio – 30%)
• UNIT 3: Health and Well-being (Externally assessed Exam (40%) – 2hr exam)

Upon successful completion of all components, you will be awarded a grade ranging from a level 1 Pass to a level 2 distinction.

The choices you can make after this course depend on your overall level of attainment, but you may wish to undertake further study such as A levels, BTECs at level 2 or 3 or a mixture of both. You might want to find work in the Health and Social Care sector as a trainee or apprentice, or build on the teaching of human growth and development by studying for qualifications in early years education.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Health and Social Care courses you can use the form below to contact Mrs Mirley, Subject Leader for Health and Social Care.

Course Detail:

Qualification: GCSE French
Exam Board: AQA
Specification: 8658

Subject Leader – Mrs S. Stewart-Grey

What is GCSE French?

In the GCSE French course, you will continue to learn how to speak, read and write French – skills much in demand.  You will also increase your understanding of speakers of French:  44 countries have French as their first language.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mrs Stewart-Grey, Subject Leader for Languages, explains the different topics you will study on the French course:

You will study:

• Theme 1: Identity and Culture
• Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest
• Theme 3: Current and Future Study and Employment

You will take 4 final exams at the end of year 11 – the listening, speaking, reading and writing papers are all equally weighted at 25% each.  The listening, reading and writing papers are all written exams of varying length, depending on whether you are entered for the Foundation or Higher papers.  Your speaking will be assessed in a non-exam assessment.  You will have to perform a role-play, describe an image and have a general conversation with your teacher.  The Foundation assessment will last 7-9 minutes plus preparation time and the Higher assessment will last 10-12 minutes plus preparation time.  Lessons include a variety of teaching and learning styles and you will work alongside native French speakers and use authentic French resources during your studies.

Lunchtime and after school sessions will be offered to help you prepare for the speaking tests.

With further training or study, learners may progress into a wide range of careers – a French GCSE opens up a range of career options and alongside the more obvious careers in travel and leisure / tourism, can also lead to careers in retail and business management, international trade, education, banking and law.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 French courses you can use the form below to contact Mrs Stewart-Grey, Subject Leader for Languages.

Course Detail:

Qualification: GCSE Geography
Exam Board: AQA
Specification: 8035

Subject Leader: Miss A. Allen

What is GCSE Geography?

GCSE Geography is an exciting course that allows you to develop your understanding of local, national and global matters by looking at important world issues.

Course Overview

In the video below, Miss Allen, Subject Leader for Geography, explains the different topics you will study on the Geography course:

You will study:

Living with the Physical Environment

• The Challenge of Natural Hazards – earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and storms, and the global topic of climate change.
• Physical Landscapes in the UK – studying our vanishing coastlines and how the UK was shaped by our glaciers.
• The Living World – the impacts of deforestation, and a case study of a cold environment i.e. Svalbard, whilst investigating the climate, animals, and plants of these biomes.

Challenges in the Human Environment

• Urban Issues and Challenges – learn about the slums of Rio and the changing world of Newcastle.
• The Changing Economic World – investigate how population patterns change, the influence of oil in Nigeria, and the changing economic patterns in the UK.
• The Challenge of Resources – Learn about the importance of our resources in the UK and across the world.

Geographical Applications

• Problem Solving, Evaluation and Fieldwork – Put the theory into practice as we take part in physical and human fieldwork investigations, visiting geographical landscapes right on our doorstep.

You will take 3 final exams at the end of Year 11 – the Physical and Human papers are worth 35% each, and the Skills paper is worth 30%. To prepare for the fieldwork part of the Skills exam you will visit the North East coast, investigating tourism and mountain and beach landscapes. You will have opportunities to visit the Lake District, Edinburgh and other areas of the UK. The second part of paper 3 involves the preparation of a pre-released booklet, based on a theme that you will study across the 2 year course. Throughout the course you will develop your literacy, numeracy and map skills. You will also broaden your awareness of how today’s world is constantly changing. Lessons include a variety of teaching and learning styles; using thinking skills, drawing, visual resources and problem solving. You will apply your knowledge to real places in the UK and around the world, and you will practise the skills needed to answer GCSE questions in detail.

Revision classes are held by all members of staff after school and during holidays, to support learning.

With further study or training, GCSE Geography can lead to a wide range of careers, as it develops skills that employers find really valuable – problem solving, knowledge of place, data analysis, literacy, numeracy, good communication and team work.  Possible careers include education, chartered surveyor, environmental officer, industry, disaster or aid worker, town planner, armed forces, pilot, travel industry, earth sciences, explorer and accountancy.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Geography courses you can use the form below to contact Miss Allen, Subject Leader for Geography.

Course Details:

Qualification: Level 1 / 2 Vocational Award in Engineering
Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas
Specification: 9790/A1

Subject Leader:  Mrs J. Kulandhaisamy

What is a Vocational Award In Engineering?

This qualification has been devised around the concept of a ‘plan, do, review’ approach to learning.  It is aimed at learners aged 14-16 who wish to develop knowledge and understanding, and gain experience, of the practical application of skills in Engineering.  It is designed to support learners in schools and colleges who want to learn about Engineering, from a design and planning perspective.  It provides learners with a broad introduction to the Engineering sector and the types of career opportunities available.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mrs Kulandhaisamy, Subject Leader for Design Technology, explains the different topics you will study on the Engineering course:

Course Structure

To complete this award, learners will take three units in total:

• Unit 1 – Engineering Design – Internal
• Unit 2 – Producing Engineering Products – Internal
• Unit 3 – Solving Engineering Problems – External

How the Course is Assessed

Unit 3 is assessed by a 90 minute external examination, with a total of 60 marks available.  The remainder of the course is assessed through coursework which is completed during lessons.

What the Course Can Prepare You For

The WJEC Eduqas Level 1/2 Award in Engineering has been designed to develop in learners the skills needed for progression from Key Stage 4, and GCSE learning, to further education, employment and training.

The successful completion of this qualification could provide the learner with opportunities to access a range of Level 3 qualifications including GCE, apprenticeships and vocationally related qualifications. These include:

• GCE in Engineering
• GCE in Design & Technology
• Principal Learning Level 3 in Engineering
• Apprenticeships in Engineering

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Engineering courses you can use the form below to contact Mrs Kulandhaisamy, Subject Leader for Design Technology.

Course Details:

Qualification: Level 1 / 2 Cambridge National
Certificate in Creative iMedia
Exam Board: OCR
Specification: J817

Subject Leader: Mr T. Mayer

What is Creative iMedia?

Are you good at using software to develop products such as movies, images and multimedia products? Do you enjoy creating ICT based products to meet a particular purpose and target audience? Are you interested in a career in games or web development? If so, this may be the course for you! The Cambridge National in Creative iMedia is a course for those with a creative mind. You’ll be asked to plan, design and develop products using a range of software.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mr Mayer, Subject Leader for Creative iMedia, explains the different topics you will study on the Creative iMedia course:

The course is made up of:

Pre-production Skills – This exam will test you on aspects of the course associated with the different types of media you will create.  There will also be questions about design, creation, testing and evaluation.

Creating Digital Graphics – In this task you will be asked to plan, design, create and evaluate a digital graphic for a specific purpose and audience.  This coursework will be completed in a classroom using Google Classrooms as a tool for learning.

Creating Interactive Multimedia Products – In this task you will be asked to plan, design, create and evaluate an interactive, multimedia based product for a specific purpose and audience.  This coursework will be completed in a classroom using Google Classrooms as a tool for learning.

Creating a Digital Sound Sequence – In this task you will be asked to plan, design, create and evaluate a sound for a specific purpose and audience.  This coursework will be completed in a classroom using Google Classrooms as a tool for learning.

You will need access to a desktop or laptop computer and internet access is preferable.  Teaching and learning methods include teacher directed guidance and directed independent study via Google Classrooms.

With further training or study, possible careers could include animator, applications developer, cartographer, digital marketer, games developer and film & video editor.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Creative iMedia you can use the form below to contact Mr Mayer, Subject Leader for Creative iMedia.

Course Details:

Qualification: GCSE (9 – 1) Computer Science
Exam Board: OCR
Specification: J277

Subject Leader: Mr T. Mayer

What is GCSE Computer Science?

Have you ever wondered how the inside of a computer works? Would you like to know how networks and the internet work? Are you interested in programming and developing your own unique software? The Computer Science industry is crying out for qualified computer scientists. If you are interested in a career in Computer Science, such as a software or games developer, then this may be the course for you.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mr Mayer, Subject Leader of Computer Science explains the different topics you will study on the GCSE Computer Science course:

Computer Systems – This part of the course goes through how the internal parts of a computer work.  You will also get a chance to learn about networking, security and issues relating to the use of computing in society.

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – In this part of the course, you will be asked to write and understand algorithms.  You will also learn different programming techniques and how to apply them.

You will need access to a desktop or laptop computer, and internet access is preferable.  Teaching and learning methods include teacher directed guidance and directed independent study via Google Classrooms.

The course is made up of:

Coursework consolidation sessions will be provided after school and there are resources available from Google Classrooms.

With further training or study, possible careers include computer analyst, computer engineer, computer consultant, computer support, internet developer, software developer and games designer

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Computer Science courses you can use the form below to contact Mr Mayer, Subject Leader for Computer Science.

Course Details:

Qualification: Level 1/2 Vocational Award In Constructing the Built Environment
Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas
Specification: 5909/QA

Subject Leader:  Mrs J. Kulandhaisamy

What is a Vocational Award In Constructing the Built Environment?

This qualification has been devised around a ‘plan, do, and review’ approach to learning, where learners are: introduced to a context for learning; review previous learning to plan activities; carry out activities; and review outcomes and learning. This approach mirrors many work-related activities in constructing the built environment and also provides for learning in a range of contexts, thus enabling learners to apply and extend their learning. As such, this qualification provides learners with a broad appreciation of construction work and wider opportunities for progression into further education, employment or training.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mrs Kulandhaisamy, Subject Leader for Design Technology, explains the different topics you will study on the Construction course:

Course Structure

To complete this award, learners will take three units in total:

• Unit 1 Safety and Security in Construction
• Unit 2 Developing Construction Projects
• Unit 3 Planning Construction Projects

How the Course is Assessed

Unit 1 is assessed by a 60 minute external examination, with a total of 60 marks available.
Unit 2 is internally assessed through practical and coursework which is completed during lessons. The three skills covered in this unit are Joinery, Tiling and Electrical.
Unit 3 is assessed by a 120 minute external examination, with a total of 60 marks available.

What the Course Can Prepare You For

The Eduqas Level 1/2 Award in Construction has been designed to develop the skills needed for progression from Key Stage 4 and GCSE learning to further education, employment and training. The successful completion of this qualification could lead to a range of Level 3 qualifications, apprenticeships and vocationally related qualifications. These include:

• Level 3 in Construction & Civil Engineering
• Level 3 in Building Maintenance
• Level 3 in Carpentry & Joinery
• Level 3 in Electrical Installation
• Apprenticeships in the Construction industry

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Construction courses you can use the form below to contact Mrs Kulandhaisamy, Subject Leader for Design Technology.

Course Details:

Qualification: GCSE Fine Art
Exam Board:  AQA
Specification:  8202

Subject Leader: Mr L. Lightfoot

What is GCSE Fine Art?

This is an exciting two year course, taught by artist-teachers who will draw out your creativity, and inspire you to develop original ideas through exposure to a variety of art materials, techniques and processes.  You will be able to access photographic methods, 3D processes and print-techniques.

Course Overview

In the video below, Mr Lightfoot, Subject Leader for Art, explains the different topics you will study on the GCSE Fine Art course:

In KS4, you use lessons over 4 terms to build a portfolio, eventually selecting only the best of your work for exhibition and assessment at the end of the course.

Committed art teachers will inspire you to develop two broad art themes, until the end of the autumn term in year 11, when coursework ends (Unit 1).  In January of Year 11, the AQA set task paper is given out (Unit 2), from which you select one question from a choice of seven, and develop your response until the 10 hour timed test brings the course to an end.

You are expected to engage with works of awe-inspiring art, artists, craftspeople and designers. You should be willing to attend educational visits, to marvel at the most eye-catching and clever art by living artists, as well as exploring ground-breakers of the past. Sketchbooks are compulsory and you will be encouraged to work independently. The teachers will listen to your ideas before steering you in a personal direction.

To recap, the course is made up of two units:

This course ends with an exhibition of your work in a public place/space to celebrate the best of what you have achieved over the course.

If you are considering studying any art related subject after leaving Kepier, this course gives you the perfect grounding to attend local A level or BTEC courses in Durham or Sunderland.  This can lead to study at degree level. As part of the course, we will visit the Northern School of Art to view their offer which includes 11 Art related B.A. Degrees.

This course is also helpful if you want to pursue a job in one of the many creative industries.  There are far too many to mention here but please see Mr Lightfoot for advice and he will provide you with a list of opportunities.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Art courses you can use the form below to contact Mr Lightfoot, Subject Leader for Art.

Course Details:

Qualification:  GCSE (9 – 1) Business
Exam Board:  OCR
Specification:  J204

Subject Leader: Miss G. Bolt

What is GCSE Business?

Would you like to be your own boss, or know what businesses look for when they recruit staff?  Are you interested in how a business gets its money to operate, or why so many adverts are aimed at teenagers?  Then GCSE Business is the course for you!

Course Overview

In the video below, Miss Bolt, Subject Leader for Business, explains the different topics you will study on the GCSE Business course:

When you leave Kepier, you may be working for a business or other organisation.  After studying business, you will have an insight into just how businesses operate, including how to set up a business of your own.  So, are you the next Karren Brady or Richard Branson?

What’s on the OCR course?

Marketing – including advertising, development of products, setting the best price.
Recruitment – including how businesses get the right staff and keep them working.
Business structures – including the different ways to set up a business.
Finance – including how businesses get the money to set up and operate, and how they make a profit.
Business operations – including how businesses produce the things we buy.
Influences on businesses – including the environment and how many businesses are operating around the world.

Learners wishing to study this course must have an interest in business and be prepared to co-operate fully with staff.  Full effort and application must be given both in lessons, and in homework tasks.

Since assessment is by written examination, students need to have strong English language skills.  Possessing good mathematical skills will also be an advantage.

Got A Question?

If you have a question about Year 9 Business courses you can use the form below to contact Miss Bolt, Subject Leader for Business.