Option Book 2015-2017
Option Book 2015-2017
Option Book 2015-2017
Curriculum
2015 - 2017
Trinity School
Introduction
This term students in Year 9 have to make some decisions about the subjects they will study in Years 10
and 11. This booklet will not only help to make the correct choices, but it will also be a useful guide during
Years 10 and 11, providing information about the syllabus, coursework, levels of entry and method of
assessment for every subject.
All students will be required to study the core curriculum, which occupies around 16 hours of the 25-hour
week.
Understanding GCSE
GCSEs are the traditional qualification achieved at the end of year 11. In English Language, English Literature
and Maths students will be sitting the new specification in GCSE courses which will be graded 1-9. Details will
follow later. In all other subjects there are 8 pass grades from G to A*. Pass grades G to D are counted as level
1 qualification and will allow students to access level 2 qualifications when they leave school. Pass grades C to
A* are level 2 qualifications and will allow students to access level 3 courses at the end of year 11. At a time of
great educational change, some subject areas are still discussing specific course and specifications. If changes
are made these will be communicated to your as appropriate.
What will happen next?
What will happen next?
Parents' Evenings
The Year 9 Parents Evening will be held on Thursday 12 February in the Armstrong building between 4.00 and
6.30pm. This is an opportunity to meet the teachers who take your child for the various subjects. Staff will also
be available to discuss new subjects, which you may be considering. In addition there will be a presentation
from senior staff about the Key Stage 4 curriculum. Details have already been sent to you about this evening.
Completion of the Choices Application Form
Please begin by reading the course notes for all subjects very carefully and then begin choosing your subjects.
If you are in any doubt talk to your teachers before you make your decision. Finally complete the separate form.
Choose one subject from each of the three option columns A, B and C and give a reserve choice for each.
Return to your childs form tutor preferably before but certainly by the deadline Friday 6 March 2015.
Choices after this point may be limited.
Thank you for your help in this important process.
Derek R Kay
Co-Headteacher
Contents
Page
Core Subjects
Careers Information, Advice & Guidance
English
Mathematics & Statistics
Science
Modern Languages: French/Spanish
Physical Education
Religious Studies
6
7
10
11
14
15
16
19
21
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
32
33
36
37
39
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Every year group follows a careers education program which aims to raise
aspirations and provide students with a better understanding of the pathways
needed to take in order to achieve their goals. Throughout the year speakers and
local employers from different Organisations will come in to provide the students
with inspiration, advice and inform them of professions and careers that they
might never have considered.
UCAS - http://www.ucas.com/
National Apprenticeship Information - www.gov.uk/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
National Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
Its Your Choice Booklet for Year 11s - http://trinity.cumbria.sch.uk/careers-information-adviceguidance/
Parents and Carers Guidance http://trinity.cumbria.sch.uk/careers-information-adviceguidance/
For further information contact Mrs Rothon (Information, Advice and Guidance Officer)
ENGLISH
From September 2015 there are changes to GCSE English Language and Literature. These changes
are summarised here.
From September there will be no more coursework in English Language or Literature at all.
How is it assessed?
How is it assessed?
Students will also get a grade for what will be called their Spoken
Language this used to be called their Speaking and Listening grade. It
does not count towards their GCSE.
GCSE English Literature
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the
Section A: Shakespeare
The options are: Macbeth, Much Ado About
Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest,
The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar.
Section B: The Nineteenth Century Novel
The options are: A Christmas Carol, Great
Expectations, Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, Pride
and Prejudice, The Sign of Four, Dr Jekyll and
Mr Hyde.
How is it assessed?
How is it assessed?
Questions
Questions
It is our aim that all students will leave school with a qualification in maths with as many as possible
at Grade 5 or above. All of our students have access to this level of attainment irrespective of their
teaching group, though they are set so that they work with students of a similar ability and at a pace
that suits them best.
All students started their Maths GCSE course at the start of Year 9 and and
follow a scheme of work that allows them to progress through foundation
and/ or Higher tier to reach their full potential by the end of Year 11.
Results of the Year 10 internal exam and the Year 11 mock exam will
then determine the tier of entry the students take as they improve their
techniques throughout Year 11.
Exam Board
Edexcel: Mathematics (1MA01)
Edexcel: Statistics (2ST01)
Method of Assessment
GCSE Mathematics:
June 2017
GCSE Statistics:
Controlled Assignment
(25%)
June 2016
Higher:
Grades A* - D
Foundation:
Grades C G
Higher:
Grades 4 - 9
Foundation:
Grades 1-5
Levels of Entry
Mathematics
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By the end of year 11 students will have studied either GCSE Science, GCSE
Science and GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Triple Science.
Grades C to G.
Higher tier:
Grades A* to D.
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Year 10/11
The students study three units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as shown below:
Biology
Unit 1 consists of 3 modules: Understanding Organisms; Understanding Our Environment; Living and
Growing.
This unit is assessed by a 1 hour 15 minutes examination and makes up 35% of the total GCSE.
Unit 2 consists of 3 modules: Its a Green World; The Living Body; Beyond the Microscope.
This unit is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minutes examination and makes up 40% of the total GCSE.
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Chemistry
Unit 1 consists of 3 modules: Carbon Chemistry; Chemical Resources; Chemical Economics.
This unit is assessed by a 1 hour 15 minutes examination and makes up 35% of the total GCSE.
Unit 2 consists of 3 modules: The Periodic Table; How Much?; Chemistry Out There.
This unit is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minutes examination and makes up 40% of the total GCSE.
Physics
Unit 1 consists of 3 modules: Energy for the
Home; Living for the Future (Energy Resources);
Forces for Transport.
This unit is assessed by a 1 hour 15 minutes
examination and makes up 35% of the total
GCSE.
Unit 2 consists of 3 modules: Radiation for Life;
Space for Reflection; Electricity for Gadgets.
This unit is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minutes
examination and makes up 40% of the total
GCSE.
All exams will be taken in the June of Year 11.
Unit 3 for each Science subject is controlled
assessment. It is based on a practical task and is
split into 3 parts:
Students studying triple science will sit the higher paper and receive a GCSE in Biology, a GCSE in
Chemistry and a GCSE in Physics.
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MODERN LANGUAGES
FRENCH/SPANISH
As our students have started work on their GCSE course in their first Modern Foreign Language and
have already completed some of the units covered at GCSE, they should be looking forward to KS4
with some confidence
We are well equipped to provide support for our languages programme in a variety of ways; including
the use of ICT and multi-media materials, E-mail, the Internet, video-conferencing, Interactive
whiteboards, as well as the more traditional videos, DVDs and audio-cassettes. There will also be the
opportunity for regular contact with our full-time language assistants. As at KS3, the emphasis will
be on the four skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing in a variety of realistic situations.
Linguistically able students are encouraged to communicate with accuracy and imagination, and
given a sound grounding in the rules of grammar and language structure.
Method of Assessment
Assessment will take the form of:
a listening comprehension
a reading comprehension
an oral exam and
a writing exam
(20%)
(20%)
(30%)
(30%)
Levels of Entry
Higher Tier:
Grades A* - D
Foundation Tier:
Grades C G
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
During Year 10 and 11 students are allocated one period of PE per week.
The programme follows National Curriculum guidelines, with students building on experiences from
Key Stage 3, demonstrating increasingly refined techniques and gradually achieving a more
consistent and effective level of performance. Students are given opportunities to undertake
different roles such as performer, coach, choreographer and official. It is hoped that students will
regularly participate in health-promoting physical activity and show an understanding of how to
prepare and monitor an exercise programme for a healthy lifestyle.
Kit
This remains exactly the same as in Years 7, 8 and 9.
Jewellery must not be worn when participating in physical activity.
Non Participation
Students who are unable to participate need to bring a signed note from a parent/carer explaining
the reasons for non-participation. Students are also required to bring full kit to enable them to be
involved in other roles e.g. refereeing, scoring, coaching or observing wearing appropriate kit.
For further information contact Mr N Foster (Head of PE), Mrs A Brown (Girls PE),
Miss E Hunter (Girls PE) or Mr M Hargreaves (Boys PE).
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No other subject in school deals so directly with vital moral and spiritual
dimensions of human experience. It contributes much to the
understanding of our own society and of the culture of other races
and nations. Consequently, a GCSE in RS is an excellent and
widely respected preparation for many careers, such as medicine,
law, police, teaching, social work, child care and any job where
you have dealings with the public. Students do not need to be
'religious' to do well in the subject; but an open, questioning mind
helps a lot.
To gain knowledge of beliefs, values and traditions of more than one religion.
Consider the influences of beliefs, values and traditions linked to more than one religion.
Identify, investigate and respond to fundamental questions of life, its meaning and
purpose, raised by religions and human experiences.
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Assessment
Students will be assessed at the end of the course with one examination of
1 hour 45 minutes duration for each unit at the end of Year 11. There is no
coursework.
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Whatever you choose, the main aim of the course is to develop your visual language skills and for
you to build a comprehensive portfolio of work in order to progress to further courses or
employment.
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1
Personal Portfolio in Art and Design
Unit 2
Externally Set Assignment in
Art and Design
Each unit is assessed separately out of 80 marks. You will be assessed using 4 assessment objectives of
develop, review/experiment, record, present personal response.
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AQA GCSE
Next steps!
You can find out more about the GCSE in Art and Design by:
visiting the AQA website - AQA | Art and Design | GCSE | Art and Design
talking to the Head of Art and Design or any Art Teacher in school who will be able to
describe the course in detail and advise you of what you need to do next when it comes to
your options.
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BUSINESS STUDIES
Want to be the next Jamie Oliver, Deborah Meaden, Sir Alan Sugar, Simon Cowell,
Anita Roddick, or Richard Branson? Do you find Dragons Den and
The Apprentice fascinating? Then a GCSE in Business could help you on the way!
Key Features
This GCSE in Business is a new and innovative course that focuses on students active engagement in
the study of business and economics. As you will be aware the Government is currently finalising
assessment arrangements. It is likely that there will be an exam at the end of Year 11 only.
What Will I Learn?
You will be introduced to the world of small businesses and will look at what makes someone a
successful business person. You will find out how to develop an idea and spot an opportunity,
discover how businesses promote themselves and keep their customers happy. You will learn how
businesses manage their finances and the people who work for them. You will also see how the world
around us affects small businesses and how they are affected by the recession that we are all
experiencing.
Is this the right subject for me?
This course is both active and enjoyable. You need to be good at communicating and explaining your
ideas, and not afraid of learning new things and working with numbers to solve business problems.
You will learn how to be a creative thinker and how to make decisions.
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Content Summary
Unit 2:
Investigating a
Small Business
Unit 3:
Building a
Business
Assessment
A controlled assessment
completed in school.
Marketing
Meeting Customer Needs
Effective Financial Management
Effective People Management
The wider world affecting
business
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Have you ever played Angry Birds? - Could you do better and create the next big Smartphone
App? Want to know how computers work rather than just using them as a tool?
Key Features
The GCSE in Computer Science is a new and innovative course
where you get to learn the fundamentals of computing and high
level language programming. You complete one exam and two
pieces of Controlled Assessment that are designed to test your
understanding of computing theory and practical programming
skills.
What will I learn?
You will learn how to program using Microsoft C#, Scratch and WebMatrix. You will learn the skills
that you would need to create your own software and to distribute it onto different platforms. You
will also learn about the theory behind computing such as how databases work to give you a solid
foundation in all areas of Computing Science.
Is this course for me?
You dont need to have any experience of programming but you do need to enjoy solving problems
and be good at Maths. The course is very practical and you have regular lab sessions where you will
be writing code and creating simple control systems (using our new Lego Robotics Kit!) You will learn
about how computers work and the theory behind storing data in complex databases.
The course is broken down as follows:
Unit Title
Content
Computer Hardware
Representation of Data
Databases
Networking
40% of the
qualification
Programming
Controlled Assessment
- 20 hours
30% of the
qualification
Controlled Assessment
- 20 hours
30% of the
qualification
Unit A451
Computer systems and
programming
Unit A452
Practical investigation
Unit A453
Programming Project
Assessment
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Do you have creativity and flair? Do you enjoy preparing interesting dishes and
experimenting with new ingredients? This course will give you the opportunity to investigate
design opportunities and really develop your practical skills. You will use a wide range of
food preparation, cooking methods and will also find out about the stages in the
development of a food and the commercial and large-scale production of food.
We often read in newspapers and magazines that for many of us our diet is likely to cause us to become
overweight, to develop high blood pressure, dental decay or even heart disease and cancer of course
it neednt be like this. In this course you will learn about the nutritional needs of individuals, the
nutrient content of food and how to plan healthy dishes.
The course is very useful if you are considering a career in food manufacture, food science, catering or
hotel management, dietetics, nursing or other jobs that involve the consideration of peoples physical
health and welfare. Of course, everyone has to eat and the skills and understanding you will develop
in this course will always be useful to you throughout your life.
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Content
Assessment
Unit 1 (45451)
Written paper
Pre-release material issued
Controlled assessment
Consists of a single design and
make activity from a range of
board set tasks
Levels of Entry
Food Technology does not have tiered levels of entry. This means that all grades are open to all
candidates.
For further information contact Miss J Williams, Mrs J Walton or Mrs Stobart.
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If you love products and gadgets or have an interest in engineering and how things are made and
work, then this is the course for you.
The course will encourage students to design and make products through a variety of practical
activities using a wide range of materials and techniques. Students will be encouraged to develop
skills and knowledge in a range of areas including the use of computer aided design and manufacture
as well as extending their knowledge of using wood, plastic and metal learnt in Keystage 3. Products
could be brought to life with the use of electronic kits and finished off with the development of user
instructions and packaging.
Possible projects could be as diverse as developing new forms for lighting or radios to promotional
and protective packaging for novelty gifts to a new design for a can crusher made from metal.
Students will be expected to develop their ideas through design sketches, formal drawings and
modelling. An experimental approach and a willingness to reflect and learn from testing ideas will
underpin the process of design.
This course provides ideal preparation for AS Product Design in Year 12.
Final Exam:
Levels of Entry
Product Design does not have tiered levels of entry. This means that all grades are accessible.
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This is an exciting and rewarding subject for students who wish to develop their creative and
practical skills, while at the same time following an intellectually satisfying course at GCSE level.
You will have the opportunity to design and make both a fashion accessory or soft furnishing, and a
fashion garment of your choice.
Students
Your skills will be developed in Year 10 by completing two units of work.
The first unit will introduce you to a wide range of fabric decorating
techniques such as silk, batik, tie-dye, painting, quilting, appliqu,
machine embroidery and sublimation printing. You can then use these
techniques to design and make any decorative item of your choice.
Then in the second unit there is the opportunity to make a fashion
garment, accessory or household product of your own choice, and learn
about fashion, textile and product designers past and present.
For each unit you will complete a design folder and make your own product.
This is accompanied by the study of fabrics, Computer Aided Design,
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) and Production Processes as
well as learning about modern developments in Textiles and the impact of
Textiles on the world around us. This includes history of fashion and
analysing
current and future trends. Learn about different printing processes.
All this work will lead to one major controlled assessment, which will be
started in Year 10 and finished in Year 11.
45 hours
Levels of Entry
Textiles Technology does not have tiered levels of entry. This means that all grades are open to all
candidates.
For further information contact Mrs J Perry.
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DRAMA
The aim of GCSE Drama is to promote an enthusiastic enjoyment of theatre from the point
of view of the participant and observer, whilst at the same time enhancing creativity, selfconfidence, concentration, self-discipline and communication. Two thirds of lessons will be
mainly practical, focusing upon performance and design skills. We will also work on written
skills and the ability to analyse texts and plays from a theatrical perspective. (All students
must come on at least one theatre trip.)
We also encourage students to participate in public performances.
Examination Board and Specification
AQA. Drama Full Course 4240.
Method of Assessment
Unit 1:
1 hours - 40%
Candidates answer Question 1 from section A and choose one further question from either Section
B or Section C.
Method of Assessment
Unit 2:
60%
acting
puppets
improvisation
theatre in education
masks
lighting
properties
physical theatre
set design
sound
make-up
costume
stage management
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GEOGRAPHY
Our experience has shown us that students learn geographical ideas most effectively when we have
been able to take them on fieldwork. Most recently this has been to the Lake District, Liverpool,
Glasgow and the Solway Firth as well as studying their home city of Carlisle. It is an aim of ours to
offer visits to allow our GCSE students to see for themselves many of the ideas that are covered in
modern Geography courses.
Typical themes for GCSE Geography include Changing Cities, Living Spaces, River Processes and
Pressures and Climate and Change. To be most successful with these units a typical Geographical
GCSE student will want to find out answers to ideas and questions posed about the places that we
live in and the way that we are affecting our environment. As a department we continue to be
delighted by the success achieved by our students.
Dynamic Planet
This one hour exam covers topics such as Extreme Environments, Oceans,
Climate Change and Earthquakes.
Researching Geography
This is where our students will undertake fieldwork such as in a major
city or along a river and have written a report under assessed conditions.
Levels of Entry
Higher Tier:
Foundation Tier:
Grades A* - D
Grades C - G
For further information contact Mr G Stables.
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Enable a student to gain employment as: Nursery Nurse, Care Assistant, Childminder,
Pre-school/Nursery School Assistant.
Be the basis for further study in this subject at A Level or for related courses,
which could include Diplomas, NVQs or Modern Apprenticeships.
Contribute towards meeting the entry requirements for
training for nursing and professions such as occupational
therapy, physiotherapy, pharmacy, teaching, working
with people with disabilities, etc.
This includes:
Where appropriate, your studies will be supported by relevant videos, visits to observe care
practitioners and visiting speakers e.g. Occupational Therapist/Midwife.
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Scheme of Assessment
Unit: Health, Social Care and Early Years Provision
60 marks
Unit: Understanding Personal Development and Relationships
60 marks
For further information please contact Miss J Williams, Mrs Stobart or Mrs J Walton
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HISTORY
Florence Nightingale
saves the soldiers
If you have ever wondered why events such as these happen, what causes change or what you would
have done if you had been there, then you will find the History course interesting and challenging. In
this course you will look at clues and try to work out what may have happened. You will weigh up
evidence and form conclusions.
The emphasis is not just on learning facts but on learning how to find out, to make judgements, to
solve problems, to see things from someone else's point of view, to write clearly and to spot when
people are being one-sided and unfair. These are skills which will be useful in any job and indeed in
life in general.
A study in depth
History around us
Paper 2
Levels of Entry
History does not have tiered levels of entry. This means that all grades are open to all candidates.
For further information contact Ms L Hodgson, Miss L Campbell, Mr T Snaith,
Mrs L Watson, or Miss G Riddell.
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MEDIA STUDIES
GCSE Media Studies gives students an excellent opportunity to study a wide range of media products
and develop a critical understanding of the role of the media in daily life. This AQA Media course is a
good precursor to studying Media in our Sixth Form Centre. It encourages students to read media
products using four key media concepts: Media Language, Media Institutions, Media Representations
and Media Audiences. There are also several opportunities for hands-on practical work, where
students use their understanding of media products to develop their own creations. It is a great
choice for people considering a career in the media, advertising and marketing.
Written Examination
1 hour 30 mins
60 marks
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90 marks in total
Evidence required:
Written evidence - A 500-700 word analytical explanation comparing how the two covers attempt
to engage the interest of its target audience.
Design Evidence - Design a DVD sleeve for a film targeted at a specific audience.
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Assignment 2
Cross-Media Assignment Analyse how game companies advertise their
products over two platforms-audio/visual and print based. Then create the poster
and trailer for a game of your choice.
Evidence required:
Written evidence - An 800 word comparative explanation looking at the impact of two
promotional methods used to promote one game across two media platforms.
Assignment 3
Practical Production and Evaluation: Moving Image Film Trailers.
Analyse a variety of film trailers from a given genre, then plan and create a trailer or opening
sequence of approximately two minutes duration.
Evidence required:
Written evidence - Evidence of research into trailers and the target audience for your
product.
Design Evidence - Planning, filming and editing of final product with a short evaluation.
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MUSIC
The GCSE course is designed to add maximum interest and variety to learning
about music.
Method of Assessment
Content
Assessment
Unit 1
30%
Unit 2
30%
Unit 3
If you already sing or play an instrument you will find it easy to gain a high grade
If you have instrument lessons in school, your teacher will help you to choose suitable music
and prepare for your performances.
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Portraiture
Whatever you choose, the main aim of the course is to develop your visual language skills and for you
to build a comprehensive portfolio of photography work to progress to further courses or
employment.
Unit 2
Externally Set Assignment in
Art and Design: Photography
Each unit is assessed separately out of 80 marks. You will be assessed using 4 assessment
objectives of develop, review/experiment, record, present a personal response.
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You can find out more about the GCSE in Art and Design: Photography Lens and Light based media
by:
visiting the AQA web site- AQA | Art and Design | Subject content |
Photography: lens-based and light-based media (4206).
talking to the Head of Art and Design or any Art/Photography
Teacher in school who will be able to describe the course in detail
and advise you of what you need to do next when it comes to your
options.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
GCSE Physical Education following the AQA syllabus has been a very popular and successful course
taught to Year 10 and Year 11 for the past few years. The course is rooted in physical activity and
practical performance and will appeal to any boy or girl with a genuine interest and a degree of
ability in a variety of sports.
The leisure industry is one of the fastest growing sections of the UK economy and many
opportunities exist in this expanding market both nationally and locally.
Many of our students use this qualification to go on to study Physical Education at AS/A2 level in our
Sixth Form and even at degree level at University. Others seek employment within the rapidly
expanding leisure, fitness, exercise and tourism industry.
Method of Assessment
Practical performance 60% of Full
Course the role of the active
participant.
Written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) 40% of Full Course
Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Cricket
Football
Gymnastics
Hockey
Netball
Rounders
Rugby Union
Tennis
Trampoline
Swimming
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The following is a brief list of some of the theoretical components of the syllabus and shows the
extent and depth of study required:
Individual differences
Injury
Health/fitness and a healthy lifestyle
School influences
Emotional health and well being
The difference between aerobic and
anaerobic exercise
Opportunities and pathways available
for becoming or remaining involved in
physical activities
Fatigue/Stress
Training
Diet
Cultural and social factors
International and other factors
Characteristics and benefits of leisure
and recreation
Levels of entry
Physical Education does not have tiered levels of entry. This
means that all grades A* - G are open to all candidates.
Additional information
1. It is possible for students to take Physical Education
at AS/A2 without having studied it at GCSE level, but
they would be severely disadvantaged.
2. Please note that this course is run in addition to
mainstream Physical Education
lessons.
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The Cache Level 2 Award in Child Development & Care will give you a good understanding of
Childcare and Development in the Early Years Sector. It will be beneficial to anyone considering a
career in Early Years or Primary Teaching and supports progression to a Level 3 vocational or
academic Childcare, Psychology, Health & Social Care subjects or an apprenticeship. You will have
opportunities to achieve an A*- D and it is equivalent to one GCSE.
UNIT
CORE UNITS
ASSESSMENT METHOD
To achieve this unit you will complete an assignment set and marked by your teachers, which will be
graded A*-D.
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To achieve this unit you will complete an assignment set and marked by your teachers, which will be
graded A*-D
Unit 3: The Principles of Early Years Practice
Based on Unit 1 and Unit 2, a Multiple Choice Examination for this you must achieve a Pass.
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