GCSEs
We aim to offer pupils a broad, balanced and individualised GCSE programme that encourages critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent love of learning. We want to offer academic achievement, challenge and enjoyment so that pupils are supported and ready for the next step in their learning journey.
The GCSE years should be viewed as a stepping stone into a variety of deeper learning opportunities while pupils mature into the next stages of their personal, as well as academic growth.
This step of the learning journey builds on the foundation learning of Key stage 3 (Year 7 - 9) in a wide range of subjects, however pupils now have the opportunity to take agency over their curriculum and pursue some subjects with heightened focus.
These subjects will be guided by Abercorn’s option framework, which is outlined below, and combines core requirements with option choices.
Options and Pathways
Abercorn School will provide the following subjects as part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum and option framework:
-
The awarding body for English Language IGCSE is Edexcel.
English Language Specification
GCSE English Language is an important foundation for many of the courses you may take in employment or further education, and a requirement for many university courses. It is a core subject, which helps you to develop your powers of self-expression and improve your reading and writing.
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English Language (Specification A) comprises one mandatory component and a choice of an additional examined or non-examined assessment. In addition, students may be entered for an optional spoken language endorsement which will be reported as a separate grade on the student’s certificate. The anthology texts, component content and assessment information is contained within the specification linked above.
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:
read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
read critically and to evaluate links between writer’s ideas and perspectives
make comparisons between texts and analyse the ways in which writers achieve their effects
write effectively, imaginatively and coherently to convey meaning in written language, matching style to audience and purpose
use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge
understand grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively.
-
The awarding body for English Literature IGCSE is Edexcel.
English Literature Specification
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English Literature is a linear qualification and features a relevant, updated and engaging selection of texts ranging from British heritage to modern international. There is a choice of a 100% external assessment, or a 60% external examination and 40% internal coursework option. The set texts, detailed component content and assessment information is contained within the specification linked above.
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:
engage with and develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world
develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers achieve their literary effects
to develop the skills needed for literary study
explore, through literature, the cultures of their own and other societies
find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies.
-
The awarding body for Mathematics GCSE is Edexcel.
Mathematics Specification
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE is a linear qualification, with all examinations coming at the end of the course. It is designed to be demanding, rigorous, inclusive and empowering. The Mathematics curriculum is split into the following knowledge and skill areas with each containing specific objectives (see specifications linked above)
1. Number
2. Algebra
3. Ratio, proportion and rates of change
4. Geometry and measures
5. Probability
6. Statistics
Aims and Objectives
to give students the confidence in their mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding
to provide a strong foundation for further academic and vocational study and for employment in helping them progress to a full range of courses in further and higher education; including Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Economics, Engineering, Computer Sciences to name just a few.
to develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
to acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems
to reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions
to comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.
-
The awarding body for Science GCSE is AQA.
Science Combined: Trilogy Specification
The Science Combined: Trilogy GCSE counts as two GCSEs, where two separate GCSE grades will be awarded but the specification and assessments are structured into the three science subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
As part of the linear programme, where students are assessed at the end of the two year course, there are 21 practicals to complete alongside the taught content to ensure that learning occurs in a meaningful way. Science Combined: Trilogy is perfectly suitable to be able to take any of the three A-level sciences and progress into higher education in The Sciences.
-
The awarding body for Art and Design GCSE is AQA.
Art and Design Specification
This qualification has been designed to allow students to develop knowledge and understanding through a variety of learning experiences and approaches, including engagement with sources. This will enable them to develop the skills to explore, create and communicate their own ideas.
Students will demonstrate these skills through the development, refinement, recording, realisation and presentation of their ideas in one of the 6 title areas:
Art, craft and design
Fine art
Graphic communication
Textile design
Three-dimensional design
Photography
-
The awarding body for Computer Science GCSE is Edexcel.
Computer Science Specification
The Computer Science GCSE equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the fast changing world of computer science by providing a practical approach to developing computation skills.
Aims and Objectives
understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
understand the components that make up digital systems and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
understand the impact of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy and cybersecurity
apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.
-
The awarding body for Drama GCSE is OCR.
Drama Specification
The Drama GCSE is designed to be practical, engaging and creative. It provides opportunities to understand and create drama as a practical art form. The main purpose is to communicate to an audience through informed artistic choices and one’s own performances enhanced by interrogating and analysing drama in an academic setting.
It will prepare learners for the further study of Drama or Performing Arts courses as well as developing transferable skills desired by further education, higher education and employers in all sectors of industry.
The course will help create independent learners, critical thinkers and effective decision makers – all personal attributes that can make them stand out as they progress through their education and into employment.
Aims and Outcomes
apply knowledge and understanding of drama when making, performing and responding to drama
explore performance texts, understanding their social, cultural and historical context including the theatrical conventions of the period in which they were created
develop a range of theatrical skills and apply them to create performances
work collaboratively to generate, develop and communicate ideas
contribute as an individual to a theatrical performance
reflect on and evaluate their own work and that of others
develop an awareness and understanding of the roles and processes undertaken in contemporary professional theatre practice
-
The awarding body for French GCSE is AQA.
French Specification
The French GCSE is designed to enable students of all abilities to develop their French language skills to their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to communicate in a variety of contexts with confidence.
Aims and Objectives:
understand and respond to different types of spoken language
communicate and interact effectively in speech
understand and respond to different types of written language
communicate in writing
-
The awarding body for Spanish GCSE is AQA.
Spanish Specification
The Spanish GCSE is designed to enable students of all abilities to develop their Spanish language skills to their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to communicate in a variety of contexts with confidence.
Aims and Objectives:
understand and respond to different types of spoken language
communicate and interact effectively in speech
understand and respond to different types of written language
communicate in writing
-
The awarding body for Classical Civilisation GCSE is OCR.
Classical Civilisation Specification
Classical Civilisation provides an excellent introduction to the classical world and its legacy. The Classical Civilisation GCSE gives the students an opportunity to explore both ancient Greece and Rome thematically and enables them to respond and engage with a wealth of sources and ideas, equipping them with readily transferable, analytical skills.
Aims and Objectives
gain a broad knowledge and understanding of a range of literary and cultural materials from the classical world and the ability to use these to acquire knowledge and understanding of aspects of the classical world
use knowledge, in conjunction with analytical and evaluative skills, in order to gain insight into the classical world from the literary and material culture studied
demonstrate an informed response to the material studied, selecting a range of appropriate evidence to support an argument
develop awareness of how classical sources reflect issues relevant to both the classical world and today, such as questions of gender, belief, sexuality and citizenship.
-
The awarding body for Geography GCSE is AQA.
Geography Specification
Geography is an exciting and relevant course. It studies geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them. Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies and current global issues through a variety of topics and approaches. There are opportunities for fieldwork enquiries. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.
Aims and Objectives
Know Geography: develop and extend knowledge of locations, places, environments and processes, and of different scales including global; and of social, political and cultural contexts
Think Geography: gain understanding of the interactions between people and environments, change in places and processes over space and time, and the inter-relationship between geographical phenomena at different scales and in different contexts
Study Geography: develop and extend their competence in a range of skills including those used in fieldwork, in using maps and GIS and in researching secondary evidence, including digital sources; and develop their competence in applying sound enquiry and investigative approaches to questions and hypotheses
Apply Geography: apply geographical knowledge, understanding, skills and approaches appropriately and creatively to real world contexts, including fieldwork, and to contemporary situations and issues; and develop well-evidenced arguments drawing on their geographical knowledge and understanding.
-
The awarding body for History GCSE is AQA.
History Specification
History enables students to study different aspects of the past, so they can engage with key issues, understand what drives change and how the past influences the present. This is done through a broad curriculum which engages pupils to different eras, timescales and contexts. The benefits of studying History are wide ranging - in general, universities and future employers will be looking looking for young people who are able to think critically and analytically, both key attributes of the historian, and studying GCSE History can help you take the first steps on a variety of career paths, including law, journalism, marketing, human resources, and management.
Aims and Objectives
develop and extend their 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 in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers
develop the 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 an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them
organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions.
-
The awarding body for Music GCSE is Edexcel.
Aims and Objectives:
engage actively in the process of music study
develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control of the resources used
develop composing skills to organise musical ideas and make use of appropriate resources
recognise links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising and how this informs the development of music
broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity
develop awareness of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing
develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music
recognise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop some awareness of musical chronology
develop as effective and independent learners with enquiring minds
reflect on and evaluate their own and others’ music
engage with and appreciate the diverse heritage of music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development
-
The awarding body for Religious Studies GCSE is AQA.
Religious Studies Specification
This GCSE covers a range of the major world religions, six contemporary ethical themes and two textual studies, ensuring pupils have a diverse choice of intriguing subjects to explore. They will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. Pupils will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study.
Aims and Objectives
develop knowledge and understanding of religions and non-religious beliefs, such as atheism and humanism
develop their knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom and authority, including through their reading of key religious texts, other texts and scriptures of the religions they are studying
develop ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced and structured written arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of the subject
reflect on and develop their own values, belief, meaning, purpose, truth and their influence on human life
reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learnt and contribute to their preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community.
