Hamstead Hall Academy

Hamstead Hall Academy
Part of the Hamstead Hall Academy Trust Hamstead Hall Sixth Form

  • Pride

  • Persistence

  • Patience

  • Preparation

  • Progress

"Success for All through Hard Work and Harmony"

Key Stage 4

Click here to download the year 11 revision booklet for 2018.

This has important and helpful information broken down into subject areas. You should also check out the year 11 revision area by following this link.

The Curriculum for Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students study a common core of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Religious Education and Citizenship.

Students are supported through information, advice and guidance to follow the Learning Pathway of their choice. This enables students to choose from a wide range of subjects the courses they wish to study alongside the core subjects. The curriculum is differentiated and tailored to meet the needs of individual students. It caters for all students covering both vocational and traditional GCSE subjects.

All subjects lead to GCSE or Vocational qualifications. A work related learning programme includes work experience and careers guidance for all students. For students that are not able to access GCSE courses we run a foundation learning programme that develops key skills such as literacy, numeracy, ICT, functional skills, Personal Social Development and Work Skills to prepare students for independent living. Students complete entry level qualifications in these subjects.

To ensure every child receives their entitlement of two hours of Physical Education every week at Key Stage 4, students are expected to stay at the Academy until 4.00 pm one evening per week. Students achieve very highly at Key Stage 4 with results that are well above the national averages. Our success is based on high quality teaching, excellent resources, a secure grounding in Key Stage 3 and high aspirations of the teachers, students and parents/carers.

Subjects taught at KS4 
(All subjects listed are taken at GCSE unless otherwise stated) 

English Language Business ICT
English Literature Computer Science Music
Mathematics Dance (BTEC)

Music Technology (BTEC

Science Drama PE
Biology French Product Design
Chemistry Geography RE
Physics Graphics Spanish
3D Health and Social Care (BTEC) Sport (BTEC)
Art History Textiles

During the first three years at Hamstead Hall Academy all students follow the same wide range of courses. In Years 10 & 11 subjects are studied in far greater detail and therefore, there would simply not be enough time to take all the courses available. Consequently, your child will have to make some important choices guided by us.

All students will, for over half their timetable, follow compulsory subjects.

These include:

Mathematics, English, Science, Physical Education, Personal Social and Health Education and a course in Religious Education and Citizenship.

Each student, under guidance, will also be given the opportunity to follow an Individual Learning Pathway. The chosen pathway will involve a range of subjects giving the students a broader learning experience and ultimately greater individual success at the end of Key Stage 4.

English Baccalaureate Pathway

(Compulsory Pathway for Set 1 and Set 2 French and Spanish students and available to all other students)

The EBACC was introduced as a performance measure in the 2010 performance tables. The measure recognises where pupils have secured a grade 5 or higher in GCSEs across a core of subjects – English, mathematics, two sciences, history or geography and a language (including Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) or ancient languages).

By introducing this performance measure, the Government hopes that more pupils will be offered the chance to take a broad core of more traditional academic options. The Government believes that the English Baccalaureate will be the benchmark and measure of
success for high attaining students used by universities and employers. It is seen as an academic pathway. The EBACC pathway is compulsory for those students who are in Set 1 and Set 2 for French and Spanish. Other students are welcome to select this pathway.

Non – EBACC Pathway

For those students who do not wish to opt for EBACC subjects they have the flexibility to choose a wider range of creative, practical and academic subjects from across the four option blocks in addition to the compulsory subjects.

Please refer to the guidance for completing the options pathway form at the back of this booklet as there are restrictions to studying particular subjects that may be deemed too similar.

All students in Year 9 have been receiving Information, Advice and Guidance to support them to make their choices for Key Stage 4 and have been encouraged to discuss their preferences with their parents / carers. 

English

There are two courses available in English.

Pupils will study both English Language and English Literature as separate courses (2 GCSEs). There is also a Step Up Silver and Gold qualification available. This provides pupils of different abilities with the opportunity to attain an English qualification. -

English Language: 100% Exam – Assesses pupils’ reading and writing. Paper one – Explorations in Creative reading and writing Paper two – Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives -

English Literature: 100% Exam - Assesses pupils’ responses to a range of literature Paper one – Shakespeare and 19th century novel Paper two – Poetry and a modern text.

Step Up to English Level Silver and Gold - Entry Level Certificate: 100% Controlled Assessment – Reading and Writing

For further information please contact the Miss L Davis, Head of English.

Maths

It is the aim of the Mathematics department that every student be given the opportunity to be assessed for positive achievement at every level of ability.

To this end students will be assessed within a range of attainment so that they can show what they know, understand and can do.

We work closely with Pearson Publishing and Casio Calculators. You can view our work together in the videos below.

 

 

Students will take the following course with Edexcel:

GCSE Edexcel Mathematics A – IMA1 (2- tier Linear GCSE)

GCSE specification IMA1 consists of three papers, one non-calculator and two calculator, all taken at the end of the course in year 11. Each paper will assess students’ ability to recall, select and apply their knowledge of mathematics and to interpret, analyse and solve problems. There is no coursework.

The content of the GCSE Mathematics specifications has been grouped into the topic areas of Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measures, Statistics and Probability.

For further information please contact Mr M Michael, Head of Maths. 

Science

Science is a three-year course at this Academy. You started in year 9!!
- You will have already studied one topic in Biology, Chemistry and

Physics

- There are now only two choices, Combined Science which gives two GCSE grades or Triple
Science which gives three GCSE grades.
- All students must do at least the Combined Science and the higher achievers will be invited by
their Science teachers to choose the 3rd Science in the option block.
- There is no coursework!
- There are 8 practical activities for each GCSE grade gained. So Combined Science requires 16
practical activities to be completed and Triple Science requires 24.
- You will be assessed by internal exams each term to monitor your progress.
- The external exams which give your final grades are at the end of year 11 only.
- There are 6 exams (2 per subject) for the Combined Science each lasting 1hr 15 minutes.
- There are 6 exams (2 per subject) for the Triple Science each lasting 1hr 45 minutes. 

Art and Design

-Pupils produce coursework (a portfolio) throughout Years 10 and 11, which contributes 60% of their overall grade. There is also a
final examination in Year 11, which makes up the other 40% of marks.
- The portfolio of work must demonstrate their ability to respond to a stimulus, develop ideas and experiment with a broad range of
processes, techniques and materials.
- Throughout the course, pupils will be given the opportunity to work in a wide variety of art media including paint, print, textiles
and clay. Photography and drawing are also essential skills that pupils will develop over the duration of the course.

Business

Business is one of the most popular options chosen at GCSE by Hamstead Hall students.

A high majority of these students continuestudying the course at A-level and beyond.

If you enjoy:

- Communicating and explaining your ideas
- Thinking creatively and making decisions
- Working with numbers to solve business problems
- Learning about the world of business through real and relevant local
and international brands then the GCSE Business course is the right
subject for you.

What do I need to know?

It doesn't matter if you haven’t studied business prior to taking this course.

You might have an interest in business, and want to start your own business one day. You may have an enquiring mind and be interested in learning about the world around you, how businesses are set up, and what it is that makes someone a great entrepreneur. This course will help you to understand all this and more.

Scheme of Assessment:

This course is worth ONE GCSE.

There are only TWO exams and NO controlled assessment/coursework unit.

Progression:

Our GCSE (9-1) in Business has been designed to support progression to our new A-level. 

BTEC LEVEL 2 FIRST AWARD CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA

Inspiring. Creative. Contemporary.

This qualification has been developed to provide an engaging and stimulating introduction to the world of media through the use of ICT.

Brief Content Description / Summary:

Unit 1 of the core units is a broad unit that underpins the fundamental knowledge and understanding of media principles looking at all five key sectors

(Digital Moving Image, Digital Audio Production, Digital Publishing, Website Production and Digital Games Production) and the different types of audiences. Unit 2 must be taken alongside the optional units and focuses on communication techniques.

The optional specialist units offered within the qualification build on the core and provide learners with an opportunity to develop a wider understanding and appreciation of any two sectors of the creative digital media sector, depending on their interests and motivation. 

BTEC Performing Arts

A fantastic vocational course to develop dance talent and creativity whilst providing students with a good professional approach to the dance and Performing Arts industry

The course breakdown is as follows:

Component 1
Exploring the Performing Arts Industry (Internal Assessment)

Component 2
Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts (Internal Assessment)

Component 3
Performing to a Brief (External Examination)

In order for students to fulfill the criteria of the course they must achieve a pass in all units. Passes, merits and distinctions are gained through the completion of the Units displayed above. The BTEC course provides a solid foundation for progression to dance related courses, including A-Level Dance, BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts and a career in dance professions. Students will have the opportunity to perform at a number of school concerts as well as external events, often working with professional performers in a range of venues around the city.

The course is aimed at pupils who have a keen interest in dance and want to follow an in depth dance course concentrating on performing and choreographing dance pieces. The course also enables pupils to gain understanding of how the dance industry works, the history of dance and how careers can be developed within the performing arts industry.

Students will work with outside dance genre specialists to develop technical skills. You will participate in a number of dance workshops to develop areas that will prepare you for live performances and auditions. You will learn how to use interpretative skills and stylistic qualities to improve your techniques in a range of dance styles. Throughout your course, you will learn to appreciate aesthetic qualities, review your own and others work, set targets and track your own progress.

Pupils will have the opportunity to perform in a variety of dance festivals, talent shows and competitions. This BTEC Tech has an equivalent value to one ‘GCSE’.

For further information please contact Miss S Wood, Dance Subject Leader

GCSE Drama

The subject content for GCSE Drama is divided into three components:

Component 1: Devising (Coursework)

  • Create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus.
  • Assessment of the performance (acting skills) and a written evaluation of the process (evaluation skills).
  • Internally assessed and externally moderated.
  • 40% of GCSE.

Component 2: Performance from Text (Coursework)

  • Performance of two key extracts from a performance text.
  • Externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
  • 20% of GCSE.

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (Written examination)

  • Practical exploration of a play.
  • Live theatre evaluation.
  • External examiner.
  • 40% of GCSE.

The GCSE Drama course provides a solid foundation for progression to Drama related courses and a career in the Drama field as well as giving students a range of skills in presentation and collaborative group work both of which highly valued by Universities and employers alike.

You will learn how drama is created including skills needed to put a piece of drama on stage. You will learn how to create a character and perform in role. Teamwork skills are a big part of the course and you will work collaboratively throughout. A range of texts are explored practically and evaluation skills, both oral and written, are looked at in detail. The course includes compulsory theatre visits and a final written exam based on practical work completed on a play text in addition to a review of a piece of professional theatre the group will be taken to see.

For further information please contact Miss Davies Head of Drama

Geography

GCSE Geography Geography is one of the humanities subjects that count towards the English Baccalaureate.

1. Living with a Physical Environment A study of the new and updated Geography key themes including Natural Hazards, Rivers & Coasts, and Ecosystems. 1 ½ hr examination at the end of year 11 35%.

2. Challenges in the Human Environment A study of the new and updated Geography key themes including Urban issues and Challenges, The Changing Economic World and The Challenge of Resource Management. 1 ½ hr examination at the end of year 11 35%.

3. Geographical Application This section requires pupils to undertake two contrasting fieldwork trips. It also requires students to use their learning from the themes studied to analyse a geographical issue, to consider solutions and justify their choices using pre-released materials. 1hr 15 minutes examination 30%.

For further information please contact Miss Newton Head of Geography 

GCSE Graphics

Graphics Communication consists of 60% coursework completed throughout year 10/year 11, and 40% examination, which is 10 hours long with 6 weeks preparation time.

Students present a portfolio of work and a final application for their coursework assessment. Students will use various computer applications as well as traditional art/graphics materials to produce design ideas and styles leading towards a final outcome such as a book cover design, information posters, packaging graphics, corporate ID, etc.

Students must show that they can in an original and individual manner: investigate, research and react to Art, Craft and Design.

BTEC Health and Social Care

The course breakdown is as follows;

Component 1
Human Lifespan Development (Internal coursework)

Component 2
Health and Social Care Services and Values (Internal coursework)

Component 3
Health and Wellbeing (Sypnoptic timed external assessment)

In order for student’s to fulfil the criteria of the course they must achieve 120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). This will be achieved through external exam and coursework to complete all of the units displayed above. The BTEC course provides a solid foundation for progression to health and social care related courses, BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care and a career in health care professionals.

The course is aimed at pupils who want to follow a career within health and social care and to develop their practical skills. The course also enables pupils to gain understanding of how the health industry works and how careers can be developed within the health industry.

Students will work with local schools’ to develop skills in communication and gaining insight into the whole person and all their needs and rights as an individual.

Pupils will have the opportunity to visit primary schools and Special Educational primary and secondary schools. The BTEC Tech Award Level 1 & 2 has an equivalent value of one GCSE

For further information please contact: Mrs Shipman - Teacher in charge of BTEC

GCSE History

OCR History – Explaining the Modern World.

The specification follows three components:

1. Period study and non-British depth study. Pupils study International relations 1918 –2010 and a depth study on Germany 1925-
1965.
105 Marks 50% of total GCSE 1hr 45Mins (Written paper).
2. British Thematic study. Pupils study the theme of Migration to Britain 1000 – 2010. 50 Marks 25% of total GCSE 1hr (Written paper).
3. British depth study and a study of the historic environment.
Pupils study a depth study and a historical environment study on Migration and Empire. 50 Marks 25% of total GCSE 1hr 15Mins (Written paper).

GCSE French

From Youth Culture to Entertainment and Leisure, from school life to Health and Fitness, you will cover a broad range of topics.

You will be assessed in all 4 skills and each skill carries the same weight (25% each). The Listening, Reading and Writing exams will be external exams, with a date imposed by the exam board, whereas the speaking test will take place a bit before and will be conducted on a date chosen by the school. The exams are tiered. If you do Foundation, you will have access to grades 1-5 and if you do Higher, you will have access to grades 4-9.

This course is aimed at pupils who have demonstrated a good understanding of French during Key Stage 3. We will build on what you have already learnt and extend it so you can understand and communicate in French more effectively.

You will study topics relating to family, relationships, modern technology, holidays, hobbies, your future plans, the environment, social issues such as smoking or drug abuse.

For more information, please see: Mr Gicquel or any MFL teacher.

GCSE Spanish

Course Content Exactly the same features as GCSE French. Same topics, same style of assessment, different language!

You will be assessed in all 4 skills and each skill carries the same weight (25% each). The Listening, Reading and Writing exams will be external exams, with a date imposed by the exam board, whereas the speaking test will take place a bit before and will be conducted on a date chosen by the school.

The exams are tiered. If you do Foundation, you will have access to grades 1-5 and if you do Higher, you will have access to grades 4-9. It is no longer possible to ‘mix the tiers’ which means that if you do Foundation in one skill, all your exams will be Foundation. You will study topics relating to family, relationships, modern technology, holidays, hobbies, your future plans, the environment, social issues such as smoking or drug abuse.

This FAST TRACK course is highly recommended for pupils who have shown commitment and dedication to language learning at KS3. You can study French as well as Spanish if you want to!

There are huge benefits in combining two Language GCSEs. The best pupils in the best schools often study two languages. Don’t get left out! Because of the similarities between the MFL GCSEs you will quickly be familiar with the demands of the course. This course is only available to students who have previously studied Spanish.

For further information please contact: Mr Gicquel or Miss Roberts

BTEC Music

Edexcel BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Music

The course is 120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and the breakdown is as follows;

Unit 1
The Music Industry (external
exam)(30 GLH)

Unit 2
Managing a Music Product
(30 GLH)

Unit 4
Introducing Music Composition
(30 GLH)

Unit 5
Introducing Music Performance
(30 GLH)

The BTEC course provides a solid foundation for progression to music related courses, including A-Level Music Technology, BTEC Level 3 Music and a career in music professions. Students will have the opportunity to perform at a number of school concerts as well as external events, often working with professional musicians in a range of high profile venues around the city.

The course is aimed at pupils who want to follow an in depth music course concentrating on studio recording and creating music using computers. The course also enables pupils to gain understanding of how the music industry works and how careers can be developed within the music industry.

Students will work with the schools’ designated Music Technician to develop skills in studio recording and sequencing using the most up to date industry standard equipment including Apple’s most recent iMac (with Quad-four processors) and Logic Pro X. Pupils will have the opportunity to record, mix and master their own studio recordings as well as take part in live performances.

Pupils also gain experience in live sound engineering. The BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Music has an equivalent value of one GCSE. For further information please contact Mr I Marshallsay, Head of Music.

GCSE Music

The course breakdown is as follows;

Integrated Portfolio – 60 marks (30%)
(Controlled Assessment) Internally assessed.
1: Performance on the learner’s chosen instrument
2: Composition to a brief set by the learner Practical Component – 60 marks (30%)
(Controlled Assessment) Internally assessed.
1: Ensemble Performance
2: Composition to an OCR set brief
Listening and Appraising – 80 marks (40%)
1 hour and 30 minutes written exam paper.
Externally assessed.
Aural recognition and context from music from within the Areas of Study 2, 3, 4 & 5.

The 5 Areas of Study are;

1. My Music
2. The Concerto Through Time
3. Rhythms of the World
4. Film Music
5. Conventions of Pop

BTEC Sport

Edexcel BTEC First Award in Sport:

The course breakdown is as follows:
Unit 1
Fitness for sport (External
Assessment 25 % of overall grade)
Unit 2
Practical performance
Unit 5
Training for Personal Fitness
Unit 6
Leading Sports Activities

In order for student’s to fulfil the criteria of the course they must achieve at least a pass in all units. Passes, merits and distinctions are gained through the completion of the Units displayed above. The BTEC course provides a solid foundation for progression to sport related courses, including A-Level Physical Education, BTEC Level 3 Sport and a career in sporting world. Students will have the opportunity to perform at a number of school sport meetings as well as external events, often working with professional performers in a range of venues around the city. The course is aimed at pupils who have a keen interest in sport and want to follow an in depth sport course concentrating on performing and understanding how the body and mind function. The course also enables pupils to gain understanding of how the sport industry works, the human body and how careers can be developed within the sporting industry.

Students may work with outside sport specialists to develop technical skills. You will participate in a number of sporting workshops to develop areas that will prepare you for live performances and analysis or performances by both yourself and others. Throughout your course, you will learn to appreciate aesthetic qualities, review your own and others work, set targets and track your own progress. Pupils will have the opportunity to perform in a variety of sport competitions. This BTEC First Award has an equivalent value to one ‘GCSE’.

For further information please contact Miss S Wood, BTEC Sport Subject Leader

GCSE Physical Education

There are four components within the GCSE PE course and the content is outlined below:

COMPONENT 1

Fitness & Body Systems
Written examination: 1hr 45 Mins
36% of qualification

Topic 1: Applied Anatomy &

Physiology

Topic 2: Movement Analysis
Topic 3: Physical Training
Topic 4: Use of Data

COMPONENT 2

Health & Performance

Written examination: 1hr 15 Mins
24% of qualification

Topic 1: Health, Fitness & Well-being
Topic 2: Sport Psychology
Topic 3: Socio-cultural influences
Topic 4: Use of Data

COMPONENT 3

Practical Performance

Non-examined assessment: internally marked and eternally moderated.
30% of qualification
105 Marks (35 marks per activity) Assessed in 3 Practical Activities
One team activity
One individual activity
One free choice from the activity list
published by Edexcel.

Your skills in isolation will be assessed along with your skills in a competitive formal situation.

COMPONENT 4

Personal Exercise Programme (PEP)
Internally assessed, Externally moderated
20 Marks , 10% of qualification
Aim & planning analysis
Carrying out & monitoring PEP
Evaluation of the PEP

For further information please contact: Mr J Sims – Head of PE

GCSE Product Design

WHY STUDY PRODUCT DESIGN?

This course will help you understand and appreciate the design and manufacture of products, making you a more discriminating purchaser. It will help you to be creative in your approach and you will use computers to help you with your design ideas and in creating products. You will learn about a range of materials including modern materials and how they respond to changes in temperature, light or pressure. You will also gain an insight into how products are packaged to appeal to the target market and how advertisement can influence different products.

YOU WILL STUDY:

  • How to develop a specification for a product (you can decide your own
  • starting point).
  • How to analyse existing products.
  • How to generate a range of design proposals.
  • Developing prototypes and analysing the impact they have on the end product.
  • How to use the internet to research ideas.
  • Product development and planning.
  • How to select materials and work with tools and equipment.
  • How to evaluate and test products.
  • The importance of advertising and how to advertise products to attract the target audience

YOU WILL:

  • Improve your ICT skills and learn about CAD and CAM.
  • Analyze products and the processes used to manufacture them.
  • Develop awareness of consumer requirements of a product.
  • Work practically with wood, metal and plastic materials. Learn how to work on your own or part of a team.

GCSE Religious Education 

There is one exam for the four units studied in year 10:

1) Christian Beliefs
2) Christian Practices
3) Sikh Beliefs
4) Sikh Practices

There is one exam for the four units studied in year 11:

1) Relationships and Families
2) Religion and Life
3) Religion, Peace and conflict
4) Crime and Punishment

For each exam 50% is knowledgeand understanding and 50% is evaluation.

GCSE 3-Dimensional Design

WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Lively, enthusiastic and committed individuals who strive to achieve excellence in all that they do; working together in partnership with the departmental staff to achieve their potential in this subject.

THE COURSE:

3-D Design consists of 60% coursework completed throughout. Year 10/Year 11, and a 40% examination which is 10 hours long with 6 weeks preparation time.

Students present a portfolio of 3-D work plus a final 3-D outcome. Students will use a range of resistant materials such as wood, metal and plastic. The portfolio will consist of jewellery design - students design and make various types of jewellery based on inspirations and selected designers work, including rings, pendants, brooches, etc. In addition other applications such as Etching and Enamelling are explored and applied. Students must show that they can in an original and individual manner: investigate, research and react to Art, Craft and Design.

For further in-depth information about the courses we offer in KS4 please read the Pathways information PDF available for download below.

Year 11 revision booklet 2018

Year 11 Achievement Evening Presentation

Pathways Information Booklet February 2018