GCSE Courses and Examination Data

At KS4, learners will engage in a variety of programmes, suited to their individual needs and abilities. Courses offered will include Entry Level, Functional Skills, GCSE and BTECs. Our full and enriching curriculum offer also supports life skills, careers and personal well-being, preparing our learners for moving on to post-16 and adulthood.

In addition to formal qualifications, our holistic KS4 programme includes a focus on literacy and reading, alongside PSHE and Careers, and Health and Fitness. There are many opportunities for enrichment through weekly sessions at school and offsite visits.

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE in Mathematics provides a broad and coherent course of study. It encourages learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society. This specification enables learners to:

· develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts;

· acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems;

· reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions; and

· comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

Assessment consists of three examinations, one non-calculator paper and two calculator papers.

English Language

The Pearson Edexcel English Language 2.0 GCSE provides a specification designed to engage and motivate students through a choice of contemporary texts, relatable modern themes and real-world writing tasks. It has been developed with non-neurotypical learners in mind.

It enables learners to:

·        read a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding.

·        read critically, and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing.

·        write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately.

·        use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately.

·        acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.

·        listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively.

Assessment for GCSE English Language consists of two written examinations, within which spelling, punctuation and grammar make up 20%. Speaking skills are also assessed, but do not contribute to the overall grade.

Science

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE in Combined Science or Biology enables learners to:

● develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer questions about the world around them

● develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills in the classroom and in other learning environments

● develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions.

Learners will study the sciences in ways that help them to develop curiosity about the natural world, that give them an insight into how science works and that enable them to appreciate its relevance to their everyday lives. The scope and nature of the study is broad, coherent, practical and satisfying. It encourages learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by the subject and its achievements.

Combined Science GCSE assessment consists of six externally examined papers.

Biology GCSE assessment consists of two  externally-examined papers.

Those learners not participating in GCSE courses in KS4, are able to pursue Entry Level or Functional Skills qualifications in English, Mathematics, Science and Digital ICT.

Functional Skills English qualifications enable learners to develop confidence and fluency in, and a positive attitude towards English. Learners will be able to competently use English in the real world and gain a sound grasp of basic English knowledge and skills. They also help learners progress into further education and develop skills for everyday life.

Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications enable learners to gain confidence in using mathematics. They provide a foundation for learners to progress into further education and develop skills for everyday life. Learners will show a sound grasp of the basic and underpinning mathematics skills at the appropriate level, and apply mathematical thinking to solve simple problems in familiar situations.

The Digital Functional Skills Qualification at Entry Level and Functional Skills Level 1 will enable learners to learn about, initiate and participate in digital and online activities safely in the classroom, workplace and in other real-life contexts.

Digital Functional Skills qualifications:

• enable learners to increase their confidence and fluency in their use of digital knowledge and skills, and develop a positive attitude towards the use of digital skills
• enable learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills by applying these to complete tasks and activities.
• introduce learners to areas of life and work which may be new or unfamiliar, and tasks and activities that they may encounter in future.
• enable learners to develop an appreciation of the importance of digital skills in the workplace and in life generally.
• provide a basis for further study, work and life.

BTEC in Personal Growth and Wellbeing qualification is available at Entry level, Level 1 and Level 2.

It offers a broad introduction to personal growth and wellbeing focused on specific, personally relevant contexts that match individual learner needs, interests, aspirations and future progression plans. It is mapped to cover the RSE programme of study, alongside optional units which develop transferable employability skills. These include:

·        Communication

·        Working with others

·        Problem solving

·        Managing and presenting information

·        Self-management and development

BTEC in Home Cooking Skills qualification is available at Level 1 and Level 2.

The ability to plan and cook for oneself is a fundamental life skill on the path to independence. This qualification aims to give learners the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy cooking meals for themselves.

They are introduced to basic cooking skills by following recipes for simple dishes and learning how to use kitchen equipment safely. Each recipe is underpinned with knowledge about sourcing food, nutrition, hygiene and food safety. Learners gain understanding of how to economise when planning meals so that they are not reliant on buying pre-prepared or ready-cooked meals.

The course encourages learners to transfer skills learnt to other recipes to continue cooking for themselves and their families and to inspire others by passing on their knowledge.