The whole-person approach
The school’s curriculum contributes to the development of each pupil’s sense of identity through knowledge and understanding of the moral, social, cultural and spiritual heritages of our diverse society and of the local, national and global dimensions of their lives. It encourages pupils to appreciate human aspirations and achievements and prompts personal responses and interactions.
In order to help all pupils reach their full potential, our teaching is differentiated and pupil centered to take into account our student’s varied learning styles, abilities and needs. We use a wide range of resources in our teaching and all teachers run at least one subject ‘Clinic’ throughout the week so that pupils can be given additional help and support. It is however not compulsory for staff to run these but many of them do. Many students gain great benefit from these Clinics and the assistance our resident teaching staff can give at any time over the week.
Mandatory subjects
English – Students will study either –
Mathematics
The decision about which level to be studied will be made by teaching staff following end of Year 9 examinations.
Optional subjects – students choose 4
IGCSE
*coursework components that will require participation outside of timetabled sessions.
BTEC Level 2
Enrichment
February- April Departmental discussions about what IGCSE requires, investigation into possible career choices and university requirements leading into A Level choices.
Any questions please feel free to email deputyhm@greenstedsschool.com
Brief outline of the subject/ course:
The programme of study for IGCSE Mathematics builds on work completed at KS3. IGCSE Mathematics is compulsory as the skill set it brings is essential for future employment or further study and while we encourage our pupils to appreciate the practical usefulness of Mathematics in everyday life, we also aim to make the course enjoyable. We aim to enable as many as possible to see the elegance and beauty of Mathematics.
Studying IGCSE Mathematics will provide students with opportunities to pursue a wide range of courses at A-Level here at Greensteds International School. This will make the students competitive and versatile in the job market.
Course Content
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics requires students to demonstrate application and understanding of the following:
Number
Algebra
Geometry
Statistics
Students should be able to demonstrate problem-solving skills by translating problems in mathematical or non-mathematical contexts into a process or a series of mathematical processes.
Students should be able to demonstrate mathematical reasoning skills by:
Assessment
UNITS
Two papers: 1H and 2H
An opportunity to do the exam in May/June and January/February Exam Period.
Other subjects that complement this.
Physics, Business, Biology, Chemistry, BTEC
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
Students can progress from this qualification to:
Possible careers related to this subject:
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English offers candidates the opportunity to respond with understanding to a rich array of reading texts during the course as a whole. Candidates will use these texts to inform and inspire their own writing and write in a range of text types for different purposes and audiences. Candidates will develop both their speaking and their listening skills, delivering a presentation and responding to questions and engaging in conversations. Candidates are encouraged to become appreciative and critical readers, writers, speakers and listeners. Candidates take this syllabus alongside Literature.
Cambridge O Level English Language offers candidates the opportunity to respond confidently to a range of reading material, including fiction and non-fiction. Candidates will also have the opportunity to enhance their writing skills by writing in a range of text types for different audiences. Candidates are encouraged to become appreciative and critical readers and writers. Candidates who take this syllabus do not take Literature.
The decision about which syllabus students will follow is made following the year 9 end-of-year exams.
Course Content
Cambridge First Language English- (0500)
Paper 1 – Reading
Time 2 hours
Weighting 50%
80 marks
Structured and extended writing questions Questions will be based on three reading texts
Question 1 Comprehension and summary task (30 marks).
Candidates respond to a series of sub-questions. These include short answers testing understanding of both explicit and implicit meanings based on Text A.
Candidates answer a selective summary task in their own words. Candidates write their summary as continuous writing of no more than 120 words based on Text B.
Question 2 Short-answer questions and language task (25 marks)
Candidates respond to a series of sub-questions that require answers of different lengths based on Text C.
Question 3 Extended response to reading (25 marks)
Candidates write about 250–350 words, responding in one of the following text types: letter, report, journal, speech, interview and article based on Text C.
Externally assessed.
Paper 2 – Directed Writing and composition
Time 2 hours
Weighting 50%
80 marks
Section A Directed Writing (40 marks)
Candidates answer one compulsory question on one or two texts totalling 650–750 words in length.
Candidates use, develop and evaluate the information in the text(s) to create a discursive/argumentative/ persuasive speech, letter or article.
Section B Composition (40 marks)
Candidates answer one question from a choice of four titles: two descriptive and two narrative.
Candidates use the title to develop and write a composition.
Candidates write about 350–450 words
Cambridge 0- Level English – 1123
Paper 1 – Writing
Time 1 hour 30 min
Weighting 50%
Candidates answer two questions: the compulsory question in Section 1 and one question from Section 2.
Section 1: Directed Writing (30 marks)
Candidates are presented with one compulsory writing task. Candidates write a response of 200–300 words.
Section 2: Composition (30 marks)
Candidates complete one writing task from a choice of five descriptive/argumentative/ narrative essay titles.
Candidates write a response of 350–500 words.
This component is externally assessed. 60 marks
Paper 2 – Reading
Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Weighting 50%
Candidates answer all questions in both sections.
Section 1: Reading for Ideas (25 marks)
Candidates scan a factual text and identify key points. Candidates use their notes to produce a written summary of 150–180 words.
Candidates answer questions to identify examples of a function in the text, e.g. opinions, advice, criticism or warnings.
Section 2: Reading for Meaning (25 marks)
Candidates respond to questions about one narrative passage. Both passages in Paper 2 will be approximately 700 words each.
This component is externally assessed. 50 marks
Where can I get more information?
CAIE website.https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/
Other subjects that complement this: Literature, Drama,History, Music, Media, Sociology, Psychology
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE First Language English gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level English Language.
Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.
Cambridge O Levels are general qualifications that enable candidates to progress either directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications. Candidates who are awarded grades C to A* in Cambridge O Level English Language are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language, or the equivalent.
Possible careers related to this subject
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology encourages learners to develop lifelong skills including:
The ICT course balances a thorough knowledge and understanding of ICT and help to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment.
IGCSE ICT provides the following course content:
Assessment
The IGCSE. ICT course has both written and practical “hands-on” exams.
Paper 1 – Theory 2 hours. The paper will have 100 marks but account for 40% of the total marks. Questions will be based on sections 1–21 of the subject content. All questions are compulsory and Externally assessed.
Paper 2: Practical. 2 hours 30 minutes. It will cover the topics – Document Production, Data Manipulation and Presentations. It will have 80 marks but will account for 30% of the total marks. This test assesses the practical skills needed to use the applications covered in sections 17, 18 and 19 of the subject content. Candidates must demonstrate the practical skills relevant to sections 11–16. All tasks are compulsory and it is externally assessed.
Paper 3: Practical. 2 hours 30 minutes. It will cover the topics – Data Analysis and Website Authoring It will have 80 marks but will account for 30% of the total marks. This test assesses the practical skills needed to use the applications covered in sections 20 and 21 of the subject content. Candidates must demonstrate the practical skills relevant to sections 11–16. All tasks are compulsory and externally assessed.
Other subjects that complement this: Physics, Media Studies
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
We live in a media-saturated world. From video clips on your phone, to TV ads to blockbuster movies, to posters at the bus stop, to the music in your earbuds, you are surrounded by media messages for most of your waking hours. How do you make sense of them all? How do you know what they are trying to communicate — both on an obvious and a less obvious level? How do you know how much you have been influenced — consciously or subconsciously — by these media messages? Does the media reflect your reality, or control the way you view it?
It’s been said that media literacy is as important to living in the 21st century as regular literacy was to the 20th century. Media Studies helps you develop an important set of skills that will help you navigate the rest of your education and then, your working life. Media Studies will help you increase your knowledge and understanding of:
Through optional units the BTEC International Level 2 Certificate offers flexibility and a choice of emphasis in the course. It provides an engaging programme for those who are clear about the vocational area they wish to explore through further study or for those who wish to gain skills for the media industry. The qualification has the potential to prepare learners for progression to other BTEC Level 3 programmes and A Level subjects of their choice.
Course Content
Unit 1: Research for Creative Media Production
The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop skills in the main research methods and techniques used within the creative media sector. Learners will do this through researching an existing media product and through undertaking research for one of their own production projects.
Outcomes of learning
On completion of this unit a learner should:
Unit 6: Print Production
This unit aims to develop learners’ understanding of print production techniques and technology. Learners will be introduced to ways of developing ideas for print products, and will investigate and practise hand, mechanical and digital print production methods.
Outcomes of learning
On completion of this unit a learner should:
Assessment
All coursework units are internally assessed and externally verified by an examiner from Pearson.
Other subjects that complement this.
English, Media Studies, Music, Music Technology, Business, Marketing, Economics, ICT, Drama and Art.
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, International Relations, Corporate Communications, Graphics Design, Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, Media Studies etc
Business Studies provides students with a unique insight into the world of work. Through its study, students discover how and why businesses operate in the way they do and learn about their key elements and business functions. The knowledge, and the holistic understanding that it develops are invaluable to students and can open a wide range of opportunities for further learning and employment.
Understanding business activity
People in business
Marketing
Operations management
Financial information and decisions
External influences on business activity
Other subjects that complement this. Economics
Economics teaches students to think logically and to use theories to understand how economies operate. At the center of the subject is the question of how we divide up our scarce resources and how decisions resulting from this affect us all – in other words, who gets what and why? It, therefore, studies all of society and the activities of various groups and institutions within it.
The basic economic problem
The first section of the syllabus introduces the fundamental ideas and concepts that underpin the study of economics including the basic economic problem, factors of production, opportunity cost, and production possibility curves.
The allocation of resources
The fundamental principles of resource allocation are considered through the price mechanism in a market economy. The market forces of demand and supply, market equilibrium and disequilibrium, and elasticity form the core of this section.
Microeconomic decision-makers
The microeconomy is an important area of study, and the approach to learning taken here is through the role of the major decision-makers: banks, households, workers, trade unions and firms.
Government and the macroeconomy
Governments have different macroeconomic aims, and conflicts often arise between the choice of measures used to achieve them. Variables must be measured to consider the causes and consequences of change, and appropriate policies applied.
Economic development
As an economy develops there will be changes in population, living standards, poverty and income redistribution. Therefore, the effects of changes in the size and structure of the population and of other influences on development in a variety of countries are explored.
International trade and globalisation
The importance of trade between countries and the growth of globalisation is explored. Principles such as specialisation, the role of free trade, the role of multinational companies, foreign exchange rates and balance of payments stability are considered.
Careers
Business Studies offers an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue careers in management, marketing, finance, project management, financial accounting, management accounting, human resources, hospitality and leisure management, and business journalism.
Other subjects that complement this. Business Studies
The aims of this course:
To enable students to get:
Course Content
The syllabus is divided into three themes:
The themes are designed to develop an understanding of natural and human environments.
Assessment
All candidates take three papers. All candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2, and at Greensteds we take Paper 4.
Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes
Geographical Themes 45% – 75 marks
Candidates answer three questions, each worth 25 marks.
Candidates must answer one question from each section
Externally assessed
Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes
Geographical Skills 27.5% – 60 marks
Candidates answer all the questions
Externally assessed
Paper 4: 1 hour 30 minutes
Alternative to Coursework 27.5%- 60 marks
Candidates answer two compulsory questions, completing a series of written tasks
Externally assessed
Where can I get more information: Mr E.Chiti and Mr K.Otieno
Other subjects that complement this.
All subjects complement Geography well given its wide range range of topics taught. Science subjects go well with the Physical Geography. Business Studies and Economics go well with the Human Geography part of the course
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
BA or Bsc Geography Degree at University for example, an Environmental Sciences based degree at University
International relations degree at University
Town planning Degree at University
Geography based diplomas
The course encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, including:
Course Content
The subject content is organised around five broad Topic areas which provide contexts for the acquisition of vocabulary and the study of grammar and structures. Through the study of these Topic areas, candidates gain insight into target language countries and communities.
The Topic areas are:
Assessment
All candidates take four papers.
– Paper 1 approximately 45 minutes Listening 25% 45 marks Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer questions testing comprehension. Externally assessed
– Paper 2 1 hour Reading 25% 45 marks Candidates read a number of texts and answer questions testing comprehension. Externally assessed.
– Paper 3 approximately 15 minutes Speaking* 25% 100 marks Candidates complete two role plays, a topic presentation/conversation and a general conversation. Internally assessed/externally moderated
– Paper 4 1 hour Writing 25% 50 marks Candidates respond in the target language to three tasks Externally assessed
Where can I get more information: Mr. C.Mutisya
Other subjects that complement this: English & Literature
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
Almost all languages will facilitate you in careers or in the country where the language is spoken.
The course encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, including
Course Content
The subject content is organised around five broad Topic areas which provide contexts for the acquisition of vocabulary and the study of grammar and structures. Through the study of these Topic areas, candidates gain insight into target language countries and communities.
The Topic areas are:
Assessment
All candidates take four papers.
The Speaking test consists of three parts: candidates give a two- to the three-minute presentation, followed by a short discussion with the examiner about the presentation, followed by a short conversation with the examiner about general topics. Internally assessed and externally moderated.
Other subjects that complement this: Spanish, French, English & Literature.
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
Almost all languages will facilitate you in careers or in the country where the language is spoken.
When studying the Cambridge IGCSE Music syllabus, learners listen to, perform and compose music, encouraging aesthetic and emotional development, self-discipline and, importantly, creativity. As a result, learners enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of music, an achievement that forms an ideal foundation for future study and enhances lifelong musical enjoyment.
Learners study music of all styles; each style is placed in its historical and cultural context, and learners are
encouraged to be perceptive, sensitive and critical when listening.
Learners studying Cambridge IGCSE Music are given the opportunity to:
Course Content
Listening
Candidates should be taught to recognise and describe the musical features on the following list, which provides a clear indication of the range of knowledge expected in the examination.
–Rudiments – Standard staff notation including dynamic, tempo and expression markings, simple ornaments and articulation signs, treble, bass and alto clefs, key signatures up to 4 sharps and 4 flats in major and minor keys, time signatures, major, minor and perfect intervals.
-Melody and rhythm – Major, minor, chromatic, whole-tone and pentatonic scales. Blue notes. Melodic movement (ascending or descending by step or leap). Phrasing. Call and response. Duple, triple or irregular metre. Syncopation, swing, polyrhythm.
-Harmony – Primary chords: I, IV, and V(7); secondary chords: II and VI. Perfect, imperfect and interrupted cadences. Modulations to related keys (sub-dominant, dominant, relative minor, relative major).
-Ensembles and instruments/voices – Western ensembles and instruments: orchestras, jazz bands, choirs and chamber music ensembles. The main instruments and voices used in the above ensembles. World ensembles and instruments: Indonesian, African, Arab, Indian: Chinese, Japanese, Latin American.
-Instrumental and/or vocal effects: Arco, pizzicato, glissando, tremolo, double-stopping, strumming, pitch bending, mute, roll, melisma.
Structure – Binary, ternary, rondo, theme and variations, ground bass.
-Compositional devices – Repetition, imitation, sequence, canon, ostinato, drone, Alberti bass, pedal (tonic and dominant), contrary motion.
-Texture – Melody and accompaniment, homophonic and polyphonic, monophonic, heterophonic, parallel motion.
-Style – Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth Century (including impressionism, neoclassicism, jazz, minimalism).
-Genre – Opera, oratorio (including recitative, aria and chorus), musical, symphony, concerto, string quartet, sonata, march,waltz, minuet and trio.
Performing
Component 2 consists of prepared performances of the candidate’s own choice, all of which must be recorded.
Candidates must:
(i) sing or play individually – either one piece or two short contrasting pieces (which should be on the same
instrument)
and
(ii) sing or play in an ensemble – either one piece or two short contrasting pieces (which should be on the same
instrument – but this does not need to be the same instrument as that offered for individual performing).
Composing
Candidates submit two compositions, written for different instruments and/or voices, which must be recorded.
Assessment:
Listening / written tests, Solo/ group performance graded on given criteria.
Component 1: Listening 1 hour 15 minutes Candidates answer all questions. 70 marks Externally assessed. 40%
Component 2: Performing. 30% Internally assessed / externally moderated.
Component 3: Composing 30% Internally assessed / externally moderated.
Where can I get more information:
Other subjects that complement this: Media, Drama, Literature, Sports.
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
BTEC Music; B.Ed Music, B.Mus,
Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study biology, chemistry and physics within a scientifically coherent syllabus and is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential knowledge and ability.
Course Content
Candidates can either follow the Core syllabus only, or they can follow the Extended syllabus which includes both the Core and the Supplement. Candidates aiming for grades A*A* to CC should follow the Extended syllabus.
Topics studied:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Assessment
Core
All papers are externally assessed
Additional
Where can I get more information: Rose Muthee
Other subjects that complement this: Mathematics, English
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
Any student intending to take science subjects at A-Level should ideally take the individual sciences route, studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology. This course will however give students a solid grounding in the scientific method, problem-solving skills and applied mathematics which provide a good foundation for further study in non-specialist subjects.
This involves the study of elements and compounds; their composition, structure, properties, behavior and the changes that they undergo during a reaction with other substances. Chemistry allow learners to recognize that science is evidence-based and understand the usefulness, and the limitations, of the scientific method.
Course Content
The syllabus provides candidates with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of Chemistry. It also helps learners develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for successful university study. Our learners also develop lifelong skills of scientific inquiry, confidence in technology, and communication and teamwork skills. It is also designed to inspire an interest in scientific study. Candidates will study all of the following topics:
Assessment
Student can either sit for Paper 1,3 and 5 OR Paper 2,4 and 3
Paper 1: Core: Multiple Choice 45 minutes. 40 marks. (30% )
Paper 2: Extended Structured Questions 45 minutes. 40 marks. (30% )
Paper 3: Core Structured Skills 1 hours 15 minutes. 80 marks. (50% )|
Paper 4: Extended Structured Questions 1 hour 15 minutes. 80 marks. (50%)
Paper 5: Practical 1 hour 15 minutes. 40 marks. (20%)
All papers are externally assessed
Where can I get more information: www.cambridgeinternational.org
Other subjects that complement this. Biology, Physics, Physical Education, Psychology, Geography
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
The aims of this course are to enable students to:
Course Content
Assessment
All candidates take three papers. Candidates who entered for Core Biology take equivalent papers with a maximum grade of a C. All students who choose the triple award individual sciences tend to sit the Additional papers, aiming for higher grades.
Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper – 45 minutes – 30% of total mark 40 questions
Paper 2: Theory Paper – 1 hour 15 minutes – 50% of total mark
Paper 4: Practical Paper – 1 hour 15 minutes – 20% of total mark
Where can I get more information: Ms Rose Muthee
Other subjects that complement this: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
A level Biology
Further education courses in Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine, Environmental Science or Psychology
The course encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, including • the ability to use a foreign language as a means of practical communication • insight into the culture and civilisation of countries where the language is spoken • a positive attitude towards language learning, towards the speakers of other languages, and towards other cultures and civilisations • techniques which can be applied to other areas of learning, such as analysis and memory skills • a sound foundation for progression to employment or further study. The programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment.
Course Content
The subject content is organised around five broad Topic areas which provide contexts for the acquisition of vocabulary and the study of grammar and structures. Through the study of these Topic areas, candidates gain insight into target language countries and communities.
The Topic areas are:
Assessment
All candidates take four papers.
– Paper 1 approximately 45 minutes Listening 25% 45 marks Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer questions testing comprehension. Externally assessed
– Paper 2 1 hour Reading 25% 45 marks Candidates read a number of texts and answer questions testing comprehension. Externally assessed.
– Paper 3 approximately 15 minutes Speaking* 25% 100 marks Candidates complete two role plays, a topic presentation/conversation and a general conversation. Internally assessed/externally moderated
– Paper 4 1 hour Writing 25% 50 marks Candidates respond in the target language to three tasks Externally assessed
Where can I get more information: Mr. C. Mutisya
Other subjects that complement this: English & Literature
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
Almost all languages will facilitate you in careers or in the country where the language is spoken
The purpose (aims) of IGCSE History are:
Course Content
The syllabus offers candidates an opportunity to examine Historical events through a variety of sources and encourages inquiry towards the acquisition of knowledge and lifelong skills.
The topics studied are as follows:
Core Content
All topics in the core content must be studied. These are:
The twentieth century: International relations since 1919
The content focuses on the following Key Questions:
Depth study
In addition, all candidates must also study at least one of the following Depth Studies:
Assessment
Paper 1: Written paper
2 Hours long. 60 marks. 40%
Candidates answer two questions from
Section A (Core Content) and one question from Section B (Depth Studies)
All questions are in the form of structured essays, split into three parts: (a), (b) and (c)
Externally assessed
Paper 2: Written paper
2 Hours. 50 marks. 33%
Candidates answer six questions on one prescribed topic taken from the Core Content.
There is a range of source material relating to each prescribed topic.
The prescribed topic changes in each examination session.
Externally assessed
Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework- Written paper
1 hours. 40 marks. 27%
Candidates answer one question on a Depth Study.
Externally assessed.
Where can I get more information: Mr. Evans Lusasi and Ms. Zoyler Simiyu
Other subjects that complement this: Literature in English, Art, Geography
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
Law, International relations, Research analysis, Journalism, Political Science, Post-Secondary History researcher
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
The transferrable skills acquired in Physics are considered very highly in courses and careers that might seem unrelated, such as banking and finance, engineering and business management.
A level Physics or Mathematics
Further education courses in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Business Management and Economics.
The students are able to learn a range of skills by reflecting on their own performance monitoring their progress with handy checklist. It deepens their knowledge and understanding of key physical education topics, exploring how theoretical topics relate to practical performance. Students find out more about sports that are familiar to them, as well as some they have not tried.
Course Content
The syllabus provides learners with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of physical education. It is designed to encourage enjoyment in physical activity by providing learners with an opportunity to take part in a range of physical activities and develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance. This helps learners to develop an appreciation of the necessity for a sound understanding of the principles, practices and training that underpin improved performance, better health and well-being.
Candidates will study all of the following topics:
1: Anatomy and physiology
2: Health, fitness and training
3: Skill acquisition and psychology
4: Social, cultural and ethical influences
Candidates will also undertake four different physical activities chosen from at least two of the seven categories given in the coursework. Physical activities make a significant contribution to syllabus aims and objectives, serving as a source of material to facilitate learning.
Assessment
All candidates take two compulsory components.
Paper 1: Theory 1 hour 45 minutes Candidates answer all questions. (100 marks)
Externally assessed: Weighting (50%)
Component 2: Coursework Candidates undertake four physical activities from at least two of the seven categories listed.
Internally assessed / externally moderated. Weighting (50%)
Where can I get more information: Ms. Linet Atieno
What further study can I undertake in this subject?
BSc Sports science at University
BSc in Sports Medicine at University
BTec Sport in A-levels
This 2 year course introduces candidates to subject areas linked to the creative industries. Through projects and assignments candidates explore the processes involved in developing and making art and design work. They also develop their critical and written skills. Students can progress to Fine Art, Photography, Textiles or Product Design, AS and A Level courses or can also progress on to employment.
Course outline
The course aims to provide a broad-based approach to the art and design sector:
Yr 10 Unit 1: Contextual reference to Art and Design, focusing on Body Adornment
Yr 10 Unit 2: 2D Visual Communication, focusing on drawing from Nature with an emphasis on skill and technique.
Yr 11 Unit 3: 3D Visual Communication, working with mixed media and clay/ paper mache’/Wood/ soft stone/Soap to create 3D natural cocoons.
Yr 11 Unit 4: Using ideas to explore develop and produce Art and design, focusing on the production of outcomes, a partial element from the units above.
Why Choose This Course?
What Do Students Learn?
2D and 3D visual communication, painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, graphic design and working with computers. Students build excellent portfolios of art and design work to use in their next stage interviews.
They also develop their functional skills in Maths and English.
Assessment
Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Extended Certificate. The award has 4 units and students can achieve a pass, merit or distinction which is equivalent to 2 GCSE grades A* – C
BTEC Art is 100% coursework with no final exam however final pieces are set within a strict timeline.
The vocational context of the course is important. Students go on several trips and gallery visits as well as visiting speakers and practicing artists. Each project has a clear brief and a breakdown of the assignment criteria. This enables students to track progress and performance.
Where can I get more information: Ms. Jacqueline Kalumu and Mr. Oliver Omotto
Other subjects that complement this: English, Math, Media Studies, ICT
What further study can I undertake in this subject?