This page has been produced to provide you with information regarding your son/daughter's curriculum as we reach this key milestone.  At Our Lady’s as students move from Year 8 into Year 9 we offer the first opportunity for students to personalise their curriculum.

During Year 9 all students will continue to study English, Maths, Science, RE, History, Geography, IT, Technology, PE and either French or Spanish. In addition they will begin a transitional year learning the key skills and foundations of the subject they intended to study at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).

Our Careers Advisors are available to be contacted by email for, students or parents who want to discuss the link between any option choice and possible further study or careers. This should help to ensure that this important decision is made with as much information as possible. If you would like to contact our careers team please email careers@olqp.lancs.sch.uk.

Please read the following sections below to understand fully the differences between the courses on offer. Normally we would invite all students to an Options Assembly where staff would briefly present further details of each subject – given that we are currently learning from home our staff have produced brief informative videos explaining each course which we would encourage you watch with your son/daughter to ensure that they make the most informed decision they can.

Below is a link to an online form for students to complete to enable them to make a first and second preference of the course they would like to study – all subjects offered are in good faith. Depending on numbers some courses may not run which is why the second preference is an important consideration. The deadline for completion and return of this form is Friday 26^th February – you will need to log in with your school email and password to ensure that you are submitting your own choice.

If at any time you have any questions regarding this important process, please feel free to contact your form tutor, your learning manager, Mrs Sayer (d.sayer@olqp.lancs.sch.uk) or myself, Mr Hughes (r.hughes@olqp.lancs.sch.uk) at any time.

You need to think long and hard about the subjects that you would like to study in Year 9; you need to think about why it is you want to do that subject!

At this point in your son/daughter’s time at Our Lady’s we ask them to help determine what subjects and qualifications it is that they would like to study in Key Stage 4.

Certain subjects are considered essential and form the core part of the curriculum that all students will follow. This core curriculum includes:

• GCSE English Language
• GCSE English Literature
• GCSE Mathematics
• GCSE Combined Science (Unless in Set 1 where students will study Separate Sciences)
• GCSE Religious Education
• GCSE History or GCSE Geography (Both are studied in Year 9)
• GCSE French or GCSE Spanish
• Physical Education
• Curriculum for Life

The English Baccalaureate is recognition awarded to students that have successfully attained a Grade 5 or higher in the following subjects:

• GCSE English
• GCSE Maths
• GCSE Science or GCSE Computer Science
• Either GCSE History or Geography
• Either GCSE French or Spanish

These subjects are considered “gateway” subjects that employers and further education providers look very favourably on when students apply for jobs or university places. For students considering a university course a modern language is always looked on favourably.

Please look carefully at the information provided, and please discuss your son/daughter's preferences with them – this is a critical point in their educational journey, and it will be difficult to make changes in Year 9 if they have second thoughts.

• You are good at the subject and achieve well
• You think you will enjoy the course
• It fits your career ideas and plans
• It goes well with your other choices
• It helps to give you plenty of choice post 16
• You think you might want to continue studying it post 16
• Your research shows that it will interest you and motivate you to learn.

• Your friends have chosen it
• You think it will be easy
• You think it’s a good option for a boy/girl
• Someone else thinks it is a good idea
• You like the teacher you have now
• You did not have time to research your options properly

Citizenship develops knowledge, skills and understanding that learners need to play a full part in society as active and responsible citizens. Teaching is brought to life using real issues and events in local to global contexts. It demonstrates ways in which UK citizens are able to make their voices and opinions heard.

Students explore politics, parliament and voting as well as human rights, justice, the media, the law and the economy.

Paper One - Written Examination 1h 45minutes

• Section A: Active Citizenship
• Section B: Politics and Participation

Paper Two - Written Examination 1h 45minutes

• Section A: Life in Modern Britain
• Section B: Rights and Responsibilities

This course is for learners who enjoy painting and drawing and want to improve their technique. The Fine Art GCSE course allows learners to experience a variety of media, techniques and processes, including both traditional and new technologies. They will research the history of Fine Art, from the past and from recent times and develop a portfolio of their own work.

Candidates will work predominantly in traditional media, such as:

• Painting and drawing
• Sculpture
• Mixed media, including collage and assemblage
• Printing
• iPads
• Digital image manipulation

Portfolio of Work: Controlled assessment

The portfolio should be selected from work undertaken during the course of study and must include at least one project. 

Externally Set Task: External assessment

10 hour exam completing a large scale piece of art work based on a theme or topic set by the exam board.

This course is for students who would like to learn about photography in many different forms. The Photography GCSE course provides opportunities to experience professional techniques and equipment through projects such as portraiture, still life or environment. They will research the history of photography and develop a portfolio of their own work that will showcase their knowledge, skill and creativity.

Photography is a great course for all levels of learners. It is not necessary to own a dedicated camera as most images will be taken in school.

• How to use a camera
• Viewpoint, composition and depth of field
• Presentation of work
• Photojournalism
• Fashion
• Landscape
• Portraits
• Digital workflow and manipulation

Portfolio of Work: Controlled assessment

The portfolio should be selected from work undertaken during the course of study and must include at least one project. 

Externally Set Task: External assessment

10 hour exam completing a large scale piece of art work based on a theme or topic set by the exam board.

The Textiles course allows candidates to demonstrate their creativity, with making of textile products.

Students will be expected to understand a variety of textile methods, such as: fabric printing, mono-printing, relief printing, screen printing and laser printing; tie-dye and batik; spraying and transfer; fabric construction; stitching, appliqué, patchwork, padding, quilting and embroidery.

Students must show knowledge and understanding of relevant materials, processes, technologies and resources.

Students will design and make from a choice of set tasks for their controlled assessment that is worth 60% and 40% externally set briefs to choose one from Jan-Easter of Year 11.

Students should be aware of the four assessment objectives to be demonstrated in the context of the content and skills presented. They should be aware of the importance of process as well as product.

Personal Study will be set each week. This could be research, developing their individual style or evaluating a piece of work.

d.gillies@olqp.lancs.sch.uk

Portfolio of Work: Controlled assessment

This involves researching and creating responses to artists and designers work in the media of Textiles producing a sketchbook of research and responses whilst working on at least 2 projects throughout the course.  A  portfolio will be selected from work undertaken during the course of study for submission at the end of the course

Externally Assessed Task: External assessment

10 hour exam completing a piece of Textiles art work based on a theme or topic set by the exam board.

BTEC Level 2 Technical Award in Engineering is technically based and will teach you how to practice different skills to complete tasks to certain detailed specifications. You will complete practical activities and theory activities whilst also using Machinery you would use in industry if working as an engineer and develop the skills to be a critical thinker in creating engineering style reports.

The specific areas you will cover when studying Level 2 Engineering  over the two year course include:

• Learning about working safely in Engineering and the different sectors and job roles within the sector.
• Bench work (using hand tools for cutting and shaping)
• Machining techniques
• Manufacturing Techniques using a range of equipment
• Assembly and disassembly of products.
• Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
• Using engineering mathematics to complete projects and writing reports

a.jackson@olqp.lancs.sch.uk

Each component will be broken down as follows;

Component 1a and 1b 

The learners will explore the world of engineering looking at the role of an engineer, job sectors and designing a product to a given brief using 3D CAD/CAM and a 3D printed outcome based on a bicycle torch holder.

Component 2a, 2b and 2c

They will investigate a engineering project looking at the materials, manufacturing techniques and quality control. They will use the information to complete a mini project based on the investigation, disassembly and manufacture of a given product such as a bicycle multi tool and bicycle brake calliper.

Component 3

The learners will complete 2 externally set and examined tasks. An investigation into an engineered product and report written up from a practical experiment and a written paper to test knowledge and understand of all aspects of the work they have completed

During this course learners will gain a broad understanding of working within this sector and will experiment with using graphic elements as they respond to a range of design briefs. This course is appropriate for learners who are motivated and challenged by learning through creative hands-on experiences.

1. Introduction to Graphic Design (T/615/3956)
2. Graphic Design Practice (A/615/3957)
3. Responding to a Graphic Design Brief (F/615/3958)
4. Graphic Design Portfolio (J/615/3959
5. Technical Award Graphic Design – External Assessment  (Exam)

In these units of work you will develop your knowledge, understanding and practice in Graphic Design learning about Typography, Effective Layout, Graphic Design and the application of graphics to a product such as CD covers, bags, Mugs and posters. You will learn and develop presentation skills utilising colour tone, shading sketching and CAD.

The external assessment is similar to the Art subjects 10 hour practical assignment where you will develop the graphics for a given product brief.

a.jackson@olqp.lancs.sch.uk

Internal Assessment (units 1-4) = 50%

External Assessment (Exam) = 50%

This course allows students to capitalize on their different musical interests. The areas of study include a wide range of music from classical and world music to popular music. To take this course it is expected that you will undertake instrumental lessons and commit to practice and rehearsal as a young, dedicated musician.

Unit 1: Listening & Appraising Examination

Students will be examined on 3 strands of learning: Musical Theatre, Jazz, Music for Ensemble, Film Music, Classical Music, Popular Music and Fusion. They will answer all questions in relation to these areas of study (including two set works) in their final examination at the end of Year 11.

Unit 2: Composing Music

A free choice composition in any preferred style of that student, and a composition to a set brief by the exam board based around popular music, film music or music for ensemble. The students must produce a final recording of their songs in addition to completing a log book and written annotation of their songs.

Unit 3: Performing Music

Students must submit one individual performance and one ensemble performance. Students are assessed on accuracy, communication, interpretation and level of demand. Students are expected to undertake weekly instrumental lessons to ensure that they are well prepared for their performance exams and must commit to 1 hour’s practise each night on their instrument/voice.

Performing

Solo Performance – 15% and Ensemble Performance – 15%

Composing

Free Choice Composition – 15% and Composition to a Brief – 15%

Listening & Appraising

1hr 15minute External examination – 40%

Music Technology combines multiple aspects of the music industry into one course. The course is intended for students who have an interest in  Performing with Technology, Creating Music, Live Sound, Events Management, and Business. Each component of this course has been selected to give a rounded view of what it would be like working in the music industry today.

The course is made up 4 compulsory units:

• Unit 1—The Music Industry
• Unit 2—Managing a Music Product
• Unit 3—Live Sound
• Unit 5—Music Sequencing (REMIXING)

Students will have access to industry standard equipment and will learn how to utilise this equipment in their lessons.

Unit 1 - The Music Industry is assessed through a written formal exam. (25%)

Units 2~4 - Assessed through coursework. This includes performance, evaluation, and teacher/witness observations. (75%)

Encourage learners to explore and actively engage in a wide range of creative and stimulating activities to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds. Develop and demonstrates competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills. Encourage learners to work imaginatively and creatively in collaborative contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas.

Learners will acquire and develop skills through:

• A variety of practical workshops
• Studying plays and playwrights
• Theatre trips to see a wide selection of performances
• Studying different genres and performance styles
• Historical, social and cultural aspects of theatre
• Reflective and evaluation processes

GCSE Drama is a group based subject.  Learners will be required to work outside of the lesson with others.  You need skills in co-operation and commitment, including confidence when performing to be successful in this course.

Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes (40% of overall grade)

Open book - 80 marks

• Section A: multiple choice (4 marks)
• Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen (46 marks)
• Section C: one two part question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (30 marks)

Devising Drama (Practical – 40% of overall grade)

• Process of creating devised drama
• Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer)
• Analysis and evaluation of own work

Texts in Practice (Practical – 20% of overall grade)

Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer) Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1

This is a course that has real relevance in our modern world. While learners will no doubt already have some knowledge of computers and related areas, the course will give them an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a look at what goes on “behind the scenes”. As part of this, they will investigate computer programming, which many learners find interesting.

Unit 1 – Computer Systems

In this unit students will learn about: Systems architecture, Memory and storage, Computer networks, connections and protocols, Network security, Systems software & Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Unit 2 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

In this unit students will learn about: Algorithms, Programming fundamentals, Producing robust programs, Boolean logic, and Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

Units 1 & 2 are examined units and make up 50% each of the assessment total.  Each is a written paper – 1hour 30 minutes per exam.

The Sports Studies course applies theoretical knowledge about different types of sport and physical activity, skills development and sports leadership to their own practical performance. They will learn about contemporary issues in sport such as funding, participation, ethics and role models, and sport and the media. Learners will develop an appreciation of the importance of sport locally and nationally, different ways of being involved in sport and of how this shapes the sports industry.

Students will be expected to learn the content of four units. Two of which are compulsory; Contemporary Issue in Sport and Developing Sports Skills.  

They will also produce four written assessments for 2 of the following units which will be chosen through discussion with the group

• Sports leadership
• Sport and the media
• Working in the sports industry
• Developing knowledge and skills in outdoor activities

One unit is assessed through an external assessment - 25%

In the other three units students are assessed on both their written work and practically. Assessments may include training programme, records of practical participation, session planning for an activity, risk assessments, filmed evidence and written assignments. - 75%