Year 8 Choices

1. Year 8 Choices 2014

2. Why are we asking pupils to choose? • We believe that by allowing pupils to study those subjects that they are passionate about that we are laying the foundations for greater academic success; • By reducing, slightly, the number of subjects that pupils study means that more time can be given over to studying the chosen subjects. This will allow for greater levels of knowledge, skills and understanding to be achieved. Pupils will have more time to study subjects in greater depth; • It will allow more of our children to achieve the English Baccalaureate, which consists of higher GCSE grades in English, mathematics, double science, history of geography and French or Spanish; • Importantly, pupils tell us that they feel ready to be making such decisions in Year 8. Not only are pupils fully aware of the subjects that they enjoy but they also have a sound understanding of those subjects that they have the skills and abilities to excel in.

3. Why are the option choices available? • The first choice that will need to be made is whether to study geography or history. Geography or History will be studied for 3 lessons per week. • Pupils will then need to think about narrowing the choices of the arts and design subjects that are studied. They will choose three subjects from the list below, each being studied for 1 lesson a week: • Art • Drama • Food technology • Music • Textiles technology

4. Geography Introduction Why are polar bears starting to live nearer humans? Why are there more and more wars in the world? When will the next ice age occur? How much of our country will disappear if global warming gets worse? If you study Geography, you will be able to investigate these questions… and many more! The Year 9 Geography syllabus is exciting, new and modern. It’s about your world and your place in it! The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why, and helps to prepare you for those changes. It will develop your understanding of the world and develop your debating skills — important skills for life. Programme of study · Development – Who wants to be a billionaire? · Ice Worlds – What really happened to the Ice man? · Tourism— Happy Holidays? · Rivers and Coasts— How do they shape the land? · India – Colourful, rich-not just in taste! · Festivals – A summer of fun….. Progression to GCSE and beyond Geography will develop your skills and qualities that can be used in many other subjects. It gives you a set of highly popular skills which are all called for by further education or the work place. You will have excellent portable skills, which also attract employers from the business, law and finance sectors. 

5. History Introduction History is one of the most exciting subjects you will study in school, learning about the lives and times of people who lived in the past. It is one of the most highly regarded subjects by employers from all sectors of work, including policing, law, teaching, politics, business and many, many more. In Year 9, you will begin to explore periods of history and develop the skills that you will need in order to successfully complete a GCSE course at the end of Year 11. Programme of study In Year 9 we will look at the more exciting side of history! Your course will explore issues such as medicine in the ancient worlds, the slave trade, the Victorians, crime and punishment in the 19th century (including an in-depth study on Jack the Ripper), World Wars 1 and 2, and the Vietnam War. You will develop a variety of skills, whilst studying these topics, including looking at and analysing evidence, synthesis, and causation. Progression to GCSE and beyond The GCSE History course will look at a range of topics including life in Weimar and Nazi Germany and medicine through the ages. Students who choose to take History in Year 9 will begin this course in the Summer term. The Year 9 course has been specifically tailored to compliment the OCR GCSE History course. The topics that you study will not only assist you in developing the skills that you need in order to successfully complete the GCSE, but will also give you the wider knowledge base that will directly link into the Year 10 and 11 course.

6. Art Introduction Ever wanted to be a fashion designer, potter, architect, teacher, photographer, computer graphics designer, book illustrator, work in an art gallery or museum, design packaging or album covers or be a shop window dresser ? All of these require you to have a good understanding of the formal elements used in art and during Year 9 you will build upon skills you already have and develop even more as you are encouraged to explore your creative side. Projects are designed to appeal to your personal interests, visual resources match your ability and you are encouraged to review your own and others’ work in order to build your confidence to express yourcreativity. Programme of study During the academic year you will love the opportunity to really embrace all aspects of a broad based syllabus. This involves aspects of drawing and painting, printmaking, textiles, pottery, glass, photography and the use of the computer in art. We often have a visiting artist to work with small groups; we visit places of interest to inspire your ideas (e.g. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Lickey Hills, the Botanical Gardens and galleries in London) and we design visual resources and prompt sheets to cater to your ability. Over the year you will respond to two main themes (Still-life is the starting point as it allows you to work from first hand observation, you then do a mini project in response to a theme taken from the current exam paper). Both projects will allow you to experiment with a wide range of media and techniques and you will also be encouraged to undertake peer and self assessment in order to support your progression. Each theme will have a focus in helping you express yourself creatively. Progression to GCSE and beyond As a result of learning these skills you could continue with your studies at GCSE and gain a qualification which could open the door for you to enter into a degree course in a wide range of creative subjects e.g. fine art, theatre design, fashion, interior design, computer animation, art history, teaching, portrait photography, pottery, museum curator etc.

7. Drama Introduction Our aim is to expose pupils to, and involve them in, forms of thought and strategies of action through which they may deepen and challenge their perception of themselves and others, develop modes of interpreting the subtleties and complexities of their experiences, attitudes and feelings, and acknowledge, accommodate and re-asses their world. Programme of study The syllabus is structured around the following five priorities: 1. to develop the inherent potential for self expression of each pupil through the accusation and use, and extension of specific skills within the concrete, symbolic and artistic process of dramatic action; 2. to develop in each pupil an awareness of social and moral issues and personal relationships through dramatic interaction; 3. to develop in each pupil an understanding of multi-cultural / universal issues in our world; 4. to offer each pupil an introduction to and opportunities for exploring the experiences and traditions of Theatre and its current extension into the mass media to provide enjoyable education experience. Progression to GCSE and beyond The course provides pupils with the necessary skills to be successful at GCSE/BTEC level. Pupils learn how drama is created, including all the acting and staging skills that are needed to put a piece of drama onto the stage. They will learn how to create a character and play this character in a performance. They will also learn many other skills that are highly valued in any walk of life; this includes team work and confidently presenting themselves in public.

8. Food Technology Introduction Food Technology at this stage is specifically geared towards those students who like to explore foods in both a practical as well as theoretical (written) way. You should have some basic experience in preparing foods either at home or earlier at Key Stage 3. An important part of being successful in food lessons is getting involved in personal study through homework. Programme of study You will be making food products based on different cuisines from around the world. Imagine creating the perfect take away that you always wished you could make. You will be able to explore the design and make process in its entirety and take on challenge after challenge as you do so. Your efforts will be rewarded as you become a more confident learner. To prepare you for GCSE Food Technology, you will complete two design and make tasks that will take you through the stages required for the Controlled Assessment. Progression to GCSE and beyond In order to prepare you for the GCSE Food Technology coursework, you will begin to do mini projects that will serve to sure up and strengthen your learning. In Year 10 you will develop practical skills, decorative work, finishing techniques, and be able to identify suitable ingredients through a range of theory work. You will also carry out small scale experimental work. Each week comes with a new and exciting opportunity for you to do better than the previous week. You may choose to go on to study Food Technology at a more advanced level and this can lead to many exciting and fulfilling careers.

9. Music Introduction Music in Year 9 will focus on musical skills that would prepare pupils for a GCSE in Music or allow them to develop as a musician if they wish to continue Music as a hobby. This option is for pupils who already enjoy the subject and would like to work on becoming a more established musician! Programme of study Pupils will focus on 5 Areas of Study: • Timbre and Dynamics • Rhythmic and Metre • Texture and Melody • Harmony and Tonality • Structure and Form Pupils will study a variety of genres through these areas of study by performing, composing and appraising. Progression to GCSE and beyond This curriculum option will provide a secure foundation from which pupils will be able to build upon if they go on to study GCSE Music or Performing Arts.

10. Textiles Technology Introduction A student with a keen interest in the fashion industry or interior design will enjoy this course. Designing a product and seeing it as a 3D outcome is exciting. Students will need an enthusiasm and passion for looking at designers and their influences, analysing the demands of a target market and designing and producing a product that matches a particular need. An enquiring and open mind, an independent spirit and the willingness to take on new ideas is a must. Programme of study · You will be carrying out experimental work using a range of techniques such as fabric painting, batik and tie-dying. · You will be able to design and make a product for your home (cushion, small bean bag etc.) · To give you a flavour of what GCSE Textiles is about, you will be looking at current fashion trends and you will be asked to re-invent an item of clothing (a pair of jeans, jacket, a hat etc). Progression to GCSE and beyond In order to prepare you for the GCSE textiles coursework, you will begin to do mini ‘design and make’ projects. In Year 10 you will develop dress making skills, decorative work, construction skills and be able to identify suitable fabrics through a range of theory work following on from the work you have done in Year 9. You will get the opportunity to make a bodice, wall hanging, do some costume designing and make a rucksack. Textiles can lead to jobs such as a costume designer, fashion designer, foot wear designer, hat designer, freelance designer, buyer, marketing manager, product engineer and there are many, many more.

11. What do you need to do now? ATTEND THE YEAR 8 REPORT & CHOICES EVENING WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY 4.00PM – 7.00PM • It is important that you take the time to talk to class teachers about the subjects that are offered and to consider the progression to GCSE studies. You will be able to do this on the 14th. • You will receive a full academic report for your child and you will have the opportunity to discuss the academic progress being made with your child’s class teachers. • This evening will be invaluable in aiding you with the decision making process; I do hope that you are able to attend. If, in the meantime, you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact one of the Key Stage 3 team, via the College office, who will be more than happy to help.

12. How to complete the options form Your name goes here! Tick geography or history Rank 1,2,3,4 – 1 being your first choice!

13. DON’T FORGET TO RETURN THE OPTIONS FORM! DEADLINE FRIDAY 23RD MAY