KS4 COURSE OUTLINE - Core Subjects  
The County High School Leftwich

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KS4 Core Subjects

All pupils will study a 'core' of subjects in Years 10 and 11

Please Note: The GCSE Mathematics course now commences in the summer term of Year 9, after the SATs exams.

Information about Elective subjects at KS4 can be found here.

 

  
 

ICT (Core) The European Computer Driving Licence - Mr J Quartermaine

ECDL is studied throughout Europe and pupils learn practical skills using standard Microsoft software.

There are seven modules:

Basic Concepts
Using Windows and Managing Files
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Databases
Presentations
Internet and Email

This is a modular course with tests at the end of each module. All tests must be passed for certification to be awarded. The Basic Concepts test is a multiple choice written test, the others are practical tests done in normal lesson time.

The scheme and its tests require detailed application of skills and knowledge in a business-like and standard way rather than a creative or personal way. Therefore pupils will be required to follow a direct-learning programme of lessons that will enhance skills already learnt and enable them to use ICT in this vocational scenario.

Most pupils will complete this certificate and then progress to the Level 2 award which currently requires a multiple choice written test. The majority of pupils are expected to achieve a Level 2 pass.

There will not be routine homework associated with this practical skills course, although pupils will be expected to devote personal study time when preparing for end of module tests.

Further details – http://www.bcs.org/ecdl

ICT is available as a GCSE elective course - for information click here.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES – Mrs S Alderson

All pupils are required to take Religious Studies as part of their curriculum. The course followed is OCR GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics). The beliefs, teachings and values of Christianity are explored and pupils are challenged to examine their own convictions about religious and moral issues.

There is the opportunity to obtain a GCSE qualification, which is assessed entirely by final examination – there is no coursework.

The course is delivered on only one period per week.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS (ECM) - Mrs S du Plessis

As in Year 9, Every Child Matters (ECM) will be studied once a week with pupils' Form Tutors. The programmes of study in ECM are designed to encourage the pupils to achieve the five outcomes of the Every Child Matters Agenda. These outcomes are :

Be Healthy
Stay Safe
Enjoy and Achieve through Learning
Make a positive contribution to society
Achieve economic well-being

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (CORE) - Mr M Allen

All pupils will do two lessons of games per fortnight. For boys this will include: soccer, rugby, athletics, cross-country, basketball, fitness training, soft-ball, tennis, cricket and orienteering.

For the girls: netball, hockey, tennis, athletics, rounders, soft-ball, cross-country, basketball, badminton, table-tennis, trampolining, orienteering, dance and aerobics.

These activities will be spread over the next two years so that each pupil can experience each activity, thus reaching a higher standard in those activities covered in Years 7 - 9 and achieving a basic level of skill and understanding in the new activities. This will lead to an Entry Level Certificate with the OCR Board which only involves practical assessment.

PE is also available as a GCSE elective course - for information click here.

  


For more information on choices and options at 14, 16 and beyond (including career matching software), visit our Careers page.