EBacc

,

Computer Science

,

A GCSE in Computer Science is a great choice for students with strong mathematical skill and an interest in technology and programming.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mr L Cleary

EXAMINATION BOARD:
OCR

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

pink block.png

Course outline

This course enables students to develop their understanding of the current and emerging technologies and how they work. Students develop computer programs to solve problems and evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs / solutions and the impact of computer technology in society.

As well as learning about the theory of computer systems, students will also study computational thinking, algorithms and programming. In Year 10 all students will complete a programming project where they will be challenged by a range of exciting and engaging tasks to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.

Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world problems. This qualification will value computational thinking and help learners to develop the skills to solve problems and design systems that do so.

This option is subject to a teacher recommendation due to the advanced mathematical nature of the course.

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1-2 100% Exam External assessment

The future

These skills will be the best preparation for learners who want to go on to study Computer Science at A-level and beyond. This meets the fundamental requirements of employers and leads to occupations such as Computer Programmers, Games Design and Network Engineers.

Explore more options

 
,

Science (Combined or Triple)

,

GCSEs in Science help us to understand the world around us, and teach us to ask questions, solve problems and think critically. Studying Science opens up many future education and career opportunities.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mr P Marshall

EXAMINATION BOARD:
AQA

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE:
Combined SCience
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

pink block.png

Course outline

GCSE Science is linear with all exams sat at the end of Year 11 (May/June 2023).

The Combined Science GCSE course covers Biology, Physics and Chemistry over the course of Key Stage 4. The course is examined as one unit, but the awarded grade counts twice as the content is so extensive. Students will be awarded two GCSE grades at the end of the course.

The Triple Science GCSEs offer separate qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These will be awarded as individual grades for each subject.

GCSE Science provides insight into how science works, stimulating students’ curiosity and encouraging them to engage with science in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about future study and career choices.

The decision about whether students will follow the Combined or Triple pathway will be taken after discussion between students and their teachers.

Assessment method

Combined Science
Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
Biology 33.30% Exam Each subject will have 2 x 75 minutes exams
Chemistry 33.30% Exam See above
Physics 33.30% Exam See above
Triple Science
Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
Triple Science 100% Biology/Chemistry/Physics each Exam Each subject will have 2 x 105 minutes exams. Each exam is worth 50% of the total qualification

Questions will be a variety of multiple choice, structured, short closed answer and open response. Higher (grades 9 – 4) and Foundation (grades 5 – 1) tiers are available. There is no coursework element to the new Combined Science GCSE, instead there is a significant practical component which will be tested within the exams.

image.jpg

The future

Students who are successful at Combined Science GCSE can progress onto further qualifications, such as A-level Biology, Chemistry and Physics; BTEC Level 3 Applied Science qualifications, apprenticeships and employment. It opens up a rich world of career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Explore more options

 

French

Studying a Modern Foreign Language GCSE opens doors to travel and adventure. But it is also has many cognitive benefits including memory, critical thinking and concentration. We strongly recommend you consider studying a language.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs N Shaw

EXAMINATION BOARD:
AQA

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

pink block.png

Course outline

You will build on the skills you have been working on in years 7-9 in the areas of listening, reading, speaking and writing in French. All the skills are examined at the end of the course in Year 11.

Topics covered will include:

  • identity and culture

  • local, national and international areas of interest

  • current study and future employment.

The course will suit those with confidence in speaking the language, accuracy in writing, an understanding of basic grammar such as verbs and an interest in learning about the culture of different French-speaking countries.

“With languages, you are at home anywhere.”
— Edward de Waal
French speaking countries around the world.

French speaking countries around the world.

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1 25% Internal Speaking
2 25% Exam Listening
3 25% Exam Reading
4 25% Exam Written (including translation)
image.jpg

The future

By taking French at GCSE you will have amazing skills and a valuable talent that’s applicable to almost everything you do. Some examples of jobs where languages would be useful include; the world of business, finance, government, media, manufacturing and marketing, teaching, technology, travel and tourism. Languages mean business – being able to speak a language is a real achievement that employers will love! Universities also see having a language as a valuable asset, and some have it as an entry requirement as part of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).

Explore more options

 

Geography

GCSE Geography suits those with an interest in other places and world events, and a desire to understand the causes and consequences of global change.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs E Saville

EXAMINATION BOARD:
OCR

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

pink block.png

Course outline

This course explores both human and physical Geography and the processes that shape our world. You will study natural disasters, rivers and coasts, the living world including tropical rainforests and cold environments. You will learn about human Geography focusing on the challenges facing our cities, the changing economy and the challenge of managing resources. The course includes many topical issues facing the world today and will help you to understand why things change and how humans can cope and adapt to this change.

“GCSE Geography has helped me to understand more about the world around me – from the way our towns are changing to the consequences this is having on the environment, for example, for example the Calder Valley floods. Every day, there is something in the news that I can link to Geography. ”
— Kate, Adam & Josh, Year 13

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1 30% Exam Living in the UK today – 1 hour
2 30% Exam The world around us – 1 hour and 30 minutes
3 40% Exam Geographical skills – 1 hour and 30 minutes

The future

A-level Geography can be studied here at Ryburn; we expect a minimum of a grade 5 at GCSE. Geography combines well with other subjects both in the Humanities or the Sciences and is one of the most flexible qualifications you can gain, giving access to a variety of careers and higher education courses. Geography is highly valued by universities. Graduates in Geography experience some of the best rates of employment of all graduates compared to all other disciplines in jobs as diverse as town planning, flood management, tourism, accountancy and the energy industries (e.g. oil production or renewables).

Explore more options

 

History

Studying History enables us to understand the world and our place within it. It builds skills that are crucial in today’s world: the ability to think analytically and critically, to research and evaluate sources, and to present and communicate our ideas persuasively.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs K McIntyre

EXAMINATION BOARD:
AQA

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

pink block.png

Course outline

The History GCSE encourages learners to become curious and to develop their own opinions based on a respect for evidence. Students will build a deeper understanding of the present by engaging with and questioning the past. The course develops a wide and deep knowledge of a range of different periods. Students will engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers.

Students will develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and why different interpretations have been constructed about them. Throughout the course students will study a variety of interesting historical topics: the people’s health, the Elizabethans and America, between 1920-1973.

Students are required to have a personal interest in History and be able to demonstrate strong written, oral and analytical skills.

“History is great! Learning about the foundations of everything around you is interesting and without History, where would we be today?”
— Jordan, Y11

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1 50% Exam ‘The People’s Health’ and ‘The Normans’ – 2 hours
3 50% Exam ‘America, 1920-1973’ and ‘The First World War’ – 2 Hours
:

The future

A-level History can be studied at Ryburn. History is one of the most flexible qualifications you can gain, giving access to a variety of careers and higher education (degree) courses. History is highly valued by universities and employers. History graduates experience some of the best rates of employment ranging from law, journalism and television production. History is a highly valued academic subject, as well as handy in a pub quiz!

Explore more options