Core Subjects
As well as these three core subjects, all students will study PSHE and physical education, though these are non-accredited subjects.
English
GCSE English language and English literature are mandatory subjects that all students will study across key stage 4.
At the end of key stage 4, students will sit two exams for both language and literature, being awarded a separate GCSE grade for each. Students need to achieve at least a grade 4 to ensure they do not re-sit the English language course in post-16 education.
English Language
- Reading unseen texts from 19th, 20th and 21st century
- Creative writing
- Writing persuasively
- Analytical writing skills
- Speaking and Listening skills
English Literature
The course covers the following topics:
- Macbeth
- The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- An Inspector Calls
- Power and conflict poetry
- Unseen poetry
All students are entered for both English language and English literature GCSE. The papers are not tiered; therefore, students can achieve grade 1 to 9.
The English language qualification consists of two equally weighted papers of 1 hour and 45 minutes each. Both papers feature reading and writing tasks. Additionally, there is a speaking and listening component where students are required to prepare and deliver a speech on a topic of their choice before answering questions on that topic. This is completed in year 10.
The English Literature qualification consists of two papers. Paper one is 1 hour 45 minutes and focuses on Macbeth and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Students will be provided with an extract to analyse and then are required to write about the rest of the text. Paper two is 2 hours and 15 minutes and focuses on poetry and An Inspector Calls; students are required to know the characters, plot and key quotes from all of the texts to respond to a question on a character or a theme.
Subject links
The English GCSE has strong links with any written subject – particularly humanities subjects. The exploration of plays lends itself to drama.
Careers
English is important for all careers. Success in English is essential if you are thinking about working in the field of creative writing, journalism, law, social media, teaching or public services (such as the police, fire service or the NHS).
Mathematics
GCSE mathematics is a compulsory subject which all students are required to study.
The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. Pupils will acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems, develop mathematical reasoning and draw conclusions as well as be able to comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms.
The course covers the following topics:
- number
- algebra
- ratio, proportion and rates of change
- geometry and measures
- probability
- statistics.
Assessment
Pupils will either complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE (grades 1 – 5). The mathematics qualification consists of three equally weighted examination papers.
Paper 1
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calculator: No
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Paper 2
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calculator: Yes
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Paper 3
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calculator: Yes
Subject links
The mathematics GCSE has strong links with science, computer science, geography and art.
Careers
Qualifications in mathematics are vital for careers such as engineer, builder, architect, chartered accountant, chartered certified accountant, data analyst, investment analyst, research scientist, sports data analyst.
For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Shibili Prasanth info@ipswichacademy.org.uk
Combined Science
GCSE combined science is a combination of biology, chemistry and physics.
All students take combined science unless they choose separate science as an option. Combined science covers less subject content than separate science. Combined science may be suitable for students who are very sure that they do not want to study science or science related subjects in the future. Combined science counts as two GCSEs rather than one in recognition of the breadth and depth of content.
The course covers the following topics:
- Biology – key concepts, cells and control, genetics, natural selection and genetic modification, health, disease and the development of medicines, plant structures and their functions, animal coordination, control and homeostasis, exchange and transport in animals and ecosystems and material cycles;
- Chemistry – states of matter, methods of separating and purifying substances, atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic bonding, covalent bonding, types of substance, acids and alkalis, calculations involving masses, electrolytic processes, obtaining and using metals, reversible reactions and equilibria, groups in the periodic table, rates of reaction, heat energy changes in chemical reactions, fuels and Earth and atmospheric science;
- Physics – motion, forces and motion, conservation of energy, waves, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, energy, electricity and circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, particle model and forces and matter.
Assessment
Pupils will complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE (grades 1 – 5). The science qualification consists of six equally weighted examination papers. Two papers of biology, two chemistry and two physics. All papers are the same length.
Paper : Biology 1
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Chemistry 1
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Physics 1
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Biology 2
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Chemistry 2
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Physics 2
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calculator: Yes
Subject links
Science has strong links to all other subjects, especially mathematics.
Careers
Qualifications in science can lead to careers such as astronomer, doctor, environmentalist, medical researcher, prosthetist, medical journalist, biomedical engineer and many more.
For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Julia Sheppard info@ipswichacademy.org.uk
Separate Science
Top set classes will be studying separate science in year 10 and 11.
Separate science is three different GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics. These GCSEs prepare students well for study at A-level or further education in science or science related subjects. Student progress is greatly supported by strength in mathematics.
The course covers the following topics:
- Biology – key concepts, cells and control, genetics, natural selection and genetic modification, health, disease and the development of medicines, plant structures and their functions, animal coordination, control and homeostasis, exchange and transport in animals and ecosystems and material cycles;
- Chemistry – states of matter, methods of separating and purifying substances, atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic bonding, covalent bonding, types of substance, acids and alkalis, calculations involving masses, electrolytic processes, obtaining and using metals, reversible reactions and equilibria, chemical cells and fuel cells, groups in the periodic table, rates of reaction, heat energy changes in chemical reactions, fuels and Earth and atmospheric science, hydrocarbons, alcohols, polymers and material properties;
- Physics – motion, forces and motion, conservation of energy, waves, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, astronomy, energy, electricity and circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, particle model and forces and matter.
Assessment
Pupils will complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE (grades 1 – 5).
The science qualification consists of six equally weighted examination papers. Two papers of biology, two chemistry and two physics. All papers are the same length.
Paper : Biology 1
Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Chemistry 1
Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Physics 1
Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Biology 2
Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Chemistry 2
Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calculator:Yes
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Paper : Physics 2
Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calculator: Yes
Subject links
Science has strong links to all other subjects, especially mathematics.
Careers
Qualifications in science can lead to careers such as astronomer, doctor, environmentalist, medical researcher, prosthetist, medical journalist, biomedical engineer and many more.
For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Julia Sheppard info@ipswichacademy.org.uk
