GCSE Business introduces students to how businesses work. 

Students will explore realistic business scenarios and consider how to apply the concepts they have learned. A typical example of this would be when students are given financial information about a business from which they must:

• calculate a variety of financial ratios

• explain what the financial ratios reveal about the finances of the business

• suggest solutions to improve the financial position of the business

Overview

The course covers the following topics:

• Business in the real world – the purpose and nature of business, business ownership, setting aims and objectives, stakeholder, business location, business planning, expanding a business.

• Influences on business – technology, ethical and environmental considerations, the economic climate, globalisation, legislation, competitive environment.

• Business operations – production processes, the role of procurement, the concept of quality, good customer services.

• Human resources – organisational structures, recruitment and selection of employees, motivating employees, training.

• Marketing – identifying and understanding customers, segmentation, the purposes and methods of market research, the elements of the marketing mix.

• Finance – sources of finance, cash flow, financial terms and calculations, analysing the financial performance of a business.

 Assessment 

The business qualification consists of two written exams.  Each exam has a short section of multiple choice and short answer questions.  Then there are longer questions based on a case study or business data.

Paper 1 – Influences of operations and HRM on business activity

• written exam – 1 hours 45 minutes

• 90 marks

• worth 50% of the overall qualification

Paper 2 – Influences of marketing and finance on business activity

•  written exam – 1 hour 45 minutes

• 90 marks

• worth 50% of the overall qualification

Subject links

The Business GCSE has strong links with English, maths and geography.

Careers 

Qualifications in business support learners to go into a variety of careers including setting up their own enterprise.

 For further information, please contact Head of Business Matt Bryant info@ipswichacademy.org.uk.

The Citizenship course is divided into five themes:

A: Living together in the UK

Students are introduced to the idea that the UK is a diverse society of many different communities and groups who live together. They explore the nature of identity and multiple identities as well as how and why communities are changing. They consider the democratic rights, freedoms and values that we share, including human rights and the challenge of balancing competing rights.

B: Democracy at work in the UK

Students explore the idea of representative, parliamentary democracy in the UK including the voting and electoral system, the roles and responsibilities of MPs and how government is organised and kept in check. They will also consider the role of parliament in making and shaping law; the government’s role in managing public money; and how power is organised across the constituent parts of the UK.

C: Law and justice

Students explore why we need laws and how law affects us in our everyday lives. They consider how the justice system in England and Wales works in practice including the roles and power of the police and the courts. They also learn about the distinctive features of the criminal, civil and youth justice systems and some of the different approaches to settling disputes, addressing inequality, changing behaviour and tackling crime in society.

D: Power and influence

In this section students revisit key ideas about democracy, rights and responsibilities in Themes A–C as they explore ideas about power. In particular they consider power in relation to the ways in which citizens, governments and the media exercise power and influence in a range of local to global situations. They contrast representative democracy in the UK with a non-democratic political system and the limits this places on the rights and freedoms of citizens.

E: Taking citizenship action

Citizenship action may be defined as a planned course of informed action to address a citizenship issue or question of concern and aimed at delivering a benefit or change for a particular community or wider society. Taking citizenship action in a real out-of-classroom context allows students to apply citizenship knowledge, understanding and skills, and to gain different citizenship insights and appreciate different perspectives on how we live together and make decisions in society.

Students will build skills in:

• Analytical and evaluative thinking
• Public speaking and debating
• Research and evidence-handling
• Teamwork and project planning (through active citizenship work)
• Understanding of political and legal structures

Assessment

Paper 1 – Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 50% of the qualification, 80 marks

• Section A Questions are focused on specification Theme A: Living together in the UK.
• Section B Questions are focused on specification Theme B: Democracy at work in the UK.
• Section C Questions are focused on specification Theme C: Law and justice.
• Section D Extended-response questions related to two or more of specification Themes A–C.

Paper 2 – Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 50% of the qualification, 80 marks

• Section A Questions relate to the students’ own citizenship action, as specified in specification Theme E: Taking citizenship action.
• Section B Questions require students to comment on others’ actions and relate to specification Theme D: Power and influence.
• Section C Questions are focused on specification Theme D: Power and influence. One question will also link to content in one of Themes A–C.

Computer science is a subject that encourages creativity and problem solving. 

Watch the introductory video

It encourages you to develop your understanding of how computer hardware works as well as giving the opportunity to analyse problems computationally and come up with creatively programmed solutions. As Computer Science has 2 written exams and uses a typed programming language (Python) good literacy levels help on this course.

Over the course you will cover the following:

• Computational thinking. This is the process of thinking through a complex problem. These are then presented in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand. Programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing and refining of code.
• Theoretical content. Here you will understand the fundamentals of data representation and computer networks. You will learn about the computer systems that you will create and use as well as delve in to the world cyber security and ethical legal and environmental impacts of digital technology.

There are two exam papers at the end of the syllabus.

Component: 1

Weighting: 50%

Title : Computer Systems

Time length:1 hr 30

Component: 2

Weighting: 50%

Title : Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

Time length: 1hr 30

 The Computer Science course has links with mathematics, English, iMedia and science.

Computing is an ever growing job market, some examples of employment opportunities include Computer Programmer; Games Developer; Software Developer; Software Engineer; Cyber Security; Network Engineer; Data Analyst; Computer Forensics; Web Developer; Artificial Intelligence Developer; Machine Learning Engineer; Systems Analyst.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Christine Ince: info@ipswichacademy.co.uk

Film analysis is the main focus of the course.

Students will explore narrative, representation and aesthetic in relation to film form (cinematography, sound, mise-enscene, editing). Student will also be able to develop creative writing skills while completing the screenplay for the coursework element. They will also have the opportunity to create a film through group work in year ten.

Component 1 – US Cinema (US comparative analysis of Rebel Without A Cause and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and US independent film analysis of The Hate U Give.)

Component 2 – World Cinema. (Narrative analysis with Jojo Rabbit, Representation analysis with The Farewell, and Aesthetic analysis with Rocks.)

Assesment

Examination – Two exams – 35% each (Component 1 – US Cinema and Component 2 – World Cinema), each 90 minutes long.

Component 3 is a non examination assessment – Screenplay extract – 30%

For further information, please contact Joshua Kiel info@ipswichacademy.org.uk

GCSE Art and Design encourages creative thinking skills and develops visual literacy.

Watch the introductory video

The discipline of drawing is at the foundation of other skills in Art. It is used as a tool, by which students can analyse, record and translate the world around them. Critical studies enhance and underpin practical teaching, where students engage with artists, designers and architects of contemporary and historically significant, as well as culturally diverse contexts.

Analysing wider issues and concepts, developing critical thinking and imitating the processes, methods and media used by artists, inspire students to embrace their own creativity and individual self-expression.

The course aims to:

• Widen student’s knowledge and understanding of media and techniques.
• Improve skill-base by developing students use of techniques.
• Introduce students to a wide variety of artists from the timeline of art history.
• Guide students on how best to use inspiration from different sources.
• Provide students with opportunities to express their creativity through visual language.
• Develop students’ abilities to record, refine, experiment, develop, research and present.

The course covers the following structure and topics:

• Nature and Decay – Students will explore the theme through various artist starting points – street artist ROA, ATM and Kate Malone. Students will have valuable opportunities to develop their observational skills in a wide range of media such as photography, printmaking and clay. Students will analyse and reflect throughout the project, which in turn will inform their own personal responses.
• I, Me, Mine – Students will progress onto an independent project where they will have an opportunity to direct their portfolio in a more personal way. Students will start with observational skills including photography and drawing. Observational and explorative work will be developed through a wide range of media and techniques including oil paints, printmaking, 3D, textiles and photography. Students will explore the meaning of identity throughout and produce a personal response of their own choice.

Assessment

Personal Portfolio (60% of overall mark)

You will need to create a personal portfolio of work in response to themes set. Your work must comprise of supporting studies and personal responses. You will be working on your personal portfolio until December Year 11.

Externally Set Exam (40% of overall mark)

You will spend your lesson time creating a project exploring a theme you have chosen from the exam paper. You will explore this theme through investigative work, experimental and preparatory studies and a personal response. Your personal response will be created in a 10 hour exam at the end of your prep period.

All work is internally marked and externally moderated.

Subject links

Art allows students to develop transferable skills, such as problem solving, communication and critical thinking skills, which will prepare you for further study or the world of work. These skills are also important in many other GCSE subjects.

Careers

Careers in Art and Design are many and varied and here are just some of them:

Interior designer; architect; set designer; fashion designer; gallery curator; ceramicist; restoration painter; fine artist; illustrator; tattoo artist; animator; graphic designer; web designer; games designer; digital designer; police composite artist; court room artist; photographer; costume designer; toy designer; mural artist; art director; make-up artist; landscape architect; art therapist; textile designer; jewellery designer; art editor; prop maker; artist teacher; picture framer; medical illustrator; glass designer; arts administrator; shoe designer; car designer.

Industry’s demands for an increasingly innovative and globally competitive workforce make learning in the subject ever more relevant to young people. Even if you do not pursue an Art and Design job career, by taking the subject for GCSE can be to your advantage, e.g. Artists are required in the police force (composite artist), archaeologists, engineering (drawing and designs), nutritionists, scientists, journalists.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Emma Aves info@ipswichacademy.org.uk

This option choice is a combination of Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics, and GCSE Statistics.

Watch the introductory video here

Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics

This qualification fills the gap for high achieving students by assessing their higher order mathematical skills, particularly in algebraic reasoning, in greater depth, thus preparing them fully to maximise their potential in further studies at Level 3. It offers the opportunity for stretch and challenge that builds on the Key Stage 4 curriculum and is intended as an additional qualification to the GCSE Mathematics.

GCSE Statistics

Statistics is about making decisions when there is uncertainty. Perhaps one of the most versatile areas of maths, it gives students the skills to collect, analyse, interpret and present data.

Assessment

Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics

Subject content

1. Number
2. Algebra
3. Coordinate Geometry (2 dimensions only)
4. Calculus
5. Matrix Transformations
6. Geometry

AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is linear. Students take two question papers. Both question papers must be taken in the same series.

GCSE Statistics

Subject content:

1. Planning data collection
2. Collecting data
3. Representing data
4. Analysing and interpreting data and diagrams
5. Probability
6. Probability distributions

Assessment

GCSE Statistics has a Foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) and a Higher tier (grades 4 – 9). The information in the table below is the same for both Foundation and Higher tiers.

Subject links
Both courses complement subjects such as GCSE Biology, Physics, Geography, Business and Mathematics.

Careers
These options open the door to a variety of careers – from weather forecasting to the biological sciences; as well as being vital to careers in Engineering.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty – Shibili Prasanth  info@ipswichacademy.co.uk

This course is ideal for those who want to develop language skills and cultural awareness. 

It is also a great opportunity to develop transferrable skills such as communication which employers seek.   

The GCSE French course is divided into three themes:

Theme 1 – Identity and Culture

• Family and friends

• Hobbies

• Festivals and events in French speaking world

Theme 2 – Local, national and global areas of interest

• Local area

• Holidays

• Social issues

Theme 3 – Current and future study and employment

• School in UK and France

• World of work

Pupils will either complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE (grades 1 – 5). 

The key language skills are:

• listening;

• speaking;

• reading;

• writing.

These skills are developed throughout the course and then examined at the end of year 11.  Each skill makes up 25% of the final grade.

French has strong links with other languages including English as well as other languages students may speak at home. It is also an excellent basis for learning other languages in future.  

Being able to speak a second or third language is well regarded by employers and will open many career opportunities. Some careers in which languages are particularly beneficial include teaching; tourism; diplomatic services; marketing; medicine; journalism.

For further information, please contact Heads of Faculty Ashley O’Malley and Brooke Peat   info@ipswichacademy.org.uk

GCSE Geography will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing world around us.

Watch the introductory video

Topics of study include natural hazards, climate change, ecosystems, megacities, rivers, coasts, and sustainable resource use. Fieldwork is an integral part of the course with an emphasis on problem solving skills, which are needed in a variety of career paths.

The course covers the following units:

Paper 1

• the challenge of natural hazards;

• the living world;

• physical landscapes in the UK;

Paper 2 

• urban issues and challenges; 

• the changing economic world;

• the challenge of resource management; 

Paper 3 

• issue evaluation; 

• fieldwork; 

• geographical skills.

The geography qualification consists of three examination papers:

Paper 1

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weighting: 35%

=============================

Paper 2

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weighting: 35%

=============================

Paper 3

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weighting: 30%

GCSE geography has strong links with mathematics and science. 

Studying GCSE geography provides a variety of career opportunities such as travel and tourism, logistics, conservation science, emergency services and armed forces.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Zoë Clark info@ipswichacademy.org.uk

This course is an ideal choice for those who have a real passion for sport and are interested in fitness and health.

Watch the introductory video

It is designed to provide pupils with the skills and knowledge of health and fitness practices and an understanding in the sector.

Health and fitness will be based around theory and practical. Out of six lessons, five will be theory and one will be practical. 

There are two units that will need to be completed:

Unit 1 – external examination paper is based around the introduction to:

• body systems; 

• principles of training in health and fitness.

Unit 2 – internally and externally assessed coursework based around the introduction to:

• preparing for health and fitness;

• planning for health and fitness.

The coursework may require the filming of students completing various practical tasks, as the coursework is also externally moderated. 

Assessment

Pupils will all complete the same external examination paper in which they will achieve a grade ranging from level 1 pass, merit or distinction; to a level 2 pass, merit, distinction and distinction*.

Unit 1

Type of moderation: external examination

Value of final grade: 40%

Unit 2

Type of moderation: coursework

Value of final grade: 60%

Health and Fitness has strong links with science, information technology and English.

Qualifications in Health and Fitness will provide opportunities for careers such as fitness trainer; nutritionist; sports coaching; physiotherapy.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Leanne Bennett info@ipswichacademy.org.uk

The Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Social Care is designed for learners who want an introduction to health and social care that includes a vocational and project-based element.

Watch the introductory video

The qualification will appeal to learners who wish to pursue a career in the health and social care sector or progress onto further study. It will cover:

• Health and social care provision and services
• The variety of job roles in the health and social care sector and care values that underpin professional practice
• The importance of legislation, policies and procedures in health and social care and how they relate to a practitioner working in health and social care settings
• Human development across the life span
• Care needs of the individual
• How the individual accesses health and social care services
• How the individual’s needs are met through partnership working with other professionals
• The care planning cycle to meet the needs and preferences of the individual

Assessment

The qualification has 2 assessments externally-set by NCFE: one non-exam assessment and one written examined assessment. Only one attempt at each assessment is permitted.

History teaches you how and why the world came to be as it is today.

Watch the introductory video

History deals with big issues like racism, power, war, politics and discrimination. Equally importantly, studying History develops transferable skills, for example the ability to analyse, argue and explain. The skills are highly valued by post-16 providers and by employers and are a benchmark to show your academic ability. The skills History devlops can also play a critical part in your success in wider life.

• Within History you will develop the following skills:
• How to analyse and use data;
• How to organise information;
• Excellent communication and writing skills;
• How to construct an argument;
• Problem solving;
• How to select evidence;
• How to question how reliable information is.

Assessment

The History GCSE is comprised of 5 units and 3 exams.

Paper 1

Length – 1 hour 20 minutes

Topics – Medicine in Britain 1250-Modern Day / The British Sector of the Western Front

========================

Paper 2

Length – 1 hour 50 minutes

Topics – American West / Anglo-Saxon and Norman England

========================

Paper 3

Length – 1 hour 30 minutes

Topic – Weimar and Nazi Germany

Subject links

The History GCSE has strong links with English, geography, SMSC and PSHCE. It also complements science and maths-based subjects to demonstrate wider-ranging academic ability.

Careers

Employment opportunities include journalist/reporter; teacher; lawyer/barrister; archaeologist; historian; politician; TV/media; marketing/public relations/advertising.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Tom Forbes info@ipswichacademy.org.uk

This course allows any student that enjoys learning about the wide world of Hospitality, Catering and Nutrition to develop their knowledge of the third largest employment industry.

During this course you will have the opportunity to experience elements of the industry first-hand through external visits and professional taster experiences at IA.

The course includes:

• Hospitality and catering links through experiences and knowledge application.
• Guests chefs and external visits.
• A specific KS4 dedicated kitchen with versatile equipment, allowing us to cover a wide range of cooking styles.
• A gateway to travelling through college avenues and then onto working in the UK or even abroad if that’s something of interest. Chefs and Hospitality staff are in demand, not just in the UK but across most countries.

This course will also develop the following skills:

• Practical skills — time management, cooking knowledge, event planning and organisation
• Presentation skills — dress code, food hygiene, plate presentation and personal appearance
• Personal skills — showing evidence of progression, improved confidence and enjoyment
• Interpersonal skills — communication, individual drive and group work.

Assessment
This course concentrates on two units over the two years. Unit 1 will be studied mainly in year ten and Unit 2 in year 11. Resit opportunities may be available for both assessments.

Unit:  1

Type of moderation: external examination – January of Year 11 (Resit in June of Year 11) – weighting: 40%

Unit: 2

Type of moderation: Coursework – Starting in September of Year 11. Then supported by a practical cooking assessment – November of Year 11 – weighting:  60%

Subject links
Hospitality and Catering has strong links with science, business, PE, life skills and world of work.

Careers
Hospitality and Catering will provide opportunities for careers in areas such as:

• Hospitality:
• Front of house staff at any business that has contact with customers (receptionist, head waiter, bartender, etc)
• Managing – any business that serves food, beverages, and/or offers entertainment and/or offers accommodation. Massive field of establishments on offer
• Hospitality manager
• Events planner/manager
• Teaching
• Airlines – hostess, travel planner, holiday organiser
• Personal assistant
• Public service
• Catering
• Food manufacturing inspector
• Chef
• Caterer
• Baker
• Food technologist
• Food scientist
• Armed services

For further information, please contact Programme leader – Chris Platt info@ipswichacademy.org.uk

Creative iMedia will inspire and equip students with the confidence to use skills that are relevant to the digital media sector and the wider industry.

It’s a vocational qualification, equivalent in value to a GCSE and contains both practical and theoretical elements.

Most of the qualification is assessed by coursework that is set and marked by the teacher and then moderated by the exam board. This will be done throughout the two-year course. You will complete project work, research, completing practical tasks and meeting deadlines. One of the units that all students must complete is Creative iMedia in the media industry, this unit is an external written exam.

The students will then complete a coursework unit on Visual identity and digital graphics. To finish off the coursework, they will complete one of the following units of coursework:

• Characters and comics
• Animation with audio
• Interactive digital media
• Visual imaging
• Digital games

Assessment

iMedia is assessed by two coursework units and a written paper.

Component: R093

Weighting: 40%

Title: Creative iMedia in the media industry

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Assessment type: Written paper

Method: External assessment

====================================

Component: R094

Weighting: 25%

Title: Visual identity and digital graphics

Assessment type: Portfolio

Method: Internal assessment

====================================

Component: A choice between R095-R099

Weighting: 35%

Title: A choice between:

• Characters and comics
• Animation with audio
• Interactive digital media
• Visual imaging
• Digital games

Assessment type: Portfolio

Method: Internal assessment

====================================

Subject links

The iMedia course has links with English, Art, Business and Computer Science.

Careers

By developing applied knowledge and practical skills, this course will help give you the opportunity to progress on to A Levels, a Cambridge Technical in Creative Media, an apprenticeship or university. Creative iMedia could be first step of a career as a Games Developer, Comic Book Writer, Graphic Designer, and more.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Satnam Badhasha info@ipswichacademy.co.uk

Students taking this option will build communication, resilience, teamwork, organisation and problem solving skills. They will also develop skills for school, including personal development, life skills, active citizenship, enterprise and preparing for the world of work.

Assessment

Portfolio based evidence.

For further information, please contact Maled Akhlak info@ipswichacademy.co.uk

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Music offers a broad and coherent course of study which encourages learners to:

• engage actively in the process of music study
• develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control of the resources used
• develop composing skills to organise musical ideas and make use of appropriate resources
• recognise links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising and how this informs the development of music
• broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity
• develop knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians
• develop awareness of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing
• develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music
• recognise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop some awareness of musical chronology
• develop as effective and independent learners with enquiring minds
• reflect upon and evaluate their own and others’ music
• engage with and appreciate the diverse heritage of music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development.

Assessment
The course is based around 3 components:

Performing (30%) – This unit will be internally assessed. You’ll perform at least two pieces of music with a combined time of between 4-6 minutes. One of these will be a solo performance, whilst the other will be an ensemble performance.

Composing (30%) – This unit will be internally assessed. You will compose two pieces with a combined time of between 3-6 minutes. One of these compositions is in response to a brief.

Listening & Appraising (40%) – This unit will be externally assessed. You will study a range of different musical forms and features through studying from range of different musical genres and periods. You will sit a listening exam at the end of Year 11.

Subject links
Music has links to almost any subject. With the variety that this course has to offer, there will be something for everyone to appreciate.

Careers
As well as having a number of opportunities within a multi-billion pound industry (the music business is worth around £5.2 billion to the UK economy), the skills that you gain from learning to play a musical instrument can be transferable to a range of different applications, and are highly valued by top universities and employers.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty – Ben Scarce info@ipswichacademy.co.uk

Are you actively taking part in a sport outside of school?

Are you attending PE extra curricular clubs?

Do you have 3 sports you could be assessed in?

If the answer is YES to all three, GCSE PE could be the course for you!

Watch the introductory video

The course covers the following areas:

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Physical training
• Socio-cultural influences
• Sports psychology
• Health, fitness and well-being
• Practical performance – based on three sports performance
• Analysis of performance

Assessment
Unit name – Physical factors affecting performance

Written external examination:

• Mixture of multiple choice, short answers and long answers questions;
• 1 hour long;
• examination to be completed during May/June Year 11

Examination total – 30% of overall grade.

Unit name – Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology

Written external examination:

• Mixture of multiple choice, short answers and long answers questions;
• 1 hour long;
• examination to be completed during May/June Year 11.

Examination total – 30% of overall grade

Unit name – Practical performances

Core practical assessment

Practical ability demonstrated across 3 sports from approved disciplines;

• one from the ‘individual’ list;
• one from the ‘team’ list;
• one from either list – Please use this link to see the list of sports that can be chosen. 

Examination total – 30% of overall grade

Unit name – Analysis and evaluation of performance

Internal assessment

Coursework demonstrating knowledge and understanding when analysing a peer’s performance in one activity.
Examination total – 10% of overall grade

Subject links
Biology, English, Mathematics, ICT.

Careers
Qualifications in GCSE PE will provide opportunities for careers such as fitness trainer; nutritionist; sports coaching; physiotherapy.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty – Leanne Bennett  info@ipswichacademy.co.uk

Performing Arts will help you to understand the requirements of being a performer whilst also looking at other elements of design.

Watch the introductory video

You will look at the different roles, responsibilities and the application of relevant skills and techniques.

Component 1: (exploring the performing arts) Students will watch professional performances and analyse different aspects of the performance and learn about the roles and responsibilities of those who put it together.

Component 2: (developing skills and techniques) Students will be given a script in which they will develop their own skills in performance and reflect on their own development.

Component 3: (Responding to the brief) Students will be given a stimulus in which they will be required to develop their own performance. The written exams will include a log of their initial ideas, skills developed and an evaluation of their performance.

This course will help you develop skills including:

• Research
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Confidence

GCSE Religious Studies gives you the opportunity to consider a variety of questions about life and its purpose.

Watch the introductory video

Through the course you will explore topics such as the concepts of good and evil, life and death, relationships and human rights. Each of these units is considered from a range of philosophical, religious and ethical perspectives. Through Religious Studies you will develop skills such as:

• how to organise information;
• excellent communication and writing skills;
• how to construct an argument;
• how to evaluate evidence or arguments;
• problem solving skills.

These transferable skills are highly sought after by both training providers and employers.

The course covers the following units:

Component 1  – Religious, Philosophical and Ethical studies in a Modern World

Theme 1 – Relationships

Theme 2 – Life and death

Theme 3 – Good and evil

Theme 4 – Human Rights

Component 2 –  Study of Christianity

Component 3 – Study of a World faith – Islam

Assessment
The GCSE Religious Studies  consists of 3 components  and 3 exams.

Paper 1

Component 1  – Religious, Philosophical and Ethical studies in a Modern World

Length – 2 hours

========================

Paper 2

Component 2 –  Study of Christianity

Length – 1 hour

========================

Paper 3

Component 2 –  Study of Islam

Length – 1 hour

Subject links
GCSE Religious Studies has strong links with English, History, SMSC, PSHCE and Geography.

Careers
Employment opportunities include journalist/reporter; teacher; lawyer/barrister; archaeologist; historian; politician; TV/media.

For further information, please contact Head of Faculty Benjamin Hall info@ipswichacademy.org.uk