During the options process you will be asked to make choices on 2 separate occasions: Preferences, and Final Options.

Preferences

Students will be asked to indicate which 3 option subjects they would like to study in Key Stage 4. This is a relatively free choice and is used to inform the structure of the option blocks for the Final Options stage.

Final Options

Students will be asked to select 3 option subjects; 1 subject from each of the 3 option blocks. Once they have selected your choices, we will attempt to accommodate these choices into the curriculum structure. Sometimes they may find two of your favourite subjects are in the same block. If this happens, they will have to choose another subject so it is a good idea to have a number of possible subjects in mind. We cannot guarantee that they will be given their first choice. We will, however, work with them to provide the most appropriate set of courses available.

Alongside your core subjects they will then have the option to study 3 of the following subjects:        

Art & Design	RS(EPS)	ICT/Creative iMedia
Business Studies	French*	Computer Science
Construction	Geography*	Music
Dance	Health & Social Care	Photography
Drama	History*	Sport
Engineering	Hospitality & Catering	Travel & Tourism

* To study the EBacc qualification, they will need to choose French as an option subject. They will also need to choose either or both Geography and History.

EBACC

The government believes that schools and academies should offer students a broad range of academic subjects and promote aspiration. At Campsmount Academy, all students have the opportunity to study the EBacc (English Baccalaureate) combination of GCSEs in English, Mathematics, Science, French and Humanities.

The English Baccalaureate is a set of subject choices for Key Stage 4 which help to keep students’ options open for future careers and opportunities. In order to achieve the EBacc, students must choose to study History or Geography and a language, as well as English, Maths and Science. These subjects are part of the EBacc because they are very well respected by colleges, universities and employers and so can open lots of doors to your child. A recent study indicated that students who took the EBacc were more likely to attend college and university and more likely to perform well in English and Maths. At Campsmount, we believe that studying the EBacc is a fantastic opportunity to help to secure you a wide range of options for your future and provide a broad range of subjects to study at Key Stage 4. 

For further information, you can access a booklet from the Department for Education online by clicking here.

Art and Design (GCSE)

Subject Overview

Students will develop a variety of skills such as drawing, painting and sculpture and will experiment with a variety of printing techniques. Students will be taught how to advance their creativity skills along with developing ideas. The Art & Design Department aim to help develop a critical understanding of artists, architects and designers, expressing reasoned judgements that can inform and influence their own work.

How is the course assessed?

Component 1 (60% weight – coursework) and

Component 2 (40% weight – 10 hour exam and preparation)

These are internally moderated by academy Art specialists and then work is selected by the exam board to be externally moderated.

Progression Routes and Careers

Developing creativity skills in Art will allow students to access potential careers such as game design, hair dressing, tattoo artist, illustrator, architect, makeup artist, photographer, animator, fashion and filmography to name a few.

Business Studies (Vocational)

Subject Overview

The Cambridge National in Enterprise and Marketing offers a broad understanding of business with a focus on marketing and enterprise and providing opportunities for students to be inspiring, creative and practical. The course is divided into 3 units which develop your knowledge of different types of ownership, market research, pricing products, product development and the different departments involved in launching and developing products.

Using this knowledge they will then have the opportunity to apply it to developing marketing campaign for one of two products established by the exam board.

How is the course assessed?

The course contains 3 units:

Unit 1 = 40% of the qualification and is assessed by an exam at the end of Year 11

Unit 2 & Unit 3 = 60% of the qualification and are assessed by coursework assessed by your teacher

Progression Routes and Careers

Business surrounds you everywhere you go and uses a wide range of skills such as analysis, problem solving, creativity to name just a few. It is a key part of many job roles to ensure your place of work continues to be a great success!

Construction (Vocational)

Subject Overview

The Construction course introduces learners to the built environment and provides opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of different trades within construction. They will then undertake construction project tasks in:

• Bricklaying
• Joinery
• Electrical installation

Students will explore types of building structures and methods, roles and responsibilities and health and safety rules and procedures.

How is the course assessed?

There are 2 units as follows;

Unit 1 – Introduction to the Built Environment – 1 hour 30 min exam (40%)

Unit 3 – Constructing the Built Environment – Coursework (60%)

Progression Routes and Careers

By developing practical construction skills students can progress to Apprenticeships, Level 3 Construction qualifications, T- Levels, CITB courses and pathways.

Dance (Vocational)

Subject Overview  

BTEC Technical Award in Performing Arts Level 1 & 2.

Students will develop knowledge and skills on different dance genres e.g. contemporary, jazz and street dance. They will develop an understanding of performing arts by examining practitioners and participating in workshops and theory lessons.

The course consists mainly of practical performance and assessment. There is also an element of written evaluation and planning work.

How is the course assessed?

3 assessed units of work:

Exploring the performing arts (30% of final grade).

Developing skills and techniques in performing arts (30% of final grade).

Performing to a brief (40% of final grade).

Progression Routes and Careers

Students should have a keen interest in Dance and Performing Arts and a basic knowledge of dance and dance styles.

Drama (Vocational)

Subject Overview

BTEC Technical Award in Performing Arts Level 1 & 2. 

Students will develop an understanding of Performing Arts by examining practitioners and participating in workshops and theory lessons. 

The course consists mainly of practical performance and assessment. There is also an element of written evaluation and planning work.  

Students will work together to plan, rehearse, produce, perform and evaluate a selection of scenes from a play for a set amount of time. All lessons will be taught through workshop style lessons and development of drama skills. 

How is the course assessed?

Progression Routes and Careers

Students could go on to take an A Level or Vocational qualification in Theatre Studies, Performing Arts or Drama. They could also gain an apprenticeship or training within the performing arts industry. 

Engineering (Vocational)

Subject Overview

Engineering Design is used to develop and enhance new products and systems in response to market opportunities. Students will develop a design specification and study the processes involved in designing new engineered products. Using practical skills such as drawing, computer modelling and model making to communicate design ideas. Consulting with a client they will produce, test and evaluate a prototype in the form of a model to fulfil their brief. 

How is the course assessed?

There are 3 units as follows; 

R038 – Principles of engineering design – 1 hour exam  

R039 –Communicating Designs – Coursework 

R040 – Design, Evaluation and Modelling – Coursework 

Progression Routes and Careers

By developing skills such as communication and problem solving students open doors to a wide range of progression routes; Advanced Apprenticeships, A levels, IB Diploma, Tech Level Qualifications (T- levels). 

Possible careers include; Engineering Technician, ICT Engineer, Incorporated Engineer, Chartered Engineer. 

EPS (RE) (GCSE)

Subject Overview

The RS/EPS course allows students to develop their own opinions, arguing them appropriately as well as how to listen to and learn from the opinions of other people. We explore both Christian and Buddhist religions in depth covering religious beliefs and practices. Students investigate religious perspectives on ethical and moral issues including marriage and family life, matters of life and death, crime and punishment and peace and conflict. 

How is the course assessed?

There are two papers each worth 50%. 

Paper 1 -Christianity; Living a Christian Life, Marriage and the Family, Christian Beliefs and Matters of Life and Death. 

Paper 2 – Buddhism; Buddhist Beliefs, Crime and Punishment, Buddhist Life and War and Peace. 

Progression Routes and Careers

The subject is highly regarded by universities/employers, proving your ability to think critically, discuss and evaluate. It can be useful in many different jobs, including broadcasting, film, media, medicine, education, finance, civil service, law, politics, publishing, social care and journalism. 

French (GCSE)

Subject Overview

GCSE French: The emphasis throughout this two year course is on communication. Our aim is to develop the students’ skills as identified in the National Curriculum and the AQA GCSE syllabus in: 

Speaking French. To be able to communicate effectively in French on a range of topics, expressing opinions, likes and dislikes and giving accounts of events. 

Writing French. To communicate in French with others via email, blogs or articles giving personal opinions and using different time frames, as well as translating short English passages into French. 

Reading and understanding French, for example articles in brochures, magazines and newspapers as well as online and some literary texts and translating from French into English. 

Listening to and understanding French using authentic audio and visual material. 

How is the course assessed?

All four skills are assessed at the end of the 2 year course through examinations. Pupils will be entered for either Foundation or Higher level. 

Each exam (listening, reading, speaking, writing) is worth 25%.

Progression Routes and Careers

This qualification can prepare learners for a wide variety of careers and further education; Business, Travel and Tourism, Teaching, Banking, Social Care and Aid Work or Civil Services to name a few. It forms part of the EBACC suite of qualifications which Russell Group universities beginning to look for in their applicants. 

Geography (GCSE)

Subject Overview

Geography tackles the important issues of ‘tomorrows world’. It explains the rapid changes likely to be faced helping you to understand and prepare, it really does put the world in your hands! 

Geography tackles big issues and possible solutions: 

Environmental responsibility. 

Our global interdependence. 

Cultural understanding and tolerance. 

Commerce, trade and industry. 

How is the course assessed?

The course is split into 3 units: 

Unit 1 – Global Geographical Issues – 37.5% 

Unit 2 – UK Geographical Issues – 37.5% 

Unit 3 – People and Environmental Issues (Making Geographical Decisions) - 25% All units are externally assessed examinations. 

Progression Routes and Careers

Careers relating to successful Geography graduates vary massively from Journalists to Lawyers, Town Planners to Landscape Architects, Emergency Disaster Planning to Local Government, Environmental Waste Management Consultants to Investment Analysts, Accountants to Regeneration Project Managers, the list is endless! 

Health and Social Care (Vocational)

Health and Social Care – Component 1

Subject Overview

Health and Social Care is a very diverse course and is a positive choice for anyone wanting a career in the Health and Social Care sector, such as in Social Work, the NHS, teaching or working with vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or children. It not only actively engages students in the processes of Health and Social Care and the nature and quality of human life, it also helps them develop as effective and independent learners. 

The units include: 

Human Lifespan Development – Moderated internally marked assignment in year 10. 

Care Services and Values – Moderated internally marked assignment in year 11. 

Health and Wellbeing – External exam sat at the end of year 11. 

How is the course assessed?

This course is assessed using 2 internally marked assignments (30% each) which are sent for moderation at key points throughout the course and one externally set and marked exam (40%) which are combined to create a final grade. 

Progression Routes and Careers

The Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care can lead seamlessly onto the Level 3 Health and Social Care taught in Post 16 to enable further progression to University. It can also lead to further training after year 11 to work in the childcare or care sector. Career progressions include nursing, midwifery, teaching, social work and care work.  

History (GCSE)

Subject Overview

GCSE History at Campsmount follows the AQA specification and covers four topics over two exam papers. Students are assessed on the First World War and the USA, 1920-73 on Paper 1, and Norman England and the development of medicine on Paper 2. 

In addition to developing new subject knowledge, students are also assessed on their ability to analyse and question evidence such as historical sources and interpretations. 

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed over two exam papers, each lasting 2 hour. 

Both papers represent 50% of a student’s overall grade. Questions will focus on both explanation and evidence based skills. 

Progression Routes and Careers

GCSE History is excellent for preparing students for further education, at both A Level and degree. The research, explanation and evaluative skills that the course develops prepare students for careers in areas such as law, politics, teaching and archaeology. 

Hospitality and Catering (Vocational)

Subject Overview

WJEC Award in Hospitality and Catering. This course is a vocational course where students learn aspects about the Hospitality and Catering Industry. They learn about hygiene control and the risks of cross contamination. How to use temperature control and hygiene and current legislation in food preparation. It includes different types of services and how they are organised including types of jobs and job roles. The role of the environmental health officer and nutrition are covered. 

How is the course assessed?

There are 2 elements: 

Controlled Assessment including a coursework portfolio and practical element worth 60% 

A written exam worth 40%

Both are completed in year 11. 

 Progression Routes and Careers

Careers in the hospitality industry including chef, hotel receptionist, restaurant manager, waiter, business and management, dietician and teacher. 

ICT/Creative iMedia (Vocational)

Subject Overview

The Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia will equip you with a range of creative media skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, desirable, transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. Through the use of these skills, you will ultimately be creating fit for purpose creative media products. Units covered include Pre-Production Documents, Digital Graphics, Creating a Multimedia Product. 

How is the course assessed?

Unit 1 is an externally assessed examination. It represents 40% of the total assessment. You will be assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute examination, set and marked by OCR. The remaining 2 units are internally assessed pieces of coursework which involve research, planning, creating and evaluating. 

Progression Routes and Careers

Following on from this course you could study many different areas, such areas could include digital graphics, photography and website design. You could progress further in school or college by studying a Level 3 qualification or as an apprentice. 

Computer Science (GCSE)

Subject Overview

The aims of this qualification are to enable you to:
Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
➢ Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
➢ Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
➢ Understand the components that make up digital systems and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
➢ Understand the impact of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy and cybersecurity.
➢ Apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

Topics covered in this GCSE qualification include:
➢ Computational thinking – understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to follow, amend and write algorithms; ability to construct truth tables.
➢ Data – understanding of binary, data representation, storage and compression.
➢ Computers – understanding of hardware and software components of computer systems and characteristics of programming languages.
➢ Networks – understanding of computer networks and network security.
➢ Issues and impact – awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, and the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues.
➢ Problem solving with programming.

How is the course assessed?

GCSE in Computer Science consists of two externally-examined papers. Paper 1 is a written examination and Paper 2 is a practical on-screen assessment.
Paper 1 consists of five compulsory questions, each one focused on one of the topic areas. The questions consist of multiple-choice, short-, medium- and extended-open response, tabular and diagrammatic items.
Paper 2 is a practical paper and requires students to design, write, test and refine programs in order to solve problems. Students will complete this assessment on-screen using their Integrated Development Environment (IDE) of choice. This assessment consists of six compulsory questions.

Progression Routes and Careers

Following on from this course you have many choices available to you, such as further studies in school/college by studying a Level 3 qualification, e.g. A Levels, a BTEC in Computer Science or in employment as an apprentice.

Music (Vocational)

Subject Overview

The BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice consists of 3 components.

Component 1 – Exploring Music Products and Styles (30% of total qualification)

Component 2 – Music Skills Development (30% of total qualification)

Component 3 – Responding to a Music Brief (40% of total qualification)

This course provides the opportunity for students to develop a plethora of skills including sound recording, performance, composing and music theory and appreciation.

How is the course assessed?

Assignments are set by the exam board and are in the form of a brief that requires tasks to be completed within a work-related scenario. Each component has a set content that will entail completion of tasks, within a controlled assessment window and this will then be sent to Pearson. The externally assessed unit will require students to develop a musical product from the set brief released by Pearson in the final year.

Progression Routes and Careers

Students could go on to complete a Level 3 vocational qualification or A Level in Music or Music Technology or enter an apprenticeship within the Music Industry. This course could prepare you for a range of Music careers including Music teaching, Sound Engineering, Composer, Music Journalist and any position within the Music Industry.

Photography (GCSE)

Subject Overview

In GCSE Photography, students will develop knowledge, skills and understanding in the principles of digital photography and Adobe Photoshop. Students will be taught how to advance their creativity skills along with developing ideas, and increase proficiency in their execution and understandings of photography equipment. The Art Department aim to help develop a critical understanding of photographers, artists and designers, expressing reasoned judgements that can inform and influence within their own work. 

How is the course assessed?

• Component 1
  (60% weight – coursework) 

  Component 2
  (40% weight – 10 hour exam and preparation) 

  These are internally moderated by Miss Harrison and Miss Cope. Sample work is then selected by the exam board (Pearson) to be externally moderated. 

Progression Routes and Careers

Developing creativity and visual skills in Photography will allow students to access potential careers within game design, hair dressing, tattoo artist, illustrator, architecture, makeup artistry, photographer, animator, fashion and filmography to name a few. 

Sport (Vocational)

Subject Overview

The BTEC TECH Award in Sport provides an engaging and relevant introduction to the world of sport. It incorporates important aspects of the industry, such as fitness testing and training for sport and exercise, practical sports performance and sports leadership. It enables students to develop and apply their knowledge, while also developing a range of relevant practical, communication and technical skills. 

How is the course assessed?

For component 1 and component 2, you will carry out tasks/assignments throughout the components. These will be assessed through PSA’s (Pearson Set Assessments). Your teacher will mark these and then they will be sent off to be externally marked. For the assessment of Component 3 Developing Fitness to improve other Participants Performance in Sport and Sport and Physical Activity, you will be able to draw on the knowledge, skills and understanding you have developed in the qualification as a whole and students will be externally assessed through a written exam.

The units covered are:

Component 1 – Preparing Participants to Take part in Sport and Physical Activity (Assessed through PSA and practical)

Component 2 – Taking part and improving other Participants Sporting Performance (Assessed through PSA and practical)

Component 3 – Developing Fitness to improve other Participants Performance in Sport and Physical Activity (Assessed through external exam)

Progression Routes and Careers

If you are interested in taking your study of sport further, the subject-specific knowledge and skills outlined above, and developed through studying this qualification, will give you a strong foundation for academic or vocational study at level 3 at Campsmount Academy Post 16 or PE apprenticeships/Post-16 College.

Travel and Tourism (Vocational)

Subject Overview

This BTEC Tech (Level 1/Level 2) course includes three core units that form the fundamental knowledge and understanding of the Travel and Tourism sector in the UK and when travelling abroad, the global influences affecting Travel and Tourism plus customer service in the Travel and Tourism industry.  

How is the course assessed?

Unit 1 – Travel and Tourism Organisations and Destinations – internally assessed 30% of the final mark 

Unit 2 – Customer Needs in Travel and Tourism – internally assessed 30% of the final mark 

Unit 3 – Influences on Global Travel and Tourism – externally assessed (examination) 40% of the final mark 

The examination lasts 2 hours. All units are marked out of 60. 

Progression Routes and Careers

This course and qualification will be useful to students who want a career in the following areas: 

Travel agents and tour operators, air cabin crew, holiday representatives, airport employees, cruise company employees and other industries including retail which involve customer service. 

There are post 16 qualifications available in Travel and Tourism and degree qualifications including Travel and Tourism. 

To return to the Main KS4 options page click here