Monday 25 March 2013

SBCC Blog for week beginning 25.3.13


Please see below the St. Boniface's Catholic College Blog for next week.

 

The new College website production is coming on at pace with a final release date hoping to be a couple of weeks after the Easter break. I am expecting to be able to use the website to publish this weekly blog and trust that it will thus be far easier for you to access up to date information regarding activities taking place here at St. Boniface's. I have been amazed at the complexities involved in producing such a site and can only marvel at the abilities of some of our students with computers who are able to carry out similar tasks.

 

 

Year 7 from Miss Beales

 

Last Friday was Red Nose Day and lots of Year 7's were involved making the day very memorable! We raised lots of money for charity which is fantastic! In the evening the KS3 students enjoyed the disco held here at SBCC, many thanks to Mr MacCormick and the other staff involved in organising this. The students certainly seemed to have great fun!

 

Tuesday's assembly and collective worship, was organised by Mrs Polson and her tutor group, 7B. They prepared a fantastic assembly with great effort and even managed to end with their very own rendition of the "Harlem Shake!".

This week, tutors have been nominating their “student of the term”. This will be awarded during next week's assembly, so that is all very exciting! Hopefully we can end our Spring Term with a great number of achievements and successes being celebrated in our assembly on Tuesday. On that note, I would like to wish Mr Ousey and his tutor group "Good Luck" for their presentation of the assembly next week.

 

 

YEAR 9 UPDATE - MR SCOTT

At this week's assembly we presented the Form Prefects their house coloured ties and the Head of Year Prefects their red/black ties to drive forward student voice, and responsibility.

We're already planning for the Year 9 Mass on St Boniface's feast day - June 5th.  The Mass will be very important to us as it will be the official launch of the 150th Anniversary events. 

I'm so pleased to see so many of the year group have joined (or were already part of) Cadet Forces across the City. For those interested, please visit these websites to learn more:








Next week, students will meet with their Curriculum Enrichment Week team leaders to learn more about their activities.  If your son is not signed up for a CEW activity, he will be asked to the main hall with Mr MacCormick to sign up for an event.  A reminder that it is a normal school week otherwise please.

 

150TH ANNIVERSARY

Limited Edition School Ties - students in Year 7-11 will be able to order a limited edition school tie later this term which can be worn through their time at the College.  Details about the tie will be available soon.  Additionally we will have a new school scarf ready for the winter (or a Plymothian summer!).  Some stunning SBCC Anniversary class rings made by jewelry designers Eva London; and Hasbro are working with us to explore a limited edition St Boniface’s Top Trumps set and Monopoly board game!  More to come – exciting times ahead!

 

 

Monday 25th March 2013
08:10 – 08:45 Table Tennis Breakfast Club
11:35 – Year 9 Student Voice
13:35 – 2:20 Film Club (F136)
13:35 – Christian Union (Chapel)
13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6)
13:35 – Quiz in the Library
13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre
13:35 – Table Tennis Club for Years 7 and 8 (Hall)
13:35 – Badminton (Gym)
13:35 – Fitness Suite
15:20 – 16:15 – Art Club (Week B only)
15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library
15:30 – 16:30 Table Tennis After School Club
15:30 – 16:30 Year 7 Football Training (School Field)
 
Tuesday
13:35 – 2:20 Film Club (F136)
13:35 – Card Games in the Library
13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre
13:35 – KS3 Basketball Club (Gym)
 
Wednesday
 
13:35 – 14:15 Careers Club in the Library
13:35 – 14:10 Board Games Club(Art Room E123)
13:35 – 2:20 Film Club (F136)
13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6)
13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre
13:45 – ‘Africa Club’ Room (A9)
15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library
15:20 – 16:20 Gardening Club (LfLC)
 
Thursday
13:35 – 14:20 Film Club (F136)
13:35 – Various Clubs in the Learning for Life Centre
13:35 – Geography Club (A9 or A6)
13:35 – Prayer and Rosary Group (Chapel)
13:45 – ‘China Club’ Room (A9)
15:20 – 16:20 Extended Learning Club – Library
15:20 – 16:20 Geography and IT Club (Room 109)
15:30 – 16:30 Year 9 Rugby Training and Fixtures
15:30 – 16:30 Stem Club (Mr Smart’s room)
 

  

Good Friday Prayer


O Jesus, Who by reason of Thy burning love for us hast willed to be crucified and to
shed Thy Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down
upon us here gathered together in remembrance of Thy most sorrowful Passion and Death,
fully trusting in Thy mercy; cleanse us from sin by Thy grace, sanctify our toil, give
unto us and unto all those who are dear to us our daily bread, sweeten our sufferings,
bless our families, and to the nations so sorely afflicted, grant Thy peace, which is
the only true peace, so that by obeying Thy commandments we may come at last to
the glory of heaven.
Amen.
 

 

 

I  have included below extracts from our recent Key Stage 4, year 10 and 11, Information Advice and Guidance, IAG, evening. I believe that all key stage 4 as well as year 9 parents might find the pages of use.

 

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL KS4 STUDENT

 

Welcome to the KS4 Awards and Information Evening – the purpose of which is to celebrate the achievements of our students – and provide guidance and advice to help continue driving success.

This booklet contains a range of information from each department – outlining ways you can reach or exceed your potential in each.

Here are some tips that might also be useful as you approach your exams and controlled assessments:

§ Keep up to date from the start!

§ Have pride in your ability to organise yourself.

§ Use your planner!

§ Organise your time using your Outlook calendar and school email!

§ Accept challenges and show determination not to let things get the better of you.

§ Use the adults around you to achieve success. The reason we’re here is to give you a good start in life and to help you achieve your potential.

§ Talk to us when things are difficult and plan a way forward - don’t ignore problems or difficult issues.

§ Look out for your mates and those around you. Be sensitive to others’ needs.

§ Take personal responsibility for your part in ensuring the best possible environment for teaching and learning to take place.

§ Be honest, accept your part in anything that goes wrong and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

§ Share any problems outside of school, in confidence if necessary, so that we are in the best possible position to help and support you.

§ Think carefully about your future and formulate a plan.

§ Stay cheerful!

Mr B Tucker, Mr C Redfern, Mr R Ramage

ENGLISH LANG & LIT
 
COURSE LEADER: MRS H DAVIDSON HDAVIDSON@STBONIFACES.COM
COURSE DETAILS
English & English Language:
Unit 1: External exam: 40%
Unit 2: Speaking & Listening: 20%
Unit 3: Controlled Assessments: 40%
English Literature:
Unit 1: External exam: Modern texts: 40%
Unit 2: External exam: Poetry across time: 35%
Unit 3: Controlled Assessment: 25%
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
www.aqa.org.uk
REVISION GUIDES
Collins Revision New GCSE English and English Language: Higher or Foundation.
CGP Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar for GCSE.
Varied York Notes for Poetry and texts studied for Literature exams.
 
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
REVISION
Make sure you have no distractions. If you have a T.V / Xbox / PS3 in your bedroom for instance, this may not be the best place to study. Write out key points as you are revising. Have a schedule of revision and stick to it. Highlight relevant points in revision guides and answer the tasks at the end of the section
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS
Keep relevant notes as the CA is being taught, these will enable you to write out your draft and Planning sheet.
CLASSWORK
When working in groups, work with other students who will be beneficial to you. Those who will contribute to the task in hand and not just sit and talk.
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
§ REVISION - In February draw up a revision timetable for all subjects. Revise for 1 – 2 hours a night in chunks of 20-30 minutes with a 5 minute break in between, to allow the brain to consolidate learning. Do mind maps/posters/post its’ and stick them around the house – on your wardrobe, the fridge etc.
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS - Prepare your draft copy well and improve it using teacher notes. Revise from your improved draft. Good planning is essential.
§ CLASSWORK - Remain focused at all times. Ensure you ask questions if you do not understand something, but attempt to work it out for yourself first. Complete all class work and Home Learning to a good standard.
 
 
 
 
 
MATHS
COURSE LEADER: MRS V TAYLOR VTAYLOR@STBONIFACES.COM
 
COURSE DETAILS
Exam board: Edexcel
Exam Specification: MATHEMATICS 1MA0 SPECIFICATION A
Papers: (Foundation or Higher)
Non-Calculator paper = 50%
Calculator paper = 50%
No Coursework or controlled assessments.
Past papers:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse10/maths/maths-a/Pages/default.aspx
 
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
Boniface Moodle
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/maths/
www.mymaths.co.uk (UN: bonifaces PW: reflection)
REVISION GUIDES
CGP Mathematics Edexcel Linear ISBN 9781841465449
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
REVISION
Make careful, neat notes in your book. Ensure you always provide full workings and include notes to yourself to help you when you look back at your book. Do past papers and use mymaths or your revision guide when you get stuck. Attend revision classes and bring any questions that you have along with you for discussion in the revision sessions. Maths teachers are willing to help you whenever you get stuck revising, you don’t just have to see your own teacher. Pop along to any teacher’s classroom for support. Monday after school is Maths revision day!
CLASSWORK
Make as many notes as you can in class, practice plenty of examples & ensure you show full workings. Use mymaths & your revision guide to help you.
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ REVISION - Use your revision guide, class books, mymaths & past exam papers.
§ HOME LEARNING – the tasks aim to ensure you understand what you have studied in lessons. Regular practice of past papers at home and in class will help you become more familiar with the exam format and help you to identify areas that you need to concentrate on. Bring your revision guide to lessons.
§ SUPPORT – mbudge/vtaylor/jsmart/dtucker/smills @stbonifaces.com
§ REVISION SESSIONS - Mrs Taylor/Mr Smart on Mondays 3.25-4.25 - no need to book, just show up with your revision guide and any questions you may have! Topics vary each week but will be tailored around areas of weakness based on previously covered past papers.
 
RE
COURSE LEADER: MISS E HEDUVAN EHEDUVAN@STBONIFACES.COM
COURSE DETAILS
Exam board: Edexcel
Exam Specification: Catholic Christianity Paper Unit 3 (formerly Unit C)
Repeat examination: Edexcel Catholic Christianity Unit 10 (formerly Unit J)
Papers: 90 minutes each
3.1 Belief in God
3.2 Life and Death
3.3 Marriage and The Family
3.4 Religion and Community
 
RESOURCES
WEBSITES
www.edexcel.com
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesizegcse
www.youtube.com (view ‘06Clared’ revision videos)
REVISION GUIDES
£2 from RE department.
Electronic (PDF) copies of the departmental revision notes can be emailed free of charge.
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
KEY WORDS
Learn your key words. If you don’t understand the key words, you may not be able to answer the question appropriately. Also, (a) might seem easy because it is only worth two marks for a definition, but it is worth nearly 3% of your grade!! That’s the difference between a D grade and C grade.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS
PEEL each of your answers like you do in English, otherwise you won’t be writing and developing your answers enough for the examiner to consider them ‘fully developed’. Be careful of (c) part questions. It could ask you to:
‘Explain how…’ Explain how CAFOD helps to relieve world poverty;
‘Explain why…’ Explain why CAFOD helps to relieve world poverty;
‘Explain what…’ Explain what CAFOD does to help relieve world poverty.
Make sure to read the question properly or risk losing 8 marks.
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ TIMING - is crucial. You should spend 1min for each mark awarded! That is 20 minutes to answer parts (a) – (d) and two minutes to read through the question.
§ BIBLE/CATECHISM - When you are under pressure to think of supportive arguments in the exam remember to use the Bible and the Catechism as a safety net! If it is taught in the Catholic Church, it is in the Catechism and more than likely taught in the New Testament! You can use the Bible and Catechism as two separate answers.
§ CHOOSE WISELY - If you are unsure which question to answer see which (c) and (d) part you find easiest as these two questions carry the most marks.
§ AFTER SCHOOL - Friday from 3.30-4.20 in the RE department.
 
 
DRAMA
 
COURSE LEADER: MR P TRIMMER PTRIMMER@STBONIFACES.COM
COURSE DETAILS
Exam board: Edexcel
Specification:
www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/drama
Papers:
Unit 1 Drama Exploration: 30%
Unit 2 Exploring Play texts: 30%
Unit 3 Performance: 40%
RESOURCES
WEBSITES
Controlled Assessments – Units 1 & 2:
www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/drama/Pages/default.aspx?DT=Controlled%20Assessment%20-%20Units%201%20and%202
Exam Materials - Unit 3:
www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/drama/Pages/default.aspx?DT=Exam%20Materials%20-%20Unit%203
Past papers:
www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/GCSE%20New%20GCSE/Edexcel%20GCSE%202009%20Drama%20-%20SAM.pdf
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
PORTFOLIO
This is really important – think of how to plan it and don’t leave it too late.
CLASSWORK
Make sure you work together as a group and allow everyone to showcase everyone’s talent.
Make sure you plan and prepare for your performances – use the lunchtimes and speak to Mr Trimmer.
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
§ Look at all aspects of drama – such as Sky Arts documentaries on the theatre.
§ Act on the feedback you get during the lessons as well as what is written in your books.
§ Keep your portfolios up to date – looking at the grade descriptors to make sure it matches your desired grade.
§ Take part in school drama opportunities – including the pantomime!
§ SUPPORT - see Mr Trimmer for support sessions
 





FRENCH
 
COURSE LEADER: MR W NEETHLING WNEETHLING@STBONIFACES.COM
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @SBCCMFL
 
COURSE DETAILS
Exam board: AQA
Writing 30%: 2 x controlled assessments
Speaking 30%: 2 x controlled assessments
Reading 20%: Foundation/Higher exam
Listening 20%: Foundation/Higher Exam
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/languages/new/french_overview.php
www.linguascope.com
USERNAME: boniface PASSWORD: ccollege
Revision activities: www.purposegames.com
REVISION GUIDES
See Mr Neethling
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
REVISION
“Don’t leave it till the last minute!”
“Attend the after school sessions!”
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS
“Learn it”
“Don’t use a translator – they don’t work!”
CLASSWORK
“Ask for help if you need it.”
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ REVISION - Regular, short bursts. Do a little bit, often.
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS - The more time you put in, the better you do.
§ CLASSWORK - Make sure you stay up to date! Meet deadlines – this allows for timely feedback that you can act upon and use to improve your work.
§ CATCH UP SESSIONS – Mondays after school – see Mr Neethling to book a time.
 

 
GEOGRAPHY
COURSE LEADER: MISS R BLACKSHAW RBLACKSHAW@STBONIFACES.COM
 
COURSE DETAILS
Exam Board: AQA – GEOGRAPHY (A)
http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcse/pdf/AQA-4030-W-SP-13.PDF
Papers: (foundation or higher)
1.5 hour Physical paper = 37.5%
1.5 hour Human paper = 37.5%
Controlled assessment = 25%
Past papers:
 
RESOURCES
WEBSITES
Boniface Moodle
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/
www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography.html
www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/activities/activities.html
REVISION GUIDES
CGP Revision Guide AQA (A) - ISBN 9781847623782
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
REVISION
Do past papers and learn how to write the answers as you have got the knowledge from revision and you won't take in much more that close to an exam. Using different colours also help. Pick a certain album for each subject/topic and then if you get stuck you think of the song and it triggers you to think
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS
Get as many resources as you can and do your background reading
CLASSWORK
Take as many notes as you can, then read through them when you get home and add to them.
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ REVISION - Use your home learning books, class books, topic checklists are on Moodle, case study quizzes are also on Moodle. Read through a little bit each day. Make mind maps and revision cards/post it notes. Make your notes more and more precise then when it comes to a week or so before the exam.
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS - Use revision guide pages in CPG revision book. Ask if you are not sure how to complete a task or how to get the highest levels.
§ CLASSWORK - Home learning tasks aim to ensure you understand what you have studied in lessons. Bring your revision guide to annotate in lessons.
§ SUPPORT – email your teachers – rblackshaw/kbeales/stew @stbonifaces.com
§ REVISION TIMES: 3.25-4.25 Mon/Thurs. Please confirm intention to attend.
 
 
GERMAN
COURSE LEADER: MR W NEETHLING WNEETHLING@STBONIFACES.COM
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @SBCCMFL
 
COURSE DETAILS
Exam board: AQA
Writing 30%: 2 x controlled assessments
Speaking 30%: 2 x controlled assessments
Reading 20%: Foundation/Higher exam
Listening 20%: Foundation/Higher Exam
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/languages/new/german_overview.php
www.linguascope.com
USERNAME: boniface PASSWORD: ccollege
Revision activities: www.purposegames.com
REVISION GUIDES
See Mr Neethling
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
REVISION
“Don’t leave it till the last minute!”
“Attend the after school sessions!”
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS
“Don’t use a translator – they don’t work!”
“Learn it”
CLASSWORK
“Ask for help if you need it.”
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ REVISION - Regular, short bursts. Do a little bit, often.
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS - The more time you put in, the better you do.
§ CLASSWORK - Make sure you stay up to date! Meet deadlines – this allows for timely feedback that you can act upon and use to improve your work.
§ CATCH UP SESSIONS – Wednesdays and Thursdays after school – see Mr Neethling to book a time.
 
 
HISTORY
COURSE LEADER: MR F EDWARDS FEDWARDS@STBONIFACES.COM
 
COURSE DETAILS
OCR A: J415 (Schools History Project)
Paper 1: 2 hours (45%) - 2 questions on Medicine and Health through time 2 questions on Germany c. 1919 1945
Paper 2: 1.5 hours (30%) - Source based paper - The Impact of Industrialisation on Living Conditions and Health and Hygiene and the Public Health Systems in the 19th Century (NB this is the topic for June 2013)
Controlled Assessment - completed February 2013 (25%)
RESOURCES
WEBSITES
Moodle – includes powerpoints, revision guides, past questions, YouTube links, students work, and more.
BBC Bitesize - choose the Schools History Project option
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/
History Department website - Medicine & Germany
www.britishempire.co.uk/boniface/humanities/history
REVISION GUIDES
OCR My Revision Notes ISBN 978444158540
BBC Bitesize Revision Book CD-Rom ISBN 1406654434
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
REVISION
Use spider diagrams to link topics plenty of colour – set topics into the wider historical context. Start early – break down units into manageable topics.
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS
Keep up to date with current affairs - use BBC news website.
CLASSWORK
Use the time to become familiar with mark scheme levels.
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
§ REVISION - plenty of material on Moodle - use the past questions bank to become familiar with what type of questions are common on each topic.
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS - focus on extended essay writing style.
§ CLASSWORK - look for contemporary and chronological links between and across topics.
§ CATCH-UP SESSIONS - Wednesdays after school & by arrangement with teacher
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GCSE ICT (Y10)
COURSE LEADER: MRS L MCLOUGHLIN LMCLOUGHLIN@STBONIFACES.COM
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @SBCCCompSci
 
COURSE DETAILS
Unit 1 – Systems and Applications in ICT
1 x final examination in Year 11 (40%)
Unit 2 – The Assignment: Applying ICT
25hr Controlled Assessment (30%)
Unit 3 – Practical Problem Solving in ICT
25hr Controlled Assessment (30%)
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
www.aqa.org.uk
www.bbc.com/gcsebitesize/ict
REVISION GUIDES
CGP GCSE ICT – ISBN 9781847621795
RRP£10.99 (only £5.50 from Mrs McLoughlin)
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
REVISION
Use the GCSE Bitesize site – it’s full of great exercises and activities, as is the teach-ict.co.uk website! The CGP is definitely worth buying!
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS
The prep work is always useful – it makes you think about the software you will be using, and encourages you to explore new skills to apply in the CA.
CLASSWORK
Always think about how ICT can be used in your controlled assessment and in the exam. You will be asked about ICT in society – so look for real life ICT.
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ REVISION – GCSE Pod is a great way to revise all your subjects using ICT. Do your revision little and often – even in Year 10. Write key ideas on index cards and put them all over your house!
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS – think about what you want your system to actually do, and plan how you can do it. Practice your skills at home to apply in the assessment… try YouTube tutorials to support you if you’re stuck!
§ CLASSWORK – be sure to practice your software skills – especially in web design and spreadsheet design.
§ SUPPORT – email Mrs Mc for advice & support - lmcloughlin@stbonifaces.com
 
OCR NATIONALS ICT (Y11)
 COURSE LEADER: MR P SCOTT PSCOTT@STBONIFACES.COM
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @SBCCCompSci
 
COURSE DETAILS
Unit 1 – Drake Cinema
Students produce a range of
Unit 3 – Cadbury’s
Create a series of digital graphics for the
Unit 23 – Video Project (home learning assignment)
Produce a short video showing reviewing, planning, creating and evaluating.
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
Moodle – lots of support there…!
www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/ocr-nationals-ict-level-2-05659-04676-04679-from-2010/
- Go to Assessment Materials for Unit mark sheets
 
Unit 23 Video Unit Guide
http://resources.james-greenwood.com
 
 
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
For all the units, just make sure you have all the criteria clearly labelled in your folders – and you can’t go wrong!
UNIT 1 – DRAKE CINEMA
Create all the evidence for Drake Cinema – pay attention to the small print!
UNIT 3 – CADBURY’S
Review, plan, collect, create and present your graphics – this unit is really fun to do – which makes it seem easier than it is!
UNIT 23 – VIDEO UNIT
The home learning unit was to make a video – it takes about 3 hours to complete this unit… it’s the smallest unit.
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ ASSESSMENT CARDS – the assessment objectives matrices outline the required work for Pass, Merit and Distinction grades – use them carefully.
§ HOME LEARNING – the Unit 23 video unit takes about 4 hours, plus the time to record your footage – it’s a quick unit and should be straight forward enough to get a Distinction grade (use the marking matric to be sure!)
§ MODERATION VISITS – the moderator will be in during March, and again in May – be sure to get as much coursework in as possible to be in with a chance of having it assessed and passed.
§ SUPPORT – any night after school (except Tues) for access to the network; email your teacher – pscott/lmcloughlin/credfern @stbonifaces.com for support too!
 
 
MUSIC
COURSE LEADER: MR D OUSEY DOUSEY@STBONIFACES.COM
 
COURSE DETAILS
Exam board: AQA
Unit 1 Listening & Appraising
1 hour listening paper on all Areas of Study (30%)
Unit 2 Performing
1 solo and 1 ensemble performance (40%)
Unit 3 Composing
Controlled Assessment coursework 25 hours (15%)
Unit 4 Composing and Appraising
Controlled Assessment 20h & written exam 2 hours (15%)
Areas of Study: Rhythm & Metre; Harmony & Tonality; Texture & Melody; Timbre & Dynamics
RESOURCES
WEBSITES
§ BBC Bitesize
§ AQA Website - Key Materials and past papers
§ www.soundjunction.org – set up by the ABRSM provides musical definitions, puts music in context
 
REVISION GUIDES
Rhinegold AQA GCSE Guides
www.musicroom.com/rhinegold
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
KEY WORDS
Make sure you know all the key words and what they mean!
PRACTISE PERFORMING
Practise your performance piece well in advance – you don’t want to mess up this part!
DESCRIPTORS
Read through the descriptors for your grade – it’s really clear!
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ FEEDBACK - Read the feedback you get on your work – it’s written to help you!
§ LISTENING PAPER – it is challenging so focus on using the correct terminology.
§ CLASSWORK – Make a note of all of the dates so nothing surprises you and come to support sessions before it is too late.
§ IMPORTANT DATES – March 26 – “Performing Day” - all students will be recorded performing both their solo and ensemble pieces. Candidates will need to make sure they have a copy of all of their music to submit the examiner. April 23 – “Composition Due Day” - all students will have to hand in their completed compositions and their evaluation forms.
§ SUPPORT – Music staff available after school (except Tuesdays) with 24hr notice. This time can be used to cover any part of the course.
 
GCSE PE
COURSE LEADER: MR C MATHER CMATHER@STBONIFACES.COM
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @SBCCPhysEd
 
COURSE DETAILS
Theory Exam
14th May 1hr 30min
40% of GCSE PE grade
Section 1 – 10 multiply choice questions
Section 2 - 9 short answer questions
Section 3 – 2 long answered questions
Practical
24th April 9am – 3.30pm
60% of GCSE PE grade
4 activities – Football, Fitness, Badminton and Basketball
 
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/pe
www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/pe
www.teachpe.com/gcse.php
www.s-cool.co.uk › GCSE
REVISION GUIDES
Edexcel GCSE PE revision guide
Edexcel GCSE PE workbook (purchase from the PE Dept)
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
REVISION
Learn the Acronyms to help remember the large parts of information in the theory lesson. Buy the revisions guides from the PE Dept.
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS
Look at the assessment sheets to find out how to get to the next level. Practise your skills at home. Attend as many extra-curricular clubs as possible.
CLASSWORK
Keep your folder organised so you have all the information ready for revision. Attend the workshops at lunch time, they are really helpful.
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
§ REVISION - LITTLE and OFTEN, don’t cram your revision into the before the exam. Use the past paper exams to help you get use to the types of questions you will come up against in the exam. Revise topic area – test it using exam questions – review areas of weakness
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS- Use the extra curricular clubs to improve your practical skills. The person you work with in the practical moderation is essential to getting the best grade. Choose your partner wisely.
§ CLASSWORK - Use the AoP booklet which you have completed in class to help answer any questions on the Analysis of Performance section.
 
PRODUCT DESIGN
COURSE LEADER: MRS S LEE SLEE@STBONIFACES.COM
 
COURSE DETAILS
Unit A554 is a written one and a half hour exam comprising of two sections, 45 minutes per section and is worth 20% of the final GCSE grade.
Students are required to; answer exam questions related to designing influences, answer exam questions on iconic products and trendsetters, design ‘in the style’ of a trendsetter and be able to use the knowledge and understanding you have gained from product analysis and other research activities.
RESOURCES
WEBSITES
www.ocr.org.uk
GCSE Design and Technology: Product Design - J305, J045 (from 2009)
www.technologystudent.com
BBC GCSE Bitesize
Design and Technology
 
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
RESOURCES
Use the resources that Miss puts on Moodle for you…
DEADLINES
Don’t leave all your work until the last minute…
CRITERIA
Talk to the teachers about your project and research the project to be sure it meets the criteria…
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
 
§ REVISION - Revise regularly before the exam, little and often, especially subject specific language.
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS - Things can go wrong during your project, materials may need to be ordered, so plan well in advance for the unexpected.
§ CLASSWORK - Make the most of your lesson time to keep on track and motivated.
§ CATCH UP SESSIONS - Wednesdays 1520 – 1620 and any lunch time.
§ EXTRA SUPPORT - Wednesdays 1520 – 1620 and any lunch time.
§ REVISION TIMES - as per time tabled lessons, Spring term.
 
 
 
SCIENCE
COURSE LEADER: MR J HITCHCOCK JHITCHCOCK@STBONIFACES.COM
 
COURSE DETAILS
Exam board: Edexcel
Specification: www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/GCSE-science-2011/Pages/specifications.aspx
Papers: (foundation or higher)
25% Biology
25% Chemistry
25% Physics
25% Controlled Assessments
Past papers:
www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/Pages/Pastpapers.aspx
RESOURCES
WEBSITE
Official Site
www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/GCSE-science-2011/Pages/specifications.aspx
www.s-cool.co.uk
BBC Bitesize
www.skoool.co.uk
Controlled Assessments:
www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/GCSE-science-2011/controlled-assessment/Pages/default.aspx
www.science-spark.co.uk (it’s for AQA, but still useful)
REVISION GUIDES
CGP Revision Guides are available from Mr Hitchcock
TIPS FROM STUDENTS
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS
Make sure you get the units/measurements right.
Draw all of you graphs with lines of best fit
HOME LEARNING ASSIGNMENTS
Use Bitesize tests and the revision on the parts you don’t understand!
 
TIPS FROM TEACHERS
§ REVISION - Go through the past exam papers and follow the mark scheme – look at those areas you need to after the paper.
§ CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS - Be aware of the marking criteria.
§ CLASSWORK - Ensure your work is structured so you can revise from it at a later date – titles, underlining, highlighting.
§ SUPPORT - jhitchcock/agill/ematson/nlord/rramage/ndawdry@stbonifaces.com
§ AFTER SCHOOL - Wednesdays - let the teacher know what you want to cover.
 


 

 

 

 

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