The Year 9 Options booklet for pupils and parents at Ryedale School

1. 1
Options Booklet
2017

2. 2
Page Page
Options 2017 key dates 3 Geography- Ebacc 14
Introduction and key information 4 History- Ebacc 15
Options Grid 6 Computer Science- Ebacc 16
SUBJECT INFORMATION Dance 17
English- Core 8 Drama 18
Maths- Core 9 Music 19
Science - Core 10 F.P.N 20
Triple Science 11 Design and Technology 22
French- Ebacc 12 Art 24
Spanish- Ebacc 13 GCSE P.E 25
Compulsory non-examined subjects 27

3. 3
Year 9 Options 2017-18 KEY DATES
• January 12
th
2017. Year 9 and parents Options Information Evening
• January 12
th
2017. Options booklet and grid given to students and parents.
• Week beginning 16
th
January: English, maths and Science GCSE courses to
begin.
• Week beginning 23rd January: Set option assemblies with Miss Hunter
• Fortnight beginning 6
th
February. Options assemblies during form time and
options guidance meetings and interviews begin.
• March: Year 9 tracking reports home to parents.
• Thursday 9
th
March. Year 9 Parents’ Evening.
• Wednesday 15
th
March. Options deadline. Parents and students must
ensure that the online form is complete on or before this date.

4. 4
INTRODUCTION
Dear Parent/ Carer,
The options process is an important time for your child; the decisions that they make will impact upon the
next phase of their education. Selecting appropriate options choices now is crucial if our young people are
to succeed in their GCSEs and are to be prepared for life after Ryedale School.
This booklet is to inform you about the courses available to Year 10 students at Ryedale School in
September 2017.
How Many Subjects Will My Child Study?
All students are required to study mathematics, English language, English literature and at least two
sciences at GCSE level. Other subjects, such as core physical education, religious education,
citizenship and personal development do not lead to examinations, but remain valuable compulsory
elements of the curriculum.
In addition, students choose four subjects from an extensive list which includes: art, dance, drama,
food preparation & nutrition, French, Spanish, geography, history, triple science, computer science,
music, product design and GCSE physical education.
Most students will therefore be entered for nine GCSEs in total. A small number of students who
require a less academic pathway will be guided towards taking three option subjects (eight GCSEs in
total). They will use the extra time available to support the learning, coursework, homework and
preparation for assessments in their remaining eight GCSE courses. Maths and English will be a
major focus of this support.
What is the Impact of Recent GCSE Reform?
As I am sure you are aware, the past few years have seen significant changes both to the content
and rules governing assessment of GCSEs in England. Current Year 9 students will be taking
reformed GCSEs for all of their subjects. These changes include:
• The replacement of modular assessment with terminal linear assessment, with students being
examined at the end of Year 11 rather than at regular intervals throughout the course.
• A reduction in opportunities to re-sit individual units.
• Greater emphasis upon written examinations at the expense of coursework and controlled
assessment.
• More marks awarded for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG).
• An increase in the amount of content that students are expected to cover in each specification.
• Specific changes to assessment in individual subject areas such as the removal of controlled
assessment and separate reporting of the speaking and listening component of the English
Language GCSE.

5. 5
You will be the first year group for whom all GCSE subjects will be graded using the new GCSE grading system.
The new grading system is shown in the table below.
You will receive numbers as grades instead of letters, where 9 is the top grade, and 4 is similar to a current grade C.
Grading the new GCSEs in 2017, Ofqual (2014), The Department of Educat on
Page 8
The Government’s reforms to GCSE, which are intended to drive up standards and bring England
into line with other high performing countries (as measured by international tests such as PISA)
represent a significant change to the way in which, and the level at which, students are assessed at
the end of Year 11. Key features of the new reformed GCSEs include:
• Increased content and challenge
• Terminal linear assessment
• Exams the default method of assessment
• Single tier exams in most subjects
• Greater emphasis upon literacy
• Grades 9-1 to replace current A*-G*.
The chart below shows how the existing A*-G grades map across to the new 9-1 grading system. By
replacing the current A* with Grades 8 and 9, the new system allows for greater differentiation
between the highest grades.
The remainder of this booklet will outline the Options Process and give detailed information about the
range of subjects on offer.
If you have any other questions about the options process, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Katie Hunter (Assistant Headteacher: Teaching, Learning and Curriculum)

6. 6
The Options Grid
To ensure that students have the opportunity to select a broad and balanced KS4 curriculum, we construct
an options grid from which students should choose their free option choices.
Students should choose one option from each of the four option lines. We also ask that students choose
reserve options choices in case a course is not viable.
All students will receive guidance and support throughout the process. For those that require
additional support, there will be 1:1 options support meetings.
LINE 1 LINE 2 LINE 3 LINE 4
Spanish History History History
French Geography Geography Geography
Design and
Technology
Art Language GCSE P.E
Art Triple Science Computer Science F.P.N
Drama Support Design and
Technology
Art
F.P.N Music
The EBACC
The government introduced Ebacc as a performance measure in 2010. It is not a qualification in
itself but instead recognises where students have achieved a good pass (5 and above) across a core
of academic subjects.
These must include:
✓ Mathematics,
✓ English,
✓ 2 x Sciences,
✓ a Modern Foreign Language
✓ and either History or Geography.
At A-Level, the same list of subjects is included in a list of ‘facilitating subjects’ preferred by the
Russell Group Universities for entry onto competitive degree courses and identified as the subjects
that keep the most options open for students when applying for university. Therefore, it is
important that students consider this when selecting their options choices. We encourage all
students capable of achieving a Grade 5 across these subject areas to seriously consider opting for
them.

7. 7
How to Decide
There are many good reasons for studying a subject at GCSE:
➢ you may need it for your career
➢ you may need a particular GCSE to access your chosen post-16 course
➢ you may be good at it
➢ you may enjoy it
➢ it may give you the English Baccalaureate
➢ it may give you a good balance of subjects.
Students with option choices that reflect a breadth of study including languages and humanities
subjects are highly valued.
This is also true for students who achieve very high standards in any subject area. Therefore, if you
are really good at a subject, think very carefully before giving it up.
Subject Information
The remainder of this booklet provides an outline of all GCSE core subjects, options subjects and
compulsory non-examined subjects.

8. 8
Head of Department: Miss K Round
Contact: kround@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
Students will study for two GCSEs which will
be taught together as one integrated course;
lessons include elements of both English
Language and English Literature.
The course will allow and encourage
students to develop the ability to read,
understand, enjoy and respond to all types of
text, and develop the ability to construct and
convey meaning in written language and
write creatively.
COURSE CONTENT
Students will be required to produce their own
fiction and non-fiction writing and will study a
range of texts including pre-20th century texts
and a play by Shakespeare. These texts will be
selected from a list provided by the Exam
Board and will be chosen to engage and inspire
students as well as broaden their experiences
of literature.
Students will be required to write accurately
and in suitable forms for differing purposes
and audiences; they will have to be able to
respond to different stimuli for writing and to
edit and proof-read their own work.
ASSESSMENT
100% of the assessment for English Language
and English Literature will be through
examinations taken at the end of Year 11.
Language exams Paper 1 - Fiction 1hour 45
mins (50%) Paper 2 - Non-fiction 1 hour 45
mins (50%)
Literature exams Paper 1 -
Shakespeare/19th Century novel 1 hour 45
mins (40%) Paper 2 - modern texts/poetry/
unseen poetry 2 hours 15 mins (60%)
OTHER INFORMATION
The English GCSE course will begin in the
Spring Term of Year 9. This will continue in
Years 10 and 11.
Students are placed in sets based on their Key
Stage 3 achievement.

9. 9
Head of Department: Mr S Underwood
Contact: sunderwood@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
The main aims of the course are to allow and
encourage students to develop an ability to
think mathematically i.e. precisely, logically
and creatively; they will also develop
understanding of mathematical ideas and
how to communicate them.
Through independent and co-operative
study, students will develop an appreciation
of how maths can be used in their own lives
as well as the place of maths in society as a
whole.
Maths underpins many other subjects; this
course gives students a firm foundation for
further study across the curriculum.
COURSE CONTENT
Number – arithmetic, fractions, percentages,
application to finance, powers and estimating;
Algebra – algebraic manipulation, equations,
formulae, graphs and sequences;
Ratio, proportion and rates of change -
measures, scale factors, maps, ratio,
proportion, percentage and speed;
Geometry and measures – angles,
construction, 2D and 3D shapes, Pythagoras,
area, volume, trigonometry, vectors and
similarity;
Probability – experimental and theoretical
probability, outcomes and combined events;
Statistics – averages, charts, cumulative
frequency, histogram and scatter graph
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is based on 3 examinations
taken at the end of Year 11.
Each exam is 1 hour 30 mins long and will be
a mix of short single mark questions and
multi-step problems.
Students are expected to be competent at
mental and written calculation to solve
problems and interpret the result.
OTHER INFORMATION
The maths GCSE course will begin in the Spring
Term of Year 9. This will continue in Years 10
and 11.
Students are placed in sets based on their Key
Stage 3 achievement.
Additional Maths will be offered as an extra
course to the most able students.
Entry Level Certificate will be available for
those students working below grade 1.

10. 10
Head of Department: Mr R Beal
Contact: rbeal@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
The aim of the science course is to enable
students to recognize the impact of science
and technology on everyday life, make
informed personal decisions about issues
and questions that involve science and to
understand and reflect on the information
included in media reports.
By the completion of the course, students
will have gained a broad body of scientific
knowledge and understanding across the
three sciences of biology, chemistry and
physics.
COURSE CONTENT
All students will follow the new GCSE
specification for science, leading to 2 GCSEs.
The course alternates between biology,
chemistry and physics, with each being further
divided into discrete topics.
The course covers a wide range of
fundamental scientific principles relevant to all
our lives; it provides a solid foundation of
science literacy and gives insight as to how
scientists develop an understanding of the
world we live in.
ASSESSMENT
The students are assessed through examinations
at the end of Year 11; the practical work that the
students undertake in class will be assessed
within these examinations.
Biology paper 1 - 1 hour 15 mins
Biology paper 2 - 1 hour 15 mins
Chemistry paper 1 - 1 hour 15 mins
Chemistry paper 2 - 1 hour 15 mins
Physics paper 1 - 1 hour 15 mins
Physics paper 2 - 1 hour 15 mins
OTHER INFORMATION
The Combined Science GCSE course will begin
in the Spring Term of Year 9. This will continue
in Years 10 and 11.
Students are placed in sets based on their Key
Stage 3 achievement.

11. 11
Head of Department: Mr R Beal
Contact: rbeal@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
To give students an in-depth look at many of
the fundamental scientific principles and
ideas needed to study science in further and
higher education.
This course develops many transferable
skills, the most important being the ability to
make sound judgments, based on scientific
evidence.
COURSE CONTENT
Triple science will be taught alongside the
content for the double science award, so that
students get the deeper understanding of
scientific concepts necessary for studying
science at A level.
This course will lead to a separate GCSE in
Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A series of set
practicals will be incorporated into the course,
which helps develop key scientific skills
required for further study at A level.
Students will study a range of topics including:
cutting-edge gene technologies, research in
space, production of chemicals used in
everyday life and new energy technologies
important in sustaining our energy needs in
years to come.
ASSESSMENT
100% of the assessment for this course is by
examination at the end of Year 11.
Biology paper 1 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)
Biology paper 2 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)
Chemistry paper 1 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)
Chemistry paper 2 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)
Physics paper 1 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)
Physics paper 2 - 1 hour 45 mins (50%)
OTHER INFORMATION
The Triple Science GCSE course will begin in
the Spring Term of Year 9. This will continue in
Years 10 and 11.
Students are selected for Triple Science based
on their achievement at KS3 and their
suitability for this more challenging Science
course.

12. 12
Head of Department: Mrs Z Pinkney
Contact: zpinkney@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
Study a language at GCSE! By taking a language at
GCSE you will not only be able to communicate
abroad but will gain skills that are applicable to
almost everything you do.
A language GCSE builds on what you’ve already
learnt at KS3, giving you the skills to write and talk
about anything; from how you intend to celebrate
your birthday to the latest technology.
You won’t just be learning the language, you will be
finding out about other people, countries and
cultures.
Languages are a gateway to the world!
COURSE CONTENT
The course is divided into three main themes:
Identity and Culture;
Local, National, International and Global Areas
of Interest;
Current and Future Study and Employment.
Students will build on their knowledge of
topics covered at Key Stage 3, such as self and
family, free time, home town, school life and
customs and festivals in French-speaking
countries.
The course will also introduce new topics such
as marriage and partnership, social media,
social issues, the environment, post-16
education and career choices.
ASSESSMENT
The students will be assessed by examination
at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1 - Listening (25%) Foundation tier - 35
mins Higher tier - 45 mins
Paper 2 - Speaking (25%) Foundation tier - 7
to 9 mins Higher tier - 10 to 12 mins
Paper 3 - Reading (25%) Foundation tier - 45
mins Higher tier - 1 hour
Paper 4 - Writing (25%) Foundation tier - 1
hour Higher tier - 1 hour 15 mins
OTHER INFORMATION
Students currently studying Spanish will have the
opportunity to choose Spanish as a GCSE option.
Support is given to students through study
clubs and individual help with the preparation
of the speaking and writing exams.
Revision sessions are also available after
school for those students wanting help with
the reading and listening papers.

13. 13
Head of Department: Mrs Z Pinkney
Contact: zpinkney@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
Study a language at GCSE! By taking a language at
GCSE you will not only be able to communicate
abroad but will gain skills that are applicable to
almost everything you do.
A language GCSE builds on what you’ve already
learnt at KS3, giving you the skills to write and talk
about anything; from how you intend to celebrate
your birthday to the latest technology.
You won’t just be learning the language, you will be
finding out about other people, countries and
cultures.
Languages are a gateway to the world!
COURSE CONTENT
The course is divided into three main themes:
Identity and Culture;
Local, National, International and Global Areas
of Interest;
Current and Future Study and Employment.
Students will build on their knowledge of
topics covered at Key Stage 3, such as self and
family, free time, home town, school life and
customs and festivals in French-speaking
countries.
The course will also introduce new topics such
as marriage and partnership, social media,
social issues, the environment, post-16
education and career choices.
ASSESSMENT
The students will be assessed by examination
at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1 - Listening (25%) Foundation tier - 35
mins Higher tier - 45 mins
Paper 2 - Speaking (25%) Foundation tier - 7
to 9 mins Higher tier - 10 to 12 mins
Paper 3 - Reading (25%) Foundation tier - 45
mins Higher tier - 1 hour
Paper 4 - Writing (25%) Foundation tier - 1
hour Higher tier - 1 hour 15 mins
OTHER INFORMATION
Students currently studying Spanish will have the
opportunity to choose Spanish as a GCSE option.
Support is given to students through study
clubs and individual help with the preparation
of the speaking and writing exams.
Revision sessions are also available after
school for those students wanting help with
the reading and listening papers.

14. 14
Head of Department: Mr C Rodd
Contact: crodd@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
An exciting, contemporary new course in
which students develop an understanding of
key processes and features in UK and around
the world.
The course aims to highlight important
challenges and opportunities the human race
is facing including; natural hazards, climate
change, poverty, global shifts in economic
power, the importance of new technologies
and the sustainable use of the planet's
resources.
Students will be encouraged to make links
between issues and appreciate different
values and attitudes in order to recognise the
complex inter-relationships found within and
between physical and human geography
COURSE CONTENT
Unit 1 Living With the Physical Environment:
-The challenge of natural hazards(volcanoes,
earthquakes, tropical storms, extreme weather in
the UK and climate change)
-Physical landscapes in the UK(relating to rivers &
coasts)
-The living world(the characteristics and
sustainable management of cold environments and
tropical rainforests)
Unit 2 Challenges in the Human Environment:
-Urban issues and challenges
-The changing economic world(the development
gap, factors driving rapid economic development in
lower income countries and understanding the UK
economy )
-The challenge of resource management (globally &
in the UK)
Unit 3 Geographical application:
-Issue evaluation
- a decision making enquiry based on a
contemporary geographical issue
-Fieldwork
- Two fieldwork enquiries in which students;
collect, analyse, present, interpret and evaluate
primary data in a physical (coasts) &human
(town/city) location.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is by examination at the end of Year
11.
Unit 1 1 hour 30 mins (35%)
Unit 2 1 hour 30 mins (35%)
Unit 3 1 hour 15 mins (30%)

15. 15
Head of Department: Ms N Kesterton
Contact: nkesterton@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
The course aims to develop the students'
depth of knowledge and understanding of a
wide range of fascinating periods, societies
and aspects of history. This fosters an
understanding and interest in
society, politics, the world and current
affairs.
Students will also develop the skills
necessary to examine, analyse and evaluate
evidence, to ask relevant questions, to carry
out research and improve independent
thinking.
COURSE CONTENT
This course will help students understand how local,
national and international society has been shaped by
historical events. It will develop understanding of the
diversity of human experience across history with a
particular appreciation for change over time and the
causal relationships between events.
GCSE history will also develop students' depth of
knowledge and understanding of a wide range of
interesting periods and topics:
The People's Health - 1250 to present
The Elizabethans - 1580 to 1603
History Around Us: Site Study - Helmsley Castle
The Making of America - 1789 to 1900
Living Under Nazi Rule - 1933 to 1945
ASSESSMENT
100% of the assessment will be through
examinations taken at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1
- The People's Health (thematic study) (20%)
-The Elizabethans (British depth study) (20%)
1 hour 45 mins
Paper 2
- History Around Us (20%)
1 hour
Paper 3
- The Making of America (period study)
(20%)
- Living Under Nazi Rule (world depth study)
(20%)
1 hour 45 mins
OTHER INFORMATION
The course will help students to develop the
widely transferable skills of analysis and
evaluation; understanding and breaking down
interpretations; independent enquiry and
developing evidence-based arguments.

16. 16
Lead Teacher: Mr L France
Contact: lfrance@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
The course will enable students to:
- Understand and apply the principles
and concepts of computer science;
- Analyse problems in computational
terms through practical experience of
solving such problems;
- Understand the components that
make up digital systems and how
they communicate with one another
and with other systems;
- Think creatively, innovatively,
analytically, logically and critically;
- Understand the impacts of digital
technology to the individual and to
wider society;
- Apply mathematical skills relevant to
computer science.
COURSE CONTENT
Problem-solving: students will design,
implement and analyse algorithms for solving
problems.
Programming: students will design, read, write
and debug computer programs.
Data: students will learn how different types of
data are represented in a computer, using
binary data.
Computers: students will become familiar with
the hardware and software components that
make up a computer system and will recognize
the many different forms that computers can
take.
Communication & the internet: students will
learn the key principles behind the
organisation of computer networks.
The bigger picture: students will study the
influence of emerging trends in computing
technology and its effect in the wider world.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment for Computer Science will be through
examinations taken at the end of Year 11 and a
Project which is also completed in Year 11.
Examinations- 80%
- principles of Computer Science
- application of computational thinking
Computer science project
20 hours (20%)

17. 17
Head of Department: Mr A Moxon
Contact: amoxonryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
The course will allow and encourage
students to perform and appreciate dance as
an art form.
They will work collaboratively and
independently to choreograph their own
dances, and develop as creative and artistic
individuals.
Students will learn to critically analyse
professional works and develop physical,
technical, mental and expressive skills.
COURSE CONTENT
Performance: students must develop and apply the
knowledge, understanding and skills required in
performance.
Choreography: students must learn how to respond
creatively to a set stimulus to choreograph their own
complete dance, which includes their own choice
of accompaniment and communicates the idea, mood
and meaning.
Theory: students must learn to critically appreciate
their own work and the professional set works in the
GCSE Dance anthology.
ASSESSMENT
Practical and written assessments will take
place at the end of Year 11.
Performance - a set study and a performance
of a duet or trio (30%)
Choreography - a solo or group
choreography (30%)
Written paper - covering knowledge &
understanding of dance and the critical
appreciation of professional and own works
1 hr 30 mins (40%)
OTHER INFORMATION
Students should be aware that although the approach
is largely practical, there will also be classroom based
theory lessons.
Students must be willing to commit extra time
in lunchtimes and after school when we are
rehearsing for productions.

18. 18
Head of Department: Mr A Moxon
Contact: amoxonryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
Students will work together imaginatively
and creatively, developing and
communicating ideas through performance,
reflecting on their own and others’ work, and
exploring key texts and practitioners in the
dramatic arts.
COURSE CONTENT
Component 1 is focused on devising theatre, where
students are required to research, develop and
perform an issue-based piece of drama, then produce
a 2000 word portfolio essay analysing and evaluating
the creative process.
Component 2 involves developing students’ skills and
understanding when working with performance texts;
here, students undertake a practical exploration of a
complete play and are assessed through a live
performance played to a visiting examiner.
Component 3 is based on understanding theatre
makers practice, and involves pupils studying a second
performance text and learning how to reflect on and
evaluate live professional theatre; the knowledge and
skills acquire is assessed through a written
examination.
ASSESSMENT
Drama at GCSE level is assessed through two
coursework components and one written
examination:
Unit 1: Devising (40%)-Create and perform a
devised play from a stimulus.-Write a
portfolio essay describing, analysing and
evaluating creative process.
Unit 2: Performance from Text (20%)-Study a
play text in detail.-Perform two key scenes in
front of a visiting examiner.
Unit 3: Theatre Makers in Practice 1 hour 30
mins (40%) -Practical study of one play text.-
Write about it in exam.-Evaluation of a live
performance.
OTHER INFORMATION
Students should be aware that although the approach
is largely practical, there will also be more ‘writerly’
lessons.
Students must be willing to commit extra time in
lunchtimes and after school when we are rehearsing
for productions; they must also participate in extra-
curricular trips to the theatre.

19. 19
Head of Department: Mr A Moxon
Contact: amoxonryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
The course will enable students to develop
into an excellent all-round musician, by
improving performance, composition and
listening skills.
Musicians of all types are welcome and
extensive previous musical experience is not
necessary.
What is important is that students are
prepared to work hard and show
commitment.
COURSE CONTENT
Performance - musicians have to demonstrate solo
and ensemble skills on any instrument, or voice. This
involves performing in class, and if the student wishes
to, in public. There is no need to have taken any
ABRSM exams, although this can be helpful. Students
do not need to be able to play more than one
instrument, or to play the piano.
Composition - students have to compose two pieces,
one free choice and one to a set brief from
EDEXCEL. These pieces can be in any style, and
produced using manuscript, Sibelius, Cubase, or any
other recognised means.
Listening - students study set works of a range of
composers, such as Bach, Beethoven, John Williams
(Star Wars), Queen, music from Wicked, Samba and
Club Dance.
ASSESSMENT
Performance - recordings of two performances, one
as a soloist and one as an ensemble musician, are
assessed (30%).
Composition - both the free choice and set brief
compositions are assessed (30%).
Listening - an exam, sat in the summer of Year 11,
with a variety of questions based on the set works,
and other related pieces of music (40%).
OTHER INFORMATION
Having instrumental/vocal lessons during the GCSE
isn’t essential, but it is desirable.
If you have older siblings who have taken GCSE music
at Ryedale, the set works you are studying are
different from what they studied.

20. 20
Head of Department: Mr B Howard
Lead Teacher: Miss Wallis
Contact: bhowardryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk or dwallis@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
This is a new, exciting and creative course
which focuses on practical cooking skills to
ensure students develop a thorough
understanding of nutrition, food provenance
and the working characteristics of food
materials.
COURSE CONTENT
Food preparation skills are integrated into 5 core
topics:
- Food, nutrition & health - students will learn
about the main nutrients, why our bodies
need them and which foods contain them.
- Food science - this involves the study of the
science of processes affecting food such as
gelatinisation, coagulation and emulsification.
- Food safety - this will further develop themes
covered in Key Stage 3.
- Food choice - this will cover ideas such as why
we make certain choices about food.
- Food provenance - the students will cover
issues such as food miles, organic produce and
food labelling
ASSESSMENT
50% of the assessment will be via examination taken
at the end of Year 11. Students will also complete
two other assessments tasks:
Task 1 - Food investigation assessed via a 1500-2000
word report (15%)
Task 2 - Food preparation assessed via practical
tasks, presented as an electronic portfolio
(35%)
Written exam- 1 hour 45 mins
(50%)
OTHER INFORMATION

21. 21
This course may be more suitable for students for whom a non-academic pathway would be more
appropriate. Please see Miss Hunter or the Technology Department for more information.
COURSE AIMS
The new Level 1/2 Technical Awards in Food &
Catering is ideally suited to learners for whom a
more practical, rather than theoretical course is
most appropriate. The course is tailored towards
specific career areas and is a creative outlet for
students.
The course is one of the vocational qualifications
that will fulfil entry requirements for both academic
and vocational study post-16.
COURSE CONTENT
Students who want to study food in a practical way
and understand their working
properties will really enjoy this course. It will enable
learners to work in a hands-on way to develop the
core skills to make high-quality products using a range
of different skills.
Students will study the essential information relating
to food and catering including: ingredients and
commodities, meal and menu planning, commercial
practice, possible careers within the catering industry
and food hygiene and safety
This Technical Award in Food & Catering will help
learners develop the knowledge, skills and experience
required within the industry and could potentially
open the door to a career in related industries.
ASSESSMENT
Unit 1: Practical skills in Food and Catering (internally assessed)
Students will create a number of small practical outcomes to demonstrate their competency in 12 core skills
outlined in the specification. This will include the transferable skill of teamwork.
Unit 2: Extended making project (internally assessed)
Students will undertake an extended making project that showcases the skills and knowledge they have
developed in Unit 1 and the knowledge they have acquired in Unit 3. The project will be in response to a
brief. Learners will develop skills in planning and development, making, testing, evaluation and
communication.
Unit 3: Fundamentals of Food and Catering (externally assessed)
Learners will study the essential information relating to food and catering including:
• ingredients and commodities
• meal and menu planning
• commercial practice
• possible careers within the catering industry
• food hygiene and safety

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Head of Department: Mr B Howard
Contact: bhoward@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students
to participate confidently and successfully in an
increasingly technological world.
Students will gain awareness and learn from wider
influences on Design and Technology including
historical, social, cultural, environmental and
economic factors.
Students will get the opportunity to work creatively
when designing and making and apply technical and
practical expertise.
COURSE CONTENT
The GCSE allows students to study core technical and
designing and making principles, including a broad
range of design processes, materials, techniques and
equipment.
Students will also have the opportunity to study
specialist technical principles in greater depth. This is
the nearest course to GCSE product design, which has
now been phased out.
This course is the more design focused of the 2 new
choices at key stage 4. It will appeal to those who
prefer the designing element of DT, although making
skills will still be important.
ASSESSMENT
UNIT 1: A 2 hour exam paper taken at the end of year 11. (50%)
Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks)
A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and
understanding.
Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks)
Several short answer questions (2–5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in depth
knowledge of technical principles.
Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks)
A mixture of short answer and extended response questions including a 12 mark design question.
The exam will also test the application of mathematics within a design and technology context.
UNIT 2: Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)
This is assessed through a substantial design and make task. (50%)
The time allowance is 30-35 hours. The task will cover:
• Investigating
• Designing
• Making
• Analysing and Evaluating

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This course may be more suitable for students for whom a non-academic pathway would be more
appropriate. Please see Miss Hunter or the Technology Department for more information.
COURSE AIMS
The new Level 1/2 Technical Awards in materials
technology is ideally suited to learners with a
preference for practical, rather than theoretical
learning.
The course is tailored towards specific career areas
and is a creative outlet for students.
The course is one of the vocational qualifications
that will fulfil entry requirements for both academic
and vocational study post-16, alongside GCSEs, and
will count as equivalent to one GCSE.
COURSE CONTENT
Students who want to study materials in a practical
way and understand the working properties of woods,
metals and polymers will really enjoy this course.
It will enable learners to work in a hands-on way to
develop the core skills to make high-quality products
using woods, metals and polymers (plastics).
Students will have the opportunity to use traditional
skills and also modern technologies.
This Technical Award in Materials Technology will help
learners develop the knowledge, skills and experience
required within the industry and could potentially
open the door to a career in related industries.
This course is the more practical focused of the 2 new
choices at key stage 4.
ASSESSMENT
Unit 1: Skills demonstration (internally assessed) 30%
Students will carry out a number of bite-sized projects to demonstrate their competence in 12 core skills
outlined in the specification. This will include the transferable skill of teamwork and one of the mini-projects
will allow for this. Students will produce a series of small made outcomes and record their work in a portfolio
of no more than 12 pages.
Unit 2: Extended making project (internally assessed) 30%
Students will undertake an extended making project that showcases the skills and knowledge they have
developed in Unit 1 and the knowledge they have developed through Unit 3. The project will be in response
to a brief, examples of which are:
• create a piece of jewellery
• create a child’s toy from sustainable materials
• create a piece of furniture for the home.
Students will develop skills in planning and development, making, testing, evaluation and communication.
Unit 3: Fundamentals of Materials Technology (externally assessed 1.5 hour exam) 40%
Students will study materials and their working properties and learn about processes and manufacture. They
will gain knowledge of the applications and characteristics of a wide range of woods, metals and polymers
and also learn about possible careers within industry.

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Head of Department: Mr D Hopkins
Contact: dhopkins@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
The course provides students with the opportunity
to develop a wide range of skills, explore an exciting
range of contemporary artists and express their own
ideas.
COURSE CONTENT
The course offers students a wide range of creative
and exciting opportunities to explore art & design
through a variety of media, with reference to
contemporary artistic practice
Students develop their own coursework projects from
a common starting point, deciding on an area of study
they wish to follow.
Students are encouraged to use and experiment with
a variety of media, techniques and approaches.
ASSESSMENT
Students are assessed through coursework and an
exam:
Unit 1 60%
Assessment of coursework completed in Years 10 &
11, consisting of :
- 2 or more completed projects (preparation,
research, development and final piece)
- a portfolio of work (study sheets, homework,
experimental and workshop pieces).
Unit 2 40%
Choice of one question from approximately 7, set by
the exam board. There are at least two months of
preparation before the final piece is created under
exam conditions in the art
rooms. This is exam lasts 10 hours, spread over 2
days (in early March).
OTHER INFORMATION
GCSE Art is highly rewarding but equally demanding in
terms of the time needed to complete projects.
Students will be expected to plan and develop work
beyond lesson time.
We want to encourage students to demonstrate self-
expression and imagination - this is not just limited to
the talented few.

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Head of Department: Mr P Marwood (boys) and Mrs J
Green (girls)
Contact: pmarwood@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
jgreen@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
COURSE AIMS
To provide students with an interest and
enthusiasm in sport and the opportunity to
learn advanced skills and techniques. This
results in students becoming highly skilled
and knowledgeable in many areas of physical
education.
COURSE CONTENT
GCSE students participate in 2 lessons of practical and
3 lessons of theory per fortnight, in addition to 4
hours per fortnight of core PE.
The theory part of the course covers: applied anatomy
and physiology; movement analysis; physical training;
use of data; sports psychology; socio-cultural
influences and health, fitness & well-being.
In the practical part of the course, students will have
the opportunity to participate in a range of activities,
including hockey, netball, athletics, football, rugby,
tennis and cricket.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment has practical and written components;
exams are sat at the end of Year 11.
Practical performance - assessment in the skills and
techniques of 3 sports activities (One team sport
and twp individual sports or vice versa). This can
include sports done outside of school. Assessment
includes a written analysis of practical performance.
(40%)
Paper 1 - the human body & movement in physical
activity & sport.
1 hour 15 mins (30%)
Paper 2 - socio-cultural influences and well-being in
physical activity and sport.
1 hour 15 mins (30%)
OTHER INFORMATION
All students will do 2 hours a week of compulsory core
PE, even if they do not choose a GSCE PE option.

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This course may be more suitable for students for whom a non-academic pathway would be more
appropriate. Please see Miss Hunter or the P.E Department for more information.
COURSE AIMS
The course allows pupils with an interest and
enthusiasm in sport the opportunity to
further develop their understanding and
knowledge of the subject.
This is delivered through practical and theory
lessons.
Practical
Sports performance – this offers the
opportunity to learn advanced skills and
techniques in selected sports.
Sports coaching – allows pupils to study the
methodology behind coaching and officiating
and apply these in their chosen sport.
Theory
Gives insight into the exciting and developing
area of the sports industry.
COURSE CONTENT
GCSE students participate in 3 lessons of practical and
2 lessons of theory per fortnight, in addition to 4
hours per fortnight of core PE.
Theory 40%
Sports performance 30%
Sports Coaching 30%
The theory part of the course covers: health physical
fitness and safety; contemporary issues in sport; local
and national organisations of sport and careers and
physical activity in sport.
In the practical part of the course, students will have
the opportunity to participate in a range of activities,
including hockey, netball, rounders, basketball,
football, rugby, tennis and cricket.
Pupils will learn the methodology of coaching and
officiating. They will apply these through practical
sessions.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment has practical and written components;
an exam is sat at the end of Year 11.
Practical performance - assessment in the skills and
techniques of 2 sports activities. Assessment
includes a written portfolio of practical
performance. (30%)
Sports coaching - assessment in the skills and
techniques of sports coaching and officiating.
Assessment includes a written portfolio of practical
performance. (30%)
Written exam on the theory aspects of the course.
Consists of multiple choice, short and long answer
questions.
1 hour 30 mins (40%)
OTHER INFORMATION
All students will do 2 hours a week of compulsory core
PE, even if they do not choose a GSCE PE option.

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Head of Department: Miss D Wallis
Contact: dwallis@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
Aims of Citizenship
Citizenship equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in
public life. Citizenship encourages students to take an interest in topical and controversial issues and to
engage in discussion and debate. Students learn about their rights, responsibilities, duties and freedoms,
and about laws, justice and democracy.
Content
Britain - covers topics on diversity, multi-culturalism, multi-ethnicity and identity
The UK's role in the world - covers topics on the EU, the single currency, Commonwealth and the UN
Global challenges - covers topics on the environment, poverty, health and education, war and terrorism
The law - covers topics on how laws are made, crime and punishment, anti-social behaviour, the youth
justice system
Human rights - covers topics on refugees and asylum seekers
Racism - covers topics on discrimination
The media - covers topics on freedom of speech
Government - covers topics on Parliament, elections, democracy, local government
Working for change - covers topics on pressure groups, volunteering and community activities.
Head of Department: Mr R Pepper (Assistant Headteacher)
Contact: rpepper@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk
Aims of RE
Religious education develops open, sensitive, reflective and critical approaches to understanding
humankind's varied religions and beliefs, exploring practices, values, beliefs and lifestyles, relating these to
students' own experiences and to questions of everyday life.
Content
In year 10 students will study the history, beliefs, philosophy and practices of Islam. In year 11, students
will study a range of ethical issues focused around prejudice and discrimination, crime and punishment,
and economics.
Head of Department: Mr P Marwood (boys) and Mrs J Green (girls)
Contact: pmarwood@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk jgreen@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk