1. GCSE RELATED INFORMATION
Year 11
GCSE RELATED INFORMATION
Mrs S Brennan

2. Attendance/Punctuality
It is not the % attendance that’s important but the number of days missed!
For example, 95% attendance = 8.5 days missed (1 and ½ weeks)
90% attendance = 15.5 days missed (3 weeks)
85% attendance = 25 days missed (5 weeks)
Attending class is the key to success!
Example:
Pupil
% Attendance
GCSE Grades Achieved
Pupil A
95.8%
3A*, 6A’s
Pupil B
90.4%
3B’s, 4C’s, 1D, 1E
Be Punctual!

3. Attendance/Punctuality
Subject blocks
Thursday
Friday
Five classes of:
Agriculture in St. Joseph’s High School
Music PE
BTEC Health and social
All Day - Occupational Studies in SRC

4. 4 Core GCSE Subjects & 5 GCSE Options
Pathways at Key Stage 4
Option A
Option B
5 Core Subjects Enrichment Programme or Work Placement & Occupational Studies
4 Core GCSE Subjects & 5 GCSE Options
CORE SUBJECTS
English
Maths
Science
Religion
CORE SUBJECTS
GCSE/ES English
GCSE Maths/ES Maths
SA Science
Muiredach Award
Key skills in ICT

5. What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of the social world, and the behaviour of humans in a variety of situations. Several aspects of human behaviour are studied, creating an understanding of society in a changing world. Sociologists study a wide range of topics including class, gender, schools, childhood, power, media, social mobility, crime and poverty.
Through studying GCSE Sociology, students will:
study a range of social processes – education; family; crime and deviance; mass media; power; and social inequality
acquire knowledge and understanding of how society works
understand sociological methodology and a range of research methods
reflect on their own experience of the social world in which they live
develop their critical thinking

6. Crime and Deviance; Mass Media; Power; Social Inequality
Scheme of Assessment: Linear
Examination Board : AQA
Topics
Weighting
Unit 1
June 2018
Studying Society;
Education; Families
50%
Unit 2
Crime and Deviance; Mass Media; Power; Social Inequality
Please note that both Unit 1 and 2 are taken at the end of two years study.
This specification has been developed to enable a smooth progression to GCE Sociology, so students who do this GCSE Sociology specification will be well prepared when moving on to AS and A Level Sociology.

7. GCSE Agriculture and Land Use
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Controlled Assessment
Total of 60% of the course
CA 1: Practical Investigation Task
Choice from one of three topics.
20% weighting and 1000 word limit
CA2: Research Project
40% weighting and 1500 word limit
Every Summer
(Beginning in 2017)
Linear Exam:
Unit 1: Soils, Crops and Habitats
External examination
Weighting: 20% Time: 1h 15mins
Structured questions requiring short answers, extended writing and calculations.
June 2017
(Year 11)
Unit 2: Animals on the Land
Structured questions requiring short answers, extended writing and calculations
June 2018
(Year 12)

8. GCSE Technology & Design
Examination board: AQA
Course name: GCSE Design & Technology: Resistant Materials Technology
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
UNIT 1: Written Paper
External examination
2 hour paper
Worth 40% of final grade
June 2018
UNIT 2: Controlled Assessment (Coursework)
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Students should spend approximately 45 hours on this activity
Worth 60% of final grade
March 2017 – March 2018

9. GCSE Mathematics Paper 2 Paper 1 Examination board: CCEA
All pupils in 11S & 11C will sit the Higher Tier
All pupils in 11O & 11I will sit the Foundation Tier
All pupils in 11L will sit Essential Skills Level 1
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Paper 1
External examination
Calculator Paper
Completed in Year 11
Worth 45% of final grade
Higher Tier – 2 Hour Paper
Foundation – 1 Hour 30 Mins
Thursday 25th May 2017
Paper 2
Split into two External examinations
Part 1 – Non Calculator
Part 2 - Calculator
Completed in Year 12
Worth 55% of final grade
Higher Tier – 2 x 1 hour and 15 Mins Papers
Foundation Tier – 2 x 1 hour papers
January 2018
Date yet to be set.

10. GCSE Further Mathematics
Examination board: CCEA
A number of Year 11 pupils will sit GCSE Further Maths (Grades A*-U) which provides a sound basis for further study of mathematics at AS/A2 level.
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Unit 1:
Pure Mathematics
External examination
2 hour paper
Completed in Year 12
Worth 50% of final grade
JUNE 2018
Date yet to be set.
Unit 2:
Mechanics and Statistics
Completed in Year 11
Thursday 22nd June 2017

11. Revised Essential Skills – Application of Number
Pupils in 11L will sit Essential Skills Level 1 in Year 11 with a view to sitting Essential Skills Level 2 in Year 12.
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Level 1
External examination
Completed in Year 11
Worth 100% of final grade
April 2017
Level 2
Completed in Year 12
April 2018

12. GCSE Information Technology
Examination Board: CCEA
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination/
Controlled Assessment
Unit 1 – Tools and Applications
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Completed in Year 11
Worth 30% of final grade
June 2017
Unit 2 – Using Multimedia and Games Technology
Completed in Year 11/12
June 2018
Unit 3 – Understanding ICT Systems in Everyday Life and Its Implications for Individuals, Organisations, Society and the Wider World
External Examination
2 hour paper
Worth 40% of final grade

13. Repeatable in June 2018 but repeat mark will count
GCSE Geography - CCEA
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Controlled Assessment
Pupils to complete a 2000 word write up of a local fieldwork investigation
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Started in Year 11 and finished in Year12
Worth 25% of final grade
Started in June 2017
Completed by December 2017
Not repeatable
Modular Exam: Physical Geography
External examination
1 hour and 30 minute exam
Completed in Year 11
Worth 37.5% of final grade
June 2017
Repeatable in June 2018 but repeat mark will count
Modular Exam: Human Geography
Worth 37.5% of the final grade
June 2018
Examination board: CCEA

14. Repeatable but resit mark will count
GCSE English
Examination board: CCEA
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Unit 2: Functional Writing and Reading Non-Fiction
External examination
1 hour and 30 min paper
Completed at the end of Year 11
Worth 20% of final grade
Jan 2018
Repeatable
Unit 1: Personal Writing and Reading Multi-Modal texts
Completed at the end of Year 12
JUNE 2018
Repeatable but resit mark will count
Unit 3: Speaking and Listening
A number of assessments will be completed throughout Year 11 and 12 – with the best marks selected from the following categories:
An individual speech/presentations with questions from the audience
A role-play
A group discussion
Throughout Year 11 and 12
Final Assessment
Unit 4: Spoken, Written Language and Writing Creativity
Coursework component
Worth 40% of final grade
Task 1: The study of Spoken Language (10%)
Task 2: The Study of Written Language (15%)
Task 3: Writing Creatively (15%)
Task 1: NOV. 2016
Task 2: FEB. 2017
Task 3: APRIL. 2017
Not repeatable

15. Essential Skills – Communication
Pupils in 113A only will sit Essential Skills Level 2.
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Level 1
Produce a portfolio of evidence based on chosen Action-based Activity (ABA)
The portfolio is internally marked and externally moderated
Obtain a mark of at least 70% in level 1 Desktop task
Portfolio and Desktop task carried out in Year 11
Level Awarded
JUNE 2017
Level 2
Obtain a mark of at least 70% in level 2 Desktop task
A pupil failing to score 70% or higher but who scores 50-69% will be awarded a Level 1
Portfolio carried out in Year 12 and completed by:
February 2017
Desktop task carried out in April 2017
JUNE 2018

16. GCSE English Literature
Examination board: CCEA
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Unit 1: The Study of Prose
External examination
1 hour paper
Worth 25% of final grade
JUNE 2017
Option to repeat in June 2018
Unit 2: The Study of Drama and Poetry
2 hour paper (Three sections i.e. Section A, B and C)
Worth 50% of final grade
JUNE 2018
Unit 3: The Study of Linked Texts
Controlled Assessment
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Set task by CCEA

17. Single Award Science Examination board: CCEA Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Unit 2: Chemistry
External examination
Foundation paper (1 hour), Higher paper (1 hour and 15 mins)
Worth 25% of final grade
February 2017
Option to repeat once
Unit 3: Physics
November 2017
Unit 1: Biology
May 2018
Unit 4: Controlled Assessment
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Class teacher will set deadlines throughout year
Summer Term 2017
Option to repeat

18. May only be repeated once
Double Award Science
Examination Board: CCEA
New Grading System: A*A*, A*A, AA, AB, BB, BC, CC, DD etc.
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
YEAR 11 ASSESSMENT
Unit 1: Biology (B1)
External examination
Two tiers available (Higher & Foundation)
1 hour paper
Completed in Year 11
Worth 11% of final grade
November 2016
May only be repeated once
Unit 1: Chemistry (C1)
February 2017
Unit 1: Physics (P1)
May 2017

19. Double Award Science Examination Board: CCEA Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
YEAR 12 ASSESSMENT
Unit 2: Biology (B2)
External examination
Two tiers available (Higher & Foundation)
1 hour and 15 min paper
Worth 14% of final grade
May 2018
Unit 2: Chemistry (C2)
Unit 2: Physics (P2)
Controlled Assessment
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Class teacher will set deadline dates throughout year
Completed in Year 12
Worth 25% of final grade
YEAR 12

20. There is no coursework component in this subject!
GCSE Religion
Examination board: CCEA
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
An Introduction to The Study of Mark’s Gospel
External examination
1 hour and 30 min paper (100 marks)
Completed in Year 11
Worth 50% of final grade
MAY/JUNE 2017
Option to repeat
An Introduction to Christian Ethics
Completed in Year 12
MAY/JUNE 2018
**Additional Note**
There is no coursework component in this subject!

21. Occupational Studies Students travel to SRC one day per week.
Students will complete 2 units of work in year 11.
These units equate to 1 of their GCSE’s depending on the level achieved.
Students will complete 2 more units of work in year 12.
These units also depending on grade achieved are the equivalent to 1 GCSE.

22. Occupational Studies
If your Son/Daughter is unable to attend SRC for even one day, you should contact the school.
Full attendance is the key to success.
Casual attendance will result in the award not being achieved.

23. Occupational Studies Attendance is crucial to obtaining a Level 2
Examination Board: CCEA
Carried out on a Thursday/Friday in Southern Regional College (SRC), Newry
100% coursework – NO EXAM & NO HOMEWORK
Attendance is crucial to obtaining a Level 2
Occupational Studies Level
  Grade
GCSE Notional Equivalency
Level 2
Distinction/Distinction*
A/A*
Merit B
Pass C
Level 1
Distinction D E
F/G
Unclassified

24. GCSE Child Development
Examination board: CCEA
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Unit 1:
Parenthood, pregnancy and childbirth
Externally assessed
1 Hour Paper
Completed in Year 11
Worth 20% of final grade
Summer 2017
Option to repeat Summer 2018
Unit 2:
Child Development
Completed in Year 12
Summer 2018
No option to repeat
Unit 3:
Controlled Assessment -
Investigation Task
Internally Assessed
Worth 40% of final grade
One Controlled Assessment Task
September – December 2017
Unit 4: Internally assessed January -
Controlled Worth 20% of final grade March 2017
Assessment Completed in Year 11
(short task) One Controlled Assessment Task

25. GCSE History Examination board: CCEA Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Unit 1: Studies in Depth
Externally Assessed Worth 50%
Written exam 2 hours
2 sections A & B
A = Options 1,2 & 3
B= Options 4 & 5
Summer 2017
Unit 2: Outline Study
Externally Assessed Worth 25%
Written exam 1 hour 15mins
Foundation & Higher papers
Summer 2018
Unit 3: Investigative Study
One Controlled Assessment Worth 25%

26. GCSE FRENCH Examination board: CCEA Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Listening
External written exam
Two tiers of entry (Higher: 45 mins; Foundation: 35 mins)
Worth 20% of final grade
June 2018
Speaking
Controlled assessment
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Worth 30% of final grade
Submitted
Reading
Two tiers of entry (Higher: 50 mins and Foundation: 40 mins)
Writing
Controlled Assessment
Externally assessed

27. GCSE Irish Examination Board: CCEA Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Listening
External written exam
Two tiers of entry (Higher: 45 mins; Foundation: 35 mins)
Worth 20% of final grade
June 2018
Speaking
2 pieces of oral work to last up to 6 minutes EACH
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Class teacher will set the date and time of each student’s oral
Worth 30% of final grade
First oral examination to take place Feb. 2017
Reading
Two tiers of entry (Higher: 50 mins and Foundation: 40 mins)
Writing
Controlled Assessment
Externally assessed
Two papers to be completed during Year 11/12
First written exam to take place May 2017

28. GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Examinations board: CCEA
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Component 1:
Developing Knowledge, Understanding and Skills for Balanced, Healthy Lifestyles and Participation in Physical Activities
External examination
1 hour and 30 min paper
Completed at end of Year 12
Worth 40% of the final grade.
External Assessment
June 2018
Component 2:
Developing and Maintaining a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Written coursework completed over an 8 week period in Years 11 & 12 (Commence in May 2017 and complete in December 2017)
Worth 20% of the final grade.
Controlled Assessment
Sept 2017 –
Dec 2017
Component 3:
Individual Performance in the Physical Activities
Individual performance in 3 practical activities assessed throughout Year 11 and Year 12
Orienteering module (compulsory for all GCSE PE students): 2 day trip to Killowen Outdoor Education Centre (Spring 2017)
Interschool competitions 2016–’18
Worth 30% of the final grade.
Sept 2016-
April 2018

29. GCSE Art & Design Examination Board: CCEA 100% Coursework
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Unit 1: Visual language, media, materials, techniques and new technology
Students produce a portfolio of work
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Completed in Year 11
Worth 60% of final grade
Completed in
December Year 12
Deadline: Dec 2017
Unit 2: Working to a stimulus
Includes a 10 hour exam which is carried out in April in Year 12
Completed in Year 12
Worth 40% of final grade
Completed in YEAR 12 with final exam in APRIL 2018
***CANNOT BE REPEATED***

30. GCSE Road Traffic Studies
Examination Board: CCEA
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Controlled assessment task
Worth 60% of final grade
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Broken down into two components
Practical Mark (Moped Test)
Worth 30% of final grade
Graded in Years 11 & 12
Investigate Study (Study of real life traffic situation)
Completed in Year 11
YEAR 11
&
YEAR 12
Theory exam
External examination covering 6 topics
Two tiers of entry (Higher: 2 hour paper; Foundation: 1 hr 30 min paper)
Completed in Year 12
Worth 40% of the final grade
JUNE 2018

31. GCSE Business & Communication Systems
Scheme of Assessment
Assessment
Examination/
Unit 1
Use of ICT
Completed in year 11
2 hour paper
Practical computer exam
Worth 40% of final grade
June 2017
Unit 2
The Business Environment
External written exam
1 hour
Completed in year 12
Worth 35% of final grade
May/June 2018
Unit 3
E-Commerce
Controlled Assessment
Worth 25% of final grade
Sept-Dec 2017

32. GCSE Applied Business Each assessment may test all areas of the specification.
Content
Assessment
Weighting
Timing
Business Start Up
Production
Finance
Marketing
Managing People
Business Growth
Business Plan
Controlled assessment
There is one controlled assessment with three tasks.
External written exam
There is also a 1 hour exam based on stimulus material
60%
40%
Summer Term
Year 11
(Topic led)
Year 12

33. GCSE Music Examination Board: CCEA Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Composing & Appraising
Students are required to produce a portfolio of their compositions/arrangements lasting between 3-6 minutes
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Worth 30% of final grade
March 2018
Performing & Appraising
Candidates are required to perform two programmes up to five minutes each:
As a solo performer
As a member of an ensemble
These performances are externally assessed
Worth 35% of final grade
May 2018
Listening & Appraising
A written exam of aural perception, which comprises two parts
Each part of the exam lasts for 45 minutes
Summer 2018

34. Pearson BTEC Level 1 / 2 First Certificate Health and Social Care
Scheme of Assessment
Details of assessment
Examination
Controlled Assessment (Year 11)
Total of 37.5% of the course
CA 1: Unit 2 – Health and Social Care Values
Weighting: 12.5%
CA 2: Unit 3 – Effective Communication in Health and Social Care
CA 3: Unit 6 – The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Well Being
Summer 2017
Linear Exam:
Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development (Year 11)
External examination
Weighting: 12.5% Time: 1 Hr
Structured questions requiring short answers and extended writing.
January 2017
(Year 11)
Option to repeat in June 2017
Controlled Assessment (Year 12)
CA 1: Unit 4 – Social Influences on Health and Well Being
CA 2: Unit 10 – Human Body Systems and Care of Disorders
Weighting: 25%
Summer 2018
Unit 9: Healthy Living
Weighting: 12.5% Time: 1 Hr
January 2018
(Year 12)
Option to repeat in June 2018

35. Year 11 Course – Life & Living Skills
Examination Board: OCR
Students working towards Entry Level 3 Extended Certificate – Accredited by OCR
Entry Level: 1,2,3 depending on IEP for pupils with a statement of Special
Educational Needs
Assessment: Ongoing throughout the year – Build up of portfolio for evidence.
Internal and external moderation.
Year 11
Personal Skills
World of Work
Year 12
Units to be confirmed

36. Year 11 Official GCSE Calendar for Controlled Assessments & Exams
Subject
Exam/Controlled Assessment
Weighting towards final result
Date
English Lit
Exam
25%
June 2017
English
Controlled Assessments
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Total 40%
Nov 2016
Feb 2017
April 2017
Maths
45%
MAY 2017
Further Maths
50%
DA Science
3 Exams
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Total 33%
11%
May 2017
SA Science
Controlled Assessment
Completed by June 2017
Religion
May/June 2017
Child Dev
20%
March 2017
History
Summer 2017

37. Year 11 Official GCSE Calendar for Controlled Assessments & Exams
Subject
Exam/Controlled Assessment
Weighting towards final result
Date IT
Controlled Assessment
30%
June 2017
Bus & Comm/
Applied Bus
Practical Exam
40%
60%
Summer Term 2017
Irish
Oral Speaking
Controlled Assessment writing
15%
Feb 2017
May 2017
Art
Portfolio
Ongoing
GCSE PE
Road Traffic St
Geography
Exam
25%
37.5%
Start June 2017
Agriculture
Exam (unit 1)
20%
Summer 2017
Completed by June 2017
BTEC Health and Social Care
12.5%
Jan 2017
Music
2 Compositions
30%&35%

38. Year 11 Mentor Mentoring Goals: Provide guidance.
MRS ELIZABETH McARDLE
Mentoring Goals:
Provide guidance.
Supporting you in your work.
Helping you with study techniques.
Helping you meet deadlines.
Preparing realistic targets that will help you get those few extra marks.
Giving you the best possible preparation for GCSE exams.