Humanities Faculty
- Geography GCSE
- History GCSE
- Religious Studies
- Religious Studies GCSE
- Applied Business GCSE
- GNVQ Foundation Business
GCSE's
You are required to choose one subject in this option group but you may take more if you use your mixed option choices.
Geography GCSE
Geography is a subject about the earth and man's relationships with the earth. At GCSE level it involves the study of landscapes, meteorology and climate, environmental problems, population, economic development and settlements and urban problems. The subject has a lot of practical work with fieldwork, photograph interpretation, map work, I.T. and satellite imagery all being important.
Choosing Geography at GCSE will provide you with plenty of opportunities for further progression. At AS & 'A' level, in colleges and universities Geography is considered a 'science' and/or 'arts' subject and so can be studied as part of a science package or with subjects like History and English. There is a wide variety of courses available in Higher Education and many careers to which Geography can gain you entry.
Geography has been growing in status as a subject in recent years as environmental problems like global warming have become major issues. Geography studies problems like this in depth looking at their causes but also looking at solutions. Geography is then a very relevant subject for study at GCSE in the 2000's.
History GCSE
History is not just about dates! At GCSE you will study Nazi Germany, the USA 1929-90 and South Africa 1948-94. Through the study of these modern history topics, you will gain vital key skills such as problem solving, analysis of evidence, empathy and teamwork. These skills are essential, not only for history and other subjects in school, but for any career you may wish to pursue in the future.
Choosing history at GCSE will provide you with plenty of opportunities for further progression. At AS/A Level, in colleges and universities, history is a very relevant subject. For example, many professions such as medicine and law feel that history opens the minds of students. Therefore, history can gain you entry into a wide range of careers, including television, radio, journalism, the police force, social work and the civil service.
The subject is taught through a range of sources, including video, CD-Rom, magazines and first-hand experiences, and goes well with most other subjects.
History is most definitely not a thing of the past, but a route to YOUR future!
Religious Studies
"Being allowed to express my opinions was something new and satisfying. I feel more confident about myself and am clearer about what I think and believe".
The statutory Religious Studies course is not intended to pressure pupils into entering a faith, but does help them to establish their views, and help them with the increasing number of decisions they have to make. Through the use of video, text books and worksheets, group discussion and individual work, pupils will look at a variety of controversial issues such as the death sentence, prejudice (racial, religious, sexual etc), and arranged marriages. Hopefully they will develop the skills of being able to distinguish between fact and belief and opinion, and will come to understand that religion offers a unique perspective on controversial issues and has plenty of relevance to their own lives.
Religious Studies GCSE
Are you willing to stand out from the crowd and dare to be different? If you are interested in expressing your ideas and are open minded enough to hear and appreciate other people's views, then GCSE Religious Studies is an ideal course for you to take. Two religions are studied:-
a) Christianity, which deals not only with topics such as worship ("is there a God and why do people worship something they can't even see?") and festivals (can you really believe in a virgin birth in the 21st century?) but also with relevant modern issues such as abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment and the environment - plenty of discussion and argument here!
b) Hinduism, which always proves popular as it is something completely different, colourful and challenging and provides the opportunity to visit a Hindu temple in London, meet members of the Hindu community, take part in Hindu ceremonies, wear Hindu clothes and taste Indian food.
Both options require one piece of coursework each.
Gone are the days when it was thought that the only career opportunities available with Religious Studies were being a vicar, nun or teacher! In the modern world it is not only accepted as an academic qualification when applying for any number of professions from journalism, the media and drama to nursing, the police, social work and the law but it is also accepted as an entry qualification for university with the same status as all other subjects.
This is becoming an increasingly popular subject to take at GCSE with both girls and boys. Parents’ memories or what happened in their Religious Studies lessons are quite different from what actually goes on in the classroom.
So if you are interested in what makes people tick and want to understand issues that are continually in the news, Religious Studies is the course to take. Go on - dare to be different!!
Applied Business GCSE
Applied business relates to the world of business and the community at large. The use of ICT is a strong feature of the course as today most businesses have come to rely on it. The course will enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of business through the investigation of a range of business organisations. This will help prepare students for employment, further education or training.
The syllabus is based on two thirds coursework (portfolio work) and one third externally assessed work.
The main features of the qualification are:
- It is equivalent in size to two conventional GCSEs
- It normally comprises of three units with two internally assessed and one externally.
The subject content
Unit 1 - Investigating Business. This is assessed through portfolio work.
Unit 2 - People in Business. This is assessed through portfolio work.
Unit 3 - Business Finance. This is assessed externally through a written paper.
GNVQ Foundation Business
The Foundation Business GNVQ course provides pupils with an introduction to business and the world of work. Pupils investigate different businesses and how they operate. The course is practical in nature and enables pupils to develop transferable skills for employment.
To achieve the foundation GNVQ students will complete 6 units. Four units will be assessed through assignments and two units by external tests.
The 6 unit foundation GNVQ is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade D to G.
Progression
- Direct entry to employment.
- Progression to Intermediate GNVQ Business.
- Progression to level 2 of vocational qualifications in other related areas.