GCSE 2017-2019

STUDY GUIDE
Introduction

As your daughter enters Year 10, she makes a transition that moves from Key Stage 3 (KS3)
where all subjects are compulsory, into Key Stage 4 (KS4) where some subjects (such as
English and Maths) are compulsory and others have been chosen through the Options
Evening in Year 9. At the end of KS4, pupils will take external examinations, the results from
which will give them the formal qualifications which will be required to continue onto A
levels.

This booklet is aimed at the girls and parents alike, to help clear the mists that can surround
the start of GCSEs. It aims to offer advice and guidance on

 the information you need to find out from teachers

 how to manage your time

For parents, who understandably want the best for your child, it will also offer some
support about how to keep your daughter motivated and how you can help her.

From the start, please be assured that if you have any questions regarding any subject you
should contact the appropriate subject teacher, head of department in the first instance. If
you have any concerns pastorally, please contact your daughter’s form tutor, Mrs Webb or
Mrs Beck who will endeavour to clear things up as quickly as possible.

10K – S.Kelly@cry.gdst.net

10N – B.Nowitzke@cry.gdst.net

Mr Pickering – M.Pickering@cry.gdst.net

Mr King – D.King@cry.gdst.net

Mr Burnie – C.Burnie@cry.gdst.net

Mrs Webb – E.Webb@cry.gdst.net

Mrs Beck – S.Beck@cry.gdsst.net

Your daughter is starting a very important two years of her education. As well as enabling
her to attain the highest grades possible in August 2019, we also hope to help her develop a
strong sense of self-confidence in her ability to study and revise effectively which will stay
with her for the rest of her life.
Subjects offered follow either GCSE or IGCSE boards (International GCSE).

IGCSE English Language 0500

CIE website link:

http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-english-first-
language-0500/

CIE iGCSE English Literature 0486

http://www.cie.org.uk/images/203901-2017-2018-syllabus.pdf

Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (2016)

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-
edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-mathematics-a-2016.html

Edexcel IGCSE Biology

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-
certificates/international-gcse-biology-2017.html

IGCSE Chemistry

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-
edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-chemistry-2017.html

Edexcel IGCSE Physics (9-1) 4PH1

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-
certificates/international-gcse-physics-2017.html

IGCSE French

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-
edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-french-2017.html

IGCSE Spanish (9-1) edexcel

Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/International%20GCS
E/Spanish/2017/specification-and-sample-assessments/International-GCSE-Spanish-
Specification.pdf
IGCSE German

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-
edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-german-2017.html

Latin

http://eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/latin/

IGCSE Computer Science

http://www.cie.org.uk/images/203951-2017-2019-syllabus.pdf

Physical Education: AQA GCSE 8582

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/pe/specifications/AQA-8582-SP-2016.PDF

IGCSE History

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-
certificates/international-gcse-history-2017.html

Geography

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035

Religious Studies

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062

Art & Design: Edexcel GCSE

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/art-and-design-2016.html

Drama

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261

Music

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Music/2016/specification/Specific
ation_GCSE_L1-L2_in_Music.pdf
Starting the course

Moving from Year 9 to 10 involves many changes. The girls have new classes, new teachers,
new routines, new subjects, new friends AND the knowledge that GCSEs are important.
And of course these young ladies are teenagers full of hormones and all the right answers!
All this can create pressure for both parents and the pupil.

Tasks for students

 Become responsible for your own learning - don’t just rely on what you do in class
do some extra reading or research
 If you don’t understand........... ASK
 Keep yourself and your work organised – create an organised work area
 Know what each course involves (What are the deadlines? Make a note of important
information etc)
 Meet all deadlines
 Use the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) after school, somewhere fairly quiet to get
on with work and access resources/computers
 Find out your learning style and how you learn best
 Look out for the extra support sessions available by the different subjects

Tasks for parents

 School has an important role to play in getting pupils through exams, but parental
support is also important in determining success. You don’t have to be an expert in
any subject you just need to be there to offer support and guidance
 Ensure your daughter is in school. Learning cannot take place if she is absent
 Check your daughter is using her Firefly and completing work when required
 Provide the tools for homework – somewhere quiet, pens, papers etc
 Take away temptations mobile phones, facebook, etc – the girls will survive for a
short while without access to them!
 Be someone who will listen. Help your daughter break down large tasks into smaller
ones
 Find out your child’s learning style to determine how they learn best
 Talk to your child about the work they have done and get them to explain it to you
 Acting as a go between your daughter and the school. If you have any concerns
please contact us.
Important skills to develop are:

Organisation Time-management

Note-taking skills Coping with stress

Remember people who fail to prepare for their exams are preparing to fail their exams.

1. Organization

 Lots of students misplace important notes/documents etc.

 Invest in some ring binders & file dividers. You may like to use different colours for
different subjects.
 Get a memory stick or e-mail work from home to school – always back up your
work.

2. Time-Management

 Plan your time effectively between homework etc and leisure activities. Know when
you can and should do your homework!
 Go over your notes regularly - the graphs show how much this can help your
memory
3. Note Taking

 Don’t copy out your notes again!

 You need to find ways of making summary notes. This will depend on you and the
topic you are studying. Techniques include using:
- Symbols
- Key words
- Colour
- Diagrams & anotations
 Aim to summarise a topic on an A4 or A3 piece of paper. You can even use a shape
to help organize your notes

4. Coping with Stress

 A common cause of stress is when a pupil feels they are not able to control their
circumstances. This can be avoided by:
- Planning ahead
- Talking to teachers/parents and asking for help
 Take time out to have fun – continue to do the things you enjoy to relax you and take
your mind of study
 Strategies to help maintain your self-confidence include:
- Set yourself ambitious but realistic and achievable goals.
- Try to use mistakes as offering opportunities for feedback rather than as ‘failures’.
- Recognise that your achievements are the result of your abilities and hard work
rather than just a result of chance or good luck.
- Celebrate and reward yourself for short-term achievements.
- Complete tasks rather than leaving them unfinished.
Please use the diagram below to channel your concerns or any queries you may have to the
correct member of staff. You may contact by phone or email to arrange an appointment.

School Phone number: 0208 260 7500

Pastoral Concerns Academic Concerns

E.g. E.g.
Behaviour in/out of school Behaviour in lessons
Friendship issues Quality & standards of classwork,
Attendance, punctuality homework, tests and exam study
skills

Form Tutor Start with Subject Teacher

Head of Year Head of Department

Deputy Head Deputy Head

Mr King Mr Burnie
(Welfare, systems and
(Academic)
Innovation)

Head Teacher Head Teacher