FALMOUTH SCHOOL

FALMOUTH SCHOOL 

UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM CHOICES 2016

CORE SUBJECTS 

ENGLISH 

SCIENCE - CORE 

& ADDITIONAL 

UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM CHOICES 2016 

www.falmouthschool.net l @schoolfalmouth l 01326 372386

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ENGLISH 

Head of Faculty: Miss E Owen 

Contact Information: Miss E Owen, eowen@falmouthschool.net 

Course Outline 

Most students will be entered for the double award of English Language and English 

Literature. For their English Language qualification, they will sit 2 terminal 

examinations and complete a non-examined assessment for Spoken Language. The 

course prepares students for post-16 study and work by developing their abilities to 

communicate clearly; use a wide range of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and 

grammar; and develop a personal style and awareness of the audience being 

addressed. Both exams assess reading and writing. In the reading sections of the 

exams, students will be assessed on their ability to read fluently and with good 

understanding a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, including 

literature and literary non-fiction as well as other writing such as reviews and 

journalism. Students will demonstrate an ability to read and evaluate texts critically 

and make comparisons between texts. Students will also use the knowledge gained 

from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing, displaying their ability to 

write effectively and coherently and use Standard English appropriately. Students will 

also complete a non-examined unit on Spoken language. Students must demonstrate 

the ability to deliver an oral presentation, respond to questions and feedback and use 

Standard English when speaking. The work is set and marked by the teacher but is a 

separate endorsement and therefore carries 0% weighting towards the GCSE. 

For their English Literature qualification, students will read a wide range of classic 

literature fluently and with good understanding and make connections across their 

reading. They will also learn to read in-depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they 

are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas. The course is designed 

to encourage students to develop the habit of reading widely and often and the 

judgment to appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage. More 

specifically, they will study one modern prose or drama text, one 19th century prose 

text, a Shakespeare play and a thematically linked cluster of poems. 

Examination Details 

All of the above exams will take place at the end of Year 11. For English Language, 

each examination is 1 hour and 45 minutes in duration and is worth 50% of the GCSE 

grade. All examinations are closed book, meaning students will need to have an 

intimate knowledge of the texts they’ve studied to allow them to provide quotations 

as evidence for their arguments. For English Literature, students will sit 2 closed book 

exams. Paper 1 will test their understanding of the 19th century prose text and 

Shakespeare play, this is worth 40% of their final grade. Paper 2 will test their 

understanding of a the modern drama text, the cluster of poetry and comparison of 

two unseen poems. 

www.falmouthschool.net l @schoolfalmouth l 01326 372386 

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MATHS 

Head of Faculty: Mrs C Rowlands 

Contact Information: Mrs C Rowlands, crowlands@falmouthschool.net 


Mathematics is a core subject which will help students to develop skills which are 

essential for everyday life. The key aims of the course are to allow students to: 

 

develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and 

concepts in the four key areas of mathematics: number; algebra; geometry and 

measures; data handling 

• acquire and use problem-solving strategies 

select and apply mathematical techniques and methods in mathematical, every 

day and real-world situations 

• reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions 

 

interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms 

appropriate to the information and context. 

Although GCSE Mathematics is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 4, the skills that 

students will develop are highly transferable, for example in using statistical 

techniques in Geography or in drawing graphs of experimental results in Science. 

Mathematics is a highly desirable qualification which is looked upon favourably by 

employers and Further Education providers alike; it is a key element in continuing 

success in whatever area of study is undertaken at Post-16 


There is no controlled assessment element to mathematics. The GCSE is awarded 

based on three written papers sat at the end of Year 11. 

Foundation: 1 x Non-Calculator (33.3 % - 1hour 30mins) 

2 x Calculator (33.3% each - 1hour 30mins each) 

Higher: 1 x Non-Calculator (33.3% - 1hour 30mins) 

2 x Calculator (33.3% each - 1hour 30mins each) 

The Foundation exams offer Grades 1 to 5. Higher exams offer Grades 4 to 9. 


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SCIENCE 

Head of Faculty: Mr M Hickman 

Contact Information: Mr M Hickman, mhickman@falmouthschool.net 


Science is about investigating how the natural world works. Everything we do is 

affected by an aspect of Science. That is why Science is so important to us all, and 

why Science is a core subject and very desirable in the work place. 

AQA Core Science GCSE and Additional Science GCSE 

These are 2 separate GCSE qualifications obtained at the end of Year 11. Core 

Science builds on the fundamental ideas introduced in Key Stage 3. The course 

contains topics from the three main sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics each 

taught by specialist subject teachers. Additional Science expands the topics covered 

and adds further detail to areas covered in Core Science. Students wishing to extend 

their Science learning to Triple Science, will need to choose this as an option. 


Pupils sit examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each worth 33% for their 

final grade. These examinations are at the end of the Year 11. Pupils receive 2 

qualifications, one in Core Science and the other in Additional Science. 


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ECDL 

Head of Faculty: Mr S Horner 

Contact Information: Mr N Carr, ncarr@falmouthschool.net 


ECDL is the European Computer Driving Licence. This course covers the following 

topics: Presentation software (PowerPoint), word processing, spreadsheet software 

and improving productivity. All areas covered are concerned with ensuring students 

gain the skills required in digital literacy to enable them to progress in further study 

or the workplace. 

Why should I choose this subject? 

ECDL certification provides proof of your skills as well as the satisfaction of achieving 

a high-quality and internationally recognised standard. ECDL is the international 

standard in end-user computer skills and has become the de facto standard of digital 

literacy in many areas around the world. ECDL is evidence of your digital literacy 

skills; skills that are increasingly key to success in our technology-dependent society. 

With improved computer skills you can enjoy an enriched educational experience and 

you are better prepared for life, work and further learning. 


Presentation Software. You will learn how to set master pages, create and embed 

hyperlinks, use advanced animation and transition techniques and build high quality 

PowerPoint presentations. 

Word-processing. You will learn a range of formatting and layout techniques which 

will enable you to create a range of word processed documents. 

Spreadsheet software. You will learn how to use a range of formulae and functions, 

create charts and graphs, format cells and analysis data. 

Improving Productivity. You will have the opportunity to solve problems and show 

your expertise in the other three units. 


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EBACC SUBJECTS 

GEOGRAPHY 

FRENCH 

TRIPLE SCIENCE 



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GEOGRAPHY 

Head of Faculty: Mr M Leech 

Contact Information: Mr M Leech, mleech@falmouthschool.net 


The current syllabus we are studying in Geography (Edexcel B) is ending this year. 

We are still awaiting the finalisation of draft specifications from some exam boards 

before we make our final decision on what we will study from September 2016. What 

all the courses have in common is outlined below. 

All 7 exam board options 

Involve studying global geography as well as the geography of the UK 

Are 100% exam based (no coursework or controlled assessment) 

One exam is based on fieldwork where you gather your own data 

Broken down into three topics 

Physical geography: This will make up around one third of your final grade in 

geography. It will involve studying core physical topics such as tectonic hazards, 

coasts, rivers, glaciation and the climate system. 

Human geography: Is generally worth another third of your final grade. Human 

geography topics we may study including urbanisation, economic development 

and resource management. 

Geographical application/ applied fieldwork enquiry: The final third of your GCSE 

in geography is based upon two contrasting fieldwork days where you gather 

data and apply your geographical knowledge. The approach is a little like 

controlled assessment of the past but your assessment is exam based. 


Geography tackles the big issues that shape the lives of every single person on the 

planet. From climate change to issues with economic development. Choosing to study 

geography will be deciding to investigate some of the most important and challenging 

issues we face. The world around us is constantly changing and therefore the topics 

that we learn about must also frequently be updated so opting for geography is also 

one of the best ways to ensure you are right up to date with what really matters. 


Each of the three units are worth approximately 33% of the final GCSE and will be 

entirely examined at the end of year 11. 


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HISTORY 

Head of Faculty: Mr K Scherewode 

Contact Information: Mr K Scherewode, kscherewode@falmouthschool.net 


The modern GCSE History course will help you to understand the world you live in, 

with broad and diverse study of the history of Britain and the wider world and give 

you skills that will support progression to further study of history and a wide range of 

other subjects. By studying the events of these historical topics, it can help to explain 

the problems and opportunities that exist in the world today. During the course some 

of the topics we explore include the impact of one of England’s greatest monarchs, 

Elizabeth I as well as how crime has had an effect on today’s society and the changes 

that occurred in Germany between the wars and the rise of Adolf Hitler. 


History is a widely recognised academic subject and is a popular choice. Students will 

learn a variety of skills such as interpretation, analysis and investigation of historical 

documents. They will also study some of the key people and events that changed not 

just Britain but had an impact on the rest of the world. These skills are useful for a 

variety of careers, including Law, Teaching and Public Services. 


History GCSE is examined on three different units: 

Unit 1 Crime and punishment in Britain, c1000–present and Whitechapel, 

c1870–c1900: crime, policing and the inner city. (30%) 

Unit 2 Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88. 

The American West, c1835–c1895. (40%) 

Unit 3 Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39. (30%) 


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FRENCH 

Head of Faculty: Miss J Swann 

Contact Information: Miss J Swann, jswann@falmouthschool.net 


The GCSE course in French aims to enable students to communicate effectively in the 

language and develop a knowledge and understanding of countries and communities 

where the language is spoken. A variety of different topics ranging from talking about 

identity and culture, school and work, to subjects with an international and global 

dimension will be explored, referring particularly to French speaking countries. A wide 

range of vocabulary and grammatical structures will be taught and used throughout 

the course. 


Do you enjoy meeting new people? Do you want to travel? Are you interested in other 

cultures? If you answered yes to one of these questions, then learning a language is 

essential. Being able to speak a foreign language is a skill that gets you ahead. 

Language learning develops high levels of communication, team working and 

interpersonal skills as well as a number of other soft skills valued by employers and 

universities. In fact, studies have shown that those who have studied a foreign 

language are much less likely to be without work. Over one third of employers want 

people specifically for their language skills. What’s more, studies have also shown 

that speaking more than one language makes their brain more flexible and helps 

them generally process information faster. 


Students will be examined in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and 

writing. All skills will be assessed at the end of year 11. 

Listening: students will be assessed on their understanding of spoken French; the 

questions will be a mixture of multiple-choice and short written answers in English. 

Speaking: students will be assessed on their ability to communicate and interact in 

French. The exam will consist of a role-play, a discussion of a picture and a 

conversation based on two themes. 

Reading: students will be assessed on their understanding of written French across a 

range of different types of texts including adverts, emails and literary texts. Answers 

will be in English and French; in addition there is a translation from French to English. 

Writing: students will be assessed on their ability to communicate through writing in 

French for different purposes and audiences. There will be two tasks and a translation 

from English to French. 


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ICT 

Head of Faculty: Mr S Horner 

Contact Information: Mr K Wilkes, kwilkes@falmouthschool.net 


ICT is the right subject for you if you enjoy: 

communicating and explaining your ideas 

learning about current and emerging technology 

using a range ICT 

Working collaboratively 

Are interested in the effects of ICT on society 

ICT is one of the key threads to Lower School computing, so you will have already 

studied some aspects of ICT. You might have an interest in ICT. You may wish to 

progress into creative media such as web-site design or computer graphics. You will 

learn how to use ICT effectively as a tool, combining applications to achieve your 

goals. 


In today’s technology driven world an understanding of ICT, its uses and limitations is 

crucial if young people are to succeed in further education or in employment. This 

course also gives emphasis to the development of transferable skills, such as thinking 

creatively, logically and critically and, in particular, to problem solving and 

collaborative working skills. Students wishing to study ICT at A level would be well 

advised to take this option. 


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TRIPLE SCIENCE 




Science is about investigating how the natural world works. Everything we do is 

affected by an aspect of Science. That is why Science is so important to us all, and 

why Science is a core subject. Triple science can open doors to all the top professions, 

including: medical professions, engineering, law, banking, as well as many others. 

AQA Triple Science – Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs 

Pupils following the Triple Science course commence their GCSE studies in Year 9. 

Triple Sciences are 3 GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They 

each contain 3 units of work. The first 2 are common with the Core and Additional 

Science qualifications; the third widens the pupils’ experience of each subject and 

introduces many of the topics and ideas found in the A-level sciences. As such the 

triple Science course is ideal for higher achieving students wishing to study Science A 

levels in the future. 


Pupils sit examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each worth 100% of the 

grade at the end of Year 11. Pupils receive separate qualifications in Biology, 

Chemistry and Physics. The exact detail of the external examination is still to be 

confirmed by the exam board but all will be terminal (End of Year 11). 


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OPEN SUBJECTS 

ART 

COMPUTER SCIENCE 

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY 

ENGINEERING 

DRAMA 

MEDIA 

PE & SPORT 



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ART/PHOTOGRAPHY 

Head of Faculty: Mrs B Lee-Smith 

Contact Information: Mrs B Lee-Smith, bleesmith@falmouthschool.net 

Course Outline (Art) 

Art will be a good choice for you if you have enjoyed your art lessons in Years 7, 8 

and 9 and if you enjoy working creatively and expressively using different media and/ 

or with a view to a career in the Arts. Coursework - Duration: September Year 10 – 

February in Year 11. The coursework is worth 60% of the Art GCSE. The course is 

100% practical but may involve some written notes. As all your coursework counts 

towards the final grade, it is important that you work hard in all your lessons, that 

you do the necessary preparation at home, and that you meet the deadlines for each 

project. The course will include drawing, photography, printing, painting, mixed 

media, ceramics and sculpture, and may involve work in other areas too. You will 

work on two set coursework projects and be encouraged to develop these as 

imaginatively and creatively as you can using a wide range of media. You will also 

study the work of artists and designers and will have opportunities to visit exhibitions 

and to attend artist led workshops to support your coursework. Previous activities 

included a site-specific sculpture project at Gyllyngdune Gardens, workshop with 

acclaimed artist Naomi Friars, visits to Falmouth and Newlyn Art Gallery and a 

planned trip to Paris. 


A good grade at GCSE will show employers or colleges that you have qualities such as 

creativity, imagination and sensitivity and you will find that artistic skills are well 

respected. The Arts Industry is one of the main contributors to the British Economy 

with a wide range of career paths. Art GCSE is essential for you if you are thinking of 

pursuing one of the many different careers in art and design. These can be diverse as 

Photography, Fine Art, Architecture, Sculpture, Printmaking, Illustration as well as 

many fields of Design: Fashion, Textiles, Interior, 3D, Jewellery and Ceramics, 

Animation, Games etc. 

Course Outline (Photography) 

Photography will be a good choice for you if you have enjoyed your art lessons in 

Key stage 3 and if you enjoy working creatively with images and producing imagery. 

Coursework - Duration: September Year 10 – February in Year 11. The coursework is 

worth 60% of the overall GCSE. The course is 100% practical but may involve some 

written notes. As all your coursework counts towards the final grade, it is important 

that you work hard in all your lessons, that you do the necessary preparation at 

home, and that you meet the deadlines for each project. The course will include a 

wide range of photography techniques including: digital and traditional photography 

and image editing and Photoshop programme. You will also study the work of artists 

and photographers and will have opportunities to visit exhibitions and to attend artist 

led workshops to support your coursework 


This qualification will show employers or colleges that you have qualities such as 

creativity, imagination and sensitivity and you will find that artistic skills are well 

respected. The Arts Industry is one of the main contributors to the British Economy 

with a wide range of career paths. A creative qualification is essential for you if you 

are thinking of pursuing one of the many different careers in Photography or Art and 

Design. These can be diverse as Photography, Media, Film making Advertising, Fine 

Art, Architecture, Sculpture, Printmaking, Illustration as well as many fields of 

Design: Fashion, Textiles, Interior, 3D, Jewellery and Ceramics, Animation, Games 

etc. 


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BUSINESS 

Head of Faculty: Mr N Carr 



Business is the right subject for you if you enjoy: 

 

 

 

 

Communicating and explaining your ideas 

Thinking creatively and making decisions 

Working with numbers to solve business problems 

Learning about the world of business through research and investigation, as well 

as through practical tasks 

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t studied business prior to taking this course. You 

might have an interest in business, and want to start your own business one day. You 

may be interested in how businesses are set up, and what it is that makes someone a 

great entrepreneur; the business course will help you to understand all this and more. 

You will be introduced to the world of small businesses and will look at what makes 

someone a successful business person. You will find out how to develop an idea and 

spot an opportunity and turn that into a successful business. You will understand how 

to make a business effective and manage money. You will also see how the world 

around us affects small businesses and all the people involved. 


No matter which route you follow a Key Stage 4 business course will help you prepare 

for further and higher education such as A Levels. You will become skilled in making 

decisions, being creative, solving problems, understanding finance, dealing with data, 

communicating and working as part of team. The course could also lead to work in a 

business-related profession such as accountancy, law, marketing or the leisure and 

tourism industry 


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COMPUTER SCIENCE 

Head of Faculty: Mr N Carr 



Students choosing Computing will be studying for the GCSE in computing using the 

OCR examination board (www.ocr.org.uk). It should be noted that exam questions 

include essay type answers indicating that a fair degree of literacy will be required to 

access the top grades and proficient programming is underpinned by good numeracy 

skills and an ability to think logically; this course is particularly suited to higher tier 

mathematicians. 

Why choose this subject? 

The course will give students an in-depth understanding of how computer technology 

works and a look at what goes on “behind the scenes”. They will investigate computer 

programming, which will help students develop critical thinking, analysis and problem 

solving skills. As information technologies continue to have a growing importance, 

there will be a bigger demand for professionals who are qualified in this area. 

Computer Science is highly regarded, and may be considered as part of the English 

Baccalaureate. 


Computer Systems: This component will introduce learners to the Central Processing 

Unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, wired and wireless networks, network 

topologies, system security and system software. It is expected that learners will 

become familiar with the impact of Computer Science in a global context through the 

study of the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with 

Computer Science. Assessed in a final exam worth 40% of GCSE. 

Computational thinking, algorithms and programming: 

This component incorporates and builds on the knowledge and understanding gained 

in the Computer systems module, encouraging learners to apply this knowledge and 

understanding using computational thinking. Learners will be introduced to algorithms 

and programming, learning about programming techniques, how to produce robust 

programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of computing languages and 

data representation. Learners will become familiar with computing related 

mathematics. Assessed in a final exam worth 40% of GCSE. 

Programming Project: 

Learners must think computationally to solve a task and while doing so create a 

report detailing the creation of their solution, explaining what they did and why they 

did it. (This controlled assessment is worth 20% of the total GCSE. It will take the 

form of programming tasks that enable candidates to design, develop and test a 

solution to a problem. OCR set the tasks). 


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DANCE 


Contact Information: Miss E Roberts, eroberts@falmouthschool.net 


Dance is a practical based subject where students learn to perform routines and 

choreograph their own dance pieces in a variety of styles including Contemporary, Hip 

Hop/ Street dance, Jazz, Indian and African dance. This is a very exciting course for 

all who enjoy the creative and physical challenges of Dance and Drama activities. It 

extends the dance and physical theatre work explored in Performing Arts in Years 7, 8 

& 9. The course is mainly practical and hard, but fun work. Students will produce a 

small portfolio of written course work which will evidence the progress they make as a 

performer. Students can also take on a production role for part of the course such as 

make up, set, lighting or costume design when working in a team to create a 

performance. 


Dance develops not just the skills needed to be a great performer, but also important 

life skills such as confidence, team work, leadership, organisation, resilience and 

creative thinking. Students will learn choreographic and technical skills, whilst 

keeping fit and healthy in a fun and creative way. Students will develop leadership 

skills and qualities by teaching their classmates which in turn can help with other 

qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh. Students can take part and be assessed 

in school productions and shows and regular visits to the theatre and workshop 

opportunities are arranged that offer insightful, life long experiences. 


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PRODUCT DESIGN 

Head of Faculty: Mr S Watkiss 

Contact Information: Mr S Watkiss, swatkiss@falmouthschool.net 


This established and popular course will involve you participating in activities which 

develop innovation and flair through the designing of products using suitable 

materials. You will develop your skills by working through a range of designing and 

modelling tasks. You will have the opportunity and choice to use both traditional 

manufacturing techniques and modern computer aided design software (CAD) linked 

with computer aided manufacturing technologies (CAM) such as a CNC router, lathe 

and laser cutter. You can choose from a range of project briefs such as designing and 

making a piece of contemporary lighting or modelling a computer game console. You 

may also need to consider additional factors such as packaging and marketing. 

Over the two year duration of this course you will develop your design theory, graphic 

communication and making skills through project work and focused practical tasks. 

You will complete projects from a choice design briefs set by the examination board. 

You will study topics such as material technology, manufacturing, design in practice 

and design and market influence. 


Product Design can offer you a pathway onto an A level Product Design course or help 

you to secure an apprenticeship with a local design company. This course contains 

elements of theory, visual and practical work, so you should consider the course if 

you enjoy responding creatively to tasks, as well as having an intense curiosity and 

high need to solve problems creatively to make things function. Graphics, interior 

design, architecture, product design are all good examples of careers which would use 

the skills and knowledge you gain in this subject. Essentially this course teaches you 

to problem-solve at a high level, therefore subjects such as science and mathematics 

as well as the creative design subjects complement this option. 


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ENGINEERING 


Contact Information: Mr S Watkiss, swatkiss@falmouthschool.net 


The popular Engineering course at Falmouth School is intended as an introduction to 

the world of Engineering. This qualification will develop the skills and understanding 

needed for the first steps to a progressive career path, which may lead to further 

technical or academic engineering qualifications. Engineering is aimed at students 

who wish to study the processes involved in both designing and manufacturing new 

engineering products. Students will study engineering materials, analyse existing 

products and participate in a range of engineering manufacturing processes. 


Engineering can offer you a pathway onto an A level course or equivalent level 3 

qualification. Alternatively it may help you to secure an engineering or practical based 

apprenticeship with a local or national company. There are a wide range of careers in 

the field of engineering and manufacture that would use the skills and knowledge you 

would gain from studying this subject. Essentially this qualification teaches you to 

problem-solve at a high level, therefore subjects such as Science and Mathematics 

would complement this option choice. 


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CATERING/HOSPITALITY 


Contact Information: Mrs L Jones, ljones@falmouthschool.net 


This course is aimed as an introduction to the hospitality industry. The course covers 

the different aspects of the hospitality industry, looking at its component parts and 

the different products and services that are offered as well as the essential processes 

involved in operating a hospitality business. The course also covers the importance of 

team working and customer services. It looks at a variety of roles within the 

hospitality industry, and other important aspects such as personal appearance and 

personal attributes necessary to work successfully. Other elements of the course 

include food safety and health and safety in the hospitality industry. This is where 

students discover the various aspects of health and safety, and food safety law in 

relation to those working in the hospitality sector. They may also study areas such as 

planning, preparing, cooking and finishing food. This is where students will explore 

and understand the skills required for proficiency in planning, preparing, cooking and 

finishing a range of food types within the context of the hospitality industry. 


You should consider choosing this option if you are considering a future career in one 

of the following areas: Dietician, environmental health officer, health promotion 

specialist, nutritionist, personal trainer, food scientist or technologist, bar person/ 

manager, chef, cleaner, concierge, conference and banqueting assistant/manager, 

hotel porter, hotel receptionist, receptionist, waiter or waitress. 

This course is aimed at students who enjoy practical work and are considering a 

career in the catering or hospitality industry. Catering is the number one employment 

sector in Cornwall providing a range of employment opportunities. It will involve a 

significant amount of practical work and students are expected to bring ingredients. 

Students choosing this course will be expected to understand and follow working 

practices followed in the food industry. Health and safety is a vital component and 

commitment to work, especially practical work, is essential to prepare for working 

life. 


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DRAMA 


Contact Information: Mr J Eden, jeden@falmouthschool.net 


Drama students will study the essential skills in drama and theatre through 

performance and written coursework. They will perform as actor (or take a technical 

option) in five different practical assessments over five terms, which represents 60% 

of the overall mark. Students will be expected to work under direction and 

independently in small group work. It is therefore essential that they are not just 

confident and able performers, but that they are organised, disciplined, committed 

and have excellent group work skills. It is also possible to be graded on roles 

undertaken in main school productions. Students are encouraged to analyse and 

evaluate their performances in written tasks and to practice their timed essay skills in 

preparation for the major written exam at the end of the course. 


If you enjoy performing, studying play scripts, are self-disciplined, able to lead and 

follow, meet deadlines and are capable of working with others, sharing ideas, solving 

problems and showing co-operation and commitment, then you should consider 

Drama. However, we also pride ourselves on being a subject which is not about training 

professional actors, but rather giving students the self-confidence to communicate 

and work with others in a more positive way. Those completing the course 

are far more likely to be ready for interviews, speaking & listening exams and understand 

about human behaviour and interactions. Drama skills are life skills. 


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HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE 




This course is an introduction to working in health and social care or childcare. During 

the course you will undertake taught lessons and practical sessions, and your learning 

will be assessed in a number of ways, including written work, posters, presentations, 

recorded tasks, and an examination. 

Health and Social Care can help you take your first steps towards a career caring for 

people and communities. You’ll learn the essential skills needed to support people 

with a wide range of needs, from babies and toddlers to adults and the elderly. 

Understanding Personal Development and relationships 

You will learn about: 

the stages and pattern of human growth and development from pre-birth to later 

adulthood 

the different factors that can affect human growth and development 

the development of self-concept and personal relationships 

major life changes and how people deal with them 

the role of relationships in personal development. 

Health, Social Care and early Years Provision 

You will learn about: 

the range of care needs of major client groups 

the types of service that exist to meet client group needs and how they are developed 

and organised 

local and national partnership working to ensure the integration of services 

the ways people can obtain care services and the barriers that can prevent people 

from gaining access to services 

the main work roles and skills of people who provide health, social care and early 

years care and education services 

the principles of care that underpin all care work with clients. 


If you want to help people, but are not sure what you would like to specialise in, this 

is the course for you. You will develop your knowledge and understanding about the 

range of jobs you can work towards and develop skills in the health and social care 

industry. 


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MEDIA STUDIES 

Head of Faculty: Miss E Owen 

Contact Information: Miss E Owen, eowen@falmouthschool.net 


Media Studies looks at the mass media, including television, the internet, social media 

like Twitter and Facebook, film, radio, magazines and newspapers. We study the ways 

in which the media put their messages across to the public and how issues are dealt 

with in the media. We look at the language of advertising, images of various groups 

and types of people and the way audiences “read” the media. 


This subject is of special interest if you are good at English, but it is quite creative 

too, so an artistic eye will help. You ought to have regular access to the internet to 

keep up to date with new developments, as well as following a variety of TV and radio 

programmes at home. Any Photoshop or video editing skills you have will be a bonus. 

The theory work we study is often extended to practical work. 

Media Studies can lead to careers in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising 

and the music industry. It is also a very useful subject if you are interested in 

business, creative arts, fashion and a large number of other careers as it gives you an 

in-depth understanding of the modern world. An AS/A2 Level course is offered in our 

Sixth Form for those who want to take the subject further. 


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MUSIC 


Contact Information: Mr Fox, mfox@falmouthschool.net 


Music is a mainly practically-based course for everyone who enjoys performing, composing 

and listening to music, providing opportunities for students to express their 

feelings and emotions through sound. Students will learn a variety of different musical 

genres and styles in. 

Those students who already learn a musical instrument will find that they will be able 

to use their skills to great effect, achieving high grades in the performing side of the 

course. There will also be opportunities to explore musical composition through music 

technology, using the department’s excellent resources. 


If you enjoy playing an instrument and enjoy performing, then Music is the right subject 

to choose. Most of the current Music students regard Music as one of their favourite 

subjects. Much of the time is spent doing practical work, there is a strong focus 

on performance and composition. Music offers a well-balanced musical experience 

and opportunities to perform both in and out of school. Music is regarded by the government 

as an extremely beneficial and worthwhile subject in which students can really 

excel in a creative capacity, and it provides an excellent contrast from many other 

subjects in the curriculum. This is turn provides the student with a more diverse 

and balanced education. You have to be able to play an instrument to do Music; and 

you need to have a desire to progress and improve on your chosen instrument. 


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PE & SPORT 

Head of Faculty: Mrs C Benney 

Contact Information: Mrs C Benney, cbenney@falmouthschool.net 


If you are a passionate and enthusiastic sports performer who enjoys learning and 

understanding the theory behind sport and how it effects different aspects of performance 

this is the option for you. Examples of topics covered within Sport and PE 

courses include; Fitness for Sport and Exercise, Training for Personal Fitness, Practical 

Sports Performance and Leading Sports Activities. Choosing PE and Sport as an option 

provides a really nice balance to other subjects. 


Having a PE or Sport qualification makes you stand out from the crowd. It shows future 

colleges, universities and employers you are capable of working in many different 

ways and thrive on success and motivating yourself/those around you, in addition 

to being disciplined, resilient and driven. Successful students have gone on to study 

PE and Sport at post 16, with different options available at Falmouth College. Many 

have progressed further to study an array of sports qualifications at university and 

have become employed in the sports industry. PE and Sport courses engage learners 

to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop skills that are essential for 

the modern day workplace. 

PE and Sport options are assessed theoretically through the combination of exams 

and coursework. Courses will be chosen to suit the strengths and capabilities of the 

students, allowing them to achieve the very best results in a subject they love. 


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RE 

Head of Faculty: Mrs H Wright 

Contact Information: Mrs H Wright, hwright@falmouthschool.net 


The Philosophy and Ethics (Religious Studies) GCSE course will study: 

1A The beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Buddhism 

2A Relationships and families 

Religion and life 

Religion, crime and punishment 

Religion, human rights and social justice 


Religious Studies is a useful subject for all students. It will teach about Christian and 

Buddhist practices, beliefs and way of life. Students will learn about how religion influences 

life in the UK and other parts of the world today. It will give students opportunity 

to discuss important topics such as how people should be punished, whether 

abortion should be legal, why people divorce, and how religion influences life in different 

countries in the world. It will look at both religious and none religious views. It 

gives students skills to consider a variety of views and develop their own opinions. It 

is a great subject for widening knowledge about life in the world today, and ensure 

that students can make informed decisions about moral and ethical issues that are a 

part of everyday life both now and in their future. 


2 papers; 1A 50%, 2A 50%. Both papers are 1 hour 45 mins duration. 


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www.falmouthschool.net 

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@schoolfalmouth

FALMOUTH SCHOOL

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