Curriculum Overview

English Language

Students explore a range of texts including modern novels, Shakespeare, poetry and 19th-century literature. They develop comprehension, creative writing, analytical skills and exam technique. Speaking and listening activities build confidence and communication.

You will study this course to:

• Improve your ability to communicate in written and spoken formats
• Utilise your creativity and knowledge writing for effect
• Develop your critical thinking skills when responding to a variety of genres, texts and situations

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

You are required to read and understand a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, identifying how writers craft their pieces and transferring these skills to your own written work. You will learn how to write for specific audiences and purposes, adapting your written style so that it is fit for purpose. You will also learn how to manage your talk in a variety of situations, from speeches and presentations to discussions. The functional elements of English, reading and writing, are included within this course allowing you to demonstrate that you are competent readers and writers in your daily lives.

How you will be assessed:

Exam board: AQA

Qualification: English Language

Assessment Model: You will sit two written papers and complete a non-examined assessment

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (50% of GCSE)

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives (50% of GCSE)

Spoken Language endorsement (NEA, completed in year 10)

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Journalism
• Law
• Education
• Content Creator

All Post 16 colleges require a qualification English language

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English Literature

Students explore a range of texts including modern novels, Shakespeare, poetry and 19th-century literature. They develop comprehension, creative writing, analytical skills and exam technique. Speaking and listening activities build confidence and communication.

You will study this course to:

• Develop your vocabulary, critical thinking and essay writing skills.
• Improve your confidence and communication skills.
• Explore a range of novels, plays and poems.

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

You are required to study a range of classic and modern texts, including a Shakespeare play (Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet), a 19th-century novel (A Christmas Carol), a modern drama (An Inspector Calls), and a selection of poetry. Through these texts, you will learn how writers use language, structure and form to create impact, develop characters and theme. You will learn how to build strong arguments and write with accuracy, clarity and confidence.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to read with a deep understanding and write with purpose.

How you will be assessed:

Exam board: AQA

Qualification: English Literature

Assessment Model: You will sit two written papers.

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel(50% of GCSE)

Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry (50% of GCSE)

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Author
• Journalist
• Editor
• Content Creator
• Marketing or Advertisement
• Law

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Maths

Learners study number, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics through practical problem‑solving approaches. Pupils follow differentiated pathways (pre‑GCSE, Foundation or Higher) to ensure challenge and success.

You will study this course to:

• Improve your mental Maths.
• Develop your problem solving skills
• Improve your ability to work with abstract concepts through the use of Algebra.

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

You will build upon skills that you have learned in KS3.  After an initial assessment you will be matched with a course that will provide suitable stretch and challenge. Dependent upon ability, you will study either pre GCSE, Foundation or Higher level GCSE.

GCSE Mathematics has 6 core areas; Number, Algebra, Ratio/Proportion/Rates of Change, Geometry/Measures, Probability and Statistics.

How you will be assessed:

Exam board: Edexcel

Qualification: Mathematics

Assessment Model: You will sit three written papers each lasting 1.5 hours.

Paper 1: non calculator

Paper 2: Calculator

Paper 3: Calculator

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Electrician
• Accountant
• Engineer

All Post 16 colleges require a qualification in Mathematics.

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Science

Students develop investigative skills through hands‑on experiments and real‑world applications. The modules prepare pupils for GCSE Biology, with strong emphasis on practical understanding.

You will study this course to:

• Build an enjoyable and supportive environment for learning biology. Encourage students to ask questions and think scientifically.
• Develop key biology skills and knowledge needed for progress in school. Provide hands‑on practical experiences with scientific concepts.
• Foster curiosity and interest in biology.
• Teach students to plan and carry out safe scientific investigations using appropriate equipment.
• Help students predict outcomes, evaluate evidence, and present results clearly.

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

At Newbridge School, students study Separate Science Biology, beginning in Year 9 and following the AQA GCSE Biology (9–1) specification (8461) along with Chemistry and Physics. The course is taught over three years (Years 9–11) and leads to a separate GCSE in Biology, with all examinations taken at the end of Year 11.

The course develops students’ understanding of living organisms and the processes that sustain life. Key topics include cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics, homeostasis, inheritance, variation and evolution, and ecology, helping students understand the living world and its impact on health and the environment.

Practical work is an important part of the course. Students complete 10 required practical activities, developing skills in planning investigations, working safely in the laboratory, analysing data, and evaluating evidence. Knowledge of these practical’s is also assessed in the final examinations.

How you will be assessed:

Qualification: Single Science Biology
Exam board: AQA

Assessment Model: Biology – 2 exams (Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 100 marks)

Paper 1: Written exam, 1 hour 45 minutes. Foundation and Higher Tier, 100 marks (50% of GCSE).

Paper 2: Written exam, 1 hour 45 minutes. Foundation and Higher Tier, 100 marks (50% of GCSE).

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Healthcare assistant
• Nurse
• Dentist
• Physio
• Paramedic
• Lab technician

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Religious Studies

Learners study Christianity, Islam and ethical themes such as peace, conflict, family life and moral decision‑making. RS encourages tolerance, reflection and respect.

You will study this course to:

• Develop respect for others, including people with different faiths and beliefs, and help to challenge prejudice.
• Provoke challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, and issues of right and wrong.

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

In year 10 you will study two main religions of Christianity and Islam looking at their religious beliefs and teachings.  You will then complete a module of work about Relationships and the family looking at Christian and Muslim views about different types of families, relationships, marriage and divorce, gender equality and more.

In year 11 you will study a module of work about Religion, Peace and Conflict looking at Christian and Muslim views on forgiveness, terrorism, Weapons of mass Destruction, reasons for war and other topics. You will then concentrate on preparing your GCSE by revising year 10 information.

How you will be assessed:

Exam board: AQA

Qualification: GCSE Religious Studies (Short course)

Assessment Model: You will sit one exam where three written papers will be completed

Paper 1: Christian beliefs and teachings(25% of GCSE)

Paper 2: Islam beliefs and teachings(25% of GCSE)

Paper 3: Themes, Relationships and family life and Religion, Peace and Conflict (50% of GCSE)

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Public service
• Health care
• Education

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Geography

Students explore physical and human geography, climate change, global development, natural hazards and sustainability. Fieldwork develops real‑world investigative skills.

You will study this course to:

• Explore the natural world and global issues facing us in the 21st century.
• Understand more about the United Kingdon and it’s challenges.

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

Throughout years 10 and 11, you will examine a range of physical and human geography topics at national and global scale. This will expand on what you have learned in Key Stage 3 Geography.

The GCSE specification covers units such as development and economic change, natural hazards and physical landscapes in the UK. You will also learn about global ecosystems and how we manage vital resources such as food, water and energy. You will examine the challenges facing urban environments around the world and within the UK. In addition to this you will take part in two fieldwork investigations which will assist with paper 3

How you will be assessed:

Exam board: AQA

Qualification: Geography

Assessment Model: You will sit three written papers

Paper 1: Physical Environment (35% of GCSE)

Paper 2: Human Environment (35% of GCSE)

Paper 3: Geography Applications (30%)

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Town planning
• Environmental Engineer
• Meteorologist

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Core PE

A wide programme of activities including team games, fitness circuits, racket sports, athletics and leadership tasks. PE supports physical wellbeing, teamwork and personal challenge.

You will study this course to:

• develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
• are physically active for sustained periods of time
• engage in competitive sports and activities
• lead healthy, active lives

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

• motor competence – knowledge of the range of movements that become increasingly sport- and physical activity-specific
• rules, strategies and tactics – knowledge of the conventions of participation in different sports and physical activities
• healthy participation – knowledge of safe and effective participation

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Sports Coaching
• Sports Development
• Fitness instructing
• Further study in Sport and Physical Education

Subject Contact:

Mr Chad Nicholls  chad.nicholls@newbridgeschool.org

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Sport Studies

Covers contemporary issues in sport, media portrayal, performance skills and leadership. Students gain confidence through practical and theory‑based assessments.

You will study this course to:

• Understand contemporary issues in sport and how they impact on different sporting activities
• Apply your skills as both a performer in two different sporting activities and as a leader in one sporting activity
• How to evaluate and interpret the different ways in which sport is represented by the media

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

A range of topical and contemporary issues in sport, including learning about participation levels and barriers to completing sporting activities. You will develop an understanding of the different sides of a range of media sources and apply real life examples to show the nature of the relationship between media and sport. In addition to this, you will have an opportunity to develop your skills both as a performer in two different sporting activities, and as a leader, developing a range of transferable skills. You will work both independently and as part of a team, including communicating with team mates as well as being in front of an audience when you perform.

How you will be assessed:

Exam board: OCR.

Qualification: Cambridge National in Sports Studies.

Assessment Model: You will sit one written paper and complete two non-examined assessments.

R184: Contemporary issues in sport. 1 hour 15-minute OCR- set exam worth 80 marks.

R185: Performance and leadership in sports activities OCR set assignment worth 80 marks.

R186: Sport and the media. OCR set assignment worth 40 marks.

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Sports Coaching
• Sports Development
• Fitness instructing
• Further study in Sport and Physical Education

Subject Contact:

Mr Chad Nicholls  chad.nicholls@newbridgeschool.org

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Art & Design

A creative journey through drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed‑media work. Students study influential artists, develop sketchbook practice and produce GCSE portfolio‑style pieces.

Students produce portfolios both with support and independently depending on their own artistic talents and using those of researched artists.

You will study this course to:

• Develop your skills in the research and analysis of different artists and their work.
• Develop your practical skills in working and experimenting with different media.
• Record your ideas and experimentation within your sketchbooks.
• Refine and evaluate your work, using annotations to explain your creative processes.
• Respond to the chosen theme to create your own personal outcome.

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

In Year 10 you will start the Portfolio 1 project ‘Food’. You will research a variety of different artists that use a variety of different media. You will explore and experiment with different media and techniques, including Modroc, Clay sculpture, Collage, illustration, sewing, drawing and painting. You will develop and refine your own ideas to produce a meaningful response.

In Year 11 you will finish Portfolio 1 and start the externally set task. There will be a 10 hour exam at the end of the project. In which you will produce a final response to the chosen theme.

How you will be assessed:

Exam board: OCR

Qualification: Art and Design: Art, Craft and Design.

Assessment Model: Two portfolios of work. Portfolio 1: non-exam assessment 60% of total GCSE

Portfolio 2: Externally set task. 10 hours supervised time. Non-exam assessment 40% of total GCSE.

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Artists
• Graphic Designers
• Games Designers
• Fashion designers
• Textile Designers
• Architects
• Theatre set designers
• Advertising
• Animation
• Costume Designers

PSHE

A spiral curriculum covering mental health, relationships, digital literacy, personal safety, careers, finance and independence. Sessions support students’ wellbeing and future aspirations.

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Food Technology

Students develop key cooking skills, nutrition knowledge and food safety awareness. They explore British classics, international cuisine and baking, building independence and healthy eating habits.

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Life Skills

A highly personalised curriculum including budgeting, travel training, organisation, communication, resilience and community independence. Helps prepare students for adulthood.

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Construction

A vocational subject offering practical experience in decorating, repair work, tool use, maintenance and BTEC units. Students gain confidence in hands‑on skills linked to industry.

You will study this course to:

• Develop practical skills and tasks.
• Acquire and develop generic and transferable sector specific skills.

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

The BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award, Certificate and Diploma in Construction are designed around practical skills and tasks that place an emphasis on learners demonstrating what they can do rather than what they know in theory. All learners taking these qualifications will study core units that focus on key transferable skills such as research and planning, time management and working with others. Learners will also take a number of sector units. The content of the sector units offer a broad introduction to the skills and knowledge within that sector allowing the delivery to be practical and active in order to engage the learners.

How you will be assessed:

Unit A1: Being organised. Assessment activity drawing on learning from the unit.

Unit A2: Developing a personal Progression Plan. Assessment activity drawing on learning from the unit.

Unit CON10: Making minor repairs in a house Practical assessment activity drawing on learning from the unit.

Unit CON11: Decorating an Inside Wall. Practical assessment activity drawing on learning from the unit.

Unit CON14: Developing building maintenance skills Practical assessment activity drawing on learning from the unit.

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

• Further learning at a higher level in construction e.g. Pearson
• BTEC Level 2 qualifications in this sector, or to the Pearson BTEC Level 2 Apprenticeship in Construction and the Built Environment, or to Level 2 qualifications in other sectors.
• Painter and decorator, builder, roofer

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Hospitality and Tourism

Learners practise cooking, customer service, event planning, teamwork and presentation skills. Units prepare students for further study in catering or tourism.

You will study this course to:

• Catering
• Event planning
• Communication
• Working with others
• Problem solving
• Managing information
• Self-management and development

What will you learn in years 10 and 11:

A1 Being Organised

Learners will develop key techniques to help organise their work and priorities and manage their time effectively.

A2 Developing a Personal Progression Plan

Learners will develop the skills and behaviours needed to progress to the next stage in their learning, identifying progression opportunities and creating a plan

HT-5 Preparing and Cooking Food

Learners will develop their skills in food preparation and cooking. They will plan dishes, which they will then prepare and cook safely and hygienically.

HT-6 Serving Food and Drink

Learners will develop skills in serving food and drink safely and hygienically to customers in hospitality settings.

HT-9 Contribute to Running a Hospitality and Tourism Event

Learners will develop the skills needed to work with others to plan and run a hospitality and tourism event.

How you will be assessed:

Exam board: Pearson BTEC

Qualification: Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism

Assessment Model: All internal assessments (no exam)

Suggested future careers this course can lead to:

Career Paths

• Hospitality & Hotel Management: Hotel manager, front-of-house manager, housekeeping manager, resort manager, and executive positions in luxury establishments.
• Tourism & Travel Services: Travel agent, travel agency manager, tour manager, holiday representative, travel consultant, and visitor attraction manager.
• Events & Catering: Wedding and events manager, conference centre manager, catering manager, banquet manager, and event planner.
• Food & Beverage: Restaurant manager, restaurant supervisor, and catering assistant.
• Aviation & Travel: Air cabin crew, flight attendant, cruise ship staff, and airport customer service.

Support & Specialized Roles

• Sales & Marketing: Marketing executive, sales manager for hotel chains, digital marketing freelancer, and PR specialist.
• Operations & HR: Human resources officer, employee retention specialist, procurement manager, and administrative roles.
• Outdoor & Leisure: Outdoor activities manager, recreation centre manager, and sports tourism coordinator.

Skills and Career Advancement

A degree in this field provides a strong foundation in business management, accounting, and marketing applied to the tourism sector. Graduates can start at supervisory levels or enter graduate fast-track management programs to reach senior leadership positions, with experienced managers earning £35,000–£60,000+.

Subject Contact:

Mr Simon Chalk   simon.chalk@newbridgeschool.org

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