KS4

Maths studies at Rivers ESC KS4

All students undertake a baseline assessment upon enrolment to ascertain their current working grade. This will help identify any gaps between what a student has actually mastered and what is expected at their particular grade level, thus supporting future planning and learning. We understand that competence in using arithmetical and mathematical processes plays an important part in giving young people confidence to play a full and effective part in society. The mathematic department’s vision values and aims are parallel to those of the whole school.

Visions and aims:

• to encourage independent learning through scaffolding and support

• to develop essential numeracy skills, including arithmetical skills which allow our young people to participate fully in society

• encourage students to take pride in their progress in mathematical understanding

• to collaborate with stakeholders and encourage positive relationships with parents/carers

Examinations undertaken throughout Yr 10 and Yr 11:

• EDEXCEL GCSE GRADE (1-9) NO COURSEWORK - 3 EXAMS

• PEARSONS FUNCTIONAL SKILLS LEVEL I & II. NO COURSEWORK - 1 CALCULATOR/1       NON-CALCULATOR EXAM

Maths at KS4

KS4 Mathematics Yearly Overview

 

 

Aims of Textile Education:

To help students develop a basic understanding of fabrics and their properties and to develop skills in various textile techniques. Students learn about fabric construction, fibre properties and how to use tools and equipment safely in a workshop environment. Workshops include dying, manipulating and distressing fabrics to create texture, wax resist techniques, pleating, teaselling, pattern making, techniques using machinery including the sewing machine, solder iron and batik wax. We also experiment with hand stitch, block printing, relief printing, mono printing, marbling, weaving and silk painting.

The emphasis in this course of study is to explore the formal elements of colour, texture, pattern, shape, form and line through experimentation with textile techniques. Students also conduct research looking at Artists for inspiration, learn drawing and mark making techniques, create collages, mood boards, developed designs and a final textile piece that highlights and celebrates their new found skill set.

The course is a City and Guilds Level 2 Award in Textiles and there is opportunity for further study at Level 2 for students wishing to stay on into Year 11 and study the Certificate in Textiles. This course is also an ideal introduction to the subject that can be studied further at College.

Textiles Tutor – Natalie Cini

 

 

English curriculum at Rivers ESC KS4 compromises of:

❖ AQA GCSE English language

❖ AQA GCSE Spoken language endorsement

❖ EDEXCEL GCSE English literature

❖ Pearson Functional skills English – Level one and two

Course Specifications

❖ AQA GCSE (9 -1) English language: Linear course - No coursework – two exams (20th or 21st century fiction + creative writing, and 19th,20th or 21st century non-fiction + transactional writing)

❖ AQA GCSE Speaking and Listening: No longer a percentage of the qualification for the GCSE Language, this is recorded and certified separately – Pass, Merit or Distinction

❖ Edexcel GCSE (9 -1) English literature: Linear course - No coursework – two exams

Component 1 - Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

                          Post-1914 Literature - ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J B Priestley.

Component 2 - 19th century novel: ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens

                           Poetry since 1789 - Edexcel Anthology of Poetry (Conflict Cluster)

 

❖ Pearson Functional Skills English (for both Level One and Two) Developing reading through a range of non-fiction texts including retrieval of information, use of presentational devices and comparing texts using evidence from the text.

Writing non-fiction texts in a range of formats from a given task.

Preparing and delivering a presentation on a given topic.

Preparing and engaging in a discussion on a given topic.

KS4 - Biology

The AQA Biology GCSE curriculum aims to develop, maintain and stimulate learners’ curiosity, interest and enjoyment of biology. 

We study living things and how they react with each other and their environment. 

The course is broken up into seven areas: 

• Cell Biology 
• Organ Systems 
• Infection and Response 
• Bioenergetics 
• Homeostasis and Response 
• Inheritance, Variation and Evolution 
• Ecology 

The course covers many of the recent advances and issues in science such as genetically modified foods, cloning , IVF treatment , drug testing and immunotherapy for cancer. 

Students experience the subject as a mix of theory and practical work. The course includes 10 required practicals. 

We hope that students begin to develop an understanding of biology in its widest context and to appreciate how it relates to them outside the classroom. 

The GCSE exam comprises of two papers; each 1 hour and 45 minutes long. 

KS4

Creative and Digital Media plays an important part in many areas of our everyday lives and is an important part of the UK economy.  There is a demand from employers for an increasingly skilled and technically literate workforce as more and more media products digitally.  Creative iMedia provides pupils with specific and transferable skills and a solid foundation in understanding and applying this subject, whether it is in employment or higher education.

In this course, pupils will be working towards the completion of four units of work.

The first unit is Creative iMedia in the Industry (Unit R093). This is a mandatory paper based exam.

The second unit is creating a Digital Graphic (Unit R094). This is a mandatory coursework-based unit.

The third unit is creating an Interactive Product (Unit R097). This is a mandatory coursework-based unit.

KS4

 

“Every Child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up” -Pablo Picasso

The Aims of Art Education

• To produce creative work, exploring ideas and recording experiences.
• To become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
• To evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.
• To know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Curriculum Intent

• The intent for our Art Craft and Design curriculum clearly sits within the holistic vision of the school. “At Rivers, we believe that we are here to grow in confidence and show pupils from all backgrounds that art is accessible to all . At Rivers, we believe we are here to develop our natural-given talents”. It is our belief that all students have an entitlement to a creative experience that fully contributes to the well-rounded individual, and in so doing we can enhance aspiration, work within a shared climate of endeavour and a willingness to strive

At KS4 we aim to further develop those skills and work with students in a climate of growing independence. Best practice offers a bespoke and adaptable curriculum for the individual that is co-crafted and co-owned by staff and students. The creative journey to this point clearly equips the individual to look beyond the immediate, and naturally consider their next steps into a possible further education in a creative industry/environment. 

GCSE ART - Pupil Study Support Area
Possible Starting Points/Themes

Pintrest Link
Tate Link
Artnet Link
National Portrait Gallery

 

Here is a link to some of the work that our KS4 Art GCSE candidates created as part of their GCSE qualification.

KS4 GCSE Art Work - 2024

Jenny Leo - Art Lead
jennifer.leo@riversesc.herts.sch.uk

KS4

Throughout this academic year pupils will look at various areas of food nutrition, healthy eating, hygiene (both personal and environmental), malnutrition and the impact of a poor diet. They will also have the opportunity to produce various savouries and sweet dishes and enhance their current cookery skills such as baking, grilling, frying, boiling, simmering as well as preparatory skills including slicing, grating, chopping and peeling. 

They will also partake in a visit to a local Bakery as part of their Carbohydrates module, to see how bread is made and have the opportunity to make their own.

The qualifications that the pupils will complete are:

❖ City and Guilds - Food Safety and Catering - Level 2

❖ BTEC Level 1 and 2 - Food Technology

KS4

NCFE Sport - Level 2

This qualification is suitable for learners aged pre-16 and above and is suitable for use within a Study Programme.

It will give leaners the introductory skills to either start a career in sport or progress within employment in the sector. This qualification can also prepare learners for higher or further education and gives a good introduction to the sport vocation.

What is a nested qualification?

This qualification is nested. Qualifications within a nested suite allow learners to be topped up to a qualification that is the same level and subject within the Certificate and Diploma structure. 

KS4

City and Guilds 5546 Employability Skills

Employability Skills qualifications are designed to support an individual successfully gaining a job, progressing in a chosen field, preparing the individual for further study, and supporting the development of techniques required for successful independent living.

This qualification is portfolio-based . Each unit is completed through a series of tasks and sent to an external verifier in our given assessment window.

Pupils will work towards the following units:

Career planning and making applications – Pupils will; research career options, have a careers guided interview, research apprenticeships and jobs, identify their skills, complete a CV, research colleges, complete a college application form, prepare for interviews, have a mock interview.

Work-based experience – Pupils will; prepare for work experience, apply for work experience, plan their journey, carry out work experience for a week, evaluate the work experience placement.

Investigating Rights and Responsibilities at work – Pupils will; learn about employee and employer rights and responsibilities, how to access support in the workplace, investigate laws that will protect them in the workplace and employers responsibilities regarding health and safety, human rights, equal opportunities and employment law.

KS4

Work Skills is a BTEC Level 2 course which is a portfolio based course, there is no exam.   Pupils are required to complete two units:  One is on "Being Entrepreneurial" where the students have to plan, run and evaluate an Enterprise Activity to make money for a charity of their customers choice.  They also research successful entrepreneurs of their choice and discover what attributes make them successful.  The second unit is based on "Developing Interview Skills" where the students learn how to plan before during and after an interview.  They role play and get to practise interview skills both in school and with outside employers.  The course is assessed as pass or fail and has an excellent pass rate at Rivers ESC.

Helpful Links:
Peter Jones - How I Made My Millions
Buzz Animals - Careers Quiz
16 Personalities Quiz
GCSE Bitesize Business Studies

KS4 - City & Guilds Level 1 Award/Certificate

Prince's Trust Achieve Award is personal development course that provides a unique offering for pupils; a practical approach to learning which supports young people to fulfil their potential

The Achieve programme provides an opportunity for pupils to try out new activities, boost their confidence and gain

A recognised qualification.

 As part of the programme, pupils will explore the following:

• Personal and social development: By working in small groups, pupils are able to meet new people and make new friends
• Life skills: Through fun and interactive sessions, pupils can learn how to manage money, be healthy and stay safe
• Active citizenship: Pupils work as part of a team to make a difference to your local community
• Preparation for work: Create a tip-top CV, practice for future interviews and explore your skills and talents

https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/unlock-your-potential/explore-your-potential

KS4

The course comes under the City & Guilds Employability qualification, and covers all aspects of Personal Health and Social Education, to support students understanding of the world around them. They will explore the risks and issues they and others may face. Students will cover areas of:

 

Alcohol Awareness Unit 526

Awareness of Alcohol, the impact of alcohol on the body and mind, laws relating to alcohol and ways to seek support

 

Drugs Awareness Unit 525

Awareness of Drugs, the impact of drugs on the body and mind, laws relating to drugs and ways to seek support

 

Keeping Safe Unit 410.

Understand safeguarding, keeping safe and risks to different vulnerable groups in society. Learn about radicalisation & extremism.

Understand risks associated with the internet and social media.

Learn basic First Aid skills.

 

Sex and Relationship Education

Understanding a range of relationships and lifestyles and rights and responsibilities in relationships. Awareness of the law in relation to sex and sexuality.

 

Awareness of diversity Unit 435

Awareness of Equality and Diversity, and legislation to promote it. Development of value of diversity in society..

 

Improving Health & Fitness for Personal Development

Know what healthy lifestyle is and the benefits, how to read food labels, understand basic nutrition and lifestyle diseases.

 

Assessment

This qualification is portfolio-based, each unit is completed through a series of tasks and sent to an external verifier in our given assessment window.

KS4

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is designed to stretch and challenge pupils in a variety of areas, the award is run as an extra curricular activity and with assistance from adult Leaders, participants select and set objectives in each of the following areas:

Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.

Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.

Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.

Expedition: planning, training for, and completion of an adventurous journey

Pupils can achieve sectional certificates as well as a completed award certificate depending on the amount of work they complete.

KS4

The Level 2 Award for Young Health Champions (YHC) is a qualification mapped to a number of frameworks in both education and employment, in order to improve both the learning experience and the future opportunities for those taking part.

Benefits for the pupils:

• Young people are more likely to listen and approach peers for information

• Understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle

• Learn the skills to make healthier choices

• Develop skills for the workplace

• Increased knowledge of the risks of unhealthy  behaviours

• Linked to the key local and national support services

• CV development (for YHCs)

Topics covered:

KS4:

To achieve the qualification, learners must pass four of the units: the 3 mandatory ones + one optional. It is at level 2 which means it is an equivalent level to GCSE grade A-C.

Unit 1: Principles of health improvement

Unit 2: Research health improvement

Unit 3: Deliver a health improvement message

Unit 4: Understanding alcohol misuse

 

YHC Home Learning Unit 8

 

 

KS4

The Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community have been designed

for learners who are working in the community or are looking to work in the community, either in a voluntary capacity or through employment.

These qualifications can be taken alongside training provided within the voluntary sector or within uniformed organisations.

Many who enter the voluntary sector will have had limited success in formal qualifications in the past. These qualifications will allow them to work towards a nationally recognised accredited BTEC qualification alongside training and development in a specific context that they have chosen. It will allow many young people opportunity to progress to level three qualifications and beyond – something they would not otherwise have been able to achieve.

These qualifications have been designed to give learners the opportunity to:

● develop knowledge related to the voluntary sector

● develop skills that are valuable for those working in the community, many of which are the skills valued by employers

● achieve a nationally-recognised Pearson BTEC Level 2 qualification

● develop own personal growth and engagement in learning.

There are three Pearson BTEC Level 2 qualifications in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community the certificate is the qualification that we do:

● Certificate (15 credits)

KS4

The BTEC Level 2 Award is mapped directly to Fire Cadet Award 1 and the BTEC Level 2 Certificate can be achieved by completing Fire Cadet Award 2, with some additional optional units. Learners can expect to study units involving: Teamwork and leadership skills used in the Emergency Services.