Topic outline

  • General

    • Art

      GCSE in Art and Design

      The WJEC GCSE in Art and Design is designed to provide engaging, challenging, coherent and meaningful learning experiences through a flexible structure that supports the sequential and incremental development of creative practice. Our rewarding and immersive programme of study broadens experience, develops imagination and technical skills, fosters creativity and promotes personal and social development. The focus of the specification is to nurture an enthusiasm for Art, Craft and Design and, through a broad introductory foundation programme, to develop critical, practical and theoretical skills that enable students to gain a holistic understanding of a range of practices and contexts in the visual arts, crafts and design fields.

      In developing this specification, following extensive consultation with a variety of stakeholders, WJEC has been mindful to include the following features:

      • · opportunities for flexible teaching approaches allowing teachers to make the most of the resources and expertise available at their centres
      • · content which enables teachers to continue with best practice and confidently plan and deliver programmes that work to their strengths and the interests and abilities of their students
      • · breadth of study within a range of titles designed to enable students to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills
      • · discipline-specific guidance, which provides supportive amplification of the specialist processes related to each title within the context of the criteria.

      In keeping with the regulatory requirements for all GCSE Art and Design specifications, this specification encourages students to:

      • · actively engage in the creative process of art, craft and design in order to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
      • · develop creative, imaginative and intuitive capabilities when exploring and making images, artefacts and products
      • · become confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques
      • · develop critical understanding through investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills
      • · develop and refine ideas and proposals, personal outcomes or solutions with increasing independence
      • · acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent
      • · develop knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures
      • · develop an awareness of the different roles and individual work practices evident in the production of art, craft and design in the creative and cultural industries
      • · develop an awareness of the purposes, intentions and functions of art, craft and design in a variety of contexts and as appropriate to students’ own work
      • · demonstrate safe working practices in art, craft and design.

       

      There are two units:

      Unit 1: Portfolio

      Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment

       

      Any questions speak to a member of the Art department

      Please watch the video for further information

    • D&T: Product Design

      GCSE Design and Technology

      If you like designing and making products then this is the course for you.

      This WJEC GCSE in Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems. Through studying GCSE Design and Technology, learners will be prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world; and be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.

      The specification enables learners to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise, in order to:

      • · develop an appreciation of the importance of creativity and innovation to good design practice
      • · actively engage in the processes of design and technology to develop as effective and independent learners
      • · understand the key principles of designing and making
      • · use their knowledge, skills and understanding to make design decisions in order to make a quality prototype
      • · analyse existing products and produce practical solutions to meet needs, wants and opportunities, recognising their impact on quality of life
      • · critically analyse links between the principles of good design, existing solutions and technological knowledge
      • · understand the underlying technical principles within design and technology within their chosen endorsed area, with emphasis on emerging technologies, materials and practices.

       

      There are two units:

      Unit 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century Written examination: 2 hours

      Unit 2: Design and make task Non-exam assessment: approximately 35 hours

       

      Any questions speak to Mr. Holdsworth

      Please watch the video for further information

    • Food and Nutrition

      GCSE in Food and Nutrition

      The WJEC GCSE in Food and Nutrition equips learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. It encourages learners to cook and enables them to make informed decisions about food and nutrition and allows them to acquire knowledge in order to be able to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously, now and later in life. This specification has been designed to enable centres to concentrate on innovative delivery of the course whilst creating a balance between practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding. The layout of the content into six areas promotes flexibility of delivery. The provision of a choice of tasks within the non-examination assessment will ensure learners are able to complete assessments suitable to their needs and that of the centre.

      By studying food preparation and nutrition learners will be able to:

      • · demonstrate effective and safe cooking skills by planning, preparing and cooking a variety of food commodities whilst using different cooking techniques and equipment
      • · develop knowledge and understanding of the functional properties and chemical characteristics of food as well as a sound knowledge of the nutritional content of food and drinks
      • · understand the relationship between diet, nutrition and health, including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health
      • · understand the economic, environmental, ethical and socio-cultural influences on food availability, production processes, diet and health choices
      • · demonstrate knowledge and understanding of functional and nutritional properties, sensory qualities and microbiological food safety considerations when preparing, processing, storing, cooking and serving food
      • · understand and explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions (traditional Welsh, British and international) to inspire new ideas or modify existing recipes.

       

      There are two units:

      Unit 1: Principles of Food and Nutrition Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

      Unit 2: Food and Nutrition in Action Non-examination assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated

       

      Any questions speak to Mrs Williams

      Please watch the video for further information

    • Engineering

      WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Engineering offers a learning experience that focuses learning for 14-16 year olds through applied learning, i.e. acquiring and applying knowledge, skills and understanding through purposeful tasks set in sector or subject contexts that have many of the characteristics of real work. The qualification is built from discrete units, but allows for both synoptic learning and assessment.

      Each unit has an applied purpose which acts as a focus for the learning in the unit.

      The applied purpose is the vehicle through which the learning contained in the unit is made relevant and purposeful. It is also the means by which learners are enthused, engaged and motivated to study engineering.

      The applied purpose provides the opportunity for authentic work related learning, but more than this, it will require learners to consider how the use and application of their learning impacts on individuals, employers, society and the environment.

      The applied purpose will also enable learners to learn in such a way that they develop:

      • skills required for independent learning and development;

      • a range of generic and transferable skills;

      • the ability to solve problems;

      • the skills of project based research, development and presentation;

      • the fundamental ability to work alongside other professionals, in a professional environment;

      • the ability to apply learning in vocational contexts.

       

      There are three units:

      Unit 1: Engineering Design

      Unit 2: Producing Engineering Products

      Unit 3: Solving Engineering Problems

       

      Any questions speak to Mrs Thomas

      Please watch the video for further information

       

    • Media Studies

      Media Studies

      GCSE in Media Studies

      The media play a central role in contemporary society and culture. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, viewpoints and messages they offer. In addition, they importantly provide us with ways to communicate, with forms of cultural expression and enable us to participate in key aspects of society. The economic importance of the media is also unquestionable. The media industries employ large numbers of people worldwide and operate as commercial industries on a global scale. The global nature of the contemporary media, coupled with ongoing technological developments and more opportunities to interact with the media, suggest that their centrality in contemporary life can only increase.

      This WJEC GCSE specification in Media Studies offers learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of these key issues and the ability to debate important questions about the media. It introduces learners to a conceptual framework for analysing the media, which also underpins study of the media at AS and A level. Although the specification focuses predominantly on the contemporary media, this is contextualised and enhanced through the exploration of products from different historical periods. Through studying both established and evolving media forms, learners will develop their appreciation and understanding of the importance and role of the media in their daily lives. The study of a range of rich and stimulating media products is central to this specification, working from the product outwards to develop appreciation and understanding of the media. Learners will draw on their existing experience of the media, but will also extend their appreciation and critical understanding through the study of products with which they may be less familiar, including products for different audiences.

      This specification aims to offer a particular focus on the media in Wales, considering aspects of the media industries in Wales, products intended for Welsh audiences and representations of Wales and Welsh cultural identity. Where appropriate, learners will be able to study Welsh language media products. Through this Welsh dimension, learners will develop an awareness of the economic and cultural importance of the media in Wales and how this links to the media beyond Wales.

      This specification also recognises the fundamental relationship between theoretical understanding and practical work, providing learners with exciting opportunities to develop media production skills. Learners will apply and develop their knowledge and understanding of media language and representation in relation to media forms and products, and become creators of meaning themselves. Learners will be offered a choice of briefs and forms within which to work, enabling them to explore and pursue their own media interests.

       

      There are three units:

      Unit 1: Exploring the Media Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

      Unit 2: Understanding Television and Film Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

      Unit 3: Creating Media Non-exam assessment

       

      Any questions speak to Mr Ridgeway

      Please watch the video for further information

       

    • Digital Technology

      The WJEC GCSE qualification in Digital Technology is a broad-based qualification that allows learners to build on the digital skills, knowledge and understanding that is used both in their school and everyday lives. The qualification is designed for learners who wish to begin their journey towards a career that utilises digital technologies or to progress onto advanced level programmes of learning involving digital technologies. The qualification will allow learners to develop their understanding of the range of digital technology systems at use in our connected and globalised society. It will also allow learners to explore the ever-evolving nature of digital technology systems and how these systems can be used productively, creatively and safely.

       

      This WJEC GCSE specification in Digital Technology will enable learners to:

      • become independent, confident and knowledgeable users of existing, new and emerging digital technologies

      • develop knowledge of different digital technology systems used across a range of occupational sectors

      • understand the impact digital technologies can have on individuals and wider society and the ways in which they can bring about change

      • develop skills in organising and analysing data to identify trends and audiences

      • become creators of digital products, in a variety of formats and for a variety of purposes, that meet specified, authentic needs

      • develop transferable skills in using a range of hardware and software

      • develop their understanding of the systems development life cycle and of how ideas can become products.

       

      There are three units:

      Unit 1: The digital world On-screen examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

      Unit 2: Digital practices Non-exam assessment (NEA): 45 hours

      Unit 3: Communicating in the digital world Non-exam assessment (NEA): 15 hours

       

      Any questions speak to Mr Parry

      Please watch the video for further information