Key Stage 4
At key stage 4, students will study English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Science, and Core PE.
It is our ambition for students to be provided with a curriculum that enables them to study a core suite of subject disciplines within the English Baccalaureate. The English Baccalaureate includes English, Mathematics, Combined Science, a language and a Humanities.
As part of the options process, students are also provided with the opportunity to read subjects including GCSE Art, GCSE Business Studies, GCSE Computer Science (2023-24 Y11 only), BTEC Dance, GCSE Food Technology, Hair and Beauty, BTEC Health and Social Care, Cambridge National IMedia, BTEC Music, GCSE PE (2023-24 Y11 only), BTEC Performing Arts, GCSE Photography, GCSE Statistics, and Cambridge National Sport.
Subject | Time allocation |
English | 5 |
Maths | 5 |
Science | 5 |
Core Physical Education | 1 |
Option A | 3 |
Option B | 3 |
Option C | 3 |
Curriculum overviews (Topics and content)
The autolist folder CURRICULUM/2021-22 does not exist or has been moved.
Art
Head of Department:
Ms K Penrose
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Art |
AQA |
Art and Design (8201) |
Art and Design (8201) Specification |
- no time limit
- 96 marks
- contributes 60% to the total GCSE
- 10 hours of supervised work
- 96 marks
- contributes 40% to the total GCSE
Business Studies
Co-Heads of Department:
Mr D Sylvester and Mr Z Eckley
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Business Studies |
OCR |
Business Studies (J204) |
Business Studies Specification |
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 Marks
- contributes 50% to the total GCSE
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 Marks
- contributes 50% to the total GCSE
BBC Bitesize GCSE Business Studies
Combined Science
Head of Department:
Ms L Marsden (lmarsden@havelockacademy.co.uk)
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Combined Science |
AQA |
Combined Science:Trilogy(8464) |
Combined Science Specification |
- 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Foundation and Higher Tier
- 70 Marks
- contributes 16.7% to total exam
- 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Foundation and Higher Tier
- 70 Marks
- contributes 16.7% to total exam
- 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Foundation and Higher Tier
- 70 Marks
- contributes 16.7% to total exam
- 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Foundation and Higher Tier
- 70 Marks
- contributes 16.7% to total exam
- 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Foundation and Higher Tier
- 70 Marks
- contributes 16.7% to total exam
- 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Foundation and Higher Tier
- 70 Marks
- contributes 16.7% to total exam
Computer Science
Co-Heads of Department:
Mr D Sylvester and Mr Z Eckley
- understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
- analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
- think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
- understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
- apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Computer Science |
OCR |
Computer Science (J277) |
Computer Science Specification |
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- 80 Marks
- contributes 50% to total exam
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- 80 Marks
- contributes 50% to total exam
English Language
Head of Department:
Ms C Ferrier
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE English Language |
AQA |
English Language (8700) |
English Language Specification |
- one literature fiction text
- descriptive or narrative writing
- written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- 80 marks
- 50% of total GCSE
- one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
- writing to present a viewpoint
- written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks
- 50% of total GCSE
- presenting
- responding to questions and feedback
- use of Standard English
- teacher set throughout course
- marked by teacher
- separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)
English Literature
Head of Department:
Ms C Ferrier
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE English Literature |
AQA |
English Literature (8702) |
English Literature Specification |
Assessment Details:
- written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 64 marks
- 40% of the total GCSE
- written exam: 2 hour 15 minutes
- 96 marks
- 60% of the total GCSE
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Head of Department
Ms H Kita
- Food, nutrition and health
- Food science
- Food safety
- Food choice
- Food provenance.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition |
AQA |
Food Preparation and Nutrition (8585) |
Food Preparation and Nutrition Specification |
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks
- 50% of the total GCSE
- Task 1: Food investigation (30 marks)Students' understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients.
- Task 2: Food preparation assessment (70 marks)Students' knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved.
Assessed
- Task 1: Written or electronic report (1,500–2,000 words) including photographic evidence of the practical investigation.
- Task 2: Written or electronic portfolio including photographic evidence. Photographic evidence of the three final dishes must be included.
Useful Links:AQA Command Words
French
Head of Department
Miss C Bentley
Course Summary:
At Havelock Academy, we will study the AQA GCSE French qualification. This course will enable students of all abilities to develop their French language skills to their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge to communicate in a variety of contexts with confidence.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE French |
AQA |
GCSE FRENCH (8658) |
French Specification |
Assessment Details:
GCSE French has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series.
Paper 1 - Listening
- Written exam: 35 minutes (Foundation Tier), 45 minutes (Higher Tier)
- 40 marks (Foundation Tier), 50 marks (Higher Tier)
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 2 - Speaking
- Non-exam assessment
- 7–9 minutes (Foundation Tier) + preparation time
- 10–12 minutes (Higher Tier) + preparation time
- 60 marks (for each of Foundation Tier and Higher Tier)
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 3 - reading
- Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation Tier), 1 hour (Higher Tier)
- 60 marks (for each of Foundation Tier and Higher Tier)
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 4 - Writing
- Written exam: 1 hour (Foundation Tier), 1 hour 15 minutes (Higher Tier)
- 50 marks at Foundation Tier and 60 marks at Higher Tier
- 25% of GCSE
Useful Links:
Functional Skills (Mathematics)
Head of Department
Miss N Lennie
Course Summary:
Mathematics is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping our students with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be. AQA’s Functional Skills qualifications allow students to explore Mathematics in real life situations enabling them to gain an appreciation of the beauty and power of it, in a context that they will be familiar with. The subject content covered includes:
- Use of number and the number system
- Use of measures, shape and space
- Handling information and data
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
Functional Skills(Mathematics) | AQA | (Level 1 and 2)Functional Skills in Mathematics (8361/8362) | Functional Skills Mathematics Specification |
Assessment Details:Paper 1 - Non-calculator
- Written exam: 30 minutes
- Paper based
- 20 marks
- 25% of the AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics
- Set and marked by AQA
Paper 2 - Calculator
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Paper based
- 60 marks
- 75% of the AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics
- Set and marked by AQA
Useful Links:
BBC Bitesize Functional Skills Maths
Geography
Head of Department:
Mrs N Comfort-Sikora
- Living with the physical environment
- Challenges in the human environment
- Geographical applications
- Geographical skills
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Geography |
AQA |
Geography (8035) |
Geography Specification |
Assessment Details:
100% examination
Paper 1 - Living with the physical environment
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG))
- 35% of GCSE
Paper 2 - Challenges in the human environment
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPaG)
- 35% of GCSE
Paper 3 - Geographical application
- Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 76 marks (including 6 marks for SPaG)
- 30% of GCSE
- Pre-release resources booklet made available 12 weeks before Paper 3 exam
Useful Links:
BBC Bitesize GCSE Geography
Hair and Beauty
Head of Department:
Mrs M Hargreaves
Course Summary:
Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy is an extremely popular vocational qualification that many of our students are enthused by and aspire to. The aim of this qualification is to use the hair and beauty sector as a vehicle to develop students more broadly, so they are prepared and equipped with the knowledge, understanding and skills to pursue a career in any context. This qualification includes two core units that can be applied to any sector or vocational area. In this qualification, our students will use hairdressing and beauty therapy and related industries (i.e. retail, leisure, fashion, marketing, media, business) to develop themselves and, in particular, the skills and attributes prized by employers, further education colleges and higher education institutions.
The units that make up this qualification include:
- Understanding the hair and beauty sector (mandatory)
- Hair and beauty research project (mandatory)
- Business enterprise in hair and beauty
- Marketing and promotions in hair and beauty
- Hair and beauty science
- Responding to a hair and beauty design brief
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
VTCT Hair and Beauty |
VTCT |
Level 2 Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy (VRQ) 601/0556/2 | Hair and Beauty Specification |
VTCT Hair and Beauty |
VTCT |
Level 1/2 Technical Award in the Study of Hair and Beauty (Teaching from September 2022) | Hair and Beauty Specification |
Health and Social Care
Head of Department:
Mrs M Hargreaves
Curriculum Summary:
The Health and Social Care Award gives our students the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:
- development of key skills that prove your aptitude in health and social care such as interpreting data to assess an individual’s health
- process that underpins effective ways of working in health and social care, such as designing a plan to improve an individual’s health and well-being
- attitudes that are considered most important in health and social care, including the care values that are vitally important in the sector, and the opportunity to practise applying them
- knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as human growth and development, health and social care services, and factors affecting people’s health and well-being
This Award complements the learning in GCSE programmes such as GCSE English. It will complement the more theoretical aspects covered by GCSE Biology or GCSE Psychology by allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills practically in a vocational context.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
BTEC Health and Social Care |
Pearson |
BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care (Level 1/Level 2) |
Health and Social Care Specification |
BTEC Health and Social Care |
Pearson |
BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care (Level 1/Level 2) (Teaching from September 2022) |
Health and Social Care Specification |
History
Head of Department:
Mr C McMillan
Curriculum Summary:
Students at Havelock will have the opportunity to study AQA GCSE History. The GCSE History content comprises the following elements:
The subject content for GCSE History states that the scope of study should include history:
from three eras:
- Medieval (500–1500)
- Early Modern (1450–1750)
- Modern (1700–present day)
on three timescales:
- short (depth study)
- medium (period study)
- long (thematic study)
on three geographical contexts:
- a locality (the historic environment)
- British
- European and/or wider world settings
British history must form a minimum of 40% of the assessed content over the full course. Students are required to study:
One period study:
This allows students to focus on a substantial and coherent medium time span of at least 50 years. The study will require students to understand an unfolding narrative of substantial developments and issues. The period study can be from any of the specified eras.
One thematic study
This enables students to understand change and continuity across a long sweep of history. The study must cover all three specified eras.
Two wider world depth study
One British and one European/wider world. Depth studies enable students to focus on a substantial and coherent short time span. The studies enable students to gain understanding of the complexities of a society or historical situation and the interplay of different aspects within it. Depth studies must be taken from different eras.
One British depth study including the historic environment
The study of the historic environment should focus on a particular site in its historical context and enable students to study the relationship between a place and historical events and developments. There is no requirement to visit the site. This study can be linked to any other part of the course or may stand alone.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE History |
AQA |
History (8145) |
History Specification |
Assessment Details:
100% examination
Paper 1: Understanding the modern world
Section A: Period studies
Section B: Wider world depth studies
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 84 marks (including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar
- 50% of GCSE
Paper 2: Shaping the nation
Section A: Thematic studies
Section B: British depth studies including the historic environment
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 84 marks (including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar
- 50% of GCSE
Useful Links:
Creative IMedia
Co-Heads of Department:
Mr D Sylvester and Mr Z Eckley
Curriculum Summary:
The Cambridge National qualification in Creative iMedia will equip our students with a range of creative media skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, desirable, transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. Through the use of these skills, students will ultimately be creating fit-for-purpose creative media products. The Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia will also challenge all students, including high attaining learners, by introducing them to demanding material and techniques; encouraging independence and creativity and providing tasks that engage with the most taxing aspects of the National Curriculum.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
Creative IMedia |
OCR |
Cambridge Nationals IMedia |
Creative IMedia Specification |
Creative IMedia |
OCR |
Cambridge Nationals IMedia (Teaching from September 2022) |
Creative IMedia Specification |
Mathematics
Head of Faculty: Miss N Lennie (nlennie@havelockacademy.co.uk)
Curriculum Summary:
Maths is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be. The AQA GCSE Mathematics qualification enables students to engage with, explore, enjoy and succeed in maths.
Throughout the duration of the course students will cover the following topics:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Geometry and measures
- Probability
- Statistics
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Maths |
AQA |
GCSE Mathematics (8300) |
Maths Specification |
Assessment Details:
100% examination
GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) and a Higher tier (grades 4 – 9). Students will take three question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series.
Paper 1 - Non-calculator
- written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- non-calculator
- 33% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment
Paper 2 - Calculator
- written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- calculator allowed
- 33% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment
Paper 3 - Calculator
- written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- calculator allowed
- 33% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment
Useful Links:
Music
Director of Music
Mr I Cooke
Course Summary:
This course allows you to engage with the music industry and develop a range of relevant practical and technical skills. You will explore music product development and events management, and apply your knowledge in new and practical industry-related contexts. The qualification is 120 GLH, which is the same size and level as a GCSE, and is aimed at everyone who wants to find out more about the music industry. You will study the following two mandatory units, covering the fundamental knowledge, skills and understanding required for the music sector:
- the music industry
- managing a music product
You will build on the knowledge gained in the mandatory units, and explore two sub-sectors of the music industry, by choosing a further two units, covering areas such as:
- introducing live sound
- introducing music composition
- introducing music performance
- introducing music recording
- introducing music sequencing
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
BTEC Music |
Pearson |
BTEC First Music |
Music Specification |
Assessment Details:
Unit 1: The Music Industry
- exam unit
- 25% of the total qualification
Unit 2: Managing a Music Product
- three internal units
- 25% of the total qualification
Unit 4: Introducing Music Composition
- two internal units
- 25% of the total qualification
- Unit 5: Introducing Music Performance
- two internal assessments
- 25% of the total qualification
Performing Arts/Dance
Subject Leader:
Mrs N Potton
Course Summary:
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts, is for learners who want to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying acting, dance or musical theatre as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden the learners experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them.
What does the qualification cover?
The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance which cover the:
- development of key skills that prove your aptitude in Performing Arts such as reproducing repertoire or responding to stimuli
- process that underpins effective ways of working in the Performing Arts, such as development of ideas, rehearsal and performance
- attitudes that are considered most important in the Performing Arts, including personal management and communication
- knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as roles, responsibilities, performance disciplines and styles.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
BTEC Performing Arts |
Pearson |
BTEC Performing Arts |
Performing Arts Specification |
BTEC Performing Arts |
Pearson |
BTEC Performing Arts (Teaching from September 2022) |
Performing Arts Specification |
Photography
Head of Department:
Ms K Penrose
Course Summary:
The GCSE Art and Design is a broad based course, designed to develop students’ skills in a wide variety of media, materials, techniques and processes. Students will be introduced to new ways of creating artworks whilst building on existing skills. During the course, students are encouraged to work more independently, generating their own ideas and choosing the direction of their work.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Photography |
AQA |
Art and Design (8206) |
Photography Specification |
Assessment Detail:
Component 1 - Portfolio
A portfolio, that in total, shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study.
- Non-examined assessment (NEA)
- No time limit
- 96 marks
- 60% of the total GCSE
Component 2 - Externally assessed assignment
Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.
- Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time
- 96 marks
- 40% of the total GCSE
Useful Links:
BBC Bitesize GCSE Photography
Physical Education
Head of Department:
Miss K Lamb
Curriculum Summary:
The exam board have worked closely with teachers and the Youth Sport Trust to develop a new GCSE Physical Education specification that will inspire teaching and learning. New and contemporary topics will help students of all abilities to develop a well-rounded skill set, and prepare them for progression to further studies. The updated specification focuses on all areas of sport and physical activity, with the strong maintenance of practical physical assessment. This is balanced with a rigorous theoretical base, where students will study wider elements of sports psychology and the human anatomy. Students will have the opportunity to encounter a number of sports in practical sessions, and will be encouraged to participate in wider school enrichment activities based around sport and physical activity, as well as continuing with practical core PE sessions.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Physical Education |
AQA |
Physical Education (8582) |
Physical Education Specification |
Assessment Detail:
Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport
- Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 78 marks
- 30% of the total GCSE
Paper 2: Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport
- Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 78 marks
- 30% of the total GCSE
Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport
- Assessed by teachers
- Moderated by AQA
- 100 marks
- 40% of the total GCSE
Useful Links:
BBC Bitesize GCSE Physical Education
Religious Studies
Head of Department:
Mr C McMillan (cmcmillan@havelockacademy.co.uk)
Curriculum Summary:
The GCSE in Religious Studies covers a range of the major world religions, six contemporary ethical themes and two textual studies, ensuring students have a diverse choice of intriguing subjects to explore. Students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study.
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Religious Studies |
AQA |
Religious Studies A (8062) |
Religious Studies Specification |
Assessment Detail:
100% examination
Component 1
- Buddhism and Christianity
Component 2
Either four religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes or two religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes and two textual studies themes. Religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes:
- Theme A: Relationships and families.
- Theme B: Religion and life.
- Theme C: The existence of God and revelation.
- Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict.
- Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment.
- Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice.
- Theme G: St Mark's Gospel – the life of Jesus.
- Theme H: St Mark's Gospel as a source of religious, moral and spiritual truths.
Sport
Head of Department:
Miss K Lamb
Curriculum Summary:
This course provides an engaging and relevant introduction to the world of sport. It incorporates important aspects of the industry, such as fitness testing and training for sport and exercise, the psychology of sport, practical sports performance and sports leadership. It enables you to develop and apply your knowledge, while also developing a range of relevant practical, communication and technical skills. The qualification is 120 GLH, which is the same size and level as a GCSE, is aimed at everyone who wants to find out more about the sport industry. You will study three mandatory units, covering the underpinning knowledge and skills required for the sports sector:
- fitness for sport and exercise
- practical performance in sport
- applying the principles of personal training
You will build on the knowledge gained in the mandatory units by choosing one further unit, covering areas such as:
- the mind and sports performance
- the sports performer in action
- leading sports activities
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
BTEC Sport |
Pearson |
BTEC First Sport |
Sport Specification |
BTEC Sport |
Pearson |
BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Sport (Teaching from September 2022) |
Sport Specification |
Statistics
Curriculum Summary:
Statistics is about making decisions when there is uncertainty. Perhaps one of the most versatile areas of maths, it gives students the skills to collect, analyse, interpret and present data. Topics are clearly and logically structured and include:
- understanding the importance of careful planning, a clear strategy for collecting, recording and processing data in order to address an identified question or hypothesis
- generating data visualisation and understanding the maths involved
Subject | Exam Board | Exam Board Specification Title | Specification Link |
GCSE Statistics |
AQA |
GCSE Statistics (8382) |
Statistics Specification |
Assessment Detail:
100% examination
Paper 1
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Tiered Higher and Foundation
- 80 marks
- 50% of the total GCSE
Paper 2
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Tiered Higher and Foundation
- 80 marks
- 50% of the total GCSE
Useful Links: