Green Book 2021

Programme of Study For students of Year 8 moving to Year 9 in June 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS Years 9 And 10 Programme of Study .......................................................................................1 English Language ....................................................................................................................8 Mathematics.............................................................................................................................9 Global Perspectives ...............................................................................................................10 Information & Communication Technology .............................................................................11 Science (Single Award) ..........................................................................................................12 Commerce .............................................................................................................................14 BTEC International Level 2 Certificate in Engineering……………………………….……………16



Programme of Study Years 9 and 10 Programme of Study Gateway’s unique combination of subjects, resources and innovation, inspires educational change and drives students to achieve their educational and professional goals. Our students are provided with the maximum exposure in different subject areas so that they are able to carefully select their relevant areas of learning at Advanced Level that will suit their higher studies and careers. During Key Stage 4, we encourage students to take a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Humanities, Sciences, Arts, Languages, Technology and Sport. Gateway enjoys Associate centre status from both Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge Assessment International Education, thus Gateway is able to teach and conduct assessments for a range of subjects from International GCSE, GCSE, Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level examinations on our school premises. The combination of subjects we offer enables our students to take up to eleven or twelve iGCSE or GCSE subjects from Pearson Edexcel, London. We also offer the BTEC First Certificate in Sports as an option for those with a keen interest in sport, and a qualification in Acting for those interested in the field of drama/theatre. Students have a choice of 25 subjects. Those who have a keen interest in Engineering have the opportunity to study BTEC Engineering as an extra subject after school hours. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and GCSE Pearson Edexcel is UK’s largest awarding body and a part of Pearson plc., the world’s largest education services company. Edexcel was formed in 1996 by the merger of two well-respected bodies, BTEC (the Business & Technology Education Council) and ULEAC (the University of London Examinations and Assessment Council). Both were leaders in their respective fields of academic and vocational qualifications. Edexcel was formerly referred to as London Examinations; therefore, their exams were popularly referred to as London OLs and ALs. Pearson, along with other awarding bodies such as OCR and AQA, is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). This government department regulates qualifications, exams and tests in England and ensures that they are fit for purpose, that they are fair and that standards are secure, so that public confidence can be sustained. This means that Pearson can provide a very wide range of qualifications, recognised by Universities, Institutions of Higher Education and employers worldwide. Page | 1

Year 9 and 10 Gateway is one of the very few Teaching Institutes (TI) of Pearson in Sri Lanka. As a Pearson Edexcel International Centre, Gateway is able to teach and conduct assessments for any subject towards iGCSE, GCSE, Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level examinations. International GCSE There are several important reasons why Gateway opted for Edexcel International General Certificate of Secondary Education (Edexcel iGCSE);  They are the only examinations in Sri Lanka available at Key Stage 4 that are identical to the examinations in UK.  iGCSEs are the most up-to-date qualifications and are ‘the way forward’.  iGCSEs are gaining popularity among many leading Private Schools in the UK.  Gateway has the widest experience in iGCSE in Sri Lanka – we were the first to offer these qualifications in 2005.  Edexcel iGCSE is a qualification that embraces the best practices of O level and GCSE. They seem to have struck the ideal balance between theoretical and practical components and so provide the most suitable preparation for the new Advanced Level specification and International Advanced Level.  iGCSEs aim to provide students with an international perspective to their studies, so that work can be based on their own region, where possible, making study more relevant and rewarding.  iGCSEs are a logical continuation of the learning that starts in the English National Curriculum at Key Stages 2 and 3. International GCSE and GCSE Reforms Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation in England) had introduced reforms in 2013 to GCSEs which included updates to subject criteria, increase in the level of demand and a new 9- 1 grading scale, with 9 as the top grade. In order to match the standard of GCSE, iGCSEs also had been subjected to several changes. The new 9-1 grading scale does not completely align with the A* grade which was available for the previous iGCSEs. Grade 9 represents a higher level of attainment than the previous A* grade. The 9-1 grading system has been implemented for iGCSEs as well, which gives the very highest performers the opportunity to achieve a grade 9, rewarding outstanding academic achievement. Page | 2

Programme of Study The new grade represents a new level of NEW GRADING OLD STRUCTURE GRADING attainment and has been introduced to differentiate the 9 SCALE top performing students. 8 7 A* The bottom of the grade broadly aligns with 6 the bottom of the grade A. 5 A 4 There’s greater differentiation in the middle of the scale, B 3 C with 3 new grades. and rather D than two grades, B and C. The bottom of the grade broadly aligns with the bottom of the grade C. The bottom of the grade broadly aligns with 2E the bottom of the grade G. F 1 G UU Chart to show how the new (9- 1) grading scale aligns with the old A*- G scale Page | 3

Year 9 and 10 Duration of Courses and Teaching of Examinations At Gateway College, the teaching of IGCSE examination courses differs depending on the subject areas: some subjects are taught in Years 9 & 10 (examinations May/June 2023), others in years 10 & 11(examinations May/June 2024). iGCSE Science Single Award, Commerce and ICT, are taught in Years 9 and 10. These three subjects are compulsory for all students and will be taught over 2 years, starting in year 9. Students are prepared to take these examinations at the end of Year 10 i.e. in May 2023. Taking these three subjects one year before the main examinations, enables students to ease their workload for the final year. Taking three subjects earlier also provide them with the valuable experience of facing public examinations and, therefore, give an opportunity to take more subjects the following year. This subject grouping enables every student to be exposed to basic commerce and science knowledge irrespective of the subjects that they will specialise in. Students make their choice of science and commerce subjects at the end of Year 9, which enables them to make a more matured decision. At the end of Year 6, students chose between French and Sinhala. All other choices have to be made at the end of Year 9. Choice of Subjects The following subjects are mandatory for all students in Year 9: Table 1: Mandatory Subjects in Year 9 Subject Programme Commencement International Examination Mathematics Key Stage 3 2019 Checkpoint/ Achievement Test English Key Stage 3 2019 2022 Global Perspectives Key Stage 3 2019 2022 2022 Science (single award) Int. GCSE 2021 iGCSE Commerce Int. GCSE 2021 2023 ICT Int. GCSE 2021 2023 Geography Key Stage 3 2019 2023 History Key Stage 3 2019 n/a Art Key Stage 3 2019 n/a French or Sinhala Key Stage 3 2019 n/a Music Key Stage 3 2019 n/a Physical Education Key Stage 3 2019 n/a n/a Page | 4

Programme of Study Factors to consider:  In judging what is appropriate for your child, please bear in mind that at this stage of the child’s school career, it is very important to provide them with the maximum exposure in different subject areas. Students at this stage tend to give priority to subjects for which they have a liking and neglect others. Parents are requested to encourage their children to focus on a variety of subject areas. Additional Subjects The school, at its discretion, extends opportunities to students who perform exceptionally well to offer additional subjects, as given in the table below. Subject Programme Selection criteria Commencement Completion BTEC Engineering Pearson BTEC Exceptional achievements in 2021 2023 Engineering Mathematics and Science BTEC Engineering BTEC stands for 'Business and Technology Education Council', which used to run the award, first introduced in 1984. BTEC qualifications are work-related and designed to prepare students for the world of employment, whilst, at the same time, providing an iGCSE equivalent for progression to university. They provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning alongside a theoretical background, and can be taken alongside iGCSEs and GCSEs. There are more than 1.5 million students enrolled on BTEC courses in more than 85 countries. Students have the opportunity to begin a BTEC Engineering course as an afterschool hours extra subject in Year 9 should they wish to do so. This course will be completed in Year 10, a year ahead of their full iGCSEs. BTECs are vocational qualifications that are on par with the iGCSEs but the principal difference is that they are assignment based and not examination based. The courses are very practical and fun-filled. Furthermore, students get hands on training during the course from institutions such as the Ceylon- German Technical Training Institute in Moratuwa. This course will be taught after normal school hours, for which an extra payment is applicable. Page | 5

Year 9 and 10 Entry Requirements To qualify for Year 9, a student must reach the minimum requirement marks at the previous semester examination in Year 8 (May 2021). Students joining us from other schools should have been successful in the admission tests of Gateway College. End of Key Stage 3 Tests Throughout Key Stage 3, your child’s progress is closely monitored through continuous assessments and semester examinations. Students will sit Cambridge Checkpoint Tests in April 2022 and Pearson iLower Secondary Achievement Tests in June 2022. They will proceed to the iGCSE syllabuses in June 2022. At the end of Year 9 students will sit for the Pearson iLower Secondary Achievement Test in Mathematics and Cambridge Checkpoint Test in English. Students have the option of sitting for the Cambridge Checkpoint in Mathematics and the Pearson Achievement Test in English should they choose to do so. Further, they will complete a Checkpoint in Global Perspectives in April 2022. These tests provide a valuable benchmark for students, teachers and parents to know how students have progressed in core areas and help guide the decisions about subject choices that students need to make at the end of Year 9. Aptitude Testing In order to help students make more informed choices at the end of Year 9 as to the subject choices they make in Science, Business and Humanities, Gateway will offer the possibility of students taking a standardised international aptitude test that will generate a report about their aptitude for different subjects and areas of strength. These are online tests are completely optional. Page | 6

Programme of Study Hybrid Learning Over the last year Gateway has adopted a new Hybrid system and will move to a new mode of teaching and learning, based more on the student centred technology-based approach that has been taking root in the school in the recent past. Microsoft has recognised Gateway College as a Showcase School, an elite group of schools (325 from around the world) that exemplify the best of teaching and learning in the world today. During the academic year we will have certain days where lessons are conducted online and MS Teams will be used for both class work and homework as well as alternative assessments. Students also use Flipgrid to connect classrooms and experts across the Globe. Gateway’s most recent investment is ‘Dugga’, a state-of-the-art Swedish digital assessment platform that can be used to conduct digital tests, exams, home exams, digital lessons, assignments and other types of assessment in education. As part of our hybrid learning model, every semester, at least one Assessment will be conducted digitally. Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) has signed a landmark agreement with the Gateway College network to work alongside the group of schools using them as model schools in the use of technology in education. Under the new agreement, SLT has recognised the Gateway Colleges as EdTech Specialist Schools. As the exclusive internet service provider and the distributor of Wifi within the schools, SLT will strive to usher in new technologies to the Gateway Schools and engage with Gateway in joint research. Page | 7

Year 9 and 10 ENGLISH LANGUAGE The Key Stage 3 English curriculum has been designed to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping students with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. They are also moulded to face challenges they would face in the International GCSE classes. One of its major aims is to enable students to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in fiction and non- fiction texts and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. The Cambridge Checkpoint Test in English which the students will sit for at the end of Year 9 will provide an assessment of where each student stands in the areas of reading and writing. The score the student achieves for the separate strands acts as a guideline for future teaching and Learning. Assessment Overview Paper 1 A written paper with a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes Paper 2 A written paper with a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes Our students may also if they so wish, sit for the Edexcel Achievement Test in English giving them a wider exposure. Page | 8

Programme of Study MATHEMATICS The programme of study for Key Stage 3 is organised in a manner for students to build on Key Stage 2 and connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They apply their mathematical knowledge in Science, Geography, Computing and other subjects. The Edexcel Achievement Test in Lower Secondary Mathematics requires students to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the learning objectives of Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures and Statistics drawn from Years 7, 8 and 9 of the International Curriculum. Assessment Overview Assessed through a single paper with the duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes. The iGCSE Further Pure Mathematics subject can only be selected by students who score an average mark of 80% or more for the Year 9 Mathematics paper at the two semester exams. Page | 9

Year 9 and 10 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES Global Perspectives is an innovative and stimulating skills-based programme that places academic study in a practical, real-world context. It provides students with the opportunity to cultivate the critical thinking, research, communication and collaboration skills needed to be successful at school and university as well as in their future careers. The Cambridge Checkpoint in Global Perspectives which our students will sit for at the end of Year 9, is designed to enhance students’ research and analytical skills. Assessment Overview Research report – Students will be assessed on a 1000 word written report of a research question that builds on the topics they have learnt in Global Perspectives, during Key Stage 3. Page | 10

Programme of Study INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Key Subject Aims The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:  Explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society.  Learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts by individuals and organisations.  Develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice.  Broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability.  Work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts.  Learn how to reflect critically on, their own and others’ use of ICT and how to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice. Content Overview Paper 1: Written paper  Digital devices  Operating online Paper 2: Practical paper  Connectivity  Online Goods and Services Assessment Overview  Applying Information and Communication Technology  Software skills Paper 1 The examination comprises a mixture of multiple- choice, short and long answer questions. The total number of marks available for the examination paper is 100. The examination addresses all three assessment objectives. Paper 2 The examination window takes place during one week in May/ June. The examination comprises of a practical assignment from a choice of two. The total number of marks available from the examination paper is 100. The examination addresses all three assessment objectives. It is software independent. Students can use any hardware, operating system and applications packages in the practical examinations. Summary of Scheme of Assessment 50 % 1 hour 30 min 50 % 3 hours Paper 1: Written paper Paper 2: Practical paper Page | 11

Year 9 and 10 SCIENCE (SINGLE AWARD) The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Single Award) is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson. Structure The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Single Award) is a linear qualification. Three written examinations must be taken in the same series at the end of the course of Content study. Assessment Relevant, engaging, up to date and of equivalent standard to Pearson Edexcel’s International Approach GCSE in Science (Single Award), this is arranged as separate biology, chemistry and physics Written examinations with questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities. A solid basis for students wishing to progress to vocational education or work. Course Introduction The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Single Award) is designed for use in schools and colleges. It is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson. The course gives students the opportunity to experience science within the context of their general education. Qualification Aims and Objectives The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:  learn about unifying patterns and themes in science and use them in new and changing situations  acquire knowledge and understanding of scientific facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques  apply the principles and concepts of science, including those related to the applications of science, to different contexts  evaluate scientific information, making judgements on the basis of this information  appreciate the practical nature of science, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques  analyse, interpret and evaluate data and experimental methods, drawing conclusions that are consistent with evidence from experimental activities  recognise the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting as scientific methods in science  select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically using appropriate vocabulary, definitions and conventions  develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context  select and apply appropriate areas of mathematics relevant to science as set out under each topic. Page | 12

Programme of Study Qualification at a Glance The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Single Award) comprises three externally-assessed papers: Paper 1 – Biology Paper 2 - Chemistry Paper 3- Physics Paper Overview  Structures and functions in living organisms  Ecology and the environment Paper 1: 33.3% of the total International GCSE Topics covering core Biology content areas:  The nature and variety of living organisms  Reproduction and inheritance  Use of biological resources Paper 2: 33.3% of the total International GCSE  Inorganic Chemistry  Organic Chemistry Topics covering core Biology content areas:  Principles of Chemistry  Physical Chemistry Paper 3: 33.3% of the total International GCSE  Electricity  Energy resources and energy transfers Topics covering core Physics content areas:  Magnetism and electromagnetism  Forces and motion  Astrophysics  Waves  Solids, liquids and gases  Radioactivity and particles Assessment Overview  Each paper is assessed through a 1-hour and 10-minute written examination paper set and marked by Pearson.  The total number of marks in each paper is 60.  A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.  A calculator may be used in the examinations. Page | 13

Year 9 and 10 COMMERCE Commerce is designed to provide a sound understanding of commercial activities. In particular it will benefit those who seek employment in commercial occupations, whether in trade or in one of the services ancillary to trade. The International GCSE in Commerce will provide a valuable background for students who plan to study Advanced GCE in Business or Economics, and other business or economics courses. Key Subject Aims The Edexcel International GCSE in Commerce enables students to:  develop an interest in and enthusiasm for the study of commerce  develop an understanding of commerce concepts, commerce terminology, commerce objectives and the integrated nature of commerce activity  understand how the main types of commerce are organised, financed and operated  develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills to commerce issues in a wide range of applications, operating in local, national and global context  develop critical thinking and enquiry skills to distinguish between facts and opinion, and evaluating and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, to help build arguments and make informed judgements  develop an understanding of the dynamics of commerce activity and the related considerations of ethics and sustainability for global businesses. Key Features and Benefits of the Specification  100% examination – single assessment route allowing all students to demonstrate their Knowledge and understanding of commerce.  Accessible questions based on real commercial situations.  Provides a sound foundation for Pearson Edexcel IAL Business or Economics or equivalent qualifications. Page | 14

Programme of Study Content Overview Paper 1- Commercial operations and associated risks Theme 1: Commercial Operations Theme 2: Commercial Risk Production Insurance Buying and selling Consumer protection legislation Commercial enterprises Trade Retail Bad debts Wholesale Ecommerce International trade Paper 2- Facilitating commercial operations Theme 4: Aids for Commerce Theme 3: Finance for Commerce Communications Transport Financial institutions to support commerce Warehousing Sources of finance Promotion Methods of payment Trading documents Commercial calculations Types of consumer credit Measuring commercial performance Aids to exports Improving commercial performance. Summary of Assessment 80 marks 1 hour and 30 min 80 marks 1 hour and 30 min Paper 1- Commercial operations and associated risks Paper 2 - Facilitating Commercial Operations Page | 15

Year 9 and 10 BTEC INTERNATIONAL LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN ENGINEERING The Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Certificate offers a work-related vocational qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment in the appropriate vocational sector. The Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Certificate is a qualification that can be part of a learner’s programme of study and provides a vocational learning experience. Potentially the qualification could prepare learners for progression to an appropriate Level 3 programme in the same or related vocational area. Key Subject Aims The Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma qualifications in Engineering have been developed in the maintenance, manufacturing, electronic and general engineering sectors to:  give full-time learners the opportunity to enter employment in the engineering sector or to progress to Level 3 vocational qualifications  provide education and training for engineering employees  give opportunities for engineering employees to achieve a Level 2 vocationally specific qualification  give learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life. Content Overview The Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Certificate in Engineering qualification totals 150 Notional Learning Hours (NLH). Learners must achieve the mandatory unit and the optional unit that provides for a combined total value of 15 to achieve the qualification. This qualification is equivalent to one International GCSE. Assessment Overview NLH: 50 hours Working Safely and Effectively in Engineering Mandatory Unit: Unit No:01 Unit value: 5 credits Selected Optional Unit: Unit No: 19 Unit value: 10 credits NLH: 100 hours Electronic Circuit Construction Page | 16

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