For IGCSE English as a Second Language, students may be entered for either an Extended or a Core paper.

The Extended paper permits the award of grades A* to E.

The Core paper permits the award of grades C to G.

N.B.

The IGCSE English as a Second Language course is administered by the Cambridge Board. For the College to offer the course, it has to pay a high registration fee to the Board. In order to cover this cost, students opting to follow the IGCSE English as a Second Language course will be required to pay an additional examination fee.

It should be noted that English Literature is a separate subject to GCSE English and, consequently, will require students to undertake a greater volume of study. Past results indicate that, for some students, attempting both subjects merely compromises the likelihood of their gaining a good grade in GCSE English which is, of course, the priority.

As it is, the GCSE English course contains a substantial component of literature including the compulsory study of a poetry anthology, a Shakespeare play and prose.

The GCSE Double Award in ICT follows the programme offered by Edexcel and this course, which is worth 2 GCSEs on completion, is delivered over 3 years between Year 9 and Year 11.

In Year 9 you will currently be working on the practical applications of Unit 1 and will be using Microsoft Office 2000. This will include Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. A strong recommendation from the ICT team is to purchase an easy to understand guide for both Microsoft Access and Excel, suggested books include,

These books include easy-to-follow guides including pictures of the two programs and also act as great reference guides later on in the course.

At the start of Year 10 you will receive exam preparation for their Mock Exam in November/December 2005. This will go over the same applications that were introduced in Year 9. The Mock Exam is a 2½-hour practical exam. In January 2006 you will sit your real exam of 2 ½ hours.

You will have the option of re-sitting your exam if you fail or are unhappy with your result. There is only one opportunity to resit the exam and that will be June 2006.

This Unit will be separated into 5 individual assignments.

In Year 9 you will cover the theory of ICT and its effects on modern day society. You will be required to do two out of the five assignments and these will be marked internally by the class teacher and moderated outside of school.

In Year 10 you will continue to look at the theory behind Unit 3. Outside speakers will come into the school to give talks on the future developments in ICT and the effects these will have on society. You will be required to do the last three assignments in this Unit during Year 10.

In Year 11 you will study Unit 2. This Unit will require you to have extensive knowledge of the different software applications that you will have covered in both Year 9 & 10.

The project in Year 11 will involve you studying an organisation (Business or Community Group). The class teacher will assign the organisation and the students will then have to design an ICT system, either using Microsoft Excel or Access, which could benefit the organisation. The system will be implemented in school and shown to the class teacher, along with supporting evidence of the problem, the design and the solution.

External 2 ½ Hour Computer Based Exam

Worth: 33.3% of final grade.

Assessment: Externally Marked

Coursework

Worth: 33.3% of final grade.

Assessment: Internally Marked, Externally Moderated

Coursework

Worth: 33.3% of final grade.

Assessment: Internally Marked, Externally Moderated

YEAR 10- Unit 1 Exam

3 Assignments from Unit 3

YEAR 11- Unit 2

3. Shape and Space

Shape, location, movement and measurement.

4. Data Handling

2. Final exam - this is marked in London and is worth 80% of the final

grade.

Those taking combined science will take one exam in biology, one in chemistry and one in physics. For those students who opt for separate sciences they will take the same exams as mentioned above plus an additional exam paper in each of the subject areas. This tests the extra work not covered by those following a combined course.

The number of GCSEs reflects the amount of time spent each week studying science during the two years of the course.

Students will be entered for one of two tiers. The tiers are ‘Foundation’ (grades G - C) and ‘Higher’ (grades D - A*). Which level they are entered for will be decided in Year 11. Teachers will recommend the most appropriate level for each student.

Any combination may be chosen. However, if insufficient numbers are attracted, certain options may not be available.

The GCSE Art and Design course is suitable for any students who have enjoyed the subject at lower school level and who have achieved a reasonable amount of success during years 7, 8 and 9.

Anyone who opts for this subject does not have to be a ‘Van Gogh’ or a ‘Michelangelo’ but they must be prepared to spend a fair amount of time outside of school hours researching and preparing for projects produced in lessons. For those with sufficient interest this is never a problem and overall, our art students enjoy a great sense of achievement as a result of the experiences gained through involvement in this course.

In Doha College we will be following the Educational Excellence Foundation (EDEXCEL) syllabus. This aims to give students a broad understanding of the nature of art and design through their coursework and the opportunity to offer a specialised option for the practical examination at the end of the course. Candidates’ work should demonstrate their understanding of the procedures contained within the syllabus and show that they have developed ways of working which include ‘visual research, analysis and recording’, ‘investigation and problem solving’ and ‘critical appraisal and documentation’. Emphasis will be placed on direct experience through which the skills, concepts and values central to art and design education can be developed and full use of both the school and local environments will be incorporated into the course.

Throughout years 10 and 11 each student will have the chance to further their skills in a wide range of media, processes and techniques, which will include some or all of the following:

Students will be encouraged to develop their observational skills and to conduct research and investigation. They will be encouraged to express ideas, thoughts and feelings in the realisation of ideas and intentions, and explore contexts and conduct evaluations. The essence of the course is to be able to develop an idea from its initial source through to a final product. The ability to persevere with a topic, to explore its various possibilities and experiment with a variety of media are desirable qualities for studying this subject.

This examination will consist of two main components:

1. Two units of coursework (including a journal and sketchbook for each) -

internally set 60%

This consists of a journal showing the development of ideas along with supporting studies, and a timed test of ten hours duration. The student will be given no less than 20 school working days for preparation time to develop ideas, produce supporting studies, experiment with media and arrive at a final design. The examination, consisting of 10 hours work over 3 sessions, will be ‘theme’ based, thus offering broad scope for individual development by the students. Work carried out during this timed period will be under exam conditions and unaided. Teachers may conduct, or direct, certain technical processes where necessary.

This provides a generalised diary of ‘what, how and why’ the candidate has produced specific pieces of artwork during the two year course. It should contain drawings, written pieces, quotations, scrapbook material, experiments and trial workings plus continuous written evaluation. The sketchbook is used for larger scale work and experimentation.

This course gives students the opportunity to make a very personal response and should provide a great deal of stimulation and interest together with a sound foundation for further study in Art and Design.

To develop an ability to make effective use of terminology, concepts and methods relevant to business studies and to recognise the strengths and limitations of the ideas used;

To develop an ability to apply knowledge and understanding in a wide range of contexts, distinguishing between facts and opinions and the evaluation of data in order to make informed judgements;

To develop knowledge and an understanding of the dynamics of business activity.

Two tier exam entry

The coursework element will be enhanced by the use of ICT and a range of business related software.

The Business studies syllabus is divided into the five sections. These are:

1. Business Activity and the Changing Environment

Design Technology gives you the opportunity to combine knowledge, skills, and initiative, within the constraints of time, resources and finance, to design and make quality products. This subject fosters the development of qualities such as imagination, inventiveness, responsibility, commitment, self-esteem, flexibility and resourcefulness within a structured learning experience. These are the skills that modern universities, industries and businesses are asking of their employees.

The Product Design GCSE allows students to design and solve real life problems in a similar way to professional designers. Students are taught how to appreciate problems, research existing products and then use their imagination, knowledge and creativity to produce a range of possible solutions. The design process continues by refining these initial proposals and developing one for manufacture. Using both graphic and resistant materials the student will then make a prototype, model or working product. Throughout the course there are many opportunities to use ICT and CAD to enhance designing and presentation.

This GCSE is the natural link with the very successful AS / A2 level PRODUCT DESIGN course.

Students tackle 3 projects and tasks in year 10, all of which are designed to increase an understanding of both DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY. The emphasis of the course is very much individual and hands on, developing both graphical and practical skills.

In year 11, students undertake a major project of their own (guided) choice based on a product that could be retailed and/or produced industrially. The course offers the flexibility for working in a range of materials as well as graphics.

Successful students are those that are prepared to work hard and use their initiative and creativity to research and develop ideas. You will often find yourself in design situations in which neither you nor your teacher knows the answer! This GCSE is one in which the student and teacher become equals in their desire to use knowledge and skills to solve problems.

Students who enjoy the course most are those willing to be open-minded and use their knowledge of other subjects, especially science and art, to improve products. Successful students are also those who want to solve problems and can organise their time well.

Drawing and making skills do improve with practice; so do not be put off taking this course if you currently feel under confident in either area. More important is the desire to make the man-made world a better place to be in.

Exam Board AQA, GCSE 3544

This is an extended designing and practical task. It must clearly demonstrate a student’s ability to design, using knowledge and creativity, and then to make, using graphic media and other materials such as plastic, metals and wood. This part of the section is critical if students are to achieve a high grade and for this reason must be undertaken with 100% commitment.

Final Examination. 40%

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that is both practical and creative. You may have done some acting before or helped out backstage on a production. You may have always wanted to have a go at making a play, performing, making costumes, building a set or operating the lights but never had the chance. You will enjoy this course if you enjoy working as part of a team as Drama involves a lot of group work.

The examination for GCSE Drama is a practical performance. The examination is 40% of the marks.

You will take part in a play that you have created as a group or rehearsed from a script. You can either be examined on your acting skills in the performance or on your design and technical skills (stage design, costume, masks and makeup, lighting or sound). You will perform the play in front of an audience and the examiner will be present at one of the performances.

The 60% coursework part of the GCSE Drama course consists of practical performance work and a written notebook of evidence. During your course you will take part in 2 different workshops that will be marked by your teacher. In one of the workshops you will use all that you have learnt about Drama to explore your responses to a range of material presented to you by your teacher. In the other workshop you will explore a play and show your understanding of drama by taking part in a number of exercises based on the play. You will be assessed on your practical work and on the supporting notes you keep during the workshops.

You can achieve grades A* to G in GCSE Drama. The final grade is reported in August.

As well as acquiring the skills involved in creating and performing Drama, you will also be able to acquire skills in working with others, problem solving and communication. You will also find that Drama will help you feel more self-confident and prepare you to deal with a range of different situations and people.

There are many things you can go on to do with a GCSE in Drama. If you are unsure about what to do next, the best thing to do is to speak to your Drama teacher who will know about the choices on offer.

You could go on to take a BTEC National Award (Acting) in Performing Arts, which we offer here at Doha College. This is a vocational course which will enable you to study various techniques and disciplines and gain a comprehensive understanding of working as a professional in the field of Acting. The course is assessed mainly through coursework, including practical and written assignments. It is equivalent to one ‘A’ level.

You may wish to take a GCSE in Drama for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest or as part of a range of other subjects. Or you might wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of Drama, or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this course. These might include careers in such fields as retail, travel and tourism, sales and marketing or any career that involves meeting people face to face. The study of Drama helps you develop transferable skills you can take into any job.

If you opt for Geography, you will look at these and many other issues in their proper academic framework. The course is the Educational Excellence Foundation (EDEXCEL) Syllabus A, code 1312, formerly London University. These are the units of study:

Map work skills and the use and interpretation of photos, satellite images, graphs and diagrams.

Features of the landscape such as valleys, rivers and coastlines - how they were formed, how they are changing and their effect on people. Features of river and glacial valleys, the problems created for people and the opportunities for human use.

Population changes by births, deaths and migration, population distribution and density, standards of living, patterns and characteristics of towns and cities, land use in different parts of cities, urban growth around the world. Problems faced by city people in richer and poorer countries

Reasons for why some countries develop industry and others do not, how and why a country’s economy changes over time. The importance of different types of farming around the world.

What makes the weather? Different weather systems, understanding weather maps.

Problems created by the weather, a study of different climates around the world and its affect on people.

Differing types of forest and how people exploit them and what are the consequences of deforestation?

Why are some parts of the world more hazardous than others? Where and why do earthquakes, volcanoes and hurricanes occur? Why do people choose to live in hazardous areas? How can people prepare for a hazard event?

Reasons for the rapid growth of the global tourist industry; different types of tourism; impact of mass tourism on people and environments; the management of fragile environments and sustainable tourism.

Coursework forms 25% of the final GCSE grade in Geography and takes the form of an assignment based upon fieldwork, which all GCSE Geography students carry out. In recent years students have carried out studies of the sand dunes of South East Qatar and the coastal areas at Dukhan and Messaied. The coursework enquiry is a particular strength of the programme of study.

Choosing the right GCSE course can be a difficult task. The aim of the History Department is to give you as much information about the GCSE History course as possible – by answering the questions we, your History teachers, are most commonly asked by Year 9 students approaching their option choices.

English has become a ‘universal’ language, but did you know that French is spoken across the five continents? It is an official language in 22 countries including Belgium and Switzerland in Europe, Quebec in Canada, and many African countries. There are over 120 million ‘francophones’ speaking French around the world.

The German language continues to grow in importance throughout the world. Since reunification, Germany now has the largest population of any country in Europe (excluding the former USSR), and is the third most important economic power in the world. German is spoken in Switzerland, Austria and Northern Italy (Sudtirol) and, like French, is one of the official languages of the EC.

The examination is divided equally into 4 skill areas:-

Each of the skills is examined at both foundation and higher level, which means that you may be entered at the level appropriate to your own ability and achievement.

In French, the writing skills will be tested via coursework. You will have to write 3 short pieces in French, totally 450 - 500 words. We will spend time in class preparing these and you will work on them for homework.

Music is a great subject to study and you would definitely enjoy the course. It is, however, not an ‘easy’ option. It will add ‘balance’ to your curriculum choices. If you are interested in performing and learning to create and analyse music then GCSE Music is for you!

"The human animal is an extraordinary species. Of all the events in human history, the one to attract the largest audience was not a great political occasion, nor a special celebration of some complex achievement in the arts or sciences, but a simple ball game...." (It is estimated that ¹/₄ of the world’s population watched the 1978 World Cup final.)

People of all ages and abilities enjoy taking part in physical activities. This GCSE provides a deeper knowledge and understanding of a major aspect of most societies.

Playing the game is relevant! But if you think that GCSE PE means four lessons of running around you are wrong. This is a difficult and demanding course that requires not only sporting but also academic ability.

The objectives of these exams are to test the knowledge and understanding of:

It may be possible to be assessed in other sports, for example tennis, if you receive formal coaching outside of school.

This GCSE is a useful foundation for careers in areas involving Sport Science (Human Biology), Recreation Planning, Leisure Management and Teaching. The course will be an asset if you are thinking of taking AS PE or AVCE Leisure and Recreation at Post-16 level. The armed and emergency services may also look upon it favourably. It is also a good GCSE to add to the collection whatever field of work is pursued later in life.