Our GCSE Curriculum can be accessed below.
Nearly 60% of a student’s timetable in KS4 will be spent studying the core Curriculum, consisting of:
- Mathematics (Edexcel) – Single GCSE
- English Language and English Literature (Eduqas) – two separate GCSEs
- Combined Science (Edexcel) – two GCSEs
- PE (non-examination)
In addition to the core curriculum, students will study four further subjects; one specialism choice, one academic choice and two open choices.
A subject information sheet has been created for each of the courses on offer to give further information about the course content and how the course is examined.
Core Curriculum
GCSE English Literature
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 9 |
Gothic Genre |
Poetry from others cultures |
Transactional writing |
Year 10 | Knowledge Finder | A Christmas Carol | English Language Component 2 Reading / Poetry Anthology |
Year 11 | Macbeth | Language Component 2 / Poetry Anthology / Unseen revision | Language Component 1 & An Inspector Calls & Unseen Poetry revision |
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 9 |
Reading for meaning |
A Christmas Carol |
Speaking & Listening |
Year 10 | English Literature Component 2 - An Inspector Calls / Language Component 1 Writing | English Literature Component 1 - Poetry Anthology/ Language Component 2 | Speaking & Listening and English Language Component 1&2 - Writing |
Year 11 | Language Component 1 & 2 - Reading and Writing revision | Literature Component 1&2 - Macbeth & A Christmas Carol revision | Exam Prep |
Careers
- Author
- Poet
- Law and politics, writing, administration and marketing
- Editor
- Presenters, teachers, councillors
- Librarian, lawyer
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
GCSE English Language
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 9 |
Gothic Genre |
Poetry from others cultures |
Transactional writing |
Year 10 | Knowledge Finder | A Christmas Carol | English Language component 2 Reading /Poetry Anthology |
Year 11 | Macbeth | Language Component 2 / Poetry Anthology/ Unseen revision | Language Component 1 & An Inspector Calls & Unseen Poetry revision |
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 9 |
Reading for meaning |
A Christmas Carol |
Speaking & Listening |
Year 10 | English Literature component 2 - An Inspector Calls / Language component 1 Writing | English Literature component 1 - Poetry Anthology/ Language component 2 | Speaking and listening & English Language Component 1&2 - Writing |
Year 11 | Language Component 1 & 2 - Reading and Writing revision | Literature Component 1&2 - Macbeth & A Christmas Carol revision | Exam Prep |
Careers
- Author
- Poet
- Law and politics, writing, administration and marketing
- Editor
- Presenters, teachers, councillors
- Librarian, lawyer
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
GCSE Mathematics
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 9 |
Number |
Algebra & Graphs AND Tables and Charts |
Fractions & Percentages |
Year 10 | Equations, Inequalities and Sequences AND Angles | Averages and Range AND Perimeter, Area and Volume | Graphs AND Transformations |
Year 11 | Perimeter, Area and Volume and these AND Graphs | Transformations AND Ratio & Proportion AND Right-angled Triangles | Probability AND Multiplicative Reasoning AND Construction, Loci and Bearings |
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 9 |
Equations, Inequalities and Sequences |
Angles AND Averages and Range |
Perimeter, Area and Volume |
Year 10 | Ratio and Proportion AND Right-angled Triangle | Probability AND Multiplicative Reasoning AND Congruence, Similarity and Vectors AND More Algebra | Construction, Loci and Bearings AND Quadratic Equations AND Graphs |
Year 11 | Quadratic Equations and Graphs AND Perimeter, Area and Volume AND Fractions, Indices and Standard Form | Highlighted Specific Revision & Exam Practice | Highlighted Specific Revision & Exam Practice |
**Students studying Higher Tier Maths will study Foundation Maths first to ensure a solid basic understanding of the Maths Principals before they move on to studying Higher Tier topics.
**All topics are differentiated to challenge all students.
Careers
Many careers pathways can be found here
- Accounting
- Aerospace Engineer and Electrical Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Economist, Bank Manager, Investment Analyst, Stock Broker, Tax Advisor
- Financial Advisor
- Insurance Underwriter
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
Higher Tier - Click here
Foundation Tier - Click here
GCSE Science
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 9 |
Introduction to Science - Practical Skills |
Writing Scientific reports |
States of matter |
Year 10 |
Biology - Cells and Control. |
Chemistry - Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding, Types of Substance and Calculations involving masses |
Physics - Waves, Physics, Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum |
Physics - Forces and Motion. | Biology - Health, Disease and the Development of Medicine | Biology - Genetics Biology, Natural Selection and Genetic Modification | |
Year 11 |
Chemistry - Rates of Reaction and Energy Changes |
Physics - Electricity and Circuits |
Biology - Exchange and transport in animals |
Biology - Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis | Chemistry - Fuels and Earth Science | Physics - Magnetism and the Motor Effect Electromagnetic Induction |
|
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 9 |
Conservation of Energy |
Key Concepts in Biology |
Key Concepts in Chemistry |
Year 10 | Chemistry - Chemical Change Physics - Energy and Forces doing work, Forces and their effects |
Biology - Plant structures and their functions Chemistry - Extraction of metal and Equilibria |
Physics - Radioactivity Biology - Ecosystems and Material cycles |
Year 11 | Physics - Particle Model, Forces and Matter | EXAM REVISION LESSONS | EXAM REVISION LESSONS |
Careers
- Ecologist, Agriculture, Sustainability, Waste and Product Management
- Medicine, Pharmaceuticals and medical Research
- Food Science, Fuel Science, Water industry
- Energy Engineer, Energy Consultant, Sustainability Specialist, Renewable Energy Industry
- Material Science, Analytical Chemist, Chemical Engineer
- Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Engineer Ecologist, Zoologist, Parasitologist
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
Specialism Choice
BTEC Technical Award in Engineering
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 9 |
Engineering Processes Students will learn about the different engineering processes that are used in an engineering workshop. E.g. Milling, turning, vacuum forming. |
Engineering Processes Students will learn about the different engineering processes that are used in an engineering workshop. E.g. CNC, hotworks including brazing, forging and casting. |
Materials, ferrous and non-ferrous metals |
Year 10 |
Component 1A - Completion of Exploration of engineering sectors. Engineering organisations, small medium global. Functions within organisations. |
Component 1B - Producing initial design proposals looking at different processes and how these help with quality. |
|
Year 11 |
Component 1B - Producing initial design proposals looking at different processes and how these help with quality. |
Component 2B - Disassembly of components, inspection and evaluation. |
|
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 9 |
Materials, Non metals. Polymers and smart and composite materials. |
Electrical theory, Ohms Law, Power Rule. Series and parallel circuits. |
Mechanical principles, gears, levers, forces etc. |
Year 10 |
Component 1B - Producing initial design proposals looking at different processes and how these help with quality. |
Component 3 - re-design of an existing product. |
Introduction to Component 2A and B - Redesign processes. |
Year 11 |
Component 2A - Understanding Materials processes and components. |
Component 2A and Component 3 - Engineering processes. |
Preparation for 6th form or Further Education. |
Careers
- Mechanical/Electrical Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Maintenance
- CAD Technician
- Servicing and Maintenance Operative
Curriculum Map
BTEC First Award in Construction
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 9 |
Introduction to Carpentry and Joinery |
Computer Aided Design (CAD) |
Design + Model Making |
Year 10 |
Construction Technology |
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Year 11 |
Construction Drawing Techniques |
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Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 9 |
Plans and Planning |
Sustainable Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture |
Year 10 | Scientific and Mathematical Applications for Construction Understand the effects of forces and temperature changes on materials used in construction and use mathematical techniques to solve construction problems. |
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Year 11 | Construction and Design Understand the work of the construction industry, understand a client’s needs to develop a design brief for a low-rise building and produce a range of initial sketch ideas to meet the requirements of a client brief for a low-rise building. |
Careers
- Carpentry and Joinery, Fabrication
- CAD Operative
- Architectural Technologist and Planner
- Property Developer
- Design Construction Management
- Quantity and Building Surveyor
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
Academic Choice
GCSE Geography
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 10 |
Tectonic Hazards |
UK Weather |
Ecosystems |
Year 11 | Global Tourism | Regional Inequality | Water Resources |
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 10 |
Global Inequality |
Global Inequality |
Fieldwork |
Year 11 |
Social Development |
Revision & Exam Prep |
Careers
There are many transferable skills you will gain whist studying Geography at GCSE, including IT, numeracy and team work.
- Urban and Rural Planning
- Environment Management
- Surveying
- Travel and Tourism
- Landscape Architect
- Journalism
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
GCSE Computer Science
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 10 |
Ethical Issues and Laws |
Computational Logic + Data Representation |
Computational Logic + Data Representation |
Year 11 | Algorithms, Programming Techniques and Producing Robust Programs. Translators | Computational Logic + Data Representation | Systems Architecture, Memory and Storage |
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 10 |
Systems Architecture, Memory and Storage |
Networking, Systems Security and Software |
Algorithms, Programming Techniques and Producing Robust Programs. |
Year 11 | Networking, Systems Security and Software | Ethical Issues and Laws | Gap fills and Revision Techniques |
Careers
- Backend programmers and Computer Engineers
- Sales of Computer Hardware
- IT Technicians, Network Managers, Security Specialist
- Program Developers + Problem Solving generic to all careers
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
GCSE Triple Science
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 9 |
Big Issues in Science |
Writing Scientific reports |
States of matter |
Year 10 |
Biology - Cells and Control Physics - Forces and Motion |
Qualitative analysis test for ions + Quantitative Analysis | Astronomy |
Year 11 | Dynamic Equilibria |
Static Electricity Hydrocarbons, Polymers, Alcohols and Carboxylic acid, Bulk surface properties of matter including Nanoparticles, Chemistry Topic 5 Chemical cells, Fuel cells |
Biology - Exchange and transport in animals |
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 9 |
Conservation of Energy |
Key Concepts in Biology |
Key Concepts in Chemistry |
Year 10 |
Chemistry - Chemical Change |
Transition Metals Alloys and Corrosion |
Physics - Radioactivity |
Year 11 |
EXAM REVISION LESSONS Physics - Particle Model, Forces and Matter |
EXAM REVISION LESSONS |
EXAM REVISION LESSONS |
Careers
- Ecologist, Agriculture, Sustainability, Waste and Product Management
- Medicine, Pharmaceuticals and medical Research
- Food Science, Fuel Science, Water industry
- Energy Engineer, Energy Consultant, Sustainability Specialist, Renewable Energy Industry
- Material Science, Analytical Chemist, Chemical Engineer
- Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Engineer Ecologist, Zoologist, Parasitologist
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
Open Choice
For your Open Choices, you may select from the previously listed subjects:
- BTEC Technical Award in Engineering
- BTEC First Award in Construction
- GCSE Geography
- GCSE Computer Science
- GCSE Triple Science
Or the following:
BTEC Business
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 10 |
What is an enterprise? & Types and characteristics of SME's |
The purpose of enterprises and entrepreneurs/ Entrepreneurs |
Explore how market research helps enterprises to meet customer needs and understand competitor behaviour, Customer needs, Using market research to understand customers, Understanding competitors |
Year 11 | Elements of the promotional mix and their purposes, Targeting and segmenting the market, Factors influencing the choice of promotional methods | Financial records, Financial documents, Payment methods, Sources of revenue and costs, Terminology in financial statements, Statement of comprehensive income, Statement of financial position, Profitability and liquidity | |
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 10 |
Investigate the factors that contribute to the success of an enterprise. Internal factors, External factors, Situational analysis and Measuring the success of and SME. |
Investigate the success factors of a business that contribute to the success of an enterprise. |
|
Year 11 | Financial planning and forecasting, Using cash flow data, Financial forecasting, Suggesting improvements to cash flow problems, Break-even analysis and break-even point, Sources of business finance | Revision and Gap Filling |
Careers
- Market Researcher
- Customer Services Representatives
- Financial Advisors/Accountants
- Data Processors/Data Analysers
- Government Agency roles e.g. Tax Officers
- Sales Professionals
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
GCSE Design Technology
Curriculum Information
What We Study Each Term
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | |
Year 9 |
Speaker Project, Analysing a brief, researching existing products, designing own products, prototyping designs, materials: plastics, sustainability of plastics, plastic forming techniques |
CAD CAM, electronics, fault-finding in electronic circuits, testing and evaluation of your own products. Systems approach to electronics. UTCness - This unit has been designed to develop students diagnostic skills when working with electronics. This need was highlighted by training staff at BAE systems, circuit testing lessons are also being supported by staff from BAE systems. |
Casting methods, Metals: properties and categories, designing and development of designs. |
Year 10 | Wind Turbines / renewable energy project. Energy, fossil fuels, renewable energy, how energy is generated from fossil fuels/ renewable energy. CAD commands and tools. |
Wind Turbines / renewable energy project. Modelling + prototyping, CAD CAM, product development and realisation | Clock project. Designing in the style of a design movement, looking at the work of designers and movements past and present. |
Year 11 | GCSE coursework Designing a product for the exam board specified brief. | Developing a product through prototyping and designing | Making a product, testing and evaluating the final product |
Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 | |
Year 9 |
Practical planning - casting, secondary processes and finishing cast products, evaluation of practical outcome. |
Mechanical toy project, Mechanisms, designing mechanical systems, Materials: woods, design specification, designing and modelling. |
Production planning, making and development of mechanical toys, testing and evaluating mechanical toys. |
Year 10 | Clock project. Drawing designs, modelling designs, modifying and developing designs, planning, making and evaluating clocks. | Inclusive design, respecting people of different faiths and beliefs. Enterprise based on the development of an effective business innovation, How technology push/market pull affects choice. Changes in fashion and trends in relation to new and emergent technologies. | Start of the GCSE NEA topic set by the exam board on the 1st June. |
Year 11 | Exam preparation and revisions |
Careers
- Architect
- CAD/CAM Developer
- Electrical, Mechanical and Systems Engineer
- Carpenter/Joiner
- Special FX Artist
- Prototyping
- Graphic Designer
Curriculum Map
Visual Learning Journey
Additional Learning
PSHRE/RSE
PSHE education at Waterfront UTC is a planned, developmental programme of learning through which students acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future. As part of a whole-school approach, PSHE education develops the qualities and attributes students need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.
We deliver our statutory responsibility through Company Time, Assemblies and Drop Down Days.
Year 9 + 10 Term 5+6 2022 - (Health & Wellbeing) Topics
- Alcohol Awareness, Risks + Dangers
- Drugs, Substance Abuse + the Law
- Mental Health - Stress / Anxiety / Mindset
- Vaccinations, Organ, Blood Stem Cell Donation
- Self Harm Awareness
- Behaviour, Achievement Education + Distractions
- Personal Safety Acid Attacks
Year 12 + 13 Term 5 2022 - (Health & Wellbeing) Topics
- Addiction + Substance Misuse Unit (CLASS A)
- Addiction + Substance Misuse Unit (CLASS B)
- Addiction + Substance Misuse Unit (CLASS C + Prescription Drugs)