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Blackheath High School is an exceptional school. It is characterised by passionate teaching, open-mindedness and a warm community atmosphere. In the classroom, our teachers provide the inspiration and support that enable students to flourish.
At Blackheath, everything we do is based on the simple belief that all girls will achieve and excel given the right support and inspiration for her. We know that girls flourish personally and academically when they are inspired by gifted teachers and supported by a community that knows and appreciates them as individuals. Our size means we know all our girls extremely well, and that we can build meaningful lifelong relationships with all our girls and their families.
We are proud of our girls’ considerable academic and co-curricular achievements, all the more so because they are achieved in an atmosphere that is compassionate and is underpinned by genuine breadth and balance in the curriculum.
At Blackheath, our girls have personality. We celebrate character. We want the girls to be comfortable in their own skin and know that there are no stereotypes at Blackheath High. This fosters an open-minded and forward-thinking atmosphere in which girls learn the social skills and attitudes of mind that will serve them well when they leave us. A quick glance at our alumnae pages gives a sense of the courage, creativity and diversity of our girls; we are very proud of our alumnae!
The course aims to develop in students the ability to communicate in a range of styles and for a variety of audiences and purposes, and to read critically and analytically. Students must develop a range of skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, so that they are able to use language for a variety of purposes, including argument, analysis and personal expression.
This course enables students to read, understand and respond to a wide range of types of literary texts, to appreciate the ways in which authors achieve their effects and to develop the skills necessary for literary study. Students will study a collection of poems, a Shakespeare play, a novel, and an additional prose text (a collection of short stories or a novel). These will vary depending on set text list and teacher selection.
The aims are to cover the five content areas given below. The percentage of the content of each for Higher level is indicated:
- Number 15%
- Algebra 30%
- Ratio, proportion, rates of change 20%
- Geometry 20%
- Probability & Statistics 15%
Biology
- Cell biology
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Ecology
Physics
- Forces and Energy
- Waves
- Electricity
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure
Chemistry
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
Each year, Blackheath High School offers a limited number of places (usually four or five) on the Edexcel GCSE Astronomy course, which allows students the chance to study GCSE Astronomy in a truly unique environment. This takes place in the Astronomy Centre at the Royal Observatory and is a 30-week course (Saturday or Sunday mornings), throughout Year 10. This culminates in a written examination in the summer examination series. Entry onto this course is held to a highly rigorous and demanding standard as interest is always very high. It is based on two main criteria. Firstly, overall achievement throughout Year 9 and the end of Year 9 examinations in Science.
Secondly, an application form with a number of questions designed to highlight those who have the necessary skills and desire to be able to tackle the course effectively.
All students are required to continue with at least one Modern Foreign Language from the choice of French, Mandarin, Spanish and German. Students may choose to continue with both of their languages. Some competitive universities will expect students to have studied a language to at least GCSE level no matter which field you decide to study.
In addition, a language at GCSE will give you remarkable skills and a valuable talent that is applicable to almost everything you do. A language GCSE builds on what you have already learnt in Years 7, 8 and 9 and you probably know more than you think. Language classes are still fun and interactive and you cover things at a slightly quicker pace, but this is good as you will easily notice the improvements that you make in your foreign language. Plus, by taking a language GCSE you not only learn the language but you also get to find out about other people, countries and cultures so it really is an interesting and varied subject.
Why choose French?
France is our nearest geographical neighbour so there are many opportunities to travel to France and speak French, whether this is for business or leisure. This course aims to:
- Develop the ability to communicate effectively in French, through both the spoken and written word, using a range of vocabulary and structures
- Develop knowledge and understanding of countries where French is spoken
- Add an international dimension to your qualifications and future CV
- Provide a suitable foundation for further study to A-level and beyond
Course content
The course covers three distinct themes which apply to all four question papers. Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about these themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries and communities where French is spoken.
Why choose German?
German is a fascinating language to learn. It is spoken by 95 million people throughout Europe, and German speakers are in demand in many areas of industry. Throughout the course, there will be opportunities to travel to Germany.
We have an exchange with a grammar school in Trier, Germany which takes place every two years and we visit the Christmas markets in Cologne in the alternate years.
The German GCSE course aims to:
- Develop the ability to communicate effectively in German, through both the spoken and written word, using a range of vocabulary and structures
- Develop knowledge and understanding of countries where German is spoken
- Add an international dimension to your qualifications and future CV
- Provide a suitable foundation for further study to A-Level and beyond
Course content
The specification covers three distinct themes which apply to all four question papers. Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about these themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries and communities where German is spoken.
Why choose Mandarin?
1. China is one of the world's oldest and richest continuous cultures, being over 5000 years old
2. China is the most populous nation in the world, with 1.4 billion people
3. One fifth of the planet speaks Chinese; Mandarin Chinese is the mother tongue of around 1 billion people, making it the most widely spoken first language in the world
4. In addition to the People's Republic of China and Taiwan, Mandarin Chinese is also spoken in the important and influential Chinese communities of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and Mongolia
5. China is the second largest economy in the world
6. China is one of largest trading partners of the United States
7. Many US companies do business in China and have long-term investments there
Course content
The two years leading to your GCSE qualification will teach you how to perfect your listening, reading, writing and oral skills. You will participate in a variety of listening and reading activities under the following five broad themes:
- Identity and culture
- Local area, holiday and travel
- School
- Future aspirations, study and work
- International and global dimension
Why choose Spanish?
Spanish is spoken by 500 million people, a growing trend that will reach 600 million speakers by 2050.
Course content
The specification covers three distinct themes which apply to all four question papers.
Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about these themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries and communities where Spanish is spoken.
This course aims to:
- Develop the ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, through both the spoken and written word, using a range of vocabulary and structures
- Develop knowledge and understanding of countries where Spanish is spoken
- Add an international dimension to your qualifications and future CV
- Provide a suitable foundation for further study to A-Level and beyond
Why choose Geography?
Geography at Blackheath High School is a very popular subject, with the majority of students choosing it as a GCSE option. This exciting and relevant course will enable students to travel the world from their classroom, exploring a range of places from Mumbai to Iceland.
A highlight of the course is a residential trip to Juniper Hall Field Studies Centre. Students work together to investigate topics such as the changing nature of rivers; and the impact that we can have on them. The students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes. Upon completion of this course, students will have the skills and experience to progress to A-level and beyond.
Course content
Paper 1: Living with the physical environment
1. The challenge of natural hazards
2. Physical landscapes in the UK (rivers and coasts)
3. The living world (ecosystems, tropical rainforests, cold environments)
4. Geographical skills
Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment
1. Urban issues and challenges
2. The changing economic world
3. The challenge of resource management
4. Geographical skills
Paper 3: Geographical applications
1. Issue evaluation
2. Fieldwork
3. Geographical skills
Why choose History?
History IGCSE is a successful and popular subject at KS4 level, with 65% of students in 2019 achieving an A* or A grade, and 83% achieving grades A* to B. History prepares students very well for a wide range of careers and is, at heart, a study of people and their motivations.
History is the study of the past and this syllabus offers the opportunity to study world history from the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twenty-first century. Students will explore history from a diversity of perspectives, including social, economic, cultural and political. IGCSE History encourages students to raise questions and to develop and deploy historical skills, knowledge and understanding in order to provide historical explanations.
Learners studying Cambridge IGCSE History are given the opportunity to:
- Develop an interest in and enthusiasm for learning about and understanding the past
- Explore historical concepts such as cause and consequence, change and continuity, and similarity and difference
- Appreciate historical evidence and how to use it
- Gain a greater understanding of international issues and inter-relationships
- Learn how to present clear, logical arguments
Course content
Students will study one core module and one depth study:
Core Module – The 20th Century: International Relations since 1919. This module looks at the peace treaties at the end of World War 1, the League of Nations, the causes of World War 2, the emergence of the Cold War, the USA's attempts to contain the spread of Communism, and the USSR's control over Eastern Europe.
Depth Study – The USA 1919-1941. This topic involves the study of questions such as how far did the US economy boom in the 1920s, how far did society in the US change in the 1920s, what were the causes and effects of the Wall Street Crash and how successful was Roosevelt's New Deal in solving the problems of the Great Depression?
Latin is an optional subject. In addition, students may choose to work towards the GCSE in Classical Greek in enrichment lessons. Latin and Classical Greek enable students to discover the values and culture of the ancient world by reading texts in the original language. The linguistic skills which are developed are also applicable to English and other languages.
King Classics Scholarship Award
The King Classics Scholarship Award (£300) is awarded annually to a Year 9 student who has committed to studying both Latin and Greek to GCSE level and who achieves impressive Year 9 examination results, particularly in Latin.
Classical Greek
The course includes both Language and Literature units and its structure, approach and method of assessment are similar to the Latin GCSE. A selection of prose and verse texts are studied in the original Greek. These may include words by Herodotus, Homer and Euripides.
Why choose Latin?
Latin enables students to discover the values and culture of the ancient world by reading texts in the Latin language. The linguistic skills which are developed are also applicable to English and other languages. Latin has been described as the ‘Mathematics of the Humanities' and people with Latin choose a wide variety of careers. Some of these are Law, Journalism, Advertising, the Civil Service, Information Technology, Accountancy and other fields where mental versatility and good communication skills are required. It is worth remembering that much medical, legal and scientific language has its roots in Latin.
Course content
The course includes both Language and Literature units.
For the Language unit (50%), students gain competence in reading the Latin language. They do this by reading engaging texts, learning vocabulary and exploring linguistic forms and structures. The Cambridge Latin Course is followed. The unit is assessed through translation, comprehension, and questions on accidence, syntax and word derivations.
For the Literature units (50%), students read a selection of prose and verse texts in the original Latin. These include works by Tacitus and Virgil. The units assess both understanding and appreciation of the texts through translation, comprehension questions and questions about literary style, characterisation and argument.
Why choose Religious Studies?
GCSE Religious Studies extends many of themes studied at KS3. You will explore questions of ultimate significance about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth. You are encouraged to develop your own attitudes towards a range of controversial and contemporary philosophical and ethical issues. Studying GCSE Religious Studies will help you to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, and the ability to work with abstract ideas, all of which will help prepare you for further study at A-level in a variety of subjects.
Course content
The course includes two major components. Each component is examined in a separate paper.
1. In-depth study of two religions – Christianity and Islam This will cover:
- Beliefs about God, creation and the afterlife in the two religions
- Teachings about the roles of important figures within the religion, e.g. Jesus and Muhammad
- Sacred texts and sources of authority
- Worship and festivals
2. Religious, philosophical and ethical themes - Christianity and Islam will be applied to a range of contemporary issues, including:
- Sex, marriage and divorce
- Families and gender equality
- The origins of the universe and human life
- Abortion and euthanasia
- Crime and Punishment
- Arguments for and against the existence of God
The study of these contemporary issues also allows for your own reflection and opinions and you will be provided with the skills to develop reasoned arguments and critically analyse the views of others.
Why choose Art and Design?
Students should view this course not as just a subject to study, but more as an exciting and varied learning experience. Students will have many opportunities to work in a wide range of materials and processes producing drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures and textiles outcomes in response to different themes and starting points. During the GCSE course, students will have the chance to attend a number of trips, including a residential. In the past, we have visited New York, Rome and St Ives in Cornwall, as well as Hastings and Kew Gardens in London. It is also intended that the course will help students to observe, understand and comment upon the world around them.
According to government research, around two million people are employed in the creative industries and in creative roles in other sectors. Students who have studied GCSE Art can progress on to the A-level Art or Textiles courses as well as gain essential practical skills and creative understanding that may help with further learning in many other subjects. In addition to securing jobs in the conventional Art and Design industries, this could lead on to a career in many others areas such as Architecture, Film and Television, Digital Media, Interior and Product Design, and Advertising.
Course content
The course is divided into two key components:
Unit 1 – Coursework portfolio
This unit contains all classwork and homework tasks, for example drawing from observation, research and developmental work which is usually completed in a sketchbook or work journal along with many other pieces produced in different scales and formats. This leads to one or more final outcomes in each project, such as larger paintings, sculptures or printing. Investigating the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople is a key element that is integrated into each project providing opportunities for students to analyse and respond to a diverse range of ideas and concepts.
Unit 2 – Externally set assignment (exam project)
Students have a fixed period to prepare for a themed practical examination, taking place over two school days at the end of Year 11. In this time, it is expected that a sophisticated piece of work is produced that demonstrates all their creative, expressive and technical skills.
Why choose Design and Technology?
A GCSE in Design and Technology will develop a wide range of skills that will be invaluable to you if you wish to go on to any design course at AS or A-level. Architecture, Engineering and Product Design courses will all be suited to students who have studied DT up to GCSE/A-level standard. Art colleges will be interested in the 3D design work that will make up a large part of the coursework portfolio. The skills in research and analysis that are so important in the design process will prepare you for the rigours of independent learning which is vital in the success of any A-level and degree level work.
Course content
The Design and Technology course has a major design and make coursework element, worth 50% of the final grade, undertaken as a non-examined assessment. This is a substantial piece of work made up of a piece of practical work and an accompanying 20 page (maximum) PowerPoint e-portfolio. It is expected that this work will take 35 hours and is undertaken during lessons at the end of Year 10 and into Year 11. During this project you use your creativity and your knowledge of your specialist materials to design and make a quality product. The materials used can be wood, metal or plastic, as well as card and paper. The design brief is taken from a selection provided by the exam board.
There is a two hour written exam at the end of the course which is worth 50% of the final grade. In preparation for the exam, you will look at commercial products and form opinions as to their ability to satisfy consumer needs. You will learn to consider how these needs relate to social, moral, ethical and environmental issues. You will be involved in the study of the materials, components and processes used to manufacture commercial products.
The design process develops problem-solving skills and lateral thinking as well as developing communication techniques using a variety of media including ICT and CAD. The making process allows exploration of a variety of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques including CAD/CAM. It also develops an understanding of the working properties of a range of materials.
Why choose Drama?
The aims of the course are to enable you to use drama to:
- Communicate imaginatively through the use of space, movement and words
- Adopt and sustain roles
- Explore issues, ideas and feelings through drama
- Respond creatively to a variety of stimuli
- Develop imagination, sensitivity and self-confidence
- Experience personal and group creative expression and co-operation
- Appreciate texts in a working context
- Evaluate your own work and the work of others
- Gain practical understanding of performance skills
- Work as part of a team
- Gain experience in using technical equipment
- Gain expertise in designing aspects of backstage work
- Review live theatre performances
Course content
Drama GCSE is based around the use of improvisation and acting skills. An exploration of character and situation forms the basis of the practical work. Activities arise from a wide range of stimuli such as text, story, image, sound and objects. In addition, students explore a variety of texts in a practical way, including design and technical skills, and work towards two assessed performances. There are at least two theatre visits as well as workshops run by visiting theatre companies such as Frantic Assembly.
Why choose Music?
Music will link with or complement any subject in the arts, humanities or sciences. Universities and employers like to see breadth in your education and so Music will always be respected in your application. Achieving at this level says much more about you than just the GCSE qualification. It says that you can perform, you can perform under pressure and to an audience, you can deliver and meet deadlines, you can work as a team, you can lead a team and much more.
GCSE Music is a good preparation for further musical study and a solid foundation for A-Level Music. You may wish to take a GCSE in Music for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest. Alternatively, you may wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of Music or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this course. These might include careers in the Music industry, publishing, entertainment, teaching or any job which involves communication and expressive skills.
Course content
You have already gained many of the basic skills needed for this course. Through your individual music lessons, performing with choirs and ensembles and from all the knowledge and experience you have gained in Key Stage 3. You will improve your skills in solo and ensemble performing and composing different styles of music either using music software or acoustic instruments. You will study and listen to a wide variety of music and learn more about how and why it was written and/or performed.
Why choose Computer Science?
Computer Science is an interesting and valuable subject at Key Stage 4 because technology, IT and computers are at the heart of our everyday lives. You will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills you have learnt throughout Key Stage 3 and CS will help you on your journey to a STEM career or even an interest in coding and making your own programs and apps outside of your work life.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Learn more about how computers work
- Write programs
- Understand the impact of technology on society
Course content
Component 01 – Computer Systems
The first component is an exam focused on computer systems, covering the physical side of Computer Science and how computers work.
Component 02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming This component is an exam focused on algorithms and programming.
Programming Project (compulsory, but not assessed)
This component is coursework where you will be challenged by a range of exciting and engaging tasks.
Why choose GCSE Physical Education?
The Physical Education GCSE is a diverse and exciting course. The contemporary topics will help students of all abilities to develop a well-rounded skill set and prepare them for progression to further studies in various directions and subjects. It enables students to develop and apply knowledge, skills and understanding through selected practical activities as well as theory lessons. It looks at the different factors that affect participation and performance and demonstrates their relationship; the roles of rules and conventions in selected activities and how to promote understanding of the health benefits of taking part in physical activity.
Students will also develop the skills necessary to analyse and improve their performance which will support personal and social development. Overall, this is an engaging and inspiring course.
Key Stage 4: PE content
During Key Stage 4, there is provision for all girls to engage in Games and PE. Four activities are offered per week, some at the field and some at school. Activities available will include Orienteering, Netball, Hockey, Football, Tag Rugby, Cricket and Athletics, together with indoor school based activities such as Badminton, Volleyball, Basketball, Trampolining and use of the Fitness suite.
Some of the sports offered in Key Stage 4 will have already been covered during Key Stage 3 and therefore knowledge gained during this period will be further developed during Years 10 and 11. Some skills will be completely new, offering the opportunity to learn and develop new skills. All girls are expected to ensure they have the full school PE kit and suitable trainers.
Why is PSHEE important?
PSHEE is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 4 and helps you to do the following:
- Develop your confidence and responsibility and make the most of your abilities
- Increase your knowledge of health and sexual matters and make informed decisions
- Develop good relationships and respect the differences between people
- Develop your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a good citizen
Course content
In Year 10, you receive one PSHEE lesson per fortnight. The course will focus on business and finance, health (physical, emotional and mental), gender identity, personal safety, body confidence and self-esteem, citizenship, fundamental British values and careers. You will receive lessons from various guest speakers including the Kenwood Trust, who deliver information sessions on alcohol and substance abuse. The Gendered Intelligence, a community interest company, also visit to involve students in discussions and debates around gender identity and diversity.
Lessons are devoted to sexual education, relationships, how to maintain a safe online profile and responsible online behaviour. In the summer term, you have the opportunity to discuss mental health and well-being further as well as visit Sussex University to learn about life at university. Some section assemblies and form time will be devoted to health and social topics such as eating disorders, body image, bereavement, stress management and our mental health programme, the Positive Project.
In Year 11, you will continue to receive one PSHEE lesson per fortnight. This year the course will focus on careers, citizenship, health and social issues. You will sit the Cambridge Occupational Analysts (COA) tests and receive a detailed report on your performance and suggestions on possible career routes. This will be followed up by an interview with one of their advisors. You will then put together an action plan that includes refining your CV, Letter of Application and Personal Statement. You will also meet with the Head of Futures to discuss possible work experience placements, which will take place upon completion of your GCSE examinations. There are opportunities to take part in a day of interview and presentation skills involving mock interviews with employers. Citizenship lessons will deal with topics such as government and the role of Parliament as well as money management. Health and social topics will include safe travel, gender and sexuality, revision techniques and tips.
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