1. Key Stage 4 Options March 2014.

2. Aims of this session To explain;  how the options process works  what’s compulsory (the core) and what’s optional  which subjects and qualifications are offered at Key Stage Four

3. The Options Process  Skills for Life lessons  Option information assemblies  Option booklet  ‘Taster lessons’ at lunch-time  Year 9 report and Parent’s evening  Subject presentations in assemblies and lessons  Yr10 pupils presenting to tutor groups

4. All pupils will study the following subjects at KS4:  English Language  English Literature  Mathematics  Science [Core and Additional, or they may choose to do Triple Science  Physical Education  Skills for Life  RS* *Religious Studies  All pupils follow the GCSE Short Course, however, there is an opportunity to take the Full GCSE.

5.  All pupils have 1 lesson a week of RE in Year 10 and Year 11 and will follow the GCSE SC curriculum and take the exam at the end of Year 11. They have the opportunity to opt to take Full Course RE.  Places on this course are limited. They will need to work to a very demanding schedule but it has been found to be very enjoyable by pupils involved in previous years. As a guideline we normally feel that if they achieve a high level 6 or above in RE and English and are in Set 2 or above for English, they should be able to cope with the rigours of the course.  In order to ensure that they do not have too heavy a workload, the school will make a judgement on whether they will be capable of following the full course.  Please indicate on the options form whether this is something they would like to be considered for.

6.  Currently, your son/daughter will have to stay in education until they are 18. This could include full time education or training or workplace training.  On page 2 of your booklet, there is a brief overview of some of our local providers. They will get a lot more information on this in Year10 and Year 11, but they may wish to consider; what sort of courses and 6 th form college/school that they may wish to go to, and to start looking at their entry requirements.

7.  The EBacc is not a new qualification, but new government initiative that recognizes achievements across a range of selected academic qualifications: Core:Options: EnglishGeography or History MathsFrench or Spanish ScienceComputer Science

8. Currently local 6 th form providers and Universities are not asking for the EBacc as an entry requirement, the Russell Group [which represents 24 leading UK universities] in their latest information booklet, Informed Choices state the following; ‘the English Baccalaureate includes academic subjects highly valued by the Russell Group but is not currently required for entry to any Russell Group university. With the exception of English and Maths and in a few cases a Modern Foreign Language ……. for a degree in English, universities often look for applicants to have a GCSE in a modern or classical language. However, the Russell Group do refer to certain A levels [known as facilitating subjects] that are required more often than others and will give a wider choice of options at degree level. They are; Mathematics, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History and languages.

9. The booklet covers the same information for each subject : ART AND DESIGN Qualification: GCSE Levels available Level 2 (A*- C) Level 1 (D –G) Option Booklet 2014

10. GCSE Courses  All GCSEs are graded A*-G and are Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications.  Most GCSE examinations include a coursework requirement [20-60%] which is now known as controlled assessment. Some subjects have:  practical examination at the end of the course.  All subjects have a final (terminal) written examination making up the remaining marks. Art and Drama do not have final written exams, however, as all of the marks come from practical assessments and coursework.  We also offer 2 Vocational GCSEs Engineering[ double award ] and Health and Social Care.

11. BTEC Courses We offer the following BTEC course: Construction:  BTEC Level 1/2 First Award [equivalent to 1 GCSE] This course is linked to the world of work more than most GCSE courses, with a greater emphasis on developing practical, work related skills. They are mostly assessed throughout the course through written and practical assignments. There is an external examination which is worth 20%

12. We encourage pupils to remember that choices should be based on:  their interests  their understanding of how they learn best (visual, auditory or kinaesthetic)  their future plans – if they know what they are!  their enjoyment of the subject

13. and not on…  their best friend’s favourite subject  who else might or might not choose the subject  who their favourite teacher is  what they think will be the easiest choice

14.  The Government and the Department of Education have made a lot of changes this year to the curriculum.  We have had to make some changes due to this, but have still managed to offer a broad and balanced curriculum that will give the pupils a good range of subjects and prepare them for post-16 courses.

15. A Computer Science French Geography History Spanish Triple Science Curriculum Support

16. B Art & Design Business Studies Computer Science Construction BTEC Dance Drama Engineering Food Technology French Geography Health and Social Care History ICT GCSE Media Studies Music GCSE Physical Education GCSE Product Design[Textiles and Graphics Materials] Resistant Materials Spanish Triple Science

17. APlease √ Computer Science French Geography x History Spanish Triple Science Curriculum Support OPTION SELECTION FORM. Name: ______________________Tutor group:____ Please select 1 subject from Column A belo w: Please select 3 subjects from Column B below in rank order by placing 1, 2 and 3 in the box against them and also select a reserve subject [res]: B Art & Design 3 Business Studies Computer Science Construction BTEC Award Dance Drama Engineering Food Technology French 2 Geography Health and Social Care History ICT GCSE Media Studies RES Music GCSE Physical Education GCSE Product Design[Textiles and Graphics Materials] 1 Resistant Materials Spanish Triple Science Please indicate below whether you would like to take Short Course or Full Course GCSE RE: Short Course ___________________________________________

18. Between March and May  All choices are analysed.  Most of the pupils will be able to take the subjects they choose.  If a single subject has not attracted enough pupils it will be closed. You will be informed and asked to make another choice.  If a subject is heavily oversubscribed, this will be discussed with you and preference may be given to pupils who have shown an aptitude for that subject.

19. This evening  Pupils will direct you to different parts of the school.  Each talk lasts for approximately 25 minutes.  We will be in the hall for the whole evening if you have any questions.  parrott@fitzwimarc.essex.sch.uk