1. Mount Carmel RC High School A Specialist Science College Welcome Information for Key Stage 4 2010-2012

2. KS 3 Assessment No formal SATs examinations.No formal SATs examinations. However, levels still have to be reported upon and assessment still takes place.However, levels still have to be reported upon and assessment still takes place. All subjects – on-going assessment reported via Aim Higher reports and end of key stage summaryAll subjects – on-going assessment reported via Aim Higher reports and end of key stage summary Year 9 Parents ’ Evening Thursday 18 th March.Year 9 Parents ’ Evening Thursday 18 th March.

3. KS 3 in English, Maths and Science. Teacher assessments still reported English – key pieces of work assessed using APP. Maths- GCSE begun early, first module exams in March!!! Science – on-going assessment in addition to an end of year exam in June.

4. KS4 and beyond. Young people of 14+ now need to start to consider their future aspirations. There are now more options at 14+ to think about than ever before.

5. Core Curriculum All students study RE, English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, PE and PSHE. These take up the majority of a student ’ s time and all students must reach their targets in these subjects.

6. We then have options to consider.

7. OPTIONS All students then have five lessons per week available for optional courses. The combinations and choices made depend very much on the individual student and we provide a variety of mechanisms of support for this.

8. Support Work shops from external agencies encouraging students to think about how choices are made. Impact learning drama production about considering the variety of options available from 14-19 Work with the school’s personal adviser on career and progression paths organised by Mr Robinson Options Evening and Keystage 4 curriculum booklet. Attendance at Expo 2010 at Accrington and Rossendale College organised in conjunction with LEBP The Common Prospectus Options Evening – New Era 9 th March Option talks from staff to provide more detail about courses Taster sessions for some courses. www.steps4me.co.uk

9. Making Choices. GeographyCateringHistory Leadership in Sport Business Studies FrenchLanguagesArtSpanish Prince ’ s Trust XL Club Dance Product Design Travel and Tourism Health and Social Care General Studies College Courses Drama Literacy and Numeracy Common Prospectus courses Sport Studies Triple Science MusicCitizenship

10. Qualifications A wide variety of qualifications are now available in addition to the traditional GCSEsA wide variety of qualifications are now available in addition to the traditional GCSEs BTEC, OCR National awards- both 100% coursework based, equivalent to 2 or 4 Grade C GCSE passes.BTEC, OCR National awards- both 100% coursework based, equivalent to 2 or 4 Grade C GCSE passes. NVQ – work related qualificationsNVQ – work related qualifications DiplomaDiploma Modern apprenticeshipsModern apprenticeships

11. Other alternatives 14 -19 Diplomas14 -19 Diplomas Modern apprenticeships.Modern apprenticeships. Hyndburn Rossendale and Ribble Valley consortium courses.Hyndburn Rossendale and Ribble Valley consortium courses.

12. 14-19 Diploma Creative and Media Construction Society Health and Development Provide between 4 -7 GCSE equivalents.Provide between 4 -7 GCSE equivalents. A student cannot pass unless they pass functional English and MathsA student cannot pass unless they pass functional English and Maths Diplomas are new practical and vocational courses that require a huge amount of commitment and hard work.Diplomas are new practical and vocational courses that require a huge amount of commitment and hard work. Time away from learning in school is a feature of a Diploma so a student must be committed to keeping up with school work.Time away from learning in school is a feature of a Diploma so a student must be committed to keeping up with school work. A diploma is a professional route intended to lead to level 3 qualifications. (A level standard)A diploma is a professional route intended to lead to level 3 qualifications. (A level standard) Interviews and rigorous selection takes place.Interviews and rigorous selection takes place. http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/

13. Modern Apprenticeships Building and constructionBuilding and construction SportSport Hospitality.Hospitality. These are professional career routes students can only be accepted if they are likely to obtain 5+ A*-C GCSEs including English, maths and science. Time out of school required for these qualificationsThese are professional career routes students can only be accepted if they are likely to obtain 5+ A*-C GCSEs including English, maths and science. Time out of school required for these qualifications

14. Hyndburn Consortium courses Joint courses with the other schools in Hyndburn.Joint courses with the other schools in Hyndburn. Monday afternoons.Monday afternoons. Selection process and minimum course requirements.Selection process and minimum course requirements.

15. Vocational College courses. NVQ courses mainly Level one or entry level. Practical vocational courses. All day Friday. Selection process Commitment to all other aspects of school work required.

16. Making Choices. Ask the experts Read all the information available Think about progression and what you want to do when you leave school. Make a balanced choice taking into account your talents, gifts and skills. Make choices for the right reasons. Do not rush.

17. More advice http://www.steps4me.co.ukhttp://www.steps4me.co.ukhttp://www.steps4me.co.uk Information advice and guidance personal adviser.Information advice and guidance personal adviser.

18. Personalising Learning Choosing the right curriculum to match the talents, skills and qualities of the individual.Choosing the right curriculum to match the talents, skills and qualities of the individual. Tasters, meetings and individual interviews are an important part of the decision making process.Tasters, meetings and individual interviews are an important part of the decision making process.