1. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Welcome to our Year 8 Options Information Evening

2. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community The Nower Hill Curriculum KEY STAGE 3 (Years 7 and 8) Students will have studied up to 20 subjects by the end of this school year Maths English Science Physical Education Philosophy, Religion and Ethics History Geography Food Technology Resistant Materials Food Technology French Spanish German Latin Classics Music Art Drama Citizenship ICT

3. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community KEY STAGE 4 (Years 9-11) Students focus on 8 examined subjects (plus core PE, PRE and Citizenship) The Nower Hill Curriculum CORE SUBJECTS Maths English Science Physical Education Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Citizenship + 4 OPTION SUBJECTS

4. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community EBacc Maths A Language History or Geography 2 sciences English language or Literature

5. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Informed Choices 2013-14, published by The Russell Group ‘These facilitating subjects (Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, Geography, Languages) are the subjects most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses and choosing them will keep more options open for you at University.’

6. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Our advice…. In addition to the compulsory core subjects, students should select:- If likely to be applying for University study, a second Ebacc subject, to cover both a language and either history or geography, is advisable. At least one Ebacc subject

7. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Subjects not yet studied Media Studies Business Studies Child Development Hospitality and Catering

8. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Subjects that divide in to different specialisms? There are also some subjects which branch out into different areas of specialism: ICT or Computing Fine Art or Graphics Music or Music Technology

9. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Advice that has been given to students Talk to your subject teachers. Read the courses booklet carefully – each subject has a page devoted to it. Visit the Careers room in Fronter and make full use of all the advice and information on there. Talk to your parents and form tutor to help map out your ideas and get a different perspective. Have questions ready to ask at your interview and when you visit the Careers Room. Do NOT allow your choices to be influenced by subjects that your friends are choosing or because you want to be taught by a particular teacher!

10. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community What next – DATEACTIVITY 11 th February onwardsTaster lessons 12 th FebruaryCompletion of practice form in draft with form tutors 23 rd Feb- 6 th MarchMeetings with Year Coordinators or senior members of staff Questionnaires to support decision making 4 th or 10 th MarchParents’/Carers’ Evenings 23 rd MarchDeadline for submitting courses form

11. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community From the options form to starting courses….

12. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Important changes to the content and grading of GCSE exams Maths English Sciences History Geography Computing French German Spanish Latin Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Art and design Music Dance Drama PE Food Technology (Cooking and Nutrition) GRADES 9 TO 1

13. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Important changes to the content and grading of GCSE exams Media Studies Business Studies GCSE Child development ICT Hospitality and Catering Classical Civilisation Textiles Resistant Materials Music Technology Business Studies BTEC GRADES: A* to G GRADES: Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction*

14. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Why the change? Improved standards to match those of the highest performing countries. Improved consistency between examination boards. Less ‘bunching’ of grades around a B, C and D to better reflect the differing abilities of students.

15. How this looks 9 A* 8 A 7 6 B 5 C 4 3 D E 2 F 1 G

16. A Centre of all round Educational Excellence for the Community Thank You