1. YOUR CHOICES IN KEY STAGE FOUR Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

2. What do we need to think about? Should I do the same subjects that my best friend does? What is best for me? Progression routes? Have I an idea of what possible career I may want to pursue? Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

3. Subjects that are not in the Option Blocks Subjects that we must do: GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE Mathematics GCSE Combined Science/GCSE Chemistry, Physics & Biology Exam PE until end of Year 10 RE & PSHE ICT/Computing delivered through all subjects (can specialise within the Options) Careers Education :Information, Advice & Guidance Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

4. HOW MANY OPTIONS CAN I TAKE? We at Blackpool Aspire Academy are very proud of our Key Stage 4 curriculum as we are able to offer 4 option blocks for current Year 8 students – this creates a very varied learning experience. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

5. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8 Option A 1 or 2 Option B 1 or 2 Option C 1 or 2 Option D 1 or 2 To be returned to: Mrs Rawson no later than Friday, 1 April 2016. If you have any further queries please contact Mrs Hanlon Catlow, Mrs Rawson or Mr Blackwell in school. In order to access the Ebacc you must choose Geography or History and French. We will do our best to give you your first choice but in case that is not possible, please make sure you choose a second choice. ***Science in Block C is compulsory for those students in Set 1 Science only. * If choosing GCSE Art in Option D choose Textiles or Fine Art GCSE History (AQA) GCSE Separate Science (AQA)*** GCSE Art (Textiles/Fine Art) GCSE Geography (AQA) GCSE Business Studies (Edexcel) GCSE Dance (AQA) GCSE Computer Science (OCR) GCSE French (Edexcel) BTEC I&CT (Edexcel) GCSE Religious Studies (AQA) BTEC Level 2 First Award in Travel & Tourism (Edexcel) NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Food and Cookery BTEC Music (Edexcel) BTEC Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts - Acting (Edexcel)

6. New GCSE Specifications All GCSEs will now be graded on a numerical basis not A*-G. The new grading system will be on a 9 – 1 basis. All GCSEs will be linear with the possibility of having more than one exam per subject. Additional marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Presentation is paramount in order for your class books and homework books, which will double up as revision books, and for examiners to read your completed answers on the question papers. We are in a brand new world with different types of learning experiences. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

7. Maths All students will study GCSE Mathematics over three years – this will be examined in Summer of Year 11. There is only one opportunity to complete the examination during their time at school – the work studied in Year 9 and Year 10 is equally important as the work studied in Year 11; the tier of entry (Higher or Foundation) will be determined by performance in the End of Year 10 examination. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

8. English Students will be entered for exams in both English Language and English Literature, these exams will be taken in the Summer series 2019. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

9. English Students will be entered for exams in both English Language and English Literature, these exams will be taken in the Summer series 2019. There is no tiered entry; everyone sits the same examinations. All assessment is based on the final examinations; there is no longer any coursework. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

10. Science The majority of students will study GCSE Combined Science. This is a combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. This will equate to two GCSEs. For Set 1 you will study three separate GCSEs in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

11. ICT/Computing As 90% of new jobs will require excellent digital skills, improving digital literacy is a key component for developing effective and employable learners. Having a qualification in ICT is an advantage to any student once they leave school. Your child has the choice of BTEC I&CT and GCSE Computer Science within the Option Blocks, in addition to their ICT experiences in other Subjects. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

12. The English Baccalaureate The Government believes that schools should offer pupils a broad range of academic subjects to age 16 and the English Baccalaureate promotes that aspiration. This is not a new qualification in itself. It will recognise students’ achievements across a core of selected academic subjects in getting good passes in certain GCSEs. The English Baccalaureate will cover achievement in English, Maths, Science, French and a Humanities subject (Geography or History only). GCSE Computer Studies could also be included in the EBACC. For those students interested in opting for the EBACC please see Mrs Hanlon-Catlow, Mrs Rawson and/or Mr Blackwell both for further information and to view the EBACC pathway. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

13. CEIAG Options Events, Timescale and Deadlines 26/01/16Careers Event at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Year 8) 07/03/16 – 11/03/16Careers Week 09/03/16 Y8 Options Talk and Presentation to students with Mrs Hanlon-Catlow, Mr Blackwell and Mrs Rawson lesson 5 (Options booklet and Option Choice form handed out) 10/03/16 Year 8 Parents’ Evening/Options Marketplace 11/03/16 – 18/03/16 Y8 Options discussion with Senior Leaders 01/04/16 Deadline for Y8 returning Options Forms to Mrs Rawson March—May Options and Timetable construction May - Confirmation of options for all students June 2016 Key Stage 4 study begins! Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

14. So ………….. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8

15. SUMMARY Return form to Mrs Rawson by Friday, 1 st April 2016. Make sure that you have a first and second choice in each column. Please speak to Mrs Hanlon Catlow, Mrs Rawson and/or Mr Blackwell regarding the English Baccalaureate pathway. Please speak to Miss Stevenson with regards to the BTEC qualifications. Please speak to staff or make an appointment to see Mrs Hanlon Catlow, Mrs Rawson, Mr Blackwell, or Mr Oldham if necessary. Make sure you attend Thursday, 10 th March and visit all market stalls where you will receive additional information on all Option subjects. Please speak to staff from both Blackpool 6 th Form College, Blackpool and The Fylde College and Training Companies to discuss additional entry requirements for courses. We do want you to make the wisest choices so that you enjoy the work and succeed. We want you to be able to progress to the next level of your studies. Options 2015-2018 current Year 8 Options 2016-2019 current Year 8