2. Year 9 – choosing GCSE Options Year 11 – choosing post-16 provision Year 13 – higher education e.g. university - work / careers

3. Core subjects Students must take the following GCSE subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Language, Religious Education, Physical Education ½ course, full course or GCSE Dance, Science (two GCSEs) Language Option Students must take a GCSE in at least one Modern Foreign Language. This will normally be the one started in Year 7. Obviously students may choose to continue with both languages by choosing two language options. Options Students choose three additional subjects from a wide range, with some combinations prohibited. The most able will be able to select Triple Science this year for the first time.

4. Enjoyment Teachers Balanced choices – all Year 9s will be interviewed this year for the first time. Ebac? – not compulsory but recommended Future study – A Levels / BTEC

5. Ending of all modular examinations An end to controlled assessment A new grading system 1-8/9 More difficult open-ended questions Changes to be phased-in and may not be introduced at all!

6. Where to study? What to study? – all Year 11s will be interviewed this year for the first time. Entry criteria required? Next steps: University or employment

7. AS and A2 Levels Cambridge Pre-U qualification NVQs – National Vocational Qualifications BTECs – Business and Technology Education Course The International Baccalaureate (IB) The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Apprenticeships

8. Over 20 different providers within a 30 minute travel distance: Sixth Form Colleges – e.g. Palmers, Havering Sixth Form College School-based Sixth Forms – e.g. Coopers, St Edwards Specialist Colleges – e.g. Havering College of Further Education

9. A reduction in the amount of coursework The end of stand-alone AS Levels, - no exams at the end of Year 12 All exams in June of Year 13 Students likely to study 3 subjects (+ additional provision) for 2 years Universities will no longer have Year 12 AS Results to use

10. www.russellgroup.ac.uk 24 leading universities Importance of GCSE grade Bs in core subjects Facilitating A Levels considered to be: Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Modern Languages

11. AT LEAST 8 GCSEs A*-C (including English and Maths) + Subject specific entry requirements (usually an A or B grade in most subjects) The above entry criteria are non-negotiable

12. Spoon-feeding to independent learning Self motivation – use of free time High levels of study at home Highly academic – not the best pathway for many students Changes to A Level structure from September 2013

13. University Employment / Career Gap Year Further vocational training – College - apprenticeship

14. UCAS/CUKAS other applications (80%) Careers support and advice (20%) Broadening non-Coopers experiences – importance of enrichment provision Beyond 18 Evening: February of Year 12 Work shadowing: Last week in Year 12

15. Type of course Type of institution Timing – after Year 13 or delaying entry? Importance of prior academic results Cost – typically around £15,000 a year

16. www.cooperscoborn.co.uk - Year 9 Options booklet - Careers, Information and Advice - Sixth Form Website