1. Year 9 options 2016-2018

2. Aims of the meeting To update you with changes to the examination system from September 2016 To explain the structure of the Key Stage 4 (yrs 10 & 11) curriculum for 2016-2018 To outline the options process To support you in helping your child make informed decisions.

3. Changes to the delivery and assessment of Key Stage 4 courses

4. The following subjects will be taught to new syllabus requirements Art and Design, Computer Science, Drama, English Language, English Literature, Food preparation and nutrition, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education and Religious Studies. Graded on a 9 to 1 scale Business Studies, Design Technology, Engineering, Health & Social Care and Media Studies, will be taught for the last time on the current syllabus. Graded on an A* to G scale

5. Where subjects have tiered examinations then the tiers will cover Grades 4-9 for Higher and Grades 1-5 for Foundation The Grade C will be equivalent to a grade 4 The national expectation will be a grade 5 for a good pass. This is set in line with expectations of internationally successful education systems

6. What are the core subjects English Language & English Literature (8) Mathematics (7) Science (10) Religious Education Computing Physical Education (4)

7. The floor target for both English and Mathematics is a grade 4 Students not attaining a grade 4 (or better) in their August 2018 English or Maths GCSE examinations, will have to continue to study and then re-sit the relevant subject until they reach the age of 18

8. Attainment 8 measure: From 2016 Mathematics English Language or literature (highest score) The 3 highest scoring results from science, computer science, history and geography and languages 3 highest scores in any three other subjects, including English language or literature if not included above, other GCSE’s or any other approved high value academic or vocational qualifications

9. The English Baccalaureate (EBACC) A ‘benchmark’ for academic achievement Introduced in September 2010 In June 2015 the government announced their intention that all pupils who start year 7 in September 2015 take the EBACC subjects when they reach their GCSEs in 2020. They consulted on detailed proposals to achieve this aim in the autumn. EBACC requires a student to have achieved either ‘C’ or ‘4’ grade or better in all of the EBACC qualifying subjects.

10. an A* to C in English language GCSE and any grade in English literature GCSE an A* to C grade in Mathematics an A* to C in at least two Science GCSE’s an A* to C in either Geography or History An A* to C in a Foreign language (French, German or Spanish)

11. Qualifications that students may take GCSE Level 2 BTEC Level 1 Equivalent to GCSE G-D grades Level 2 Equivalent to GCSE C-A* grades Cambridge National Certificate: Level 2 Level 2 vocational qualifications can be at : Pass(C) Merit (B) Distinction (A) Distinction* (A*) ASDAN Level 1 Entry level: English and Mathematics

12. Why Options?

13. To allow students some choice over the subjects they will study in years 10 & 11 To allow you and your child to reflect on their own preferred learning style and match this to the option subjects on offer To take account of examination changes and creating the best pathway for students over the next two years To take account of future aspirations of students beyond year 11 and towards future employment

14. What is a Pathway?

15. Pathway A Choice 1Choice 2Choice 3Choice 4 Geography or History French German or Spanish Another level 2 subject Pathway B Choice 1Choice 2Choice 3Choice 4 Geography History or RE Another level 2 subject Pathway C Choice 1Choice 2Choice 3Choice 4 Additional English & Mathematics ASDANAnother level 1 or 2 subject

16. What should you consider about when helping your child with their option choices?

17. Those subjects that they are doing well in and enjoy A broad balance to the subjects that they choose Any specific recommendations of subject combinations to take, if your son or daughter has a future career in mind Whether they like being creative, reflective or enquiring Advice from teachers, tutors, other parents, the web Any experience gained from older siblings that have gone through the same process

18. Key points about the options form

19. There will be a table on the options form that will contain 4 distinct groups or ‘pools’ of subjects A student choose their first choice subject from each pool and also an alternative subject from the same pool Some subjects may become unavailable next year depending on the numbers that choose them

20. Pool APool BPool CPool D  ASDAN  French  Geography  History  Product Design  Resistant Materials  Spanish  3D Art  Art  Creative iMedia  History  Music  BTEC Pe  GCSE Pe  RE Full Course  Business Studies  Drama  Geography  Health & Social  IT  Media Studies  Photography  Catering  Engineering  Geography  German  History  Spanish  Textiles  Booster

21. First ChoiceSubject name Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D Alternative choiceSubject name Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D Additional comments:

22. Key dates All in the options booklet

23. Wednesday 13 th January: Option Booklets issued plus Y9 assembly Wednesday 13 st January: Parent information meeting Thursday 14 th January: Year 9 Subject Fair 4-6 pm Week beginning Monday 18 th January Option Forms issued Thursday 21 st January: Parent/Subject Teacher meeting Monday 8 th February: Return deadline for Yellow option choice forms to tutors

24. Key contacts in school Mr Richards SRichards@Nailsea.n-somerset.sch.uk Individual Subject contacts ref: the Options Booklet Mrs Gardiner (Dragon) RGardiner@nailseaschool.com Mr Graffagnino (Phoenix) DGraffagnino@nailsea.n-somerset.sch.uk Mr Mawford (Unicorn) CMawford@nailseaschool.com Mrs Shoesmith (Griffin) NShoesmith@nailse.n-somerset.sch.uk Mr Hellier WHellier@Nailsea.n-somerset.sch.uk Mr Morris JMorris@Nailsea.n-somerset.sch.uk Tutors

25. Are there any questions? Thank you all for attending this evening