Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College Key Stage 4 Courses Ms Witty – Assistant Headteacher Mr James – Director of Learning Year 8 12 June 20161

Compulsory subjects - Core English Mathematics Science PE ICT (until the end of Y9) Citizenship & Religious Education 12 June

Option Subjects - Choices Art & Design Business Studies Child Development Computer Science Dance Drama French Food Preparation & Nutrition Geography Health & Social Care History ICT Media Studies Music Performing Arts PE Product Design Spanish Sport Textiles 12 June

Organisation for Core Subjects Year group divided into two bands – not Lukin and Wells Band A and Band B – 106 in each band 4 classes in each band for the core subjects Each core subject will place students in a set depending on their ability in that subject 12 June

Three Pathways – H, R & S for option subjects More personalised approach Based on: achievement learning styles assessment preference Aim for ‘personal best’ 12 June 20165

The Pathways Pathway S the English Baccalaureate – English, Maths, Science plus a language (French or Spanish) and a humanities subject (History or Geography) Pathway R don’t have to take a language but do have to take a humanities subject (History or Geography) Pathway H have to take at least two vocational subjects more practical subjects more coursework/fewer exams 12 June 20166

Qualifications in KS4 GCSEs –many will have assessment by exams only BTECs – 25% exams, 75% coursework VCERTs - 25% exams, 75% coursework Check course descriptions in the Options booklet 12 June 20167

KS4 Assessment Previously grades A* - G Now grades or more grade 5s will be necessary to move on to Advanced courses in the sixth form 12 June 20168

The New Grading System New 1- 9 grade system U 12 June 20169

The English Baccalaureate GCSEs at grade 5 or above in English Maths Two Sciences/Combined Science A language (French or Spanish) Either Geography or History Quite new – will possibly be necessary for entry to the top universities June

Choices, Choices, Choices Your child’s education and training will continue until they are at least 18 Year 8 Choices – 4 option subjects Year 11 Choices – subjects for Sixth Form or College, or an Apprenticeship Year 13 Choices – University or an Apprenticeship or Employment 12 June

Careers Research Students don’t have to have a career in mind at this stage Use Kudos to match their interests to careers Instructions in PSHEE lessons See Mrs Packer, Careers Adviser outside Hall See Mrs Abbott in the Careers Centre in school 12 June

How to make choices – Do’s Do consider your career aims Do take subjects that you enjoy Do take subjects that you are good at Do ask your teachers for advice Do aim for a broad and balanced curriculum – a variety of subjects 12 June

How to make choices – Don'ts Don’t choose a subject just because your friends are taking it Don’t choose a subject just because you like your current teacher Don’t choose too many similar subjects Don’t choose a subject because you think it is an ‘easy option’ – there aren’t any! 12 June

What happens next? Visit the subject stalls and speak to teachers Deadline for choices – Friday 15th April (except 8NL and 8PMC - extension to Friday 22 nd April) First choice and a reserve in each block Students organised into viable options groups Individual discussions with some students 12 June

Filling in the Choices Form Block ABlock BBlock CBlock D First Choice Reserve 12 June

Subject Locations Corridor between main office and Art stairs – Art & Design A013 - Music A04 - Business Studies, Child Development and Health & Social Care A05 – Maths & Science A06 – Computer Science and ICT C01 – History, Geography & RE E101 – PE & Sport E102 – Languages (French & Spanish) E103 – English, Media, Dance, Drama & Performing Arts E104 – Product Design, Catering and Textiles Outside Hall – Independent Careers Adviser – Lyn Packer 12 June

ANY QUESTIONS? 12 June