YEAR 9 & 10 GCSE INFORMATION EVENING

GCSE - The Changes This summer will be the first year that some students do not get an A* to G in English and Mathematics. They will be graded 1-9 with a ‘5’ being the grade needed to access college courses and A-levels at school. Our current year 10s are already working with the new grading system and next year our new year10s will do the same in all their subjects.

GCSEs – Why they are so important All Your GCSE results will shape you future and further study and employment opportunities. English & Mathematics - All students study at different levels and will achieve different grades. These two subjects are still the most important examinations to pass as a 5 or above in English and Mathematics will provide with the further education opportunities you need.

GCSE – Progress 8 Before - 5 GCSEs including English and mathematics. Now - your best 8 subjects including English, mathematics, science, a language and a humanities subject; is preferable for university. For college and employment, English mathematics, science and 2 other GCSEs.

GCSE – Progress 8

Key Events & Dates We have put together a spreadsheet/handout detailing key dates for Controlled Assessments, Mock Exams and your main GCSE Exams for Years 9 & 10. This will be handed out to you at the end of this evening to take home. Please study it carefully and ensure that you know which exams are external and for part of your GCSE, and which are internal or ‘mocks’.

Key External year10 examinations 24th May 2016 ISA ScienceYr. 10 Students off timetable for the day - they will need 3 double lessons to complete whole ISA. Lab (room 22) required all day plus another room June 2016 GCSE Exams MathsYr. 10 Full GCSE papers x 3 exams

Rules and Regulations Mobile devices Talking Equipment Disqualification one exam means all exams by that board ID cards Exam room is being provided by the EFA for next year.

Access arrangements Readers Scribes Computers Extra time Separate room You will already have been approached by our SENCo if you are eligible for any of this support. Or we will approach you in the near future. It is the school who apply for access arrangements not the parents.

Additional subject support Please see the coloured sheets from each department that are being handed out to you this evening

Attendance This is such an important factor. Studies show that students with 100% attendance achieve higher grades B+ Whereas … Students with an average of 75% attendance average 40% of their GCSEs over B and 60% B Grade and under

Revision Parents - please support your child Homework - an extra two years of study A child that receives support with their revision will be helped in many ways: Achieve and exceed their target grades It will reduce panic and stress Increase their confidence Keep subject information fresh in their mind Help to flag up problem areas before the day

Revision support at home What can you do as a parent? Help your child to work out how much time they have and manage it effectively, being realistic with time frames. Create a study timetable together and pin it somewhere for you all to access i.e. the fridge! Test your child regularly. Create a clear, calm and organised ‘revision space’ with no interruptions.

QUIET ZONE No interruptions The Best Revision Environment FOOD & DRINK Keep fuelled GOOD LIGHTING Keep focussed REVISION BOOKS Keep them handy NECESSARY STATIONARY Highlighters & Post-its NO DISTRACTIONS Mobiles & Social Media

Useful Websites SEE HANDOUTS FOR EACH SUBJECT The school website will provide: This power point The exam timetable Useful websites for all examinations

Any questions?