WILLIAM FARR SCHOOL SIXTH FORM INDUCTION SUBJECT CHOICES FOR SEPTEMBER 2016

A LEVELS ARE CHANGING… A levels are being reformed in stages with subjects changing to the new specifications at different times. The new reformed A levels are designed to be two year linear courses with exams only at the end of Year 13. The A level reform is meant to encourage a holistic approach to each subject so courses are no longer modular in structure. The new reformed AS level qualifications are standalone qualifications that do not contribute towards an A level. The new AS levels have increased in difficulty and reduced in value. They incorporate content that was previously classified as A2 content. As a standalone qualification they attract only 40% of the UCAS points awarded for a full A level.

UNIVERSITIES… Universities have played a much greater role than previously in reviewing and updating the content for A level courses. Universities are looking for students to have taken a holistic approach to their A level courses and, as such, artificially constructing the delivery of the new A level courses to cover the AS specifications in many subjects potentially disadvantages those students taking the courses for the full two years. Universities will make offers of places based on 3 A level grades. The specifications for many subjects for teaching in September 2016 have only become available recently and we, like other schools, are aiming to respond to the changing situation.

OUR LONG TERM RESPONSE… From September 2017 all A level courses will have switched to the new reformed A levels. Students will take 3 linear two year A level courses with examinations at the end of the course only. Courses will be delivered in a linear format and AS levels will not be taken. Particularly able students who wish to take four full A levels will have their requests considered on an individual basis. They will have to meet a higher entry requirement and demonstrate a particular talent in one or more subject areas as well as the potential to cope with the additional workload. All students will be prepared for the Extended Project Qualification which is highly valued by Universities and Employers and attracts UCAS points equivalent to 50% of an A level.

AND FOR YOU IN SEPTEMBER 2016… This is because not all subjects will have switched to the new reformed A level courses. Subjects that are now running the new A level courses will be two year linear courses. Subjects that are still following the legacy specifications will continue to offer AS levels. For students that follow these legacy courses the AS level marks will continue to count towards their A level and be worth 50% of the total assessment. Students will be prepared for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). We are proposing a transition year for students starting courses in September 2016.

THE LEGACY SPECIFICATIONS… Electronics (Systems and Control) Further Mathematics Government & Politics Mathematics Music Technology Product Design The following subjects will continue to follow the legacy specifications in September Exams will be available at the end of Year 12 which will count towards 50% of the overall qualification at A level.

THE NEW SPECIFICATIONS… The following subjects are following the reformed A levels and will be two year courses only: English Literature English Language & Literature History Geography French Spanish Art Photography Textiles Music Drama Business Studies Computer Science Physical Education Biology Chemistry Physics Sociology Philosophy & Ethics Psychology

DON’T PANIC! It isn’t a one size fits all approach will be a transition year and we will look at each student’s case individually to come up with what is best for them within this new framework. We have your best interests at heart and will do everything we can to make sure you are successful at A level. We are responding to the changes happening across post 16 education. All A level providers are in the same situation. Help and support will be available during the Sixth Form Induction and afterwards to help you make the right subject choices for you.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? If they follow any legacy specifications they will be able to take 50% of their assessment in those subjects at the end of Year 12. For linear courses they will take all of their examinations at the end of Year 13. There will be a window of 4 weeks at the start of Year 12 to transfer between courses if you feel that you’ve taken the wrong subject. Students who have applied for 3 A level subjects are unaffected.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? You will be prepared for the Extended Project alongside your A levels. This will allow you to develop your own project based on your interests outside of your A level studies. It is highly regarded by Universities and Employers as it gives you a wide range of key skills that they value. It is completed over two years and is the equivalent of half of an A level. Students who have applied for 4 subjects need to consider the following... University offers will be based on 3 A level grades [or their equivalent in points], so you don’t need to take four subjects. A levels are significantly more demanding than GCSEs. Taking four subjects could mean spreading yourself too thinly in terms of the time and effort you can devote to each course.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I STILL WANT TO DO 4 A LEVEL COURSES? Students who want to do four courses will have the opportunity to talk to us for advice and will be allowed to do so providing they meet the entry requirement for four courses and show the potential for coping with them. Again there will be a window of four weeks at the start of the year to drop or transfer between courses. Students who take four subjects and wish to drop one at the end of Year 12 will be allowed to do so.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I STILL WANT TO DO 4 A LEVEL COURSES? If students wish to drop a new specification course then they will be allowed to drop this course after Year 12 but will not gain a qualification in it. This option will be allowed only in as it is a transition year. It is not our preferred option as students will have worked for a year without a qualification at the end. If students wish to drop a legacy specification course then they will be able to collect an AS qualification in this subject and then continue with their other three subjects to A level.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? Think carefully about the subjects you have chosen and whether they are new or legacy specifications. Ask questions if you have them. Mr Ellis and Mrs West will be available throughout the induction to see you. Attend the subject sessions and ask questions to the staff delivering them. Take advantage of the support being offered after the Sixth Form Induction if you want further advice or support.

ON GCSE RESULTS DAY… You need to contact us on the day to confirm your place in the Sixth Form and your subject choice. If you are away then phone in or in to confirm your place. Tel: (01673) Staff will be available to offer advice and support on GCSE results day and the day after. Information will be on the school website. You do not have to make any final decisions about subject choices until GCSE results day when you confirm your place in the Sixth Form.

AND FINALLY… You’ve been given a lot of information here. Think about it and do ask about anything you are unsure of.