Key Stage 4 Options February 2017

Aims of this session: How the option process works. What is compulsory (the core) and what is optional. Which subjects and qualifications are offered at Key Stage Four.

The Options Process Skills for Life lessons Option information assembly Options booklet ‘Taster lessons’ at lunch-time Subject presentations in assemblies and lessons Year 9 Parents’ Evening 9 February Yr10 pupils presenting to tutor groups Options Evening 23 February Option forms to be handed in on the 29 February

Option Booklet 2017 The booklet covers the same information for each subject, at the top it will have : ART AND DESIGN   Qualification GCSE [AQA] Levels available Grades 9-1

Each subject page answers the following questions: What will this course enable me to do? What will the course cover? How will I be assessed? What will this qualification help me to progress to ? Who to speak to for more information

Choices should be based on: YOUR interests YOUR understanding of how YOU learn best (visual, auditory or kinaesthetic) YOUR future plans – if you know what they are! YOUR enjoyment of the subject

and not on… YOUR best friend’s favourite subject who else might or might not choose the subject who YOUR favourite teacher is what YOU think will be the easiest choice

After Key Stage 4 Currently, students will have to stay in education until they are 18. This could include full time education or training or workplace training. They will get a lot more information on this in Year10 and Year 11, but they may wish to consider; what sort of courses they would like to do and if they would like to stay at FitzWimarc or go to another 6th form college/school. They may wish to start looking at entry requirements.

Core Subjects- taken by everyone Everyone in Year 10 will take the subjects listed below and because everyone takes them they are referred to as CORE subjects: Exam subjects English Language English Literature Mathematics Combined Science [or you may choose to do Triple Science] Non-exam subjects Physical Education Skills for Life Ethics, Philosophy and Religion [ EPR]

New GCSEs. The Department of Education has reformed GCSE qualifications , so all GCSE subjects, including all of the core, will be the new GCSEs. The main differences is that they are designed to be more rigorous in content with greater emphasis on end of course examinations in Yr11.They will be graded 9-1[rather than A*-G ]

GCSE Courses Most GCSE courses are examined at the end of Year 11 with final (terminal) written examinations. Some GCSE examinations include a coursework requirement and some subjects have a practical examination at the end of the course. We also offer a Vocational GCSE in Engineering.

English Baccalaureate The EBacc is not a qualification, but a government initiative that recognizes achievements across a range of selected academic qualifications: Core: Options: English Geography or History Maths French or Spanish Science Computer Science To ‘achieve’ the EBacc, students would need to attain a 5 or above in English, Maths, 2 sciences[ Computer Science counts as a Science] and then a language and either Geography or History.

Universities Currently local 6th form providers and Universities are not asking for the EBacc as an entry requirement, the Russell Group [which represents 24 leading UK universities] in their latest information booklet, Informed Choices state the following; ‘the English Baccalaureate includes academic subjects highly valued by the Russell Group but is not currently required for entry to any Russell Group university. With the exception of English and Maths and in a few cases a Modern Foreign Language ……. for a degree in English, universities often look for applicants to have a GCSE in a modern or classical language. However, the Russell Group do refer to certain A levels [known as facilitating subjects] that are required more often than others and will give a wider choice of options at degree level. They are; Mathematics, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History and languages.

It’s not all about the Ebacc !! Despite reforms implemented by the Department for Education over the past three years making access to creative, performing and practical subjects harder for young people. We strongly believe in the value of these subjects. We believe in a balanced curriculum that introduces and develops a wide range of skill areas to ensure stability and flexibility of learning.

Technical Awards/Vocational Courses We also offer non-GCSE courses. They are broad, high-quality qualifications for Key Stage 4 (level 1/level 2) that students can study alongside GCSEs. They fulfil entry requirements for both academic and vocational study post-16. They are more practical in nature and provide you with knowledge and highly sought-after skills in preparation for post 16 study, apprenticeships and the workplace. They are mostly assessed throughout the course through written and practical assignments.

Non- GCSEs We are offering five vocational qualifications this year : BTEC Tech Award in ICT BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Tech Award in Food and Catering Level ½ Award in Construction BCS Level 2 award in ICT ECDL [Blue Pathway only.]

Options This year students will be able to choose 4 options and follow a guided pathway. The three pathways that are available are;   Red Pathway- students will choose either French or Spanish and either Geography or History, plus 2 other options. White pathway- students will choose 1 subject from French, Spanish, Geography, History, Triple Science or Computer Science plus 3 other options. Blue Pathway- students will do ICT ECDL plus 3 other subjects.

Where will it take me/what can I achieve? What are my options? Where will it take me/what can I achieve? A-Levels University Apprenticeships English Baccalaureate   French or Spanish & Geography or History   2 Other Options (Optional Fast Track RS)   A-Levels BTEC Apprenticeships University 1 subject from French, Spanish, Geography, History, Triple Science or Computer Science 3 Other Options Vocational Courses College Apprenticeships   ICT ECDL 3 Other Options

Physical Education GCSE Red Pathway. You will choose either French or Spanish and either Geography or History, plus 2 other options: Art and Design Engineering ICT Business Studies Food and Catering Media Studies Computer Science French Music Construction Geography Physical Education GCSE Dance Health and Social Care Religious Studies Design Technology Spanish Drama History Triple Science

EPR and Religious Studies All students will have 1 lesson a fortnight of EPR/SFL in Yr10.However , they have the opportunity to opt to take Full Course GCSE RS. They would study for this their core EPR / SFL lessons in Yr10 ,1 lesson a week after school in Yr10 and Yr11 plus one of their PE lessons a fortnight in Yr10 and Yr11. Places on this course are limited. They will need to work to a demanding schedule but it has been found to be very enjoyable by pupils involved in previous years. As a guideline we normally feel that if they achieve a high level 6 or above in RE and English and are in Band 2 or above for English, they should be able to cope with the rigours of the course. In order to ensure that they do not have too heavy a workload, the school will make a judgement on whether they will be capable of following the course. Please indicate on the options form whether this is something they would like to be considered for.

Physical Education GCSE White pathway- you will choose 1 subject from French, Spanish, Geography, History, Triple Science or Computer Science plus 3 other options : Art and Design Engineering ICT Business Studies Food and Catering Media Studies Computer Science French Music Construction Geography Physical Education GCSE Dance Health and Social Care Religious Studies Design Technology Spanish Drama History Triple Science

Blue Pathway- you will choose ICT ECDL plus 3 other subjects. Art and Design Drama History Business Studies Engineering Media Studies Computer Science Food and Catering Music Construction Geography Physical Education GCSE Dance Health and Social Care Religious Studies Design Technology Triple Science

Between March and May All choices are analysed. Most of the students will be able to take the subjects they choose. If a single subject has not attracted enough students, it will be closed. You will be informed and asked to make another choice. If a subject is heavily oversubscribed, this will be discussed with you and preference may be given to students who have shown an aptitude for that subject.

This Evening Students will direct you to different parts of the school Each talk will last approximately 15 minutes Mrs Wendy Hindes, our Independent Careers Advisor will be in the hall if you wish to speak to her. Members of the SLT will also be in the hall if you have any queries. jparrott@fitzwimarc.com