Year 8 Options Evening Thursday 20th April 2017

Key Stage 4 Curriculum OFSTED May 2015 stated that: “The curriculum is broad and balanced. It is carefully organised to support the achievement of students of different abilities. Students can study a wide range of courses, including GCSEs and vocational programmes.”

What has the government changed in Key Stage 4? GCSEs are linear in structure – examinations are taken at the end of the course. Increase in the number of exam papers for each subject. GCSEs graded 1-9 Very little or no Controlled Assessment in most subjects. Progress 8 – students are measured on their progress across their best 8 subjects.  

New GCSE Grading Structure

Progress 8 Measure Baskets of Subject Qualifications Eng/Ma English Language Maths (Double weighted) Ebacc Science History/Geography French/Spanish (Any three) Open English Literature PE Option

What are Pathways? The Pathways have been created to make sure that students are able to choose subjects that are most suitable for their ability. The Pathways are: Purple Green Blue Students will be allocated a Pathway based on progress during KS3, including English/Maths exams.

Curriculum Year 9 September 2017

Core English Language (1 GCSE) English Literature (1 GCSE) Maths (1 GCSE) Double Science (2 GCSEs) History or Geography (1 GCSE) Modern Foreign Languages (Purple Pathway) (1 GCSE) PE (1 Level 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Sport Science – equivalent to 1 GCSE) Careers/PSHE Religious Studies (GCSE – Short Course)

Additional Option Subjects (2 or 3 options to be chosen dependent on Pathway) Art & Design (GCSE) French (GCSE) Spanish (GCSE) Food Preparation and Nutrition (GCSE) Design Technology (GCSE) Business Studies (GCSE) Music (GCSE) Drama (GCSE) Computer Science (GCSE) Child Development (GCSE) Religious Studies (GCSE) ICT – Certificate in Digital Applications (Pearson – Level 2) Construction (subject to a skills test) (BTEC – Level 2, City and Guilds - Level 1) Hair and Beauty (subject to a skills test) (City and Guilds – Level 2, Level 1) Motor Vehicle Maintenance (ABC – Entry Level, Level 1) Creative Media (BTEC – Level 1) Sample of courses offered in school. Certain courses are specific to particular Pathways. Therefore students may find certain subjects are not included in their booklets that they bring home.

Good reasons to choose a subject You should choose a subject that… You can do well in. You like. Reflects your interests and personal qualities. Helps you learn in the best way for you. Helps you keep your options open for the future.

Bad reasons to choose a subject Don’t choose subjects just because… Your best friend is doing it. You like the teacher.

Next Steps Meet subject staff. Read the Pathways Options Booklet you will be given – week beginning Monday 24th April. Attend an Options Interview with Ms Blagden – Monday 24th April – Thursday 11th May Complete your Options Choice Form by Friday 12th May.