Welcome to Options Evening

Why make choices for options now? Year 8 students will complete their GCSE’s in 2020, they will complete exams in the new style 1-9 GCSE’s. NEW GCSEs and qualifications have changed with all now having a more demanding exam element at the end of the course, with very few subjects with controlled assessment. There is a greater need for students to recall facts and learn and memorise information in all exams. There is increasing emphasis on extended writing in examinations with increased focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG).

Why make choices for options now? Studying the subjects that have to be followed (core) and those that have been chosen over 3 years will help students achieve the highest possible grades and make good progress. More time to focus on GCSEs – depth and breadth. More opportunities build more effective subject skills. Provide support and challenge.

4 is a Pass, 5 considered a ‘Strong Pass’.

Core Curriculum 30/50 lessons Core KS4 years 9 / 10 / 11 – 5 GCSEs English 8 (Language and Literature) Maths 8 Life skills 2 PE 3 Science 9* *All students to take combined Science (2 GCSEs) some take a 3 GCSE route (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) decisions made by the Science department in year 9.

Options – 20/50 lessons Options - 4 option subjects can be chosen each 5 lessons per fortnight. All students will have to choose at least one subject from: Geography History An MFL (French, German or Spanish) Latin Computer Science All of these are facilitating subjects, leaving doors open.

The English Baccalaureate (EBACC) Recognition of traditional ‘high value’ academic subjects: English, Maths, Science; A Language plus Geography or History; These are considered to carry ‘higher currency’ to some colleges / universities / employers. Facilitating subjects

Options – What is it all about? A time of choice – you can’t do it all. A time of new challenges; A milestone in your education; Taking responsibility; Seeing a real purpose – qualifications for you; Making decisions that really matter.

For us…a question of balance Achievement Opportunities Fulfilling obligations in a changing world Not overloading The right guidance Breadth Choice Personalisation Progression Enjoyment Challenge

Timeline Parents Evening – 20th March Interviews – 16th - 30th March Curriculum day – 28th March Options evening – 28th March Ongoing interviews and discussions….. Deadline for choices – 27th April

3 Pathways

Yellow – EBACC Core - English; Maths; Science; Life Skills; PE Core. At least one Language from: French / German / Spanish / Latin At least one of Geography or History 2 additional option subjects – your choice.

Red Core - English; Maths; Science; Life Skills; PE Core. At least One from: French / German / Spanish / Latin / Geography or History / Computer Science 3 additional option subjects – your choice.

Blue – invitation only Core - English; Maths; Science; Life Skills; PE Core. Literacy and numeracy support, additional wider qualifications from other provides, possible offsite – bespoke to individuals 2 additional option subjects – your choice.

What does recommended subjects /package mean? Interviews You should consider these subjects in your decision making. You are NOT required to choose them, but don’t write them off. The package colour recommended is what we consider is most suitable for you, this is not set in stone.

Making the right choice Interested in the subject Will help with what you want to do when you leave Confident in this subject Work well and learn with the teachers Good fun course Your friends are doing it You think its an easy option You like the teacher You think there is not too much homework Not bothered what you take

Stuck?

Stuck? Spend time talking and listening to teachers of different subjects! Read the booklet with people at home; Talk and listen to other people – friends / relatives / students in Years 9, 10 or 11; Use the internet to look at different subjects – links in the booklet; Keep your options open and talk to me / careers adviser / your head year or your form tutor.

Options – Filling in the forms? Option Packages are colour coded…so are the forms. Red Yellow Blue

Why a reserve subject choice? Just in case your combination can not be accommodated. If not enough students select a course it may not run – this is a possibility so be prepared.

What are your subject choices? Humanities Technologies Arts Sports Sciences and Social Sciences Languages

Humanities Geography History Classical Civilisation Citizenship Religious Studies

Technologies Food Material Technology ICT

Arts and Performing Arts Drama –BTEC Music – GCSE or vocational Textiles and Fashion

Sports PE – BTEC or GCSE Dance BTEC

Sciences and Social Science Computer Science Sociology Media Studies Statistics

Languages German Spanish French Latin

Tonight Subjects are in the locations listed – staff and students on hand to discuss the subjects with you. Canteen – Colleges, Universities and careers advice.