Key Stage 4 Options February 2014

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

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 report on Thursday 27 February Year 9 Parents’ Evening 6 March Yr10 pupils presenting to tutor groups Options Evening 20 March Option forms to be handed in on the 24 March

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: English Language English Literature Mathematics Science [Core and Additional, or you may choose to do Triple Science Physical Education Skills for Life RS* *Religious Studies You will have one lesson per week in Year 10 and Yr11, following the GCSE Short Course However, there is an opportunity for you to take the Full GCSE in your RS lessons.

Religious Studies All of you will have 1 lesson a week of RE in Year 10 and Year 11 and will follow the GCSE SC curriculum and take the exam at the end of Year 11. You have the opportunity to opt to take Full Course RE. Places on this course are limited. You will need to work to a very 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 you achieve a high level 6 or above in RE and English and are in Set 2 or above for English, you should be able to cope with the rigours of the course. In order to ensure that you do not have too heavy a workload, the school will make a judgement on whether you will be capable of following the full course. Please indicate on the options form whether this is something you would like to be considered for.

GCSE Courses All GCSEs are graded A*-G and are Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications . Most GCSE examinations include a coursework requirement [20-60%] which is now known as controlled assessment. Some subjects have: practical examination at the end of the course. All subjects have a final (terminal) written examination making up the remaining marks. Art and Drama do not have final written exams, however, as all of the marks come from practical assessments and coursework. We also offer 2 Vocational GCSEs Engineering[ double award ] and Health and Social Care.

BTEC Courses We offer the following BTEC course: Construction: BTEC Level 1/2 First Award [equivalent to 1 GCSE] This course is linked to the world of work more than most GCSE courses, with a greater emphasis on developing practical, work related skills. They are mostly assessed throughout the course through written and practical assignments. There is an external examination which is worth 20%  

English Baccalaureate The EBacc is not a new qualification, but new 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

English Baccalaureate You would have to achieve A*-C grade in: English Maths Two out of 3 Sciences [ Computer Science is classified as a Science for the EBacc] Geography or History A language all of those subjects to ‘achieve’ the Ebacc. Academic Pathway- A2/AS Levels and university.

After Key Stage 4 Currently, you will have to stay in education until you are 18. This could include full time education or training or workplace training. On page 2 of your booklet , there is a brief overview of some of our local providers. You will get a lot more information on this in Year10 and Year 11, but you may wish to consider; what sort of courses and 6th form college/school that you may wish to go to, and to start looking at their entry requirements.

Option Booklet 2014 ART AND DESIGN Qualification: GCSE The booklet covers the same information for each subject : ART AND DESIGN Qualification: GCSE Levels available Level 2 (A*- C) Level 1 (D –G)

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

Option subjects. The Government and the Department of Education have made a lot of changes this year to the curriculum. We have had to make some changes due to this, but have still managed to offer a broad and balanced curriculum that will give you a good range of subjects and prepare you for post-16 courses.

Computer Science French Geography History Spanish Triple Science Curriculum Support

Physical Education GCSE B Art & Design Business Studies Computer Science Construction BTEC Dance Drama Engineering Food Technology French Geography Health and Social Care History ICT GCSE Media Studies Music GCSE Physical Education GCSE Product Design[Textiles and Graphics Materials] Resistant Materials Spanish Triple Science

x OPTION SELECTION FORM. Name: ______________________Tutor group:____ Please select 1 subject from Column A below: Please select 3 subjects from Column B below in rank order by placing 1, 2 and 3 in the box against them and also select a reserve subject [res]: A Please √ Computer Science   French Geography  x History Spanish Triple Science Curriculum Support B Art & Design  3 Business Studies   Computer Science Construction BTEC Award Dance Drama Engineering Food Technology French  2 Geography Health and Social Care History ICT GCSE Media Studies  RES Music GCSE Physical Education GCSE Product Design[Textiles and Graphics Materials]  1 Resistant Materials Spanish Triple Science Please indicate below whether you would like to take Short Course or Full Course GCSE RE: Short Course ___________________________________________

Lunch-time arrangements. You will all have an individual class calendar that sets out when the taster sessions are for Media, Business Studies and Health and Social Care. There is also an Art display at designated times. Therefore you will go into dinner 1st for this week and next Monday. Lunchtime taster sessions start at 1.20pm.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 24-Feb 25-Feb 26-Feb 27-Feb 03-Mar Assembly Media Dance Health and Social Business Studies   1.20-1.55pm 9A1, 9A2, 9C1 Art Display 9C2, 9D1, 9D2 9T1, 9T2, 9T3

Year 9 Parents Evening I will be available all evening if you have any queries Mrs Hindes[ Independent Careers advisor] will also be available all evening. Both our desks will be situated at the back of the hall by Mr Quinn’s office.

Between March and May All choices are analysed. Most of you will be able to take the subjects you choose. If a single subject has not attracted enough pupils 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 pupils who have shown an aptitude for that subject.