Welcome to the Year 9 Parents’ Information Evening Smestow School 2016-17

67.5% of students achieved five or more GCSEs at grade C or above 1125 GCSE Grades of C or above achieved by students 268 grade A or A* across all subjects 43 students had an average GCSE grade of B or above 14 students had an average of A and one student averaged A* 5 subjects had a 100% pass rate at C or above including Further Maths English Language/English Literature/Biology/ Chemistry and Physics had an A*-C pass rate of better than 90% 21 subjects had an average grade of C or above 16 subjects had an A*-C or equivalent pass rate in excess of 75% Congratulations!

25 out of the 27 subjects offered at Post 16 had 100% pass rate. 46% of A level grades achieved by students were at B or above 43/47 BTec level 3 grades were at Distinction or Distinction* All students who applied have had offers from university This is the third consecutive year we have improved our value added score Last year we had the best value added scores in the city and this year we have improved it again! Well Done Post 16!

Progress for All Progress 8 Score of +0.28 at Key Stage 4 69% of students achieved positive Progress 8 score 70% of subjects positive Progress 8 score Value Added Score of +0.04 at A level Progress for All

Progress for All Being GCSE Ready ‘GCSE Ready’ is used to indicate where students should be at the end of Year 9 It indicates the level of progress we are looking to be able to show before students start on their examination courses in year 10 ‘GCSE Ready’ is around new GCSE grade 5 and is based on the progress students of a similar ability range will have made at the same point nationally over the last few years ‘GCSE Ready’ is based upon subject specific grade criteria issued by the government earlier this year The progress made by the end of year 9 is used to decide KS4 target grades at the start of year 10 Target grades for each subject are based on three factors; Prior attainment; the average score/level achieved at the end of KeyStage 2 Progress over time; whether they have made expected, good or outstanding progress in their time at Smestow Subject aptitude; in some subjects they are stronger and have more capacity to attain higher grades Performance at the end of year 9 will then place students on a progress pathway for KS4 Progress for All

Progress for All Options for KeyStage 4 Students will begin GCSE courses in English, Maths and Science at some time in year 9. Creating band A and B at the end of year 8 is designed to help this process The programmes of study in both band A and B are identical to allow for transfer between bands if appropriate or necessary. Students progress in the three core subjects will be reviewed regularly during the year and may lead to transfers between bands during year 9 or at the latest as they enter year 10 Band A students will study Triple Science, GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, in Year 10 and 11 and as a result will only get THREE other option choices. Band B students will study Double Science, GCSE Core and GCSE Additional Science, in Year 10 and 11 and will get FOUR other option choices. For Band B students one of these option choices will be a guided option choice based on Prior attainment Progress over time Subject aptitude Progress for All

Striving for Excellence Striving for excellence involves putting quality into everything you do. The dictionary definition of excellence is ‘to surpass’. Striving for excellence is when you are always looking at where you are and identifying what marginal gains you need to make. Last year we asked parents a series of key questions; 249 of you responded Striving for Excellence

Learning to Achieve Key Dates: 07/11/16: Learning Foci review week Learning to achieve is about working to develop the skills and habits to ensure all students can make progress and achieve their potential: Learning to achieve provides effective pastoral structures and systems that supports every individual students needs Key Dates: 07/11/16: Learning Foci review week 25/11/16: Skills Show at the NEC 26/01/17: Year 9 Options Event 16/03/17: Year 9 Parents’ Evening 20/03/17: Year 9 Options process closes 27/03/17: Learning Foci review week 24/04/17: Year 9 end of year assessment week 11/07/17: Year 9 report to parents issued Learning to Achieve

TEAM Smestow with the student with the school Together Everyone Achieves More The partnership between school and home is a key to success. with the student Take an interest in what they have done Create space and time for learning at home Help with time management and organisation Support them in their homework with the school Support the school at parents events Let us know if something is going to affect your child Support the school discipline procedures Help us to maintain high attendance Help us to maintain high levels of punctuality Tell us if you are not happy about the way we have dealt with things TEAM Smestow Have you thought of becoming a member of our Local Governing Body?

How can you help? Attendance high Punctuality at a high level Over 93% to maintain potential Punctuality at a high level Prepared to work Right equipment Right attitude! Learning to learn Taking part in lessons Working independently Take risks in their learning Team working Enjoy and achieve Celebrate and reward success Curriculum Enhancement How can you help?