Sandwell Academy Key Stage 4 13-16 Curriculum

The general aim of Sandwell Academy is to maximise student performance Mission Statement The general aim of Sandwell Academy is to maximise student performance

Attendance 97%

Punctuality 99% +

Key Stage 3 subject results 2015/2016 Key Stage 3 Core Subjects National Average Cohort % Level 5+ % Level 6+ % Level 7+ Maths 90 60 26 English 96 56 14 Science 88 49 10 Exceeding/on par with National Average Progress in 2 years not 3!!

How did students perform in Key Stage 4 (2016) 79% of students achieved 5 A*- C grades including English and Maths 38% of students achieved the Ebacc 93% of students achieved 5 A*- C grades 15% of all grades were A*/A 22 students (12%) achieved 5A*/A grades

Video presentation – Results Day What are we aiming for? Video presentation – Results Day

Vocational Courses ( e.g. BTEC ) Age Course 13-16 GCSEs and Vocational Courses ( e.g. BTEC ) 16-18 Traditional / Vocational A Levels Vocational Courses/Apprenticeship 18+ Degree programme Employment/Apprenticeship 21+ Post Degree programme Employment

Key Stage 4 13-16 GCSE and Vocational courses Still operate a longer day / longer sessions Session 3 / Homework

Key Stage 4 Extras Duke of Edinburgh Award (Optional) Careers Guidance / Work Experience Religious Education Citizenship Health, Sex and Drugs Education Sport / Recreation Leadership Drama Music School Academy Productions

What do Ofsted say? Students make outstanding progress…. This is because of the good quality support they receive in lessons and the carefully tailored curriculum they experience. The exceptional curriculum offered to students…provides a flexible set of pathways for students, including high quality and very successful vocational routes, means that individual needs are met very well.

Key Government Changes! English Baccalaureate/Progress 8 English Mathematics Science x 2 History or Geography Foreign Language 2 Other GCSE’s

Key Government Changes! Assessment – linear Controlled assessments/Coursework Limited retake options BTEC – external assessment Change from grades to numbers (1-9)

Current GCSE grades New grading system A* A B C D E F G 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 A good GCSE pass

Key Government Changes! All subjects count as only one GCSE – including Vocational Qualifications eg BTEC Performing Arts Some subjects do not count as GCSEs Students will have to work harder to achieve 5 or more GCSEs Students will not achieve the same number of GCSE qualifications

Sandwell Academy response to government changes Reduction in the number of GCSE subjects that are taken at the end of Year 11 All students will study a maximum of 10 subjects Changes to the timing of the school day will allow a bespoke individualised programme of support

What Will My Subjects Be? Everyone will study : - English Language and English Literature - Mathematics - Double Science Everyone will : Complete 1.5 hours of practical PE Study core modules of RE

What Will My Subjects Be? Most students will study : - History or Geography - Spanish - A vocational subject (a subject with elements of coursework/controlled assessments) Some students will study BTEC Sport rather than History/Geography Some students will study BTEC Business rather than Spanish Some students who are very good at exams may choose not to take a vocational option, although a mix of academic and vocational subjects is preferable

What Will My Option Subjects Be? Students will choose two or three of the following subjects: Triple Science GCSE Food preparation and Nutrition GCSE Computer Science Sport ICT BTEC Health & Social Care GCSE Business GCSE Geography BTEC Business GCSE History GCSE Art GCSE Religious Education GCSE 3D Art BTEC Leisure and Tourism GCSE Product Design GCSE Media BTEC Music BTEC Performing Arts

How do I choose? Don’t pick a subject because your friends are. Don’t pick a subject because you like the teacher. Do pick a subject if you are interested in it and you have enjoyed it in the past. Do pick a subject in which suits your ability and that you think you will succeed in. Do pick a subject that might be linked to possible career intentions or plans for Sixth Form. Do speak to your PT, subject teachers, family members and other students and listen to their views.

The Next Few Months Information Booklets and Tues 7 March Curriculum Forms issued Curriculum Forms returned Fri 17 March Concerns resolved through by 7 April Dr Smith Contract confirming proposed Fri 28 April courses issued No changes will be made to choices within the Key Stage 4 programme of study

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