Options Evening 2018 Respect Aspire Believe Achieve

AIMS To help you and your child make the right choices. To provide information about the available options. To answer any questions you may have.

Making the right choice Pupils should choose a subject because... they like it they are good at it they could do well in the exams

Making the right choice Pupils should not choose a subject because... their friends are doing it they like the teacher they think it’s an easy option

changes to examinations The Secretary of State for Education initiated the reform of GCSEs and A Levels in February 2013, asking Ofqual to implement changes that would lead to new qualifications, to: make the qualifications more ambitious, better prepare young people for employment and further study. Ensure we have a ‘world class’ education system.

changes to examinations The government has stated that GCSEs will demand more from all students. From September 2015 schools and colleges began the first teaching of new GCSEs in English Language, English Literature and mathematics, other subjects began last year. Last summer was the first set of results.

changes to examinations New GCSEs with new specifications Linear GCSEs with assessment at the end of the two-year course in June Tiers in certain subjects only Assessment predominantly by external examination only A new 1-9 grading system for all subjects now (9 = top level, 4/5 = equivalent to old C grade)

New GCSE Grading Structure The new grade 9 will actually be statistically determined each year – top 2-5% Grade 4/5 in maths and English will be the entry requirement for 6th Form Grade 5 will become the equivalent of the ‘C’ – the expected achievement grade Grade 4/5 = the current C grade

examples of changes English No controlled assessment 9-1 Two exams for each qualification Longer exams (previously the longest was 2 hours, now there is a 2.5 hour exam), exams vary between 1hr 45 mins to 2hrs 30 mins More weighting on vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure in English Language More unseen texts, including 19th Century non-fiction

examples of changes Science Core and additional are now combined to become 'Combined Science' Majority will do this All exams are at the end of the course 6 exams in total Triple is still an option with extra content Two exams in each of the subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics In all examinations there will be a heavy emphasis on practical skills and mathematical skills

examples of changes Modern Foreign Languages All final exam, no coursework. The exams are listening, reading, writing and speaking are worth 25% each All 4 exams at higher or foundation level (no mixing of levels)

English baccalaureate ‘The English Baccalaureate was introduced as a performance measure in the 2010 performance tables. It is not a qualification in itself. The measure recognises where pupils have secured a grade 5 or better across a core of academic subjects – English, mathematics, history or geography, the sciences and a language.’ (DFE) Encourages a broad and balanced curriculum Top universities and employers recommend it Majority of pupils here will follow it

Options’ form You will do 2 of these option subjects. Choice 3 is a back up, but it must be one you are prepared to if you can’t get choices 1 and 2.

Compulsory subjects ENGLISH: Language and Literature MATHEMATICS SCIENCE :Combined (2 GCSEs) A HUMANITIES SUBJECT A LANGUAGE RE (Full GCSE – Started in Y9) NON – EXAM SUBJECTS CORE PE PSHE

What do you need to do? Humanities Choose 1: Geography History Possible to study both subjects Modern Foreign Languages Choose 1: French Spanish

What do you need to do? Food Preparation and Nutrition Food and Catering Graphic Design Product Design History Computer Science Health & Social Care Art Drama Music PE Triple Science Geography Enterprise

Triple Science Separate science qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics Must be at a high level by end of year 9 Periods of science: week A = 7hrs, week B = 8 hours (numbers limited to around 30 pupils)

Important dates... January onwards – connexions interviews February - Leadership Team interview all year 9 pupils 15th March - Year 9 parents’ evening (hand in form) 20th March - Last date to hand in options form Mrs Havers to speak to any individual pupils re. appropriate choices/availability of courses etc. See booklet for further information

Sources of information Subject teachers at parents’ evening Head of Department Form Tutor Head of Year Senior Leadership Team Careers Advisor Parents Internet

Success at KS4 Enjoyment – essential that the correct choices are made Attendance – less than 90% costs at least one grade Application – effort, often linked to aspiration Organisation – self direction, coursework Discipline – in class, at home

QUESTIONS ??? Please feel free to speak to Mrs Havers or Mr Bell this evening