WHICKHAM SCHOOL AND SPORTS COLLEGE Curriculum and Options Information 5th March 2014 WHICKHAM SCHOOL AND SPORTS COLLEGE Aim Help with choices – info and guidance available Understanding of qualifications available How to complete options form

Guidance, Information and Advice available Understanding of some of the changes to qualifications Information about the form

Key Stage 4 Objectives of 3-year programme To increase the total time available for KS4 , enabling more creative and supportive study To accelerate student progress and improve outcomes for all To increase breadth of provision at KS4 ‘the majority of high-performing jurisdictions require all students to study a broad range of subjects to the age of 16.’ (Expert Panel-National Curriculum Review)

Expert Panel-National Curriculum Review ‘The dip in achievement towards the end of Key Stage 3 is a well-documented phenomenon that is often attributed to a lack of student engagement and sense of purpose. We have therefore been considering the benefits of reducing Key Stage 3 to just two years to enable Key Stage 4, and GCSE preparation, to expand to three years in duration and thus provide a higher quality curriculum.’

Timetable for Options Process Date Time Activity Location Staff 05/03/14 8.55-9.20 Briefing to all Y8 students Main Hall SHG,MK FT 7.00-8.00p.m. Briefing to all Y8 parents MK, SHG, FT 06/03/14 8.55 -9.30 Presentation of new subjects to students Option Subject Teachers 07/03/14 13/03/14 4.00- 6.30 Opportunities for parents and students to talk to subject teachers Sixth Form Building KS4 Option Subjects 14/03/14 – 27/03/14 Individual Advice & Guidance (IAG) interviews with Y8 students Leadership Team 28/03/14   Return of option forms 25/02/2019

Key Stage 4 Curriculum 2014 - 2017 Choice of Subjects ALL students follow a core curriculum of these subjects: English Language GCSE Mathematics GCSE Science – GCSE (Separate Sciences, Dual or Btec) Physical Education (PE) Information and Creative Technology Health Education Careers and Work-Related Learning Citizenship for Life Religious Studies (GCSE or Core)

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Pathways There are different routes that you can follow to ensure success at Key Stage 4. The choices you make will prepare you for the next stages of your education and your future career. In your selections, make sure that you combine your interests and abilities with an awareness of those subjects that will help you to progress to the next stage of your education.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Pathways 1.Core with Separate Science, GCSE RS,I&CT, Hu/MFL+ 2 GCSEs 2.Core with Dual Science, GCSE RS,I&CT, Hu/MFL, 1 Btec+ 2 GCSEs 3.Core with Dual Science, Core RS,I&CT Hu/MFL, 1 Btec + 2 GCSEs 4.Core with Btec Science, Core RE,I&CT, extended vocational options + 2 GCSEs

English Baccalaureate In November 2010, the government introduced a new measure of success for Key Stage 4 students, the English Baccalaureate. It has since gained increasing prominence. This covers those students who achieve success at A*-C in: English Maths Science (Dual or Separate), Computing Science History or Geography A Modern Foreign Language Our new curriculum enables a higher percentage of KS4 students to meet this measure. 25/02/2019

Types of Qualifications GCSE Graded A*-G Examinations and Controlled Assessments Graded A*-G – usually into tiers Higher – A*-C Foundation – C-G Examinations and Coursework Eg 50% media studies PE 60% practical work Art 60% Geography 25% Perhaps consider a mixture

Types of Qualifications Btec Courses These are well established qualifications. As a school with an additional specialism in vocational learning, we believe our Btec subjects enhance learning by relating study to contexts and practices in society and the world of work. As such they complement academic study by making learning relevant and develop a range of learning skills including research, planning, evaluation, collaboration and independence. Graded A*-G – usually into tiers Higher – A*-C Foundation – C-G Examinations and Coursework Eg 50% media studies PE 60% practical work Art 60% Geography 25% Perhaps consider a mixture

Btec Study Assessment – a significant proportion assessed through on-going coursework assignments. There are additional external assessments. We offer Btec courses in the following areas: Graded A*-G – usually into tiers Higher – A*-C Foundation – C-G Examinations and Coursework Eg 50% media studies PE 60% practical work Art 60% Geography 25% Perhaps consider a mixture

Types of Btec Qualifications Business Sport Art and Design Health and Social Care ICT Science Engineering Music Travel and Tourism Btec qualifications are graded: Distinction* A* Merit B Distinction A Pass C Graded A*-G – usually into tiers Higher – A*-C Foundation – C-G Examinations and Coursework Eg 50% media studies PE 60% practical work Art 60% Geography 25% Perhaps consider a mixture

Biology, Chemistry, Physics Performing Arts (Dance) Year 9-11 Core Curriculum Column A Column B Column C Column D   English Language English Literature Maths Science Separate Sciences Biology, Chemistry, Physics Dual    Btec Core PE GCSE Performing Arts (Dance) Sports Leadership

Optional Btec Subjects Year 9-11 Options Diagram   Column A Column B Btec and Separate Sciences Column C and D GCSE (Select 2 Subjects) KS4 History Geography French German  Btec Art and Design Business Engineering Health and Social Care Music Sport Travel and Tourism Core Elements I&CT CfL RS (GCSE or Core) Optional Btec Subjects (Separate Science students will not opt for an additional course in this column.) Art 3D Art and Design Art Textiles Business Studies Catering Child Development Computer Science Drama Media Studies PE Product Design Technology Textiles 25/02/2019

Options Form Name: ........................................................ Tutor Group:………………. Look at the Options Diagram. You need to choose one subject from each column. (Add reserve choices for columns B and C/D.) Use the guideline provided to help you in your choices. Write in the subjects you want to study from each column. Chosen Subject Column A Column B Btec Reserve 1. 2. Column C and D Column C and D Reserve GCSE Religious Studies 3. Yes/No . Your parent / carer must sign here to say that they agree with your choices. Parent: …………………………………………………………….. Return this form to your Tutor by Friday 28th March 2014

Then what? Each student’s curriculum is checked Timetable ‘processed’ to provide ‘best fit’ Students may be asked to reselect a subject if: too few students have opted for a subject there is a ‘clash’ in the timetable for a particular combination of subjects Teachers feel the student’s choice is inappropriate

OPTIONS INFORMATION