OPTIONS EVENING SEPTEMBER 2019 MOVING TO KS4 Mr Gilmore - Vice Principal No fire drill planned, so if alarm sounds please follow staff down to Astroturf near S&F

AIMS OF TONIGHT Understand our 3 year Key Stage 4 curriculum Understand some of the key government changes that will affect current Year 8 students Understand the Pathways and Options process

The Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Progression – Personalised for all KS2 Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 Post 16 Y4 - 6 Y7 Y8 Y9 Y10 Y11 Y12 Y13 Y6 SATs Key Stage 3 Curriculum Entry Level to Level 2 (e.g. GCSE, BTEC) Level 3 (e.g. AS/A2/BTEC) Progression – Personalised for all

WHY DO WE HAVE A 3 YEAR KEY STAGE 4? To support you in: Reaching YOUR potential Getting better results Having more flexibility in subjects More time for breadth, depth and skills development Preparing well for your future at Post 16 and beyond Successful learners, Confident individuals, Responsible citizens

Recent Government Changes

MAIN TYPES OF QUALIFICATIONS GCSE theory of a subject investigative work practical work exam assessment Vocational work-related qualifications skills and knowledge that employers are looking for theory and practice part exam assessment

QUALIFICATIONS Most GCSE’s will be 100% exam All GCSE grades are now numbers 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest ‘pass’) or a U = fail All qualifications – including vocational subjects must now include exam elements (not 100% coursework) - equivalent to 1 GCSE All exams must be taken at the end of the course

LEVELS – WHAT DO THEY MEAN? Progression Level 3 A Levels grades A* - E BTEC Diplomas OCR Technical Level 2 GCSEs grades 9-4 BTEC Firsts Level 1 GCSEs grades 3-1 BTEC Introductory Entry Level Entry level certificates Skills for Life

HEADLINE ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES: Progress 8 Attainment 8 Basics – Good pass in English & Maths EBACC – 6 qualifications (English, Maths, 2 Science, MFL and Humanities) NB - EBACC measure - Top universities are reinforcing this for their entry requirements & some of them insist on MFL and Humanities for entry

The Subjects

WHAT IS YOUR TIMETABLE OF LEARNING MADE UP OF? Compulsory Subjects English Language English Literature Mathematics Combined Science Physical Education Learning 4 Life Optional Subjects History Music Geography Physical Education French Sport Creative I-Media Religious Education Computer Science Design Technology Acting Hospitality & Catering Art Health & Social Care Separate Science Al

WHAT MIGHT YOUR TIMETABLE LOOK LIKE? Compulsory Subjects Optional Subjects

The Options Process

HOW DO WE ORGANISE KEY STAGE 4? We place you onto appropriate ‘Pathway’ According to: Your individual needs – we know you Your progress records Your teachers’ recommendations

WHAT ARE THE PATHWAYS? EBACC Choice Targeted Combination of GCSE & Vocational Courses Targeted Combination of GCSE & Vocational Courses

STUDENTS THEN MAKE CHOICES: These are called ‘Options’ Options are not guaranteed Option subjects are all timetabled together Some P&A groups may change

WHAT PROGRESSION ROUTES ARE THERE? Students on any Pathway can progress onto a range of Post 16 courses at Level 2 or 3 P16 College Apprenticeships Students on any Pathway will be eligible to apply to HE / university after Post 16

OPTIONS PROCESS What students need to do! Thinking time: Think carefully about your strengths (what subjects are you good at?) Consider which subjects you enjoy Consider your future aspirations (do you have an idea of what you would like to do in the future? E.g. work with people, join Police, work abroad) Talk to your parents/carers Look at the different choices available Choose your subjects in rank order Hand the Options Form back to your P&A Mentor by 22nd March 2019

OPTIONS PROCESS What NOT to do: Do NOT choose subjects based on what your friends are doing Do NOT choose subjects based on your current teacher & groups (this will probably change!)

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HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD WITH THE PROCESS? Talk to them about their interests Discuss possible future jobs / careers Get them to seek careers advice – MAP (Mr Dowey) Ask them what they enjoy and are good at Make sure they return the form by the deadline Friday March 22nd

WHAT IF MY SON/DAUGHTER DOESN’T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT TO DO IN THE FUTURE? Don’t worry – this is usual - many students don’t know! Encourage them to make choices in subjects they enjoy and are good at Encourage them to keep their options general and across a range of areas – don’t specialise in more than 1 from each curriculum area e.g Humanities, Technology, MFL, Creative

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

CURRICULUM INFORMATION EVENT IN T&CC Opportunity to speak to subject staff tonight All ‘Option’ subjects in attendance Maths & English do not have a representative Please focus on subjects of interest No fire drill planned, so if alarm sounds please follow staff to the Bus Park at the front of the College