KS3 to KS4 Transition September 2019

Year of Change Teacher Assessments to External Grading Some control over what you study Welsh Baccalaureate

GCSEs have changed

KS4 Core Curriculum Subject Qualifications Teaching Time English GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature 7 hours Mathematics GCSE Mathematics GCSE Numeracy Science GCSE Double Award Science 9 hours Welsh GCSE Welsh 4 hours RE GCSE RE (Full or Short Course) 2 hours PE Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Certificate 35 hours

The Welsh Baccalaureate

KS4 Options A choice of three further courses (x 5 hours each) from a wide range of learning areas Sciences Triple Science – Biology, Chemistry & Physics Modern Foreign Languages French Humanities History Geography Technology & Computing Product Design Hospitality & Catering ICT Creative Arts Art & Design Graphic Design Music Drama Health, Wellbeing, Sport & Leisure Physical Education Sport Coaching Health, Social & Child Care Travel & Tourism

Option Blocks These ‘option’ subjects have to be arranged in 3 blocks for timetabling

Collaborative Courses There are two courses that are being offered collaboratively across Pembrokeshire which will be based at Pembrokeshire College. Military Preparation School Junior Apprenticeship in Engineering Both courses will entail full days spent at college which would impact on the students school based timetable. If you wish to find out more please indicate on application form.

Application Process Following the Y9 Survey some subjects on offer had only a small number of pupils expressing an interest. If the numbers remain low following the application process then the decision will be taken not to run these courses. To ensure that in such circumstances students can be placed onto an agreeable second subject they are asked to choose two subjects from each block – a preferred choice and a reserve choice. The aim will be for all students to be placed on preferred choice courses, but when this is not possible that wherever possible they will have no more than one reserve choice subject.

Do’s and Don’ts when making choices Don’t choose a subject just because your friends are doing so Don’t choose a subject just because you like your current teacher Do think about your future plans and whether or not the subject is relevant www.careerswales.com Do try and keep some breadth to your curriculum Do think carefully if you are considering Triple Science You do not require triple science to take A level Science’s You will be timetabled for 14 hours of Science lessons.

Next Steps This evening is your chance to talk to teachers (not just option teachers) Complete the Option Choices Form: https://tinyurl.com/YGSY9Options To access the survey you will need to log on using your Hwb username eg surname123@hwbcymru.net The deadline for completing the application is Monday 25th March Students will have their options confirmed by the end of term

Next Steps 11th March – Transition Evening 26th March – Deadline for online applications 12th April – Student choices confirmed 3rd June – Revised timetable begins

Any Questions? www.tinyurl.com/YGSY9Options