KEY STAGE 4 OPTIONS 2015 - 17

CORE SUBJECTS 5 You will study: Number of GCSEs (or equivalent) English Language & Literature 2 Maths 1 Science PE - Total 5

OPTIONS When selecting your options, you will choose another 4 subjects, giving you a total of 9 GCSEs (or equivalent). Construction is a double option and will Count for 2 options.

What are BTECs?

BTEC – THE NATIONALLY RECOGNISED VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION FOR SCHOOLS, SIXTH FORMS, COLLEGES AND THE WORKING WORLD

WHY BTECs WORK? Encourage skills development Empower learners Use locally devised assignments Link theory and real-work situations Develop practical skills and knowledge

THE BTEC DIFFERENCE Preparation for the world of work Learner appeal Pace Progression “Hands on” learning style Ongoing assessment delivers year–round motivation

BTEC SKILLS FOR THE WORLD OF WORK. Team Building, Teamwork and Collaboration Presentation Skills ICT Skills Communication Skills – Written and Oral Initiative and Self-direction Leadership and Influence Social Skills

SCIENCE Triple Science Core Science Achieve 3 GCSEs: Biology Chemistry Physics 2 Subjects studied in Core Science – third science to be taken as part of options process. Students must have achieved a Level 6c in their latest report and must achieve a Level 7 in April 2015. Core Science Achieve 2 GCSEs Elements of Biology, Chemistry & Physics are covered in Core Science.

How do I choose Triple Science? EBacc √ Arts GCSE (Max pick 1) Technology GCSE GCSE BTEC (Max 2 picks) Geography Art Food Computing OR ICT Drama RE Business History Photography Graphics Health & SC Sociology Dance French Textiles Resistant Materials Business Studies Media   Music Spanish Child Development PE Triple Science Public Services Foundation Learning Asdan Humanities VIP Computing (Entry Level) Language Skills Construction 2 options

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK YOURSELF? What do I like doing? How do I like to learn? What am I good at? Have I got any ideas about what I would like to do in the future? What are they? If you know what career you want to follow, research the qualifications needed and work backwards.

MAKING YOUR CHOICES. Rules to follow: You may only choose Triple Science if you are currently and consistently performing at L6. If you choose BTEC Business, you should NOT choose Business Studies. You should ONLY take ONE of Art, Photography or Textiles. You should ONLY take ONE Technology subject. You should ONLY take Spanish if you have studied it in Year 9. You should NOT choose more than 2 BTEC subjects.    Many of the ‘top’ universities require a modern language at GCSE – but this does not apply to all universities and all courses. It is important that you researches this.   If you don’t know what you want to do in the future, it is important that you study a range of different subjects.

Pick & Mix Depending on your ability and preferred learning style you can pick the subjects to match your strengths and interest.

EBacc If your MEL is Level 5+ you are advised to take the EBacc pathway: You MUST choose History OR Geography. You MUST choose French OR Spanish. You can choose and 2 other subjects.

EBacc √ EBacc Arts GCSE (Max pick 1) Technology GCSE GCSE BTEC (Max 2 picks) Geography Art Food Computing OR ICT Drama RE Business History Photography Graphics Health & SC Sociology Dance French Textiles Resistant Materials Business Studies Media   Music Spanish Child Development PE Triple Science Public Services Foundation Learning Asdan Humanities VIP Computing (Entry Level) Language Skills Construction 2 options

Open Group You can choose any 4 subjects. You may only take a maximum of 2 BTECs. We would encourage you to take a balance of practical and theory based subjects.

Open Group √ EBacc Arts GCSE (Max pick 1) Technology GCSE GCSE BTEC (Max 2 picks) Geography Art Food Computing OR ICT Drama RE Business History Photography Graphics Health & SC Sociology Dance French Textiles Resistant Materials Business Studies Media   Music Spanish Child Development PE Triple Science Public Services Foundation Learning Asdan Humanities VIP Computing (Entry Level) Language Skills Construction 2 options

Foundation Learning This is suitable for you if you have learning difficulties or are at an early stage of learning English. You may take all Foundation Learning subjects or you may combine some with GCSEs or BTECs according to your interests and talents.

Foundation Learning √ EBacc Arts GCSE (Max pick 1) Technology GCSE BTEC (Max 2 picks) Geography Art Food Computing OR ICT Drama RE Business History Photography Graphics Health & SC Sociology Dance French Textiles Resistant Materials Business Studies Media   Music Spanish Child Development PE Triple Science Public Services Foundation Learning Asdan Humanities VIP Computing (Entry Level) Language Skills Construction

VIP Run by the Business Education Partnership (BEP) - designed for students who, for whatever reason, would benefit from a one day work placement per week. Students complete the Option Form as normal (total of 4 choices) but also tick VIP.

TIMETABLE Option Assembly KS4 Taster Lessons Options Evening Monday 13 October Option Assembly Monday 20 October Band A Tuesday 21 October Band B KS4 Taster Lessons Tuesday 4 November Options Evening for Parents and Students (7.00 p.m. start) Tuesday 11 November Curriculum Evening Option Forms will be handed out and completed at this time. Mrs Adam & SLT will be available to discuss any issues or concerns. Monday 24 – Thursday 27 November Options Interview with SLT. Friday 28 November Option Forms to be returned to Ms L Campbell