Year 9 Transition into year 10 Year 9 Curriculum Information Not about quantity of subjects but the quality of this grades Welcome – purpose of evening to explain process and help with decision making using info on passport I envelope. Answer questions at end How have we got here? Child been through changes and development Pre-school First day at school Ks2 Sats Decisions about secondary schools Next step … think beyond ks4 Year 9 Transition into year 10 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejbNVWES4LI

Available qualifications GCSEs – examination focus BTEC courses – coursework focus ASDAN – vocational coursework focus Describe different types of courses for KS4 NB>>> BTEC courses even if double award will only be recognised as 1 qualification for further study and likewise for double GCSE course Asdan qualis for students struggling to gain grades D/E and above

KS4 Curriculum Core Subjects English Language English Literature Mathematics Science Core Science Additional RE PE PSHE/SMSC Blue = compulsory subjects Red – If below 75% chance 5 A* - C then need additional support in English and Maths If Below 30% chance we will be guiding towards subjects that support skills but also look at additional qualifications that best prepares for world of work and life skills. No compulsory tech If above 75% can cope with greater stretch and more subjects Certain subjects will give guidance that to achieve grade C you need to be working at level 6 ie sociology, separate sciences

Modular v linear courses Linear v Modular courses Modular courses In the past GCSE assessment was like jumping from one lily pad to another – gaining marks in small bitesize chunks, with the opportunity to go back to resit. All modules were distinct and limited in content and assessment. Linear courses Now the GCSE assessment is mainly at the end of the two year course. This means there is a need for deeper learning, regular practice of skills and recall in committing to memory large amounts of information. In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Focus on Progress of all students The Government has introduced new performance measures for Schools and Academies. These new measures assess the progress made by each child from the initial level they enter secondary school, to the one they have at the end of Year 11. Eventually all attainment will be measured in numbers as student move up the levels ladder each year. In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

GCSE English and Mathematics Priority must be given to passing English and Mathematics (Most courses in further education and career choices ask for passes in English and Maths) Additional lessons may be provided where this is needed. This reduces option subjects from 4 to 3 for some students. In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

New GCSEs English, English Literature and Mathematics Year 9 are the first group being prepared to take the new GCSEs in English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. Grades will be awarded in numbers rather than letters. Approximate equivalent grades 9=A** 8=A* 7=A 6=B 5=C+ 4=C 3=D/E 2=F/G 1=G 0=U . In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

English Baccalaureate Subject combination: English Mathematics Science or Computing Plus One of the Humanities: Geog or History And a Modern Foreign Lang: German or French In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Encouraging students to study a modern foreign language Students from across the UK will have a qualification profile with GCSEs from the Ebacc group of subjects, including a modern foreign language There is evidence that studying a foreign language enhances students cognitive ability and gives the autonomous brain function a work out. The new exams with the assessment all at the end of the two year course will require memory work and the regular practice of language learning will encourage this. Once a pupil has learned one language it is easier to learn another. Lots of Universities look favourably on those students who have studied a foreign language and encourage students to do a third year abroad – which is supported by grants from the EU through the Erasmus scheme. In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Ebacc Qualification A B C D English Mathematics Science RE PE   A B C D English Mathematics Science RE PE Geography Art and Design Textiles Computing History Asdan Units Food Technology French German Business Studies Dance Drama Product Design Sociology Health and Social Care Science Triple Award Graphics Child Development (Engineering Btec) ICT Photography ECDL ICT Core Subjects for All Music Sports GCSE Sport Single Award (BTEC) In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

An option must be chosen from Column A   A B C D English Mathematics Science RE PE Geography Art and Design Textiles Computing History Asdan Units Food Technology French German Business Studies Dance Drama  Computing Product Design Sociology Health and Social Care Science Triple Award Graphics Child Development (Engineering Btec) ICT Photography ECDL ICT Core Subjects for All Music Sports GCSE Sport (BTEC) In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Not allowed to choose 2 from 1 block   A B C D English Mathematics Science RE PE Geography Art and Design Textiles Computing History Asdan Units Food Technology French German Business Studies Dance Drama  Computing Product Design Sociology ICT Science Triple Award Graphics Child Development (Engineering Btec) Health and Social Care Photography ECDL ICT Core Subjects for All Music Sports GCSE Sport (BTEC) In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Further Guidance and advice BTEC ASDAN FUNCTIONAL SKILLS courses Btec courses and Asdan units give students the chance to progress at their own rate and as they are based on coursework they do not present the hurdle to achievement which external examinations can pose for some. Statistically those students with Special educational needs move through the relevant levels well. In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance Essential for Medicine / Dentistry Russell group / good university Not so important for vocational uni courses ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Year 9 Careers information, advice and guidance Investment in IAG in tutorials, theme days, with speakers and opportunities to explore relevant websites. Also Connexions interviews regarding post 16 options Planning for a week of work experience in Year 10.

Year 9 Options Pathway Options week where all students will be informed by KS3 subjects of the options at GCSE Taster day where students will be able to sample subjects not taught at KS3 Completion of a ‘Passport’ for each subject and an assembly giving guidance on how to choose your options.

Next Step Begin to think about the benefits of taking the Ebacc option for your child. Knowing that each student will have to take either History, Geography, French or German – begin to think which subject(s) your child might like to take next year. Begin looking at Post 16 information and checking whether a GCSE subject is a requirement for your child to be able to study the subject of their choice at A level.

Finally.. On the 19th January you will be invited to the Year 9 Options evening with your son or daughter to discuss the subjects with staff and begin the process of finalising GCSE choices. We are committed to providing a curriculum which meets each child’s needs, maximises their attainment and allows them to move on to the next stage in their academic, personal and spiritual journey.