Year 9 GCSE Options An introduction to the process at Christ’s College Finchley

Timeline: Wednesday 6th February – Parent/Pupil Talk During February - Assemblies: All pupils spoken to by Heads of Option Subjects Thursday 7 st March – Parents Evening; a time for final consultation with subject staff. Issue of Option Forms. Friday 15 th March – deadline for return of Option Forms

Curriculum at KS4 6 Compulsory subjects 4 Option subjects Enrichment programme + = 10 GCSE’s (or equivalent) +

Compulsory English Literature and Language Mathematics Science (Chemistry Physics Biology)

Options Art or Photography (Photography involves some costs/equipment) Business Studies Drama French or German Geography History ICT – OCR Cambridge National Award ICT GCSE Music (must be able to play an instrument) RE PE Resistant Materials or Food Technology or Graphics For most, this will involve studying FOUR additional subjects from:

Enrichment Selection of activities available on Wednesday afternoons on a half term rotation e.g. Duke of Edinburgh Sports Debating Arts/crafts Try to get as involved in as many different activities as you can both in and out of school

14-19 pathways English Baccalaureate – recommended for students who are intending to go the academic university route The subjects you would take are: History/Geography (or both) + French/German + other traditional ‘grammar school’ type subjects …art, music etc.

Pathways are determined by grades: 10 grade C’s at GCSE (or an average of grade C) to stay at our Sixth Form to do AS/A level courses (University) 5 A*-C – to get on A/AS level courses at some of the local colleges (University) 4 A*-C – to get on a BTEC level 3 course at local colleges (University) 4 D-G grades to get on BTEC level 2 course at local colleges (BTEC level 3)

Curriculum Organisation

Sets Sets A set is an ability group. Some subjects are set, some are not Setting is determined by departments based upon knowledge of the pupils previous attainment and from predictive data Set may determine level of entry in Year 11 SubjectSetting EnglishYes (6) MathsYes (6) ICTSome French/GermanYes (2) GeographyYes (2) HistoryYes (2) ScienceYes Art/PhotographyNo Any D & TNo DramaNo Business StudiesSome MusicNo PENo RENo

Level of Entry SubjectTiers MathsYes (2) Business StudiesYes (2) EnglishYes (2) French/GermanYes (2) GeographyYes (2) ICT GCSEYes (2) Triple ScienceYes (2) ICT Cambridge National No HistoryNo Art/PhotographyNo DramaNo MusicNo PENo RENo All D & TNo Level of Entry Some subjects have 2 levels of entry Higher A* to D FoundationC to G

Grades matter so sets matter

Controlled Assessments SubjectControlled assessment All D & T60% Art/Photography60% Business Studies25% Drama60% English60% English Lit25% French/German60% GCSE ICT60% Geography25% History25% ICT Cambridge National75% Mathsnone Music60% PE60% REnone Sciences25% Coursework has been replaced by controlled assessments. These are similar to coursework but are carried out entirely in school under controlled conditions WATCH THE PARENT BULLETIN FOR DATES

Completing the Option Form

Some initial advice

DO Consider studying a broad range of subjects Consider subjects that you have enjoyed in KS3 Consider which subjects you are successful at If you already have clear ideas about your career/future take this into account – ask for advice DON’T XPick subjects to be with your friends XPick or not pick subjects because of the teacher XPick subjects because you think they are easy options – they aren’t

Websites that might help.. These websites are often used by students in Y11,Y12 and Y13 to help decide on AS, A level and degree courses but they may help you understand what the universities are after and what is needed for different careers. (the Russell group represents the top 20 leading universities) Barnet and Southgate College – london.floodlight.co.uk -the Times 100 Careers Guide which give information on companies and what kinds of jobs are available