St Cecilia’s RC High School St Cecilia’s RC High School Making the right moves Key Stage 4 Curriculum and Options Mr G Caulfield Assistant Headteacher

OPTIONS 2016 OPTIONS 2016 What happens at the end of Key Stage 4?

What does the future hold? Academic paths Vocational paths

Core subjects at GCSE Mathematics English ( Lit&Lang) Science (2 or 3) Religious Education

Other compulsory subject Physical education All pupils at St Cecilia’s will do GCSE PE. They have already started the course in Year 9.

Changes to GCSEs English Language, English Literature English Language, English Literature Maths Maths All GCSEs have more content All GCSEs have more content Making them harder? Making them harder? Graded 9-1 Graded 9-1

New GCSE grades A* A B C D E F G A* A B C D E F G U U Not exactly a direct equivalent to the old system Not exactly a direct equivalent to the old system

The “English Baccalaureate” Six GCSEs: English, Maths, Science x2, a Language and a humanities subject (History or Geography) or Computing Schools will be measured on how many attain the EB Schools will be measured on how many attain the EB University threshold measure University threshold measure

A1 and B2 pupils encouraged to select a language and a Humanities course A1 and B2 pupils encouraged to select a language and a Humanities course Not compulsory for A1 and B2 pupils but… Not compulsory for A1 and B2 pupils but… Any pupil can elect to do the English baccalaureate Any pupil can elect to do the English baccalaureate English Baccalaureate

Progress and Attainment 8 The Government is introducing a new measurement from 2016 Impact on what subjects can be chosen Impact on option choices, some combinations no longer available eg. Food prep, Music, Art

What “counts” English x2 Maths x2 Science Any two from Additional Science, German, French, Geography, History, Computer Science Any other GCSE/BTEC we offer

In other words… One option needs to be from: Spanish, French, History, Geography, Computer Science The other two from: Btec Engineering, Food prep & Nutrition, Art, Music, Electronics, Spanish, French, Geography, History, Computer Science

Progress/Attainment 8 Schools are measured on the 8 Colleges will expect at least 8 The days of “dropping” a subject are gone You are expected to at least 8 GCSEs

Choose the subject that is right for you Do not choose a subject because your friends have. Do not choose a subject because your friends have. Do not choose a subject because you “think” you may like it. Do not choose a subject because you “think” you may like it. Please DO NOT choose the subject because you like the teacher Please DO NOT choose the subject because you like the teacher

Option Blocks One option from each block. Some combinations may not possible e.g. Engineering and Art One option from each block. Some combinations may not possible e.g. Engineering and Art UNLESS there is enough demand to create a class. UNLESS there is enough demand to create a class. The Option Blocks have been built upon student preferences The Option Blocks have been built upon student preferences Block ABlock BBlock C History Engineering Food prep & Nutrition Music Art Electronics Spanish French GeographyComputingFood prep & Nutrition

The “Average Pupil” Will study: RE; English Language; English Literature; Maths; Science (Dual);PE RE; English Language; English Literature; Maths; Science (Dual);PE Three options. Three options. 10 GCSE subjects 10 GCSE subjects

The more academic pupil: Will study: RE; English; English Literature; Maths; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; PE; Three options (sometimes four!) RE; English; English Literature; Maths; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; PE; Three options (sometimes four!) 11 or 12 GCSE subjects! 11 or 12 GCSE subjects!

What factors should I consider? DO Make yourself informed & consider your decision carefully Think about the subjects that you enjoy and do well at Find out what qualifications you need for a chosen career DON’T Choose a subject because you like the teacher Choose a subject because your friends are doing it Rush your decision Fail to meet the 5 th February 2016 deadline

Who do I ask for information? Subject teachers Parents Form tutors Year 10 & 11 pupils CollegesOlder siblings

Thank You Any questions? Any questions?