1. at Rydal Penrhos GCSE Options

2. GCSE glossary New - English Edexcel (new format) Modular/Linear –England and English boards – all linear (no modules) –Wales and WJEC – modular available –Rydal – no modules in Year 10, unless terminal examination Two tiers in some –Foundation –Higher Coursework –‘Controlled assessment’, supervised in class IGCSE –‘International’ GCSE; linear and no coursework in most

3. GCSE grades Available GradesA* - G (Higher tier : A* - D Foundation Tier : C - G) For DT, Business Studies and Science who are to remain with the Welsh Board and possibly IGCSE Geography 1 -9 (For all revised GCSEs) IGCSE Maths (No information yet) ‘Pass’ levelC/5 Benchmark5 GCSEs A* - C or 5 - 9 Sixth Form SubjectsAt least Grade B/6

4. Science at GCSE 10 modules available in total: Physics P1, P2, and P3; Biology B1, B2, and B3; Chemistry C1, C2, and C3. Practical Assessment Separate sciences (10 Units) Each is a separate, standalone qualification. Physics = P1 + P2 + P3 Biology = B1 + B2 + B3 Chemistry = C1 + C2 + C3 + Practical Examination = 10% Double Award (7 Units) Physics = P1 + P2 Biology = B1 + B2 Chemistry = C 1 + C2 + Practical Assessment = 10% ‘Single award’ = Unit 1 ‘Double’ = Unit 1+Unit 2 ‘Separate Science’ = Ph+Bio+C P1P2P3 B1B2B3 C1C2C3

5. Learning Support Exam Access Arrangements –Extra time –Readers –Scribes –Computers –Educational Psychologist’s Report Option choices (recommendation Head of Learning Support) – Small group support, instead of MFL –1:1 by arrangement

6. RPS Curriculum English Language Mathematics Religious Studies Science (Core) Additional Science Science (Triple) Option x – French/German/LS/EFL Option y – Humanity/Creative/Practical Option z – Humanity/Creative/Practical Latin / Welsh / Art / other

7. RPS Curriculum RPS core curriculum delivers 8 GCSEs RPS extended curriculum delivers up to 11 GCSEs This would include English Literature, Triple Award Science and Latin/Welsh (extracurricular) Top universities want 7 A/A* GCSEs

8. Option subjects Art Business Studies (Old Specification) Design Technology (resistant materials) (Old Specification) Drama English as a Foreign Language (EFL) French Geography (IGCSE) German History Home Economics (food and nutrition) ICT Latin* Learning Support (LS) Music PE Welsh*

9. Option blocks xyz English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Business StudiesArt FrenchDesign TechnologyBusiness Studies GermanDrama History Learning Support (LS)Geography Home Economics ICT Physical Education Music

10. Making Options Choices A balance of subjects is recommended Look at how the subjects are examined: exam or coursework? How do my choices fit within the ‘blocks’ rydalpenrhos.com/academic/senior_school_curriculum

11. Timeline March 1.Options presentation to pupils 2.Options presentation to parents 3.Parents’ Evening discussions 4.Pupil discussion with parents March 1.Individual interviews with Tutors 2.Choices form signed and returned by Thursday 17 March April onwards Late submission choices or changes of heart will be limited by set size restrictions

12. A-levels Changes to qualifications in England and Wales New courses at both GCSE and A Level are being introduced between September 2015 and September 2017. Transition phase - introduction of these new courses is being staggered in three stages from September 2015 to September 2017. During the transition phase, pupils will probably be taking a mixture of new and old courses. Present Year 9 Pupils will miss the transition phase and all new A Levels will have begun by September 2018

13. How will the new A-level system be different from the present one? The new A-levels will be fully linear, with all A-level examinations being sat at the end of two years of study in May-June of the Upper Sixth. Science may stay with the Welsh pattern next year which is still modular. The AS qualification will still exist but it will no longer count towards the final grade of an A-level and will instead be a separate qualification in its own right. There will be less coursework, with the amount of coursework for English and History reduced to 20% for A-level and coursework removed from AS levels entirely with the exception of Art & Design. More extended writing and more Maths in other subjects where appropriate No change in the grades A* to E

14. at Rydal Penrhos GCSEOptions