1. Year 10 Information Evening 8 TH SEPTEMBER 2016

2. The difference from Years 7-9  Some subject choices have been made.  Is the future more visible?  Clearer and more tangible outcomes that have very real consequences in terms of future progression.  More demanding-greater academic challenge.  A new set of GCSE courses.

3. Features of GCSE  Reformed syllabuses in most subjects.  Two year linear courses; examination papers taken at the end of Year 11 and no re-sit opportunities.  The removal of coursework and controlled assessment except in Art, Design & Technology and Music.  The importance of fieldwork in Geography.

4. National Developments  A more academically rigorous system-things are getting harder.  A new grading system with 9-1 replacing A*-G  The rise of the English Baccalaureate.  The need for passes at grades A* & A (9, 8 & 7) for sixth form and university entry.

5. School Assessment & Examinations  Year 10 internalexaminations will take place in all GCSE subjects during the week commencing 26 th June 2017.  Year 11 internal examinations will take place during December 2017.  There will be no study leave for these examinations.  Common Assessment Tasks (CATS)

6. Targets & Assessment  Students will have a challenge target grade for each of their GCSE subjects-7, 8 or 9  During the year students will be graded 9-1 in all common assessment tasks and internal examinations as well as on their report and progress card.  All students will receive a progress card in December 2016 & July 2017 with a written report in April 2017.  What does an “7” on a Progress Card or Report mean?

7. Duke of Edinburgh  Open to all Year 10 students.  Meeting for parents and boys on 18 th October 2016 starting at 7.00pm-further details to follow.  Training weekend 28 th & 29 th January 2017  Practice expedition 17 th & 18 th March 2017  Qualifying expedition 13 th & 14 th May 2017  Parental contribution requested-for 2016 £110-support given to pupil premium & Albion Trust students.

8. Some Advice  Two year courses assume two years of work.  The importance of relevant work experience-using alternate Thursday afternoons.  The importance of acquiring experience outside of the classroom.  Getting into the habit of reading.

9. Some Pitfalls  The temptations of a more complex social life.  The increasing demands of extra-curricular commitments.  Keeping organised.  Making effective use of your time-during the school day, at weekends & during the holidays.

10. Conclusion  Get the balance right-learning to say no.  There will be highs and lows along the way-learn from your mistakes.  The clash with adolescence.  Have a goal.