2. Welcome to Options Evening

3. Why make choices for options now?
Year 8 students will complete their GCSE’s in 2020, they will complete exams in the new style 1-9 GCSE’s. NEW GCSEs and qualifications have changed with all now having a more demanding exam element at the end of the course, with very few subjects with controlled assessment. There is a greater need for students to recall facts and learn and memorise information in all exams. There is increasing emphasis on extended writing in examinations with increased focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG).

4. Why make choices for options now?
Studying the subjects that have to be followed (core) and those that have been chosen over 3 years will help students achieve the highest possible grades and make good progress.
More time to focus on GCSEs – depth and breadth.
More opportunities build more effective subject skills.
Provide support and challenge.

5. 4 is a Pass, 5 considered a ‘Strong Pass’.

7. Core Curriculum 30/50 lessons
Core KS4 years 9 / 10 / 11 – 5 GCSEs
English 8 (Language and Literature)
Maths 8
Life skills 2
PE 3
Science 9*
*All students to take combined Science (2 GCSEs) some take a 3 GCSE route (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) decisions made by the Science department in year 9.

9. Options – 20/50 lessons
Options - 4 option subjects can be chosen each 5 lessons per fortnight.
All students will have to choose at least one subject from:
Geography
History
An MFL (French, German or Spanish)
Latin
Computer Science
All of these are facilitating subjects, leaving doors open.

11. The English Baccalaureate (EBACC)
Recognition of traditional ‘high value’ academic subjects:
English, Maths, Science;
A Language plus Geography or History;
These are considered to carry ‘higher currency’ to some colleges / universities / employers.
Facilitating subjects

12. Options – What is it all about?
A time of choice – you can’t do it all.
A time of new challenges;
A milestone in your education;
Taking responsibility;
Seeing a real purpose – qualifications for you;
Making decisions that really matter.

14. For us…a question of balance
Achievement
Opportunities
Fulfilling obligations in a changing world
Not overloading
The right guidance
Breadth
Choice
Personalisation
Progression
Enjoyment
Challenge

15. Timeline Parents Evening – 20th March Interviews – 16th - 30th March
Curriculum day – 28th March
Options evening – 28th March
Ongoing interviews and discussions…..
Deadline for choices – 27th April

16. 3 Pathways

17. Yellow – EBACC Core - English; Maths; Science; Life Skills; PE Core.
At least one Language from: French / German / Spanish / Latin
At least one of Geography or History
2 additional option subjects – your choice.

18. Red Core - English; Maths; Science; Life Skills; PE Core.
At least One from: French / German / Spanish / Latin / Geography or History / Computer Science
3 additional option subjects – your choice.

19. Blue – invitation only
Core - English; Maths; Science; Life Skills; PE Core.
Literacy and numeracy support, additional wider qualifications from other provides, possible offsite – bespoke to individuals
2 additional option subjects – your choice.

20. What does recommended subjects /package mean?
Interviews
You should consider these subjects in your decision making.
You are NOT required to choose them, but don’t write them off.
The package colour recommended is what we consider is most suitable for you, this is not set in stone.

21. Making the right choice
Interested in the subject
Will help with what you want to do when you leave
Confident in this subject
Work well and learn with the teachers
Good fun course
Your friends are doing it
You think its an easy option
You like the teacher
You think there is not too much homework
Not bothered what you take

22. Stuck?

23. Stuck?
Spend time talking and listening to teachers of different subjects!
Read the booklet with people at home;
Talk and listen to other people – friends / relatives / students in Years 9, 10 or 11;
Use the internet to look at different subjects – links in the booklet;
Keep your options open and talk to me / careers adviser / your head year or your form tutor.

24. Options – Filling in the forms?
Option Packages are colour coded…so are the
forms.
Red
Yellow
Blue

25. Why a reserve subject choice?
Just in case your combination can not be accommodated.
If not enough students select a course it may not run – this is a possibility so be prepared.

26. What are your subject choices?
Humanities
Technologies
Arts
Sports
Sciences and Social Sciences
Languages

27. Humanities Geography History Classical Civilisation Citizenship
Religious Studies

28. Technologies
Food
Material Technology
ICT

29. Arts and Performing Arts
Drama –BTEC
Music – GCSE or vocational
Textiles and Fashion

30. Sports
PE – BTEC or GCSE
Dance BTEC

31. Sciences and Social Science
Computer Science
Sociology
Media Studies
Statistics

32. Languages
German
Spanish
French
Latin

33. Tonight
Subjects are in the locations listed – staff and students on hand to discuss the subjects with you.
Canteen – Colleges, Universities and careers advice.