1. Careers Convention: November 2016
A parents’ guide to key
13-19 educational
transition points
Careers Convention: November 2016

2. The key transition points…
Year 9 – choosing GCSE Options
Year 11 – choosing post-16 provision
Year 13 – higher education e.g. university
- work / careers

3. 14+: Key decisions in Year 9…
Core subjects
Students must take the following GCSE subjects:
English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Language, Religious Education, Physical Education ½ course, full course or GCSE Dance, Science (two GCSEs)
Language Option
Students must take a GCSE in at least one Modern Foreign Language. This will normally be the one started in Year 7. Obviously students may choose to continue with both languages by choosing two language options.
Options
Students choose three additional subjects from a wide range, with some combinations prohibited. The most able will be able to select Triple Science.

4. 14+: Factors to consider…
Enjoyment
Teachers
Balanced choices – all Year 9s will be spoken to by a senior member of staff at the school
Ebac? – not compulsory but recommended
Future study – A Levels / BTEC

5. Changes to GCSEs Ending of all modular examinations
An end to ‘controlled assessment’
A new grading system 1-9 – in English and Maths initially (current Year 11), then in all subjects (current Year 10)
8-9 = A* 7 = A 6/5 = B
5 = C ‘good pass’ 4 = Low C 3 = D
3/2 = E 2 = F 1 = G
More difficult ‘open-ended questions’

6. 16+ Key decisions in Year 11…
Where to study?
What to study? – all Year 11s receive advice from a senior member of staff at the school
Additionally, all Year 11 students will have been seen for 1 hour with an external expert (Prospects) – unlike many other schools.
Entry criteria required?
Next steps: University or employment
Importance of ‘5’grade in English and Maths
Importance of ‘6’ grade in Maths

7. 16+: Curriculum Pathways…
A Levels
NVQs – National Vocational Qualifications
BTECs – Business and Technology Education Course
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Apprenticeships

8. 16+: Educational Providers…
Over 20 different providers within a 30 minute travel distance:
Sixth Form Colleges – e.g. Palmers, Havering Sixth Form College
School-based Sixth Forms – e.g. Coopers’, St Edwards
Specialist Colleges – e.g. Havering College of Further Education

9. Changes to A Levels A reduction in the amount of coursework
The end of ‘stand-alone’ AS Levels, AS Levels exist, but do not count towards the overall A Level – CCCS will not offer AS Levels
This year has been phased in by the government – but by next September; all subjects are a 2 year linear course
At CCCS, all students study three subjects for 2 years with exams at the end of Year 13
Most able students complete 4 A Levels
Universities will no longer have Year 12 AS Results to use – GCSE grades become even more important.

10. Russell Group Universities: ‘Informed Choices’…
‘Informed Choices’ publication
24 leading universities
Importance of GCSE grade ‘6’ in core subjects
Facilitating A Levels considered to be:
Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Modern Languages

11. Coopers’ Sixth Form: Entry requirements…
AT LEAST 8 GCSEs A*-C
(including English and Maths)
(grade 5 and above from this year) +
Subject specific entry requirements
(usually an A or B grade in most subjects (5-9 from 2017))
The above entry criteria are non-negotiable

12. Transition to A Level study…
Spoon-feeding to independent learning
Self motivation – use of free time
High levels of study at home
Highly academic – not the best pathway for many students
Changes to A Level structure

13. ‘Beyond 18’… University Employment / Career Gap Year
Further vocational training – College
- apprenticeship

14. ‘Beyond 18’ @ CCCS… UCAS/CUKAS other applications (75%)
Careers support and advice (25%)
‘Broadening’ non-Coopers’ experiences – importance of enrichment provision
Beyond 18 Evening: March of Year 12
Work shadowing: Last week in Year 12

15. University: Factors to consider…
Type of course
Type of institution
Timing – after Year 13 or delaying entry?
Importance of prior academic results
Cost – typically around £15,000 a year

16. Important note…
Many top universities and employers will require AT LEAST:
Grade 6 (B) in English Language at GCSE
Grade 6 (B) in Maths at GCSE
(often at the first attempt – not a retake!)
This is particularly important for those courses in the area of STEM, but even for many other courses.

17. For more information… www.cooperscoborn.org.uk – our website
Year 9 Options booklet
Careers, Information and Advice
Sixth Form Website