1. Sandwell Academy
Key Stage 4
13-16 Curriculum

2. The general aim of Sandwell Academy is to maximise student performance
Mission Statement
The general aim of Sandwell Academy is to maximise student performance

3. Attendance
97%

4. Punctuality
99% +

5. Key Stage 3 subject results 2015/2016
Key Stage 3 Core Subjects National Average Cohort % Level 5+ % Level 6+ % Level 7+ Maths English Science Exceeding/on par with National Average Progress in 2 years not 3!!

6. How did students perform in Key Stage 4 (2016)
79% of students achieved 5 A*- C grades including English and Maths
38% of students achieved the Ebacc
93% of students achieved 5 A*- C grades
15% of all grades were A*/A
22 students (12%) achieved 5A*/A grades

7. Video presentation – Results Day
What are we aiming for?
Video presentation – Results Day

8. Vocational Courses ( e.g. BTEC )
Age
Course
13-16
GCSEs and
Vocational Courses ( e.g. BTEC )
16-18
Traditional / Vocational
A Levels
Vocational Courses/Apprenticeship
18+
Degree programme
Employment/Apprenticeship
21+
Post Degree programme
Employment

9. Key Stage 4 13-16 GCSE and Vocational courses
Still operate a longer day / longer sessions
Session 3 / Homework

10. Key Stage 4 Extras Duke of Edinburgh Award (Optional)
Careers Guidance / Work Experience
Religious Education
Citizenship
Health, Sex and Drugs Education
Sport / Recreation
Leadership
Drama
Music School
Academy Productions

11. What do Ofsted say?
Students make outstanding progress…. This is because of the good quality support they receive in lessons and the carefully tailored curriculum they experience.
The exceptional curriculum offered to students…provides a flexible set of pathways for students, including high quality and very successful vocational routes, means that individual needs are met very well.

12. Key Government Changes!
English Baccalaureate/Progress 8
English
Mathematics
Science x 2
History or Geography
Foreign Language
2 Other GCSE’s

13. Key Government Changes!
Assessment – linear
Controlled assessments/Coursework
Limited retake options
BTEC – external assessment
Change from grades to numbers (1-9)

14. Current GCSE grades New grading system A* A B C D E F G 9 8 7 6 5 4 32 1
A good GCSE pass

15. Key Government Changes!
All subjects count as only one GCSE – including Vocational Qualifications eg BTEC Performing Arts
Some subjects do not count as GCSEs
Students will have to work harder to achieve 5 or more GCSEs
Students will not achieve the same number of GCSE qualifications

16. Sandwell Academy response to government changes
Reduction in the number of GCSE subjects that are taken at the end of Year 11
All students will study a maximum of 10 subjects
Changes to the timing of the school day will allow a bespoke individualised programme of support

17. What Will My Subjects Be?
Everyone will study :
- English Language and English Literature
- Mathematics
- Double Science
Everyone will :
Complete 1.5 hours of practical PE
Study core modules of RE

18. What Will My Subjects Be?
Most students will study :
- History or Geography
- Spanish
- A vocational subject (a subject with elements of coursework/controlled assessments)
Some students will study BTEC Sport rather than History/Geography
Some students will study BTEC Business rather than Spanish
Some students who are very good at exams may choose not to take a vocational option, although a mix of academic and vocational subjects is preferable

19. What Will My Option Subjects Be?
Students will choose two or three of the following subjects:
Triple Science
GCSE Food preparation and Nutrition
GCSE Computer Science
Sport
ICT
BTEC Health & Social Care
GCSE Business
GCSE Geography
BTEC Business
GCSE History
GCSE Art
GCSE Religious Education
GCSE 3D Art
BTEC Leisure and Tourism
GCSE Product Design
GCSE Media
BTEC Music
BTEC Performing Arts

20. How do I choose? Don’t pick a subject because your friends are.
Don’t pick a subject because you like the teacher.
Do pick a subject if you are interested in it and you have enjoyed it in the past.
Do pick a subject in which suits your ability and that you think you will succeed in.
Do pick a subject that might be linked to possible career intentions or plans for Sixth Form.
Do speak to your PT, subject teachers, family members and other students and listen to their views.

21. The Next Few Months
Information Booklets and Tues 7 March
Curriculum Forms issued
Curriculum Forms returned Fri 17 March
Concerns resolved through by 7 April
Dr Smith
Contract confirming proposed Fri 28 April
courses issued
No changes will be made to choices within the Key Stage 4 programme of study

22. Thank You