1. KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM and Year 9 Options 2018-2021
Mr Federici – Assistant Headteacher KS4
Year 10 Options

2. 3 year Key Stage 4 model
The decision to move to a three year Key Stage 4 programme is not something that we have taken lightly, and we have consulted widely.
A number of local schools have already made the transition to this model, and feedback from them and their students is generally very positive.
Those schools that we have consulted report that student progress and engagement has improved.
Staff feel that this change has allowed them more time to cover the GCSE syllabus content, and to prepare the students for exams and controlled assessments more rigorously.

3. Benefits of a three year GCSE course:
Additional time to complete course content and explore the subject more fully – not just teaching to the test.
Prepare for exams more thoroughly with guided revision.
Time for extra-curricular opportunities.
Opportunity to explore higher level content – which prepares students better for 6th form or college courses.
Removes some of the pressure earlier – students feel better prepared. Calmer for exams.
Gives us flexibility within the curriculum to run year group activities - such as visiting speakers, workshops, masterclasses etc… with less impact on other subjects.
Gives Year 8 a focus and drive.
Stimulates engagement.

4. Your option choices matter
Grades in these subjects will effect your choices and the range of options open to you at the end of Year 11:-
Higher level course at school or college
Course entry requirements often specify grades in these subjects
(Usually grade 6 and above for most A-Levels)
Jobs or apprenticeships
Many employers will look for students with 9-4 grades in these subjects
University
The majority of universities require English and maths at grade 4 and above.

5. Making good choices

6. Subjects and Related Careers
Most jobs do not require specific GCSE subjects
You may change your mind about jobs in future
For a few jobs, however, you will need specific subjects, for example:-
Art and design based jobs
Engineering and technology
Language based jobs
Practical jobs
Scientific jobs
Art and Design based jobs such as fine artist, graphic designer, sculptor, illustrator, animator, wallpaper designer usually require you to take an art or design based course at a high level. For higher level art and design courses you'll need a portfolio of work, and evidence of drawing skills. Taking a GCSE art and design course, or a Foundation or Higher Diploma in Creative and Media, can be a useful way of starting to develop both your portfolio and your drawing skills - as art and design course admission tutors like to see both your artistic/design abilities and also how your skills have developed over time. Engineering and Technology professional level jobs such as civil engineer, architectural technologist, or structural engineer usually require you to have taken maths, plus physics or an equivalent construction or engineering Diploma at a Higher level (level 3). Design and technology at GCSE, or a Foundation or Higher Diploma in Engineering or Construction and the Built Environment, can also be useful subjects to demonstrate to employers/universities your technical ability and interest. Language based jobs such as translator, interpreter or European lawyer usually require you to have studied two languages at GCSE. This is to give you a broad base to go on and do the higher level language study you'll need for these competitive jobs. Practical based jobs such as: carpenter, chef, hairdresser, and builder usually require evidence of practical ability. It's a good idea to choose a subject to demonstrate this - for example, food technology if you're keen to be a chef, or art/design if you are keen to be a hairdresser, or the foundation or Higher Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment if you are keen to go into building.  Sometimes the requirement may be for you to have taken the subject, and shown interest, rather than achieved a particular grade or level. Scientific jobs such as: medical doctor, vet and biochemist often require specific sciences - for example chemistry plus one other, preferably biology, for medicine; chemistry, biology and physics for some veterinary science courses.

7. Subjects and Related Careers
English: Journalism, Law, Politics, Media, Social Work, Teaching, etc………
Maths: Accountancy, Business, Construction, Computer Programming, Engineering, Finance, Health, Science careers, Teaching, etc…
Science: Construction, Engineering, Environmental work, Health, Technology, Other science careers (eg. Psychology, Veterinary work, Astronomy)
This and the following slides are not by any means extensive lists of careers related to subjects but are intended as examples to help you think about how subjects could link to future careers

8. Subjects and Related Careers
Geography: Travel & Tourism, Environmental Work, International Aid and Development, Landscape Architecture Planning, Surveying, Geology, Estate Management
History: Law, Politics, Journalism, Archeology, Museums, Heritage, Costume Design, Conservation
Languages: Translation & Interpretation, Travel & Tourism, Teching, Sales & Exports, Legal & Financial areas, Journalism
Computer Science: Useful for many jobs, Engineering, Computer Science, Games Design, Media, Marketing, Administration etc…
Art & Design: Design work in Publishing, Computer Games, Clothes/Textiles, Websites, Teaching, Film, Theatre or Arts, Exhibition/Retail Displays
The examples on this slide are not by any means extensive lists of careers related to subjects but are intended as examples to help you think about how subjects could link to future careers

9. Subjects and Related Careers
Business: Starting point for entry to different business areas including manufacturing, banking, retail, hotels & restaurants, public services. Careers include management, marketing, sales, human resources, law, administration
PE: Teaching, Leisure Centres/Gyms, Coaching, Outdoor work, Armed Forces, Sports Science
Music: Performance, Composer, Teacher, Media, Radio and TV, Gaming, Events Management, Theatre
The examples on this slide are not by any means extensive lists of careers related to subjects but are intended as examples to help you think about how subjects could link to future careers

10. 15/11/2018

11. Students will do up to 10 GCSEs in 2 categories
Compulsory (5)
Optional Choices (5)
Year 10 Options

12. These are selected in the following way:
= 5 subjects (Compulsory)
All students will do:
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Combined Science (2 GCSEs)
Year 10 Options

13. GCSE English English Language English Literature
All students are entered for both GCSEs, leading to certification in both subjects.
The students will be taught in two groups, depending on their options and current levels.
They should have a different teacher for Language and Literature.
Year 10 Options

14. GCSE Mathematics
All students will be prepared for the ‘new’ GCSE qualification in Mathematics at the Higher tier.
Students will sit three examination papers.
This course was started in Year 9 and will build on the skills they have developed throughout Key Stage 3.
Year 10 Options

15. GCSE Science
All students will be taught OCR Combined Science, which is worth 2 GCSEs. They will received one grade based on the results from 6 papers
Some students who opt for Triple Science will take additional papers in Chemistry, Biology and Physics. These students will then receive separate grades for each Science.
Year 10 Options

16. Optional Choices
= 5
P1: Triple Science* or Psychology P2: Geography or History P3: Spanish or Media Studies P4: Computer Science or Business Studies* P5: Art or Physical Education or Music *Mastery in Science / English at KS3 required
Year 10 Options

17. Non Examination Curriculum
Tutor Period
Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education (PSHCE)
Work Related Learning
Numeracy and Literacy
Computer Skills

18. The Process English, Maths and Science are timetabled separately.
The students will be asked to choose their 5 options using the options form.
These subjects will be grouped in five blocks to enable a “best fit” for as many students as possible.
We will provide some students with alternatives if we believe it is not in their best interests to sit all 10 GCSE subjects.
Year 10 Options

19. The Process In trying for the best fit, the final outcome depends on:
Number of students wishing to study each subject.
Number of groups required for each subject
Available staffing and accommodation
Subject combinations

20. Next Steps
 Deadline for completion of Options forms and returning them to school is: Monday 5th March
Our optional subject teachers are available now if you would like to ask them any questions about their courses.

21. North London Grammar School
KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM
AND
Year 9 Options