1. Options Evening
2018
Respect
Aspire
Believe
Achieve

2. AIMS To help you and your child make the right choices.
To provide information about the available options.
To answer any questions you may have.

3. Making the right choice
Pupils should choose a subject because...
they like it
they are good at it
they could do well in the exams

4. Making the right choice
Pupils should not choose a subject because...
their friends are doing it
they like the teacher
they think it’s an easy option

5. changes to examinations
The Secretary of State for Education initiated the reform of GCSEs and A Levels in February 2013, asking Ofqual to implement changes that would lead to new qualifications, to:
make the qualifications more ambitious,
better prepare young people for employment and further study.
Ensure we have a ‘world class’ education system.

6. changes to examinations
The government has stated that GCSEs will demand more from all students.
From September 2015 schools and colleges began the first teaching of new GCSEs in English Language, English Literature and mathematics, other subjects began last year.
Last summer was the first set of results.

7. changes to examinations
New GCSEs with new specifications
Linear GCSEs with assessment at the end of the two-year course in June
Tiers in certain subjects only
Assessment predominantly by external examination only
A new 1-9 grading system for all subjects now (9 = top level, 4/5 = equivalent to old C grade)

8. New GCSE Grading Structure
The new grade 9 will actually be statistically determined each year – top 2-5%
Grade 4/5 in maths and English will be the entry requirement for 6th Form
Grade 5 will become the equivalent of the ‘C’ – the expected achievement grade
Grade 4/5 = the current C grade

9. examples of changes English No controlled assessment 9-1
Two exams for each qualification
Longer exams (previously the longest was 2 hours, now there is a 2.5 hour exam), exams vary between 1hr 45 mins to 2hrs 30 mins
More weighting on vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure in English Language
More unseen texts, including 19th Century non-fiction

10. examples of changes Science
Core and additional are now combined to become 'Combined Science'
Majority will do this
All exams are at the end of the course
6 exams in total
Triple is still an option with extra content
Two exams in each of the subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
In all examinations there will be a heavy emphasis on practical skills and mathematical skills

11. examples of changes Modern Foreign Languages
All final exam, no coursework.
The exams are listening, reading, writing and speaking are worth 25% each
All 4 exams at higher or foundation level (no mixing of levels)

12. English baccalaureate
‘The English Baccalaureate was introduced as a performance measure in the 2010 performance tables. It is not a qualification in itself. The measure recognises where pupils have secured a grade 5 or better across a core of academic subjects – English, mathematics, history or geography, the sciences and a language.’ (DFE)
Encourages a broad and balanced curriculum
Top universities and employers recommend it
Majority of pupils here will follow it

13. Options’ form
You will do 2 of these option subjects. Choice 3 is a back up, but it must be one you are prepared to if you can’t get choices 1 and 2.

14. Compulsory subjects ENGLISH: Language and Literature MATHEMATICS
SCIENCE :Combined (2 GCSEs)
A HUMANITIES SUBJECT
A LANGUAGE
RE (Full GCSE – Started in Y9)
NON – EXAM SUBJECTS
CORE PE
PSHE

15. What do you need to do? Humanities Choose 1: Geography History
Possible to study both subjects
Modern Foreign Languages
Choose 1:
French
Spanish

16. What do you need to do? Food Preparation and Nutrition
Food and Catering
Graphic Design
Product Design
History
Computer Science
Health & Social Care
Art
Drama
Music PE
Triple Science
Geography
Enterprise

17. Triple Science
Separate science qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics
Must be at a high level by end of year 9
Periods of science:
week A = 7hrs, week B = 8 hours
(numbers limited to around 30 pupils)

18. Important dates... January onwards – connexions interviews
February - Leadership Team interview all year 9 pupils
15th March - Year 9 parents’ evening (hand in form)
20th March - Last date to hand in options form
Mrs Havers to speak to any individual pupils re. appropriate choices/availability of courses etc.
See booklet for further information

19. Sources of information
Subject teachers at parents’ evening
Head of Department
Form Tutor
Head of Year
Senior Leadership Team
Careers Advisor
Parents
Internet

20. Success at KS4 Enjoyment – essential that the correct choices are made
Attendance – less than 90% costs at least one grade
Application – effort, often linked to aspiration
Organisation – self direction, coursework
Discipline – in class, at home

21. QUESTIONS ??? Please feel free to speak to Mrs Havers or Mr Bell this evening