1. WHICKHAM SCHOOL AND SPORTS COLLEGE
Curriculum and Options Information
5th March 2014
WHICKHAM SCHOOL AND SPORTS COLLEGE
Aim
Help with choices – info and guidance available
Understanding of qualifications available
How to complete options form

2. Guidance, Information and Advice available
Understanding of some of the changes to qualifications
Information about the form

3. Key Stage 4 Objectives of 3-year programme
To increase the total time available for KS4 , enabling more creative and supportive study
To accelerate student progress and improve outcomes for all
To increase breadth of provision at KS4
‘the majority of high-performing jurisdictions require all students to study a broad range of subjects to the age of 16.’
(Expert Panel-National Curriculum Review)

4. Expert Panel-National Curriculum Review
‘The dip in achievement towards the end of Key Stage 3 is a well-documented phenomenon that is often attributed to a lack of student engagement and sense of purpose. We have therefore been considering the benefits of reducing Key Stage 3 to just two years to enable Key Stage 4, and GCSE preparation, to expand to three years in duration and thus provide a higher quality curriculum.’

5. Timetable for Options Process
Date
Time
Activity
Location
Staff
05/03/14
Briefing to all Y8 students
Main Hall
SHG,MK FT
p.m.
Briefing to all Y8 parents
MK, SHG, FT
06/03/14
Presentation of new subjects to students
Option Subject Teachers
07/03/14
13/03/14
Opportunities for parents and students to talk to subject teachers
Sixth Form Building
KS4 Option Subjects
14/03/14 – 27/03/14
Individual Advice & Guidance (IAG) interviews with Y8 students
Leadership Team
28/03/14
Return of option forms
25/02/2019

6. Key Stage 4 Curriculum 2014 - 2017 Choice of Subjects
ALL students follow a core curriculum of these subjects:
English Language GCSE
Mathematics GCSE
Science – GCSE (Separate Sciences, Dual or Btec)
Physical Education (PE)
Information and Creative Technology
Health Education
Careers and Work-Related Learning
Citizenship for Life
Religious Studies (GCSE or Core)

7. Key Stage 4 Curriculum Pathways
There are different routes that you can follow to ensure success at Key Stage 4. The choices you make will prepare you for the next stages of your education and your future career. In your selections, make sure that you combine your interests and abilities with an awareness of those subjects that will help you to progress to the next stage of your education.

8. Key Stage 4 Curriculum Pathways
1.Core with Separate Science, GCSE RS,I&CT, Hu/MFL+ 2 GCSEs 2.Core with Dual Science, GCSE RS,I&CT, Hu/MFL, 1 Btec+ 2 GCSEs 3.Core with Dual Science, Core RS,I&CT Hu/MFL, 1 Btec + 2 GCSEs 4.Core with Btec Science, Core RE,I&CT, extended vocational options + 2 GCSEs

9. English Baccalaureate
In November 2010, the government introduced a new measure of success for Key Stage 4 students, the English Baccalaureate. It has since gained increasing prominence. This covers those students who achieve success at A*-C in:
English
Maths
Science (Dual or Separate), Computing Science
History or Geography
A Modern Foreign Language
Our new curriculum enables a higher percentage of KS4 students to meet this measure.
25/02/2019

10. Types of Qualifications
GCSE
Graded A*-G
Examinations and Controlled Assessments
Graded A*-G – usually into tiers
Higher – A*-C
Foundation – C-G
Examinations and Coursework
Eg 50% media studies
PE 60% practical work
Art 60%
Geography 25%
Perhaps consider a mixture

11. Types of Qualifications
Btec Courses These are well established qualifications. As a school with an additional specialism in vocational learning, we believe our Btec subjects enhance learning by relating study to contexts and practices in society and the world of work. As such they complement academic study by making learning relevant and develop a range of learning skills including research, planning, evaluation, collaboration and independence.
Graded A*-G – usually into tiers
Higher – A*-C
Foundation – C-G
Examinations and Coursework
Eg 50% media studies
PE 60% practical work
Art 60%
Geography 25%
Perhaps consider a mixture

12. Btec Study
Assessment – a significant proportion assessed through on-going coursework assignments. There are additional external assessments. We offer Btec courses in the following areas:
Graded A*-G – usually into tiers
Higher – A*-C
Foundation – C-G
Examinations and Coursework
Eg 50% media studies
PE 60% practical work
Art 60%
Geography 25%
Perhaps consider a mixture

13. Types of Btec Qualifications
Business Sport Art and Design Health and Social Care ICT Science Engineering Music Travel and Tourism Btec qualifications are graded: Distinction* A* Merit B Distinction A Pass C
Graded A*-G – usually into tiers
Higher – A*-C
Foundation – C-G
Examinations and Coursework
Eg 50% media studies
PE 60% practical work
Art 60%
Geography 25%
Perhaps consider a mixture

14. Biology, Chemistry, Physics Performing Arts (Dance)
Year 9-11 Core Curriculum
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
English Language
English Literature
Maths
Science
Separate Sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Dual   
Btec
Core PE
GCSE
Performing Arts (Dance)
Sports Leadership

15. Optional Btec Subjects
Year 9-11 Options Diagram
Column A
Column B
Btec and
Separate Sciences
Column C and D
GCSE
(Select 2 Subjects)
KS4
History
Geography
French
German
 Btec
Art and Design
Business
Engineering
Health and Social Care
Music
Sport
Travel and Tourism
Core Elements
I&CT
CfL RS
(GCSE or Core)
Optional Btec Subjects
(Separate Science students will not opt for an additional course in this column.)
Art
3D Art and Design
Art Textiles
Business Studies
Catering
Child Development
Computer Science
Drama
Media Studies PE
Product Design
Technology Textiles
25/02/2019

16. Options Form
Name: Tutor Group:……………….
Look at the Options Diagram.
You need to choose one subject from each column. (Add reserve choices for columns B and C/D.)
Use the guideline provided to help you in your choices.
Write in the subjects you want to study from each column.
Chosen Subject
Column A
Column B Btec
Reserve 1. 2.
Column C and D
Column C and D Reserve
GCSE Religious Studies 3.
Yes/No .
Your parent / carer must sign here to say that they agree with your choices.
Parent: ……………………………………………………………..
Return this form to your Tutor by Friday 28th March 2014

17. Then what? Each student’s curriculum is checked
Timetable ‘processed’ to provide ‘best fit’
Students may be asked to reselect a subject if:
too few students have opted for a subject
there is a ‘clash’ in the timetable for a particular combination of subjects
Teachers feel the student’s choice is inappropriate

18. OPTIONS INFORMATION