1. Perryfields High School Options Process 2019
GCSE
Preparing for a world that is changing fast!

2. GCSEs – The Tip of the Iceberg
GCSE Exams
Year 10 and 11
Options
Reception- Year 9

3. Purpose of today Information about the whole curriculum offer
The process after tonight and how we can support
Advice

4. Piecing together the Jigsaw
Post 16
Colleges
Employers
Universities
Parents
Curriculum and Examination changes
Perryfields
High
School
Students
Curriculum
Happiness
and
security
Michael Gove, Nicky Morgan, Justine Greening
Teachers

5. Why is this process important?
You will have to remain in Education or training until you are 18 and achieve a minimum of a grade 4 in English and Maths
On average, adults are now years old before they embark upon a career (hopefully not a job!!)
The employment market is changing rapidly and the jobs of the future aren’t even jobs yet
You will probably change career 2-3 times and have jobs by the age of 38 and will probably be over 70 before retirement!
The days of a lifelong career with one company or within one industry have gone!

6. Why is this process important?
Employers are also seeking skills as well as qualifications
Basic Literacy and Numeracy skills
ICT capability
An ability to work as part of a team
Ability to work independently
Problem solving capabilities
An ability to switch strategies as circumstances change (think on your feet!)

7. What has the Government changed?
All GCSEs are now ‘linear’ in structure, meaning all examinations are taken at the end of the course
There will be extra marks available for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) for GCSE’s in English Literature, Geography, History and R.S.
They are encouraging young people to study more traditional subjects in the ‘Ebacc’ (more later) measure, but this is not compulsory
English and maths have to continue to be studied if a grade 4 or above is not achieved at the end of year 11

8. What has the Government changed?
How they measure young people
Old GCSE Grades
New GCSE Grades
Technical Qualification Grades 9 A* 8
L2D* A 7
L2D B 6
L2M C+ 5
C/C- 4
L2P
D/E+ 3
L1D
E/E-/F+ 2
L1M
F/F-/G 1
L1P

9. What has the Government changed?
How they measure schools
The 4 standards by which schools are now judged
are:
Pupil Progress across their best 8 subjects.
The average grade the pupil obtains across their best 8 subjects.
The percentage of pupils achieving a grade 5 or better in English and Maths
The proportion of pupils who can claim the English
Baccalaureate Certificate

10. What is the English Baccalaureate?
Not a stand alone qualification
It is a measure the government use to judge schools
It is a collection of 5 subjects out of – English, Maths, Science, Computer Science, History, Geography, French, Spanish (or any other approved MFL course)
But most of this is for the school to consider, not you. You will never be asked by an employer “what was your progress 8 score?” or “Did you cover the Ebacc?”. They are only interested in individual grades of subjects

11. Achieving Potential
Exams work well for some pupils but not for others, who can find them daunting. Unfortunately, you will not be able to avoid exams – ALL courses have some form of external exam, but in different proportions
Some courses involve more continually assessed work - -e.g. the Technical Qualifications, GCSE Art, GCSE Music
Vocational qualifications are equivalent to GCSEs (see previous table)
For young people, a mix between GCSE and Technical Qualifications would make a good choice because of the variety of assessment

12. Technical Qualifications
Technical Qualifications are vocational courses and give students knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for employment in various sectors
Students gather evidence in a variety of ways not just in written form e.g. video clips, projects, presentations, databases etc
Clear guidelines and guidance are given by the teacher as to what is needed to achieve
Deadlines are set that have to be met
There is also an external exam in each Technical Qualification that must be passed in order to pass the course (usually worth one third of the total)
Progress is monitored by teachers who provide feedback and support

13. How will you choose your options?
We use a ‘pathway’ model that values your differing needs and is used as a guide for you to choose a collection of subjects that will best suit you
We have used your most recent English “Working At Grades” (WAG) to identify which pathway would suit you best and allow you to achieve your potential and succeed
The English WAG has been used because of the increased importance of reading comprehension in exams

14. WAGs
Progress Target (PT) – This is a target that will be set as the minimum expectation for each subject based on your KS2 results. This target will be reviewed regularly to apply the most recent DFE measures. This will be reported as a whole grade.
Working at Grade (WAG) – This is the grade that you are currently working at based on your current performance in assessments, classwork and homework. This is given as a fine grade with a “+, = or –“. From this a Forecast grade will be generated for the end of Year 11. From this we will be able to determine how much progress you are making towards achieving or exceeding your Progress Target or where extra support is required to get you back on track if you are below. 

15. Extension Pathway
Pupils with a WAG of 4 or above in the most recent English Assessment
These pupils will study the compulsory curriculum and will have four option choices: one from History or Geography, one from French or Spanish and two open choices from a range of GCSE subjects.

16. Core Pathway
Pupils with a current WAG of 3 in the most recent English Assessment
These pupils will study the compulsory curriculum and four option choices
One from Geography, History, French or Spanish, one ICT option - both GCSE or Technical Qualifications are available - and two open option choices from a range of GCSE and Technical Qualifications

17. Support Pathway
Pupils with a Forecast Grade of 3 or below in English Language
These pupils will study the compulsory curriculum and will have 3 option choices and a Study Support program
One of their choices will be from a range of Technical ICT qualifications and the other two from a range of Technical or GCSE subjects

18. Pathways
We have set these pathways using both internal and external data
However, we do appreciate that some pupils are on the borderline of being entered for a different pathway
If you have a forecast grade of a 5 in English, we can have a discussion about being entered onto the extension pathway
If you are on the core pathway but feel that you would benefit from further support, a discussion can be arranged
If you would like to arrange a further discussion, please do not hesitate to contact either Mr. Newman, Mr. Gibson or Mr. Thompson.

19. Options Form

20. Options Form

21. Core Curriculum Offer English English Literature Mathematics
Subjects over which there is NO Choice
You will take as part of your CORE curriculum the following subjects
Will I gain a GCSE Equivalent grade if I PASS
English
Yes 1 Grade (9-1 grades)
English Literature
Mathematics
Science Trilogy
Yes 2 Grades (9-1 grades)
Physical Education Inc. Dance
1 grade BTEC TECH AWARD in Dance if taken in core PE as a choice
PHSE – as part of PDM
N/a
Religious Studies

22. Science Most students study Combined Science (Trilogy) worth 2 GCSEs
Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) is available to our identified ‘most able’ scientists
This takes up one of the 4 options and so would replace the 4thchoice subject
At least two 6s in Combined or Triple Science enables studying A levels in Science and a degree in a Science discipline

23. Number 1 is compulsory and one from number 2
Core Curriculum Plus
Students will be required to choose from the following depending on their pathway:
Extension
One from each
Core
Support
Number 1 is compulsory and one from number 2
Geography or History
French or Spanish
Geography, History, French or Spanish
An ICT option or Computer Science
Study Support
TECH ICT

24. Further Options Choices
Two further subjects to be chosen
Some of these will be a choice from Ebacc subjects and some will be a free choice from the range on offer
Central to the process is recognising students strengths
Wide range of subjects offered both vocational and more traditionally academic – 22 in total
We will need sufficient pupil numbers for each course to run in September, whether it is GCSE or BTEC

25. Good reasons to choose a subject
You should choose a subject that…
You can do well in
You enjoy
Reflects your interests and personal qualities
Helps you learn in the best way for you
Helps keep your options open for your future

26. Bad reasons to choose a subject
Don’t choose subjects just because…
Your best friend is doing it
You like the teacher
If you haven’t done any research on the subject

27. Sources of Information
Options booklet
Subject presentations
Careers Advice
Subject Staff
Head of Year, Form Tutor & Inclusion Staff
Individual Interviews if appropriate
Other Students
Parents & Family

28. Subjects and Related Careers
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.

29. Subjects and Related Careers
Subjects and Related Careers
English: Journalism, Law, Politics, Media, Social Work, Teaching, etc………
Maths: Accountancy, Business, Construction, Computer Programming, Engineering, Finance, Science careers, Teaching, etc…
Science: Construction, Engineering, Environmental work, Health, Technology, Other science careers (eg. Psychology, Veterinary work, Astronomy)
Religious Studies: Can help in careers such as Social Work, Social Care, Nursing, Counselling, Youth Work, Community Work, Law or Politics
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

30. Subjects and Related Careers
Subjects and Related Careers
Geography: Travel & Tourism, Environmental Work, Transport & Logistics, Landscape Architecture Planning (town & country), Surveying, Geology, Estate Management
History: Law, Politics, Journalism, Archeology, Museums, Heritage, Costume Design, Conservation
Languages: Translation & Interpretation, Travel & Tourism, Teaching, Sales & Exports, Legal & Financial areas, Journalism
ICT: Useful for all 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

31. Subjects and Related Careers
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
Product Design Technology: Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering, Motor Mechanics, ICT careers, Fashion industry, catering, chef, hospitality
Sport: Teaching, Leisure Centres/Gyms, Coaching, Outdoor work, Armed Forces, Sports Science
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

32. Apprenticeships
Between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector
From April 2019 the minimum salary is £3.90 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more
Different Apprenticeships have different entry requirements. However the most important requirements are that:
You must be aged 16 or over and usually have at least grade 4 in English and Maths
They are very competitive
Apprenticeships – Search the internet and go to colleges/employers

33. Colleges and University
Local colleges
Halesowen Stourbridge King Edwards
Open Days and Evenings – look on their websites and we will keep you informed. May be worth going this year as well as next
Think also beyond 18...

34. If university is post 18...
The Russell Group, 24 of the leading UK universities, have identified several ‘facilitating subjects’ which they see as preferred preparation for university courses
Mathematics and Further Mathematics
English Literature
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Geography
History
Languages (Classical and Modern)
Visit to find out more.
To begin to get an understanding of university offers for different courses visit

35. Careers advice and additional support
See Mrs. Shaw in the library
Talk to your form tutor, PAL and other teachers
Use the internet

36. Timetable of events for Pupils and Parents
Monday 21st January
Pupil Options Talk. They receive forms which they will need to complete.
Options Evening for parents – the option choices and the process is explained.
Thursday 24th January
Year 9 Parent Consultation Evening – meeting with subject teachers to discuss progress and potential courses.
Friday 15th February
Final return of option forms to FORM TUTORS who will check accuracy and forward to Mr Newman
25th February - 7th June
Student options interviews will be completed.
Any clashes or concerns will be dealt with first and you will be informed
Some students may have more than one interview
Week Beginning 8th July
Options confirmed to parents in writing