1. Year 8 Options 2019

2. Why am I taking options in Year 8?
GCSEs have changed
The new GCSEs cover more content.
Some of the material is harder
The grades are 9 – 1 instead of A*-G
Nearly all of the new GCSEs have ‘terminal exams’ with no Controlled Assessment.

3. Our response You will have more time to study English and Maths
You will have more time to study your ‘Option’ choices
You will start your GCSEs in Year 9

4. How will my Year 9 time table be made up?

5. Core Subjects English Maths French or German Physical Education RPS
Science
Core Subjects

6. English Literature GCSE
English in Year 9
English Language GCSE
English Literature GCSE

7. Maths
Maths in Year 9
Maths GCSE

8. RPS
RPS in Year 9
RPS GCSE

9. MFL in Year 8. Then opt for one language in Year 9
French GCSE
German GCSE

10. Science in Year 9 Science Combined Science worth 2 GCSEs
Separate Sciences worth
3 GCSEs

11. PE ‘Qualification’ pathway Physical Education GCSE
Cambridge National Certificate in Sports Studies
‘Non Qualification’ pathway
100 minutes of ‘physical education’

12. What to ‘Drop’
The biggest decision is not really which subjects you opt ‘for’ but which subjects you decide to ‘drop’…

13. Humanities Option
Geography
Geography GCSE
History
History GCSE

14. Computing Performing Arts & Design Option
Computer Science GCSE
OCR Cambridge National in Creative iMedia

15. Art Performing Arts & Design Option Art Craft and Design GCSE
Graphic Communication GCSE
Photography GCSE

16. Food Performing Arts & Design Option Food Preparation & nutrition GCSE
BTEC Certificate in Hospitality & Catering

17. Design Technology Performing Arts & Design Option
Design Technology GCSE
WJEC Level 1/2 Award in Construction

18. Performing Arts & Design Option
Dance
Dance GCSE
Drama
Drama GCSE
Music
Music GCSE

19. Food Computing Art Your Open Option History Design Technology
Geography
Geography GCSE
History
History GCSE
Computing
Computer Science GCSE
OCR Cambridge National in Creative iMedia
Food
Food Preparation & nutrition GCSE
BTEC Certificate in Hospitality & Catering
Art
Art Craft and Design GCSE
Graphic Communication GCSE
Photography GCSE
Dance
Dance GCSE
Drama
Drama GCSE
Music
Music GCSE
Design Technology
Design Technology GCSE
WJEC Level 1/2 Award in Construction

20. Some examples of possible combinations
Humanities
Design & Performance
Open
Geography
Art
Computing
Humanities
Design & Performance
Open
Geography
Art
History
Humanities
Design & Performance
Open
History
Music
Drama

21. RAG information from your teachers
RAG stands for Red, Amber and Green.
Red will mean ‘We have serious reservations about you taking this option choice
' Amber will mean ‘We have no real concerns about you taking this option choice' 
 Green will mean ‘We strongly recommend you take this option choice'.
If you do receive a ‘Red‘ it does not mean that you will not do this option - but it is something that will be looked at seriously and discussed with you and your parents, and if other subjects are more positive then you will be directed towards those courses instead. 

22. Where will you find this information?
This information will go live today.
You will be able to view this on your Go! Page.

23. What do I need to do?
You will receive your option booklet at Options Evening. Look at it carefully with your parents.
Discuss possible choices with your tutor and teachers & family
Attend options evening (Tuesday 30th April 6 pm - 8pm)
Listen to the advice and guidance given by staff. Ask questions.
Deadline: Complete online option form by Friday 3rd May 2019

24. If you lose your option booklet you can look on the school website, click ‘School’ and then choose the ‘OPTIONS 2019’ link where you can download the Year 8 Option booklet if you wish.

25. Yes – up until the end of Year 8. Then – no, you can’t.
Can I change my options…?
Yes – up until the end of Year 8.
Then – no, you can’t.
Get it right! .

26. Why do I have to think about this in year 8?
Johnny’s aspiration is he wants to be a
professional dancer
Sally’s aspiration is she wants to be an engineer

27. Why do I have to think about this in year 8?
Degree in Dance at the University of Exeter
Level 4 apprenticeship with Google UK, London

28. Progression planning: gcse choices impact on post 18 pathways
Exeter want 3 ABB grades
Inc Dance and PE
So at post 16 Johnny must take Dance and PE A level
But what if he did not opt for Dance In Y8?
Google’s entry requirements are 4 AAAA for their apprenticeships programme in Maths, Physics , a language and History
So Sally must take History A level
But what if she did not continue with a history in Y8?

30. Choose things you need and are good at - so you can achieve in them – make sure they give you an appropriate challenge...not because they are easy or you just like them!

31. Your goals.....
and aspirations

32. Don’t be a sheep to be led astray
Don’t be a sheep to be led astray..... Do things for yourself – not because your friends are....

33. Pick the subjects you need and are good at
Pick the subjects you need and are good at.... not necessarily because you like the teacher!

34. Information Advice & Guidance
Senior Staff & Miss Marshall & Jackie Ellis
Subject Leaders
Heads of House, SSW and Tutors
Peers and Y10 students
Subject Teacher
Support Staff
Library
Uexplore
Internet: eg careers connect website
University websites and UCAS
6th Form Prospectuses

35. U-Explore: My Options Click on ‘My Options
This video will support you in planning your progression pathway
Click here an you can see your potential future pathways
Click on
‘My Options
Remember you can message Jackie Ellis here

36. Do…
Do speak to your parents/carer Do speak to other students Do ask for advice, and questions Do make decisions based on interest, strengths and enjoyment Do research subjects, careers & university Choose a balanced group of subjects Do continue to work hard in Year 9 Do read your Options Booklet carefully Be informed: how is it assessed? What level of literacy will be required? How is the course delivered? What are the topics?

37. Don’t… Don’t choose a subject because you like the teacher
Don’t choose a subject because your friends are
Don’t choose a subject because it sounds good
Don’t choose a subject because you think it will be easy

38. Next Steps Tutor support and mentoring this week
Subject talks in lessons
1:1’s for targeted students
You researching your progression plan
Y8 Options Evening