1. YEAR 10 WELCOME PARENTS EVENING SchoolHome Student

2. THE CORE CURRICULUM SubjectGCSE/Course English Language and Literature2 GCSE Mathematics1 GCSE Core Science1 GCSE/BTEC Religious Studies1 GCSE Citizenship Studies1 GCSE Physical Education

3. OPTIONS Most students with the core and the options combined study 10 GCSE/BTEC subjects

4. Key Stage 4 curriculum changes from September 2012. End-of-course GCSE exams Since Sept 2012 there have been significant changes to GCSE and BTEC qualifications. These changes include a return to exams taken at the end of the course, and measures to improve the assessment of spelling, punctuation and grammar. As the regulations stand at the moment. Students will still be able to retake a full GCSE in Maths, English and English language in November of their year 12 Other retakes will be available only in the summer Controlled assessments ( which replaced coursework) are internal assessments and not part of the exam cycle, so the timing of these will not be affected by the change. Spelling, punctuation and grammar Marks will be awarded for accurate spelling, punctuation and use of grammar in GCSE exams that have a sufficient written English element. BTECs and other vocational courses At least 20% will be externally assessed.

5. CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT GCSE Coursework has gone It has been replaced by controlled assessment All work has to be completed at school under controlled conditions within a set time limit The timetable is on the website!

6. HOW CAN WE ASSIST STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL? SchoolHome Student

7. HOW CAN YOU ASSIST AT HOME? Be aware of the controlled assessment calendar and when students have these to complete Help students to get their files and books organised Ensure that everyone in the family knows the importance of external examinations and that study rooms are free from disturbance Equipping: provide pens, paper, cards, highlighters, folders, etc. Offer support and advice SchoolHome Student

8. NEGOTIATE Periods of time for revision well in advance of exams especially at Easter The most appropriate revision periods during the day, when distractions are least likely Reduce distractions in the revision room (e.g. TV, radio, and switch off mobile phones)

9. ENCOURAGEMENT Assist students to stick to their homework timetable. Encourage them to do their best. 5 A-C grades are essential for most 6 th forms and colleges. Offer to test material Use of revision websites e.g. BBC Bitesize etc

10. REVISION TIMETABLES Timetable  Students need to create time for revision Keep the sessions short Set targets to be met for each session Take regular breaks- every 40 minutes -hour Ensure time is allocated for:  Repetition and recall  Frequent testing- at different levels of difficulty  Re-testing www.myrevisionplan.com

11. DEVELOPING STUDY SKILLS Its essential students develop good study skills from the outset

12. CARDS Can make them out of paper if you want Or buy a set of cards Wilkinson, Tesco and WH Smith all sell these cards Sometimes called record cards

13. MAKING THE CARDS The idea is that you put the things you must know on the card 1 concept or topic per card Can design them how you want Can include colours if you want and pictures These are kept and can be used to revise in a short space of time.

14. MAKING A MIND MAP Turn paper Landscape Put title in the middle Split into sections Use different colours for each section Keep splitting up the sections Use pictures when needed Keep viewing the mind map

15. WHAT WILL WE BE DOING AT SCHOOL? Tracking of Data Grade Gathers of current grades Target grades Teacher Predictions Effort grades

16. ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE – CURRENT POSITION Modular examinations were removed at the end of the academic year 2012-13. Students now only have one chance to gain their qualification during KS4. Speaking and listening has been removed and is no longer part of the overall qualification grade. This 20% has now been added to the examination. The weightings of the qualification is now 40% controlled assessment and 60% terminal exam. English is essential in order to progress to most other courses.

17. IMPORTANT DATES October English controlled assessment 27 November 2014: Parents Evening January Citizenship controlled assessment March grade gather and tutor report June DT, MFL & science controlled assessment 22 June year 10 exams and full reports

18. CONTACT Mr P Bowles HOY 10 or tutor p.bowles@overtongrange.sutton.sch. uk