1. Year 9 Transition into year 10
Year 9 Curriculum Information
Not about quantity of subjects but the quality of this grades
Welcome – purpose of evening to explain process and help with decision making using info on passport I envelope. Answer questions at end
How have we got here?
Child been through changes and development
Pre-school
First day at school
Ks2 Sats
Decisions about secondary schools
Next step … think beyond ks4
Year 9 Transition into year 10

2. Available qualifications
GCSEs – examination focus
BTEC courses – coursework focus
ASDAN – vocational coursework focus
Describe different types of courses for KS4
NB>>> BTEC courses even if double award will only be recognised as 1 qualification for further study and likewise for double GCSE course
Asdan qualis for students struggling to gain grades D/E and above

3. KS4 Curriculum Core Subjects English Language English Literature
Mathematics
Science Core
Science Additional RE PE
PSHE/SMSC
Blue = compulsory subjects
Red – If below 75% chance 5 A* - C then need additional support in English and Maths
If Below 30% chance we will be guiding towards subjects that support skills but also look at additional qualifications that best prepares for world of work and life skills.
No compulsory tech
If above 75% can cope with greater stretch and more subjects
Certain subjects will give guidance that to achieve grade C you need to be working at level 6 ie sociology, separate sciences

4. Modular v linear courses
Linear v Modular courses
Modular courses
In the past GCSE assessment was like jumping
from one lily pad to another – gaining marks in small
bitesize chunks, with the opportunity to go back to resit.
All modules were distinct and limited in content
and assessment.
Linear courses
Now the GCSE assessment is mainly at the end of the two year course. This means there is a need for deeper learning, regular practice of skills and recall in committing to memory large amounts of information.
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

5. Focus on Progress of all students
The Government has introduced new performance measures for Schools and Academies.
These new measures assess the progress made by each child from the initial level they enter secondary school, to the one they have at the end of Year 11.
Eventually all attainment will be measured in numbers as student move up the levels ladder each year.
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

6. GCSE English and Mathematics
Priority must be given to passing English and Mathematics
(Most courses in further education and career choices ask for passes in English and Maths)
Additional lessons may be provided where this is needed.
This reduces option subjects from 4 to 3 for some students.
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

7. New GCSEs English, English Literature and Mathematics
Year 9 are the first group being prepared to take the new GCSEs in English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. Grades will be awarded in numbers rather than letters.
Approximate equivalent grades
9=A** 8=A* 7=A 6=B 5=C+ 4=C 3=D/E 2=F/G 1=G 0=U .
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

8. English Baccalaureate
Subject combination:
English
Mathematics
Science or Computing
Plus One of the Humanities: Geog or History
And a Modern Foreign Lang: German or French
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

9. Encouraging students to study a modern foreign language
Students from across the UK will have a qualification profile with GCSEs from the Ebacc group of subjects, including a modern foreign language
There is evidence that studying a foreign language enhances students cognitive ability and gives the autonomous brain function a work out.
The new exams with the assessment all at the end of the two year course will require memory work and the regular practice of language learning will encourage this.
Once a pupil has learned one language it is easier to learn another.
Lots of Universities look favourably on those students who have studied a foreign language and encourage students to do a third year abroad – which is supported by grants from the EU through the Erasmus scheme.
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

10. Ebacc Qualification A B C D English Mathematics Science RE PEA B C D
English
Mathematics
Science RE PE
Geography
Art and Design
Textiles
Computing
History
Asdan Units
Food Technology
French
German
Business Studies
Dance
Drama
Product Design
Sociology
Health and Social Care
Science Triple Award
Graphics
Child Development
(Engineering Btec)
ICT
Photography
ECDL ICT
Core Subjects for All
Music
Sports GCSE
Sport Single Award (BTEC)
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

11. An option must be chosen from Column AA B C D
English
Mathematics
Science RE PE
Geography
Art and Design
Textiles
Computing
History
Asdan Units
Food Technology
French
German
Business Studies
Dance
Drama
 Computing
Product Design
Sociology
Health and Social Care
Science Triple Award
Graphics
Child Development
(Engineering Btec)
ICT
Photography
ECDL ICT
Core Subjects for All
Music
Sports GCSE
Sport (BTEC)
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

12. Not allowed to choose 2 from 1 blockA B C D
English
Mathematics
Science RE PE
Geography
Art and Design
Textiles
Computing
History
Asdan Units
Food Technology
French
German
Business Studies
Dance
Drama
 Computing
Product Design
Sociology
ICT
Science Triple Award
Graphics
Child Development
(Engineering Btec)
Health and Social Care
Photography
ECDL ICT
Core Subjects for All
Music
Sports GCSE
Sport (BTEC)
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

13. Further Guidance and advice
BTEC
ASDAN
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS courses
Btec courses and Asdan units give students the chance to progress at their own rate and as they are based on coursework they do not present the hurdle to achievement which external examinations can pose for some.
Statistically those students with Special educational needs move through the relevant levels well.
In press – Wolf report not yet published, but present guidance
Essential for Medicine / Dentistry
Russell group / good university
Not so important for vocational uni courses
ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

14. Year 9 Careers information, advice and guidance
Investment in IAG in tutorials, theme days, with speakers and opportunities to explore relevant websites. Also Connexions interviews regarding post 16 options
Planning for a week of work
experience in Year 10.

15. Year 9 Options Pathway
Options week where all students will be informed by KS3 subjects of the options at GCSE
Taster day where students will be able to sample subjects not taught at KS3
Completion of a ‘Passport’ for each
subject and an assembly giving
guidance on how to choose your options.

16. Next Step
Begin to think about the benefits of taking the Ebacc option for your child.
Knowing that each student will have to take either History, Geography, French or German – begin to think which subject(s) your child might like to take next year.
Begin looking at Post 16 information and checking whether a GCSE subject is a requirement for your child to be able to study the subject of their choice at A level.

17. Finally..
On the 19th January you will be invited to the Year 9 Options evening with your son or daughter to discuss the subjects with staff and begin the process of finalising GCSE choices.
We are committed to providing a curriculum which meets each child’s needs, maximises their attainment and allows them to move on to the next stage in their academic, personal and spiritual journey.