1. Year 9 Learning Evening Tuesday 29 September 2015 Pathways

2. The Learning Journey

3. Three Main Changes: New grading system New GCSEs Removal of Key Stage 2 Levels A transition year

4. New 9 to 1 GCSEs By 2018 when your child takes their GCSEs the following subjects will be graded 9 to 1 English Language English Literature Mathematics Art And Design Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Single Sciences) Combined Science Computer Science Cooking and Nutrition Dance Design and Technology Drama Geography History Modern Foreign Languages Music Physical Education (PE) Religious Studies

7. Drama Year 9 Improvisation

8. Pathway Booklets

10. Mathematics Mr M Wallace Second in Department mwallace@plymstockschool.org.uk

11. New GCSE from 2016 Graded 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest) instead of letters (A*-G). Students will now take 3 exams for their GCSE in Mathematics: -1 non-calculator and 2 calculator each 1 hour and 30 minutes long. Equal weighting (33% each). More emphasis on problem solving techniques. More content to be covered at foundation and higher. Students will need to memorise formulae to use.

12. How are we are preparing the students for the new course? Scheme of work re-drafted to include new content Assessments re-written to reflect the change in style of the new GCSE Increased variety of work in lessons, encouraging deeper understanding and ability to tackle unfamiliar problems Increase in ‘reading for meaning’ – extracting key information, and understanding what the question requires Smaller groups – six sets instead of five means better staff: student ratio Encouraging use of Mathswatch and MyMaths websites which have both been thoroughly updated to match the new curriculum

13. What can students do to ensure success in this important year? Students need to make sure they are fully engaged in their studies. Students need to make sure they are frequently looking over their work to make sure key methods and formulae remain fresh in their minds. Complete all homework, to the very best of their ability. Any ‘spare’ homework time can be used for reviewing/revising work. Bring full equipment to every lesson. Make sure they ask for help if they are stuck with any of the work. Use the drop-in session on a Tuesday after school for extra help.

14. What can you do?... Take an interest. Ask your child about their maths work. Be positive about maths, and highlight when you use it in your everyday life or at work. Help them learn key formulas. Make sure they complete homework to the best of their ability. If you feel able, then help them when they are ‘stuck’. Contact school if you have any concerns. Use resources available online to support your child. www.mymaths.co.uk and www.mathswatchvle.com www.mymaths.co.ukwww.mathswatchvle.com

15. Science Mr B Baker Head of Science rbaker@plymstockschool.org.uk

16. Science in Year 9 7 hours per fortnight split between: Biology – Cell biology & Organisation Chemistry – Atomic structure and the periodic table – Structure and Bonding of Atoms Physics – Energy and Waves

17. Developing skills Pathways relate to practical skills developed throughout the course. Y9 – working towards AQA Combined Science qualification in y11 Knowledge and understanding of subject content and skills are tested in 6 exams at the end of Y11 (70 marks 1hr 15min each - 2 for Biology, 2 for Chemistry and 2 for Physics) Practical skills will also be tested as part of these exams

18. Developing skills Revision guides to develop understanding Checklists to review understanding and inform teaching Assessments to review learning 3 HW per fortnight (1 per subject) Support sessions will run after school 3-4pm Tuesday – Chemistry Wednesday – Physics Thursday - Biology

19. SKILLS for LEARNING SKILLS for STUDY

20. Three Cognitive Learning Styles The term cognitive learning styles refers to the general way people prefer to have information presented in order to problem solve, process, learn, and remember new information. Visual Learners – What are common characteristics of visual learners? Auditory Learners – What are common characteristics of auditory learners? Kinesthetic Learners – What are common characteristics of kinesthetic learners?

21. Learning Strategies for Visual Learners Highlight important information in textbooks. Visualize pictures, charts, graphs, or small sections of printed information. Create movies in the mind during the reading process. Create visual study tools that show levels of information.

22. Learning Strategies for Visual Learners Expand chapter mappings. Add colors and pictures to notes. Copy information in your own handwriting. Observe people for visual clues. Carry a pen and notepad to write down information.

23. Learning Strategies for Auditory Learners Talk out loud (verbalize). Read out loud. Ask questions. Work with a study buddy or in a study group. Recite frequently. Tape lectures. Make your own study tapes. Explain information to others. Create rhymes, jingles, or songs. Use technology with audio features.

24. Learning Strategies for Kinesthetic Learners Handle objects, tools, or machinery as you study. Create manipulatives (study tools you can move with your hands). Cut charts or diagrams apart and then reassemble. Use exaggerated movements and hand gestures when you study.

25. Learning Strategies for Kinesthetic Learners (Cont) Use a computer to type information and use muscle memory. Walk as you recite or practice. Work at a chalkboard, flip chart, or large poster paper. Learn through creative movement and activities. Create action games.

28. Mind Mapping Page is landscape Central image Sub-topics Detail All lines are connected One word/picture per branch Use colour

29. Study Tips A quiet environment Have a regular homework routine Praise effort and achievement Having the right equipment Monitor homework Allowing them to work independently

31. Important Dates 2015-2016 Thursday 22 nd October 2015 – Year 9 Progress Check Home Monday 18 th January 2016 – Options Assembly Monday 25 th January 2016 – Options Evening Thursday 21 st January 2016 – Year 9 Progress Check Home Wednesday 3 rd February 2016 – Year 9 Parents Evening Monday 8 th February 2016 – Completed Options Form to tutors Monday 22 nd April – Friday 6 th May 2016 – Year 9 Examination Period Thursday 9 th June 2016 - Year 9 Progress Check Home