1. Y10 Curriculum Evening

2. Key People Richard Clutterbuck Paul Jones Jess Huzzey Richard Collis

3. Format of the evening Curriculum information and controlled assessment 6 Degrees and work experience

4. Curriculum Info The school year is 39 weeks long (or short) The first exam is likely to be May 8, 2017 In total, students have 65 weeks at key stage 4, rather than 78. They have had 5 of these already, meaning they have 59 weeks to go from Monday. Time is of the essence!

5. The Academic Year All subjects are currently delivering core GCSE material which is vital for the exams at the end of Year 11. Some subjects are conducting Controlled Assessments.

6. Controlled Assessment An assessment taken within the normal classroom, but under exam conditions It is important and contributes towards the final grade Students need to be aware and focused (and here) at all times Students are free to revise and redraft a piece of coursework without teacher involvement before submitting the final piece. Teachers are not allowed to give individual or a group detailed advice on how to improve

7. English and Maths Both core subjects are now entirely linear. There is no coursework. They also use a new numeric grading system which we are introducing this term.

9. Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Higher (4-9) & Foundation(1-5) Greater content Focus on unfamiliar problem solving Extended exam Learn more formulae Greater calculator use 3 exams of 1½ hrs 2 calculator papers Less formulae provided

10. 5 is the international benchmark.

11. “Broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 4 and above as currently achieve a grade C and above.” Ofqual

12. Science Our programmes of study are available on the website. Controlled assessments take place in Science and most other subjects. These are set by the exam board and marked by the teachers. The marks are then moderated by the board. Most of the work is completed in class.

13. A useful parent guide is available here.here Each component is worth 25%. Science

14. Controlled Assessment Calendar Product Design runs in an extended project format throughout the year with 60% coursework. Art and Design is also assessed by a portfolio of work worth 60% PE has a small element of coursework at the end of year 11 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6 Year 10 Languages 15% Drama 30% Science 25% History 25% Music (song) 15% Drama 30% Science 25% Computer Science 30% Languages 15% Year 11 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4 Languages 15% Music (song) 15% Geography Fieldwork and CA 25% Science 25% Computer Science 30% Drama 30% Languages 15% Music (minimalism) 15% Languages 15% Music (timbre) 15% Performance and practical exams in Music and Drama

15. Attendance Of students who miss more than 50% of school only 3% achieve five or more GCSEs at A* to C including Maths and English. Of students who miss between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of school, only 35% achieve 5 A* to C GCSEs including English and Maths. 73% of students with over 95% attendance achieve 5 or more GCSEs at A* to C.

16. Culture of Achievement Engagement with learning Correct equipment: being prepared Willingness to try their best

17. School Support The tutor is your first port of call, they know your child well and can contact subject teachers in turn The inclusion and AEN team offer specific support to students The year leader is a really important person Homework club runs in key stage 4 (and will run in key stage 5) The school leadership team are available and can help with specific queries

18. Home help Somewhere to study Correct equipment Quiet and tranquillity Organisation Reading habit

19. Home Help -Help to create routines of learning and study -Set aside time each night for homework and revision and police it -Refer to and check the student planners religiously, look at show my homework -Try to minimise distractions, either virtual or real! -Students should make and keep revision notes or sheets at the end of each topic. They need to know their stuff! -We run revision workshops during the year: students need to find the methods that work best for them. Revision is not a passive activity!

20. Home Help Encourage students to spend time on their research. Go through all the guidance given to ensure the task is understood. Encourage pupils to make sure they have the correct equipment and materials with them for their assessments. Use positive language about tricky subjects, encourage a ‘can do’ mentality Ensure they are fully aware of what each component is worth towards the final grade.

21. Important Dates Interim Report: Thursday 5 November Subject Evening: Thursday 3 December Interim 2: Thursday 7 January Full report: Thursday 28 April Year 10 exams: Monday 20 June 8 May 2017 – First exam!?!

22. C onsideration A mbition Resilience E nterprise E xcitement R esponsibility

23. Contact details p.jones@bristolfreeschool.org.uk j.huzzey@bristolfreeschool.org.uk richard.collis@bristolfreeschool.org.uk