1. YEAR 9 OPTIONS Making the right choice

2. 85% of pupils achieved A*-C in Maths 86% of pupils achieved A*-C in English Last year pupils at Downlands made progress equal to the top 20% of schools nationally 78% of pupils achieved 5A*-C including English and Maths. Nationally 55% 53% of pupils achieved the Ebacc measure Nationally 24% Looking at schools with a similar intake nationally we are ranked 20/55 Downlands Delivers Highest attaining school of its type in county

3. You don’t have to have a career in mind, choose options based on your abilities and interests that give you more choices at post 16. Whatever options you choose, you will be able to change direction at the end of year 11 Maximise your opportunities – You’re number 1 You will be in education or training until you are 18 The number of jobs for unqualified, unskilled people is shrinking rapidly Do not do it in isolation Help is at hand, make to most of todays option activities, speak to teachers, Mrs Cutress & your parents OR use the free National Careers Service’s helpline & website

4. ‘New’ GCSE Qualification Most will be examined by the ‘new’ GCSE. A reduced controlled assessment component or none at all. Grades 1  9 Grade 4 will be the threshold for English & Maths. There are a few legacy GCSEs Technology, Classical Civilisations No foundation or higher tiers of entry, with the exception of Maths, Science &MFL

5. Grade 9 will be awarded for ‘exceptional performance’ – about half of the students achieving A* last year will achieve this grade Grade 1 will equate to current F/G grades Grade 7 will be equivalent to current A grade Grade 4 will be required in English & Maths to continue with Post 16 Studies without resits Sixth Form Colleges may ask for a grade 6 or better to continue a subject at A level, e.g Science

7. Key Performance Indicators 2016 onwards 5 A*-C inc English and Maths no longer the ‘Gold Standard’ The New Measures are: Progress 8 Attainment 8 Percentage of pupils achieving C and above in English and Maths The EBacc

8. Attainment 8 The Average grade achieved by all pupils in the Progress 8 subjects Maths and English Percentage of pupils achieving C and above in English and Maths Progress 8 Based on a points score of a pupils best 8 subjects English (counts double if Literature is taken)Maths (counts double)History or Geography Science or Computer Science MFL Plus 3 other approved subjects EBacc Achieved when pupils get 5 or above at GCSE in English Language, Double Science (or computer science), Maths, a Language and History/Geography New measures from 2016

9. Greater flexibility and choice, whilst ensuring pupils acquire the core of general learning and experiences essential for later learning and employment Aims of KS4 Curriculum A broad balanced curriculum that keeps all routes at 16+ open to all pupils A curriculum that is appropriate to the needs of all individual learners abilities or interests

10. Types of Qualification Level 1 = GCSE (1 – 4) Level 2 = GCSE (4 – 9) GCSE – traditional academic qualification assessed by controlled assessment and examinations* Most will have no Controlled Assessment BTec – more vocational qualification assessed by coursework and examinations (Dance Only)

11. Assessment Examinations – terminal examinations at the end of the course for all subjects* Controlled assessment **– Assessed work carried out under controlled conditions in school. (Technology, Drama, Computing & PE)

12. CURRICULUM MODEL Year 10 and 11 Four Options 2 chosen in Yr8 2 to choose in Yr9 Science – Combined or Triple** **Triple is for very motivated students capable of achieving the highest grades English – Language and Literature. Language will be examined at the end of year 10 Mathematics – Single Award for most pupils Most pupils will achieve 9 GCSE equivalent qualifications (10 for Triple Scientists – 11 if also an ‘Express Linguist’)

13. Decisions You continue with the two options chosen last year in Yr 8 You now choose another 2 subjects in Yr9

14. Choose from: Art and Design Drama Computing Information Technology Music Child Development German Product Design Resistant Materials Food Preparation & Nutrition Textiles Classical Civilisations Perf Arts (Dance BTEC) Religious Studies French Geography PE/Sport (GCSE/Camb Nat)

15. Making the right choice A Levels in Art, Textiles & MFL require previous study at GCSE It is likely that some sixth forms will require passes at 6 or higher You do not need Triple science to study sciences at A Level You are committing to completing the course and final examinations in Yr11

16. Teaching hours per fortnight 88 105 22

17. What could possibly go wrong? Too few or too many pupils choose an option to make it viable Timetable clashes mean that the subjects run at the same time, some combinations are not possible This is why you need to make a reserve choice

18. The subjects will appear on the timetable in two option blocks A & B, one of your choices must come from A & the other from B Some will appear in both blocks others will not The model is based on the principle of best fit to maximise the number of first choices once the options forms have been completed You’re Number one Block A Block A Block B Block B Art and Design Drama Information Technology Music Physical Education Religious Studies Food Technology TextilesComputingFrench Art and Design Child Development DramaClassics Physical Education Graphic Products Resistant Materials Food Technology Dance WARNING FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY WARNING FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

19. Making the Right Choice Consider the following: Subjects you like, perform well in and are appropriate. Progression to Post 16 courses Familiarise your self with the unfamiliar; there will be new choices and opportunities beyond your current curriculum. Future career plans Balance between academic and practical Workload – Coursework requirements v examinations Subjects chosen will be studied for the next two years (Changes are not possible) Pupils will be entered for a final examination in option subjects

20. What your friends are doing Which teachers you like Making the Right Choice DO NOT Consider the following:

21. Familiarise yourself with the unfamiliar Textiles Mrs Moller Child Development Ms Reid PE/Sport Mr Bartholomew Food Preparation & Nutrition Mrs Skelton Resistant Materials Mr Walker Classical Civilisations Mr Ashdown Product Design Mr Walker Computing GCSE/ ICT GCSE Mr Kluge/Ms Colwill

22. Dates for the Diary Tuesday 23 February: Year 9 Full Reports and the Key Stage 4 Options Form will be issued to pupils Thursday 25 February: The 2016 Key Stage 4 Options Information Evening from 6.00pm Thursday 3 March: Year 9 Parents Evening 4.30pm to 7.30pm Friday 11 March: Completed Key Stage 4 Options Form to be returned to student’s tutor.

23. Make the Right Choice Make the most of this evening and the support available and you will make the right choice Remember that this is just a staging post it is neither the start or the finish of your learning journey.