Year 8 OPTIONS for KEY STAGE

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1 Year 8 OPTIONS for KEY STAGE Outcomes: To understand the reasons for and benefits of a 3 year Key Stage 4. To understand the options process for Year 8. To be able to ask questions, raise concerns and feed back thoughts.

2 The 3 Year Key Stage 4 Principles: Focus learning on national qualifications (no tests at Key Stage 3) Students to be better prepared earlier for their GCSE exams Teachers can spread exam-based preparation over a longer period of time Confidence boost of having one GCSE complete by the end of Year 10 (RS) Enrichment built into learning not discrete lessons

3 Types of Courses: Key Stage 4: Full GCSE terminal exams, coursework in some practical subjects Vocational/BTEC mainly portfolio work but all now have an element of exam units (not as much as GCSE) College placements combined with vocational qualification (offered during Year 9 for the start of Year 10)

4 Key Stage 4 in Core Curriculum in Year 9: English Mathematics Science Studied by all students Information Technology Religious Studies Physical Education Personal Development Citizenship Work-Related Activities Careers Curriculum Study (3 periods per fortnight)

5 Core Subjects in Year 9 English and mathematics: new style GCSE 9-1 not A*-G. Science: Students may indicate a preference to follow the triple science pathway (tbc by staff in Year 10) (Biology, Chemistry, Physics); all others do double (Combined Science), or single (Level 1 Certificate) ICT: All students in Year 9 will study ICT, but will have 3 choices for Year 10 study, which they must make now: 1. Opt for ICT GCSE 2. Opt for Computing GCSE 3. Not continue with ICT at Key Stage 4

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7 Taking the long view It might be helpful to take it step by step: 1. Think about which 4 option subjects you want to have studied by the end of Y Remember these qualifications are for the rest of your life (6 th form, college, university, jobs, ). 3. Keep a broad and balanced curriculum.

8 E-Bacc It is: The Government s agenda for a broad and balanced curriculum English, mathematics, science, French/German/Spanish, Geography/History Recommended for students wishing to follow an academic route into universities (Russell Group) It is NOT: A formal qualification with a certificate Compulsory

9 You can: E-Bacc Still do 2 non-e-bacc subjects (E-Bacc takes up only 2 options) Do this if they aren t your strongest subjects You CAN T: Change your mind later You MUST: Indicate whether you want to do E-Bacc or not on your form

10 Technology All of the Technology subjects are now one qualification. This means: You can only take ONE of Product Design, Systems & Control or Textiles Food & Nutrition is a separate subject and NOT a Technology subject any more You can do one Technology subject AND Food & Nutrition

11 Combinations of Subjects These are combinations which don t work: Art and Ceramics Music and Music Technology This is a combination which is inadvisable: Computer Science and IT (Vocational)

12 The Personalised Form This shows how your child performed in their Key Stage 3 tests: 33 = average of Level 5s = above national expectations 27 = average of Level 4s = in line with national expectations 21 = average of Level 3s = below national expectations

13 Completing the Form Write 2 subjects in each column

14 Completing the Form German Food & N History Music Geog History Media S PE Don t put all the same subjects in as your reserves! You MUST have viable reserves. You can double up on 1 or 2 if you REALLY want a subject.

15 Completing the Form Tell us if you want to do Ebacc tick the box. If you DON T want to do it, leave it blank. Tell us if you want to be considered for Triple Science tick the box. If you DON T want to do it, leave it blank.

16 Signing the form Please don t forget!

17 And lastly Complete the checklist

18 How do I choose? Think about where your options will take you: Sixth-form subjects College/University Career Further Education College Employment Employment Make sure you opt into something you enjoy! Talk to your parents, carers, teachers, tutors, tutor group

19 How not to make decisions: It s what all my friends are doing Joe said I should do this so I might as well I can t think of anything else to do I like Mr/Mrs/Miss so I ll do his/her subject I don t like Mr/Mrs/Miss so I m not doing his/her subject

20 Other things to remember A reserve in each column is essential some classes may not run if too many or too few students opt. A few subjects have a limited number of places. We will do our best to meet your choices. Nothing will be done to change your options without speaking to you first.

21 Key Stage 4: Wednesday 25 th January: New Option Subjects Assembly Thursday 9 th February: Parents Evening Wednesday 1 st March: After school drop in session to answer questions in the LRC 3:30 6:00 with Mrs Edwards, Ms Egan and Mr Backshall Wednesday 8 th March: Options forms in to form tutors no promises for early submission! June: You will get a letter telling you about the subjects you will be taking in Year 9.

22 FAQs: If a subject is oversubscribed how do you decide who is chosen? What happens if they get to September and do not like the course? What do we hear and when? Can I do a subject at A Level if I haven t done it at GCSE?

23 FAQs answers! If a subject is oversubscribed how do you decide who is chosen? We try to ensure wherever possible that all students get the subjects they have opted for. If this is not possible we will take account of where students have opted for the E-bacc option if this is appropriate. We will also refer to tracking reports in the subject or related subject areas. What happens if they get to September and do not like the course? If students don't like a course they begin in September there is a limited time period when they can change courses. Any change will be subject to there being room in the new course. We will also discuss potential changes with subject staff before they are made. Students will need to be able to explain clearly why they want to leave a particular subject and why they particularly want to join the new one. We would always require confirmation of parental consent for any changes to GCSE courses. What do we hear and when? We will write to all parents and students in June to confirm option choices for September. Where there are issues to be dealt with we will speak to students and parents before this point to discuss issues and outline potential solutions. Can I do a subject at A Level if I haven t done it at GCSE? There are some subjects available at A-level which are not available at GCSE. In these subjects teachers will look at GCSE results in closely related subjects when deciding if a student can take the subject. Where a subject is available at GCSE teachers prefer that students have studied it at GCSE. Any situation where this is not the case would be decided on a case by case basis.

24 Contact details Mrs Edwards, Deputy Headteacher: Ms Egan, Director of Key Stage 3: Mr Backshall, Director of Learning: Copies of the options form, the options booklet and this presentation will be available on the website under Teaching & Learning.