Year 9 Options 2017
The most important message is that your son should choose subjects where he is likely to succeed and that he enjoys. They should enable him to progress with his education/training when he is 16. Key Message
GCSE BTEC Vocational (limited exams) CIDA Only ICT (limited exams) OCR National Only ICT (limited exams) Different Qualifications
Early Feb Booklets Issued Assembly presented to Students Late Feb Parents Evening 23 rd Feb Signed option forms returned from 24 th Feb March 8 th March Final date to return option forms Option choices reviewed and individual issues resolved Review of curriculum offer April Year 9 Exams May Final review of options Ensure curriculum offer is viable June Option allocations issued to students and parents Start of a Process
What GCSE subjects should I study to enable me to do the required A levels? What A levels do I need to meet university entry requirements? What degree? Example 5 Year Plan Degree Pathway.
English Language English Literature Maths Minimum 2 GCSE Sciences RE Physical Education (No Examination) Compulsory Subjects
New GCSE Grading Grade 7 = A Grade Grade 4 = Low C Grade Grade 1 = G grade The grades awarded will be based on a statistical calculation
Bench Mark 5 A-C or Equivalent Allows progression on to a Level 3 course 5 A- C or Equivalent with English and Maths EBACC Generally allows progression on to all level 3 courses including A level A combination of facilitating subjects that are valued by universities 2015 National Pass Rate 65% Boys 60% 56% Boys 51% 24% Boys 19% Current Academic Benchmarks in KS4
Progress 8 - Average progress across 8 subjects Attainment 8 - Average grade across 8 subjects Question If the new good pass mark is a grade 5 will students be expected to get 5 subjects at grade 5? New Government Measures
All Students Girls Boys Progress 8 0 0.13-0.12 Attainment 8 49.34 51.67 47.11 Performance of Boys Nationally is an Issue
23 GCSE Subjects Only in Maths do Boys outperform Girls. Source JCQ 2016
You need to pass all these subjects at a 5 GCSE English Language or Literature GCSE Maths 2 GCSE Sciences (Includes Computer Science) GCSE History or Geography GCSE French or German English Baccalaureate
Do I need to have passed the English Baccalaureate to get into a Russell Group university? As this document demonstrates, the English Baccalaureate includes academic subjects highly valued by the Russell Group, but it is not currently required for entry to any Russell Group university. As mentioned above, most universities require English and Maths. A few may also require a Modern Foreign Language. Successful applicants are normally expected to have achieved good grades in a range of subjects at GCSE or equivalent, and to meet any specific requirements for their chosen course. (Informed Choices 2016/17 Fifth Edition) However, entrance requirements do vary between universities and courses (for example Medicine courses sometimes require certain subjects and grades at GCSE). Therefore, the Russell Group strongly encourage students to check universities websites for further information.
Is it true that a Modern Foreign Language at GCSE or equivalent is required for entry to Russell Group universities? Currently University College London (UCL) is the only Russell Group institution to require a Modern Foreign Language GCSE at grade C or above for all of its programmes. However, if you did not take a Modern Foreign Language GCSE, or if you got a D grade or below, you can still apply to any UCL degree programme, and it won t negatively affect your application. You will not be rejected just because you don t have it but you will need to complete a short course certificate in a Modern Foreign Language or undertake a half course unit during your studies at UCL. Although only UCL has a formal requirement in place, Modern Foreign Language qualifications are valued by admissions tutors across the Russell Group. Russell Group 2016/17
English Baccalaureate The school is recommending that students who are predicted a level 6 or above in English and a level 5 or above in MFL should consider following the EBAC Pathway. New Recommendation Grade 3+ at the end of Year 9 in English and MFL Rutlish Recommendations
OPTION A OPTION B OPTION C OPTION D French GCSE (EBACC) Geography GCSE (EBACC) German GCSE (EBACC) Art BTEC Vocational Creative Media Studies BTEC Vocational Business Studies BTEC Vocational Art GCSE Business Studies BTEC Vocational Drama GCSE Art GCSE Business Studies BTEC Vocational Drama GCSE History GCSE (EBACC) DT GCSE DT Construction BTEC Vocational DT Hospitality BTEC Vocational IT - Computer Science GCSE (EBACC) French GCSE (EBACC) Economics GCSE DT GCSE Geography GCSE (EBACC) Geography GCSE (EBACC) Economics GCSE German GCSE (EBACC) IT CiDA Vocational History GCSE (EBACC) History GCSE (EBACC) IT - OCR Nationals Vocational IT - OCR Nationals Vocational Physical Education GCSE Media Studies GCSE IT - Computer Science GCSE (EBACC) Music GCSE Music GCSE Physical Education BTEC Vocational Performing Arts BTEC Vocational Physical Education GCSE
Only 1 ICT Course Can t do both GCSE Drama & Performing Arts Can t do both GCSE Economics and BTEC Business Studies Can t do both GCSE PE and PE BTEC Can t do both DT GCSE and BTEC Construction. Can t do both GCSE Media and BTEC Media Can t do both GCSE Art and BTEC Art Restrictions
If a subject is full Criteria for Selection Aptitude and ability for the subject Potential for benefitting from the course Overall choice of options
As a school we will endeavour to fulfil the curriculum offer contained within the booklet. However, there may be circumstances where some curriculum options may have to be withdrawn. If this happens then the school will contact you and discuss the situation Possible Restrictions
Can I do both Geography and History? The school does not actively block this option pathway. However, you need to consider will this provide you with a balanced curriculum. Can I choose to study French if I have been taught German in KS3? No unless exceptional circumstances apply FAQ
Can I study Geography and choose not to study a MFL? Yes Will my son be at an advantage if I return the form early? No. Option forms are only processed after the 8 th March. FAQ
Some students chased the EBAC as it was new. Some students failed some components of the EBAC. Do not assume non EBAC subjects are easier. Two common mistakes
Do I enjoy it? Can I be successful in that subject? What subjects do I need to carry on post 16?/post 19? Can I cope with coursework? Can I cope with exams? Am I leaving my options open? Choose the subject for academic reasons? Considerations
Talk to students currently doing the course Talk to the class teachers Research what subjects you need for different career pathways. Visit the LRC to view post 16 opportunities. What are their entry requirements? Discuss with tutors. Research
Choose subjects that will give your son the opportunity of being successful Choose subjects that he enjoys Consider the balance of the Options. It is unwise to do lots of subjects that have a significant amount of coursework. This stage in your sons education must be looked at as a 5 Year plan. What do they need to progress? Summary