Year 8 Options Evening - What is our Key Stage Four offer? - Explain the process to help Year 8 students make their option choices
KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM: CORE All students study a core of examined GCSE courses: English Language English Literature Mathematics Combined Science (or Single Sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics) Religious Studies (*or Citizenship) Geography OR History In addition all students will follow non-examined courses: Physical education Personal, Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education (including preparation for working life)
Grading system From 2017 new grades have been allocated to students. English and mathematics were first in 2017 All other subjects will make the transition by the summer 2019 Information from the Government
9-1 compared to A*-G NATIONALLY 4.5% of grades allocated in Summer 2018 were Grade 9. A total of 732 pupils who took 7+ GCSEs achieved a grade 9 in all of them A total of 21.6 per cent of all grades given out were a 7+ Standard pass = Grade 4 Strong pass = Grade 5
SOURCE: https://analytics.ofqual.gov.uk/apps/2018/gcse/9to1/
Science ALL students in Year 9 will study Combined Science. At the end of Year 9 a small number of students will be chosen by the school to move to Single Sciences. Please note we have a finite number of spaces due to laboratory spaces. Combined science students will get an award consisting of two equal or adjacent grades from 9 to 1 (eg 9-9, 9-8, 8-8 through to 1-1), and it will count as two GCSEs when students apply for jobs, sixth form, or to university. Single science students will get three separate grades, one each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. https://ofqual.blog.gov.uk/2018/03/02/gcse-9-to-1-grades-a-brief-guide-for-parents/
The English Baccalaureate Achieving GCSE grades at 5+ in five disciplines: English Mathematics Sciences including Computer Science History or Geography A Language The majority of students in this school will achieve the Ebacc.
Progress 8 and Attainment 8 All students will take at least 8 GCSEs, most will have 10 GCSEs. Students studying Single Science will take 11 GCSES. Progress 8 explained
KS4 CURRICULUM: OPTIONS The remainder of the courses studied are chosen by the students These need to be chosen with care so that: They reflect the aptitudes and interests of the student They support the career aspirations of the student They match the student s ability and therefore offer a high chance of success
CURRICULUM PATHWAYS Students have been directed towards one of three curriculum pathways which offer a different mix of courses. Within the YELLOW pathway, students focus on achieving technical qualifications along with a range of academic subjects. Within the GREEN pathway, all students are recommended to take the EBACC with additional academic and technical choices. Within the BLUE pathway, all students are expected to take the EBACC with additional academic choices.
CURRICULUM PATHWAYS Pathways are based upon the following: Students prior attainment in KS2 Students current attainment in different subjects Specific skills (e.g. in languages) Interests and ambitions of the child Literacy and numeracy levels Staff professional knowledge and understanding The pathways are not streams classes will contain a mix of students on different pathways through KS4.
KS4 GCSEs Art and Design including Photography Business Studies Computer Science Design and Technology Drama Economics Food and Nutrition French Geography History Music Physical Education Spanish
KS4 TECHNICAL COURSES BTEC Health and Social Care Creative imedia Meets the need, learning styles and aspirations of students who opt for them. Non-examined assessment (NEA) approx. 75% Examination approx. 25%
What happens next? This evening is for parents and students to find out more about all the courses available. Meaningful discussions can then continue with your children. This is NOT an opportunity to talk about your child s current performance in a subject.
What happens next? 21 st 25 th January Year 8 Assessment week 15 th February DCP3 published to students and parents 28 th February Y8 Progress meeting for Parents and students to attend for more individual advice 25 th February - 7 th March all Year 8 students will meet with a member of the senior leadership team or Head of Year Mr Johnson Mrs Elliss Miss Burns Mrs Escott-New Miss Moran Miss Davies Monday 4 th (pm) & 6 th March (am) Options clinics with Mrs Elliss 15 mins appointments for parents who need any further guidance Friday 8 th March - Option Form Deadline
Fill in the form placing choices in rank order and remember two RESERVE choices should also be considered carefully. Options forms must be submitted by Friday 8 th March so that we can construct the optional curriculum around student s choices. Any queries, please contact the school office in the first instance, and they will direct the enquiry to the relevant person.
Remember... Friday 8 th March Thank you for listening