A Centre of Opportunity
Assemblies Taster Sessions Carousel 25 th February 1:1 meetings with tutors or other staff Discussion with parents/carers Careers Convention - 22nd January Jason Davis Careers Advisor Parents Information Evening 28 th January Booklet GCSE Options Discussion Meeting - PTA Parents Evening 26 th February
This is not a first come first served arrangement. Do not hand your form in before 6 th March Deadline is 13 th March
2015-17
13 th March Date for Option Forms to be returned to Form Tutors May / June The school advice team (see people to ask in booklet) review student choices. Further meetings with individual students, parents and carers at this stage if required. JUNE Options confirmed to students and parents. Opportunity for follow up consultations with students and parents and carers if concerns remain.
GCSEs Examined Controlled Assessments/Coursework Many have practical elements Linear
GCSEs: Upcoming Changes Maths, English Language and English Literature are new courses 1-9 grading Some increased / different content All examined at the end of the course
A measure not a qualification Subjects at Cherwell which count in the measure are the following: English Maths Science (Triple or Double) Modern Foreign Language History Geography Computer Science
BTECs More vocational in style focussed on the world of work We offer Sport / Engineering Less emphasis on examination Portfolio Project work Does have GCSE equivalency
A combination of core courses and options... broad and balanced...
CITIZENSHIP (1 GCSE) ENGLISH LANGUAGE (1 GCSE) ENGLISH LITERATURE (1 GCSE) MATHEMATICS (1 GCSE) PHYSICAL EDUCATION SCIENCE (2 or 3 GCSE)
Option A: Triple Science Core and Additional (as below). Then further modules in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics OR Option B: Double Science Students study Core Science (1 GCSE) and Additional Science (1 GCSE)
12 lessons of Science per fortnight in Year 10 13 lessons in Year 11 (rather than 10) Teacher Assessments and Examinations (end of March) used to identify student eligibility Students achieving level 6b and above will be eligible to choose this route. Student INTEREST & ABILITY are key to success
Why opt for Triple Science? Because a student shows INTEREST and ABILITY (at least Level 6b) in Science (demonstrated in class and tests) and are likely to be successful in all three Sciences. NOTE Students do not need Triple Science to access A level Science courses. Approximately 50% of students do Triple, and 50% Double
4 Option Subjects need to be chosen Note - These are entered on the Options Form in ORDER OF PREFERENCE Looking for a balance of subjects to keep future options open, but we take an individual approach to student choices.
Pick a subject...not a teacher! Something new...but know what you re getting A broad range is usually best Interest Ability Commitment Motivation A career in mind...but caution Skills
FRENCH FRENCH (Fast Track) GERMAN SPANISH Recommended for many students, but NOT compulsory A small number of students choose 2 Languages If interested in the Fast Track course it must be indicated on the form and a discussion must be had with the relevant teacher
PRODUCT DESIGN FOOD TECHNOLOGY GRAPHICS BTEC FIRST AWARD IN ENGINEERING: equivalent to 1 GCSE If students do not choose to take one of the above options, they are encouraged to take one from the following creative subjects. ART TEXTILES ART THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN - FINE ART DANCE DRAMA MUSIC
GEOGRAPHY HISTORY PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS SPORT SCIENCE BUSINESS STUDIES HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE SPORT BTEC AWARD (single option) Level 2 Equivalent to 1 GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE ICT SOCIOLOGY
ASTRONOMY After School, once per week for 90 minutes Please tick the relevant box on the Option Form
Please complete the Four Option boxes in Order of Preference Please also add a reserve choice Please tick any relevant boxes (Triple Science or Astronomy) Please return the Options Form by Friday 13 th March (no need to return before this date)
1. Is this the right number of courses? NOT ENOUGH? Most students will end up with approximately 10 11 qualifications School will be evaluated on Best 8 High achievement rather than high number TOO MANY? Case by Case basis Would discuss with students and parents/carers if this is a possibility
2. What about choices at KS5? Entry requirements for post-16 programme at Cherwell: Students taking four AS subjects require 344 GCSE points in their highest 8 GCSEs (this equates to an average of 4Bs and 4Cs). Students must have C grades or above in both GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics. Entry requirements of City of Oxford College: 6 GCSE Grade C passes for L3 programme
http://russellgroup.org/informedchoices-latest.pdf
3. What if my child changes his or her mind? Choices to be handed in by Friday 13 th March (see these as provisional choices) Between March and June reflect on these choices June choices confirmed. Opportunity now to think again if unsure September courses start. Course changes kept to an absolute minimum
4. Are GCSE courses regarded more highly than BTEC courses? Regarded more highly by whom? Reforms have promoted genuine equivalency Can provide an equally valid route into post-16 education (Over 20,000 students go to University every year after following the BTEC path)
5. Can I take more than one subject from the same subject area? Yes but always with caution...
6. What is the best way for me to support my child through this process? Encourage reflection Ask lots of questions Do some research with them Encourage them to ask for advice Do sit down following the PCE on 26 th Feb and talk it through
Highest ever 5 A* - C with English And Maths Highest ever 5 A* - C Highest ever Best 8 subjects Highest ever levels of progress (value added) Top 6% of schools for progress made (KS2 4)
Year Leader Dr Hawes mhawes@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk Deputy Year Leader Miss Styles cstyles@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk Deputy Headteacher Mr Boulter tboulter@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk Deputy Headteacher Ms Timms btimms@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk SENCO Mrs Archer jarcher@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk Careers Adviser Mr Jason Davis jdavis@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk