GCSE OPTIONS YOUR PASSPORT TO SUCCESS THURSDAY, 5TH JANUARY 2017 Which way now? Mr. C. J. Czepukojć, Deputy Headteacher
THE NATIONAL PICTURE
REFORMED GCSES Reformed GCSEs have been introduced gradually, with the first wave in September 2015 They will be more demanding Designed for a two year period of study Linear all exams at the end of the course Non-exam assessment removed or reduced New grading system from 9 to 1 (Ofqual GCSE, AS and A Level reforms in England 2015)
REFORMED AS AND A LEVELS Will have new content Linear, with AS exams after one year and A Levels after two Will keep A*-E grading system (A-E for AS Levels) AS Levels no longer count towards A Level Non-exam assessment to reflect balance and nature of new subject content Performance standards remain the same (Ofqual, ibid) pinterest.com/ofqual/postcards
WHAT IS CHANGING? An emphasis on English and Maths, with a need to plan backwards from GCSE More deeply embed literacy and numeracy from a much earlier age, so that students are prepared for KS4 and KS5 study emphasis on KS3 All GCSEs have become linear with terminal summer exams
Progress 8
Choosing your options is an exciting, important and life-changing decision. To prepare you for your future, the right choices need to be made. CAREFUL. SOBER. INTELLIGENT.
WHY ARE OPTIONS CHOICES SO IMPORTANT? Your GCSE results will have a major impact on your future and give you the freedom to choose what career/job you want to do. The doors you choose to open need to be the ones that will give you the best possible chance of getting the best possible qualifications that you can achieve!
The following subjects are compulsory: Mathematics 1 GCSE English Language and English Literature 2 GCSEs Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) 2 GCSEs (Double award) 3 GCSEs (Triple award) PE No qualification PSHE No qualification
OTHER SUBJECTS The Government has also made some other subjects more influential recently. These include: Modern Foreign Languages French, Spanish or German History Geography Computer Science ALL of you will have to study at least one of these subjects and many of you will choose to study two or more
THE ENGLISH BACCALAUREATE (EBACC) If you achieve Grade 5 (equivalent to the old Grade C) and above in Two Sciences (including Computer Science) English Mathematics The EBacc A Modern Foreign Language History or Geography
WHY THE EBACC? Gives you a broad academic range of qualifications The Government would like students to study at least 5 EBacc subjects (including English & Maths) Recognised by leading universities; many Russell Group Universities are now starting to include Ebacc subjects as a pre requisite for many demanding degree courses
Geography Computing History ICT RE French (German) Business Studies Spanish (German) PE Options Subjects Health & Social Care Art Media Studies Photography Textiles Music Graphic Design Dance Product Design Food Drama
THE OPTION BLOCKS Option A B and C D French Computer Science Geography German History Spanish Art Business Studies Computer Science Dance Drama Food Preparation and Nutrition French Geography German Graphic Design * Health and Social Care History Media Studies Music BTEC Photography Physical Education Product Design * Religious Studies Spanish Sports BTEC Textiles * Art Business Studies CoPE Dance Drama Food Preparation and Nutrition Graphic Design * Media Studies Music BTEC Photography Physical Education Product Design * Religious Studies Sports BTEC Textiles * Choose 1 Choose 2 Choose 1
There are two main types of qualification; GCSE and Technical GCSE - The General Certificate of Secondary Education is a primarily exam-based qualification, which may include some coursework or practical work, depending on the subject. Technical qualifications result in a BTEC Level 2. The final qualification is mainly based on coursework that takes place throughout the course but all Technical courses also feature an examined element. They are both classed as the same standard
GCSE REFORMS - EXAMS 2019 All GCSE exams will be taken in Summer 2019 Greater emphasis on Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPAG) GCSE reforms have made courses more challenging, more rigorous and more demanding The grade scale for these new GCSEs now range from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest
OLD VERSUS NEW GCSE Qualifications Technical Qualifications New GCSE Grade Equivalent Traditional Grade Old Grade New Grade 9 8 7 6 A* (top 3% nationally) A* A B (top 2/3) Level 2 Distinction 8 Level 2 Merit 6 5 B (bottom 1/3) and C (top 1/3) 4 3 2 1 C (bottom 2/3) D E F/G Level 2 Pass 4 Level 1 Pass 2 Unclassified 0
SO, WHAT TO PICK? TIP 1 : What are you good at? TIP 2: What will you enjoy? TIP 3: What are your future aspirations? TIP 4: How do you prefer to learn and be assessed? TIP 5: Pick the subject NOT the teacher TIP 6: Don t just follow your friends! It is your responsibility to ensure that your choices maximise your potential. That means you must make sure that the options you choose are the ones you will enjoy and be successful in.
What Now? Read the Options Booklet carefully at home Discuss with your teachers and parents/carers Choose carefully, soberly and intelligently Decide by Tuesday 14th February 2017 Return form to your Form Tutor