SHSG Year 9 options 2017 Welcome
The Options Process September Options process introduced to students. Options talks for subjects begin. 26 th January Options talk for parents. 3 rd February - full reports will be published to help inform students decisions. 7th February Year 9 Careers Day. w/c 20th February forms to be filled in, signed by parents, discussed with and signed by form tutor. 27 th February Deadline for options forms to be handed in to form tutors.
ALL STUDENTS study the subjects listed below: English Language English Literature Mathematics Triple Science ( 3x GCSE) although some may take Double Science (2x GCSE) At least one MFL: French or German or Spanish Non examined lessons: RS, PSHCEE and PE In addition: Students must choose at least one Humanity Subject (History, Geography or Religious Studies)
So what choices does your daughter have to make? 1. Choose which language they wish to study. 2. Choose which humanity subject they wish to study. 3. Choose two other subjects from the list below.. Ancient History Art Business Studies Drama Geography German History Computer Science Economics Media Studies Music Physical Education Religious Studies Spanish Food Technology/ Product Design/ Textiles/ Graphics
Changes to GCSE Students will be assessed via final examinations in the summer term of Year 11 in her core subjects. The following subjects have controlled assessment aspects; Music, Physical Education, Media, History, Art, Business, Computer Science, Drama, Food Textiles and Graphics. GCSEs will be graded 1 to 9, with 9 being the top grade.
Which options? Remember Ultimately it should be your daughter s choice. We will do our best to accommodate your daughter s choice, but if this is not possible we will discuss this with you.
Additional opportunities Extra-curricular opportunities: Advanced Level Free Standing Mathematics Latin
Expectations 75% of grades 7, 8 or 9 100% grade 5-9 No 4s A pass grade is now a grade 5 Go on to the sixth form Go on to Higher Education at University or Higher/Degree Apprenticeship pathways
Subject teachers Advice? Form tutors Mrs Binns Learning Manager, Year 9 Ms Leman Assistant Head i/c of KS4 Miss Grassham Careers Advisor
Things to think about.in general Try to choose a balance of subjects essay writing subjects and practical or creative subjects Encourage your daughter to think about her skills and qualities Narrow down option choices on the basis of enjoyment and achievement (in which subjects is your daughter doing well?) School is very conscious of the need to keep options open
Things to think about..oxbridge Oxbridge are generally more concerned with high grades and academic capability than specific subjects at GCSE level Oxford We do not have any specific requirements for GCSE grades, though higher grades can help to make your application more competitive. Successful applicants typically have a high proportion of A (7) and A* (8/9) grades. Cambridge Applicants have generally achieved high grades in subjects relevant to their chosen course, and most students who apply have at least four or five As (7) or A*s (8/9) at GCSE Source: Cambridge and Oxford University websites
Things to think about.medicine Medicine/Veterinary Medicine/Dentistry These subjects are highly competitive at all universities offering the subjects For medicine, GCSE requirements focus on the core subjects of English, Maths and Sciences Students normally have to achieve a minimum of B (6) or above in at least five GCSEs but some universities require A*(8/9). Some universities are specific about minimum expectations e.g. Bristol Medicine: 5 GCSEs at grade A (7) including English Language, Maths and two Science subjects (same for Vet Science) Cardiff Medicine: Science AAB (776) for those taking triple Science or AA (77) for those taking Double Science plus B (6) in English Language and Maths Source: Entry Requirements for UK medical schools 2017 entry: www.medschools.ac.uk
Things to think about.medicine Medicine/Veterinary Medicine/Dentistry East Anglia Medicine: At least six subjects at grade A to include English, Maths and two Sciences. The top eight GCSE results are used to assess suitability for interview Imperial Medicine: AAABB (77766) in any order to include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language and Maths Birmingham Dentistry: A* (8/9) in Biology and Chemistry, A (7) in Maths and English Nottingham Vet Medicine: 5 subjects at grade A (7) to include Chemistry, Biology and Physics (or Science Double Award). English Language and Mathematics at grade B (6) or above. Source: Entry Requirements for UK medical schools 2017 entry: www.medschools.ac.uk and www.ucas.com
Russell Group Russell Group state that: In terms of qualifications, entry to university is determined mainly on the basis of performance in advanced level qualifications but grades achieved in standard level qualifications (GCSEs) may be taken in to account and there are sometimes specific subject or grade requirements at this level Studying for more GCSEs at the expense of getting high grades in a smaller number is not advantageous Source: Informed Choices: Russell Group
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Sims Learning Gateway My children s dashboard contains information regarding attendance and attainment. You can also update personal details such as email addresses and telephone numbers.
Reports are here
How can you help? Provide a quiet place for your daughter to work and the equipment she needs. Encourage a good routine with a balance of extracurricular activity, leisure activity and school work. Help her to manage her workload, and encourage her to meet all deadlines set sign her Student Planner regularly. Encourage her to pass on letters and other information. Log on to our website. Contact us if you need any further advice or assistance. Keep everything calm, talk often and offer support. Do your best to ensure that she attends school every day.
What impact might attendance have? Research suggests that 17 missed school days a year = GCSE grade DROP in achievement. The greater the attendance the greater the achievement.
Ways for parents to encourage attendance: 1. Look regularly at your child's absences and check this matches with your own record. 2. Talk regularly with your child about school and how they feel about it. More likely to attend if they feel supported and anxieties listened to. 3. Phone us as soon as possible to tell us why your child is absent, and when you expect them to return. Putting the school number in your phone can save you time.
Ways for parents to encourage attendance: 4. Only grant days at home for genuine illness. 5. Avoid taking holidays in school time. these will not be authorised. 6. Be particularly watchful and supportive in the run up to tests and aware of controlled assessment dates.