Post-16 Information Evening March 2016
This evening a chance to look at the changes taking place post-16, wherever you go a chance to consider your options post-18 an opportunity to look in more detail at what Norton College offers an opportunity to ask as many questions as you like!
Post-16 reform GCSE reform is happening (and may be relevant if you have younger children) it will impact from September 2017 changes to A level and AS level are significant BTEC changes come into effect from September 2016 universities are currently publishing their reactions to the changes, but the landscape is in a state of flux
A level reform key changes From DfE Equipping students to progress to success at university and in their careers. 1.Greater involvement from higher education in the development of the content of A levels 2.Linear structure with all external assessment at the end of the course. 3.AS will be decoupled from the A level, so that the marks do not count towards the A level grade. 4.Assessment by examination, with other methods only where necessary to assess subject skills.
Changes to A level qualifications A level will become a two-year linear qualification with AS decoupled AS qualification will no longer count towards the overall A level grade but will be a standalone qualification in its own right awarding organisations developing AS qualifications that can be co-taught alongside first year of A level programme, so students can still be entered for AS
Timeline September 2015 (first exams 2017) A levels -English language, English literature, history, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, art and design, computer science. September 2016 (first exams 2018) A levels modern foreign languages (French, Spanish), geography September 2017 (first exams 2019) A levels -mathematics, further mathematics, design and technology, and remaining subjects.
Decoupling what should students do? 3 A levels from day 1, or 4 AS levels, dropping one from year 12 to year 13, or 3 A levels, and one AS level, or 3 A levels alongside the AS Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Difficult decision in the current mixed economy of reformed and unreformed A levels! Consulting the UCAS website is crucial.
What about the universities? Universities and colleges who use AS results as a part of their admissions decision-making are in the process of reviewing their admissions policies and procedures to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged. Some university courses, particularly medicine and dentistry degrees, currently require applicants to hold a fourth AS qualification alongside three A levels. Universities and colleges are currently reviewing their requirements and some have already published guidance that makes their position regarding reformed qualifications clear, including their position regarding the requirement for a fourth AS. Results of the UCAS survey on A level reform UNPACKING QUALIFICATION REFORM
Changes to BTEC qualifications Features of the revised BTEC Nationals External assessment (most subjects have at least one written examination) at least 33% Larger core of mandatory units at least 50% Synoptic assessment One resit only for externally assessed units and one resubmission only for internally assessed units More emphasis on research skills Strengthening and embedding of mathematics and/or English (writing) requirements Single, double and triple courses on offer These changes should remove the need for some university courses having additional entry requirements for BTEC students
Norton s curriculum offer BLOCK A BLOCK B BLOCK C BLOCK D BLOCK E Child Studies Art Computer Science Biology English Literature Business Studies French Food & Nutrition Geography Chemistry Maths Media Government & Politics History Performing Arts Technical Music Hair & Beauty erforming Arts Sub Diploma Health & Social Care Pyschology Physics Musical Theatre Public Services Sub Diploma Sport Diploma Spanish Sport Sub Diploma Public Services Diploma
Level 2 provision From September 2016 GCSE maths and English work experience one level 3 course Transition year Students also at the Academy
Funding 540 hours Each A level is 150 hours Enrichment is 70 hours Supervised study is 70 hours GCSE maths and English? Total with 3 A levels: 450 + 70 + 70 = 590 hours
Using the UCAS website
Point scores UCAS website gives point scores A levels A* - 140 A 120 B 100 C 80 D 60 E 40 BTECs D* - 140 D 120 M 80 P 40
MEGs minimum expected grades KS4 grades are used by the DfE to estimate A level grades from national statistics The MEG represents the minimum grade a student needs in order to add value Attaining a grade below the MEG means being below average from KS4 starting points
GCSE maths and English All students who do not have maths and English GCSE at grade C must follow full GCSE courses as part of their post-16 studies 2 hours per week, plus coursework and home learning Much better to get them this year!
Enrichment extra qualifications life skills volunteering and work experience sports and healthy lifestyles It helps with your CV and personal statement!!
Supervised study and independent study 2 hours compulsory supervised study week depending on your study programme silent and group working areas
Work experience all students are recommended to seek work experience enrichment time independent study time It helps with your CV and personal statement!!
Mentor time assemblies one-to-one meetings British values
Information, Advice and Guidance core enrichment careers pastoral care
Post-16 Information Evening March 2016