Key Stage 4 Options Evening Thursday 19th January 2017 Mrs Grange Assistant Headteacher
The Core Curriculum Subject English Language and Literature Mathematics Double award Science Religious Studies GCSE/Course 2 GCSE 1 GCSE 2 GCSE 1 GCSE Citizenship Studies 1 GCSE Physical Education Non GCSE AND AT LEAST ONE FROM, or a MFL
Option Subjects Students will be able to state a preference to study up to 3 subjects from the following list: Art Business Studies Construction D&T Food Product Design Textiles Drama Health & Social Care ICT Languages French German Spanish Media Studies Music PE Support- SEN & EAL
Option Blocks The option subjects are arranged into blocks as shown in the options booklet on page 6 and on the preference form. Only one subject can be selected from each block. A reserve subject should also be made from each block. Subjects will only run if they attract a sufficient number of students.
A B C Section 1 Students must choose at least one from this section German French Spanish Section 2 Students may choose up to 2 subjects from this section Business St Food Media Studies (24/1 group only) Product Design Textiles PE Art Business St Food Music Construction Health& Social Care (BTEC) ICT(CAMNAT) Drama Choose 1 subject from each block Reserve
The Business Studies department offer 2 courses. The department will set the students into the most appropriate course The support options are offered to students who, following guidance from the learning support department, would benefit from increased support and a reduced number of GCSEs Students selecting Media Studies must complete the task on page 49 by 27 February and hand in to Mrs Fisher if they wish to be considered for this option. Please do not select media as a reserve option.
Completing the preference form
Example 1 11 GCSEs CORE 8 GCSEs English English Literature Maths Triple Science Religious Studies Citizenship Studies OPTIONS 3 GCSEs A. PE B. C. French students will be selected for this by the science department
A B C Section 1 Students must choose at least one from this section German French Spanish Section 2 Students may choose up to 2 subjects from this section Business St Food Media Studies (24/1 group only) Product Design Textiles PE Art Business St Food Music Construction Health& Social Care (BTEC) ICT Drama Choose 1 subject from each block PE French Reserve
Example 2 9 GCSEs CORE 7 GCSEs English English Literature Maths Double award Science Religious Studies Citizenship Studies OPTIONS 1 GCSE and one alternative level 2 A. B. Food C. Construction
A B C Section 1 Students must choose at least one from this section German French Spanish Section 2 Students may choose up to 2 subjects from this section Business St Food Media Studies (24/1 group only) Product Design Textiles PE Art Business St Food Music Construction Health& Social Care (BTEC) ICT Drama Choose 1 subject from each block Food Construction Reserve
Example 3 8GCSEs CORE 7 GCSEs English English Literature Maths Science Religious Studies Citizenship Studies OPTIONS 1 GCSE &1 BTEC A) Support B) C) Health & social care (BTEC) Students are selected for this route
A B C Section 1 Students must choose at least one from this section German French Spanish Section 2 Students may choose up to 2 subjects from this section Business St Food Media Studies (24/1 group only) Product Design Textiles PE Art Business St Food Music Construction Health& Social Care (BTEC) ICT Drama Choose 1 subject from each block Support Health& Social Care Reserve
What are BTECs? General vocational courses There is a now a minimum of 20% externally assessed units Health &Social care BTEC is not suitable for everyone, students must be prepared to work hard. They are not an easy option BTEC provides variety and career relevance.
Options Process January CPSHE options advice 18 th January Students options assembly 19 th January Parents options talk 16-20 th January D&T, Drama,Music& PE, talks 23 rd February Yr 9 Parents evening 3 rd March Options Returns deadline 6 th -17 th March Options Interviews
Key advice Choose courses that: Students know that they can do well in. Are subjects that they enjoy and work hard in Reflect their interests and personal qualities. Help students to learn in the best way for them Will help them in their career aims or to move onto A level Students are advised: To keep their options open for the future by choosing a broad and balanced range of subjects All students must continue with either a Modern Foreign Language, or history.
Key Stage 4 curriculum changes There have been significant changes to GCSE and BTEC qualifications. These changes include a return to exams taken at the end of the course, and measures to improve the assessment of spelling, punctuation and grammar. Students will still be able to retake a full GCSE in Maths, English and English language in November 2019 (their year 12) Other retakes will be available from the summer of 2020. Controlled assessments are being phased out in all reformed GCSEs and are being replaced with what is now known as the Non-Examined element which are internal assessments Spelling, punctuation and grammar Marks will be awarded for accurate spelling, punctuation and use of grammar in GCSE examsthat have a sufficient written English element e.g.english literature,, andreligious studies. BTECs and other vocational courses At least 20% will be externally assessed. Students will still be able to retake a full GCSE in maths, English and English language in November 2019 (their year 12) Other retakes will be available from the summer of 2020.
New Specifications and new grading system Reformed GCSEs have been introduced gradually since September 2015. The grades for will in future be a number and not a letter. They will be graded 9-1 instead of A-G. with 9 being the highest. Students awarded GCSEs in 2017 & 2018 will receive a mixture of numerical and alphabetical grades. By 2019 most subjects will be graded in this way
Ofqual current guidance In the first year each new GCSE subject is introduced, students who would have got a grade C or better will get a grade 4 or better. Students who would have got a Grade A or better will get a 7 or better in the first year. Grade 9 will be more difficult to achieve than a grade A*. The extra top grade has been added to make it easier for employers and universities to distinguish between the most able students
Further Advice Heads of Department and the careers manager will be available after this presentation in the canteen Students are advised to speak to tutors, teachers and Head of Year. Specific subject issues can be discussed at the Year 9 parents evening on 23 rd February.
Key dates 19 th January Parents options talk February Reports issued 23 rd February Yr 9 Parents evening 3 rd March Options Returns deadline 6 th -17 th March Options Interviews