Introduction to GCSE Evening 24 th September 2013 Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going
What subjects do students take? CORE Maths, English, Science, RE, PE EBACC History, Geography, French and Latin OPTIONS Graphics, Drama, Media Studies, Computing, PE, Art, Construction, Business, Health and Social Care, Child Development, Catering, Drama, Economics, Music, Music Technology.
Our Focus One of our priorities is to ensure that students gain Maths and English and at least three other GCSEs. The other is to ensure students who are following an Ebacc pathway or a Vocational pathway achieve all of their GCSEs at grade C or above or achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction if taking a BTEC. Why? This is the key to further education.
Typical results at GCSE level mean... All A/A* - Access to medicine and or Russell group universities. A/A* grades in a GCSE subject capable of getting an A grade at AS Level All A/B grades Access to four AS courses in academic subjects All A/B/C grades including higher grades in chosen subjects access to four AS courses. 5 Grades A-C including Maths and English Access to a BTEC National and one AS subject
Changes in GCSEs Government decides the curriculum to be taught in maintained schools. Ofqual make sure that the qualifications are the right standard and that the qualification system works well. GCSEs presently taught in schools are mostly designed as modular qualifications. September 2013 saw the first year that GCSEs will be examined at the end of the 2 year course.
Tiering In many subjects, students are placed in sets based on their ability. Students in top sets are taught and entered for GCSE higher-tier papers. Students who are less able are entered for GCSE foundation papers where a grade C is the highest grade achievable. Ofqual have proposed a limit to tiering but it is still very much the case in many subjects.
Assessment GCSE assessments are based on the assumption that everything that should be taught should be assessed. Controlled assessments take place across a range of subjects and count towards the final GCSE grade.
4 3 2-1 The Key Stage 4 curriculum is broken down into 4 parts. 4 (Year 10 September 2013 December 2013) 3 (Year 10 January 2014 to April 2014) 2 (Year 10 April 2014 July 2014) 1 (Year 11 September 2014 December 2014) January 2015 Revision and preparation for examinations. Examinations from April 2015
Y10 GCSE English Pathways Traditionally in Y10, students sit the majority of their AQA coursework. This year they will be doing this alongside three extra pieces of coursework for a different exam board, the igcse. All of y10 will be sitting the igcse this summer which will give them a GCSE in English language at the end of the year. Y11 can then be devoted to the literature exam. Everyone in Y10 will be given the opportunity to sit the literature exam.
GCSE vs IGCSE The IGCSE is taught in many Independent Schools across the country. It is recognised in league tables and gives the students the opportunity to secure a grade C or above.
Y10 GCSE Maths Assessment: Linear Set 1: GCSE at the end of Year 10 and then they will study GCSE further maths in Year 11 (they started GCSE at start of year 9). Set 2-7: They will sit their GCSE at the end of Year 11 (no early entry) Assessments: At the end of every term. The following websites are useful for revision: MrGMaths.com MyMaths.co.uk
Year 10 GCSE Science All at the end of the year, BTEC now includes an examination. Triple Science Pathway, Set 1 & 2: Year 10: Science A (1 st GCSE), Additional Science (2 nd GCSE) Year 11: Further Additional Science (3 rd GCSE) Additional Pathway, Set 3-6: Year 10: Science A (1 st GCSE) Year 11: Additional Science (2 nd GCSE) Vocational Pathway, Set 7-8: Year 10: BTEC Principles of Science (1 st GCSE equivalent) Year 11: BTEC Applications of Science (2 nd GCSE equivalent)
Y10 French Over the course of GCSE French students will complete: 3 pieces of WRITING controlled assessment 3 pieces of SPEAKING controlled assessment It is vital that they prepare fully as each piece is worth 15% of their GCSE grade. They will always be given the half term / holiday before to learn their preparation. Their first exam will be in January. In order to complete homework and controlled assessment preparation from home they need a French dictionary pocket size is sufficient. There will be a drop in 1.25-1.55pm Thursdays with the French assistant to support students in their speaking skills.
Maximise your child s chances. Aim for 100% attendance. How Can You Help? Minor ailments should not result in days off school. Make sure that all holidays are taken out side of term time. Aim for 100% punctuality.
How Can You Help? Students do best when they have a secure learning environment at home. A quiet room, perhaps a bedroom. Warm and well-lit. Television off. Music with lyrics off.
Average Gross Hourly Wage ( ) Average Earnings in England by Highest Qualification England 20 15 10 England 5 0 No qualification GCSE grades A*-C or equivalent A Level or equivalent Degree or equivalent
Aims of the Pastoral System To enable students to fulfil their potential by focusing on the child as a whole. To develop the emotional intelligence of students. To create a safe and caring environment in which students feel valued as individuals, with tailored learning plans.
Aim for 100% Attendance and Punctuality Be on time, every time Did you know that the learning time missed for students with 90% attendance is the equivalent of: ½ day a week Over 1 week per term 4 weeks per year 8 weeks from a 2 year GCSE course
Class Work Independent Work Maximum effort in all lessons. Work to challenging target levels. Well presented work. Positive contribution to lessons. Complete all homework and revision to the best possible standard. Ask for help with difficult topics. Use homework/catchup/revision classes.
Questions?