Key Stage 4 Course Choices @Wilmslow High School
A powerful curriculum All our students are entitled to a powerful curriculum that will allow them to make educated and independent decisions There is a balance between the core knowledge that we all need to have and the subjects that we specialise in This balance is reflected in the Key Stage 4 course choices process
Informed decision making You will be listing your Key Stage 4 qualifications throughout your working career therefore we will give you careful advice about the getting the balance right
Getting the balance right A balance of choice and continuity A balance of subjects that provide you with plenty of options in the future Some courses can be picked up again at A Level No one is expected to specialise at 14!
Getting the balance right A balance of 8 or 9 qualifications A balanced approach to Science A balanced approach to the rest of Year 9 it will count
What does a broad and balanced KS4 curriculum look like? In order to ensure that you study a broad and balanced KS4 curriculum that will keep your future options open we expect you to study: English (both Language & Literature) and mathematics Double or Triple Science At least one additional English Baccalaureate subject One or two further subjects chosen from the full range of options In addition, you will continue to receive PE and Wider Curriculum lessons.
Our advice to you You should choose courses that: You think you can do well in, and that you find interesting and challenging. Provide you with a broad and balanced programme of study providing plenty of options in the future. May be useful in your future university, training and career decisions. You should not choose a course: Because your friend is doing it. Because you like, or dislike, the teachers. We cannot say who your teachers will be at this stage. Because it is new. Because you think it will be easy. Remember that all GCSEs are designed to be challenging. Or because you think you can drop it if you don t like it!
Who can help you to make a good choice? We will be having course choice interviews with a number of students. If you would like to have one of these could you speak to your form tutor. Who else can help: Your form tutor Your subject teachers Your Head of House Any member of the Leadership Group Mr P Jones Careers Education Coordinator Dr Rowe Independent Careers Advisor
Dedicated KS4 Course Choices page: www.wilmslowhigh.com Curriculum Course Choices for KS4
Key Stage 4 Course Choices Timeline Monday 15th January Friday 19th January 2018 Monday 22nd January Friday 26th January 2018 Launch of KS4 Course Choice process Sequence of assemblies for Year 9 students from each House. KS4 Course Choice booklet issued to students. Year 9 Summative Assessments Each Curriculum area will conduct assessments which will help to inform course choices. Thursday 1st February 2018 6.00 8.00pm KS4 Course Choices Evening Market place format around school. There will be: An opening presentation for parents at 6-6.15pm (repeated at 7.45-8pm) Representation for all course choices on offer Careers advice drop-in opportunity Friday 2nd February 2018 Tuesday 6th February 2018 Friday 16th February 2018 Teachers will be available to discuss whether the courses they offer will suit your child. Students should accompany parents in full school uniform. Wider Curriculum Aspirations Year 9 students will have a lesson with their tutor on career profiling and making links between choices and future aspirations. Aspirations Fair All Year 9 students will have the chance to speak directly to a range of post-16 opportunity providers at this fair. It will take place in school, during the school day. Many local businesses and colleges will be attending. Assessment Certificate Tuesday 27th February 2018 Students receive their assessment certificate following the Year 9 summative assessments Deadline for submission of Initial Course Choices We will use the information to: provide additional advice and guidance to students regarding the suitability of their initial course choices; Friday 16th March 2018 determine whether there should be any change to course availability Final Course Choice form issued to students
How to access the Initial Course Choices Form 1. Access Firefly and select Resources Students Key Stage 3 & 4 2. Select KS4 Courses - Initial Choices Year 9: KS4 Initial Course Choices
Year 9: KS4 Initial Course Choice form