Colonel Frank Seely School Preparing for Key Stage 4
Moving to a 3yr KS4 and what it means for your child. Year 8 Parents session
Welcome Introductions Mr Gale Head Teacher Mrs Sleep Assistant Head Teacher: Curriculum This information session: Why a three year Key Stage 4? The options model for Year 9 2017-2018
Why a three year KS4? GCSEs are changing: GCSEs are evolving to become far more content driven. With some subjects almost doubling in content, or including A-level knowledge. Less Controlled Assessment / Coursework. An emphasis on end of course exams, which are worth a higher percentage of final grade (in some cases 100%).
Why a three year KS4? GCSEs are changing: A move to Progress 8 measure, which replaces 5 A*-C as measure by which students may be judged. This may affect things such as 6th Form and College applications. We do not want the students to be disadvantaged as they apply many other local schools already offer a 3yr KS4. In order to secure the best chances and choices, our students need more time to complete these new GCSEs.
A route forwards 3year Key Stage 4 model: Y9 Y10 Y11 Students select their subjects to follow in Year 8, rather than Year 9. Students will generally have four choices of subjects. Students will study these subjects for all 3 years (Year 9, 10 and 11), in addition to core subjects.
A route forwards 3 year Key Stage 4 model: The decision to move to a three year Key Stage 4 programme is not something that we have taken lightly, and we have consulted widely. A number of local schools have already made the transition to this model, and feedback from them and their students is very positive. Those schools that we have consulted report that student progress and engagement has improved. Staff feel that this change has allowed them more time to cover the GCSE syllabus content, and to prepare the students for exams and controlled assessments more rigorously
A route forwards Benefits of a three year GCSE course: Additional time to complete course content and explore the subject more fully not just teaching to the test. Prepare for exams more thoroughly with guided revision. Time for extra-curricular opportunities. Opportunity to explore higher level content which prepares students better for 6th form or college courses. Removes some of the pressure earlier students feel better prepared. Calmer for exams. Gives us flexibility within the curriculum to run year group activities -such as visiting speakers, workshops, masterclasses etc with less impact on other subjects. Gives Year 8 a focus and drive. Stimulates engagement.
From September 2012, all GCSEs became linear in structure, so that examinations are taken only at the end of the course. This will mean that examinations are mainly taken in the summer of Year 11. Only English and Maths will offer the opportunity to re-sit exams and this is only in November of Year 12, i.e. after Year 11 has been completed. The content is now more challenging. 9
This will be classed as a good pass, replacing the current C Grade.
Internal Assessment (Coursework) has largely disappeared and used only where it is needed to test essential skills: Art, Computer Science, Food, Media, Music, PE. There are now extra marks available for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) in the GCSEs in English Literature, Geography and History. 11
Gaining a good qualification in Maths and English is absolutely vital for all students. Grade 5 (previously C) Maths and English will be needed to access Level 3 courses e.g. A Levels, Vocational Diplomas, Apprenticeships after 16. Pupils will re-sit English/Maths if a Grade 5in either is not obtained, and gaining access to an advanced course will be doubtful in the meantime. 12
The Government is keen to copy European best practice where most countries insist on a broad range of academic subjects until the age of 16. The English Baccalaureate or EBaccsubjects are: English, Maths and Science, History or Geography and a modern foreign language (French or Spanish). A Grade 5 (previously C) must be achieved in all subjects. 13
It may benefit some pupils who are considering university as an option after successfully completing KS5courses. Studying a language is not appropriate for all pupils, who may have alternative strengths in other areas of the curriculum. Indeed it is more important to study subjects where a pupil can gain most enjoyment and success. 14
We are offering pupils four options choices for September 2017. Pupils have been placed on one of two option pathways which we believe best suits their ability and aptitude. A majority of subjects are common to both option forms. We believe that we are offering a wide range of subjects which are suited to our learners which will give them the best chance of success when they reach Year 11. 15
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All our subjects included in our KS4curriculum are approved Level 2 qualifications. Vocational qualifications are equivalent to GCSEs
We offer a number of BTECand Cambridge National courses. These are often assessed by on-going assignments as well as a final exam. These courses often include more practical opportunities than GCSE courses and can develop skills required in the workplace. A mix of GCSE and Vocational courses provides a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils. 23
Support from: Teachers, Tutor, Library Staff, Miss Gill, Mrs Sleep.
W/b 13th March: Year 8 Snapshots published this week. 14 March Tuesday: Y8 Options Evening. 28 March Tuesday: Option forms returned. Before end of Summer Term: Pupil option choices confirmed by letter. 25