Options evening 2017
Promise #1 We will remain a small secondary school so that each and every one of our students can feel happy, respected and known as an individual within our safe and accepting community.
Promise #3 Our curriculum will cater for individual strengths and needs, enabling every student to make outstanding progress and achieve their goals.
Aims of tonight To find out which subjects students must study at Key Stage 4 To find out about what option choices students will be able to make To find out information about the various subjects on offer To find out how to complete the Options Form To find out about the options procedures
Promise #4 Extensive opportunities for personal development will equip our students with the skills, attributes and values needed for future life.
Aims of our curriculum numerate literate high achievers useful qualifications independent learners love of learning good citizens able to make good choices
National changes All GCSEs will now be graded from 9 to 1. All GCSEs have been reformed to ensure that students have a deeper understanding of the subject. There are less controlled assessments resulting in more emphasis on final exams. Exams demand a greater emphasis on literacy, communication and problem solving skills. Several subjects do not have approved specifications at this stage.
Key stage 4 curriculum Core Subjects E-Bacc Subjects Option Subjects
How do I decide which option subjects to choose?
Good reasons for selecting a subject I enjoy the subject I am interested in the subject and would like to study it in more depth I have researched the course/job I would like to do and know I need this subject I have researched what the course involves and the topics sound interesting I have spoken to my parents/carers and teachers who recommend that a course would be suitable for me
bad reasons for selecting a subject My friend is choosing it I like the teacher I can t think what else to do I have been pressured into it I ve heard that it s easy / less work
Core subjects
GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE Course Content: Study of fiction and non-fiction extracts, focusing closely on the effect of writers techniques. Development of a range of writing skills. Assessment: Paper 1 Reading and Writing (Single Fiction Text) 50% Paper 2 Reading and Writing (Two Linked Non-Fiction Texts) 50%
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE Course Content: Study of: Poetry Jekyll and Hyde An Inspector Calls Romeo and Juliet Assessment: Paper 1 Exam 40% Shakespeare and the 19 th Century Novel Paper 2 Exam 60% Modern Prose/Drama and Poetry
SPEAKING AND LISTENING Non-examination assessment Students will be assessed on their ability to: Present to an audience Respond to questions and feedback Use Standard English effectively
CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT Jack Petchey Speak Out Theatre visits Poetry Conference
GCSE MATHS Course Content: The course is equivalent to 1 GCSE. All 4 main topics are covered, Algebra, Number, Shape & Space, and Data & Statistics. Students will now be required to not just use mathematics but also apply it into context and solve problems. All course content will be assessed at the end of Year 11. Assessment: 3 Separate 1 hour 30 minute exams. 1 Non Calculator assessment and 2 Calculator assessments. All papers carry equal weighting. 2 Tiers Foundation & Higher.
AQA GCSE Combined Science (Double Award) Course Content: The course we study is the AQA Trilogy Combined Science and is the equivalent to 2 GCSEs in Science. Students will develop a good basic knowledge of Science by all three disciplines in Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) developing their understanding through practical investigations. The students will need to cover 16 Required Practicals over the course which will then be assessed within their terminal exams at the end of year 11.
AQA GCSE Combined Science (Double Award) Assessment: 6 Separate 1 hour 15minute exams. 2 exams in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These exams are available at Higher or Foundation Level Entry There is no longer a controlled assessment component to the course this has been replaced by the required practicals.
AQA Technical Award in Sport Course Content The course will be equivalent to 1 GCSE. Unit 1-30% of Technical Award through PRACTICAL based lessons students will develop their skills, techniques and tactics in a range of sports including the ability to observe, analyse and evaluate performance. Unit 2 30% of Technical Award. Students will develop their coaching skills within a sport they have studied in unit 1. The students will then develop the skills required to either officiate or organise an event in that sports activity.
AQA Technical Award in Sport Unit 3 - through THEORY based lessons Students will develop a good knowledge of The Sports Industry. This includes: health, physical fitness and safety contemporary issues in sport local and national organisations of sport careers in physical activity and sport. 40% of Technical Award 1 written exam
The Options process
Important date Wednesday 7 June 2017