Pontarddulais Comprehensive School Key Stage 4 Information Evening November 2016
Key Stage 4 Curriculum English Language & Literature Maths & Maths Numeracy Double Science Award GCSE Welsh or Welsh Entry Level Religious Studies 3 x Options Welsh Baccalaureate
Key Information Key dates for assessments, controlled assessments and examinations Resources and websites Pupil progress and reporting Outline of course structure all core subjects
English Language GCSE Unit 1- Oracy (20%) An individual talk (10%) and a group discussion (10%) Both tasks to be completed by February Unit 2 40% (2 hours) 6 th June 2017 Reading tasks 20% (1 hour) 1 writing task and editing and proof reading tasks 20% (1 hour) Unit 3 40% (2 hours) 12 th June 2017 Reading tasks 20% (1 hour) 2 writing tasks 20% (1 hour)
English Literature GCSE Unit 1 Exam 35% (2 hours) January of Year 11 Section A Of Mice and Men Section B unseen poetry comparison Unit 2a Exam 40% (2 hours) June Year 11 Section A An Inspector Calls Section B Heroes Unit 3 Controlled Assessment 25% Section A Romeo and Juliet Section B Welsh poetry
GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy / Mathematics There will be 2 GCSEs in mathematics for pupils in Wales to sit from September 2016. GCSE in Mathematics Numeracy GCSE Mathematics
Assessment Assessment for GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy and GCSE Mathematics is at 3 tiers: Higher (A*-C), Intermediate (B-E) and Foundation (D-G) Pupils will sit: two papers for the GCSE Maths Numeracy two papers for the GCSE Mathematics. Each paper is worth 50% of the overall mark of the GCSE. A calculator will not be allowed in the first of each GCSE papers.
How have we been preparing your children for the new specifications in Mathematics? Attendance at all WJEC courses Developing new teaching materials at KS4 Pupils are now taught for 8 hours a fortnight to accommodate the 2 GCSE examinations in Maths Maths booster sessions for Year 10 to start in January 2017 Summer mock exams for both GCSEs Revision materials to complete over the summer Exam paper materials compiled using similar current Maths specification past paper questions
Key Dates July 2017 - Revision booklet to complete over the summer Sept 2017 - After school revision classes begin every week from 3pm to 4pm Nov 2017 - GCSE exams begin with an enrichment session the day before each exam and a 20 minute revision session on the morning/afternoon of each exam
3 External GCSE examinations in Summer 2017 Controlled assessment in Spring 2018 3 External GCSE examinations in Summer 2018 Double Award Science 2 Science GCSE qualifications Higher A*-D, Foundation C-G Subject Unit sections Length of paper date % contributes to GCSE grade Biology 1 Unit1 1.1-1.6 1hr 15mins Weds 14 th June 2017 AM 15% Chemistry 1 Unit 2 2.1-2.5 1hr 15 mins Fri 16 th June 2017 AM 15% Physics 1 Unit 3 3.1-3.5 1hr 15mins Mon 19 th June 2017 AM 15% Controlled assessment Unit 7 NA 2 X 1hr Jan Feb 2018 10% Biology 2 Unit 4 4.1-4.6 1hr 15mins TBC June 2018 15% Chemistry 2 Unit 5 5.1-5.5 1hr 15mins TBC June 2018 15% Physics 2 Unit 6 6.1-6.6 1hr 15 mins TBC June 2018 15%
3 External GCSE examinations in Summer 2017 Controlled assessment in Spring 2018 3 External GCSE examinations in Summer 2018 Triple Award Science 3 Science GCSE qualifications Higher A*-D, Foundation C-G Subject Unit sections Length of paper date % contributes to GCSE grade Biology 1 Unit1 1.1-1.6 1hr 45mins Weds 14 th June 2017 AM Chemistry 1 Unit 1 1.1-1.6 1hr 45mins Fri 16 th June 2017 AM Physics 1 Unit 1 1.1-1.9 1hr 45mins Mon 19 th June 2017 AM 45% 45% 45% Controlled assessment Unit 3 NA 2 X 1hr in each Science Biology, Chemistry, Physics Jan Feb 2018 10% X 3 Biology 2 Unit 2 2.1-2.8 1hr 45mins TBC June 2018 45% Chemistry 2 Unit 2 2.1-2.6 1hr 45mins TBC June 2018 45% Physics 2 Unit 2 2.1-2.9 1hr 45mins TBC June 2018 45%
GCSE WELSH Applied Full Course 4 hours fortnight PON / TIS split 3 GCSE classes + 1 Entry Pathways class Higher / Foundation Tier 4 Units 2 units per year Units 1 & 4 = External Exams [40%] Units 2 & 3 = Controlled Assessment [60%]
GCSE WELSH Applied Full Course
GCSE WELSH Applied Full Course
Welsh Baccalaureate SKILLS CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE GCSE (A*-C) (4 challenges) SUPPORTING QUALIFICATIONS GCSE English GCSE Numeracy 3 additional GCSEs or vocational equivalent = WELSH BACCALAUREATE
Welsh Baccalaureate 3 Challenges and Individual project All completed as controlled assessments. Enterprise 20% - September 2016 to December 2016 Global Citizenship 15% - January 2017 to April 2017 Community 15% - April 2017 to July 2017 Individual project 50% - September 2017 to April 2018
Welsh Baccalaureate Key Dates 26 th November 2016-Winter Fayre 6/7 th December 2016-Enterprise pitches 22 nd /23 rd June 2017-Community challenge
Course Information
Reporting to Parents Year 10 Interim report 21 st September 2016 Interim report 21 st November 2016 Full report 9 th March 2017 Interim report 7 th April 2017 Year 11 Interim report September 2017 Interim report November 2017 Full report January 2018 Interim report April 2018
Parents Evening Monday 13 th March 2017 Year 10 Parents Evening 25 th September 2017 Year 11 Parents Evening 1 29 th January 2018 Year 11 Parents Evening 2
Controlled Assessments Controlled assessments contribute towards final GCSE grades in some subjects. The weighting of controlled assessments varies with each subject. Assignments are completed under teacher supervision and in exam conditions. They could be completed: In a normal timetabled lesson Controlled access to resources, e.g. Internet Research and preparation under supervision
Preparing for exams Correct equipment Communication dates of exams / timetable Revision sessions Examination Officer Nicola Oulton GCSE Results day Thursday 24 th August 2017
Internal & External Examinations Year 10 internal exams February 2017 Year 10 GCSE external exams May/June 2017 Year 11 GCSE Maths external exams November 2017 Year 11 internal mock exams December 2017 Year 11 GCSE English Literature external exam January 2018 Year 11 GCSE external exams May/June 2018
Summer 2017 Examinations The following subjects have external GCSE exams in May/June 2017 (end of Year 10): English Language Science (Double Award) ICT History Welsh Religious Studies
The 6 Ps: Proper prior preparation prevents poor performance
How can you support your child? Encourage your child to attend all lessons and after school and extra revision sessions. Ensure your child comes fully equipped to ALL lessons and examinations. Ask your child how they are progressing, check on homework being done, use pupil planners to liaise with staff. Consider buying revision resources. Attend parents evening in September feel free to contact your child s teacher at any time with any questions or concerns. Ensure your child is eating a healthy diet and gets enough sleep during exams. Ensure your child is organised and prepared for exams. Help them plan a timetable to organise their own revision.
Further Information If you require any further information about your child s progress, examinations or controlled assessments please contact the school. Nicola Outlon Examination Officer Gareth Rees Deputy Headteacher (exams) Andrew Owens Assistant Headteacher (curriculum) Rachel Rees Progress Manager for Year 10