Moving to a 3 Year Key Stage 4 From September 2017
To ensure every student is given the best chance of achieving good GCSE grades we have increased the Key Stage 4 curriculum time from 2 to 3 years. Extended Key Stage 4 is not a new concept and is one that is being practised in many schools across the country. Priory School has decided to adapt this curriculum framework to allow subjects to be taught in greater depth with access to specialist teaching therefore creating more motivated students (DFE:2011). Extending Key Stage 4 to three years provides an even higher quality curriculum, potentially allowing students to access a wider range of subjects to the end of Key Stage 4.
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%).
GCSEs are changing A move to Progress8 measure, which replaces 5 A*-C as measure by which students may be judged. This may affect things such as college applications. We do not want the students to be disadvantaged as many other local schools already offer a 3yr KS4 and are in competition for the same college places. In order to secure the best chances and choices, our students need more time to complete these new GCSEs.
3 Year Key Stage 4 Model Previous Year 9 Model English 5 lessons per week (5) Maths 5 lessons per week (5) Science 4 lessons per week (4) PE 2 lessons per week (2) PSCRE 1 lesson per week (1) Geography 2 lessons per week (2) History 2 lessons per week (2) IT 1 lesson per week (2) New Technology 1 lesson per week (1) 3 option subjects 2 lessons per week (6) (Art, Drama, Music, DT, Food, MFL) (30 lessons)
3 Year Key Stage 4 Model New Year 9 Model English 5 lessons per week (5) Maths 5 lessons per week (5) Science 5 lessons per week (5) PE 2 lessons per week (2) PSCRE 2 lesson per week (2) IT 1 lesson per week (1) 4 option subjects 2.5 lessons per week (10) (3 one week, 2 the next) (30 lessons)
3 Year Key Stage 4 Model 2016 Option Choice Art, Drama, Music, Food, Design Technology, French, German and Spanish 2017 Option Choice Art, Drama, Music, GCSE PE, Business Studies, French, German, Spanish, Child Development, Food Preparation & Nutrition, Graphics, Product Design, Citizenship, Geography, History, RE, Leisure and Tourism, Computer Science, Health & Social Care, Textiles
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.
Benefits of a 3 Year GCSE Course Additional time to complete course content and explore the subject more fully not just teaching to the test. Time for extra-curricular opportunities. Opportunity to explore higher level content which prepares students better for college courses. Meets the needs of all learners. 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, etc with less impact on other subjects. Gives Year 8 a focus and drive. Stimulates engagement.
Benefits of a 3 Year GCSE Course Students that choose to follow a practical course will benefit greatly from increased time in Year 9. Time in Year 9 to reinforce key foundation concepts, which will be built upon as a solid foundation for studies in Year 10 and 11. Increased time in GCSE academic study will help us to raise student aspiration, and help them pursue their next step. Three years will allow for key activities to be spread through the Key Stage more appropriately for each course. eg: Field trips or expeditions can be spread out appropriately. Additional time in Skills for Life / Culture and Beliefs will help students to prepare for the next step, and learn about the world around them developing our Lifelong Learners.
Key Dates Wednesday 15 th February 2017 Pupils receive their invitation letter for Option Evening. Friday 17 th February 2017 Option Book and Information go live on school website. Monday 27 th February 2017 Pupils receive their KS4 Option Packs Tuesday 28 th February 2017 Options Evening Presentation 5.30 7.00pm This is an opportunity to talk to staff about the different courses on offer. Wednesday 8 th March 2017 Deadline for option forms to be submitted. Thursday 23 rd March 2017 Year 8 Parents Consultation Evening.