Options 2018
QUALIFICATIONS - NEW GCSE Are now Graded 1 to 9 Mostly single tiered papers No controlled assessments (except in practical subjects) Terminal examination taken at the end of two years. Most subjects will have two examinations
GRADE 5 IS NOW THE NEW BENCHMARK But this will be harder to achieve
ENGLISH BACCALAUREATE The government s goal is that at least 90% of pupils in mainstream secondary schools will study the English Baccalaureate.
ENGLISH BACCALAUREATE The EBacc is the combined study of five core academic subjects at GCSE. To achieve the EBacc, pupils must gain grade 5s or above in all of the five subject areas below, including two from science. (Six GCSEs graded 9-5 in total).
ENGLISH BACCALAUREATE Whichever career path young people choose, they will need the skills that make them employable in a world where recruitment is increasingly global. We owe it to them to ensure that they do not lose out in the jobs market to better educated and linguistically qualified candidates from other countries Nuffield Trust
KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM Core English Language English Literature Maths Science (Combined Double Award) Modern Foreign Language (Top two sets) Humanities (History or Geography) PE Core Religious Studies CZ/Careers/PSHE Compulsory Subjects taken by all pupils
OPTION AIMS To provide a broad and balanced selection of courses with recognised qualifications that offer a variety of progression routes both in further education and employment
PATHWAYS Green Pathway Recommended for pupils who scored 106 or above at Key Stage 2 Pupils who perform well in tests and examinations Pupils looking to progress to A levels and then university. Blue Pathway Recommended for pupils who scored between 94 and 106 at Key Stage 2 Pupils who prefer a mix of project work, teacher assessments and examinations Pupils thinking of apprenticeships or vocational courses at college leading to employment, retaining the option to go to university at a later stage. Red Pathway Recommended for pupils who scored 93 or below at Key Stage 2 Pupils who prefer to be assessed in the classroom as they complete their assignments Pupils thinking of doing level one and level two courses at college leading to employment trainee schemes.
RECOMMENDED PATHWAYS Year 8 Option Subjects History Geography BTEC Travel and Tourism German GCSE Triple Science GCSE Computer Science GCSE 2nd Humanities (Geography or History) GCSE Business Studies GCSE Art & Design GCSE Media Studies D&T (Timber) D&T (Board) GCSE Food & Nutrition GCSE Drama BTEC Music GCSE Physical Education BTEC Sport CACHE Child Development and Care Recommended Pathways
QUALIFICATIONS VOCATIONAL Level 2 Technical Awards GCSE equivalents Graded Pass, Merit, Distinction Generally two coursework units and one externally examined unit. BTEC Sports, BTEC Travel and Tourism, CACHE, Materials Technology, Visual Communication.
THINGS TO CONSIDER Pupils will spend a third of their time studying Options subjects. What subjects are you good at What subjects do you enjoy What type of work is involved Do you know enough about the subjects What do your parents think Who else can you talk to What is a good balance of subjects
OPTIONS FORM SECTION 3 https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=7umxxanwoe2iyv- VSpXWnG5e61ZJyexNpUMUGJ1GZ79UMDlWR EI4NlE2OFNNS05PSFo1RFJGTFdXTC4u http://www.swracademy.net
A TIME OF STABILITY? What action are we taking to support our students through these new GCSEs? Guiding the right students on to the right courses. Developed the curriculum to give more time English & Maths. Focus on improving memory and recall. Focus on improving problem solving skill. Developing Independent learning skills. Building in time to practice exams. Extra support for revision
IMPORTANT DATE Complete online form by Friday 9 th March 2018