Year 9 Options 2018
The most important message is that your son should choose subjects where he is likely to succeed and that he enjoys. They should enable him to progress with his education/training when he is 16. Key Message
GCSE BTEC Vocational (limited exams) CIDA Only ICT (limited exams) Different Qualifications
Late Jan Booklets Issued Assembly presented to Students Late Feb Parents Evening 21st Feb Signed option forms returned from 24 th Feb March 7th March Final date to return option forms Option choices reviewed and individual issues resolved Review of curriculum offer April Year 9 Exams May Final review of options Ensure curriculum offer is viable June Option allocations issued to students and parents Start of a Process
What GCSE subjects should I study to enable me to do the required A levels? What Level 3 Qualifications do I need to meet university entry requirements? What degree? Example 5 Year Plan Degree Pathway.
English Language English Literature Maths GCSE Sciences RE Physical Education (No Examination) Compulsory Subjects
New GCSE Grading Grade 7 = A Grade Grade 4 = Low C Grade Grade 1 = G grade The grades awarded will be based on a statistical calculation
Progress 8 - Average progress across 8 subjects Attainment 8 - Average grade across 8 subjects New Government Measures
All Students Girls Boys Progress 8 0.03 0.18-0.24 Attainment 8 46.02 48.72 43.40 Performance of Boys Nationally is an Issue
The EBACC is a school performance measure. You do not get a certificate It is simply a group of facilitating subjects that are valued by universities. What is the EBACC?
You need to pass all these subjects at a 5 GCSE English Language or Literature GCSE Maths 2 GCSE Sciences (Includes Computer Science) GCSE History or Geography GCSE French or German English Baccalaureate
Do I need to have passed the English Baccalaureate to get into a Russell Group university? As this document demonstrates, the English Baccalaureate includes academic subjects highly valued by the Russell Group, but it is not currently required for entry to any Russell Group university. As mentioned above, most universities require English and Maths. A few may also require a Modern Foreign Language Successful applicants are normally expected to have achieved good grades in a range of subjects at GCSE or equivalent, and to meet any specific requirements for their chosen course. However, entrance requirements do vary between universities and courses (for example Medicine courses sometimes require certain subjects and grades at GCSE). Therefore, the Russell Group strongly encourage students to check universities websites for further information.
Is it true that a Modern Foreign Language at GCSE or equivalent is required for entry to Russell Group universities? Our institutions very much value language skills but there is no universal entry requirement that students must have studied a modern foreign language at GCSE or equivalent. However, there may be course-specific requirements, so we strongly encourage students to check universities websites for details of these. Currently University College London (UCL) is the only Russell Group institution to require a modern language GCSE at grade C or above for all of its programmes. However if you did not take a Modern foreign language GCSE, or if you got a D grade or below you can still apply to any UCL degree programme, and it won t negatively affect your application. You will not be rejected just because you don t have it but you will need to complete a short course in a modern foreign language, either on a summer school or in the first year of your degree, to catch up. Russell Group 2018
English Baccalaureate The school is recommending that students predicted to achieve a Grade 3+ or higher at the end of Year 9 in English and MFL should consider an EBACC pathway Rutlish Recommendations
46% of the year group entered. 35% achieved at C grade level 32% achieved the EBACC at the new stronger grade 5 level 21% nationally achieved the EBACC at the stronger grade 5 level. Rutlish EBACC 2017
OPTION A French GCSE (EBACC) OPTION B Art GCSE OPTION C Art GCSE OPTION D Business Studies BTEC Vocational Geography GCSE (EBACC) Art BTEC Vocational Art BTEC Vocational Drama GCSE German GCSE (EBACC) Business Studies BTEC Vocational Business Studies BTEC Vocational DT GCSE Graphics Pathway History GCSE (EBACC) DT GCSE Graphics Pathway DT Hospitality BTEC Vocational DT GCSE Resistant Materials Pathway IT - Computer Science GCSE (EBACC) DT GCSE Resistant Materials Pathway Economics GCSE Economics GCSE French GCSE (EBACC) Geography GCSE (EBACC) History GCSE (EBACC) Geography GCSE (EBACC) IT Cida Vocational IT - Computer Science GCSE (EBACC) German GCSE (EBACC) IT Computer Science GCSE (EBACC) IT BTEC Vocational History GCSE (EBACC) IT BTEC Vocational IT Cida Vocational Media Studies BTEC Vocational Media Studies GCSE Performing Arts BTEC Vocational Media Studies GCSE Music BTEC Vocational Physical Education GCSE Sport BTEC Vocational Music GCSE Physical Education GCSE
DT GCSE Graphics Pathway Resistant Pathway These are the same course. The difference will be how you complete your coursework Design & Technology
Only 1 ICT Course Can t do both GCSE Drama & Performing Arts Can t do both GCSE Economics and BTEC Business Studies Can t do both GCSE PE and PE BTEC Can t do both BTEC Music and GCSE Music Can t do both GCSE Media and BTEC Media Can t do both GCSE Art and BTEC Art Restrictions
If a subject is full Criteria for Selection Aptitude and ability for the subject Potential for benefitting from the course Overall choice of options
As a school we will endeavour to fulfil the curriculum offer contained within the booklet. However, there may be circumstances where some curriculum options may have to be withdrawn. If this happens then the school will contact you and discuss the situation Possible Restrictions
Can I do both Geography and History? The school does not actively block this option pathway. However, you need to consider will this provide you with a balanced curriculum. Can I choose to study French if I have been taught German in KS3? No unless exceptional circumstances apply FAQ
Can I study Geography and choose not to study a MFL? Yes Will my son be at an advantage if I return the form early? No. Option forms are only processed after the 7 th March. FAQ
Some students chased the EBAC as it was new. Some students failed some components of the EBAC. Do not assume non EBAC subjects are easier. Two common mistakes
Do I enjoy it? Can I be successful in that subject? What subjects do I need to carry on post 16?/post 19? Can I cope with coursework? Can I cope with exams? Am I leaving my options open? Choose the subject for academic reasons? Considerations
Talk to students currently doing the course Talk to the class teachers Research what subjects you need for different career pathways. Visit the LRC to view post 16 opportunities. What are their entry requirements? Discuss with tutors. Research
Successful Enjoys Balance of the Options. 5 Year plan. What do they need to progress? Summary