Year 9 Information Evening Tuesday 20 th September 2016
Aims of tonight s meeting: To give you an overview of exams that are taken in Years 10 and 11 To share how the options process will take place this year To inform you of the key dates in Year 9 To advise you on how best to support your child over the coming three years
Examinations English and Maths now do their main GCSE exam at the end of Year 10. Science exams will take place early in Year 11 to allow a retake option, if needed, before students leave. This means that your child will have completed: English Language (early May) Maths (May/June) Science (November, Year 11)
What happens then? Depending on results, students have more opportunities. Choose between English Literature and Media (an extra GCSE) Improve their Maths grade or take a further Maths qualification.
With that in mind The options process is slightly different to previous years. There is no options evening in January. In the Spring term: The options booklet will be issued along with the annual report on 17 th February.
Preparing to make choices. Deep Learning Day focussed on careers in Spring-term. JED Programme. An interview with either a Careers Advisor from DED or with a member of the school s Leadership Team on Academic Tutoring Day, 8 th March.
igcse English Language igcse- one year GCSE Language qualification. Both coursework (50%) and exam (50%). Provided students achieve at least a C, they choose between Literature and Media. Students who do not secure a C grade at the end of Year 10, re-sit the language qualification in Year 11.
GCSE Maths GCSE Maths begins in Year 9. Students are entered in Year 10 Students achieving Grade B or better go on to study a further Maths qualification. Students who gain a C will try to improve their grade in Year 11 or a GCSE in Statistics. Students who do not pass repeat the course in Year 11.
GCSE Science Students in Year 9 will begin working towards the igcse Co-ordinated Science award worth 2 GCSEs. There are three papers which test aspects from all three areas of Science; Biology, Physics and Chemistry There is no coursework; practical skills are tested through an alternative to practical examination.
Science at A-Level Students who are considering any Science subject at A level must complete Coordinated Science, gaining the two GCSEs. Students who fail to gain the C in the early Year 11 entry will have the option to resit in June of Year 11. Students cannot resit modules to improve grades; all the papers must be retaken.
An Overview Year 9 2016/17 Snapshots issued 11 th November 2016 Formal Assessment Week 7 th - 9 th December 2016 Year 9 Reports issued. 17 th February 2017 Year 9 Careers Day 1 st March 2017 Academic Tutoring. Options Interview. 8 th March 2017 Options forms returned 17 th March 2017
Qualification Types GCSE General Certificate of Secondary Education These are traditionally academic subjects with final examinations at the end of the course. Coursework varies from subject to subject. BTEC Business Technology Education Council These provide a practical, real world approach to learning without sacrificing any of the essential subject theory 75% of the work will be assessed through assignments, set and marked in school and externally moderated. 25% assessed through, external test, task or performance.
Course at University College Man Courses are limited to 8 students per group. The college expects that all students attending the Engineering course will have attained a grade C at the end of Year 9 in Maths. The end of Key Stage Teacher Assessment grades will be sent out in early July. If there are more students wishing to take the courses than places then the students will be interviewed by college staff who will select the students for their course. Please note that Salon Services is a one year course. Students will continue to attend UCM in Year 11, most likely to do either Business Administration or Hospitality and Catering.
Course at University College Man Arrangements In Year 10, college courses are held on Wednesday morning and students are expected to make their own way to the college. They will return to school on a bus in time for lessons. All courses (apart from Engineering) offer the chance to gain industry recognised qualifications, but don t count as GCSEs. Engineering is a BTEC course assessed at the equivalent of a GCSE.
Options 2016/17 Core Subjects English Language (GCSE) Co-ordinated Science (GCSE) Religious Education (GCSE) Mathematics (GCSE) ICT (GCSE) Non Examined Core: Physical Education PHSE
Options 2016/17 Option Subjects (GCSE) Art Business Studies DT Systems & Control DT Food and Nutrition DT Graphic Products DT Product Design DT Textiles Drama Spanish Economics French Geography German History ICT Computer Science Physical Education Music Performing Arts Option Subjects (BTEC) College Courses Engineering Hospitality and Catering Salon Services Motor Vehicle Business Administration Construction
Options 2016/17 Decisions Decision 1 A college course? If the answer is yes, it is likely that you will be able to choose at least one option in school, but possibly 2. Decision 2 If no college option is chosen, three options are chosen from the list along with a reserve. Think carefully about the reserve. Decision 3-- Additional study options outside of the normal curriculum. Dance, Chinese, Manx etc. Look closely at the options booklet when it is published in February. Think about how courses are assessed.
Making Choices and Ensuring Progression Progression. It is essential when option choices are made that pathways to progression are not blocked. If in doubt ask you subject teachers about progression to A-level. Select subjects because: It is a subject you enjoy It is a subject you do well in It is a subject you want to get better in It is essential to study that subject to keep a pathway open. Do NOT select subjects because: You like the teacher Your friends are taking them
Students please Make the most of Year 9 Get into the habit of revising your work. Maths and Science will begin GCSE work this year. English will build the skills needed next year. Look beyond academic success. Think about building a CV. What other opportunities does school offer? What opportunities are there in the community? Ask lots of questions. Make an informed choice.
Attend to Achieve The greater the attendance the greater the achievement.
Contact Details Mr. Pagan Deputy Head Teacher Steve.Pagan@sch.im Mrs. Busby Assistant Head Teacher Tracey.Busby@sch.im Mr. Moriarty Assistant Head Teacher Eoin.Moriarty@sch.im Miss Hicks Key Stage 3 Leader Joanne.Hicks@sch.im Miss Whittam Head of Year 9 Ruth.Whittam@sch.im