Welcome to the Kings of Wessex Academy
Key Dates Monday 29 January - Options Assembly Wednesday 31 January Options Evening Friday 9 February - Deadline for forms
The National Picture Progress 8: To encourage a broad curriculum the performance of schools is now judged on the progress students make in 8 subjects, including at least 5 EBacc subjects. Reformed GCSEs (9-1) Being phased in from 2017-2019. Vocational Reforms Vocational courses include external assessment. Assessment Changes Linear exams and SPAG.
Why are GCSEs Being Reformed? 1.To provide a stronger foundation for further study and employment, keeping pace with the demands of universities and employers. 2.To support students in developing the knowledge, skills and values they need for life in Modern Britain. 3.To match the standards of the best education systems in the world.
How will reformed GCSEs be different? They will make more demands of students, to help them achieve as much as students in countries with the best education systems. They will be taken by the same range of students who take GCSEs currently, across a range of abilities. They will be awarded in grades from 9 to 1.
How will reformed GCSEs be different? Grades 9 1. Statistic -ally set. Grade 4 will be a passport to future study and employment. DfE 2017 Grade 4 = Standard Pass. Grade 5 = Strong Pass.
How will reformed GCSEs be different? Exams will become the default assessment. Other forms of assessment will only be allowed where essential(e.g. in art or PE). There will only be ability tiers in maths, science and languages. There will only be retake opportunities in November (Year 12) and only for English and maths.
What are we doing to support our students? A three-year Upper School to create more time. Pre-Public Exams (PPEs) give students opportunities to learn exam skills. Reducing the total number of courses studied ensures time to cover the extra content. We offer non-gcse courses such as BTECs. Kings will provide learning support options, an extensive revision programmes and revision resources.
The Core Subjects GCSEs GCSE English Language and Literature GCSE Mathematics GCSE Sciences (combined or triple) GCSE Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) Non-Examined Physical Education(PE) Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) Citizenship
EBacc Curriculum GCSEs French Geography German History Learning Support Courses English and Maths Basics EBacc Booster Students study two.
The English Baccalaureate Since 2011 students who achieve A* - C (now 9-5 for a strong pass ) in each of the following areas are recognised as having achieved an EBacc: GCSE science combined science or triple GCSE English language / literature 9-5 GCSE maths 9-5 GCSE history or geography 9-5 GCSE French or German 9-5 9-5
The English Baccalaureate At Kings students study English, maths and science. Students choose two further EBacc courses. The Since EBacc 2011 combination students who is not achieve compulsory A* - C but (now for 9-5 most students for a strong we highly pass ) recommend in each they of choose the following a humanities and areas languages are recognised course. as having achieved an EBacc: GCSE science combined science or triple GCSE English language / literature 9-5 GCSE maths 9-5 GCSE history or geography 9-5 GCSE French or German 9-5 9-5
EBacc Curriculum GCSEs French Geography German History Learning Support Courses English and Maths Basics EBacc Booster Students study two.
Learning Support English and Maths Basics This option helps provide some an excellent opportunity to develop basic English and maths skills to help access English and maths GCSEs. The course will not cover material needed for higher exam grades. This option is a guided choice. Please discuss with Mrs. Boulton (SENCo) to check suitability.
Learning Support EBacc Booster This programme gives additional time and support with EBacc courses including English, maths and science. Students will also study a life and work skills qualification. This course gives students small group targeted support for 5 hours per week. It takes up two options choices. This programme is by invitation only from Mrs. Boulton (SENCo). Please see her for further details.
Learning Support Presentations for families contacted about the EBacc Booster Programme at: 18:40 and 19:40 on Options Evening
Languages in the Kings Curriculum To be eligible for the EBacc students must study a language and at least one of history and geography. Students may study both French and German. The ability to speak another language is an important skill for the global job market. 95% of London employers think that language skills are important to the London economy. Employees with languages skills earn more on average.
Enrichment Options GCSEs Art, Craft and Design Business Studies Computer Science Design Technology Food Prep and Nutrition French Geography German History Music Physical Education Textiles Vocational Business Studies (BTEC) Certificate in Digital Applications (ICT) Performing Arts(BTEC) Sports Science (OCR) Students will study two. Choose four IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE to include two reserves.
Types of Courses GCSE Traditional academic focus. Most are assessed by exams only. Vocational - Work related focus. Continuous assessment throughout the course with some external assessment. Learning Support Not necessarily leading to a qualification but providing extra time and support to help some students access the curriculum..
Important Information All students follow the core curriculum. Students choose two EBacc options (for most students we highly recommend a language and humanities course). You will study two Enrichment options choose four in order of preference (to include reserve choices). Ensure your form is returned by Friday 9 February. Choose wisely. We can not guarantee that students can change courses although we will try to accommodate swaps, where possible, until October half term.
Please see handout for rooms in use this evening.