WELCOME TO DOWNLANDS SCHOOL YEAR 8 OPTIONS
Downlands Delivers Headline figures 2016 Pupils ls at Downl wnlands ands make ‘outstanding’ progress, as judged by Ofsted 76% of pupil ils s got t a C or bett tter er in Math ths & Engl glis ish h co compare mpared d to 62% national ionally ly On On aver erage age Downl wnlands ands pupi upils ls made e signifi ificantl cantly y more re prog ogre ress ss than n similar ar pupils pils national ionally ly In some e key y areas eas such ch as the Ebac acc pupil ils s were e in the e top p 10% national ionally ly for r prog ogre ress ss • Downlands outperforms • All similar Schools within a • 75 miles radius
‘New’ GCSE Qualification Key Differences • All pupils will be taking the ‘new’ • Little or no controlled assessment in GCSE most subject areas. • Current y8 will sit exams at the end • Grades 1 - 9 of year 11 (in 2019) • Much more emphasis on terminal examinations, tiers of entry only in Mathematics.
‘New’ GCSE grading • Grade 1 will equate to current F/G grades • Grade 4 will be equivalent to C grade • Grade 7 will be equivalent to current A grade • Grade 9 will be awarded for ‘exceptional performance’ – about half of the students achieving A* will achieve this grade • Grade 5 to be benchmarked against international standards – PISA tests
If you thought that was confusing………
League tables New Measures
New Measures from 2016 Key change Key indicators….. • 5 A*-C inc English and Maths no • Progress 8 longer the ‘Gold Standard’ • Attainment 8 • Percentage of pupils achieving 4 & 5 and above in English and Maths • The EBacc
English Baccalaureate A measure Appears on Achieved English Maths, league tables but not a when pupils Language, a Language alongside qualification get grade 5 Double other and History or above at Science (or measures GCSE in… computer or science), Geography
Progress 8 Any ‘high value’ English Ebacc subject qualification (counts Ebacc subject double if Lit is Any ‘high value’ Ebacc subject qualification taken) Any ‘high value’ Maths qualification (counts double)
Aims of KS4 Curriculum A Broad and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of our learners
Our Curriculum aims to provide: • greater flexibility and choice, • a broad balanced curriculum whilst ensuring pupils acquire that keeps all routes at 16+ the core of general learning open to all pupils and experiences essential for • a curriculum that is later learning and employment appropriate to the needs of all individual learners abilities or interests
Level of Qualification (AQs) = Accredited Qualifications Level 1 Level 2 AQs = GCSE grade A*-C = GCSE grade D-G = New Grades 4 – 9 = New Grades 1 – 4
Assessment Examinations Controlled Assessment Coursework Assessed work carried out under Coursework – Terminal controlled Assessed work to examinations at conditions in be completed in the end of the school. (will not class and at home course apply to most (Btec only) subjects)
Core National Curriculum subjects – Key Stage 4 DFE Requirements
Core National Curriculum subjects – Key Stage 4 CORE • English – Language and Literature • Mathematics • Science – Double or Triple Award
National Curriculum – non exam NON EXAM • Physical Education* • PDC (including Citizenship, Careers and Health Education) • RS* • Computing* *GCSE’s in these subjects are available – to be chosen in year 9.
Two Further Yr 9 Options Two options from: • Creative Arts – Art, Music and Drama • Sport and Dance • Technology and Computing • Humanities • Languages
Number of Qualifications • Science – Combined or Triple • Mathematics – Single Award for most pupils • English – Language and Literature • Four Options (2 chosen in yr8 & 2 in Yr9)* • Most pupils will achieve 9 GCSE equivalent qualifications
Fortnightly Time allocation in year 9 • English, Maths, Science – 6 periods • History/Geography + Languages (option) – 5 periods • Art, Music, Drama, PDC, RS (core) – 2 periods • Technology – 5 periods • Computing – 2 periods • PE – 4 periods
English Language and Literature • English Language and • There will be no English Literature are two controlled assessment in separate GCSE’s. the new GCSE – terminal examination only. • Students prepare for GCSE during year 9. • No tiers of entry
Mathematics • New GCSE from 2015 • Examination only • Foundation and • Changes will include Higher Tier (re)introduction of calculus and Venn diagrams
Science • Triple science is for able students • Most students will follow combined science – 2 GCSE’s made up of who enjoy science and would be chemistry, biology and physics. committed to the demanding course. The department will • The choice is part of the Year 9 advise students on the most options process. appropriate course. • More able scientists may choose Triple Science as one of their • It is not necessary to take Triple additional 2 options – GCSE’s in science to study the sciences at A Chemistry, Physics and Biology. The level – colleges will accept double course will begin at Easter in year 9. award for any A level in science.
Yr8 Options In Summary Two options, one from each block Languages Humanities Block Block
Languages Block • Double (express) group of able linguists who will take French and German GCSE over 3 years • Single language option in French, German and Spanish. Students could still opt for a second language in the year 9 options process. • Students wishing to take Spanish are advised to choose it as an option in year 8
Humanities Block • Choose History* or Geography. In Geography Students prepare for GCSE in year 9 and start the GCSE syllabus in Year 10. In History pupils will cover aspects of the GCSE course in Year 9. Those wishing to do both will follow a combined course of Geography & History in yr9. GCSE preparation in Geography in the Autumn term then switch to History to begin GCSE core content for the Spring & Summer terms. • 100% Final examination in year 11 • Students will have the opportunity to choose another Humanities subject in the Year 9 Options process.
Foundation Learning A practical course which students will be selected for – includes: • Catering qualification • Horticulture • Fitness (accredited course) • Forest Schools • 10 periods a fortnight • Students will be selected for this course which will replace the Humanities and Languages options
Any reason I won’t get my choice? • Not enough students have opted for a subject • Too many students have opted for a subject • This is why a reserve choice is necessary.
Option Blocks In year 9 students will choose 2 of the below*: • Art and Design • Child Development • Drama • German • Computing • History • Information Technology • Product Design • Music • Resistant Materials • Physical Education • Food Technology • Sport • Textiles • Religious Studies • Classical Civilisations • French • Dance • Geography
However….. • In 2017 we have begun to trial some alternative pathways, which may mean that: • Some students may be able to replace a Modern Foreign Language with an ICT , PE/Sport, Art • Some students may be able to choose to study Triple Science od Two languages. However this will impact upon other choices • Concentrate on this Years’ Choices, as things may change. Do not assume things will necessarily be the same
Considerations • Workload – Coursework • Subjects you like, perform requirements v examinations well in and are appropriate. • Subjects chosen will be studied for • Progression to Post 16 the next three years courses (Changes are not possible) • Future career plans • Pupils will be entered for a final examination in option subjects • Balance between academic and practical
Do NOT take into consideration • What your friends are doing. • Which teachers you like. • Previous years’ Curriculum Options or Grades. Students will be compared with their peers.
Key Dates & Documents • Option Booklets, Full Reports and Option Forms have been issued • Parents Consultation Evening Thursday 28th April • Option Forms to be returned by Wednesday 4th May • Options Evening – Heads of Departments in the two option blocks available for further questions after the main presentation.
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