WELCOME TO DOWNLANDS SCHOOL YEAR 8 OPTIONS Mr Ashdown Assistant Headteacher
How are we doing? Headline figures 2014 • 72% of pupils achieved 5A*-C including English and Maths • 81% of pupils achieved 5 A*-C • 81% of pupils achieved A*-C in Maths • 77% of pupils achieved A*-C in English • 36% of pupils achieved the Ebacc measure
‘New’ GCSE Qualification Key Differences • Current y8 will sit exams at the end • Little or no controlled assessment in of year 11 (in 2018) most subject areas. • Most subjects including English, • Grades 1 - 9 Mathematics, Humanities subjects • A small number of subjects will and Languages will be examined by continue to be examined by the ‘old’ the ‘new’ GCSE GCSE, for example Classical • Much more emphasis on terminal Civilisations, Child Development – examinations, tiers of entry only in grades A*-G. 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* last year will achieve this grade • Grade 5 to be benchmarked against international standards – PISA tests
League tables 2016 onwards 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 C 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 C grades 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 • Technology • Humanities • Languages
Reasons for a Two year Key stage 3 AIMS IMPACT • New curriculum in science, • Students no longer take creative arts and technology no subjects they have not opted longer has constraints of KS3 for in the 2nd half of year 9 – programme of study or GCSE historically pupils disengaged syllabus. from learning • A far more creative curriculum. • Humanities and Languages Teachers have planned students are following their innovative, engaging courses – chosen subject – teachers improved engagement, behaviour report far greater engagement and achievement reported.
Year 9 Curriculum Science & Tecnology Creative Arts & Option Subjects • Creative arts – after Feb half • Science – forensic science, the term students working towards physics of a rock show, space themed presentations including and food science the Sports Day opening ceremony • Technology – preparation for • Option subjects – preparation for GCSE enabling pupils to make starting GCSE syllabus in y10 free from constraints of KS3/GCSE an informed choice at Yr9 syllabus e.g. media studies approach to RS. Lessons still underpinned by GCSE assessment criteria
Number of Qualifications • Science – Double 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 (10/11 for Triple Scientists/Dual Linguists)
Fortnightly Time allocation in year 9 • English, Maths, Science and Languages – 6 periods • History/Geography/RS (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 • Most students will follow double • Triple science is for able students science – 2 GCSE’s made up of who enjoy science and would be chemistry, biology and physics. committed to the demanding • The choice is part of the Year 9 course. The department will options process. advise students on the most appropriate course. • More able scientists may choose Triple Science – GCSE’s in • It is not necessary to take Triple Chemistry, Physics and Biology. science to study the sciences at A The course will begin at Easter in level – colleges will accept double 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, Geography or RS • Students prepare for GCSE in year 9 and start the GCSE syllabus in Year 10. • 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 • German • Drama • History • Computing • Product Design • Information Technology • Resistant Materials • Music • Spanish • Physical Education • Food Technology • Sport (Btec) • Textiles • Religious Studies • Classical Civilisation • French • Hospitality and Catering • Geography
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.
Key Dates & Documents • Option Booklets, Full Reports and Option Forms have been issued • Parents Consultation Evening Thursday 30th April • Option Forms to be returned by Wednesday 6th May • Options Evening – Heads of Departments in the two option blocks available for further questions after the main presentation.
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