Key Stage 4 Course Choices @Wilmslow High School
A powerful curriculum • All our students are entitled to a powerful curriculum that will allow them to make educated and independent decisions • There is a balance between the core knowledge that we all need to have and the subjects that we specialise in • This balance is reflected in the Key Stage 4 course choices process
Getting the balance right • A balance of choice and continuity • A balance of subjects that provides students with plenty of options in the future • Some courses can be picked up again at A Level • No one is expected to specialise at 14!
Getting the balance right • A balance of 8 or 9 qualifications • A balanced approach to science • A balanced approach to the rest of Year 9 – it will count
What does a “broad and balanced” KS4 curriculum look like? In order to ensure that students study a broad and balanced KS4 curriculum that will keep their future options open we expect them to study: • English (both Language & Literature) and mathematics • Double or Triple Science • At least one additional English Baccalaureate subject • One or two further subjects chosen from the full range of options • In addition, students will continue to receive PE and Wider Curriculum lessons.
Our advice to students You should choose courses that: • You think you can do well in, and that you find interesting and challenging. • Provide you with a broad and balanced programme of study providing plenty of options in the future. • May be useful in your future university, training and career decisions. You should not choose a course: • Because your friend is doing it. • Because you like, or dislike, the teachers. We cannot say who your teachers will be at this stage. • Because it is new. • Because you think it will be easy. Remember that all GCSEs are designed to be challenging. Or because you think you can drop it if you don’t like it!
Dedicated KS4 Course Choices page: www.wilmslowhigh.com Curriculum Key Stage 3 Course Choices for KS4
Key Stage 4 Course Choices Timeline Monday 16th January - Launch of KS4 Course Choice process: Sequence of assemblies for Year 9 students from Friday 20th January each House. KS4 Course Choice booklet issued to students. 2017 KS4 Course Choices Evening: Market place format in various locations around school: Thursday 2nd February All Curriculum Teams offering courses in course choice columns 2017 Careers advice drop-in opportunity 6.00 - 8.00pm Staff will be available to discuss whether the courses they offer will suit your child. Students should accompany parents in full school uniform. Thursday 16th February Year 9 Parents' Evening: Opportunity to discuss progress in those subjects presently 2017 studied and gain further advice regarding which courses to study in Years 10 and 11. Deadline for submission of Initial Course Choices: We will use the information submitted through Firefly to: Friday 17th provide additional advice and guidance to students regarding the suitability of their February 2017 initial course choices; determine whether there should be any change to course availability Monday 13th March Final Course Choice form issued to students during this week 2017 Friday 24 th March 2017 Deadline for return of Final Course Choices form to tutors Summer term Confirmation of Course Choice letter issued to students
How to access the Initial Course Choices Form 1. Student logs into Firefly and selects 2 . Select ‘Year9: Initial Resources Students Key Stage 3 & 4 Course Choices’
Year 9: KS4 Initial Course Choice form screenshot
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