Key Stage 4 Course Choices Wilmslow High School • Context • Balance • Expectations • Guidance
A powerful curriculum • All students are entitled to a powerful curriculum that will allow you 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
A balance of choice and continuity Getting A balance of subjects that provide you with plenty of options in the future the balance Some courses can be picked right up again at A Level No one is expected to specialise at 14!
National Expectations • It is the government’s intent that 75% of students will complete the English Baccalaureate by 2022. • It is important that our students and parents are aware of this and take this into consideration when making their choices.
What does a “broad and balanced” KS4 curriculum look like? In order to ensure that all 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 • Combined or Triple Science • At least one additional English Baccalaureate subject • Two or three further subjects chosen from the full range of options • In addition, they will continue to receive PE and Wider Curriculum lessons.
Guided Choices Students are choosing qualifications for life, so we will guide each of them carefully through the process: • 8 or 9 qualifications • A balanced approach to science (combined or triple science) • A balanced approach to the rest of Year 9 – it will count.
Guided Choices • All the courses that we offer will provide our students with valuable qualifications; all of them will also be challenging. It is important that you don’t make any of the following mistakes: – This course will be ‘fun’ – This course won’t involve much written work – I am not good at time management but I will be fine studying 2- 3 ‘coursework’ subjects
Guided I have not chosen this subject Choices because a friend is doing it I have not chosen this subject based on the teachers We use the Course Choices I am realistic about what key stage process to design our curriculum, grouping and 4 study involves in this subject timetable. Any changes made after this point mean I am realistic about how good I am that we cannot guarantee that a student has the at this subject optimal timetable; I do not think that I will change my therefore you need to mind about opting for this subject make the right selection as part of this process because:
Date Activity Monday 14th January – Launch of KS4 Course Choice process Friday 18th January Sequence of assemblies for Year 9 students from each House. KS4 Course Choice booklet issued to students. Monday 21st January – Year 9 Summative Assessments Friday 25th January Thursday 31 st January KS4 Course Choices Evening Teachers will be available to discuss whether the courses they offer will suit your child. Students should accompany parents in full school uniform. Tuesday 5th February Aspirations Fair KS4 choices All Year 9 students will have the chance to speak directly to a range of post-16 opportunity providers at this fair. It will take place in school, during the school day. Many local timeline businesses and colleges will be attending. Friday 15th February Assessment Certificate following summative assessments Tuesday 26th February Deadline for submission of Initial Course Choices We will use this information to: provide additional advice and guidance to students regarding the suitability of their initial course choices; determine whether there should be any change to course availability Friday 15 th March Final Course Choice form issued to students Friday 22 nd March Deadline for return of Final Course Choices form to tutors
Dedicated KS4 Course Choices page: www.wilmslowhigh.com Curriculum Careers Course Choices for KS4
How to access the Initial Course Choices Form 1. Access Firefly and select Resources 2. Select ‘KS4 Courses Students Key Stage 3 & 4 - Initial Choices’ Year 9: KS4 Initial Course Choices
Year 9: KS4 Initial Course Choice form
Wider Curriculum Collapsed Timetable Days Thursday 11 July ‘Make A Friday 12 July ‘Alton Towers’ Difference’
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