Year 9 Options Evening 2015
Aims of the evening • To introduce the Key Stage 4 Curriculum 2015-2017 • To provide an outline of the Options process and key dates • To highlight ways pupils are given support and guidance and how additional support can be gained
Curriculum Principles • Broad • Balanced • Relevant • Personal Development and Challenge • Opportunities for Progression
Qualifications for Key Stage 4 GCSE • assessed through a combination of examinations and controlled assessments • graded 9 to 1* Other Qualifications • Prince’s Trust – Xl Club
The Key Stage 4 Curriculum 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ENGLISH CORE PE OPTION 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MATHS OPTION 3 OPTION 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SCIENCE OPTION 4
Core Curriculum - Values Subject Periods Qualification English 5 2 GCSEs Mathematics 5 1 GCSE Science 6 (9) 2 (3) GCSEs Physical Ed 2 - GCSE Options 3 1 GCSE
Measuring Pupils’ Achievement Measuring School Performance 5+ A*-C inc E & M Progress 8 Attainment 8 English Baccalaureate English Language Maths Science (x2) Humanity (Geography or History) MFL (French, German, Spanish etc.)
The Big Change… The English Baccalaureate (EBacc)
How do you gain the EBacc? In order for a pupil to count as having • the EBacc they need to have achieved at least a C grade GCSE in Mathematics, English, two Science subjects, a Modern or Ancient Foreign Language and either History (including Ancient History) or Geography. Only these subjects are acceptable. • IGCSE examinations do count.
Why? Many schools and colleges will expect students to have achieved the EBacc if they wish to undertake A levels Universities will start to require the EBacc qualification for entry on to many courses A growing number of employers want their future employees to have achieved the EBacc
The Options Routes? EBacc - English, Maths, Two Sciences (at least), One MFL, One Humanities plus 2 Free Option Subjects Non-EBacc - English, Maths, Two Sciences (at least), plus 4 Free Option Choices
Options Form
Selecting Options • One option choice needs to be made from each block • This will highlight four/five preferred choices • Pupils should not choose the same subject twice! • Pupils should think carefully about their subject combinations
Option blocks - example BLOCK A BLOCK B BLOCK C BLOCK D BTEC Art French Art Art Drama Geography Business Studies Catering Geography History Electronics Materials ICT BTEC Media Geography P.E. P.E. Music ICT Religious Studies Spanish Media Studies Spanish BTEC Sport Triple Science
Option blocks - issues BLOCK A BLOCK B BLOCK C BLOCK d BTEC Business French Art Art Business Studies Geography Business Studies Catering Catering History Electronics Materials French BTEC Media Geography P.E. Geography Music ICT Religious Studies History Spanish Media Studies Spanish
Advice on how to make the right choices • Gather good information – Subject teachers – Careers evening – Parents • Pupils should select courses that they will enjoy studying • Pupils should be encouraged to follow a broad and balanced curriculum • Pupils should choose subjects that are important or essential for a future career • Pupils should opt for the course not the teacher or because of friends!
Broad & Balanced? • Most pupils will go on to further or higher education • Pupils will be required to show a wide selection of skills, in a wide variety of subjects • Pupils should be thinking about taking a language, an art and a humanity • Whichever options a pupil chooses they will have to say… WHY?
Summary • Choose FOUR options • Choose a broad and balanced curriculum • College Link – which pupils? • Progression • Support and guidance
Who can help decide? Parents/guardians Careers teacher Friends & relatives Subject teachers Older siblings Form tutor Head of Year/PSO – PSCHE Day Senior staff …and the pupils themselves !!
Frequently Asked Questions Why not have FREE options rather than FOUR option blocks? Do pupils have to do what the school recommends? Can I change my option choices in September of Year 10? Will I get all of my options? What will happen if I don’t?
Deadline… Wednesday 25 March 2015
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