The Arnewood School Y8 KS4 Information Evening Aims To explain - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Arnewood School Y8 KS4 Information Evening

Aims To explain …  current qualification structure  the pathways process  what you can do to help … and allow people to begin to think about the choices in discussion with subject teachers.

Qualifications  Qualifications and examinations are regulated by OfQUAL.  National framework of eight stages – Levels 1-8

Occurs over years 12 and 13 Students can gain Level 3 BTECs, AS and A Level GCEs. • Occurs over years 9, 10 and 11 Students can gain GCSEs, BTECs and • VRQs in different subjects. Students can gain the Ebacc • performance measure. Students should aim to achieve • a Level 2 standard (equivalent of grades 5-9) in at least 8 qualifications.

GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc

GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc GCSE – General Certificate of Secondary Education • Replace O Levels and CSEs. • Students were awarded grades A* – G, but there will be a new grading system 1 – 9 where 9 will be the highest. • Tends to be a structured course of study, followed by terminal examinations (at the end of year 11). Coursework will typically be a small component.

GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc BTEC – Business and Technology Education Council Qualification Modular qualification – short targets • Attainment demonstrated through coursework • over the course, so less emphasis on terminal examinations. Students have very limited opportunity to • resit. BTEC Level 2 Award worth 1 GCSE •

GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc VRQ - Vocational Related Qualifications Allows students to demonstrate • workplace skills. Tends to be a study based, • structured training program. Assessed on the basis of • workplace related activities with a final examination. Has the equivalence of 1 GCSE. •

GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc E Bacc – The English Baccalaureate This is NOT a separate qualification – it is a status that can • be claimed if the student has achieved a grade 5 standard or greater in: English • Maths • Science or Computer Science • Either History or Geography • A Modern Language. • We believe that Universities and Employers will increasingly • look for this status in applicants.

The Arnewood Curriculum Compulsory Optional English Art & Construction Language Design English English ICT Drama Literature Literature Maths Triple History Science Science Media French Studies PE Core German I Media PSHE/RS

Pathways …  Pathways are recommended routes that allow students to achieve equivalent success.  The guidance we offer is based on what we know about a student’s preferred learning style, aptitudes, progress and potential to achieve.  Have routes to post 16 courses or further study.  The student must have reserve subjects that they would be happy to study.

The Arnewood Curriculum Compulsory Optional English Art & Construction Language Design English English ICT Drama Literature Literature Maths Triple History Science Science Media French Studies PE Core German I Media PSHE/RS

The Arnewood Curriculum Compulsory Optional English Art & Construction Language Design English English ICT Drama Literature Literature Maths Triple History Science Science Media French Studies PE Core German I Media PSHE/RS

What will students achieve?  The Purple pathway: – Designed to ensure students will achieve 9 GCSE qualifications or equivalent, as well as the Ebacc.  The Yellow pathway: – Designed to support students by reducing the examination pressure through introducing vocational qualifications. – Students will have the opportunity to gain the Ebacc if they select a language and a humanity. – Students will gain 9 GCSE qualifications or equivalent. – Hairdressing includes a qualification in Health and Social Care, Construction includes a qualification in Materials.

What happens after the options are selected?  Once students have selected their subjects they are used to create ‘blocks’. This aims to put certain subjects on at the same time so that they can be timetabled.  This is done using the choices students have made and so ensures the maximum of students gain their chosen subjects.  What is the implication of this? – If a student changes their mind after the timetable has been constructed, they may find that certain subject combinations are no longer possible. – Students MUST select reserve subjects.

What subjects should be studied?  Students should study subjects that are not focussed in one subject area, but are from a range of subject areas.  Subjects the student enjoys, and performs well in.  The purpose of studying a subject is not just for the subject knowledge, but also for the skills the subject demonstrates the student has.  Students must be prepared to meet the requirements of the course. For example: – Drama requires students attend a drama production organised by the school – PE requires students to perform in a practical situation for assessment

Languages  A common question is ‘Do I have to study a language?’, typically because students find languages hard.  Students are strongly advised to study a language as: – They are considered a ‘facilitating subject’ alongside humanities, Maths, English and science subjects. These are subjects that demonstrate skills employers and particularly universities look for when applying. – Certain universities require a language (e.g. UCL) whilst other admissions tutors value language qualifications in applicants ( Informed choices, 2016) – Some courses have a requirement of or consider a foreign language an advantage to study them – In many countries all 16-17 year olds have to study Mathematics, their home language, a science and a foreign language.

What can I do to help?

What can I do to help? Help with choosing Help with choosing options options Research possible careers • Help clarify why they want to • take subjects (not teachers or friends) Discuss with teachers / career • advisor Speak to people working in the • careers for advice

What can I do to help? Help with choosing options Consider future steps Consider future steps University entry requirements • Work Experience • Career research •

What can I do to help? Look at subject progress Help with choosing options Consider future steps Look at subject progress

What can I do to help? Get Careers Advice Help with choosing options KUDOS – Suggests a career • based on answers to questions. Consider future steps National Careers Website – • Look at subject Information on a wide range of progress jobs. Careers Advisor – can book • Get Careers Advice appointments through tutor. More information and links are • available on Firefly.

What can I do to help? Ask advice from staff Help with choosing options Mr. Hutson, Mr. Pressnell, Mr • Emecz and tutors are available Consider future steps for general questions. Look at subject Subject specialists are available • progress around the school to answer questions about the content of courses or how they are Get Careers Advice examined. Mrs Bennett is available in the • Ask advice from staff Library for careers discussions.

What can I do to help? Help with choosing options Consider future steps Look at subject progress Deadline for the subjects to be chosen: Get Careers Advice Tuesday 20 th February www.arnewood.hants.sch.uk Ask advice from staff