Your Route Forward Year 8 Parents & Subject Information Evening - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Your Route Forward Year 8 Parents’ & Subject Information Evening 2017 An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4? An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4? GCSEs are changing: • GCSEs are evolving to become far more content driven; some subjects have almost doubled in content and/or include A – level knowledge. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4? GCSEs are changing: • Less controlled assessment/coursework. • Practical assessments count for less of the total grade. • The emphasis is firmly on the end of course exam, in some cases now worth 100% of the final grade. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4? GCSEs are changing: • Progress 8 is the new measure, replacing 5A* - C as a measure by which students may be judged. • This may affect applications to 6 th form and college. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4? GCSEs are changing: • We do not want the students to be disadvantaged as they apply so… • In order to secure the best chances and choices, our students need more time to complete these new GCSEs. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Benefits of a three year GCSE model: • Additional time to complete course content and explore the subject more fully – not just teaching to the test. • Prepare for exams more thoroughly with guided revision. • Time for extra-curricular opportunities. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Benefits of a three year GCSE model: • Opportunities to explore higher level content, preparing students better for further education. • Meets the needs of all learners. • Removes some of the pressure earlier – students feel better prepared. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Benefits of a three year GCSE model: • Gives us flexibility within the curriculum to run additional activities such as external speakers, workshops, master classes; all with less impact on other subjects. • Gives Y8 a focus and drive, stimulating engagement. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Benefits of a three year GCSE model: • Time in Y9 will allow staff to reinforce key foundation concepts, which will be built upon as a solid foundation for students in Y10 and Y11. • Increased time in GCSE academic study will help raise aspirations and prepare for next steps. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: The three year KS4 model: • Students will select their subjects to follow in Y8 rather than Y9. • Most students will have 4 possible selections. • Students will study these subjects for all three years in addition to Core subjects. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: The three year KS4 model: • The decision to move to a three year KS4 programme has not been taken lightly. • Nationally, and locally some schools have already made the transition to this model and feedback from them is very positive. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: The three year KS4 model: • Staff feel that this change will allow them to cover the GCSE content in greater depth allowing for a greater understanding by students, better preparing them for the rigours of the new GCSEs. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: The three year KS4 model: • 4 pathways exist, based on the average point score (APS), that a student receives at the end of KS2. • Each student is placed using data and teachers’ professional judgement. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: The three year KS4 model: • A number of students have been moved to the pathway above in order to raise aspirations. • Each student moved has been given close consideration and has been placed where key staff feel they will maximise their learning opportunities. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: The three year KS4 model: • In practice, many subject choices are the same across all pathways but the increased rigour of some exams has altered the accessibility of a subject for some students. • We have looked for alternatives to cater for ALL learning styles! An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Things to be aware of: • Design & Technology subjects are being selected differently this year. • If a student is interested in a D&T subject they must initially register their interest. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Things to be aware of: • When all of the selection forms are in D&T staff will meet with all students who registered an interest and discuss possible courses and routes that will best allow success. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Things to be aware of: • Students in the Advanced pathway are EXPECTED to take both a Humanities AND a Language • This is to ensure no door is closed should the students wish to pursue a degree course at university. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Things to be aware of: An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Things to be aware of: • Students should place a cross in one of the Humanities boxes and one of the Languages boxes. • A students cannot do BOTH History AND Geography An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Things to be aware of: • Free choices – use them to provide breadth and balance; • We are an Arts College – and encourage students to choose Drama, Dance, Music or Art within their free options. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward: Things to be aware of: • The subjects you enjoy; • Subjects you need for your progression; • Subject combinations - and balance of learning styles; • Do not be influenced by what your friends choose. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Approximate entry requirements for A Levels. Winstanley College: For September 2017, the College will guarantee a place to all applicants who achieve 44 points and above from their best 8 GCSE results. All students must have achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and a grade C in GCSE Science (vocational science qualifications are also acceptable). Salford City College: 3 GCSE 6 grades and 3 GCSE 5 grades; usually include a grade 6 in subject to be studied if offered. Check for course specific requirements St Mary’s Sixth Form: Minimum of 4 grade B’s/6 and one other GCSE at grade C/5. Must include English & Maths at grade C/5 or above. Bolton Sixth Form College: 5 GCSE grades C/5 or above including 2 B/6 grades and a minimum of grade C/5 English Language & not less than grade D/4 in Maths . An Outstanding School - Ofsted

So what next? • More information on individual subjects can be found at the booths in the canteen and many staff will have information available for you. • Subject leaders are available to provide further information in this areas from 7.30 p.m. onwards. • Designated members of staff have been assigned certain groups to assist with the selection process. • These will be in the Sports Hall until 7.30 p.m. After this time they will move to their respective offices. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

So what next? • If you feel that you only need a quick conversation with your designated member of staff please avail yourself of them during the evening. • If you believe you require a more in depth discussion or are unable to remain after Parents’ Evening please make an appointment for next week. • Please be aware that it will be a normal working week for staff and your designated member of staff may have limited availability. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Appointments • These can take place throughout the evening if you wish. • For a longer appointment or if you are unable to remain please phone Mrs Braidwood in reception: 01942 883796 Ext. 446 An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Finally, Thank you. An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Appointments • These can take place throughout the evening if you wish. • For a longer appointment or if you are unable to remain please phone Mrs Braidwood in reception: 01942 883796 Ext. 446 An Outstanding School - Ofsted