Learning Pathways 16-19

1. Learning Pathways 16-19 A Guide for Parents of Pupils in Year 11

2. Important dates for Year 11 Learning Pathways Evening ( 11/04/13). Deadline for applications for entry to 6th form (25/04/13). Examinations begin (13/05/13) Results Day (22/08/13). 6th Form Enrolment Day (03/9/13).

3. Choices after year 11 Remain in School/Consortium to study a Level 3 course. Remain in School/Consortium to Study a Level 2 course. Attend Ystrad Mynach college full time. Leave school to seek employment or training.

4. Learning Pathways 14-19 What is a learning Pathway? What courses are available? What are vocational courses? What qualifications are on offer? What will I need to achieve to study in the sixth form? What will be available in the sixth form?

5. Learning Pathways 16-19 Level 3 AS/A2 BTECLevel 3 Level 2 GCSE (A*-C) BTEC Level 2 GCSE (D-G) BTEC Level 1 Level 1

6. Pathways Traditional Pathway Pursue all A/AS courses Vocational Pathway Pursue all BTEC courses Mix and Match Pursue a combination of AS and BTEC courses

7. What happens after Year 11? Obviously depends on how well you do in your Level 2 examinations! Achieving the Level 2 Threshold or 5 GCSE (A*-C) grades or equivalent is the key to the widest possible choice of options post 16. This should also include English and Maths! If you do not reach this indicator or achieve 5 GCSE (D-G) grades then there are still options available.

8. Pathways Post 16 If you have achieved 5 GCSE (A*-C) grades or equivalent. Proceed to study at Level 3. This can be via AS/A2 courses. Or via BTEC Level 3 courses. Both of these options lead to entry into University or employment.

9. Pathways Post 16 In order to study an AS in this consortium we advise you have attained at least a B grade at GCSE! We will also ask about Module or component results. In order to study a Level 3 BTEC course we also advise that you have achieved at least a ‘Merit’ in the equivalent level 2 course.

10. Pathways Post 16 If you achieved 5 GCSE (D-G) grades or equivalent. BTEC Level 2 Diploma. Vital that you also work towards gaining both English and Maths at C grade or better!

11. AS/A2 Courses AS – Year 12 A2 – Year 13 AS, 2 or 3 units A2 4 or 6 units.(2 or 3 from AS plus 2 or 3 more). Units are assessed by formal examinations as well as coursework/practical assessments.

12. BTEC System BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Equivalent to ONE A Level BTEC Level 3 Diploma Equivalent to TWO A Levels

13. Sport Lewis School is affiliated with Newport Gwent Dragons. This means students can complete study in conjunction with training at NDG. Two former students are currently representing the NDG.

15. Courses at Ystrad Mynach College If you intend to leave school and go to college full time then they have their own application procedure. This should be done promptly in order to guarantee a place on the course of your choice Contact the college immediately if you have not done so!

16. Welsh Baccalaureate Compulsory to take the Welsh Baccalaureate at Level 3 in Lewis School Equivalent to an A grade at A level Key Skills Qualifications Wider Skills Community Participation Work Experience

17. Thinking beyond 18/19! University Employment Getting Harder to gain either! Need to do show experience and passion.

18. Thinking beyond 18/19! Gaining a place in university or employment is no longer just simply a case a having 2/3 A Levels’! Increasingly to gain an offer of a place on a university course pupils have to be able to demonstrate a ‘passion’ for a particular career and ‘work experience’ of what the career actually involves.

19. What does this mean Example1 For Medicine/Veterinary science a university would expect to see some sort of log that you have already done a significant amount of work experience. Example 2 For Primary School Teaching the course requirements include at least 60 hours experience in two different primary schools Many courses require such things BEFORE making you an offer

20. Important!! Choosing the correct subjects at post 16 is vital! A levels or BTEC are significantly more difficult than GCSE. They require different skills and just because you are A*/A at GCSE does not mean an A at A level!

21. Important!! You must find out what the course at post 16 involves. Will it suit you? Have you always wanted to study it, not just decide to study it because you had an ‘A’ in it! Do you have a genuine interest in the subject, a passion for it! Do you have the desire to work very hard, even the most able will have to work hard to achieve

22. Misconceptions There are often misconceptions about what subjects you should take at Level 3 for certain careers. For example you do NOT need to study A level Law to do a Law degree! For example you must study Chemistry NOT Biology for Medicine. You should check this before you choose your subjects with the careers service and with universities.

23. Research You need to research the type of course you may be considering doing. For example what is the difference between sports science and sports management? Do they have different entry requirements? For example what is the difference between management science and business studies?

24. Where do I find out this information? Careers Advisor. University web sites. The important thing is you find out as much as you can now so you can make the correct choice of subjects to keep your options open!

25. Oxbridge and Russell group Universities Group of the leading 20 universities called the Russell Group. Why are they so special? Last year we have had one pupil gain entrance to Oxford to read Music. Six other pupils gained entrance to Russell group universities last year. We have a support programme to aid the process of applying to these elite places.

26. What if I have no idea of what I want to do? Many in the same position! Study subjects you genuinely like not ones you think you should! Many graduate careers do not require specific subjects but look for you to have acquired the appropriate skills from your choice of subject! In two years time you do have to specialise!