5 th FORM AS OPTIONS 2012

1. 5th FORM AS OPTIONS 2012

2. Why are GCSEs so important? • Short term -Entry into sixth form -Further Education Courses -Employment -”Training for Success” • Long term -University Entrance -Employment

3. What do I need to come back to sixth form? • Achieve a minimum of 15 points at GCSE • A* and A = 3 points, B = 2 points, C = 1 point • GCSE Talking & Listening is not included in points score • CLAIT plus is equivalent to one point • Grades gained from short course GCSEs will be awarded half the points stated for a full GCSE course • Satisfy the principal on past school record and achievement • Have an interview with a member of the careers staff in August to confirm AS subject choices

4. What happens in Sixth Form? • A minimum of 4 AS subjects must be studied in lower sixth or 3AS subjects and CoPE • A minimum of 3 A2 subjects must be studied in upper sixth • A dedicated sixth form centre • Well developed careers education programme to help prepare pupils for university • Games and general studies periods are timetabled for all pupils

5. What do I need to think about? • Does your child meet the entrance criteria? • Are they prepared for another two years of intensive and focused study? • What is the choice of subjects and are there four that are suitable? • What are the alternatives? • Do they have the recommended grades in their chosen subjects?

6. Art and Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computing Drama Economics Electronics English Literature French Geography German Government and Politics History Home Economics ICT Mathematics Maths and Further Maths Media Studies Music Music Technology Physical Education Physics Psychology Religious Studies Spanish Technology and Design So, what subjects are available?

7. How do the Pupils Choose their Subjects? • INTEREST • ABILITY – a number of subjects have specific and general entry requirements and details of these are contained in the pink booklet • MOTIVATION -will they be necessary or beneficial for their chosen university courses or careers? • COMBINATIONS Those pupils considering applying to top institutions and/or high demand courses must check that their combination of subjects will allow them to do this. Information on this can be found at www.ucas.com in the “entry profiles” section for each course

8. How do they not choose their subjects? • Do not be ruled by stereotypes • Do not pick subjects just because their friends are doing them • Do not pick subjects because of teachers they like / dislike • Do not be discouraged by “urban myths” from pupils already in sixth form • Ultimately, make the decision that is right for your child

9. What help is available? • Careers Department – 5th form careers periods • Interviews – are arranged for all pupils • Subject teachers – will know your child’s ability and potential in that subject • Information session – to cover subjects that pupils have not studied before • School library –time has been spent researching careers and AS options • Sixth form booklet – all pupils have received a pink booklet containing all the relevant information

10. How can I help?? • www.careersserviceni.com • www.parents.dfes.gov.uk

11. What do we do now? • Discuss the options available. Returning to school may not necessarily be the best option • Pupils who do not wish to return to school or are concerned that they might not obtain the points required, should be looking out for information on college open days and filling in application forms • All forms are to be returned to form teachers by Tuesday 28 February • Pupils need to begin making revision schedules and timetables. Help will be provided with this in careers classes