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1. Y8 Options EveningMarch 2011 Starting KS4 in Year 9
2. Vertical teaching – where are wegoing? Two phase curriculum:
Phase 1 – Year 7 and 8 - taught horizontally
Phase 2 – Years 9,10,11
taught horizontally in core
taught vertically in options subjects (one option per year)
taught vertically for enrichment courses
3. What does this mean for me? In Year 9 you will begin your GCSE courses in your core subjects at some point during the year
Core subjects include maths, English, science, RE, PE and ICT.
All students will begin Triple Science courses in Year 9
As well as your core subjects you will choose one GCSE option to study in Year 9. This course will be completed and examined at the end of Year 9.
You will be able to choose a 2nd GCSE option subject to complete in Year 10 and a third option which will be studied in Year 11. You do not have to choose your subjects for Year 10 and 11 until later.
4. Benefits of vertical groupings Frees up additional time in maths, English and science
Puts an additional 60 teaching hours into the options subjects – impact on grades
Allows us to offer more subject choices
Potential for running smaller groups
Reduces stress for students particularly in Y11
Students can choose a new option subject each year
Where a course is oversubscribed older students get preference
Provides enrichment time in the curriculum
5. Enrichment Volunteering and community work
Language courses
Practical hair and beauty courses
First aid courses
Counselling/mentoring courses
Literacy, Numeracy and Language leaders
Sports leaders, JSLA, CSLA, Personal Trainer, Dance leader
Enrichment choices available later in the term
6. Curriculum pathways
7. What can I choose? Wide range of subjects and types of courses
GCSEs, BTECs, OCR Nationals
We always try hard to give first choices but there are no guarantees
8. What are the different qualifications worth? BTECs -2/4 GCSE equivalence
OCR Nationals – 1GCSE equivalence
GCSE subjects – 1 GCSE
9. What do I need to know before I make my choices? The English Baccalaureate (EBacc)
Students awarded an additional certificate that recognises A*-C passes in English, Maths, 2 Science GCSEs, Humanities and a foreign language
10. What do I need to know before I make my choices? BTEC courses – what are they worth?
Grammar schools require 5 Grade Bs for entry into 6th Form
Top universities are looking for A/A*s at GCSE
Options form
First, second and third choices
College/employment/university plans
Careers guidance interviews
Early interviews
Parent attendance
11. What should I take into consideration? What topics does the course cover – am I interested?
Will it help me with what I want to do at college or in the job I want?
Do my assessment levels tell me that I can study it and do well?
What is the learning style – practical/academic?
Is it exam or coursework based – which method of assessment am I best at?
TALK TO YOUR TEACHERS ABOUT WHAT THEY THINK!
12. How should I choose? Choose subjects that you are good at and enjoy
Choose subjects that will support you in college and employment
DON’T CHOOSE SUBJECTS BECAUSE YOUR FRIENDS HAVE CHOSEN THEM!!
Struggling to choose? Request an early careers guidance interview when you complete your options form.
13. Option Process Y8 Parent & Options evening – 17th March
Options forms handed out on 17th March
To be returned to school by Friday 25th March
Career interviews will begin after half term