Parents’ Forum The new curriculum

Headline changes Primary A new curriculum for teaching from 2014 is in place New SATs tests taken from 2016 National curriculum levels are scrapped – Year 6 students are given a score (average = 100) Secondary New curriculum in English and maths must be taught starting with year 10 in Sept 2015 All other subjects start the year after GCSE grading system changes from A* - G to a 1-9 scale Schools will be measured on a new system called Progress 8 and Attainment 8 All subjects have increased their level of difficulty  All students must follow an Ebacc curriculum  Students will have to resit SATs in yr 7 if they do not reach the benchmark level

The New Curriculum – why? The UK was not performing well compared to other developed nations International studies showed the UK to be studying easier work compared to equivalent aged children in other countries The skills needed by the UK workforce and economy have changed and this needs to be reflected in how and what is taught in schools A new grading system would be needed to ensure higher aspirations and no comparison to previous formats

New National curriculum – key changes English No Speaking and listening exam Different texts – must include a ‘classic’ Increased focus on spelling and grammar Maths Three exam papers (rather than two) with only one non-calculator paper Harder content – Foundation paper now includes Higher material and Higher paper now includes A-Level content Increased focus on problem-solving Less structure to questions

New National curriculum – key changes Science Larger proportion of mathematical calculations (particularly in chemistry) Harder content in years 7 & 8 and GCSE New content in years 7 & 8 History Has to be studied in chronological order Local history study in years 7 & 8 40% of the GCSE is British history

New National curriculum – key changes Geography Increased knowledge of facts Strong emphasis on human and physical processes (inc. geology) Fieldwork in years 7/8 Languages Translate between English and the foreign language Read literary texts in the foreign language ‘Fluent’ speaking assessment Design & Technology Food is separate – cooking & nutrition Design – make – evaluate – technical knowledge

Progress 8 and Attainment 8 Progress Attainment 8 B EM 80% EBacc 75% Measures of performance

Nottingham Free School – our response to the changes High aspirations from year 7 Points score system – linked to the new GCSE scores Common assessments which include new content and prepare for the new style Curriculum structure & what we teach prepares students Replacing Latin with LAMDA qualification is speaking & listening

Extra-curricular at Nottingham Free School

Why do we have extra-curricular activities at Nottingham Free School? At Nottingham Free School we aim to ensure all of our students achieve a good career through university or equivalent training. The combination of excellent academic qualifications combined with the wider skills developed during extra-curricular provision gives all of our students the ability to fully develop all of the skills required by employers.

Employability Skills 1. Self-motivation: taking responsibility for developing work readiness 2. Self-assurance: having the tools and skills to present themselves to employers 3. Aspiration: having high personal goals 4. Informed: understanding the opportunities available and making realistic choices 5. Experience: having experience of work that is rewarding and fulfilling 6. Achieving: qualifications valued by employers 7. Accountability: understanding how to take responsibility 8. Resilience: understanding employers need for people who can listen and learn 9. Entrepreneurial: working creatively to achieve personal and business potential 10. Co-operation: developing effective communication and co working skills

Rational  Each extra-curricular activity students choose will develop at least one of these skills.  It is important that they choose activities that will give them a rounded set of skills.  Students are asked to take time to read through all of the options carefully before stating their preferences.  They are asked to think about what skills they need to develop as well as activities that they would enjoy.  Students are given a presentation about all activities and this year, for KS4, there will be a booklet that students can bring home so that you are able to support them with their decisions.  KS3 make options for a term. KS4 make options for the year.  The PPT’s and option booklets will also be uploaded to the school website.

KS3 September 2016 These are the choices for the Autumn term and will change again for the Spring term MondayWednesday LAMDA: Group Acting Grades 1 and 2Football Y8 Football teamGym Girls FootballCapoeira ChoirScience/Score Animal careOrchestra CharityArt Mixed CraftsBook club YogaDrama Table TennisBand Factory

KS4 September 2016 MondayWednesday Youth Health Challenge LAMDA Group Acting Grade 3 Duke of Edinburgh Award Debating Sports Leaders CREST ChoirICT: ECDL DIYOrchestra MondayWednesday Basic Food Hygiene LAMDA Group Acting Grade 3 Duke of Edinburgh Award Amnesty/ Unicef Group Sports Leaders CREST ChoirICT: ECDL BoxingOrchestra MondayWednesday Creative Arts/Arts Award/Touch typing LAMDA Group Acting Grade 3 Duke of Edinburgh Award Politics and Positive communities Sports Leaders CREST ChoirICT: ECDL DJ courseOrchestra Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

How to help  Students should choose things that cover all of the employability skills in their time at Nottingham Free School. This means they may need guidance when it comes to making choices.  Most classes run more than once so if they don’t get it the first time they opt for it they might get it next time.  Sometimes we will ask for contributions to help cover the cost.  Forward any ideas or contacts to me at school.