14–19 Team Steps to Success An Introduction to “Raising the Participation Age” and signposting for the Key Stage 4 and Career Pathways Zones Presentation John Thompson - Principal Adviser City of York Council 24 th October 2012

14–19 Team Agenda  Why are we here ?  What is “Raising the Participation Age” ?  What do I need to know about Key Stage 4 ?  What else is available at today’s event ?  Where can I find out more ?

14–19 Team Why are we here ?  During Year 9 most schools work with pupils on their choice of subjects to follow in Key Stage 4  Some schools begin this a year earlier  Today is the start of a process  This event and the “Planning your future” booklet provide general information, advice and guidance  Your school will provide details of their own courses, choices and systems

14–19 Team Raising the Participation Age (RPA)  By 2015, young people will be required to participate in education or training until at least their 18 th birthday  Those currently in Year 10 or below will participate into their Year 13, at least until their 18 th birthday but, more likely, until their programme ends

14–19 Team What is participation ?  RPA is not “Raising the school leaving age”  There are three main options: 1.Full time education at a school or college 2.An Apprenticeship – the most common way of combining a job with training for further qualifications 3.A package combining voluntary or paid work (for 20 or more hours a week) with training

14–19 Team Key Stage 4  Lessons lead to entry for qualifications at the age of 16 (end of Year 11)  The number of subjects taken reduces and there is an element of choice, but all schools will have a “core curriculum”  Schools provide a range of courses which meet the needs of their pupils  Your school will support you in the process of deciding which options are best

14–19 Team What is available ? GCSEs  The most common type of qualification  Available in a wide range of subjects and assessed largely through exams  Awarded at Grades A*-G, with D-G grades known as Level 1, and A*-C known as Level 2

14–19 Team What is available ? GCSEs  The core for strong level 2 pupils will probably include English Language, English Literature, maths and two science GCSEs, which would be supplemented by a number of options  A GCSE programme which includes English, maths, two sciences, a humanity and a language is known as the “English Baccalaureate”

14–19 Team What is available ? Vocational qualifications :  Vocational qualifications develop skills and knowledge related to particular sectors or industries  More practical learning opportunities  Available at Levels 1 and 2  May involve moving to other schools, colleges or centres for some sessions

14–19 Team What is available ? Foundation Learning:  A guided choice for young people who will be at Entry Level (below GCSE) or Level 1 at the end of KS4  A programme will include core subjects, vocational courses and personal development  It may involve off site learning

14–19 Team Key points to remember  Each school has its own offer for its own pupils  School offers will be set out and explained through meetings and information packs later in the school year  The options process for Key Stage 4 is the first step on an education and training pathway running through to Year 13

14–19 Team Today’s event  Presentations on making choices and HE fees  Generic advice about qualifications, with supporting factsheets  Specialist advice, guidance and support from the transitions team for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities  York Youth Support Service – Careers advice and guidance

14–19 Team Today’s event  Career Pathways Zone with information about key economic sectors in York  Other exhibits on volunteering, health issues, the Area Web prospectus etc  Post 16 Zone (you go to this when you reach Year 11!)

14–19 Team Further information  Events at your own school  The York area web based prospectus: Futures4meyork.com  “Planning your future through Key Stage 4 and beyond”

14–19 Team Steps to Success An Introduction to “Raising the Participation Age” and signposting for the Key Stage 4 and Career Pathways Zones Presentation John Thompson - Principal Adviser City of York Council 24 th October 2012