Welcome to Beal High School’s Year 9 Partnership Evening Tuesday 4 October 2016

Staff available after this meeting DAP Year 9 – Ms Stylianou DDAPS – Ms Vaghela, Ms Begum, Ms Harris Form tutors KS3 Co-ordinator of Maths – Mr Raja KS3 Co-ordinator of English – Ms Emohare Director of Science – Ms Matharu Assistant Principal Lower School – Ms Hirst Assistant Principal Upper School – Ms Andress 16/11/2016Year 10 Information Evening

Aims of this meeting Provide an update on qualifications and curriculum To explain what this means for your child To explain the advice and guidance your child will receive to support with Option choices

Entry Level- Entry level certificates - Functional Skills & Foundation Learning Level 1-GCSEs grades D-G -BTEC Awards, Certificates, Diplomas -NVQs -Foundation Learning & Functional skills Level 2- GCSEs grades A*-C (1 – 9) -BTEC Awards, Certificates, Diplomas -NVQ’s - Intermediate Apprenticeships Level 3- AS / A2 Levels -BTEC Level 3 -Advanced Apprenticeships Levels 4 - 8(Higher Education – University/Higher Apprenticeships)

Reformed GCSE’s Are more demanding Have been designed for a two-year period of study Will be linear, so students will take all their exams at the end of the end of the course Non-exam assessment will be removed or reduced in the majority of GCSE’s Will have a new grading scale from 9 to 1

Timeline of GCSE Reform September 2015: English Language and Literature Mathematics September 2016: Geography History Biology Chemistry Physics Double Science MFL (French, German and Spanish) Religious Studies Art and Design Ddrama Music Physical Education Computer Science Food Preparation and Nutrition

Impact of English It is worth noting that this year, fewer students were allowed to study A levels of their choice because they did not meet the English requirement, than for any other reason It is also worth noting that Politics, History, English Literature, Law and Business and Economics ( if not studied at GCSE) all require a B in English Language.

English Literature GCSE Students will sit two literature exams which will cover: A Shakespeare play A 19C novel A Modern novel or drama (post 1914) A collection of poetry No controlled assessments

Preparing in Year 9 We study: Shakespeare in detail - Macbeth WW1 poetry in depth A Modern (post 1914) play Independent reading project – challenging students to read longer texts

English Language GCSE Students will sit two language exams: fiction and creative writing non-fiction and writing to present a viewpoint technical accuracy (spelling, grammar and punctuation) more important

Preparing in Year 9 Practice of fiction (story writing) and non- fiction writing (persuasive speeches) Marking written work for technical accuracy as well as ideas and organisation. Mock exams in May of Year 9 to prepare students for linear assessment.

Maths in Year 9 and changes to the GCSE The main changes: There is much more content to be covered, topics from higher tier are now foundation and additional new content in both tiers The GCSE course will begin from year 9.. More emphasis on mathematical language and rigour when explaining a solution. More focus on solving problems

GCSE Maths Exam 3 exams each 1 hour 30 minutes long 1 non calculator and 2 calculator papers We keep the tiered entry but the foundation tier is more challenging Foundation grades 1-5, Higher grades 4-9 Fewer formulae given, more to be learned.

What can you do to help from home…. As always Talk to your child about what they are learning in maths, ask them to explain it to you and show you an example Ensure that homework is being completed to a good standard Encourage additional independent learning using books and internet resources; independent work should be focussed on areas that have been identified in class as requiring more practice.

Science in Year 9 and changes to the GCSE The main changes: Linear GCSEs with assessments at the end of the two year course in June Assessment predominantly by exam (students are required to carry out practical tasks over the two year period) Greater focus on maths skills and teaching of practical skills is integrated with theoretical topics in the exam No re-sit opportunities No controlled assessment

Science in Year 9 and changes to the GCSE Students will follow one of the three progression routes below: 1.Combined Science – 2 GCSEs 2. Single Sciences – 3 GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) 3. BTEC Science - 2GCSE equivalent

Students will follow the progression routes that best suits their learning need: 1.Combined Science Most students follow this route. 2. Single Sciences For students who enjoy Science and have proven they have the academic ability to cope with studying under pressure. 3. BTEC Science For students who struggle with exams and are more suited to a vocational approach.

How are the progression routes decided? All students begin learning GCSE Science from the beginning of Year 9 BTEC students and ‘Single Scientists’ are identified at the end of Year 9 Progress in Year 10 is monitored and, if students are coping well with pressures of the extra study, students will sit the separate exams in Biology, Chemistry and Physics All other students will study for Combined Science

We aim to enable all young people to become: Successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society

Advice and Guidance September – FebruaryYear 9 Assemblies November-December October - January REAL Project Progress Files DecemberYear 9 Progress Reports 31 JanuaryYear 9 Parents Evening 28 FebruaryKS3/4 Progression Evening February – MarchStudents complete options form PSHE Careers Curriculum 7 March – 17 MarchInformation and Guidance Sessions 20 MarchDeadline for Options Forms

REAL Project Aim: To provide students with an opportunity to practise and demonstrate independent learning skills outside of the curriculum. Two Strands – Individual Independent Project – Community Project – completed over the course of the year. To encourage team building and to give back to the local community.

There are three main factors which contribute to successful student learning: HomeSchool Pupil

The greater the attendance the greater the attainment. What is the possible impact of poor attendance? Research suggests that 17 missed school days a year = A GCSE grade DROP in achievement. (DfE)

What can you do at home? Provide a place to study and complete homework Students should be working for 90 minutes each evening Remove distractions (mobile phones / games consoles) Encourage consolidation of classroom learning. Encourage revision ahead of exams. Challenge students to go beyond classroom learning with independent research. (GCSE bitesize is a good starting point) Encourage research of potential career paths – what course or degree do they need? What are the entry requirements? What are the best subjects to take at A Level and GCSE (see UCAS website)

Stand out from the crowd Lower school Student Directors and Prefects Literacy Leaders Public Speakers IFS Student Investor Challenge Year 7 French club assistants KS3/4 Resource centre leaders Philosophy & Theology Ambassadors KS3 Assertive Mentors Year 9 Options Ambassadors Technical Media Assistants Team coaches and Sports Leaders Charity Ambassadors Learning Environment Leaders IT Champions Student Science Mentors