Key Stage 4 Information Evening 18th April 2016 The Becket School Key Stage 4 Information Evening 18th April 2016 To provide an update on significant changes to Secondary School Curriculum. To outline how the Becket School is responding to National changes to support our students. To outline the options process for Year 8 students.

Exam Success 2015 Results: GCSE 5A*-C - 76.5% 5A*- C including English and maths – 66.3% English Baccalaureate - 42.2% Many of our students achieve the highest grades 2015 Students with 1 A*-A 56% Students with 3 A*-A 35.5% Students with 8 A*-A 19.3%

A National Picture of Constant Change The one constant is that as a school we will always do what is right for the young people at The Becket

The new KS4 Specifications including English and Maths The Changes: New GCSEs in English and Maths have been introduced for first teaching in Sept 2015. New GCSEs in most other subjects for first teaching September 2016. Harder and more content. More rigorous in their assessment. Reduced Controlled Assessment, move towards linear exam structure. Grades have changed to numbers (1-9 9 Being the highest). Harder for students to attain the highest grade, only 20% of students who currently achieve an A* will achieve a 9. The equivalent benchmark grade of a C will be harder for students to attain. The government has stated that all students are expected to study Ebac subjects at GCSE. Encouragement for all students to do both English Language and English Literature.

The new KS4 Specifications including English and Maths Supporting your child: Departments have investigated in depth different specifications to choose the right one for our students. English and Maths have already incorporated assessments that are in style of the new types of exam questions in Year 8, they are also in their second year of teaching the new specifications. Information evening early in the next academic year for parents and students to gain greater understanding on the assessment grading of the new GCSE specifications. Moving towards a Three Year GCSE, KS4 will commence in Year 9 and be examined in Year 11. Reduce the number of GCSEs a student takes over KS4 by one (most students will now take either 9 or 10 GCSEs, bringing us in line with other schools both locally and nationally)

The Three Year GCSE Model Rationale Give students more time to study for their GCSEs . Support students in the increasing demand of new specifications, this in turn will support their attainment. Reduce the intensity and pressure for our students.

Reduced GCSE exams Rationale Increase lesson allocation in Maths and English. All option subjects given the same allocation and are supported in allocation to cope with the greater complexity of content and skills required in the new specifications. Reduce pressure on GCSE students – well being of the students. Help students achieve quality rather than quantity. Students will do 9/10 GCSEs instead of 10/11

The Options Process Timeline Option Booklets posted W/C 21ST March Year 8 Information Assembly Wednesday 23rd March Presentations/information by class teacher on the courses offered Over the next two weeks Information evening Monday 18th April Parents evening Tuesday 19th April Forms have to be sent back on Friday 29th April

Qualifications

Qualifications

These subjects must be followed by all students Core Subjects These subjects must be followed by all students RE English Language English Literature Mathematics Science PE GCSE 3 GCSE/2 GCSE No Examination Core offer = up to 7 GCSE

Humanities Block Must choose one of these subjects Geography History GCSE Students have the opportunity to study both Geography and History

Languages Block Must choose one of these subjects French German GCSE Students have the opportunity to study both French and German

Must choose one of these subjects AND choose a reserve General Block Must choose one of these subjects AND choose a reserve Art Child Care Computer Science (Predicted Level 5a in Maths) Design Technology Drama Food Preparation and Nutrition German (2nd Language choice) Information Technology History (2nd Humanity choice) Music Music Technology Physical Education GCSE BTEC Level 2 Level 2 equivalent

KS4 Support Longer time to study for their GCSEs Tracking of progress Regular progress updates Progress review evenings Information evenings Strong pastoral care Revision sessions Mentoring programme

What now? Support and guide your child by: - Asking them what do they enjoy and what are they good at? - Encourage them not to choose subjects just because their friends are doing it or because they really like the teacher. - Encourage them to listen to their teachers and consider carefully the school’s recommendations. Attend the Parents Evening on 19th April Complete the form and hand it in to their Form Tutor by Friday 29th April at the latest s.shenton@becketonline.co.uk