Senior School Entry and AS Subject Choices September 2017 Mrs. F Browne Head of CEIAG

Why are GCSEs so important? Short term -Entry into Year 13 -Further Education Courses -Employment Long term -University Entrance

What are the entry requirements for Year 13? Parents and pupils should note that all Grosvenor Grammar School pupils who meet all of the following criteria will automatically have the right to a place in the Senior School, regardless of the grades/points of outside applicants to the School: (i) have achieved 15 or more points in their GCSE subjects where a GCSE grade A* or A = 3 points, B = 2 points and C = 1 point [Please note the grade achieved in Religious Studies (Short Course) is worth half the points of a full GCSE Grade i.e. A* or A = 1.5 points, B = 1 point and C = 0.5 of a point]. The Principal will determine the points awarded for other non-GCSE level 2 qualifications; (ii) satisfy the Principal on past school record and achievement (including attendance, behaviour, motivation and punctuality); (iii) have an interview with Grosvenor Grammar School careers staff to choose a course of study which shows he/she has a reason for entering Year 13 and has a suitable match of subjects.

What happens in Senior School? Most pupils will study 4 AS subjects in Year 13 Most pupils will study 3 A2 subjects in Year 14 A dedicated Common Room and Study Area A well developed Careers Education Programme to help prepare pupils for options at post 18 Games and general studies periods

What do I need to think about? Does my child meet the entrance criteria? Are they prepared for another two years of intensive and focused study? What is the choice of subjects and are there three/four that are suitable? What are the alternatives? Do they have the recommended grades in their chosen subjects?

What subjects are available? Art and Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Digital Technology (ICT) Drama Economics English Literature French Geography German Government and Politics Health and Social Care History Mathematics Maths and Further Maths Media Studies Music Nutrition & Food Science Physics Psychology Religious Studies Software Systems Development Spanish Sports Science Technology and Design Travel and Tourism

How do pupils choose subjects? INTEREST – each subject now requires 8 periods of class time per week and will be in greater depth. ABILITY – a number of subjects have specific and general entry requirements and details of these are contained in the AS Options booklet. Also, the strongest grades will give pupils more choices when they leave school. MOTIVATION – some subjects may be necessary or beneficial for their chosen university courses or careers.

How do pupils not choose subjects? Do not be ruled by stereotypes Do not pick subjects just because their friends are doing them Do not pick subjects because of teachers they like / dislike Good subjects / bad subjects Ultimately, make the decision that is right for your child

What help is available? Careers– Year 12 timetabled careers Interviews – for all pupils (27/2 – 7/3) Subject teachers – will know your child’s ability and potential in that subject Information session – to cover subjects that pupils have not studied before AS Options booklet – all pupils receive a booklet containing all the relevant information Additional interviews with the careers adviser from DEL

How can I help?? www.careersserviceni.com www.parents.dfes.gov.uk www.ucas.com

What do we do now? Discuss the options available. Pupils who do not wish to return to school or are concerned that they might not obtain the points required, should be looking out for information on college open days and filling in application forms (applications for Belfast Met and SERC are now open). All forms are to be returned to form teachers by Friday 13th March 2017. Pupils need to begin making revision schedules and timetables. Help will be provided with this in form time.

Questions????