Sixth form information evening A-levels from September 2016

A-level reform From September 2015 Wales and England offered separate qualifications. Welsh qualifications maintain the current relationship between AS and A-level, and continue to be modular. English qualifications are only be examined at the end of the course. Welsh maintained schools only deliver Welsh reformed qualifications (WJEC), and the Level 3 Welsh Bac is compulsory. There continues to be a choice of four exam boards for English schools and Welsh independent schools.

A-level reform From 2017, all subjects are being taught as linear subjects AS levels still exist, but as stand-alone examinations – they are no longer a part of the A-level qualification At Rydal Penrhos we offer some free standing AS courses

AS and A-level AS doesn’t count towards A-level qualification AS represents half the content of an A-level, but in the revised UCAS tariff is credited with only 40% of the marks AS marks must be ‘cashed in’ and declared on the UCAS form. Currently we do not cash them in

Assessment No modular exams AS and A level qualifications will be assessed at the end of the course. Most AS qualifications will be exam only Practical skills will be assessed separately from subject content in A-level science subjects: they will be awarded a separate pass or fail grade

Choices Most pupils will study 3 A-level subjects, but 4 blocks are available. Some students may wish to study 4 subjects. Each subject has 6+1 lessons per week Elective Block includes: ‘Short course’ programmes eg Home Economics AS, Extended Project (EPQ) University offers based on 3 A-level subjects

Reformed Subjects for Sept 2017 Design and Technology Further Mathematics Mathematics The reformed courses will start in September 2017 for examination in June 2019

Implications for UCAS AS Levels must be cashed in – universities will have access to those results. Pupils often improve significantly by the time they reach A-level, in terms of writing style, proficiency, overall subject knowledge and understanding of connections between topics and concepts

Cambridge Technicals The Cambridge Technical has formed an effective bridge between school and university for some of out pupils We currently offer the Double Sport Award which is the equivalent of 2 A-levels As with the A-level, there is change ahead. From September 2018, instead of the subject being evaluated only by continuous assessment, there will be an examined element. The proportion is likely to be 40% examined, 60% continuous assessment

Option 1:- Cambridge Technical Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Equivalent of one A-level Two year linear course 4 units have continuous assessment 2 units are examined 3 levels of Attainment: Pass = Equivalent of Grade E at A-level Merit = Equivalent of Grade C at A-level Distinction = Equivalent of Grade A at A-level

Option 2:- Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma Equivalent of 2 A-levels A proportion of the final mark assessed in terminal examination Two year linear course 8 units of continual assessment, 4 examined units 3 levels of Attainment: Pass = Equivalent of 2 x Grade E at A-level Merit = Equivalent of 2 x Grade C at A-level Distinction = Equivalent of 2 x Grade A at A-level

Current course structure Principles of Anatomy + Physiology in Sport Physiology of Fitness Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology Sports Coaching Sports Leadership Lower Sixth Upper Sixth Current Issues in Sport Psychology for Sports Performance

Course structure 2016 Lower Sixth Upper Sixth All Subsidiary Diploma Units All Subsidiary Diploma Units Athlete’s Lifestyle Sports Nutrition Lower Sixth Sports Injuries Sport and Exercise Massage Upper Sixth Organising Sporting Events Work Experience

The Options Process Early November: Straw Poll of all Year 11 pupils. Asked to rank subject choices from 1 to 6 both for A-level and/or within the existing IB Blocks. (Pupils can enter 2 sets of choices if they are undecided as to the route they wish to take in the Sixth form) The options blocks are drawn up on the basis of the pupils’ choices: we aim to provide as many as possible with their first choices of all subjects 14 – 18 November: pupils will discuss their likely choices with a member of the SMT; parents are encouraged to attend these interviews

Some issues to consider We offer choice of exam board/specification As a well-established IB school we have strong experience of preparing candidates for linear exams Curriculum booklets are available for this year 2016-2017 on the website. New one in January. Will you choose three or four subjects from the outset? Mr Pender – UCAS is available in the Ferguson Centre

Thank you Any questions? Mr Lavery (Head of Sixth form Mr Pender (UCAS coordinator) Mrs Harding (Director of Studies) Mr Cashell (Deputy Head) Mr McDuff (Acting Headmaster) Mr Smith (Headmaster from January)