YEAR 9 GCSE Options 2017-2019 Issues to consider 26th January 2017

THE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS –EXAMINED (1) English Language English Literature Mathematics Biology Chemistry Physics RE

THE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS –EXAMINED (2) French or German Geography or History

THE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS-NOT EXAMINED Personal, Social & Health Education Careers & Work Related Learning PE & Games The Enrichment Programme

OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (1) Art & Design (Fine Art or Photography) Technical Award in Information Technology Computer Science Design & Technology: Resistant Materials French or German Geography or History Music

OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (2) Select two subjects Select one reserve subject Only one of Computer Science or Technical Award in Information Technology Parents will be contacted if we are unable to offer students their preferred two choices Deadline for receipt of option forms FRIDAY, 10TH FEBRUARY 2017

Getting to know the option subjects Art & Design and Design & Technology in room B1 with Mrs Downing & Mr Hodgkinson. Music in room B2 with Mrs Parrans-Smith. Technical Award in Information Technology in the Dining Hall with Mr Tamber. Computer Science in the Conference Room with Mrs Lally. Geography in the Recital Hall with Ms Pierce. Careers in the Dining Room with Mrs Higgott. Mr Downing, Mr Parker & Mrs Whittall will be available in the Hall. Bell will sound at 6.15pm, 6.30pm, 6.45pm & 7.00pm. 7.15pm bell will sound to mark end of the evening.

OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (3) Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme All students given the opportunity to complete the bronze award during Year 10 & the silver award during Year 11. Information evening during the first half of the 2017 autumn term.

OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (4) Enrichment Programme Students study three, ten week courses during both of years 10 & 11. Courses offered during the current academic year include Cooking, Photography, Philosophy, Politics & Ethics, Radio & Sports Leadership Award

POINTS TO CONSIDER (1) All students are strongly encouraged to follow a broad curriculum which will include an aesthetic subject-Art, Design & Technology or Music. Students intending to study languages at university should select both French & German. All GCSE subjects are two year linear courses with assessment taking place at the end of Year 11-coursework & controlled assessment reduced.

POINTS TO CONSIDER (2) Students should appreciate that Geography & History and Modern Foreign Languages are regarded as facilitating subjects by the Russell Group of Universities along with English, Maths & the three sciences.

POINTS TO CONSIDER (3) The English Baccalaureate currently requires students to have achieved A*-C passes in English Language, Mathematics, two sciences, a foreign language and humanity (Geography or History). In future it will be grades 9-5. The government is placing greater emphasis on students studying the subjects which make up the English Baccalaureate. All students will be able to achieve the English Baccalaureate.

POINTS TO CONSIDER (4) At present no university uses the English Baccalaureate as part of its entry requirement. Entry to the sixth form does not require students to have achieved the English Baccalaureate. The English Baccalaureate is currently not a qualification but an accountability measure.

Points to consider (5) Be aware of the changing national approach towards qualifications-most subjects have introduced new syllabuses with greater rigour & higher standards. Taking examinations at the end of a two year course with no opportunities to re-sit is very different to taking a number of smaller examinations over the course of two years with the opportunity to re-sit.

Points to consider (6) Be aware of how you will be assessed in each of your subjects. Assessment outside of the examination room-what, how & value. In-school examinations in Year 10 & mock examinations in Year 11-both are very important and need to be taken seriously.

Points to consider (7) For all GCSE subjects A*-G grades are being replaced by 9-1. These should not be equated with the old National Curriculum levels. A “7” is equivalent to a current “A” grade pass. A “5” is the new “acceptable” pass.

CONCLUSION (1) Have some idea of where you are heading-the conversation must start now. This the beginning of a four year process where you will make a series of choices which will ultimately determine your working life.

CONCLUSION (2) Keep in mind the sixth form entry requirements-A GCSE grade 7 or higher in the subjects that you wish to study at A-Level. Remember that with the move to two year linear A-Level courses your GCSE results will assume greater importance in your university application.

CONCLUSION (3) Be honest with yourself Discuss widely Put in the time Take ownership

CONCLUSION(4) Approaching this process as advised will enhance your chances of securing at least a “7” and hopefully better in all of your subjects.