Outline of the Key Changes to Qualifications in Wales following a Nationwide Review 2014/15 Qualifications Wales has been set up as an independent body to regulate and quality assure qualifications in Wales. In time Qualifications Wales will award most GCSE’s, A-levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate. Introduced of a revised and more rigorous Welsh Baccalaureate qualification that is universally adopted. Revised GCSE’s in English and Mathematics introduced for teaching from September 2015 onwards. A new suite of Science Qualifications introduced. Revised GCSE’s in a number of key subject areas. Vocational Qualifications to be reviewed and classified as Initial Vocational Education and Training (IVET’s) or Continuing Vocational Education and training (CVET’s).

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? New GCSE in English Language (first teaching Sept.2015) to provide greater assurance of literacy which will focus on the skills needed in everyday lives. Speaking and listening (recorded) (20%) Two external examinations (80%) One tier of entry A* - G

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? Revised GCSE in English Literature (first teaching Sept.2015). Controlled assessment (25%) Two external examinations (75%) Two tiers of entry Higher A* - D Foundation C - G

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? TWO new Maths GCSE’s (first teaching Sept.2015): i) Numeracy: this will focus on the maths needed for everyday life. Two external examinations (non-calculator and calculator) ii) Mathematics: this will focus on the aspects and techniques required for progression to scientific, technical or further study. Three tiers of entry for both courses: Higher A*- C Intermediate B - E Foundation D - G

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? A New Suite of Science Qualifications will be introduced for first teaching September 2016: GCSE Science (Double award) GCSE Biology, Chemistry & Physics (Triple Science) GCSE Applied Science (Double Award) GCSE Applied Science (Single Award)

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? GCSE SCIENCE (Double Award): 9 hours per fortnight DETAILS: Study Biology, Chemistry & Physics. 2 written exams in each subject worth 15% each (90% total). Practical exam in Spring term of year 11 worth 10% of total qualification. WJEC Suitable for potential A Level Scientists BTEC SCIENCE:

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? GCSE APPLIED SCIENCE: DETAILS: 9 hours per fortnight. Two year course. 3 written exams worth 70% of total qualification Task based assessment in November/December of year 11 worth 20%. Practical assessment in Spring term of year 11 worth 10% Not suitable for potential A Level Scientists.

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? TRIPLE SCIENCE – Biology, Chemistry & Physics: DETAILS: To follow Triple Science pupils will need to select it as one of their option subjects – this will give them 14 Science lessons in total. They also need a level 6 in Science at the end of key stage 3. Separate GCSE awards in Biology, Chemistry & Physics at end of Y11. 2 written exams in each subject worth 45% each. Practical assessment worth 10% in the Spring term of year 11. Suitable for potential A Level Scientists

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? NEW WELSH BACCALAUREATE QUALIFICATION: The New Welsh Baccalaureate is based on a Skills Challenge Certificate GCSE alongside Supporting Qualifications. It will focus on literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, planning, organization, creativity, innovation and personal effectiveness. The requirements of both the Skills Challenge Certificate and Supporting Qualifications must be met in order to achieve the overarching Welsh Baccalaureate.

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? NEW WELSH BACCALAUREATE QUALIFICATION: The Skills Challenge Certificate GCSE will be made up of the following components: Individual Project: 50% Enterprise and Employability Challenge: 20% Global Citizenship Challenge: 15% Community Challenge: 15% Each component of the skills challenge certificate will be awarded a summative level: Level 1 Pass; Level 2 pass; Level 2 Merit; Level 2 Distinction. The outcomes from each component will determine an overall GCSE grade for the Skills Challenge Certificate.

How Will The Changes Affect Our Current Year 9 Learners? NEW WELSH BACCALAUREATE QUALIFICATION: To achieve the overarching National Welsh Baccalaureate learners must achieve the National Skills Challenge Certificate (A*-C) together with the following supporting qualifications: English Language GCSE, Numeracy or Mathematics GCSE and 3 other GCSE’s (maximum of 2 being GCSE equivalent qualifications) at A*-C level. To achieve the overarching Foundation Welsh Baccalaureate learners must achieve the Skills Challenge certificate together with the following supporting qualifications: English Language GCSE, Numeracy or Mathematics GCSE and 3 other GCSE’s (maximum of 2 being GCSE equivalent qualifications) at A*-G level.

Curriculum 2017 Onwards Therefore in response to the changes to the curriculum in Wales the curriculum at Whitchurch High School from September 2017 has the following core components which make up 35 teaching hours over a 2 week cycle: Mathematics x 2 GCSE’s English x 2 GCSE’s Science x 2 GCSE’s Skills Challenge Certificate (1 GCSE) & PSE Welsh (1 GCSE) Religious Studies (Short Course – ½ GCSE) Physical Education

Curriculum 2017 Onwards – OPTION SUBJECTS Three Option subjects make up the remainder of the curriculum and contribute 15 hours over a 2 week cycle. OPTION (Non-Core) SUBJECTS COVER 5 AREAS OF LEARNING Expressive Arts Health and Well-being Humanities Languages Science & Technology Option grid constructed based on free choice decisions that pupils make.

OPTION GRID FOR CURRENT YEAR 10 B C Triple Science - GCSE Business Studies - GCSE Geography - GCSE History - GCSE Psychology - GCSE Religious Studies - GCSE   Tourism – Level 1&2 Sociology - GCSE French - GCSE German - GCSE Welsh - GCSE Food & Nutrition - GCSE Electronics - GCSE Product Design - GCSE Hospitality & Catering – Level 1&2 ICT - GCSE Textiles - GCSE Digital Applications – Level 1&2 Systems - GCSE Art & Design - GCSE Art Photography - GCSE Music - GCSE Child Development - GCSE Drama - GCSE Certificate of Personal Effectiveness Level 2 Public Services BTEC – Level 1&2 Succeeding With Employment Education & Training – Level 2 Retail Business – Level 1&2 Geology - GCSE Physical Education - GCSE Sport – Level 1&2

Curriculum 2017 Onwards - VOCATIONAL VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS – IVET COURSES: Vocational courses are available in most areas of learning. These courses are made up of a number of units. At least one of the core units will be an external examination/assessment which must be passed for an overall grade to be achieved. The remainder of the course is assessed through practical or written tasks completed in school and at home.

Curriculum 2017 Onwards - VOCATIONAL VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS: Applied Science Level 1 & 2 Tourism - Level 1 & 2 Public Services – Level 1 & 2 Sport – Level 1 & 2 Certificate of Personal Effectiveness - Level 1 & 2 Succeeding with Employment, Education and Training – Level 1 & 2 Entrepreneurship – Level 1 & 2 Hospitality and Catering – Level 1 & 2 Level 1 is equivalent to D-G grade GCSE Level 2 is equivalent to A*-C grade GCSE

GUIDANCE & CONSULTATION PROCESS OPTION TALK: NOVEMBER LEARNING PATHWAYS DAYS: 15th & 16th NOVEMBER TALKS TO FORM GROUPS: JANUARY 2016 NEW SUBJECT OPTION TALKS: JAN 2016 FREE CHOICE: 16th-26th JANUARY PARENTS EVENINGS: 17th & 18th JANUARY OPTION BOOKLET/SCHOOL WEBSITE: 9TH JANUARY

GUIDANCE & CONSULTATION PROCESS CAREERS ADVICE: CAREERS WALES WEBSITE INDIVIDUAL PUPIL INTERVIEWS: 6th-8th FEBRUARY OPTIONS OPEN EVENING IN UPPER SCHOOL: 9th FEBRUARY OPTION FORMS AVAILABLE: 6th FEBRUARY OPTION FORMS SUBMITTED: 3rd MARCH INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PATHWAY PLAN TO HELP GUIDE PUPILS THROUGH EACH STAGE OF THE PROCESS

GUIDANCE & CONSULTATION PROCESS STUDENT FEEDBACK: The individual guidance interview was useful and helped with my decisions I was given good advice when choosing my course in Key Stage 4 Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 47% 49% 3% 1% Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 20% 71% 7% 2%

Individual Learning Pathway Plan www.whitchurchhs.wales Students: Key stage 4 Subject information - ILPP. www.whitchurchhs.wales/Student_Information/KeyStage4SubjectInformation/homepage.htm

11-16 Learning Pathways Policy www.whitchurchhs.wales Students – 11-16 Learning Pathways Policy OR Governors – Policies - 11-16 Learning Pathways Policy Follow the link from the parent homepage Provides details of guidance and advice that each student will receive. Outlines the options process Gives deadlines for option changes if students change their mind in year 10.