Careers Convention: November 2014 A parents’ guide to key 13-19 educational transition points Careers Convention: November 2014

The key transition points… Year 9 – choosing GCSE Options Year 11 – choosing post-16 provision Year 13 – higher education e.g. university - work / careers

14+: Key decisions in Year 9… Core subjects Students must take the following GCSE subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Language, Religious Education, Physical Education ½ course, full course or GCSE Dance, Science (two GCSEs) Language Option Students must take a GCSE in at least one Modern Foreign Language. This will normally be the one started in Year 7. Obviously students may choose to continue with both languages by choosing two language options. Options Students choose three additional subjects from a wide range, with some combinations prohibited. The most able will be able to select Triple Science.

14+: Factors to consider… Enjoyment Teachers Balanced choices – all Year 9s will be spoken to by a member of the school’s leadership team Ebac? – not compulsory but recommended Future study – A Levels / BTEC

Changes to GCSEs from 2015 Ending of all modular examinations An end to ‘controlled assessment’ A new grading system 1-8/9 – in English and Maths initially (current Year 9), then in all subjects (current Year 8) More difficult ‘open-ended questions’ Changes may not be introduced at all!

16+ Key decisions in Year 11… Where to study? What to study? – all Year 11s receive advice from a member of the school’s senior leadership team Entry criteria required? Next steps: University or employment

16+: Curriculum Pathways… AS and A2 Levels NVQs – National Vocational Qualifications BTECs – Business and Technology Education Course The International Baccalaureate (IB) The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Apprenticeships

16+: Educational Providers… Over 20 different providers within a 30 minute travel distance: Sixth Form Colleges – e.g. Palmers, Havering Sixth Form College School-based Sixth Forms – e.g. Coopers’, St Edwards Specialist Colleges – e.g. Havering College of Further Education

Changes to A Levels from 2015 Will affect current Year 11 and below… A reduction in the amount of coursework The end of ‘stand-alone’ AS Levels, AS Levels exist, but do not count towards the overall A Level – but schools may chose to continue to complete the AS Level Next year, the change starts in: English Language, English Literature, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, History, Psychology, Art, Sociology, Business Studies, Economics and Computing Other subjects to follow from 2016 Eventually, from 2016, students likely to study 3 subjects for 2 years with exams at the end of Year 13 Universities will no longer have Year 12 AS Results to use

Russell Group Universities: ‘Informed Choices’… www.russellgroup.ac.uk 24 leading universities Importance of GCSE grade ‘B’s in core subjects Facilitating A Levels considered to be: Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Modern Languages

Coopers’ Sixth Form: Entry requirements… AT LEAST 8 GCSEs A*-C (including English and Maths) + Subject specific entry requirements (usually an A or B grade in most subjects) The above entry criteria are non-negotiable

Transition to A Level study… Spoon-feeding to independent learning Self motivation – use of free time High levels of study at home Highly academic – not the best pathway for many students Changes to A Level structure from September 2015

‘Beyond 18’… University Employment / Career Gap Year Further vocational training – College - apprenticeship

‘Beyond 18’ @ CCCS… UCAS/CUKAS other applications (80%) Careers support and advice (20%) ‘Broadening’ non-Coopers’ experiences – importance of enrichment provision Beyond 18 Evening: March of Year 12 Work shadowing: Last week in Year 12

University: Factors to consider… Type of course Type of institution Timing – after Year 13 or delaying entry? Importance of prior academic results Cost – typically around £15,000 a year

For more information… www.cooperscoborn.org.uk – our new website Year 9 Options booklet Careers, Information and Advice Sixth Form Website