Five reasons for a three-year GCSE Pupils will have more chance of getting a better grade Pupils will spend more time studying subjects that they will be examined on at the end of year 11 Pupils will spend more time studying subjects they enjoy For year 9 they will be in subject classes with students who, like themselves, have chosen the subjects they are studying It has become increasingly evident that the new GCSEs contain significant amounts of additional content

Contents National Context The Albany’s Curriculum Options and bands Next Steps: How to best support your child Key Dates

The National Context – changes to GCSE assessment GCSE courses are in the process of being revised End of course exams Assessment by examinations BTECs are being scaled back Emphasis on ‘English Baccalaureate’ subjects

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) Maths English Language or Literature Double Science A Language A Humanities subject (History or Geography)

Our Curriculum Core Subjects English Language English Literature Maths Double Science PE (one hour)

Options Subjects Art History Business DT Product Design Computing DT Food History Business DT Product Design Music Computing French PE Drama Geography Spanish

Options and Bands Fast Track:  Core subjects, a language and either history or geography. Pupils have two additional free GCSE options. (Ebacc compulsory) Upper & Middle: Core subjects and a language or humanities subject as a minimum. Pupils have three free GCSE options. (Ebacc recommended)

Anyone can decide to study the Ebacc subjects! Core subjects are taught in bands Options subjects are not Anyone can decide to study the Ebacc subjects!

English Baccalaureate subjects are compulsory Fast Track: English Baccalaureate subjects are compulsory English Maths Core Science Additional Geog History French Spanish or Lit Open Option Open Option

English Baccalaureate subjects are encouraged Upper/Middle: English Baccalaureate subjects are encouraged Open Option English Maths Core Science Additional MFL Or Hums Lit Open Option

Havering College Employment A Levels Apprenticeships

Supporting your Child: Accessing Information Read our Options booklet carefully, including the individual subject pages. For specific queries about particular GCSEs please contact the relevant Head of Department. For general careers advice you or your child can contact Mr Evans, our careers director. You might also want to look at exam board websites for details of the specific qualifications they provide. If you are interested in the changing national education policy context you can visit the DfES website.

Supporting your Child: Parent input Talk the Options process over thoroughly with your child Encourage them to speak to their subject teachers Ensure good attendance Speak to your child regularly about their progress in school Monitor their homework Encourage your child to read (books, newspapers etc.) and to be curious

We tell our pupils…

Making your choices - DO: Read the Options booklet carefully Talk to teachers, form tutors, parents and older students Research further education choices and/or think about your future career Choose subjects that you like or are good at Choose a broad range of subjects if at all unsure

Making your choices - DON’T: Pick subjects because your friends are picking them Pick subjects because you like the teacher Pick subjects because you think they will be easier than others We will not allow any options change requests based on friends or teachers

Key elements of success for students: Clear goals Hard work Attendance Organisation Knowing current attainment and how to improve Practicing exam-style questions

Key Dates Options Assembly (students only) Wednesday 8th February, period 1 Options Evening (for parents and students) Thursday 23rd February, 7.00 pm-8.00 pm Parent/Student Interviews with Senior Team Friday 24th February – Wednesday 1st March Year 8 Parents’ Evening Thursday 2nd March, 3.30 pm – 6.00 pm Deadline for handing in completed options forms Thursday 9th March Confirmation of student choices May 2017

Filling in the options form Help your child complete it; sign it. Return to Mrs Bootle by: Thursday 9th March

Thank you for attending… …You can find this presentation and other resources on the school website Go to: http://www.thealbany.biz/Curriculum-Overview