Welcome to the Key Stage 4 Options Evening 2017 LY

Purpose of the evening ….. To receive important literature to help understand the options process To provide an opportunity to speak with Curriculum Leaders in options subjects To outline the current Government’s position on education To receive guidance on how to go through the Options process LY

Key Individuals: Mrs Key, Headteacher Ms Poole, Assistant Headteacher Mr Harris, Key Stage Director Curriculum Leaders Miss Thompson, SENCO Mrs Bodner, Careers Adviser LY

Changes to Key Stage Four Curriculum English (reformed GCSEs harder and you have to take two English GCSEs) Maths (harder and a third extra content) If you don’t reach a certain standard you have to re-take post 16 All reformed GCSEs have more content and some have more exams Beliefs and Ethics compulsory Importance of PSHE The government and Ofsted would like everyone to study a language The English Baccalaureate consists of English Language and Literature, Maths, Science, History or Geography and a Modern Foreign Language Schools get measured on all students best 8 specific qualifications More exams in many subjects!

Your Key Stage Four Curriculum - compulsory English Maths Science CORE PE PSHE Beliefs and Ethics English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE Maths GCSE Triple Science (GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics) or Combined Science (2 GCSEs) 5 periods a week 2 GCSEs 1 GCSE 6 periods a week 2-3 GCSEs 2 periods 1 period a week 1 period Year 9 2 Periods Year 10 and 11

Your Choices Language Option Open Option You chose this in Year 8 Free choice any below Free choice from any below 3 periods 1 GCSE

Consider………….. History or Geography if……. Choosing something creative/ different If take up is low options may not run Think about your reserves as we may need to use them Don’t choose a subject because your friend does Don’t choose an option because you like a teacher Get it in by the deadline

Process so far! Y9 PSHE Lessons KS4 subjects and possible choices Future career ideas Where to find help and support Focussed assemblies Taster lessons Trial run! KS3 Tutor/Parents’ evening Spring Progress Report LY 8

‘The Small Print’ The school reserves the right to guide students towards certain subjects which we feel better suit them Courses with a low uptake may not run and so students will be guided to other subjects If a subject is over subscribed students may be asked to take their reserve subject Once choices are made and a course has been embarked upon there is very little flexibility in changing course LY

Make the Right Choices for You! LP 10

So, how do I choose? Are some subjects easier than others? Not in theory What are my friends doing? Not relevant Who are my favourite teachers? What subjects will help me in my chosen career? √ Which subjects suit my abilities/learning styles? Should I choose subjects I’m doing well in? Should I try something new? Maybe Should I choose different types of subjects? Ignore some of these Qs AH

Some Do’s Do consider what type of learner you are Music All subjects require literacy skills. You all need to be Word Smart. Some subjects lend themselves to other specific skills which you may be particularly good at! Music Art and Design GCSE PE Drama Dance Food Technology Design Technology Computer Science Business Studies History Geography AH Are some subjects easier than others? Ofqual says no, but you may find some subjects easier than others

Some Do’s Do choose subjects you enjoy and have an interest in You’re likely to work harder when you’re enjoying the content You’re more likely to succeed as a result You could end up with a career linked to subjects you enjoy AH

Some Don’ts Don’t choose a subject just because your friend is doing it Think for yourself … your friends are unlikely to be with you at college, university, work Your friends could be in different sets/classes anyway

Some Don’ts Don’t choose a subject because you get on well with your teacher You never know who you’ll get! AH

Checklist……. KS4 Courses Booklet Options Form Speak to Curriculum Leaders tonight See Mrs Bodner for further advice or make an appointment LP

Please return your options form in an envelope addressed: ‘Ms Poole – KS4 Options’ to Student Services by Thursday 9th February 2017 LP

CURRICULUM LEADERS Miss Thompson SENCO Ms Maynard GCSE PE Mrs Burley Geography Mrs Johnson Art Mr Fenn Tye Computer Science Miss Davey Dance Mr Cullen History Mrs Barringer Music LP Ms Hutton Drama Mr Deacon Design Technology Mr Dudgeon History Mr Harris Geography Ms Poole Business Studies Mrs Searle Food Technology Miss Thompson SENCO