Year 8 Key Stage 4 ‘Progression’ Information Evening for Parents Chingford Foundation School ‘A Firm Foundation For Life’

Outline New GCSEs: The National Picture Move to a three year KS4 2. Factors to consider 3. The Key Stage 4 Offer 4. Modern Foreign Languages 5. Humanities 6. Range of options - the booklet and selection form 7. Students with an Adapted Curriculum 8. Support for students 9. The Subject Selection Form 10. Key Dates and Deadlines

New GCSEs: The National Picture There have been significant changes to GCSEs in the last two years. The new GCSEs make more demands of students. Students will be expected to learn more. An increased focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar They are awarded in grades from 1 up to 9, with grade 9 being the highest grade.

New GCSEs: The National Picture 100% exam based for almost all subjects (some practical assessments in subjects like art or physical education). In most subjects, students will not be grouped in different ability tiers for the purposes of assessment – only maths, sciences and languages will have different papers for different groups of students.

Grade 5 will be awarded to top 1/3 of old grade ‘C’ and bottom 1/3 of old grade ‘B’

New GCSEs: The Three year KS4 Allows more teaching time for increased challenge at GCSE. Ensures more depth in GCSE teaching – topics can be revisited. Greater opportunities for teaching at Grade 7 – 9. Further opportunities for supporting any students who are struggling and require different interventions. Formalises what was already taking place in Core subjects in Year 9. Reflects our current Lower and Middle School structure.

Factors to consider Progression routes – are there specific GCSE requirements to gain entry to particular A-level courses, other post-16 courses or careers? Which subjects do you enjoy? Which subjects are you likely to be successful in? Which subjects provide a broad and balanced range?

Why shouldn’t you choose certain subjects? Because you like the teacher Because your friends are choosing it Because you think it will be ‘easy’. Just because it’s a new subject.

At A Glance At Key Stage 4, students will study: GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE Maths GCSE Science GCSE Religious Studies A Language GCSE A Humanities GCSE Subject Two Options Subjects

Compulsory Subjects We feel RS is important for students to study as part of the ‘core’ group of subjects: Supports students understanding of diverse cultures and customs; Develops an understanding of morality and ethical issues; Supports the school’s duty to provide citizenship education; An excellent department which helps contribute to supporting students’ literacy; It’s part of our offer of a broad and balanced curriculum.

Science At Key Stage 4, students have the option of following Combined Sciences or the Separate Sciences. In Combined Sciences, students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as a package: students are awarded two GCSE grades, which is equivalent to two GCSEs. The Separate Sciences is considered the more academic option. Students study three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They take exams and are awarded separate grades for each subject. The Separate Sciences should only be taken by students who are achieving well and can cope with the demands of the course. If students wish to take Sciences at A-Level, the school feels that Triple Science offers the best preparation. It should be noted that students can still study Science A Level if they follow the Combined Sciences route.

Modern Foreign Languages As part of the CFS offer, students will study the language they studied in Year 8 for GCSE (unless your child opts for Latin as their only language to study). We feel that it is integral to have languages as part of our core offer for a range of reasons: Broadens students’ understanding of another culture; Develops students’ power of memorisation; It is the government’s line: students are strongly advised to study a language; As prospective participants in a global economy, we feel our students will be disadvantaged if they do not study a language; Universities want it. UCL make all students study a Language GCSE if they do not have a qualification.

Humanities At Key Stage 4, students will need to choose at least History or Geography. Students can, if they wish, study both at GCSE. The school feels these subjects are highly valuable as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. Students are familiar with both subjects having studied them in depth at Key Stage 3. They are both facilitating subjects as defined by the Russell Group of universities. Students develop a large range of transferrable skills. The subjects demand for synthesising evidence and grasping higher order concepts will help students to develop independent learning skills, which are essential for success.

Option Subjects Students choose two subjects as part of their curriculum moving into Key Stage 4. We feel the options embrace the arts, design technology, practical and academic subjects. Subjects such as Business Studies and Health and Social Care support the pursuit of professional pathways. We offer Latin as an option subject. This is a highly academic course for students who have been to the taster sessions earlier in the year. It will suit students who wish to follow a career in journalism, for instance, complementing History and English well. If your child studies Latin, they can choose to not study their Key Stage 3 language.

Adapted Curriculum The school are very conscious of the fact that our Key Stage 4 curriculum must meet the needs of all pupils; this is a priority for us. For a range of courses offered, SEN students will either be entered for GCSE qualifications or entry level qualifications. We have judged that some students struggle with languages. A small number of students have therefore been ‘disapplied’ and must opt in to study languages if they can prove commitment to the course and have a great desire to study it..

Support for your Child The school will support your child in making decisions about subjects in various ways: Teacher presentations in assemblies; In each of your child’s lessons over the next week, their class teacher will spend between 20-30 minutes explaining the Key Stage 4 course to them, and fielding any questions; Senior Leaders will be holding lunchtime drop-ins in Room 25 on Wednesday 1st March, Thursday 2nd March, Thursday 9th March, and Wednesday 15th March; We have Year 8 parents evening on Wednesday 8th March; Form tutors will be available for students to speak to during tutor time; Follow up meetings will be held with students after the forms are handed in, if necessary; At parents’ evening, Mr Dalton will be available for careers advice.

The Subject Selection Form Go through SEN and disapplied languages.

Key Dates and Deadlines Event 27th February Year 8 Progression Parents’ Evening 1st Mar; 2nd Mar; 9th Mar; 15th Mar Lunchtime drop-in slots for any student wanting to discuss their options. Senior Leaders will be available in Room 25. 8th March Year 8 Parents Evening 16th March Year 8 Assembly: Deadline for students to hand in their form.

Thank you for attending If you have any questions, please come to the front. Chingford Foundation School ‘A Firm Foundation For Life’