Year 9 Options’ Information Evening Music GCSE Vocational Art Drama French PE Introduction and Welcome: Mr. Clemens, Principal Curriculum and Options Information: Ms. Seymour, Vice-Principal Curriculum Guidance: Curriculum Leaders

GROWTH vs. FIXED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brpkjT9m2Oo

Challenges … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brpkjT9m2Oo

Setbacks … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brpkjT9m2Oo

Achievement …

The Core Curriculum All students will follow courses below: English Language and English Literature Mathematics Science (combined or separate) Physical Education (non-exam) Religious Education (non-exam) Citizenship/Careers/Work Related Learning (non-exam)

The ‘Ebacc’ and GCSE Reform GCSEs are becoming “more rigorous” and have greater content So the class of 2019 will sit the most challenging set of exams of any cohort. We have increased the amount of English and Maths on the timetable during Year 9. Ebacc = Maths, English, any Science, any Language and a Humanity (History or Geography)

The “Ebacc” and GCSE reform

Progress and Attainment 8

Some special considerations Specific personalised pathways Ebacc combination GCSE or Vocational New subjects – Business Studies, PE or sport related courses, Engineering, Computer Science.

Your personal options form How has this been designed? This has been the result of several months of consultation using: your data predictions, your teachers’ professional judgements, your Attitude to Learning, our knowledge of past experience and the new GCSEs.

The Options Form

So how many qualifications will I get? Most students will study 9 GCSEs. For some this will include them studying 3 separate sciences. For most they will study combined sciences and be able to select 3 further options. Some students will do 8 GCSEs and will therefore have additional English and Literacy support for 5 hours/fortnight.

Two key questions to ask at home Why do you want to pick…….? Why haven’t you picked……..? Good answers: This subject fits into a ‘balance of subjects’ I am doing well at this subject The subject is an area that I would like to continue into the sixth form or at University I find it really interesting Answers to be cautious about: I like a particular teacher lots of my friends are doing it Everyone says it’s really easy

Poor reasons to choose a subject I like the teacher My friend is doing this subject I have heard a particular subject is easy I am not sure, so I just ticked anything Good reasons to choose a subject I enjoy it I am getting good grades for it/it is something I am good at It sounds really interesting It is the type of subject I will need for my career later

To help you……… Curriculum staff KS4 Options Booklet Guided pathways which are matched to student ability and learning. Suggested websites for further guidance Form tutors Guidance and House teams.

What happens next? Students have three weeks to consult with staff and discuss at home Complete and hand in options form by Friday 24th March Option allocations sent out during the second half of the summer term