Options Information Evening Monday 5 February 2018 Welcome Gail Howe, Associate Headteacher Chris Taylor, Assistant Headteacher

The Challenge! How do you prepare students for jobs that do not yet exist, using technologies that have not yet been invented, solving problems we do not yet know are problems?! How do we keep our learning up to date in a world where technology and globalisation are moving at such a startling rate?

Our changing world… By 2020 there will be 5 million fewer low skilled jobs in Britain than there are today 40% of all jobs in 2020 will require a graduate qualification The top 10 jobs that were in demand in 2015 did not exist in 2004 Today’s learners will have had around 10 jobs by the age of 40

COMPETITION – YES OPPORTUNITIES - YES The Future COMPETITION – YES OPPORTUNITIES - YES

Aims of the Evening To provide an overview of the options process. To help you, as parents and carers, gain an understanding of courses and options available to enable you to help support your child in making the right choices / learning routes for him / her.

Key Stage 4 From Year 10 onwards, learning becomes more personalised – students do not all follow the same timetables. Students have the chance to choose subjects they enjoy, new subjects, courses they know they can do well in and suit their learning style, and which will help them in their future career plans.

KS4 – Core and Compulsory subjects English Language and Literature – 2 separate GCSEs Mathematics – 1 GCSE Science – 2 GCSEs –Combined Science (option of Separate Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Core PE Core RPSE – careers, citizenship, RE, personal finance education. In the past, some students have also studied GCSE additional maths as a twilight course.

Option ‘Areas’ Arts Design and Technology Humanities Include: Arts Design and Technology Humanities Modern Foreign languages Sciences Applied / Vocational

GCSEs ‘Tried and tested’ Appropriate for most students Available in most subjects Compulsory in core subjects 2-year courses Exams at the end of year 11

Changes to GCSEs Changes: Include updated content and a wider range of question styles Questions include more extended responses Incorporate functional skills Emphasis on SPAG – spelling, punctuation and grammar Ensure progression from Key Stage 3 More ‘rigour’

New GCSE Grading Structure Reformed GCSEs have been introduced gradually from September 2015. They are graded from 9 to 1, instead of A* - G. Ofqual state that ‘students will not lose out as a result of the changes.’ 4 and above = C and above but 5 = the new ‘good’ C Broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 4 and above as currently achieve a grade C and above.

9 -1 Grading Structure

Applied / Vocational Courses Definition: More ‘hands-on learning’ ‘Learning by doing’ to achieve various qualifications Suit different learning needs / styles A different way of learning – not necessarily easier or aimed at lower ability students Direct relevance to a particular job area or career Opportunity to experience different learning environments Students can study vocational qualifications alongside GCSEs

Applied Courses Include, for example: PE Technical award Music Rock School Hair and Beauty Animal Care Motor Vehicle Maintenance Any student considering one of these, must speak to the named contact member of staff to that ensure this is an appropriate course for him or her to follow.

The English Baccalaureate The English Baccalaureate ‘subjects’ are: English Maths Two Science GCSEs (Combined Science, or two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science) A Language GCSE (French or Spanish or German) A Humanity GCSE (History or Geography) A student who gains this combination of GCSEs at grades 9-4 is recorded as having achieved the English Baccalaureate. The Government has stated that, at some point in the future, all students will have to study the EBacc subjects. Many secondary schools are putting this in place now. Some ‘top’ colleges and universities have already made EBacc subjects an entry requirement for certain courses.

Options Combinations In order to ensure breadth and balance and to ensure as many doors remain open to our students in the future, we are asking students to select ONE of the EBacc option subjects as one of their 4 choices. i.e. One from: History, Geography, Spanish, German, French, Separate Science They can, of course, choose more than one of these should they wish to do so.

Exam access arrangements As part of the preparation for key stage 4, all year 9 students will be assessed for exam access arrangements. This will take place during the summer term. If a student is eligible for access arrangements, parents will be notified by letter towards the end of the summer term. E.g. supported by: extra time, reader, scribe or use of a computer

The Options Process

The Options Process Students receive a structured programme of information, advice and guidance via: Assemblies Form tutor 1:1 sessions Lesson time from key staff Information briefings & taster sessions Options booklet – information for students and parents on individual subjects, what is compulsory and what is optional.

Core Curriculum English Language and Literature – 2 separate GCSEs Mathematics – 1 GCSE Science – 2 GCSEs –Combined Science (option of Separate Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Core PE Core RPSE – careers, citizenship, RE, personal finance education. Most students will leave with 9 GCSE or GCSE equivalent qualifications- 5 core subjects and 4 option subjects In the past, some students have also studied GCSE additional maths as a twilight course.

Option Subjects Animal care Art & Design - Fine Art Geography Art & Design - Graphic Communication Art & Design – Textile Design Business Studies Computing / ICT Computer Science Dance Design and Technology Economics Engineering Maintenance Food Preparation and Nutrition French Geography German Hair and Beauty- level 1 or 2 History Land-based Studies Media Studies Motor Vehicle Maintenance Music – traditional Music – Rock School Performing arts Photography PE – Physical Education RE - Religious Studies Separate Sciences Spanish

Modern Foreign Languages Not currently ‘core’ but… students of average and above average ability are strongly advised to take a GCSE language course: in order to strengthen their college application and to ensure no doors are closed for university applications.

Personalised Curriculum A programme of shorter, accredited courses may be specifically designed for students who may find a full programme of study too challenging at KS4. Small groups of students take three options only, alongside core subjects, key skills, and a vocational course. This programme of study will be designed as a result of discussions with students, staff and parents.

Choices 271 students- we do our very best! It is likely that not all 271 students will get their first choice of subjects – logistically, this is a huge job and there are some limitations! Some students will, in all probability, have to study at least one of their reserve choices. We also cannot guarantee all courses will run.

Case Studies: Student A Student A finds traditional schoolwork quite dull and is practical by nature. He/she: Takes the core subjects Takes separate science as they really enjoy science Takes PE Technical award because of a keen interest in sports coaching Takes the Music BTEC Rock School qualification - Achieves 5 ‘good’ grades and opts for level 3 vocational courses at Kirklees College.

Student B Student B is an academically able student, with varied interests, who enjoys study and is likely to want to go on to university: Core subjects Studies a MFL - French Geography – keen interest in this Separate sciences Food preparation and nutrition - Achieves 9 GCSEs and opts for ‘A’ levels at Greenhead or New College and plans to go on to university to take a degree in Engineering. Gains the EBacc qualification.

Student C Student C finds academic work very difficult and requires considerable additional support: Personalised programme – by invitation of the school Core subjects – English, maths, science. Art – a subject he really enjoys Level 1 motor vehicle course in school History – keen interest in this Functional skills course to improve numeracy and literacy - Achieves 7 GCSEs and a level 1 certificate in motor vehicle maintenance. Opts to go to Kirklees College to study an Level 2 motor vehicle maintenance course.

Student D Student D is an able student, who is unsure of career plans, wants to keep his/her options open and so wants a broad course of study at Key Stage 4: Core subjects Spanish Art and Design- Graphic communication History PE- GCSE - Achieves 9 GCSEs and opts to take ‘A’ levels at Greenhead or New College, followed by a ‘gap year’. Entitled to EBacc certificate.

The Form Most will choose 4 optional subjects –1 from Group A and 3 from Group B. They will also choose 2 reserve subjects. We will help and support all the students in making their choices to ensure no doors are closed to them and there are clear progression routes available to them. The deadline for handing is Thursday 1st March in the Options Form.

Group A Students will choose ONE of the following: Geography History (tick one only) German Spanish French Separate Sciences Group B Students to choose three subjects and order them in priority 1,2,3. They MUST also choose 2 reserves; R1 and R2. Only ONE choice for each of the following subject groups- Art & design, Computing, Music, PE

Advice to Students Don’t Do: Rush into your choices without doing some research Choose subjects so you can be with your friends Choose a subject just because you like or dislike the teacher Be afraid to ask for help Reject certain courses / subjects because you do not know anything about them Do: Think carefully about the next step Think about your likes, dislikes and interests Ask for advice and information Think about the ‘school day’ and how it will look Choose for yourself Ask if the course / subject helps you learn in the best way for you

Help? …Ask, ask, ask! Do not worry or panic! Mrs Howe, Mr Taylor, Miss Geisel, Mrs Burrell, Form Tutors Subject teachers Careers Advisors – Vicky O’Sullivan & Sarah Moore (C&K careers) Named subject contacts – see booklet Parents evening Thursday 15th February College admissions officers, websites and prospectuses – look at specific course requirements University websites and admissions information