Year 8 OPTIONS for KEY STAGE 4 2018 - 2021 Outcomes: To understand the reasons for and benefits of a 3 year Key Stage 4. To understand the options process for Year 8. To be able to ask questions, raise concerns and feed back thoughts.

The 3 Year Key Stage 4 Principles: Focus learning on national qualifications (no tests at Key Stage 3) Students to be better prepared earlier for their GCSE exams Teachers can spread exam-based preparation over a longer period of time Confidence boost of having one GCSE complete by the end of Year 10 (RS) Enrichment built into learning not discrete lessons

Key Stage 4: 2018 – 2021 Types of Courses: Full GCSE – terminal exams, coursework in some practical subjects Vocational/BTEC – mainly portfolio work but all now have an element of exam units (not as much as GCSE) College placements combined with vocational qualification (offered during Year 9 for the start of Year 10)

Studied by all students Key Stage 4 in 2018 - 2021 Core Curriculum in Year 9: English Mathematics Science Religious Studies Physical Education Personal Development Citizenship Work-Related Activities Careers Curriculum Study (3 periods per fortnight) in Year 11 Studied by all students

Core Subjects in Year 9 English and mathematics: new style GCSE 9-1 not A*-G. Science: Students may indicate a preference to follow the triple science pathway (tbc by staff in Year 10) (Biology, Chemistry, Physics); all others do double (Combined Science), or single (Level 1 Certificate)

Taking the long view It might be helpful to take it step by step: Think about which 4 option subjects you want to have studied by the end of Y11. Remember – these qualifications are for the rest of your life (6th form, college, university, jobs, …). Keep a broad and balanced curriculum.

E-Bacc It is: The Government’s agenda for a broad and balanced curriculum English, Mathematics, Science (can inc Computer Science), French/German/Spanish, Geography/History Recommended for students wishing to follow an academic route into universities (Russell Group) The right pathway for the vast majority of students It is NOT: A formal qualification with a certificate

E-Bacc You can: Still do 2 non-E-Bacc subjects (E-Bacc takes up only 2 options) Do this if they aren’t your strongest subjects You CAN’T: Change your mind later You MUST: Confirm your intention to complete the E-Bacc on the options form

Technology All of the Technology subjects are now one qualification. This means: You can only take ONE of Product Design, Systems & Control or Textiles Food & Nutrition is a separate subject and NOT a Technology subject any more You can do one Technology subject AND Food & Nutrition

Combinations of Subjects These are combinations which don’t work: Art and Ceramics Music and Music Technology This is a combination which is inadvisable: Computer Science and IT (Vocational)

This shows how your child performed in their Key Stage 2 tests: Average of reading and maths scores 107+ = above national expectations 93-106 = in line with national expectations Below 93 = below national expectations

Confirm decisions regarding Triple Science and Ebacc Parents, students and tutor to sign

Complete the checklist And lastly … Complete the checklist

How do I choose? Think about where your options will take you: Sixth-form subjects ➔ College/University ➔ Career Further Education College ➔ Employment Employment Make sure you opt into something you enjoy! Talk to your parents, carers, teachers, tutors, tutor group

How not to make decisions: “It’s what all my friends are doing…” “Joe said I should do this so I might as well…” “I can’t think of anything else to do…” “I like Mr/Mrs/Miss … so I’ll do his/her subject” “I don’t like Mr/Mrs/Miss … so I’m not doing his/her subject”

Other things to remember… Three reserves are essential – some classes may not run if too many or too few students opt. A few subjects have a limited number of places. We will do our best to meet your choices. Nothing will be done to change your options without speaking to you first.

Key Stage 4: 2018 - 2021 Wednesday 24th January: New Option Subjects Assembly Thursday 25th January: Parents’ Evening Wednesday 31st January: Parents’ Info evening Wednesday 28th February: After school drop in session to answer questions in the LRC 3:30 – 6:00 with, Ms Egan and Mr Backshall Wednesday 7th March: Options forms in to form tutors – no promises for early submission! June: You will get a letter telling you about the subjects you will be taking in Year 9.

FAQs: If a subject is oversubscribed how do you decide who is chosen? What happens if they get to September and do not like the course? What do we hear and when? Can I do a subject at A Level if I haven’t done it at GCSE? THIS IS WHAT WE DISCUSSED WITH STUDENTS – PLEASE SUPPORT US BY DISCUSSING THIS AT HOME WITH YOUR CHILD

FAQs – answers! If a subject is oversubscribed how do you decide who is chosen? We try to ensure wherever possible that all students get the subjects they have opted for. If this is not possible we will take account of where students have opted for the E-bacc option if this is appropriate. We will also refer to tracking reports in the subject or related subject areas. What happens if they get to September and do not like the course? If students don't like a course they begin in September there is a limited time period when they can change courses. Any change will be subject to there being room in the new course. We will also discuss potential changes with subject staff before they are made. Students will need to be able to explain clearly why they want to leave a particular subject and why they particularly want to join the new one. We would always require confirmation of parental consent for any changes to GCSE courses. What do we hear and when? We will write to all parents and students in June to confirm option choices for September. Where there are issues to be dealt with we will speak to students and parents before this point to discuss issues and outline potential solutions. Can I do a subject at A Level if I haven’t done it at GCSE? There are some subjects available at A-level which are not available at GCSE. In these subjects teachers will look at GCSE results in closely related subjects when deciding if a student can take the subject. Where a subject is available at GCSE teachers prefer that students have studied it at GCSE. Any situation where this is not the case would be decided on a case by case basis.

Contact details Mrs Edwards, Deputy Headteacher: sedwards@theweald.org.uk Ms Egan, Director of Key Stage 3: segan@theweald.org.uk Mr Backshall, Director of Learning: tbackshall@theweald.org.uk Copies of the options form, the options booklet and this presentation will be available on the website under Teaching & Learning.