Key Stage 4 Options 2017

During this presentation… Subjects for all students How many lessons per subject? Choice 1 – Which humanity subject? Choice 2 – Which language? Free Choices How to apply for courses Guidance - How best to choose your subjects

All students will study… English Language English Literature Mathematics Science (at least two qualifications) Core PE (Non-Examinable) Ethics (Non-Examinable)

How many lessons per subject? English (Literature and Language) 5 History/Geography 3 Mathematics 4 Language/Vocational Science 6 Free Choice 1 Core PE 2 Free Choice 2 Ethics 1 Total Lessons per week 30

Choice 2 - Languages FRENCH GERMAN SPANISH Visual Communication Materials Technology

Free Choices Art & Design History Graphical Communication Geography Textiles Computer Science Engineering (Electronics) Music Food Preparation and Nutrition Physical Education Resistant Materials Media Studies Materials Technology Religious Studies Visual Communication Drama Business Studies Specific entry requirements These subjects should not be taken together Make sure you do not pick the same Humanity again!

Common Questions Science Explained All students will do GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy), we have offered a limited number of places for Triple Science to some students. If students take up the Triple Science option they must select this as their first choice. If Triple Science places become available they will be offered to other students. To be on this waiting list they must “opt in” when asked the final question on their Options form.

Common Questions New Subject - MEDIA The GCSE will be built around four key theoretical principals: • media language: how the media through their forms, codes and conventions communicate meanings • representation: how the media portray events, issues, individuals and social groups • media industries: how the media industries' processes of production, distribution and circulation affect media forms and platforms • audiences: how media forms target, reach and address audiences, how audiences interpret and respond to them, and how members of audiences become producers themselves

Common Questions New Subject – Business Studies With a combination of practical and traditional approaches students investigate all the main aspects of Business: Start Ups Finance Marketing Operations Enterprise Skills and People Management. The course also considers the impact of the wider world on the success or failure of a business.

How to apply? Each student’s choices must be made via the Heathside website. Each student will be provided with a letter and unique number to use when completing the form online.

900001 Your Unique Pupil Number for Year 9 Options 2017 is: Keep this number safe it is needed to complete the options process. School Information Then click the dropdown “YEAR 9 OPTIONS”

Deadlines This process must be completed by 8.30am on Friday 10th March 2017. This options process is available at home or at school. If students are having difficulty with this process please contact Mrs. D. Francis.

When will I find out which options I have been given? Event Date/time Location/Notes Yr 9 Course information evening Monday 27th February 6:30 pm Main Hall, Heathside Yr 9 Consultation evening Wednesday 8th March 4:00 pm onwards Submission date for Options Friday 10th March 8:30 am Completed Online Letters confirming Option Choices During June 2017 Via pupils/email reminder

Guidance – What shall I choose? This presentation and your Options booklet are designed to help you with your option choices. The options you choose in for Years 10 and 11 will affect how you spend your time at school for the next two years. The choices you make may influence what course or job you decide to do after Year 11.

Guidance – How to choose? Do Look at the advice provided from Heathside School Do Look at all your options before you make a decision Do Find out essential facts by asking the Subject Teachers, Faculty Leaders and your Tutor Do Choose subjects that will provide you with the greatest opportunities in a changing educational landscape

Guidance – How to choose? Do Choose subjects that you will need for the next stage of your career journey (the ones you need to go into further or higher education or into an Apprenticeship or job with training), if you already have a firm career idea Do Choose subjects that will allow you to keep your options open, if you don’t have a firm career idea

Guidance – How to choose? Don’t Fall into the trap of thinking that some subjects are only for boys and some only for girls, this simply isn’t true Don’t Worry about the potential additional cost of some subjects. Heathside School will do all it can to support its students should this be a concern

Guidance – How to choose? Don’t Be afraid to ask for help and advice from your Subject Teachers, Tutor, Curriculum/Subject Leaders, Career Advisor or members of the Senior Leadership Team. We will do everything we can to give everyone their top choices More advice: Choosing GCSE options: 19 questions to ask yourself