Mrs D. Mitchell Vice Principal Year 8: Next steps March 2018 Mrs D. Mitchell Vice Principal

Who already knows what pathway they are going to take after Year 11? Apprenticeship College – Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications Vocational or Academic (or a mixture of both?) Employment

Combined Science – worth two GCSEs Religious Education Core Subjects English Language English Literature Mathematics Combined Science – worth two GCSEs Religious Education

Humanities GCSE We will ask you if you would prefer to do Geography or History. If you would like to do both, you need to pick the other as an option.

You will continue to take part in… PE Pastoral time PSHCE- personal, social, health and careers education

PERSONALISED Choices… In your booklet there are details of the courses on offer. You will choose three subjects in order of preference and two reserves. We have increased the amount of choices to see what you are interested in- Some courses may not run if there are not enough students to run the course. We have courses for all levels of learner - we have chosen them because they lead to further education pathways, training and employment This includes foundation, level 1 and level 2 courses. We personalise learning so some students may have a mixture of courses at the different levels. Our top mathematicians also do a level 3 award to help prepare them for A Level.

Qualification grades GCSE 1 to 9 (please see the handout for the equivalent grades) BTEC – pass, merit, distinction, distinction* Foundation and entry level courses – units of accreditation

Making their own choices… They need to … Show us that they are mature enough to make good choices Good and improving attendance Good behaviour in and out of class Good organisation High standard of homework High standard of work in their books/folders High standard of engagement in lessons

What has been happening so far and what is planned? Student Voice on aspiration, revision, homework Intervention on key skills gaps Y11 have taught Y8 four different revision strategies Mentoring programmes Key skills projects linked to option choices and improving engagement

Hints and Tips Make your own choices, don’t choose a subject because your friend is doing it Don’t choose a subject and expect a certain teacher, you may be taught by a different teacher! Choose something that you are committed to studying for three years Don’t think that there are subjects with no writing, you will have to ‘write’ in all subjects!!! Be informed – make a good choice If you are unsure, keep a wide range of subjects If you enjoy something you will probably do better in it and keep going when you find it hard

Support for parents and carers Ask if you are not sure – we are here to help Find out about what qualifications are needed for different courses and jobs: Careers service Internet

See you on Wednesday 21st March for Parents Evening