Year 9 GCSE Options Information Assembly

A broad and balanced curriculum At KS3 you study around 17 different subjects as part of our ‘broad and balanced’ curriculum. We believe this is key to helping you develop as well rounded, successful individuals. We still believe this is important for Key Stage 4, but you must narrow that range down to 10 GCSEs. The Beyond 14 process is about helping you to make the right choices for your future, even though most of you don’t know what you want to do later in life. Choosing the right GCSEs will help to keep the right doors open for you in your further study.

The Beyond 14 Process What support is there for you? November 29th 2018 Year 9 options launch assembly for students in theatre.  December 2019 Year 9 GCSE options booklet available on school website. January 9th 2019 Year 9 science assessment in theatre. Jan 28th 2019 Year 9 Options Information Evening – 4.30pm-6.30pm Students and parents visit subject stalls to discuss GCSE courses with specialist teachers. Presentation in theatre at 6.00pm by Mr Dudley-Hart and Miss Gibson. Jan 29th – Feb 8th 2019 ‘Beyond 14’ discussion between student and a senior member of staff to support them in making their options choices. Students will be given the option form at their B14 interview  Feb 7th 2019 Year 9 Parent Consultation Evening – Meet subject teachers one to one to discuss progress and follow up on options conversations. Jan 29th-Feb 8th Year 11 students visit year 9 forms to give advice and their own personal experience of options choices. Feb 15th 2019 Deadline for Year 9 Options forms to be submitted. All forms must be checked by form tutors who will then submit them to Mrs Harris. Options does not operate on a first come-first served basis but forms submitted after the deadline are less likely to get their first choice combination of subjects.

Changes to GCSEs from 2015 Ending of all modular examinations A reduction in ‘controlled assessment/coursework’ in the majority of subjects More difficult ‘open-ended questions’ A new grading system 9-1 MDU

All GCSEs from summer 2018 MDU

The Core English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE Mathematics GCSE Science – Most students will study Combined Science GCSE (worth two GCSEs) as part of their core provision. A Modern Foreign Language GCSE Religious Education GCSE Core PE lessons (two hours per week) to promote a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle.

Modern Foreign Language All students will study at least one modern foreign language to GCSE level. This would normally be the language you started in year 7. Please discuss with your MFL teacher or Mr Sack if you wish to opt for your second language. You must select a language as one of your four options choices. You may opt to continue with two languages by using another one of your four option choices.

The options subjects Art (Fine Art) Business Studies Computer Science Food Preparation and Nutrition Design and Technology Drama Geography History Media Studies Music Physical Education Second Language (French, German, or Spanish) Separate Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) With your remaining options choices you must choose 3 of these 13 subjects.

Beyond 14 – Factors to consider… smart choices What subjects do I enjoy? What am I good at? How can I achieve a balance of subjects? What do I want/need to study in future A Levels/BTEC

CCCS Sixth Form We currently require students to achieve at least 8 GCSEs at grade 9-5 to enter the sixth form. Students must also meet the individual subject entry requirements. These are subject to change for 2021

Poor reasons for options choices.. “My friends have all chosen those subjects” Most option subjects have multiple classes. There’s no guarantee you will be in classes with your friends.

Poor reasons for options choices.. “I really like my teacher Mr X or Mrs Y” There is no guarantee you will be in that teachers class. Teachers change classes or may leave the school. You’re stuck with your choices for ever.

Poor reasons for options choices.. Because your friends are taking the subject Because you like the teacher Because you think it will be easy Because your brother/sister took the subject It is a new subject and you don’t really know what it involves Because they have a cool trip to…

Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Most students will study Combined Science and achieve two science GCSEs. This is sufficient to continue to study any science at A-level and university. All of the new GCSEs are more challenging and have and increased amount of content to learn. We need to make sure your workload is manageable so no student at Coopers’ will study more than 10 GCSEs. Therefore, this year, separate sciences have been included as one of the options. If you wish to study for three separate science GCSEs in Biology, Physics and Chemistry, you will have to choose it as ONE of your GCSE options. You will then work towards these Three GCSEs in your core science time and one option block.

Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) If you wish to study three separate science GCSEs you should: Have a strong passion for the study of science Have a clear rationale for wanting to study three science GCSEs Demonstrate an aptitude for science on the January science assessment. Be prepared to use one of your remaining three option choices.

January Science Assessment 3 sections – biology, chemistry and physics 1 hour long in total Wednesday 9th January AM. Students will get an individual timetable telling you when the exam is and where to go. You will be given a list of content to revise and revision resources.

Revision Resources www.ks3sciencecourses.com CGP Key stage 3 Science workbook https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/

Don’t Rush!!! Do not rush to get your form completed. Options are not first come first served. You must have your Beyond 14 discussion first. Deadline February 15th Options forms must checked by your form tutor and passed to Mrs Harris by this date.