Aspire to Achieve, Enjoy and Excel Welcome Options Evening Aspire to Achieve, Enjoy and Excel Welcome

Mr McLaughlin – Principal Welcome

Our Shared Vision and Values Our vision is to strive for excellence to transform the life chances for all.  Every child will excel to obtain outstanding outcomes across a breadth of experiences.  Students will develop into well rounded valued citizens, ready and equipped for a future world. 

4 choices – TOP TIPS Choose courses that you enjoy Choose courses you are interested or talented in Choose a broad and balanced range of subjects Consider aspirational choices - aim high (or reach for the stars) Consider the type of course Consider any GCSEs essential for your career choice but remember plans can change! Keep your choices broad Use the exam board website to find out more Ask questions so you can make informed choices

Mrs Stannard Vice Principal

Timeline for the Process Tuesday 19th March                  Options Assembly Wednesday 20th March         Options Evening      Wednesday 3rd April                  Options due Monday 29th April – Friday 3rd May             DoL interviews Thursday 13th June Options confirmed PLEASE NOTE that your child may not automatically get the subjects they choose! Some subjects can accept only a limited number of students and if too few students choose a subject it will not run. You must select two reserve choices which you would be happy to study! N.B. There should be minimal option changes after this point and none from 1st October.

Core Curriculum – compulsory subjects! Double Award Science x 2 GCSEs French (for the majority) Core Physical Education (non examined) English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE Mathematics GCSE

9 – 1 Grading

The English Baccalaureate Why study the EBacc subjects? It’s now an expectation from the government An indication of Academic ability The EBacc subjects are known as facilitating subjects. These are the subjects most commonly required or preferred by universities to get on to a range of degree courses. To achieve the EBacc students must opt for: French History or Geography

Why Languages matter You’ll be competing against people who have an additional language You’ll be more employable Improve your skills and grades in Mathematics and English at GCSE Add between 10-15% to your salary Enhance your opportunities in a range of careers e.g. business, medicine, law, technology, military, marketing, etc. Skills like problem solving and dealing with abstract concepts are increased Expand your world view and make foreign travel easier Be better at multitasking (make fewer errors when driving!) Have all University options open to you!

The Options Form Option Subjects History Geography French Religious Education Drama Dance Art Health and Social Care Computer Science Physical Education Design and Technology Food and Nutrition Construction  Performing Arts Music Music BTEC will run as an additional GCSE during lesson 6 (2.30-3.30pm).

SIMS Options Online Step 1: You will receive a registration code to your email address from noreply@sims.co.uk tomorrow. Check your spam. If you have not received this by Friday please contact Katharine Howard howardk@bowerpark.co.uk Step 2: Register You will need to enter your child’s date of birth

Step 3: Once registered you can log on in www. sims-options. co Step 3: Once registered you can log on in www.sims-options.co.uk Step 4: Select Parent from the Current role drop down Step 4a: Students create their own logon using their school email address through the same process

Step 5: Click on the name of the subjects you wish to choose Step 5: Click on the name of the subjects you wish to choose. This will then turn blue and appear on list of choices on the right hand side. Select subjects in order of preference! Step 6: Once you have made your choices and then select your reserve choices. Click on reserve button beside the subject you wish to pick.

Own your learning; own your future You are hardworking, highly motivated and contribute fully to learning. You are enthusiastic and co-operative with staff and collaborate very effectively. You take full responsibility for your own learning, show perseverance, meet all deadlines and complete work to the very best of your ability. You respond to all feedback given to improve your work. You complete research, preparation and home learning thoroughly and are fully equipped for lessons.