KEY STAGE 4 INFORMATION EVENING 2019 A Warm Welcome to Year 9 Pupils and Parents Welcome Transitioning from each Key stage always brings some change . And for many, change is a worry and gives us a slightly nervy. I have been involved in the options process for a number of years and Herschel prides itself in providing a comprehensive programme of help and support. Over the next 10 minutes I want to outline our curriculum, the choices available and provide other information to help make the option process as smooth and worry free as I can. Mr Steve Devereux Deputy Headteacher Sde@herschel.slough.sch.uk @SDE_HGS

OFSTED The curriculum is broad and provides excellent opportunities for pupils to develop personal qualities and skills. The curriculum in the main school and sixth form includes a good breadth of subjects and provides well for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Whilst becoming slightly old now - This statement from OFSTED still gives us confidence that the curriculum we provide is fit for purpose and most importantly suits our learners. We refine and change our curriculum each year but the priciples are the same.

ALL PUPILS WILL COMPLETE: 10 or 9 GCSEs English Language English Literature Maths Triple Science X 3 Or Combined Science X 2 French / Spanish History / Geography Open Choice 1 Open Choice 2 The following table shows how a student can gain their all important GCSEs So for most 10 GCSEs in total. But for some studying Combined science its 9. Recommend continuing with Graded instrumental exams

Main Changes Modern Foreign Language - compulsory Religious Studies – optional.

The EBacc Studying both a modern foreign language and either History or Geography is considered important by the Department for Education. studying EBacc subjects may help improve performance in English & Maths. (Sutton Trust) Taking the Ebacc may enhance prospects for entering further education. However we recognise that for a few pupils studying a foreign language is not appropriate. This is a school decision and not a pupil/parent decision. Studying a foreign language is important and useful and should be viewed as you would our other compulsory subjects.

Reformed GCSEs All GCSEs have now changed.. More demanding Additional content Limited or no non examined assessment New Grades 1-9 Year 10 Information Evening Sep 2019.

Compulsory Subjects Which Are Not Examined Physical Education (timetabled lessons) Cross-Curricular ICT Work-Related Learning, Business & Enterprise Personal Social Health and Citizenship Education Religious Studies (unless taken as a GCSE) We are not an exam factory. We try to provide a rich and varied curruclum beyond the GCSEs.

Option Choices This is the exciting bit. For the first time you can chose what actual subjects you study. You will choose 3 subjects based on your own preferences.

Optional Choices (pages 20 - of the Options Booklet) GCSE Art GCSE Business GCSE Computing GCSE Design & Technology GCSE Drama GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE Geography GCSE History GCSE Media GCSE Music GCSE Physical Education GCSE Religious Studies. The choices are varied and we try to give as much freedom as possible. However we are constrained by legislation and pressures from the Department for Education

Option Choices How do I choose? Food Preparation Computing Physical Education Media Studies Music Business Art Geography Drama History Design Technology Religious Studies

Make sure Your choices give you: Breadth and balance? Subjects you will enjoy Subjects you will work hard at and do well in?

Option Choices Need More help?

Help is at Hand! Subject staff will be able to advise you on your suitability Careers Advisors can give help and guidance. Head of learning and tutors The Options booklet School careers website Y12 & 13 students Members of leadership team www.herschel.slough.sch.uk/For-Students/Careers/Year-9-Options

What Else? You can choose both History & Geography Think carefully about subjects requiring specific skills – do you have those skills. You can only choose the Technology subject you are currently studying. Your reserve subject must be one you will be happy studying.

Key Stage 4 Option Forms Tuesday 19th March The option form from the back of your KS4 booklet (or the website) needs to be returned to your form tutor by: Tuesday 19th March

The Options Choice Form List choices in order of preference Its important that you list your choices in order of preference. We may have to allocate some their 4th if courses are not running or there is a clash. Please select wisely.

I’ve changed my mind! OK but act quick.

KEY STAGE 4 INFORMATION EVENING 2019 Thankyou for listening Welcome Transisitoning from each Key stage always change . And for many change is a worry and make us slightly nervy. I have been involved in the options process a number of years and Herschel prides itself in providing a comprehensive programme of help and support. Over the next 10 minutes I want to outline our curriculum, the choices available and provide other information to help make the option process as smooth and worry free as I can. Mr Steve Devereux Deputy Headteacher Sde@herschel.slough.sch.uk @SDE_HGS