YEAR 9 GCSE Options Issues to consider 6 th January 2015

THE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS - EXAMINED English Language English Literature Mathematics Biology Chemistry Physics RE

THE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS- NOT EXAMINED Personal, Social & Health Education Careers & Work Related Learning PE & Games The Enrichment Programme

OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (1) Art Computer Science Design & Technology: Resistant Materials French Geography German History Information Technology Music

OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (2)  Select three subjects  Two reserve subjects  Only one of Computer Science or Information Technology  Parents will be contacted if we are unable to offer students their preferred three choices  Deadline for receipt of option forms FRIDAY, 6 TH FEBRUARY 2015

OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (3) Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme  The opportunity to complete the bronze award is offered to all students in Year 10.  The opportunity to complete the silver award in Year 11 is available to those students who have completed the bronze award in Year 10.

OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (4) Enrichment Programme Students study three, ten week courses during both of years 10 & 11. Courses offered during the current academic year include Cooking, Photography, Greek & Roman culture, Philosophy, Politics & Ethics, Radio, International Film & Sports Leadership Award

POINTS TO CONSIDER (1)  All students are strongly encouraged to follow a broad curriculum which will include a modern foreign language, a humanity & and one other subject.  All students are strongly encouraged to study one foreign language.  All GCSE subjects are two year linear courses with assessment taking place at the end of Year 11.

POINTS TO CONSIDER (2) o Students should appreciate that Geography & History and Modern Foreign Languages are regarded as facilitating subjects by the Russell Group of Universities along with English, Maths & the three sciences.

POINTS TO CONSIDER (3)  The English Baccalaureate requires students to have achieved A*-C passes in English Language, Mathematics, two sciences, a foreign language and humanity (Geography or History)  The English Baccalaureate is not a qualification.

POINTS TO CONSIDER (4)  At present no university uses the English Baccalaureate as part of its entry requirement.  Entry to the sixth form does not require students to have achieved the English Baccalaureate.

Points to consider (5)  Be aware of the changing national approach towards qualifications- greater rigour & higher standards.  Taking examinations at the end of a two year course with no opportunities to re-sit is very different to taking a number of smaller examinations over the course of two years with the opportunity to re-sit.

Points to consider (6)  Be aware of how you will be assessed in each of your subjects.  Assessment outside of the examination room-what, how & value.  In school examinations in Year 10 & mock examinations in Year 11.

CONCLUSION (1)  Have some idea of where you are heading-the conversation must start now.  This the beginning of a four year process where you will make a series of choices which will ultimately determine your working life.

CONCLUSION (2)  Keep in mind the sixth form entry requirements-A GCSE grade A or A* in the subjects that you wish to study at A-Level.  Remember that with the move to two year linear A-Level courses your GCSE results will assume greater importance in your university application.

CONCLUSION (3)  Be honest with yourself  Discuss widely  Put in the time  Take ownership

CONCLUSION(4) Approaching this process as advised will enhance your chances of securing at least an “A” grade and hopefully better in all of your subjects.