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Timeline Jan Feb March April Subject Assemblies Future Studies Lessons Talking to Staff and Parents Options Booklet Available Options Evening Final Choices 22 nd March Parents’ Evening 7 th March Reports 1 st March Filling in Options Building the Timetable 2 Confirmation Letter

All pupils will study: English Language Maths Science Religion and Philosophy, Future Studies and Citizenship P.E. I.C.T. 3

Science 10 A1: Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and each counts as a GCSE grade. Pupils will receive 3 GCSE grades at the end of Year A2 and 10B1: Double Science. They all still study Biology, Chemistry and Physics but pupils will receive 2 GCSE grades at the end of year B2: BTEC Science. Continuous assessment through portfolio of evidence. Proving very successful. 4

Mathematics 10 A1: All study higher GCSE maths Option to study for a level 3 qualification and/or statistics 10 A2: All study higher GCSE maths Option to study GCSE statistics 10B1: Most study foundation GCSE maths A number take the examination early in Year 11 with the intention of moving on to the higher tier Option to study GCSE statistics 10B2: All study foundation GCSE maths Some may also take the level 1 functional skills qualification Option to study GCSE statistics 5

NOCN Step-Up Qualification Run by National Open College Network Flexible topics within the course Level 1 Option to take award, certificate or diploma Suits students who do not want to take too many GCSEs Other schools such as Bournside are introducing it In partnership with Launchpad 6

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10 Options Blocks

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Choose Courses that….. you know you can do well in. are subjects you like. reflect your interests and personal qualities. help you learn in the best way for you. help keep your options open in the future. 12

Don’t choose courses because… you like or dislike the teacher! your friends are choosing them. you think it’s the easy option. 13

Remember: If you want to specialise later check which subjects you need at GCSE. The way subjects are delivered and examined is different for GCSE’s. Jobs may not directly be related to subjects but may be useful. People change careers/directions more and more now. It’s worth keeping a broad idea. 14

What else should I consider? If you want to continue in Education find out what subjects you need. If you don’t know what you want to do – choose a balance of subjects. Talk to Mrs Harrison about apprenticeships as these may prefer certain GCSE combinations. Universities like to see students with a broad range of academic GCSEs. 15

More Advice? You are being guided through the decision making process in your Future Studies lessons. Choose a balanced selection of subjects; academic and practical. Don’t be afraid of taking a ‘fun’ subject. The choices you make do matter - 6th forms, colleges and universities are looking at which subjects you choose, not just the grades you achieve. You will be in education/training until at least the age of

International Baccalaureate Diploma Running at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Cirencester College Students take 6 subjects from the following groups: Group 1: Language A1 (E.g English and World literature in translation) Group 2: Second Language (Modern or classical) Group 3: A humanity or Social Science. Group 4: A Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Sciences) Group 5: Mathematics Group 6: Creative Subject (E.g. Visual Arts, Film, Music, Dance and Theatre Arts 17

English Baccalaureate New government concept Shows a breadth of academic achievement Over 40% of Year 11 can achieve it in GCSE English GCSE Mathematics GCSE Double Science Or 2 of GCSE Chem, Biol, Physics 5 Language e.g. French or Spanish Geography or History 18 Must have a grade C in each of these subjects!

What Next? Final Option Forms need to be completed by Friday the 22 nd March. If there are any problems we will discuss these with pupils and parents. If you have any questions we will be available in the Hall for the rest of the evening. Thank you. 19