Phoenix Academy 2014

The Future Ahead It is an ever challenging world for the present year 9. More competitive and changing At the Phoenix Academy, we need to ensure all pupils are prepared for this future as best we can This means ensuring all pupils have a broad and relevant curriculum at Key stage 4 All pupils future choices will be affected by their achievement across all subjects at Key stage 4

Government changes to option subjects in Key Stage 4 A focus on GCSEs and a narrower range of high quality vocational qualifications by limiting the number of NVQs qualifications that count in excess of the equivalent of 1 GCSE Staying on in some form of Education until the pupils are 18 years of age. This could be Full Time Education, Apprenticeships, Work with a planned and structured examination course

Government changes to option subjects in Key Stage 4 If pupils want to move onto an A level or NVQ level 3 course post 16, they must achieve a C grade in English and Maths at GCSE level otherwise they will need to resit the Exam at their Post 16 place of Learning

Key Steps Consultation Day Options Booklet Year 9 Parents’ Evening Yr 9 Options Evening Talks in assembly by Subject Leaders Pupil questionnaire about future pathways and progression

Information to help with choices Use website The options information will be on the Academy website at: Follow the link from Parents to Year 9 Options This Presentation will be on the school website tomorrow

Beware of jargon! GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) NVQ ( National Vocational Qualification) BTEC ( Business and Technology Education Council) Level 1 = D – G Grades Level 2 = A* - C Grades

The National Qualifications Framework Level 1 Builds on basic level of knowledge, understanding and skills, and the ability to apply learning to activities that relate to everyday situations All GCSEs grades D – G, basic key skills, NVQ level 1, basic BTEC introductory Level 2 Builds knowledge and or skills in relation to subject or sector areas; gaining ability to apply learning to a varied range of tasks All GCSEs grades A* - C basic and key skills, NVQ level 2

Teacher Assessments All subjects will be assessed at the end of year 9 and a National Curriculum Grade will be given An Assessment report will be published and sent home at the end of year 9. The Teacher Assessments will be used to inform option and English, Maths and Science classes in year 10.

KS4 Curriculum Compulsory Core Subjects GCSE Subjects: English (Language & Literature) Maths Science (Physics, Chemistry & Biology) ICT Non GCSE Subjects: PSHEE ( Including careers, work experience) R.E. Core PE

KS4 Curriculum English Baccalaureate GCSE Subjects: English (Language & Literature) Maths Science (Physics, Chemistry & Biology) History or Geography French or German

Art GCSE P.E Catering Systems and Control Drama French Geography German History Music Product Design ( D&T, Electronic Product, Textiles ) Spanish Option Subjects

BTEC Business Communication Skills BTEC Dance BTEC Sport Performance BTEC Digital Media Option Subjects

English Baccalaureate The following subjects are included in the English Baccalaureate: Mathematics, English, Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry), Geography, History and Languages. These are subjects most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses and ones that will keep the most options open

Return Option Preference form by Thursday 10 th April 2014 We may need to alter the options as a result of low numbers of pupils opting for particular subjects. If numbers are below 15 in an option group, it will be necessary to look at this issue

GCSE Courses Being organised Homework Attendance/holidays Coursework Using ICT/Learning Resource Centre

How to choose: We ask Pupils to consider all the aspects below to make a rounded decision Your strengths What interests you What you are good at Read the Option/Careers booklets Use information - Careers Jeanette Hill Talk to your parents & teachers PSE time & assemblies

Pathway English Language Enlgish Literature Maths Science PE ICT PSHEE OPTION ACHOICEOPTION BCHOICEOPTION C CHOI CE All pupils take one subject from the following: All pupils take TWO subjects from the following: All pupils take one subject from the following: Computing Science Art BTEC Business Studies French Catering BTEC Dance Geography Drama BTEC Digital Media German French BTEC Sport History Geography Spanish German Triple Science History Catering Product Design Geography Systems & Control Music Triple Science PE GCSE Product Design

Pathway English Language English Literature Maths Science PE ICT PSHEE OPTION ACHOICEOPTION BCHOICEOPTION C CHOI CE All pupils take one subject from the following: All pupils take TWO subjects from the following: All pupils take one subject from the following: Computing Science Art BTEC Business Studies French Catering BTEC Dance Geography Drama BTEC Digital Media German French BTEC Sport History Geography Spanish German Catering Triple Science History Geography Product Design History Systems & Control Music Triple Science PE GCSE Product Design

Pathway English Language English Literature Maths Science Single GCSE PE ICT PSHEE Option A choic eOption BchoiceOption Cchoice All pupils take one subject from the following: All pupils take TWO subjects from the following: All pupils take one subject from the following: French Art BTEC Sport Geography Catering BTEC Dance German Drama Spanish French Additional English Additional Maths Geography Catering German Geography Product Design Travel 2 Learn