KS4 INFORMATION EVENING YEAR 9 STUDENTS AND FAMILIES Thursday 15 th January 2015

Purpose of this Evening To outline our understanding of the current Government’s position on education, and our curriculum. To understand the process required to accurately express your preferred subject selection at KS4. To provide you with further information on how best to help your child express their preferred subject selection for Years 10 and 11.

National Update The Government have brought in changes to education: A raise in the participation age English Baccalaureate Linear examinations Loss of retakes A change of assessment and curriculum criteria New grading system.

Examination reform – All GCSE and A Level courses are being rewritten, with new schemes of assessment. Year 9 will be the first group of students who will study the new GCSE courses in English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. The new GCSE specifications are more demanding and the content for maths has increased significantly

The grading system for GCSE is changing. From 2017, the current A* - G grading system will be replaced with Grades For our current Year 9, English Language, English Literature and Mathematics will be graded using the new system, with students receiving their results in August All other GCSEs will continue to be graded A*-G.

CPAT Vision: Our vision is to improve the life chances of all our children and young people whatever their backgrounds, skills and capabilities. We are committed to and value everyone in our Partnership. Our ambition is to provide the best education we can, enabling our children and young people to become responsible, independent members of society. The Partnership is committed to all through education, firmly believing that a love of learning should be nurtured from a very young age and that the traditional phases of education should be integrated to secure continuity, progression and high standards. Adapted our curriculum in light of these reforms, to ensure our young people achieve the best

Core offer – all students Your core subjects: Maths English Science RS/Skills for Life PE

Choose 1 subject: History Geography Computing Spanish

Choose 3 open subjects: Computing History Geography Music Drama Design Technology PE Philosophy and Ethics Spanish Photography Textiles Art Media Business Studies Music Technology Health and Social Care Catering Dance ICT

Making choices Working in collaboration with school staff and parents, our students will be guided towards a combination of subjects which best suits their individual needs and interests.

The process Tonight: visit the subject stalls and discuss the demands of the subject with staff and student representatives, to inform whether this could be the right course for you. Next: discuss your options with your parents and attend a ‘futures meeting’ with your tutor. Together you will make a proposal. Then: take your request form to your 1:1 meeting with HoH/CLT. This is when your requests will be agreed in principle Finally: Once all requests are in we will be able to confirm your option subjects for September.

Subject stalls Hall Presentation Core subjects English Maths Science Skills for Life Canteen Vocational subjects Gym GCSE subjects Entrance/ Exit KS4 Information Evening Vocational Options Canteen GCSE Options Gym ICT Computing Business StudiesHistory DanceGeography Music Technology Drama Music Art Health and Social CarePhotography Textiles Design and Technology Spanish Catering Philosophy and Ethics Media PE Evaluation and questions

Advice and Guidance In – school: Impartial and unbiased. Myself – Careers Advisor Tutor Class Teachers Head of House Students in your Tutor group

Advice and Guidance Outside of school: Impartial and unbiased

Mr Gibson Mrs Stoneham Mr Course Will all be available at the Exit to answer any remaining questions you may have. There is an evaluation sheet in your pack. Please do complete this before you leave. Some staff have asked to see specific students, please see them before you leave tonight. AT THE END…