West Island School Pre 16 Options

Key Stage 4 Options Process 23 November:KS4 Options Evening (7:00-8:30pm) 10 December: Option forms returned to tutors January 2011:Validation check of option entries April 2011: Re-selection for students who can’t be offered their preferred choice of subjects May 2011: Final confirmation of option choices

Important Decisions Which language? Which language? Pre 16 Options Pre 16 Options Post 16 Options Post 16 Options University or work? University or work?

The Core Curriculum English Language English Literature MathematicsLanguages Science (Double or Triple Award) Total: 6/7 (I)GCSE certificates Total: 6/7 (I)GCSE certificates. Learning for Life ICT Physical Education

Options – a guided choice To provide choice while maintaining breadth and balance in your education, and without closing doors on future learning (WIS Diplomas). Choose 3 other options 22 Subjects on offer 20 examined subjects 2 non-examined subjects (LS and EAL)

Try to ensure that you will experience the Eight Areas of Learning Expressive and Creative Expressive and Creative Scientific Scientific Linguistic and Literary Linguistic and Literary Technological Technological Mathematical Mathematical Human, Social and Environmental Human, Social and Environmental Physical and Recreational Physical and Recreational Religious, Spiritual and Moral Religious, Spiritual and Moral

EAL and Individual Needs Support Students may be advised by the EAL or Individual Needs departments that it would be beneficial to take fewer optional GCSE subjects and take EAL or Learning Support support instead. Students may be advised by the EAL or Individual Needs departments that it would be beneficial to take fewer optional GCSE subjects and take EAL or Learning Support support instead..

1st2nd3rd4th 1 st RESERVE2 nd RESERVE KS4 Y10/11 The Options Form Now turn over and give us some information about your plans for the future. Student’s Name (IN CAPITALS): _________________ Tutor Group:________ Signed:_____________________(student) _____________________(Parent) Date:________________ You must select a language as one of the four unless advised not to do so. Order of choice important: 4th choice will be replaced with a reserve Parents to sign your options form Late forms = no guarantee of choices Learning Support decided by teachers – tutor to advise Only one D&T (ICT with a D&T ok)

Strength from Diversity – a better school, a better world. Group 1Group 2Group 3Group 4Group 5Group 6 IB Y12/13 English HL/SL __________ HL/SL ___________ HL/SL ____________ HL/SL Mathematics HL/SL ____________ HL/SL GROUP 1 Higher or Standard GROUP 2 Higher or Standard GROUP 3 Higher or Standard GROUP 4 Higher or Standard GROUP 5 Higher or Standard GROUP 6 Higher or Standard EnglishFrenchHistoryChemistryMathematicsTheatre Arts SpanishGeographyBiologyVisual Arts Chinese Environmental Systems* PhysicsMusic Chinese ab initio*Psychology Environmental Systems* Film Studies French ab initio*Philosophy Design and Technology Computer Studies Spanish ab initio*Economics Another subject from Groups 2-4. Business & Management Students must have already studied French, Spanish or Chinese to take the Standard or Higher Level Language in Group 2. Students cannot take Environmental Systems with Biology. Students are encouraged to take a listed Group 6 subject before considering an elective. * = Standard Level only

General Advice It’s your choice not your friends’ It’s your choice not your friends’ Choose subjects that will be useful for your future, because you have an interest in them, because you enjoy them or you are good at them Choose subjects that will be useful for your future, because you have an interest in them, because you enjoy them or you are good at them Ask advice from your parents, tutors and subject teachers Ask advice from your parents, tutors and subject teachers Consider what you might wish to do in the Upper School Consider what you might wish to do in the Upper School

University Admissions As a general rule university admission is not going to be affected by GCSE choices As a general rule university admission is not going to be affected by GCSE choices Prerequisites for university courses are usually associated with science/maths/language programmes (covered by IB) Prerequisites for university courses are usually associated with science/maths/language programmes (covered by IB) The one exception would be for Art and Design courses where an art portfolio is usually required, and sometimes for architecture The one exception would be for Art and Design courses where an art portfolio is usually required, and sometimes for architecture

Questions? Strength from Diversity – a better school, a better world.