Welcome to our Year 11 target setting evening January 2016

What we will cover this evening? Distribution of December exam results Explanation of December results English, Maths, Science and RE input Key dates in the Year 11 calendar Next steps Opportunity to talk to some subject staff and form tutors

What does the December result sheet contain? A % result from the mock exam. Please note some subjects have given a ‘raw score’ rather than a % An exam grade A predicted grade (the grade teachers feel your daughter will achieve in the summer assuming she displays her current attitude to learning in prerparing for the exams) A challenging target grade (the minimum grade we feel she should aim to achieve) % attendance to date ( you also have a separate attendance sheet) Some subjects (e.g. ICT) did not sit a formal mock examination because of the practical nature of the course so have entered a current grade In some cases, the predicted/exam grade may be higher than the target grade. This means things are going well! Where the predicted grade is lower than the mock grade, the teacher may be factoring in all the units to be included in the summer examinations as opposed to a single unit examined in the December

Why do these results matter? They are not the end of the world BUT…… They are an important milestone towards summer exams They help to focus minds They tell us as teachers where your strengths are and what you need to do to improve They help us to decide a predicted grade in case you miss an examination in the summer

Why do your English and Maths results matter? Students who get a C or better in both English and Maths will have a wider range of Post-16 options Students who get a C or better in both English and Maths, along with at least 3 other GCSE qualifications earn a higher average salary than those who don’t They give you a better chance of securing the job you want and avoiding ‘zero hours’ contracts If you don’t achieve a C or better in 2016, you will have to continue to study GCSE Maths and/or English when you join the sixth form (or continue in training) So, it is much better to achieve the necessary grades now

English update Ms Whitehead, Curriculum leader for English

Two Pathways in English 1. English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE Or 2. English GCSE

Results The English Language grade takes into account your daughter’s performance in December’s exam and her performance in controlled assessments to date. The English Literature grade reflects her performance in December’s exam only; only Unit One was completed.

English Language/Literature GCSE English Language 60% Two x 1hr exams 40% Controlled assessment (4 written) 3 spoken assessments recorded on certificate as separate grade. English Literature 70% Two x 2hr exams 30% Controlled assessment (1 written)

Support Each student will receive a booklet of past papers for use at home and in school, a weekly overview (January – April) to help students prepare for lessons and plan revision, sample answers from the recent exam and the Examiner’s Report. February – opportunity to improve controlled assessment marks. March – May – targeted lessons for specific exam questions, visits from senior examiners from WJEC, regular exam practice in class and more formal setting.

Date Topic Skills/Activities Exam Practice Homework Targets 5th January Descriptive Writing CA preparation. Mark scheme, sample answers, topic sentences, planning, SPAG, building vocabulary. N/A Final preparation for CA next week. Ensure ‘Of Mice and Men’ has been reread at least once. Working through past papers booklet.   12th January Descriptive writing CA (40 mins) Monday. ‘Of Mice and Men’ Revision of plot, characters, theme, context. Mark scheme, sample answers, planning. Extract question ‘Of Mice and Men’ Reading. Detailed notes on characters, theme, key quotations. Working through past papers booklet. 19th January ‘Of Mice and Men.’ Review of mock exam. Peer assessment. Group work/presentations – characters, themes. Key quotations. Essay question ‘Of Mice and Men’ (closed book) Reread ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Past papers booklet. 26th January ‘A Christmas Carol’ Peer assessment. Revision of plot, characters, theme, context. Mark scheme, sample answers, planning Extract question ‘A Christmas Carol’

How can you support your daughter? Encourage your daughter to read set texts – a chapter/scene a night (20 minutes) will have an enormous benefit. (Beware the film versions!) Continue to check journal and overview sheet to ensure your daughter is fully prepared for lessons – necessary reading completed and correct equipment. Encourage your daughter to use past papers appropriately– planning answers, timed responses. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or concerns.

Maths update Miss Derbyshire, Curriculum Leader for Maths/Assistant Headteacher Mr Darmody, KS4 co-ordinator

Linear Course 100% Exam 2 papers Exam Dates: Thursday 26th May Shape Algebra Number Handling Data Exam Dates: Thursday 26th May Thursday 9th June

Personalised Pack Parent/Pupil Guide booklet Exam Analysis CD- Papers and mark scheme MyMaths Booster Pack Revision List

Web based www.mathswatchvle.com

Science update Mrs Hayward, Curriculum leader for Science/Mr McBurney KS4 co-ordinator There are THREE KS4 Science pathways: Separate Sciences – worth 3 GCSEs (11Sc1) Core and Additional Sciences – worth 2 GCSEs (11Sc2/3/4/5/6) Core Science GCSE – worth 1 GCSE taken over two years (11Sc7) Update on pupil progress on their courses (Mock results), information on controlled assessment, planning and preparation for summer 2016 examinations.

Separate Sciences – 11Sc1 Biology 1, Chemistry 1 and Physics 1 units were completed in Year 10 (2 full examinations have been sat on these units) Biology 2, Chemistry 2, Physics 2 units to be completed – January 2016. Mock result issued is based on Units 1 and 2 – 50% of the GCSE course. Controlled Assessment B4, C4, P4 (worth 25%) takes place in Jan/Feb 2016 – extra curriculum time will be made available for this. Consultation with subject teachers at Y11 Parents Evening (26/01/2016). Final decisions on entry for Separate Sciences to be made after Parents Evening. Biology 3, Chemistry 3 and Physics 3 to be completed in February-May 2016. Revision tasks/tests - set for homework and reviewed at the start of lessons. Revision Sessions – on offer by subject teachers (after-school, lunchtimes). CGP Revision Guides – available from school through Mr. McBurney £3.00) – cheaper than the shops!

Core and Additional Sciences Biology 1, Chemistry 1 and Physics 1 units were completed in Year 10 and a GCSE grade has been awarded for most pupils in Y11(August 2015). Biology 2, Chemistry 2, Physics 2 units to be completed – February/March 2016. Mock result issued is based on the average of B2/C2/P2 – Additional Science Mock. Controlled Assessment (CA) (worth 25% of Additional Science ) takes place (14th – 25th January ) – extra lesson time has been made available – FULL ATTENDANCE is essential on these days. 14th – 19th January - general CA preparation 20th – 25th January - AQA CA takes place. Consultation with subject teachers at Y11 Parents Evening (26/01/2016). Final decisions on levels of entry (Higher/Foundation) for Additional Science to be made after Parents Evening. (Higher A*-D, Foundation C-U). Decisions on re-sits for CORE Science GCSE to be made – all 3 papers B1/C1/P1 MUST be re-sat (May 2016). Revision tasks/tests - set for homework and reviewed at the start of lessons. Revision Sessions – on offer by subject teachers (after-school, lunchtimes). CGP Revision Guides – available from school (£3.00) – cheaper than the shops!

GCSE Religious education Exam Date: 16th May 2016 AM GCSE Religious education UNIT 3 BELIEVING IN GOD LIFE AFTER DEATH MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COMMUNITY COHESION 1 Hour 30 min YEAR 11

GCSE Religious education DEATH AND RESURRECTION Exam Date: 15th June 2016 AM GCSE Religious education UNIT 16 Marks Gospel DISCIPLESHIP CONFLICT AND ARGUMENT DEATH AND RESURRECTION IDENTITY OF JESUS 1 Hour 30 min YEAR 11

4 GCSE RE: The exam There are 4 sections in each paper. You need to answer 1 questions from each section. 22 minutes per section Read both question first. Pick 1: cross out the other and tick the box

A B C D GCSE RE: The questions A definition (What the word means) 2 points = 2 marks B YOUR OWN OPINION 2 paragraphs = 2 reasons (No. them 1 &2)-E.G. C EXPLAIN: because, because, because 4 paragraphs (No. each paragraph 1-4) D YOUR OPINION OPPOSITE OPINION MUST include a Roman Catholic view

What will you be given to help: End of unit assessments and feedback will allow you to see how you are doing. Act on the feedback you are given. Individualised Revision packs will be given out for both papers. Revision lessons during lunch/afterschool are available so make sure to attend!

How can you support your daughter? Encourage your daughter to complete exam questions and homework to the best of her ability. Continue to check journals to ensure all work has been completed and up to date. Encourage your daughter to use past papers appropriately– planning answers, timed responses. The more practice she does on past papers the more confident she will become for the real exam.

GCSE RE Good luck !!!

Other subject reminders Product Design: practical booster sessions each Wednesday lunchtime and revision sessions are held each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school Geography: Friday lunchtime revision in 8C and study support after school on Wednesday in 8C History: revision sessions on offer each Tuesday after school and each Wednesday lunchtime in 7C

Key dates Mrs Sharpe, Head of Year 11

Key dates Y11 reports 25th January 2016 (approximately) Y11 parents evening Tuesday 26th January 2016 (4pm-6pm) Revision and study skills training for all students 1st February 2016 Controlled Assessments (including Language orals) ongoing Year 11 written examinations begin 16th May 2016. Written exams continue up to 28th June 2016 GCSE Results: Thursday 25th August 2016

Holidays Please use holiday time wisely Monday 15/2/16 – Friday 19/2/16 (Feb Half Term) Friday 25/3/16 and Monday 28/3/16 ( Good Friday and Easter Monday) Friday 1/4/16– Monday 18/4/16 (Easter break) Monday 2/5/16: May day bank holiday Monday 30/5/16 –Monday 3/6/16 (May Half Term)

Post-16 options

Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre Why Bellerive? Excellent record for successful transition to Further and Higher Education Well-qualified and committed teachers Excellent facilities and resources Specialist college for mathematics, sciences computing and applied learning Excellent care, guidance and support New building due to open in next academic year Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre

Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre Curriculum Offer A full range of a level subjects including some new subjects that you will not have studied before ……….. Media studies Psychology Government and Politics Health and Social Care Performing Arts 25+ courses on offer across the Partnership Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre

Know what you want to study? – Check out the entry requirements The Five Point Plan For Making Your Post 16 Choices Know what you want to study? – Check out the entry requirements Not sure yet? – Keep your options open! Think balance GCSEs and other standard level qualifications matter… Make sure you know WHY? Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre

Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre Entry Requirements If you achieve 5 GCSEs at A*- C you can take A Levels in Year 12. In addition, each subject has specific entry requirements. Some subjects, for example, require a B at GCSE Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre

Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre Wider Opportunities Leadership Opportunities Volunteering University visits Sixth Form Council Trips Duke of Edinburgh Mock United Nations Oxbridge Preparation Programme Life boat literacy Paired reading Prefects Trips – Disneyland Paris London Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre

Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre

Once I Have Applied, What Happens? You will be invited to an individual guidance interview, during which a provisional course will be agreed. The offer of the course of study will be conditional upon you meeting the required entry grades, any subject specific criteria. Your actual course will be confirmed after you have received your GCSE results. Bellerive FCJ Sixth Form Centre

What can parents do to help with GCSEs in general? Encourage your daughter to attend extra support classes Ensure there is a suitable study location at home Minimise her time on social networking and the internet Encourage her to use the recommended websites for study Encourage to maintain a sensible diet and drink plenty of water Make sure you have a copy of the homework timetable displayed at home (available on the school website) Continue to support us in making sure your daughter attends school and is punctual Contact us with any concerns

What happens next? Please take the opportunity to speak to subject representatives and form tutors this evening Pick up your Maths pack Students will be completing an individual target setting sheet in class Action plans are being produced for students who are in danger of underperforming in each subject area The full Year 11 report will follow shortly This PowerPoint will be available on the school website (www.bellerivefcj.org) Many thanks for taking the time to attend this evening We will see you again on Tuesday 26th January for Y11 parents evening