1. Welcome to Beal High School’s Year 9 Partnership Evening

2. Who we are

3. Ms S Kwan Deputy Director of Achievement and Progress Ms L Spry Director of Achievement and Progress (Year 9) Ms Z Tauheed Deputy Director of Achievement and Progress

4. Staff available after this meeting Director of Achievement and Progress – Ms Spry Director of Maths – Ms Finan KS3 Co-ordinator of Maths – Ms Jacobs KS3 Co-ordinator of English – Ms Hull Director of Science – Ms Matharu Director of Upper School – Ms Andress Director of Lower School – Mr Canaii Year 10 Students 06/06/2016Year 10 Information Evening

5. Aims of this meeting Provide an update on qualifications and curriculum What does this mean for your child? What advice and guidance will your child receive to support with Option choices?

7. Entry Level- Entry level certificates - Functional Skills & Foundation Learning Level 1-GCSEs grades D-G -BTEC Awards, Certificates, Diplomas -NVQs -Foundation Learning & Functional skills Level 2- GCSEs grades A*-C (1 – 9) -BTEC Awards, Certificates, Diplomas -NVQ’s - Intermediate Apprenticeships Level 3- AS / A2 Levels -BTEC Level 3 -Advanced Apprenticeships Levels 4 - 8(Higher Education – University/Higher Apprenticeships)

8. Reformed GCSE’s Will be more demanding Have been designed for a two-year period of study Will be liner, so students will take all their exams at the end of the end of the course Non-exam assessment will be removed or reduced in the majority of GCSE’s Will have a new grading scale from 9 to 1

10. Vocational qualifications KS4 25% external assessment – usually an examination Fewer opportunities to re-submit work More rigour and therefore more respected by employers and universities All BTEC courses now only recognised as being equivalent to 1 GCSE (Science – 2 GCSEs) Better preparation for progression to level 3 courses

11. Timeline of GCSE Reform September 2015: English Language and Literature Mathematics September 2016: Geography history biology chemistry physics double science MFL (French, German and Spanish) religious studies art and design drama music physical education computer science food preparation and nutrition

12. English Literature GCSE Students will sit two literature exams which will cover: A Shakespeare play A 19C novel A Modern novel or drama (post 1914) A collection of poetry No controlled assessments

13. Preparing in Year 9 We study: Shakespeare in detail - Macbeth WW1 poetry in depth A Modern (post 1914) play Independent reading project – challenging students to read longer texts

14. English Language GCSE Students will sit two language exams: fiction and creative writing non-fiction and writing to present a viewpoint technical accuracy (spelling, grammar and punctuation) more important

15. Preparing in Year 9 Practice of fiction (story writing) and non- fiction writing (persuasive speeches) marking written work for technical accuracy as well as ideas and organisation. Mock exams in May of Year 9 to prepare students for linear assessment.

16. Maths in Year 9 and changes to the GCSE The main changes: There is much more content to be covered, topics from higher tier are now foundation and additional new content in both tiers The GCSE course will begin from year 9.. More emphasis on mathematical language and rigour when explaining a solution. More focus on solving problems

17. GCSE Maths Exam 3 exams each 1hour 30 minutes long 1 non calculator and 2 calculator papers We keep the tiered entry but the foundation tier is more challenging Foundation grades 1-5, Higher grades 4-9 Less formulae given, more to be learned.

18. What can you do to help from home…. As always Talk to your child about what they are learning in maths, ask them to explain it to you and show you an example Ensure that homework is being completed to a good standard Encourage additional independent learning using books and internet resources; independent work should be focussed on areas that have been identified in class as requiring more practice.

19. Science in Year 9 and changes to the GCSE The main changes: Linear GCSEs with assessments at the end of the two year course in June Assessment predominantly by exam (students are required to carry out practical tasks over the two year period) Greater focus on maths skills and teaching of practical skills is integrated with theoretical topics in the exam No re-sit opportunities No controlled assessment

20. Science in Year 9 and changes to the GCSE Students will follow one of the three progression routes below: 1.Combined Science – 2 GCSEs 2. Single Sciences – 3 GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) 3. BTEC Science - 2GCSE equivalent

21. Students will follow the progression routes that best suits their learning need: 1.Combined Science Most students follow this route. 2. Single Sciences For students who enjoy Science and have proven they have the academic ability to cope with studying under pressure. 3. BTEC Science For students who struggle with exams and are more suited to a vocational approach.

22. How are the progression routes decided? All students begin learning GCSE Science from the beginning of year 9 BTEC students and ‘Single Scientists’ are identified at the end of year 9 Progress in year 10 is monitored and if students are coping well with pressures of the extra study students will sit the separate exams in Biology, Chemistry and Physics All other students will study for Combined Science

23. We aim to enable all young people to become: Successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society

24. “Students make rapid progress and attain high standards. Students are confident learners and routinely demonstrate resilience and perseverance.” (Ofsted 2012)

25. MAXIMISE LEARNING MAXIMISE SUPPORT MAXIMISE RESPECT StudentsStaffParents Maximising achievement through a positive culture of respect and responsibility.

26. Advice and Guidance September – FebruaryYear 9 Assemblies October – November October - January REAL Project Progress Files DecemberYear 9 Progress Reports 26 th JanuaryYear 9 Parents Evening 23 rd FebruaryKS3/4 Progression Evening February – MarchStudents complete options form PSHE Careers Curriculum 7 th March – 18 th March Information and Guidance Sessions 21 st MarchDeadline for Options Forms 7 th – 18 th Dec: Non core exams testing period. 11 th -13 th May: Core exams testing period.

27. REAL Project Aim: To provide students with an opportunity to practise and demonstrate independent learning skills outside of the curriculum. Two Strands – Individual Independent Project – 2 nd Oct – 13 th Nov. – Community Project – completed over the course of the year. To encourage team building and to give back to the local community.

28. There are three main factors which contribute to successful student learning: HomeSchool Pupil

29. The greater the attendance the greater the attainment. What is the possible impact of poor attendance? Research suggests that 17 missed school days a year = A GCSE grade DROP in achievement. (DfES)

30. What can you do at home? Provide a place to study and complete homework Students should be working for 90 minutes each evening Remove distractions (mobile phones / games consoles) Encourage consolidation of classroom learning. Encourage revision ahead of exams. Challenge students to go beyond classroom learning with independent research. (GCSE bitesize is a good starting point) Encourage research of potential career paths – what course or degree do they need? What are the entry requirements? What are the best subjects to take at A Level and GCSE (see UCAS website)

31. BE A Leader: The Ladder of Success Determination, Self-Belief, Perseverance, Resilience l I can’t I won’t I don’t know how? I might… What is it? I think I can I did! I will! I can! Student Leadership Student-Led Activities Classroom Responsibilities Verbal & Written Praise Achievement Points on SIMS Stickers Letter Home Assembly Awards Display Good Work Reward Visits Phone Call Home Praise Postcards I wish I could Positive Recognition

32. Stand out from the crowd Upper school Student Directors Literacy Leaders Public Speakers IFS Student Investor Challenge Year 7 French club assistants KS3/4 Resource centre leaders Philosophy & Theology Ambassadors KS3 Assertive Mentors Year 9 Options Ambassadors Technical Media Assistants Team coaches and Sports Leaders Charity Ambassadors Learning Environment Leaders IT Champions Student Science Mentors