1. Key Stage 4 Information Evening 18th April 2016
The Becket School
Key Stage 4 Information Evening 18th April 2016
To provide an update on significant changes to Secondary School Curriculum.
To outline how the Becket School is responding to National changes to support our students.
To outline the options process for Year 8 students.

2. Exam Success 2015 Results: GCSE 5A*-C - 76.5%
5A*- C including English and maths – 66.3%
English Baccalaureate %
Many of our students achieve the highest grades
2015
Students with 1 A*-A
56%
Students with 3 A*-A
35.5%
Students with 8 A*-A
19.3%

3. A National Picture of Constant Change
The one constant is that as a school we will always do what is right for the young people at The Becket

4. The new KS4 Specifications including English and Maths
The Changes:
New GCSEs in English and Maths have been introduced for first teaching in Sept 2015.
New GCSEs in most other subjects for first teaching September 2016.
Harder and more content.
More rigorous in their assessment.
Reduced Controlled Assessment, move towards linear exam structure.
Grades have changed to numbers ( Being the highest). Harder for students to attain the highest grade, only 20% of students who currently achieve an A* will achieve a 9. The equivalent benchmark grade of a C will be harder for students to attain.
The government has stated that all students are expected to study Ebac subjects at GCSE.
Encouragement for all students to do both English Language and English Literature.

5. The new KS4 Specifications including English and Maths
Supporting your child:
Departments have investigated in depth different specifications to choose the right one for our students.
English and Maths have already incorporated assessments that are in style of the new types of exam questions in Year 8, they are also in their second year of teaching the new specifications.
Information evening early in the next academic year for parents and students to gain greater understanding on the assessment grading of the new GCSE specifications.
Moving towards a Three Year GCSE, KS4 will commence in Year 9 and be examined in Year 11.
Reduce the number of GCSEs a student takes over KS4 by one (most students will now take either 9 or 10 GCSEs, bringing us in line with other schools both locally and nationally)

6. The Three Year GCSE Model Rationale
Give students more time to study for their GCSEs .
Support students in the increasing demand of new specifications, this in turn will support their attainment.
Reduce the intensity and pressure for our students.

7. Reduced GCSE exams Rationale
Increase lesson allocation in Maths and English.
All option subjects given the same allocation and are supported in allocation to cope with the greater complexity of content and skills required in the new specifications.
Reduce pressure on GCSE students – well being of the students.
Help students achieve quality rather than quantity.
Students will do 9/10 GCSEs instead of 10/11

8. The Options Process Timeline
Option Booklets posted W/C 21ST March
Year 8 Information Assembly Wednesday 23rd March
Presentations/information by class teacher on the courses offered Over the next two weeks
Information evening Monday 18th April
Parents evening Tuesday 19th April
Forms have to be sent back on Friday 29th April

9. Qualifications

10. Qualifications

11. These subjects must be followed by all students
Core Subjects
These subjects must be followed by all students RE
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Science PE
GCSE
3 GCSE/2 GCSE
No Examination
Core offer = up to 7 GCSE

12. Humanities Block Must choose one of these subjects Geography History
GCSE
Students have the opportunity to study both Geography and History

13. Languages Block Must choose one of these subjects French German GCSE
Students have the opportunity to study both French and German

14. Must choose one of these subjects AND choose a reserve
General Block
Must choose one of these subjects AND choose a reserve
Art
Child Care
Computer Science (Predicted Level 5a in Maths)
Design Technology
Drama
Food Preparation and Nutrition
German (2nd Language choice)
Information Technology
History (2nd Humanity choice)
Music
Music Technology
Physical Education
GCSE
BTEC Level 2
Level 2 equivalent

16. KS4 Support Longer time to study for their GCSEs Tracking of progress
Regular progress updates
Progress review evenings
Information evenings
Strong pastoral care
Revision sessions
Mentoring programme

17. What now? Support and guide your child by:
- Asking them what do they enjoy and what are they good at?
- Encourage them not to choose subjects just because their friends are doing it or because they really like the teacher.
- Encourage them to listen to their teachers and consider carefully the school’s recommendations.
Attend the Parents Evening on 19th April
Complete the form and hand it in to their Form Tutor by Friday 29th April at the latest