2. Welcome to Y9 Options Evening 11th January 2017

3. Reformed GCSEs
General increase in level of demand and challenge for students, across all subjects
New grading scale –descending from 9 to 1Linear structure –students work towards a single final examination
Tiered assessment only where necessary for the subject grades (1-5 and 4-9)Assessment by exam, with other forms of assessment only where needed to assess subject skills -almost no coursework.

4. New GCSE Gradings – numbers not grades

6. Year 9 Curriculum Evening 2010 (C.Rosewell, Deputy Headteacher)
This might be the biggest decision that your child has made so far…

7. Year 9 Curriculum Evening 2010 (C.Rosewell, Deputy Headteacher)
How NOT to choose
Who cares? – anything will do
Teacher personality
Choose what their best friend is doing
Choose the same subjects as brother/sister
Let parents choose

8. A better way to choose Listen to teachers and read the booklet
Discuss with parents
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy?
What might you need to take for future plans?
Keeping future options open- are your choices balanced?

9. “Better is possible, It does not take genius it takes diligence……………
“Better is possible, It does not take genius it takes diligence…………….and above all it takes a willingness to try”

10. Learn to hear your voice
1. Learn to hear your fixed mindset “voice.”
What is your internal narrative telling you when you: approach a challenge? Face criticism?
2. Recognise that you have a choice. 
How you interpret challenges, setbacks, and criticism is your choice. You can interpret them in a fixed mindset, as signs that your fixed talents or abilities are lacking. Or you can interpret them in a growth mindset, as signs that you need to ramp up your strategies and effort, stretch yourself, and expand your abilities. It’s up to you.
3. Talk back to it with a growth mindset voice.
As you approach a challenge, are you determined to avoid failure at all costs or are you willing to embrace the opportunity to learn?
4. Take the growth mindset action. 
Over time, which voice you heed becomes pretty much your choice. Whether you take on the challenge wholeheartedly, learn from your setbacks, and try again is now in your hands.

11. What do students have to do?
English Language
Mathematics
English Literature
Science PE
Humanities Subject- Geography or History or RE or Sociology

12. What do we highly recommend they choose?
French
Spanish
Mandarin ( for those students that have studied it)

13. Year 9 Curriculum Evening 2010 (C.Rosewell, Deputy Headteacher)
Which science course?
Science:2 option pathways at start of Year 10:
1.Separate Sciences: 3 GCSEs (8 Periods)
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
2.Combined Science: Trilogy double award 2 GCSEs (5 Periods)

14. 1. What are the differences between combined and separate science?
2. Will doing separate science increase opportunities at A Level and University?
All decisions made on case by base basis and in best interests of child

15. The difference between combined and separate
Receive 2 GCSEs in Science
Receive 3 GCSEs in Science
2 Teachers
3 Teachers
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
Sit 6 exams (each 1hr 15min long) at the end of Year 11
Sit 6 exams (each 1hr 45min) at the end of Year 11
The most important difference!

16. When is the content covered?
Subject
When is the content covered?
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Year 9 (from 22nd Feb)
Year 10
Year 11
Concepts increase in difficulty
Combined Science
At the end of Year 11, students will sit 2 Biology exams, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics exams. This will lead to them achieving GCSE combined science: trilogy double award . Each exam is 1hr 15min long

17. When is the content covered?
Subject
When is the content covered?
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Year 9 (from 22nd Feb)
Year 10
Year 11
Concepts increase in difficulty
Separate Science
At the end of Year 11, students will sit 2 Biology exams, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics exams. This will lead to them achieving a GCSE Biology, a GCSE Chemistry and a GCSE Physics.
How this differs to Combined Science
Depth of subject content will be larger with extra content
Each exam is 1hr 45min long

18. How is the final decision made by the Science department on Combined or Separate Science?

19. In March a final decision will be made
In February, a provisional recommendation (separate, combined or borderline) will be made for your child based upon cross year assessments and feedback from teachers
If a student is borderline, this means that they are currently a 6b and we will wait until the next assessment to make a final decision
In March a final decision will be made
If a child is consistently achieving a 6a or above, they will be able to separate science. Below this, the recommendation will be for combined science
Combined Science: Trilogy double award
Separate Science
(Consistently achieving a 6A or above)
Combined Science: Trilogy double award
If there is a realistic chance of achieving a ‘C’ grade in the final exam
Entry Level Certificate
Students who will struggle to meet the demands of GCSE science

20. More information about choices
Year 9 Curriculum Evening 2010 (C.Rosewell, Deputy Headteacher)
More information about choices
Language
French
Spanish
DT Courses
Food and Nutrition
Design and Technology
ICT Course
Computing ( need a Level 6 in Maths)

21. Write which subject you are choosing here
Science
Plus Option 1
Write which subject you are choosing here
(you must put a 1st and 2nd choice)
Pathway 1
Separate Sciences
(Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
3 GCSEs
Move straight to Option block 2
Pathway 2
Double Science
(2 GCSEs)
French or
Spanish
History
Geography

22. Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option Choice: Reserve Choice:
Business Studies
Computing
Drama DT
Food and Nutrition
Geography
History
Tutorial Support
Art
French RE
Spanish
Textiles
Sociology
Music PE
Graphics
Option Choice:
Reserve Choice:

23. What do you need to do now….?
Don’t rush to complete the form!
Use the practise form at the back of the Options booklet
Read the options booklet
Talk to staff, parents, friends...
Think carefully
Do some research

24. Looking ahead This is the start of a longer journey now
Exam results are important, but students have to show that they have been involved in a lot more
Have they made the most of the opportunities available to them in school, but also outside school?
Developing their leadership skills - Sports captains - Peer committees
- Being a confident speaker
- Being pro- active in volunteering
School trips

25. Healthy living
Eating
Sleep
Electronic gadgets

26. Punctuality Matters
Punctuality impacts on organisation, attitude and achievement.
Half-termly punctuality: late detentions for 1-2 lates and letters home for 3 lates.
Supporting your child in evenings and mornings is beneficial.
5 minutes late each day – 3 days of learning lost
10 minutes late each day – 6.5 days of learning lost
15 minutes late each day – 10 days of learning lost
20 minutes late each day – 13 days of learning lost
30 minutes late each day – 19 days of learning lost SC

29. What can you expect from us?
Assembly focus
Tutor Time focus
Options Booklet (received Monday the 9th January)
Options Parents Evening Wednesday 18th January
Personalised Options interviews over a two week period last two weeks of half term.
Options Drop Down Day for taster lessons - January 31st
Student Q & A Session with Year 11 Students
Enterprise Day- 23rd January
Options form deadline Friday 24th February