2. Five reasons for a three-year GCSE
Pupils will have more chance of getting a better grade
Pupils will spend more time studying subjects that they will be examined on at the end of year 11
Pupils will spend more time studying subjects they enjoy
For year 9 they will be in subject classes with students who, like themselves, have chosen the subjects they are studying
It has become increasingly evident that the new GCSEs contain significant amounts of additional content

3. Contents
National Context
The Albany’s Curriculum
Options and bands
Next Steps: How to best support your child
Key Dates

4. The National Context – changes to GCSE assessment
GCSE courses are in the process of being revised
End of course exams
Assessment by examinations
BTECs are being scaled back
Emphasis on ‘English Baccalaureate’ subjects

5. The English Baccalaureate (EBacc)
Maths
English Language or Literature
Double Science
A Language
A Humanities subject (History or Geography)

6. Our Curriculum Core Subjects English Language English Literature Maths
Double Science
PE (one hour)

7. Options Subjects Art History Business DT Product Design Computing
DT Food
History
Business
DT Product Design
Music
Computing
French PE
Drama
Geography
Spanish

8. Options and Bands
Fast Track:  Core subjects, a language and either history or geography. Pupils have two additional free GCSE options. (Ebacc compulsory)
Upper & Middle: Core subjects and a language or humanities subject as a minimum. Pupils have three free GCSE options. (Ebacc recommended)

9. Anyone can decide to study the Ebacc subjects!
Core subjects are taught in bands
Options subjects are not
Anyone can decide to study the Ebacc subjects!

10. English Baccalaureate subjects are compulsory
Fast Track:
English Baccalaureate subjects are compulsory
English
Maths
Core
Science
Additional
Geog
History
French
Spanish or
Lit
Open Option
Open Option

12. English Baccalaureate subjects are encouraged
Upper/Middle:
English Baccalaureate subjects are encouraged
Open Option
English
Maths
Core
Science
Additional
MFL Or
Hums
Lit
Open Option

14. Havering College
Employment
A Levels
Apprenticeships

15. Supporting your Child: Accessing Information
Read our Options booklet carefully, including the individual subject pages.
For specific queries about particular GCSEs please contact the relevant Head of Department.
For general careers advice you or your child can contact Mr Evans, our careers director.
You might also want to look at exam board websites for details of the specific qualifications they provide.
If you are interested in the changing national education policy context you can visit the DfES website.

16. Supporting your Child: Parent input
Talk the Options process over thoroughly with your child
Encourage them to speak to their subject teachers
Ensure good attendance
Speak to your child regularly about their progress in school
Monitor their homework
Encourage your child to read (books, newspapers etc.) and to be curious

17. We tell our pupils…

18. Making your choices - DO:
Read the Options booklet carefully
Talk to teachers, form tutors, parents and older students
Research further education choices and/or think about your future career
Choose subjects that you like or are good at
Choose a broad range of subjects if at all unsure

19. Making your choices - DON’T:
Pick subjects because your friends are picking them
Pick subjects because you like the teacher
Pick subjects because you think they will be easier than others
We will not allow any options change requests based on friends or teachers

20. Key elements of success for students:
Clear goals
Hard work
Attendance
Organisation
Knowing current attainment and how to improve
Practicing exam-style questions

21. Key Dates Options Assembly (students only)
Wednesday 8th February, period 1
Options Evening (for parents and students)
Thursday 23rd February, 7.00 pm-8.00 pm
Parent/Student Interviews with Senior Team
Friday 24th February – Wednesday 1st March
Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Thursday 2nd March, 3.30 pm – 6.00 pm
Deadline for handing in completed options forms
Thursday 9th March
Confirmation of student choices
May 2017

24. Filling in the options form
Help your child complete it; sign it.
Return to Mrs Bootle by:
Thursday 9th March

25. Thank you for attending…
…You can find this presentation and other resources on the school website
Go to: