1. Post 16 courses – what is changing?

2. Key People Mr Doyle – Head of Sixth Form
Mr Howarth – Assistant Head of Sixth Form
Ms Smith – Assistant Head of Sixth Form
Mr Blyth – School Based Careers
Ms Philpot – Independent Careers

3. Three Pathways A' level – changing significantly
IB Diploma – changing slightly
IBCP – no change

4. A' level now Year 12 4 AS in Year 12 Results contribute towards A2
AS Level carries 50% of full UCAS points
8 hours teaching a fortnight
Note January modules have already gone
Year 13
Three A Levels in Year 13 (most)
One AS Level already completed in Y12
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) for some
All above count for the UCAS points

5. Reformed A' levels AS and A2 have been de-coupled
i.e. AS no longer counts towards the A’ Level
Reformed A’ levels are examined entirely at the end of Year 13 – nothing else contributes other than coursework in some subjects
A’ level courses will have increased rigour and subject knowledge
There are structural differences between many AS courses and full A’ level courses which makes co-teaching in Year 12 a challenge
AS is now worth only 40% of the full A’ level for UCAS tariff points
EPQ is worth 50% of the full A’ level for UCAS points

6. Why is A’ level changing
Perception that A’ level has been progressively dumbed down
Perception that a modular approach is too easy and that linear assessment is preferable
Universities complaining that it is impossible to distinguish between candidates at the upper end of the achievement scales
This change has been nationally driven

7. Reform Schedule New AS and A level to be taught from:
First AS results will be issued in:
First A level results will be issued in:
Subjects
September 2015
Summer 2016
Summer 2017
art and design biology business chemistry computer science English language English literature history physics psychology
September 2016
Summer 2018
drama and theatre geography modern foreign languages (French, German, Spanish) music physical education religious studies
September 2017
Summer 2019
design and technology further mathematics mathematics media studies philosophy

8. A’ level at Dallam from 2017
All students will choose 3 full A’ levels (not 4)
We will not offer AS levels
We will offer the EPQ or a suitable alternative – timetabled to all students
A’ levels will have increased time in Year 12 – 9 hours per fortnight to address increased rigour and subject knowledge

9. Why no AS qualifications?
Only worth 40% of full A’ level for UCAS
Difficult to teach alongside the full A’ level and too costly to teach separately
Universities will only be asking for 3 A’ levels
More time to study three will help maximise students potential to achieve well
The majority of other local schools will follow this pattern
If we offered AS we could not increase teaching time in Year 12

10. Can we do 4 Full A’ levels? Possibly but:
This would mean no timetabled study time at all in Year 12
Only if we can timetable the combination you want
Very demanding
Not required by universities
Our advice would be not to do 4 other than in most exceptional circumstances (e.g. maths & further maths + two others)
If you want greater breadth of subjects IB might be a better choice

11. What are the alternatives
IB Diploma –
3 subjects at Higher level (roughly A’ level equivalent)
3 subjects at Standard level (roughly AS equivalent)
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Community Action Service (CAS)
Extended Essay
Note from 2017 you may be able to mix and match IB and A’ level qualifications if we can timetable this.

12. IBCP
One level 3 BTEC (currently offering Travel & Tourism, Health & Social Care, ICT, Outdoor Education)
2 Standard level IB courses
Beginners Italian or Sign Language
Service Learning and Reflective project.

13. What Next?
September -1:1 interviews for all students with a senior leaders – parents invited as well – identify different post 16 options
10th November - Year 11 Parents’ Evening
17th November - Sixth Form Open Evening – application process opens
28th Nov to 2nd Dec – Mock GCSE examinations
20th January – Mock Results Day
17th February – Sixth Form applications deadline
March - Further interviews as necessary
w/c 3rd April - options choices confirmed to students

14. …thank you for listening