1. Year 9 Options Evening
March 2017

2. Welcome & Introductions The purpose of the Evening

3. National Developments
Our aim is to respond to the changes in the National Curriculum and the assessment structures in ways which preserves an element of choice for our pupils and continues our tradition of excellent results, leading to outstanding outcomes.

4. Michael Gove M.P. (Then Education Secretary):
“The pace of change in our education system recently has been fast - and the reaction at times furious..... But there’s still more to do The new GCSEs currently being developed will be more demanding, and more ambitious - asking pupils to read a wider range of literary texts in English, demonstrate extended writing in history, and show more advanced problem-solving in maths and science.”
3rdFebruary 2014 London Academy of Excellence, London

5. Government led changes to national picture
Mr Gove’s announcement led to radical and far-reaching changes to the national picture
GCSEs – no coursework
GCSEs- no modular examinations
No early entries, first entry only counts
All subjects – tougher content, more content, new grades
Removal of many alternative examinations to GCSEs
These changes have become reality in the curriculum

6. SFX Response Cautious and gradual
Gradual reduction of number of option blocks
More curriculum time for English, Maths and RE
New Science curriculum model
More sets in English, Maths and Science
No compulsory Ebacc

7. Pupil Voice
Pupil Guidance
Variety of Subjects
A tailored curriculum for students for whom GCSE route may not be suitable

8. Pupils will study 8 GCSEs except -
Separate Sciences for G1 and Y1= 9th subject
All pupils will receive advice and an interview as needed.

9. Progress 8 & Attainment 8
These are measure for schools rather than pupils at this stage.
They measure a pupil’s success in their best 8 subjects, with an emphasis on the English Baccalaureate subjects (shown in red on the form)
Pupils must choose at least one of these red subjects

10. The English Baccalaureate
A good, balanced curriculum for many.
A good preparation for many University Courses
Desirable for employment opportunities
It is not a separate qualification, but at times it is suggested it may become one
Choose a Language and either History or Geography to go with Maths, English and Sciences (shown in red on the form)

13. Curriculum/Timetable Yr 10
Each student will have
4 hours each of English and Maths
Set 1 Science 6 hours of separate Sciences (3 GCSEs)
Set 2 & 3 Science 6 hours of Combined Science (2 GCSEs)
Set 4 Science 4 hours of Science leading to Entry level or Level 1 GCSE plus extra qualifications in Literacy and numeracy
3 Hours of RE
6 hours of options (2 subjects x 3 Hours)
2 hours PE
Total 25 hours

14. Select one from each block
Select one from each block. At least one of your two selections must be red.
Block A
Geography
History
Spanish
Art
CIDA (Certificate in Digital Applications)
Economics *
Film Studies
PE Tech Award
Technology
Block B
Computer Science*
French
Geography
History
Spanish
Media Studies
Music
P.E. BTEC
Technology Tech Award

15. BTECs and Technical Awards
These are Awards which are equivalent to GCSEs but are based more upon ongoing continuous assessment rather than Examinations.
Each subject varies slightly
Grades are Distinction*, Distinction, Merit and Pass

16. Summary Choose one from each block At least one must be a red subject
If you wish to follow the English Baccalaureate, you need to choose a Language AND Geography or History

17. Choices Choose subjects you enjoy and are good at
Choose subjects that go well together
Choose subjects which will help you progress post-16
Take the opportunities provided by a fresh start,
new Key Stage, new ways of working etc

18. What do I do next. Complete the Options Request by Monday 24th April
What do I do next? * Complete the Options Request by Monday 24th April * Confirmed choices in July

19. Please feel free to visit subject areas indicated on the map

20. This presentation will be available on www.sfx.liverpool.sch.uk
Thank You
This presentation will be available on