1. Welcome to this Parents Information Session Year 9 OPTIONS

2. Helen Everitt Curriculum Deputy Head

3. AIMS Introduce Oriels Year 9 Options Process and our philosophy regarding students choices at 14. Explain the different types of Qualifications available to students at Oriel in Y10 and 11 BTEC GCSE Give you advice on how to help students make the right choices for them

4. Qualifications should: Reflect our changing world Prepare our students to be successful in society Engage students in learning Prepare students for study at college or university, or for work. Education should not be a one size fits all system We should recognise: Different needs of our students Different learning styles Different aspirations and goals

5. CORE – All students will study: Maths English Language and English Literature The Sciences RE PE PDC / Citizenship

6. Options Students must then choose courses to fill the optional part of their timetable There are fours option spaces to fill. 1 2 4 3

7. OPTIONS BTECs Sport Health and Social Care Music Technology Dance GCSEs: Media, Drama, Music, PE Fine Art, Textile Art, 3D Design French, Spanish, German, Business Studies, ICT, Computing History, Geography, Sociology, Citizenship, RE Catering, Graphic Products, Systems and Control, Textiles Technology, Product Design,

8. Core Choices All students will study Science, RE and PDC and take part in PE lessons. If students are guided to study Triple Science they will have x3 extra lessons of science and will study Core RE, PDC and have Core PE lessons. If students are guided to study Double Science they will study RE, PDC and Core PE but as part of this programme have a choice of whether to study GCSE RE, GCSE Citizenship or BTEC Sport

9. Core Choices Triple Science + Core PE, Core RE and PDC Double science + Core PE, RE and PDC With a choice of RE GCSE Citizenship GCSE Sport BTEC Decisions regarding which of these pathways students will follow are made in the summer term after the options process

10. Choice and Flexibility At Oriel we offer two different types of qualification for students to choose to study in Years 10 and 11. These qualifications can be mixed and they are flexible. BTEC GCSE

12. BTECs Michelle Stephens BTEC Coordinator

13. About BTECs A BTEC is a theoretical, practical and work related course.A BTEC is a theoretical, practical and work related course. In addition to exams, students complete projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demandsIn addition to exams, students complete projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands

14. The Structure of BTECs 75% Coursework 25% Exam BTECs now include a1hr exam in addition to coursework

15. Which students are suited to BTECs? Students who prefer completing projects/courseworkStudents who prefer completing projects/coursework Students who feel that they do not like the pressure of a 100% examinable subjectsStudents who feel that they do not like the pressure of a 100% examinable subjects Students who enjoy the subject areaStudents who enjoy the subject area Students who want to follow a mix of qualifications to vary the way they will learnStudents who want to follow a mix of qualifications to vary the way they will learn

16. How BTEC is assessed? Work experienceWork experience PresentationsPresentations Role PlaysRole Plays Research portfoliosResearch portfolios Designing publicationsDesigning publications Practical assessments such as organising events and working with the local communityPractical assessments such as organising events and working with the local community Exam for 1 unitExam for 1 unit

17. How are the courses graded? BTEC grades are awarded in the following way: Level 2 Distinction*Level 2 Distinction* Level 2 DistinctionLevel 2 Distinction Level 2 MeritLevel 2 Merit Level 2 PassLevel 2 Pass Level 1Level 1 Not A-Es

18. Where can a BTEC qualification lead? Sixth Form- BTEC Nationals (Level 3)Sixth Form- BTEC Nationals (Level 3) Into the workplace – Highly accepted by organisations. It allows an easier transition from School to workInto the workplace – Highly accepted by organisations. It allows an easier transition from School to work ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships

19. But do Universities accept BTECs? BTEC are accepted by all UniversitiesBTEC are accepted by all Universities Research has shown that students who have completed BTEC courses are better prepared for university than those who have undertaken A-Levels. This is due to the skills acquired on the BTEC coursesResearch has shown that students who have completed BTEC courses are better prepared for university than those who have undertaken A-Levels. This is due to the skills acquired on the BTEC courses

20. GCSEs Victoria Pooley Subject Leader for Science

21. What is a GCSE? GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. GCSEs are the main qualification taken by 14 to 16 year olds You can take GCSEs in a wide range of academic and work- related subjects. It's highly valued by schools, colleges and employers The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigative work. Some subjects also involve practical work e.g. Art They are graded from A* to G. Grades D to G are Level 1 qualifications and A* to C are Level 2 qualifications

22. How are GCSEs examined? Exams Controlled Assessment

23. Exams All GCSEs are examined by terminal examinations at the end of the course For all GCSEs taken as part of the Oriel Key Stage 4 curriculum this will be at the end of year 11

24. Triple and Double science – a guided choice Key Stage 3 SATS paper – after May half term Requirement of Level 6 Work throughout the year will be taken into account –Triple science is appropriate for the most able and very interested students –It is a commitment in terms of the amount of independent work required –It is not a requirement for acceptance onto A level courses or any University course

25. Double Science GCSE Students taking double science will cover two discrete GCSE courses They will be awarded two separate grades Two B grades will guarantee acceptance onto science A level courses ScienceAdditional science Core science content and controlled assessment covered during year 10 Additional science content and controlled assessment covered during year 11 All exams are taken at the end of year 11 Results in the award ofscience GCSE at the end of year 11 Results in the award of a second GCSE – Additional science, also at the end of year 11

26. Triple Science GCSE Nine 1hr science examinations (3xBio, 3xChem, 3xPhys) at the end of year 11 3x Controlled assessments Results in the award of three separate grades. Triple science now covers some of the AS science content It is a challenge that the most able and very interested will relish 3x C grades will not guarantee acceptance onto A level courses

27. Controlled Assessment Work completed in school under controlled conditions Different subjects have different levels of control More controlled by the exam boards than coursework – Time limits set by the exam board – Teachers can give some feedback but this may affect the marks that can be awarded – Parents can be involved in the preparation part of some controlled assessment

28. How to Choose…. Nina Thair. Director of Learning: Work and Life Skills

29. Making Good Choices Your son or daughter should avoid making choices based on: Their friends choices Their current teachers Gender stereotypes One narrow career path

30. Making Good Choices Your son or daughter should: Think about their strengths and weaknesses Think about how they prefer to study and learn Find out how the courses are taught and assessed Keep their choices broad and balanced Research any career ideas they may have Use UCAS to check A Level and BTEC requirements for degree entry

31. What subjects are included in the English Baccalaureate? GCSE A* - C in 5 subjects: Mathematics English Science (2 A*-C) MFL Humanities (History or Geography only) The Russell Groups Informed Choices document highlights these subjects as facilitating subjects at A Level for top degree entry

32. A Broad and Balanced Curriculum The subjects your son or daughter chooses should be a good balance as encouraged by the EBacc but the arts, ICT and technology are very much part of achieving a good balance. It is important their choices allow progression into further and higher education in a range of subjects which they will enjoy and succeed in.

35. Making Good Choices Further help: Speak to teachers, our careers adviser Kerry Mann and of course you! Use our careers website believeinyoungpeople.com Students have registered already and there is a career matching function as well as the ability to search and research. Students come along to the Options Evening on 27th March and speak to the teachers about the courses on offer

36. Next Steps OPTIONS EVENING – Thursday 27 TH March Important evening for parents and most importantly students Drop in any time between 6pm and 8pm Receive a further pack of guidance information & options form All Subjects and courses represented Information to collect and take home Speak to teachers See examples of students work Deadline for Options Forms – Friday April 25 th 2014

37. Students will be asked to pick 6 options and place them in order of preference 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Wherever possible we will try to guarantee students first four choices First choice Reserve Choices

38. Our Philosophy To ensure that students are not being disadvantaged by not being offered the broad range of subjects To enable students to make an informed choice To empower them to achieve; to inspire them to excel