1. Mrs D. Mitchell Vice Principal
Year 8: Next steps March 2018
Mrs D. Mitchell
Vice Principal

2. Who already knows what pathway they are going to take after Year 11?
Apprenticeship
College – Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications
Vocational or Academic (or a mixture of both?)
Employment

3. Combined Science – worth two GCSEs Religious Education
Core Subjects
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Combined Science – worth two GCSEs
Religious Education

4. Humanities GCSE
We will ask you if you would prefer to do Geography or History. If you would like to do both, you need to pick the other as an option.

5. You will continue to take part in…PE
Pastoral time
PSHCE- personal, social, health and careers education

6. PERSONALISED Choices…
In your booklet there are details of the courses on offer. You will choose three subjects in order of preference and two reserves. We have increased the amount of choices to see what you are interested in- Some courses may not run if there are not enough students to run the course. We have courses for all levels of learner - we have chosen them because they lead to further education pathways, training and employment This includes foundation, level 1 and level 2 courses. We personalise learning so some students may have a mixture of courses at the different levels. Our top mathematicians also do a level 3 award to help prepare them for A Level.

7. Qualification grades
GCSE 1 to 9 (please see the handout for the equivalent grades)
BTEC – pass, merit, distinction, distinction*
Foundation and entry level courses – units of accreditation

8. Making their own choices…
They need to …
Show us that they are mature enough to make good choices
Good and improving attendance
Good behaviour in and out of class
Good organisation
High standard of homework
High standard of work in their books/folders
High standard of engagement in lessons

9. What has been happening so far and what is planned?
Student Voice on aspiration, revision, homework
Intervention on key skills gaps
Y11 have taught Y8 four different revision strategies
Mentoring programmes
Key skills projects linked to option choices and improving engagement

10. Hints and Tips
Make your own choices, don’t choose a subject because your friend is doing it
Don’t choose a subject and expect a certain teacher, you may be taught by a different teacher!
Choose something that you are committed to studying for three years
Don’t think that there are subjects with no writing, you will have to ‘write’ in all subjects!!!
Be informed – make a good choice
If you are unsure, keep a wide range of subjects
If you enjoy something you will probably do better in it and keep going when you find it hard

11. Support for parents and carers
Ask if you are not sure – we are here to help Find out about what qualifications are needed for different courses and jobs: Careers service Internet

12. See you on Wednesday 21st March for Parents Evening