1. Our vision is based on the principle of ‘putting the child first’
Year 9 Options Evening
Thursday 31 January 2019

2. INTENTIONS To provide information on:
The overall curriculum at Key Stage 4
The options available
Collaborative options (off site courses)

3. KEY PRINCIPLES
Flexibility
Individual choice
Opportunity

4. The Core Subjects English Language & English Literature GCSEs
Provide greater assurance of literacy
Focus on the functional aspects of language
Mathematics & Numeracy GCSEs
Mathematics is now worth 2 GCSE’s
They are called GCSE Numeracy and GCSE Mathematics
Largely the same content as before but with some additions
3 tiers of entry (used to be two)

5. The Core Subjects Science GCSE The Welsh Baccalaureate
Double award (however, separate sciences still available)
GCSE is the only option
Practical exam
The Welsh Baccalaureate
Skills based qualification

6. What's different in 2018/19 New Suite of GCSE Science Qualifications
Skills Challenge lessons
Reform of other GCSEs (in line with the national literacy and numeracy drive)
Little (or no) early entry
A vocational option

7. The New Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification
The central focus of the Welsh Baccalaureate at Key Stage 4 is to provide a vehicle for year olds to consolidate and develop essential and employability skills.
The Welsh Baccalaureate is based on a Skills Challenge Certificate alongside Supporting Qualifications. The requirements of both must be met in order to achieve the overarching Welsh Baccalareate.

8. National Skills Challenge Certificate National and Foundation
Welsh Baccalaureate
Individual Project
Skills Challenge Certificate
Enterprise and Employability Challenge
GCSE English Language
Global Citizenship Challenge
GCSE Mathematics or Numeracy
Community Challenge
Plus 3 other GCSE’s

9. THE CORE SUBJECTS SUBJECT QUALIFICATION English Language 1 GCSE
English Literature
Mathematics
Numeracy
Science Double Award
2 GCSE’s
Welsh
Skills challenge (PHSE + Wel. Bac.)
Physical Education
Total – 8 GCSE’s

10. OTHER COURSES TO BE STUDIED
Pupils will need to choose TWO subjects to study (this does not include a college option)
The following subjects are currently offered:
ART HISTORY
GEOGRAPHY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
FOOD AND NUTRITION PRODUCT DESIGN
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
FRENCH MUSIC
3D DESIGN

11. LINKS WITH OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS
Some students may be able to study at:
Coleg Cambria
St Christopher’s School
Access to courses at these establishments broadens the choice of courses available to students.

16. Is a link course the right choice for you?
College Link Courses 2018/19
Is a link course the right choice for you?

17. What’s on offer Engineering Level 1 Coleg Cambria Engineering Level 2
Construction Level 1
Construction Level 2
Hair and Beauty Level 1
Coleg Cambria and St Christopher’s School
Hair and Beauty Level 2
Small Animal Care Level 2
St Christopher’s School
Public Services Level 2
Performing Arts Level 2
Hospitality and Catering Level 2
Health and Social Care Level 2
GCSE Computer Science Level 2
GCSE Spanish* Level 2
Tourism and Marketing Level 2

18. The right choice? Do you have a definite interest in that course?
Are you thinking of applying because your friend is?
Are you aware you must travel to a different venue?
Are you aware that it is a no drop out policy?
Are you aware that the day will be longer than a normal school day?

19. The right choice? Are you aware that you MUST make your own way home?
Do you mix well with other people?
Do you know the level of the course and are aware of your own potential?
Did you attend the open evening?
What will others do while you are at college?

20. Providing support Presentations by Learning Leaders
Talk to Form Tutors, Miss A Evans, Mr I Thomas
Interviews with Assistant Headteacher, Progress Leader, Assistant Progress Leader.
Subject Choice Evening
Year 9 Parents’ Evening and Report

21. Providing support Careers Wales Online
Continued support in careers and world of work lessons
14-19 network online information and open evenings
Ysgol y Grango course information booklet (which will go live on the school website)

22. Making the right decisions
Interests and preferences
Future goals and career aspirations
Progression routes
Keep options choices broad and balanced
Consider the level of entry

23. How can you make the wrong decision?
Choose an option because of your friend
You like the teacher
Failing to check out what the subject requires
Failing to check out additional personal skills and qualities the qualification requires
Choosing a course which is at the wrong level
Choosing a range of subjects which are not balanced or narrow

24. The Options Blocks College/Vocational block Option A Option B
1 GCSE
1 or 2 GCSE’s
College/Vocational block
If you do not choose a college course or are not successful in gaining a place on a college course then Tuesday afternoon will be spent in school.
The two courses currently running are:
LIBF - Financial Capability and Careers Development 
ECDL – Computer Skills Qualification

25. Important dates Subject Choice Evening (31/1/19)
Submission of course choices (18/2/18 for college and 22/3/18 for school choices)
Year 9 reports (18/3/18)
Year 9 Parents’ Evening (21/3/18)
College course selection dates (25/26 Mar19)
Confirmation of courses for next academic year (Easter).

26. A TYPICAL STUDENT PROFILE
SUBJECT
QUALIFICATION
English Language
1 GCSE
English Literature
Mathematics and Numeracy
2 GCSE’s
Science
Welsh
Skills challenge
Core P.E
Vocational or College Option
1 or 2 GCSE’s
Option A
Option B
TOTAL AVAILABLE – 11 or 12 GCSE’s

27. Thank you for attending
This presentation will be available on the school website
Any questions? Please feel free to stay and ask