1. YEAR 9 OPTIONS 13th March 2019

2. INTRODUCTION What are IGCSEs? British model
GCSE = General Certificate of Secondary Education
I = International

3. IGCSE: Outstanding Results
94% of HeadStart students achieved A*-C in at least 5 subjects
41% of all grades awarded were A*-A
93% of all grades awarded were A*-C
100% A*-C art & design, biology, chemistry, design & technology, Thai, Mandarin, English literature, music, physical education, physics

4. Key Questions? Which subjects are you good at?
Which subjects do you enjoy?
Which subjects are important for your overall development?
Which subjects can the school viably offer?

5. What should not influence your choices…
What you think you ‘may’ want as a future career.
What your friends are doing.
Whether you like the teacher.
What you think will be “easy”.

6. BROAD Education should maximise future opportunities.
Current trends in education favour a broad education for as long as possible.
IGCSE is too early to narrow your options or to be set in your ways about your future plans

7. BALANCED Include a range from: Scientific Mathematical Humanities
Practical
Creative
Languages
Physical
Technical

8. RELEVANT Consider future study paths and career paths
But… Do not assume an academic qualification leads to a career

9. DIFFERENCES All of us have different strengths and weaknesses.
Do not run away from a challenge, but do not ignore your weaknesses.
Don’t expect to love every subject.
Don’t worry!

10. Subjects for Years 10-11
All Students study a number of COMPULSORY subjects.
These include:
English (ESL/Language/Literature)
Mathematics (Core/Extended)
Science (Double/Triple)
Core Physical Education

11. “Core” Subjects English
Some students take English as a Second Language
The majority take First Language English
The most able students take both English Language and English Literature in the same class – worth 2 IGCSEs

12. “Core” Subjects Mathematics
Most students take Mathematics Core and are targeting a C grade
The most able students take Mathematics Extended – targeting grades B-A* and preparing for Mathematics A Level

13. “Core” Subjects Science
Most students take Co-ordinated Sciences (worth 2 IGCSEs – grades available up to A*A*)
The most able students take Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects (worth 3 IGCSEs – considerably more work)

14. Students must take FOUR OPTIONAL Subjects
Computer Science
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Business Studies
Geography
History
Physical Education
Art & Design
Design & Technology
Drama
Music
Mandarin Chinese
First Language Thai
Other first languages

15. Making the Choice Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Business Studies
Physical Education (PE)
Mandarin Chinese
History
 Art & Design
Design & Technology (D&T)
Geography
Drama
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Computer Science
Music
First Language Thai

16. Timescale Options Fair
Students make choices online – link will be sent before the end of the week
Conversations with students (and parents) as required
Parents sign to confirm choices