1. Year 9 Pathways
Vocational pathway

2. What will Y10 and Y11 look like for your daughter?
All students study:
English and English Literature GCSE
Maths GCSE (Foundation or Higher)
GCSE Combined Science (Foundation) – worth 2 GCSEs
RE GCSE
PE and PHSE (non-exam)

3. The core curriculum
These compulsory subjects take up about 80% of the timetable
We believe students should study these subjects because they provide vital skills to help them access the sixth form and university courses
It is also the case that some of them are statutory

4. Changes to GCSE assessment
All GCSE subjects will be graded 9-1 in 2020
This is happening nationally and will affect all students sitting GCSE examinations in 2021
BTEC and other GCSE equivalent subjects will continue to have their own grading system
Preparations to respond to these changes are well advanced in school

5. Changes to GCSE assessment
Grade 9: top A* performers; about half of the 6.8 per cent who got A*s this year are likely to get it
Grade 8: the rest of those who obtained A* but did not qualify for a 9
Grade 7: equivalent to an A grade pass
Grade 6: covering those from two thirds above current C grade to top of existing B grade
Grade 5: international benchmark, showing performance equals that of students getting top-grade passes in high performing countries in international league tables. Pitched at half or two thirds of a grade above the current C pass
Grade 4: equivalent to a C grade pass
Grade 3: equivalent to a D grade pass
Grade 2: equivalent to an E grade pass
Grade 1: equivalent to grade F and G passes

6. Sciences at Key Stage 4
Science is a Core subject in the National Curriculum and is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).
All girls study aspects of all 3 Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics during years 10 and 11.
It is important that girls think carefully about their possible career path beyond KS4 as the choice of Science course in year 10 and 11 will affect the courses that can be taken in the future.

7. Why are Sciences so important?
We live in an increasingly scientific and technology based world where an understanding of the principles of the Sciences and engineering are vital.
Recent news reports on Science include:
“Cern plans even larger hadron collider for physics search”
“Climate change: Blue planet will get even bluer as Earth warms”
“'X-factor' golf swing linked to back pain”
“150 years of the periodic table”
“Scottish researchers find 100 genes linked to depression”
(Ref: BBC News website 5th February 2019)

8. Sciences at Key Stage 4
We believe GCSE in Combined Science (Foundation) will be best for your daughter
Pupils will study all the GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics in a topic based manner.
Pupils will have one teacher for all their sciences.
This course is worth 2 GCSEs.
Highest grades possible are 5/5.

9. GCSE Combined Science (Foundation)
Girls suitable for this course are:
(i) Those who find Science challenging.
(ii) Prefer working in Science on a project based course.
(iii) Prefer the continuity of ONE teacher for all Science subjects.

10. Sciences at Key Stage 4
The Science Department has already provided guidance on the KS4 Sciences course we feel is the most appropriate for your daughter.
Please feel free to discuss the KS4 Sciences routes with the Science staff tonight:
Mrs. D. Hayward (Head of Science Faculty)
Mr. A. McBurney (Head of Biology)
Mr. P. Coupe (Head of Chemistry)
If you are considering studying Sciences at a top university in the future a useful resource is ‘Informed choices’ A Russell Group guide to making decisions about post-16 education (Page Pre-16 qualifications and university entry)

11. Option subjects Students will get to choose 2 option subjects
This makes up around 20% of their timetable
We have increased the amount of time for the options over the course of Y10 and Y11
You need to think carefully about these choices
We have working with students on options in the PHSEE programme and in assembly
Students have free choice in the option blocks
Students will also have additional lessons in English and/or Maths
This is to ensure they get the best possible grade in these 2 core subjects
Getting the best grade in Y11 will ensure they do not have to resit the subjects when they enter the sixth form

12. How should students chose their options?DO
DON’T
Think about subjects you enjoy
Think about what your friends are doing
Think about subjects you are good at
Think some subjects are ‘easier’ than others
Think about how the subject is assessed
Think about choosing a subject because it ‘sounds good’
Think about the advice of your teachers
Think about choosing the subject because you like your current teacher
Think about the skills you will develop
Think about choosing a subject because you can’t think of anything else

13. What happens next?
We would like students to complete the option form by Friday 15th March
Write 1 for the first choice and 2 for the second choice in each column
When deciding if an option subject will run , we will factor in the number of students opting for the subject
Where more students opt for a subject than we can accommodate, we will take factors such as behaviour, attendance and progress in the subject into account
Please make sure you are comfortable with both subjects in both option columns
Students will be informed of their final option choices in the summer term

14. What happens next?
Subject staff from all option subjects are available in the Sports Hall
Miss Power is also available to advise on careers as is our Careers Connect adviser