2. Changes to GCSE
In recent years the Government have made a number of changes to legislation and curriculum reform. Some of these changes just affect schools, but there are others which have a more direct impact on students. The main changes affecting students are:
All students will now study 8 GCSEs
Most subjects (with the exception of BTECs) are assessed through exams only. Coursework is far less common than it used to be.
GCSEs are graded using numbers (9-1), not letters (A*-G).
There are a greater number of ‘compulsory’ subjects.
Students must remain in education, employment or training until the age of 18.
Students who do not pass Maths and English with a grade 4 or higher must re- sit the GCSE at 6th form or college.

3. Every student must take 8 GCSEs in total.
There are some subjects which are compulsory:
English Language 1x GCSE
English Literature 1x GCSE
Maths 1x GCSE
Science (Combined 2x GCSE or Triple 3x GCSE)
A humanities subject – History or Geography or MFL 1x GCSE
The rest of the subjects are optional:
Media Studies
Drama
Music Technology
Music Performance
Sports Science
Psychology
Sociology
Philosophy & Ethics
Health & Social Care
Childcare
Fine Art
Photography
Graphics
Digital Information Technology
3 Dimensional Design
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Business Studies
Personal and Social Education

4. There are three recommended options pathways…
Extend – It is recommended that you study Triple Science and either History, Geography or MFL + one other. Enhance – It is recommended that you study Combined Science and either History, Geography or MFL + two others. Enrich - It is recommended that you study Combined Science and Geography with PSE + two others. For those students on the Enrich pathway, Mr Swart will be here in the hall following this presentation to answer any questions.

5. Choosing Options….summary
Think ahead – What might you want to study at sixth form or college?
Do you have any ideas about what ‘type’ of career or vocation you would like in the future?
Research what subjects are required / preferred for your pathway. (Universities will look at your GCSE choices and results).
Make sure you are fully informed about the content of the subjects you are thinking about choosing – what is % of exam? Which have coursework?
Try to balance what you enjoy with what you can be successful at.

6. Pathways: Apprenticeships / Employment / Sixth form Level 3
Vocational
Pathways: Apprenticeships / Employment / Sixth form Level 3
There are other qualifications available to choose from such as BTEC and OCR.
These courses are typically more vocational such as: Childcare, Health and Social Care, Music Technology, Media and Sports Studies.
Vocational courses are traditionally coursework based but recently an exam has been added to each course.
Vocational courses will allow for progression into sixth form, college or an apprenticeship/job. You can choose to take Level 3 vocational courses in the sixth form at Welling and these are welcomed by all universities.

7. 1 2 1 2 1 2
You must put your first choice and your second choice in each option block.
Remember – you must include at least one of History, Geography or MFL in those choices.
Your options forms are due back to your tutor no later than Friday 5th April.

8. What happens next? So far you have: Received your options pathway
Received the options booklet
Had your options assembly
Had your careers guidance lessons
Talk to your teachers, tutor, Ms Alejo and Ms Borley.
Talk to the Heads of Faculties here today about their subject and whether it’s right for you.
If you want to go to university, do some research online about which subjects might be required.
Submit your completed Options Form to your tutor by Friday 5th April.