1. Curriculum & Tracking Mr Rhodes - Headteacher
Mr Gordon Walker - Assistant Headteacher

2. Legacy to reformed GCSEs – All about exams
All GCSEs now reformed, and will be graded 9-1
Emphasis on longer, linear exams with extra content
More knowledge required and exam management/resilience is paramount
Reduction/abandonment of coursework depending on subject (BTECs, Technology, Art, Drama)

3. Old to New Grading

4. What does this mean?
Same proportion of students currently achieving a C, will receive a 4 or above.
Same proportion of students who used to achieve an A grade or above will achieve a grade 7 or above.
The top 20% of those achieving a 7 or above will gain a 9

5. How do we track each student’s progress?

6. Student Target Grades
Student target grades are set using student prior attainment (KS2 results), then we set an aspirational target which add significant value when compared against the same prior attaining students nationally

7. Tracking student progress
Progress 8 is the national method for tracking the progress of students. The measure takes the 8 best grades that students achieve and creates an average from that. If students are meeting their Grey Court target grades then they will be making progress that is significantly above the national average
The ‘traffic light’ system on reports highlights student progress to ensure they are on track to meet or exceed their target grade
Interventions will take place with underachieving students

8. Reporting You will get several progress checking reports in Year 10:
‘Interim’ report – current and predicted grades (Academic Tutoring Day: 28th November) – meet with form tutor
26th March– parents’ evening
Trial exams week of 15th June
End of year report – current and predicted grades and targets (July)

9. The Curriculum

10. Broad & Balanced Curriculum
We offer a broad range of subjects and qualifications in YR 10 and 11 to ensure that our curriculum meets the needs of each and every student.
BTECs include: Health & Social Care, Business & Enterprise, Music Technology, Creative Media and more
GCSEs include: Eng, Math, Sci, Humanities, Languages, Art, Music and more
Each qualification will provide students with the opportunity to make the next step towards their 6th form choice

11. How are classes organised?
Maths, English, Science are all setted
Option choice subjects such as Humanities, MFL, Art, Drama and BTECs are in mixed ability classes.
For Option choice subjects, students are no longer in classes according to their Bands. Therefore, students studying an option choice will have both A and B bands together
Core PE is still taught to every student

12. English- Key points
New GCSE specification and examination in English Language and Literature - taught simultaneously in Yr10 and Yr11
Two separate exams for English Language 1:45min each, two separate exams for English Lit 1:45mins and 2:15mins
No more controlled assessment or coursework; both Literature and Language are 100% exam
No Tiers

13. Mathematics Three examination papers:
Paper 1:Non calculator 80 marks 1 hours 30
Paper ⅔: Calculator marks 1 hours 30
Two tiers: ‘good pass’ grade 5 available on both
Higher tier: Grades available (if a students misses a 4, they will be awarded a 3)
Foundation tier: Grades 1- 5

14. Science - Combined vs Separate
Combined Higher
Separate
6 exams: 2x Bio, 2x Chem, 2x Phy
Each exam is worth 60 marks
Each exam is worth 100 marks
1hr 10 minutes in length
1hr 45 minutes in length
Tested on Y9 and Y10 content
Tested on Y9, Y10, Y11 content
Y11 – spent revising
Y11 – spent learning the separate content
Can achieve grade 3-9
Combined Foundation
Exactly the same as Combined higher except:
Can achieve grade 1 – 5
Exam questions are of an easier style

15. Science Key Dates w/c 14th October
All Y10 classes will sit a science assessment in their lessons – 1xbio 1xchem 1xphy
It will be based on the chapters that they have been revising/learning in lessons

16. Combined vs Separate
The science department will track the progress of students throughout YR 10.
The decision as to which science course students undertake will not be made until after their end of year exams.
Any decision will be communicated with both students and yourselves.

17. Activity Days enhancing the curriculum
2 Activity days and an Activity week
Each activity day is designed to support and enhance the curriculum
October Activity day is a stock market challenge designed to develop numeracy, presentation and team building skills
Activity week is completely focused on careers. Including work experience, visits to employers and careers guidance

18. OUR COURSES A-LEVEL SUBJECTS VOCATIONAL COURSES EXTENDED PROJECT
ENGLISH LITERATURE
HISTORY
GEOGRAPHY
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS
SOCIOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY
ART & DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY
DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES
CHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY
PHYSICS
MATHEMATICAL STUDIES
MATHEMATICS
FURTHER MATHEMATICS
COMPUTER SCIENCE
GERMAN
FRENCH
SPANISH
MANDARIN PRE-U
VOCATIONAL COURSES
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
APPLIED SCIENCE
CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION
ENTERPRISE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
SPORT
ICT
Entry requirements
Must achieve a 4 in Maths and English & gain five GCSEs

19. What can I do as a parent to support my child’s learning?
Take an interest in school! Try to (!) speak with them about their day
Look at their books and discuss their work and the teachers’ comments with them
Try to provide a suitable place to study; revision books; internet access; tutors; time to complete their work
Help manage their stress
Network with other parents

20. ANY QUESTIONS?