1. GCSE Level Curriculum & Controlled Assessment Information Evening

2. Purpose of Information Evening
Importance of Year 11
Explanation of CAT4 Testing & MEG
Highlight assessment arrangements for GCSE/Equivalent qualifications
To show the GCSE/Equivalent exams which students will take this year
To explain the role and importance of Controlled Assessments & Assignments
To help you help your child through their GCSE Level learning

3. CAT Tests
All Year 11 students have completed a CAT Test earlier this month. It tests skills not subjects, it measures Numerical, Verbal and Non Verbal Skills
Gives a grade students should strive towards in their different GCSE subjects
IT IS NOT NECESSARILY THE GRADE THEY WILL GET
We want all students to work towards at least a C/Level 2 Pass in all subjects
This can only happen if we have an effective home school partnership

4. SETTING PUPIL TARGET GRADES
Instead of referring to target grades we now refer to a pupil’s MINIMUM EXPECTED GRADE or MEG
Previously a pupil’s target grade indicated a ceiling in terms of achievement, whereas a Minimum Expected Grade indicates aspirational achievement
With the availability of a range of assessment information or data your child’s subject teachers will set the Minimum Expected Grade to track against
The grade tracked against is the minimum we expect them to achieve

5. Subject Trackers
The MEG will be set by your child’s subject teacher and then agreed by the Head of Department
It will be considered and realistic, based on the current assessment data available and the teacher’s prior knowledge of the pupil

6. Subject trackers Pupil arrives in class
Previous achievement considered
Pastoral information considered
CAT4/PTE/PTM /ALPS data considered
MEG – Minimum Expected Grade given
MEGs agreed by HODs
Assessments tracked against MEGs

7. Assessment Reports
After the completion of each assessment pupils will receive their own assessment report
This will be in addition to the twice yearly statutory report sent to you as parents
The assessment report will look like this;

9. GCSE General Certificate in Secondary Education
Course of Study - 2 years
Graded A* to G (CCEA)
Graded 9 to 1 (English exam boards)
BTEC graded Distinction* to Pass
OCN graded Pass equivalent to a B grade

10. New Grading CCEA BTEC English Boards A* - A D* - D 9, 8, 7 B Merit 6
C* Pass
C Pass
D L1 Pass E
F - G

11. GCSE information Linear Approach Modular Approach
Sept 2019 …………………Exam May/June 2021
Modular Approach
Sept 2019 …………………… May/June 2020
May/June 2021

12. Subjects examining in May/June 2020 – end of Year 11
Maths M2, M3 & M4
RE Unit 5
English Language Unit 1
English Literature Unit 1
DA Science Biology, Chemistry & Physics
Geography Unit 2
Business Studies Unit 1
Child Development Unit 1
Health & Social Care Unit 1
Technology Unit 1

13. Subjects examining in May/June 2019 – end of Year 11
Biology Unit 1
Chemistry Unit 1
Physics Unit 1
Digital Technology Unit 1
BTEC Business Unit 2
BTEC Hospitality Unit 1
BTEC Public Services Unit 1
BTEC Sports Unit 1
BTEC Science Unit 1
BTEC Travel & Tourism Unit 1
BTEC Engineering Unit 1

14. Why opt for Modular
Brings the examinations into closer alignment with A Level
Up to 50% of examination + content can be completed at the end of Year 11
No Controlled Assessment in a number of subjects
Reduces workload in Year 12
Resit possibilities (not advised)
Resit limited to 1 per GCSE/BTEC Subject

15. What has to be very clear…
Students will be on “Study Leave” in Year 11 like the Year 12 students – BTEC classes will continue as normal
Work will continue in GCSE/Equivalent subjects until the end of June
It is not expected that students will repeat – however, this is a possibility and may be recommended
Students will not have summer internal examinations in May/June for those subjects examining at the end of Year 11– April will be last internal examination assessment “Mocks”, after which you will receive a written report

16. Mathematics Tiers of Entry
GCSE Maths Structure Tiers of Entry
Aim is to help everyone attain at least a Grade C
M2 & M6 Grades Available C – G
M3 & M7 Grades Available B - G
M4 & M8 Grades Available A* - C
One class of students who complete M4 & M8 will also do Further Maths in Year 12
One class will also complete GCSE Statistics during their GCSE Maths Time
1 class will complete OCN Essential Skills in Application of Number

17. CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT for GCSE Subjects
Formerly known as Coursework
Conducted in a more controlled environment
Addresses issues of authenticity, plagiarism and validity
Marks range from 25% to 100% of full GCSE

18. Departments involved:
Almost all subjects at GCSE level contain an element of Controlled Assessment/Assignment work
Exceptions: RE
Maths & Further Maths
Languages
Sociology
Geography
History

19. Controlled Assessment Weighting
Controlled Assessment can be worth
20%
25%
50%
60%
65%
75% inc all BTEC courses
100%

20. Format for C.A. Classroom & Home research Classroom practicals
Classroom write-up
Classroom tests
All must be treated and prepared for as if they are exams

21. Restrictions apply:
The controlled assessments are GCSE exams and need to be treated as such
The only difference is, they are internally marked (but externally moderated)
Attendance is crucial
Use of ICT will not be permitted (in most subjects) as once the written work starts, pupils are not allowed access to the internet

22. BTEC Qualifications A different style of Assessment and Learning
Public Services ICT
Sport Travel & Tourism
Business Science
Engineering Performing Arts

23. How BTEC is Assessed
BTEC Qualifications are 75% Controlled Assessment/Assignments & 25% examination All exam units will be completed in Year 11 Every BTEC Assessment contributes to overall Grade Deadlines will be ongoing and must be met they should be treated like examinations

24. BTEC Regulations and Procedures
Overall Control Led by Quality Nominee in the College – Miss Atkinson Students must have a BTEC handbook Must be read and signed by parents Deadlines are crucial and must be met (submitted to Edexcel in September) Extenuating circumstances procedure Appeals procedure

25. OCN Courses 100% assignment based
Work is ongoing throughout years 11 & 12
Students must stay on top of work for each subject area
Pass or fail only – Pass is equivalent to a Grade B

26. Please help us!
Students will never not have work to do for a GCSE/BTEC/OCN subject
Assignment work goes on through the entire year
If no written homework is set students should be learning the work covered in their last lesson

27. Study Skills Advice All students will be given information on
important study skills in Year 11 – an outside provider comes in to work with the Year Group
Study does not mean homework
Students should be studying most nights during the week
They need to plan their study
Get into good study habits early

28. Your Role as a Parent
The Campaign for Learning found that parental involvement in a child’s education can mean the difference between an A* and an ‘also-ran’ at GCSE
The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert in any of the subjects your child chooses to make a real difference
You also don’t need to give up your life and other responsibilities – you just need to know how best to spend the time you do have

29. This is where you, as parents, really can make a difference
Your Role as a Parent
One of the hardest demands on students is that of understanding the long-term importance of doing the best they can, and learning to shelve short-term fun, at times, in the interest of long-term benefits
This is where you, as parents, really can make a difference
Your support, encouragement and interest can make a spectacular difference to your child’s motivation and ability to cope with the academic and organisational demands of GCSE/Equivalent courses

30. Your Role as a Parent
Get a copy of the specifications for the subjects your child is studying – exam board website
Know the topic areas being covered
Know when the topics are being covered (in the booklet)
Support your son/daughter – check their diary
Keep up to date with Controlled Assessment/Assignment deadlines – this is vital
Ensure your son/daughter has all prep work completed for Controlled Assessment and Assignments

31. Information for Parents
Ensure full attendance if at all possible
Try to limit social networking and distractions during study and homework
Most importantly -
Communicate with the school – Form Tutor – Year Head – Head of School - Vice Principal Teaching & Learning
The booklet contains all the information you need, as a parent, on each subject area studied at GCSE Level

32. Year 11 Target Setting Day 25th October 2019
One to One interviews with Form Tutors
Following initial assessment report
Interview times will be sent out
Year 11 students only attend with their parents for the interview

33. Miss Atkinson VP Teaching and Learning Mr Montgomery Head of Timetable
Please feel free to speak to any of the staff members here this evening if you have questions or concerns
Curriculum Staff
Miss Atkinson VP Teaching and Learning
Mr Montgomery Head of Timetable
Mr McGuigan Head of Assessment
Mrs Walters Head of AEN
Mrs Mulholland/Mrs Carlisle Head of School
Thank you for your attention