1. Year 9 options 2015-2017

2. Aims of the meeting To update you with changes to the examination system from 2017 To explain the structure of the Key Stage 4 (yrs 10 & 11) curriculum for 2015-2017 To outline the options process To support you in helping your child make informed decisions.

3. Changes to the delivery and assessment of Key Stage 4 courses

4. English Language, English Literature and Mathematics to be examined under the new regulations from September 2015 Each of these three subjects will have a new syllabus to teach from All other subjects will be examined under existing GCSE regulations All subjects (other than Double Award Science) will have terminal (end of year 11) examinations. All modular examinations have gone.

5. English language will provide all students with a robust foundation of reading and good written English, and with the language and literary skills which are required for further study and work. It will ensure that students can read fluently and write effectively, and will have 20% of the marks awarded for accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.

6. English Literature will encourage students to read, write and think critically. It will involve students studying a range of intellectually challenging and substantial whole texts in detail including Shakespeare, 19th-century novels, Romantic poetry and other high-quality fiction and drama. The new GCSE will also ensure that all students are examined on some ‘unseen’ texts, encouraging students to read widely and rewarding those that can demonstrate the breadth of their understanding.

7. Mathematics will demand deeper and broader mathematical understanding. It will provide all students with greater coverage of key areas such as ratio, proportion and rates of change and require them to apply their knowledge and reasoning to provide clear mathematical arguments. It will provide greater challenge for the most able students by thoroughly testing their understanding of the mathematical knowledge needed for higher level study and careers in mathematics, the sciences and computing.

8. Mathematics will have still have Higher and Foundation tiers of examination entry. English Language and Literature will have one paper that all students will sit. Examination results in these subjects will be graded 9-1 (9 being the highest) U = fail All other GCSE subjects will still be graded A*-G or U Bottom of new grade 4 = bottom of current grade C New Grade 7 = current grade A baseline First cohort of students will be graded on a one-off basis to match the proportions of each grade achieved in the summer examinations in 2016 in English and Mathematics.

9. Why Options?

10. To allow students some choice over the subjects they will study in years 10 & 11 To allow you and your child to reflect on their own preferred learning style and match this to the option subjects on offer To take account of examination changes and creating the best pathway for students over the next two years To take account of future aspirations of students beyond year 11 and towards future employment

11. Subjects that all students will study during years 10 to 11

12. English 7 lessons a fortnight Mathematics 6 lessons a fortnight Science 9 lessons for Double, 12 lessons a fortnight for Triple Core Physical Education 4 lessons a fortnight ICT 2 periods a fortnight. OCR Cambridge National qualification RE 2 periods a fortnight. Short Course RE PSHCE Through Citizenship days during years 10 & 11 (5 in total)

13. What is a Pathway?

14. Pathway 1Pathway 2Pathway 3Pathway 4 GermanASDANBusiness StudiesHistory FrenchResistant MaterialsTextilesSpanish CateringProduct DesignDramaGeography 3D ArtBTEC PEMusicMedia Studies English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science Core PE, ICT, RE, PSHCE plus 4 other subjects

15. Certifications

16. GCSE examined subjects Other accredited subjects (not GCSEs) e.g. BTEC Non Performance Tables approved subjects e.g. RE Short course The English Baccalaureate: Ebacc English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science (2), 1 Humanity Subject, 1 Modern Foreign Language 43% of Year 11 in 2014 took the equivalent of an EBACC, with 21% achieving it. (Nationally 24%)

17. The English Baccalaureate: Ebacc English Lang & Lit, Mathematics, Science (2), 1 Humanity, 1 Modern Foreign Language 43% of Year 11 in 2014 took the equivalent of an EBACC. 21% achieved the Ebacc requirements of at least a C grade in all qualifying subjects Nationally the figure was 24%

18. Attainment 8 measure: From 2016 (Y10 now) Mathematics English Language or literature (highest score) The 3 highest scoring results from science, computer science, history and geography and languages 3 highest scores in any three other subjects, including English language or literature if not included above, other GCSE’s or any other approved high value academic or vocational qualifications

19. What should you consider about when helping your child with their option choices?

20. Those subjects that they are doing well in and enjoy A broad balance to the subjects that they choose Any specific recommendations of subject combinations to take, if your son or daughter has a future career in mind Whether they like being creative, reflective or enquiring What type of learning style best suits them Advice from teachers, tutors, other parents, the web Any experience gained from older siblings that have gone through the same process

21. Key points about your options form

22. You make 4 choices in preference order. The first being the one that you really want to study You then choose two alternative subjects that you wouldn’t mind studying if any of your top 4 is not available Some subjects may become unavailable next year depending on the numbers of you that choose them We usually manage to give 85% of all students at least 3 of their top 4 choices

23. SUBJECT NAME 1 st Choice 2 nd Choice 3 rd Choice 4 th Choice Alternative choice 1 Alternative choice 2 Your son or daughter will be given their individual option choice forms by their tutors during the week beginning Monday 26 th January.

24. Science courses from September 2015

25. Triple science, Double Science, Cambridge Science Differing levels of challenge The performance of students in standard topic tests, over the course of year 9 up to the end of term 5, will be assessed and therefore their ‘working at’ level calculated Mrs Brown (Head of Science) using this data alongside advice from their Y9 science teacher, will write to you in term 5, recommending which of the science courses on offer, your son or daughter should consider You will have the opportunity to discuss this with her.

26. Key dates All in the options booklet

27. Tuesday 20 th January: Option Booklets issued Wednesday 21 st January 7-8 pm in the Auditorium Parent information meeting Week beginning Monday 26 th January: Curriculum Information week Week beginning Monday 26 th January: Option Forms issued Wednesday 25 th February: Parent/Subject Teacher meeting Monday 2 nd March: Return deadline for Yellow option choice forms to tutors

28. Are there any questions? email contact information for subject leaders is in the options booklet. Thank you all for attending this evening