1. Saddleworth School OPTIONS 2008-2009

2. The Curriculum at Key Stage 4 Compulsory core subjects Optional subjects

3. Compulsory core subjects Full GCSE –Mathematics –English (Language and Literature) –Science (Double award) –Modern Foreign Language –ICT (Business and Communication Studies) Short course GCSE ( 1 / 2 GCSE) Religious Education BTEC Sport (Physical Education) Non examined –Personal and Social Education and Citizenship

4. Optional subjects Some new subjects Some new qualifications (details in Options Guide) Study 3 subjects to qualification level in addition to the core Keep the future open – go for a balanced curriculum

5. Qualifications explained GCSE –grades A* - C = level 2 –grades D - G = level 1 BTEC First Certificate = level 2 –grades Pass, Merit & Distinction –a vocational qualification equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grades A* - C NCFE Certificate = level 2 –a vocational qualification equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grades A* - C

6. The Option Process Issued today (29 th February 2008) –Options Guide –Parents’ Consultation Evening letter –Option Information Evening letter –Y9 subject reports Return straight away –information evening slip (Wednesday 5 th March 2008) –report received slip –parents’ evening reply slip (deadline 07/03/08) Return after parents’ eve –Option choices form (deadline 14/04/08)

7. The Option Process Support from –Connexions (Mr Alderson) –PSE lessons –Form tutors –Mr Barton / Mr Douglas –Subject teachers –Parents –Senior Leadership Team

8. The Options Choices Form one subject from column 1 –Your first language = French (must see Miss Weatherspoon if different to this) four subjects from column 2 –write in order of preference –only three of these subjects will actually be taken Note any exam board restrictions on choices combinations A parent or carer signature needed Deadline = Monday 14 th April 2008 Important Limits on class size and available resources Final decisions will rest with the school

9. How to make subject choices Read Options Guide carefully Find out more from teachers Discuss with at Parent Consultation evening Get advice from tutors, Connexions and parents Think about √What you are good at √What you enjoy √How you learn best √The methods of assessment √Possible future career paths √Keeping options open

10. How to make subject choices Don’t choose courses because ×You like the teacher (or reject courses because you don’t like him/her) – the teacher could be different next year ×Your friends are choosing them – they are different from you and have different strengths and interests. Help ? – see Mrs Rogers / Mr Barton