1. Welcome to Key Stage 4 A guide to what students experience in years 10 & 11

2. Different qualifications studied All students study English, Maths, Science and RE, and will take a GCSE in these subjects They all take PE for 3 hours a fortnight They will take four additional options to exam level Most courses lead to GCSE exams We also offer some BTEC courses and alternative qualifications

3. Recent national changes to exams The amount of coursework allowed is reducing; far more emphasis is put on final exams…. Pressure! Schools are strongly discouraged from entering students for exams before the end of Year 11. Students may well take a Science exam in Year 10, and part of their RE qualification, but not Maths or English Students in this year group will still receive A*-G grades! Qualifications that are not GCSEs are graded Distinction/ Distinction*, Merit, Pass at either level 1 or level 2

4. Study Support Teachers’ availability Lesson 6 opportunities Small group or individual tuition Year 10 exams – 23 rd March onwards Year 11 additional support – study room; holiday revision sessions; intensive programme of exam preparation

5. Preparing for life after Henbury Visits to post 16 centres – summer of Year 10 Work experience opportunities – July Year 10 Year 11 programme – Higher Ideas Day – Progression clinics – Independent Advice and Guidance Support with applications

6. What can parents/ carers do?

11. SIMS Learning Gateway

12. Encourage and support! Know your child’s timetable Check their planner and homework Help them revise – test them Let them read you their work Give them a bit of space for work Agree times when they will relax and socialise… and when they won’t! Limit the X box!