1. Which way now?

2. Core Subjects-What must I study?  English (both Language and Literature)  Mathematics  Science  Religious Education GCSE (end of Year 11)  Computing GCSE (end of Year 10)

3. You will also study  Physical Education  Personal Development Learning,(PDL)

4. What can I choose?  In addition to the core subjects you can choose 3 further subjects.  These are arranged in Pools.  You choose 1 subject from each Pool together with a second choice.

5. What is different?  Catering – an alternative to Food Technology  Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (ASDAN)  Dance  Digital Photography

6. Pathways 1, 2 and 3  Pathway 1: students follow the core subjects plus three Options  Pathway 2 : students follow the core subjects plus two Options, plus supported Study lessons to help them.  Pathway 3: students follow the core plus one option with supported study.  If you think Pathway 2 or 3 is the correct pathway for your child, you must consult Mrs. E. Gray.

7. Coursework  This applies to some subjects, both Core and Options.  It accounts for varying percentages of the final award depending upon the subject.  It will usually take the form of controlled assessments carried out in lesson time. (See option booklet and individual subject leaders for more details.)

8. The English Baccalaureate  This award requires pupils to gain A*- C grade passes in the following subjects  English  Mathematics  Two sciences  A humanity  A modern foreign language

9. Can the EB be gained at Chatsmore Catholic High School?  The core curriculum offered to pupils meets the requirements for English, Mathematics and Science.  In order to gain this award pupils will need to choose either Geography or History as one of their options and either French or Spanish as another option.

10. Our Feelings about the EB  As a qualification this will not suit all of our young people.  We intend to continue as always, putting the individual needs of our pupils first.  This means providing them with the best opportunities we can, matched to their abilities and needs.

11. Progress and Attainment 8  This takes results from Maths English 3 Ebacc Subjects 3 other Subjects (including approved Vocational Qualifications) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uplo ads/attachment_data/file/406785/Progress_8_school _performance_measure.pdf

12. Progress and attainment 8 at Chatsmore  All pupils take Maths and English  All Pupils take English Literature  All pupils take at least two Sciences and Computer Science  All pupils take RE Pupils only need 1 option subject to meet the 8 required. When more option subjects are taken those with the best results are used.

13. Closing Doors  Will I close any doors or careers to me if I do not take a particular subject at GCSE?  The answer is generally no, but some Universities will ask for a language.  There are many subjects on offer at College at AS Level which will be new e.g. philosophy or sociology.

14. Government Changes to Education  From September 2012 all GCSE courses only involve terminal exams. (Modules are no longer available)  We have dealt with this by spreading the GCSEs taken by your child over two years  Year 10 - Options, Core Science, Computer Science  Year 11 - English, Maths, Additional Science, RE

15. Our Rationale  To spread the exams over two years to reduce pressure.  To enable us to give extra lesson time to the key subjects of English, Mathematics and Science in Year 11  To enable us to personalise the curriculum a little more in the Year 11 Enhanced Curriculum Block

16. Year 11 Enhanced Curriculum Block  Ten lessons per fortnight taught in large blocks  Pupils can choose an activity which may be a further GCSE, work experience, extra support for core subjects, etc.  The activities will be tailored to the needs of the pupils and will be chosen at the beginning of term in Year 11 after option results are known.

18. In the summary…….  The curriculum is structured to maximise students’ opportunities to learn, achieve well and make appropriate post-16 choices.  The proportion of students achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and mathematics is above the national average.

19. In the full report………  By taking GCSE examinations in their option subjects at the end of Year 10, students are able to concentrate on English, mathematics and science in Year 11. This structure is valued by students who say it ‘helps them to feel less stressed’. The proportion of students achieving five or more GCSE grades at A* to C including English and mathematics has improved since the introduction of this model and is now above the national average.

20.  The curriculum structure means that all students are entered early for examinations in their option subjects and in religious education. Year 11 is dedicated to the study of English, mathematics and science. Students are able to either choose from a range of additional options including triple science, to re-sit option subjects or to take advantage of additional curriculum time for English and mathematics. The first cohort to experience this curriculum structure achieved the best ever results for the school in 2014. School data indicates further improvements for 2015.

21. What happens now? In school this evening:  Talk to tutors about what might be suitable for your child  Meet and chat with subject teachers about the courses available.

22. Later this evening  Talk to your child about the subjects they want to take further

23. Then…………  Provisional Options List issued.  The pupils will be asked by their tutor to complete a form indicating their three ideal choices. They will also be asked to give a reserve.  These responses will be used by me to produce the provisional option form with subjects arranged in three pools.

24. Then............  Pupils will be given the provisional options form to bring home and complete with you.  The responses on these will be used to compile the final options offer.  A final options form will be issued for pupils to make their final choices

25. Important Points  Whilst we aim to give all pupils their first choice it is not always possible for a variety of reasons.  Pupils must understand that the choices they ultimately make are final and that we do not usually allow changes of options after the first two weeks of term.

26. Who To Contact  S.E.N. Issues – Mrs E. Gray  Individual subject issues – Subject Leaders  General matters about your child – Your child’s tutor  Queries about the options process – Mrs M. Statter (mstatter@chathigh.co.uk)

27.  All documents that will be sent home with your child, along with a copy of this presentation will be posted electronically via a link on our website.

28. A plea.............. Please keep to the deadlines for returning forms. mstatter@chathigh.co.uk