2. Changes to GCSE Sept. 2015 First Examined 2017 New English and Mathematics GCSEs came on line Sept 2015 first examined June 2017 Increased content, reduced coursework components, greater importance placed on the terminal examination. Graded 9-1

3. Windermere School’s response to these changes Currently we deliver IGCSE English and Mathematics. IGCSE passes continue to be recognised by Higher Education, employers and as the required English/Maths pass. Therefore English and Mathematics will continue to deliver IGCSE.

4. Developments in Year 10/11 Curriculum at Windermere (Greater flexibility of study) GCSE and IGCSE options remain at the core of our delivery These courses continue to be provided over 1 and 2 years. BTEC courses are now available for Year 10/11 students 20% of Sept. 2015 Year 10 entry take one BTEC. Greater flexibility in the number of GCSEs taken is offered with more student choice on amount of study time and non examinable PE.

5. BTEC Firsts (Award) Applied Science Outdoor Adventure (Sport) equivalent to 1 GCSE

6. What factors may parents and student wish to consider when choosing optional subjects? It is difficult to make the wrong choices at GCSE. Rather the question for most students will be “what will be the best options for me?” Progression to Sixth Form and H.E. will be driven by grade not subject. The best options will frequently be playing to strengths of students rather than need for a particular subject.

7. What will be the best subject ? Student ability in the subject relative to overall ability Does the student enjoy the subject? What will be the nature of the assessments? Will students have sufficient variety in their subject areas?

8. Research the career pitfalls. There are some careers that may require specific post 16 qualifications that will drive GCSE choice. e.g. Medicine, Vet. Sci., Pharmacy, Languages. (non exhaustive). icould mydaughter.co.uk

9. Guidance from School Subject choice booklet Each department will discuss the nature of their subjects tonight and in the coming weeks Students are encouraged to talk to their tutors and teachers on an individual basis Mrs King (Director of Student Pathways) and Section Heads are very happy to discuss any issue with parents and students.

10. Time scale Discussion Nov-Dec 2014 Monday 7 th December 2015 options sheets to be submitted to tutors. Timetable written over the Spring Term Adjustments made (subject to time table)

12. 1. Curriculum outline. Service Activities PE Mathematics MFL One-year options IDEALS Science Humanities Arts and Electives English Core Curriculum (all subjects studied over two years) Options (one and two year courses)

13. 2. Compulsory Subjects. Service Activities PE English language English literature Mathematics MFL One-year options IDEALS Science Humanities Arts and Electives English Core Curriculum (all subjects studied over two years) Options (one and two year courses)

14. 3. Choices within the core. Service Activities French German Spanish Dual Award Science (IGCSE) Applied Science (BTEC) History Geography Study PE English language English literature Mathematics MFL One-year options IDEALS Science Humanities Arts and Electives English Core Curriculum (all subjects studied over two years) Options (one and two year courses)

15. 4. Additional options. Service Activities Business Studies Computer Science Food Science Music Geography BTEC Outdoor Adventure Science Triple Award French German Spanish Dual Award Science (IGCSE) Applied Science (BTEC) History Geography Study Art Drama French Sport Science PE Year 11 only English language English literature Mathematics MFL One-year options IDEALS Science Humanities Arts and Electives English Core Curriculum (all subjects studied over two years) Options (one and two year courses)

16. 5. Summary. Service Activities Business Studies Computer Science Food Science Music Geography BTEC Outdoor Adventure Science Triple Award French German Spanish Dual Award Science (IGCSE) Applied Science (BTEC) History Geography Study Art Drama French Sport Science PE English language English literature Mathematics MFL One-year options IDEALS Science Humanities Arts and Electives English Core Curriculum (all subjects studied over two years) Options (one and two year courses) 2 1 1 2 12 1 Core: Up to 7 GCSE or equivalent Options: Up to 3 GCSE or equivalent Total: Up to 10 GCSE or equivalent

17. 5. Summary. Service Activities Business Studies Computer Science Food Science Music Geography BTEC Outdoor Adventure Science Triple Award French German Spanish Dual Award Science (IGCSE) Applied Science (BTEC) History Geography Study Art Drama French Sport Science PE English language English literature Mathematics MFL One-year options IDEALS Science Humanities Arts and Electives English Core Curriculum (all subjects studied over two years) Options (one and two year courses) 2 1 1 2 12 1 Core: Up to 7 GCSE or equivalent Options: Up to 3 GCSE or equivalent Total: Up to 10 GCSE or equivalent Please be prompt in returning your forms: