1. Woodkirk Academy Welcome to the 2016 Year 8 Information Evening

2. 2016/19 Options First step in their 14 – 19 education or training. All GCSE exams at the end of Y11 Results at 16 open or close the doors for their next step.

3. Changes in recent years The style of qualifications for GCSE and non GCSE. The way all qualifications are assessed. The grades that the students will achieve. The statutory courses we have to deliver.

4. GCSE QUALIFICATIONS All courses now will be externally assessed at the end of the course. There are no modules or opportunities to resit within the school year. Graded 1-9 instead of A*-G.

5. BTEC/OCR/ECDL All are high quality, well recognised qualifications. All have progression routes into sixth form. All have externally assessed units which must be passed to an appropriate standard to achieve an overall pass. All have internally assessed units for which deadlines and standards must be met.

6. Core subjects English – Language and Literature GCSE Mathematics - GCSE Science – at least core and additional - GCSE Geography or History - GCSE ICT or MFL - GCSE RE PDS Relationship education Drugs, alcohol and safety Citizenship Finance, law and citizenship PE

7. Recommendations non GCSE Art and Design Business Studies Certificate in Food and Catering Children’s play, learning and development Health and Social Care IT course Performing arts Sport Travel and tourism

8. Advantages of non GCSE courses 75% of the course is continual assessment. 25% externally assessed. Externally assessed unit completed before the end of year 11. Exams can be re-taken if necessary.

9. Art Business Studies Computer Science Graphic products Product design Textiles Geography History Music PE RE Sociology Recommendations - GCSE

10. Key dates 14.01.16 - Information Evening 22.01.16 - Subject information booklets and sheets 29.01.16 – Progress reports available w/c 25.01.16 - Subject assemblies 04.02.16 – Year 8 Parents’ Eve 10.02.16 – Option sheets to form tutors w/c 07.03.16 – Individual student discussions w/c 07.03.15 – Parental discussions 11.03.15 – All options finalised

11. Core Subjects Option 1 Option 2 Option 2 continued GCS E English Language GCS E Geography BTE C Art & Design GCS E Art GCS E English Literature GCS E History BTE C Business Studies GCS E Business Studies GCS E Mathematics NCF E Certificate in Food & Catering GCS E Computer Science GCS E Core & Additional Science** BTE C Children's Play, Learning and Development GCS E Graphic Products GCS E French BTE C Health & Social Care GCS E Product Design Computing Skills OCRiMedia GCS E Textiles Religious Education BTE C Performing Arts GCS E Geography Physical Education BTE C Sport GCS E History Personal Development BTE C Travel & Tourism GCS E Music ** Some students will be invited to do 3 separate sciences, this decision will be made at the end of year 9 ECD L ICT - ECDL GCS E Physical Education GCS E Religious Education Parent’s signature……………………………………………Date…………………….. GCS E Sociology Student’s signature…………………………………………..Date…………………….. Staff signature………………………………………Date…………………….. Year 8 Options Form January 2016 Option 1 you can choose one subject only, either Geography or History. Option 2 you can choose any two subjects You have been particularly recommended for Physical Education GCSE

12. Key dates 14.01.16 - Information Evening 22.01.16 - Subject information booklets and sheets w/c 25.01.16 - Subject assemblies 29.01.16 – Progress reports available 04.02.16 – Year 8 Parents’ Eve 10.02.16 – Option sheets to form tutors w/c 07.03.16 – Individual student discussions w/c 07.03.15 – Parental discussions 11.03.15 – All options finalised

13. How can parents help Don’t worry about their choices. Core covers almost all careers. Go through the booklet of subjects and discuss. Encourage your child to ask questions. Attend parent evening and ask questions. Encourage children to take subjects they are going to really enjoy.

14. Key dates 14.01.16 - Information Evening 22.01.16 - Subject information booklets 29.01.16 – progress reports available w/c 25.01.16 - Subject assemblies 04.02.16 – Year 8 Parents’ Eve 10.02.16 – Option sheets to form tutors w/c 07.03.16 – Individual student discussions w/c 07.03.16 – Parental discussions 11.03.16 – All options finalised