Year 9 Options 2015

QUALIFICATIONS - OLD “GCSE”

• Graded A* to G

• D to G = Level one qualification

• A* to C = Level two qualification

• Some GCSEs have tiered papers

• Controlled assessments count between 20%

and 60% towards the overall grade.

• Terminal examination taken at the end of two

years (double science- Core in year 10

Additional in Year 11)

QUALIFICATIONS - NEW “GCSE”

• Will Eventually be Graded 1 to 9

• Some GCSEs will still have tiered papers

• No controlled assessments (except in practical

subjects)

• Terminal examination taken at the end of two

years.

NEW GRADES FOR ENGLISH AND MATHS

Grade New points

9

A* 8

A 7

B 6

C 5

D 4

E 3

F 2

G 1

U 0

4

QUALIFICATIONS “VOCATIONAL”

• BTECs

• GCSE equivalents

• Level one = D to G equivalent

• Level two = A* to C equivalent

• Graded Pass, Merit, Distinction

• Coursework units

• One exam unit

KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM

Core

• English Language

• English Literature

• Maths

• Science (Double)

• Languages (9N1 only)

• Humanities (History or Geography)

• PE

• ICT

• Religious Studies

• CZ/Careers/PSHE (Taught in Themed Days)

• Compulsory Subjects taken by all pupils

OPTION AIMS

To provide a broad and balanced selection of courses with recognised qualifications that offer a variety of progression routes both in further education and employment

OPTION SUBJECTS

GCSE Art & Design

GCSE Expressive Arts

GCSE Music

GCSE Drama

GCSE 2nd MFL

GCSE Media Studies

GCSE Business Studies

GCSE Geography

GCSE Computing

GCSE History

GCSE Triple Science

GCSE PE

D&T Resistant Materials

D&T Graphics

D&T Textiles

GCSE Catering

BTEC Sport

Pupils select 2 – 3 subjects from the list below, depending on their chosen pathway

PATHWAYS

Green Pathway

•Recommended for pupils working to level 6b and 7a at Key Stage 3

•Pupils who perform well in tests and examinations

•Pupils looking to progress to A levels and then university.

Blue Pathway

•Recommended for pupils working between levels 4a and 6c at Key Stage 3

•Pupils who prefer a mix of project work, teacher assessments and examinations

•Pupils thinking of apprenticeships or vocational courses at college leading to employment, retaining the option to go to university at a later stage.

Red Pathway

•Recommended for pupils working at levels 3c and 4c at Key Stage 3

•Pupils who prefer to be assessed in the classroom as they complete their assignments

•Pupils thinking of doing level one and level two courses at college leading to employment trainee schemes.

PATHWAYS

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Pupils will spend a third of their time studying Options subjects.

• What subjects are you good at?

• What subjects do you enjoy?

• What type of work is involved?

• Do you know enough about the subjects?

• What do your parents think?

• Who else can you talk to?

• What is a good balance of subjects?

OPTIONS FORM

OPTIONS FORM – SECTION 1

OPTIONS FORM - SECTION 2

OPTIONS FORM – SECTION 2

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OPTIONS FORM – SECTION 3

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IMPORTANT DATE

Return options forms by

Monday 16th March 2015