Helping my child to succeed at GCSE

Welcome

‘Let your Light Shine’

Key Staff Miss Brown: Assistant Headteacher

Mrs McHale: Head of Year

Mr Clarke: Lead T&L Coordinator

Mrs Hammill: Head of English

Mr Medd: Head of Maths

Dr Lear: Leader of School to School Partnership and

Department Support (Science)

Dr Goode: Head of Science & Biology

Mr Davis: Head of RE

Mrs Slater: SENCO

Student Subject Target Grades The ‘Aspirational

target grade’ is the GCSE grade that your child should achieve based on the KS2 SAT results.

These grades were given to your child at the beginning of Year 10 for each subject studied.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

U L4

Target Current Predicted

Student Progress Against Targets

The progress of your child is tracked throughout their GCSE courses.

1. October 2013 (Year 10) – teachers assess progress2. March 2014: (Year 10) - teachers assess progress3. May 2014: (Year 10) - End of Year exams

4. October 2014: (Year 11) teachers assessed progress5. November 2014: (Year 11) - Mock exams 6. March 2015: (Year 11) teacher assessed progress7. March 2015: (Year 11) English and Maths Mock exams

June 2015 – GCSE ExaminationsN.B. As a result of monitoring progress, student class moves

may result at our discretion

Achieving the targets-Support (Overview)

Planning and revision materials have been given to Year 11 students.

Tutorial time has been spent planning a revision programme.

All students will experience a study skills session to prepare them with revision techniques

Revision classes and Booster classes ◦ Tues: Maths◦ Wed: Science◦ Thurs: EnglishN.B. Revision attendance is not considered optional

In school “Revision Booster” sessions May 2014· Students attend revision booster sessions for subjects they are studying. · All other times pupils are revising with their teachers in lesson. · When they have completed the exams for a subject they are to use this lesson time to revise for other subjects and are supported by their class teacher.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

      1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8P5 and 6MFL

9P1 and 2 RE P5 and 6 Biology

10 11

12 138-9 am Pre exam Prep—Biology11-12pm Pre exam Prep—Geography

14P5 and 6Chemistry

158-9am Pre exam Prep ChemistryP5 and 6 History

16P3 Pre exam prep PE

17 18

19P1, 2 , 3 - Physics

208-9am pre exam prep—Physics

21P1 and 2 GeographyP 5 and 6 History

22P3—pre exam prep English Lit

23 24HALF TERM

25

26 27 28 29 30 31  

Revision Tips Top 5 revision strategies based on academic research and evidence:

#1: Retrieval PracticeRetrieval practice means self testingRetrieving knowledge AND skill from memoryQuick quizzesMix up the content of the quizzes

#2: Mnemonics/Acronyms Knowledge and skills ‘Many Vile Earthlings Munch Jam Sandwiches Under Newspaper Piles’BRATDAMITT PEEL/PEEC

Revision Tips Top 5 revision strategies based on academic research and evidence:

#3:ElaborationThis is the process of finding additional layers of meaning in your work. Concepts Structures Interrelationships How does it relate to life outside of school and the ‘real world’.

Use Revision Tips

Top 5 revision strategies based on academic research and evidence: #4: Deliberate Practice Repeated deliberate practice of exam skills

Drafting and crafting the perfect exam answer singularly, rather than sitting full papers endlessly.

*Stop seeing repetition as being the enemy of creativity, fun or higher order thinking.

Use Revision Tips

Top 5 revision strategies based on academic research and evidence:

#5: Avoid the following Re-reading of notes Endless highlighting of notes/ information Constant re-writing of content Visual/Auditory/Kinaesthetic

The Revision Planner

Mon20th

Tues

21st

Wed22nd

Thur23rd

Fri24th

Sat25th

Sun 26th

Homework

Coursework

Revision

Student Revision Mat

Departmental Revision Guides

Key Dates for Year 11 studentsMock exams:

◦ All subjects 17th 26th November 2014 ◦ Extra English and Maths Mock 2nd – 6th March

Sixth form Open evening: 23rd October 2014

Parent’s evening: 4th February 2015

Day of Celebration: 29th April 2014

Record of Achievement/Day of celebration: 29th April

GCSE Summer exams: 11th May-24th June 2014

Leaver’s Ball: 26th June 2015

How do I seek advice from the school?

If you need any advice from the school contact Mrs McHale Head of Year

If there is a personal issue Mrs Hughes school social worker or Miss O’Neill, School Chaplain, are available.

If there is an attendance issue Mr. Humble leads the attendance team.

You could communicate with subject staff or mentors (where applicable) via the planner.

A Partnership

Your Child

School

You

• You are the expert on your

own child and always have

been his or her most

important teacher.

• Your support,

encouragement and interest

can make a spectacular

difference to your child’s

motivation and ability to

cope with demands of GCSE.

I don’t

understand all

these

controlled

assessments,

levels and

exams – its

completely

different from

when I was at

school.Surely she

shouldn’t be going out again

when she’s studying for

GCSE’s?

He’s always got an excuse,

I don’t know what to believe!

I can’t stand the arguments

when I try to help....

I’ll just write her a note to excuse

her late homework, just

this once....

I’m surprised she’s not got any

homework, I

expected more in Year 11

AttendanceA GCSE in under 5 days???

You may think you’ve got forever BUT look at how many hours of lessons you have in Year 11.

Eng/Maths/Sci 4.75 days (3hrs per week)Opted Subjects 3.16 days (2hrs per week)You will cover most topics only once in these hours so learning first time round is the key to successful revision and exam results!Every Lesson Counts!!!!!!!!!!!

Your role may include some or all of the following:

Attendance OfficerBanker – paying for files, pens etc.Project manager – rules for homework,

getting study/social life balance right.Sounding board and Adviser – helping

your child to verbalise any frustrations they may face.

Study Buddy – showing an interest in the subject, helping with homework, testing them.

What you can do right now:Check your child’s planner weekly and sign it.

Use the planner to communicate with HOY/Tutor/Subject teacher.

Ensure your child is equipped for each and every lesson.

Check your child is completing homework, encourage good presentation of work in books.

Show an interest – ask them to explain what they are enjoying at school?

Ensure your child attends and is punctual every day.

Support the School.

Rewards System

Using new SIMS system in school, teachers, tutors and Heads of Year can add achievement points to each students profile.

Year 11 students are aware of these points and should strive to gain as many positive achievement points as they can each term as these will be rewarded.

Subject Leader for EnglishMrs Hammill

Pathway: GCSE English Language

A1 Mrs HammillA2 Mrs ReedA3 Mr McNallyA4 Mrs StebbingA5 Mrs Lillie

GCSE English Literature 2014A*- C pass rate: 93.89%

Pathway: GCSE English

B1 Miss McLeanB2 Mrs ReedB3 Mrs HammillB4 Mrs StebbingB5 Mrs Lillie

Learning this year

Controlled Assessment

40%

Unit 1 Exam

60%

English Department mock exam

Week 8 of this half-term

June 2014GCSE English Language/ English

examWeek 1 after May half-term

Unit 1: GCSE English exam: Tuesday 2nd June (AM)

1. Weekly revision classes: Thursday 3.20-4.20pm.2. Revision work booklets written by our

department.3. Breakfast revision on the day of the exam from

8am-please help with transport.4. Booster sessions for Controlled Assessment and

Exam.5. Buy revision guides CPG.

THE MATHS DEPARTMENT

Exam Board Information

• Edexcel• Linear Course• Mathematics A (1MA0)• Website: www.edexcel.com

Exam Information

• Two possible tiers of entryHigher tier – grades A*- D (E allowed)

Foundation tier – grades C – G

• Two written papers: each contributes 50% of the final grade.

• Pupils will sit two exam papers each 1 hour 45 minutes.

• Paper 1 – Non calculator• Paper 2 – Calculator• 100 marks on each paper

Thursday 4th June (AM)

Monday 8th June (AM)

Exam dates

Level 2 Further Maths

• Only a small number of students studying (in Mr Medd’s class)

• AQA• Linear Course• Can also achieve A^ (A* with distinction!)• Level 2 Further Mathematics (8360)• Website: www.aqa.org.uk

Exam Information

• Two written papers: non-calc contributes 40% of the final grade, calc 60%.

• Pupils will sit two exam papers: non-calc 1 hour 30 minutes, calc 2 hours.

• Paper 1 – Non calculator• Paper 2 – Calculator

Monday 15th June (AM)

Friday 19th June (AM)

Exam dates

Assessments & Intervention

Assessments

Monitoring

Intervention

Revision classes

Equipment required• Pen

• Pencil• Ruler

• Rubber• Protractor• Compass• Scientific

calculator• Green pen

Revision material

Useful websites

http://www.mymaths.co.uk/

Login: newminsterPassword: equation14

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

http://www.examsolutions.net

• We offer Maths and Further Maths in sixth form.

• A minimum of a B grade is needed to study ordinary Maths in the Sixth form.

• A minimum of an A grade is needed to study Further Maths.

Sixth Form

Success in GCSE Science The Journey

Dr C Lear & Dr D Goode

Our Vision

To work together with our students and with you as parents/carers to deliver the best quality education and life chances for the pupils and the community we serve.

To motivate, inspire, educate and deliver

success.

To encourage aspirations.

Science in Year 11

GCSE Science A (AQA) GCSE Additional Science (AQA)

Separate Science GCSEs in Biology, Physics and Chemistry (AQA)

BTEC First Award in Principles and Applications (EDEXCEL)

GCSE: Key Points

The GCSE exams are in the Summer term, whilst the BTEC principles examination will be in March with a possible resit in June.

Dual award students who passed Science A

Dual award students who still have to achieve C or above in Science A

Separate Sciences

Number of exams

3 6 9

ISA (25%) 1 to complete 2 to complete May need 1 resit ISA

All year 11 GCSE students will sit mock exams in November

Key Exam Dates

Dual Award Separate Science (Triple award)

Unit 2 Biology 12th MayUnit 2 Chemistry 14th MayUnit 2 Physics 20th May

Unit 1 Biology 5th JuneUnit 2 Chemistry 9th JuneUnit 1 Physics 12th June

Unit 2 and Unit 3 Biology 12th MayUnit 2 and Unit 3 Chemistry 14th MayUnit 2 and Unit 3 Physics 20th May

Unit 1 Biology 5th JuneUnit 1 Chemistry 9th JuneUnit 1 Physics 12th June

GCSE Coursework

SCIENCE COURSEWORK counts for 25% of the GCSE grade.

It involves researching an experiment, writing a plan under exam conditions, carrying out the experiment and then completing a second exam paper.

Year 11 ISA 3 preparation will be from 3rd November onwards

ISA assessment day = 11th November

Please ensure that your child is in school during that time.

BTEC

BTEC Firsts - Most students who studied Principles of Applied Science course in year 10 have continued on to study the Application of Applied Science course in year 11.

Application of Applied Science - 75% of the course is internally assessed assignment work. 25% of the course is an externally assessed exam.

Principles of Applied Science – revisits Year 10 work with emphasis on exam preparation.

Exam dates: BTEC Firsts

Course Unit Date

Application of Applied Science

8Scientific Skills

2nd MarchWritten paper.

Unit 8 Scientific Skills (only if a resit required )

22nd May Written paper

Principles of Applied Science

Unit 1Principles of Science

4th MarchWritten paper

Unit 1Principles of Science(only if resit required)

15th MayWritten paper

Statistics

In 2014:Additional Science: A*-C = 78%

Science A: A*-C = 84%

BTEC: Passes = 100%

Overall Sciences (including BTEC and Separate Sciences): A*-C = 86%

Progression Beyond Year 11

A level sciences You don’t need to do Separate Science GCSEs to pursue a career in Science! It is entirely possible for a student to move on to great success in Science A levels and University courses after doing Dual award Science if they obtain B B or above.

Sixth form Applied Science A student who obtains a Merit or Distinction in BTEC Applied Science may move on to level 3 Applied Science which opens the doors to a wide range of careers.

Destinations Beyond Sixth Form

This year 84% of students who came through A level Sciences at St Robert’s went on to study at University.

25% of them went on to study highly competitivecourses such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy andVeterinary Sciences.

How can you support your son/daughter’s learning in Science?

Ensure they complete all homework tasks.

Meet deadlines, revise for exams, get good ISA results first time round.

Support and additional help to achieve the best possible results.

Make sure they prepare fully for the exams in May and June.

Encourage them to attend Wednesday evening revision sessions which will start in the spring term.

We also recommend buying a Revision Guide – available from the Science department for £4.50.

Moving Forward

You must reflect by looking back and learning from

Year 10 but we are now moving forward towards the final exams.

We must build on what we have learnt from Year 10 and

now work hard with determination and support to ensure

we are successful in Year 11.

For Our Students Remember.. ..... It’s About Your Future.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt

Thank you for Listening

We will be sending out letters soon with key information including our Science expectations.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at any time.

The Provision of Religious Education in

Year 11

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”

(Ecclesiastes 4:9)

“Provision for Catholic education

is outstanding. Section 48 Inspection Report,

April 2012

“In key stage four (KS4) attainment is

outstanding and pupils make very good progress.

Section 48 Inspection Report

April 2012

Different Pathways: Key Stage 4 RE

AQA GCSE

3 hours of RE per week

2 exams in May / June 2015

All students have the opportunity to achieve up to an A* in the subject.

Edexcel GCSE

3 hours of RE per week

2 exams in May / June 2015

All students have the opportunity to achieve up to an A* in the subject.

The two pathways are designed to cater for the individual strengths of each student.

GCSE results 2013

A*-C = 68.75%

GCSE results 2014

A*-C = 73.4% A*-E = 100%

Maximising success in RE

Take advantage of revision materials provided by the department.

Attend revision sessions (in class and online)

Complete homework tasks to the best of your ability

Begin revision early – remember you will be examined on both Year 10 and Year 11 work.

What next?

Year 12 - Christian Ethics

Year 13 - Christian Theology and Philosophy

Currently 94 students in Year 12 and 77 in Year 13.

One of the largest cohorts of opted students across Sixth Form and outstanding results in Year 12 & Year 13:

Year 13 2014 = 93.2% A*-C and 70% A*-B

Year 12 2014 = 69.5% A-C and 50% A-B