Shirebrook Academy

Y9 Options Evening

24th February 2016Upper Atrium - Option subject displays, careers guidance and refreshments

Theatre – Options presentation

6:00pm-6:20pm - 9HA and 9MY

6:30pm-6:50pm - 9DG and 9CS

7:00pm-7:20pm - 9JT

Setting the Scene Changing educational landscape

Develop a curriculum to meet the needs of our students but at the same time give them the qualifications necessary to be successful in a competitive market

School leaving age now 18

All students will continue to do maths and English until they have achieved a level 2 qualification or reach age 19, whichever comes first

Setting the Scene Exams are generally more difficult

content, questions and pass marks

longer essay writing questioning

no internal assessment

fully linear (end of year exams)- no modular exams

no coursework except in science

no help in exams (calculators, English books/ notations, periodic tables etc)

GCSE subjects are now assessed on a 1-9 scale with a ‘pass’ being a grade 5

Our Curriculum• A traditional model

• Almost no limitations on option choices

• Extra importance on the baccalaureate subjects in reformed performance tables/ college applications - Humanities – History and Geography

MFL – French and Spanish

Computer Science

Science

Some students have more personalised approach and will receive some alternative provision –Horticulture, I3 support, Academy Support provision etc

Two year option courses• A necessity to revert back to a traditional two year

options model at KS4– Only Y9 students in classes (Y10 will choose separately)

– Choose four options (unless following an alternative curriculum)

– 3 lessons per week per options subject

– 1 lesson per week of compulsory ICT in Y10

– 2 lessons per week of Core PE in Y10 and Y11

– Full pastoral model with PSHE taught through form time and continuation of the Super Learning Day Programme

Overview• Compulsory GCSE’s in Maths, English Language, English Literature and Science (some

students may be able to choose Triple Science as an extra option subject)

• Physical education – Core PE

• A personal development programme delivered through Super Learning Days

• 4 Optional Subjects from the two groups below – at least one from each group one

GROUP 1 GROUP 2

GCSE History All of the Group 1 subjects PLUS

GCSE Geography GCSE Art GCSE Resistant Materials GCSE Food

GCSE French GCSE Business Studies GCSE Media GCSE Music

GCSE Spanish GCSE Photography GCSE Physical Education GCSE Textiles

GCSE ComputingGCSE Philosophy and

EthicsBTEC Dance

BTEC Health and Social Care

GCSE Triple Science (for selected students)

BTEC Sport

Why a vocational qualification (BTEC)?

• They involve more practical work than most traditional GCSEs. They recognise skills that are valuable in the workplace.

• Less of the final mark is based on exams than in most traditional GCSEs. More of the final mark is based on your coursework record.

• Better preparation for Advanced Vocational courses at college, which many students choose, but other routes will still be available.

• If you have good attendance and work steadily you should do well.

• Well qualified vocational workers are in a strong position in the jobs market.

Where do the courses lead?• 6th Forms

• College

• Training

• Employment with Training

• Progression routes available will depend on the level reached at 16.

• Students who achieve a Level 2 qualification will move on to a Level 3 course, i.e. A Level, AS Level, BTEC National

What next?

Date Process

Monday 22 February –

Friday 26 February

Drop-in session with Mr Gilbert and Mrs Grundy during AM Reg

(Humanities breakout)

Friday 26 FebruaryPathways/ option choice deadline

(Forms handed to form tutors)

Please support your child to make an informed choice

Relevant ‘My mates doing it’

Gives Breadth ‘I like the teacher’

Suits my learning style ‘A good laugh’

Assessment method is right for ME

‘Easy’

Progression routes – which qualifications do I need?

X

Thank you for listening, any questions?

Upper Atrium - Option subject displays,

careers guidance and refreshments