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

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.

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.

BTEC Firsts (Award)

• Applied Science

• Outdoor Adventure (Sport)

• equivalent to 1 GCSE

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.

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?

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

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.

Time scale

• Discussion Nov-Dec 2014

• Monday 7th December 2015 options sheets to be submitted to tutors.

• Timetable written over the Spring Term

• Adjustments made (subject to time table)

1. Curriculum outline.

Service

Activities

PE

Mathematics MFLOne-year options

IDEALS

Science HumanitiesArts and Electives

English

Core Curriculum(all subjects studied over two years)

Options(one and two year courses) Non-

examined curriculum

2. Compulsory Subjects.

Service

Activities

PE

English language

English literature

Mathematics

Mathematics MFLOne-year options

IDEALS

Science HumanitiesArts and Electives

English

Core Curriculum(all subjects studied over two years)

Options(one and two year courses) Non-

examined curriculum

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

Mathematics MFLOne-year options

IDEALS

Science HumanitiesArts and Electives

English

Core Curriculum(all subjects studied over two years)

Options(one and two year courses) Non-

examined curriculum

4. Additional options.

Service

ActivitiesBusiness 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

Mathematics MFLOne-year options

IDEALS

Science HumanitiesArts and Electives

English

Core Curriculum(all subjects studied over two years)

Options(one and two year courses) Non-

examined curriculum

5. Summary.

Service

ActivitiesBusiness 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

Mathematics MFLOne-year options

IDEALS

Science HumanitiesArts and Electives

English

Core Curriculum(all subjects studied over two years)

Options(one and two year courses) Non-

examined curriculum

2 1 1 2 1 2 1

Core: Up to 7 GCSE or equivalent

Options: Up to 3 GCSE or equivalent

Total: Up to 10 GCSE or equivalent

5. Summary.

Service

ActivitiesBusiness 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

Mathematics MFLOne-year options

IDEALS

Science HumanitiesArts and Electives

English

Core Curriculum(all subjects studied over two years)

Options(one and two year courses) Non-

examined curriculum

2 1 1 2 1 2 1

Core: Up to 7 GCSE or equivalent

Options: Up to 3 GCSE or equivalent

Total: Up to 10 GCSE or equivalentPlease be prompt in returning your forms: