Year 9 Options 2016

Key Message

The most important message is that your son should choose subjects where he is likely to succeed and that he enjoys.

They should enable him to progress with his education/training when he is 16.

Different Qualifications

GCSE

BTEC – Vocational (limited exams)

CIDA – Only ICT (limited exams)

Start of a Process

Jan

• Booklets Issued

• Class teachers discussing subjects in lessons

• Form Tutors supporting students in Tutor Time

• Assembly to Students

Feb

• Parents Evening

• 26th Feb Forms returned to tutors

March

• Option choices reviewed and individual issues resolved

• Review of curriculum offer

April• Year 9 Exams

May

• Final review of options

• Ensure curriculum offer is viable

June• Option allocations issued to students and parents

Example 5 Year Plan – Degree Pathway

What degree?

What A levels do I need to meet university entry requirements?

What GCSE subjects should I study to enable me to do the

required A levels?

Compulsory Subjects

English Language

English Literature

Maths

Minimum 2 sciences

RE

Physical Education (No Examination)

New GCSE GCSE Art and Design

GCSE Biology

GCSE Chemistry

GCSE Computer Science

GCSE Drama

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

GCSE French

GCSE Geography

GCSE German

GCSE History

GCSE Maths

GCSE Music

GCSE Physical Education

GCSE Physics

GCSE Religious Studies

GCSE Science (Double Award)

Current Academic Benchmarks in KS4

Bench Mark National Pass Rate

5 A-C or Equivalent Allows progression on to a Level 3 course

65%Boys 60%

5 A- C or Equivalent with English and Maths

Generally allows progression on to all level 3 courses including A level

56%Boys 51%

EBACC A combination of facilitating subjects that are valued by universities

24%Boys 19%

New Government Measures

Progress 8 - Average progress across 8 subjects

Attainment 8 - Average grade across 8 subjects

Question

If the new good pass mark is a grade 5 will students be expected to get 5 subjects at grade 5?

AQA Guidance. Approximately 40% of students pass English and Maths at B

English Baccalaureate

Currently You need to pass all these subjects at a C+ (4/5)

GCSE English Language

GCSE Maths

2 GCSE Sciences (Includes Computer Science)

GCSE History or Geography

GCSE French or German

Do I need to have passed the English Baccalaureate to get into a Russell Group university?

As this document demonstrates, the English Baccalaureate includes academic subjects highly valued by the Russell Group, but it is not currently required for entry to any Russell Group university. (Russell Group 2015/16)

However, entrance requirements do vary between universities and courses (for example Medicine courses sometimes require certain subjects and grades at GCSE). Therefore, the Russell Group strongly encourage students to check universities’ websites for further information.

Is it true that a Modern Foreign Language at GCSE or equivalent is required for entry to Russell Group universities?

Currently University College London (UCL) is the only Russell Group institution to require a Modern Foreign Language GCSE at grade C or

above for all of its programmes. However if you did not take a Modern

Foreign Language GCSE, or if you got a D grade or below, you can still

apply to any UCL degree programme, and it won’t negatively affect your

application. You will not be rejected just because you don’t have it but you

will need to complete a short course in a Modern Foreign Language, either

on a summer school or in the first year of your degree, to catch up.

Although only UCL has a formal requirement in place, Modern Foreign

Language qualifications are valued by admissions tutors across the

Russell Group.

Russell Group 2015/16

Rutlish Recommendations

English Baccalaureate

The school is recommending that students who are predicted a level 6 or above in English and a level 5 or above in MFL should consider following the EBAC Pathway.

Vocational Courses

The school recommends that students with an average point score of 35 and below choose at least one vocational course

Average Point Score (APS)

OPTION A OPTION B OPTION C OPTION D

FrenchGCSE (EBAC) √

ArtGCSE

ArtGCSE

ArtGCSE

GeographyGCSE (EBAC)

Business StudiesBTEC (Vocational)

Business Studies

BTEC (Vocational)

DramaGCSE

GermanGCSE (EBAC)

DT Resistant Materials GCSE

DramaGCSE

DT Graphic ProductsGCSE

RHistory

GCSE (EBAC) RESOL*

(Vocational)

DT -Resistant MaterialsGCSE

√ DT HospitalityBTEC (Vocational)

FrenchGCSE (EBAC)

R EconomicsGCSE

EconomicsGCSE

√

GeographyGCSE (EBAC)

√ GeographyGCSE (EBAC)

HistoryGCSE (EBAC)

GermanGCSE (EBAC)

IT CiDA (Vocational)

ITGCSE

HistoryGCSE (EBAC)

ITGCSE

IT Computer Science

GCSE (EBAC)

Media StudiesGCSE

Media StudiesGCSE

R MusicGCSE

PEGCSE

MusicGCSE

Performing ArtsBTEC (Vocational)

Study Support **(Vocational)

PE SportBTEC (Vocational)

PEGCSE

Restrictions

Only 1 ICT Course

Can’t do both GCSE Drama & Performing Arts

Can’t do both GCSE Economics and BTEC Business Studies

Can’t do both GCSE PE and PE BTEC

Can’t do both Resistant Materials and Graphics.

Only selected students can opt for the ESOL or study support option

FAQ

Can I do both Geography and History?

The school does not actively block this option pathway. However, you need to consider will this provide you with a balanced curriculum.

Can I choose to study French if I have been taught German in KS3?

No unless exceptional circumstances apply

FAQ

Can I study Geography and choose not to study a MFL?

Yes

Will my son be at an advantage if I return the form early?

No. Option forms are only processed after the 18th March.

Two common mistakes

Some students ‘chased’ the EBAC as it was new. Some students failed some components of the EBAC.

Do not assume non EBAC subjects are easier.

Considerations

• Do I enjoy it?

• Can I be successful in that subject?

• What subjects do I need to carry on post 16?/post 19?

• Can I cope with coursework?

• Can I cope with exams?

• Am I leaving my options open?

• Choose the subject for academic reasons?

Research

Talk to students currently doing the course

Talk to the class teachers

Research what subjects you need for different career pathways.

Visit the LRC to view post 16 opportunities. What are their entry requirements?

Discuss with tutors.

If a subject is full

Criteria for Selection

Aptitude and ability for the subject

Potential for benefitting from the course

Overall choice of options

Possible Restrictions

As a school we will endeavour to fulfil the curriculum offer contained within the booklet. However, there may be circumstances where some curriculum options may have to be withdrawn. If this happens then the school will contact you and discuss the situation.

Summary

Choose subjects that will give your son the opportunity of being successful

Choose subjects that he enjoys

Consider the balance of the Options. It is unwise to do lots of subjects that have a significant amount of coursework.

This stage in your sons education must be looked at as a 5 Year plan. What do they need to progress?