“The best way to predict your future is to create it”
Year 9 Planning for the Future
Mr Maunder Vice Principal
To be covered...
•
Changes to assessments
• Subjects offered at Key Stage 4
• Good and bad reasons for picking subjects
• Options Process
Qualification Types
• All KS4 courses are Level 1 & 2 qualifications
• Different qualifications… GCSE
GCSE Assessment
• GCSE grading system (9 – 1)
• All exams are taken at the end of Year 11 with no resits
• Exams are harder
Vocational Assessment – BTEC, CNAT & WJEC
• Equivalent to GCSEs
• Grading system
- Distinction*
- Distinction
- Merit
- Pass
• Assessed by exams and controlled assessment
Broad and Balanced Curriculum
• has a wide range of different types of subjects
• provides you with a well-rounded education and keeps your options open for future study
• prepares you for responsible citizenship, future employment and lifelong learning
Broad and Balanced Curriculum
Compulsory Subjects
• GCSE English & GCSE English Literature
• GCSE Maths
• GCSE Combined Science (2 GCSE’s)
• GCSE Religious Education
• Physical Education
We also expect most students to study:
• French, Spanish or Latin
• Geography or History
Option Subjects
• GCSE Art
• GCSE Business Studies
• WJEC Catering
• BTEC Dance (Performing Arts)
• GCSE D&T (Timber)
• GCSE Drama
• GCSE Engineering
• GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition
• GCSE French
• GCSE Geography
• GCSE History
• CNAT Information Technology (IT)
• BTEC Music
• GCSE Psychology
• GCSE Spanish
• CNAT Sports Science
Targeted Options
• GCSE Latin
• GCSE Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs)
• Learning Support
• EAL
Will I get the options I pick?
Maybe!
• Small classes won’t run
• Size limit on certain subjects
• Some subject combinations will be impossible
• Some subjects will be unsuitable for certain students
Can I make changes after the process?
Maybe!
• Changes get harder as the timetable is prepared
Questions to consider
• If the subject is new, what is involved?
• Do subject teachers and Form Tutors think this is a sensible choice?
• Are you fully informed before making a decision?
REASONS TO TAKE A SUBJECT
Good Reasons
• I am good at this subject
• I enjoy this subject
• I have researched this subject and know I would enjoy it
• I am good at things involved (skills) in this subject
• My teachers have told me I am good at this subject
Bad Reasons
• My friend is choosing this subject
• I like the teacher who teaches me
• My older brother did this subject
• My parents want me to do this subject even though I am no good at it or don’t enjoy it
• This subject is new so it must be good
• I want to have a career in this particular area
What
mistakes should I avoid in choosing my subjects?
Most practical subjects do require written work and assessments.
Its new, so it must be a good subject
I like the sound of the name of the subject
Timeline for options process…..
Monday 20 January
Options process starts
Thursday 23 January
Y9 Options and Parents Consultation Evening
Monday 27 January – Friday 7 February
Key Stage 4 Taster Fortnight and Options Booklet given out
Thursday 13 February
Option Forms given out
Thursday 27 February
Deadline for returning option form.
June/July
Letters sent home with final option choices
Options booklet
Options forms
You will be given a personalised options form. The form lists all of the choices available to you.
You will choose 5 option subjects numbering them 1 to 5 in order of preference
Note Will only be allocated 1 Technology subject
Thursday 27 February 3pm
I have seen and approved my daughter’s/son’s choice of subjects for Key Stage 4
Signatures
Parent/Carer Signature:____________________
Student Name:____________________
Student Signature:____________________
Date:____________________
Students who return forms after the deadline may not receive their choice of subjects.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it”
Year 9 Planning for the Future
Questions
Mr Maunder Vice Principal