Key Stage 5 Options Evening

Key Stage 5 Options Evening

Welcome and introductions • Mr Fleet – Head Teacher • Mr Shaw – Director of Sixth Form • Mr Thomas – Key Stage 5 Coordinator

A/S Results 2016 GRADE

NUMBER

A

50

B

29

C

22

D

11

E

4

U

5

A/S Results 2016 HEADLINES • 96% pass rate • 65% of examinations taken graded A/B • 83% of examinations taken graded C or above

• 74% on or above prediction

A/S Results 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 E+

64%

77%

87%

91%

88%

92%

96%

(100%)

A/B

23%

32%

40%

42%

43%

50%

65%

(68%)

A2 Results 2016 GRADE

NUMBER

A*

12

A

11

B

23

C

21

D

15

E

2

U

0

A2 Results 2016 HEADLINES • 100% pass rate • 55% of examinations taken graded A*-B • 80% of examinations taken graded C or above • 59% on or above prediction

A2 Results 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

E+

90%

100%

97%

100%

100%

100%

(100%)

A*-B

27%

55%

49%

59%

65%

55%

(77%)

A2 Results Comparison UK Average

St George’s

8.1%

14%

Grade A*/A

25.8%

27%

Grade A*-B

52.9%

55%

Grade A*-E

98%

100%

Grade A*

Student Destinations 2016 Destination Erasmus, Rotterdam LIPA Aarhus University The Academy of Freelance Make-Up(AoFM) Maastricht Erasmus, Rotterdam Queen Mary’s Exeter Copenhagen Groningen Hotel School, The Hague Plymouth University

Course International Economics and Business Music performance Political Science Make up artistry Law International Economics and Business Law and Politics Maths and Physics Economics Chemistry Events and Hospitality Management International Relations & History

Student Destinations 2016 Destination Exeter Groningen Imperial College London (UL) Groningen Manchester University Amsterdam Edinburgh Cardiff Trier University International Peoples College Copenhagen Sussex University

Course Psychology Photography & Design Biochemistry Computing Science Biological Science Media English Literature Economics with French German Combined Studies Marketing and Management

What is an A Level?

• 2 year course Advanced Level qualification for 16 -19 year olds • Universally recognised as a school leaving certificate and a gold standard internationally.

• Highly valued by universities and employers and gateway to entry into higher education • We offer 17 subjects, plus Further maths and EPQ • Grades A* - E

How do they work?

• Each A level consists of a number of modules which are assessed at the end of the year. For example: • 6 modules = AS (Year 1) • 4 modules = A2 (Year 2) • Significantly harder than GCSE!

How do they work?

A Level

AS - Yr12 Choose 4

YEAR 1

The 2 Year Programme

A2 – Yr13

Drop 1 END YEAR 1

Specialise with 3

YEAR 2

Modular or Linear?

• Modular A-Levels are those where the marks achieved at AS Level, at the end of Year 12, count towards their overall ALevel grade, at the end of Year 13.

• Linear A-Levels are those where the students are free to take the AS Level, but the marks will no longer count towards the A-Level grade. Instead they will be a standalone qualification and if students wish to continue in this subject to A-Level then they will be examined on the two year course at the end of Year 13.

• AS Levels earn 40% of the UCAS points of an A Level.

Why do A Levels?

Advantages of A Levels

Disadvantages of IB

4 subjects at AS then 3 at A2, in any suitable combination

6 subjects – must include Maths, English, Science, Language, Humanities plus an option from the Arts or one additional from the other blocks

Depth of knowledge – linked to university course content

Lack of depth – causes concern at university level in some subjects

Understood by UK universities

Concerns over how much work is required to achieve university entrance

Balanced

Significant time constraints

Nationally 81% success rate in getting to first or second choice university

Only 69% success rate

Stretch and challenge – new A* grade at A2

Most significantly A Levels meet the needs of our students

BTECs • BTECs are career-based qualifications designed to give students the skills they need to move on to higher education or go straight into employment.

• BTECs develop a range of practical knowledge and skills which help learners to prepare for their chosen career. Classroom style teaching combined with project work and practical, work-related activities help to develop students' behavioural skills, which can include teamwork, creative thinking and presentation skills.

• More employers and Higher Education institutions than ever before are choosing BTEC-qualified candidates for their academic and practical knowledge and skills.

BTECs • BTECs are graded using a Pass (P), Merit (M), Distinction (D) and Distinction* (D*) scale. If the work produced isn’t of a high enough quality to pass with a P grade, you will be awarded a U, which means ‘Unclassified’. As with A Levels, BTECs qualify for UCAS points.

• The BTEC we are offering in school is a Double Award which means it takes the place of 2 A Levels.

• Please speak to Mrs Williams and Mr Reilly for further information.

What combination of subjects? • Think about next steps: - university course, - country of university, - future - enjoyment - can you handle the content?

Bad practice AVOID:  studying a subject because you like the teacher  studying it because your friends are doing it  being unrealistic over future career and therefore subject content.

Subjects at St. George’s • • • • • • • • • •

English literature Biology Chemistry Physics Psychology Maths Comp Science Business Studies Economics Geography

History Art Media Drama Music/music tech BTEC performing arts French German Further Maths*

Getting into the Sixth Form • To study A Levels you will need to have done well in your GCSEs. • At St George’s we will expect you to have gained at least 5 A* -C grades in your GCSEs. • English & Maths are expected to be passed at C or above to get back in to Sixth Form • Often you will need a GCSE at grade B or above in a subject if you want to go on to study it at A Level.

• Therefore: Entry could require 4 grade B’s plus English & maths.

Importance of your GCSEs • Entry to Sixth Form • Significance for A Level subjects • University application

How can you help?

1. Take a continued interest in your son/daughter’s progress – Copy of timetable – Attend PTS consultation meetings – Sign probation contract each week 2. Inform school of changes in contact details 3. Avoid planning trips, visits, appointments during school time 4. Keep up to date with the school news (parent portal, newsletter)

What happens now?

• • • •

• • • •

Visit all the stands Ask lots of questions Consider the entry requirements Complete the options form – deadline is Friday 17th March Study and do well in your GCSEs Sixth form interviews in August Timetable will be confirmed in September External candidates to liaise with Mrs Tranter

Transition from KS4 to KS5 • Head Girl – Emilie Olufsen • Head Boy – Mykola Murashko

Final word • • • • •

Rich and diverse mix of academic subjects An engaging and challenging program Range of extra curricular and super curricular activities High quality teaching and learning Open door policy for continued support

The outcome?

UCAS Tariffs

Year 12 and 13 -

Achieving Potential • Academic information from Year 11 • ALIS testing – online test to establish academic potential at ages 16 to 18. This is combined with GCSE results.

• Teacher baseline assessments • Ongoing tracking and monitoring • Classwork, homework, past exam questions, mock exams • Probation contract • Regular meetings with Form Tutor and Director of Sixth Form.

• Self - tracking

Year 12 Reporting • • • • • • • • •

Early October – Progress checks Late October – PTSC Evenings 4-7pm Early December – Interim Report Mid-January – Mock examination results Late January – Progress checks February/March - PTSC Evenings 4-7pm March/April – Full end of year reports April – AS practical exams begin Early May – written exams begin

Year 12 Care • Pastoral issues– form tutors liaise with the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Director of Sixth Form and other key staff.

• Academic issues – relevant Head of Faculty • Communication is the key

What else do we offer?

Study skills in SMSC Curriculum support EPQ Further Maths University entrance Careers education and guidance – Futurewise, Careers lunches, careers library, guest speakers • Opportunity for home study • • • • • •

SMSC – Study skills • • • • • • • •

Taking notes Time management Stress management Revision strategies Essay writing Researching Presentation skills Interview techniques

Expectations of students • • • • • •

Independence Organisation skills Attitude in lessons Proactive use of Study Periods SMSC study skills sessions Attendance

Extra-curricular BENEFITS • Balance • Enhances social skills • Health benefits • Try new things • Realise their potential • Excellent for personal statement/CV

Debating Club GIN conference World Challenge Expedition Mérite Jeunesse Global Young Leaders courses School Parliament After schools clubs

Super-curricular • • • • • • • •

Related to subjects Going beyond the classroom Work placements Work shadowing Summer schools University led courses Reading Living and breathing

Why choose the Sixth Form at St. George’s?

• • • • • • • • •

Adult, caring environment Smooth Transition Enjoyable and challenging curriculum Varied enrichment and leadership programme High quality teaching and learning with state of the art resources and facilities Academic monitoring Small teaching groups Highly qualified, experienced and dedicated staff Comprehensive careers package