INTRODUCTION

KS4 – A NEW CURRICULUM PHASE IN YEARS 10 AND 11

When students move into Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11), they enter a very there is a degree of choice over what they should study and the fact that motivating.

Over the last few years the range of options available for students to study has grown and changed. We appreciate the challenge for students and parents to make choices - to develop a KS4 pathway - without some clear guidance.

Our aim in respect to the option process, remains very straight forward. We believe that students do well at school when they enjoy their studies and when they experience success on a daily basis – our aim is to see that students both enjoy and achieve.

To this end we have created a personalised KS4 pathway for all students.

Pathways may differ for each student but all offer a broad, balanced, challenging and achievable curriculum to suit each student’s interests and abilities.

The range of subjects we offer complements the school’s own policy to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that enables all students to reach their full potential.

PERSONALISED KS4 PATHWAYS

The core curriculum comprises core subjects that all students follow.

The optional curriculum includes optional subjects that students may choose from the range on offer.

CORE SUBJECTS

The core subjects remain compulsory to develop the key skills which all adults will need regardless of their chosen occupation.

The core examination subjects are: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics,

Science and Spanish.

The core curriculum also includes non-examination subjects which are Physical

Education (PE), Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education (PSHCE) and Religious

Education (RE). These are designed to equip students with the skills needed to participate fully in society as a valuable member of the community.

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS:

Level 2 Award in Child Development and Care (CACHE) Computer Science BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production Level 2 Dance Design Technology BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology Drama BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise Fine Art Food Preparation and Nutrition Geography BTEC Tech Award in Health & Social Care History Music Philosophy & Ethics Physical Education Sociology Textiles

UNDERSTANDING KS4 QUALIFICATIONS

CACHE).

ASSESSMENT OF GCSES

subject in the KS4 Curriculum (Years 10 and 11).

The assessments for GCSEs will cover most subjects and will be graded numerically from 9-1 (with 9 being the highest) and all numbers will be passes. Numerical grades of 5 or above are the entry levels expected for university education.

The various Examination Boards are listed for your information. These are the organisations that set the examination content and are responsible for marking exam papers and distributing results. To support your preparation for exams it can be helpful to visit Examination Board websites for details of exam content (known for new courses.

ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL 2 TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS

knowledge and associated practical skills. Technical awards are weighted the same as GCSEs but may be assessed differently. The awarding grades may be reported as

Distinction* - pass (Distinction* being the highest).

PROGRESSION

The KS4 pathways are designed to ensure that all students are able to progress at a level and pace appropriate to them. The pathways have been chosen based on a student’s progress to date and their projected progress.

It is possible for all students to go on to study A Levels, BTECs, apprenticeships or vocational training regardless of their pathway.

MAKING CHOICES – A WORD TO STUDENTS

It is important for you to make the right decision, so please act on the advice offered below: Discuss possible choices with your parents. Choose subjects that you think you will enjoy. If you are choosing a GCSE, check with your teachers what grade they think you might get at the end of the course. Talk to older pupils about how they made up their minds and how they have progressed in their options. DO NOT CHOOSE A SUBJECT BECAUSE OF WHAT YOUR FRIEND IS DOING - they have a completely different set of needs and talents to you! Concentrate on how you feel about a subject not how you feel about the teacher. Find out what subjects are necessary for a particular career you have in mind. Read all the material in this booklet and ask your form tutor if there is anything you do not understand.

WHERE TO NOW? YEAR 9 TO YEAR 13

YEAR 9

Personalised Curriculum Pathway chosen for you

Skills’ Checklist – what suits you?

Subject / Form Teacher / Home views – your future?

YEARS 10 & 11

Core GCSEs Option Subjects

YOUR PERSONALISED PATHWAY POST 16/YEARS 12 & 13 Level 3 Courses (A-level & Applied)

leading to Higher Education/Career Choices

Level 2 Courses leading to A-level/ vocational training

THE PROCESS FROM HERE...

Look at your personalised pathway that you have been given and start to make your choices. Attend the Options Evening on Thursday 30th January 5.45-8.00pm. Fill out AND return the Options Form by Friday 14th February at the latest.