Key stage 4pathways evening

February 26th 2015

This evening…

Mrs J Morgan Assistant Head Teacher

Mr J Ryan Head of Sixth Form

Mr I Carter Head of Year

In the canteen, G1 and G2 you will find members of staff ready to answer any of your questions, and provide information about each subject choice.

Changes to KS4 Curriculum in Wales

Qualifications have changed

The bar has been raised!

New GCSE’s in English Language, Numeracy and Mathematics

New Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification for students at Key Stage 4

New GCSE’s in Numeracy and Mathematics

All students will study for both GCSE’s

GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy

GCSE Mathematics

New GCSE’s in Numeracy and Mathematics

GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy Will build on and progress from the

levels of numeracy expected at the end of Key Stage 3

Will assess the mathematics that students will need in their everyday lives (applying skills)

Will focus on applying mathematical concepts to everyday situations

New GCSE’s in Numeracy and Mathematics

GCSE Mathematics Will extend to aspects of mathematics

needed for progression to scientific, technical or further mathematical study

Will focus on mathematical concepts and procedures

New GCSE’s in English

All students will study for both GCSE’s

GCSE English Language (new)

GCSE English Literature (amended)

New GCSE’s in English and Literacy

Skills for the English Language GCSE will be taught through delivery of the Literature GCSE

More focus on functional skills in English Language

More examination based

New Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification

Skills challenge Certificate = 1 GCSEDeveloping and applying skillsSupporting qualifications

English Language GCSE Mathematics – Numeracy GCSE 3 other qualifications (2 can be vocational)

Please watch this short video about WBQ

What does this mean?

What does this mean for the KS4 Curriculum at St Joseph’s RC High School?

More time is needed for Mathematics

Two additional hours per fortnight

Dedicated WBQ lessons

Three hours per fortnight

Pathways Forms

Pathways Forms - Compulsory Subjects

The subjects in the Common Core box are compulsory pathway options and will be taken by all students

Pathways Forms – Option Blocks 3 option blocks rather than 4 Never been more important to get decisions right

The right choice…

Please watch this short video of our students. Their view points and advice might answer some of your questions.

Make the right choice for the right reason

Grades count, rather than subjects B grade in English Language and

Mathematics-Numeracy is needed for teaching

However there are exceptions:Advised to take STEM subjects for engineering

Science, Technology, MathematicsFor medicine you need either Triple Science or Double Science (Core and Additional)Two similar traditional subjects are fine eg. Geography and History

Make the right choice for the right reason

Vocational courses are not always a pathway to A Level in that subject

Your A Level choices will generally come from your GCSE choices

For employment ensure a range of subjects

What support is available?

Activities in PSE Form tutors Individual meetings with senior staff

Sample lessons and activities Information from older students Careers advisor

Key Dates…

Pathways Evening

Friday 27th February Reports sent out

Wed 4th MarchParents Evening(Pathways forms will

be distributed)

Pathways forms to be submitted between: 8am Wed 25th March & 4pm Fri 27th March

How can parents/carers help?

Listening

Research assistant

Expert finder

“My parents taught me how to listen to everybody before

I made up my own mind. When you listen, you learn...”Steven Spielberg

Take your time and listen to advice…

“Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”Aristotle

Submission dates

Pathways form handed out at Parents’ Evening:Wednesday 4th MARCH 2015

Must be completed then submitted between:8am on Wednesday 25th MARCH and 4pm on Friday 27th MARCH 2015

THESE DATES ARE NOT FLEXIBLE

Take your time and listen to advice…

“We all make choices, but in the end, our choices make us”

Ken Levine

Over to you…

CanteenStaff from all subject areas

New subjectsG1 = SociologyG2 = Business

Presentations at:6.00pm, 6.20pm, 6.40pm, 7.00pm, 7.20pm and 7.40pm

Remember…Listen to adviceget the balance rightpick a subject you enjoy

OVER TO YOU…

“We are our choices.”Jean Paul Sartre