Personalised StageOptions Evening

Tuesday 6th May 2014

Changes to GCSEs…

• Current Year 8 will be taking GCSEs in June 2017.

• New GCSEs in English & Maths• New ‘number’ outcomes in these subjects• Other subjects – current courses, and

grades.• From 2015 all students in education or

training until 18

What is ‘Personalised’ Learning?

 

Most Schools Gordano

Year 7

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3

Year 8

Year 9

Key Stage 4Year 10Key Stage 4

Year 11

Year 12Sixth Form

(Key Stage 5)

Sixth Form(Key Stage 5)

Year 13

What type of courses are there?

Level 2 ACADEMIC COURSES (GCSEs) – courses that are more traditionally classroom-based and are assessed by exam, or a combination of coursework and exams.

VOCATIONAL COURSES (BTECs / Cambridge Nationals) – courses that are usually practical or are assessed by assignments and coursework

Level 1 Courses that are designed for students who are not yet ready to step up to Level 2 (GCSE Level) courses - or it may be a good idea to study a combination of Level 1 and 2 courses.

What subjects will students study?

Core Subjects

Compulsory Subjects

Option Subjects

CORE SUBJECTS• ENGLISH

– English Language GCSE (All)– English Literature GCSE (most)

• MATHS– Maths GCSE

• SCIENCE• EITHER Separate Science GCSEs(Biology,

Chemistry, Physics)• OR Core Science and Additional Science• OR Entry Level and Core Science

• LANGUAGES– French, Spanish or German GCSE (most)

LANGUAGES

• Vast majority will continue with their language to GCSE.

• Students can choose a second (or even third!) language as an option.

• Which language students are doing DOES need to be shown on the options form.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

• CORE PE – not examined

• ICT – Cambridge National Qualification in ICT (equivalent to ½ a GCSE)

• ETHICS – Short Course GCSE (½)

Opportunity to choose ONE of these subjects to be a “FULL” course equivalent, or MAJOR in SPORTS LEADERSHIP.

MAJOR / MINOR choices

• Everyone will study Ethics as a minor choice AT LEAST.

• Students will need to make your choices for major and minor subjects:– MAJOR (4 lessons)

• Ethics (full course GCSE)• ICT (full course Cambridge National)• Sports leadership (Suite of qualifications)

– MINOR (2 lessons)• Ethics (Half course GCSE)• ICT (Half course Cambridge National)

OPTION SUBJECTSAcademic (GCSE)

French, German, Spanish, Geography, History, Business Studies, Psychology, Economics, PE.

Product Design, Resistant Materials, Graphics, Electronics, Textiles, Catering, Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Photography, Computing

Vocational (BTEC / Cambridge National)

Travel & TourismHealth and Social CareConstructionSports ScienceiMedia

Skilled For Life (Level 1) – mix of units (English, Maths, Work Skills, Work Experience, Personal / Social skills

In a Nutshell…….All options courses take 3 years, the major/minor courses will finish in year 10.

There are new subjects – students will have the opportunity to take subjects from the Social Science Faculty that they have not previously encountered – taster sessions for these in early May

There are a range of academic, practical and ‘vocational’ choices

Completing the Options Form

 

What should students consider?What is the course about?

What will the exam be like?

Is there controlled assessment or project work? How much does this contribute to the overall grade?

Is the course a level 1 or level 2 course (or both)?

Put yourself first - this is your chance to take control of your learning and shape your future.

It's important to choose options that interest and motivate you.

What interests you? What makes you work hard?

Look at all your options before you make a decision

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that some subjects are only for boys and some only for girls - this isn't true

If you have a firm career idea, choose subjects that you'll need for the next stage of your career journey - the ones you need to go into further or higher education or into an apprenticeship or job with training

If you don't have a firm career idea, choose subjects that will allow you to keep your options open

 

What should students consider?

Talk to your friends – but do not to be persuaded to take subjects they are choosing in the hope that you will be together. This may not happen. In any case, it must be your interests and skills that determine your choices, not someone else’s.

 

Good Reasons Bad Reasons

You're good at the subject. Your friends are doing it.

You think you'll enjoy the course. People say it's easy.

It fits your career ideas and plans. You think it's a good course for a boy or for a girl.

It goes well with your other choices. Someone else thinks that it's a good idea but you disagree.

You're interested in the knowledge and skills it develops.

You like the teacher you have now. 

It will give you plenty of choice in the future. You didn't have time to research your options properly

Reasons for Choosing your Options

What should students consider?

The ‘EBacc’• new measure for schools (from 2011), NOT a qualification for

pupils.• C or above in:

– English– Maths– 2 Sciences– A Language– History or Geography

• Universities do highly value the subjects that make up the EBacc, but there is no requirement for a students to have achieved the EBacc measure.

“With the exception of English and Maths, and in a few cases a Modern Foreign Language, most universities have no universal entry requirements in terms of specific GCSE subjects. Subject choice is ultimately much more important at the post-16 or A-level stage”.

Russell Group of Universities

Key Dates 2014

Date Event

7th March Personalised Stage Launch Assembly

25th April Options Assembly; Booklets published

2nd May Social Sciences Taster Session 1 (in Ex. Tutor Time)

6th May PERSONALISED STAGE GUIDANCE EVENING

7th May Technology Subjects Assembly

7th May My PM Session on making choices

9th May Social Science Taster Session 2 (in Ex. Tutor Time)

21st May Deadline for completion of Options Form

June House Learning Manager, Tutor, Careers interviews

July 10th My PM Double Lesson – Intro to Personalised Stage

Where can students go for help and advice?

TeachersTutor

House Learning ManagersStudents already taking the

coursesCareers AdvisorFamily & Friends

Contact us

tinman@gordano.n-somerset.sch.uksrossiter@gordano.n-somerset.sch.uk