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Broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 7 and above as currently achieve a grade A and above. The bottom of grade 1 will be aligned with the bottom of grade G. Grade 5 will be awarded to the top third of students gaining the equivalent of a grade C or bottom third of a grade B. The Department for Education has decided that grade 5 will be a ‘good pass’.
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Welcome toYear 8 Options Information
Evening
Wednesday 13th January 2016
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Year 8 Key Stage 4 Options 2016-2019
Broadly the same proportion of studentswill achieve a grade 7 and above ascurrently achieve a grade A and above.
The bottom of grade 1 will be aligned with the bottom of grade G.
Grade 5 will be awarded to the top third of students gaining the equivalent of a grade C or bottom third of a grade B.
The Department for Education has decided that grade 5 will be a ‘good pass’.
Year 8 students will be making their four GCSE option choices THIS year, rather
than in Year 9 as has been the case in the past.
Why Make Key Stage 4 Options in Year 8? Year 8 students are the first year group to sit new GCSEs in all of
their subjects. The content of new GCSEs will be harder. Coursework and controlled assessments are reduced or removed in
most subjects. Year 9 will be a ‘foundation’ year - an extra year to prepare will reduce
the pressure. More time for English, Maths and Science. More time for option subjects that students take at Key Stage 4. Less time in subjects that students drop. Better preparation for reformed A Levels.
GCSE Pathway Traditional route for most students
Mix of compulsory and optional subjects
Compulsory Subjects English Language English Literature Maths Science (two/three GCSEs) Religious Studies (full/half GCSE)
Core PE* Personal Development*
* Non examined
The English Baccalaureate (“EBacc”)
5+ A* - C must include:
English Language/English Literature Maths Two Science GCSEs (Computing included) A Modern Foreign Language A Humanity (History or Geography)
EBacc Block Students MUST choose at least two GCSE
subjects from the EBacc Block:
Computing French Geography History Spanish
Curriculum Breadth and Balance
We strongly recommend that most students aim for this in their choices. To achieve this students should select:
A humanity (History or Geography)
A foreign language (French or Spanish)
Other GCSE Options
Art
Business Studies
DT Graphics
DT Resistant Materials
DT Textiles
Drama
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Music
PE
Other Options Courses
Level 2 (worth 1 higher grade GCSE) ICT Creative iMedia (CANNOT be studied alongside GCSE Computing)
Applied Business (CANNOT be studied alongside GCSE Business Studies)
Level 1 (currently worth 1 grade D-G GCSE) BTEC Workskills
Progression from GCSE to A Level
Essential
Art Computing DT Geography French Spanish
Desirable
Business Studies Drama History Music PE
• Read the details about the subjects in the options booklet!• Which are the subjects that your son/daughter ENJOYS
studying?• Which are the subjects that your son/daughter is good at? • Does he/she want to study something new?• What are his/her future higher education or career
aspirations? (does he/she already know what path he/she is likely to want to take?)
• What STYLE of learning and assessment does he/she like? (exams, coursework, project-based, practical etc.)
• DON’T base choices upon what his/her friends are going to choose!
How to Choose?
What Happens Next? Read the options booklet with your son/daughter
Attend Parents’ Evening (booking system open at 7:00am tomorrow): Tuesday 26th January (E half) Wednesday 3rd February (H half)
Encourage your son/daughter to talk to his/her teachers!
Tuesday 4th February – free choice options forms issued
By Thursday 11th February – free choice options forms returned
Wednesday 24th February – blocked options forms issued
By Tuesday 1st March – final options forms returned
