Transcript Year 9 Options talk

Wednesday 8th January 2014
Aims of the evening
 To present an overview of the options process
 To highlight the differences between BTEC and GCSE courses
 To indicate the current changes to examinations regulations
 To introduce the ASDAN course
 To outline the process for students to be considered to attend Weston
College Link courses
 To outline the processes involved as students choose subjects
 An opportunity to ask questions for clarification
What Certificates are on offer?
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BTEC
Pass = GCSE C
Merit = GCSE B
Distinction = GCSE A
80% is continually
assessed topic
assignments
 20% is an examination
either as a paper or online test
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GCSE
Grades A*-G
U is a fail
All subjects (other than
Double Science) have
terminal examination
papers at the end of the
two year course
 Controlled assessment
components
What Certificates are on offer?
 Cambridge Nationals
 Cambridge Nationals
IT
 Level 2 course
 Pass = GCSE C
 Merit = GCSE B
 Distinction = GCSE A
 Distinction* = GCSE A*
 50% examination
 50% coursework
Science
 Level 1 = GCSE G-D
 Level 2 = GCSE C-A*
 50% portfolio
 25% practical task
 25% examination
Award Scheme Development and
Accreditation Network (ASDAN)
 Awarded at level 1 or level 2 during years 10 & 11
 Level 1 is equivalent to a GCSE grade C
 Series of tasks within 12 modules of work building up
to individual student portfolios for moderation
 Non- examination
 Students progress at their own pace and are
responsible for their own learning and evidence
gathering
What is the English Baccalaureate?
 To qualify students have to gain a grade C or better in
each of the following curriculum subjects:
 English Language and a pass grade in English Literature
 Two out of three from GCSE Biology, Chemistry &
Physics, or in both certificates for Double Award
Science
 Either GCSE Geography or History
 A GCSE Language: German, French, Italian or Spanish
Additional learning opportunities at 14-16
 Weston College ‘Link Courses’
 This is a process that follows on after options
 There are a limited number of places available
 Applications to be sent off by the third week in April
 There will be individual interviews before selection
 Students selected and successful in their applications
must also take the ASDAN course as one option choice
Core Subjects
 English (Language and Literature)
 Mathematics
 Science (Triple, Double Award or Cambridge Nationals)
 Core Physical Education
 Religious Education
 ICT
 Citizenship
What are Pathways?
English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Core PE,
ICT, RE, PSHCE plus 4 other subjects
Pathway 1
Pathway 2
Pathway 3
Pathway 4
German
ASDAN
Business Studies
History
French
Resistant Materials
Textiles
Spanish
Catering
Product Design
Drama
Geography
3D Art
BTEC PE
Music
Media Studies
Double
Science
Cambridge Science
Triple Science
Triple Science
What are Option Blocks?
Pool A
Pool B
Pool C
Pool D
Pool E
ASDAN
Art
Drama
Art
Cambridge
Nationals Science
Catering
French
Catering
3D Art
Double Science
French
Geography
Engineering
Business Studies
Triple Science
German
History
Geography
Geography
History
ICT
PE GCSE
PE BTEC
Media Studies
GCSE
Resistant
Materials
Textiles
Photography
Health & Social
Care
History
Photography
RE GCSE
Spanish
Media Studies
BTEC
Music
SUBJECT NAME
1st Choice
2nd Choice
3rd Choice
4th Choice
Alternative choice 1
Alternative choice 2
Science
Please put a tick against the one
course that you would like to study:
Mrs Brown (Head of Science) will
consider your suitablity , to study the
course that you tick.
Cambridge Nationals
Double Award
Triple Award
This form will be given to students on Monday 2oth January
Key points about the options form
 Some subjects may become unavailable depending on
the number of students that choose them
 We also reserve the right to discuss with students
possible alternative choices, if we feel that they would
be unsuitable candidates for a subject that they have
chosen
 We usually manage to give 85% of all students at least
3 of their top 4 choices
 You have to sign the form before it is returned.
Considerations
 Balance: There are a multitude of pathways
 Learning Style related
 Appropriate level of challenge
 Future career requirements
 It’s not your future!
 Assemble the facts before making a decision
 Talk it through
 It can be changed
Important dates
 Year 9 data capture reports were issued at the end of last term
 Monday 6th January:
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Option Booklets issued and are available on the school website
Week beginning Monday 13th January:
Curriculum Information week
Monday 20th January:
Option Forms issued to students during tutor time
Wednesday 29th January
Parent/Subject Teacher meeting 4-6.30 pm
Friday 7th February
Return deadline for option choice forms to tutors
By the 31st March
Options confirmed by letter
Any questions