Transcript Slide 1
Welcome to this Parents Information Session Year 9 OPTIONS
Helen Everitt Curriculum Deputy Headteacher
AIMS
Introduce Oriel’s Year 9 Options Process and our philosophy regarding students choices at 14.
Explain the different types of Qualifications available to students at Oriel in Y10 and 11
BTEC GCSE
Give you advice on how to help students make the right choices for them
Qualifications should: Reflect our changing world Prepare our students to be successful in society Engage students in learning Prepare students for study at college or university, or for work.
Education should not be a ‘one size fits all’ system We should recognise: Different needs of our students Different learning styles Different aspirations and goals
CORE –
All students will study: Maths English Language and Literature Science RE PE PDC / Citizenship
Options
Students must then choose subjects to fill the optional parts of the timetable There are three option spaces to fill.
1 2 3
Ensuring Progression
An increasing importance has been placed on the following facilitating subjects: GEOGRAPHY HISTORY COMPUTER SCIENCE SPANISH FRENCH GERMAN University entrance information highlights these subjects as facilitating subjects at A Level for top degree entry
Ensuring Progression
To ensure that students are not being disadvantaged by not opting for a broad range of subjects including a facilitating subject.
Option 1 of the three options must be one of these subjects
GEOGRAPHY HISTORY COMPUTER SCIENCE SPANISH FRENCH GERMAN
OPTION 1
You must pick one of the subjects below:
GCSEs: French, Spanish, German, Computing History, Geography
OPTIONS 2 and 3
BTECs Sport Health and Social Care Music Technology GCSEs: Media, Drama, Music, PE, Dance Fine Art, Textile Art, 3D Design French, Spanish, German, Business Studies, ICT, Computing History, Geography, Sociology, Citizenship, RE Catering, Graphic Products, Systems and Control, Textiles Technology, Product Design,
Choice and Flexibility
At Oriel we offer two different types of qualification for students to choose to study in Years 10 and 11.
These qualifications can be mixed and they are flexible.
BTEC
GCSE
BTECs
Michelle Stephens BTEC Coordinator
About BTECs
• A BTEC is a theoretical, practical and work related course.
• In addition to exams, students complete projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands
The Structure of BTECs
• 75% Coursework • 25% Exam BTEC’s now include a1hr exam in addition to coursework
Which students are suited to BTECs?
• Students who prefer completing projects/coursework • Students who feel that they do not like the pressure of a 100% examinable subjects • Students who enjoy the subject area • Students who want to follow a mix of qualifications to vary the way they will learn
How BTEC is assessed?
• Work experience • Presentations • Role Plays • Research portfolios • Designing publications • Practical assessments such as organising events and working with the local community • Exam for 1 unit
How are the courses graded?
BTEC grades are awarded in the following way: • Level 2 Distinction* • Level 2 Distinction • Level 2 Merit • Level 2 Pass • Level 1
Not A-Es
Where can a BTEC qualification lead?
• Sixth Form- BTEC Nationals (Level 3) • Into the workplace – Highly accepted by organisations. It allows an easier transition from School to work • Apprenticeships
But do Universities accept BTECs?
• BTEC are accepted by all Universities • Research has shown that students who have completed BTEC courses are better prepared for university than those who have undertaken A-Levels. This is due to the skills acquired on the BTEC courses
GCSEs
Victoria Pooley Subject Leader for Science
What is a GCSE?
• GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.
• GCSEs are the main qualification taken by 14 to 16 year olds • You can take GCSEs in a wide range of academic and work related subjects.
• It's highly valued by schools, colleges and employers • The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigative work. • Some subjects also involve practical work e.g. Art • They are graded from A* to G. Grades D to G are Level 1 qualifications and A* to C are Level 2 qualifications
How are GCSEs examined?
•
Exams
•
Controlled Assessment
Exams
All GCSEs are examined by
terminal examinations
at the
end of the course
For the majority of courses this will be at the
end of year 11
Although rare, there may be a situation where a student takes a GCSE early, in this case the terminal examination may be at the end of year 10
An example… ‘triple’ and ‘double’ science
Students taking
‘double science’
discrete
GCSE courses
will cover two
Science Additional science
Core science content and controlled assessment covered during year 10 Additional science content and controlled assessment covered during year 11
All exams are taken at the end of year 11
Results in the award of ‘science’ GCSE at the end of year 11 Results in the award of a second GCSE – Additional science, also at the end of year 11
An example… ‘triple’ and ‘double’ science
Students taking GCSE separate sciences (triple) will
take all nine 1hr science examinations
(3xBio, 3xChem, 3xPhys) at the
end of year 11
Biology/Chemistry/Physics GCSE are
2 year courses
with content and controlled assessment spread evenly across year 10 and 11 The
end of all three courses
is the
end of year 11
Controlled Assessment
• • Work completed in school under controlled conditions More controlled by the exam boards than coursework – Time limits set by the exam board – Teachers can give some feedback but this may affect the marks that can be awarded – Parents can be involved in the preparation part of some controlled assessment
How to Choose….
Nina Thair Director of Learning: Work and Life Skills
Making Good Choices
Your son or daughter should avoid making choices based on: Their friends’ choices Their current teachers Gender stereotypes One narrow career path
Making Good Choices
Your son or daughter should:
Think about their strengths and weaknesses Think about how they prefer to study and learn Find out how the courses are taught and assessed Keep their choices broad and balanced Research any career ideas they may have Use UCAS to check A Level and BTEC requirements for degree entry
What subjects are included in the English Baccalaureate?
GCSE A* - C in 5 subjects: • Mathematics • English • Science (2 A*-C) • MFL • Humanities (History or Geography only) The Russell Group’s ‘Informed Choices’ document highlights these subjects as facilitating subjects at A Level for top degree entry
A Broad and Balanced Curriculum
The subjects your son or daughter chooses should be a good balance as encouraged by the EBacc but the arts, ICT and technology are very much part of achieving a good balance.
It is important their choices allow progression into further education in a range of subjects which they will enjoy and succeed in.
and higher
Making Good Choices
Further help:
Speak to teachers, our careers adviser Kerry Mann and of course you!
Use the careers websites under ‘Careers and Moving On’ of the curriculum section of the school website Students come along to the Options Evening on 26th March and speak to the teachers about the courses on offer
Next Steps
OPTIONS EVENING – Thursday 26 TH March
Important evening for parents and most importantly students Drop in any time between 6pm and 8pm Receive a further pack of guidance information & options form All Subjects and courses represented Information to collect and take home Speak to teachers See examples of students work
Deadline for Options Forms – Friday April 17 th 2014
You will be asked to pick 5 options and place them in order of preference
OPTION 1 OPTION 2.
OPTION 3: RESERVE 1 RESERVE 2
Wherever possible we will try to guarantee you your first three choices
Our Philosophy
To ensure that students are not being disadvantaged by not being offered the broad range of subjects
To enable students to make an informed choice To empower them to achieve; to inspire them to excel