Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College

1. Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College Key Stage 4 Courses – 2019 Ms Witty – Curriculum Director Ms Gordon – Director of Learning Year 8

2. Compulsory subjects - Core English Mathematics Science Citizenship PE

3. Option Subjects - Choices Art, Craft & Design Business/Enterprise & Marketing Child Development Computer Science Dance D&T: Textiles-based/ D&T: Timber-based Drama/Performing Arts Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography Health & Social Care History Media/Creative Media Production /Creative iMedia (IT) Music PE/Sport Science Religion, Philosophy & Life Spanish

4. Organisation for Core Subjects Year group divided into two bands – not Lukin and Wells Band A and Band B – even bands 4 classes in each band for the core subjects Each core subject will place students in a set depending on their ability in that subject

5. Three Pathways – H, R & S for option subjects More personalised approach Based on: • achievement • learning styles • assessment preference Aim for ‘personal best’

6. The Pathways Pathway S take the English Baccalaureate – English, maths, science, a language (French or Spanish) and a humanities subject (history or geography) + 2 other choices Pathway R don’t have to take a language, but can if they want to take a humanities subject (history or geography) + 3 other choices Pathway H take at least two vocational subjects + 2 other choices more practical subjects more coursework/fewer exams

7. The Pathways Pathway S take the English Baccalaureate – English, maths, science, a language (French or Spanish) and a humanities subject (history or geography) + 2 other choices Pathway R don’t have to take a language, but can if they want to take a humanities subject (history or geography) + 3 other choices Pathway H take at least two vocational subjects + 2 other choices more practical subjects more coursework/fewer exams

8. The English Baccalaureate “The EBacc is a combination of subjects that the government thinks is important for young people to study at GCSE.” DfE • English • Maths • Two separate sciences or combined science • A language (French or Spanish) • Either geography or history

9. Qualifications in KS4 GCSEs – most will have assessment by exams only BTEC Tech Awards –40% externally assessed exam or task, 60% assignments (coursework) Cambridge National Certificates - 40% externally assessed exam or task, 60% assignments (coursework) Check the course descriptions in the Options booklet for details of assessment

10. KS4 Assessment For GCSEs, previously grades A* - G Now grades 9 – 1 5 or more grade 4s will be necessary to move on to Advanced courses in the sixth form. Some subjects require grade 5 or 6. Some qualifications will have Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction* grades Pass is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4/5

11. The New GCSE Grading System • The new GCSE content will be “more challenging” • The majority of subjects will be assessed solely through exams taken at the end of two or three years of study

12. Choices, Choices, Choices • Your child’s education or training will continue until they are at least 18 • Year 8 Choices – 4 option subjects • Year 11 Choices – subjects for Sixth Form, or College, or an Apprenticeship • Year 13 Choices – University, or an Apprenticeship, or Employment

13. Careers Research • Students don’t have to have a career in mind • Use Kudos to match their interests to careers • www.cascaid.co.uk/kudos • Instructions in PSHCE lessons • www.russellgroup.ac.uk/for-students/school-and-college-in-the-uk/subject-choices-at-school-and-college/ FAQs • www.university.which.co.uk GCSE choices and unis • See Mrs Kay, Careers Adviser, outside the Hall • See Mrs Abbott in the Careers Centre in school

14. Do consider your career aims Do take subjects that you enjoy Do take subjects that you are good at Do ask your teachers for advice Do aim for a broad and balanced curriculum – a variety of subjects How to make choices – Do’s

15. Don’t choose a subject just because your friends are taking it Don’t choose a subject just because you like your current teacher Don’t choose too many similar subjects Don’t choose a subject because you think it is an ‘easy option’ – there aren’t any! How to make choices – Don'ts

16. What happens next? • Options Evening – Tuesday 26 March, 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Talks/visit to subject stalls • A link will be sent to your child’s email account on Wednesday 27 March • Make four choices and a reserve online • Deadline for choices – Friday 26 April • Students will be organised into viable options groups • Discussions with some students about choices

17. Your child can log on with their school account. The Student Choices page will be displayed.Prioritise the choices by clicking the choices and selecting the relevant position in the My Choices in Order of Preference list.

18. Filling in the Choices Form

19. Subject Locations • Corridor between the main office and Art stairs – Art, Craft & Design • A013 - Music • A05 – Maths & Science • A06 – Computer Science and iMedia • Learning Zone - Business Studies, Enterprise & Marketing, Child Development and Health & Social Care • C01 – History, Geography & Religion, Philosophy & Life • E01 – PE& Sport Science • Dance Studio - Dance • E102 – French & Spanish • E103 – Media, Media Production, Drama & Performing Arts • E104 – Food, D&T: Timber &Textiles • Outside Hall – Independent Careers Adviser – Mrs Kay

20. ANY QUESTIONS?