1. Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College Key Stage 4 Courses - 2016 Ms Witty – Assistant Headteacher Mr James – Director of Learning Year 8

2. Compulsory subjects - Core English Mathematics Science PE ICT (until the end of Y9) Citizenship & Religious Education

3. Option Subjects - Choices Art & Design Business Studies Child Development Computer Science Dance Drama French Food Preparation & Nutrition Geography Health & Social Care History ICT Media Studies Music Performing Arts PE Product Design Spanish Sport Textiles

4. Organisation for Core Subjects Year group divided into two bands – not Lukin and Wells Band A and Band B – 106 in each band 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 the English Baccalaureate – English, Maths, Science plus a language (French or Spanish) and a humanities subject (History or Geography) Pathway R don’t have to take a language but do have to take a humanities subject (History or Geography) Pathway H have to take at least two vocational subjects more practical subjects more coursework/fewer exams

7. Qualifications in KS4 GCSEs –many will have assessment by exams only BTECs – 25% exams, 75% coursework VCERTs - 25% exams, 75% coursework Check course descriptions in the Options booklet

8. KS4 Assessment Previously grades A* - G Now grades 9 - 1 5 or more grade 5s will be necessary to move on to Advanced courses in the sixth form

9. The New Grading System

10. The English Baccalaureate GCSEs at grade 5 or above in • English • Maths • Two Sciences/Combined Science • A language (French or Spanish) • Either Geography or History Quite new – will possibly be necessary for entry to the top universities. www.russellgroup.ac.uk

11. Choices, Choices, Choices • Your child’s education and 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

12. Careers Research • Students don’t have to have a career in mind at this stage • Use Kudos to match their interests to careers • www.cascaid.co.uk/kudos • Instructions in PSHEE lessons • www.russellgroup.ac.uk/informedchoices/ • See Mrs Packer, Careers Adviser outside Hall • See Mrs Abbott in the Careers Centre in school

13. 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

14. 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

15. What happens next? • Visit the subject stalls and speak to teachers • Deadline for choices – Friday 15th April (except 8NL and 8PMC - extension to Friday 22nd April) • First choice and a reserve in each block • Students organised into viable options groups • Individual discussions with some students

16. Filling in the Choices Form

17. Subject Locations • Corridor between main office and Art stairs – Art & Design • A013 - Music • A04 - Business Studies, Child Development and Health & Social Care • A05 – Maths & Science • A06 – Computer Science and ICT • C01 – History, Geography & RE • E101 – PE& Sport • E102 – Languages (French & Spanish) • E103 – English, Media, Dance, Drama & Performing Arts • E104 – Product Design, Catering and Textiles • Outside Hall – Independent Careers Adviser – Lyn Packer

18. ANY QUESTIONS?