GCSE Choices Parent Presentation 4/12/2019 Welcome & Whos who - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Year 10 GCSE Choices Parent Presentation

4/12/2019

Welcome & Who’s who…

• Mrs Yeates:

Head of Key Stage 3&4 Careers

• Mr Robb:

Head of Careers

• Mrs Skuce:

Careers Administrator

• Mr Hamilton: Head of Year 10
• Mrs Henry:

Vice-Principal

• Mrs Madden: Principal
• Miss Emma Kirk: EA Careers Advisor

Agenda

• Personal Career planning
• Career trends
• Subject choices & Careers
• Subject choices forms
• What next?
• Question Time

Personal Career Planning

Career Planning Help Sheet – Year 10

Step 1: Thinking about your abilities & Interests

The best place to start is to visit websites like: 1.www.icould.com/buzz/ and take the quiz. 2.http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and- services/education-and-learning/careers.htm and follow the menu. Register and complete the interest questionnaires. 3.https://successatschool.org/advice/subjects and explore career information.

icould

NI Direct: www.nidirect.gov.uk/Careers

Success at School

• To watch short videos of people working in different sectors visit

www.icould.com and follow links for “watch film stories” and “stories by employment sector.”

• www.ucas.com - enables you to research higher education courses.
• Once they have decided on the job family, job, course or subject area that

might interest them, it is important to read relevant literature and websites. As they become better informed about the job or course they should be able to describe the entry requirements (including relevant subjects), skills required and learn about professional bodies etc.

• Subject teachers will be happy to suggest useful websites describing careers

related to the study of their subject. A Google search often brings positive results!

• Contact someone already working in the sector and ask them about their job.

Most people will be happy to flag up the positive and negative aspects of their job.

Step 2: Researching Careers & Courses

• Acquire new skills and develop those that you already have,

perhaps through clubs outside school or voluntary

• rganisations. (Eg: Red cross, St John’s Ambulance, GB/BB,

Scouts/Guides, sports teams).

• Develop vital transferable skills like teamwork, ICT skills,

communication, leadership skills, presentation skills etc. Look at the school website for more ideas of Extra-curricular areas to get involved in.

• Take opportunities to volunteer in a chosen career sector

during a school holiday or at the weekend.

Step 3: Developing New Skills

Agenda

• Personal Career planning
• Career trends
• Subject choices & Careers
• Subject choices forms
• What next?
• Question Time

There are Job opportunities across all occupational areas in Northern Ireland BUT there is higher demand in occupations relating to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). As the world becomes increasingly technology dependent it is anticipated that STEM areas will grow significantly. This will require people to get a good education in STEM subjects.

What’s Trending! Future Job Opportunities in NI & Globally

• ICT:

Software development, database development, systems architecture and internet specialist skills, mobile communication, computer games, touch screen technology, satellite navigation devices .

• Creative and digital media

Cloud computing, mobile technologies, computer games and digital entertainment, cyber-security products and services.

• Agri-food sector

Laboratory technicians, food scientists, bio- technology, machine operatives, butcher, supply chain manager.

The following areas are extremely important to the Northern Ireland economy:

• Business and financial services

Accountants, bank officials, underwriters, insurance and investment brokers, actuaries and pensions advisers.

• Advanced manufacturing and engineering

This includes careers requiring CAD skills, mechanical and electrical engineering skills including at technician level.

• Renewable energies and recycling

Mechanical engineers, research and development managers, physical scientists, design and development engineers, biological scientists and biochemists.

• Health and life sciences

Ambulance paramedics, Physiotherapists, Dentists, Veterinary Nursing, Pharmacists, Nurses, Doctors, Dental hygienists, occupational therapists etc.

The following areas are extremely important to the Northern Ireland economy:

Agenda

• Personal Career planning
• Career trends
• Subject choices & Careers
• Subject choices forms
• What next?
• Question Time

• 1. Think about your career goals – if you have
• ne.
• 1. What subjects are needed for that career?
• 1. Weigh up your options.
• 1. Make the decision
• 1. Check/Reflect: Have you made a good

choice?

Which subjects should you choose?

• 6. What would this subject combination rule
• ut in terms of careers?

1. Project work 2. Working with numbers 3. Writing assignments 4. Laboratory work 5. Learning languages 6. Using computers 7. Designing and drawing 8. Playing sports 9. Performing in plays or concerts

• 10. Making things
• 11. Working with others
• 12. Meeting deadlines

What subjects are you best at & what types

• f work do you enjoy doing?

1. Playing sport or exercising 2. Writing 3. Playing computer games or using the internet 4. Building or repairing things 5. Acting, singing, dancing or playing musical instruments 6. Designing and making things 7. Budgeting your money 8. Attending youth clubs and meeting friends 9. Organising Events eg: parties or trips

• 10. Being outdoors whatever the weather

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Agenda

• Personal Career planning
• Career trends
• Subject choices & Careers
• Subject choices forms
• What Next?
• Question Time

A Strategy For Choosing GCSE Subjects!

Five questions : (1) Which subjects are compulsory? (Maths, English Language & Science) (2) What subjects do you like? (3) What subjects are you good at? (4) What subjects are required for your future career pathway? (5) What career areas would your choices rule out?

• English Language (Compulsory)
• Mathematics (Compulsory)
• RE Enrichment (Compulsory, Non-exam - Doesn’t

count as one of your choices)

• Science (3 Options)

Provisional Subject Choices Form

• All pupils will study 9 GCSEs

Science Options

• Single Award – All 3 sciences studied with 1 module

completed in each. Equivalent to ONE GCSE subject and 1 grade is awarded.

• Double Award – All 3 sciences are studied with 2

modules completed in each. This is the equivalent to TWO GCSE subjects and two grades are awarded.

Changes to choices for 2020

• 1. Widening Opportunities
• 2. Additional Choice
• 3. Religious Studies as Enrichment

Changes to Curriculum

• English Literature:
• English Literature is no longer a compulsory subject.
• However we would encourage all able students to

continue with the subject at GCSE.

Points to Note:

• In Scotland some universities will look for English Lit

at GCSE as a discursive subject.

• If English Literature is not studied at GCSE it will rule
• ut studying English at A Level.
• Some Scottish universities prefer teaching applicants

to have either Math or English Literature at A level.

Changes to Curriculum

French & Spanish:

• Studying a language at GCSE is no longer compulsory.
• However we would encourage all able students to continue

with a language to GCSE.

Points to note: 1. Some Universities in the Republic of Ireland require a language at GCSE. 2. Being able to speak a language is a skill carried through life – not just a GCSE. 3. Languages open doors to careers internationally. 4. Most Universities require 2 languages at GCSE to study a Language course at Degree level. 5. Many courses offer joint honours with languages. Eg: Law, Business, Economics etc.

Changes to Curriculum Religious Studies:

• Religious studies must be taught up to year 12 as

part of the statutory curriculum.

• Students can select to study Religious Studies as

a full GCSE.

• There is no short course Religious Studies.
• Everyone will have one period of RE Enrichment

in their timetable. This will follow an Ethics course but will not be examined as a GCSE exam.

** New Subjects at GCSE **

• Business Studies– This is the second year that

Business Studies will be offered as a GCSE.

• Health & Social Care– Not a new GCSE but a

new subject for Year 10 pupils.

• Moving Image Art– This will be offered this

year and may be ran as a class depending on uptake

Some important differences... Digital Technology

Digital Technology (Multimedia) develops core skills and understanding with an emphasis on the creative elements such as graphics, animation, sound and website development. Digital Technology (programming) develops core skills and understanding with an emphasis on programming and learning the languages and concepts that are used to develop modern computer systems.

Some important differences... Further Mathematics

• An advanced Mathematics GCSE.

Only students good at Mathematics (and who actually enjoy it) should consider this.

• Goes beyond the normal GCSE extending knowledge and skills in

areas like Trigonometry, Algebra and Statistics & also considers new areas like Calculus, Logarithms, Matrices, Kinematics and Forces.

• Helps students in other areas that require mathematical knowledge

and skills, E.g. Higher level science, geography, technology, engineering or business.

• Students considering this should have over 85% in Tracking tests and

a minimum score of 70% is required in the year 10 school examination.

Some important differences... Technology

Technology and Design, ‘Systems’ and ‘Product Design’ at GCSE allows all students to study core knowledge in Unit 1. (an exam worth 25% of the final mark) All students study ‘mechanical and pneumatic control systems’ of Unit 2. (an exam worth 25% of the final mark) Only when it comes to unit 3 to things differ. Students who study systems are likely to produce an electronic based project, were as pupils who study product design will produce an outcome that does not include a circuit that they have made. Product Design students predominantly enjoy art, modelling, manufacture and written coursework. Systems students are more likely to favour building and designing circuits however, they are also expected to model, manufacture and produce written coursework. (this coursework is worth 50%

• f the final mark)

Provisional Subject Choices Form – Section A & B

• Some students may be advised to study Single Award

Science.

Science Options

• Triple Award – All 3 sciences are studied with 3

modules completed in each. This is equivalent to THREE GCSE subjects and 3 grades are awarded.

• Pupils who are interested in studying Triple Award

science should put it on their form.

• Only one triple award class of 24 pupils will be

formed each year. Applicants are ranked based on their previous science performance and the top 24 applicants are offered first refusal of the places in the class.

Important Science information

• Science at A level: Both Double Award and Triple

Award science will allow pupils to progress to A level providing they meet the subject entry criteria.

• It will be in the interests of some students to study

Single Award science, and they will have been advised of this opportunity.

• SA allows for a greater range of subjects to be

selected, however, it is important to note that this means they would be unable to study A level science within LGS.

Provisional Subject Choices Form – Section C

• The order in which you number section C is VERY

IMPORTANT! Mrs Henry will explain…

Section C – Worked Example Triple Science: Considering Career in Architecture

Section C – Worked Example Double Science: Considering Career in Law

** Warnings! **

• Disallowed Combinations:

⮚ It is not possible to study both Digital Technology Multimedia and Digital Technology Programming. ⮚ It is not possible to study both Technology Systems and Technology Product Design.

• Applied Subjects such as, Health and Social Care and Sports

Science and the Active Leisure Industry, if taken to A level may not always be accepted by Universities in the Republic

• f Ireland.
• Pupils can make changes at a later stage but ……changes

will be dependent on the timetable and class sizes.

• Some subjects may not run if not enough students have

selected it.

For more in depth subject information:

Read the subject booklet you have received. ❖This outlines the Course which pupils would follow in that subject. ❖It includes information on the form of assessment the GCSE uses: for example the % of work within the subject which is assessed by elements of course work throughout the 2 years (called Controlled Assessment). ❖Also consider which style of assessment suits your child when selecting certain GCSE’s.

❖www.limavadygrammar.org.uk

Try to keep pupil options open while pursuing pupil strengths

• There are many other career opportunities

available other than the ones pupils will be aware

• f at present.
• They will develop and change as a person over the

next few years. They will learn new skills and discover new qualities about themselves. These may make other career options more appealing later.

Five questions: 1. Which subjects are compulsory? (Maths, English Language & Science) 2. What subjects do you like? 3. What subjects are you good at? 4. What subjects are required for future your career pathway?

Strategy for choosing GCSE subjects

• 5. What would this subject combination rule out in terms of

careers?

Agenda

• Personal Career planning
• Career trends
• Subject choices & Careers
• Subject choices forms
• What next?
• Question Time

Timeline for Choices

Wednesday 4th Dec: Parent & Pupil presentations Wed 8th Jan: Return Provisional Choice form to Form teacher Pupil interviews: Late Feb/Early March Parental consent form returned (Parental interviews if necessary) Final choice

• f GCSE

subjects is complete

Always Research The Entry Requirements For Individual Courses/Universities/Careers

■www.ucas.com ■www.cao.ie ■www.whatuni.com

Careers & Examples of Requirements:

• Most Engineering Courses require Maths and Physics at A

Level so Add. Maths is required. Some accept Technology instead of Physics.

• Many Architecture Courses (at least 7 years to qualify and

register) prefer/require Art at GCSE and Physics or Double Award to GCSE. Maths, Physics and Art to A Level can be

• preferences. Some accept Technology at A Level. A

portfolio of work will be required.

• Food Science Courses require Double Award at GCSE and

prefer Chemistry and Biology at A Level.

Careers & Examples of Requirements:

■ Modern Language Courses some degree courses require two languages at GCSE. ■ Many Law Courses require a very good GCSE profile but most do not ask for specific subjects at A Level. A significant number require students to sit an LNAT Test (www.lnat.ac.uk). You can also study a degree in a subject, other than law, and then do a 1 year conversion course. ■ Optometry- Double Award or 3 Sciences at GCSE. 2/3 of Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics at A Level (see individual courses). Physics not always asked for but very important.

Teaching

• Some Primary Teaching courses require A or B in

GCSE English and Maths.

• Some Scottish Universities seem to prefer

students offering Maths and English beyond GCSE.

• Teaching Experience/Observation is essential –

structured within the classroom setting.

• Interview Preparation is vital.

Medicine, Veterinary & Dentistry

• Best Advice – 3 Sciences/Double Award at GCSE. Very high

grades!

• Study 4 AS subjects and 3 or 4 required at A Level. Top

grades!

• Dentistry requires evidence of manual dexterity

2/3 of Sciences and Maths at A Level is a preference/requirement for many courses aptitude tests required for most.

• Work Experience, voluntary work and thorough interview

preparation essential.

• Aptitude Test - UKCAT. (www.ukcat.ac.uk)

Computer Programming

• A-level to include Computing, Mathematics or

Software Systems Development

• GCSE Mathematics grade C
• Pharmacy preference is often Double Award or

3 Sciences with A Level Chemistry and two from Biol/Maths/Physics

All other Professions – Search the internet!

• Dietetics (www.bda.uk.com)
• Occupational Therapy (www.cot.co.uk)
• Physiotherapy (www.csp.org.uk)
• Podiatry (www.feetforlife.org)
• Radiography (www.sor.org)
• Speech and Language Therapy (www.rcslt.org) download

booklet

• Http://www.hpat.org.uk
• www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk
• Digital Technologies
• Food science

The Relationship Between Work and Results

More Than Grades?

• School Magazine
• Debating
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Sport
• Art/Technology/STEM Club etc
• Music
• Drama
• Work experience
• Voluntary work
• Chess Club
• Law Society
• Computing club

WARNING!

There’s an App for that….

Quizlet (Flash cards) & Duolingo (Lanuages)

Agenda

• Personal Career planning
• Career trends
• Subject choices & Careers
• Subject choices forms
• What next?
• Question Time

Thank you