The Arnewood School Y8 KS4 Information Evening
Aims To explain … current qualification structure the pathways process what you can do to help … and allow people to begin to think about the choices in discussion with subject teachers.
Qualifications Qualifications and examinations are regulated by OfQUAL. National framework of eight stages – Levels 1-8
Occurs over years 12 and 13 Students can gain Level 3 BTECs, AS and A Level GCEs. • Occurs over years 9, 10 and 11 Students can gain GCSEs, BTECs and • VRQs in different subjects. Students can gain the Ebacc • performance measure. Students should aim to achieve • a Level 2 standard (equivalent of grades 5-9) in at least 8 qualifications.
GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc
GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc GCSE – General Certificate of Secondary Education • Replace O Levels and CSEs. • Students were awarded grades A* – G, but there will be a new grading system 1 – 9 where 9 will be the highest. • Tends to be a structured course of study, followed by terminal examinations (at the end of year 11). Coursework will typically be a small component.
GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc BTEC – Business and Technology Education Council Qualification Modular qualification – short targets • Attainment demonstrated through coursework • over the course, so less emphasis on terminal examinations. Students have very limited opportunity to • resit. BTEC Level 2 Award worth 1 GCSE •
GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc VRQ - Vocational Related Qualifications Allows students to demonstrate • workplace skills. Tends to be a study based, • structured training program. Assessed on the basis of • workplace related activities with a final examination. Has the equivalence of 1 GCSE. •
GCSE BTEC VRQ E-Bacc E Bacc – The English Baccalaureate This is NOT a separate qualification – it is a status that can • be claimed if the student has achieved a grade 5 standard or greater in: English • Maths • Science or Computer Science • Either History or Geography • A Modern Language. • We believe that Universities and Employers will increasingly • look for this status in applicants.
The Arnewood Curriculum Compulsory Optional English Art & Construction Language Design English English ICT Drama Literature Literature Maths Triple History Science Science Media French Studies PE Core German I Media PSHE/RS
Pathways … Pathways are recommended routes that allow students to achieve equivalent success. The guidance we offer is based on what we know about a student’s preferred learning style, aptitudes, progress and potential to achieve. Have routes to post 16 courses or further study. The student must have reserve subjects that they would be happy to study.
The Arnewood Curriculum Compulsory Optional English Art & Construction Language Design English English ICT Drama Literature Literature Maths Triple History Science Science Media French Studies PE Core German I Media PSHE/RS
The Arnewood Curriculum Compulsory Optional English Art & Construction Language Design English English ICT Drama Literature Literature Maths Triple History Science Science Media French Studies PE Core German I Media PSHE/RS
What will students achieve? The Purple pathway: – Designed to ensure students will achieve 9 GCSE qualifications or equivalent, as well as the Ebacc. The Yellow pathway: – Designed to support students by reducing the examination pressure through introducing vocational qualifications. – Students will have the opportunity to gain the Ebacc if they select a language and a humanity. – Students will gain 9 GCSE qualifications or equivalent. – Hairdressing includes a qualification in Health and Social Care, Construction includes a qualification in Materials.
What happens after the options are selected? Once students have selected their subjects they are used to create ‘blocks’. This aims to put certain subjects on at the same time so that they can be timetabled. This is done using the choices students have made and so ensures the maximum of students gain their chosen subjects. What is the implication of this? – If a student changes their mind after the timetable has been constructed, they may find that certain subject combinations are no longer possible. – Students MUST select reserve subjects.
What subjects should be studied? Students should study subjects that are not focussed in one subject area, but are from a range of subject areas. Subjects the student enjoys, and performs well in. The purpose of studying a subject is not just for the subject knowledge, but also for the skills the subject demonstrates the student has. Students must be prepared to meet the requirements of the course. For example: – Drama requires students attend a drama production organised by the school – PE requires students to perform in a practical situation for assessment
Languages A common question is ‘Do I have to study a language?’, typically because students find languages hard. Students are strongly advised to study a language as: – They are considered a ‘facilitating subject’ alongside humanities, Maths, English and science subjects. These are subjects that demonstrate skills employers and particularly universities look for when applying. – Certain universities require a language (e.g. UCL) whilst other admissions tutors value language qualifications in applicants ( Informed choices, 2016) – Some courses have a requirement of or consider a foreign language an advantage to study them – In many countries all 16-17 year olds have to study Mathematics, their home language, a science and a foreign language.
What can I do to help?
What can I do to help? Help with choosing Help with choosing options options Research possible careers • Help clarify why they want to • take subjects (not teachers or friends) Discuss with teachers / career • advisor Speak to people working in the • careers for advice
What can I do to help? Help with choosing options Consider future steps Consider future steps University entry requirements • Work Experience • Career research •
What can I do to help? Look at subject progress Help with choosing options Consider future steps Look at subject progress
What can I do to help? Get Careers Advice Help with choosing options KUDOS – Suggests a career • based on answers to questions. Consider future steps National Careers Website – • Look at subject Information on a wide range of progress jobs. Careers Advisor – can book • Get Careers Advice appointments through tutor. More information and links are • available on Firefly.
What can I do to help? Ask advice from staff Help with choosing options Mr. Hutson, Mr. Pressnell, Mr • Emecz and tutors are available Consider future steps for general questions. Look at subject Subject specialists are available • progress around the school to answer questions about the content of courses or how they are Get Careers Advice examined. Mrs Bennett is available in the • Ask advice from staff Library for careers discussions.
What can I do to help? Help with choosing options Consider future steps Look at subject progress Deadline for the subjects to be chosen: Get Careers Advice Tuesday 20 th February www.arnewood.hants.sch.uk Ask advice from staff
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