The Arnewood School Y8 KS4 Information Evening Aims To explain - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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

• f grades 5-9) in at least 8

qualifications.

GCSE E-Bacc VRQ BTEC

GCSE – General Certificate of Secondary Education

GCSE E-Bacc VRQ BTEC

• 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.

BTEC – Business and Technology Education Council Qualification

GCSE E-Bacc VRQ BTEC

• Modular qualification – short targets
• Attainment demonstrated through coursework
• ver the course, so less emphasis on terminal

examinations.

• Students have very limited opportunity to

resit.

• BTEC Level 2 Award worth 1 GCSE

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 E-Bacc VRQ BTEC

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

• r 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.

GCSE E-Bacc VRQ BTEC

The Arnewood Curriculum

Compulsory

English Language Science Maths English Literature PSHE/RS PE Core

Optional

English Literature I Media French Media Studies Triple Science History ICT Drama Art & Design

Construction

German

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

English Language Science Maths English Literature PSHE/RS PE Core

Optional

English Literature I Media French Media Studies Triple Science History ICT Drama Art & Design

Construction

German

The Arnewood Curriculum

Compulsory

English Language Science Maths English Literature PSHE/RS PE Core

Optional

English Literature I Media French Media Studies Triple Science History ICT Drama Art & Design

Construction

German

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

• ne 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?

Help with choosing

• ptions

What can I do to help?

Help with choosing 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

Help with choosing

• ptions

What can I do to help?

Consider future steps

Consider future steps

• University entry requirements
• Work Experience
• Career research

Help with choosing

• ptions

What can I do to help?

Consider future steps Look at subject progress

Look at subject progress

Help with choosing

• ptions

What can I do to help?

Consider future steps Look at subject progress Get Careers Advice

Get Careers Advice

• KUDOS – Suggests a career

based on answers to questions.

• National Careers Website –

Information on a wide range of jobs.

• Careers Advisor – can book

appointments through tutor.

• More information and links are

available on Firefly.

Help with choosing

• ptions

What can I do to help?

Consider future steps Look at subject progress Get Careers Advice Ask advice from staff

Ask advice from staff

• Mr. Hutson, Mr. Pressnell, Mr

Emecz and tutors are available for general questions.

• Subject specialists are available

around the school to answer questions about the content of courses or how they are examined.

• Mrs Bennett is available in the

Library for careers discussions.

Help with choosing

• ptions

What can I do to help?

Consider future steps Look at subject progress Get Careers Advice Ask advice from staff

www.arnewood.hants.sch.uk

Deadline for the subjects to be chosen:

Tuesday 20th February