Your Route Forward Year 8 Parents & Subject Information Evening - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Your Route Forward

Year 8 Parents’ & Subject Information Evening 2017

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4?

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4?

GCSEs are changing:

• GCSEs are evolving to become far more

content driven; some subjects have almost doubled in content and/or include A – level knowledge.

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4?

GCSEs are changing:

• Less controlled assessment/coursework.
• Practical assessments count for less of the

total grade.

• The emphasis is firmly on the end of course

exam, in some cases now worth 100% of the final grade.

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Why a three year KS4?

GCSEs are changing:

• Progress 8 is the new measure, replacing 5A*
• C as a measure by which students may be

judged.

• This may affect applications to 6th form and

college.

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Why a three year KS4?

GCSEs are changing:

• We do not want the students to be

disadvantaged as they apply so…

• In order to secure the best chances and

choices, our students need more time to complete these new GCSEs.

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The route forward:

Benefits of a three year GCSE model:

• Additional time to complete course content

and explore the subject more fully – not just teaching to the test.

• Prepare for exams more thoroughly with

guided revision.

• Time for extra-curricular opportunities.

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The route forward:

Benefits of a three year GCSE model:

• Opportunities to explore higher level content,

preparing students better for further education.

• Meets the needs of all learners.
• Removes some of the pressure earlier –

students feel better prepared.

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The route forward:

Benefits of a three year GCSE model:

• Gives us flexibility within the curriculum to

run additional activities such as external speakers, workshops, master classes; all with less impact on other subjects.

• Gives Y8 a focus and drive, stimulating

engagement.

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The route forward:

Benefits of a three year GCSE model:

• Time in Y9 will allow staff to reinforce key

foundation concepts, which will be built upon as a solid foundation for students in Y10 and Y11.

• Increased time in GCSE academic study will

help raise aspirations and prepare for next steps.

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The route forward:

The three year KS4 model:

• Students will select their subjects to follow in

Y8 rather than Y9.

• Most students will have 4 possible selections.
• Students will study these subjects for all

three years in addition to Core subjects.

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The route forward:

The three year KS4 model:

• The decision to move to a three year KS4

programme has not been taken lightly.

• Nationally, and locally some schools have

already made the transition to this model and feedback from them is very positive.

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward:

The three year KS4 model:

• Staff feel that this change will allow them to

cover the GCSE content in greater depth allowing for a greater understanding by students, better preparing them for the rigours of the new GCSEs.

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward:

The three year KS4 model:

• 4 pathways exist, based on the average point

score (APS), that a student receives at the end

• f KS2.
• Each student is placed using data and

teachers’ professional judgement.

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward:

The three year KS4 model:

• A number of students have been moved to the

pathway above in order to raise aspirations.

• Each student moved has been given close

consideration and has been placed where key staff feel they will maximise their learning

• pportunities.

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The route forward:

The three year KS4 model:

• In practice, many subject choices are the same

across all pathways but the increased rigour of some exams has altered the accessibility of a subject for some students.

• We have looked for alternatives to cater for

ALL learning styles!

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The route forward:

Things to be aware of:

• Design & Technology subjects are being

selected differently this year.

• If a student is interested in a D&T subject they

must initially register their interest.

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The route forward:

Things to be aware of:

• When all of the selection forms are in D&T staff will meet with all

students who registered an interest and discuss possible courses and routes that will best allow success.

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The route forward:

Things to be aware of:

• Students in the Advanced pathway are

EXPECTED to take both a Humanities AND a Language

• This is to ensure no door is closed should the

students wish to pursue a degree course at university.

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The route forward:

Things to be aware of:

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

The route forward:

Things to be aware of:

• Students should place a cross in one of the

Humanities boxes and one of the Languages boxes.

• A students cannot do BOTH History AND

Geography

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The route forward:

Things to be aware of:

• Free choices – use them to provide breadth

and balance;

• We are an Arts College – and encourage

students to choose Drama, Dance, Music or Art within their free options.

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The route forward:

Things to be aware of:

• The subjects you enjoy;
• Subjects you need for your progression;
• Subject combinations - and balance of

learning styles;

• Do not be influenced by what your friends

choose.

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Approximate entry requirements for A Levels.

Winstanley College:

For September 2017, the College will guarantee a place to all applicants who achieve 44 points and above from their best 8 GCSE results. All students must have achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and a grade C in GCSE Science (vocational science qualifications are also acceptable).

Salford City College:

3 GCSE 6 grades and 3 GCSE 5 grades; usually include a grade 6 in subject to be studied if

• ffered. Check for course specific requirements

St Mary’s Sixth Form:

Minimum of 4 grade B’s/6 and one other GCSE at grade C/5. Must include English & Maths at grade C/5 or above.

Bolton Sixth Form College:

5 GCSE grades C/5 or above including 2 B/6 grades and a minimum of grade C/5 English Language & not less than grade D/4 in Maths.

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So what next?

• More information on individual subjects can be found

at the booths in the canteen and many staff will have information available for you.

• Subject leaders are available to provide further

information in this areas from 7.30 p.m. onwards.

• Designated members of staff have been assigned

certain groups to assist with the selection process.

• These will be in the Sports Hall until 7.30 p.m. After

this time they will move to their respective offices.

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So what next?

• If you feel that you only need a quick conversation

with your designated member of staff please avail yourself of them during the evening.

• If you believe you require a more in depth discussion
• r are unable to remain after Parents’ Evening please

make an appointment for next week.

• Please be aware that it will be a normal working week

for staff and your designated member of staff may have limited availability.

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Appointments

• These can take place throughout the

evening if you wish.

• For a longer appointment or if you are

unable to remain please phone Mrs Braidwood in reception:

01942 883796 Ext. 446

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Finally, Thank you.

An Outstanding School - Ofsted

Appointments

• These can take place throughout the

evening if you wish.

• For a longer appointment or if you are

unable to remain please phone Mrs Braidwood in reception:

01942 883796 Ext. 446