Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College Key

Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College Key Stage 4 Courses - 2016 Ms Witty – Assistant Headteacher Mr James – Director of Learning Year 8 3/3/2021 1

Compulsory subjects - Core • • • English Mathematics Science PE ICT (until the end of Y 9) Citizenship & Religious Education 3/3/2021 2

Option Subjects - Choices Art & Design Business Studies Child Development Computer Science Dance Drama French Food Preparation & Nutrition • Geography • Health & Social Care • • 3/3/2021 • • • History ICT Media Studies Music Performing Arts PE Product Design Spanish Sport Textiles 3

Organisation for Core Subjects • Year group divided into two bands – not Lukin and Wells • Band A and 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 3/3/2021 4

Three Pathways – H, R & S for option subjects More personalised approach Based on: • achievement • learning styles • assessment preference Aim for ‘personal best’ 3/3/2021 5

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 3/3/2021 6

Qualifications in KS 4 • 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 3/3/2021 7

KS 4 Assessment • Previously grades A* - G • Now grades 9 - 1 • 5 or more grade 5 s will be necessary to move on to Advanced courses in the sixth form 3/3/2021 8

The New Grading System New 1 - 9 grade system 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 3/3/2021 U 9

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 3/3/2021 10

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 3/3/2021 11

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 3/3/2021 12

How to make choices – Do’s • • • 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 3/3/2021 13

How to make choices – Don'ts • 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! 3/3/2021 14

What happens next? • Visit the subject stalls and speak to teachers • Deadline for choices – Friday 15 th April (except 8 NL and 8 PMC - extension to Friday 22 nd April) • First choice and a reserve in each block • Students organised into viable options groups • Individual discussions with some students 3/3/2021 15

Filling in the Choices Form First Choice Block A Reserve 3/3/2021 Block B Block C Block D 16

Subject Locations • Corridor between main • office and Art stairs – Art • & Design • A 013 - Music • • A 04 - Business Studies, Child Development and Health & Social Care • • A 05 – Maths & Science • A 06 – Computer Science • and ICT • C 01 – History, Geography & RE 3/3/2021 E 101 – PE & Sport E 102 – Languages (French & Spanish) E 103 – English, Media, Dance, Drama & Performing Arts E 104 – Product Design, Catering and Textiles Outside Hall – Independent Careers Adviser – Lyn Packer 17

ANY QUESTIONS? 3/3/2021 18