Year 9 GCSE Options An introduction to the

Year 9 GCSE Options An introduction to the process at Christ’s College Finchley

Timeline: Wednesday 6 th February – Parent/Pupil Talk During February - Assemblies: All pupils spoken to by Heads of Option Subjects Thursday 7 st March – Parents Evening; a time for final consultation with subject staff. Issue of Option Forms. Friday 15 th March – deadline for return of Option Forms

Curriculum at KS 4 6 Compulsory subjects + 4 Option subjects = 10 GCSE’s (or equivalent) + Enrichment programme

Compulsory English Literature and Language 2 Mathematics 1 Science (Chemistry Physics Biology) 3 6

Options For most, this will involve studying FOUR additional subjects from: Art or Photography (Photography involves some costs/equipment) Business Studies Drama French or German Geography History ICT – OCR Cambridge National Award ICT GCSE Music (must be able to play an instrument) RE PE Resistant Materials or Food Technology or Graphics

Enrichment Selection of activities available on Wednesday afternoons on a half term rotation e. g. Duke of Edinburgh Sports Debating Arts/crafts Try to get as involved in as many different activities as you can both in and out of school

14 -19 pathways English Baccalaureate – recommended for students who are intending to go the academic university route The subjects you would take are: History/Geography (or both) + French/German + other traditional ‘grammar school’ type subjects …art, music etc.

Pathways are determined by grades: • 10 grade C’s at GCSE (or an average of grade C) to stay at our Sixth Form to do AS/A level courses (University) • 5 A*-C – to get on A/AS level courses at some of the local colleges (University) • 4 A*-C – to get on a BTEC level 3 course at local colleges (University) • 4 D-G grades to get on BTEC level 2 course at local colleges (BTEC level 3)

Curriculum Organisation

Sets Subject Setting English Yes (6) A set is an ability group. Maths Yes (6) ICT Some French/German Yes (2) Geography Yes (2) History Yes (2) Science Yes Art/Photography No Any D & T No Drama No Business Studies Some Music No PE No RE No Some subjects are set, some are not Setting is determined by departments based upon knowledge of the pupils previous attainment and from predictive data Set may determine level of entry in Year 11

Level of Entry Subject Tiers Maths Yes (2) Level of Entry Business Studies Yes (2) English Yes (2) Some subjects have 2 levels of entry French/German Yes (2) Geography Yes (2) Higher A* to D ICT GCSE Yes (2) Foundation C to G Triple Science Yes (2) ICT Cambridge National No History No Art/Photography No Drama No Music No PE No RE No All D & T No

Grades matter so sets matter

Subject Controlled Assessments Coursework has been replaced by controlled assessments. These are similar to coursework but are carried out entirely in school under controlled conditions WATCH THE PARENT BULLETIN FOR DATES Controlled assessment All D & T 60% Art/Photography 60% Business Studies 25% Drama 60% English Lit 25% French/German 60% GCSE ICT 60% Geography 25% History 25% ICT Cambridge National 75% Maths none Music 60% PE 60% RE none Sciences 25%

Completing the Option Form ü

Some initial advice

DO Consider studying a broad range of subjects Consider subjects that you have enjoyed in KS 3 Consider which subjects you are successful at If you already have clear ideas about your career/future take this into account – ask for advice DON’T XPick subjects to be with your friends XPick or not pick subjects because of the teacher XPick subjects because you think they are easy options – they aren’t

Websites that might help. . These websites are often used by students in Y 11, Y 12 and Y 13 to help decide on AS , A level and degree courses but they may help you understand what the universities are after and what is needed for different careers. www. russellgroup. org (the Russell group represents the top 20 leading universities) www. careerpath. com www. alec. co. uk www. ucas. com Barnet and Southgate College – www. barnetsouthgate. ac. uk london. floodlight. co. uk www. apprenticeships. org. uk http: //businesscasestudies. co. uk/career-info/ -the Times 100 Careers Guide which give information on companies and what kinds of jobs are available