A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS OF YEAR 9 AND YEAR 11 STUDENTS

This leaflet provides information about the main courses and other options open to your son or daughter, including advice on how to help them with their choices

Parents and carers are the single biggest influence on the decisions young people will make about their future. In recent years, the range of options and ‘pathways’ has expanded to such an extent that you may feel you need help in supporting your son or daughter with these choices – this leaflet gives you the facts. Whatever the long-term aims of your son or daughter, it is important to encourage them to aim high and to take advantage of the education and training opportunities to which they are entitled, as the demands of the workplace increase.

• Labour markets are changing rapidly and young people will change their job/career more often than in previous generations.

• The number of lower skilled options is decreasing while there is a greater demand for higher skill levels.

• To succeed in future job markets, a willingness to learn and constantly update skills is essential.

2010-2011

delivering services for

� �

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CARERS OF STUDENTS IN YEAR 9

By year 9, your son or daughter will be asked to choose some of the courses they hope to study over the next two years (years 10 and 11)*. Most schools produce an options booklet or similar and run an options evening to which you will be invited.

The subjects and the amount of choice a student has will vary from school to school but some subjects are compulsory. Alongside the

compulsory subjects, students are entitled to study courses from any or all of the following areas: arts; design and technology; humanities; and modern foreign languages.

* From 2013, young people are legally required to stay in education, or undergo training, until the age of 17. This will apply to all young people who entered year 9 in 2010.

Compulsory courses

Currently, in years 10 and 11, all students will study English, maths and science. Most will take an exam in these subjects (usually a GCSE). They will also study information and communication technology (ICT), religious studies, citizenship and PE/sports. Although exams may be available in these subjects, they are not compulsory.

Students also undertake a programme of personal, social, health and economic education which includes careers education. Some schools make additional subjects compulsory; you will need to check this with your son or daughter’s school.

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)

GCSEs are the most familiar choice and most students in years 10 and 11 will study for them. Students need to look beyond the course title as the make-up of a course may differ significantly from what has been taught up until now. Depending on the subject and examination

board, GCSEs are made up of exams and course work. Passes at grades A* to C are considered to be level 2 qualifications, and grades D to G are level 1. If your son or daughter is likely to find GCSEs difficult, entry level qualifications may be available.

Other qualifications

As well as GCSEs and the 14-19 Diploma, many schools in the district provide the opportunity to take other qualifications, such as BTECs in Art and Design or Media.

Please note: both the Diploma and the vocationally-related qualifications may involve learning away from school for one day a week.

The 14-19 Diploma

The Diploma, which is available at 3 levels, combines academic and practical learning. Nationally, there are 14 ‘lines of learning’, each covering a broad subject area. Students choose one line of learning. Alongside their chosen area, students develop ‘functional skills’ and

study for GCSEs. In years 10 and 11, Foundation and Higher Diplomas are offered, which are equivalent to levels 1 and 2 respectively.

The details of all Diplomas offered in Bradford can be found at www.bradford4.learning.com.

� �

English Baccalaureate

The Government plans to introduce a new qualification in the near future. This will be called the English Baccalaureate and will be

awarded to students who get A* to C GCSE grades in English, maths, two sciences, a language and a humanities subject.

Questions to consider to help your son or daughter with their choices

•Whataretheymostinterestedin?

They are likely to be more motivated when they have an interest.

•Whataretheygoodat?

Not the only consideration but important when aiming for good grades.

•Aretheyaimingforacareerthatrequiresspecificqualifications?

Read up on any intended careers to ensure the requirements are covered. For many professions

the qualifications and the grades they achieve now will be an important factor in their success later.

•Howdotheylearn?

We all have different ways of learning – there is a style of course to suit everyone.

•Aretheykeepingtheiroptionsopen?

Year 9 is early to make a final decision so if there’s any doubt, don’t be too narrow in course choices.

�

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CARERS OF STUDENTS IN YEAR 11

• Appleton Academy, Bradford Academy, Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, Dixons City Academy, Grange Technology College, Queensbury School, Thornton Grammar School and Tong High School – all part of the South Confederation

• Aire Valley School, Beckfoot School, Belle Vue Boys’ School, Belle Vue Girls’ School, Carlton Bolling College, Challenge College, Dixons Allerton Academy, Feversham College, Hanson School, Immanuel College, Laisterdyke Business & Enterprise College, St Bede’s Catholic Grammar School, St Joseph’s Catholic College and Titus Salt School – all part of the Central Confederation

• Bingley Grammar School, Ilkley Grammar School, Oakbank School, Parkside School, The Holy Family Catholic College and University Academy Keighley – all part of the Three Valleys Confederation

Courses: A Levels

The structure of A levels, which are 2-year level 3 courses, are currently under review; changes have already taken place – passes are now graded from A* to E, and grades for some subjects rely much more on exams, rather than coursework.

Nationally, a vast range of subjects is available, including traditional ones and newer ones that relate more closely to areas of work. When choosing, students need to bear in mind timetables – some subject combinations may not be possible.

Courses: GCSEs

GCSEs, which are normally studied in years 10 and 11, are not widely available for post–year

11 students. However, it may be possible to re-take maths and English alongside other courses.

Courses: the 14-19 Diploma

The Diploma, which is available at 3 levels, combines academic and practical learning. There are 14 ‘lines of learning’ (each covering a broad subject area), of which students choose one. Alongside their chosen area, students develop ‘functional skills’ and often study for additional qualifications (such as an A level). They also

undertake a short period of work experience. Afterwards they can move onto further courses, work or training as appropriate. Post-year 11 students are most likely to take either the Higher Diploma (level 2) or Advanced Diploma (level 3). Individual schools and colleges can explain what they offer in the way of Diplomas.

Full contact details for the above schools and colleges, along with information on courses offered, can be found on www.bradford4learning.com.

At present, young people do not have to continue with their education after year 11 although in Bradford many do. The following schools and colleges offer a range of courses for post-year 11 students.

�

Courses and training: vocationally-related qualifications

There is a wide range of qualifications available at different levels that relate to particular jobs or broad work areas. These include BTEC

diplomas and NVQs (which relate to specific jobs – hairdressing, catering, etc).

Training: apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are designed to offer good quality training whilst also meeting the needs of employers. Apprentices work alongside experienced staff to gain specific job skills and job-related qualifications – usually including NVQs. Off-the-job training to gain these qualifications is often carried out on a day release basis at a local training provider, such as a college. At the end of the training, which normally lasts a minimum of 12 months, the apprentice might be offered a permanent

position. Adverts could appear on an employer’s website, in newspapers, in Connexions centres and on the national website www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Apprenticeships are competitive and applicants often need to have GCSE passes or equivalent. Anyone interested in doing an apprenticeship should visit the Connexions centre and speak to a PA.

Other training

Individually tailored training programmes are available to help young people gain the experience they may need before progressing onto an apprenticeship, college course or a job. Training can include work placements and the chance to improve work-related and personal

skills. Most of the programmes will come to be known by the collective term ‘Foundation Learning’. Personal advisers will explain what is available locally and provide information on how to apply.

Making post-year 11 applications – how can you help your son or daughter?

• Find out what’s on offer at the end of year 10 or early in year 11 as some schools and colleges have ‘open evenings’ as early as November.

• Attend parents’ events at school and ask how well they are doing. Their grade predictions are important when considering the next step.

• Help with completing and/or checking the application form if appropriate.

• Consider how they learn. We all have different ‘learning styles’ – there is a style of course to suit everyone.

• Read up on any intended careers and higher education courses to ensure their next step is relevant. If there is any doubt about what they are aiming for, get advice to make sure their course choice is not too narrow.

Please note: deadlines for course and apprenticeship applications vary. It is important to find out when these are to ensure that your son or daughter applies in good time.

� �

Finance for post year-11 students, apprentices and other trainees

Usually, courses are free to students under the age of 19 although there may be costs for special equipment and materials. There could also be costs incurred for travel and other incidentals. Information on the financial help available is on: www.direct.gov.uk/moneytolearn

Apprentices receive at least £2.50 per hour (NB this compares with the national minimum wage for employees aged 16/17 of £3.64, and £4.92 for 18 to 20 year olds).

Learner Support Fund

Following the withdrawal of the Education Maintenance Allowance, the government has announced that they will offer more targeted support to those students who are most in need of

extra help with the costs of studying. The Learner Support Fund will be administered by schools and colleges on strict eligibility criteria. For more information, contact your school or college.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CARERS OF STUDENTS IN YEAR 9 OR 11

Child Benefit/tax credits

You will still receive Child Benefit and child tax credit, if eligible, when your son or daughter

stays in full time education or similar (NB not apprenticeships).

Foundation Learning

‘Foundation Learning’ is a personalised learning programme aimed at learners aged 14 and over who are working below level 2. The learners take a combination of officially recognised

vocational qualifications, personal and social development qualifications and all 3 functional skills (see below).

Functional skills

Functional skills are the English, mathematics and information and communication technology skills that everyone needs to deal with everyday life. Functional skills are included

in Diplomas, apprenticeships and ‘Foundation Learning’ programmes. They are also available as free-standing qualifications up to level 2.

More ways to help your son or daughter

Start talking Not everyone has clear career ideas in mind. For reliable facts on jobs, see www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u – information includes salaries, skills needed and how to get in. If your son or daughter needs suggestions, they can start with interactive careers guidance software/websites on

computers in schools/Connexions centres. Young people can often access these at home once they have a username/password.

Support spare time activities It’s not all about qualifications. Hobbies and interests (anything from sport and drama, to caring for animals)

� �

How do all the qualifications fit together?

All the qualifications that your son or daughter will take are nationally recognised. They each have a level, so you can see how they compare. The higher the level, the greater the depth of

knowledge, skills and understanding required to gain the qualification. The following chart shows examples of courses from entry level to level 3.

QUALIFICATION LEVEL ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL EXAMPLES OF QUALIFICATIONS AT THIS LEVEL

Entry level Basic level of knowledge, understanding and skills

Foundation Learning Programmes. Entry level certificates e.g. in traditional subjects (English, maths, science) and work related subjects

Level 1 Basic knowledge, understanding and skills and the ability to apply learning to everyday situations

Foundation Learning Programmes. Foundation Diploma; Level 1 BTECs; NVQ level 1; GCSEs at grades D or below

Level 2

Level 3 Develop more in-depth level of knowledge and skills. Important level for higher education and employers

Advanced Diploma and Progression Diploma; Level 3 BTECs; NVQ level 3; A-levels; International Baccalaureate; Advanced Apprenticeship

Building knowledge/skills in subject areas and their application. Important level for employers

Higher Diploma; Level 2 BTECs; NVQ level 2; GCSEs at grades A* to C; Young Apprenticeships (for years 9/10); Apprenticeships

Level 4 and above includes degrees and other higher education courses.

are a useful addition to any CV or application form, whether job hunting or applying for further education.

Encourage your son or daughter to get work experience/volunteer Employers value this, regardless of the type of employment. For young people it can help them gain skills in reliability, team working, customer care, etc.

Relevant voluntary experience may be necessary for particular courses/jobs.

From April 2011, you will be able to log on to the Bradford Virtual Connexions Centre (www.virtualconnexionsbradford.co.uk). This includes information, links and the opportunity to chat to a Personal Adviser.

Connexions

Personal advisers from Connexions offer young people advice, guidance and support on a range of issues (such as education, training, jobs, money and lifestyle decisions) to help them make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life. The range and depth of support provided by the personal adviser will vary according to the needs of the young person at the time.

In today’s world young people and their parents/carers are subjected to pressure from many directions. Personal advisers are trained to assist young people and their parents in an impartial manner. They will help you to see the whole picture to allow you and your son or daughter to make the most appropriate decision. If you want to get in touch with the personal adviser, please contact them via your son or daughter’s school.

In the area, there are two Connexions Centres:

Bradford Connexions Centre 29 Cheapside Bradford BD1 4HR

Telephone: 01274 377800

Keighley Connexions Centre 79 Low Street Keighley BD21 3QP

Telephone: 01535 618100

Information and advice is also available from the national organisation Connexions Direct – via www.connexions-direct.com or on 080 800 13 2 19, and from April 2011 see www.virtualconnexionsbradford.co.uk.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Useful internet sites

As well as the sites listed elsewhere in this leaflet, the following may also be of interest.

• www.bradford4learning.com School and college courses in Bradford and district

• www.parentscentre.gov.uk Information for parents/carers on how to help with your son or daughter’s learning

• www.parentpartnership.org.uk Information and advice for parents/carers of young people with special needs

• www.skill.org.uk Information about education, training and work for students with disabilities

• www.qcda.org.uk Information about qualifications, examinations and the curriculum

• http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/ Information about the 14-19 Diplomas

• www.ucas.ac.uk Information about higher education including courses and how to apply