The Key Stage 4

Options’ Process for Year 8 in 2017

Options –Just the Beginning!

A Bit of Coleridge!Choices, Choices everywhere.

And no idea what to do!

Keep Calm

National Changes for September 2017

• Move to terminal examinations.• No modular exams.

• All exams take place at end of the course.

• National Focus on Pupils achieving the English Baccalaureate Certificate.

• Changes to GCSE grading system & exam specification.• New GCSE Courses in all subjects.

• New GCSEs will be graded on a 1 – 9 scale.

• In summary – far more academic demand

Technical Awards

• The Government has now introduced some new qualifications called Technical Awards. These will be offered in Sport and Technology at Golborne High School. These awards are equivalent to GCSEs but offer a more practical based course with less of the curriculum tested in examinations.

• At the moment the specifications for the Technical Awards have been produced but they have not been accredited by the Government. This is planned for May 2017. We have planned to deliver these courses as soon as they are accredited as they will be ideal for some of our students. At the moment we are offering Sport and Technology pathways which will follow the GCSE route with the intention that once the Technical awards are accredited by the Government we will advise you which route is the most appropriate for your child. You will be fully involved in the decision making process. To find out more information please ask Mr Dean & Mrs Meadows.

School Changes for September 2017

• Introduced a curriculum to ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to succeed and make maximum progress from Key Stage 2 starting points which is the new measure of success.

• Introduced two routes, through Years 9, 10 & 11 to ensure the majority of pupils have the opportunity to achieve the English Baccalaureate Certificate.

• Introduced two ‘Pathways’ in Science to ensure all pupils are following the most appropriate course for them.

• Introduced two further option choices to allow pupils more flexibility in combining different subjects.

Why Follow An EBACC Pathway?

• Broadens the career opportunities for all pupils as it is a wider knowledge base.

• It is excepted that the EBACC certificate will become an entry requirement for post 16 providers and University entrance.

• Is more attractive to employers and opens more doors to higher paid careers.

• The world is becoming smaller and Language qualifications are now greatly sought after.

• Enables Golborne pupils to compete at a local, National and International level.

The Key Stage 4 Curriculum4 Hours 4 Hours 4 Hours 1

Hr

1 Hr

1Hr

3 Hours 3 Hours 2 Hours 2 Hours

Mathematics & Statistics

English Language & Literature

Science Pathway –Triple Science

PE

Religiou

s Stu

dies

OptionA

Option B

Option C

Option DScience

Pathway –CombinedScience

Year 8 Option blocks – English Baccalaureate Pathway

Option A

3 hours per week

Option B

3 hours per week

Option C

2 hours per week per

option

Option D

2 hours per week per

option

Geography

History

French

Spanish

(This should be the language

studied during Year 8)

Art & Design

2nd MFL

Geography

Performing Arts (Music &

Drama)

Religious Studies

Sport

Art Photography

Business Studies

Computing & IT

History

Performing Arts (Music

& Drama)

Design Technology

Year 8 Option blocks – Non-English Baccalaureate Pathway

Option A

3 hours per week

Option B

3 hours per week

Option C

2 hours per week

Option D

2 hours per week

Geography

History

French

Information Technology

Spanish

Sport

Design Technology

(If you choose a language it

should be the one you are

studying during Year 8)

Art & Design

2nd MFL

Geography

Performing Arts (Music

& Drama)

Religious Studies

Sport

Art Photography

Business Studies

Computing and IT

History

Performing Arts

(Music & Drama)

Design Technology

Things to consider

• What career your child is interested in.• If your child wants to go to university.• The prospect that colleges such as Winstanley,

John Rigby etc. may use the English Baccalaureate Certificate as a criterion for entry.

• The type of subjects your child likes and is good at.

• Picking a good balance /mix of subjects.• The subjects your child has already studied.

What happens next for Year 8?

Year 8 Options’ Evening - Wednesday 15thFebruary 2017

Guided interviews with Senior Leadership and Executive Leadership Team – Monday 27th February

2017 to Wednesday 22nd March 2017

Final Option Selection to Mr Kay - Friday 24th March 2017

Thank you.

Thank you for taking the time to listen. We hope that you find the evening informative and helpful. We are here to support you and your child throughout the process. Should you have any questions now or later in the process please do not hesitate to ask us.

We would be grateful if you could complete an evaluation of tonight’s event at the end of the evening so that we can continue to improve our practice.