5th FORM AS OPTIONS 2012

Why are GCSEs so important?

Short term

-Entry into sixth form

-Further Education Courses

-Employment

- “Training for Success” Long term

-University Entrance

-Employment

What do I need to come back to sixth form?

Parents and pupils should note that all Grosvenor Grammar School pupils who meet all of the following criteria will automatically have the right to a place in the Sixth Form, regardless of the grades/points of outside applicants to the School:

(i) have achieved 15 or more points in their GCSE subjects where a GCSE grade A* or A = 3 points, B = 2 points and C = 1 point [Please note the grade achieved in Religious Studies (Short Course) is worth half the points of a full GCSE Grade i.e. A* or A = 1.5 points, B = 1 point and C = 0.5 of a point]. The Principal will determine the points awarded for other non-GCSE level 2 qualifications;

(ii) satisfy the Principal on past school record and achievement (including attendance, behaviour, motivation and punctuality);

(iii) have an interview with Grosvenor Grammar School careers staff to choose a course of study which shows he/she has a reason for entering Sixth Form and has a suitable match of subjects.

What happens in Sixth Form?

A minimum of 4 AS subjects must be studied in lower sixth or 3AS subjects and CoPE

A minimum of 3 A2 subjects must be studied in upper sixth

A dedicated sixth form centre Well developed careers education programme to

help prepare pupils for university Games and general studies periods are timetabled

for all pupils

What do I need to think about?

Does your child meet the entrance criteria? Are they prepared for another two years of

intensive and focused study? What is the choice of subjects and are there four

that are suitable? What are the alternatives? Do they have the recommended grades in their

chosen subjects?

So, what subjects are available?

Art and Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computing Drama Economics Electronics English Literature French Geography German Government and Politics

History Home Economics ICT Mathematics Maths and Further Maths Media Studies Music Music Technology Physical Education Physics Psychology Religious Studies Spanish Technology and Design

How do the Pupils Choose their Subjects?

INTEREST ABILITY – a number of subjects have specific and general entry

requirements and details of these are contained in the pink booklet

MOTIVATION -will they be necessary or beneficial for their chosen university courses or careers?

COMBINATIONSThose pupils considering applying to top institutions and/or high demand courses must check that their combination of subjects will allow them to do this. Information on this can be found at www.ucas.com in the “entry profiles” section for each course

How do they not choose their subjects?

Do not be ruled by stereotypes Do not pick subjects just because their friends are

doing them Do not pick subjects because of teachers they like /

dislike Do not be discouraged by “urban myths” from pupils

already in sixth form Ultimately, make the decision that is right for your

child

What help is available?

Careers Department – 5th form careers periods Interviews – are arranged for all pupils Subject teachers – will know your child’s ability

and potential in that subject Information session – to cover subjects that pupils

have not studied before School library –time has been spent researching

careers and AS options Sixth form booklet – all pupils have received a pink

booklet containing all the relevant information

How can I help??

www.careersserviceni.com

www.parents.dfes.gov.uk

www.ucas.com

What do we do now?

Discuss the options available. Returning to school may not necessarily be the best option

Pupils who do not wish to return to school or are concerned that they might not obtain the points required, should be looking out for information on college open days and filling in application forms

All forms are to be returned to form teachers by Tuesday 28 February

Pupils need to begin making revision schedules and timetables. Help will be provided with this in careers classes