‘Broad and balanced curriculum’

Return to more traditional GCSE subjects

Restriction on the number of non GCSE qualifications

High quality vocational qualifications

Progression opportunities

Raising of the participation age

Increase in apprenticeships

What’s new? – English Baccalaureate• English GCSE• Maths GCSE• 2 x Science GCSE• 1 x GCSE French or Spanish• 1 x GCSE Geography or History

• All at C grade or above =

Why the fuss about qualifications?

‘In a competitive job market, academic and vocational qualifications are increasingly important. Those without qualifications are at a higher risk of being unemployed and having low incomes.’

Exclusion, employment and opportunity, Case Paper No 4, Atkinson. A and Hills J, (eds),

Compulsory Subjects – ‘Core’

MathsEnglishScience

PSREPE

Core Pathways

Blue Pathway:GCSE MathsGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LiteratureTriple GCSE ScienceExtended Project (non GCSE)GCSE RECore PE (non GCSE)

Purple Pathway:(Maths/English Plus)GCSE MathsGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LiteratureGCSE Core ScienceBTEC Science (x1)Core PSRE (non GCSE)Core PE (non GCSE)

Green Pathway:GCSE MathsGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LiteratureBTEC Science (x2)Core PSRE (non GCSE)Core PE (non GCSE)Additional learning support

Orange Pathway:(Maths/English Plus)GCSE MathsGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LiteratureGCSE Core ScienceGCSE Add. ScienceGCSE RECore PE (non GCSE)

GCSE/Non- GCSE optionsGCSE

• Catering• DT – Graphics• DT - Resistant Materials• DT - Textiles• History• Geography• French• Spanish• Drama• Music• Art• PE• ICT• Child Development

Non GCSE• BTEC Sport• BTEC Business Studies• BTEC Performing Arts - Dance• BTEC Performing Arts – Music

There is also a selection of level 1 vocational courses availableThis list is not yet finalised but may include introductory courses in the following areas:

Hair and BeautyConstructionMotor VehicleEngineering

Making the right choices...

• The vast majority of students must have at least 6 GCSE subjects in their total curriculum

Blue Pathway:GCSE MathsGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LiteratureTriple GCSE ScienceExtended Project (non GCSE)GCSE RECore PE (non GCSE)

Core GCSEs = 7

Option Choices

Spanish

History

BTEC Dance

BTEC Sport

Reserve: Music

Option GCSEs = 2 or 3 Total = 9 or 10

Making the right choices...

• The vast majority of students must have at least 6 GCSE subjects in their total curriculum

Core GCSEs = 6

Option Choices

French

Geography

DT - Graphics

BTEC Business

Reserve: Drama

Option GCSEs = 3 or 4 Total = 9 or 10

Orange Pathway:(Maths/English Plus)GCSE MathsGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LiteratureGCSE Core ScienceGCSE Add. ScienceGCSE RECore PE (non GCSE)

Making the right choices...

• The vast majority of students must have at least 6 GCSE subjects in their total curriculum

Core GCSEs = 6

Option Choices

BTEC Music

Geography

DT - Graphics

BTEC Business

Reserve: Drama

Option GCSEs = 2 or 3 Total = 8 or 9

Orange Pathway:(Maths/English Plus)GCSE MathsGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LiteratureGCSE Core ScienceGCSE Add. ScienceGCSE RECore PE (non GCSE)

Making the right choices...

• The vast majority of students must have at least 6 GCSE subjects in their total curriculum

Core GCSEs = 3

Option Choices

BTEC Sport

ICT

DT – Res. Materials

Catering

Reserve: Art

Option GCSEs = 3 or 4 Total = 6 or 7

Green Pathway:GCSE MathsGCSE English LanguageGCSE English LiteratureBTEC Science (x2)Core PSRE (non GCSE)Core PE (non GCSE)Additional learning support

Completing Options onlineSelect Coloured Pathway

Use drop down menus to select your subjects

Ensure you have at least 6 GCSE subjects in your total curriculum

Avoid prohibited combinationse.g. 2 DT subjects, GCSE PE and Sport , BTEC Dance and Music

Indicate reserve area

Submitform answering the security question

So what next??• Interview with a member of Senior Staff from the

week beginning March 5th (parents invited)

Recommended Coloured Pathway

Interests and Strengths

Career ideas

Sixth Form / Higher Education

Update on curriculum offer and chance for questions

Year 9 Parents EveningWednesday 14th March 2012

Make appointments to see ‘Core’ teachers and subjects where you have particular interests

So what next?

• Join us for refreshments and informal discussions• Think carefully about your plans for the future• Prepare well for your interview• Talk with family, friends and teachers• Pick areas and subjects for the right reasons