year 9 gcse options information evening 2016 final
TRANSCRIPT
Year 9 GCSE Options
Information Evening
What will you do?Broad and balanced curriculumSubjects that allow you to follow
a variety of career pathsSubjects that inspire you to
carry-on to A-level and beyond
How do you go about making these choices?Read through the options booklet
carefully, preferably with your parents!
Ask your subject teachers for advice
You can also ask your tutor, HoYs (9,10 or 11), Mr Reddin or Mr Ryce
Choosing GCSE subjects
Don’t…choose subjects because they are ‘easy’choose subjects because you like a
teacheravoid subjects because you dislike a
teacher/think a teacher dislikes you
It is important to get this right first time – it is difficult to change courses once you have started!
Options form
Options form
Process
There are a number of core subjects◦Mathematics◦English (English and English
Literature)◦Science (Double Award or Triple
Award)◦RS◦Modern Foreign Language (French,
German, Spanish)
Options – You select up to 3 GCSEs from the following Art & Design Computer Science Classical Civilization Design &Technology Drama Food Technology French (German or Spanish can be chosen as a core Second
Language) Geography History ICT Latin Media Studies Music Physical Education Triple Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
GCSE OptionsGrade Specifications September 2016
New Specification9-1
Existing SpecificationA-G
Art & Design Classical CivilisationBiology I-GCSE Design and TechnologyComputer Science Information & Communications
TechnologyChemistry I-GCSE Media StudiesDrama English Language English Literature Food Preparation and Nutrition French German Geography History Latin Mathematics Music Physical Education Physics I-GCSE Religious Studies Spanish
TimelineProvisional choices to be made
by Wednesday 10th February
GCSE option blocks produced by Tuesday 23rd February
Choices will need to be made by Tuesday 1st March
Drop in Sessions SessionsThe following drop in information sessions will take place for Year 9 students:Media Studies (Tuesday 9 Feb,
1.15pm in M1)Academic PE (Monday 8 Feb
1.15pm SS1) Classical Civilisation (Friday 5
Feb)
English Language and Literature or English Language Only? More Information:1. Most students will be awarded 2 GCSEs.2. English Literature examinations are now closed text
and this might be a consideration for some students.3. English Language GCSE demands that the students
understand and appreciate 19th century English Literature texts . Therefore, the two courses will be taught to all students for at least the first term in Year 10.
Future Opportunities:1. The study of English Literature at A Level will only be open to those who study both GCSEs.
Modern Foreign LanguagesIf students are taking a MFL then
we strongly recommend that they spend some time in the target language country. We offer:
a residential trip to Berlina homestay visit to France,
typically Nice or Montpellier, a residential to Salamanca in SpainAll take place in the Easter holidays
GCSE Computer ScienceChallenging and academically
rigorousConsidered a “fourth” scienceOpportunity for students to
further develop transferable skills in:◦Critical Thinking◦Analysis◦Problem Solving
GCSE Computer ScienceTopics Studied
◦Computer Systems Physical Networks Network Security Systems Architecture
◦Computational Thinking Algorithms High and low level programming Logic
◦Programming Project
International GCSE
Option Choices in Science
International GCSE
I-GCSE choices in ScienceI-GCSE Double Award Physics, Chemistry and Biology
are taught as separate subjects, with separate teachers
The examinations will give two I-GCSE grades:
Double Science I-GCSE
I-GCSE choices in ScienceI-GCSE Triple Sciences Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Also taught separately. The examinations will give three I-GCSE grades:
Biology I-GCSEChemistry I-GCSEPhysics I-GCSE
Double ScienceThere will be in total 12 periods
of Science per fortnightThe students are taught in ability
groups (sets)The Double Science curriculum
will allow access to any Science A levels – providing the grades are good enough
Triple ScienceStudents choosing this route will
study Science instead of an option subject
18 periods of Science per fortnight
More rigorous than Double Science There will be no sets – the most able
Science students study Triple Science and so the groups will be of a similar ability level
I-GCSEThe assessment is through terminal
papers onlyThere is no coursework assessment
of practical work in the Sciences. Scientific method and experimental technique are assessed as part of the written examinations
The course content has more breadth and depth than GCSE and is deemed to be a good preparation for A level
Edexcel I-GCSEDouble Award
Single tier. The examination comprises paper 1 from Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Three 2 hour papers in total
Graded 9 - 1Students are awarded two I-GCSE
grades Provides a sound foundation for
progression to A level science
Edexcel I-GCSETriple Science AwardThis course is a more intensive course
than Double Science.Single tier. The examination
comprises 2 papers in each science, one of 2 hours and one of 1 hour.
Graded 9 -1Students are awarded 3 I-GCSE
grades, that are completely separate.Provides a thorough foundation for
progression to AS and A level science
Which to choose?Seek the advice of Science teachers
before deciding which option to choose.
The Triple Award is an option aimed at those students who see science as a particular strength of theirs.
Double Science will provide a balanced science education, suitable for students of all abilities. It is likely to be taught at a slightly slower pace.
SummaryStudents should consider their options
carefully and discuss with parents and relevant teachers
Complete the option form – this creates the blocks
Triple Science will not be suitable for the majority of students. Almost half the student body will not do English Literature
Trips – enrich the curriculumMake a positive first step towards 6th form
study
Year 9 GCSE Options
Information Evening