Year 9 Pathways and Options

for KS4

Red Pathway

Mr Darren LuckhurstDeputy Headteacher – KS4

What are Pathways?• There are 6 different Pathways

• Pathways offer students different ways of achieving maximum success in KS4

• Some Pathways offer different subjects and others offer different kinds of support

• Placing students on their Pathway helps guide them to taking a range of subjects they will be successful in and ensures they have the support and challenge required for exam success

Which Pathway and why?We have used a range of data to decide which Pathway will give each student most success:

- Key Stage 2 SATs results

-Current levels in the CORE subjects

-Progress made over KS3

-Progress made through Year 9

How will the Red Pathway support your child?

• Ensures students study a minimum of 8 GCSEs, with the opportunity for 9 or 10

• Options include more challenging courses such as Triple Science (bio, chem, physics), Economics and Computer Science

• Subjects teachers know they should be pushing Red Pathways students to achieve A*/B grades at GCSE.

• Students are encouraged to take the Ebacc subjects to support University applications

‘The English Baccalaureate’• There are different ways of measuring student

success in exams. The Government is now looking at how many C+ grades students achieve and how much progress they make from KS2.

• ‘Ebacc’ is another measure of exam success. It requires a C+ pass in English, Maths, Double Science, Humanities (geography or history) and MFL (Spanish). There is no certificate.

• Some Universities may require the ‘EBacc in future.• Students in Red pathway should think seriously

about the ‘Ebacc’.• However students must achieve a C+ grade in all

subjects for it to count.

Keeping doors open

• Google ‘Russell Group Informed Choices’

Russell Group Universities

http://russellgroup.org/InformedChoices-latest.pdf

GCSE choices may effect university choices

English and maths are very important

B grades and higher are important

Consider choosing a language

Some universities have specific requirements e.g.

All students study the Core subjects

• English and English Literature 9 periods

• Mathematics 9 periods

• Science (double) 10 periods

• PE 4 periods

• PSHEE and RS - during tutor time and PSHEE days

Core Subjects in Red Pathway

• English and English Literature GCSE

• GCSE double Science

• Option to study Triple Science

• GCSE maths and possibly statistics on advice from maths teachers

• Potential 9/10 GCSE’s

Red Pathway Options

• Each student will select 4 options subjects

• Each student will study 3 of these

• Each Option will have 6 X1 hour lessons over the fortnight

• Most students will complete their courses at the end of Y11 when they will take examinations in May or June

• You CAN take subjects in KS4 that you have not studied in Year 9

Making the right choices

• We offer comprehensive information, advice and guidance to support students in making the right choices. But their, and your participation, is key to this process.

- Options subject based assemblies- Pathways booklet- Options Evening- Tutor Activities- Kudos/Careers IT session- Individual interviews on request

Completing the Options Form1. Get the right advice and information. Read the

Options Booklet and talk to subject teachers, students and tutors. Don’t rush!

2. Use the internet - future careers, college courses, University courses

3. Decide on your top four Option choices thinking about future careers

4. Place a 1 in the box next to your top choice and 2 ,3 ,4 in the next choices

5. Hand it to your tutor on time

The Options FormYou will study 3 option choices in KS4.

You must select at least ONE subject from the Option Choice A list, but you can select more.

Rank your top 4 choices from the following by placingthe numbers 1 to 4 in the corresponding boxes. (1 = first choice)

 

Option Choice A  

Computer Science (EBacc)  

History (EBacc)  

Geography (EBacc)  

Spanish (EBacc)  

Triple Science (EBacc)  

Other Options  

Economics and Business Studies  

Citizenship  

Sociology  

Religious Studies  

Media Studies  

Art  

PE GCSE  

Drama  

Music  

Food Technology  

Product Design  

ICT  

You must select at least 1 of these subjects

Do not hand in your Options form before 17th March!

Completed forms must be handed in to your tutor (no one else) by

Friday March 21st

GCSE and BTEC Courses

• We offer two key types of qualification at Haverstock

- GCSEs are mainly theoretical with end of KS4 examinations

- BTECs have a more practical focus, with portfolios of work produced over 2 years, and minimal exams. They are equivalent to 1 GCSE

• Both are accepted by colleges and employers

Thank you for listening