Year 9 GCSE Options

An introduction to the process at Christ’s College Finchley

Timeline:

Wednesday 6th FebruaryWednesday 6th February – Parent/Pupil Talk – Parent/Pupil Talk

During February - Assemblies:

All pupils spoken to by Heads of Option Subjects

Thursday 7st March – Parents Evening; a time for final consultation with subject staff. Issue of Option Forms.

Friday 15th March – deadline for return of Option Forms

Curriculum at KS4

6 Compulsory subjects

4 Option subjects

Enrichment programme

+

= 10 GCSE’s (or equivalent)

+

Compulsory

English Literature and Language

Mathematics

Science (Chemistry Physics Biology)

1

3

6

2

OptionsOptions

Art or Photography (Photography involves some costs/equipment)

Business StudiesDramaFrench or GermanGeographyHistoryICT – OCR Cambridge National Award ICT GCSEMusic (must be able to play an instrument)

REPEResistant Materials or Food Technology or Graphics

For most, this will involve studying FOUR additional subjects from:

EnrichmentEnrichment

Selection of activities available on Wednesday afternoons on a half term rotation e.g.Duke of EdinburghSportsDebatingArts/crafts

Try to get as involved in as many different activities as you can both in and out of school

14-19 pathways

English Baccalaureate – recommended for students who are intending to go the academic university route

The subjects you would take are:

History/Geography (or both)

+ French/German

+ other traditional ‘grammar school’ type subjects …art, music etc.

Pathways are determined by grades:

• 10 grade C’s at GCSE (or an average of grade C) to stay at our Sixth Form to do AS/A level courses (University)

• 5 A*-C – to get on A/AS level courses at some of the local colleges (University)

• 4 A*-C – to get on a BTEC level 3 course at local colleges (University)

• 4 D-G grades to get on BTEC level 2 course at local colleges (BTEC level 3)

CurriculumOrganisation

SetsSets

Sets

A set is an ability group.

Some subjects are set, some are not

Setting is determined by departments based upon knowledge of the pupils previous attainment and from predictive data

Set may determine level of entry in Year 11

Subject Setting

English Yes (6)

Maths Yes (6)

ICT Some

French/German Yes (2)

Geography Yes (2)

History Yes (2)

Science Yes

Art/Photography No

Any D & T No

Drama No

Business Studies Some

Music No

PE No

RE No

Level of EntryLevel of EntrySubject Tiers

Maths Yes (2)

Business Studies Yes (2)

English Yes (2)

French/German Yes (2)

Geography Yes (2)

ICT GCSE Yes (2)

Triple Science Yes (2)

ICT Cambridge National

No

History No

Art/Photography No

Drama No

Music No

PE No

RE No

All D & T No

Level of EntrySome subjects have 2 levels of entry

Higher A* to D

Foundation C to G

Grades matter so sets matter

Controlled Controlled AssessmentsAssessments

Subject Controlled assessment

All D & T 60%

Art/Photography 60%

Business Studies 25%

Drama 60%

English 60%

English Lit 25%

French/German 60%

GCSE ICT 60%

Geography 25%

History 25%

ICT Cambridge National 75%

Maths none

Music 60%

PE 60%

RE none

Sciences 25%

Coursework has been replaced by controlled assessments. These are similar to coursework but are carried out entirely in school under controlled conditions

WATCH THE PARENT BULLETIN FOR DATES

Completing Completing the Option the Option

FormForm

Some initial advice

DOConsider studying a broad range of subjectsConsider subjects that you have enjoyed in KS3Consider which subjects you are successful atIf you already have clear ideas about your career/future take this into account – ask for advice

DON’TXPick subjects to be with your friendsXPick or not pick subjects because of the teacherXPick subjects because you think they are easy options – they aren’t

Websites that might help..These websites are often used by students in Y11,Y12 and Y13 to help decide on AS , A level and degree courses but they may help you understand what the universities are after and what is needed for different careers.

www.russellgroup.org (the Russell group represents the top 20 leading universities)www.careerpath.comwww.alec.co.ukwww.ucas.comBarnet and Southgate College – www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uklondon.floodlight.co.ukwww.apprenticeships.org.ukhttp://businesscasestudies.co.uk/career-info/ -the Times 100 Careers Guide which give information on companies and what kinds of jobs are available