Students continue to study Mathematics, English (Language and Literature), Science, a Technology subject, Citizenship, PE, RE and PHSE. Students will also choose up to 3 more courses from a list that includes Modern Foreign Languages, the Arts, the Humanities and new subjects not previously studied in Year 9.
Year 10 students also have the chance to study non GCSE courses such as Uniform Services Award, Wood and Metal Craft, and Young Apprenticeships. There are also opportunities for students to study for work related (NVQ) qualifications in Engineering, Hair & Beauty and Catering. These courses can involve going to College or other providers for one day per week.
Study Support
For some students, studying for up to 12 qualifications is too much and in these cases we offer the opportunity to develop basic skills or coursework in weaker areas through “study support” options.
Students continue to be placed in a teaching group appropriate to their ability and these groups are formally reviewed during the course of the year.
The KS4 Options Booklet can be downloaded below, together with PDFs of letters sent home to Students and Parents/Guardians. There is also a document with notes for completing the Options Form. To help students, we have also included a powerpoint help guide.
Dear Student
This booklet outlines the curriculum in Years 10 & 11 and explains the choices, which you now have to make.
Until now in your school life decisions about which subjects you study have been taken by other people. Now for the first time you can make some choices. Clearly there are some subjects that everyone has to study but elsewhere you can make some important decisions for yourself.
Making decisions, however, is not easy; do make sure you ask your teacher and parents for help. Don’t be influenced by what your friends say because these are choices which will affect your life, your future. Choose subjects which you enjoy and in which you can do well. In two years time I hope these choices will lead to great success for you in your examinations.
We want your parents to understand the Key Stage 4 curriculum too, and for that reason we are holding a year 10 curriculum evening for parents of Yr 9 students on Tuesday 9th February 2010. On this occasion we will explain the overall curriculum and then departments will have the opportunity to give presentations about their courses and answer any questions your parents might have.
Some Hints:
DO choose subjects you will enjoy working at
DO find out which subjects will help you if you have a particular career or course of study in mind for the future.
DO look at information in the Careers Library
DO ask for advice from your teachers, form tutors and your parents
DO remember all courses are open to both boys and girls.
DO make decisions of your own rather than copy friends
Finally, remember there is a limit to the number of rooms, equipment and teachers for some subjects. We will try our utmost to give you your first choices but we cannot guarantee it. All courses are offered subject to viable group sizes.
Good Luck
M. Hall (Head teacher)
The next few weeks of your school career are very important. You will take some decisions that could affect you for a long time to come, both at school and ultimately, in your future life. As part of the Options process you have the chance to choose some of the subjects you will continue with in years 10 and 11 – at last, an opportunity to tailor make your own curriculum, concentrating on subjects and different styles of learning that suit you. Needless to say, this also means that you can drop some subjects that you may have struggled with or that aren’t amongst your favourites!
Making choices takes effort! You will have to do some serious thinking over the next few weeks; taking on board all of the advice you are given. Every year we have students who don’t think hard enough about their choices – they think the subject may be an easy option or they do it because their friends are. These poorly made decisions often mean that students either end up ultimately being withdrawn from a subject; or they perform to a standard well below that which they are capable of; therefore, gaining less GCSE’s than others.
We do expect you to get your thinking caps on. Weigh up what you are good at and what you are not. Think hard about what you enjoy and, also, any subjects that you may need to help you with a particular career. Decide whether you would be best suited to academic or more vocational courses and make sure that all of the choices that you make are well considered and right for you.
We are sure that you will be inundated with advice from subject teachers and from your mum, dad or grandparent. Listen to these people and try to take on board everything that they say to you. If we can be of any extra assistance, don’t be afraid to knock on the door of the Pastoral Office. We want you to be happy with your options!
Good luck with everything.
Mr Broughton Head Of Year
Mrs Drummond Options Manager
Outlined below is a brief description of the different Qualifications that the Key Stage 4 programme has to offer.
GCSEs
Traditional, examination based courses with a mostly academic content and a minor emphasis on coursework.
NVQs
Vocationally (work) related courses, mostly delivered off site (at college). They tend to be “hands on” practical courses with a direct link to a specific job area. NVQs have a recognised GCSE equivalence and are nationally accredited.
BTECs
BTECs are developed in consultation with industry and professionals, ensuring that they are relevant, progressive and recognised by professional bodies, employers and universities. BTEC qualifications are graded Pass, Merit and Distinction. These grades equate to C, B and A/A* at GCSE. The Extended Certificate is worth the equivalent of 2 GCSEs.
Young Apprenticeships
The Young Apprenticeship programme is a refreshing way for young people to learn. It’s an opportunity to gain a taste of ‘real work’ whilst continuing with core academic studies. Pupils gain a wide range of enriching experiences that will enhance their future possibilities. It is worth five GCSEs (C or above). For more information, see the appropriate sections on YA in Business and YA in Engineering.
