KS4 Curriculum Guide 2008
Your Choices Explained
Introduction
During the next few months you will be taking important decisions about the subjects you will be studying at KS4. This booklet aims to help you make positive and informed decisions about your learning at Beechen Cliff School over the next two years. These decisions must be very carefully considered because they will have a bearing beyond your GCSEs to Sixth Form studies/Further Education and your future career. You will have ample opportunity, with your parents, to gather all the information you need to make the correct decisions. The programme we have put in place to support you and your parents in making these choices is as follows:
Tuesday 8th January
Options process explained to pupils in Year 9 Assembly and
Information Booklet given out to all pupils.
Monday 14th January
Meeting for parents at 7:30pm in the Main Hall. Here the KS4
Curriculum and the options process will be explained and
questions answered.
Thursday 31st January
Year 9 Parents Evening – this will be an opportunity to
discuss option choices with subject teachers, senior staff,
careers staff and tutors.
The Curriculum
Table 1 shows all the subjects available for study next year.
The Pathways
Before making any choices, you need to know which of the three pathways you are taking:
- If you have good linguistic aptitude and you are currently studying two languages you should follow the Languages Pathway.
- If you are currently studying a single language and do not wish to pursue foreign language study at GCSE we recommend you follow the Non-Languages Pathway.
- There is a third pathway called Skill Force. There is more information about Skill Force on page 27. If we think you would be suited to this pathway we will let you know.
The Core Curriculum
All pupils will follow a Core Curriculum. Apart from the Citizenship option, the subjects contained in the Core Curriculum are not optional.
Whether you study GCSE English Language and/or Literature depends only on the set you are in for this subject – and not on the pathway chosen.
In one hour a week, all will study for a National First Award in ICT equivalent to one GCSE.
In addition, all pupils will follow a Citizenship programme that includes PSHE, careers and an option to do either a Short Course GCSE in Philosophy and Ethics or an Award in Sports Leadership (see page 29 for further details).
The Level 1 and Level 2 Qualifications
You will notice that in the Non-Languages and Skill Force Pathways in Table 1 you are asked to make a choice from three Level 1 and 2 qualifications. These are equivalent to GCSEs but are more vocational/work-related. Rather than being awarded Grades A*-C, you will be awarded Distinction, Merit or Pass. The National Certificate in ICT, is equivalent to 4 GCSEs and the Level 2 qualifications in Sport and Creative Craft are at a standard equivalent to GCSE grades A*-C. For these groups of subjects there is twice as much teaching time (10 periods per fortnight) as the GCSE Option subjects.
Making Choices
When it comes to you considering the subject choices, it is very important that you:
- think for yourself (focus on what you want to do – not what your friends are doing)
- reflect on your learning experiences so far (focus on the courses and avoid thinking about the personalities)
- think long term (find out about what you need to help you achieve your goals beyond Beechen Cliff: 6th form/College, University, work etc)
- ask questions about the courses - the structure and expectations
- discuss your option choices with teachers and your parents – listen to their advice.
After you have made your subject choices we will make every effort to offer those subjects to you. However, it is worth pointing out at this stage that if there are too many pupils wanting to do a particular subject or not enough to make a viable group, then it may not be possible to offer you your subject choices. In addition, if the KS3 SAT results and other examination marks gathered throughout Year 9 indicate that alternative options would be better for you, then we will obviously advise you. If at any stage it looks like you will not be able to do your chosen subjects I will make an arrangement to discuss alternatives with you. I anticipate finalising the subject choices by mid-June.
Mr M Randall
Assistant Headmaster
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