Options Evening‘Your future, Your choice’

February 2013

National ‘CORE’ offer

Subjects compulsory for all:• English (1 or 2 GCSEs)• Mathematics (1 GCSE)• Science (2 GCSEs)• ICT (in year 10) (1 GCSE)• Sport

IGCSE

• IGCSEs are offered in maths and English• They have the same standing with universities and

employers as GCSEs.• IGCSE assessment methods are slightly different

to GCSEs, and therefore require a different skill set.

• IGCSEs are good preparation for those thinking of A levels in those subject areas and for students aiming at A/A*

EBACC

Consider your future:• If a student is likely to study science at ‘A’

level we would advise triple science.• If considering university we would advise

choosing courses that lead to the EBACC (Ma, En, Sc, Ge or Hi & MFL).

• Need to achieve at least a grade C in every course.

Facilitating Subjects

• For more academic students who are aiming for entry to a Russell Group university it is also important to look at potential subjects for A level.

• Aimed at students who achieve 3 or more A levels at AAB in facilitating subjects.

• The facilitating subjects are: Mathematics; English; Physics; Biology; Chemistry; Geography; History and Languages (the EBACC subjects).

Arts Specialism

• All students need to complete a level 2 Arts course as part of our specialism.

• Students who successfully complete the arts award in Year 9 can opt out of an Arts subject.

Enrichment Courses

• Enrichment courses are designed to allow students to develop a broader skill set.

• Post 16 providers and employers are interested in a student with a range of experiences.

• They allow students to follow particular interests, which may lead to a specific career.

Applied Courses

• Practical learning at the equivalent of GCSE grades A*-C.

• There are limited ‘final’ examinations but continuous assessment over two year.

Options Sheet

• A free choice of subjects; we will write the timetable around student choice whenever possible.

• We will discuss with individuals and their parents any difficulties with their choices.

• We will write to all parents with the outcome of their choices by the end term 5.

What happens if a course is over or under

subscribed?• We will try to put on an additional group.• A course may not be able to run if less than

15 students opt for it.• We may have to look at using reserve

choices but will always discuss this with students before doing so.

• It is not first come, first served!

Options form: Science

Deadlines

• All choices need to be returned to Client Services by Friday 22 February.

• The time lines are crucial because of the freedom we are giving parents and students in their choices.

• Any student who fails to do so will be given a ‘guided’ choice on Monday 25 February.

Questions?