Tuesday 31 st of March Class of 2024 Year 9 GCSE Preferences - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Tuesday 31st of March Class of 2024 Year 9 GCSE Preferences Meeting WELCOME!

**PLEASE TURN CAMERAS AND MICS OFF** We will be beginning at 4.05pm If you do not have access to the chat, please email questions to r.bridges@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org and she will address on your behalf.

Introduction and Welcome Ms Edis - Principal

Where are we now, updates, next steps: Mr Rye – Assistant Principal; KS4 If you have questions while we are on a slide please ask it in the chat so we can answer

Preferences Process Key principles

• Guided, data-driven, supported, considered choices
• Quality over quantity – 3 preferences the norm
• EBacc / facilitating subject combinations encouraged (but not compulsory)
• 8-9 GCSEs
• Community languages is usually an additional GCSE

Are there restrictions on what I can study?

• Over 90% of pupils in previous years have been able to study their top 3

preferences.

• You will be asked to make 2 reserve choices.

What is the Ebacc?

• English Baccalaureate
• Studying specific GCSE subjects that provide a broad base of learning

for pupils.

• Recommended but not essential for pupils who are aiming to study at

university.

• Choose the subjects that you will enjoy and be successful in

What subjects make up the Ebacc?

• English Language and Literature
• Maths
• Trilogy (combined) or separate sciences (triple) (physics, biology, chemistry)
• Everyone is expected to be at a grade four or above in English and Maths –

pupils that do not achieve this will need to resit at college or sixth form

YOU WILL ALL STUDY THESE SUBJECTS AT BOLINGBROKE!

What subjects make up the Ebacc?

One from each:

• Geography, History
• French/Spanish (unless you do a Community Language)

This still leaves you with one open option.

• Computer Science (Cambridge National or GCSE)
• Music
• Art
• PE (Cambridge National or GCSE)
• Drama
• RS

We will guide each pupil to the right option for PE/Computer Science The subjects will run if there are enough pupils in the group

There are no EASY options!

• Are you more suited to 100% exam or subjects with controlled assessment

projects/practical elements + exam?

• Are you more suited to longer essay writing subjects or shorter answer questions?
• All subjects are challenging!
• In addition we support extra curricular activities through

▫ Duke of Edinburgh ▫ Lamda - Acting ▫ ABRSM - Music

Subjects

Pupils can pick from the following:

• Art
• P.E
• R.S
• Music
• Drama
• Computer Science
• History
• Geography
• Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish, French)
• Community languages

Religious Studies

• At Religious Studies GCSE, we study two religions; Christianity and Islam. In our

first year of study, we look at what Christian and Muslim beliefs are, and how their beliefs make them act in their day-to-day lives.

• Religious Studies at GCSE provides an ideal foundation for pursuing careers in law,

social work, journalism, broadcasting, politics, counselling amongst other fields.

• Ms Winter: r.winter@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

History

• History GCSE will set students on a path to learning about the political, social, economic and

cultural world that surrounds them.

• The units within this qualification include: Medicine through time 1250-Present, Superpower

relations and the Cold War, Early Elizabethan England 1558-88 and Weimar & Nazi Germany 1918-1939.

• You will further develop your skills of collecting and evaluating evidence as you begin to

unpick the past through a variety of sources and resources.

• Mr Newey: c.newey@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Geography

• Geography is a relevant, hands on subject that helps you to make sense of the world

around you.

• Includes vast variety of topics across both human and physical geography namely urban

issues and challenges, economic development, resource management, global hazards, global ecosystems and UK landscapes.

• Geography enables you to become globally and environmentally informed and thoughtful,

enquiring citizens, which is particularly pertinent living on planet Earth today.

• Ms Taylor: m.taylor@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Computer Science

• Computer Science GCSE will set students on a path to learning about the digital world.
• Units within this qualification include, Computer Programming where students learn Python – a

industry level programming language,

• Computer Science is a mathematical course and therefore you should be working at a 6 or above in

Maths or should be currently working at a 5 or above in Computer Science in Year 9.

• Mr Rye – t.rye@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Modern Foreign Languages

MFL GCSE will allow students to develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with Spanish and French native speakers in both speech and writing. They will progress and develop a passion for languages, through culturally engaging themes relevant to their age and interests. The content is organized in five themes: identity and culture, local area, holiday and travel, school, future aspirations, study and work and international and global dimension. t.rye@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org Community Languages As part of our commitment to language learning at Bolingbroke Academy, we will provide facilities in

• rder for pupils to gain qualifications in their mother tongue/community language.

Indicate on the form if you wish to study this

Physical Education

Love sport? Achieving a high grade in Science? Then GCSE PE may well be for you! This course is made up of both theoretical and practical elements, and it is far more than just kicking, throwing and jumping! A keen interest in the theoretical side of physical education is required, as with the new specification more emphasis is placed on the theoretical aspects than the practical. GCSE Entry:

• Science at a grade 4
• Taking part in at least one physical activity outside of school

Cambridge National is still an option for others Ms Bridges: r.bridges@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Drama

Drama GCSE gives pupils to opportunity the discover theatre from a number of angles: as a performer, director and set, costume, lighting and sound designer. Pupils who currently study Drama GCSE regularly comment on how much they enjoy taking a subject which allows them to be creative, active and work alongside others in the classroom, if this is something you enjoy doing then GCSE Drama is the subject for you! Entry – studied in Year 9 and working at a level five or above Ms Murphy: j.murphy@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Music

Studying Music for GCSE develops important life skills such as creativity, dedication, confidence, resilience and teamwork. Studying Music can create career opportunities as performing musicians and composers, as well as careers in education, music production, and other aspects of the music industry. Entry requirement: You should be having weekly lessons on your instrument, practising regularly and be at least grade 3 standard. It is desirable for you to be in a school ensemble (Senior Band, Senior Vocal Group, Rock School, Jazz and Funk Band, Music Scholars, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble). Ms Breckon: r.breckon@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Art and Design

Art & Design GCSE will enable students to follow a broad spectrum of careers in the future within the Creative Industries. Units within this qualification include, Analysis and Research where students learn to contextualise the work of artists, Experimentation where students learn about the properties of different 3-D, 2-D and digital materials and media to be able to learn how to express themselves effectively and Development where they explore their own artistic language to create meaningful outcomes. Ms Gougeon: h.gougeon@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Science

Three GCSEs is separate Sciences (Triple) T wo GCSEs is trilogy (combined) Every child will learn the same syllabus from the beginning of Year 10 and the course they are entered for will be reviewed upon assessments in the Autumn of Year 10. Studying trilogy rather than separate will not impact on a pupil's ability to study sciences at Sixth Form

The options process

• Pupils pick three GCSE options which they will study alongside English,

Maths and Science

• In a case we cannot allocate all 3 we have a first and second reserve

choice

• Thursday 5pm submission of preferences – this is a first

deadline you may want to change based on careers support (we have made this earlier so we can move to GCSE options sooner)

Starting option subjects

Once option subjects have been picked and assigned to pupils Y9 will move to their GCSE

• subjects. In light of the current situation we are bringing the start forward date TBC

It’s still important for pupils to engage in all of their DL in all of their subjects until

• ptions have been confirmed because:
• There are constraints on what a pupil can do at GCSE and we cannot confirm this until

after Easter

• Subjects will be finishing their KS3 curriculum and will therefore round off their time

with this subject We recognise this is hard but having the regularity of subject support sessions is important to continue

Thinking Ahead... The Sixth Form Ms C Orchin (Assistant Principal: Director of Sixth Form)

Website Link - Prospectus

Exceptional teaching

Structured programme with increasing independence Outstanding pastoral programme and support Rigorous, two-year, university preparatory courses

Every student known as an individual - highly personalised support and guidance Extensive university visit opportunities and UCAS application support

A rich and rewarding set of extra-curricular

• pportunities

EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)

4 A-levels + EPQ

GCSE Average point score of 7.5+ Grade 7 in English and Mathematics. 9-7 in other subjects.

Pathways and admissions criteria

3 A-levels + EPQ GCSE Average point score of 6+ Grade 6 in English and Maths 6s in other subjects

Professional Pathway

BTEC Applied Science – equivalent to 2/3 A-levels

GCSE Average point score of 4.5+ Grade 4 in English and

• Mathematics. 5 and

above in other subjects

Evidence of commitment to and readiness for higher level study

Internal candidates – effort score of 8+, 95%+ attendance and good behaviour record External candidates – formal reference from current school Completion of Bridging Projects / Summer School for selected subjects

9-1 A*- G 9 A* 8 A 7 6 B 5 C 4 3 D E 2 F 1 G

Subject Entry criteria

What do I need to get in?

Subject Minimum entry requirement Art 6 in GCSE Art Biology 6 in GCSE Biology Chemistry 6 in GCSE Chemistry Computing 6 in GCSE Maths English Literature 6 in GCSE English Literature Geography 6 in GCSE Geography Further Mathematics 8 in GCSE Maths History 6 in GCSE History Mathematics 7 in GCSE Mathematics Music 6 in GCSE Music Physics 7 in GCSE Physics Psychology 6 in GCSE English and GCSE Maths Philosophy 6 in GCSE Religious Studies or 7 in GCSE English MFL (all) 7 in GCSE in language BTEC Applied Science 5 in GCSE Science (Triple or Double)

9-1 A*- G 9 A* 8 A 7 6 B 5 C 4 3 D E 2 F 1 G

Destinations

Geography Cambridge University Biomed Queen Mary’s Medicine King’s Biomed Durham Vet Med Royal Veterinary College Apprenticeship Bloomberg Economics LSE Geography Bournemouth

FAQs

What about bigger Sixth Forms? What if I want a fresh start? Will I still get detentions? Will I have to wear a uniform? Can I go out for lunch? Is my timetable the same?

Careers and Guidance Ms Robinson

Careers advice and Guidance at Bolingbroke Academy

• Fast Tomato completion and tasks set by Ms Robinson
• Careers interview if requested by phone or MS Teams with Ms Robinson
• Drop in careers support from Ms Robinson by email
• Weekly tasks in the summer term set through SMHW
• University mentors throughout KS4 for targeted pupils
• University visits, including opportunities for workshops in the school holidays

when in year 10.

• A variety of career talks and visits to employers – some will be online in the

summer term

• Access to Fast Tomato now and the Morrisby Assessment in year 10
• Work experience at the beginning of year 11

Pathways

All pupils need to be in education and training between the ages of 16-18 A-levels (Advanced Level) are the traditional qualifications that are offered by schools and colleges for students aged between 16 and 19. These qualifications are exam based and academic. Vocational qualifications are practical qualifications that relate to a specific job

• r career sector. Unlike more academic courses like A-levels, they combine a mix of

theory and practical learning and you'll probably do some work experience too. At Bolingbroke we deliver Professional Pathways BTEC Applied Science to great success Apprenticeships at16 or at 18. Work based learning leading to a career

Fast Tomato

Thinking about your future

Fast Tomato is one of the most popular online careers guidance programmes for teenagers and has helped millions of pupils explore the many different career

• pportunities open to them.

It’s used by hundreds of schools nationwide and is accurate, relevant and easy to use.

All year 9 pupils should set up a new account and work through the questions. This will be set through SMHW today along with a list of tasks for all pupils to

• complete. Once this is complete pupils

can request a guidance meeting with Ms Robinson

Year Group Update Ms Bridges – Head of Year 9

Subject Check Ins

• Monday – Creative and Performing Arts 10:00am
• Tuesday –Year 9 Assembly and CIVITAS 9:00am
• Tuesday – Maths 2:00pm
• Wednesday – English 10:00am
• Wednesday – Computer Science 2:00pm
• Thursday – Humanities 10:30am
• Friday – Science 10:00am

Your child will then have additional live lessons such as; reading, LAMDA and instrumental lessons, but these are unique to them.

Year 9 Assembly and CIVITAS

Well being throughout the Easter Holidays

Physical well being

• Exercise for at least 20 minutes 3x a week (Joe Wicks, PE Workbook, Nike Fitness App, design your own!)
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Ensure you are still getting 8 hours sleep
• Get fresh air and go for a walk/run/cycle once a day

Social well being

• Arrange to facetime/video call your friends 3x a week don’t just text – hear their voice/see their face!
• Do activities with your family (board games, baking, puzzles!)
• Call your grandparents
• Check on those peers who you know might be lonely

Mental well being

• Read at least one book from start to finish throughout the holidays
• Limit your daily screen time to 2 hours
• Set yourself some goals for lockdown if not already (Ms Bridges’ assembly)
• Write down what you have achieved/are thankful for each day – keep them and read them back at the end of

lockdown

An example day for a Year 9 pupil in Easter Holidays

Time 8:00- 9:00am 9:00- 10:00am 10:00- 11:00am 11:00am- 12:00pm 12:00- 1:00pm 1:00- 2:00pm 2:00- 3:00pm 3:00- 5:00pm 5:00- 7:00pm 7:00- 9:00pm 9:00- 10:00pm Activity Wake up Shower Breakfast Exercise Read a book Facetime with friends Play a board game with family Eat lunch Screen time Make a TikTok Take an hour

• utside

Walk cycle run Work on your resolution; baking, music, art, sudoku's Helping to cook dinner Eat dinner with family Watch TV/chat with family Read a book Write down what you are thankful for 30 mins screen time Shower Get ready for bed