This document outlines changes to the GCSE curriculum in England, including an increased focus on core academic subjects through pathways like the English Baccalaureate. Students must choose subjects to study from a list of GCSE, vocational, and non-GCSE options. The process involves selecting a pathway, discussing choices with teachers, and having an interview to finalize selections. The goal is for students to choose a broad and balanced set of at least 6 GCSE subjects to support their future career and education plans.
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Year 9 options evening 2012
1.
2. ‘Broad and balanced curriculum’
Return to more traditional GCSE subjects
Restriction on the number of non GCSE
qualifications
High quality vocational qualifications
Progression opportunities
Raising of the participation age
Increase in apprenticeships
3. What’s new? – English Baccalaureate
• English GCSE
• Maths GCSE
• 2 x Science GCSE
• 1 x GCSE French or Spanish
• 1 x GCSE Geography or History
• All at C grade or above =
4. Why the fuss about qualifications?
‘In a competitive job market, academic and vocational
qualifications are increasingly important. Those without
qualifications are at a higher risk of being unemployed and
having low incomes.’
Exclusion, employment and opportunity, Case Paper No 4, Atkinson. A and Hills J, (eds),
6. Core Pathways
Blue Pathway: Orange Pathway:
GCSE Maths (Maths/English Plus)
GCSE English Language GCSE Maths
GCSE English Literature GCSE English Language
Triple GCSE Science GCSE English Literature
Extended Project (non GCSE) GCSE Core Science
GCSE RE GCSE Add. Science
Core PE (non GCSE) GCSE RE
Core PE (non GCSE)
Purple Pathway:
(Maths/English Plus) Green Pathway:
GCSE Maths GCSE Maths
GCSE English Language GCSE English Language
GCSE English Literature GCSE English Literature
GCSE Core Science BTEC Science (x2)
BTEC Science (x1) Core PSRE (non GCSE)
Core PSRE (non GCSE) Core PE (non GCSE)
Core PE (non GCSE) Additional learning support
7. GCSE/Non- GCSE options
GCSE Non GCSE
• Catering • BTEC Sport
• DT – Graphics • BTEC Business Studies
• DT - Resistant Materials • BTEC Performing Arts - Dance
• DT - Textiles • BTEC Performing Arts – Music
• History
• Geography There is also a selection of level 1
• French vocational courses available
• Spanish This list is not yet finalised but may
include introductory courses in the
• Drama following areas:
• Music
• Art Hair and Beauty
• PE Construction
• ICT Motor Vehicle
• Child Development Engineering
8. Making the right choices...
• The vast majority of students must have at
least 6 GCSE subjects in their total curriculum
Option Choices
Blue Pathway:
GCSE Maths Spanish
GCSE English Language
History
GCSE English Literature
Triple GCSE Science BTEC Dance
Extended Project (non GCSE)
GCSE RE BTEC Sport
Core PE (non GCSE)
Reserve: Music
Core GCSEs = 7 Option GCSEs = 2 or 3 Total = 9 or 10
9. Making the right choices...
• The vast majority of students must have at
least 6 GCSE subjects in their total curriculum
Orange Pathway: Option Choices
(Maths/English Plus)
GCSE Maths French
GCSE English Language Geography
GCSE English Literature
GCSE Core Science DT - Graphics
GCSE Add. Science
GCSE RE BTEC Business
Core PE (non GCSE) Reserve: Drama
Core GCSEs = 6 Option GCSEs = 3 or 4 Total = 9 or 10
10. Making the right choices...
• The vast majority of students must have at
least 6 GCSE subjects in their total curriculum
Orange Pathway: Option Choices
(Maths/English Plus)
GCSE Maths BTEC Music
GCSE English Language Geography
GCSE English Literature
GCSE Core Science DT - Graphics
GCSE Add. Science
GCSE RE BTEC Business
Core PE (non GCSE) Reserve: Drama
Core GCSEs = 6 Option GCSEs = 2 or 3 Total = 8 or 9
11. Making the right choices...
• The vast majority of students must have at
least 6 GCSE subjects in their total curriculum
Option Choices
Green Pathway:
GCSE Maths BTEC Sport
GCSE English Language
GCSE English Literature ICT
BTEC Science (x2)
DT – Res. Materials
Core PSRE (non GCSE)
Core PE (non GCSE) Catering
Additional learning support
Reserve: Art
Core GCSEs = 3 Option GCSEs = 3 or 4 Total = 6 or 7
12. Completing Options online
Select Coloured Use drop down
Pathway menus to select Ensure you have
your subjects at least 6 GCSE
subjects in your
total curriculum
Submit
form answering
Avoid prohibited
the security Indicate reserve combinations
question area e.g. 2 DT subjects,
GCSE PE and Sport
, BTEC Dance and Music
13. So what next??
• Interview with a member of Senior Staff from the
week beginning March 5th (parents invited)
Recommended Interests and
Coloured Pathway Strengths
Career ideas
Update on Sixth Form /
curriculum offer Higher Education
and chance for
questions
14. Year 9 Parents Evening
Wednesday 14th March 2012
Make appointments to see ‘Core’ teachers and subjects
where you have particular interests
15. So what next?
• Join us for refreshments and informal discussions
• Think carefully about your plans for the future
• Prepare well for your interview
• Talk with family, friends and teachers
• Pick areas and subjects for the right reasons