1

GCSE Options Book 2019-2021

2

GCSE Options Booklet 2019-2021

Index of pages1 Alton School GCSE requirements3 List of subjects available4 GCSE grading5 Information about each of the courses available16 ACE support and extension17 Careers programme18 Trips in Years 10 and 11

This booklet is designed to help Year 9 pupils with the choices that are available to them. It complements the work pupils have completed with Form Tutors on skills and careers paths, their personalised Careers Investigator reports, and individual interviews held with members of the Senior Leadership Team to think about their options. Our Careers Coordinator, Mrs Sarah Penny, as well as all of our teaching staff are available for consultation. The booklet provides guidance so that pupils, with their parents’ help, can make informed decisions and maximise their success at GCSE.

Choosing GCSE subjects is an important moment in pupils’ education. In making these choices, they are starting the journey of defining what kind of work they would like to do in the future. Some may feel they have a clear vision already and are beginning to think about what qualifications are necessary to go down certain paths. Choices made at this stage will have a bearing on the subjects that will be available to pupils at Sixth Form level. However, most pupils will not have a definite career plan yet and continuing with a broad and varied curriculum is essential at this stage in order to discover where their strengths lie and keep their future options open.

Alton School GCSE requirementsOur pupils take 10 GSCEs - Religious Studies is taken in Year 10 and the rest are taken in Year 11. Coursework for Religious Studies commences in Year 9 and our results are always excellent.

We offer 22 subjects at GCSE. Some follow a GCSE course and others an IGCSE course, depending on which course we feel is superior educationally in any specific subject.

4 subjects are compulsory – Maths / English Language / English Literature / Religious Studies.

To keep a balance of subjects and avoid limiting future opportunities, we strongly recommend that all students select:

1 x Science – Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Combined Science

1 x Modern Foreign Language – French / German / Spanish

1 x Humanities - Geography / History

Securing passes (minimum grade 4) across this range of subjects, including English and Maths, fulfils the requirements of the English Baccalaureate - a government school performance measure at GCSE designed to encourage a rigorous and academic education. These are considered to be ‘facilitating subjects’ because choosing them at A level leaves open the widest range of options for university study. The English Baccalaureate is valued by the Russell Group universities, the 24 leading universities in the country.

There are three further subjects to choose. Pupils who enjoy the sciences may want to take two or three of the specialist single science courses. This may be necessary if they aspire to become medics, vets, or engineers for example.

3

The full range of options are:

1. English Language (compulsory)2. English Literature (compulsory)3. Maths (compulsory)4. Religious Studies (compulsory)5. Biology6. Chemistry7. Physics8. Combined Science9. French10. German11. Spanish12. Latin13. Geography14. History15. Art16. Textiles17. Photography18. Dance19. Drama20. Music21. Computer Science22. Physical Education

Universities generally require passes (minimum Grade 5) in five subjects at GCSE, including English and Mathematics, and at least three subjects studied at A Level. Entry requirements for each university course vary. Current information can be found in individual establishment prospectuses and on their websites. These are subject to change, so we recommend that you check them regularly.

Whether pupils have a definite goal or not, what matters most is to ensure that the subjects chosen do not preclude any future choices, by keeping as wide and as balanced a range as possible. As they will be studying their subjects for two years, it is important they choose ones which they are good at and enjoy. Grades obtained at GCSE are recorded on university application forms and are sometimes the first tools used by selectors.

4

GCSE Grading

GCSEs and International GCSEs (IGCSEs) have moved away from A*-G grading systems to a new nine point numerical grading system (with a Grade 9 being the top mark).

Within this, for particular subjects (Maths and Modern Foreign Languages) there are two tiers at which a candidate can be entered. Higher Tier examinations are awarded grades 9-4. Foundation Tier examinations are awarded grades 5-1.

Decisions as to which tier may be appropriate for your child will be made in conjunction with you in the January/February prior to the GCSE examinations.

New Grading System Old Grading System

9

8

7

The proportion of students who would have achieved a grade of A or above in the old system should be about the same as the

proportion who will achieve a grade 7 or above in the new system

A*

A

6- - - - - -

5

4

The proportion of students who would have achieved a grade of C or above in the old system should be about the same as the

proportion who will receive a grade 4 or above in the new system.

A grade 5 will be deemed a ‘good’ pass.

B

C

3

2

1

DEFG

U U

Each school day is divided into six teaching periods (30 periods per week) distributed between:• English • Maths• Religious Studies • Each of the six option GCSE courses • Games (2 periods each week)• Personal, Social, Health, Moral and Economic Education (1 period each week)

5

GCSEs available at Alton School - Core Mandatory Subjects

English Language and English Literature There is no enjoyment like reading. These are two separate subjects and exams, however, our course combines them, as the skills from one are appropriate for the other. We follow the Edexcel International GCSE (IGCSE) English Language A and English Literature curriculum. This has long been the exam syllabus of choice at independent schools, historically for its rigour and now also because it has been less affected by the narrowing of content that has accompanied the Government’s recent GCSE reform programme. For example, as well as British authors, we are still able to study literature from a wide variety of American and world authors, which is in line with the school’s international outlook. We also have the opportunity to take coursework options in both Language and Literature. This is valuable as it teaches students the real life skills of thinking, planning, outlining, drafting and presenting a final version of a piece of work. It also encourages students to work independently and improve soft skills such as organisation, time management and self-reflection.English at GCSE is an enjoyable subject because there is room for discussion and we encourage students to have and to share their own views on the books they study and the topics they discuss. Students are set by ability at the start of Year 10, which enables teachers to provide a more personalised experience of the syllabus, supporting and challenging as appropriate according to student needs. The exam texts vary from set to set and include authors such as Maya Angelou, Adeline Yen Mah, Benjamin Zephaniah, Wilfred Owen, Robert Frost, John Keats, Vernon Scannell, Susan Hill, Kate Chopin, William Shakespeare, John Steinbeck, Harper Lee, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

Maths It is the music of reason. The GCSE Mathematics course is linear with all the examinations taking place at the end of Year 11. Our students take the OCR GCSE Mathematics (9-1) J560 course. The qualification involves three equally weighted examinations. Each examination is 90 minutes long and the use of a calculator is permitted on two of the papers. The most able mathematicians will also cover topics in Additional Mathematics in Year 11 with a view to preparing for A Level Mathematics. Topics studied include: Pythagoras’ theorem, trigonometry, simultaneous equations, quadratic equations, time series, standard form and many more!

Religious Studies Peace begins with a smile. Studying Religion poses questions about how we should live, how to make moral decisions, and why we are here. Being able to understand these questions and think them through logically (religious literacy) is a rare and valuable skill.A GCSE in Religious Studies is excellent preparation for A Level Social Sciences (Law, Sociology and Psychology) as well as A Levels in Religious Studies, History and English. In addition, many jobs like medicine, the police, the armed forces, teaching, law and the caring professions, social work, and nursing appreciate the skills you will learn in Religious Studies. The new GCSE course (AQA Option B) is made up of two parts and is assessed by 2 exam papers (no coursework) taken in Year 10: • Study of Religions – we will study the key beliefs and practices of Catholic Christianity and Judaism. • Philosophical and Ethical themes – these include changing views of relationships and the roles of men and women, war and peace, prejudice and discrimination, poverty.

6

GCSEs available at Alton School - Arts

Art subjects are obviously essential for anyone considering an artistic or creative career, including fields such as graphic or fashion design, theatre or dance. Many of our students progress on to Foundation Courses and Degrees in the Arts.As well as preparing students for the creative and performing arts, arts subjects develop the much valued skills of creative thinking and problem solving. Art GCSE is very helpful for the graphics aspect of technology as well as the creative side of advertising. Potential architects usually need to produce a portfolio of work so Art GCSE can be invaluable here too.

Art and Design Art generates a love of learning and creativity. The exam board we use is AQA, and students can choose to specialise in Art, Textiles or Photography. Students may select one or two of these options (but not three) to study as separate qualifications. Different areas of study must be produced and submitted for each course. All courses are flexible and designed to stimulate creativity, offering a high degree of choice and a range of different media, processes and techniques. All our courses give students the opportunity to produce a portfolio of work that they can show to prospective employers or use to help secure a place in higher education. Whatever the specialism and whether doing one or two, for each course the GCSE is assessed in two ways: • A non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the school and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June. Students complete a portfolio that must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study. This represents 60% of total marks. • A non-exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA; marked by the school and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June. A preparation period which can begin on or after 2 January is followed by 10 hours of supervised unaided work in which students are required to realise their intentions. This represents 40% of the total mark.

DanceI’m just there, flying like a bird.Dance is a powerful and expressive subject which encourages students to develop creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity. As well as building knowledge and understanding specific to performing, choreographing and analysing dance, students gain confidence whilst working independently and collaboratively to generate, develop and communicate ideas. Whatever students decide to do in the future, studying GCSE Dance will give them a wide range of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and the workplace.

During the AQA GCSE course students will learn: • A variety of dance genres, styles and techniques • A range of design elements (costume/lighting/sound/set) relating to dance works • How dances are constructed and realised by taking part in choreographic workshops, studying professional dance pieces and watching live performances • The ways in which dancers, choreographers and designers communicate meaning to an audience • How dance and choreography is affected by its social, cultural and historical context • How to effectively analyse and evaluate your own and others’ work.

Dance is assessed through a combination of practical work (60%) and examination (40%).

7

8

Drama We are the player of plays.

The theatre is such a thrilling experience and GCSE Drama students not only get to study and explore professional productions but also create their own. Students learn how drama is affected by its social, cultural and historical context and to effectively analyse and evaluate their own and others’ work. Students learn to work independently and collaboratively whilst generating, developing and communicating ideas. Notably, the course helps students to develop creativity and gain the confidence required to pursue their own ideas and then reflect and refine their efforts.

During the AQA GCSE course students learn: • A variety of performance styles and genres • A range of stage and performance conventions • How plays are constructed and realised through the study of scripts and live performances • How to create, interpret and communicate a character • The ways in which performers and designers communicate meaning to an audience • How drama and theatre is affected by its social, cultural and historical context • How to effectively analyse and evaluate your own and others’ work.

Drama is assessed through both practical coursework (60%) and written examination (40%).

9

MusicIt is the literature of the heart.

Studying music can give you a great mix of social, technical and business skills, which can all help in aquiring the seven skills that define employability. In the words of Albert Einstein: “The greatest scientists are artists as well.” Music is part art, part science, which means it will help you build your problem solving, research, planning, analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as develop your creativity.

The GCSE specification of the Eduqas examination board has been taught since September 2016. Music GCSE is divided into three units – performing, composing and appraising or understanding music.

Performing makes up 30% of the subject. You will need to perform two pieces on any instrument(s), one of which must be an ensemble. You can perform two ensembles if you wish, but not two solos. The voice is also an instrument. Your performances can be in any style.

Composing makes up 30% of the subject. You will need to compose two pieces for only instrument(s), or voice(s) of your choice. One composition has to be on a set brief. The second composition is free choice.

The final 40% of the course consists of four areas of study: Musical forms and devices, Music for ensemble, Film music, and Popular music. This component is assessed via a listening examination. There are also two set works – one Classical and one in a popular style - that will be assessed.

10

GCSEs available at Alton School - Humanities

Humanities cross the sciences and the arts, with Geography being more science-based and History more arts. They help students understand how the world works today and how we have arrived there. Humanities keep doors open to a wide spread of future study options. The main concern of university admissions tutors is that applicants have studied a broad base of academic subjects at GCSE and have developed skills which will be needed in their future studies, including an ability to analyse and evaluate evidence (both factual and subjective) and to express one’s opinion and substantiate it properly. These are core skills for History and Geography. Both History and Geography provide a broad range of transferable skills, particularly useful for modern careers which are less defined and more fluid than in the past. Many people interested in Law study History, those interested in development and planning often take a Geography degree.

Geography Where in the world?Geography is an education for life. Universities and employers value the broad range of transferable skills that Geography delivers. Geography fits neatly with the Sciences, the Arts and other Humanities subjects.

The exam board we use is Edexcel and the curriculum is Geography B. This specification offers an issues-based approach with content organised by UK and global geography. It also includes a decision-making paper, which allows students to investigate people-environment issues on a global scale.

There are three examination papers.1. Global geographical issues (37.5%)2. UK geographical issues (37.5%)3. People and Environment issues – making geographical decisions (25%)

Fieldwork is an integral part of the GCSE course and students will be expected to attend the residential trip to Start Bay in Devon in order to fulfil this requirement.

HistoryWritten by the winners.Edexcel GCSE History is a comprehensive history course designed to give students the opportunity to study a variety of nations and time periods in considerable depth. It has been designed to follow on from lower school studies and provides a broad overview of British, European and World History.

Topics include:• Medicine through time, 1250-present: This unit looks at how and why medicine has developed

throughout history. It includes how science has improved medical care and a detailed study of how medicine developed on the Western Front in WWI.

• Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941-1991: This unit looks at the development and deterioration in the relationship between the 20th Century’s two greatest superpowers after the Second World War. The struggle between the USA and the USSR shaped the late 20th Century and we look in depth at how this Cold War evolved and ended.

• Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, 1060-1088: This Unit looks at the impact of the Norman invasion in 1066 and how it changed England.

• Russia and the Soviet Union, 1917-1941: This unit looks at how and why the Romanov Tsars of Russia lost their throne and how the Communist leaders such as Lenin and Stalin took power to make the Soviet Union one of the 20th Century’s greatest superpowers.

History is assessed through a series of written examinations.

11

GCSEs available at Alton School - Languages

Languages are a life skill and teach social and communication skills, cultural awareness, and adaptability. Languages provide an edge in the job market, open up opportunities to travel and work abroad, and combine well with virtually any other subject for further study. Some of our best universities may request the study of a language at GCSE as an entrance requirement for certain degrees. If you are hoping to study languages at university, we recommend that you study two of these at GCSE. It is possible to study a new language ab initio at university (Italian, Japanese or Russian are popular choices). Universities will require evidence of ability in languages at GCSE and A Level. There are also degree courses combining Latin with a modern language.

French - Autres temps, autres moeurs.French is useful for travel as it is spoken as a native language in five continents of the world. It will give you greater opportunities when choosing your career, and is the dominant language at the European Court of Justice. Along with English, French is the official working language of: The United Nations, NATO, The European Community, The International Red Cross and The International Olympic Committee.

German - Wer rastet, der rostet.German is the second most widely spoken language in Europe and Germany is a key business partner for the UK. One in ten books in the world is published in German.

Spanish - El que algo quiere, algo le cuesta.Over 400 million people in the world speak Spanish. It is one of the most useful languages for international travel and will give you easier access to amazing historical sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru and Tulum in Mexico.

The exam board we work with is AQA and the assessment and themes for each language follow the same pattern. The themes covered are:

Theme 1 Identity and cultureTheme 2 Local, national, international and global areas of interestTheme 3 Current and future study and employment

Assessment is via four question papers covering listening, speaking, reading and writing.

• The listening section is assessed by a 35 minute exam where listening stimulus is played and questions have to be answered. It represents 25% of the qualification.

• The oral component is a non-exam assessment and constitutes 25% of the qualification. It includes a role play and conversation.

• Reading is assessed via exam where answers are required in English and the studied language, and a translation is required. It represents 25% of the qualification.

• Writing is assessed by an exam that makes up the final 25%.

LatinMens regnum bona possidet.Latin is sophisticated, challenging, unusual and enormous fun! It will be proof that you have a logical mind which can appreciate language. You will find learning European languages much easier. When you study Latin, you will be introduced to the amazing wealth of the Classical World.

The exam board for Latin is OCR. The curriculum is designed to help students develop their knowledge and understanding of the vocabulary, syntax and accidence of the Latin language and also allow them to develop knowledge and understanding of ancient literature, values and society through the study of original texts. There is an exam paper worth 50% of the marks that covers texts and stories in Latin to build knowledge and understanding of Latin vocabulary, accidence and syntax. The second exam paper covers Latin prose, verse and literature.

12

GCSEs available at Alton School - Sciences

As a rough guide, if considering medicine or dentistry, then it is usually essential to include all three sciences at GCSE in order to maximise options later on. Most medical schools expect all three sciences at GCSE, as well as very high grades in other GCSE subjects. The position is virtually identical for veterinary science and pharmacy, where science subjects at A Level with very high grades are also usually required.Physics and Chemistry are sensible choices at GCSE if considering a future in radiography. Aspiring engineers and architects will usually need Physics at GCSE. Those intending to take Biology at A Level should take Chemistry to GCSE at least. Careers involving food science, nutrition or dietetics usually require A Level Chemistry, so it should be included at GCSE.

Departments of Nursing prefer entrants with a strong science base at GCSE, so Biology and Chemistry are important. Potential physiotherapists will also need a strong science background at GCSE and at least Biology at A Level.

BiologyBiology is the study of life.Biology is an excellent qualification to have. It is required for studies in many subjects including natural sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, veterinary science, botany, zoology, physiotherapy, psychology and genetics. We study the International GCSE (IGCSE) curriculum with the exam board Edexcel. This core subject is held in high regard by universities and employers alike because this science equips its students with a logical mind and many transferable skills.

It is assessed by two examination papers and the course covers:

• The nature and variety of living organisms• Structures and functions in living organisms• Reproduction and inheritance• Ecology and the environment• Use of biological resources

13

ChemistryChemistry is not all bangs and whistles. Chemistry is everywhere in the world around you! It’s in the food you eat, clothes you wear, water you drink, medicines, air, cleaners...you name it. Chemistry helps you to understand the world around you and can help you make informed decisions. It helps you to understand current events, including news about petroleum, product recalls, pollution, the environment and technological advances. We study the International GCSE (IGCSE) curriculum with the exam board Edexcel.

There are two exam papers, across which are a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open response questions.

The areas of study this course covers are:• Principles of chemistry• Inorganic chemistry• Physical chemistry• Organic chemistry

GCSEs available at Alton School - Sciences

As a rough guide, if considering medicine or dentistry, then it is usually essential to include all three sciences at GCSE in order to maximise options later on. Most medical schools expect all three sciences at GCSE, as well as very high grades in other GCSE subjects. The position is virtually identical for veterinary science and pharmacy, where science subjects at A Level with very high grades are also usually required.Physics and Chemistry are sensible choices at GCSE if considering a future in radiography. Aspiring engineers and architects will usually need Physics at GCSE. Those intending to take Biology at A Level should take Chemistry to GCSE at least. Careers involving food science, nutrition or dietetics usually require A Level Chemistry, so it should be included at GCSE.

Departments of Nursing prefer entrants with a strong science base at GCSE, so Biology and Chemistry are important. Potential physiotherapists will also need a strong science background at GCSE and at least Biology at A Level.

BiologyBiology is the study of life.Biology is an excellent qualification to have. It is required for studies in many subjects including natural sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, veterinary science, botany, zoology, physiotherapy, psychology and genetics. We study the International GCSE (IGCSE) curriculum with the exam board Edexcel. This core subject is held in high regard by universities and employers alike because this science equips its students with a logical mind and many transferable skills.

It is assessed by two examination papers and the course covers:

• The nature and variety of living organisms• Structures and functions in living organisms• Reproduction and inheritance• Ecology and the environment• Use of biological resources

14

Physics Never stop questioning.Physics is a challenging but very rewarding subject. It enables you to learn about many of the technologies that underpin recent scientific advances. It covers the ‘hows’ and the ‘whys’ of our existence on earth. If you are interested in a career in medicine, engineering, space science, computing, earth sciences, sound systems or many others, then Physics is for you.

The exam board we work with is Edexcel and the course is the International GCSE (IGCSE) 4PH1.Assessment is through two examinations. Both papers have a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Topics covered are:* Force and motion * Electricity* Waves * Energy resources and energy transfers* Solids, liquids and gases * Magnetism and electromagnetism* Radioactivity and particles * Astrophysics

Combined ScienceScience is nature’s interpreter. The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Combined Science consists of six externally examined papers. This course provides a broad science education for those individuals who are less scientific, but who need to maintain a science GCSE in their subject profile. There are two papers each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, covering all the key concepts for each science.

These topics are less specialised and more accessible so this qualification provides an easierroute to gaining a single GCSE grade than following any of the sciences separately. However, itonly provides a limited introduction to the individual science subjects and so it is not a viableoption for those wishing to study any of the science subjects at A-level.

Computer ScienceWhere is the ‘any’ key?The Exam Board we work with is AQA. In a nutshell, GCSE Computer Science explores the principles of digital technology and a way of working that is called ‘computational thinking’, with coding as a core aspect of the course. Students need to be able to think logically, solve puzzles and be tenacious when the going gets tough. It is also creative, especially when programming.

Unit 1Computational thinking, algorithms and programming – translators and facilities of languages, algorithms, high and low level programming, computational logic, data representation and systems architecture.

Unit 2Computer Systems – memory, storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, protocols and layers, security (focusing on cyber security – looking at phishing, malware, firewalls and people as the ‘weak point’ in secure systems) system software, moral, social, legal, cultural and environmental concerns.

Unit 3Programming Project – programming techniques, design, development, effectiveness and efficiency, technical understanding, testing, evaluation and conclusions. These projects will build up your confidence and skills.

This course is assessed via two exams and a project (coursework).

15

Physical EducationSport for all.

We understand that sport is far more than what happens on the sports field or netball court. Sport instills lifelong values into our pupils such as confidence, discipline, respect, decision-making skills, a strong work ethic, as well as leadership and management skills. There is growing evidence that physical activity improves academic performance, with some research showing those who are active achieve up to 40% higher scores in schools tests.

The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Physical Education consists of two externally-examined papers and two non-examined assessment components.

There is an increased emphasis on the theoretical content in this GCSE, with 60% of the qualification assessed through examination.

Practical performance and performance analysis is assessed internally and moderated externally and represents 40% of the qualification. Of this, 30% is practical activity, which is made up of one team activity, one individual activity and a free choice. 10% is performance analysis.

Component 1 (Fitness & Body systems) is assessed by written exam and covers:• Topic 1: Applied anatomy and physiology• Topic 2: Movement analysis• Topic 3: Physical training• Topic 4: Use of data

Component 2 (Health and Performance) is assessed by written exam and covers:• Topic 1: Health, fitness and well-being• Topic 2: Sport psychology• Topic 3: Socio-cultural influences• Topic 4: Use of data

Component 3 (Practical Performance) is a non-examined assessment and covers:• Skills during individual and team activities• General Performance skills

Component 4 (Personal Exercise Programme - PEP) is a non-examined assessment and covers:• Aim and planning analysis• Carrying out and monitoring the PEP• Evaluation of the PEP

16

ACE - Aspire, Challenge, Extend

ACE is a whole-school centralised learning programme designed to aid and enrich our students’ academic development and improve their learning outcomes. ACE works for all pupils at Alton School at any stage, liaising with teaching staff and with parents or guardians.

The ACE department is managed by a team of experienced staff able to meet the needs of the very able (HPL - High Potential Learners) and those who require specialist help in order to meet their potential. The Head of Teaching and Learning and the ACE Co-ordinator, who is a specialist assessor of young people with specific learning difficulties, work alongside a team of experienced teachers who are able to support, mentor and advise pupils with difficulties such as dyslexia and dyscalculia as well as guiding those who would benefit from independent enrichment and a tailored, challenging programme of study.

For pupils studying GCSE courses, individual needs around specific skills or topics are identified by teaching staff through class observations and/or assessments and are referred to ACE for support or further extension. The ACE department advise staff of ways to support the pupil in class. If appropriate, one to one guidance or small group sessions are put into place. These may look at skill building for GCSEs such as revision skills, decoding exam questions, how to formulate and plan an answer, and working efficiently within time limits. Some pupils may need just a short boost in certain areas to increase their confidence or ability. Others may need continued guidance.Teaching staff monitor all pupils’ progress. If there are concerns, staff alert the ACE department who will investigate to establish whether there is a need for intervention or for an application for exam access arrangements (such as extra time or use of a laptop). Parents are kept fully informed throughout the process.

17

Careers Programme

Our formal careers programme starts in Year 7 and progressively builds through to Sixth Form. It aims to help pupils:

• identify their strengths and interests

• kindle aspirations about their futures

• provide them with the knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions

We run a variety of activities and events in the Senior School to raise awareness of the diversity of careers and pathways available, including National Careers Week, our biennial Careers Fair, and a continuous programme of inspirational guest speakers in assemblies. Students are taught about employability skills in our Personal, Social, Health, Moral and Economic Education (PSHMEE) curriculum where they assess the development of their own skills and review progress each term.

During the spring term in Year 9, students have been working with their tutors during PSHMEE lessons to discuss their skills and potential career paths. They have completed a preference-based survey which generates a personalised, interactive Careers Investigator report. This has been sent to their school e-mail address. The report highlights the three career themes that most interest them, along with examples of specific careers in these fields. Students have been encouraged to discuss their results with parents and form tutors prior to making GCSE option choices.

In addition, senior staff members have held individual interviews with each student to help them think about the choices they wish to make. Our Careers Coordinator, Mrs Sarah Penny, is also available for consultation to support students in the process of making their choices.

Over the Easter break Year 9 students and their parents are encouraged to take part in the Take Your Son or Daughter to Work programme which gets children thinking about their adult lives and careers. There is also a one-day Young Enterprise Launchpad workshop in June which provides a practical taste of the world of work and the excitement of running a business.

In Year 10, there is further individual psychometric profiling provided by Futurewise, a specialist career planning programme. This provides a detailed analysis of aptitude, skills and personality traits. It points to suitable career paths and ideas for further research as well as providing access to an online platform with a wealth of up-to-date careers education content and specific advice. It includes a personal statement builder where students can log work experience, volunteering, career research etc. The Futurewise account belongs to the student and stays with them until they are 23 years old. There is a one-off £30 charge for this service.

In Years 10 and 11, students benefit from externally run study skills and revision techniques workshops. For Years 11 and 12, there is a biennial Enterprise Day of practical learning about business where students are given a set of tasks and are mentored and judged by a panel of local entrepreneurs. From Year 11 onwards, students are encouraged to find work experience and to try and arrange this themselves in order to develop useful employability skills! We can provide assistance if needed.

Careers services specific to Years 12 and 13 are covered in the Sixth Form Curriculum Handbook.

18

Trips

There are two short residential trips during Years 10 and 11 which all pupils attend. In Year 10 we visit Bath and Bristol where we explore the SS. Great Britain, are stimulated by the innovative We The Curious science experience, dress up in the Fashion Museum, go to the theatre, and fit in a full day’s tour of Bath too.

In Year 11 we set off for Canterbury, stopping off at Leeds Castle on the way. We visit the Canterbury Tales Museum, the Cathedral, have a whole day of team-building challenge activities, and squeeze in another theatre or ballet trip too!

Both trips enhance our curriculum and are significant cultural and social experiences for our pupils, as well as being a lot of fun. The two GCSE years are an intense period of study and it is important that students have some time away from the everyday coursework to broaden their outlook and be reminded that education is not just about GCSEs. These trips are wonderful opportunities for them to bond with their peers and form tutors, to have space and time to learn about new things outside of their exam courses, and to create some special memories of school experiences with their friends.

Some GCSEs also require day trips and residential trips in support of the course - for instance Geography field trips and theatre trips for those taking Drama.

In alternate years we also offer the opportunity for Years 10 and 11 to participate in a ski trip or a cultural trip.

19

Spanish Summer School, Colombia

This is a four-week intensive language and culture immersion experience over the summer holidays. It is open to all pupils in Years 10 to 13, not just those studying Spanish. Based at our beautiful Sister School in Barranquilla, students will have the opportunity either to start learning Spanish or improve their current language skills. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience living and learning in a different culture and to visit places of interest in the surrounding area.

Your child will be eligible to take part in the Colombian Summer School from 2020. We will hold an annual information evening early in the Spring Term for those who would like to find out more.

20

Alton School, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hants, GU34 2NG. Tel. 01420 82070

www.altonschool.co.uk