Options Booklet 2018-2021 | Page 3

Introduction

We hope this booklet, together with the Options and Parents' Evening which is to be held on Thursday 28th February 2019, will help to explain the school curriculum for Key Stage 4 and assist your son/daughter in making his/her option choices. There is information on both core and optional subjects contained on the following pages.

You may be aware that the government has made changes to the way in which GCSEs operate. GCSEs are now more rigorous and consistent across all subjects. Assessment will be externally marked with 'end of course' exams in most subjects. A new scale from 9 to 1 will replace grades A* to G.

Friday 8th February 2019

During assembly (8th February), Year 8 will have an introductory talk about Options in the Hall and there will be the opportunity to discuss choices with subject teachers during the following weeks.

Thursday 28th February 2019

KS4 Course Information Evening and Parents' Evening: a good opportunity to talk with staff about their specific subjects. A paper copy of the Courses Booklet will also be available on this evening.

Friday 1st March 2019

Tutors will give students a guide on how to log into the ‘Online Options’ system. Paper forms will be available if needed.

Monday 18th March 2019

Deadline for option choices.

Although we will endeavour to accommodate every student's subject preferences, it may not be possible to satisfy all requests. For that reason, we would ask your son/daughter to indicate two reserve subjects. Confirmation of final options will be sent home during April/May.

We hope that you will find this booklet both helpful and informative. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Miss O'Neill or your child's tutor.

Welcome to the Key Stage 4 Brochure for 2019 – 2022. Here we will set out information and guidance that will help you and your daughter/son make the best possible decisions about which subjects to study over the next three years.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils follow a wide range of subjects, providing them with a good grounding for their futures. Our aim here at Diss High School is to continue to offer a broad range of choices at Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11). The pressures to ensure that all pupils study a broad range of subjects until the age of sixteen, have resulted in a larger 'core' and increased emphasis on areas of the curriculum which should be studied by all.

We want to give our students the opportunity to study the subjects which will enable them to gain the 'English Baccalaureate'. This is awarded to students who have gained suitable grades in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, a Modern Foreign Language and either History or Geography.

The timetable for choosing courses for next year is:

Miss K.O'Neill

Head of Year

Miss V.Pittman

Assistant Headteacher

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