+ What’s the difference between GCSEs and vocational courses? Are GCSEs better?

There are two types of qualifications at Key Stage 4.

GCSEs: The majority of subjects are offered as GCSEs. These involve a greater proportion of formal exams at the end of the course.

Vocational Courses: Technical Awards such as BTECs and WJECs are vocational qualifications where students complete the majority of the course (60%) in the classroom under controlled conditions. There are less formal exams than in GCSEs, and these are spread over the two years with an opportunity to resit. They have a different grading system, however, they are equivalent to traditional GCSE grades.

Vocational courses offer a more hands on learning style - ‘learning by doing’, which can suit different learning styles. It’s a common misconception that vocational courses are ‘less than’ GCSEs. In fact, they are equal, and are highly respected and accepted by colleges, universities and employers. They are usually directly related to a particular job area or career and are great preparation for employment.

You can study both GCSEs and vocational qualifications alongside one another. It is really sensible to choose a mixture of both.

+ What courses do universities want?

Specific entry requirements for different courses, sixth forms, colleges and universities do vary and will be listed on the institutions’ own websites and prospectuses. So, if you have ideas for what you might like to pursue in the future, it is well worth exploring the requirements of specific courses, as well as the links below.

However, don’t panic! Apart from English, Maths and Science, few university courses require specific subjects at Key Stage 4. Choosing a broad and balanced selection of courses will keep your options open, and picking courses according to your interests and strengths should lead you in the right direction.

+ How are courses assessed?

The majority of courses you take will be GCSE courses which are mostly assessed by written external examinations and internal controlled assessments. All external examinations for GCSE subjects are now taken at the end of Year 11. There are a few courses which include other assessed elements, such as portfolios in Art & Design and Photography.

Vocational qualifications include a mixture of external and internal assessments spread over the length of the course. Some of these assessments are done under exam conditions, whilst others are practical assessments where you need to demonstrate skills - such as coaching in Sports Studies. Students have opportunity to plan and prepare for the assessment.

Please check the details in the subject pages listed below, which all include information about how their course is assessed.

+ How are courses graded?

In 2017, GCSE Grades were reformed, and the grades 9-1 replaced the previous A*-G grades. The change was designed to better distinguish between students of different abilities. The table below shows how the new grades match up to the old system.

Exams watchdog Ofqual says fewer grade 9s are awarded than A*s, and that anyone who gets a 9 has "performed exceptionally". A 4 is broadly equivalent to a C grade, although Ofqual warns against "direct comparisons and overly simplistic descriptions". Ofqual says that, broadly, the same proportion of students get a 4 or above as used to get a grade C or above. A level 5 or above is classed as a 'good' pass.

Vocational Courses are all graded slightly differently, but the grades are approximately equivalent to GCSE grades. Students working roughly equivalent to a grade 4 GCSE pass or above are awarded a Level 2 vocational qualification. Students working at the equivalent of GCSE grades 1-3 are awarded a Level 1 vocational qualification. Students will be entered for the most appropriate level.

+ WHAT IS THE ENGLISH BACCALAUREATE / EBACC and should I study it?

The English Baccalaureate (or EBacc) is a set of academic GCSE subjects which are used as a performance measure for schools. These are:

• English Language and Literature
• Maths
• Science (2 x GCSEs - either Combined Science or two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science)
• Geography or History
• A foreign language

This combination of subjects, at grades 9-4, is considered helpful to keep your options open for further study at university, and the Government wants to see more students selecting these subjects.

The Russell Group (a group of 24 leading UK universities) has dropped this list of what they called ‘facilitating subjects’ in favour of recommending that students build up a more personalised picture of the subject combinations which suit their talents and ambitions. The Informed Choices website is a good place to do this.

If you wish to study the EBacc subject combination, ensure you select either History or Geography and a modern foreign language within your option choices. We do strongly encourage students to study a language option as this can open many doors for you.

+ Can you guarantee that I will get my first choice of subjects?

We will do our best to ensure that students are happy with their option choices. Most of the 270 students in your year will get their first choice of subjects - but logistically this is a huge job and there are some limitations due to staffing and rooms. A small number of students may have to select an alternative to study.

Courses are all run subject to demand, and require enough students to run. For courses where demand is high, we will normally add additional groups.

+ Can I change my mind if I don’t like my courses?

There is an opportunity to change your options in September, but this will depend on availability. Do your research and think carefully to help you make the right choice first time.

+ Do any of the courses have entry requirements

Triple science and further maths are the only courses with specific requirements. You will get an invite letter for triple science from the Head of science if you are eligible for this subject. Further maths in Block C can only be chosen if you are doing Triple Science, or you have been recommended to choose it by the Head of Maths. See the course pages below for information and speak to your teacher about whether the course is right for you.

+ What about students with SEND?

Our exceptional support continues for those who need it. A number of measures can be put in place to allow students to access exams, including extra time, a reader or use of a computer.

As part of the preparation for Key Stage 4, all Year 9 students will be assessed during the summer term for exam access arrangements. If a student is eligible, parents will be notified.

A number of Ryburn students follow a personalised programme of study, such as a reduced number of options or other accreditated courses. This will be designed through discussions with students, staff and parents. Our SENDCO Mrs Gould will arrange appointments for all students for whom a personalised curriculum is appropriate. Please contact her if you have any questions.