Key Stage 4 Options Overview
Choosing your options for Years 10 and 11 can feel like a daunting task. There are so many different subjects to choose from. In order to make the right decisions for you please use this website and the links provided. There is lots of information which will help you decide the right course.
Please consider what you intend to do after Light Hall. You must try to select options which give you progression into post 16 courses. If you are unsure at this stage you would be wise to leave your choices open by selecting a broad curriculum as opposed to narrowing your choices by selecting the same types of subjects.
You must also consider what type of learner you are and therefore which types of qualifications would suit you best, and offer the greatest potential for success. As you will learn GCSE qualifications are based on written examinations. If you are not good at learning factual based information and performing in tests and exams there maybe other alternatives which need consideration. The BTEC and OCR Nationals for example, are vocationally based qualifications which have no terminal written exam. The assessment is based entirely on coursework. More of our subjects are offering a choice of qualification in order to support every type of learner. Think carefully which suits you best.
This year we have introduced student interviews which take place with a member of staff in school time. The interviews are intended to provide you with quality discussion time with teachers regarding all the subjects, not just the one the teacher delivers. The focus for meeting will be the options booklets, ensuring all the relevant information has been read and understood.
Please remember to seek the views of your parents and individual subject teachers. These people know you very well and can help you make these difficult decisions. However, it is you that should decide because it is you who will be in lessons and revising, where appropriate, for the qualifications.
Never pick a subject based purely on the fact that your friends have chosen it or you like the teacher. When groups are chosen you may not be with friends anyway. Also the teacher you have now may not be teaching in Year 10 next year.
Good luck!
Download full
Options booklet 
The Curriculum: Years 10 & 11
The core curriculum in Years 10 & 11 follows the requirements of the National Curriculum. You will be expected to take the following subjects:
In addition you will choose further courses from the range of optional subjects below
| Optional Subjects |
The optional list will be updated for the 2010/11 academic year |
Download full
Options booklet
Qualifications
G.C.S.E.
In all the option subjects you will study for either a GCSE certificate or an equivalent Vocational qualification. Both of these qualifications are set and marked externally. The names of the main examining groups (called Awarding Bodies) are:
AQA EDEXCEL, OCR, WJEC.
They issue certificates that indicate the final grade achieved. Each of the subject descriptions, which are in this booklet, will explain which Awarding Body is being used and how the assessment in the subject is to be measured. Some subjects have more controlled assessment (coursework) than others, some have interim examinations (called „modular‟ examinations). Most GCSE subjects have a final written examination at the end of the course. G.C.S.E.
The General Certificate in Secondary Education. This is the long established qualification at Key Stage 4. However, the specifications for most option subjects have been updated. The main changes include a reduction in the content, and an increase the skills elements of the subject. As well as a greater focus on PLTS (Personal Learning and Thinking Skills). The controlled assessment (coursework) elements of each course have also changed. These elements of the course must now be performed under much tighter regulations. The range of grades that are available remains A* - G. Most subjects – but not all – still have two levels of entry, they are called the Higher Tier and the Foundation Tier. The tier at which a student is entered is usually decided during January or February in Year 11. The assessment in some subjects has increased the amount of modular style written examinations.
Vocationally-based Qualifications - Applied G.C.S.E.
The Applied GCSE was launched nationally in September 2002. It is closely linked with current GCSE qualifications and will provide an important rung on the vocational ladder. The qualification is regarded as particularly supportive for those wishing to progress to a Vocational 'A' level or other vocationally related or occupationally related qualification. The qualification has been designed to: Provide an introduction to a broad vocational area; Enable progression to further education, training or employment; Be available at key stage 4 and post-16
BTEC.
BTECs are vocational qualifications which provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning and skills development alongside a key theoretical background. Although not GCSE they have an equivalent rating. BTEC‟s can be used to support college progression to higher level BTEC or A-level. They continue to be developed and updated with and for industry, in response to the needs of learners. This ensures that learners gain maximum benefit from their work whilst qualifying. This could be in readiness for the workplace or continued study at the next level, whether in an academic environment or a more specialist vocational area.The grading system is Pass, Merit & Distinction. A BTEC First is equivalent to 2 GCSEs grades A*-C.
The OCR ICT Nationals
The ICT Nationals are a suite of qualifications which focus on the practical applications of Information and Communication Technology. They have replaced the GNVQ qualification The OCR Nationals prepare students for the real world of work or further education. They are designed to stimulate students‟ creativity and develop real-world, practical skills that will motivate learning across a wide range of subjects. As a suite of qualifications they offer progression from the First Award, which is equivalent to one GCSE, to the Award, equivalent to two GCSEs and on to the full Certificate, equivalent to four GCSEs. The grading system is Pass (equivalent to a GCSE C grade), Merit (GCSE A/B), Distinction (GCSE A*/A). Please see the ICT option page for further details (page 22).
The Diploma (Double Option)
This is part of a suite of 17 new qualifications that will be available to all students by 2013. The qualifications are designing to give candidates both academic and vocational elements to their learning. After a successful pilot, the ICT Diploma will again be on offer for our students, along with other students within the Solihull borough. Further details about the ICT Diploma can be found within the ICT subject section.
What is a Diploma?
- It's a new qualification for 14 – 19 year olds
- They teach you about an area of work you're interested in
- It's different to GCSEs and A levels but has equivalent ratings
- You get a mix of class work and hands on experience
- And choose other subject options that you want to do
At the end, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do next. It could be more study at school or college, a job, university, college or an Apprenticeship. And a list of all the individual qualifications that make up your Diploma. These have been designed to prepare you for work or further study – and we've worked with employers and universities to make sure of this.
The Diploma elements
You have to achieve all the elements below at Level 2(A*-C) in order to achieve the full Diploma: Principle Learning IT (elements of Business Studies) Generic Learning Functional skills Ma/IT/En Personal project PLTS Work experience Additional/Specialist At least 1 ½ GCSE or equivalent subjects (other option choices) Each element is the equivalent of GCSE‟s. For example if you achieve your Principle learning at Level 2 but none of the other components you have the equivalent of 4 GCSE‟s (A*-C)
Why would you do one?
Diploma is different to what you're used to. You get more choice about what you learn. And you can keep your options open for the future by exploring subject areas without committing to a career in them.
- It's usually a 2 year course, whatever level you study at
- You'll learn in the classroom
- And you might also spend time at another school or college in your area
- You'll do practical stuff like projects and work experience
- And learn life skills that are important for work, study and the future
- You can use what you learn to tackle real life situations
- Like you'd find at work, study or in research
Remember:
- This option takes two option columns
- There is a lot of work (equivalent of 7 GCSE’s!!)
- You must be able to achieve a C grade or above in each element of the qualification
NVQ- Young Apprenticeship.
We also have the opportunity for certain students to undertaken a NVQ (L2) in Light Motor Vehicle Maintenance with the prestigious company Jaguar/Land Rover based in Leamington. This is a double option. Further details of this exciting opportunity are given at the parents evening and Y9 assembly.
To see a graph providing a breakdown of each subject final exam vs coursework (controlled assessment) See the Full
Options booklet
For further information contact
Mr. R Hall
0121 744 3835
Download full
Options booklet
Important dates:
Wednesday 27th January 2010
Year 9 Assembly to explain procedure and choices available. Distribution of booklets
Thursday 28th January 2010
Parents Evening/Options Fayre to explain the procedure and choices available
Thursday 4th February 2010
Student interviews
Thursday 11th February 2010
Year 9 parents evening
Friday 26th February 2010
Latest date for option returns
Light Hall School 2010.
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