th
5
FORM AS
OPTIONS 2012
Why are GCSEs so
important?
Short term
-Entry into sixth form
-Further Education Courses
-Employment
- “Training for Success”
 Long term
-University Entrance
-Employment
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What do I need to come back
to sixth form?
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Parents and pupils should note that all Grosvenor Grammar School
pupils who meet all of the following criteria will automatically have the
right to a place in the Sixth Form, regardless of the grades/points of
outside applicants to the School:
(i) have achieved 15 or more points in their GCSE subjects where a
GCSE grade A* or A = 3 points, B = 2 points and C = 1 point [Please note
the grade achieved in Religious Studies (Short Course) is worth half the
points of a full GCSE Grade i.e. A* or A = 1.5 points, B = 1 point and C =
0.5 of a point]. The Principal will determine the points awarded for other
non-GCSE level 2 qualifications;
(ii) satisfy the Principal on past school record and achievement
(including attendance, behaviour, motivation and punctuality);
(iii) have an interview with Grosvenor Grammar School careers staff to
choose a course of study which shows he/she has a reason for entering
Sixth Form and has a suitable match of subjects.
What happens in Sixth
Form?
A minimum of 4 AS subjects must be studied in
lower sixth or 3AS subjects and CoPE
 A minimum of 3 A2 subjects must be studied in
upper sixth
 A dedicated sixth form centre
 Well developed careers education programme to
help prepare pupils for university
 Games and general studies periods are timetabled
for all pupils
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What do I need to think
about?
Does your child meet the entrance criteria?
 Are they prepared for another two years of
intensive and focused study?
 What is the choice of subjects and are there four
that are suitable?
 What are the alternatives?
 Do they have the recommended grades in their
chosen subjects?
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So, what subjects are
available?
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Art and Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Computing
Drama
Economics
Electronics
English Literature
French
Geography
German
Government and Politics
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History
Home Economics
ICT
Mathematics
Maths and Further Maths
Media Studies
Music
Music Technology
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Spanish
Technology and Design
How do the Pupils Choose
their Subjects?
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INTEREST
ABILITY – a number of subjects have specific and
general entry requirements and details of these are
contained in the pink booklet
MOTIVATION -will they be necessary or beneficial for
their chosen university courses or careers?
COMBINATIONS
Those pupils considering applying to top institutions
and/or high demand courses must check that their
combination of subjects will allow them to do this.
Information on this can be found at www.ucas.com in the
“entry profiles” section for each course
How do they not choose their
subjects?
Do not be ruled by stereotypes
 Do not pick subjects just because their friends are
doing them
 Do not pick subjects because of teachers they like
/ dislike
 Do not be discouraged by “urban myths” from
pupils already in sixth form
 Ultimately, make the decision that is right for
your child
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What help is available?
Careers Department – 5th form careers periods
 Interviews – are arranged for all pupils
 Subject teachers – will know your child’s ability
and potential in that subject
 Information session – to cover subjects that pupils
have not studied before
 School library –time has been spent researching
careers and AS options
 Sixth form booklet – all pupils have received a
pink booklet containing all the relevant
information
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How can I help??
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www.careersserviceni.com
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www.parents.dfes.gov.uk
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www.ucas.com
What do we do now?
Discuss the options available. Returning to school
may not necessarily be the best option
 Pupils who do not wish to return to school or are
concerned that they might not obtain the points
required, should be looking out for information on
college open days and filling in application forms
 All forms are to be returned to form teachers by
Tuesday 28 February
 Pupils need to begin making revision schedules and
timetables. Help will be provided with this in careers
classes
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