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Meadowhead School

Meadowhead SchoolAcademy Trust

Y9 Options Questions & Answers

We have put together frequently asked questions from students, regarding the upcoming Y9 Options process.  You can email y9options@meadowhead.sheffield.sch.uk if you have any further questions.

 

Which teachers deliver business studies?   

The IT teachers teach the BTEC Enterprise course (Business studies)

Can you take BTEC Sport as a reserve if you have chosen GCSE Sport?

You cannot do both GCSE Sport and BTEC Sport. We only ask you to choose a reserve if we cannot run a course (not enough students), your options do not fit the timetable or a course is over-populated. It is rare we cannot match your first choices. Choosing a reserve subject, can be a challenge. If we need to use your reserve, we will come back and have a second interview to go through other possible courses.

Is ethics a subject you have to do as part of core timetable?

Yes. You do this once a week. It is non-examined with no qualification at the end of it. You will follow a PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) curriculum which will cover skills and content to help you stay healthy, safe and prepare you for life beyond school. This will include careers education and support with your applications to sixth form / college.

Can we pick more than 3 options?

You have four choices. History / geography and three others from the list. It is possible to pick history and geography.

If a teacher wants you to do triple science, do you have to?

No. The teacher’s job is to guide you and let you know whether you are suited to a course. Lots of teachers will want you to do their subject! After following their guidance, the choice is yours. The courses that have a criterion are:

  • Computer Science* – you need to be working at a 6+ in Maths
  • GCSE Music* – you need to play an instrument at grade 3 or above
  • GCSE Sports* – you need to be performing at a high level in at least one sport
  • Triple science* – you need to be on a level 5+ in science
  • Languages* –choose the language you are studying.  You’ll need a teacher recommendation
  • BTEC Enterprise (Business) – this is aimed at students working at a 3-6 in maths

 

There is some flexibility. Check with your teacher to see if you are suited to a course. Remember we run two courses in these subject areas.

When do we get to take our options booklet home?

You need your options booklet in form time during the reading time. You will also need it for your options interview. You can access an electronic copy on the website.

Can you do more than nine options?

Not in school. You are required, as a minimum, to do 8 options, but we offer 9. This allows you to select a range of subjects and ensures you can focus on grade quality. You will study your option courses for 2/3 hours a week ensuring you have the recommended Guided Learning Hours to complete the course. It is possible to do an additional course if you are fluent in a modern foreign language e.g. Arabic, French etc. we can enter you for a qualification, but would not provide the teaching hours. You would do this outside of school.

 

Can you do DT and art?

Yes. In the ADT collection of courses, the only combination you cannot do is Design Technology and BTEC Construction or Art and Textiles. Make sure you find out what assessment you need to do when making your choices. Many of these subjects have a practical / coursework element. So, for example, you can do:

History or geography and Design technology and Food and art

History or geography and BTEC Construction and photography and art.

Can I pick more than one art option? i.e. Art and Photography

Yes, you can pick Art and Photography but you cannot pick Art and Textiles. Art courses (Art, Textiles and Photography) require you to submit a portfolio of work, which you have worked on over the two years of study. These courses also both have a 10-hour exam at the end of the course where you create a final piece.

 What do you do in art and design?

There are several different courses in art and technology: Art general, Art Textiles, Photography (art courses). GCSE Design Technology, BTEC Construction (technology courses) we also offer GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition.

Read your booklet and ask your teacher for the best way to find out. But here’s a summary:

Design technology (workshop based with wood as the main material. There is a mixture of theory and practical work. Linked to careers to become an  architect, engineer, surveyor, graphic designer, product and research development)

BTEC Construction (workshop based with a mixture of theory and practical). This is a vocational course so it links to jobs in construction and trade e.g. joiner, electrician, plumber

Photography (it’s an art subject. There is a significant homework element where you will need to build up your portfolio of photographs  using a phone / camera outside of school). You’ll develop skills in producing digital photography through developing your own work in response to a variety of themes and briefs. As well as taking / editing photographs, you’ll need to research art form and artists.

Textiles . You will explore and experiment with a wide range of media and processes which may include: constructed texti9les (weaving/ knitting / felting), dyeing and printing processes, fabric embellishment and fashion design.

Art (general) This is the general art course that will use a wide variety of skills and materials. As well as drawing and painting, you may work with sculpture, printmaking and some photography. Drawing is an essential part of this course and over the two years, you will create a portfolio.

 

What do I choose for reserve subjects?

We ask you to make reserve choices in case we cannot give you your first choices. We would come back to you to discuss it further. We usually accommodate everyone’s first choices. But sometimes we have to use your reserve choices. We would only do this if:

  • We cannot run a course because not enough people want to do it
  • A course is over-populated
  • Your choices do not fit the timetable
  • You have chosen combinations you cannot do e.g GCSE Sport and BTEC Sport.

Think carefully about all your choices, including your reserve.

What is the EBACC?

The EBacc is a suite (collection) of GCSE subjects where you have to gain a level 5 or above in the following 5 subjects:

  1. English Language or English literature
  2. Maths
  3. Combined science or triple science or Computer science
  4. History or geography
  5. A language (e.g., French / German / Spanish)

 

Do I have to do the EBACC?

No, but the government has set a target of 75% of students to take it. We do not make it compulsory but, if you are working at 5 or above in the five identified subjects and are considering university, you should think about taking it. This means choosing a language. If you’re following an academic route, having a language is very useful. In making this decision, however, think about your areas of strength and interest. A language qualification is useful for several career paths, as well as giving you versatile skills in thinking, memory communication and problem-solving. You have three options on top of your humanities choice; consider your areas of interest and strength. Talk to your language teacher too.

 

What is the difference between GCSE & BTEC sport?

 GCSE you are graded on your practical ability in x3 different sports as well as 60% theory exam taken at the end of yr11. 10% coursework element which is based on designing and taking part in a personal exercise programme.

BTEC sport you are not graded on practical ability but you still have practical sport lessons. You learn about the rules and regulations of different sports as well as how to become an effective leader. You have one exam worth 25% and the other three units are assessed as coursework.

The best way to find out details is to ask your PE teacher (and read the booklet).

 What is the difference between the technology courses?

There are two technology courses: Design and Technology and BTEC Construction. Both have practical elements but also contain lots of theory / knowledge. They both have a written exam.

  1. Design and Technology – the focus is on design and prototypes leading to careers in architecture / surveyor / graphic design and so forth.
  2. BTEC Construction – the focus is on the construction industry leading to employment as a joiner / plumber / maintenance engineer / electrician and so forth.

 What's the difference between BTEC and GCSE?

GCSE courses are assessed at the end of year 11 and are grade 1-9. Whereas BTEC courses are externally assessed as you go along. They combine practical and theory and are vocational.

 

Can I do more than one BTEC?

Yes, you can. Make your choices based on the following:

  • Enjoyment / interest in the subject
  • Whether you’re good at it
  • The type of qualification / assessment to suit you
  • How it can help you in the future especially the skills you’ll learn
  • Having a broad range of subjects

If you are thinking about going to a competitive university or studying medicine, law, dentistry etc. you should consider mainly or all GCSE subjects. GCSE courses are often viewed as more academic. You can, however, go to university with either a combination of GCSEs and BTECs

Do you have to do a language?

No, nothing is compulsory other than the core subjects and choosing humanities.

When making the decision about a language, base it on your interest, ability, skills and the combination of subjects. A language qualification is useful for several career paths, as well as giving you versatile skills in thinking, memory communication and problem-solving. You have three options on top of your humanities choice; consider your areas of interest and strength. Talk to your language teacher too.

We especially recommend you consider doing a language if you’re working above a 5 in the EBacc subjects (English, maths, science, humanities and languages). This will make you eligible for the EBacc qualification.

 What are your best options for going into the police force?

To become a police officer, you now need a degree, either through full-time university study or a degree apprenticeship. What you choose for your options subjects doesn’t matter too much, but outside lessons, it can help to build up experience working with a range of people and developing the skills needed in a demanding job. Check www.uni.frog.org for further details.