Year 10 Information Evening - Powerpoint Presentation

Year 10 Introduction to the Sixth Form - Powerpoint Presentation

KS4 Homework Timetable 2007/2008

All boys at Borden have both the talent and the opportunity to achieve well at GCSE. The foundations for success are laid in Years 7, 8 and 9. Year 9 is particularly important. Good habits of organisation and concentration together with a positive attitude and work ethic give pupils the qualities they need to make the most of their potential in Years 10 and 11, and enjoy these crucial years.

All pupils will take GCSE courses in English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, Biology Chemistry and Physics (Triple Science) and either French or Spanish. Sport, Religious Education, and PSHE including careers education and business enterprise form part of the core curriculum.

Pupils also choose three additional subjects from twelve that are available. They may include a second modern foreign language and one of the two design technology subjects. The fact that all pupils follow a common core of seven GCSE subjects means that most career options are kept open. The three additional subjects that pupils select can reflect current career ideas, strengths and interests.

All subjects are important throughout the whole of Year 9. This cannot be stressed too strongly. Pupils who make progress in all subjects throughout the year are in a far stronger position at the start of Year 10 than those who do not give of their best.

The information given in this booklet, together with the GCSE meeting on 26 January, the Year 9 Parents’ meeting on 27 February and three sets of audit grades will give parents and pupils sufficient information to make necessary decisions, but do ask further questions if required. The subject choices form should be returned to your son’s Form Tutor by Monday 6 March.

Wherever possible your son should try to choose subjects which he enjoys and is good at. If he is interested and motivated in the subject, then he is more likely to be successful in his studies. Your son will have had the opportunity to discuss the demands of each subject at GCSE with his present teachers.  If there is any doubt about his suitability for a subject then your son should consult his teacher for advice.  This applies in particular to Art, Music, PE and dual linguists (French and Spanish ).

Remember that it is highly likely that your son will continue his education in the Sixth Form at Borden.  In order to do so he must obtain good grades at GCSE.  Your son will need at least 4 B grades and a C at GCSE as a minimum requirement to enter the Sixth Form.  It is therefore very important that he selects his optional subjects carefully and is fully committed to them.

If you wish to discuss any particular problems, Mrs Minhall, Head of Lower School and

Mr Artingstoll, Head of Middle School, will be available on 26 January and 27 February at the Parents’ Evenings.  Alternatively, please contact the school to arrange a convenient appointment.  The school Careers Adviser, Mr Robinson, is also happy to see parents.  Again, please contact the school.

Please note the following points

(i)  In the event of insufficient numbers for a particular subject, it may be necessary to ask those  concerned to select a different option.

(ii)  Occasionally in order to construct a viable timetable, some pupils will not be able to take the exact combination of subjects they initially choose.  If this situation arises, the matter will be discussed with the pupils and they will be asked to make a new choice.

H S Vafeas

Headteacher