What we offer?

This page is designed to give you and your child more information about the many subjects on offer at Slindon College. We hope that it will help your child to make the right choices for Years 10 and 11.

In our prospectus below, you will find the course profiles for all the options that are available to study in Years 10 and 11 at Slindon College. We are constantly reviewing our qualifications so that our pupils have the best choices open to them.

Encourage your child to think about...

1. Try to pick subjects that you are most interested in. You will be studying them for the next two years, so it is important to choose courses that will hold your interest, from start to finish.

2. Consider subjects that you are already doing well in. If you’re getting on really well in a subject, it may well be worth studying at a higher level in Years 10/11.

3. Think about whether you prefer subjects that involve only coursework, a mix of coursework and exams, or exams only. Studying only courses which involve coursework can sometimes be harder because you might find there is a lot of writing and project work to do all year around. It is sometimes good to mix these with examined subjects too.

4. Think carefully about what you want to do when you finish Year 11. You should try to choose subjects now which could lead to the kind of courses you might 5hope to take further in Sixth Form or at College.

5. Finally, talk to your Head of House, subject teachers and parents about your choices. It is good to keep talking over and discussing what you are going to do before you make your final choices.

KS4 Options

All pupils in Years 10 and 11 at Slindon College have a choice of the subjects they study, in addition to the compulsory core subjects of English, Maths, Science and Information & Communication Technology. In addition, all pupils have non-exam lessons in Physical Education, and Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education. 

Your child needs to pick their preferred option, followed by a second choice from each option block from the table available in the document attached at the bottom of this webpage. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Levels

The different course levels and types available can be confusing at times. Courses vary a lot and making good decisions is much easier when you know more about how courses are taught, assessed and graded.

GCSEs courses are graded 1-9, grade 9 being the highest A** equivalent. A Grade 4 would
be equivalent to the previous C grade. Level 2 vocational courses equate to achieving a grade 4 at GCSE, grades of Distinction and Merit are at a higher level.

Level 1 courses are designed for pupils who are unable to access the Level 2 course. A pupil who would not ordinarily obtain a pass at GCSE can receive a qualification for what they are able to do. Pupils can complete a Level 1 course and progress to Level 2 in the future.

Entry Level courses are designed for pupils who are not yet ready to take GCSEs in a particular subject area. They show achievement of fundamental key skills.

The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) allows all pupils to engage with learning and have
their achievements formally recognised. Pupils are rewarded with a certificate each time
they successfully complete a unit of learning. They can build a portfolio of certificates to evidence their skills, knowledge and experience. The scheme boosts confidence, increases engagement and improves motivation, helping pupils to make progress on their lifelong learning journey.

"Year 9 is an exciting time as for the first time, pupils are given a say in the subjects that will appear on their timetable for the next two years. For this reason, any decisions made must be well researched and informed.

Subject Teachers and Heads of Houses are very well placed to offer parental support with the option process, in addition to discussing routes available with individual pupils.

I hope the above information will help you and your child with your decisions and I will be available at the parents’ evening to answer any further questions you may have as will the Subject Teachers concerned."

Mrs Miles (Assistant Head Curriculum & Staffing)