GLOSSARY
Options Portal - The webpage where all information regarding courses and the options process can be found.
Preferences - The selections a student makes to indicate which course they would most like to study if they had free reign. The preferences help us design and maximise the ‘Options Blocks’ to prepare a timetable that suits the most preferences possible.
Options Blocks - These form the final timetable. Each block equals a timetable slot. You cannot study two options from the same block
Options Offer - You will receive a letter offering the best combination of subjects we have been able to provide, based on everyone’s preferences. If you are not happy with this offer, you can pick a different combination from the ‘Options Blocks’.
FAQ's
Q: How long have we got to decide?
A: The deadlines for each of the stages are included on the Options page. Each one is really important to give us the time to organise the next phase. Please speak to your tutor if you need support with meeting the deadlines.
Q: Will my child get all of their choices?
A: Unfortunately this is not always the case, but we will try many different timetable arrangements to try and find the best fit for everyone, overall.
Q: What if my child is not happy with the Options Offer they are given?
A: All students will have the chance to pick a different combination from the finalised Options Blocks if they are not happy with their offer, or decide on a better combination from the blocks.
Q: What is EBacc?
A: English Baccalaureate (known as EBacc) is a set of subjects which are considered essential to many degrees and open up lots of doors for young people. They include the core subjects of Mathematics, English Language, English Literature and Science, plus History, Geography, French and Computer Science. Secondary schools are measured on the number of pupils that take GCSEs in these core subjects and there are expectations that all Secondary Schools will offer EBACC to most students.
Q: What is Progress 8?
The Progress 8 measure is designed to encourage schools to offer a broad and balanced curriculum at KS4, and acknowledge students for progress made. The measure is based on progress over eight subjects: English; Mathematics; three other English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects (Sciences, Computer science, Geography, History and Languages); and three further subjects, which can be selected from the range of EBacc subjects, or can be any other approved, high-value arts, academic, or vocational qualification. These are called ‘Open’ subjects.
Q: There are new courses for Year 10 and we have not been able to meet those teachers. How can we find out more?
A: Join our face-to-face Options Event on the 24th April here at Millbay Academy. In addition, we encourage parents to contact the teachers directly to ask any questions or arrange a meeting to discuss further. Their contact details are at the bottom of each subject page.
Q: What are BTEC Technical Awards?
A: BTEC Awards are designed specifically for 14-16 year olds and are to be taught alongside GCSE’s, fitting into a secondary curriculum. BTECs are not assessed solely by exams and are mainly assessed by coursework, and some of these can be externally marked. They also count towards Progress 8. Employers and industry bodies have helped Pearson to design the technical qualifications, so students have the content and approach to prepare them for a vocational career progression route. They are also designed to complement GCSEs, so it is not a choice of one or the other.
Q: My child doesn’t know what to choose and I’m not sure how to help? Can I get support?
A: Of course. We have
added a short section on Careers and have included the contact details of Cass Bisco, who will
be happy to answer any questions or provide advice for students that need a bit
of guidance. Please see the ‘Options Process’ page for that information.
Q: Can my child change options mid-way through year 10 or 11?
A: No. This creates huge challenges for the students in covering a new course. They will also have missed the foundation knowledge for any other course, or coursework deadlines that have passed. Once committed and the course has started, they should be followed through. Students are also not allowed to ‘drop’ subjects.
Q: What do you mean by co-curriculum?
A: Basically, this means a range of extracurricular activities, training and educational opportunities (e.g., after school sessions). This gives students, staff and parents the opportunity to add to their own learning and development beyond the EBACC Curriculum. We are maintaining our links with organisations across the city who play a key role in this provision.
Please click on the link below for more details about the options process and different subject areas available.