Learning Pathways 16-19

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Learning Pathways 16-19

• A Guide for Parents of Pupils in Year 11

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Important dates for Year 11

• Learning Pathways Evening ( 11/04/13).
• Deadline for applications for entry to 6th form
  (25/04/13).
• Examinations begin (13/05/13)
• Results Day (22/08/13).
• 6th Form Enrolment Day (03/9/13).

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Choices after year 11

1. Remain in School/Consortium to study a Level 3
   course.
2. Remain in School/Consortium to Study a Level 2
   course.
3. Attend Ystrad Mynach college full time.
4. Leave school to seek employment or training.

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Learning Pathways 14-19

• What is a learning Pathway?
• What courses are available?
• What are vocational courses?
• What qualifications are on offer?
• What will I need to achieve to study in the sixth
  form?
• What will be available in the sixth form?

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Learning Pathways 16-19
Level 3
AS/A2
BTEC Level 3
Level 2
GCSE (A-C)
BTEC Level 2
GCSE (D-G)
BTEC Level 1
Level 1
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Pathways

• Traditional Pathway
• Pursue all A/AS courses
• Vocational Pathway
• Pursue all BTEC courses
• Mix and Match
• Pursue a combination of AS and BTEC courses

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What happens after Year 11?

• Obviously depends on how well you do in your
  Level 2 examinations!
• Achieving the Level 2 Threshold or 5 GCSE (A-C)
  grades or equivalent is the key to the widest
  possible choice of options post 16.
• This should also include English and Maths!
• If you do not reach this indicator or achieve 5
  GCSE (D-G) grades then there are still options
  available.

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Pathways Post 16

• If you have achieved 5 GCSE (A-C) grades or
  equivalent.
• Proceed to study at Level 3.
• This can be via AS/A2 courses.
• Or via BTEC Level 3 courses.
• Both of these options lead to entry into
  University or employment.

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Pathways Post 16

• In order to study an AS in this consortium we
  advise you have attained at least a B grade at
  GCSE!
• We will also ask about Module or component
  results.
• In order to study a Level 3 BTEC course we also
  advise that you have achieved at least a Merit
  in the equivalent level 2 course.

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Pathways Post 16

• If you achieved 5 GCSE (D-G) grades or
  equivalent.
• BTEC Level 2 Diploma.
• Vital that you also work towards gaining both
  English and Maths at C grade or better!

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AS/A2 Courses

• AS Year 12
• A2 Year 13
• AS, 2 or 3 units
• A2 4 or 6 units.(2 or 3 from AS plus 2 or 3
  more).
• Units are assessed by formal examinations as well
  as coursework/practical assessments.

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BTEC System

• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma
• Equivalent to ONE A Level
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma
• Equivalent to TWO A Levels

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Sport

• Lewis School is affiliated with Newport Gwent
  Dragons. This means students can complete study
  in conjunction with training at NDG. Two former
  students are currently representing the NDG.

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Courses at Ystrad Mynach College

• If you intend to leave school and go to college
  full time then they have their own application
  procedure.
• This should be done promptly in order to
  guarantee a place on the course of your choice
• Contact the college immediately if you have not
  done so!

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Welsh Baccalaureate

• Compulsory to take the Welsh Baccalaureate at
  Level 3 in Lewis School
• Equivalent to an A grade at A level
• Key Skills Qualifications
• Wider Skills
• Community Participation
• Work Experience

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Thinking beyond 18/19!

• University
• Employment
• Getting Harder to gain either!
• Need to do show experience and passion.

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Thinking beyond 18/19!

• Gaining a place in university or employment is no
  longer just simply a case a having 2/3 A Levels!
• Increasingly to gain an offer of a place on a
  university course pupils have to be able to
  demonstrate a passion for a particular career
  and work experience of what the career actually
  involves.

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What does this mean

• Example1
• For Medicine/Veterinary science a university
  would expect to see some sort of log that you
  have already done a significant amount of work
  experience.
• Example 2
• For Primary School Teaching the course
  requirements include at least 60 hours experience
  in two different primary schools
• Many courses require such things BEFORE making
  you an offer

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Important!!

• Choosing the correct subjects at post 16 is
  vital!
• A levels or BTEC are significantly more difficult
  than GCSE.
• They require different skills and just because
  you are A/A at GCSE does not mean an A at A
  level!

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Important!!

• You must find out what the course at post 16
  involves. Will it suit you?
• Have you always wanted to study it, not just
  decide to study it because you had an A in it!
• Do you have a genuine interest in the subject, a
  passion for it!
• Do you have the desire to work very hard, even
  the most able will have to work hard to achieve

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Misconceptions

• There are often misconceptions about what
  subjects you should take at Level 3 for certain
  careers.
• For example you do NOT need to study A level Law
  to do a Law degree!
• For example you must study Chemistry NOT Biology
  for Medicine.
• You should check this before you choose your
  subjects with the careers service and with
  universities.

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Research

• You need to research the type of course you may
  be considering doing.
• For example what is the difference between sports
  science and sports management? Do they have
  different entry requirements?
• For example what is the difference between
  management science and business studies?

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Where do I find out this information?

• Careers Advisor.
• University web sites.
• The important thing is you find out as much as
  you can now so you can make the correct choice of
  subjects to keep your options open!

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Oxbridge and Russell group Universities

• Group of the leading 20 universities called the
  Russell Group.
• Why are they so special?
• Last year we have had one pupil gain entrance to
  Oxford to read Music.
• Six other pupils gained entrance to Russell group
  universities last year.
• We have a support programme to aid the process of
  applying to these elite places.

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What if I have no idea of what I want to do?

• Many in the same position!
• Study subjects you genuinely like not ones you
  think you should!
• Many graduate careers do not require specific
  subjects but look for you to have acquired the
  appropriate skills from your choice of subject!
• In two years time you do have to specialise!