Rednock School - Foundation secondary school in Dursley, Gloucestershire

At Rednock School the curriculum in Years 10 and 11 provides students with a broad educational experience upon which to base future decisions. It also meets the requirements of the National Curriculum and maintains opportunities for students to develop their individual talents and skills through the various options.

This website contains information about the courses available.

What do we know about successful students?

Success in exams can appear to be a mystery. It is rarely explained by luck and not even by ability alone.

Here are some clear pointers which are reflected by national research and our

experience-

· Good attendance is linked to good results.

· Absences which cannot be prevented must be compensated for rapidly.

· Homework and Controlled Assessment requirements are vital for success at this stage.

· Consistent efforts are more valuable than last minute panics.

· Revision needs to be regular and extended over a long period of time.

· No session of revision should last too long without a break.

· A balance between work, social life and relaxation is essential.

· Part-time jobs can prove to be a false investment. Some students work long hours in employment and their examinations suffer because of it.

· Good health, including diet, general fitness and sleep are very important.

· Confidence is central to achievement.

· Clear goals or targets are vital to motivate students.

Good students communicate difficulties - not hide them

All parents will receive further information on their son's/daughter's progress at regular intervals. In addition, seminars for parents are organised to help them support their child with homework, coursework, examinations, etc.

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) provides a subject-based

certificate for those leaving full-time education at 16+, as well as a basis for further study and for entry into training courses of different types. The GCSE certificates are awarded by each examining group, not by a single board. GCSE grades are awarded on an

individual, subject basis as follows:

Grades A* / A / B / C / D / E / F / G

A* is awarded for outstanding achievement and normally grades A* to C over four or five subjects are a prerequisite for entry to many careers, ‘A’ level, Vocational Courses and some other Further Education courses.

BTEC qualifications are well established and respected by Further and Higher Education as well as employers.

BTEC courses have the benefits of a modular approach to gaining qualifications, where students see short term goals and progress. They do not require students to take

terminal examinations and yet have equivalent status at Level 2 to GCSE.

BTECs are graded as follows:-

Level 2 Extended Certificates

Pass - equivalent to 2 ‘C’ grades

Merit - equivalent to 2 ‘B’ grades

Distinction - equivalent to 2 ‘A’ grades

Distinction* - equivalent to 2 ‘A*’ grades

Level 2 Certificates - as above with ONE grade

A broad spread of subject success indicates ‘on paper’ that a student has received a broad and balanced curriculum. The range of grades a student obtains reflects the level of achievement within each subject. Such broad certification is valuable currency throughout life.

Currently students can achieve the English Baccalaureate by gaining grades A* - C in English, Maths, Science, History or Geography and a Modern Foreign Language. All students who are able to do this, are encouraged to do so. To achieve success at Key Stage 4 is a demanding undertaking for a 14-16 year old student. Grades indicate not only ability, but also demonstrate commitment and effort over a period of time. This relates particularly to coursework, which, in many subjects, contributes significantly to final grades. Success thus, not only represents a level of ability, but also reflects something of the nature of the student. Employers and others may well use this as an indicator of potential.

Students at Rednock do consistently well at Key Stage 4. This is based on a strong tradition of partnership between the school and the home. To ensure success, students will need to work consistently in Years 10 and 11 and ensure that coursework is correctly and conscientiously submitted.

Now is the time for us to decide, with you, which subjects our Year 9 students will study over the next two years. English, Mathematics, Science, Lifeskills, ICT, Religious Education, Physical Education and Citizenship (which is taught across the curriculum) form our core curriculum. In addition, students are able to complete their course of study by choosing from a range of subjects, some of which they have studied in years 7 to 9, some of which may be new.

This combination of Core subjects and Curriculum options allows students to make decisions to suit their needs, preferences and abilities. Most students will undertake courses leading to ten GCSEs and Level 2 BTECs. Some will take fewer GCSEs together with a vocational College course.

In designing our curriculum for Key Stage 4 we have endeavoured to provide a range of courses to suit all students, allowing everyone to achieve both success and satisfaction.

If you have any questions about the options process, please complete the form below so that we can help.