Dear Parent/Guardian,
Year 10 is a very important year for your child. From Year 8, your child has been learning in the context of a range of subjects and coming to understand the style of learning that suits them. This year, your child will choose the subjects they wish to study at GCSE and Level 2. It is very important that they choose courses and examination styles that suit their strengths and that will give them the results they need.
The minimum target for all students is five good GCSE/Level 2 grades. To guide student choice, we have designed two ‘Pathways’ that meet the aspiration and learning needs of our students. Your child’s performance in Year 10 is very important and teacher recommendations about their potential in the various subjects will inform the choice of Pathway offered to them.
Perhaps the most important challenge for every student is to choose their subjects with a clear vision of their final destination after school and with a realistic understanding of their talents and interests. It is vital that choices made are followed through.
It is vital therefore, that all GCSE courses are completed fully and once courses are agreed, students must continue with the course of study. If you have a firm career idea, choose the options you need to meet the entry criteria for Post-16 or Post Key Stage 5 courses including Further Education, Higher Education, an apprenticeship, a job or training.
Research all your options and take advice before making a decision!
With appreciation,
Mrs O'Hara (Acting Principal)
EXPLANATION OF QUALIFICATIONS
GCSE
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. GCSEs are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. This qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigative work and practical work in some subjects. GCSEs are offered in a wide range of academic and ‘applied’ (work-related) subjects.
Level 2 Qualifications
These qualifications have been designed to provide a more ‘hands on’ approach to learning. They focus on occupationally-related knowledge, understanding and skill. St Malachy’s offers Level 2 qualifications in: Occupational Studies; Business and Services and Design and Creativity. Alongside this some of our students may be selected to study Occupational Studies at SERC in Downpatrick.
Please note that all Level 2 qualification are at the same level as a GCSE A* to C on the National Qualifications Framework.