Curriculum and timetable changes at WBGS

[3b1g]

More teaching time for core subjects.
Each lesson to be one hour long (two hours for double lessons?)
GCSE courses to start at the beginning of Y9, with subject options decided in Y8.

[Daogroupie]

Gosh! Any idea what prompted these changes? Have they changed any of the boards they are using?

[3b1g]

The options booklet for GCSEs in 2018 hasn't been published yet, so I don't know whether they have changed any of the boards or specifications. I have emailed the head of Y8 to ask if the increased teaching time for core subjects will mean a reduction in the number of non-core subjects taken.

[Guest55]

Choosing in Year 8 is too early imho. It's bad enough at 14 to restrict choices ...

[3b1g]

DS2 has worked out that each day will have twenty minutes more teaching time than there is at the moment, so perhaps the number of subjects won't be affected.

[Hera]

It is worrying my DS. It must be coming from the new head even though he hasn't started yet as it takes effect from Sep 2015.

[3b1g]

I have had a reply to my email. The number of subjects taken at GCSE will not be changing.

[3b1g]

Heard from a reliable source that it was MP's idea and the last thing he set in motion before he left. So nothing to do with IC.

[Hera]

Well that seems like a really sensible idea:

With GCSE's changing between now and 2018 and not finalised
A new Head starting in September
And a general election in May

[3b1g]

The GCSE options booklet for those taking exams in 2017 (with details of boards & specifications) has been published on the school website. Presumably we'll get more info about the 2018 GCSEs at the information evening.