Notes
Note 1 - GCSE
General Certificate of Secondary Education is taken in traditional academic subjects eg Maths, English. Normally about 80% of the marks are obtained from an exam and 20% from coursework (some exceptions eg Art and Desighn & Technology). Employers usually look for a minimum of 5 A* - C grades including Maths and English.
Note 2 - Engineering
The Higher Diploma in Engineering is the Government's new flagship qualification. To obtain the full qualification, students will also need to pass functional skills in numeracy, literacy and ICT and a further GCSE. The full Diploma is worth SEVEN A* - C GCSE passes.
Note 3 - ICT
The ICT National Award provides TWO GCSEs in ICT, but only takes up one subject choice. The ICT National Certificate provides FOUR GCSEs in ICT and takes up two subject pools. Students should see their ICT teacher on further information about this choice.
Note 4 - BTEC
Business Technical Education Council courses teach you skills appropriate to a particular job but can lead to Further & Higher Education. They consist entirely of coursework, there are no exams to sit. For those wishing to obtain extra qualifications we are offering four BTEC First Diplomas. Passing one of these is worth FOUR GCSE passes at Grades A* - C. For this reason it takes up TWO subject choices. Numbers on these courses will be limited, so some students may be disappointed. Great care will be taken to ensure that the students selected will be able to cope with the demands of the courses. Assessment is by coursework, so prospective students must be prepared for this regular committment. Note 8 Please would you sign, date and return the subject choice form to the senior member of staff responsible for your interview before Wednesday 31st March.This form is included with this booklet.
Note 5
Filling in a 'Subject Choice' form does not guarantee a place on any particular course. Some courses may be so popular that it is not possible to allocate every student their first choice of subject. For this reason we ask your son/daughter to make a reserve choice in each block. However we can reassure you by saying we ensure an exceedingly high percentage of first choices each year are met. Returning subject choice forms late will reduce your child's chances of being allocated their first choice subjects.
The simplest advice the Academy can offer on subject choice is that all students ensure that their choices do not exclude any careers they could possibly want to follow. Individual advice will be offered to each student when they have an Options Subject Choice interview with a senior member of staff.
Note 6
Our Careers adviser, Mrs Lovatt is always available throughout the week to give advice on choice of careers and in Year 11 will interview all students in advance of Post 16 Education. Appointments can be made at any time by contacting Academy Reception (01642 800800)
Note 7
As a high performing school, Macmillan Academy has been appointed as a specialist Vocational School. For this reason we will be emphasising the importance of vocational courses.
Note 8
Please would you sign, date and return the subject choice form to the senior member of staff responsible for your interview before Wednesday 31st March.This form is included with this booklet.