This document provides information about a KS3 Launch Evening event at Roding Valley High School. It discusses: 1. The new curriculum and grading system being implemented, with grades 9, 8, and 4 replacing A*, A, and C respectively. 2. An enrichment program for high-ability students called "Challenge and Enrichment" which includes trips, workshops, and independent research projects like the Extended Project Qualification. 3. Upcoming Challenge and Enrichment activities this term including an art installation, a theater trip, and STEM workshops with professionals. New activities like a debate club and school magazine are planned for next year.

1. KS3 Launch Evening
Roding Valley High School
Welcome
Head of School: Mrs Jenner
Miss Bingham and Miss Hanlon Challenge and Enrichment
Co-Ordinators
Aspiration, Respect, Endeavour!

2. Teach to the Top and scaffold
down
Focus on improving number of Grades at 8/9
Imagine, Create, Succeed!

3. What has changed in education
NEW Curriculum – Grades 9 - 1
4 is a standard pass – C grade equivalent
5 is a good pass – B grade equivalent
9 is the top pass – only top 3% nationally.. harder than an A*
- Most examinations will take place at the end of Year 11
- Coursework/Controlled Assessments only in practical subject
- Maths and English post 16
- More directed options – greater choice for the future
- Facilitating Subjects (Universities) and the EBacc
- Greater focus on the quality of written expression across subjects
Imagine, Create, Succeed!

4. Why have you been chosen?
You are a high ability learner.
We want to provide you with more opportunities to
excel and stand out as an individual in an increasingly
competitive world.

5. Why should I be involved in this
project?
This project encourages students to
engage the higher level thinking skills that
are required for GCSE and A Levels:
• Critical thinking
• Independent thinking
• Primary source research

6. Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
This project prepares students for the requirements of KS4
and KS5. It gives them an insight into the type of independent
study that will be expected of them in the future...
This is particularly useful for those high achieving students at
A Level that would like to get an extra qualification- the EPQ.
The EPQ is an independent study in addition to A-Levels.
Students are able to research and write about something that
interests them outside of their core subjects. They will
undergo independent research to produce a 5000 word essay.
All of our EPQ submissions this year have been provisionally
awarded an ‘A’ grade.

7. Challenge and Enrichment… what’s next?
This term:
• Art- High performing students in this area will have
the opportunity to produce an art installation for
the Powerhouse train crew depot. There will be
workshops to prepare for this.
• English (two days)- Students that are selected for
this trip will take part in/observe a workshop, tour
and performance of ‘Twelfth Night’ at The Globe
Theatre. On the second day we will hold critical
and reflective workshops based around the
performance.
• STEM- A number of professionals will be running
workshops over the next half term that will give
students an insight into the jobs available in these
areas as well as the interesting research and
experiments that take place.

8. Challenge and Enrichment… what’s
new next year?
KS3 debate club- Due to popular
demand, a KS3 debate club will be
introduced from October next year. This
will enhance students’ critical skills and
will be great preparation for the
‘speaking and listening’ assessment at
GCSE level English.
School Magazine: The first issue will
launch in October. In the mean time, we
will be looking for keen writers in all
subject areas to contribute to this cross-
curricular project.

9. KS3 Launch Evening
What can you do to support your child?
What do we hope your child will gain from taking
part?
Imagine, Create, Succeed!

10. Which awards are there?
We expect that your projects will be creative
and varied, so there are 4 different awards that
will be given out.

11. Informative award
Criteria for winning:
• Judges will choose the project that impresses them with the most
detailed research.
• Winners of the ‘Informative’ award will amaze judges by providing
the crowds with insightful information, presented in an engaging
way.
Last year’s winner:
Charlotte Copeman created a fantastic hand
stitched canvas illustrating the importance of
education, especially for females, with
supporting information focussing on ‘The Golden
Needle Sewing Club’. To accompany her project,
Charlotte also created a poem, inspired by her
topic.

12. Innovative award
Criteria for winning:
• Judges will be looking for the project that is presented
in the most exciting and original format.
• Previous winners have chosen topics that allow them
demonstrate how inventive they can be.
Last year’s winner:
William Fairhead created a tremendously
colourful 3D piece portraying his love of Tour De
France. The detail was exemplary, with use of
facts about the sport and a visual
representation of the cycling routes conveyed
via a pinboard style.

13. Imaginative award
Criteria for winning:
• Winners of this award will demonstrate hard work, passion and a
unique outlook on their chosen topic.
• The most imaginative project will be one that stands out from the
crowd.
Last year’s winner:
Saskia Cushings created a comprehensive
and interactive piece of art that focussed
on a great historical account of World War
II and the need to break German codes.

14. People’s choice award
Criteria for winning:
• This is your chance to win the crowd over with a combination of your
imagination, innovation and Information.
• Voting Slips will be handed out and tallied near the end to decide the
person who’s project has moved the crowd the most.
Last year’s winner:
Eloise Hadley carefully constructed a zen garden
entitled ‘Chelsea Garden Show’. It was a
beautifully elegant and sophisticated use of
nature, and culture.
The crowd were won over by her explanation of
her love of nature and the inspiration that has
been passed on through the generations of her
family.

17. What sort of ideas/examples are there?
Geography:
The Royal Geographical Society in Kensington is hosting an exhibition entitles ‘Raw truth:
Plastic – A Journey from source to solution.’ from 24th May-14th June .
Science:
Create a model of DNA out a different material (popcorn and wire).
Food Technology:
Create a traditional three course dinner with a twist. Eg: The food is made out of recyclable
materials.
BOOKLET

18. What time frame do I have?
The Project should be handed in by Wednesday 12th
July 2016.
Ensure that you have your written evaluation (300
words minimum) detailing your inspiration and process
of making your project…Explain your ideas.
All work will be displayed and ‘judged’ on Thursday 13th
July at the Presentation Evening

19. Who can I talk to if I am stuck or have any
questions?
Take advantage of the ‘drop in sessions’ taking place in E6
after school for one hour on Wednesday 7th and
Wednesday 14th June.
If you are creating a project based on inspiration from a
specific subject, your subject teachers will be more than
happy to provide some guidance and support.

20. What now?
1. Decide on a research project
2. Read through the booklet for hints and tips
3. Create a timeline. What needs to be done
and when does it need to be done by?
4. Begin your independent research. Will you
be visiting a library? Museum? Exhibition?
Submission date:
Wednesday 12th July

21. What can I do as a parent?
• Help organise a day out/trip
• Gather materials needed.
• Help plan out ideas strategically.
• Make sure that you leave enough time for the project
to be completed.
• Ensure that the focus is kept so that the evaluation is
clear and informative.

22. Good Luck!
See you all again on Thursday 13th July 2016