Choosing your GCSEs

Welcome to Upper School. Now is the time to start thinking about which GCSEs you would like to do. You might already have a clear idea of the subjects that appeal to you and even have a specific career path in mind – but it’s more likely that you are still working this out and discovering where your interests and strengths lie. While the choices you make at this stage can have a bearing on the A levels you can take up in the Sixth Form, rest assured that our broad range of core subjects will give you the solid academic foundation that you need. Remember, your teachers are always happy to discuss subjects with you, and our Careers Coordinator can also provide you with further specific advice as needed.

You will be asked to choose 4 options subjects plus one reserve option. We will do our best to accomodate your first choices. We encourage everyone to take at least one language and one humanity subject. These will be studied alongside the nonexamined core subjects of Religious Studies, Physical Education and PSHMEE.

Everyone starts Year 10 studying the Science Trilogy Award. As the course progresses, the Science Department will work with you and your parents to decide on the most appropriate pathway for GCSE success. There are three Science options for GCSE: these are the higher or foundation papers for Science Trilogy which equate to two GCSEs overall or Separate Sciences where you gain three GCSEs (one for each of the subjects).

Next steps...

At the options evening we will explain the process for filling out your option choices. You will be given time to finalise your decision.

The Options

We encourage everyone to take at least one language and one humanity subject.

GCSE Requirements

Your GCSEs will include:

- 5 x core subjects

Plus, you will need to choose:

- 4 x option subjects

Core Subjects

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

Science Trilogy (2 GCSEs)

Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs)

Option Subjects (x4)

Geography

History

Religious Studies

French

Latin

Spanish

Art

Drama

Music

Photography

Statistics

Computer Science

Physical Education

Independent study may be a option for those who do not want to take four option subjects.