GCSE Options Guide 2019

Let the adventure begin! Mrs Rachel Smith, Headteacher, explains...

We are committed to every student’s development and success. As you embark on the next chapter of your education we will help you develop into a remarkable young adult; successful academically, a happy and confident contributor to society, with the skills of leadership, teamwork, empathy and initiative that will enable you to thrive in everything you do.

Choosing your GCSE options in Year 9 is an important and hugely exciting time and we’re here to support you every step of the way. This guide will introduce you to our broad and balanced Key Stage 4 curriculum and help you to make key decisions about which optional GCSE subjects you will take.

Treat this guide as the beginning of your decision making process. Talk to our exceptional teaching staff, who are all subject experts. Approach our subject prefects – they’ve already gone through this process and can give you an insight into what to expect. And talk to your friends and family.

We know it’s not an easy decision but, if you choose subjects based on what you enjoy, find interesting and feel will contribute to your future, you won’t go far wrong.

The components of your GCSEs

The KS4 National Curriculum is a combination of academic, creative, physical and personal development education.

1. These a re your compulsory GCSEs: English Language & English Literature (2 GCSEs), Mathematics, (1 GCSE), and Science: Biology, Chemistry & Physics (3 GCSEs).

2. Then you get to choose a preference from each of these: 1x Modern Language (1 GCSE), 1x Humanity/Social Science (1 GCSE), 1x Creative subject (1 GCSE) and 1x open option (1 GCSE).

3. Everyone studies these education-enhancing subjects: Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) + Philosophy, Religion & Ethics + Physical Education.

In total you will study 10 GCSEs + the education-enhancing subjects.

Option choices and looking to the future

You may know what subjects to choose but for all students we recommend doing your research and keeping an open mind. Talk to subject teachers, your Form Tutor, your Head of Learning, the Careers Leader and our independent ‘Connexions’ Careers Adviser, parents and other students to get a rounded view on your next step.

Ask yourself these key questions:

Do I enjoy it?

Am I good at it?

Do I need it?

Where will it lead?

You will probably find it easy to answer the first two questions, but what about the other two? You may find the following helpful in making the right decision for you.

In the majority of cases, you will need a GCSE in a subject if you want to study it at A-Level, simply because A-level subjects normally build on GCSE work. Exceptional cases where work has been built up outside school and there is clear evidence of GCSE standards may be considered by the Head of Department.

Some subjects, however, do not require students to have taken the GCSE in order to take the A Level. Some subjects do not have a GCSE option (e.g. Economics, Government and Politics, Media Studies, Psychology and Sociology). These usually have entry requirements relating to core GCSE subjects (for example, to study A-Level Economics you are required to achieve a grade B in English and Maths at GCSE). Check our current A-Level requirements.

Don’t choose subjects only because you like them. Other subjects may be far more important in keeping a wide range of careers open to you.

Some higher education courses will require or prefer specific subjects at A Level. Again, if you are in any doubt, consult our independent Connexions Adviser or the National Careers Service careers helpline for students. You can also look at the UCAS website and contact some universities direct.

It is difficult to prescribe which subjects are needed for which careers, as there are so many variables. However, if you have a particular career in mind, check carefully which qualifications you will need, rather than guessing about the suitability of particular subjects for intended careers. Again, consult those that know.

View the full guide for detailed information on each course. You can access the Preferences Form here: www.beaconsfieldhigh.bucks.sch.uk/GCSE-Options/