Exeter School GCSE Options | September 2019

Exeter School

GCSE Options

September 2019

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Dear pupils and parents, This booklet contains information designed to guide and assist you in choosing the subjects you wish to study in your Middle Fifth and Upper Fifth years (Years 10 and 11) at Exeter School.

In addition to studying a number of compulsory GCSE subjects, you will need to choose one Modern Foreign Language and three further optional subjects. As you face this important decision, I want to reassure you that we are here to give as much support as required. Within this booklet you will find general guidance about choosing options as well as details for each subject that includes topics covered and the form of assessment within your (I)GCSE exams in 2021. There is also information on some of the other courses and opportunities available to you in the coming years.

Dr James Wilson Deputy Head (Academic)

The booklet is issued to all our Lower Fifth pupils before the Christmas holidays to allow plenty of time for discussion before you need to make your choices in February. Your main point of contact within the school will be your Head of House who will have a lot of experience in helping pupils pick the right courses for them.

For external pupils, this booklet will hopefully provide an insight into the subjects and wideranging activities that are on offer to our pupils during their GCSE years.

Exeter School provides a well-rounded education where outstanding academic results are achieved and where all pupils can thrive.

We always aim to support each individual in their journey through the school. If you have any questions about option choices or our GCSE provision in general then please contact me on the email address below.

We look forward to welcoming you into this rewarding, exciting and important new stage of your journey at Exeter School.

James Wilson JLW@exeterschool.org.uk

Exeter School, Victoria Park Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4NS www.exeterschool.org.uk | 01392 273679 | @ExeterSchoolUK GCSE options booklet 2019.indd 2

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A love of learning is promoted throughout the school both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to a variety of activities and subject-specific societies that run at lunchtimes there are a number of annual internal competitions to challenge and extend our pupils. These include the Science Photo competition, various Art competitions, the Biology Specimen Drawing competition and the Ogden Trust Love Physics competition (last year’s winning photo is pictured).

There are regular trips to France and Spain where GCSE pupils stay with local families and attend language lessons in the morning. They spend the afternoon practising their language skills, going on cultural excursions and enjoying the beaches (pictured here in Granada).

There are numerous opportunities for curriculum enrichment including lectures, master classes, trips, performances, revision classes, study skills lectures, leadership training, as well as various clubs and societies.

Crossing Club is an academic society, whose talks are open to all.

Pictured is a creative writing masterclass run by writer Jonathan L Howard.

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In 2018, Senior School pupils took on two of the greatest plays in Shakespeare’s folio – Julius Caesar and Henry V - with an all female and all male cast respectively.The newly introduced Middle Fifth play for Year 10 pupils was a production of Sophocles’ Antigone. Senior School productions are open to all pupils interested in getting involved in drama, both on and off the stage.

The inauguration of the new pool in June 2017 marked the completion of an extensive Sports department build that includes a fitness suite and free weights room, indoor rifle range and studio area, as well as new changing rooms.

Music is flourishing at Exeter School and pupils have the opportunity to perform regularly in Exeter Cathedral and local churches, as well as in the Music School’s extended concert hall. There is a full programme of annual musical events including the Carol Service, Spring and National Trust (pictured) concerts as well as the annual Choral Society, whose members include senior pupils, staff and families of pupils.

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Exeter School has a thriving Combined Cadet Force. CCF pupils experience each of the three sections before selecting which of the three services, Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force, they wish to join. The annual adventure training exercise is a highlight of the year and concentrates on developing the core skills of independence, selfreliance and leadership in an outward bound context.

The school is ideally located to take advantage of the beautiful Devon countryside for expeditions across Dartmoor and Exmoor, including the school’s own ‘1633 Challenge’ (pictured), which is similar to the Ten Tors Challenge. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is very popular and pupils often take part in Silver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in Year 10.

There is a long and distinguished tradition of taking part in the Abbots’ Way Walk, which is held in early October, and the Ten Tors Challenge. The Challenge is administered by the Army and takes place in May, starts and finishes at Okehampton Camp, and teams complete either thirty-five, fortyfive or fifty-five miles in two days, depending on age.

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Sport plays an important role in the life of Exeter School. All pupils have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wealth of social and competitive sport. The central aim is to develop in all pupils an interest in, and enthusiasm for physical activity nurturing their fitness, self-confidence, leadership and team work.

The school has a varied programme of clubs with the opportunity to participate in more than 20 sports at lunch time and after school. Exeter School’s 24-acre site is well equipped with a range of first-class sports facilities.

From the Upper Fifth to Upper Sixth (Years 11-13) there are fourteen different activities available within weekly Games sessions. These include the major sports of rugby, hockey, football, netball, football, rounders and cricket but also shooting, kayaking, cross country, squash and table tennis. Pupils have the opportunity to represent their House as well as their school team at local, regional or national level. Many of our major teams have a reputation for success in county competitions.

Recreational sport is widely enjoyed by all our pupils for pleasure and fitness.

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@ExeterSchoolUK www.exeterschool.org.uk GCSE options booklet 2019.indd 8

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