FAQs

WHY DO I NEED TO RANK MY SUBJECTS IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE?

Our options process is created around each student. We do not set option blocks and request that students choose from each category. We want to enable each student to have a unique curriculum that meets their needs rather than restricting their choice through pre set option blocks. This means that each year our timetable looks very different as it is tailored to meet each cohorts needs.

HOW DOES THE RANKING PROCESS WORK?

Each student selects six option choices and submits their choice by Monday 6th February. We then write a timetable that accommodates the options of each student. We have a high success rate in being able to accommodate 90% of our student’s first four choices. If we are unable to meet your first four choices, we will be able to accommodate a variation of your six. This is why it is really important that you take time to consider the order of your choices.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT SUBJECT COMBINATIONS I CAN CHOOSE?

There are no restrictions on what you can choose, however, to maintain a broad curriculum, we recommend that students include one Creative or Performing Arts subject, one Modern Language and one Humanity. We also do not recommend that you select more than two Creative subjects due to the nature of the courses as they have a heavy emphasis on coursework. If you do want to study three Creative subjects, you will need to meet with Brendan Horstead, Head of Faculty for Art, Design & Innovation, to get this agreed.

I’M NOT SURE WHAT SUBJECTS TO SELECT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Speak to your subject teacher and get their advice on the course. You can also talk to your tutor, to Jo or any member of the teaching team. It would also be good to speak to students who are currently taking the subject in Year 10 or Year 11. The main thing is that you choose subjects that you enjoy. If you select a subject because your friend chooses it or because you think you ought to and it is not something that you really enjoy, it is going to be a very long two years! If you have Extra English or Maths group support, this support will replace one of your option choices. So, although you will select six options, you will only take three of them as Extra English or Maths group support will take the place of the fourth. If you are already receiving Extra English or Maths support, it is likely that this will continue into Year 10. However, Beverley Wrigglesworth, Director of Support for Learning will be in touch to confirm this.

IF I AM INVITED TO STUDY FOR THE THREE SEPARATE SCIENCES, WHY DO I HAVE TO ATTEND AN EXTRA LESSON?

Studying the Separate Science route means that you are gaining an additional GCSE. All students study Combined Science: Trilogy which is a combination of the three sciences which gives you two GCSEs. Studying for the Separate Science award gives you three GCSEs. If you take the Separate Science route, you will be studying for an additional GCSE. The pace of the lessons will be much faster, but by adding this additional lesson, we can ensure that appropriate lab time is provided to cover the additional content. This lesson will be compulsory for all students studying this route.

WILL STUDYING THE COMBINED SCIENCE ROUTE IMPACT ON UNIVERSITY SELECTION?

The simple answer is no. Some schools do not offer the Separate Science route so universities cannot discriminate. If you want to get into a top university, two high grades via the Combined Science: Trilogy route will get you into the course. It is better for students to gain two good grades through the Combined Science route, rather than three low grades through the Separate Science route. Your Science teacher will be able to provide a recommendation as to which route would be the most appropriate. If you have any questions, please speak to Nick Boon-Arnell, Head of Science for more information.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FOUNDATION TIER AND THE HIGHER TIER IN MFL, MATHS AND SCIENCE?

The Foundation tier is designed for students who are aiming for grades 5-1, and the Higher tier is designed for students who are looking for Grades 9-4. Based on teacher guidance and student performance, students will be advised on the most suitable route for them. It is important that each student is entered for the exam which is appropriate to their ability. Please note, exam certificates do not reveal which tier the student was entered for. Further information will be communicated by the relevant HoDs in Year 11.

NOTES

Writing the timetable is a complicated process but we hope to confirm your option choices by the end of the Spring Term.