Welcome to your GCSE Options Booklet. It will provide you with much of the information you need to choose your GCSE subjects and your teachers will also be more than happy to advise you.
GCSE courses are studied over a two-year course (Years 10 and 11). You will continue to study a range of subjects but you will also be able to focus on subjects that you enjoy most and study these in greater depth. Some pupils find making decisions about their GCSE courses very straightforward, whilst others need a little more time to think and discuss options. By helping you choose the right subjects for you, we hope that you will be happy in your studies, feel positive about your abilities and maximise your potential.
In a number of subjects, we offer the IGCSE instead of the GCSE. This has no material bearing on your results or university application. IGCSEs (the International GCSE) are very well-regarded qualifications taken by a large number of independent school pupils and we have chosen them in a number of subjects because of the specification and the quality of the marking. All GCSEs and IGCSEs are now graded using the 9-1 grading system. Both grades 8 and 9 are the equivalent to the previous A*.
At GCSE level, all pupils will study English Language, English Literature, and Mathematics. All pupils will continue studying all three sciences, either as separate GCSEs or by following the Double Award pathway. This option involves continuing with all three Sciences but equates to two GCSEs as there is less subject content. All pupils will continue with one Modern Foreign Language and then have a choice of three optional subjects.
The expectation is that pupils will look to choose options that provide a balance between modern languages, humanities and creative, performance or design-based subjects. It should be noted that not all subject combinations can be guaranteed, but we do aim wherever possible to meet all requests for options that are made by the February deadline.
Best wishes,
Mr Ed Braun Director of Studies
Useful Information
Methods of Assessment
At the end of your GCSE course, you will take written examinations in your subjects. You might also find that the examination process includes other forms of assessment. These might include:
Oral Examination: a test of spoken language used in English and Modern Languages.
Aural Examination: a test of listening skills, particularly relevant in Music and Modern Languages.
Practical Examination: a test to assess practical ability.
Non-Examined Assessment (NEA Coursework): this is where particular pieces of work are marked by the teacher and then presented to the examination board for moderation.
What happen next?
n Thursday 28 November - Year 9 Parents Evening
n Wednesday 22 January 2025 - Options fair in the hall for pupils
n Friday 14 February 2025 - Options deadline
Questions you should think about
How do I learn best?
What
subjects do I enjoy?
What subjects am I good at?
How will I achieve maximum success?
How do I like to be assessed?
Are there any subjects I need for the career idea I have in mind?
Making decisions
Achievement: students should recognise where their previous achievement has been experienced and where success is possible with the right amount of hard work.
Interest: success is often related to hard work, which in turn is linked to the interest and motivation that a student has for the subject.
Career and Qualifications: very few students in Year 9 know exactly the career, higher or further education pathway they wish to embark on in the future. Later on, certain subjects may become an essential requirement for certain careers, but at this stage our recommended option choices are designed to minimise restricting future career paths.
Easy Choices: there can be a tendency to assume that it is easier to gain a qualification in some subjects rather than others. All subjects are rigorous in their own way. A student’s aptitude and interest in a subject will be the best guide.
Flexibility: be prepared to have reserve subject choices because optional subjects will only be timetabled if there are enough
pupils to make a viable group size. In some circumstances, certain combinations of subjects may not be possible either, so reserve options should be carefully considered.
Advice: pastoral and subject staff will provide guidance to the students throughout this period of decision making. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you require any further assistance in making the final decision.
Mathematics
What does the course cover?
Mathematics is an important subject at GCSE and maths skills will be useful in whatever you decide to do in the future. In Years 10 and 11, familiar topics from Year 9 will be extended, and new topics introduced.
You will continue to learn about the following areas of mathematics as you study for the International GCSE qualification:
n Numbers
n Algebra
n Geometry
n Statistics
You will also be expected to demonstrate problem-solving and mathematical reasoning skills.
How is the course examined?
Examination
Students will sit two externally assessed papers at the end of the course. Each paper is 2 hours and represents 50% of the total GCSE. All four areas, listed above, are assessed in each paper and a calculator may be used in both papers.
Further Mathematics
AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is a unique qualification designed to stretch and challenge high achieving mathematicians, who are expected to achieve the top grades at GCSE Mathematics, or are likely to progress to A-level Mathematics and possibly Further Mathematics.
Students from at least the top group will be taught the Further Mathematics syllabus in their usual Mathematics lessons and examinations will be sat alongside those for GCSE.
Chemistry
Why study Chemistry?
There is much more to Chemistry than white coats, laboratories and mixing chemicals together. If you have a passion for understanding natural phenomena and analytical problem-solving, then Chemistry is the subject for you.
Chemistry has a significant impact on everyday life. Chemists play a vital role in product and resource innovation and in researching how processes such as global warming happen, so that solutions can be found. Developing new technologies and materials is a growth area so there is a significant demand for chemists in all areas of industry.
How is the course examined?
Examination
The content is wholly assessed by terminal examinations.
Paper One is a two hour paper which covers core content in all topics.
Paper Two is a 1 hour 15 minute paper covering all content across all topics.
Both papers employ a mixture of question types from long answer to multiple choice. Paper one constitutes 61% of the final mark with Paper Two making up the remaining 39%. There are no required or assessed practicals but an understanding of experimental technique is assessed across both papers, and practical sessions form a core part of the course.
What does the course cover?
Principles of Chemistry:
Atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, formulae, equations and calculations, and the properties of matter
Inorganic Chemistry:
Groups of the periodic table, the atmosphere, metals and the reactivity series, acids, alkalis and salts and chemical analysis
Physical Chemistry:
Kinetics, energetics, equilibria and electrolysis
Organic Chemistry:
Crude oil, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters and polymers
Design and Technology
Why study Design and Technology?
GCSE Design and Technology will give you the freedom to design and make complete, functional products from your own ideas and plans. It will teach you how to follow the design process, and give you the skills required to realise your designs successfully.
The course is particularly relevant to anyone considering a career in design, including product design, industrial design and design engineering, and also has a great deal of relevance to the fields of mechanical and civil engineering, manufacture, marketing and architecture.
The course also offers project management and problem-solving skills and the development of oral, written and graphical communication and presentation skills, which are valuable in numerous A Level subjects, university courses and future careers.
How is the course examined?
Non-examined Assessment
Design and Make Project (50% of the final grade).
You are required to identify a need for a design or product then research and analyse your chosen problem, write product specifications, produce suitable designs and finally manufacture a prototype or one-off product based on a final design.
This work is submitted as an A3 design folder.
Examination
Written/design paper which accounts for the remaining 50% at the end of Year 11.
What does the course cover?
The course teaches designing and making skills with a particular focus on “resistant” materials such as plastics, woods, and metals. The course will cover the use of workshop machinery and equipment; designing, drawing and presentation skills; modelling and prototyping; knowledge of materials and processes; and knowledge related to design and the design and manufacturing industry.
Drama
Why study Drama?
‘I believe that theatre has to be utterly life-changing for the people watching it’ (Marianne Elliott – Theatre Director).
Drama at GCSE is a subject that is both active and creative. Lessons consist of practical work, discussion and reflective writing and you will be able to work in more depth than you have previously been able to. We follow the Eduqas syllabus, which places a strong emphasis on practical devising work – there is definitely less written work than most other subjects as you are encouraged to write succinctly. You will learn about all aspects of theatrecraft: acting, design and directing.
We explore various practitioners such as Stanislavski, Frantic Assembly, Brecht and Boal as well as specific genres such as Physical Theatre and Theatre-in-Education. You can also gain an understanding of how to use make-up, costume, set design, lighting and sound effectively and will have the option to choose one of these design areas for assessment, instead of performance.
We have many different types of pupil who opt for Drama and it is rated highly by all universities as it helps to make you confident, sensitive and a strong leader. Whether you are naturally outgoing or a quiet, thoughtful person, you can succeed in this subject as long as you bring enthusiasm, imagination, focus and a willingness to work creatively. In a nutshell, Drama is serious fun.
How is the course examined?
Non-examined Assessment
Component 1 (40%) is a devised unit in which you will create an exciting piece of new theatre in small groups, based on a practitioner or style of theatre you have studied. There is a written report about the process (which has a maximum word count of just 900 words), plus an evaluation of the performance which is written under controlled conditions.
Examination
Component 2 (20%) involves the performance of a script to an examiner in small groups/pairs.
There is no written work for this component.
Component 3 (40%) is a written examination consisting of a series of questions based on an interesting set text we will have studied practically, plus one short question analysing a theatre production you will have seen.
The examination lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What does the course cover?
The syllabus reflects the practical nature of Drama and offers opportunities for devised practical performance and script work. As well as creating original Drama you will refine your understanding of play texts, and learn about sound, lighting, set and costume as ways to communicate meaning to your audience. You will also develop your appreciation of live theatre from different aspects of performance. Throughout the course, to support your analysis of live theatre, your practitioner knowledge and your understanding of design, there will be theatre trips to different styles of productions.
Geography
Why study Geography?
Geography is about the future and encourages flexible thinking. It is a good choice of subject if you enjoy learning about people, their societies, economies, cultures and the environment and if you are keen to learn and develop a wide range of skills. Geography tackles the big issues, including environmental responsibility, our global interdependence, cultural understanding and tolerance, and commerce, trade and industry.
The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next fifty years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why, and helps to prepare you for those changes.
Studying Geography will give you the transferable skills needed to work in a wide range of areas within both the public and private sector, from urban planning to international aid organisations, and from environmental management to advising businesses on sustainability issues.
How is the course examined?
Examination
Paper 1 – Physical Geography
1 hour 10 minutes, 40% .
Paper 2 – Human Geography and Global Issues
1 hour 45 minutes, 60%.
What does the course cover?
A people-environment theme is emphasised throughout the course. Students develop their geographical terminology and locational knowledge through the examination of a range of global and up-to-date case studies. The acquisition of skills is an important element of the course; students learn to use and interpret a range of source materials including atlas maps, photographs, satellite images, GIS, graphs and sketches. The use of IT is encouraged as a research tool to help in the construction of maps and graphs.
The main units of study include:
Paper 1 - Physical Geography - Coastal environments, hazardous environments.
Paper 2 - Human Geography - Economic activity and energy, urban environments and development and human welfare.
Geographical issues and fieldwork are also an essential part of the course and are examined in both papers.
History
Why study History?
Our History course is particularly interesting for students who are aware of the world around them and enjoy puzzling over the causes and consequences of human behaviour. As a historian, you will develop valuable transferable skills, such as the ability to select, question and analyse evidence, to make informed judgements and to participate in debates and discussions. This will enhance your ability to communicate clearly and, above all, to frame an argument. This is why History can lead to a wide variety of high-powered careers in law, business management and the media.
How is the course examined?
Examination
There are two examination papers of 1 hour 30 minutes. Questions test your ability to analyse primary sources and to use your knowledge and understanding of the period to answer essay questions on cause, effect and significance.
What does the course cover?
The syllabus covers a particularly dynamic period in 20th Century European and American history, as well as an exciting unit on developments in medicine, which will appeal to our scientists.
For the first paper we undertake two depth studies, Option 3 (Germany: Development of Dictatorship, 1918-45) and Option 7 (A Divided Union: Civil Rights in the USA, 1945-74).
For paper 2, we have option A4 (The Vietnam Conflict, 1945– 75) as our investigation topic and B2 (Changes in Medicine, c1848-c1948) as our breadth topic.
In Year 10 you will study Germany between the wars, learning how the aftermath of the First World War, Europe’s Great Depression and Hitler’s political manoeuvrings helped the Nazis rise to power in the 1930s. We will then investigate how the Nazi regime established a firm grip on German society and edged towards the creation of the Third Reich.
For our unit on America, we look at life in the US from 1945 to 1974: civil rights, student protest and Women’s Liberation, as well as the Watergate scandal which brought down President Nixon. Our understanding of these political issues is deepened by our study of the Vietnam War, 1945-75. In Year 11, we study the History of Medicine, 1848- 1948, with topics such as the development of antiseptics and anaesthetics, improvements in nursing, the impact of world war on medical knowledge and the development of the NHS.
Modern Foreign Languages
What will lessons be like?
We spend roughly equal amounts of time developing each of the four language learning skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Lessons will regularly make use of the wide variety of apps and electronic resources which are available to help with learning a language. You should be prepared to be interactive!
During your IGCSE course you will also have the benefit of extra help from our Foreign Language Assistants, to improve your confidence in speaking your chosen languages, and to prepare you for the oral examination. You will have opportunities to work with the Assistants in pairs or small groups.
Physics
Why study Physics?
Physics is the fundamental science which studies how objects in the physical world behave and interact, encompassing everything from sub-atomic particles to the largest structures in the universe. It provides an excellent general knowledge base for understanding the physical world. It gives you a real edge in our modern technological society, which is increasingly dependent on scientific advances, and also provides you with skills for life in problem-solving, interpreting experimental data and linking ideas.
How is the course examined?
Examination
Two papers consisting of multiple choice, short answer and structured questions are taken at the end of Year 11. Questions about practical work are included in these papers.
What does the course cover?
The Edexcel IGCSE Physics syllabus helps you to understand the technological world in which we live and to take an informed interest in scientific developments, as well as being an excellent preparation for studying science subjects at higher levels.
You will learn about the basic principles of physics through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. You will gain an understanding of how physics is practised, as well as developing your problem-solving skills by applying math- ematical techniques such as the use of graphs and simple algebra.
The Physics topics covered
include:
Forces and motion: motion, forces and momentum
Electricity: static electricity, electric circuits and mains electricity
Waves: wave theory, sound, light and the electromagnetic spectrum
Energy resources and energy transfers: work, energy, power and electricity generation
Solids, liquids and gases: changes of state, pressure and gas laws
Magnetism and electromagnetism magnets: electromagnetism, motors, generators and transformers
Nuclear Physics: radioactivity, fission, fusion and nuclear power
Religious Studies at GCSE is about asking “Big Questions” and searching for the answers. It helps you to establish your views on important issues and to explore the views of others. If you are interested in other people and are open minded enough to appreciate their views, then this is the course for you. You don’t have to be religious to enjoy Religious Studies.
The aims of the course are to develop your understanding of religious beliefs and practices and to consider religious and other responses to moral and philosophical issues. You will investigate and respond to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience. The course involves the study of Christianity and one other religion, and you will acquire a deeper knowledge and understanding of the beliefs, values and traditions of religions that you have already studied.
How is the course examined?
Examination
Two 1 hour written papers (Beliefs, teachings and practices)
One 2 hour written paper (Religion, philosophy and ethics)
What does the course cover?
Beliefs, teachings and practices of two major world religions:
n Nature of God
n Core beliefs
n Holy books
n Beliefs about life after death
n Worship and practices
Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world, from a religious perspective:
n Relationships and families
n The existence of God, gods and the ultimate reality
n Religion, peace and conflict
n Dialogue between religious and non religious beliefs and attitudes
Science - Double Award
Why study IGCSE Science - Double Award?
Edexcel IGCSE Science Double Award allows learners to acquire knowledge and understanding of scientific facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques, and to apply the principles and concepts of science, including those related to the applications of science, to different contexts. The specification provides content that is interesting and engaging for students but is also designed to ensure good preparation, both for those continuing to further study and for those who wish to work in a scientific field. Question papers are clear and accessible for students of all abilities, with written examinations designed to improve students’ analytical, mathematical and logical thinking skills as well as developing their problem-solving skills.
What does the course cover?
There are several core syllabus areas covered in each of the science disciplines, including:
Biology content
n The nature and variety of living organisms
n Structure and functions in living organisms
n Reproduction and inheritance
n Ecology and the environment
n Use of biological resources
Chemistry content
n Principles of chemistry
n Inorganic chemistry
n Physical chemistry
n Organic chemistry
Physics content
n Forces and motion
n Electricity
n Waves
n Energy resources and energy transfer
n Solids, liquids and gases
n Magnetism and electromagnetism
n Radioactivity and particles
n Astrophysics
How is the course examined?
Students will sit three externally assessed papers.
Biology Paper 1
Chemistry Paper 1
Physics Paper 1
Each paper is 2 hours in length and worth 33.3% of the final grade. Each paper features a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. All material from the specification will be assessed in each of the papers. This paper assesses all content from the specification (including sections in bold).
