What Can I Choose?              

 

You will study a number of compulsory subjects. You then have 3 option choices. However, there are some restrictions which apply.

a. Compulsory Subjects

All students will work for GCSEs in English Language, English Literature, Maths, Sciences (usually Combined Science) and Religious Studies. In addition:

1. Students who are likely to achieve top grades in Sciences may be able to take Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in place of Combined Science. Students who wish to be considered for Triple Science should indicate this on their option form.
2. Students who are in Set 0a Maths when they reach Year 11 will also take a GCSE in Statistics as a core part of their Maths course.

b. EBacc Subjects

All students must select at least one (but up to three) of their options from the list of EBacc subjects. These include:

1. Geography
2. History
3. French
4. Spanish
5. Latin (restrictions apply)
6. Advanced French (restrictions apply)

c. Optional Subjects

Students may choose a maximum of two options from the list below. Restrictions apply to some options:

GCSE Subjects

• Art and Design
• Business
• Computer Science
• Dance
• Design and Technology: Food and Nutrition
• Design and Technology: Product Design
• Drama
• Film Studies
• Graphic Communication
• Music
• Media Studies
• Physical Education
• Photography
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Statistics (restrictions apply)
• Textiles (Art)

GCSE Equivalent Subjects

• Health and Social Care
• Music Performance
• Sports Studies
• Creative iMedia

Advanced Subject

• Advanced Maths (restrictions apply)
• AS Religious Studies - Philosophy, Ethics and Buddhism (restrictions apply)

d. Reserve Choice

All students must make a reserve choice on the option form. This can be from any of the subjects offered. The form allows you to specify a separate reserve for each option if you wish.

Whilst we do our best to ensure you get the choices you have made, there are times when this proves impossible. There are a number of reasons for this. For example, some courses may not run if there is insufficient demand. Some may clash on the timetable. We will always consult you if this happens. However, it is important that you put as much thought into your reserve choice as into your other options.

e. After School Options

We occasionally run options outside school hours, which are additional to your option choices. This year, we are offering Astronomy. You will attend Astronomy lessons after school and will also be expected to undertake additional work. This does not take one of your option choices, but does require a commitment for the whole duration of the course. If you are interested in being considered for the Astronomy group, you should indicate this on the form.

f. Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to option choices. You should read these carefully.

1. Three separate Sciences will only be allowed for the most able scientists. Students choosing this will have to complete the three qualifications in the time everyone else does the two sciences and will need to pick up concepts quickly and do additional work on their own. We will therefore look for students to have an ATL of 1.8 or better.
2. Students should think very carefully before dropping a modern foreign language unless they are taking fast-track French. The school believes it is an essential component of a broad and balanced curriculum for most students. For many courses in Higher Education, it is a distinct advantage to have a language qualification.
3. Fast-track language students who are considering taking A level languages at College SHOULD continue their study of a modern foreign language into Years 10 and 11, otherwise the transition to an A level course will be extremely difficult. This could be by studying Advanced French or by starting another language.
4. Advanced French is reserved for fast-track students only
5. No more than TWO of French, Spanish and Latin may be taken
6. Only one of Art, Textiles (Art), Photography or Graphic Communication
7. No more than one DT subject (Product Design or Food and Nutrition)
8. Only one of Media Studies or Film Studies
9. Only one of Computing or Creative iMedia
10. Only one of Music or Music Performance
11. Only one of PE or Sports Studies
12. Advanced Maths is limited to students in set N (Newton) for Maths and is subject to an interview with the student and their parent/carer.
13. Latin and AS Philosophy & Ethics may only be taken by high attaining, highly motivated students. We will therefore look for students to have an ATL of 1.8 or better.