Year 10 GCSE SUBJECT CHOICES 2019 Mrs. F Browne Head of CEIAG

Why are GCSE choices so important? Commitment 1st qualifications “A”-Level choices Options at post 16

How should choices be made? On the basis of Ability Enjoyment Motivation NOT on the basis of Like or dislike a teacher Friends doing the subject Difficult or easy A “good” subject

Information available Options booklet Teachers Parent Consultation Heads of Departments Form Teachers Timetabled Careers classes Software programmes and internet Assemblies

The Timetable A programme focused on GCSE Options has been running in Careers classes for the past few weeks. Option booklets were distributed in the week commencing Monday 30th January and pupils asked to discuss them with their parents. Individual pupil interviews with a Careers teacher will run from 21st February – 27th February. Subject choice forms will be distributed during the week commencing 20th February. Forms are due to be returned (signed by yourself) by Thursday 2nd March to the appropriate form teacher.

How many subjects are studied? Pupils have the opportunity to study 8.5, 9.5 or 10.5 GCSE subjects. Based on the ability of the pupils in Grosvenor, it is expected that the majority will choose to study 10.5. Pupils in one of the English sets will study English Language (1 x GCSE) while those in the remaining sets will study English Language and English Literature (2 x GCSEs). Pupils may also reduce the number of subjects they study by choosing independent study in place of a language. The school may offer the opportunity for a small number of pupils to study 11.5 GCSEs through an accelerated learning programme.

The curriculum – an overview Compulsory subjects Maths, English Language and Literature, LLW and RS (SC) 3.5 or 4.5 x GCSEs Language studies French or German or Spanish or Independent Study 0 or 1 x GCSE Science Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Single Award Science 1 x GCSE Optional GCSE subjects Four subjects chosen from a list of 20 4.0 x GCSEs

Compulsory Subjects (3.5 or 4.5 GCSEs) Mathematics (1 x GCSE) Learning for Life & Work (1 x GCSE) (Completed at the end of Year 11) Religious Studies (Short Course) (0.5 x GCSE) English Language (1.0 x GCSE) or English Language and English Literature (2.0 x GCSEs) In addition all pupils will have timetabled classes in ICT, PE, Games, CEIAG (Year 12) and access to an enrichment programme.

Area of Study – Languages (1 x GCSE) Pupils can choose either French (1 x GCSE) or Spanish (1 x GCSE) German (1 x GCSE) Independent Study It is possible to study two or three language subjects. This is recommended for any pupil considering a career utilising languages. Pupils wishing to study a language at ‘A’ Level must have studied the subject at GCSE. Pupils opting for “Independent Study” will achieve one fewer GCSE qualification than those studying a language. Pupils will have four periods of timetabled “Independent Study” per week under the direction of a member of staff.

Area of Study – Science (1 X GCSE) Pupils can choose either Biology (1 x GCSE) or Chemistry (1 x GCSE) Physics (1 x GCSE) Single Award Science It is possible to study two or three science subjects. This is recommended for any pupil considering a career utilising science. Pupils wishing to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics at ‘A’ Level must have studied at least two science subjects (including the ‘A’ Level subject) at GCSE.

Optional Subjects (4 x GCSEs) Art & Design* French Media Studies Biology* Further Mathematics* Music* Business Studies Geography Physical Education* Chemistry* German Physics* Computing* Government & Politics Religious Studies (FC) Drama History Spanish Food and Nutrition IT Technology & Design* *For subjects which are marked with a star, it is recommended that pupils have achieved a certain standard in order to take that subject. (See the GCSE Subject Choice Booklet). Pupils cannot choose both IT and Computing. Please note that due to the wide range of courses on offer within the Option Block it may not be possible to accommodate every combination of subjects.

Questions??