3 RD FORM GCSE OPTIONS Mrs. F Browne Head of CEIAG

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

How should choices be made? On the basis of APTITUDE INTEREST MOTIVATION NOT on the basis of LIKE/DISLIKE TEACHERS FRIENDS DOING THE SUBJECT DIFFICULT / EASY

Information available Options booklet Teachers Heads of Departments Library LLW teachers JED (internet based programme)

The Timetable A Careers module has been running in LLW classes for the past few weeks Option booklets have been distributed and pupils asked to discuss them with their parents All pupils will have an interview with a Careers teacher Forms are due to be returned (signed by yourself) by Wednesday 13 February to the appropriate Form Teacher

What are the choices? Pupils have the option to study 9.5, 10.5 or 11.5 GCSE subjects. Based on the ability of the pupils in Grosvenor, it is expected that the majority will choose to study 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 a maximum of 2) in the following areas – Language Studies and Science.

Compulsory Subjects Mathematics(1 x GCSE) Learning for Life & Work(1 x GCSE) Completed at the end of 4th Year Religious Studies (SC)(0.5 x GCSE) English Language(1.0 x GCSE) or English Language and English Literature (2.0 x GCSE) In addition all pupils will have timetabled classes in ICT, PE, Games and CEIAG (5 th Year)

Area of Study - Languages Pupils must choose either French (1 x GCSE) Or Spanish (1 x GCSE) Or German (1 x GCSE) Or Independent Study N.B.It is possible to study two 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 Pupils can choose Biology & Chemistry (2 x GCSE) Chemistry and Physics (2 x GCSE) Science and Independent Study (1 x GCSE) Pupils opting for “Science and Independent Study” will achieve one fewer GCSE qualification than those studying two science subjects. Pupils will have four periods of timetabled “Independent Study” per week under the direction of a member of staff. Or Biology, Chemistry and Physics (3 x GCSE) Pupils wishing to study all 3 Sciences should choose tick Biology & Chemistry as their Science option and then and select Physics from the main option block. 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. All three Sciences are strongly recommended for anyone who intends to study ‘A’ Level Sciences or pursue a science-based career.

Area of Study – Option Block Additional Maths* Art & Design* Business Studies Drama French Geography German History Home Economics ICT* Media Studies Music* Physical Education* Physics Religious Studies (Full course) Spanish Technology & Design* All pupils must study 4 subjects from the main Option Block *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 Information Booklet). 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??