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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Questions??