1. GCSE Options
Year 9 GCSE Options

2. Get into good habits now!!
Decisions …
2018/19 (year 9) 2020/21 (year 11) 2022/23 (6th Form)
Choices for GCSE Choices for 6th Form Choices for university, college, gap year, work
Get into good habits now!!

3. Get into good habits now!!
Good decisions …
Self Aware Seek information Make plans
Know your strengths and interests Be able to investigate and research Make informed decisions
Get into good habits now!!

4. Why GCSE grades matter…
Can determine your 6th Form subject choices
May be used for selection for 6th Form
Will be used by universities and training providers as part of selection process: English and Maths essential for most courses (including Apprenticeships)
Some courses will specify a minimum grade: RVC Vet Nursing – 6 in English Language and Science, 4 in Maths Psychology at Sussex Uni – 6 in Maths Primary Teaching - 4 in English, Maths and a Science

5. What universities need…
GCSEs
English and Maths essential for most courses
Top universities (eg: Oxford/Cambridge, Durham) and competitive courses (eg: Medicine) likely to score your top grades as part of selection process
Oxbridge – successful candidates typically have a high proportion of 7,8,9 grades
Only UCL asks for a Foreign Language GCSE

6. Factors to consider for GCSEs…
INTEREST Will I enjoy it?
ABILITY Can I do well?
CAREER AIMS Will I need it?

7. Your choices… “Core subjects” plus: 3 further options
GCSE Options
Your choices…
French
Spanish
History
Geography DT
Art (Fine Art)
Art (Textiles)
Art (Photography)
Drama PE
Music
Computer Science
“Core subjects” plus:
3 further options
Maximum of 2 Art courses (not Textiles & Art)
Core Subjects –
English Lang
English Lit
Mathematics
Religious Studies
Combined Science or Singular

8. Common dilemmas… Consider:
What skills will this subject develop?
What is the course content?
Do you have a preferred learning style?
How is the GCSE assessed?
Could you develop your interest without choosing it as a GCSE?
Drama or Art? History or Geography? PE or Music?

9. To help your decisions…
Library Resources
Complete workbooks in Form Time
Your strengths
How to make decisions
Research subjects
Think about your long term interests

10. To help your decisions…
“Y9 Careers” information on The Hub
Morrisby:
Websites:
People
Parents, Teachers, Mrs Fry – Careers Adviser

11. GCSE Options
Final thoughts…
Interest
Ability
Career
Enjoy!
There are universities and courses for a very wide range of abilities and interests
BUT – it’s increasingly competitive, so grades and extra effort will make a difference
Choose what’s best for YOU – be happy in what you are studying!

12. GCSE Options

13. Biology/Chemistry/Physics
GCSE CORE
CORE
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Religious Studies
Combined Science *OR
Biology/Chemistry/Physics
*It is our intention to prepare pupils in the top Science set for the three separate Science GCSEs.

14. GCSE OPTIONS OPTIONS French Spanish Art - Fine Art Art - Photography
French
Spanish
Art - Fine Art
Art - Photography
Art – Textiles
Computer Science
Design and Technology
Drama
Geography
History
Music PE

15. GCSE SCIENCES Group one Yr 10 & 11
Study 25 topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics over 2 years.
Two papers of 1hr 45 mins in each science in June 2021
GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Other Groups
Study 24 topics over 2 years in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Six subject exams of 1hr 15 mins in June 2021
GCSE in Combined Science (counts as 2 GCSEs)

16. Changes from previous years
New strengthened exams in all GCSEs
New grading system 9 (high) to 1 (low)
No possibility for resits throughout the course – Nov series for English and Maths

17. New GCSE Grading system

18. GCSE OPTIONS FORM

19. SAMPLE OPTION BLOCKS Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Spanish French History
Geography
Computer Science
Music
Drama
Art
(Photography) DT PE
(Textiles)
(Fine Art)