GCSE Course - Years 10 and 11

In the main all students in Years 10 and 11 take a full GCSE course. An individual timetable for each student is arranged.  It is expected that all pupils will take the six core subjects of: English Language, Literature, French, Mathematics and Science Double Award, plus up to four optional subjects.  Able pupils who gain Level 7 in Key Stage 3 National Curriculum tests may sit triple science. A second language is available at an additional cost on request; German, Panjabi, Arabic or Hindi. We only encourage more able pupils to take over 8 subjects, as the extra burden of coursework can have a detrimental effect on their grades.  Government legislation states that statistical results and value added will be given on the pupil’s best 8 GCSE subjects taken in Year 11.

GCSE Speaking and Listening Assignments take place on a weekly basis in the senior school in order to give pupils practice in speaking in front of large audiences.

Options

Options vary from year to year according to pupils interests.  In the past they have included:

  • PE

  • Geography

  • History

  • Textiles

  • Art

  • Dance

  • Functional Skills

  • in Maths, ICT and English

Career support - Connexions

The careers service - Connexions - make regular visits to the school to help pupils fill in the LeCaf form for sixth form college; they discuss the options available for 16 year old leavers, whether academic or vocational.  They provide pupils with CV and interview technique workshops.

Our pupils after this advice are able to move on to their first academic or vocational course at sixth form or use the Entry to Employment route via Apprenticeships.

National Diplomas and Vocational Qualifications

Our pupils take Functional Skills Level 1 and 2 from year 9 these form part of the National Diplomas and can run along side our current GCSE programme. At present we take Level 1 and 2 qualifications in Functional Skills, Maths, English and ICT which are needed for Level 3 qualifications at sixth form college.

Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in LAMDA and the Royal Academy of Dance and Music.