Young people follow a full curriculum until they select their GCSE options at the end of Year 9. The majority of our young people study nine subjects at GCSE level, in comparison to the national average of 8. They are encouraged to take both GCSE and BTEC qualifications in order to build skills in portfolio learning and in summative processes, and so they have the strongest portfolio to continue studying at post 16.
The subjects are separated into two categories: Core and Optional.
- Core subjects are compulsory and will be studied by all young people
- All students will study English Literature and English Language and Mathematics.
- All students will also study two or three Science subjects, which is a decision taken in Year 10
- All students will study Physical Education and the CARES Curriculum which includes Personal Social and Health Education and Religious Education which are all are non-examined courses
- Optional subjects Students can choose to study up to four optional subjects. Some Optional subjects are offered as alternatives and some are recommended to students. Staff will offer guidance and support to ensure appropriateness of optional subjects.
- Continue a course of study in at least one course in the humanities – History and/or Geography
- Continue a course of study in at least one performance subject –Art, Performing Arts in Dance, Drama or Music*, Music GCSE*, Photography, Sport and/or Textiles
Recommended subjects;
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- All students who have been achieving well in French or Spanish are anticipated study this to GCSE. Languages are strongly recommended for all students
- All students select a ‘world of work’ subject – Business, Computing or IT
- If your child speaks, reads and writes another language at home, we will support them to study this to GCSE level. (Currently we offer Italian, German, Portuguese, Arabic and Turkish lessons)
*Music GCSE and Performing Arts Music are subjects that will also requires your child to continue with their instrumental lessons throughout their course.