3RD FORM GCSE SUBJECT CHOICES 2018 Mrs. F Browne Head of CEIAG

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

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

Information available Options booklet Teachers Parent consultation Heads of Departments Citizenship teachers Timetabled classes JED (internet based programme) Assemblies

The Timetable A Careers programme has been running in both LLW and form classes for the past few weeks. Option booklets were distributed in the week commencing Monday 8th February and pupils asked to discuss them with their parents. All pupils have had an interview with a Careers teacher. Subject choice forms distributed this week. Forms are due to be returned (signed by yourself) by Monday 29th February to the appropriate form teacher.

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.

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

Compulsory Subjects (3.5 or 4.5 GCSEs) Mathematics (1 x GCSE) Learning for Life & Work (1 x GCSE) (Completed at the end of 4th Year) 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 (5th Year) and access to an enrichment programme.

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.

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.

Optional Subjects (4 x GCSEs) Art & Design* Further Mathematics* Music* Biology Geography Physical Education* Business Studies German Physics Chemistry History Religious Studies (FC) Computing Home Economics Spanish Drama ICT Technology & Design* French Media Studies *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 ICT 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.

Questions??