1. 3rd Form Parents’ Evening /GCSE Options

2. The Core Curriculum at Bloxham
English Language
English Literature*
Mathematics
Science **
French and / or Spanish
PSHE – a subject tackling religious, moral, political, economic and social themes, as well as research and study skills
Physical Education (non GCSE)
Games

3. Non Compulsory / Option Subjects
Art
History
Business Studies
Latin
Design and Technology
Music
Drama
Physical Education
Geography
Religious Studies (Theology)
Computing
Food

4. Non Compulsory / Option Subjects
All students must take at least one Modern Foreign Language*
All students must choose three additional option choices
Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
Block 4
French
Business
Design & Technology
Art
Spanish
Geography
Food
Computer Science
Latin
History
Drama
EAL
Music
Physical Education
DysBlox
ACE
Textiles
Religious Studies / Theology

5. Making the Right Choice
Discuss subjects with Teachers, Tutors, Heads of Department, the Head of Sixth Form (Dr Claire Evans), Parents and older Students .
Ask questions:
What is on the GCSE syllabus?
How is the syllabus taught? Is there coursework?
How much is practical based?

6. Making the Right Choice
Don’t focus too much on what career you think you want when you are older – you will probably change your mind many times before you get a job!
Try to achieve a good balance of subjects – this will keep your future options open.
Think about the skills that each subject will teach you – a good balance between the arts, humanities and sciences will lead to a more rounded student. We would strongly recommend you consider continuing the study of at least one practical or creative subject to GCSE level.

7. GCSE Reforms (2015 – 2017)
Government agenda that GCSEs would be more demanding with greater course content.
All GCSEs would return to two year linear courses with all exams at the end of a two year period of study
Non-exam assessment has been removed or reduced in the majority of GCSEs
Will have a new grading scale from 9 - 1

8. Assessment Numerical scale 9 – 1 Mainly by external examination
Non-examination assessment only where it is the only way to provide valid assessment of the skills required
Spelling and grammar to be assessed in English language and other subjects such as Geography and History.

10. Student choices must be submitted by 6pm on: Monday 19th February
Decision Time
Student choices must be submitted by 6pm on: Monday 19th February

11. Careers Advice

12. A Few Final Words of Advice ...
Most commonly asked questions by students
GCSE Options & Higher Education
Sources of further information 

13. “I can't choose between two GCSE subjects … ”
Common Questions:
“I can't choose between two GCSE subjects … ”
Think about how each GCSE option fits alongside your other GCSEs. 
What are your key skills/strengths? Be realistic.
Don't follow the herd!
Overall motivation for the subject
Usually, it is expected that you have an a-level or eviqualent with a good grade in that subject – and this often means you need a GCSE in that subject; teacher; coursework demands; speak to other older pupils #& 6th formers in yu house but also other sixth formers; creatvity/vs science; this if for you; just report grades – consider in light of recent grades....if I'm struggling now at a certain ….stickability

14. “Which university courses look at the GCSEs I have?”
Common Questions:
“Which university courses look at the GCSEs I have?”
Some choices you make now could also influence the range of courses open to you at 18 … 
Usually, it is expected that you have an a-level or eviqualent with a good grade in that subject – and this often means you need a GCSE in that subject;
Show that you are a balanced person; want good rop of results; want best possible outcome …. 

15. GCSE Options & Higher Education:
BA (Hons) English: Some English Literature departments insist on (or prefer), at least one modern foreign language at GCSE.
BA (Hons) Foreign Languages: it is an advantage to have at least two foreign languages at GCSE.
Usually, it is expected that you have an a-level or eviqualent with a good grade in that subject – and this often means you need a GCSE in that subject

16. GCSE Options & Higher Education:
Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science: For degree courses in Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science, you should be aiming to undertake all three sciences separately.
Usually, it is expected that you have an a-level or eviqualent with a good grade in that subject – and this often means you need a GCSE in that subject

17. GCSE Options & Higher Education:
“What are ‘facilitating’ subjects and why do I need to know about them now?”
Some A-Level subjects are more frequently required for entry to degree courses than others. 
They are called ‘facilitating’ because choosing them at advanced level leaves open a wide range of options for university study at Russell Group Universities.
Usually, it is expected that you have an a-level or eviqualent with a good grade in that subject – and this often means you need a GCSE in that subject

18. GCSE Options & Higher Education:
Biology
Chemistry
English Literature
Geography
History
Physics
Modern & Classical Languages
Maths & Further Maths
Usually, it is expected that you have an a-level or eviqualent with a good grade in that subject – and this often means you need a GCSE in that subject
**If you don’t know what you want to study at university, then it’s a really good rule of thumb that taking two facilitating subjects will keep a wide range of degree courses open to you. 

19. Resources: Careers Software Programs, e.g., Fast Tomato
Subject Teachers, Older Pupils & Tutors
1-1 Careers Support 
Independent Careers Advisers -

20. Resources: Click on the link: www.careersoft. co.uk/sign-in
Enter Bloxham School’s Access Code, which is: 56e8uhqq