Years 10 & 11 (Key Stage 4)

Years 10 & 11 are the GCSE Years. Pupils make their choices for the optional subjects in the Spring term of Year 9. In most cases, they commence GCSE course in the autumn term of Year 10, although some subjects make a start in the summer of Year 9. Some subjects have a coursework element, which is inceasingly being carried out under ‘controlled conditions’ in school. Pupils are expected to carry out self-supported study and research for these elements, and will also be expected to carry out assignments during the school holidays.

Every student must take six compulsory subjects, which make up the academic core:-

English Language and English Literature - 6 periods combined per week.
Mathematics - 5 periods per week.
Double Science - 8 periods per week, leading to 2 GCSE awards.
A Modern Language - a choice of French, German or Spanish - 4 periods per week.
Religious Studies, begun in Year 9 - 2 periods per week leading to a Full Course GCSE at the end of Year 10.

Students choose three other subjects for GCSE. These subjects are arranged in Option Blocks below. Each of these subjects is allocated four periods per week. One of these subjects could be a third science.  Students taking this option (indicated by “Triple Science”) study three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) as opposed to the double award combined science.

OPTION BLOCKS FOR THE GCSE COURSES 2012 – 2014:

Click Here to see GCSE Options Booklet 2012-2014, for more extensive information on any of the option choices.
or go to Academic Departments area on the website for more information on the course content. 

Year 10 pupils have a parent/teacher consultation evening in February
Year 11 pupils have a two parent/teacher consultation evenings, one in October and a sixth form information evening in November