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.
A Modern Language - 4 periods per week.
Science - 8 periods per week, leading to 2 GCSE awards.
Religious Studies, begun in Year 9 - 2 periods per week leading to a Full Course GCSE at the end of Year 10.

Students choose four other subjects for GCSE, including a Modern Language. 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 2010 – 2012:
You may choose one subject from each block:

A	B	C	D
French	Business Studies	Dance	Art
German	Food & Nutrition	French	Business Studies
Spanish	Geography	Geography	Drama
ICT	Music	History	History
Design Technology	Triple Science	ICT	Triple Science
		Physical Education

In addition to these GCSE subjects, pupils have 3 periods of PE/Games per week.
PCSHE is delivered off timetable four times per year.

For more extensive information on any of the following subjects or option choices,
please see GCSE Options Booklet 2010-2012, or Academic Departments areas on the website.