On the 7th February this form will be open for you to complete.
The deadline is by 23rd February. There is no 'first-come-first-served' approach so please do not feel the need to complete it as soon as the form opens.
When completing this form it is best to do this with parents/carers who can make sure you have thought through your choices carefully.
Choosing your options:
Choosing Options
Students choose four options, one from each of the four blocks. Additionally, two reserve (back-up) subjects should also be chosen to be considered if these subjects become full or not viable to run. Most importantly, students should make decisions based on their interests and the skills required; not because of favourite teachers or the choices of their friends!
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc)
The EBacc is a set of subjects at GCSE that keeps young people's options open for further study and future careers. The EBacc has been a topic of conversation for several years and there is plenty of research and articles around the subject. The Government has set out ambitious targets for all schools regarding the number of students that should be following these EBacc subjects. Some research suggests that studying subjects in the English Baccalaureate increases the likelihood that a student will stay on at school and sit A Levels, regardless of their ability.
Furthermore, students taking EBacc subjects at GCSE are more likely to take A Levels in “facilitating” subjects; those that, according to The Russell Group universities, are more helpful for getting onto a degree course.
At BCCS there are no “compulsory” choices. However, the school does strongly recommend that students should consider following a language (either French or German) and a humanities subject (either History and/or Geography). Students will be given guidance as to the suitability of their combinations.
Subject Combinations Not Allowed
Students can only choose one Art & Design subject from Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textile Design and Three Dimensional Design
Only in exceptional circumstances will this be flexed
Pathway to A Levels
While it is possible to study some subjects at A Level without studying them specifically in Key Stage 4, this is less likely to be the case for many subjects such as French, German, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textile Design and Music. When contemplating decisions, students are encouraged to discuss progression onto A Levels with their subject teachers to check entrance requirements.
‘As Directed’ Subjects
Small Group Maths, Small Group English and Small Group Science/ASDAN are directed by our Inclusion Team, led by our SENDco. Students will be invited onto these priority courses based on individual circumstances.
Coursework
Please be aware that some subjects have a significant coursework element. If student attendance is below 95% we may advise against opting for one of these subjects as falling behind with coursework will have a considerable impact.
Courses will be offered subject to appropriate demand. If it is not possible to timetable all original choices, we will discuss suitable alternatives with students and parents/carers before Easter. In certain circumstances it may be possible for students to change choices before September if class sizes and combinations allow. Once courses begin there will be limited opportunity to change. Importantly, students are not normally able to change courses after four weeks of the course starting.
Useful Exam Board Links
AQA GCSE courses http://www.aqa.org.uk
OCR National/GCSE courses http://www.ocr.org.uk
Edexcel GCSE and BTEC courses http://www.edexcel.com
Eduqas GCSE courses https://www.eduqas.co.uk