Which GCSEs have I already started in Year 9?
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Biology, Chemistry and Physics all teach elements of the GCSE syllabus (whether you take Dual Award or Separate Sciences) in Year 9. Make sure you do your absolute best to retrieve and consolidate your learning this year - it will help you enormously as you begin Year 10. Food Preparation and Nutrition also begin their GCSE course in Year 9.
Do I have to take a modern language?
Everyone at CHS takes a modern language GCSE. By taking the language from Year 7 through to GCSE, you will maximise your chances of success in the language.
Can I take one/two/no Sciences?
You cannot take 0 or 1 Separate Science. You need to consider carefully whether Dual or 3 Separate Sciences is the right choice for you. Please visit the Science pages for further guidance about this important decision. If you wish to take 2 Separate Sciences and thus drop one Science completely then this would have to be discussed with both your Head of School and the relevant Head of Department, and it is only permitted occasionally.
Choosing the separate Sciences (3 Option choices) reduces my other choices - when is this a good thing and when is it a bad thing?
Studying 3 separate Sciences is something you can consider if you really enjoy the sciences and have an aptitude for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. You must think though about the extra subject you could take if you opted for Dual Science. If you really like that extra subject (eg Geography) and want to take it for GCSE then do Dual Science and give yourself that extra choice. If there is no extra subject that you want to take, then do 3 Separate Sciences.
It is not a good idea to take 3 Separate Sciences if you find any of the Sciences really difficult and have not understood your Year 9 work.
When should I choose Dual Award science?
Choose Dual Award if you want to keep a breadth of subjects at GCSE.
Choose Dual Award Science if you find the sciences difficult as the Separate Science specifications go into more depth and include topics that are much more challenging.
Can I take more than 9 GCSEs?
At CHS we do offer Greek GCSE as a lunch and twilight session. We would strongly encourage those who would love an additional challenge to look at the Higher Project Qualification page.
Why 9 GCSEs?
We think 9 is the right number of GCSEs, where the workload and level of challenge is suitable for all our pupils. Those who would benefit from additional challenge should consider the HPQ.
Can I take Further Maths GCSE?
No, we don't offer a Further Maths GCSE.
The Mathematics Department offers extension work to all teaching groups that is appropriate for that set. In the case of the top set (and sometimes the second set) this often means that they have covered enough material to enter those students for the Pearson Level 2 Extended Maths Certificate. This is a standalone qualification aimed specifically at Year 11 students.
The Mathematics Department does not push students towards this qualification as it is acutely aware that the primary concern of any Year 11 student should be securing the best possible collection of GCSE grades. We do not want to add to students' workloads or stress levels by asking them to prepare for an additional exam that is of much lesser stature. Their revision time will be better spent preparing for their actual GCSEs. They will still have gained the benefit of being exposed to accessible extension work during the course of their regular lessons.
The Extended Maths Certificate is not a requirement for Maths A-level or Further Maths A-level and so aspiring mathematicians should not feel that they will be missing out on other opportunities further down the line.
Can I study a subject if I haven't done it this year/before?
Some subjects are very clear that you must have studied this subject in Year 9 if you wish to opt for it. For example, Food Preparation & Nutrition, Design & Technology and Computer Science. Please look at each subject page carefully for directions and speak to your subject teacher if you are still unsure.
What can I do if I am struggling to make my decisions?
Visit our Arete Learning Site and learn more about how to approach decision making. Speak and listen to people (Form Tutor, subject teachers, family members) who know about the subjects you wish to take and know you. Ultimately, though, this is your future and your decision.
If you have any further general questions you can speak to your Form Tutor or Head of Year.
If you have any subject specific questions please look at the FAQ section of our subject page or ask your subject teacher or the Head of Department.
If you have any specific questions about your own child's suitability for a GCSE please speak to their subject teacher at your forthcoming Parents' Evening or contact the relevant Head of Department via email.
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