We would like to think so, but inevitably there will be a few clashes. If this is the case, your Head of Year will talk to you about this.

You can only take French, German or Spanish if you studied them in Year 9.

No, we have carefully analysed year 9 data and worked with the pastoral team and MFL department to identify all students who are capable of getting a pass in a GCSE language qualification. If this applies to you, a language is compulsory. This is also an essential element for the English Baccalaureate, something valued at HBS where we have achieved consistently high entry rates of 85-90% and excellent outcomes in the Ebacc subjects.

It is important that you think about your reserve choices carefully. You may be asked to use a reserve choice if the combination of subjects you have asked for cannot be fitted into the timetable. We may also ask you to use your reserve choice if a group is oversubscribed.

If you are asked to use your reserve choice then we will sit down and talk to you about this and discuss what is a good way forward.

Hopefully, you won’t!  But if you do, we will try to make the change you request. However, bear in mind, the later you do this, the less likely we can make this change. 

As soon as all the data has been analysed, and certainly before the end of the summer term.

Ahead of the 2017 GCSEs the Government changed the GCSE grading system from A* to G to a numerical system of 9 to 1 (9 being the top grade and 1 being the lowest).

This system was introduced to bring in more differentiation at the top end of the grading scale, allowing sixth forms, colleges, universities and employers to better understand what level young people are working to.

It was part of a complete overhaul of the GCSE system, which was carried out to bring England closer in line with the top performing education jurisdictions around the world.

While grading is no harsher than under the previous system, the GCSE curriculum is now designed to have more content and some of the questions in the exam papers (when they are used) are intended to be harder, to identify students on course to gain a grade 9.

As per the guide below, issued by the exams regulator Ofqual, the numerical system essentially boils down to the following:

• 9 = High A* grade

• 8 = Lower A* or high A

• 7 = Lower A grade

• 6 = High B grade

• 5 = Lower B or high C

• 4 = Lower C grade

• 3 = D or high E

• 2 = Lower E or high F

• 1 = Lower F or G

• U = U remains the same

Yes, the exam board, code and unit code are detailed on each subject page. Click on the link and it will take you to the specific exam boards’ websites. This information can also be found on the exams section of the school website.

Students will need a doctor’s certificate.

Yes, the quality of written communication counts in all subjects.

Of course, but why not discuss it with the relevant Head of Department first.

A leaflet about the qualification can be found by clicking here.

Your child's Form tutor, Head of Department or Head of Year will be more than happy to help.

Every moment in school counts, and days missed add up quickly. 

The higher a pupil’s attendance, the more they are likely to learn, and the better they are likely to perform in exams and formal assessments.  

96% Attendance is the school target. Ultimately poor attendance may result in a fixed penalty fine and less than 95% attendance will mean your child’s attendance is reviewed and you may be contacted. 

What Percentage Attendance Means for Your Child over a Year 

97% attendance = 5 days missed (25 hours of missed lessons)

95% attendance = 10 days missed (50 hours of missed lessons)

90% attendance = 20 days missed (100 hours of missed lessons)

85% attendance =  30 days missed (150 hours of missed lessons)

80% attendance = 40 days missed (200 hours of missed lessons)

We are part of the Hitchin Schools’ Sixth Form Consortium and as such, there are a wide range of courses available to you Post-16. Further details are provided in the Sixth Form Prospectus available at www.hbs.herts.sch.uk. Please note, in order to access the Hitchin Sixth Form Consortium it is a requirement to have attained a minimum of five Grade 9-4 GCSEs or equivalent including English and Maths at Grade 4 or above. Some courses will have additional entry requirements and all have a recommended GCSE Average Points Score (APS). Further information including the courses currently on offer can be found by clicking here. 

Universities may ask for a specific number of GCSEs (or their equivalent). 

Many universities have a universal requirement for grade 5/4 (C) (or equivalent) in GCSE English and maths

Some courses may also require specific grades if the subject hasn’t been studied at a higher level. There are some examples below, but it’s best to check with individual universities before applying:

• Applicants to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary science are usually required to have very good results in maths, science and English.

• Applicants for teacher training courses need a minimum of grade 5/4  in maths, sciences and English. Some universities may ask for a minimum grade 6.

• For a degree in English, universities often look for applicants to have a GCSE in a modern or classical language.

• For a business degree, sometimes a grade 7, more often at least a grade 6, in GCSE maths is required.

• A grade 7/6 in maths is often required for a degree in psychology and a grade 6 in a science may also be required.

• To study a science subject at university (including biology, chemistry and physics), applicants will usually need to have achieved a minimum grade 5/4 in maths at GCSE if they are not taking it at advanced level

Further information can be found at www.informedchoices.ac.uk/qualifications