Croeso i / Welcome To Ysgol GYM School

CHOOSING YOUR OPTIONS

This website has been created to support you in choosing your option subjects in preparation for Year 10 and 11. Below you will find our options booklet with information on each course on offer. Please ensure you take time to read through this booklet so that you are fully informed of the choices on offer. Please note that this website offers you the chance to look through the option subjects and see the option blocks before you make your choices. The dates below tell you when the options forms will be sent out.

What are GCSEs?

General Certificate of Secondary Education GCSEs are a system of examinations with a single scale of grades from A*-G. The examinations not only test your memory and ability to present facts, they also test your understanding, practical skills and ability to apply your knowledge.

Examinations

Doing your very best over the next two years has become more important than ever, as the work you do during Year 10 and Year 11 counts towards your GCSE grades. In most subjects, you will be expected to sit Controlled Assessments and modules which count towards your FINAL grade.

Important choices

This is a very important time for you and you must make sure that you read through this website carefully, and more than once! It provides all the information you need regarding Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).

One of the most exciting features of the move to Key Stage 4 from Key Stage 3 is that you finally get some choice about the subjects you will be studying.

In Years 10 and 11, you will continue to study a broad-based curriculum, which will include English, Maths, Numeracy, Science, Welsh, RE and PE as compulsory components. All pupils in Key Stage 4 also follow the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification.

The task for you, however, is deciding which three/four optional subjects you will take alongside the core curriculum.

You really need to make the most of this decision-making ‘power’ you have been given; you must take your time to think carefully about what you enjoy, what you are good at and what will be useful to you as you continue to develop and learn. Remember, it is no use choosing what your friends choose, as everyone is different and has different strengths and areas of interest. You have to pick what is best for you, otherwise you will end up on courses which do not make it easy for you to succeed.

Good luck with planning your pathway!