Does my child have to take a language?
We strongly recommend that students do. Study of a foreign language enhances cultural awareness, develops oral and written communication skills and increases confidence, all skills which can be transferred to other subjects.
My child speaks / studies another language outside of school, can they do a GCSE in that?
Yes, they can. Students can sit exams for an additional GCSE in most home languages in school. Most modern foreign languages will also count for the Language component of the EBacc. Please contact Mrs Leach, our Exams Officer if applicable.
Does my child have to take an EBacc qualification?
No, this is not compulsory but strongly encouraged.
Will my child get their first choice in their options?
We try to give students their first choices but some subjects will be oversubscribed or may clash on the timetable. This is why we ask students to also give second choices.
Does my child have to take English Language and English Literature?
Yes, it is compulsory to take both courses. Post 16 qualifications will only need the required English grade to be obtained in one of them. English Language is preferred.
I am not sure that 9 GCSEs is suitable for my child, is there additional support available?
Yes, Study Support can be taken as one of the options. In those lessons students will receive additional English and Maths support from the Inclusion department. You will be notified if we think this would be appropriate for your child.
Does my child need to play a musical instrument to take Music GCSE?
No, but 30% of the course is based on performance with a musical instrument or voice. We recommend that students are at at least Grade 3 level in an instrument or voice by Year 11.
Does my child need to play on a team to take PE?
No, but it is recommended that PE students take part in at least one sport outside school due to the assessed practical element of the course.
Are GCSEs only based on exams or is there coursework too?
Most subjects are 100% exams. Some subjects are part coursework due to the nature of the subject. These are: Art, DT, Food Technology, Music, Drama & PE
Can my child change their options after they've started?
Students have had the opportunity to experience the subjects they are studying at GCSE throughout Year 7 and 8. Those subjects that are new to them can be explored on the website in more depth. We do not recommend changes.