frequently asked questions
As questions arise throughout the process they will be published here. Below are some of the most common questions asked by students. If your question is not listed, please contact Mr Mackay
Q: When do we find out who our teachers are?
A: You will find out this along with your full timetable, when they are issued at the end of term. Please do not select subjects because of the teacher, you may find that there is a different teacher next year, make decisions which are right for you.
Q: Can I change my Option choices?
A: There are set times when changes may be possible. Generally changes will can be made during the first half term of Year 10. This of course is subject to timetable and class availability. It is better to think about and make the right subject choices for your future now, consider carefully the subjects you choose and why.
Q: Why do I have to pick 5/6 Options?
A: We allocate your options in the order which you specify them on the form, so for example if your first 3 choices worked on the timetable, but your fourth wasn't possible, we would automatically allocate your 5th if we can. If your options choices were not fitting in the timetable Mr Mackay would contact you to discuss possible combinations.
Q: Do I definitely get the options I choose in the compulsory sections of the options form?
A: The compulsory choices you make are regarded as your priority choices and are therefore allocated first when preparing the timetable. The only reason this would not happen was if there were not enough students to run the course.
Q: Can I change my options at the end of Year 10?
A: The course you are selecting are designed to run over 2 academic years and it is therefore not possible to change course at the end of year 10.
Q: Can I take more than 4 options?
A: Within the curriculum/timetable you take the following: English Language & Literature (2), Mathematics (1), Science (2 or 3), Religious Studies (1), and 4 further options (4). So total, 10 or 11. Some students may also study an additional language also, either because they are a native speaker or through a tutor outside of school. The full suite of subject will complete a students timetable.
Q: Do I have to take a language and or humanity subject?
A: If you have been guided on the yellow pathway to take the Ebacc suite of qualifications. a language and humanity is part of that qualification pathway. I would urge students to consider the value a language and humanity can have on enabling pathways to broaden after GCSEs.
Q: Do I have to take a language and or humanity subject?
A: If you have been guided on the yellow pathway to take the Ebacc suite of qualifications. a language and humanity is part of that qualification pathway. I would urge students to consider the value a language and humanity can have on enabling pathways to broaden after GCSEs.
Q: Can I take more than one of the compulsory subjects? I'd like to take Geography and History
A: Yes of course you can. If you would like to take more than one you can within your 4 main choices.
Q: What is the difference between science trilogy (Double) and Triple Science?
A: Double Science (now called Science trilogy) is 2 GCSEs and Triple Science is 3 single GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Triple Science is an invite only subject. Offers for Triple science will be confirmed in Year 10.