Frequently Asked Questions

"What is the full EBacc?"

The EBacc is a set of subjects at GCSE that keeps young people’s options open for further study and future careers. The EBacc is: English language and literature, maths, the sciences, geography or history and a language.

"Why do I need the full EBacc?"

The EBacc is made up of the subjects which are considered essential to many degrees and open up lots of doors. Research shows that a pupil’s socio-economic background impacts the subjects they choose at GCSE, and that this determines their opportunities beyond school. A study by the UCL Institute of Education shows that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides students with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a pupil will stay on in full-time education. Sutton Trust research reveals that studying the EBacc can help improve a young person’s performance in English and maths. The government’s ambition is to see 75% of pupils studying the EBacc subject combination at GCSE by 2022, and 90% by 2025.

"I have been selected for the full EBacc but I don't think this is in my best interests. Can I choose what I want?"

A meeting will be set up between you, your parents and Mr Scholey to determine the reason why you do not want to study the full EBacc. This is to make sure we offer you the best courses for your best possible future.

"I don't understand how many courses I should pick?"

You should pick 5 courses in total. You need to number the courses on the sheet from 1-5 in order of how much you want to choose that particular subject. If you wanted to be a Historian, you would therefore put history as number 1. Choices 4 and 5 are back up choices, should your other choices be unavailable.

"What happens if the course I really want to do is not running?"

Unfortunately, if there is a low up take of numbers for a particular course, we will not run that subject. The course that was on your reserve list will be put in place for you to study.

"Can I change my options even if I have submitted my sheet?"

Yes, you can change your options. However, please be sure to really think about what subject would be best for you to study, potentially for the next 3 years. Once you have completed one half term of that subject, it will be very hard to move you into your next chosen subject as there might not be enough space. So think very carefully.