The ebacc

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc)

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) was introduced as a performance measure in the 2010 school performance tables. It is important to note that it is not a separate qualification. The measure recognises where students have achieved a grade 5 or better at GCSE in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, Geography or History and a modern or ancient language. From 2014 Computer Science has also been included as one of the Science options in the English Baccalaureate performance measure. One of the most common questions asked by parents when thinking about the EBacc set of qualifications is ‘Why should my child study the EBacc? ’.

At present it is not a prerequisite, nor is it a separate qualification, for particular careers or university courses, but may prove to be extremely useful. The main and perhaps most significant advantage for students is that it provides a broad set of academic qualifications which will ensure progression opportunities when students make their post 16 and university choices. In particular they provide excellent progression to what are known as the facilitating subjects (see list below). These are subjects set out by the Russell Group of Universities*, whereby it is said that these are the subjects that are required more often than others at the UK’s leading universities. As you can see they are closely linked with those subjects in the EBacc suite of qualifications.

A further advantage often presented, is that students in many countries must take maths, science and a language, whereby having this broad set of qualifications will enable students to compete more effectively in today's society.

Facilitating A-level Subjects

• Mathematics and Further Mathematics

• Chemistry

• English Literature

• Geography

• Physics

• History

• Biology

• Languages (Classical & Modern)

The Russell Group have some useful information regarding making informed choices on their web page should you wish to read further on entry requirements to Russell Group universities.

Therefore, where students have the potential to achieve the EBacc we would encourage them to consider taking that combination of subjects. The choice of whether or not to do so is one that you and your child will need to make. This decision is best made in consultation with senior leaders, subject teachers, tutors and the Head of Year.

*The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector. Source: http://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/

SUBJECT CHOICES AND THE EBACC

Choice 1: History or Geography?

Choice 2: Which language will I study? French or Spanish.

Choices 3-5: You will rank in order of preference a further 3 subject choices, of which you will be allocated 2.

Note; if working towards the EBacc suite of qualifications is important to you, you must ensure your History/Geography choice and your language choice appear as 1 & 2 on your preferences. Your remaining choices will then be treated in the order in which you specify.