2 February 2016
Dear Parent(s)/Carer(s)
Following several enquiries, we are proposing a further option for students on the Russell Pathway. Students
on this pathway will therefore have the choice of one of the following science routes:
a) Studying separate sciences within six lessons of core science lessons every week, leading to three
GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics. This means students can opt for four further options
resulting in studying 10 GCSE or equivalent courses altogether.
b) Studying separate sciences within six core science lessons every week and as one option, leading
to three GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics. This means students receive nine lessons of
science altogether per week and would need to choose three further options, resulting in studying 9
GCSE or equivalent courses altogether.
c) Studying a combined science course within six core science lessons every week, leading to two
GCSEs. Students then opt for four further options, resulting in 9 GCSE or equivalent courses
altogether.
As you will know from previous course information, all choices will be subject to popularity and individual student
suitability, based on academic performance and potential.
Please note that choice a) requires you to cover the same content as choice b) but in a considerably shorter
amount of time. It is therefore only suitable for students who are highly committed and interested in science.
There will be the expectation that students will need to put in a considerable amount of time beyond lessons to
prepare for the final examinations. Please refer to the Guided Pathways booklet for information about the
increased topic content and examination requirements for the separate sciences course compared to the
combined science course. Any of the routes are suitable for further science study into sixth form and beyond.
On the back of this letter you will find a new form for you to complete. If you have already chosen your courses
and are happy with your decisions, you need take no further action. If however you are yet to submit your form
or wish to change your mind based on the information above, please complete the information as requested and
return to reception by Wednesday 10 February.
Yours faithfully
M. HORTON
FACULTY LEADER – ENGLISH AND SENIOR TEACHER – OPTIONS
orth Bromsgrove High School
RUSSELL Route
Student Name
Tutor Group
Please choose one science route by ticking one box. If you choose option a) you must obtain approval
from Mr Crawshaw or Dr Middleton.
Tick one column
a)
b)
c)
Subject Leader Approval
Separate Sciences within six core science
lessons
Separate Sciences as an option. You must
choose Separate Sciences in Block D
Combined Science leading to two GCSEs.
Please select one subject and one reserve subject from each block below:
Block A
Block B
Block C
Block D
Pre-Apprenticeship in
Engineering
Art & Design
Child Development
Art & Design
French
Food and Nutrition
Computer Science
Business & Enterprise
Geography
History
French
Drama
Psychology
Media Studies
Food and Nutrition
Geography
Resistant Materials
PE
History
IT
Sociology
Spanish
Music
Separate Sciences
Religion & Society
Spanish
Resistant Materials
Textiles
Option choice 1
Option choice 2
Option choice 3
Option choice 4
Subject Leader's Signature
Subject Leader's Signature
Subject Leader's Signature
Subject Leader's Signature
Reserve choice 1
Reserve choice 2
Reserve choice 3
Reserve choice 4
Subject Leader's Signature
Subject Leader's Signature
Subject Leader's Signature
Subject Leader's Signature
*Remember you must study at least one of history or geography and at least one of French or Spanish. You can
only choose Spanish if you are currently studying it in year 9.
Please select a FIRST(1st) and RESERVE(2nd) College choice
BLAKE
RUTHERFORD
SMITH
THORNE
Please complete and hand this form in to reception by Wednesday 10 February 2016
Student's signature
Parent's signature
Tutor's signature