RD
3
FORM GCSE OPTIONS
Mrs. F Browne
Head of CEIAG
Why are GCSE choices so important?

Commitment

1st qualifications

“A”-Level choices

Options at post 16
How should choices be made?
On the basis of
NOT on the basis of

APTITUDE


INTEREST


MOTIVATION

LIKE/DISLIKE
TEACHERS
FRIENDS DOING
THE SUBJECT
DIFFICULT / EASY
Information available






Options booklet
Teachers
Heads of Departments
Library
LLW teachers
JED (internet based programme)
http://jed.c2kni.net/
The Timetable




A Careers module has been running in LLW
classes for the past few weeks
Option booklets have been distributed and pupils
asked to discuss them with their parents
All pupils will have an interview with a Careers
teacher
Forms are due to be returned (signed by yourself)
by Wednesday 13 February to the appropriate
Form Teacher
What are the choices?
Pupils have the option to study 9.5, 10.5 or 11.5
GCSE subjects. Based on the ability of the pupils
in Grosvenor, it is expected that the majority will
choose to study 11.5. Pupils in one of the English
sets will study English Language (1 x GCSE)
while those in the remaining sets will study
English Language and English Literature (2 x
GCSEs).
Pupils may also reduce the number of subjects
they study (by a maximum of 2) in the following
areas – Language Studies and Science.
Compulsory Subjects




Mathematics
(1 x GCSE)
Learning for Life & Work
(1 x GCSE)
Completed at the end of 4th Year
Religious Studies (SC)
(0.5 x GCSE)
English Language
(1.0 x GCSE)
or English Language and English Literature
(2.0 x GCSE)
In addition all pupils will have timetabled classes in ICT,
PE, Games and CEIAG (5th Year)
Area of Study - Languages
Pupils must choose either




French (1 x GCSE)
Or
Spanish (1 x GCSE)
Or
German (1 x GCSE)
Or
Independent Study
N.B. It is possible to study two language subjects. This is recommended for any
pupil considering a career utilising languages.
Pupils wishing to study a language at ‘A’ Level must have studied the subject at
GCSE.
Pupils opting for “Independent Study” will achieve one fewer GCSE qualification than
those studying a language. Pupils will have four periods of timetabled “Independent
Study” per week under the direction of a member of staff.
Area of Study - Science
Pupils can choose



Biology & Chemistry (2 x GCSE)
Chemistry and Physics (2 x GCSE)
Science and Independent Study (1 x GCSE)
Pupils opting for “Science and Independent Study” will achieve one fewer GCSE
qualification than those studying two science subjects. Pupils will have four periods
of timetabled “Independent Study” per week under the direction of a member of
staff.
Or

Biology, Chemistry and Physics (3 x GCSE)
Pupils wishing to study all 3 Sciences should choose tick Biology & Chemistry as
their Science option and then and select Physics from the main option block.
Pupils wishing to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics at ‘A’ Level must have studied
at least two science subjects (including the ‘A’ Level subject) at GCSE.
All three Sciences are strongly recommended for anyone who intends to study ‘A’
Level Sciences or pursue a science-based career.
Area of Study – Option Block
All pupils must study 4 subjects from the main Option Block









Additional Maths*
Art & Design*
Business Studies
Drama
French
Geography
German
History
Home Economics








ICT*
Media Studies
Music*
Physical Education*
Physics
Religious Studies (Full course)
Spanish
Technology & Design*
*For subjects which are marked with a star, it is recommended that pupils have achieved a certain
standard in order to take that subject. (See the GCSE Information Booklet).
Please note that due to the wide range of courses on offer within the Option Block it may not be
possible to accommodate every combination of subjects.
Questions??