GCSE Years
Pupils start considering their GCSE subject options in the second term (Lent) of the Fourth Form, discussing their options with their Tutors in January/February, with the process completed later in the Term.
Most pupils study nine subjects, leading to 10 GCSE exams. The core curriculum studied by nearly all pupils is:
- English (leading to two GCSEs, in Literature & Language)
- Mathematics
- PSHE (not assessed)
- French or Spanish or English Language Training
- Double Science (studying all three sciences, resulting to two IGCSEs)*.
Pupils choose four more subjects, plus a reserve choice, from the following:
- Art & Design
- Business Studies
- Classical Civilisation
- Computer Science
- Product Design Technology
- Double Award Science
- Drama
- Food Preparation & Nutrition
- French
- Geography
- Gratin**
- History
- Latin**
- Music
- Physical Education
- Theology, Philosophy & Ethics (formally known as Religious Studies)
- Spanish
- Triple Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics*
*Typically about 40% of pupils choose to do Triple Science, leading to three GCSEs. This is one of their four options.
**These choices are only available to those who have studied them in Year 9.
Members of the top set in Mathematics sit both the IGCSE examination and the AQA “Further Maths”, at the end of year 11, which enables to further their studies in both depth and breadth.