Although many begin thinking about their GCSE subjects sooner, we ask pupils to actively start considering their GCSE subject options in the Lent term of the Fourth Form (Year 9), with the process completed early in the Trinity term. Most pupils will study nine subjects, leading to 10 GCSE exams.
Curriculum
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. (*We refer to these as Core French & Core Spanish)
- Science (leading to two IGCSEs)
(It is possible to choose Triple Science as one of the four options).
Four more subjects are chosen. We encourage pupils to choose subjects that cover the breadth of the academic curriculum. The key thing is that the widest possible choice of future careers remains open. Certain careers, medicine, dentistry & veterinary science require all three sciences. It is possible to study two modern foreign languages by selecting Spanish as one of the five options, to accompany Core French. It is not possible to do Core Spanish and then choose French as an option subject.
Those who have studied Latin this year may choose this at GCSE; the most able can choose to study both Greek and Latin (Gratin).
The four GCSEs are taken from the following subject groupings:
- Humanities: Classical Civilisation, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Religious Studies
- Languages: Spanish, Latin, Gratin
- Creatives: Art, Design Technology, Drama, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Music, Physical Education
- Triple Science
Pre-Preparatory (2-7)
Pre-Preparatory (2-7)
Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School, fondly known as the ‘Squirrels’, is set in the beautiful grounds of Dean Close School, in a modern, purpose-built building. We have excellent facilities and resources and also benefit from being able to share in the outstanding Preparatory and Senior School facilities on site. We understand that a child’s first experience of school is a vital step in their learning journey, developing the knowledge, skills and self-confidence which lay the foundations for their lives.
Preparatory School (7-13)
Preparatory School (7-13)
Dean Close Preparatory School is a co-educational day and boarding school for children age 7 – 13. The school is set in 50 acres of private land near the centre of Cheltenham. With 310 pupils, the Preparatory School is small enough to allow everyone to know one another and get fully involved in the life of the School.
Senior (13-18)
Senior (13-18)
Set in 50 beautiful acres, Dean Close is a long-standing co-educational day and boarding school for 13-18 year olds, where visitors regularly comment on the atmosphere, saying how warm and friendly they find it.
