GCSE Options 2010 - 2012

It would be wrong to place undue emphasis on the choices made at this stage.  Core subjects are taken by all – option choices allow you to follow interests and strengths BUT no choices are incorrect.

The option blocks are designed to encourage you to maintain a breadth of study that will enable you to move in any one of several directions after GCSE.  Even after ‘A’ levels an "Arts” student can still apply for some engineering courses and I know of a lawyer who decided after two or three years that he really wanted to be a dentist. The message really is DON’T PANIC.

Our policy is also designed to achieve quality rather than quantity for each and every one of you.  Of course, a few students can gain 11, 12 or even 13 grades at A*.  It is certain, however, that their eventual university admission could have been secured with only 9 or 10 good grades.

We want you to have time to develop skills, to pursue other interests, whether musical, artistic, linguistic, sporting or something ‘outdoors’!  One possibility is to offer an “Asset” qualification in Mandarin – not a lot of the 11, 12 or 13 GCSE candidates will be able to claim that, or to chalk up successes in the other areas mentioned.

This booklet tries to explain, as simply as possible, the choices open to you.  Our intention is not to limit your academic successes rather to ENHANCE them.  Enrichment opportunities taken now may well figure prominently in the Personal Statement you must prepare for UCAS.  Do not become fixated over numbers, do not compare your range of choices with other schools - some offer fewer choices.  Try, with your teachers and your family to work out what you believe is best for you.

(You can download the complete booklet in PDF format by clicking on the cover picture on the right. You may need to download a free PDF reader such as Acrobat Reader.)