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Building your Curriculum

The Year 9 to 11 Curriculum comprises of Core Subjects
which all students must study and Guided Subjects
where students are given the opportunity to make their
own choices following our advice and guidance.

Core Subjects

This is the compulsory part of the curriculum and
comprises of:

• Mathematics
• English Language and English Literature
• Science
Science will be studied as either:
i Combined Science (equivalent to two GCSE
qualifications, covering all three Science disciplines)
or
ii Separate Sciences (equivalent to three GCSE
qualifications, where you study each Science in
greater depth, achieving a qualification in each EBacc Subjects
discipline)
Whilst we do not prescribe specific pathways for
In order to support students in making this decision, we will students to follow, many students may want to
advise accordingly, based on current levels of progress, as consider studying the EBacc Subjects. The EBacc
well as effort grades in these subjects at present. (English Baccalaureate) is a name given to studying
a specific group of subjects. These subjects maintain
Guided Subjects a strong academic core that focus on the most

Students have a wide range of subjects to choose from traditional GCSE qualifications. Studying this
to complement the Core Subjects and to allow students to collection of qualifications is recognised and held in
focus on the areas which they enjoy and are interested in high regard by the Russell Group Universities, who
the most. Through their Guided Subjects, students will have hold a higher academic status.
the opportunity to acquire a broad and deep In order to achieve the Ebacc, students will need to
knowledge base. Most students study four Guided gain grade 9 - 5 passes in Mathematics, English and
Subjects. Science as well as a Modern Foreign
Language (French or Spanish) and a Humanities
Some subjects are GCSE qualifications and others are
Vocational options which are equally regarded to GCSEs subject (Geography or History).
In order to support students in making this decision,
and are equivalent in 'value'. It is important that students
choose the most appropriate courses for them. we will be able to advise on whether we think they
should consider pursuing French or Spanish at GCSE.
All staff will provide thorough advice and guidance to This recommendation will be based on current levels
ensure that students are comfortable with their three year of progress, as well as effort grades in these subjects
journey which will lead to academic success. at present.

Advice to students choosing subjects to study

Read through the following information on courses and refer to the Learning Journey page in the centre of this
booklet and, when making your choices, consider the following:
• Your academic strengths, attainment and interests
• Your career, employment or further education ambitions
• Advice and opinions of your parents, the Head of Department and your subject teachers who can all
help you. Tell them about your ideas and listen to theirs.
And remember, your friends will still be your friends even if they are not in your class; choosing courses just to be
with them is not very wise!
We hope that, through partnership with your parents and your teachers, you will arrive at a meaningful
programme of study – an important step towards realising your future ambitions.