Page 3 - Course Guide 2019-22

Building Your Curriculum EBacc Subjects

The Year 9 to 11 Curriculum comprises of Core Subjects Whilst we do not prescribe specific pathways for
which all students must study and Guided Subjects students to follow, many students may want to
where students are given the opportunity to make their consider studying the EBacc Subjects. The EBacc
own choices following our advice and guidance. (English Baccalaureate) is a name given to studying
a specific group of subjects. These subjects maintain
Core Subjects a strong academic core that focus on the most
traditional GCSE qualifications. Studying this
This is the compulsory part of the curriculum and collection of qualifications is recognised and held in
comprises of: high regard by the Russell Group Universities, who
• Mathematics hold a higher academic status.
• English Language and English Literature In order to achieve the Ebacc, students will need to
• Science gain grade 9 - 5 passes in Mathematics, English
and Science as well as a Modern Foreign
Science will be studied as either: Language (French or Spanish) and a Humanities
i Combined Science (equivalent to two GCSE subject (Geography or History).
In order to support students in making this decision,
qualifications, covering all three Science disciplines) we will be able to advise on whether we think they
or should consider pursuing French or Spanish at GCSE.
This recommendation will be based on current levels
ii Separate Sciences (equivalent to three GCSE of progress, as well as effort grades in these subjects
qualifications, where you study each Science in at present.
greater depth, achieving a qualification in each
discipline)

In order to support students in making this decision, we will
advise accordingly, based on current levels of progress, as
well as effort grades in these subjects at present.

Guided Subjects

Students have a wide range of subjects to choose from
to complement the Core Subjects and to allow students
to focus on the areas which they enjoy and are interested
in the most. Through their Guided Subjects, students will
have the opportunity to acquire a broad and deep
knowledge base. Most students study four Guided
Subjects.

Some subjects are GCSE qualifications and others are
Vocational options.

All staff will provide thorough advice and guidance to
ensure that students are comfortable with their three year
journey which will lead to academic success.

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, your 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.