Choosing GCSEs

Building on our successful Key Stage 3, our Key Stage 4 curriculum centres on essential academic subjects, providing our students with an excellent foundation for further study and the option to continue their studies at a top university.

All students study a compulsory core GCSE curriculum of English (2 GCSEs), Maths (1 GCSE), and Science (Double Award) over 2 years. In addition, all students follow a programme of non-examined PSHE, Cultural Studies, and Sport and Fitness.

All students study an additional four optional GCSE courses over 2 years.  All students are encouraged to include Geography or History, along with a language, providing a rounded and secure academic foundation for further study, as well as satisfying the requirements of the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc). All students are required to study at least one Ebacc option (Geography, History or a language).

The EBacc is not a qualification but it is an indicator that an academic curriculum has been studied. Subjects within the EBacc group are considered essential to many degrees and open lots of doors for pupils’ future study and careers.

There is strong evidence to show the importance of the English Baccalaureate in helping pupils further their success. A study by UCL Institute of Education found that studying subjects included in the EBacc provided students with greater opportunities in further education. A further study done by the Sutton Trust found that studying the EBacc can help improve a young person’s overall performance in English and mathematics.

To achieve the EBacc pupils must take the following subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanity (History or Geography)
• Language