GCSE Options Information
GCSE Compulsory and Optional Subjects
Holmwood House pupils must take the following compulsory subjects; • English Literature • English Language • Mathematics • Science - Biology, Physics and Chemistry - for two or three GCSEs Pupils will then choose three subjects from those options listed.
Compulsory
English Literature
English Language
Mathematics
The curriculum we offer ensures that academic rigour is valued, and that pupils will start to identify the areas they want to specialise in. They will be taught to interact with, and to love their subjects. This will, inevitably, bring about examination success. This rigour will be balanced with opportunities for pupils to develop their curiosity, to question and probe the subjects that they are studying, and to recognise connections across these subjects. Independence of thought and of study will be developed: this is, of course, the end goal of education. Whilst pupils will be encouraged to think about combinations of subjects which will support their future A Level choices, we also suggest they consider that enjoyment of a subject will often lead to the best outcomes. In choosing GCSE subjects it is important that pupils are willing to study the subject in detail and will be able to undertake individual study in depth, as independent learning is a key factor to success at this level. Subjects will be blocked, based on numbers of pupils indicating their interest, and we will endeavour to support as many individual subject combinations as possible. Parents will be informed of any difficulties with their children’s choices and further discussions will then take place to finalise options by the end of the spring term in Year 9.
Science - separate Chemistry/Physics/Biology
Or
Science - combined (Equivalent to 2 GCSEs)
Optional Subjects
French
Spanish
History
Geography
Art
Design and Technology
Drama (subject to sufficient take up)
Physical Education
Music is not yet offered as a GCSE option, however pupils can study Grade 5 Music Theory (subject to agreement with the Director of Music). PSCHE and Games will be taught to all pupils throughout Key Stage 4, but are not an examined subject. The list of optional subjects will be regularly reviewed.
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