Academy

GCSE Options

Core Subjects

  • English Literature encourages pupils to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. It provides pupils with opportunities to read widely for pleasure across a range of high-quality texts in the genres of prose, poetry and drama and to develop an understanding of how literature is both rich and influential. It enables pupils to make connections across their reading and develop a clear understanding of literary works.

  • Pupils will engage with a wide range of texts to develop higher-order reading and critical thinking skills that encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes. This specification will ensure that pupils can read fluently and write effectively. Pupils will be able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard English and write grammatically correct sentences, expand their vocabulary, deploy figurative language and analyse texts. Spelling, punctuation and grammar make up 20% of the written examination.

  • Mathematics is a core subject; all pupils will take GCSE Mathematics in the summer of Year 11. Through their studies, pupils will deepen their mathematical knowledge and understanding of the content studied at primary school, and during Key Stage 3, in the areas of Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Geometry and Measure, Probability, and Statistics. It is our aim that pupils develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards Mathematics, and that pupils recognise the importance of Mathematics in their own lives outside the classroom.

  • Pupils will follow either the AQA Separate Science or AQA Combined Science route. Chemistry, Physics and Biology will be taught in separate lessons for either route; Combined Science, however, is the equivalent of two GCSE grades while Separate Science offers a separate GCSE for Chemistry, Physics and Biology. All Science courses are linear, with all examinations taken in Year 11. Pupils will complete compulsory practical activities throughout the course, with practical skills examined within the written papers. Pupils may be offered Higher or Foundation examination routes. It should be noted that A-level Science courses are open to all pupils who meet the entry requirements, regardless of studying Separate Science or Combined Science at GCSE.

  • GCSE Religious Studies focuses on the religions of Christianity and Islam and provides you with a knowledge of their core beliefs and practices, as well as their responses to modern issues. You will also have the opportunity to reflect on your own views about religion, philosophy and ethics. Paper 1 focuses on the core beliefs and practices within Christianity and Islam; for example, their beliefs about God and the afterlife. Paper 2 focuses on how these religions respond to modern day issues such as war, euthanasia, and the role of men and women, as well as how criminals should be treated.

  • Pupils will have two lessons a fortnight which will give them the opportunity to participate in a number of sports across Years 10 and 11. These sports will be done on a rotational basis, so that all pupils have access to a wide range of activities. Pupils will also have the opportunity to complete various roles within their PE lessons, e.g. leader, coach, official.

Option Subjects

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    The BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Animal Care is ideal for those pupils who seek to learn more about animal behaviour, animal wellbeing and the general care of both large and small animals.

    This course is the ideal foundation to future courses such as Agriculture, Animal Science, Animal Welfare, or Veterinary Nursing.

     

  • During the Art and Design GCSE course, pupils will explore an exciting range of materials, techniques and processes whilst developing their contextual knowledge and critical understanding. They will develop their knowledge of contemporary and traditional artists, improving their visual literacy and gaining a better understanding of the visual world around them. Pupils will be encouraged to experiment with different materials and ideas, whilst refining their skills, producing art works that are relevant and personal to them. Studying GCSE Art and Design provides entry to a very broad range of specialisms, skills, and careers.

  • This GCSE is an ideal qualification for those pupils who want a broad background in business and a genuine understanding of the world of work. It will enable pupils to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals. Pupils will research real-life organisations in order to develop their knowledge.

    The main elements of this qualification are notably Business in the Real World, Influences on Business, Business Operations, Human Resources, Marketing and Finance. Skills developed throughout the programme of study include the application of business concepts, problem solving, decision making and the analysis and evaluation of business opportunities and issues. Quantitative skills are also developed throughout the course.

  • Embrace the digital future with GCSE Computer Science! In this course, you’ll dive into the exciting world of technology and develop vital skills for the workplace of tomorrow. Discover the inner workings of computers, explore coding in Python, and unravel the mysteries of algorithms. Gain a solid foundation in computational thinking and problem-solving techniques, empowering you to thrive in a world driven by technology. From software engineering to data analysis, Computer Science opens doors to endless career opportunities. Join us on this journey and unlock the power of the digital age!

  • This course is designed to provide opportunities in designing and making with presentation, sketching, model-making skills, experimentation with materials, CAD/CAM (including 3D Printing), and final working ‘product’. It is delivered through design tasks, making tasks, and design and manufacture assignments in which pupils will identify needs arising from real-life products and artefacts to solve real-life problems.
    Pupils will develop advanced sketching and communication techniques, having a ‘hands on’ approach producing 2D & 3D sketches and models. Pupils will use a range of compliant materials and suitable communication techniques.

  • In today’s digital age, having strong digital skills is essential for success in the future. That’s why BTEC Digital Information Technology is the perfect course for pupils who want to stay ahead of the curve! This dynamic course will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to make you desirable to any future employer. From user interface design to data analysis, you’ll gain comprehensive digital skills that will give you a head start in any career!

    Digital Information Technology is for you if …

    You enjoy using computers creatively, are eager to develop work place digital skills, and want to gain valuable knowledge of how organisations can use technology to boost their success.

    Digital Information Technology could lead to …

    Endless career opportunities in any field, however you may wish to specialise in a Tech career such as web design, digital marketing, or technology consulting. The future is digital and the opportunities are endless; this course is your first step.

  • If you feel you have benefited from confidence developed in Drama during Year 9, if you have enjoyed exploring the characters and themes in ‘Face: The Play’ by Benjamin Zephaniah and are enthusiastic about being creative in a team, then Drama is for you! During the GCSE course you will study and perform ‘Blood Brothers’ by Willy Russell, learn about working in the theatre and review a range of live theatre experiences. You will create an original piece of Drama in the style of an influential practitioner, as well as working towards two extracts for an audience. You can specialise in acting or set and/or costume design. Even if you don’t want to be an actor or designer, there are so many transferable skills that Drama will surely develop!

  • This course will help you to develop a greater understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. You’ll also learn about food from around the world, through the study of British and international culinary traditions as well as developing an understanding of where food comes from and the challenges surrounding food security. You’ll master culinary skills and appreciate the science behind food and cooking. This is an exciting and creative course which will allow you to demonstrate your practical skills and make connections between theory and practice.

  • The aim of the French GCSE course is to inspire a love of languages and an appreciation for different cultures. We want to broaden pupils’ horizons and educate them about the advantages of being globally aware and culturally sensitive. We aim to teach pupils the importance of being literate, of having excellent communication skills, and of speaking more than one language in our increasingly global community.

  • Geography is about understanding the world’s people, places and environments. It illuminates the past, explains the present and prepares us for the future. Geography is one of the most popular option choices at GCSE with over a third of students in England taking the subject. Geography is not only up-to-date and relevant, it is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study at GCSE level. If you are not sure about what you want to do in the future, Geography helps to keep your options open. It is a subject that goes well with the Sciences and Mathematics as well as the Humanities, Languages and Arts.

  • GCSE History allows pupils to develop a wide range of transferable skills sought after by many employers, including the ability to collect, collate and prioritise information. Pupils develop a detailed factual understanding of a range of historical periods, learn to use, and make judgements about various kinds of evidence such as film, photographs, and written material and to think about the causes and consequences of events. There are opportunities to study history from a variety of perspectives, including political, social, economic and cultural, thereby helping pupils to appreciate the diversity of the societies studied and the development of the modern world.

  • Some people really enjoy making music as singers or instrumentalists and some simply enjoy listening to it; however we encounter music, it plays a big part in our lives. There is considerable flexibility in the course, allowing you to follow your own musical interests, including popular as well as classical styles. The transferable skills developed through this course are highly valued by employers and universities and, as such, GCSE Music is suitable as a qualification for those people who enjoy music but don’t intend to take it further as well as those wishing to study music at A Level and beyond.

  • GCSE PE equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding and skills to develop their own performance in sport. They develop their understanding of socio-cultural influences on participation in sport, and the benefits of physical activity to health, fitness and well-being. Pupils are assessed both academically and practically, so we strongly advise that pupils selecting this course not only enjoy learning about the human body, but are also participating in one or more sports outside of school, plus sports within school.

  • The aim of the Spanish GCSE course is to inspire a love of languages and an appreciation for different cultures. We want to broaden pupils’ horizons and educate them about the advantages of being globally aware and culturally sensitive. We aim to teach pupils the importance of being literate, of having excellent communication skills, and of speaking more than one language in our increasingly global community.