Compulsory Subjects

Assessment

You will be assessed on the basis of two exams, taken at the end of Year 11.

The first exam (worth 40% of the GCSE) lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, and requires that you answer a series of questions on a previously unseen 19th century fictional text; you will then be asked to produce your own piece of imaginative writing.

The second exam (worth 60% of the GCSE) lasts 2 hour and 5 minutes, and requires that you answer a series of questions on 2 previously unseen 20th century nonfiction texts; you will then be asked to produce your own piece of nonfiction writing.

Future Options

GCSE English Literature equips students for further study at sixth form and university. It also provides vital skills for life and work by developing students’ ability to understand the written word with clarity and to challenge the world around them. With exposure to a wide range of classic literature students, with a good understanding, will be able to make connections across their reading. The course enables students to read in depth, critically and evaluatively, which are skills necessary for any job. It also encourages students to acquire and use a wide vocabulary.

Please see below for careers particularly suited to those interested in pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma studies in Literature at Post-16, and who may be considering exploring this subject further at University.

• Author – Average Salary: £33,780. For more information, click here.
• Literary Agent – Average Salary: £35,404. For more information, click here.
• Screenwriter – Average Salary: £33,780. For more information, click here.
• Publisher – Average Salary: £40,762. For more information, click here.
• Sub-editor – Average Salary: £40, 371. For more information, click here.

Additional Information

GCSE English Language require a well-honed set of exam skills, developed through lots of in-class reading and extensive exam practise. If you work hard, ask lots of questions and listen attentively, you will achieve!

Assessment

You will be assessed on the basis of two exams, taken either at the end of Year 10 or Year 11.

The first exam (worth 50% of the GCSE) lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, and requires that you study a Shakespeare play and a post-1914 British play or novel. It is a closed book exam which means texts are not allowed in the examination.

Section A of the exam will be based on a Shakespeare play and will comprise a two-part question, with the first task focused on an extract of approximately 30 lines. The second task is focused on how a theme reflected in the extract is explored elsewhere in the play.

Section B of the exam will be based on a post-1914 British play or novel and require you to answer one essay question.

The second exam (worth 50% of the GCSE) lasts 2 hour and 15 minutes, and requires that you study a 19th century novel and a poetry collection from the Pearson Poetry Anthology. It is a closed book exam which means texts are not allowed in the examination.

Section A of the exam will be based on your study of a 19th century novel comprising a two part question, with the first part focused on an extract of approximately 400 words. The second part is an essay question exploring the whole text.

Section B of the exam will be split into two parts. Part 1 requires that you answer one question comparing a named poem from the Pearson Poetry Anthology collection to another poem from that collection. The named poem will be shown in the question paper. Part 2 requires that you answer one question comparing two unseen contemporary poems.

Future Options

GCSE English Language equips students for further study at sixth form and university. It is also provides vital skills for life and work by developing students’ ability to understand the written word with clarity and communicate their own views with precision. These skills are relevant in all career paths and essential in many. Indeed, English Language is the most commonly-quoted qualification for jobs, courses and promoted posts across the country.

Please see below for careers particularly suited to those interested in pursuing English Language at Post-16, and who may be considering exploring this subject further at University.

• Author – Average Salary: £33,780. For more information, click here.
• Literary Agent – Average Salary: £35,404. For more information, click here.
• Screenwriter – Average Salary: £33,780. For more information, click here.
• Publisher – Average Salary: £40,762. For more information, click here.
• Sub-editor – Average Salary: £40, 371. For more information, click here.

Additional Information

GCSE English Literature is a joyous subject; English lessons so far have been leading you up to this very point. You will continue to develop the habit of reading widely and often and develop an appreciation of the depth and power of the English literary heritage. This qualification allows you to make sense of the world around you!

Assessment

You will be entered for either Foundation or Higher Tier and assessed on the basis of three exams, taken at the end of year 11.

Regardless of the tier, the three equally weighted papers carry the same format:

• Paper 1 – Non-calculator, 90 minutes, 80 marks
• Paper 2 & 3 – Calculator, 90 minutes each, 80 marks each

Any of the papers can contain any topic, although some topics to be assessed fully require a calculator and will only appear in a certain format on Paper 2 & 3. Foundation Tier is graded 1 – 5, Higher Tier is graded 4 – 9 (although a grade 3 is allowed).

Future Options

Mathematics plays a crucial role in modern life and serves as a foundation for further study in many subjects. Studying GCSE Mathematics equips students with the knowledge and skills to think analytically, develop logical reasoning, and encourages critical thinking about the world around them. It also helps students solve problems by finding effective solutions. Achieving success in GCSE Mathematics is highly sought after by universities and employers.

Please see below for careers particularly suited to those interested in pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma studies in Mathematics  at Post-16, and who may be considering exploring this subject further at University.

Mathematics courses offered are Analysis and Approaches at higher level, Applications and Interpretation at standard level.

• Architect – Average salary: £45,894. For more information, click here.
• Credit risk analyst – Average salary: £43,163. For more information, click here.
• Robotics engineer – Average salary: £49,882. For more information, click here.
• Photonics engineer – Average salary: £49,882. For more information, click here.
• Computer programmer – Average salary: £49,430. For more information, click here.
• Actuary – Average salary: £47,985. For more information, click here.

Additional Information

Students that excel in mathematics could be entered for an additional GCSE in mathematics called Further Maths that acts as additional preparation for Key Stage 5 Mathematics.

All students are required to have a scientific calculator for their lessons and final exams.

Assessment

There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics.

Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas, asking multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions.

40% of marks will be based on demonstrating knowledge and understanding; 40% of marks will be based on applying that knowledge and understanding and 20% on analysing given information and ideas.

There is also a significant maths/numeracy component to the examinations,. (Overall 20% of marks will be derived from numeracy based questions (10% from Biology, 20% from Chemistry and 30% from Physics).

Future Options

Science is a cornerstone of modern life, shaping the way we understand and interact with the world. Studying GCSE Science equips students with essential knowledge and skills, fostering curiosity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. It encourages students to explore the principles governing the natural world, enabling them to think critically and make informed decisions about issues such as health, sustainability, and technology.

Success in GCSE Science is highly valued by universities and employers, as it demonstrates a strong foundation in scientific literacy and an ability to approach challenges methodically. The course exposes students to a wide range of scientific concepts, from the molecular to the astronomical, enabling them to make connections across disciplines and apply their learning in real-world contexts. These skills are vital for further study, everyday life, and careers in a vast array of fields, from medicine to engineering, environmental science, and beyond.

Please see below for careers particularly suited to those interested in pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma studies in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at Post-16, and who may be considering exploring this subject further at University.

• Biochemical engineer- Average salary: £44,797.  For more information, click here
• Biologist- Average £33,477. For more information, click here.
• Botanist- Average salary £33,477. For more information click here
• Airline pilot- Average salary: £71,676. For more information, click here

Additional Information

GCSE Sciences requires an extensive set of practical skills. There is therefore a required practical element that is not explicitly assessed but compulsory, and will be met repeatedly throughout the course.

Assessment

You will be assessed on the basis of four exams, taken at the end of Year 11. GCSE Spanish/French has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier.

Future Options

The study of foreign languages affords students a broad range of opportunities for future study and work. Learning a language is a skill for life and will help to prepare young people for a globalised workplace, where collaboration across cultures is of great benefit to a variety of industries.

French/Spanish GCSE offers students the opportunity to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to their full potential, while equipping them with the knowledge of the Francophone/Hispanic world. Some UK universities ask for a modern foreign language at GCSE as part of their entrance requirements, even if the student is not planning to study a language. This is because they believe it to be proof of great aptitude and flexibility. 

If you wish to continue language study at University, it is advantageous to study French/Spanish in conjunction with another degree, such as Business management, English Literature, Law, Politics, Film, Mathematics, etc.

Please see below for careers particularly suited to those interested in pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma studies in Language Acquisition at Post-16, and who may be considering exploring this subject further at University.

The languages on offer at Post-16 are: Spanish, French and German (all of which can be studied at beginner level)

• Intelligence officer – Average Salary: £35,158. For more information, click here.
• Broadcast journalist – Average Salary: £44,236. For more information, click here. 
• Interpreter – Average Salary: £34,864. For more information, click here.  
• Conservationist – Average Salary: £36,209. For more information, click here.
• Museum curator – Average Salary: £33,561. For more information, click here.

Additional Information

To be successful in French/Spanish GCSE you need to revise vocabulary little and often, have awareness on how to improve your spoken and written language and be willing to make mistakes in order to progress further.

Assessment

You will be assessed on the basis of three exams, taken at the end of Year 11.

The first exam (worth 30% of the GCSE) lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, and requires that you answer a series of questions on a thematic study; you will also be asked to answer source questions on a related historic environment.

The second exam (worth 40% of the GCSE) lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, and requires that you answer a series of questions on a British Depth Study; you will then be asked to answer a series of questions on a modern Period Study.

The third exam (worth 30% of the GCSE) lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, and requires that you answer a series of questions on a non-British modern depth study.

Future Options

GCSE History equips students for further study at sixth form and university, while providing essential skills for life and the workplace. Through the Edexcel syllabus, students learn to critically analyse events, assess complex issues, and make informed judgments about the past’s impact on the present. This course develops students’ abilities to evaluate evidence, construct well-supported arguments, and communicate effectively – all of which are valuable in any career.

Studying history is an excellent foundation for a wide range of fields. Many students go on to pursue careers directly linked to history, while others find that the skills gained make them attractive candidates in diverse fields, including law, politics, and business. Employers and universities highly value history for its rigorous analytical training, making it a respected subject in careers where critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning are key.

Please see below for careers particularly suited to those interested in pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma studies in History and/or Global Politics at Post-16, and who may be considering exploring this subject further at University.

• Civil Service Officer- Average salary £38,01. For more information, click here.
• Solicitor or Barrister – Average salary £52,296.  For more information, click here and here. 
• Policy Advisor- Research and Data Analyst who advises the government. Average salary £52,241. For more information, click here. 
• Historian- Average salary £36,447. For more information, click here
• Museum Curator and/or Archivist – Average salary £33,561. For more information, click  here and here.
• Conservator- Average salary £30,950. For more information, click here.
• History Teacher or a Higher Education Lecturer- Average salary £47,726. For more information, click here.

Additional Information

GCSE History requires considerable reading and extended writing, especially in exams.

Assessment

You will be assessed on the basis of three exams, taken at the end of year 11.

The first exam (worth 37.5% of the GCSE) lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. In Paper 1 all questions are compulsory. There are three 30-mark sections. Of the 94 raw marks available, up to 4 marks are awarded for SPaG. 

The second exam (worth 37.5% of the GCSE) lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. In Paper 2, there are two compulsory sections, each worth 27 marks followed by a third section comprising two ‘mirror image’ fieldwork subsections worth 18 marks each with students selecting either coastal or river fieldwork topics in one section and either urban or rural fieldwork in the other.

The third exam (worth 25% of the GCSE) lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Paper 3 is a decision-making exercise; all questions are compulsory but the number of marks allocated to the first three of its four sections will vary depending on the chosen theme. Up to 4 marks are awarded for SPaG.

Future Options

GCSE Geography equips students for further study at sixth form and university, while also providing essential skills for life and work. This course develops students’ understanding of the world around them, encouraging them to analyse and interpret geographical data and make informed decisions about global issues. With exposure to a wide range of physical, human, and environmental topics, students will learn to make connections between different regions and phenomena. The course enables students to think critically about natural and human processes, and to approach challenges with an analytical mindset—skills that are highly valued in any profession. It also fosters a wide geographical vocabulary and an appreciation for diverse cultures and environments.

Please see below for careers particularly suited to those interested in pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma studies in Geography at Post-16, and who may be considering exploring this subject further at University.

• Town Planner – Average Salary: £42,670
• Climate Scientist – Average Salary: £47,289
• Environmental Planner – Average Salary – £36, 115
• Energy Operations Manager – Average Salary: £51, 642
• Marine Biologist – Average Salary: £41, 904
• Emergency Management Director – Average Salary – £43,032
• Sustainability Analyst – Average Salary: £36,209
• Travel Guide – Average Salary: £28, 346