The choices that students make for GCSE are important, both in terms of their achievement and their future career path. Positive choices at this stage will lead to our students achieving the best grades possible, engaging with their studies and will maximise their choices at each stage of their education and career.
There is a lot of information on hand and expert advice available from our teachers that will ensure that the best curriculum choices are made for each and every student.
Online Options Form
The form should be completed by parents and carers in consultation with their children. Logins and a link will be emailed to parents & students after Parent Day.
The form will ask you to confirm which pathway your child will take. If you are not sure please email gcse.options@thecityacademy.org
GCSE Options Guide
You can also download the guide below
GCSE Options Evening Presentation
Including information on the options blocks and guidance on how to complete the online application form.
You can download the slides below
What you study at GCSE
English Baccalaureate
The EBacc is a group of important subjects which are regarded as a useful foundation for future academic study and career options. They include:
- English Language & Literature
- Maths
- Science (Separate Science or Combined Science)
- French or Spanish
- Geography or History
At least 75% students follow the full EBacc curriculum. Almost all students take at least four EBacc subjects. Foundation Pathway students will take the Prince’s Trust: Level 1 in Personal Development and Employability
Option Choices
The number of option subjects students can choose depends on which pathway they follow:
Extended and Academic Pathway – two options choices
Core and foundation Pathway – three options choices
- Art, Craft and Design
- Business Studies BTEC*
- Computer Science
- Drama
- French (Accelerated)
- Geography
- Graphic Products (Design & Technology)
- History
- Hospitality & Catering*
- Music
- PE
- Religious Studies
- Resistant Materials (Design & Technology)
- Sociology
- Sports Science*
- Textile Design
*Vocational qualifications
Timetable
| Subjects | Periods per week |
|---|---|
| English Language/Literature | 5 or 6 |
| Mathematics | 5 or 6 |
| Science | 6 |
| History/Geography | 3 |
| Spanish/French | 3 |
| Options | 3 per subject |
| PE | 2 |
| Tutor time & PHSCE | 1 |