How to Choose My Options?

All students must study English, Maths, Science, Core PE and Skills for Life. Students must choose four options- one from each of the columns below.

All students on Torch A and B must pick either Geography, History, French or Computer Science – for students on Flame, it is highly recommended but not compulsory. We strongly recommend that your child takes all of the subjects that make up the English Baccalaureate.

This means either French, History or Geography. You cannot choose the same subject twice. You cannot select both of the following subjects – Textiles and Product Design (within Design & Technology)

The English Baccalaureate is not a standalone qualification but is made up of the following five GCSE qualifications:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Maths
• A modern foreign language (French)
• Humanities (Geography or History)

The English Baccalaureate is not compulsory but it is the Government’s ambition to see that the majority of students study the subjects of the English Baccalaureate. As such we would strongly recommend that students on the Torch A and B routes select French and Geography or History. They will then have a choice of two other option subjects, including BTECs. For colleges, universities and employers, the English Baccalaureate shows that students have gained a broad academic education.

The range of subjects in the English Baccalaureate would provide a good basis for further study. After completing the English Baccalaureate, students may wish to study ‘A’ levels or another Level 3 qualification at local colleges or sixth forms.

We strongly recommend that students who are Pathway 7, 8 or 9 take the English Baccalaureate.

GCSEs are at the core of the KS4 curriculum in England and Wales. GCSE Exams are now linear (examined at the end of Year 11) and there are limited coursework elements. They are graded on a scale of 9-1. What students are expected to know and what they can do is more challenging than in the past but the proportion of students achieving each grade has not changed. For example, roughly the same number of students who achieved a grade A*/A in the past achieve grades 7-9. So, whilst GCSEs might ‘feel’ more difficult, a student who would have achieved a grade ‘C’ on the old GCSEs will achieve a grade 4 (the comparative grade) on the current GCSEs. Achieving a grade 4 is an important benchmark for entry to level 3 college courses. A grade 5 is the benchmark for international comparisons.