THIRD YEAR OPTIONS 2025
(FOR PUPILS JOINING IN SEPTEMBER 2025)
Dear Parent
This booklet is designed to help you and your son select subject choices for the next academic year. He will need to choose three from a list of optional subjects.
What subjects are included in the Third Year curriculum?
There are ten compulsory subjects in our Third Year curriculum: Biology, Chemistry, Computing and Coding, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, main Modern Language (French or German or Spanish), Physics and Religious Studies. The main Modern Language refers to the language your son has studied in his prep school in Years 7 and 8.
In addition to these compulsory subjects, your son will choose three optional subjects to study, allowing him to explore other areas of interest, particularly “new” languages.
Choices
To maintain a broad and balanced education and ensure that pupils don’t specialise too early, they are asked to choose one subject from each of the following categories:
• one creative subject: Art, Design Engineering, Drama, or Music
• one language, either classical (Ancient Greek with Latin, Latin) or modern (French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Spanish) and
• one additional subject of their choice from the options on offer
Please note that if your son chooses a Modern Language as one of his three subject choices, it must be different from the main modern language he is currently studying.
Brief details of all subject options are provided within this booklet. All are currently available for study at GCSE but only Music can be taken at GCSE without having been studied in the Third Year.
What are the implications of Third Year subject choices?
Third Year subject choices open some new avenues of interest while maintaining a strong academic foundation. Although some doors may open or close based on these choices, the core subjects provide an excellent base for almost any future course or career. Your son will eventually choose from a longer list for GCSE, as some subjects which are compulsory in the Third Year become options for GCSE.
In short, the Third Year is a valuable opportunity to keep
options open for a further year; as interests, attitudes and ambitions often evolve during this period.
Can optional subject choices be changed at a later stage?
Please be assured that the subject choices made at this stage are not binding. Changes to choices can be made up until the end of June. Please note, however, that once courses have started in September, any changes will only be possible under exceptional circumstances.
Where can we go for advice?
Choosing the right combination of subjects is an important decision that may require some careful thought. If you have any questions or need more information about specific subjects, please feel free to contact me by email at s.hendry@hamptonschool.org.uk.
What about subject choices after the Third Year?
As you and your son make these choices now, it may be helpful to know how they align with future GCSE subjects. GCSE choices will be made at about this time next year.
• Compulsory GCSE subjects: English, Mathematics, all three Sciences and the main Modern Language all continue from the Third Year as examined subjects, alongside PE, Sport and “Life Issues” lessons.
• Optional GCSE subjects: In addition to these compulsory subjects, pupils are asked to choose three GCSE options from; Ancient History, Art, Computer Science, Design Engineering, Drama, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, Music, Religious Studies, Russian and Spanish are available.
Yours faithfully,
Dr S A Hendry Deputy Head
Email: S.Hendry@hamptonschool.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8979 5526
ART OPTIONAL CREATIVE SUBJECTS
The Third Year Art course is ideal for those interested in studying Art at GCSE level. The course builds on the work of the first two years, preparing pupils for GCSE by working thematically, developing ideas and experimenting with a range of media. Pupils have the opportunity to draw, paint, create sculptures, work with digital media and design graphics pieces. Work is underpinned by studying and reference to the work of relevant artists. A visit to a local gallery or garden such as Kew Gardens in the autumn term offers pupils first-hand experience of sculptures in a unique setting and inspiring creativity and imaginative responses. A genuine interest and some ability in Art are desirable for pupils to fully enjoy and develop their own personal and creative qualities.
DESIGN ENGINEERING
Desirable for pupils considering the subject at GCSE level, this course builds on the work of the first two years and aims to develop further knowledge, skills and understanding through taught theory and practical design projects. Pupils will work with core resistant materials (wood, metal and plastics) alongside computer-based manufacturing processes including laser cutting and 3D printing.
The problem-solving element, project time management, and independence it fosters, means this course is of value to all pupils, even those not planning to take the subject further.
DRAMA
The Drama course enables pupils to build confidence while developing their acting and creative skills. Pupils will study the processes of character creation, devising and script exploration. The course is designed to allow pupils to experience working independently, as well as in groups, encouraging cooperation and teamwork in a creative environment. It also offers an opportunity to advance communication and leadership skills – a crucial requirement for many career paths. Pupils studying Drama in the Third Year will have the opportunity to perform their own original play to an invited audience. To further enhance the understanding and process of practical work, pupils analyse and evaluate their own performances and professional theatre productions in written form and discussion. This reflection ensures that pupils are stretched academically, gaining a thorough knowledge of Drama and performance.
MUSIC
This course is built on the three disciplines of performing, composing and listening, which form the basis for all academic Music up to A level. From film music to cover songs, medieval chant to romantic art song, this course has something for all musicians, no matter what their background or stylistic preference. Whether composing on Logic or analysing the music of Palestrina, pupils will be engaging with a broad range of musical styles, working towards a high level of musical understanding in each one. Third Year Music will provide a strong foundation for those going on to study Music IGCSE and is strongly recommended for any wishing to take academic Music beyond the Third Year. Perfoming forms part of the couse and, although no specific grade is required, it is expected that pupils play an instrument or sing to some level.
Any boys who are considering doing IGCSE Music, and not planning to do Music in the Third Year, should consult the Director of Music, Mr D Roland, before choosing their options: d.roland@hamptonschool.org.uk.
OPTIONAL LANGUAGES
FRENCH
Beginners French is offered as an option in the Third Year to those who have not studied it previously. French is profoundly important in Europe and around the world and remains an official working language of the European Commission, NATO and the UN. It is a commonly spoken language in former French dominions and spheres of influence in North and West Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia as well as remaining territories in the West Indies, Latin America and the Indian Ocean. Given its geography, history, culture and commercial power, France exerts a major influence on world affairs and will continue to do so far into the future. As our nearest neighbour, the history of France is inextricably linked with our own.
France’s proximity makes it a good choice of foreign language: the fact that it can be reached in under an hour and relatively cheaply allows for regular visits, offering opportunities to practise the language in real-life situations and increasing motivation to study. The French language is complemented well by the study of Latin, from which it derives its grammatical system. Some of its irregularities and spelling complexities make it a satisfying intellectual challenge, promoting sound language-learning skills which stand learners in very good stead for trying other languages later on and placing it amongst the most rigorous and respected academic subjects. Alongside LEH, we normally run a long-standing exchange with a school in Paris in the Fourth Year. Further French trips are usually available in the Fifth and Sixth Forms, including a language trip to Nice.
GERMAN
German for beginners is offered as an option in the Third Year to those who have not studied it previously. German is Europe’s most widely spoken language by number of native speakers (in Germany, Austria and Switzerland); Germany itself is the EU’s biggest member state by population and has one of the strongest economies in the world. German is regarded as being extremely beneficial in the fields of business, law, science and technology. Many UK and multinational companies have subsidiaries in Germany and 2500 German companies employ over 500 000 people in the UK - more than any other national group of companies. German is also seen as a linguistic and cultural bridge to Eastern European countries. It is also a key language in academic, scientific and technical research and development.
German-speaking writers, artists, composers, philosophers, psychologists and scientists have an enormous and enduring cultural influence on Europe and the wider world. Germany, Austria and Switzerland offer a wide variety of tourist destinations and attractions.
In many ways German is an easy language, especially for beginners. German and English belong to the same West Germanic language family and share thousands of similar words and phrases, particularly in terms of computer, telecommunications and medical vocabulary. In addition, German is spelt phonetically so it is easy to predict how the spoken word is written and how the written word is pronounced. However, as German is an inflected language, it is expected that pupils make an effort to learn basic case rules. The case system presents a challenge to an English learner and it is this, as well as the rules governing word order, that gives German its reputation as a difficult but satisfyingly logical and “scientific” language to study.
It is hoped that, as part of our usual programme of international travel, pupils in the Third Year will be able to participate in a trip to a Christmas market in Germany during the Christmas holidays, while pupils in the Fourth Year have the opportunity to participate in an exchange of over thirty years’ standing to Konstanz in South West Germany, which is run jointly with LEH.
RUSSIAN
Pupils can opt to study Russian from the Third Year. Often perceived as a challenging language, mainly due to the Cyrillic alphabet, there are many letters similar to Latin ones. The Russian alphabet is also phonetic which makes reading and writing quite easy. As with any language, pupils will have to learn vocabulary and work hard. Half-way through our one-year Beginners’ Course they can read confidently in Russian and by the end of the course they can talk and write about themselves, their family and pets, the town and house they live in, weather and seasons, traditional food they like and dislike, and how they spend their free time. The pupils are able to use a variety of grammatical structures, adjectives, connectives and conjunctions to produce longer and more complex sentences both written and spoken.
Our Third Year pupils also have an opportunity to enjoy cultural and educational events which take place both in and outside of Hampton.
Russian is a world language spoken by approximately 258 million people, an official language in four countries and an unofficial lingua franca throughout countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Basic knowledge of Russian and the Cyrillic alphabet can also be a springboard to learn another Eastern European Language. With the increasing desirability of being multilingual in the 21st century world we believe that the UK will continue needing Russian and Eastern European language specialists and that the demand for Russian speakers will only increase in the future. At Hampton we endeavour to provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils to learn and study Russian in a global context.
SPANISH
Spanish for beginners is offered as an option in the Third Year to those who have not studied it previously. Spanish has become increasingly important as Spain has consolidated its role and influence within the EU and established itself as a destination for migrants from other European countries. There is a growing demand for Spanish in commerce and industry, with opportunities for employment in Europe, the United States and Central/ South America.
The language gives cultural contact with the peoples of more than twenty countries. The popularity of Spain and Latin America as holiday and travel destinations, as well as the number of Spanish speakers all over the world, means that students of Spanish often enjoy frequent opportunities to practise the language in real-life situations. As well as having a colourful and attractive lifestyle and popular culture, there is a rich tradition of literature and drama in Spain and Latin America, which has been supplemented in recent years by much vibrant cinema from these regions.
The Spanish grammatical structure is derived from Latin and learners must get to grips with the verb system, in which endings are used to denote person, tense and mood and many of the commonest verbs are irregular. In many respects, however, Spanish is an easy language up to IGCSE, with a simple, phonetic spelling system making writing easier than many other languages, allowing much of the emphasis in class to be placed on speaking.
In the Fourth Year, pupils are able to participate in a study visit to Ronda in Andalusia, where they spend mornings in a school and take part in social and sporting activities with their Spanish peers each afternoon. In the Lower Sixth, they are offered the opportunity to participate in an exchange with a language school in Barcelona, and in the Upper Sixth there is a trip to Granada in Andalusia.
MANDARIN CHINESE
Mandarin Chinese is quite different from European languages. The learning process is demanding and challenging. Whilst we are providing a fun learning environment, Third Year study is actually the first part of three year-long learning stages to take pupils up to GCSE standard. Pupils will be given regular homework and will take regular vocabulary tests to ensure an excellent learning outcome. Extra lunchtime sessions will be provided for questions, catch-up lessons and one-to-one speaking practice and homework help.
By the end of the GCSE course, pupils will be able to:
• conduct simple conversations in Chinese
• write short essays, letters, notes and invitations in Chinese characters
• be familiar with Chinese major festivals and cultural issues
• read some articles in Chinese
China is becoming more and more important in the world economy. Learning this language may be very beneficial for boys’ future careers. China is a vast country with many opportunities. Understanding the language can give individuals a new platform to understand the Oriental Myths.
It is essential that the pupils who choose this option are committed to the language and dedicated in their work. They will need to be very diligent to succeed, but it will be a very rewarding challenge.
ANCIENT GREEK WITH LATIN LATIN
Greek is an academically challenging language, which though structurally similar to Latin is, for an able linguist, more interesting to learn. This combined Greek and Latin course progresses quickly to give pupils a good grasp of the two languages, enabling them to read unadapted Greek and Latin authors in the original languages by GCSE. The Latin element is an abridged version of that offered to those opting to take just Latin. Pupils who are struggling with the combined course at the end of the Third Year can therefore opt to take just Latin to GCSE rather than both Classical languages.
Ancient Greek is not available as a “stand-alone” option. Ancient Greek with Latin should not be chosen along with the Latin “stand-alone” option.
This course is a continuation from common entrance Latin. Language aside, it covers material ranging from Imperial Government, the Roman Army and Roman religion to the city of Rome itself. Latin is invaluable for any pupil interested in languages and how they work; it helps them develop the linguistic and analytical skills they will need later, whatever directions they pursue, and even if not taken on to GCSE.
• Apart from Latin, all language option choices will be taught in classes of exclusively beginners, with no previous knowledge of the subject assumed.
Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HD
Tel: 020 8979 5526 Email: admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk Twitter/X: @HamptonSchool www.hamptonschool.org.uk