Year 8 to Year 9 Information

Thinking Ahead to GCSE Options

Please note that it will not be possible to begin a new additional language at the beginning of the Year 10.

It is preferable, but not essential, for those intending to take Design and Technology, Drama, Music, Art, Classical Civilisation, or Computer Science at GCSE to study the subject in Year 9.

You will be making more wide-ranging option choices next year, before entering Year 10. However, you will be able to make more important decisions about your languages.

If in twelve months’ time you decide you want to take only one modern language to GCSE, you will only be able to choose a language that you have studied in Year 9.

For students joining King Edward VI School in Year 9:

- Although two languages must be studied in Year 9, only one needs to be taken through to GCSE. This decision is made in twelve months’ time.

- If you have only studied one language in your current school you must pick that and Italian.

- Should you need any advice regarding language options please do not hesitate to contact Mr A J Sinclair (Head of Languages) ajms@kes.hants.sch.uk

For current Second Year King Edward VI School students:

All pupils must study at least one modern European Language at GCSE, which will have been studied during Year 9.

- If you do carry on with your second modern language or Latin, or you take up Italian as a new language in Year 9, you don’t have to follow it right through to IGCSE – you make the decision whether to carry on with it in twelve months’ time.

- If you wish to take other non-language subjects at GCSE in Year 10 it is preferable to take it as an option subject in Year 9, although not essential.

- Take lots of advice – from your tutor, your teachers, heads of department, Mrs Leatham or Dr Waymark. Visit the Guidance Centre and talk to the careers team.

Although every effort will be made to match everyone’s choices, unfortunately it is impossible to guarantee that you will be given all your preferences. Various timetabling pressures mean that a few people may be unable to do their preferred combination, which is why we ask you to list alternatives.