Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to choose my GCSE options now?

It may seem quite early to be thinking about what subjects you would like to study next September. However, a lot of planning needs to take place to ensure that we can build a timetable to accommodate the variety of choices students make.

Can I change my mind about my option choices later?

This is usually possible; however, there is a big BUT! Once you have made your initial choices in February we take those choices and build the timetable around them. If you subsequently decide to change your mind about your subjects then you may find that either the combination of subjects you wish to study is not possible or that one or more of your subject choices is already full. This would obviously be disappointing so it is in your interests to think very carefully and consult as many people as possible. When you fill in the Options Form you want to be as confident as possible that those are your preferred choices.

What are IGCSEs?

In common with many independent schools, we offer IGCSEs in a number of subjects. These are international qualifications and the major differences are in the ways that the courses are assessed; IGCSEs don’t usually have controlled assessment. There are also some differences in course content which means that some departments feel that certain IGCSE courses are more engaging and a better preparation for A Level study.

How will I be assessed?

Your GCSE and IGCSE subjects will be examined through a mixture of written examinations and controlled assessments or coursework during the course. The weightings of these are different for different subjects, and you can find more information on this breakdown on each subject’s pages in this booklet. If you can’t find the information that you need in this booklet, then ask your subject teachers.

What should I do if I need help?

I hope that this booklet, and the time that your subject and Form Tutors spend with you in discussing your options, will enable you to make informed, intelligent choices. However, if you need further help then please make sure that you ask the relevant staff. These are likely to be your subject teachers, Form Tutor, relevant Heads of Department, Head of Third Year, Mr Cooper (Deputy Head - Academic) or possibly one of the Careers team led by Mr Fitzgerald.

I want to keep my Sixth Form, university and career options as open as possible: what should I choose?

It’s almost impossible to avoid closing some doors at this stage (you cannot, for example, pick up a language for A Level study if you haven’t chosen to continue with it at GCSE). The core subjects followed by all students at KGS should, however, help you to maintain satisfactory breadth for many possibilities in the future. At the same time, if you are certain of your ambitions, or want to specialise in the creative arts or languages, for instance, it may be that you should pick a narrower range of subjects, as long as you have given consideration to the consequences.

What are the KGS Sixth Form entry requirements?

Although Sixth Form feels like a long way off it is worth being aware of our revised Sixth Form entry criteria.

In order to cope with the demands of an academically rigorous Sixth Form porgramme, students must have a sound base across all their GCSE or IGCSE subjects, and excel in those they wish to study at A Level or Pre-U. As a minimum, students must achieve at least grade 7 (equivalent to A grade) in four separate subjects.

In addition, all students must achieve a minimum grade 6 (equivalent to the top half of a B grade) in Mathematics and English GCSE or IGCSE. Please also note that a minimum of grade 7 is required in those subjects, or closely related subjects, that students wish to study for A Level or Pre-U with the exception of Mathematics where students require a minimum of grade 8 at GCSE.

A positive attitude and a desire to engage in all aspects of the Sixth Form programme are key attributes.

What are the key dates?

• Wednesday 26th January Third Year Parents’ Consultation Evening

• Monday 21st February Third Year to return GCSE Option Forms