Introduction

Welcome to the Kingswood GCSE Curriculum Booklet in which heads of the academic departments explain what you can expect to be doing in each subject offered at GCSE.

Although you will all be following the core curriculum – outlined on page 2 – you will also be expected to choose three more subjects from the option lines offered. You have some important decisions to make! We have put together a timetable for the Spring Term (page 2) which will give you plenty of opportunities to discuss possible choices with a number of staff.

This really is the first time you have been able to shape your own curriculum in a significant way. Read this booklet carefully. Use your family, your teachers and your friends as sounding boards for your initial ideas. It is important, though, not to choose an option subject solely because that is what all your friends will be studying. You should have a genuine interest in your option choices. As you make your choices, you should bear in mind the following considerations:

• your own interests, talents and enjoyment

• your realistic chance of success in any given subject

• your future requirements, if you know them at this stage. Detailed career decisions are unlikely to be appropriate at the moment, but it is important to know which doors may be closed by decisions made now

You will continue with Games and PE. You will also be expected to participate fully in the Senior Activities programme. Make your choices carefully here too, basing them on your enthusiasms and your talents. Your contributions and commitment to Activities will be as important to your personal development as your curricular subjects.

We hope that you will find the responsibility of thinking about and shaping the next stage of your academic career stimulating and enjoyable.

Remember that you will be spending two years focusing on your GCSE courses and so it’s important to be positive and fully committed from the outset.