Madeley High School OPTION CHOICES 2013
Periods per fortnight
SUBJECT English and English Literature
7
ICT (Cambridge Nationals)
4
Maths
6
PE
4
Personal Development
2
Religious Studies
2
Science
Part of Curriculum
CORE
9/10
OPTIONS x 3
3x5
OPTIONS
Core Subject Examinations • English Language, English Literature and Maths are full course GCSEs • Science is either a double award (Core and Additional) or triple award (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) • Religious Studies is a full course GCSE. • ICT is a Cambridge Nationals course equivalent to 2 GCSE grades A* - C.
Option Subject Examinations • Most option subjects are full course GCSEs. • Business Studies is a Cambridge Nationals course equivalent to 2 GCSE grades at A* - C. • Sometimes a GCSE examination isn't the best choice for everyone so in some subjects it is possible to take an Entry Level Certificate, which is graded just below GCSE.
The English Baccalaureate • An ‘umbrella’ certificate not a qualification in its own right. • Grade C or above in five compulsory GCSE subjects is needed to receive it: – English – Mathematics – Double Science (or at least two triple award sciences) – A Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish at Madeley) – EITHER History OR Geography • At the moment five or more good passes at GCSE including English and Maths is the key expectation. This is likely to continue to be the case. • It is also possible, however, that some colleges or universities might also start to expect students wishing to study more academic courses to have the English Baccalaureate.
Making their choices… • DON’T choose a subject just to be with friends. • DON’T choose a subject, or give it up, just because they like or dislike a particular teacher. • DON’T choose a subject or reject it simply because they are a boy or a girl. • IF IN DOUBT do the subjects they are more likely to be successful in.
Options Form •
Pupils have until Monday 4th March to complete their option forms.
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After this they will meet with a senior member of staff to discuss and finalise their option choices. These meetings will take place from Wednesday 6th March to Friday 15th March
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There is no advantage in handing in forms early.
Options Form • Pupils must choose a first and reserve choice in each option block. • They must choose a Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish) for the English Baccalaureate or if they want to become a primary school teacher. • They must also choose Geography or History for the English Baccalaureate.