GCSE Course Details 2025 - 27
Where girls learn without limits
Welcome to the start of a new and exciting phase in your school journey
Embarking upon GCSE studies at Newcastle High School for Girls is an exciting phase in your school journey. It allows you the opportunity to refine the range of subjects you will study in order to focus on areas where your interest and enjoyment lie. The subjects you choose should challenge you and inspire you to look beyond the classroom at ideas and topics that build upon the learning that takes place within lessons, deepening your understanding and developing further your expertise in each subject studied.
The choices you make now may affect the A Level choices open to you in the future and it is therefore important that you take this into account when deciding which GCSE subjects to choose. At the back of this brochure is a table that indicates which A Level subjects have entry criteria that require you to have studied the subject at GCSE and the minimum grade you need to achieve. Referring to this table when making your GCSE choices will help to ensure that you are aware of the implications of your choices.
This brochure contains information about all of the GCSE courses available to you. Some subjects are compulsory: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science. There is also a range of non-compulsory subjects for you to choose from to supplement the compulsory subjects.
The information in this brochure, along with the additional information you will gather at the GCSE Choices Evening, will help you make an informed choice when selecting the subjects you will study at GCSE. You will be fully supported when making these choices by your subject
teachers, your Form Tutor and Head of Year as well as through the careers education programme delivered in School.
It is important that you make the most of this support as you make your final GCSE choices.
If you have any questions about the GCSE options process or the subjects that form part of the options offer, please come to talk to us. We will do all we can to support you through the process and to ensure that the decision you reach is right for you and supports your future career aspirations. We wish you every success at GCSE and beyond and look forward to seeing your progress throughout Years 10 and 11.
Mrs V Snowdon Deputy Head Academic
Approach to teaching and learning at GCSE stage
Key Stage 4 is an exciting and pivotal time in your education, and at NHSG, we aim to inspire you to become a trailblazer in your chosen field, ready to take on the challenges of the modern world.
To prepare you for life beyond school, we create a learning environment where every pupil can thrive. This is achieved through a rigorous, challenging, and inclusive curriculum, combined with personalised teaching that puts you at the centre of everything we do. Our teachers design dynamic, engaging lessons that reflect their passion for their subject, helping to inspire you to take ownership of and fully engage with your learning.
Teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do at NHSG. Our consistent approach to teaching is key to the academic success of all our pupils. All lessons across school follow an impactful and well-structured teaching cycle that encourages you to actively participate in your learning and to apply your new knowledge and skills. You will receive regular, constructive feedback, enabling you to be a more reflective learner who can respond to feedback given, therefore ensuring rapid progress.
We share best practice across subjects and the impact is evaluated through our quality assurance processes. Our Academic Leadership Team’s role is to continually develop and implement strategies to enhance your individual learning experience in the classroom. Being part of the GDST family of schools also allows us to provide extensive staff development opportunities, so that our teachers have access to training in cutting edge research on how girls learn best, and to share, respond and implement appropriate strategies to deliver outstanding teaching and learning every day. This means that you can be sure that you will benefit from quality first teaching that will support your learning and help you achieve to the very best of your ability.
We challenge you to set high expectations for yourself, and the Academic Leadership Team and your teachers will work closely with you to develop your study skills. We offer tailored support through learning and academic mentors, study skills clinics and guidance for parents, which means that you will receive all the help you need to support you to reach your full potential.
In addition to the core curriculum, our Key Stage 4 Proten workshops are designed to stretch and challenge your interests beyond the classroom. These sessions give you the opportunity to explore subjects in greater depth and to apply your knowledge in stimulating, real-world contexts. They are great preparation for Sixth Form and for life beyond school.
Our ultimate aim is to help you become an academically curious, ambitious, and successful individual, capable of making a positive contribution to society. By fully immersing yourself in all that NHSG has to offer—both academically and through co-curricular opportunities—you will not only strengthen your academic achievement but also become the best version of yourself in the broader sense.
Key staff
If you would like to discuss these subjects in further detail you are welcome to contact any of the staff listed below.
Head of Year 9
Subject
Art and Design
Business
Classical Civilisation
Latin
Dance
Drama
English
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Modern Foreign Languages
Geography
History
Computer Science
ICT
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Religious Studies
Science
Mrs S Emmett
Head of Department
Miss A Goldie
Ms C Gibb
Mrs N Cameron
s.emmett@ncl.gdst.net
a.goldie@ncl.gdst.net
c.gibb@ncl.gdst.net
n.cameron@ncl.gdst.net
Mrs N Cameron n.cameron@ncl.gdst.net
Mrs D Hylton
Mrs A Dobson
Mr A Caulfield
Mrs V Mansueto
Mr G Bignot
Mrs S Mawhinney
Mr D Hyde
Mr L Willis
Mr L Willis
d.hylton@ncl.gdst.net
a.dobson@ncl.gdst.net
a.caulfield@ncl.gdst.net
v.mansueto@ncl.gdst.net
g.bignot@ncl.gdst.net
s.mawhinney@ncl.gdst.net
d.hyde@ncl.gdst.net
l.willis@ncl.gdst.net
l.willis@ncl.gdst.net
Mrs J Tasker j.tasker@ncl.gdst.net
Miss K Waters k.waters@ncl.gdst.net
Mrs A Wilson a.wilson@ncl.gdst.ne
Mrs L Dodd
Mrs E Waton
l.dodd@ncl.gdst.net
e.waton@ncl.gdst.net
Subjects you will study in Years 10 and 11
Core Subjects
There are core subjects that everyone will study which include:
• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
Alongside the core subjects, we offer three different pathways to ensure that each pupil can achieve their potential:
• Single Science Pathway: studying GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics. Pupils will then need to select four optional subjects, totalling ten GCSEs.
• Trilogy Science: combines Biology, Chemistry and Physics resulting in two GCSEs. The pupils have the same number of teaching hours; however, due to less content being delivered, they have the opportunity for greater consolidation. Pupils will then choose four optional subjects resulting in nine GCSEs.
• Additional Maths and English Pathway: designed to support pupils to secure a stronger foundation in both subjects. Pupils following this pathway will be advised
by the Academic Leadership Team and this will be in lieu of an optional subject and therefore pupils would select a further three GCSE options.
Optional Subjects:
• Art and Design
• Business
• Classical Civilisation
• Computing
• Dance
• Drama
• Food Preparation and Nutrition
• Geography
• History
• ICT
• French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religious Studies
The following pages within this brochure provide the course information for each subject available at GCSE including your compulsory and optional subjects.
Art and Design
GCSE Art and Design puts equal importance on all areas within Art and Design, covering topics such as drawing and painting, 3D work, textiles and graphics. This allows you to develop often diverse strengths to produce individual, personal work.
Examination Board – OCR Optional Subject Choice
Year 10, Term 1
Within this term, you will develop a knowledge and understanding of how to use different materials by examining a variety of different artists’ and designers’ work. This will begin to help you to know your own strengths and areas of interest in Art and Design.
Year 10, Terms 2 and 3
Coursework - 60% of the overall mark
In the Spring Term, you will start your GCSE coursework project. You will develop ideas in a sketchbook and work on your own project development.
The project brief changes every year, but it is designed to enable you to follow a personal path towards your final coursework outcome. We endeavour to enable you to work to your strengths and follow a GCSE in Art, Craft and Design so that you can produce work with any creative outcome i.e. Textiles, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography or Sculpture.
Year 11, Term 1
In this term, you will produce your final piece developed from your project work in Year 10.
Term 2, Examination
You will start examination preparation, which begins with a list of suggested ideas for inspiration that comes from the Examination Board. You will work on this throughout the term and then create a final piece developed from this theme in the final examination. Again, this piece can be in any chosen medium and discipline. The final examination is 10 hours long and is taken over two days in the Art and Design department.
How you will be assessed
Coursework is developed over a period of two years. One unit of coursework is presented for Controlled Assessment. The unit is assessed by a team of Art teachers and a moderator from the Examination Board.
This makes up 60% of the final mark. The final examination is a controlled test, executed over a period of approximately six weeks. The examination makes up 40% of the final mark.
Business
Do you have an interest in how businesses operate or maybe you would like to set up and run your own business one day? If so, then studying business will give you an insight into various functions of a business and will equip you with the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect decision-making. By studying this course, you will develop an understanding of concepts, objectives and terminology, and the impact of contemporary and real-life issues facing business operations.
Examination Board – OCR
Optional Subject Choice
This qualification will allow you to make informed choices about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways as well as develop life skills that will enable you to become financially and commercially aware. It also allows you to develop an enquiring and critical approach to make informed judgements, whilst developing and applying quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data. This subject brings the opportunity to study something new and interesting.
What you will study
We follow the OCR GCSE specification is divided into topics, each covering an aspect of business.
1. Business Activity – exploring the role of business enterprise and entrepreneurship, as well as business planning, ownership and growth.
2. Marketing – including market research and the marketing mix.
3. People – exploring the role of human resources including recruitment and training and motivation and retention.
4. Operations – production processes, the quality of goods and services, consumer law and working with suppliers.
5. Finance – investigates the role of the finance function and includes calculating revenue costs and profit/ loss, breakeven and cash glow forecasts. This unit really develops quantitative skills.
6. Influences on business – investigating business ethics, the economic climate, and globalisation.
7. The interdependent nature of business.
How you will be assessed
There are two components:
Paper 1: Business activity, marketing and people (50%) 1 hour 30 minutes.
Paper 2: Operations, finance and influences on business (50%) 1 hour 30 minutes.
Classics
Step into the world of the Greeks and Romans to develop your skills of reasoning, enquiry, evaluation and creative thinking through studying ancient cultures which have had a massive influence on our own. In Classical Civilisation, explore the fantastic characters of Greek myth, and study religion in the ancient world through archaeological finds and evidence. Learn how modern culture has been shaped by ancient tradition through learning about Roman city life. In Latin, explore an ancient language which is at the heart of our own and other modern languages and develop your understanding of how language works. Read some of the greatest literature ever written in its original form.
Examination Board – OCR
Classics: Optional Subject Choice
Latin: Core Subject language option if following Separate Science Pathway and Optional Subject Choice if following Trilogy Science Pathway.
Classical Civilisation
All girls in Year 9 are eligible to choose GCSE Classical Civilisation as one of their Year 10 options. Knowledge of the Latin language is not necessary. Classical Civilisation is also offered at A Level, and is well regarded by universities.
Classical Civilisation is a wide-ranging course in which you study aspects of the civilisation and literature of both the Greek and Roman worlds. The subject is studied entirely in English - the literature is studied through English translations of the original Greek and Latin texts.
How you will be assessed
There will be two papers:
• Thematic Study: Myth and Religion
You will read some gripping stories from literature such as the Labours of Hercules and find out about how Greeks and Romans worshipped their Gods. Topics include Sacrifice, Festivals and Temple Buildings.
• Literature and Culture: Roman City Life
You will study topics on aspects of Roman Life such as entertainment, slavery, housing, education and family life.
Latin
The GCSE course is taught using Latin to GCSE by John Taylor. This course teaches you to read Latin in its cultural context. You will have the chance to read and form a personal response to some great works of Roman literature in their original form and learn more about a culture which is at the heart of our civilisation.
How you will be assessed
There will be three papers:
• Language skills (translation and comprehension)
• Literature (prose)
• Literature (verse)
The set books change periodically, but always include a gripping and interesting story from Roman History for the prose text. The verse text comes from Virgil’s Aeneid, which tells of Aeneas’ journey and struggle to establish a new homeland after the fall of Troy. Stories studied might include the tale of the wooden horse, Aeneas’ tragic love affair with Queen Dido or his visit to the underworld.
Computer Science
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science provides an ideal foundation in computer science. You will gain confidence in computational thinking and programming, an appreciation of automated and emerging technologies and the benefits of their use. Through this course you will develop an understanding of the main principles of problem-solving by creating computer-based solutions using algorithms and a high-level programming language. You will also develop a range of technical skills including the ability to test effectively and to evaluate solutions.
Examination Board – Cambridge IGCSE
Optional Subject Choice
The aims of this course are to enable pupils to develop:
• Computational thinking skills
• An understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers
• The skills necessary to solve computer-based problems using a high-level programming language
• An understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate
• An understanding of the internet as a means of communication and its associated risks
• An understanding of the development and use of automated and emerging technologies.
What you will study Computer systems
1. Data representation
2. Data transmission
3. Hardware
4. Software
5. The internet and its uses
6. Automated and emerging technologies
Algorithms, programming and logic
7. Algorithm design and problem-solving
8. Programming
9. Databases
10. Boolean logic
How you will be assessed
All candidates take two components:
Paper 1 - Computer Systems (50%) 1 hour 45 minutes
Paper 2 - Algorithms, Programming and Logic (50%) 1 hours 45 minutes
Dance
“Dance is a universal human activity that can be performed anywhere. Its benefits extend beyond the studio; it instils self-confidence and discipline, it teaches you team building skills and fills you with joy. Dance in all its forms is both physically exhilarating and a rewarding experience and offers the opportunity to express emotions through movement and music which results in the overall feeling of well-being.”
(Lynn Wallis, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance)
Examination Board – AQA Optional Subject Choice
GCSE Dance develops your skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of dance styles through the interrelated processes of performing, creating and appreciating dances. You will develop physical, technical and expressive skills through which you are able to communicate choreographic intention and develop your individual qualities as a performer. Critical appreciation of dance in its physical, artistic, aesthetic and cultural contexts will be developed throughout the course in preparation for the written examination. In addition to helping you acquire subject knowledge, Dance promotes an understanding of fitness and healthy lifestyle choices as well as transferable skills including time management, communication, teamwork and creativity.
What you will study
There are two components:
Component
1:
Performance and Choreography (60%)
Performance (30%)
• Solo performance made up of two movement sequences set by AQA (approximately one minute in duration).
• Solo/duet/trio performance which will include movement set by AQA which we will develop and manipulate to suit a group setting (approximately three and a half minutes in duration).
Choreography (30%)
• You will be given five starting points to choose from by AQA. You will choose one of these starting points and create a solo or group choreography for the assessment.
Component 2: Dance Appreciation (40%)
Written examination paper of 1 hour 30 minutes. You will be asked questions on the six professional works within the AQA Dance Anthology as well as your own experiences in performance and choreography. In lessons, all your practical work will be underpinned by theory to prepare you for the written paper. You will also study and analyse the professional works from the AQA Dance Anthology. The written paper will consist of a variety of questioning styles including multiple choice, short and extended answers.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is by written examination and practical examination at the end of the two year course. All practical assessments are performed live in front of a teacher and recorded. They are marked internally and moderated externally by the examination board.
Drama
GCSE Drama is all about understanding what it is like to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes. You will play many parts in imaginary situations. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as look at plays written by other people. You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that is both practical and creative. You may have done some acting before or helped out backstage on a production. You may have always wanted to have a go at making a play, performing, making costumes, building a set or operating the lights. Drama will also appeal to you if you enjoy working as part of a team because the course involves a lot of group work.
Examination Board – Edexcel
Optional Subject Choice
What you will study
Through speech and voice, presentation and group skills, communication and movement, you will explore the central topics of the course including using drama as a means of expression, how a playwright expresses ideas and explore ways of staging as well as through the performance of a scripted and a devised piece.
You will experience a variety of live theatre performances and learn to evaluate the skills used by performers and designers on stage.
How you will be assessed
There are three components to the GCSE qualification in Drama:
Text-based performance 20%
Here you will perform two extracts from a text and this will be externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
Devised performance 40%
You will devise a piece of theatre which you then perform. You will record the process in a portfolio. This is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Written examination 40%
Section A: You will practically explore a set text in class and then answer questions in the examination on this text.
Section B: You will attend a variety of theatre productions throughout the duration of the course and then you will evaluate one of these pieces of theatre in the examination.
English Language and English Literature
Being able to communicate effectively is the most sought-after skill in the world today and the English Language is currently the dominant world language. In English, you will continue to learn, think and write critically about the ways that many forms of texts, from a presidential speech, to news articles, to a Shakespearean tragedy, reflect and shape our world. You will hone your skills as a writer, producing texts in a wide range of forms for an even wider range of audiences and purposes. You will develop your speaking and listening skills so that you can express yourself clearly and effectively within a group and as an individual. You will enjoy some of the most thought-provoking and moving texts in English from around the world. Most importantly, you will gain insights that will be valuable every day of your life and will give you a new and rich insight into the human condition.
Examination Boards
English Language – AQA
English Literature - IGCSE Edexcel
Core Subjects
The two GCSEs are taught in blocks of material, so that there is variety throughout the year.
English Language
“If the English language made any sense, a catastrophe would be an apostrophe with fur!” (Doug Larson)
What you will study
You will study themes, through which you will examine a variety of text on a particular subject, such as ‘love’ or ‘poverty’. The course is equally split between reading and writing, with technical accuracy of your work taking a prominent part: it comprises 20% of your final grade.
How
you will be assessed
There are two final examinations:
• Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
• Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
The examinations will test unseen reading of fiction and non-fiction and both creative and non-fiction writing.
English Literature
“There is creative reading as well as creative writing.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) What you will study
The English Literature course includes the study of a novel, drama, a play by Shakespeare and a selection of poetry.
How you will be assessed
The course is assessed through an external assessment on poetry and a modern novel and is worth 60% of the overall qualification and 40% coursework based on a modern drama and Shakespeare piece.
Food Preparation and Nutrition
This is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking and will ensure you develop a greater understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials, whilst developing a range of complex practical cooking skills.
What you will study
The subject content is divided into the following sections:
• Food, nutrition and health – macro and micro nutrients, nutritional needs and health.
• Food science – why food is cooked and how heat is transferred to food. Functional and chemical properties of food.
• Food safety –- how to store, prepare and cook food safely.
• Food spoilage and contamination.
• Food choice – including factors which affect our food choice.
• Food labelling, marketing and sensory evaluation.
• Food provenance – environmental issues associated with food and the sustainability of food.
Food preparation skills will be taught through a variety of cooking activities, mainly carried out during the first year of the course, including general practical skills, knife skills, cooking methods, sauce making, dough making and use of raising agents.
How you will be assessed
Written examination 50% of GCSE
100 marks - multiple choice questions (20 marks) Five questions, each with a number of sub questions (80 marks)
This will assess your theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition.
Non-examination assessment (NEA) 50% of GCSE
Task 1: Food investigation (15%)
You will show your understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Practical experiments are a compulsory element of this NEA task.
Task 2: Food preparation assessment (35%)
You will prepare, cook and present a menu of three dishes within a three hour period relating to a chosen task and will plan in advance how this will be achieved.
Task 1 will be carried out at the start of the Autumn Term of Year 11.
Task 2 will be carried out in the Autumn and Spring Term of Year 11.
Both tasks will involve producing a written portfolio with photographic evidence of experiments you have carried out and practical dishes you have created.
Examination Board – AQA Optional Subject Choice
Geography
By studying geography, we equip ourselves with the knowledge to make informed decisions and broaden our perspective on global issues, fostering a true sense of global awareness. Studying geography helps us understand our world, from helping us to predict natural disasters to implementing changes in response to global issues such as climate change. From how weather systems work to natural phenomena, global population and migration, you will develop a strong knowledge of how the world works.
Examination Board – Cambridge IGCSE
Optional Subject Choice
Cambridge IGCSEs are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. The IGCSE Geography course offers you the opportunity to develop lifelong and transferable skills, including:
• An understanding of the processes which affect physical and human environments
• An understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale
• The ability to use and understand geographical data and information
• An understanding of how communities around the world are affected and constrained by different environments
What you will study
You will travel the world from the classroom, exploring case studies from the UK, newly emerging economies and lower income countries. Topics of study are wide-ranging and are based around three themes:
Theme 1: Population and settlement:
• Population dynamics, migration, structure, density and distribution, settlement and service provision, urban settlements, urbanisation.
Theme 2: The natural environment:
• Earthquakes and volcanoes, rivers, coasts, weather, climate and natural vegetation.
Theme 3: Economic development:
• Development, food production, industry, tourism, energy, water, environmental risks of economic development.
How you will be assessed
The IGCSE will be assessed over three different examination papers at the end of Year 11. These are outlined below:
Paper 1 – Three Themes (see above) 1 hour 45 minutes (45%)
You will answer three questions each worth 25 marks. The paper has three sections and you will need to answer one question from each section.
Paper 2 – Geographical Skills 1 hour 30 minutes (27.5%)
The interpretation and analysis of geographical information, decision making and the application of graphical and other techniques as appropriate. You will answer all questions.
Paper 3 – Coursework- Centre based assessment (27.5%)
Teachers set one school-based assignment of up to 2000 words. Marked out of 60.
History
History not only deals with the past but shapes the present and the future. History is all around us and is integral to the way in which we live. Through analysing source materials, debating and discussion, and the application of thinking skills, topics covered in IGCSE History are brought alive and you will be able to engage wholeheartedly with the past.
Examination Board – Cambridge IGCSE Optional Subject Choice
What you will study
We follow the Cambridge IGCSE specification which comprises several different components:
Core Content: Option B – The 20th Century:
The inter-war years, 1919–39:
• The peace treaties of 1919-23.
• The League of Nations in the1920s.
• The collapse of international peace by 1939.
The Cold War, 1945–89:
• The origins of the Cold War.
• The development of the Cold War.
• The transformation of the Cold War.
Depth Study
Germany, 1918–45: The Weimar Republic:
• Hitler’s rise to power.
• Nazi Germany.
Coursework Module in Year 11 - Working title: ‘Unquiet women of the 20th century’.
A residential trip to Berlin is offered as part of this course.
The general aims of the course are:
To develop and extend your knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods, and societies in local, British, and wider world History and of the wide diversity of human experience.
To engage in historical enquiry to develop as an independent learner and as a critical and reflective thinker.
To develop the ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically, and to make valid historical claims by using a range of sources in their historical context.
To develop an awareness of why people, events, and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them.
To organise and communicate your historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions.
How you will be assessed
IGCSE History will be assessed by two examination papers taken at the end of the course worth 70% of the overall mark. The remaining 30% of the mark comes from coursework undertaken in Year 11. It is marked internally and moderated externally. These assessments will require you to answer structured essay questions and critically evaluate sources and interpretations.
ICT
Recent research by the Chamber of Commerce has found that whilst young people embrace technology, many are unable to transfer these skills to the workplace.
Through studying the Cambridge IGCSE in ICT, you will become a more independent and discerning user of ICT, able to make informed decisions about its use. You will have opportunities to acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts. You will also develop your understanding of new technologies and their impact on society. You will take a practical approach, developing and evaluating ICT-based solutions of your own to solve problems. At the same time you will focus on ensuring that your practice is safe, secure and responsible.
Examination Board – Cambridge IGCSE
Optional Subject Choice
What you will study
The syllabus enables pupils to develop:
• An understanding of basic components, use and application of different IT systems and networks
• The skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems
• The skills to understand the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world
• The ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice
How you will be assessed
The course is assessed through three papers taken at the end of Year 11:
Paper 1 – Theory (40%) 1 hour 30 minutes
Paper 2 – Document Production, Data Manipulation and Presentations (30%) 2 hours 15 minutes
Paper 3 – Spreadsheets and Website Authoring (30%) 2 hours 15 minutes
Mathematics
Mathematics is taught with the aim to provide a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. We strive to encourage you to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards mathematics and to recognise the significance of mathematics in your own life and to society as a whole.
Mathematics is a core subject in many fields, including science, technology, engineering, and finance.
Studying IGCSE Maths provides you with a competitive edge when pursuing further education or entering the job market. It opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities that require strong analytical skills, such as engineering, computer programming, data analysis, financial services, and research. Employers value candidates who can demonstrate mathematical proficiency, as it reflects logical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
Examination Board – Edexcel
Core Subject
The IGCSE specification in Mathematics enables you to:
•Develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts
•Acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems
•Reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions
•Comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.
•Recall, select and apply mathematical formulas and provides a strong mathematical foundation for A Level and beyond.
How you will be assessed?
The course is assessed through two papers taken at the end of Year 11.
Both papers are of equal weighting (50% of the marks) and cover the whole content of the course. A calculator may be used for both papers.
GCSE Further Mathematics
Further Mathematics is a GCSE subject intended to cater for pupils who would like to study beyond the Higher Tier GCSE syllabus in Mathematics and who are capable of working above this level. The syllabus is designed to broaden the mathematical experience of high attaining pupils. It also allows a foundation to be laid for the further study of Mathematics, or any science in Sixth Form.
While it is a sensible option, and would be a beneficial experience for some pupils to study Further Mathematics, it must be realised that it would not be in the interest of all pupils to take the course. Any decision should be made in consultation with the subject teacher. Pupils choosing this option in the January of Year 10 will study both Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics and Further Mathematics leading to two GCSEs at the end of Year 11.
Modern Foreign Languages
The ability to understand and communicate in other languages is increasingly important in our society and in the global economy. Languages contribute to the cultural and linguistic richness of our society, to personal fulfillment, mutual understanding, commercial success and international trade as well as global citizenship. GCSE languages will teach you skills useful in communicating with others, in travelling and meeting new people, and will be beneficial if you would like to try living or working among cultures across the world or even just across the Channel in Europe.
Examination Board – AQA
Optional Subject Choice
French, German, Spanish and Mandarin are all offered at GCSE. At NHSG, lanuagues are not compulsory but highly recommended.
What you will study and how you will be assessed
The emphasis is on communication through the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The GCSE syllabus offers learning opportunities that are realistic and relevant to real life. All four skills are tested with equal emphasis placed on the productive skills of writing and speaking as well as reading and listening to the language studied. The syllabus is centred on three themes:
Theme 1: People and Lifestyle
Theme 2: Popular culture
Theme 3: Communication and the world around us
For Mandarin, the three themes are:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
There are examinations for each of the skills with a variety of question styles.
• Listening Examination 25%
• Reading Examination 25%
• Writing Examination 25%
• Speaking Examination 25%
The writing examination requires you to communicate effectively in a range of task types for a variety of purposes, culminating in extended pieces of work on some of the studied topics.
In Year 11, you benefit from the opportunity to take part in extra conversation classes which improves your confidence and ultimately your enjoyment and fluency. The speaking examination is conducted by your teacher. The conversation lasts for up to 12 minutes, with three component parts: a role play, a reading aloud task and a photo card discussion. For Mandarin, the three components of the speaking examination are: a role play, a response to a stimulus card and an extended conversation.
We organise a variety of events and opportunities for you to use your language skills beyond the classroom for all of the Modern Foreign Languages we offer at GCSE.
Music
In GCSE Music we study the EDUQAS specification, which gives you the chance to explore a wide variety of music in different genres whilst gaining understanding of how they are structured and composed. Throughout the four Areas of Study you will learn about Musical Forms including classical Music History, Music for Ensemble including all kinds of bands and groups, Popular Music and Film Music. You will learn in a hands on, supportive and caring environment, where listening to and creating Music is at the core of everything we do.
What you will study and how you will be assessed
Unit 1 – Performing Music (30%)
You will perform two pieces of music, at least one of which must be with an ensemble. You will record these in Year 11 which will give you plenty of time to prepare. You will need to aim for Grade 4 standard by the end of Year 11 –this does not mean you will need to take this grade, just be playing pieces at this level.
Unit 2 – Composing Music (30%)
You will compose two pieces of music, one of which will be to a brief, and the other will be free choice. We will work on these over your two years of studying and will be submitted at the end of Year 11.
Unit 3 – Listening and Appraising (40%)
You will study a range of forms and styles and two set works which are ‘Africa’ by Toto, and ‘Badinerie’ by Bach. You will be assessed in how well you can analyse pieces of music using vocabulary and listening skills derived from the music elements and contexts of the pieces we study in a final exam.
Examination Board – Edexcel Optional Subject Choice
Physical Education
The content of the course has been designed to allow you to study Physical Education in an academic setting. You will critically analyse and evaluate physical performance and apply your experience of practical activities in developing your knowledge and understanding the science behind sport. The course allows you to explore a range of activities in the role of performer, including both team and individual activities. You will be presented with opportunities to try new sports, such as climbing, which can be used as one of your assessed practical sports.
What you will study
The content of the course is divided into three components. Each component is further subdivided into topic areas which comprise of detailed content associated with those topics.
Component 1: Physical Factors
Affecting
Performance
1.1 Applied Anatomy and Physiology: Skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, movement analysis and the effects of exercise on body systems.
1.2 Physical Training: Components of fitness, methods of training, preventing injuries.
Component 2: Socio-Cultural Issues and Sports Psychology
2.1 Socio-Cultural Influences: Drugs in Sport, Ethics in Sport, Violence in Sport, Media and Sponsorship in Sport.
2.2 Sports Psychology: Classification of Skill, Goal Setting.
Mental Preparation, Types of Feedback.
2.3 Health, Fitness and Wellbeing: Diet and Nutrition, Physical, Emotional and Social Factors.
Component 3: Performance in Physical Education
3.1 Practical Performance of three activities taken from the two approved lists:
One from the ‘Individual’ List: (e.g. Badminton, Rowing, Climbing, Dance, Gymnastics, Athletics, Swimming).
One from the Team’ List: (e.g. Football, Netball, Hockey, Rugby, Basketball).
Lessons
You will have our theory lessons and one practical lesson per fortnight.
How you will be assessed
60% of the course is assessed through two written examination papers.
30% of the course is assessed practically via three different sports (team sport, individual sport, and either a team sport or individual sport). This is tailored to your interests and includes the vast range of sports on the GCSE PE approved list.
10% of the course is assessed through a piece of coursework.
You will analyse a sports performance of your choice, identifying strengths and weaknesses of the performance and recommendations on how to improve it.
Examination Board – AQA Optional Subject Choice
Religious Studies
Do you like analysing difficult concepts and taking the time to reflect upon deep issues? Do you find yourself thinking about big questions, such as: Does God exist? What happens after we die? Should euthanasia be legalised? Why aren’t murderers put to death for their crimes? Would you like to meet with people from a variety of cultures to discuss different beliefs in an open forum? If so, then Religious Studies is the course for you!
Examination Board – AQA
Optional Subject Choice
In Religious Studies, the subject matter is deep and the issues profound, dealing with deep questions about existence, morality and the meaning of life. It suits people interested in both Sciences and the Arts, and having a wide spectrum of background knowledge and opinions often leads to the most interesting discussions in class. You will enjoy this popular and exciting course if you have an open-minded approach to religious and philosophical questions and a willingness to consider different points of view.
What you will study and how you will be assessed
GCSE Religious Studies aims to give you the opportunity to:
• explore religions and beliefs, reflect on fundamental questions, engage with these questions intellectually and respond to them personally
• develop your interest in, and enthusiasm for, a rigorous study of religion and its relation to the wider world
• adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion and ethics
• reflect on and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of your learning
Girls who take Religious Studies GCSE will complete two 1 hour 45 minute examinations at the end of Year 11. The two papers are outlined below:
Paper 1: The Study of Religions; beliefs, teachings and practices
• You will study two world religions, Christianity and Islam. You will consider the key beliefs and practices of these two influential religions and their place in the modern world.
Paper 2: Thematic Studies
You will study four philosophical and ethical themes:
• Religion and Life – including issues surrounding the origins of life, such as evolution and the Big Bang theory, and the value of life, such as abortion and euthanasia.
• Religion, crime and punishment - including issues such as the causes of crime and types of punishment, including the death penalty.
• Religion, human rights and social justice – including issues such as discrimination, religious freedom, the status and role of women in society and the exploitation of the poor.
• The existence of God and Revelation – including the classic philosophical arguments for the existence of God and the Problem of Suffering.
Science
The word science comes from the Latin “scientia”, meaning knowledge. What does that really mean? Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge. This system uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena. What is the purpose of science? Perhaps the most general description is that the purpose of science is to produce useful models of reality.
Examination Board – AQA
Separate Science Pathway
Girls on the Seperate Science Pathway will study all three separate science subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each separate GCSE has been developed with the advice of learned societies, science advisers and teachers to stimulate interest in science and provide an excellent grounding in preparation for further study at A Level and beyond. At the end of the course, three separate GCSE qualifications are gained in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Biology
Biology is a fascinating and exciting subject. From the intricate design of individual cells to the vast and varying habitats on the planet, a study of Biology will help you to understand why DNA is so amazing and how we fit into the world around us. Without Biology, there would be fewer medicines to cure diseases, less food and many of the planet’s plants and animals would have become extinct. Pick up a newspaper and Biology will never be far from the headlines, from stem cell research and MRSA, to the clearing of rainforests. This course will help you understand the issues involved and allow you to be able to weigh up the scientific evidence presented in order to answer the questions which are being asked of Biologists every day.
What you will study
The topics covered will include: Cell Activity, Tissues, Organs and Organ Systems, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins and Enzymes, Human Biology, Homeostasis, Infectious Diseases, Plants as Organisms, Variation and Inheritance, Adaptation and Interdependence, Evolution, Energy and Biomass in Food Chains.
Chemistry
“For me, Chemistry represented an indefinite cloud of future potentialities which enveloped my life to come in black volutes torn by fiery flashes, like those which had hidden Mount Sinai. Like Moses, from that cloud I expected my law, the principle of order in me, around me, and in the world. I would watch the buds swell in spring, the mica glint in the granite, my own hands, and I would say to myself: I will understand this, too, I will understand everything.” (Primo Levi)
This quotation from Primo Levi sums up beautifully the idea that Chemistry is a continually evolving subject, which allows us to understand the world better and that there is always something new to be discovered. It involves investigating the world around us in order to predict what might happen when one chemical collides with another. The skills required to do this enhance progress in all walks of life such as the production of new medicines, the synthesis of molecules to conserve raw materials, the search for alternatives to fossil fuels and much more.
What you will study
The topics covered will include: Atomic Structure, The Periodic Table, Chemical Changes, Energy Changes, the Rate of Chemical Reactions, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry of the Atmosphere and, most importantly, how we can use Chemistry and our natural resources to create a better future for ourselves, our community and the environment.
Science continued
Physics
The word Physics is derived from the Greek translation of “ta physika”, natural things. It is the natural world that surrounds us in our daily lives that Physics tries to describe, often mathematically. Whether we are observing distant galaxies or subatomic particles, we try to understand how they work and make predictions about future outcomes. Physicists are curious people, excited by physical phenomena, not introverted and only interested in human experience. All the inventions and technology that make up our busy lives and have helped make our nation so innovative and productive come from Physics. Physics is not only in engineering and technology, Physics is everywhere: in music, media, art and literature. Look at the world around you in a new way; think Physics!
What you will study
The topics covered will include: Forces and their Effects, Turning Moments, Hydraulics, Wave Properties, The Electromagnetic Spectrum, Electricity, Optics, Red Shift, Ultrasound, Heat Processes and Star Life Cycle.
How you will be assessed in Seperate Sciences
You will take two, equally weighted, 1 hour 45 minutes examinations in each subject at the end of Year 11 (six papers in all). Examinations are the only means of assessment.
Trilogy Science Pathway
Girls on the Trilogy Science Pathway will study all three major branches of science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics and gain two GCSEs on completion. This award gives you an excellent foundation in overall Science so the option of taking A Level in a science subject is still available.
What you will study
Topics studied broadly cover those in Triple Science and include Plants as Organisms, Evolution, Rates of Reaction, Crude Oils and Fuel, and Nuclear Physics.
How you will be assessed in Trilogy Science
The course is assessed in a linear format by six 1 hour examinations, two papers of equal weighting in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics i.e. six papers each worth 16.67% of the total marks. There is no Controlled Assessment.
GCSE Requirement for Sixth Form
Girls are required to attain at least nine GCSEs, and at least six of these should be at Grade 6, 7, 8 or 9 (or B, A, A*). In addition, girls wishing to study certain subjects at A Level may be required to achieve a particular grade in a specified GCSE subject or subjects, as shown below.
A Level Subject
Art and Design – Fine Art
Art and Design – Graphic Communication
Art and Design – Textile Design
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Dance
Drama and Theatre
Economics
English Literature
Food and Nutrition
French
Further Mathematics
Geography
German
History
Latin
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Religious Studies
GCSE Requirement
Grade 6 or above in Art is preferred.
Grade 6 or above in Art is preferred.
Grade 6 or above in Art is preferred.
Grade 7 or above in Biology or Grade 77 or above in Trilogy Science is required.
Grade 7 or above in Mathematics is preferred.
Grade 6 or above in Mathematics and English is preferred.
Grade 7 or above in Chemistry or Grade 77 or above in Trilogy Science is required.
Grade 7 or above in Mathematics is preferred.
No specific GCSE requirements.
Grade 6 or above in Mathematics.
Grade 6 or above in Dance is preferred.
No specific GCSE requirements but should have acting or design experience.
Grade 6 or above in Mathematics is required. Grade 6 or above in English is preferred.
Grade 6 or above in English and English Literature is required.
Grade 6 or above in Food and Nutrition is required.
Grade 6 or above in the Sciences are preferred.
Grade 7 or above in French is preferred.
Grade 9 in Mathematics is preferred.
Grade 6 or above in Geography is preferred.
Grade 7 or above in German is preferred.
Grade 6 or above in History is preferred.
Grade 6 or above in Latin is required.
Grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required.
Grade 6 or above in Music is required and ABRSM Music Grade 5 or equivalent is preferred.
No specific GCSE requirements.
Grade 6 or above in Biology and Physics is preferred. Must be participating in Sport outside of school at a club or county level.
Grade 7 or above in Physics or Grade 77 or above in Trilogy Science is required.
Grade 7 or above in Mathematics is preferred.
No specific GCSE requirements but prior discussion with relevant member of staff is needed.
Grade 6 or above in Mathematics, Biology (or Grade 66 or above in Trilogy Science) and English is required.
Grade 6 or above in Religious Studies is preferred.
Enrichment in Years 10 and 11
Co-curricular
In Years 10 and 11, you continue to have the opportunity to expand your interests and skills through our extensive co-curricular programme where we encourage you get involved with at least two clubs or activities to ensure you maintain a broad balance during your GCSE years.
Proten workshops are part of our academic co-curricular offer and we strongly recommend that you attend. These first-class academically challenging workshops are designed to inspire and stretch you intellectually and culturally, and to give you the opportunity to discuss complex and thought-provoking topics. The workshops strengthen and deepen your knowledge on a topic beyond the curriculum as well as develop further your thinking and analytical skills.
Physical Education
PE remains an important part of the core curriculum throughout the GCSE years. During this time greater diversity and choice is incorporated into the programme with the aim of developing a lifelong participation in regular physical activity to support a healthy lifestyle into and beyond young adulthood.
During your PE lessons in Years 10 you can choose between a range of activities, including Trampolining, Football, Volleyball and Badminton alongside Netball and Hockey, Handball and Cricket to name a few. You will usually take part in two different activities each half term. There is also an emphasis on health-related fitness where we explore how to maintain and develop fitness, both from a sport specific and lifestyle point of view.
In Year 11 you join our Senior Games afternoon. Seniors have their school games afternoon on a Wednesday which allows those who choose, to play Hockey and Netball. This gives the opportunity to train as a team and to participate in a wide range of fixtures. Those that are not playing in the core sports get to opt for their chosen activity. They choose from Dance Fit, Pilates, Badminton, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Golf, Trampoline and Self Defence. Rotation of activities will happen each half term to allow you the opportunity to try different activities.
Careers and A Level Choices
The Year 9 Careers Education Programme is designed to equip you with the necessary information needed to make considered decisions and provides an opportunity for you to begin thinking about the wide range of factors that influence decisions about GCSE subjects.
In Year 11, you will start to consider the benefits of gaining work experience either after GCSEs or in 6th Form to help you to appreciate more fully what is involved in the careers that you may wish to explore in further detail. You will have the tools needed to start the process of getting a placement and using UNIFROG to create a basic CV. In addition, you will attend the Sixth Form Choices Evening where you will learn more about what the A Level courses cover, and hear advice from Year 13 girls about how they made their A Level choices. There will also be a series of A Level subject talks and you will attend sessions on Making Your A Level Choices, and be provided with information about how to use various online resources to inform your final choice of A Levels.
Making your choices: Advice from recent GCSE pupils
Jasmine
How I chose my subjects
For my GCSE options, I chose the subjects that I found the most interesting and also the most fun. I found that the subjects I enjoyed doing, where uncoincidentally those that I achieved better in. For anyone picking their options this year, my best advice would be to do what interests you, as with the amount of independent study required for GCSEs, having an interest in what you’re learning really helps to motivate you to study. If you are unsure about whether a subject is right for you, I would highly recommend going to see that individual subject teacher and see what’s involved in the course and from there decide whether that’s something you think you would enjoy learning about.
How I studied
For me the key to achieving in GCSEs, was to start preparation early. I wrote flashcards and notes after covering each topic in lessons, which saved me countless hours of notetaking once the exams came around –allowing me to focus on past papers. I believe you should balance your studying with other interests and hobbies, so you don’t become overwhelmed during the exam periods. Also, treat mocks as though they are the real thing, as I found this made the actual GCSE exams a lot less stressful and scary, as I felt as though I had already been through the experience.
What I appreciated about the the teaching at NHSG I found that Geography was taught in such a way that I always felt confident that I knew how to answer each exam question. From the start of Year 10, we were given past exam questions as homework, each week, which I couldn’t have been more grateful for going into the exam – with the knowledge that I had almost answered every past paper question available over the previous two years. I also appreciated when teachers supported us through writing cohesive and detailed notes in class, as this made it easy to recap the topics before exams.
Rokaya
How I chose my subjects
I based my choices on the subjects I enjoyed the most in Year 9, and my biggest advice would be to base your subject choices on your own enjoyment and interest of the subject content by looking at the specifications in this brochure, and taking into account which subjects you will be able to attain top grades, rather than what your friend is doing. After all, it will be you taking the exam so make sure you’re fully confident in your own choices. It’s also important to choose your GCSEs based on the way you work best. Personally, I enjoyed and thrived in languages and STEM subjects rather than essay questions. Therefore I chose to study two languages as they were my strong points, and my lack of confidence in essay-based subjects made it easy for me to eliminate subjects such as History or Religious Studies.
How I studied
I learned the content better when handwriting my own personal notes outside of lessons by using my textbook, lesson notes and other external resources like Cognito and BBC Bitesize. I’d then use revision cards or revision sites like Quizlet and the Physics & Maths Tutor website to create, write and revisit content in flashcard form. This was a very effective method for me as it highlighted my weak points meaning that I’d return to my personal notes to consolidate or ask my teacher for help to ensure that I understood it all. The kept all my flashcards, safe and neat, from the end of Year 9 until the Easter of Year 11, and used these for active recall initially on weekly basis and then on a daily basis from the middle of Year 11. I would also really recommend making visual aids for your revision that summarise the topics in mind-maps or knowledge organisers. These are great for those who learn better with visual aids whilst also putting all the content you need on one single page.
What
I appreciated
about the teaching at NHSG
No matter how small, big or silly my questions were, I knew I had a great teacher to go to for help. All the Science teachers gave us lots of additional resources not only in the run-up to the exams but also whenever we asked for them. The Languages department also took their time to help and develop our speaking skills in preparation for the exams. They all gave us recall effective tasks like gap-fills and exam questions. We also had drop-in sessions throughout Year 11 that helped us consolidate our learning and practise extra questions.
Daisy
How I choose my subjects
My choices were based on what subjects I enjoyed the most and the subjects I felt I could achieve most highly. Initially, I had made a choice more based on the future career aspirations I had at the time. I later changed to a subject I was more likely to enjoy, and I am thankful I was able to do this. Whilst it is important that you pick your GCSEs with your future goals in mind, I believed I would be more likely to perform well if I felt happy with my choices.
How I studied
I used many different online resources, in particular Cognito, Seneca and Save My Exams. These were helpful for providing both notes on different topics and exam questions to put the knowledge into practice. I also found it very useful to watch ‘whole paper summary’ videos, especially for Science. For English Literature and History, making summary notes and timelines was effective. For example, closer to the exam, I did rapid-fire annotations of the poems.
What I appreciated about the the teaching at NHSG
We did many practice papers and exam-style questions throughout our GCSE studies, and this was very effective and important in preparing us for the exams. In Drama, there was a very hands-on approach to the subject, where we would be able to practise and perform the set piece in order to gain a better understanding of the text and how we would interpret it for the written exam. I was very grateful that teachers were always willing to go over specific concerns if asked, helping with both content and exam technique.
