THE UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The Portsmouth Grammar School, in line with other strong academic schools, provides a broad base of compulsory (core) subjects supplemented by a range of optional subjects within the curriculum. This approach is welcomed by universities and employers which expect traditional core subjects combined with evidence of other subject interest. The Upper School curriculum provides an excellent grounding for continued breadth of study in the Sixth Form. Pupils normally take 9 or 10 GCSEs or IGCSEs before moving on to their A Level courses.

In September 2020, we introduced an enhanced A Level Curriculum, which places the emphasis on academic enrichment and personal development alongside pupils’ core A Level subjects. Pupils are now able to study either three or four A Level subjects. These subjects are supplemented by the Academic Enrichment Curriculum, which includes lessons in Critical Thinking and Study Skills, and an independent extended project (PGS Extend), which can be certificated as an EPQ,combined with our Ignite! Programme of short enrichment courses. Within the Personal Enrichment Curriculum, all pupils participate in our leadership development programme and in the Pastoral Curriculum, as well as engaging in partnership activities in local organisations and workplaces.

Whether your son or daughter is selecting Year 9 or 10 options, their choices should be governed by what they enjoy, as pupils are more likely to thrive if they enjoy what they study. As well as strong grades, universities, value candidates who have studied a breadth of subjects and have a true passion for them. If you would like advice on subject suitability for a particular degree or career, please contact your child’s tutor in the first instance, who can consult with our Careers and UCAS staff. Top universities and medical facilities normally require at least six grades at grade 8 or above at GCSE.

The Curriculum in the Upper School

GCSE option subjects marked * normally require pupils to study the subject in Year 9.

Year 9

Core - compulsory for all pupils

English Language and Literature

Maths

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Geography

History

Philosophy and Religious Studies

One Modern Language (French, German or Spanish)

Pastoral Curriculum

PE

Games

Options - pupils pick three

Art and Design

Computer Science

Design and Technology

Drama

Food and Nutrition

Latin (or Latin/Greek)*

A second Modern Language* (French, German or Spanish)

Money Management

Music*

Years 10 and 11

Core - compulsory for all pupils

English Language and Literature

Maths

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

One Modern Language (French, German or Spanish)

Pastoral Curriculum

PE

Games

Setting

Options - pupils pick three

Art and Design

Business

Classical Civilisation (cannot be combined with Greek)

Computer Science

Design and Technology

Drama

Food and Nutrition

Geography

History

A second Modern Language* (French, German or Spanish)

Latin (or Latin/Greek)*

Music*

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Setting of pupils takes place only in a small number of subjects. In Mathematics, pupils are set in Years 7-11. In their core Modern Language, pupils may be set in Year 9-11 if timetabling allows. In Science subjects, pupils are set from Year 10. In some circumstances, setting sometimes has an impact on which exam a pupil takes. Further details can be found under each subject entry in this booklet.

GCSE / IGCSE

IGCSE is an alternative but equivalent to GCSE. IGCSEs were originally designed to cater for candidates sitting exams abroad but they have long been offered in strongly academic independent schools such as PGS because the mode of assessment is normally via terminal examinations. GCSEs have now been reformed to become more similar to the IGCSE, including a reduction in the number of subjects assessed in part through coursework. All reformed GCSEs are graded 9-1 with a 9 being equivalent to a top A* and this change has been echoed by the exam boards offering IGCSEs. This means that all pupils will receive 9-1 grades in all qualifications. IGCSEs offered by PGS are recognised by universities as being equivalent to a GCSE. Details of the subjects for which PGS enters pupils for IGCSE are also given under each subject entry in this booklet.

Non-examination Assessments

Non-examination assessments (NEA) measure subject-specific knowledge and skills that cannot be tested by timed written papers that are externally set and taken by candidates at the same time under controlled conditions. They are essentially a form of internal assessment, similar to coursework, that appear in some of the reformed GCSEs. NEA normally entails an extended period of preparation time which may or may not take place outside lessons depending on the exam board requirements for the subject. Further details of the NEA elements in subjects are given under individual subject entries in this booklet. In addition, any IGCSE that still includes an element of coursework is flagged in the individual subject entry. A NEA timetable is available on PGS Online, accessible by pupils using their computer log-on. NEA may account for 0%, 30%, 40% or 60% of the final mark, depending on the subject.

Timing of internal school examinations in Upper School

In Year 9 the end of year exams are planned to take place just after the half term break in May, around the same time as exams for Years 7 and 8, though there will be interim tests and assessments at various points in the year. In Year 10 the exam period is planned to happen shortly after the Easter holidays. GCSE-style examination questions are used and the results of the exams are helpful in guiding decisions for progress into Year 11, including advising the most suitable sets for pupils in Mathematics and the Sciences. In Year 11 there is a full set of mock examinations in January and the main GCSE period normally begins in early May, from which point study leave would be granted.

How and when to make choices

Options are chosen in the spring term preceding Years 9 and 10. Pupils and parents should consider various issues before finalising options.

• Year 9 is a good time to try something new and to study subjects which you may or may not take to GCSE

• Some GCSE options require pupils to have studied the subject in Year 9

• Pupils perform best in subjects they enjoy and which challenge and interest them

• High GCSE grades are important for the most competitive courses at UK universities

• Universities outside the UK may have specific requirements that should be considered

• The PGS core ensures a broad base but it is important to consider any career requirements

• Further guidance is available from Tutors, Heads of Year, Heads of Department and the Careers Department (based in the Sixth Form Centre)