This is your future. Where do you want to go?
Options You will study nine GCSEs. The aim is to achieve a broad and interesting combination of subjects that will enable you to fulfil your potential whilst providing a solid foundation for further study at A Level and beyond. Students can request to be considered for a tenth GCSE. It will be offered to those who have demonstrated their strength academically and have the capacity to be able to cope with the additional workload. However, they are a ‘nice to have’ and not a necessity.
To this end, you will take the three core subjects: English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. You will then choose an additional six, comprising at least two sciences, at least one Modern Foreign Language (MFL) and another three from any of the subjects listed opposite that have not already been selected. The breadth that this combination of options will give you will stand you in good stead for the next step in your education journey and will keep your options open.
Classical Greek is studied outside of the formal timetable: in Year 10, in curriculum time instead of the PPE course we offer, and also at lunchtime; and in Year 11 both during lunchtime and after school.
As you know at WHS, we value STEAM, with the Arts playing a crucial role alongside STEM subjects. The skills that the creative subjects bring can prove invaluable to many aspects of future choices.
In Year 11 students who are able mathematically are invited to take Additional Maths. The additional content to the GCSE can be delivered outside the timetable in Year 11 only. The decision will be made towards the end of Year 10, taking into consideration the ability of the student alongside the professional judgment of their teacher, as well as their performance and time commitments more widely. This approach allows us to stretch those who are committed and able to access a high level of Maths.
Please note the particular aptitudes needed for Drama, Music and PE, as stated on the relevant pages. The Humanities teach many fundamental skills, such as critical thinking and analysis. We do advise you to have a mixture across the range of subjects. Most students will study our bespoke Philosophy, Politics and Economics course in Year 10.
Examples – for illustration only Example 1
Core: English x2 and Maths + PPE + Biology, Chemistry, French, Spanish, Geography, Art
Example 2
Core: English x2 and Maths + Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mandarin, History, Design and Technology, Classical Greek
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