If I were to choose a course that does not run due to lack of takers, will my alternative choice be considered equally?
Yes, we will ensure that if the alternative option is running, you will get a place in that class.
If I want to do a subject that I didn't choose to do in Year 9 would I be able to choose it? If I'm able to choose it would it be harder since I missed the topics learnt in Year 9?
Yes, you can take a subject you did not study in Year 9. All of the GCSE options courses start in Year 10 so you will not have missed anything.
I understand you can switch options from/to Triple Science and Double Science before Year 11. So does it matter which course you sign up for in Year 10?
During Year 10 all students Double Science and Triple Science students study the same content in the same classes. Therefore you are allowed to change your chosen science option any time before you start Year 11. However, it would be useful to know which option you plan to study in Year 11 so that the teachers can offer relevant advice.
Would EAP of Group C lead to a GCSE qualification?
No, English For Academic Purposes is a subject that will develop your written English skills to help you in other subjects. It does not lead to a qualification.
BTEC courses (Creative Media and Engineering) are equivalentto 2 GCSEs. Does this mean twice the amount of work?
No, there is not twice the amount of work in BTEC subjects. The reason why BTEC can be equivalent to two GCSEs is that our students usually complete their tasks very quickly, enabling them to do the extended BTEC, four modules, rather than the required two modules for the regular BTEC award. The fact that there is no exam element means plenty of time can be allocated to coursework during lesson time without the need to do any work at home.
Where can I find more information about Future Proofing courses?
If you opt to switch from double to triple science at the end of Year 10 and you feel the workload with so many GSCEs / BTECs is too much, is it possible to drop one of the other courses?
It is not possible to drop out of options courses at the end of Year 10, unless it was an extraordinary circumstance.
Are Future Proofing courses really ‘first-come, first-served’. Students seem to think it’s important to register on courses well before the deadline or they will miss out.
There is no difference in signing up before or on the deadline. Choices will only be inputted into our systems after the deadline, we will then make a decision on the courses that will run.
Are all three Science options (Combined, Double and Triple) given the same time allocation?
Yes, all three Science options have the same time allocation, 6 periods in a 7 day cycle.
Could you explain what the difference between Design and Technology vs BTEC Engineering. Both descriptions seem very similar and contain the CAD/design aspect.
The BTEC Engineering course is assessed through continuous assessment. The Design and Technology course is assessed through an exam that counts for 50% and coursework that counts for 50%. In broad terms an engineer is concerned with the internal workings of a product and a designer is concerned with the appearance and usability.
Can I choose Digital art for future proofing along with fine art(in group B)?
Yes.
If the student chooses to study GCSE double science, will the student be able to choose Biology, Chemistry or Physics at Higher Level in IBDP?
Two GCSE grades 99, 98, 88, 87, 77, 76, etc to 11.
What is the impact of the GCSE grades on the application of Universities in the UK? Will they take into account the GCSE grades? Or will they just look at the IBDP results only?
They will look mainly at IBDP or BTEC grades, but most will also look for GCSE C or above 4 in English, Maths and Science