Sir John Talbot's School Options Booklet 2026 A5 FINAL
Published January 2025 sirjohntalbots.co.uk
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Choosing subject options for Year 10 can be challenging. This is an important decision for students and is easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice. That's why it is important that students think carefully about what they enjoy, what they are good at and what they might like to study after GCSEs.
Along with the compulsory core subjects, we encourage students to choose a broad, balanced mixture so that their future choices are as wide as possible.
The aim of this booklet is to provide an overview of what’s on offer in Year 10 and Year 11. Please take time to read all the information carefully and contact teaching staff if you have any questions.
Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Crew Leader or Crew Director (Head of Year) if you have any questions during this process.
Mr Tim Stonall Headteacher
FEBRUARY
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Week Beginning 5th January 2026
• Options assembly delivered by our Careers advisor Mr. Pete Small.
Weeks Beginning 12th January and 19th January 2026
• Exams in a range of Options subjects to help students make informed choices based on their progress ad performance.
• Careers Drop-in sessions with Mr. Small on Wednesday lunch times. An opportunity for students to speak to an experienced Careers advisor regarding their Options choices and how these might link to their future aspirations.
Thursday 5th February 2026
• Year 9 Keeping in Touch (KiT) and Options’ Evening.
• First Options Preferences Form shared with students / parents / carers.
Wednesday 11th February 2026
• SJT Careers Fair.
Wednesday 4th March 2026
• First Options Preferences Form submission deadline.
From the end of March 2026
• Communication of initial Options offers to parents and carers.
• Families will have the opportunity to feedback any issues or request amendments if capacity allows.
From the end of May 2026
• Communication of final Options offers to parents and carers.
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The following staff are available to speak to both students and parents/ carers throughout the options process.
Andy Hawke
Assistant Headteacher
Andrew.Hawke@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Lucy Southern Crew Director: Year 9
Lucy.Southern@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Sara Chudley
Associate Assistant Headteacher/ Director of Maths
Sara.Chudley@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Adam Richards
Director of Humanities
Adam.Richards1@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Gregory Corden
Head of Business Studies and Computing
Gregory.Corden@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Muriel Couturier
Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Muriel.Couturier@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Katherine Edmonds
Assistant Headteacher - SENDCO
Katherine.Edmonds@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Stephanie Harper Director of English
Steph.Harper@sjt.mmat.co.uk
George Stanyard Director of Science
George.Stanyard@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Joshua Allen Director of Creativity
Joshua.Allen@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Andy Calderbank Head of Performing Arts
Andrew.Calderbank@sjt.mmat.co.uk
Jonny Clark Head of PE
Jonny.Clark@sjt.mmat.co.uk
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Key Stage 4 Courses
When students enter Year 10 in September, they move into Key Stage 4, the final part of their compulsory school education. At the end of this two-year period, public examinations are taken. By the end of Year 11, all public exams will have been completed.
In some cases, public examinations will be completed in Year 10.
The National Curriculum requires all students to study the following subjects throughout Key Stage 4 (although not necessarily to GCSE level):
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Core PE
• Religious Studies
• PSHE
Our school curriculum for Key Stage 4 is intended to combine this important principle of balance together with a degree of flexibility and choice. This booklet aims to explain how this applies to each student in Year 10. It is also intended to act as a handbook for future reference.
Art I Business Studies I Computer Science I
Design: Design & Technology I Drama I
Food Preparation & Nutrition I French I
Geography I History I Music I Latin I
Photography IPhysical Education I
Separate Science I Sports Studies New for 2026
Design: Engineering I
Travel & Tourism
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General information
All students study the five core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Core PE and RE.
All students will study a Humanities subject, either History or Geography.
They will then choose to study two additional option subjects. We encourage many of our students to select a language as one of their options as this can lead to the English Baccalaureate, a measure of student achievement where students must achieve a good pass in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, a Modern Foreign Language and a Humanities subject.
All examination subjects studied can lead to a recognised qualification at Level One or Level Two of the National Qualification Framework meaning that students will follow eight academic courses with the possibility of up to ten or more GCSE passes or equivalent.
Methods of assessment vary considerably between courses. You can find specific details on each of the subject pages in this booklet. For further information, please visit The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Authority’s website www.qca.org.uk
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Key Stage 4 Curriculum
The curriculum is divided into 25 lessons per week:
Qualifications
GCSE qualifications
• Graded 9–1.
• Accepted by all post-16 providers depending on the grade achieved and the suitability of the course content for future study.
• An academic focus with one exam at the end.
• Some subjects have coursework.
Technical qualifications
• Graded Distinction D* to U.
• Accepted by all post-16 providers depending on the grade achieved and the suitability of the course content for future study.
• A vocational focus: all courses are assessed through a series of internally assessed tasks and one external exam.
• All subjects have exam assessment tasks to complete in school time which make up part of the final grade.
Grading structure explained:
Course Descriptions
Compulsory core subjects:
English
Mathematics
Science
Core PE
Religious Studies
History
OR
Geography
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Optional subjects:
Art
Business Studies
Computer Science
Drama
Design & Technology
Food Preparation & Nutrition
French
Geography
History
Music
Photography
Physical Education
Separate Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Sports Studies
Engineering*
Travel and Tourism*
* Denotes subjects which may run in 2026 if there is sufficient interest and capacity.
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What is involved?
You will learn to further develop your skills in the following areas:
• Reading a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding, from 1789 to the present day
• Reading critically, and using knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve your own writing
• Expressing your views, presenting arguments and writing creatively
• Using grammar correctly, punctuating and spelling accurately
• Listening to and understanding spoken language, and using spoken Standard English effectively
Qualifications available
Every student will sit both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature, both of which are graded 9–1.
Assessment
GCSE English Language will feature two written examination papers worth 100% of the qualification. 50% of the qualification assesses reading skills and 50% of the qualification assesses writing skills. Students will also have to complete a speaking and listening task throughout the course.
GCSE English Literature will also feature two written examination papers worth 100% of the qualification. These will cover pre-19th century texts, post-19th century texts, Poems that will be studied from the Poetry Anthology, Unseen Poetry, and a Shakespearean play. This paper is sat in Year 10.
Mathematics
What is involved?
GCSE Mathematics aims to enable you to enjoy and become confident in using and applying mathematical techniques. You will learn to develop your skills in the following areas:
• Number
• Algebra
• Ratio and Proportion
• Geometry and Measures
• Statistics and Probability
Qualifications available
There are two tiers of GCSE examination – Foundation and Higher.
The Foundation exam allows a student to gain the new GCSE grade of 5–1.
The Higher exam allows a student to gain the new GCSE grade of 9–4.
Assessment
GCSE Maths is examined by written papers at the end of the two-year course.
There are three papers: one non-calculator and two calculator.
Science
What is involved?
Scientific study gives us an understanding of the world and helps us explore how science affects our everyday lives. You will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All students will follow this course unless they opt for the Separate Science course The course:
• leads to two 2 GCSE qualifications, awarded at the end of Year 11
• highlights the scientific process and the implications of Science for Society
• provides a balanced Science curriculum ensuring appropriate knowledge and skills for progression to A Level subjects in the Sixth Form
Biology topics: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, Variation and Ecology.
Chemistry topics: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding and the structure of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes, The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic analysis, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and Using resources.
Physics topics: Forces, Energy, Waves,Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter and Atomic structure and radioactivity.
Qualifications available
Combined Science: 2 GCSE grades in Science (9–1) following the AQA Combined Science Trilogy course.
Assessment
This course has separate examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics in May/June of Year 11. There are two examinations in each subject area, each comprising a specific set of topics. Each examination is 1 hour 15 minutes long and is worth 70 marks.
Students will complete compulsory practical experiments during the course and each examination may feature some questions relating to them.
There is no controlled assessment: 100% of the qualification is based on these exams.
Core Physical Education (PE)
What is involved?
Physical Education (PE) is a core subject, and all students undertake 1 hour per week in both Years 10 and Year 11.
The aim of the course is to encourage students to improve their tactical knowledge, consolidate their skill base, take part in further physical activity outside school and to follow a healthy lifestyle.
In Year 11, students can focus on their individual fitness and play in team and individual games. Our emphasis on participation and enjoyment means that PEis an inclusive subject; some students may use Core PEto enhance their GCSE practical grades.
Qualifications available
Statutory Core PEhas no qualification. Students can select PEas an additional qualification course as one of their option choices.
Assessment
Students individual progress in Core PEwill be monitored by teaching staff during lessons and all students are expected to participate fully.
Religious Studies
Under the terms of their funding agreement with, the Secretary of State for Education, all academies must provide RE/RS for all their pupils. We follow the Shropshire Locally Agreed Syllabus which outlines that, to deliver the aims and expected standards of the syllabus effectively, the expectation is that there is a minimum allocation of five per cent of curriculum time for RE/RS. At Sir John Talbot’s School, we have made the decision to increase our provision to two timetabled lessons per week and work towards every student achieving a GCSE in Religious Studies to successfully prepare them for life in a multi-cultural society
What is involved?
Students will learn about moral and life issues and human relationships from a variety of different perspectives, both religious and non-religious. The topics covered are:
Component 1: Study of Religions
• Christianity and Islam – beliefs and teachings
• Christianity and Islam – practices
Component 2: Thematic Studies
• Religion and life
• Religion, crime and punishment
• Religion, peace and conflict
• Religion, human rights and social justice
Qualifications available
GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
Two exams, both at the end of Year 11.
Geography
What is involved?
Geography makes up part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate. This GCSE course follows the AQA specification. It provides the opportunity to consider geography-related issues on regional, national and global scales. The students will also participate in two fieldwork enquiry days.
The areas studied are:
• Physical Geography – Tectonic hazards, weather hazards, climate change, tropical rainforests, hot deserts, coasts and rivers
• Human Geography – Urbanisation, sustainable cities, economic development, changing UK economy, resource and food management
• Geographical applications
• Geographical skills
Qualifications
available: GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment
• Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (35% of GCSE)
• This paper will cover: the challenge of natural hazards; Physical landscapes in the UK; The living world; Geographical skills
Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment
• Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (35% of GCSE)
• This paper will cover: Urban issues and challenges; The changing economic world; The challenge of resource management; Geographical skills
Unit 3: Geographical applications
• Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (30% of GCSE)
• This paper will cover: Issue evaluation, Fieldwork, Geographical skills
History
What is involved?
History makes up part of the offer for the English Baccalaureate. This GCSE course follows the Edexcel specification. It offers a broad and diverse study of the history of Britain and the wider world and gives students skills that will support progression to further study of the subject.
Topics studied:
• Medicine in Britain, c.1250-present with depth topic – The British sector of the Western Front, 1914-1918 (Paper 1)
• Henry VIIIand his ministers, 1509-1540 (Paper 2)
• Superpower relations and the Cold War,1941-1991 (Paper 2)
• Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-39 (Paper 3)
Qualifications available GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment
• The examination is 1 hour and 15 minutes. The question paper is out of 52 marks and is worth 30% of the overall qualification.
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
• The examination is 1 hour and 45 minutes. The question paper is out of 64 marks and is worth 40% of the overall qualification.
Paper 3: Modern depth study
• The examination is 1 hour and 20 minutes. The question paper is out of 52 marks and is worth 30% of the overall qualification.
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What is involved?
It is hoped that students opting to follow the GCSE Art course will enjoy the opportunity to develop their creative, observation, organisational, critical and communication skills through the practical study of one or more art and craft techniques. A widening understanding of cultural, historical art and material properties should develop as the course progresses to both enrich and stimulate personal ideas and outcomes.
During the course students need to develop and demonstrate an ability to:
• observe and record information from natural or man-made forms
• work independently
• use materials and processes in a systematic and disciplined manner
• compose the visual elements of tone, colour texture, line form and space in a creative and imaginative manner
• sustain a chosen study from conception to realisation
• identify characteristics of Art and relate these to their own work or social context and make critical judgements where necessary
Qualifications
available: GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
Students are required to produce a portfolio (60% of marks available) and complete a final set task (40%).
The portfolio of work will be developed from personal or centre-devised starting points. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of techniques and skills. Students will have 45 hours to complete their portfolio.
For the final set task students select one question from an early release question paper to which they produce a personal response. Students will be given ten hours of controlled time in which to work on developing their ideas to outcome.
Business Studies
What is involved?
You will be introduced to the world of small businesses and will look at what makes someone a successful business person and the qualities and skills they use. You will find out how to develop an idea and spot an opportunity as well as the processes to turn that into a successful business. You will understand how to make a business effective, and how a business needs and uses money. You will also see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved.
You will learn more about how small businesses are developed and discover how businesses promote themselves and keep their customers happy. You will explore how businesses manage both their finances and the people who work for them. Where possible we try and deliver the course in a practical way.
• Theme 1: Business activity, marketing and people
• Theme 2: Operations, finance and influences on business
Qualifications
available: GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
• Theme 1 – Business activity, marketing and people: 1 hour 45- minutes examination, 80 marks, 50% of qualification
• Theme 2 – Operations, finance and influences on business: 1 hour 45-minutes examination, 80 marks, 50% of qualification
Computer Science
What is involved?
Computer Science GCSE fosters young people’s creativity and inventiveness. Students will learn valuable thinking and programming skills that are extremely attractive in the modern workplace. They will solve problems by using a deep understanding of computational thinking and how to apply it.
By the end of the course students will:
• Have developed an understanding and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
• Be able to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
• Be able to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
• Have gained an understanding of the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
• Have developed an understanding of the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.
• Be able apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.
Qualifications
available: GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
There are two components to the final qualification each worth 50%; Computer systems and Computational thinking and algorithms which are assessed via written paper.
Design: Design & Technology
What is involved?
The Design & Technology course at GCSE provides students with an opportunity to be creative when designing and making products, problem solving, learning practical skillsand using a large range of tools, machines and materials. Taking this option will allow students the opportunity to practically explore many areas of design technology as well as producing a fully functioning major project. Materials can include wood, metal, plastics, fabric and many modern materials. On successful completion of the course students will obtain a GCSE qualification grade 9–1.
Examination topics are broad and require a lot of recall of relevant information. This will be assessed through a 2-hour exam. Topics are covered in theory lessons, making up around half of your year 10 lessons. Topics of study include:
• New and emerging technologies – like smart and modern materials.
• Energy, materials, systems and devices –mechanical and electronic systems.
• Materials and their working properties- covering every major group of materials.
• Specialist technical principles –An in depth focus on timbers.
• Designing and making principles – topics such as iconic designers and how industry produce products.
Qualifications
available: GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
Design and Technology is split 50% / 50% between a coursework portfolio with major project and the external examination. Both are marked out of 100.
Students will be required to complete a coursework design portfolio in year 11 and manufacture their product before sitting their final examination. The portfolio is around 25 A3 pages. Think of it as a 2000 word essay with lots of supporting sketches and photos of models and testing. It willinclude a large amount of primary research investigating a chosen context leading to a product to solve the identified issue.
The final examination is a 2-hour exam where students answer extended written questions about the made world. Its marked out of 100. There are extended questions on the topic listed above. 15% of the paper ismaths application,
Drama
What is involved?
The EDUQASGCSE in Drama is an exciting, inspiring and practical course. The specification promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama, as performers and/or designers. Additionally, it provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members.
You have the option to work practically as performers and/or designers in Components 1 and 2. You will investigate a practitioner or genre of drama, work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions and techniques to create a piece of original theatre. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the performance of an extract from a play text.
You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of drama, including your interpretation of texts for performance, in a written examination. However, in preparation for this assessment, learners are encouraged to study their chosen text practically as a performer, designer and director.
If you love expressing yourself in a fun and creative way, enjoy working with others, have a passion for stage productions, want to develop your confidence and are enthusiastic about writing and producing plays then GCSE Drama is definitely for you!
Qualifications available: GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
There are three core elements:
• Component 1: Devising Theatre (Coursework, performance and evaluation, using drama to explore a theme, 40%)
• Component 2: Performing from a Text (Performance examination, using sections of text, 20%)
• Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (Written examination, set text and live theatre review, 40%)
Design: Engineering*
*In September 2026, we are looking to extend our curriculum offer. This is one course that may run if there is sufficient interest.
What isinvolved?
The Engineering course at Level 1/2 gives students the opportunity to be practical, hands-on and inventive while learning how real engineered products are made. You will develop problem-solving skills, learn to work safely with tools and machinery, and understand the processes that turn raw materials into functioning components. Taking this option allows you to explore a broad range of engineering materials, systems and processes while producing fully-made engineered outcomes of your own following the guidance set for that year by the exam board.
Engineering is rooted in understanding how things work from interpreting drawings and technical information to planning manufacturing steps and evaluating final products. You’ll explore how engineering impacts everyday life, how modern and smart materials are used, and how the industry adapts and improves products over time.
What will we study?
Lessons are a mix of theory and practical work, covering topics such as:
Manufacturing engineered products – interpreting drawings, planning operations, using tools and machinery, and producing accurate components.
Adapting and improving designs – modifying a product you previously made to meet a new brief or solve a new problem.
Engineering materials and processes – exploring traditional, modern and smart materials, and understanding forming, joining and finishing techniques.
Engineering achievements and impacts – learning how engineering developments have shaped the world at home, work and society.
Qualifications available:
Level 1/2 Award (Pass–Distinction*) Assessment
Engineering is assessed through a combination of controlled assessments and an external exam.
Unit 1 – Controlled Assessment (40%)
You will plan and manufacture an engineered product using tools, processes and technical information. This is your major practical project.
Unit 2 – Controlled Assessment (20%)
You will adapt or improve the product made in Unit 1, showing how engineered outcomes evolve over time.
Unit 3 – Written Examination (40%)
A 1 hour 30 minute exam with short and extended written questions based on applied engineering scenarios, covering materials, processes, drawings and problem-solving.
Food Preparation & Nutrition
What is involved?
Food Preparation & Nutrition GCSE is an exciting and creative course which focuses on understanding of nutrition foremost, with an element of practical cooking skills and developing a greater understanding of food provenance, food science and the working characteristics of food materials. You will learn about British and international culinary traditions, food security and safety
Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:
• Food, nutrition and health
• Food science
• Food safety
• Food choice
• Food provenance
Qualifications
available: GCSE grades 9–1.
Assessment
Written exam: Food preparation and nutrition (50%) Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from the 5 core topics.
Non-exam assessment (NEA): (50%) Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task.
• Task 1: Food investigation You will understand the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients and present this investigation in a 2000 word document.
• Task 2: Food preparation assessment You will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, after indepth written preparation and planning. These dishes will be presented alongside an investigative document of 2500 words.
French
What is involved?
The aim of studying French at GCSE is to enable students to develop their ability to communicate in French and to understand a variety of authentic materials including excerpts from literature in the target language. For those wishing to study a language at A Level, this course leads smoothly into Advanced Level study.
Qualifications
available
GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
The course is linear, meaning that all four skills are assessed in final exams at the end of Year 11. Students will be entered at either foundation tier (grades 1–5) or higher tier (grades 4–9). All four components must be taken at the same tier of entry.
Listening: 25% of total GCSE marks (35 minutes at foundation tier or 45 minutes at higher tier). There will be a range of question types in English with dictation.
Speaking: 25% of total GCSEmarks (15 minutes of preparation time, then 7 to 9minute exam at foundation tier or 10–12 minutes at higher tier). This will include reading aloud a short text followed by a short conversation relating to the text, a role play and a photo card with unprepared discussion.
Reading: 25% of total GCSE marks (40 minutes at foundation tier or 50 minutes at higher tier). This will include reading comprehension tasks including inference from a range of materials from across the subject content, and a short translation from French to English.
Writing: 25% of total GCSE marks (1 hour 10 minutes at foundation tier or 1 hour 15 minutes at higher tier). This will include several tasks ranging in difficulty and a translation from English into the target language.
Music
What is involved?
For GCSEMusic, you will study three components - Performing, Composing and Listening, to:
• Develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control
• Develop composing skills to organise musical ideas and make use of appropriate resources
• Develop awareness of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing
• Develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music
• Recognise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop some awareness of musical chronology
• Reflect upon and evaluate your own and others’ music
• Engage with and appreciate the diverse heritage of music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development.
You will explore the above through four areas of study:
• Musical Forms and Devices (Western Classical Tradition)
• Music for Ensemble
• Film Music
• Popular Music
GCSE Music is best suited to students who already play an instrument or sing to a reasonable standard. Students do not need to have experienced private lessons, but a willingness and commitment to practice their instrument in their own time in school is essential.
In Photography GCSE you learn to explore areas of lens-based and light-based photography. This could include work created using film, video, digital imaging or light sensitive materials. You will learn how to use a range of photographic styles including portraiture, landscape and still-life, as well as learning to manipulate and edit images using photo editing software. Encouraging your own creativity can lead you to great ideas in your other subjects too.
As part of the course, you will also visit galleries, museums, photography workshops and studios.
Many students go on to higher education within the Art and Design sector including A Level and Foundation courses in Sixth Form.
Qualifications available
GCSE grade 9–1.
Assessment
Students are required to produce a portfolio (60% of marks available) and complete a final set task (40%).
The portfolio of work will be developed from personal or centredevised starting points. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of techniques and skills. Students will have 45 hours to complete their portfolio.
For the final set task students select one question from an early release question paper to which they produce a personal response. Students will be given ten hours of controlled time in which to work on developing their ideas to outcome.
GCSE Physical Education
What is involved?
This course will prepare learners for the further study of PEor sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology. Learners will also develop the transferable skills that are in demand by further education, Higher Education and employers in all sectors of industry.
Two hours per week will be dedicated theory lessons in the classroom, focusing on topics such as human physiology, sport psychology, physical training and sociocultural factors. For a minimum of one hour each week, students will participate in a number of sporting activities as a performer and will be graded by PEstaff. It is important that students have a good practical ability prior to opting for this course. A third of the total marks are awarded for practical activities meaning that students who do not attend school PEclubs or play sport outside of school will struggle to achieve high grades.
Qualifications available
Level 2 GCSE 9–1 equivalent.
Assessment
• 30% externally assessed practical
• 10% externally assessed coursework
• 30% Exam 1: Socio-cultural issues and sport psychology
Students will either follow the GCSE PE course or may be guided into the Cambridge National qualification in Sports Studies. PE staff will make this judgement based on the best interest of each student. Practical ability, sporting participation and general attitude and work ethic will all be considered before staff make their final decision
Separate Science
What is involved?
Studying science enhances your understanding of how the world around us works and this course allows you to explore how science affects our everyday lives in more detail. If choosing this option, you will study biology, chemistry and physics in more depth than covered in the combined science GCSE including genetics and gene technology, nano-chemistry and space. This will better prepare those who are seeking to do A level sciences.
The separate science course is an academically demanding one. Only students who are enthusiastic and demonstrate a highly motivated attitude towards science should consider choosing it. Students should talk to their science teacher and/or the Director of Science, if they are planning on selecting this as an option.
Qualifications available:
• 1 GCSE grade 9–1 in Biology following AQA GCSE Biology
• 1 GCSE grade 9–1 in Chemistry following AQA GCSE Chemistry
• 1 GCSE grade 9–1 in Physics following AQA GCSE Physics
Assessment
There are six written exam papers (2 for each science) all of which are taken in the summer exam period of Year 11. Each of these exams is 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is no controlled assessment and so 100% of the qualification is based on these exams. There are a series of required practical's that are completed as part of the course, just like with the Combined Science qualification.
Sports Studies – Cambridge National
What is involved?
This is a vocational qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The Cambridge National in Sport Studies provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of different aspects of sports studies, from looking at contemporary issues in sport and the relationship between sport and the media to developing the practical skills essential for progression into the sports industry.
The Cambridge National in Sport Studies take a more sector-based focus, whilst also encompassing some core sport/Physical Education themes. Students can apply theoretical knowledge about different types of sport and physical activity, skills development and sports leadership to their own practical performance. They will learn about contemporary issues in sport such as funding, participation, ethics and role models, and sport and the media. Students will develop an appreciation of the importance of sport locally and nationally, different ways of being involved in sport and of how this shapes the sports industry.
Assessment -
Three units:
• Contemporary issues in sport – an external 1hour 15minutes examination at the end of year 11 (40% of total grade)
• Performance and leadership in sports activities – internally assessed practical and coursework (40% of total grade)
• Sport and the Media –internally assessed coursework (20% of total grade) This course will be graded on a PASS, MERIT, DISTINCTION and DISTINCTION* but will carry a 1-9 equivalency for those looking to apply to post-16 providers.
Students will either follow the GCSE PE course or may be guided into the Cambridge National qualification in Sports Studies. PE staff will make this judgement based on the best interest of each student. Practical ability, sporting participation and general attitude and work ethic will all be considered before staff make their final decision.
Travel and Tourism*
*In September 2026, we are looking to extend our curriculum offer. This is one course that may run if there is sufficient interest.
What mightbe involved?
This qualification is for learners interested in taking a hands-on course alongside their GCSEs that will offer them a practical introduction to life and work in the dynamic travel and tourism industry, allowing them to make an informed decision about their future learning and career.
Sample Qualification Structure
Component 1: Travel and Tourism Organisations and Destinations
Component 2: Customer Needs in Travel and Tourism
Component 3: Influences on Global Travel and Tourism
Potential Qualifications
• BTEC Tech Award in Travel & Tourism (equivalent to 1 GCSE at Level 2 Pass and upwards).
• Within this qualification framework, learners are graded at Level 1 Pass, Level 1 Marit, Level 1 Distinction, Level 2 Pass, Level 2 Merit, Level 2 Distinction and Level 2 Distinction*.
Potential Assessment Structure
• Two internal assessments and one external assessment.
HERE’S WHAT HAPPENS NEXT...
Once you have narrowed down your options to a list of possibilities, the next step is to complete the First Options Preference Form between Thursday 5th February 2026 and Monday 4th March 2026.
Where possible this form should be completed with parental guidance. If internet access is not available at home, please see your Crew Leader who will arrange access.
The First Options Preference Form must be completed by Monday 4th March 2026 After this time, it will be closed. This is the initial options preferences and not the final options choices . Following completion and submission of the First Options Preference Form, a period of analysis will take place before the Final Options Preference forms are shared with students, parents and carers.
Students are reminded that we will endeavour to deliver individual student preferences, but this cannot always be guaranteed.
