Madeley High School

OPTION CHOICES

2013

SUBJECT Periods per fortnight

Part of Curriculum

English and English Literature 7

ICT (Cambridge Nationals) 4

Maths 6

PE 4 CORE Personal Development 2

Religious Studies 2

Science 9/10

OPTIONS x 3 3 x 5

OPTIONS

Core Subject Examinations • English Language, English Literature and Maths are

full course GCSEs • Science is either a double award (Core and

Additional) or triple award (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

• Religious Studies is a full course GCSE. • ICT is a Cambridge Nationals course equivalent to

2 GCSE grades A* - C.

Option Subject Examinations • Most option subjects are full course GCSEs. • Business Studies is a Cambridge Nationals course

equivalent to 2 GCSE grades at A* - C. • Sometimes a GCSE examination isn't the best choice

for everyone so in some subjects it is possible to take an Entry Level Certificate, which is graded just below GCSE.

The English Baccalaureate • An ‘umbrella’ certificate not a qualification in its own right. • Grade C or above in five compulsory GCSE subjects is needed to receive it:

– English – Mathematics – Double Science (or at least two triple award sciences) – A Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish at Madeley) – EITHER History OR Geography

• At the moment five or more good passes at GCSE including English and Maths is the key expectation. This is likely to continue to be the case.

• It is also possible, however, that some colleges or universities might also start to expect students wishing to study more academic courses to have the English Baccalaureate.

Making their choices… • DON’T choose a subject just to be with friends. • DON’T choose a subject, or give it up, just because

they like or dislike a particular teacher. • DON’T choose a subject or reject it simply because

they are a boy or a girl. • IF IN DOUBT do the subjects they are more likely to

be successful in.

Options Form • Pupils have until Monday 4th March to

complete their option forms. • After this they will meet with a senior member of

staff to discuss and finalise their option choices. These meetings will take place from Wednesday 6th

March to Friday 15th March

• There is no advantage in handing in forms early.

Options Form • Pupils must choose a first and reserve choice in

each option block. • They must choose a Modern Foreign Language

(French, German or Spanish) for the English Baccalaureate or if they want to become a primary school teacher.

• They must also choose Geography or History for the English Baccalaureate.