DfE Policy

Department for Education (DfE) Policy 

The current DfE policy is that school performance will be measured on the average GCSE points score for students across a wide range of eight subjects (Progress 8).

• The two core subjects of English and Maths. 

• At least three subjects from Sciences (including Computer Science), Geography, History and Modern Foreign Languages. 

• Additional subjects – from Art and Design, Drama, Music, Sports, Business Studies, Religious Studies, Food Preparation & Nutrition, Product Design, Textiles Technology. 

Another current DfE initiative is for more students to study the English Baccalaureate. 

What is the English Baccalaureate? 

“The EBacc is not a new qualification in itself. It will recognise students’ achievements across a core of selected academic subjects in getting good passes in rigorous GCSEs. The English Baccalaureate will cover achievement in English, Maths, Science, a language and a humanities subject (Geography or History)”. DfE

School Options Policy

The school supports the EBacc initiative and will maintain an academic curriculum that is desired by colleges and universities for the majority of students in the year group. This means that those students capable of achieving good grades in the EBacc subjects will follow this route. They should choose a Modern Foreign Language and either History or Geography and two other option choices. All other students will need to choose at least one option from the following:-Separate Sciences, Computer Science, Geography or History.

Other Considerations 

Two Modern Foreign Languages 

It is possible to study two Modern Foreign Languages at GCSE. Students are not allowed to take a language at GCSE which they have not previously studied at Key Stage 3. 

Three Science GCSEs (Separate Sciences) 

It is possible to study for three GCSEs in Science. If students choose Separate Science (not both) then they will take three individual GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This choice of subjects is a good preparation for Science A-levels, but is by no means essential. To be eligible for this course, students must attain at least a grade 4 in all their Year 9 assessments. This course will be limited to a maximum of two teaching groups with priority allocation for more able scientists due to the heavier examination burden at the end of Year 11. 

Computer Science 

Students wishing to study Computer Science will need to attain a minimum assessment grade of 4 in Maths in their Year 9 assessment. 

Physical Education 

In order to select the GCSE PE course, students must regularly be playing and/or performing three sports/ activities for the school team or out of school to a competent level, from the AQA GCSE specification. Past performance shows that students awarded a grade 4 in Year 9 make good progress at GCSE PE. Students who are not able to take the GCSE PE course should consider taking the vocational Sports Science (CNAT) course instead.

Princes’ Trust/ English & Maths Support 

A small number of students will be invited to receive additional support to help them make progress with their GCSEs in English and Maths. These lessons will be delivered by subject specialists. This programme will lead to entry level qualification in Maths and a Prince’s Trust qualification. It will also supplement English and Maths lessons to give the students the best possible chance of attaining a good grade in those subjects. Letters will be sent to the parents of students whom the school believes would benefit from choosing this option.