The GCSE curriculum is described in detail in the GCSE choices booklet (pdf, 115kB).

The core curriculum

All pupils follow a core course consisting of the following subjects:

Mathematics
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
French
PSHE
Religious Studies

Mathematics is studied for five periods per week, and leads in most cases to a GCSE in Mathematics at the end of Year 11. There are a number of pupils who are capable of studying at a faster rate than this, and for these we offer the opportunity to take the GCSE at the end of Year 10. This leaves Year 11 free to start work on parts of the AS level Mathematics course, providing a greater challenge to the more able student.

Five lessons per week in Year 10 and six lessons per week in Year 11 are devoted to studying English. The course combines both language and literature, and leads to separate GCSEs in English Language and English Literature.

All pupils study Science for nine periods each week. Three of these are Physics, three Chemistry, and three Biology. All subjects are taught by specialists in the individual sciences and in dedicated laboratories. It is our expectation that the top two sets will take three separate GCSE examinations in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, giving them three GCSEs, and that the remaining sets will take the Double Award Science examination, worth two GCSEs. The latter course is the standard national Science programme, and is eminently suitable as preparation for A level Sciences.

French is studied for four periods per week, and leads in most cases to a GCSE at the end of Year 11. Those pupils who are on the accelerated languages programme in Year 9 will study both French and German in these periods over the two GCSE years.

In exceptional cases and depending on the student's background, French may not be an appropriate option: a small number of students do not pursue French to GCSE in order to allow time for the provision of English as a Foreign Language or Learning Support.

Personal, Social and Health and Education (PSHE) is a non-examinable part of the curriculum, and consists of one period each week in small groups exploring topics such as bullying, study skills, first aid, stress, relationships, citizenship and life skills. PSHE runs throughout Years 10 and 11.

Religious Studies, which is also non-examinable, occupies one lesson per week in Years 10 and 11. It encourages pupils to explore spiritual, ethical and moral issues through open discussion.

In addition to this, sixteen periods are set aside for optional subjects. A student can choose four options, each of which occupies four periods in the week. These are discussed below.

All students are expected to make increasing use of the Cavendish Learning Resources Centre (LRC) and the College's information technology facilities as they take on more responsibility for their own study at GCSE.

Options at GCSE

In addition to the compulsory subjects, there is space on the timetable for four options. Each pupil must choose four subjects from the following list.

Art
Classical Civilisation
Design Technology (Resistant Materials)
Design Technology (Textiles)
Drama
Geography
German
Greek
History
ICT
Latin
Music
Physical Education
Spanish
Supported Study