Overview
We have a two-year Key Stage 3, with students choosing their GCSE/BTEC options in Year 8. This enables students to begin their chosen options in Year 9, providing them with a foundation year prior to Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 4, we want as many pupils as possible to follow the English Baccalaureate as this will provide them with the more choices post-16.
What is the English Baccalaureate?
The English Baccalaureate requires students to take GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, History or Geography and a foreign language.
We want to ensure as many students as possible complete this so that students have access to the best opportunities after Globe. This includes entrance into a Russell Group university and the top professions, with the ultimate goal being that they become leaders in their community and masters of their own destiny.
Options’ Process
The Options’ Process begins with students being given an assembly around the choices that they have to make. All students will study English, Maths and Science.
Those following the English Baccalaureate pathway will choose:
- A GCSE in History OR Geography
- A GCSE in Spanish OR French
- 2 other GCSEs (Please see the Options’ Booklet for details of the courses on offer).
We will also offer an Intermediate pathway will. Students on this pathway will choose:
- 2-3 GCSEs
Those students on the Intermediate pathway will have additional Maths and English to ensure they maximise their attainment in these subjects, as they are key to students’ post-16 progression.
Students will make their initial choice which then be presented to parents during an Options Evening. During this time, parents will have the opportunity to meet subject leads of the different subjects and will also be able to review their child’s options.
Final choices will be need to be confirmed by the end of April. Once choices have been confirmed, there will be little room for changes to be made. Therefore, it is important that students make the right choices so that students make the most of Year 9.