Helping your child approach options
Choosing GCSE options is an important time for your child. This guide gives you an overview of the Ark Boulton Academy curriculum and the GCSE pathways we offer.
How many GSCE qualifications will pupils achieve?
The GCSE curriculum will ensure that pupils gain a minimum of nine GCSE qualifications.
To facilitate this, we have designated pupils to one of three pathways:
- Pathway A: including Higher Tier Maths and Science
- Pathway B: including Higher / Foundation Tier Maths and Science
- Pathway C: including Foundation Tier Maths and Science
Core Curriculum
All pupils will study for and be entered for GCSE exams in Core Subjects, unless they are entered for Functional Skills courses in English, Maths and Science.
Core Subjects are:
- English Literature
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Combined Science or Triple Science (teachers will provide guidance on which is the most suitable Science course)
- Religious Studies
- History
The Core Curriculum is equivalent to 7 GCSE qualifications if studying Combined Science and 8 GCSE qualifications if studying Triple Science.
Extended Curriculum
All pupils on Pathway A must study French, as part of the extended curriculum. Pupils may choose to study another language if they wish. They can do this by choosing the remaining subject as one of their options.
Options
Pupils will study and sit GCSEs in one additional subject if they are in Pathway A or two additional subjects if they are in Pathway B or C, along with selecting two reserve subjects.
Options GCSE
Vocational
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GCSE Options Overview
Core Curriculum All pupils will study these subjects, unless they are entered for Functional Skills courses in English, Maths and Science | English Literature English Language Mathematics Combined or Triple Science Religious Studies History | Equivalent to 7 GCSE qualifications (8 if entered for Triple Science) |
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| Extended Curriculum | French | Mandatory for Pathway A 1 GCSE Qualification |
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Choice of option subjects Pupils must choose one or two subjects depending on pathway, and two reserve subjects | Pathway A (1 option) | Pathway B (2 options) | Pathway C (2 options) |
GCSE Art Citizenship Computer Science Drama Geography Media Studies | GCSE Art Citizenship Drama French Geography Media Studies | GCSE Art Citizenship Drama French Geography Media Studies | |
Vocational OCR Level 2 Sports Studies BTEC Music OCR National Level 2 Child Development | Vocational OCR Level 2 Sports Studies BTEC Music OCR National Level 2 Child Development | Vocational OCR Level 2 Sports Studies BTEC Music OCR National Level 2 Child Development |
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| Additional After-School Options | Pathway A (up to 1 additional option) | Pathway B (up to 1 additional option) | Pathway C (up to 1 additional option) |
GCSE Arabic Urdu Triple Science | GCSE Arabic Urdu Triple Science | GCSE Arabic Urdu Triple Science |