Choosing GCSEs

Choosing GCSE options is an important time for your child. This guide gives you an overview of the Ark Boulton Academy curriculum and the pathways we offer at GCSE for new Year 10 pupils in September 2024.

The Ark Boulton Quality Curriculum will ensure that pupils gain a minimum of nine GCSE qualifications.

All pupils will study and be entered for GCSE exams in the Core Curriculum. This gives all pupils a 6 GCSEs before they select their three additional options.

When selecting options all pupils will select one preferred choice from each options block and one reserve choice. They must study either Geography or History and these can be found in all three option blocks. Some pupils will study Triple Science it is advised that you speak to your child’s science teacher before making a decision about this.

We love our pupils and believe they should have the opportunity to succeed in high value qualifications that will mean they can compete with peers from all backgrounds across the country to achieve the best grades. Our high expectations mean that we believe pupils should  be and because of commitment and hard work, achieve real success and are able to  take a leading role in their community, the country and the wider world.

When making a decision about the subjects you will choose, it is important to think about your interests and thriving city.

In addition to the Core Curriculum subjects, pupils will choose to study three further subjects, one from each of the options groups. This will result in a further three GCSE qualifications for  pupils.

All pupils will study these subjects:

- English Literature

- English Language

- Mathematics

- Combined Science

- Citizenship

The Core Curriculum is equivalent to 6 GCSE Qualifications.