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 GCSE pathways we offer.

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

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

The Core Curriculum is equivalent to 6 GCSE qualifications if studying Combined Science and 7 GCSE qualifications if studying Triple Science. 

All pupils must study History or Geography as part of the extended curriculum. Pupils will be advised which choice may be most suitable for them based on their attainment in both subjects. Pupils may also choose to study both History and Geography. They can do this by choosing the remaining subject as one of their options. For example, if a pupil chose History for their extended curriculum choice, they would then choose Geography as one of their options.

All pupils on Pathway A and B 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. 

Pupils will study and sit GCSEs in one additional subject if they are in Pathway A or B or two additional subjects if they are in Pathway C, along with selecting two reserve subjects.

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