GCSE Options
At RSD we understand that choosing a career path and which subjects to study at this early stage can be a daunting prospect. This is natural and nothing to worry about. The Careers staff, along with the Head of Year, the Heads of Key Stages 3 and 4 and the subject Heads of Department are on hand to advise. Parents are invited to a special parents evening to discuss the many and varied options open to our pupils. This page identifies the compulsory GCSE subjects along with the many options subjects on offer and allows you to view online or download the comprehensive Options Booklet.
GCSE Options
Op G 2023-2024 final
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Date modified: 26-02-2023
Year 11 & 12 Curriculum
There are three compulsory areas of study: English, Mathematics and Science. Some choice is possible within these areas. These choices can be summarised as follows.
English Language
All pupils will study GCSE English Language. Some pupils (about 55% of the year group) will study GCSE English Literature as well as English Language, sitting both examinations at the end of Year 12. Selection is based on performance in the Year 10 English examinations.
Mathematics
All pupils will study GCSE Mathematics. The first two classes will also study GCSE Further Mathematics in Year 12 (about 55% of the year group), having taken the GCSE Mathematics examination in Year 11. Remember that the normal entry requirement for each of A Level Mathematics and A Level Physics is a minimum of a grade B in Further Mathematics.
Science
All pupils will study one of the following options:
- Three sciences (pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences, also known as Triple Award Science),
- Two sciences (pupils study two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences),
- Double Award science (pupils study reduced content in Biology, Chemistry and Physics with the examinations resulting in two GCSEs graded as A*A*, A*A, AA, AB, BB, etc.)
Pupils taking Double Award Science or two separate sciences will choose four further subjects from the options below. Those taking three sciences will choose three further subjects. All pupils take non examination R.E., Learning for Life and Work, P.E. and Games.
Pupils who do not study English Literature will take GCSE RE Short Course which is worth half a GCSE. Initially pupils have a free choice and the option blocks will be determined in order to satisfy as many pupils as possible.
The Options Booklet expands greatly on the information on this page and gives details of subjects which may not be very familiar to parents or pupils, including the provision for Double Award Science.
Please note that, while every effort is made to accommodate pupil preferences, the School reserves the right to determine the final selection regarding allocation to any subject or class. In exceptional cases this may include reference to the professional judgement of teachers.