Pupils take (I)GCSEs across the lower fifth (Year 10) and upper fifth (Year 11). Seven subjects are the same for everyone. Pupils choose three more, ideally subjects they enjoy and that play to their strengths.
Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and French. This broad core keeps the stakes of the option choices low.
Sets are reviewed every year. The top four sets also take the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics, equivalent to a GCSE, with places confirmed at the end of the lower fifth. A keen pupil can usually start in a top four set to try it. Further Mathematics is needed for higher level Mathematics in the International Baccalaureate and for Further Mathematics A level.
Sets are decided at the end of the fourth form. The top six sets sit IGCSE French at the end of the lower fifth, then in the upper fifth take a non-examined course in French, Computer Science, Russian, or Italian, or IGCSE Italian or Russian. The bottom two sets sit IGCSE French in the upper fifth.
Three separate (I)GCSEs, taught in the same sets as Mathematics. After the January mock examinations in the upper fifth, a very small number of pupils may be advised to take Double Award science instead.
Pupils choose any three options from these subjects: the groups are only there to make the list easier to read. A subject must have been studied in the fourth form, except Art, Drama, Music, and Design Engineering. Very occasionally, a pupil with prior knowledge of a language we offer may take it, by agreement.
Greek and Latin taken together in one option, giving two (I)GCSEs. It includes some lunchtime lessons and is recommended only for strong classicists.
An extra (I)GCSE on top of the three options, by invitation, for pupils with Grade 7 Music. It is taught at lunchtime, so a pupil cannot take both Gratin and Accelerated Music.
Check a combination against these rules and see which sixth form subjects it keeps open. For exploring only: nothing is saved or sent to the school.
Provisional (I)GCSE choices submitted.
Parents confirm final (I)GCSE choices, after the summer examinations and a reflection afternoon.
Throughout the fourth form, teachers give pupils a taste of their subject at (I)GCSE, and tutors are there to talk choices through.
Grades matter far more than the number of subjects. Leading universities look for 8s and 9s, so extra (I)GCSEs bring no advantage in themselves. Take Gratin or Accelerated Music only out of interest.
At least four grade 8s and four grade 7s. For the vast majority this is never an issue, and if we see a risk we will be in touch.
Subjects taken privately, eg in a native language, do not normally count.
Pupils take one humanities subject: Geography, History, Economics, Philosophy, or Psychology. Geography and History normally need the (I)GCSE; the others are new subjects.
They also take one language: French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Latin, or Greek, each needing the matching (I)GCSE. Every pupil takes French.
Individual subjects have their own requirements: see the sixth form curriculum booklet for more details.
Contact Mark Stables, Director of Studies, at mps@kcs.org.uk. Curriculum booklets are available on the parent portal.