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Middle School

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Fourth and Fifth Form (Years 10 and 11)

The GCSE curriculum is followed in the Fourth and Fifth Forms and is designed to provide the best possible preparation for life in the Sixth Form and beyond. The average class size at this stage is 16.

English language, English literature and Mathematics are compulsory.  All pupils will also study Physics, Chemistry and Biology, but there is a choice as to whether to study for three GCSEs (one in each Science) or for two GCSEs in ‘Combined Science’.

Middle School offers the opportunity for real breadth of study, with a wide range of optional subjects that pupils can choose freely from, rather than having to select from fixed option columns. Pupils choose either three or four subjects from our optional subjects leading to a typical total of nine GCSEs.  Pupils also have timetabled lessons in games on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Optional Subject Choices

ART AND DESIGN •  CLASSICAL CIVILISATION  • COMPUTING • DANCE • DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY • DRAMA • FRENCH

•GERMAN • GEOGRAPHY • HISTORY • LATIN • MUSIC • PHYSICAL EDUCATION • RELIGIOUS STUDIES  • SPANISH

Further Information on GCSE Courses

Art and Design GCSE

Art is a form of communication and the expression of ideas and feelings.  It is a language that is concerned with the development of mental processes involved in visual perception and aesthetic experience. 

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Classical Civilisation GCSE

Classical Civilisation is the sound, sane and sensible option for anyone who is interested in the culture, religion, and mythology of the Greeks and the Romans.

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Computer Science IGCSE

This course will give pupils an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works, along with a look at what goes on “behind the scenes”.

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Dance GCSE

GCSE Dance allows pupils to explore a wide variety of dance styles as well as giving them the freedom to experiment with their own choreography and way of moving.

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Design and Technology GCSE

The GCSE specification in Design and Technology is a subject that brings learning alive, requiring students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

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Drama GCSE

GCSE Drama is all about understanding what it is like to be in another person’s shoes.  Students will play many parts in different imaginary situations and will have the opportunity to create their own work as well as look at plays written by other people.

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English Language IGCSE

The specification will enable pupils of all abilities to develop the skills they need to read, understand and analyse a wide range of different texts...

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English Literature IGCSE

This course is designed to foster an enthusiasm for literature and to develop a confidence among pupils in expressing their own critical views.

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French IGCSE

French is an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Red Cross and international courts.

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Geography GCSE

You live in the world - why not find out more about the challenges and opportunities it offers, and how to get involved? 

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German IGCSE

German is the most widely spoken language in Europe. Learning German will connect you with about 130 million native German speakers around the globe. 

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History IGCSE

This IGCSE specification provides a geographically and culturally diverse course, academic rigour, and combines accessibility with intellectual challenge. 

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Latin GCSE

Latin is a kite-mark of excellence - the most quoted fact about Frank Lampard (the manager of Everton FC!) is that he did Latin GCSE. 

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Mathematics IGCSE

The IGCSE course builds on and extends the material taught in previous years and is broadly similar to the new GCSE syllabus.

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Music GCSE

Edexcel GCSE Music is an enjoyable and flexible course that focuses upon composing, performing and listening.

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Physical Education IGCSE

IGCSE Physical Education will equip learners with the knowledge, understanding, skills and values to develop and maintain their performance in physical activities.

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Physics GCSE

The course is, based heavily on practical work, and on developing an understanding of the underlying principles.

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Spanish IGCSE

Spanish is the language of over 350 million native speakers worldwide, being the second most spoken native language in the world.

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Learning Support

Providing strategies for learning within the mainstream educational environment.

Complementary Curriculum

Pupils continue with timetabled complementary curriculum lessons. These are designed to give breadth and enrichment to academic programmes, as well as providing pupils with the opportunity to study and discuss a range of important issues.

Careers Guidance

In the Fourth Form pupils have timetabled careers lessons in which they are introduced to the idea of career planning and implementation.