I/GCSE Options process (Year 8 Students)

Introduction

The video (below) introduces the I/GCSE option process and is from the parent's talk in January 2024.

A copy of the slides:


DCSG I/GCSE Option Principles. We believe....

  • Students should follow a broad curriculum with a breadth and variety of I/GCSE subject choices. ​

  • Students should balance their choices between subjects which are assessed by examination, coursework, oral, practical and/or creative methods. ​

  • Students should study a language. Students can opt for more than one language, should they wish.​

  • Students have a choice over which Science pathway they study: Separate Sciences or Double Award Science. ​

  • Students can opt for more than one Arts subject. ​

  • Students can opt for more than one Humanities / Individual and Societies subject. ​

  • Opting for Economics and Business Studies does not offer enough breadth, in most cases. ​

​

NB: ​

  • There may be unique circumstances which mean that a small number of students cannot meet our principles​
  • Some option combinations may not be possible
  • Students must consider back-up choices ​

I/GCSE Option Blocks

The option blocks will be based on our option principles and student choices. Students must complete the final options form by 01.03.24. The link to the form will be shared via the Year 8 student Teams page. 

The options blocks will be published in February 2024 and students will be informed.

Mandarin Pathways

Year 8 Options Timeline 

Here is an overview of the Options Timeline:



Compulsory Core Curriculum

Biology (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)

Chemistry (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)

Double Award Science (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)

English Language and English Literature (for Year 9 from August 2021, first examinations in Summer 2024) Oxford AQA English Language IGCSE

Mathematics (Cambridge IGCSE)

Physics  (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)


Explanation of the Edexcel 9 to 1 grading system is on a separate link

IGCSE Taster Sessions-

Here is the schedule for Taster Sessions for new subjects, please note whether it is a lunchtime session in yellow or an after-school session in green:

FAQs

Q- What Is Edexcel?

A- Edexcel is an I/GCSE awarding examination body also known as Pearson Education. They are a global provider of recognised qualifications. Many of our courses are Edexcel. 

Q- Will students have better knowledge having done a 3 year rather than 2 year course?

A- Yes as we can teach beyond the specification. We also have time to incorporate ATLs (Approaches to Learning Skills) which include skills such as communication, research, critical thinking and problem solving skill development. In addition, we can build Global Skills and Wellbeing into our curriculum.

Q- Do IGCSE options limit future potential universities or careers? We avoid this through the DCSG curriculum, where English, Maths and Science (separate or double) are compulsory, and these are the courses most frequently asked for by universities and employers. There’s also a lot of flexibility in the future, where students can pick up a subject at IB level, even if they did not choose it for IGCSE. Whilst IGCSE is good preparation, it is not required.

Q- Why can't students do Economics and Business Studies?

A- We don't recommend this as we encourage breadth of study. Although, we will consider this on a case-by-case basis. 

Q- Do students have to pick one subject from each group of subjects e.g. 1 Art subject, 1 Language, 1 Individuals and Societies subject etc?

A- We encourage breadth but students can pick 2 Arts subjects or 2 Languages or 2 Individuals and Societies subjects. 

Q- What is coursework?

A-  GCSE coursework is different to an end of Year 11 exam as it typically takes the form of an extended essay or project and could be done at any time during the course but it counts towards the final grade. Its objectives vary from one subject to another, but there's usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent research into a topic of their own choice.