Choosing GCSEs

In Year 10, the following subjects will be compulsory:

• GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature
• GCSE Maths
• GCSE Triple or Combined Science
• Core Physical Education

Students will choose four additional subjects offered by Ark Victoria from the list below:

• GCSE Art and Design: 3D Design - Product design
• GCSE Art and Design - Photography 
• GCSE Business Studies
• GCSE Citizenship
• GCSE Computer Science
• NCFE Interactive Media
• GCSE Drama - Available from 2024/25
• GCSE Fine Art
• GCSE French
• GCSE Geography
• GCSE History
• GCSE Music
• GCSE Religious Studies
• Cambridge National - Sports Studies
• GCSE PE

Where students are able to speak, write and read an additional second language, we encourage students to sit the GCSE examination at the academy.

Some students with specific needs may be offered alternative qualifications such as Princes Trust, Functional skills English and Entry level Maths. If this is the case, you will be contacted by school to arrange a meeting to discuss appropriate qualifications.

We also offer pupils the opportunity to take GCSE’s in Community Languages.

The Y11 GCSE exams and revision timetable for Summer 2024 will be uploaded shortly.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) is a membership organisation representing national awarding bodies offering qualifications to pupils in the UK.JCQ Exams Guidance

The JCQ provides a single voice for its members on issues of examination administration and, when appropriate, qualification and wider education policy.

All UK exam boards follow their rules, regulations and guidelines to ensure that schools are following the correct procedures at all times.

Are GCSE English, Maths and Science compulsory?

Yes, English, Maths and Science are compulsory - these are core subjects. All students must study the core subjects.

Can I choose both Geography and History GCSE?

Yes, this option is available.

Should I base my GCSE options on subjects I am good at?

Being good at a particular subject will help you manage your GCSE workload, because you will be able to complete work more quickly and get good results. Results from your Summer exams will be able to inform you how good you are at a certain subject, and this will eventually lead to you studying a suitable course at KS5.

Should I base my GCSE options on subjects I enjoy?

It is fine to consider choosing subjects you enjoy at GCSE level. You will be studying that subject for 3 periods a week for the next two years, so it will definitely help if there are aspects of the subject you enjoy. If you enjoy a subject, you are more likely to work harder which will help to get good grades.

Should I choose a GCSE subject because my friends are doing it?

This is another popular question, and the advice is not to choose a subject because your friends are going to choose it. You may end up choosing a subject that you have little or no interest in and this may affect how much effort you put into the subject. 

Thinking about the future after GCSEs, are my A-Level choices affected by the GCSE choices I make now?

Some A-level options do not require you to have studied them at GCSE first – for example, Psychology or Economics. You do not need to have these options at GCSE to study them at A-level. For other subjects you will most likely need the GCSE related to your option choice, so check with the sixth form, colleges and apprenticeships what they require from you.

Do I have to do French, History or Geography?
Choosing these subjects will allow your child to have a broader understanding of the world that we live in.
How many Level 2 qualifications can I pick?
You can pick a maximum of two Level 2 qualifications