The end of Year 9 marks the end of Key Stage 3 in National Curriculum subjects and pupils should now look forward to a new era in their education. Key Stage 4, leading to GCSE, is perhaps an even more important aspect of your son's education as it necessarily affects his career path beyond the age of 16.
GCSE
GCSE is a single system of examinations with a single scale of grades. The examinations will not only test memory and an orderly presentation of facts, but also understanding, practical skills and the ability to apply knowledge.
All GCSE courses follow nationally agreed guidelines. Within each subject there will be a choice of papers or questions which will give candidates of all abilities the opportunity to show what they understand, know and can do.
The National Curriculum requires all pupils to continue studying:
English, Mathematics, Science, P.E., R.E., Technology, (including Information Technology) a foreign language and Sex Education
At St Birinus, pupils also study Geography and History, together with one further subject chosen from a list of options:
Art, German, Music, P.E. and Spanish
It goes without saying that the amount of effort pupils put into each subject area during this Key Stage will determine the outcome of their public examinations in the 11th Year, their progression into Didcot Sixth Forms and/or their ability to establish themselves on the path to their chosen career. All-round ability, a willingness to try and a general determination to succeed are essential for future success.
Coursework:
All GCSE subjects demand an element of coursework which contributes in varying degrees to the
overall grade achieved. It is essential therefore that pupils realise the importance of this element of
their work and apply themselves rigorously to it: meeting deadlines and producing work to the
best of their ability is the essence of success.
