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In order to help students make an informed choice from the options we offer in year 11, we would like to provide an overview of the GCSE qualifications. These courses are completed in a year and therefore require a commitment to doing extra work at home, but it is one that will definitely be worth it.

The options that we are offering are:

1. Edexcel Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Students studying Triple Science will work towards three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, all examined by Edexcel. This pathway allows for a deeper and broader understanding of scientific principles and practical skills. It is particularly beneficial for students considering further studies or careers in science, engineering, medicine, and related fields, like nursing. However this is also a good choice for those with an interest in having a deeper, scientific understanding of how the world works.

This consists of three separate GCSEs: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each subject is assessed through two written exam papers.

Biology (Paper 1 & 2)

  • • Each paper: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • • Each paper is weighted  50% of the final Biology GCSE 
  • • Topics split between Paper 1 (e.g. Cells, Genetics) and Paper 2 (e.g. Homeostasis, Ecosystems)

Chemistry (Paper 1 & 2)

  • • Each paper: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • • Each paper is weighted as 50% of the final Chemistry GCSE 
  • • Topics split between Paper 1 (e.g. Atomic Structure, Bonding) and Paper 2 (e.g. Rates of Reaction, Organic Chemistry)

Physics (Paper 1 & 2)

  • • Each paper: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • • Each paper is weighted  50% of the final Physics GCSE 
  • • Topics split between Paper 1 (e.g. Energy, Electricity) and Paper 2 (e.g. Forces, energy)

Practical work: There are no coursework components, but required practicals are assessed in the written exams.

2. AQA Psychology

GCSE Psychology explores the science of mind and behaviour. Through AQA’s specification, students will investigate key psychological theories, research methods, and applications to real-life contexts. Topics include memory, perception, development, mental health, and social influence. Psychology GCSE includes lots of new and technical words, so students will need to be comfortable with practising and remembering quite a bit of detailed information as they go.

Psychology draws on key skills from science, English, and maths—students will need a good understanding of scientific methods, the ability to write clearly and analytically, and confidence with data and statistics to succeed in the course. If you are considering Psychology at A Level, there is no expectation to have a GCSE in the subject to do this. 

  • All assessment is through written exams, there is no coursework.

Two exam papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes. Each paper is worth 50% of the final grade. 

Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour

  • • Topics: Memory, Perception, Development, Research Methods
  • Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour
  • • Topics: Social Influence, Language/Thought, Brain/Neuropsychology, Mental Health
Intro To Psychology Lesson (1)
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  • 3. AQA English Literature

In AQA English Literature, students will engage with a range of classic and contemporary texts, including Shakespeare, 19th-century novels, modern drama, and poetry. This course promotes interpretative skills, written communication, and a deep appreciation of literary heritage. It complements English Language study and uses the same skills as the Language papers which offers an opportunity to improve both.  These are key abilities that support success across the curriculum and beyond. It builds core skills such as communication, argument-building, and independent thinking. It also helps students grow in empathy and understanding by exploring human experiences that allows for better understanding of themselves and others.

  • Two written exams, both closed book (no texts allowed in the exam) - No coursework component

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-Century Novel

  • • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • • Weighting: 40%
  • • Includes one Shakespeare play and one 19th-century novel

Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry

  • • Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • • Weighting: 60%
  • • Includes a modern prose/drama, an anthology of poetry, and unseen poetry
GCSE Literature Course Outline (1)
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  • 4. NCFE Technical Award in Business and Enterprise

This vocational qualification offers an introduction to business and enterprise, focusing on planning, finance, marketing, and running a small business. The NCFE Technical Award combines internally assessed coursework with externally assessed elements, catering to different learning styles. It equips students with real-world knowledge and skills highly valued in today’s economy. The NCFE Technical Award in Business and Enterprise gives students a chance to learn about business in a really practical way. Instead of just exams, it includes some coursework where students get to work on real-life tasks, which makes the learning more hands-on. This course helps build important skills like planning, problem-solving, and working with others — skills that are useful no matter what path they choose in the future. It’s a great way to discover how businesses work and prepares students for further study or jobs in business and beyond.

This is a vocational qualification with two components:

Unit 1: Introduction to Business and Enterprise

  • • Internal assessment (coursework/project-based)
  • • Weighting: 60% of final grade
  • • Assessed through tasks set and marked by the school, externally moderated

Unit 2: Understanding Resources for Business and Enterprise Planning

  • • External assessment (written exam)
  • • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • • Weighting: 40% of final grade
  • • Set and marked by NCFE
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