GCSE studies

The suite of GCSE qualifications that students will study within KS4 is built around a traditional programme of qualifications. This ensures that students study a broad and balanced curriculum that enables them to progress onto their intended next steps.

All students will study the following at GCSE:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Maths
• Science (either combined or triple)
• Religious Studies
• Geography or History
• 2 x options subjects

Most students will strongly be encouraged to study a modern foreign language as one of their option choices.

Alongside the above all students will study PSHCE, core ICT, character and culture & core PE. Students will also complete the Young leaders award and the Arts award in Year 9.

A broad and exciting choice of subjects

The course offer of qualification types and subjects has grown to help address the skills shortage identified in the local market information produced by the City of York council. The course offer is shown below:

Support for GCSE choices

To help support students and parents in making the right decision behind selecting their option subjects the following support is put into place.

Every student is looked at as an individual to ensure that they have the correct support in choosing their option subjects. This involves liaison with the follow key member of staff at Archbishop Holgate’s School:

• Head of Year
• SENDCo
• Head of MFL
• Curriculum SLT

Alongside this students and parents are heavily involved and supported in the process through the following:

• Taster day
• Full reports
• Form tutor meetings
• Options Evening
• Parents’ Evening
• Options deadline