Making I/GCSE Choices
It is very important that pupils and parents think carefully about the choice of I/GCSE subjects. There are many factors which need to be taken into account. These include:
1. Ability, previous track record and level of interest in a particular subject.
Enjoyment of a subject over a number of years, and continued success in examinations in that subject are both good pointers to the suitability of an option.
2. Balance and breadth of options - Employers and Universities like pupils to follow a broad programme that might involve additional languages, the humanities as well as something creative or practical. Most pupils might be encouraged to take at least one creative or practical subject as an option.
3. Pupils looking to present the best possible academic profile for universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Imperial College London, and other highly selective universities should not take more than one creative or practical subject. There are some subjects such as architecture or music where this latter piece of advice would not apply.
4. Future education and career aspirations - Some university courses will prefer pupils to have taken certain subjects at I/GCSE level and, if boys or girls have an idea about what they might want to study at university, it is sensible to investigate this more fully.
Pupils choose one subject from each of the following option groups of subjects:
| Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 | Option 4 | Option 5 | Wed PM option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Science | Art | Art | Classical Civilisation | EAL | Art |
| Classical Civilisation | D&T Graphics | Drama | D&T Systems | French | DT |
| D&T Resistant Materials | English Literature | English Literature | French | Spanish | |
| Drama | Geography | French | History | Italian | |
| Geography | History | Geography | Latin | ||
| History | ICT | Latin | Music | ||
| Greek | PE | PE | |||
| Triple Science |
English as an Additional Language (EAL) GCSE is available to pupils who come from overseas and who do not have English as a First Language. For some, this will mean the study of English (in normal English lesson time) and English as an Additional Language (instead of a Modern Foreign Language). Others whose written and spoken English is more assured might choose to study a Modern Foreign Language GCSE course and sit EAL GCSE on top of their I/GCSE diet. For matriculation purposes, only one English Language qualification will be counted.
Please note that it can be difficult to change an option once the form has been returned and we have started to design the timetable. A change will only be possible if it does not unbalance set numbers and we believe that it is sensible for the pupil to make the requested change. Please direct enquiries about the option process to the Assistant Director of Studies, Edward Bond or to Rob Turnbull. You can also telephone the school reception on 01992 706200.
Entry requirements for joining the Sixth Form at Haileybury are clearly stated. All pupils are required to gain six I/GCSE passes at grade B or better. It is clearly in everyone's interests that all the pupils gain the best results they possibly can at I/GCSE level.
