GCSE Choices

When students reach year 9, they will embark on an exciting journey of choosing the subjects that they will study in Year 10 and 11. This is an important decision that will shape their future academic and career paths. All students will study core subjects and have the opportunity to choose 4 additional subjects to study alongside these subjects. If they choose to study a language, they will gain the ‘English Baccalaureate’.  

Students in Years 10 and 11 are required to study a core set of subjects. These compulsory subjects ensure that all students receive a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares them for their future studies and careers. The core subjects include English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science (Combined or separate sciences), CR (RE, Citizenship and PSHE) and either History or Geography. 

Students will then have the option to select GCSE or vocational qualifications.  At Grace Academy Darlaston, the focus is on ensuring that students enjoy their learning experience and achieve their full potential in their chosen subjects. Therefore, it is important to choose courses that suit their needs, challenge them, and help them develop life skills that will prepare them for their future.  

We offer a range of vocational qualifications in Years 10 and 11 to complement GCSEs.  Students' complete coursework through their two years of study and sit examination units that all go towards deciding their final grade. These grades range from a Distinction* to a Pass. Students have two attempts to sit their examination unit and improve their grade. 

English Baccalaureate (EBacc)

The Department for Education recommends the core subjects that make up the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), as research shows that students studying these subjects are more likely to continue in education beyond age 16. The EBacc includes English Language and Literature, Maths, Science (Combined or separate sciences), History or Geography, and a language (Spanish). These subjects help keep future study and career options open. At Grace Academy Darlaston, we believe that our curriculum is flexible enough to meet the individual needs of all our students. We encourage our students to explore their interests and passions through the wide range of subjects available to them. Our goal is to provide our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen paths after leaving school. 

Subject option choices will adapt each year, however the courses offered most recently were:

All year 9 students will have an opportunity to complete their choices via an online form with their parents at home towards the end of the Spring Term. This form is sent to parents via their email. Pupils will be given a range of information in the run up to selecting their option choices, including assemblies which will provide more specific information on each subject, and an open evening, which students and their parents are encouraged to attend in order to obtain more information to support them with making the right subject choices.