Year 9 & GCSE Curriculum

Sachiko S

Felsted’s top achiever, with an outstanding 11 grade nines, is Sachiko S. The aspiring engineer was the recipient of the Biology Prize at Speech Day 2023.

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Tom R

Tom will be entering Felsted Sixth Form to take on the IB Diploma in Higher Level Maths, Physics, Biology and German, looking to a potential future in either Engineering or Law.

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Jasmine W

Jasmine W has been at Felsted since Reception and was the winner of the 2023 History prize at Speech Day. Jasmine will be staying at Felsted to study A Levels in Latin, Classics, Maths and History.

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Phoebe H

Phoebe has been a member of the Felsted family since Reception and will be joining the Sixth Form to study A Levels in German, Spanish, Latin and History.

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Julia Z 

Julia Z joined Felsted in Year 3 and was the English Literature prizewinner at Speech Day 2023. A keen sportswoman, Julia’s favourite Felsted moment so far is winning the National Hockey Cup in 2022.

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Ava S

Ava will be staying at Felsted Sixth Form to study the IB Diploma, taking Higher Level Chemistry, History and German, with the hopes of either pursuing a career in Environmental Science, or becoming a Human Rights Lawyer.

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Hannah P

Hannah will be staying at Felsted to study the IB Diploma, taking Higher Levels in French, Latin, English and Maths. Hannah joined Felsted in Year 7 and was the recipient of the 2023 French Prize at Speech Day.

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Ayla A

Ayla A is going on to study English Literature, History and TEP at A Level with the hopes of reading Law at University.

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Niamh S

Having joined Felsted in Year 7, Niamh is looking forward to managing her time around her particular subjects of interest; A Level Maths, Economics and Psychology at Felsted Sixth Form.

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Hugo D

Hugo will be studying A Levels in Maths, Economics, Classics and TEP at Felsted Sixth Form and he hopes to go on and study Classics or Economics at University.  

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Anna W

Anna has been at Felsted since Year 4 and is looking forward to studying the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form.

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Henry T

Having joined Felsted in Year 7, Henry is now looking forward to entering the Sixth Form and taking A Levels in Economics, Maths and Biology.

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Arthur M-B

Arthur is staying at Felsted Sixth Form to study A Levels in Computer Science, Physics, Maths and Further Maths with the hopes of pursuing a career in Software Engineering.

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Gus P

Having joined Felsted in Year 7, Gus P is looking forward to continuing his Felsted journey into the Sixth Form to study A Level Maths, Economics, Physics and Geography.

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Melek S

Melek S will be taking four A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science, with a plan to pursue a career in computer science and coding.

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Tatler Quote Knowing Individual

The teachers at Felsted clearly care about the pupils, and are determined to help each child find their own strengths.  Felsted Parent  


 

Year 9

In Year 9 pupils study up to eighteen subjects over a two week timetable of 58 periods. The aim is to provide a broad, balanced curriculum which allows pupils to experience a wide range of subjects, some of which may not have been offered during their earlier schooling. Each lesson is 55 minutes in length apart from those on a Saturday morning, which last for 50 minutes.

GCSE

The aim for Years 10 and 11 is to follow a curriculum based on a ‘core’ of English, Maths and Science and four ‘options’ that ensures a broadly balanced programme for all pupils, without inhibiting the specialisation required for a variety of Sixth Form courses.

In Years 10 and 11, every pupil studies English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science. There are two routes through Science GCSE: pupils can choose to study separate Sciences, in which case they must choose Science as one of their ‘option’ subjects; otherwise, they will study Combined Science: Trilogy (worth two GCSEs). The remaining four optional subjects allow the opportunity for pupils to tailor their programme to suit their abilities and intentions for further study. The framework within the options ensures that a balanced curriculum is followed. In certain circumstances a pupil will be advised to take three rather than four optional subjects so that additional time may be spent on supporting their core subjects. In Years 10 and 11 pupils also follow non-examined courses in Physical Education and PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education).
 



Each pupil should choose four optional subjects ensuring that they meet the requirements of the two restrictions placed on the choice.

1. One of the following Modern Foreign Languages must be chosen: French, German, Spanish, and Latin

2. A humanities subject must be chosen: Classical Civilisation, Geography, History, Latin, and Theology, Ethics and Philosophy (Religious Studies)

The remaining two choices can be selected from: Art and Design, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design and Technology (Resistant Materials), Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Theology, Ethics and Philosophy (Religious Studies), Science (for Separate Sciences), and Spanish

Support for Learning (SfL) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) are also available as an optional subject for those pupils who need them. Opting for SfL means that additional time may be spent on supporting the core subjects. This option may be selected upon recommendations from the SfL department. EAL should be chosen by those pupils whose native language is other than English.

 

Sources of Guidance 

Students may find that they are unsure of which GCSE options might be the best for them. There are a number of sources of guidance and support to make in making choices about subjects:

- Subject teachers and Heads of Department can answer questions about content and also whether a pupil's strengths and skills are well suited to the subject

- Tutors can talk through with students and parents the best range and balance of options choices, especially in the context of a pupil's wider interests and activities

- The Professional Guidance team will meet students regularly throughout Year 11 and sessions will focus on pathways into careers and opportunities, enabling pupils to understand how the steps along the way, including GCSE choices, can build and support aspirations

- The Support for Learning and EAL teachers can advise on the demands of different subjects and the likely experience for learners in different options

- The Academic Office can advise on combinations of subjects or where there are wider considerations