Controlled Assessment – what is it?
Controlled Assessment is an important aspect of GCSE qualifications and has, in most cases, replaced coursework in the revised GCSEs.
Controlled Assessment is used for aspects of a subject that can’t be readily assessed through external examination, such as research, carrying out tasks, and performance and production skills.  The amount and type of controlled assessment required varies between subjects.

Please see our Controlled Assessment Policy for full details outlining roles and responsibilities with regard to Controlled Assessment.

Examination Subjects will form two groups

1    Compulsory Areas of Study
In addition to the statutory requirement to study Religious Education, Learning for Life and Work and Games/PE:

  • All pupils must study English and Mathematics.  Most will study English Literature.
  • All pupils must study French or  German or Spanish.

“One class in each language will be offered for pupils wishing to opt for GCSE Spanish and German.  These classes will be limited to a maximum of 30 pupils.  If necessary, the pupils will be selected on the basis of their performance in the Year 10 Spanish and German exam.”

  • All pupils must choose one of the following science options:

(a)  Double Award Science (2 GCSEs) 1

  • “Triple Award” (3 GCSEs) 2

1 Some pupils choosing this option may be encouraged to take the Single Award Science (at GCSE).  This decision will be based on their overall performance in science subjects in the Year 10 January examinations and assessments to date.

2“One science class will follow the “Triple Award Specification”.  The class will consist of the top twenty-four pupils who have opted to do “Triple Award” and the pupils will be selected on the basis of their overall performance in science subjects in the Year 10 January examinations and assessments to date.”

(d)  All pupils must choose one of the following:

  • Additional Mathematics
  • Religious Studies (Full Course)
  • ICT (Short Course)
  • Statistics
  • Leisure & Tourism
  • Journalism

2    Optional Subjects
Depending on their Science options pupils may choose one or two subjects from the following:

  • Art & Design
  • Business Studies
  • French
  • Geography
  • Graphic Products
  • Health & Social Care
  • Computing
  • History
  • Home Economics
  • ICT (Full Course)
  • Music
  • Technology
  • Physical Education

 

If they have been accepted to study “Triple Award Science” (separate Biology, Physics and Chemistry),  they may choose ONE of the subjects from the above list.  If they are studying Double Award Science they may choose TWO of the subjects from the above list. 
It should be noted that although every effort will be made to facilitate all subject combinations, some may still not be possible because of staffing limitations.

  • The school reserves the right to withdraw subjects if there is not sufficient uptake to create a viable class.
  • Some subjects are limited in the number of pupils that can be catered for.  If such subjects are over-subscribed, evidence of ability and aptitude, eg as shown by year 10 examinations and teacher assessment, will be used for selection.
  • If a pupil wishes to change an option choice to an over-subscribed subject, then their prior selection will take preference.

3    Prohibited Combinations

Students may not study

  • Home Economics AND Health & Social Care
  • Computing AND ICT
  • Technology AND Graphic Products

For more information you can look at our Year 10 Choices Booklet available here.