As you move into Year 10, you have the opportunity to choose some of the subjects you will study. You need to think carefully about your decision, and make the right choices for your future. Consider what you enjoy, what your skills are and what subjects you might need for future study or your career. It’s a good idea to discuss your options with parents/carers, your tutor, careers advisor and/or other trusted adults.
Usually, we would hold an Options Evening in the school and invite you along with your parents/carers to come and find out more about the subjects on offer. That’s not possible during lockdown, so instead we have put together this showcase. On this page you will find overviews of the subjects you can choose from, as well as videos, slide shows and galleries of student work. If you want more in-depth information about any of the subjects, you should read through the Options Booklet.
Once you have looked through all the information available, you need to complete the Options Form to tell us which subjects you would like to study next year. You will need to choose between History and Geography, and you will need to number the other subjects in order of preference from 1 to 10. Please remember that not all of these subjects will end up running next year, so you may not end up being able to study your top choices.
Subject choices must be made and the form submitted by Friday 12 February.
Here is Mr Collett to take you through the Options process.
Quick linksWhich subjects can I choose from?
What will I study in each subject?
How do I submit my subject choices?
Child Development & Care (CACHE)
Performing Arts (Dance or Drama) (BTEC)
Which subjects can I choose from?
In Year 10 next year:- Every student will study the Core Programme of qualifications: English Language and English Literature, Maths, Combined Science (or Triple Science), PSHEE and Core PE.
- You will also continue to study French or Spanish. If you do not currently study French or Spanish, an alternative will be arranged.
- Every student will study Geography or History - you can choose which one you prefer.
- You will also study two other Options subjects from the list below. (Please note that Computer Science, Further Maths and Statistics have minimum entry requirements and will therefore not be available to all students.)
What will I study in each subject?
Geography (GCSE)
Geography is about understanding the world’s people, places and environments. It illuminates the past, explains the present and prepares us for the future. What can be more important than that? Geography is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study at GCSE level. So important, in fact, that the Guardian newspaper in 2015 named Geography as a ‘must-have GCSE and A-Level’ to help you make sense of the world. (Remember: all BACA students will study either Geography or History.)
History (GCSE)
“Why should I take History? It’s all in the past! It’s already happened!” First, that couldn’t be further from the truth. What’s happening in the UK today will be being taught in History within your lifetime. You are living through history right now! Second, the world that you are in today has been profoundly affected by the events of the past. History helps you to make sense of the world you live in today. (Remember: all BACA students will study either History or Geography.)
Art & Design (GCSE)
The Art & Design course involves developing ideas and techniques from given starting points, themes or briefs; producing work that is personal, informed and meaningful and learning to analyse your own work and the work of others in contemporary, historical and cultural contexts. The course is open to all students who are confident in drawing, object making, problem solving and presentation.
Business & Enterprise (BTEC)
This course will enable students to gain a firm understanding of the business sectors. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain a good grounding in business and will enable progression to employment and college. It also provides a solid understanding that enables you to develop the skills required to work in, and manage, your own business in the future.
Child Development & Care (CACHE)
Extend and apply your skills, knowledge and understanding of the development and care of children from conception to the age of five years. This course is aimed at students who wish to work with or care for children and want to take their interest further. You’ll learn about the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of the child while studying the family, community and the responsibilities of parenthood. You will experience what it is like to care for a baby through a simulation exercise.
Computer Science (GCSE)
Computing is of enormous importance to the economy and the role of Computer Science is growing rapidly. Growth in the use of mobile devices and web-related technologies has exploded, resulting in new challenges for employers and employees. Businesses today require an ever-increasing number of technologically aware individuals, and this is even more so in the gaming, mobile and web related industries. The GCSE Computer Science specification has been designed with this in mind.
Due to the level of Maths involved in the programming element of this course, all students will require a target grade of 6 or above in Maths.
To view presentation notes click HERE
Creative Digital Media (BTEC)
This course will enable you to gain a firm understanding of the whole media industry, as well as develop your technical skills and techniques for creating media products. You will explore: content and purposes of digital media products; style and the use of digital design principles; idea generation and production process; industry regulations and professional practices; production skills and techniques of a variety of types of productions, including film, video games and websites.
Design & Technology (GCSE)
In this course you will actively engage in design and technology (learning by doing). You’ll learn what goes into designing and making quality products. You will explore how aesthetic, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social dimensions interact to shape designing and making, and how products reflect and influence cultures and societies. You’ll learn how to analyse existing products and produce practical solutions, developing decision-making skills through individual and collaborative working.
Further Maths (Certificate) & Statistics (GCSE)
Further Maths is a qualification that fills the gap for high achieving students by assessing their higher order mathematical skills, particularly algebraic reasoning, in greater depth. The course covers the areas of algebra and geometry, which are crucial to further study in the subject, in greater depth and breadth. This qualification places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills. It also gives an introduction to calculus and matrices and develops further skills in trigonometry, functions and graphs.
Statistics is the science and, arguably, the art of learning from data. It is concerned with the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, as well as the effective communication and presentation of results relying on data. Statistics lies at the heart of the type of quantitative reasoning necessary for making important advances in the sciences, such as medicine and genetics, as well as for making important decisions in business and public policy. You will undertake practical investigations and develop skills in a number of computer programs.
Due to the level of Maths involved in Further Maths and Statistics, all students will require a target grade of 6 or above in Maths.
Hospitality & Catering (WJEC)
The hospitality and catering sector includes all businesses that provide food, beverages, and/or accommodation services. It is Britain’s fourth largest industry and accounts for around 10% of the total workforce. This course has been designed to support students who want to learn about this sector and the potential it can offer them for their careers or further study. You will develop some food preparation and cooking skills as well as transferable skills of problem solving, organisation and time management, planning and communication.
Music (BTEC)
This is a vocational qualification designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry. You will use the state of the art equipment and studio space available at BACA and work alongside like-minded students who are passionate about creating and performing music. There is a choice of two pathways: performance or technology. You’ll learn how to use recording equipment including a range of microphones, and how to mix a studio recording into a finished, professional-sounding audio file.
Performing Arts (Dance or Drama) (BTEC)
Studying Dance or Drama gives you an invaluable experience and skill set that you cannot gain from any other subject. Drama gives you confidence; the ability to be able to stand up and say, “This is who I am and what I’m capable of!” It helps you to understand life from different viewpoints, develop empathy and become a confident, inquisitive and well-rounded human being. Dance allows you to build confidence and perform in front of others and be proud of your performance and creation. You learn the discipline of a dancer and work through different techniques of different styles.
As Dance and Drama will be run at the same time, students will able to study only one of these two subjects.
Physical Education (GCSE)
GCSE Physical Education provides you with the knowledge and understanding of how to live a healthy and active lifestyle, enabling you to make informed choices about your own physical development. GCSE PE is the perfect subject for students who are passionate about PE and Sport and have a keen interest in learning more about both the theoretical and practical side of the subject. You will learn how to analyse and evaluate their performance and suggest effective plans for improvement.
Sport (BTEC)
This course provides an engaging and relevant introduction to the world of sport. It includes important aspects of the industry, such as fitness testing and training for sport and exercise, practical sports performance and sports leadership. It enables you to develop and apply your knowledge, while also developing a range of relevant practical, communication and technical skills.
How do I submit my subject choices?
Before you make your choices and submit your form, we recommend that you talk to your parents/carers, tutor or another trusted adult. You might also want to look at some careers advice.
Remember that you will need to:
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Choose between Geography or History
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Number your top 10 Options subjects in order of preference (with #1 being your first choice). You will end up studying two of these subjects.
If you are ready to make your subject choices, make sure you are logged into your school email and then fill out the Options Form. Subject choices must be made and the form submitted by Friday 12 February.
You can find the full Options Booklet here.
You can find the options choices form here.
You might also wish to speak to your tutor or the lead subject teacher if you have specific questions.
Elev8 Careers provides impartial careers guidance for all students at BACA and are here to answer any questions you might have. Email Marina at marina@elev8careers.org.uk or visit her in the Careers Pod at school (when we are not in lockdown). You can also:
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Visit getcareerconfident.co.uk where you can find lots of useful information on GCSE choices, such as many How To videos, the What Next Booklet for students and the What Next Booklet for parents
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Research jobs and entry requirements at nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/home
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Explore how subjects can lead to different careers at icould.com/explore/#subject
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Check what subjects might be useful for university degrees at informedchoices.ac.uk
Once everyone has submitted their Options choices, we look at everyone’s preferences and try to make a timetable that allows for the most students to take their preferred subjects. This takes a little while. Once done, we will send home a letter to let you know which subjects you have been allocated to study next year.