We are an academical non-selective school and our goal is to ensure that all of our pupils achieve excellence that is beyond their expectations.

 

Our pupils follow the National Curriculum in Years 7-9, which is designed to include a wide range of subjects, allowing pupils the chance to explore the various options available for further study at the GCSE level. In Years 10 and 11, pupils study their chosen GCSE courses after selecting subjects they are most interested in pursuing. Our GCSE curriculum is carefully designed to be both challenging and flexible. It allows us to tailor the content and pace of the curriculum to whatever is most appropriate to your child.  For advice and guidance on choosing which Year 10/Year 11 programme which is most suited to your needs download our GCSE Curriculum Guide >.

 

GCSE/IGCSE Subject Options

All pupils are encouraged to follow a broad programme of 9 courses over Years 10 and 11. Compulsory core subjects are studied over two years, alongside a selection of subjects chosen from option blocks as detailed in the options sheets below. These sheets also detail which subjects are delivered over one or two years. Discover our Year 10 Options Form > NB: options currently available may change as pupils make us aware of their choices.

SUBJECT CHOICES

ART AND DESIGN

Pupils who choose the Art and Design GCSE will develop practical skills for communicating and expressing ideas and feelings in art, craft and design. Students are assessed through a portfolio of work completed throughout the course, along with an externally assessed set task examination.

BUSINESS STUDIES

Pupils study a range of concepts in businesses ranging from small local enterprises to large multinationals. This course is assessed via written examinations, containing a mix of multiple-choice questions, calculations, short answers, and extended written questions based upon business case studies.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

This carefully planned course gives pupils a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. The fundamentals of computer systems, computing hardware and software, and designing and writing programs, are all covered in this course.

DRAMA

This exciting course promotes involvement in, and enjoyment of, drama as performers and designers. Additionally, it provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

This subject can either be taken as a two year IGCSE course for native speakers and international pupils of a very high proficiency in English, or a one year Pre-IB IGCSE course for non-native speakers whose English is of a sufficiently high standard.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

This is a two year IGCSE course for native speakers and will develop pupils’ skills in analysing how the language, structure and context of literary texts can create meanings and effects. This course is usually taken in addition to the English Language IGCSE, for the majority of native-speaking pupils.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

This course is designed for overseas pupils whose first language is not English but for whom it is a language of study. The aim is to help overseas pupils improve their English language proficiency, to a level where they are able to successfully apply for a further education course at an English-speaking university.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

This course aims to equip pupils with the knowledge, understanding, and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. The pupils learn via both theory and practical lessons, to prepare them for the written examination and practical examination.

GEOGRAPHY

Geography looks at the inter-relationships between people and their environment. Windermere School is located within a paradise for geographical study. Pupils will be given the opportunity to make full use of our UNESCO World Heritage site location to enhance their studies, with a focus on both the natural and human environment, and investigative skills.

HISTORY

History looks at major historical figures, changes and events. Pupils will learn how to critically analyse historical sources and communicate their historical judgments. Assessment for this course is made up of two examinations, which test understanding on different historical topics.

MATHEMATICS

The mathematics course enables pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques and concepts, along with giving them the ability to confidently apply these techniques. The course covers key mathematical concepts such as statistics and probability, geometry, trigonometry, and equations.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (FRENCH AND SPANISH)

These courses aim to develop pupils’ ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers. They also seek to improve pupils’ awareness and understanding, of the culture and identity of the countries where French and Spanish are spoken.

MUSIC

This course focuses on developing candidates’ interest and skills in making music individually and in groups, along with enabling them to evaluate their own and others’ music. Pupils will study a piece, which is in their capabilities and genre of their choice, in which their instrument plays a significant part.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This GCSE in Physical Education will equip pupils with the skills needed to develop and maintain their performance in physical activities. Pupils will also gain an understanding of how physical activities benefit health, fitness, and wellbeing.

SCIENCE: BIOLOGY

This IGCSE course is designed to promote an interest in biology, enabling pupils to understand life around them and teach them to analyse, interpret and evaluate data from experimental methods. Pupils will not only learn about biological life, they will also learn about the technology used to analyse and understand it.

SCIENCE: CHEMISTRY

The IGCSE Chemistry course teaches students to conduct accurate experimental work and understand the principles of chemistry. Pupils will learn about inorganic and organic chemistry, along with physical chemistry. This course is assessed via two written examinations.

SCIENCE: PHYSICS

The IGCSE Physics course will teach pupils to apply the principles and concepts of physics in a practical manner, using experimental and safe laboratory techniques. Topics in this course include: Forces and MotionElectricityRadioactivity and Astrophysics.