At King Solomon Academy, every student studies for GCSEs that can allow them to attend our Sixth Form and go on to university. All students study English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science (Double or Triple), RS and French. Most will also study either Geography or History. Every student begins on at least 8 GCSEs with students split into four classes. These classes are divided as follows:
- Support group: our smallest class receive more time on Maths and English and study 8-9 GCSEs and may have additional intervention support on their timetable to make rapid progress across GCSEs.
- Progress group: receive more time on Maths and English than the Hums or Science specialisms and have two elective choices and can choose to study either Geography or History.
- Humanities specialism: study Double Award Science and must study History GCSE. They then have an additional two elective choices.
- Science specialism: study Triple Science and will also study History GCSE along with two other electives. This group also has the chance to be entered for Further Maths GCSE.
In Year 9, students and families go through a structured GCSE information advice and guidance process. In HT3 students have a series of PD lessons around GCSE options and also have options presentations from subjects. There is then an options parent information evening and students are requested to submit initial GCSE preferences by the end of HT3.
Final GCSE options and class allocations are then based on data from Spring and Summer graded assessments as well as one-to-one meetings with the Head of Year, Head of Upper School and the Careers Lead.