Cranmore GCSE 2026-27 Course Guide - GCSE Academic Study: Years 10 & 11

Sep 5, 2026

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Cranmore’s GCSE 2026–27 course guide explains how Years 10 and 11 GCSE study is organised, including subject overview, selection expectations, and support available from staff such as the Head of Year and Form Tutor. The guide outlines the two-year programme leading to external exams, the principles behind subject choice and balanced timetables, and the GCSE 9–1 grading system with equivalences to A*–G. It also describes a value-added assessment and key option-selection deadlines.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time1 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

GCSE Course Guide

GCSE Academic Study: Years 10 & 11

Curriculum Overview and Subject Areas

GCSE Programme and Examination Structure

Subject Choices

Core GCSE Examination Subjects and Non-Examination Subjects

9–1 Grading System

Value-Added

Important Dates for Subject Selection

GCSE 2026–27 COURSE GUIDE GCSE ACADEMIC STUDY: YEARS 10 & 11 Welcome to Cranmore’s GCSE Information and Course Guide You may have already thought about which GCSE subjects you would like to study, or perhaps you are finding it difficult to make decisions. This booklet provides information about how our Year 10 and 11 curriculum is organised, including a short overview of what each subject at GCSE level offers, and what will be expected of students. All of the staff at Cranmore, including your Head of Year and Form Tutor, are committed to supporting you through your GCSE years, ensuring that every student in our care reaches his potential. Our aim at Cranmore is for all students to continue to follow a broad and balanced curriculum, with a study of each of the following areas of learning: • aesthetic, creative, literary • human, social • linguistic • mathematical • moral, spiritual • physical • scientific • technological The two-year GCSE programme culminates in a series of external examinations. It is necessary to limit the number of subjects a student may take to give the optimum amount of time to each one. The most important aspects about GCSEs are: • That the quality of the results is what matters, not the number of passes, • That students should follow an enjoyable and diverse course that reflects their strengths and interests, • Certain GCSE examinations (but not all) are offered at various levels of difficulty, which determines the range of the grades available. 3 SUBJECT CHOICES All students follow a compulsory curriculum of core GCSE examination subjects and non-examination subjects, together with four options. The total number of GCSEs that students will usually take, therefore, will typically be nine. Particular learning needs or other commitments may also be considered and individual circumstances can be discussed. CORE GCSE EXAMINATION SUBJECTS • English Language • English Literature • Mathematics • Dual Award Science • Religious Studies NON-EXAMINATION SUBJECTS • Physical Education • PSHE In choosing your subjects you should give careful consideration to: • The subjects you most enjoy, • The skills needed in each subject, • The advice of your subject teachers, • Any plans you may have for A-Level studies in the Sixth Form, • Keeping a balance in your timetable. Each student is asked to select 3 choices from the list below. Subjects • Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics as discrete subjects) • French • Spanish • Art & Design – Fine Art • Computer Science • Design and Technology • Drama • Geography • History • Latin • Music • Physical Education 4 9–1 GRADING SYSTEM Since 2017, GCSEs in England are awarded with a new scale from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade. This scale has been aligned to key grades on the previous A* to G scale. Therefore, broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 7 and above as would have achieved a grade A and above. Similarly, broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 4 and above as would have achieved a grade C and above. How the 9 to 1 grades compare with the A* to G scale can be seen here: GRADING NEW GCSEs FROM 2017 | New Grading Structure
9 8
7 | Current Grading Structure A*
A | | --- | --- | | 6 5
4 | B
C | | 3
2
1 | D
E
F
G | | U | U | The reformed GCSEs have been designed for a two-year period of study and are predominantly linear, so students will take all of their exams at the end of the course. The new grades are being brought in to signal that GCSEs have been reformed and to allow finer distinctions between students of different abilities. It is worth noting that the equivalent to a C grade is a 4. The 9 could be considered an A** and will be awarded to between the top 2-4% of the national cohort. VALUE-ADDED Cranmore has a rigorous assessment and tracking system in place, which

FAQs

How is the GCSE programme structured across Years 10 and 11?

The two-year GCSE programme culminates in external examinations, with exams taken at the end of the course. Students follow a broad and balanced curriculum and a limited number of subjects to ensure appropriate time for each.

What are the core GCSE examination subjects and non-examination subjects?

Core GCSE examination subjects listed are English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Dual Award Science, and Religious Studies. Non-examination subjects listed are Physical Education and PSHE.

What does the 9–1 grading system mean for equivalences and progression?

GCSEs in England use grades 9 to 1, where 9 is highest. The guide notes alignment to the previous A*–G scale, including that a broadly equivalent 7 corresponds to A and that 4 corresponds to C.

How does Cranmore’s value-added assessment work and what is its purpose?

Value-added scores are calculated as the residual between GCSE predictions generated from baseline tests taken in school and the final GCSE grade achieved. The purpose is to monitor progress closely and aim to add value across departments.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Angel