Pathway 1

If you have been told you are on pathway one, this information is specifically for you.

Option Blocks

Once you have considered the decisions to be made, and discussed your choices with your parents , it will be time to select the courses you wish to study. You will be asked to nominate one subject from each option block, and then a reserve choice (from any block).

Remember, you should choose two of the following subjects as part of your choices: Triple Science, French, German, Geography or History.

Bold= 2 from your 4 choices should be from these subjects.
Asterisk* = Technical Award

OPTIONS FORM - PATHWAY 1 -A link to choose your options online will appear here after the Options evening on Tuesday 10th February.

Decisions to be made

Decision 1: Combined or Triple Science?

We offer two different versions of science to suit different learners. These are combined science and triple science. As a minimum, all students will take combined science within the compulsory core curriculum. However, you can choose to opt for Triple Science instead, which will take up one of your option choices.

Triple Science:

These separate courses in biology, chemistry and physics each lead to a separate GCSE qualification. This course is academic and aimed at those with a keen interest in science or those with a high chance of pursuing science beyond Fernwood. Triple Science prepares students very well for studying any of the three sciences at post-16 as well as competitive degrees such as Medicine or Veterinary Science.

Combined Science:

These are separate courses which cover an equal mix of all the three sciences above, but there is less content.  It leads to a double award GCSE i.e., it is equivalent to two GCSEs.

Decision 2: Academic breadth

To ensure you have academic breath in your GCSE choices we ask that you choose 2 of the following subjects Triple Science, Geography, History, French or German. Choosing two or more of these subjects along with up to 2 free choices ensures you have a exposure to good breath to your GCSEs. This used to be called ‘The EBacc’. Following this route keeps young peoples’ options open for further study and future careers, particularly in cases where students are unsure of their next steps. These are highly regarded, traditional academic subjects. These subjects complement other GCSE option courses, including practical and vocational courses.

Decision 3: GCSEs and/or Vocational qualifications?

When you choose a subject, think carefully about what type of qualification the course leads to. Most courses at Fernwood lead to a GCSE (General Certificate of Education) qualification, but not all. Because GCSEs are highly academic in nature some students prefer, or are more suited to vocational qualifications. The Government call these Technical Awards.

You must decide if you want to take academic subjects (GCSEs), technical awards or a mix of the two.

Technical Awards are broad, high-quality qualifications that equip students with applied knowledge and associated practical skills. They focus on the applied study of an industry sector or occupational area, or the acquisition of practical and technical skills. Technical Awards fulfil entry requirements for both academic and vocational study post-16, alongside GCSEs.

So, if it’s not a GCSE make sure you know what type of qualification your chosen course leads to, e.g. OCR Cambridge National, Level 2 NCFE, and what type of grades it offers.

All the information on what each course will entail is available below for you to look through. There are videos from most subjects, along with written information that I encourage you to read thoroughly. Some children are quite surprised during year 10 as to what studying a specific subject actually entails, in comparison to what they imagined it would involve.