“Choose the right courses and the right qualifications for you”
Course details relate to 2010/2011.
The school's KS4 curriculum allows for 50% option and 50% core so students are asked to select the equivalent of five subjects. Options include qualifications at GCSE, Applied GCSE, DIDA, AIDA and others offered by the Redbridge College collaboration. There are also four special support courses including language support and ASDAN. As Wanstead High is a Perfoming Arts Specialist College, all students are strongly recommended to select a Performing Arts option as one of their choices.
Look at your Year 9 LRD data, test results and teachers' comments on your report. Decide what your best subjects are and what subjects you enjoy most.
Talk to your subject teachers in lessons and at parents' evening. Ask their opinion.
Think carefully about subjects you haven't yet studied. You can find out more from special sessions so that you can make an informed choice.
Colleges and employers are looking for people with broad skills - having a broad range of subjects at GCSE is one way of showing that you have achieved this.
Avoid taking subjects that are too similar. Consider taking subjects which have different methods of assessment. Taking too many coursework-style subjects can place a large burden on you when deadlines approach.
Visit the library to research different subjects. Talk to your tutor and a parent/guardian.
Although it may be a little early, if you have a good idea about what you would like to do after you have left school then it makes sense to ensure your option choices support your ambition.