The Middle and Upper Fifth Forms - The Right Course

The Middle and Upper Fifth Forms mark the important GCSE years for our pupils, and at St Edmund's we are both proud of our pupils' exam successes, and also mindful of our responsibility to ensure that each new entrant to the Middle Fifth Form embarks upon the "right course" for him or her. In this way we can be sure of planning the most suitable way forward for your child, tailored to his or her individual needs, abilities and potential.

Our GCSE programme consists of a group of core subjects, supplemented by a wide range of optional subjects from which pupils can choose. Core GCSE subjects are English (Language and Literature), a Modern Language (French or Spanish), Mathematics, and Science. Each of the three science disciplines - Biology, Chemistry, and Physics - is taught by specialist staff, and depending on the pupil's individual situation, he or she may be entered into the GCSEs for Science, Additional Science, or for each of the three subjects separately.

Optional GCSE subjects are grouped into three "Blocks", and a pupil will choose one subject from each block. Block "A" consists of: Art (Drawing and Painting), Drama, Food Technology, History, Latin, and Resistant Materials. Block "B" comprises: Graphics, Music, Art (Drawing and Painting), Geography, and History; and finally, Block "C" offers the choice between Ceramics, Drama, Spanish, Geography, and Religious Studies. For more detailed information please download The Right Course 2008/9 (PDF).

Alongside their GCSE studies, we ensure that our pupils are developing in a way which benefits their cultural, spiritual, social and physical development. All pupils have set periods of Physical Education and Games, and also Physical, Social and Health Education; we also require and encourage our pupils to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, to support their development as well-rounded and mature members of society.