Year 9 & GCSEs | Epsom College
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Year 9 is when the Senior School starts, and where preparations for GCSEs begin. But these important years are about more than exams. With our vast co-curricular programme there are numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore new experiences, and discover untapped talents.

Year 9

Pupils begin their Senior School education in Year 9 (Middle Fourth, or M4 as we know it). Around 80-90 pupils move up from our Lower School, joined by a similar number of new pupils from other schools. 

In Year 9, all pupils will study the following subjects:

  • Art
  • Computer Science
  • Design & Technology
  • Drama
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Maths
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • PSHE (including Citizenship)
  • Religious Studies
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics taught separately)
  • Modern Language (from French, German or Spanish)

Pupils also choose to study either a second Modern Foreign Language, Latin or Classical Civilisation.

GCSEs

Year 9 is preparation for studying GCSE subjects, which are followed in earnest in Years 10 and 11 (Upper Fourth and Fifth Form, in Epsom-speak).

The vast majority of Year 10 pupils will study ten GCSEs or IGCSEs. Seven are compulsory and three are optional. In addition, everyone will continue with Physical Education and follow the PSHE programme. Full details are below.

What are the compulsory GCSE subjects?

What are the optional GCSE subjects?

When do these choices have to be made?

The School Day & Weekly Routine

 

Small Changes

The timetables above show the structure of the week for our senior pupils. Things change very slightly as pupils move from Year 9 to 10. In Year 10, there’s an additional period for lessons on Monday, and CCF or Duke of Edinburgh takes place on Wednesday afternoons.

Otherwise, all pupils follow the same routine. The day begins in your child’s house with registration, followed by an assembly, tutor time or Chapel. Lessons start at 9am, and each period lasts 50 minutes. 

Afternoon Games and Activities

Afternoons vary, but each day ends with some form of co-curricular activity (more on that below). Senior pupils end the day at 6pm, with College transport leaving at 6.15pm.

Saturdays

Saturday school starts in Year 9. Pupils have Chapel, followed by three 45-minute lessons in the morning and afternoon fixtures after lunch.

Games

Games and/or fixtures take place three times a week, including Saturday afternoons. We are proud of our high participation rates and regularly field C and D teams, to ensure that everyone has the chance to represent the School in competitive sport. Our team sports:

Michaelmas Term

  • Rugby (boys) / Hockey (girls)

Lent Term

  • Football (boys) / Netball (girls)

Summer Term

  • Cricket (boys and girls), Tennis and Athletics (co-ed)

Learn more

Co-Curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities take place every afternoon. In Year 9 this is a combination of ‘Carousel’ and ‘Activities’.

Carousel activities are taken by all pupils on rotation – the programme is designed to encourage pupils to try new things, and be open-minded in their approach to new challenges and experiences.

Activities are chosen freely by each pupil. Pupils agree a suitable activities programme with their tutors, ensuring a good balance of physical, cultural and academic enrichment activities.

Learn more

CCF & Duke of Edinburgh

In the Summer Term of Year 9, all pupils take part in CCF (Combined Cadet Force), learning skills such as orienteering, adventure training and camp craft. The aim is to develop important life skills such as teamwork, service and leadership.

Toward the end of the term, pupils choose whether they will spend Years 10 and 11 as part of a CCF Section (Army, Navy or Air Force) or earning their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award.

Join us in Year 9

We would love you to become part of our school. Discover the next steps you need to take.

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