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?

The vast majority of pupils entering Year 10 will take ten GCSE/IGCSE subjects. Seven are compulsory, the remaining three are optional. The compulsory subjects are:

English

For the vast majority, this will lead to IGCSE in both English Language and English Literature.

Modern or classical language

You must choose one language from:

  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Latin
  • Classical Civilisation

Aspiring linguists can take an additional language as an optional subject. This would be either French, Spanish or Latin.

Pupils who study English as an Additional Language will take this as their Modern Language. They may take French, Spanish or Latin as their optional subject.

Mathematics

All sets will sit IGCSE in Year 11. Depending on progress, pupils in the top set(s) may sit Further Mathematics as an additional IGCSE.

Science

All pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as single sciences. All pupils take Biology, Chemistry and Physics IGCSE. The Science departments regularly review courses to ensure that they are suited to pupils’ abilities and may choose to introduce Dual or Single Science IGCSE for selected pupils.

What are the optional GCSE subjects?

Pupils will need to choose three options from the list below. All optional subjects are taught in mixed ability groups.

  • Art
  • Computer Science
  • Design & Technology
  • Drama
  • French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Latin
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Physical Education
  • Religious Studies
  • Spanish

Pupils who study English as an Additional Language will take this as their compulsory Modern Language. They may take French, Spanish or Latin as their optional subject.

When do these choices have to be made?

Pupils and parents are invited to attend a GCSE Choices Information Evening in early March of Year 9. Choices are then made by 24 March.

Your tutors and academic staff will be happy to talk you through the various options. They can help to ensure that you are making the best choices with consideration for any thoughts you have regarding your A-levels or – for those who are thinking that far in advance – higher education and careers.

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.

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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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