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Royal Russell is different by design. We are a family school which means we value the things which make each of us distinctively brilliant. Royal Russell’s school motto is ‘non sibi sed omnibus’ which translates as ‘not for oneself, but for all’. Our commitment to each other is to help every member of our community strive for their vision of success. Our happy, vibrant and ambitious community provides our pupils with an exceptional educational experience; with the pupil right at the heart.
We are proud of the breadth and depth of the offer at Royal Russell and our 110-acre campus is full of incredible facilities to inspire learning and personal growth; from our cutting-edge science facilities, our beautiful library, extensive sporting facilities, Chapel, Great Hall, spacious dining facilities, Performing Arts Centre and beautiful Day Houses.
Bespoke educational pathways mean we can support your child to realise their vision of success, supported by expert tutors, teachers, coaches and pastoral teams. We believe in a total education - encouraging pupils to extend their learning beyond the curriculum through enrichment activities and cultural experiences. Learning together in an open community that reflects the real world and celebrates both individual and collective achievements.
Pupils in Year 9 are asked to state their preferences about which courses they wish to study in Years 10 and 11 for GCSE or IGCSE examinations. This is an important phase in every pupil's education as they begin the process of specialising in certain subject areas.
English Language and Literature, Mathematics, all three Sciences and a Modern Foreign Language form the seven core subjects studied at GCSE.
Pupils will add three more subjects of their own choice from a broad range. The main thing to consider is that pupils should elect to study subjects that they enjoy and believe they will be successful at. We do not expect pupils at this stage to have a definite idea of the direction they wish to progress in their studies in our Sixth Form, and as such, our curriculum is broad and balanced.
When considering subjects, pupils should consider what they will be studying in those lessons, and also how this fits in with co-curricular activities. We want to ensure that pupils continue to develop their skills outside the classroom, whilst being mindful of not taking on too much.
At Royal Russell we offer a broad range of subjects at GCSE, to be taken in Year 11 or, in some cases, Year 9 or 10.
Choosing subjects to take to GCSE can be a thought-provoking and sometimes daunting and difficult process. Selecting the subjects a student will study at GCSE does entail some tough decisions, so subject teachers, House Tutors, Heads of Department and Housemasters and Housemistresses are all available to talk parents and students through this process. Ultimately, these courses will equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in GCSE examinations in Year 11, and will form the foundation of their further studies in our Sixth Form in Years 12 and 13.
The opportunity to choose is an exciting one, and we will encourage and support our students every step of the way through this important phase of their studies to make the right personal choices. When choosing GCSE options, students should consider:
- The subjects you enjoy most
- The subjects you are best at
- The subjects you need to have studied for a particular career.
Students will take the following seven compulsory GCSE subjects:
English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Modern Foreign Language (MFL).
These are compulsory subjects, although the exact GCSE or IGCSE course selected will vary according to the students' levels of attainment.
Students will also follow non-examined courses in Personal, Social and Health Education, Careers and Physical Education/Games.
Students must choose either French, Spanish or German as their choice of MFL. German is available only to those who have previously studied it for at least one year. Students may choose a second language as part of their additional subjects (please see below).
For those students whose first language is not English will instead study English as an Additional Language, or the Curriculum Assistance Programme.
Students who have received Support for Learning in the past should discuss this option with their Tutor, Language Teachers and Learning Support Staff. The Curriculum Assistance Programme may be a more suitable option, in which case they will study nine rather than ten subjects at GCSE.
Students may then choose their remaining three subjects from the list below:
- Art and Design
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- Food Preparation and Nutrition
- Geography
- History
- Media Studies
- Music
- Physical Education
- Theology and Philosophy
Choosing the right subjects in the Sixth Form can be one of the most important decisions you make.
At Royal Russell, we provide a wide range of subjects at A level, along with BTEC National qualifications in Business; Sport; and Digital Film and Video Production. Most students choose 3 subjects to study.
Our study programmes are complemented by a host of co-curricular opportunities as well as educational trips; a weekly lecture programme; timetabled careers lessons; a Games afternoon; Challenge Days; and a Footsteps to Futures programme.
When choosing which subjects to study you should:
- Seek advice from the Upper School Team, including the Assistant Head - Upper School; your Head of Year and/or the Head of Careers
- Speak to your House Tutor and subject teachers
- Speak to current Sixth Formers who are studying the subjects you are considering
- Consider what subjects you enjoy and find stimulating and rewarding
- Consider what you are good at and where your strengths and skills lie
- If you know what you want to study at university, be clear of the subjects and grades that are essential entry requirements.
- It is important that you feel confident about your choices and are committed to the hard work and effort that is required to achieve your goals.
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