GCSE Options

As students reach the end of their first three years of secondary education, choices are made about the academic subjects they would like to study in Years 10 and 11. These courses lead to examinations for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

At Bridgewater School we want all our students to be able to choose the career path that interests them and to have the necessary qualifications, determination and ambition to realise these ambitions. Therefore we strongly believe in the importance of maintaining a good balance of subjects at GCSE so that students can enjoy a broad educational experience and keep their options open for Sixth Form study and Higher Education. A good balance of options is likely to include a Modern Foreign Language, a humanities subject such as History, Geography and Religious Studies, as well as a creative subject such as Art, Design Technology, Music or Drama.

A guide to the subject courses available to Year 10 and 11 students can be found here>. Download the 2025 GCSE Options Booklet. Our GCSE subject list for 2024-25 is also available.

 

Years 7-9, Key Stage 3 Years 10-11, Key Stage 4

GCSE Options

Years 12-13, Sixth Form
English

Mathematics

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Spanish

French

Art

Design Technology

Drama

Geography

History

I.C.T.

Music

Religious Studies

Games/PE

PSHCE

 

 

 

 

 

Core (compulsory) subjects

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Science (single award)

 Games/PE

PSHCE

4* Option subjects from:

Art

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Design Technology

Drama

French

Geography

History

I.C.T.

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Religious Studies

Spanish

Statistics (Extra-Curricular, by invitation)

Art & Design

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Design Technology (Graphics)

Drama & Theatre Studies

Economics

English Language

English Literature

French

Geography

History

ICT (A Level) & ICT (BTEC)

Mathematics

Further Mathematics

Music

Physical Education (BTEC)

Physics

Psychology

Religious Studies

Spanish

 

*Please note that if three separate sciences are chosen, one of them will count as an additional option choice and therefore the number of option subjects would be limited to three from the list above.

Bridgewater will not only help you to reach your goals, it will enable you to exceed them.


Phoebe Moss, Head Girl 2018-19

Recognising DofE excellence

More than just an extra-curricular programme, the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Scheme is a transformative experience that challenges young people to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience and

Read more

Murder Mystery Evening Thursday 3rd July

Saddle up and get ready for a rip-roarin’, rootin’-tootin’ good time! After the mighty success of last year’s Murder Mystery shindig, the staff of Bridgewater School are fixin’ to bring

Read more

Creative excellence: June Artist of the Month

At the heart of our school’s creative spirit lies the Art Room – a space where imagination takes flight and ideas are transformed into powerful expressions. Here, the value of Inspiration

Read more

Bridgewater’s very important date

On Wednesday 18th June 2025, our Prep department took a joyful tumble down the rabbit hole and straight into the whimsical world of Wonderland, all in aid of Brain Tumour

Read more