Maths, English and Science are the core subjects everyone must take at GCSE in England. English Language is compulsory for all students, and so is English Literature. 

Science is compulsory and combined into two Science GCSEs but with exceptional progress may be split into the three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) during year 11, thus creating three Science GCSEs. Check with your science teacher to find out more. 

RE is compulsory at Cockshut Hill and will gain you 1 GCSE. You must also continue to do Games for physical exercise and ASPIRE to gain knowledge and skills to keep yourself healthy and safe and to prepare you for life and work in modern Britain. 

We will do our utmost to enable you to follow your preferred option choices. However, in a small number of cases it may not always be possible. For example, some subjects such as computer science and statistics will be dependent on academic performance during year 9. This is due to the high levels of mathematical knowledge required by the exam board. Alternatively, if a course is vastly oversubscribed or only small number of students choose that option – then an alternatively option may need to be chosen. 

If you do not get your first choice you will be contacted by Mrs Thompson (Hagan) the options lead to discuss your choices. We ask that you identify a reserve choice in the case of non-acceptance. 

Once options are finalised in June, it is very difficult to amend your option choice. Choosing your GCSE options is also choosing your timetable, therefore may clash on your personal timetable. So, think hard about your decisions and ask your teachers about the subjects you are keen on; we will only be able look at changing options during exceptional circumstances. 

• You will choose your options using a personalised electronic form that will be emailed to your school email address on: Wednesday 17th March 2021

• You should submit this by: Wednesday 24th March 2021. 

If required, please email the teachers below to find out more information about the option subjects: 

• General options advice – Mrs Natalie Thompson (Options Lead) Natalie.thompson@cockshuthill.org.uk or Ms Mahnoor Ahmad (Achievement Leader) Mahnoor.ahmad@cockshuthill.org.uk  
• GCSE Art – Mr Michael Cadd (Head of Art Department) Michael.cadd@cockshuthill.org.uk 

• Child Development (Cambridge National) – Mrs Clare Kelly Clare.kelly@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• GCSE Computer Science – Mrs Natalie Thompson (Head of ICT) Natalie.thompson@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• GCSE Drama – Mr David Harper David.harper@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• Engineering (Cambridge National) – Mr S. Dialpuri (Head of DT) S.dialpuri@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• GCSE French – Mrs Cathy Smyth (Head of MFL) Cathy.smyth@cockshuthill.org.uk 

• GCSE Geography – Ms Angela Dixon (Head of Geography) Angela.dixon@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• GCSE History – Ms Amy Thomas (Head of History) Amy.thomas@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• Hospitality and Catering (Cambridge National) – Mrs Alpa Burke (Head of Food Tech.) alpa.burke@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• IT Creative i-Media (Cambridge National) – Mrs Natalie Thompson (Head of ICT) Natalie.thompson@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• Music (BTEC) – Mrs Catherine Albutt (Head of Performing Arts) Catherine.albutt@cockshuthill.org.uk 

• GCSE Photography – Mr Carl Seebode Carl.seebode@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• GCSE Spanish – Mrs Cathy Smyth (Head of MFL) Cathy.smyth@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• Sports Studies (Cambridge National) – Mr Adam Coniff (Head of PE) Adam.coniff@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• GCSE Statistics – Ms Amy O’Driscoll Amy.odriscoll@cockshuthill.org.uk 
• GCSE Urdu – Ms. Kosir Zaffreen.Kosir@cockshuthill.org.uk