English Baccalaureate
What is the English Baccalaureate?
The EBacc is a set of subjects at GCSE that keeps young people’s options open for further study and future careers.
It was introduced by the government in 2010 and represented a core of subjects that it wanted students to have the opportunity to study, while acknowledging that other subjects and qualifications remain valuable in their own right.
The EBacc is:
- ·English language and literature
- Mathematics
- The Sciences (including computer science)
- Geography or History
- A Language.
The English Baccalaureate is not compulsory.
Why was it introduced?
Research had shown that a student’s socio-economic background impacts the subjects they choose at GCSE, and that this determines their opportunities beyond
The Government believe that the EBacc will enhance the prospects of students, particularly disadvantaged students, by ensuring they receive a core academic curriculum that allows them to retain options in subsequent education and in the employment market.
A study by the UCL Institute of Education shows that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides students with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a pupil will stay on in full-time education. The government’s ambition is to see 75% of pupils studying the EBacc subject combination at GCSE by 2022, and 90% by 2025.
Studying Ebacc subjects at St Paul’s?
In Key Stage 4, students study a compulsory core, which includes the English language and literature, mathematics, religious studies and science elements of the EBacc.
In addition, students take 3 optional subjects. The Key Stage 4 option blocks will enable any student wishing to study all elements of the EBacc to do so.
The school offers a wide range of different option subjects that students may study to allow them to experience a broad and balanced curriculum. Our academic curriculum includes a range of creative and technical subjects that enable students to prepare for the next stage in their education.
Where can I find out more information about the EBacc?
Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website.