Secondary Level (ages 13-16, Key Stage 4)
GCSES
For general information about studying for and sitting exams see the GCSE page.
What about the non-GCSE subjects?
Some of the most fundamental subjects which your child would hopefully be continuing with at this level - such as Classics, Religious Instruction, Philosophy and Christian Culture - have no exam at the end of the course of study. It can be tempting under the pressure of exams to drop these subjects, but that would be a shame as they are so formative not only intellectually but culturally and above all in terms of our faith.
Continuing the study of the catechism at secondary level is crucial as this is the age when all that has been learned so far needs to be brought to fruition, consolidated and lived. In these teen years when your child is likely to be ever more exposed to the world and to those who would challenge his faith and morals, it is more important than ever that he is able to articulate his reasons for his beliefs and defend his faith - to himself as well as others.
The study of Christian Culture (perhaps in the form Church History but also in the continued study of the lives of the saints) undertaken at this higher level would certainly help him to understand, love and defend his faith.
The study of logic, the beginnings of metaphysics, and general reading of sound books which reflect on essential, fundamental questions from a Catholic perspective will help him not only to give a reasoned defence of his faith but also to see through the false philosophies underpinning so much of the dominant thought in our secular society (notably the moral relativism and subjectivism which leads so many youngsters to lose their faith and /or be led into immoral lifestyles).
These things are worth much more than a GCSE grade and so the subjects which provide them are well worth finding time for in a busy teen's schedule!
GCSES
For general information about studying for and sitting exams see the GCSE page.
What about the non-GCSE subjects?
Some of the most fundamental subjects which your child would hopefully be continuing with at this level - such as Classics, Religious Instruction, Philosophy and Christian Culture - have no exam at the end of the course of study. It can be tempting under the pressure of exams to drop these subjects, but that would be a shame as they are so formative not only intellectually but culturally and above all in terms of our faith.
Continuing the study of the catechism at secondary level is crucial as this is the age when all that has been learned so far needs to be brought to fruition, consolidated and lived. In these teen years when your child is likely to be ever more exposed to the world and to those who would challenge his faith and morals, it is more important than ever that he is able to articulate his reasons for his beliefs and defend his faith - to himself as well as others.
The study of Christian Culture (perhaps in the form Church History but also in the continued study of the lives of the saints) undertaken at this higher level would certainly help him to understand, love and defend his faith.
The study of logic, the beginnings of metaphysics, and general reading of sound books which reflect on essential, fundamental questions from a Catholic perspective will help him not only to give a reasoned defence of his faith but also to see through the false philosophies underpinning so much of the dominant thought in our secular society (notably the moral relativism and subjectivism which leads so many youngsters to lose their faith and /or be led into immoral lifestyles).
These things are worth much more than a GCSE grade and so the subjects which provide them are well worth finding time for in a busy teen's schedule!