Year 9 Options: Choosing Your Path for Year 10 & 11

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As you approach the exciting transition to Key Stage 4 (KS4), it's time to start thinking about the subjects you'll study for your GCSEs. This is a significant step in your educational journey, and we're here to help you make informed choices that align with your interests and future aspirations.

Core Subjects: Every student will study the following core subjects:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Combined Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
• Religious Education (RE)
• History or Geography (must pick one)

These core subjects are essential as they provide a strong foundation for your academic development and future opportunities.

Optional Subjects: In addition to the core subjects, you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of optional subjects. These options allow you to tailor your education to your personal interests and career goals. The available options are:

• History
• Geography
• French
• Art
• Drama
• Music
• Food and Nutrition
• Physical Education (PE)
• Citizenship
• Photography

Choosing your options is an exciting opportunity to explore new areas, develop your skills, and discover your passions. Take your time to consider each subject carefully, and don't hesitate to seek advice from your teachers, parents, and peers.

Remember, the choices you make now will shape your educational experience and open doors to future possibilities. Good luck, and enjoy this journey of discovery and growth!

• Exams – All subjects have a series of external exams that students will sit in May – June 2027.

• NEA (Coursework) – Some subjects have a coursework element. These will be completed across the 2 years in lessons and at home as part of their homework.

• Practical's – Certain subjects will require students to complete a series of tasks that assess their practical ability in those subjects.

Information of assessment components are in your Year 9 Options booklet.

Schools use pathways based on academic attainment to tailor the curriculum to different learning paces and provide focused support. This approach helps allocate resources efficiently and prepares students for their future academic or career paths.

Students have been placed into pathways based on their academic performance and specific strengths. Pathway 1 includes the top three sets (9GS, 9-1, and 9-2), along with selected students from 9-3 who have excelled in French. Pathway 2 comprises sets 9-3, 9-4, and 9-5. Pathway 3 is designed for students identified by the head of year, based on this year's assessments and prior data, to provide additional support in core subjects.

•  Don’t select a subject because your friends are doing it.

•  Don’t select a subject because of the teacher… they may not teach you next year.

•  Don’t select a subject because it seems easier – all GCSEs are hard.

Read through all the different Options in your booklet and identify the subjects you are interested in. Students can speak to any of their teachers or HoY about the option process.

Students should select subjects they enjoy and excel in. Think about potential career paths and which subjects align with this. 

Fill in the options form by scanning the QR code on the back of your Pathways booklet. 

The deadline for returning the form is 8th May 2025

Important – we will endeavour to provide all students with their first choice of courses, but this may not be possible due to number limitations.