Year 9 GCSE Option Choices
This is an exciting point in a student’s journey through High School. As they move from Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) into Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11), instead of all the subjects being completely prescribed, they will now have a degree of choice. There are still the compulsory Core Subjects of Mathematics, English Literature and Language, Science and the statutory requirement to deliver Personal Development and Physical Education lessons. In addition, we have also stipulated a Humanities subject (either Geography or History) as a compulsory element. We also strongly encourage students to choose a language. The range of subjects on offer ensures a broad and balanced set of GCSEs and also meets the criteria for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).
There are a variety of support materials available within this options section of the website; teachers and support staff are also on hand to guide and support students through the process to help them make the right decisions. Post 16 study or work based training is an important factor for consideration and the START Programme we have sent out will help with this. There are staff in school with specific Post 16 knowledge that can be contacted for support if required; if this is something you think would be useful, please contact Mrs. Slack who leads on careers education.
All the information you will require is in this designated options section of the website. I hope that you find the information and resources useful but please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s Director of Studies if you have any questions.
Below you will find short videos introducing each subject, we encourage you to watch them all, but certainly watch the ones for the subjects you and your son/daughter are interested in taking.
Core Subjects – Compulsory Study
Science – Pupils will study either combined or separate science, separate science will count as one options choice.
Students will also have Core Physical Education and Beliefs and Values lessons as a statutory offer, these subjects do not lead to GCSE qualifications.
Humanities – All students will pick from either History or Geography, but can choose both if they wish.
MFL – Students on the EBAC pathway will study French.
Students on Standard pathway have French as one of their options choices.
Art Curriculum – Pupils are only able to select one or two of the following subjects if they are interested in Art .
Free Choices – Students can pick up to three of these subjects depending on their pathway and if they selected an Art subject.