Year 9 Options

Download belowYear 9 is at critical stage of secondary education, where key decisions need to be made about what subjects students will study in Key Stage 4 and beyond.

It is important that the Academy and your family work together to help guide you and foster informed decisions about the curriculum you study at Key Stage 4.

Before you make any decisions about which subjects you choose to study, you should consider:

• The field you would like to work in as an adult
• University courses that would help you start a career in that field
• The A-Levels required to get on those university courses
• The GCSE subjects or vocational qualifications required to study those A-Levels
• Alternative pathways, such as apprenticeships, and their requirements
• What are your strengths and which subjects are you already successful in?

 

GCSEs and Vocational Qualifications

Alongside GCSEs, we offer a range of high-quality vocational qualifications. Courses such as CNATs (Cambridge Nationals) combine coursework and examinations, and include a number of creative subjects that allow students to develop their interests and passions.

If you have any questions about specific subjects, you can contact Subject Leaders directly using the email addresses listed on the Subjects webpage.

---

Making the right choices

It is important to choose a broad and balanced curriculum. Speak to your subject teachers, your tutor, and your family and friends for advice. You should select subjects you enjoy, that you are strong in, and subjects that complement one another.

Do not choose subjects based on what your friends are choosing or because of a particular teacher, as you may be placed in a different class or have a different teacher next year.

At this stage, choosing a specific career can be premature and is unlikely to be a fixed decision. Many students change their minds several times before the end of their education. When selecting option subjects, students should consider not only their current interests, but also how their choices will keep pathways open for A-Levels, Further Education, and beyond.

Universities are increasingly considering GCSE results as part of the application process, and many A-Level subjects have specific entry requirements. For this reason, students should choose subjects in which they are likely to achieve strong grades.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

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 includes the core subjects metioned below, as well as a language subject and geography or history (or both). Universities generally view this as a key indicator that a student has studied a balanced and challenging curriculum.

What are Core Subjects?

Core subjects are studied by every student at GCSE.

• English Literature
• English Language
• Science
• Mathematics
• Core PE (not a qualification)

What are Options?

Options are the four subjects you choose to study in addition to the Core Subjects listed above. You should pick your best subjects in terms of your ability and interests. The option subjects are blue or green in the Pathways booklet. At least one of your options must be a green subject.

What is a Community Language?

If you can speak, read, and write another language to a high standard, we can enter you for a GCSE in that language. We do not provide lessons; we will assess your proficiency, then you will be expected to practise at home. The qualification carries the same value as any other GCSE and can be an attractive addition to applications. Inform your language teacher at the time of your option selection if you wish to enrol on a Community Language GCSE course.

What if I change my mind?

You can change your mind as often as you like before the deadline - simply resubmit your form with your new choices. Once the deadline passes, it becomes increasingly difficult to change your subjects, particularly for popular subjects with large class sizes. Speak to your Faculty Director or Faculty Coordinator as soon as you can. We cannot guarentee that you can change once you have submitted your options.