FAQs

1. Are the options allocated on a first come, first served basis?

• No.  As long as you complete and submit your online options form on time, all applications will be processed in the same way.  If you submit your choices after this date, this may affect the subjects you are able to study.

2.  Can I decide which Pathway I take?

• As we have identified earlier in this booklet, the Government have stated that the majority of students should study a core entitlement of English Language & Literature, Maths, Science, one Language and Geography or History.  This means that the vast majority of students will follow Pathway 1.  For a minority of students this will be unsuitable for a variety of reasons and therefore there is some scope for personalising the curriculum offer.  Whilst we will consider all requests for alternative choices, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate parental and student requests.

3.  How does the school identify the best pathway for students?

We use a full range of information about each individual student, including:

o   Key Stage 2 results

o   Current performance

o   Teacher/tutor/Head of Year recommendation

o   Predicted outcomes for the end of Key Stage 4

4.  Will the course my son/daughter chooses run?

• There is no guarantee that all courses will run as this is dependent on numbers as well as subject combinations.

5.  How many option choices do I get?

• There are four options, two are restricted and two are free choice.

• In addition you will all study Mathematics, English and Science, and compulsory, but not examined subjects: PSHE, RE and PE 

6. Can I take Separate Sciences?

• Separate Sciences are not an option in Year 8.  However, at the end of Year 9 your Science teachers will review your progress and make a decision as to whether you should be offered the Separate Science pathway.

• Studying Combined Science doesn't stop you from doing A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics provided you achieve the higher GCSE grades. 

7. Can I take two languages?

• In theory yes. The other languages are offered in the ‘free’ option subjects. However, it will depend on numbers and subject combinations as to whether you will be able to study two modern languages.

8. Can I take Music and Dance?

• In theory yes, but this would present a very narrow pathway and could limit your future choices. There may also be timetable constraints that mean this combination would not work.

9. Can I take two vocational courses?

• No. This would present a very narrow pathway and could limit your future choices. There is also too much weighting on non-examined assessment, which mean this combination would not work.

10. Can I take D&T and Food Preparation and Nutrition?

• No. There is also too much weighting on non-examined assessment, which mean this combination would not work.

11. Do I need any special grades to take my options?

• There are some subjects that you need to have specific grades for due to the complexity of the literacy and numeracy requirements.  Please speak to individual subject staff who will be able to guide you.  There are specific requirement for attainment in science that will be required for students to follow Triple Science in Y10.

13. When will I find out if I have my first choices?

• We will issue you with a summary of your choices once the process has been completed. 

14. I am not sure what courses to take.

• You need to do your research! Speak to your tutor, the Pastoral Team and subject teacher (in class) as they will know you best. If you are still unsure, try to pick a breadth of subjects as this gives you more options when you get to post 16 education. You can also use the examination boards as they generally have sections of their websites that give details of the courses offered.

15. Do I really need to pick reserve subjects?

• Absolutely. You need to put as much thought into these subjects as you did for your initial choices. If there is a conflict in subjects or a course does not run, you will need to use your reserve choices.

16. Will I be able to drop this subject in the future (i.e. in Year 10 or 11) if I am not doing well in it?

• No. You are not allowed to drop courses; therefore, it is crucial that you think carefully about the choices you make.

17. Can I change my mind as to the subjects I have chosen?

• Yes, within reason. You can change your choices at any point in time before the summer holidays if the combination of choices works, there is space on the course and staff feel you are suitable for that course.

• We do allow you to change course at the start of Year 9 if you feel the course is not suitable as long as the combination of choices works, there is space on the course and staff feel you are suitable for it. 

18. Would it limit what jobs I can do in the future depending on what I choose?

• No. You need to work hard to gain the best GCSE qualifications you can. Many of you will be doing jobs that do not even exist yet and will probably retrain for them. Showing that you can be an independent learner is important.

19. Should I choose my options based in what I'm good at or what I enjoy?

• Choose your options on the subjects you enjoy. Although, you should also check that you have some balance in the subjects that you choose.