Year 9 Learning Pathways

Llwybrau Dysgu Blwyddyn 9

2024-26

How will this webpage help me and how should I use it?

Watch the Options Evening Presentation & Options Assembly
Look at the helpful information videos provided by Careers Wales
Take time to read the options booklet – this includes descriptions about each subject
Watch the videos for each subject offered – watch all the options ones and the core subjects such as English, Maths and Science
Complete the free choice survey by Thursday 2nd March 2023

Once the above is complete and we have received all of the free choice forms we will design and release our final option columns. This date will be confirmed soon.

GCSE Options 2024-26

Welcome to the GCSE Options page for Year 9 pupils at Cynffig Comprehensive School.

Your first step will be to complete the ‘Free Choice’ survey. On this survey you will indicate a preference for 4 subjects. Although you will only take 3 options subjects at GCSE, this initial information will help us design option columns that suit as many pupils’ preferences as possible.

Use the videos, resources, and links below to find out about each of the courses, to help you make your decisions. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, remember you can email your teachers on Hwb and contact Mrs Morrison - morrisonn1@hwbcymru.net

Check the videos below.

Find out about the different option subjects below. Read the Learning Pathways Brochure and check out the subject videos.

Make your own choice.

Remember :

Don’t choose, because of a teacher.
Do choose because you are good at it.
Don't choose because of friends.
Do choose because of your career.
Don't choose because they are similar.
Do choose because you enjoy it.

Careers Wales

Where can you find more information? Take a look at the Careers Wales links below. Watch the Year 9 Options video for pupils and then access the Year 9 Options website . On here you will find quizzes, videos, advice on choosing the correct subjects and support and guidance for your parents and carers.

You can also find out information on our Careers Page on this website.

At this time you must think carefully about your choices, and make sure they are right for you. Read the Q & A below, you might find that they answer some of your questions.

What subjects do you really enjoy?

What are your favourite subjects? You will do better if you are interested in the subjects you have chosen to study. Find out about all subjects on offer. Don’t choose a subject just because it is new!

Are there specific subjects you need to take in order to progress to further study?

Most subjects offered at GCSE link neatly to AS/A level courses in the sixth form and support a wide range of college courses. However, if you are interested in a particular college or vocational course, or area of work, make sure you check the entry requirements needed.

What do I do if I don’t know what to do after GCSE?

Keep your options open. If you are not sure what you want to do after your GCSEs, do not panic – it is a lot to think about when you are only in Year 9!

Look at option subjects that cover a range of topics and skills, rather than focusing on a particular area - breadth and balance is important.

What should I choose?

Make your own choices. Whilst it’s nice to have a friend in class, chances are that you and your friends have different interests and goals. Taking an option just because your friend is, is not in your best interests. It is important to put yourself first, discuss your choices with your family and choose the subjects that you want to follow.

What if I choose something I don’t like?

There will be a number of opportunities in the summer term to talk about your option choices, during this time we encourage all pupils to speak to their teachers about their subject choices so that each pupil is confident that they have made a well informed decision about what they wish to study. If a pupil does change their mind about a subject they can speak to Mr Stephens or Mrs Dixon. However, by using the options website videos and speaking to class teachers about course content and the types of activities included within each course we are confident that most pupils will be happy with their final choices in September.

How many subjects must I choose?

In addition to the core subjects pupils are expected to choose 3 subjects to study in key stage 4. However, on the free choice survey we ask for 4 choices in order of preference as these choices are used to form the final option columns.

Will I be able to speak to my subject teachers before making my free choice?

Yes – and at this time it’s a good idea to do so. We encourage all pupils to contact the relevant teacher through Hwb if they have any questions.

Why should I study languages?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rm7OWh8iZcLXnBbgNAaaeMVoUGf3a7vm/view?usp=sharing

Specialist Resource Centre (SRC)

When moving from key stage 3 to key stage 4, pupils in our Specialist Resource Centre will access a bespoke curriculum designed to provide access to a wide range of Entry Level and GCSE qualifications. For more information about the SRC curriculum provision in Year 10 and Year 11 please contact our SRC Manager, Mr Richards at richardn65@hwbcymru.net .