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GCSE Subjects
GCSE Art and Design is a creative and inspiring course that allows you to explore your imagination while developing practical artistic skills. You can experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, photography and digital media. Whether you are passionate about creativity or interested in pursuing a career in the arts, GCSE Art and Design is an exciting and rewarding choice that equips you with skills valued in many industries.
GCSE Business offers an exciting opportunity to learn about topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, human resources and the global economy. This dynamic course helps you develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, preparing you for the fast-paced and competitive business environment. Whether you aspire to run your own business, work for a global corporation, or understand the fundamentals of economics and commerce, GCSE Business is a valuable foundation for your future.
GCSE Digital Technology is a cutting-edge course designed to prepare you for the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of technology. You’ll develop essential skills in problem-solving, logical thinking and creativity as you explore topics like computer programming, digital systems, cybersecurity, and data analysis. With technology playing a vital role in almost every industry, GCSE Digital Technology is a forward-thinking choice that opens the door to a wide range of future opportunities.
GCSE Drama offers an exciting opportunity to explore performance, creativity and storytelling. This engaging course helps you develop skills in acting, directing and stagecraft, whilst deepening your understanding of theatre and its role in culture and society. You will learn to express ideas confidently, work collaboratively and think critically about texts and performances. Whether you aspire to perform on stage, work behind the scenes or simply want to build communication and presentation skills that are valuable in any career, GCSE Drama provides a strong foundation for your future.
GCSE French offers an exciting opportunity to explore language, culture, and communication. This engaging course helps you develop practical skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, while deepening your understanding of French-speaking countries and their traditions. You’ll learn to express ideas confidently, improve problem-solving and memory skills, and gain a global perspective that is highly valued in today’s interconnected world. Whether you aspire to travel, work internationally, or simply want to enhance your communication abilities, GCSE French provides a strong foundation for your future.
GCSE Geography combines scientific exploration with practical skills, helping you to investigate diverse topics such as climate change, urban development, natural disasters and globalisation. It enhances your critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical abilities, making it a versatile subject that connects to careers in environmental science, urban planning, business, travel and more. With opportunities for fieldwork and real-world application, Geography equips you with skills that are relevant and valued in today’s ever-changing world.
GCSE Health and Social Care is a highly practical course that provides students with the knowledge and skills to support individuals in health and social care settings. You will learn about human development, the importance of wellbeing and the roles of various professionals in the sector. Whether you’re interested in a career in healthcare, social work or support services, this course is an excellent choice for those who are compassionate and enjoy helping others.
Studying GCSE History offers a fascinating journey through the events, people and ideas that have shaped our world. It helps you understand how the past influences the present, providing valuable insights into current events and global issues. History develops essential skills such as critical thinking, analysis, research and effective communication. As a respected academic subject, History opens doors to a wide range of careers and equips you with transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and universities alike.
GCSE Media Studies offers an exciting opportunity to explore how media shapes the way we see the world. This dynamic course helps you develop analytical and creative skills as you study a wide range of media forms, including film, television, advertising, social media and gaming. You’ll learn to understand audiences, create your own media products and think critically about representation and influence in modern society. Whether you aspire to work in media, marketing, or simply want to build digital literacy and creative confidence, GCSE Media Studies provides a strong foundation for your future.
GCSE Music is a creative subject where you will learn to perform, compose, and analyse music from a wide range of styles, cultures and historical periods. Music helps build confidence, teamwork, creativity and discipline, as well as fostering a deeper appreciation of this universal art form. Whether you are an instrumentalist, vocalist, or simply love music, this course provides opportunities for personal expression and practical learning.
Photography involves taking pictures of people or things for aesthetic enjoyment or commercial use in publications such as newspapers and magazines or on websites. It is a practical course which offers the opportunity to experience creativity with lens-based media, as well as using the skills you have learnt in art. Study includes video and animation, as well as photography. The GCSE specification requires a range of technical and creative skills.
GCSE PE is an exciting and engaging course that combines practical performance with an in-depth study of the human body, health and fitness. You will develop your physical skills in a variety of sports and activities whilst exploring topics such as anatomy, physiology and psychology. This course helps you build teamwork, leadership and analytical skills, as well as a lifelong appreciation for the benefits of an active lifestyle. Whether you're passionate about sport or interested in health and fitness, GCSE PE is a valuable and rewarding choice.
The course aims to develop the students' understanding and ability in the use of traditional and modern manufacturing methods to produce high quality products for a specific end user. Students will develop product analysis skills, analyse the work of two prominent designers, the manufacturing processes and their implications on society. Year 10 will be modular, whereby you will undertake many short design and make tasks, based upon themes or interests of your choice. These projects will develop your designing and making skills, which you will use in Year 11 for your final assessed piece of work.
GCSE Textiles offers an exciting opportunity to explore design, creativity and practical skills in fabric and fashion. This hands-on course helps you develop techniques in sewing, pattern-making and decorative processes, while deepening your understanding of materials, sustainability and the design industry. You’ll learn to express ideas visually, solve problems creatively and produce innovative textile products. Whether you aspire to work in fashion, interior design, or simply want to build practical and artistic skills, GCSE Textiles is a rewarding choice.
Vocational Subjects
In BTEC Engineering, you will develop technical skills in areas such as design, manufacturing and electronics. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry relevance, this course prepares you for further study or direct entry into a range of engineering fields. If you enjoy solving problems, working with technology and creating innovative solutions, BTEC Engineering is the perfect choice to kick-start your career in this high-demand sector.
The Hospitality and Catering course is ideal for students who enjoy working in dynamic environments and have a passion for food, customer service and creativity. This vocational qualification equips you with practical skills and knowledge about preparing and presenting food, as well as understanding the hospitality industry's structure, standards and customer needs. You will gain hands-on experience and insight into this fast-growing global sector, preparing you for exciting opportunities in a field that values teamwork, innovation and excellent communication skills.
The King's Trust qualification is a unique and empowering course designed to develop your personal, social and employability skills. You will focus on building confidence, leadership, teamwork and communication. The qualification includes valuable career development activities such as planning and running projects, improving job readiness and learning about financial management. It’s an ideal choice for students who want to boost their skills, gain real-world experience and increase their chances of future success in education or employment. Whether you're aiming for a career in business, creative industries, or social work, this course equips you with the tools to succeed.
BTEC Sport is designed for students who are passionate about physical activity, health and fitness. You will learn about the science behind performance, training methods, anatomy and the role of sport in society. This vocational course combines theory with hands-on learning, including opportunities to develop leadership and coaching skills. Whether you aspire to a career in the sports industry or simply want to deepen your understanding of fitness and health, BTEC Sport provides a strong foundation for your future while promoting teamwork, communication and self-discipline.
The SWEET course is a varied, interesting and enjoyable BTEC course. Through a series of projects, you will find yourself challenged in a variety of ways e.g. personal confidence, team working skills, learning how you learn, presenting skills, debating and researching. You will learn how to interact maturely through studying the following units of work: Personal Identity, Managing Relationships, Healthy Living, Moving Forward, Money Matters, Enterprise & Employability, Global Citizenship and Community.
The Google form below is how students fill in their first round of options choices under a free choice model. This form will not be visible unless the student is logged into their Google Hwb account. Please do not 'request access' from personal GMail accounts as this will not be granted. The form will close on 26th January 2026.
Students should have a look at the Careers Wales Y9 Options Support page before making their choices: Year 9 subject options | Careers Wales