Welcome to your GCSE Options Website! We're excited to help you navigate this important step in your education. Take a look through the website pages and discover the exciting courses on offer. Remember, there's no right or wrong choice – just the best choice for you. We're here to support you every step of the way. 

 All students will study the core subjects: 

• English Language and Literature 

• Maths 

• Science   

All students will be placed into a guided pathway, and this will determine their Option choices.  They will then choose four subjects to take in Year 10 and 11. The Pathways are as follows: 

• English Baccalaureate  

• Progress 8 

All subjects are offered if the minimum class size is met; we will inform students and parents if a subject is unable to run due to lack of demand. 

All students will be given an individual Options Interview with a member of staff. These will take place on Monday 10th February and are an opportunity for parents and children to decide together. The interview will be a personalised interview that parents need to attend alongside their child. This is to ensure students choose appropriate courses.  

PLEASE NOTE: we have to organise subjects into 'blocks' in order to fit them in to a timetable. This occasionally means that certain combinations of subjects can't be selected as they are in the same 'blocks' and this is why we ask all students to select 2 reserve choices as well.

 If we still can't find a suitable combination from the choices selected we will contact you individually as a family to discuss ways forward.

Do… 

• Make sure you are well informed especially about the new courses  

• Think about your likes and dislikes – the course is for 2 years, remember 

• Think about your future aspirations – don’t close doors by picking the wrong course

• Keep a balance in your curriculum – very few people like doing the same thing every day 

• Think about your chances of success: college courses need you to have good grades

But don’t... 

• •  Just choose what your friends are doing, they are your choices not theirs  

  • Make choices based on the teachers you like – you may not be taught by the same teacher next year 

  • Choose what you ought to do rather than what you want to do - make sure you choose a subject you will enjoy and be successful at

  • Follow family traditions! – choose the course because you want to

OPTION SUBJECTS

Students can choose four of the options below for their KS4 timetable.

MFL: You do not have to be ‘fluent’ to gain a good grade at GCSE in French or Spanish.  

Most of the top Universities require applicants to have a language at GCSE (minimum C grade). You will be expected to continue with the language you have been studying in Year 9. 

PE: PE is not an ‘easy option’.  

Students are expected to complete 4 sports (which may be sports completed outside of school) to a high standard. There are written and examined elements to the PE GCSE course.  

Business Studies: Business Studies is a vocational subject, and we will make it as practical as possible. 

You will be required to complete four units, one of which is completed under timed conditions and is externally assessed. You will get the opportunity to use your entrepreneurial skills. It should be seen as a good subject choice for students who are thinking about setting up a business or going into a business-related career.  

Media Studies: Media Studies is also not an easy option. 

It has both coursework and exam elements and requires a good level of literacy from students. It is well regarded by Colleges and Universities and should be seen as a good subject choice for students who are creative, practical and enjoy exploring and analysing media texts.  

RS: You do not need to be religious to pick RS!  

The course content covers a wide range of religious, philosophical, moral, social and political issues (such as euthanasia, the death penalty and human rights) and these are examined from both religious AND non-religious viewpoints. Students are encouraged to debate the strengths and weaknesses of all viewpoints and develop the ability to argue an opinion that is supported by reasons as well as understanding the views of others. 

Does my child have to take a language?  

Many students WILL be expected to take a language. We know that Universities expect this, and it is a requirement of the EBACC. Some students may be guided away from taking a language if their current overall progress suggests they may not be successful.  

Can my child pick ANY subject at all?  

Students will be guided in their option choices. We will have frank and open discussions with all students as to whether a subject is right for them. Some students do not appreciate the level of difficulty or time that is required in certain subjects, particularly subjects that they have not studied before. We will ensure that students pick subjects they will be successful in, in order for them to progress to KS5 and beyond.  

Can my child change their option choice in Year 10 if they don’t like it?  

No. Choices need to be made after careful thought and consideration. We cannot change whole timetables once the students start on their courses.