13+ Choices

Are you making your 13+ choices?

As Year 8 students move into Year 9, the curriculum structure changes slightly. We ensure that every student continues to follow a broad and balanced curriculum designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need for their future pathways in education, training, and employment. Each student has the opportunity to either specialise in subjects they already enjoy and excel in or try something new.

Your choices matter. The subjects and courses you choose now, which you will study through to the end of Year 11, will help you build the skills, experiences, and qualifications you need to achieve your longer‑term goals.

Compulsory subjects

These are sometimes called "core subjects". They include:

·        English

·        Maths

·        Science

·        ICT

·        Physical Education

·        Religious Education

·        Citizenship (delivered through our Personal Development programme)

What are the main options on offer at 13+?

·        GCSEs – Most students will study a combination of compulsory and optional GCSE subjects, such as Art, Humanities, or Languages.

·        Work‑related (vocational) courses – These courses provide practical, hands‑on learning alongside theory. Examples include BTEC, NVQ, or City & Guilds qualifications in subjects like Health & Social Care and Engineering.

How do these choices affect my future?

The decisions you make now will help open pathways to:

·        A‑Levels

·        T‑Levels

·        Vocational courses

·        Apprenticeships

·        Employment with training

Throughout the options process, you will also have opportunities to hear directly from a range of post‑16 providers, including colleges, training organisations, and employers, to help you make informed decisions (in line with the Baker Clause and Gatsby Benchmark 7).

Support for your decisions

We know that making these choices can be daunting, so we provide plenty of support for students and parents:

·        Assemblies and information sessions explaining the options process.

·        A dedicated Options Evening where you can explore subjects in more detail and speak to teachers.

·        Personalised support:

o   Year 8 students can access careers advice through drop‑ins, group sessions, or by requesting an appointment with our Careers Lead.

o   Every Year 11 student will receive a 1:1 personal guidance meeting with a qualified Careers Adviser (Level 6 or above), offering impartial and tailored advice on post‑16 pathways.

·        SEND support: Additional guidance is available for students with SEND, in partnership with our SENCO (Miss Bowden) and specialist staff.

·        Careers Library: Access to up‑to‑date resources about careers, qualifications, and post‑16 opportunities.

Who can help?

If you need more advice about your Key Stage 4 options, you should speak to one or more of the following:

·        School Careers Lead – Miss Hanson

·        Your Form Tutor

·        Subject teachers

·        Your Head of Year / Learning Coordinator

·        School SENCO – Miss Bowden

Questions to ask subject teachers

·        What will the subject or course cover?

·        Is it similar to any other subjects?

·        What jobs or higher‑level courses could this subject lead to?

·        Will there be exams?

·        Will my coursework count?

·        How much homework will there be?

·        Do you think this is a suitable course for me?

For further information about individual subject areas and what the school is offering this year, please refer to the Options Booklet.

Year 9 options booklet 2025/26 coming soon 

Pathways for Young People (14-16 provision) at East Durham College - Engage 

Engage (14-16) is a specialist provision at EDC for young people aged 14-16 who, if accepted, will be directly enrolled at the College rather than stay at school.

The focus of this full-time provision is to support young people who are not benefitting from, nor progressing within, a mainstream school setting and are at risk of permanent exclusion.

The Engage 14-16 provision at East Durham College is a unique offering. It provides an alternative learning setting for young people who would benefit from a more vocational-based curriculum.

The provision seeks to enthuse and motivate these young people by offering a vocational based curriculum together with maths, English and science – all offered as a ‘fresh start’ in a different setting.

Where Can Your Study on Engage?

Students can choose to enrol at our Peterlee Campus or our Houghall Campus in Durham.

The Curriculum at Engage

The Curriculum Engage 14-16 offers all the compulsory subjects required at Key Stage 4, including maths, English and science. In addition, students can select vocational options which are taught within East Durham College’s Peterlee Campus or at the Houghall Campus in Durham depending at which site they are based.

Core Subjects:

English

Maths

Science

Additional Subjects:

PE

PHSE Education (Personal, Social, Health and Economic)

Engage Learning - Reflection & Target Setting

Vocational Options

Students can select ONE optional pathway:

Peterlee Campus - Pathway Options:

Art

Construction

Catering

Hair and Beauty

Motor Vehicle

Sport

Houghall Campus, Durham - Pathway Options:

Art

Equine

Horticulture

Sport

For further information contact:

Website:           Engage (14-16) Provision | East Durham College 

Student Services: 0191 518 8222, 

or contact Greg Corcoran on:   0191 518 5537

Darlington College

Pathways for Young People (14-16 provision) at UTC South Durham

UTC South Durham is a University Technical College located in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. It opened in 2016 and caters for 14–19 year olds with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and maths. It is located on the Aycliffe Business Park site, in a purpose-built building.