Year 9 Options

How to Make Your Key Stage 4 Choices 

In Year 9, you will begin making important choices about some of the subjects and courses you will study during Key Stage 4 in Years 10 and 11. This is known as choosing your options.

It can feel like a big decision, but you will receive plenty of information, advice and support throughout the process. The aim is to help you choose subjects that reflect your interests, strengths and aspirations, while keeping future education, training and career opportunities in mind.

You will continue to study a core curriculum alongside your option subjects. The subjects and courses available can change from year to year, so you should always use the current Year 9 Options Booklet for the most up-to-date information.

Support Available During the Options Process 

Support includes assemblies and workshops explaining the options process; an Options Evening where you and your parents/carers can speak directly with subject teachers; information about careers, progression routes and labour market opportunities; careers support from the Careers Leader; and additional personalised support where needed.

Students with SEND or additional needs will receive appropriate support from the Careers Leader, SENCO and other relevant members of staff.

Personal careers guidance is also available when significant study or career choices are being made. Every Year 11 student later receives a one-to-one personal guidance meeting with an appropriately qualified careers adviser.

The options process is designed to be fair and inclusive, and support is available for all students to help them make choices that are right for them. 

Questions to Help You Make Your Choices

Should I base my choices on what I’m good at?
Your strengths are important and can help you identify subjects in which you may succeed. However, they should be considered alongside your interests, preferred ways of learning and future aspirations. If you are unsure, speak to your subject teacher. 

Should I base my choices on what I enjoy?
Yes, enjoyment is an important factor because you will be studying your chosen subjects for two years. Think about whether you are interested in the content of the course, whether you enjoy the type of learning involved and whether you are prepared for the work it requires. 

Should I choose a subject because I like the teacher?
A great teacher can inspire you, but don’t choose a subject just for that reason. Teachers may change, and it’s important to pick based on your interest in the subject itself.

Should I choose a subject because my friends are doing it?
Not necessarily. It’s better to choose subjects that suit your skills, interests, and goals. Your friendships won’t be affected by different GCSE choices and you’ll make new friends too.

Should I think about future careers when choosing my options?
Yes. If you already have a career or future course in mind, it is worth checking whether particular subjects or qualifications would be useful or required.

However, many students in Year 9 do not yet know exactly what they want to do, and that is completely normal. Careers information, Labour Market Information (LMI) and guidance can help you explore different possibilities and understand how subjects connect to future pathways.

If you are unsure whether an option may affect a future course, apprenticeship or career, ask the Careers Leader or an appropriate subject teacher before making your final choices.

Whose advice should I listen to?

• Teachers – for information about your progress, course content and suitability for particular subjects. 

• Careers Adviser/ Careers Leader – for impartial information and guidance about future pathways.

• Parents/Carers – to help you think through your strengths, interests and aspirations.

• Friends – it is fine to discuss ideas with friends, but your final choices should be based on what is right for you. 

Can my Key Stage 4 choices affect what I can study after Year 11?
Yes, in some cases. Some post-16 courses may require particular GCSE subjects or grades, while others may not require you to have studied the subject previously.

Entry requirements vary between schools, colleges and courses, so if you already have a particular post-16 route in mind, check the current entry requirements or ask for advice before making your option choices.

Do GCSEs matter for university and higher education?
GCSE results can form part of future entry requirements, particularly for some courses and universities. However, requirements vary considerably and your post-16 qualifications will also be important. 

At this stage, focus on choosing a balanced set of subjects in which you can engage, progress and achieve. If you already have a particular career or university course in mind, you can investigate its requirements and ask for careers guidance. 

Should I consider how courses are assessed?
Courses can involve different combinations of examinations, non-exam assessment, coursework or practical assessment. Ask subject teachers exactly how the current course is assessed and think about which learning and assessment approaches suit you.  

What is the difference between Separate Sciences and Combined Science? 

• Separate Sciences – students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics and receive three GCSE grades. 

• Combined Science – students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a combined qualification worth two GCSEs. 

Your Science teachers will explain which routes Ferryhill offers and help you understand the most appropriate pathway. 

How important are my GCSE grades?
Your GCSE results can affect which courses and pathways are available after Year 11. Different sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and courses have different entry requirements, and some subjects may require particular grades. 

Aim to achieve the best results you can across your subjects. During Year 11 we will help you understand the entry requirements for the pathways you are considering and identify suitable alternatives where needed.