Thinking about which option subjects to study in Years 10 and 11 is an exciting time. The 3 option subjects make up 9 hours per week of study. For the remainder of the school week you will have compulsory GCSE studies in:

• Mathematics

• English Language

• English Literature

• Biology, Chemistry and Physics

You will also participate in:

• Core PE (one lesson per week)

• Character and Culture (one lesson per week)

When choosing options subjects the key message is choose subjects you think you will enjoy the most and what you will be good at. At this stage of your life you do not need to feel under pressure to have a definite career in mind. You need to keep as many doors open as possible for the future. Success at Key Stage 4 is more about gaining a broad range of qualifications at the best grade possible for you than it is about gaining precise, subject specific qualifications. It is important to demonstrate a wide range of skills. The reformed GCSE qualifications are also more challenging and demanding than ever. The knowledge content is higher, the assessment objectives are more stretching and examinations are longer than in the past. We would therefore encourage most students to avoid a very narrow academic pathway and encourage all to consider at least one subject that may develop their practical skills, life skills or skills that would be beneficial to their well being. However, if you do have a very specific career in mind or may be considering further study, such as sixth form or university, then it is best to check what entry requirements might be needed. For example, you would need to study French or Spanish to study this course at A Level and beyond.

It is really important to fully inform yourself about all the subjects on offer before you make your choices. There is important information to consider about the English Baccalaureate, as well as whether vocational subjects might be right for you. Please also be aware that the range of subjects on offer is subject to change. Reasons for subjects being withdrawn may be due to staffing changes or limited group size. This is why you need some reserve choices. The lessons for the subjects in each column will take place at the same time. You will find the lists of subjects below and also in your Y9 Character and Culture Google classroom as part of a Google form that you must submit to inform us of your choices.

This area of the website provides lots of information about the courses on offer to you from September 2021.

There are 3 introductory videos that students have seen and are available in the Y9 Character and Culture Google Classroom:

• Aspirations

• The Options Process and how to complete the form

• English Baccalaureate information

Both below and on the drop down menu above (top right) you will see subject pages where you will find:

• A video about each subject

• Course information and assessment method

• Information about prohibited combinations e.g. Art/Architecture.

Year 9 students should select their options through their Character and culture google classroom