Frequently Asked Questions

As questions arise throughout the process they will be published here. Below are some of the most common questions asked by students. If your question is not listed, please fill in the form at the bottom of the page. 

Q: When do we find out who our teachers are? 

A: You will find this out, along with your full timetable, when they are issued at the very end of the summer term. 

Q: Can I change my options? 

A: There are set times when changes are possible. Generally changes are possible throughout the first half term of Year 9. This is of course subject to timetable and class availability. Check out the changing options page. 

Q: What side of the year group am I on? 

A: Unlike Year 7 & 8 there is not just two sides. There are sides for different subjects, for example English and Maths have X & Y sides, determined by the Curriculum Leaders, but there are options sides also, which are used for PE and Learning about Life too. Our main aim for Key Stage 4 is to enable as many students to study their chosen subjects. As such we are unable to take into consideration friendship groups when we place students in classes, and in some cases even if you choose the same subjects, because there are several classes in some subject areas, you may be in different classes. Entering Key Stage 4 is exciting, and there will be opportunities for expanding your circle of friends. If you are worried about the side of the year group for a particular subject when you start Year 9, speak with your teacher, tutor or head of year who will be able to help forge new friendships in your classes. 

Q: If I only study 4 options, why do I have to select 5? 

A: Doing so helps us to provide more students with more of their choices because we have one extra to choose from. We allocate your options in the order which you specify on your form, so for example if your first 3 options worked on the timetable, but your fourth wasn't possible, we would automatically allocate you to the 5th choice. If the 5th choice wasn't possible either, we would then ask you to reconsider your fourth choice. Each year this affects a very small number of students. 

Q: Do I have to pick 4 options in addition to the compulsory 1 even though I won't study all of them? 

A: Yes, as mentioned above it helps us to ensure as many students get as many of their preferences as possible. Let's say for example you got your first choice (the compulsory one). Then we can allocate you your 2nd and 3rd, but your fourth one doesn't work because of a clash on the timetable. After everyone else has been allocated theirs, when we interview you, you may not be able to choose some subjects as they may be full already. So, it's really important you put all the choices down and are prepared to study all of them. The rankings/preferences are the most important part and this helps us to know which ones to allocate first. 

Q: How can I access the options website? 

A: Students have an 'Options' app on their iPad. You can also find the link from the curriculum page of the Warden Park Academy website. It is suggested you add the website to your home screen for easy access. Parents are emailed the link to the website throughout the options process each year. 

Q: Do you definitely get the option you choose in the compulsory section? 

A: As it is treated as your first choice this would be allocated first. So - yes. The only reason this wouldn't be the case was if there were not enough students to run the course. But for this group of subjects this is highly unlikely, as everyone in the year group must choose one from here! 

Q: Can you change the option in Year 9 if you do not like it? 

A: Yes. There is a period where changes are allowed. But remember, it is not always possible, as it may be that the subject is full, or that it doesn't work on the timetable. It may also be that in doing so you would have to change one of your other classes or options. So it is important we try and get it right the first time. But of course if you are really unhappy, we will work with you to try and fix it! The deadline for making any changes is just after the October half term holiday of Year 9. So that gives you about 6 weeks plus half term to decide. Remember though, you will have to get caught up on the work that you miss when you change into a new option. You will also need your parents' permission to do so. 

Q: What are the maximum number of GCSEs you can take? 

A: Within the curriculum/timetable you take the following: English Language & Literature (2), Mathematics (1), Triple Science for majority of students (3), the compulsory option (1), and three further options (3). So in total, 10. Some students will take additional qualifications through the Twilight Curriculum in Year  9, 10 & 11, eg Latin. Some students may also study an additional language also,  either because they are a native speaker or through a tutor outside of school. 

Q: What is the Twilight Curriculum and what will be offered? 

A: The subjects offered in the Twilight Curriculum will be confirmed in the latter part of the summer term.  The Twilight Curriculum is a group of programmes and qualifications offered to students to study after school.  Most run once a week and students must attend between 3.10pm and 5.00pm. They form part of a student's timetable for those who elect to take a twilight course. Students in Year 9 & 10 will be sent information closer to the end of the summer term. 

Question: Do I have to take a language? 

Answer: If you choose to take the EBacc suite of qualifications , a language is a part of that set of qualifications. A language GCSE is not however compulsory at Warden Park . I would urge students to consider the value a language provides, and remember a balanced curriculum is one which leaves all of your future options open! But always choose subjects you will enjoy! 

Question: I want to take both Geography & History, can I do this? I want to take more than one of the subjects in the compulsory set of options? 

Answer: Yes you can of course! You can certainly take more than two of the compulsory options if you choose, but all students must select at least 1.  

Question: What is the difference between Combined (Double) and Triple Science? 

Answer: Double Science (now called Combined Science) is 2 GCSEs and Triple Science is 3 single GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students will select a prefered pathway and this will be reviewed and approves by their science teacher/s. Please see the science page and subject video for more information. 

Question: What happens if I don't submit my choices before the deadline?

Answer: We do not penalise students for submitting late choices. However, it does hold up the process of allocations. Once you submit your choices, they will be entered into Go 4 schools, so tutors can easily identify who has not submitted their choices and we will be chasing you! The allocating and scheduling of options takes a lot of time, so help us by submitting your choices on time. 

Question: Can I take more than one subject from the Design & Technology department?

Answer: You can certainly apply to do both Design & Technology and Food preparation and nutrition. Design & Technology however,  is one qualification with two possible pathways, you must decide between the Graphics or Resistant Materials pathway. You are only able to include one of these pathways as one of your choices. That means it is NOT possible to have both Graphics and Resistant Materials in your choice submission. 

Question: Do the subjects on the Twilight Curriculum count as a GCSE option? 

Answer: Whilst some of our Twilight Curriculum options are GCSE or GCSE equivalencies and will count for you; they do not count in one of your 5 choices as part of the options process. These programmes are chosen later in addition to those chosen as part of your timetabled curriculum. 

Question: Can I take more than one programme on the Twilight Curriculum?

Answer: Whilst many of you may want to do this, the time commitment required from these programmers along with your regular studies mean we advise you to take one only. 

Question: If I am studying GCSE Latin, after completing Cambridge Latin, do I need to submit a twilight application form? 

Answer: No, provided you complete your Cambridge Latin qualification, you can confirm your continuation to GCSE Latin directly with Mrs price. 

Question: Does when you submit your chosen options influence the chance of getting your choice -  ie. first come first served? 

Answer: Everyone has the same chance, preference is not given dependent upon when the choices are submitted. It is important to submit choices by the deadline. We do not penalise students for submitting late choices. However, it does hold up the process of allocations. The allocating and scheduling of options takes a lot of time, so help us by submitting your choices on time. 

Question: How important is the EBacc? Is it favoured by universities?

Answer: At Warden Park we believe this choice is for parents and students. The EBacc is not a separate qualification, it is a combination of subjects and is considered achieved when students achieve grade 5 or higher in English, maths, science, a humanity and a language.  At present the EBacc is not a prerequisite for university entrance. The exception to this is UCL, who do require language study as a prerequisite for their courses. For more information on the EBacc, please click here. 

Question: Does Ingenium count as one of the 4 options on the options form or is it an additional one that is applied for in an alternative way?

Answer: It's actually both. It counts as one option in your choices and you also apply with an application form. See the Ingenium page for more information on how to apply.