Curriculum
& Information
Importance of the Curriculum Choices Process
The Curriculum Choices process is an integral part of the Wilmington Academy student experience. This process is a key milestone in their journey, transitioning from studying the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Key Stage Three to GCSEs and Vocational qualifications at Key Stage Four. As a fully verified MYP school, we are confident that the rigour, breadth and depth of our curriculum prepares our students exceptionally well for the demands for examinations at Key Stage Four.
We will continue provide parents/carers and students with exceptional support and high quality guidance. This Google Site is designed to provide you all with key information and details of the courses on offer, as well as a clear summary of events to aid this process. There will also be a presentation available on the website giving you a step by step guide on the options process.
Subjects chosen at Key Stage Four often lead into further study at Post 16, apprenticeships and college. Whilst it is not always a prerequisite for subjects at Post 16 to require study at Key Stage Four, if a student has a specific career pathway they wish to follow then their curriculum choices may want to reflect this. Guidance, support and links are detailed in this website.
When selecting your choices, keep the following in mind:
Be aware of the demands of the subject and the commitment you are making with two years of study
Choose subjects you enjoy and interest you
Do not base all of your decisions on one career choice as you may change your mind
Keep your choices balanced
Think about your personal skills and strengths
Speak with the subject teachers - you can do this during parents evening or via email
Make your own choices and do not base them on what your friends are studying
The Curriculum Choices Process
Our core subjects are all GCSE and compulsory, students must then pick one from Geography OR History. Students will then pick two options from the option blocks. Each student will select their first choice from each block and a reserve choice from each block.
We will endeavour to provide as many students with their first choice as possible. However due to numerous constraints, this cannot be guaranteed so it is important that you pick a suitable reserve subject in each block.
All choices will be collected via our Curriculum Choices Form
available from the 27th March
College teams will contact students who do not receive their first choice to discuss the alternatives. This will take place in module five.
We aim to provide parents/carers and students with their final curriculum choices via a letter and email on MCAS at the start of module six.
Our offer provides students with a suite of eight level 2 qualifications at the end of Key Stage 4.
English Language (1 GCSE)
English Literature (1 GCSE)
Mathematics (1 GCSE)
Combined Science (2 GCSEs)
French OR Spanish (1 GCSE, this will be dependant on what they are currently studying)
Geography OR History* (1 GCSE)
Option Choice 1 (GCSE or Vocational)
Option Choice 2 (GCSE or Vocational
Timeline of Events
Throughout Module 4, parents/carers and students will receive outstanding support and guidance to aid the Curriculum Choices process. Below is a timeline of events to support you:
w/c 15th January - Curriculum Choices assembly
23th February - Curriculum Choices letter to parents
11th March - Curriculum Choices Website Launch
13th March - Options Taster Day
18-22nd March - Curriculum Choices Week (tutor time)
27th March - Options Information/Parents' Evening
27th March - Curriculum choices form sent to student
19th April - Curriculum Choices deadline
Module 5 - Discussions with colleges/subject leads
Module 6 - Choices confirmed with students
Additional support and useful links
Additional support is available via the pastoral teams and the careers advisor. Please contact the relevant college if you would like any further information.
Here are a list of additional websites that may be useful and provide you with more information:
GCSEs 2023: The 9-1 grading system explained - bbc.co.uk
How to help your teen choose their school subjects: A checklist for parents - bbc.co.uk
GCSE Options: Everything you need to know about choosing your GCSE subjects - bbc.co.uk
Choosing GCSE Options – Advice For Parents - youthemploymentuk.org.uk
Choosing GCSE Options – 19 Questions To Ask Yourself - youthemploymentuk.org.uk