The start of 2025 is an important time for Year 9 pupils and their parents, as we share with pupils which subjects are available to study at GCSE alongside the core subjects.

Parents and pupils are encouraged to take time to discuss and research the options available. There is no first come, first served basis, so no need to rush to submit the online options/choices form before the deadline of Tuesday 11 February 2025.  We advise pupils to find out all they can about the subjects they are interested in and be sure about what they want to study in Key Stage 4. When considering the choices available, it is important to make informed decisions.

All pupils will study the core GCSE English Language, GCSE English Literature, GCSE Mathematics, Science (GCSE Combined Science or GCSE Separate Sciences) plus the non-examined Core PE and PSHE. Most pupils will also do the GCSE Religious Studies Short Course in Year 10.

Year 9 pupils choose additional subjects they are interested in studying - 4 additional subjects if they select GCSE Combined Science (which is 2 GCSEs) or 3 additional subjects if they select GCSE Separate Sciences (which is 3 GCSEs).

At our Year 9 Pupils' Futures and Choices Learning Conference on Wednesday 22 January 2025 in the Main Hall, Miss Brace, Assistant Head, talked with pupils about the upcoming process of choosing the subjects they want to study at GCSE, as well as looking further ahead. Hopefully, they have taken away that it is important not to rush these important decisions and that choosing a wide range of subjects will ensure that they still have a wide range of choice post 16.

This pupils-only event was followed by the Year 9 Key Stage 4 Curriculum Evening: Choices at 14 event, with the opportunity for parents and pupils to find out about the options process and talk with subject teachers. Each family was also given a copy of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum Guide: Choices at 14, which you can download below. 

When considering the options available, pupils should reflect on what interests them, focus on what they want to do, think longer term, ask questions, listen to advice, and allow school staff and parents and carers to guide them towards the most appropriate courses if necessary.

The Year 9 Parents' Evening on Thursday 30 January is another opportunity to talk with current subject teachers about progress and moving forward into Key Stage 4.

Once pupils are sure about their choices, they should complete and submit the online form, which will be available via ?Satchel:One? from Wednesday 29 January.

Do not rush to submit the online form. Pupils have just one chance e to submit the form, so they need to have done their research and made informed decisions. The final deadline for submitting the online options form is Tuesday 11 February 2025, just before half term.

Notes:
* Separate Science - must be selected in Option Block A or B
** ASDAN CoPE - invited pupils only
*** Computer Science and Vocational ICT - we advise against selecting both these options as first choices as it significantly narrows the curriculum; at this stage of the educational journey, it is good to keep one's options open. If a pupil really wants to do both, they should talk with  Miss Brace.