Introduction

Choosing options is a crucial part of any student's journey through school, and we want to make sure both students and parents/carers have all the information available to make the best possible choices. 

Information about each course is available from the menu on this page.

What can I do now?

Although the options process begins formally in the new year, students should start to think about their preferred subjects now. It is important to have conversations at home about the options available. 

We plan to have an Options Evening in January, where information will be provided about the different subjects on offer. This is particularly useful for subjects that we only run at GCSE level such as Business Studies.

Options Information Video:

Standard Route (including information about the English Baccalaureate)

This route will be followed by the majority of students and is designed to provide them with a broad and balanced curriculum. This will lead to a strong set of academic qualifications whilst allowing students to make choices which reflect their attributes and interests.

Students within this route choose four options (one from columns E, A, B and C). They will also be able to take subjects which satisfy the requirements of the English Baccalaureate. This is an accreditation given when students are successful in achieving higher grades (5-9) in English literature, English language, maths, two science subjects, a language and either history or geography.  We recommend that students who have the interest, ability and motivation to study and succeed in the English Baccalaureate should strongly consider these options.  The English Baccalaureate represents a broad and balanced programme of study which will prepare students well for higher education and employment.

However, we recognise that this subject combination will not suit all students and we are confident that any set of options chosen from the Standard Route will equip students with an excellent set of qualifications which will prepare students well for the future.

If students or parents have concerns over the Standard Route or the English Baccalaureate, they are encouraged to contact the school to discuss this with either the Head of Year or Mr Slingsby (Deputy Headteacher who oversees the options process).

Enhanced Core Curriculum Offer (ECCO)

The route was introduced recently and has been a great success. Students take one less course and receive additional English and maths lessons in its place. This is targeted at students who are aspiring to reach grade 4 in core subjects and might benefit from some extra support. Achieving a grade 4 in English and maths can be significant when students go on to post-16 education, as it is compulsory to retake them if this is not achieved. Students considered for this route will be contacted individually. For further information about this please contact Mr Slingsby.

Foundation Learning Tier

Some students will particularly benefit from our Level 1 provision.  A group of invited students study English, maths and science GCSEs and, in addition, are able to study a suite of qualifications delivered by Mr Thompson and his team.

Students have achieved well and successfully moved to post-16 education. There are excellent links with employers and post-16 providers.

Students enjoy the courses and are appreciative of the high number of opportunities for educational visits which support their learning.

For further information about this please contact Mr Thompson.

Setting in Years 10 and 11

Students are placed in ability groups in English, mathematics, science, geography, physical education and French.  All other classes are likely to be of mixed ability.

Choosing Options

Options in the Standard Route and Foundation Learning Tier include both GCSEs and BTECs. BTECs have a larger proportion of coursework so students will need to consider their aptitude for coursework and examinations when selecting options.

There are plenty of teachers who will be able to give advice about options choices including the Head of Year, Miss MacIntyre (Deputy Head and with responsibility for Special Educational Needs), form tutors, subject teachers and heads of subjects/faculties and Mr Slingsby (Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for the KS4 options process).

Questions about specific courses are best addressed to subject staff.  Miss MacIntyre (Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for SEN) will be able to advise students with additional learning needs while the Head of Year and form tutors will be well placed to deal with general enquiries.

We always encourage students to focus on subjects they enjoy and subjects which they are good at!  The choices of friends should not be taken into consideration as there is absolutely no guarantee they will be with them next year even if they choose all the same subjects.

Options will be submitted electronically via Google forms. This link will be sent out closer to the options deadline. The options choice table is to help with planning which options to choose but does not need returning to school.

If the preferred option choices are not available or if you have a general comment on the options process, please make sure you complete the relevant boxes on the electronic form when it is sent out.

Are there any restrictions?

• Students can only choose one art course
• Students can choose film studies or media studies, not both
• Students can only choose one business course

Administration

While every effort is made to give all students their first choices, it is not always possible.  Some subjects may not run because of a shortage of students and conversely some may be oversubscribed.  We always aim to deal with these situations in the fairest possible manner but no options can be guaranteed.

We also check that students have picked appropriate courses giving a broad and balanced curriculum.

When will my option choses be confirmed?

If amendments are made to subject choices, students and parents/carers will be consulted.  We will notify students and parents/carers when all options have been finalised. This is not usually until late June when the timetable is completed.

If you have any difficulty reading the options choice table, please open the attachment below