We all know how important it is for each pupil to make the right choices as they begin Key Stage 4 and move into Years 10 and 11. So we hope that students and parents will carefully discuss the subjects we offer and seek the advice offered by school.
We begin discussions about what subjects to study in Year 9, and begin teaching GCSE subjects I Year 10. Our KS4 Information is available online here (Year 9 Options – Home (sharepoint.com) ) where you can find plenty of essential information and advice. In school, students can speak to teachers in every subject that your child is interested in studying, as well as considering post-16 education and apprenticeship providers, and workplaces. In addition to this, you can contact school at any time to discuss any questions you have so that the best choices are made.
In order to ensure that your child is guided towards subjects that will bring them greatest success and most enjoyment, we recommend that pupils consider a number of things: how a possible subject may support a career or field of work your child is considering; whether or not your child enjoys and has shown a good attitude to learning in a subject (or believes that they will for subjects not previously studied) and whether or not they are likely to achieve a good GCSE grade in that subject. There are a number of subjects that have not been studied before so it may be important to see those teachers to have a clear understanding of the course.
As you may know GCSEs have changed considerably in the last few years. There is an expectation that all students will study eight subjects and of these English Language, English Literature, Maths, Religious Education and Science are core subjects. Some students will study a Science course which is two Science GCSEs and others will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics leading to three GCSEs in Science. In addition, all students will have PE and PD lessons which are non-examined.
Example Option blocks
Year 10
| A | B | C |
| Art | Geography | Art |
| Comp Science | History | Health and Social Care |
| H+S | Espanyol | Business Studies |
| Performing Arts | Engineering | Photography |
| History | Food and Nutrition | Creative Media |
| Sport | History | |
| Geography |
Year 11
| A | B | C |
| Sport | Computer Science | Business Studies |
| Food and Nutrition | Health and Social Care | Geography |
| Engineering | Geography | Engineering |
| History | History | Photography |
| Art | Espanyol | Art |
| Performing Art | Creative Media |
Example Year 10 timetable September 2024
50 lessons per fortnight, 25 lesson per week. At Key Stage 4 Week A and Week B are different.
Week A
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Registration and Form time | |||||
| Lesson 1 | Option A | English | Maths | Option C | Option C |
| Break time | |||||
| Lesson 2 | Science | Science | Option A | English | Option A |
| Lesson 3 | Maths | Maths | English | Science | English |
| Lunchtime | |||||
| Lesson 4 | Option C | Option B | Science | Option B | Science |
| Lesson 5 | RE | RE | PD | PE | Math’s |
Week B
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Registration and Form time | |||||
| Lesson 1 | Option A | Option A | Maths | Option C | Option C |
| Break time | |||||
| Lesson 2 | Science | Science | Option A | English | Option A |
| Lesson 3 | Maths | Maths | English | Science | English |
| Lunchtime | |||||
| Lesson 4 | Option C | Option B | Science | Option B | Science |
| Lesson 5 | RE | English | RE | PE | RE |
