Year 9 Options

Once I make my selection, am I guaranteed my option choices?
No. We shall, of course, try our best to get you your first choice subjects however this may not be possible. If not enough students choose to do a subject, it may have close down and your reserve choice will be selected. If this happens, you and your family will be informed by the school.

What if I do not get my first choices?
Your reserve choice will then be selected. This is why you must pick a reserve choice in each block.

What are English Baccalaureate subjects?
An English Baccalaureate is not a qualification. It is a term used to describe a number of GCSE subjects that the government considers to be highly valued. Top tier Universities desire this in order to apply due to the breadth of curriculum that it results in. Subjects include English, Maths, Science (including Biology, Chemistry, Physics), History, Geography, Computer Science, French and Spanish. The government is encouraging the study of 5 of these subjects (English, Maths, Science are compulsory, either History or Geography, either French or Spanish. Computer Science is an additional if desired).

What if I do not know what I want to do in the future?
Keep your options open. Keep in mind that you might want to go to university or that you might want to do an apprenticeship etc. Select a range of subjects from across the curriculum, e.g. a language, a humanities subject (History or Geography), an arts subject (Art, Graphics, Drama, Music) and one other subject such as PE, RS, Food, etc. Include in your selection what you are being successful in and what you enjoy doing, after all you are more likely to study harder in these subjects. Finally, you may wish to pick a subject that is more practical than others that are 100% written exam. Subjects like Art, Graphics, IT, PE, Food and Media have assignments which are worth marks towards your final grade, which you must complete before your examination.

Do I need to be able to read music or play an instrument to choose GCSE Music?
Being able to read music would be an advantage, although the course will teach you this. You do, however, have to be prepared to study an instrument as part of your course. You can select which instrument, which could be your voice, if you would like to sing. To develop your skills to the appropriate standard for the course, you will be required to attend additional peripatetic lessons.

I am struggling to choose which subjects to select. What do I do?
You are not alone. Speak to others to get their support. Speak to your teachers about whether you would be suited to their subject. Speak with your parents / carers, they know you well! Speak to students in the older year groups about the courses they study. You can also speak with your form tutor and our careers advisor.

What are the differences between BTEC, OCR Cambridge National and GCSE?
Each of these types of qualification are equally as challenging and are of equal value to sixth forms, colleges and employers. The differences are about the way they are assessed. GCSEs are 100% exams that are taken at the end of Year 11. BTECs and OCR Cambridge Nationals have assignments throughout the two years that earn you marks towards your final grade. You still sit an exam in Year 11. This is ideal for students who may not perform at their best in exams.

Can I change my options once I have chosen them?
You need to ensure that you are making your choices carefully, and research each subject carefully. Your options will be chosen in a one-to-one interview after the February half-term. After this, it is extremely difficult to change your choices and this will only occur in extraordinary circumstances.