This document provides information to Year 10 students about choosing their optional subjects for Key Stage 4. It outlines the core subjects students will take and explains the options process. Students can choose either an academic pathway focusing on GCSEs or an applied pathway incorporating vocational qualifications. The document provides details on the subjects and qualifications available and factors for students to consider when selecting their options. Important dates in the options process are also listed, along with sources of advice for students.

1. Options for Year 10
2013-2015

2. The Options Process
• Why make choices?
• Choice allows you to “make your own
timetable”
• Choosing subjects you want to study should
increase your motivation and chances of
success

3. The Key Stage 4 Curriculum
• Core: 30 lessons per fortnight
– Mathematics (1 GCSE)
– English Language & Literature (2 GCSEs)
– Core Science (1 GCSE)
– Core ICT
– Philosophy and Ethics (½ GCSE)
– Core PE
– PSHE
– Work Experience

4. Science – 6 additional periods
• Single Science
– One GCSE plus Certificate in Personal and Social
Development
• Additional Science
– Combines with Core Science to make 2 GCSEs
• Triple Science
– 3 separate GCSEs: Biology, Physics and Chemistry
• You will be placed on one of these courses
dependent on your performance in Year 9
Science and your attendance

5. Options – 24 periods per fortnight
• A range of GCSE, Cambridge National, and
BTEC courses
• Four options
• 6 periods per fortnight in each option
• Options organised into two pathways

6. Subjects on offer
• Specialising: History, Geography, RS, Music,
Dance, Drama, Technology subjects,
languages, ICT, PE/Sport...
• “New” Subjects: Business Studies, Health and
Social Care, Media Studies, Construction,
Performing Arts

7. Qualifications on offer
• GCSE
– Awarded from A*-G
– Combination of exams and controlled assessment
• Cambridge National / BTEC
– Awarded Distinction, Merit, or Pass
– “Vocational” or work-based learning
– Available in Sport, Business, Construction, and
ICT(iMedia)

8. The English Baccalaureate
• Represents breadth and strength in academic
achievement
• Awarded to any student gaining A*-C in:
– English Language
– Two Sciences
– Mathematics
– History or Geography
– A Language

10. The Academic Pathway
• Option 1: GCSE History or Geography
• Option 2: GCSE French, German or Spanish
• Options 3 and 4: Free Choice
• This pathway ensures that you achieve the
English Baccalaureate
• It is focused on GCSEs
• It is suitable if you want to go on to do A Levels or
to study at University

11. The Applied Pathway
• Options 1 and 2: combinations of
Construction, Health and Social Care, ICT or
Business Studies
• Options 3 and 4: Free Choice
• This pathway is focused on non-GCSE subjects
• It is suitable for those looking for routes into
Colleges or apprenticeships

12. Options in Insight

13. A few “rules”
• You must choose options one and two from
the Academic or the Applied Pathway
• You must then make two choices and a
reserve for options 3 and 4
• You can only opt for a subject once!

14. Things to consider
Do consider: Do not consider:
• What do I enjoy? • Choosing subjects just to be
• What am I good at? with friends
• What to I want to do post- • Choosing subjects because
16? “I like/don’t like the
– Sixth form? teacher”
– College?
– Apprenticeship/employment?
• Choosing subjects “because
you ought to”
• Choose a good range of
subjects
• Read your report carefully

15. Important Dates
• Monday 7th January: Options Assembly
• Wednesday 9th January: Options Evening
• Thursday 17th January: Subject Evening
• Friday 25th January: Final Deadline for
completing options in Insight

16. Sources of advice
• Other parents / friends
• Students in Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form
• Subject Staff
• Tutor
• Head of Year
• Careers Team
• Mr Kenny and the Learning Support team
• Year 9 Options page on school website

17. What now?
• Collect your Option Book
• PUT YOUR NAME ON IT
• Look through the book carefully over the
coming days
• Your parents must bring this book to the
Options Evening on Wednesday