KS4 Options Information
It is the time in your son/daughter’s education when some important choices must be made in relation to his/her Key Stage 4 courses.
Decisions made by Year 9 students about which subjects to study in Years 10 and 11 can be crucial, affecting future 6th Form opportunities and career choices. Our Subject Leaders have worked hard to ensure you and your child receive accurate information, regarding their subject, which is essential to you as your child makes their KS4 choices.
The KS4 Subject Pathways Brochure and the subject videos should provide you and your child with all the information you need to make these informed choices. There are also contact details, within the booklet, should you need more information on a specific subject. Your son/daughter will also be given a personalised options form.
Broad and Balanced Curriculum
The National Curriculum requires pupils to do a broad range of subjects which are compulsory. These are Mathematics, English, Science, Physical Education, and Personal Development (RSHE, PSCHE, SMSC, RE). Pupils are then able to choose 4 options one of which must be a Humanities subject either History or Geography.
The English Baccalaureate
The English Baccalaureate is not a standalone qualification but is made up of 5 GCSE subjects. Pupils who study the English Baccalaureate will study the National Curriculum subjects, a language (French or German) and a humanities subject (History or Geography). They will then have a choice of 2 other option subjects from a range of GCSE and vocational qualifications.
Choices
We will always try to give your son/daughter his/her first preference choices. Occasionally, this is not possible and if this is the case it will require further discussion.
KS4 Options Presentations
Presentations by our subject leaders can be viewed below. Please refer to the options available to you on your options form and watch each relevant subject presentation before making the final decision on what subjects you’d like to take. Before you start though, please watch the below video about ‘Making Choices’ presented by Mr Wright.
Pathways & Careers
Pathways & Careers
Core Subjects
These are subjects everyone must study.
GCSE English Language & Literature
Click these links for more information:
English Literature Subject Summary English Language Subject Summary English Literature Learning Journey English Language Learning Journey
GCSE Maths
Click these links for more information:
GCSE Science
Click these links for more information:
Biology Subject Summary Chemistry Subject Summary Physics Subject Summary Combined Science Subject Summary Biology Learning Journey Chemistry Learning Journey Physics Learning Journey
Core PE
Click these links for more information:
Personal Development
Click these links for more information:
Personal Development Subject Summary Personal Development Learning Journey
Options Subjects
These are the subjects that can be chosen from to study at GCSE.
BTEC Performing Arts
Child Development
Click the link for more information:
Child Development Subject SummaryComputer Science
Click the link for more information:
Computer Science Subject SummaryDrama
Click the link for more information:
Drama Subject SummaryEngineering Design
Click the link for more information:
Engineering SummaryEnterprise and Marketing
Click the link for more information:
Enteprise & Marketing SummaryFine Art, Photography & Graphic Communication
Click the link for more information:
Fine Art SummaryGeography
Click the link for more information:
Geography SummaryGraphic Communications
Click the link for more information:
Graphic Communications SummaryHealth & Social Care
Click the link for more information:
Health & Social Care SummaryHistory
Click the link for more information:
History SummaryInformation Technologies
Click the link for more information:
Information Technology SummaryMedia
Click the link for more information:
Media Studies SummaryModern Foreign Languages
Click these link for more information:
Music
Click the link for more information:
Music SummaryPhotography
Click the link for more information:
Photography SummaryPsychology
Click the link for more information:
Psychology SummaryReligious Studies
Click the link for more information:
RE SummarySociology
Click the link for more information:
Sociology SummarySport
Click the link for more information:
Sport Summary
KS4 Subject Pathways Brochure
More detail on each subject, the course content and career pathways can be found in our Pathways Brochure below.
