GCSE Options
2024-26
YEAR 9 – PSHCE OPTIONS PRESENTATION
English Language, English Lit, Mathematics, Science
Common Core
01
You get to select 4 GCSEs or 3 GCSEs & 1 Vocational Course
Option Subjects
02
These are subject you will have on your timetable but they are not formally assessed:
Physical Education, Careers, PSHCE
Non-examined Subjects
03
KEY STAGE 4 Curriculum
GCSE CORE SUBJECTS
English Language & English Literature
Mathematics
Science (2 or 3 GCSEs)
Studying Science
Science can be studied in one of two ways
30%
Usually 30% of students study Optional Triple Science
You will be taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics over 9 lessons per week – 3 lessons each subject – this leads to 3 GCSEs, one in each science
TRIPLE SCIENCE – 3 GCSEs (Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
You will be taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics for 6 lessons per week – 2 lessons for each subject – this leads to a combined double subject, equal to 2 GCSEs
CORE DOUBLE SCIENCE – 2 GCSEs (Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
70%
Usually 70% of students study Core Double Science
D
T
NOTE: If you wish to do Triple Science – you will have used up one of your 4 option choices
E
English
Maths
Science
Option Subjects
Biology
English Language
Total Subjects
Overall Total = 9 subjects
Number of GCSEs/Vocationals taken
English Literature
M
S
O
Chemistry
Physics
{
{
Double
Triple
2
1
2 or 3
4 or 3
{
CORE CURRICULUM
Teaching Time - KS4
English�Language�Literature
Core PE
Core Science:�Biology�Chemistry�Physics
Option Subjects:
Option 1�Option 2
Option 3�Option 4
Mathematics
5 Lessons
4 Lessons
6 Lessons
1 Lesson
2 Lessons
4 x 3 Lessons
PSHCE/Careers
= 30
Choosing Your Option Subjects
Careers – Post-16 requirements
For some careers or post sixteen qualifications you will need to have studied them at GCSE level and achieved a certain grade
University Expectations
Equally, you may find that some Universities need to consider your GCSE courses when faced with high demand for their popular degree courses
Balance of Subject Types
Make sure you have a range of subjects when making your option choices (we will consider this further in the next slide)
Interest and Enjoyment
People tend to do better at subjects they enjoy and are interested in
Ability
Equally, if you are good at something you tend to enjoy it (that why people have certain hobbies)
GCSE Options and Future 6th Form Courses
Many BTEC, A-Level and IB subjects do not require you to study the subject at GCSE first
In fact many of the 6th Form courses you won’t have been able to study here at GCSE level
Many Post Sixteen Courses Do Not
There are BTEC, A-Level and IB subjects that do require a GCSE Qualification before starting.mainly they are the GCSE Core subjects which are studied by all students
Post Sixteen Courses that Do
Check with the teachers of your interest subjects if you have any doubts,.your careers teacher / Sixth form Centre / College of FE about any future courses.
Best to Check Beforehand
Making an Informed Choice
Key Careers Team
Find out the Facts
You also might want to talk to:
Careers
Miss J Nichols
Head of Careers�Based mainly in the �Sixth Form
The Option Subjects
Humanities | Languages | Arts | Science & Technology | |||
GCSE | Vocational | GCSE | GCSE | Vocational | GCSE | Vocational |
Geography | CACHE Child Care & Development L2 | French | Art | WJEC Voc Award Performing Arts L1/L2 | Triple Science | Cambridge National IT |
History | NCEF Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services L1/L2 | Spanish | Photography | BTEC Cert Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy L2 | Computer Science | CACHE Health & Social Care L1/2 |
Business Studies | | German | Drama | - | Food & Nutrition | BTEC Construction & Engineering L1 |
Religious Studies | - | - | Music | - | Design & Technology | BTEC Engineering L2 |
- | - | - | - | - | PE | |
How are Vocational Courses different to GCSE’s?
Category | Vocational Courses | GCSEs |
Purpose | Prepare students for specific careers or industries | Provide a broad education foundation |
Focus | Practical skills and hands-on experience | Theoretical knowledge and academic subjects |
Assessment | Coursework, practical exams, and sometimes workplace training | Written exams and controlled assessments |
Progression | Can lead to higher-level vocational qualifications | Can lead to A-levels or further education options |
Career Opportunities | Direct entry into specific industries or job roles | Provides a general foundation for various careers |
Demand and Supply
Last year the number of places available and students interested in studying a Vocational Course out of school were:
Important that your preference 5 & 6 are also subjects you would like to do
Vocational Courses
For high demand courses students will be selected based on their overall attitude to learning, attendance and behaviour
3
1
Colours
You must choose at least Three different colours
CFE Courses
You can only select one of the courses taught at The College of Further Education
Making Your Option Choices
Over the next few weeks you should engage in the options website and discuss this with your careers teacher.�
Next Thursday is our Future’s evening.
1
Bold Subject
You must choose at least One subject in bold
Within your first 4 choices….
You will need to make 6 choices in preference order.
Some acceptable combinations
Science – Computer Science
Preference 4
Humanities -History
Preference 1
Art - Drama
Preference 3
Language - French
Preference 2
01
02
04
03
Preference 5: Music
Preference 6: Geography
Some acceptable combinations
Science – Computer Science
Preference 4
Humanities -History
Preference 1
Art - Drama
Preference 3
Humanities- Geography
Preference 2
01
02
04
03
Preference 5: Food & Nutrition
Preference 6: Business Studies
Some acceptable combinations
Science –
BTEC Health & Social Care
Preference 4
Humanities -History
Preference 1
Art - Drama
Preference 3
Science –
Computer Science
Preference 2
01
02
04
03
Preference 5: GCSE PE
Preference 6: BTEC Child Development
Options Timeline
Discuss
Consider
Choose
Confirm
PSHCE Presentations�22nd -26th January
Engage with Options’ Website�29th January -
Talk with Parents & Teachers
1st February -
Options Form available online�22nd February
Parents’ Evening�22nd February
Final Options Form Deadline
29th February
Options Confirmed week commencing 17th June
June
February
February
January/ February
Year 9 Futures’ Evening�1st February
Year 9 Reviews Published�9th February
College of Further Education Taster Session
28th February - TBC
What if I change my Mind
You are allowed to change your mind
The class you wish to change to may well be full
Changes may not be possible
See Mr Fox as soon as possible -
Talk it through with someone -
Take your time, �make informed choice
GCSE Options
2024-26
YEAR 9 – PSHCE OPTIONS PRESENTATION
Any �Questions