Year 9 GCSE Options
During February we invite Year 9 students to discuss and choose their Key Stage 4 preferred subject options.
Students and families have the opportunity to attend an Options Evening on Thursday 5th February, where our Transition Coordinator, Mrs Dracup, will take you through a short presentation and next steps. You will also have the opportunity to speak with subject teachers who are experienced specialists and provide you with the knowledge to make the right choices.
To support students in their options choices, they are invited to attend an Options Taster Afternoon on 11th February. The GCSE Options Booklet, with full details of all the compulsory and choice elements, is attached below to help students make informed choices for their GCSE subjects.
Key Stage 4 options are made up of two parts:
1. Compulsory subjects
In Key Stage 4 it is compulsory for students to study the following subjects:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Combined Science
- PSHE
- Humanities—Geography or History
- PE (Core)
2. Choice subject options
In addition, students are asked to select two to three preferred options. It is essential when selecting their options that students consider the following;
- What subjects am I good at?
- What subjects do I need for my future career path?
- What subjects do I enjoy?
For all young people, choosing what to do next can be daunting and many aren’t aware of the different options open to them when they eventually leave us at Spen Valley. The National Careers Service has designed a website to help young people understand their Post-16 and Post-18 education and training courses. This website might also prove useful when choosing your options.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
3. Next steps and dates for your diary
- Please take your time to read through all the information and discuss options at home
- Speak to your teachers who are experienced specialists
- Speak to our careers advisor in school about the qualifications you need for various career pathways careers@spenvalleyhighschool.co.uk
- Students, parents and carers to attend the options evening on Thursday 5th February
- Students attend the Options Afternoon on Wednesday 11th February
- Complete the options form online by Friday 20th February
- Discussions will take place prior to Easter about any queries with your options
- Parent/carers will receive confirmation of student options before Easter 2025
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Dracup sdracup@spevalleyhighschool.co.uk