Kingswinford AcademyOptions 2026:
A Guide for Students, Parents and Carers
Introduction to Options
Headteacher: Mr Moreton
Dear Parent / Carer,
Your child is embarking on an exciting and challenging part of their life at Kingswinford Academy, as they pick their options and progress into Key Stage 4.
This is an important opportunity for students to make choices about the subjects and types of courses they will study in Years 10 and 11. When making these decisions, students should carefully consider their interests, strengths and future aspirations, whether these include College, University and/or Apprenticeships We will provide advice and guidance throughout this process via the pastoral team, subject teachers, form tutors and our Connexions careers advisor.
The decision-making process is a partnership between students, parents/carers and teaching staff (subject and form tutors) To support you, this booklet:
● provides information about each subject
● explains which subjects are Core Subjects (compulsory) and which are Options (student choice)
● offers guidance on making informed decisions and completing the options form
As you consider the important choices ahead, I would like to reassure you that national education policy is moving firmly towards greater balance and opportunity for all pupils. The government has confirmed that the EBacc performance measure will be removed, recognising that a narrow academic core does not suit every learner. In its place, there is a renewed commitment to creativity, with ministers pledging to revitalise arts education and give creative subjects equal status alongside traditional academic pathways Alongside this, the Progress 8 measure is being reformed, with the former EBacc element redefined as “Academic Breadth” to encourage a wider and more balanced range of subjects, including the arts. These developments sit within a broader, expert-led review to create a truly world-class curriculum, with revised programmes expected in 2027 and new teaching from September 2028. Schools are also being encouraged to strengthen their enrichment provision, ensuring that every young person benefits from a rich educational experience that values creativity, culture and breadth as well as academic success.
At Kingswinford Academy, we aim to strike a careful balance between meeting national expectations and ensuring that each student follows a curriculum that is right for them This includes recognising students’ strengths, interests and individual pathways, and discussing these fully with students and parents/carers during the options process. The choices made will shape your child’s learning experience in Years 10 and 11. A curriculum that they find engaging and appropriate should build confidence and motivation, and, with hard work and commitment, maximise their chances of success. We have high expectations for all our students and are committed to supporting them throughout this important stage of their education.
Mr I Moreton Headteacher
Options Process
Assistant Headteacher and Options Lead: Mr Cannings
Dear Parent/ Carer
The types of courses available at Kingswinford Academy are explained in this booklet, along with the potential routes of progression that each pathway can offer. Choosing the most appropriate programme of study is an important decision, and we strongly encourage students and parents/carers to take time to gather all relevant information and discuss options carefully before making final preferences.
At Key Stage 4, students study three option subjects in addition to a core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) Our curriculum intent is to unlock both academic and personal achievement, enabling students to progress confidently to the next phase of their education and prepare effectively for life beyond school. We are committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum that supports a wide range of aspirations, interests and future career pathways.
Key Elements of the Options Process
1. Total Choices: All students will choose three subjects in total and rank them from one to three in order of preference
2. The Humanities Requirement: The first choice for all students will be to select either Geography or History (students may choose to study both).
3. Triple Science: Students demonstrating aptitude in Science may be encouraged to study Triple Science. If chosen, this would take up one of the three option choices due to the additional teaching time required
4. Placement: Option choices will be processed using a ‘best fit’ approach, taking into account student preferences, attainment data, and teacher recommendations.
Course Viability and Class Sizes
Choosing your GCSE options is an exciting step toward shaping your future, and we aim to offer as broad a range of subjects as possible However, please be aware that the viability of any elective course depends on a minimum number of student applications
While we make every effort to accommodate everyone’s first choices, if a particular subject does not attract enough interest to form a functional class, it may not be able to run In the event that a course cannot proceed due to low numbers, we will speak to the individual students who are affected and support them to choose a suitable alternative.
The Reality of Your Choices
As you consider these pathways, it is vital to understand that there is no such thing as an ‘easy’ option or an ‘easy’ qualification. Every course offered at Key Stage 4 is designed to be academically rigorous and will challenge you in different ways Whether a subject is heavily exam-based or involves coursework/ controlled assessment, it will require consistent effort, high attendance, and a genuine commitment to the work We strongly advise against choosing a subject because you believe it will be
"less work"; instead, choose subjects that align with your interests and strengths, as these are the areas where you are most likely to find success.
Where to find Support
To assist you with this process, teaching and support staff are here to help:
Subject guidance: Subject teachers are the best people to discuss your suitability for the courses they will be teaching. Ask them about the course content, the types of assessment you will face and your expectations of the course They will be able to answer your questions and help you to choose the right subjects for you.
Careers support: In order to support students, we have specialist subject staff available in all options to explain the courses and answer any questions that students have, along with careers advice from Miss Woodhouse, Mr Dimmock and the Connexions careers service
Pastoral Support: We have an extensive pastoral team, including Form Tutors and Heads of Year, who are very experienced in supporting students through the options process. Speak to them and get their advice on subject combinations and progression – they have helped out many students in the past and will have insights into the process.
Making the right decision is very important We want students to enjoy their studies at Key Stage 4 and studying the right subjects will influence the rest of their education and possibly the rest of their life. Please use all the help and advice available
If students want to discuss issues relating to the options process or have questions that they cannot get answers to from their Form Tutors or Head of Year, please contact me directly.
Mr C Cannings Assistant Headteacher – Academic Potential
Types of Assessment
Types of course on offer
When choosing subjects you should be aware of the type of assessment involved. Some courses that we offer have an element of controlled assessment. If you choose a combination of courses with heavy controlled assessment components, you may find the workload challenging and the deadlines difficult to meet
GCSE courses consist of one or more written examination papers taken at the end of the two-year course. The information given in the GCSE subject pages should enable you to get a good idea of what each course involves.
BTEC / CNAT qualifications are nationally recognised vocational qualifications valued by both further and higher education institutions and industry They offer a different learning and assessment style to GCSE courses, with stronger emphasis on controlled assessment in the form of written projects that respond to a particular brief
If you are well organised, able to work independently of the teacher and enjoy project type work, you may be suitable for a course that includes an element of controlled assessment.
Controlled assessment
In other cases, ‘controlled assessment’ means parts of the coursework have to be completed under exam conditions This may be marked either by the teacher or sent to the exam board
Non-examination assessment (NEA) is the new term for any aspect of a course which isn’t done as a terminal exam.
Oral assessments are where you have speaking and listening tests assessed by your teacher. The marks for these are submitted to the exam board and count towards your final grade.
Practical assessment is where you have to demonstrate your practical ability. Usually assessed by the subject teacher, but sometimes by people from the exam board. These marks count towards the final grade
Advice
ASK subject teachers, your Form Tutor, Head of Year, Mr Parsons or Mr Cannings if there is anything you are not sure about or would like more information about
THINK about all the subjects open to you
THINK carefully about your future, life goals and progression routes
TALK about your ideas and preferences with parents / carers
TALK about subjects you are choosing with teachers of that subject and Year 10 students that are already taking them
CHECK you are definite about your preferences before submitting the options form
DON’T choose a subject simply because your friends are choosing it. Their needs may be totally different from yours and you may not be in the same group anyway
DON’T choose a subject simply because you like the teacher as you may have a different teacher next year
DON’T choose a subject simply because it is new - check it out carefully
DON’T be late with your options form
Subjects on Offer
Core Subjects
All Students will follow a core curriculum:
● English Language and English Literature
● Mathematics
● Combined Science
● Core PE (non-assessed)
● PSHE programme: students will study Work Related Learning, Sex and Relationships Education and the nationally required Religious Studies (content covered in tutor time and assemblies).
Academic Breadth
As part of a broad and balanced curriculum, students will study a range of subjects that keep future pathways open. Within this framework, all students are asked to indicate a preference between Geography or History as part of their options process.
Option Subjects
Art: Art Craft and Design (new course) GCSE
Art: Fine Art GCSE
Art: Textiles GCSE
Business GCSE
Computer Science GCSE
Creative iMedia CNAT
Dance GCSE
Design and Technology GCSE
Digital Information Technology BTEC
Drama GCSE
Enterprise and Marketing CNAT
French GCSE
Geography GCSE
Health and Social Care BTEC
History GCSE
Hospitality and Catering WJEC
Music GCSE
Religious Studies GCSE
Sport Studies CNAT
Triple Science GCSE
GCSE English Language (Core)
This course provides one GCSE qualification in English Language although there is a clear crossover in skills between this and the GCSE English Literature course that students will also be completing.
During this course, students will encounter a variety of writers through their study of both non-fiction and fiction texts Opportunities for writing for different audiences, purposes and genres are present throughout the course and are examined at the end of Year 11 through GCSE. This will include writing both creatively in regards to descriptive writing, and persuasively in regards to arguing a point of view Candidates will also be assessed on their ability to speak and listen appropriately in a range of different situations to develop confidence and skills vital for later life.
Assessment
● Two examinations lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, each worth 50%, to be sat at the end of the course
● An oral presentation
This specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for students, whether they wish to pursue the study of English Language beyond GCSE or whether GCSE will be their last experience of studying the subjects. The qualification provides a route to the study of English Language at A Level
Further information
Please contact: Miss A Jordan (Faculty Director of English)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE
Course description
This course provides one GCSE qualification in English Literature and is designed to complement the GCSE English Language course.
Students will study a variety of different literature texts, including a 19th century novel such as Robert Stevenson’s 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'; a modern drama such as JB Priestley’s 'An Inspector Calls' and a play by William Shakespeare such as 'Macbeth' Students will also study a collection of fifteen poems centered around the theme of 'Power and Conflict'. Throughout the course, students will learn how to read for meaning; analyse writers' language and structural choices; track characters and themes; and consider how writers were influenced by the life and times in which they lived.
Assessment
Two examinations, both to be sat at the end of the course:
● Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel - 40% (1 hour 45 minutes)
● Modern Texts and Poetry - 60% (2 hours 15 minutes)
Where can it take me?
This specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for students, whether they wish to pursue the study of English Literature beyond GCSE or whether GCSE will be their last experience of studying the subject. The qualification provides a route to the study of English Literature at A Level
Further information
Please contact: Miss A Jordan (Faculty Director of English)
Useful Website www aqa org uk
GCSE Mathematics (Core)
Exam board: Edexcel
education and so it is an important subject to study. The syllabus and assessment consists of maths fit for the modern world, which is delivered using everyday problems.
It allows students to develop mathematical independence built on a sound base of conceptual learning and understanding.
Assessment
There are three exam papers, testing calculator and non-calculator skills
There is a choice between two levels of entry: Foundation for grades 5 to 1 and higher for grades 9 to 4 Your teacher will help you to decide which level you should enter during Year 11.
may be taken in employment or further education.
This qualification provides a route to the study of A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Maths
Further information
Please contact: Mrs R Booth (Assistant Headteacher Mathematics)
Useful Website www.edexcel.com
GCSE Combined Science (Core)
Exam board: AQA
Course description
All students will study GCSE Science in Years 10 and 11.
In GCSE Combined Science, students will study a range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics over the two-year period They will obtain two GCSE grades at the end of the course.
Assessment
The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 and consists of two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics papers, each assessing different topics, which include practical skills. All the papers are 1 hour 15 minutes in length and can be taken at Foundation and Higher tier The papers are equally weighted, each being worth 16.7% of the grade and containing multiple choice, structured, closed short and open response questions.
Where can it take me?
With GCSE Combined Science students can progress to traditional A-Levels in all Science subjects or to a Level 3 BTEC Science course
Higher Education in Science can for example lead to careers in: medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy engineering and technology.
Further information
Please contact: Mrs D Castle (Faculty Director of Science)
Useful Website www aqa org uk
GCSE Triple Science (Core plus Option)
If students choose the GCSE Triple Science route they will study all three Sciences i.e. GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics, as separate courses, over the two-year period Each subject is individually graded and, as students will partake in nine lessons of Science per week and are expected to complete more extended writing, this route is more rigorous and demanding than Combined Science.
Assessment
The courses are examined at the end of Year 11 and assessment consists of two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics papers, each assessing different topics, which include practical skills. All papers are 1 hour 45 minutes in length and can be taken at Foundation or Higher tier. The papers are equally weighted, each being worth 50% of the individual grade. The papers contain multiple choice, structured, closed short and open response/ extended writing questions
● GCSE Biology – 2 papers of 1hr 45 mins each
● GCSE Chemistry – 2 papers of 1hr 45 mins each
● GCSE Physics – 2 papers of 1hr 45 mins each
With GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics, students can progress to traditional A-Levels in all Science subjects or to a Level 3 BTEC Science course.
Higher Education in Science can for example lead to careers in: medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy engineering and technology
Further information
Please contact: Mrs D Castle (Faculty Director of Science)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE Art: Fine Art (Option)
In this course you will explore a wide range of media, surfaces and techniques. Possibilities for personal expression are endless. After recording your ideas and observations through photography and drawing, you will develop your ideas with reference to a range of artists and styles. You will experiment with a wide range of media, later concluding your work by producing a final outcome. Projects will be based on Fine Art, Photography and Graphics.
Assessment
There are two aspects to your assessment:
● Component 1 Portfolio: produce a sustained project and a selection of further work that represents the course of study This is worth 60% of your overall marks
● Component 2 Externally set assignment: there’s a separate externally set task paper for each title It features seven tasks and you have to complete one of them. You get preparation time, plus ten hours of supervised time This is worth 40% of your total marks
following:
Animator, architect, art therapist, costume designer, fashion designer, graphic designer, illustrator, jewelry designer, landscape artist, prop maker, set designer, web designer, textile artist, make-up artists, hairdresser, photographer.
Further information
Please contact: Mrs H Wilson (Faculty Director of Art and Design)
Useful Website www aqa org uk
GCSE Art, Craft and Design (Option)
creativity and imagination, GCSE Art, Craft and Design is an ideal choice. This course offers opportunities to explore Fine Art, Photography and Graphics while working with a wide range of media and camera techniques. The possibilities for personal expression are endless
You will record ideas and observations through drawing, painting, printing, designing and photography, then develop your work by exploring the influence of artists, styles and creative briefs. Throughout the course, you will experiment with a variety of materials and techniques before producing a final, personal outcome.
Assessment
There are two aspects to your assessment:
● Component 1 Portfolio: This is worth 60% of your overall marks. You will explore projects in Photography, Fine Art and Graphics
● Component 2 Externally set assignment: This is worth 40% of your total marks You get preparation time, plus a ten hour examination.
Craft and Design if you are interested in the following careers:
Animator, architect, art therapist, costume designer, fashion designer, graphic designer, illustrator, jewelry designer, set designer, landscape artist, prop maker, web designer, textile artist, make-up artist, hairdresser, photographer
Further information
Please contact: Mrs H Wilson (Faculty Director of Art and Design)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE Textiles (Option)
pieces. In this course you will explore a wide range of techniques for example, printing, digital manipulation of images, stitching, weaving and felting as well as other construction methods.
After recording your ideas and observations through drawing and painting, you will develop your ideas with reference to a range of artists and styles You will experiment with a wide range of materials which will result in a final outcome.
Studying Art Textiles will help you to demonstrate your individuality, your creativity and your passion for designing.
Assessment
There are two aspects to your assessment:
● Component 1 Portfolio: produce a sustained project and a selection of further work that represents the course of study. This is worth 60% of your overall marks.
● Component 2 Externally set assignment: there’s a separate externally set task paper for each title. It features seven tasks and you have to complete one of them You get preparation time, plus ten hours of supervised time. This is worth 40% of your total marks.
Fashion designer, Retail designer, Artist, Visual media, Fashion buying, Product design, Theatre design
Further information
Please contact: Mrs H Wilson (Faculty Director of Art and Design)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE
GCSE Course description
The GCSE in Business will provide students with the opportunity to explore real business issues and how businesses work. Students will consider the practical application of business concepts.
The topics provide opportunities to explore theories and concepts in the most relevant way, through the context of events in the business and economic world
Assessment
The course is split into two parts: Theme 1 and Theme 2. Theme 1 will focus on investigating small businesses, including topics on finance and Theme 2 will focus on building a business
The course is assessed by two exam papers Paper 1 and Paper 2 and they are both 1 hour 45 minutes each.
Where can it take me?
You may want to go on to further study such as A levels or BTECs in areas such as Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Computing or IT
Further information
Please contact: Mr McCormack (Faculty Director of Communications)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE
will learn how a computer works at the base level Assessment
● Paper 1: Computational thinking and problem solving, code tracing and applied computing as well as theoretical knowledge of computer science - Written exam set in practically based scenarios: 2 hours. 50% of GCSE.
● Paper 2: Written assessment - This is the theory section of the course, which is broken into various different topics. You will learn about computer hardware and software, programming concepts, and binary mathematics, along with several other new topics. The unit is assessed in Year 11 with a written examination lasting 1 hour 45 minutes 50% of GCSE
university The increasing importance of computing means there will be a growing demand for professionals who are qualified in this field
The course is also an excellent preparation if you want to study or work in areas that rely on the skills you will develop, especially where they are applied to technical problems These areas include engineering, financial and resource management, science and medicine.
Further information
Please contact: Mr S Ali (Curriculum Leader for Computing)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
Creative
Course description
Creative iMedia explores a range of creative media skills through their practical use. The Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia will equip learners with a range of creative media skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, desirable, transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. Through the use of these skills, learners will ultimately be creating fit-for-purpose creative media products.
Assessment
The course is divided into two centre-assessed modules that students work on and complete in school and a 1hr 15 minute examination.
Exam - This is focused on media in industry
Internal assessment - two units of work will be completed over the two years. One unit is mandatory and covers the identity and use of digital graphics and the final unit will be chosen by the teacher and can cover websites, digital animation, sound and video sequences or computer game design
Where can it take me?
The course is designed to give students a broad understanding of a range of media technologies and their applications.
Future careers in ICT, digital marketing, game design or graphic design would all benefit from this course
Further information
Please contact: Mr L Mroczko (Curriculum Leader for iMedia)
Useful Website www.edexcel.com
GCSE
aesthetically and creatively.
Dance also supports learning across a range of subjects. As performers, students develop confidence and self-esteem as well as self and body awareness, sensitivity to others and team-working skills Effective performance requires physical effort and the determination to succeed and improve.
To achieve their full potential in the course, it is expected that students taking GCSE Dance should be actively dancing outside of school at dance clubs or academies
Assessment
● Component 1
○ Performance 30% of GCSE (40 marks) set phrases through a solo performance (approximately one minute in duration) - Duet/trio performance (three and a half minutes in duration)
○ Choreography 30% of GCSE (40 marks) Solo or group choreography
● Component 2
Dance Appreciation 40% of GCSE (80 marks) - written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
(3 courses available to study including Extended Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diploma) or A Level Dance
You will benefit from studying Dance if you are interested in the following:
Choreography, gymnast, dancer, fitness coach, personal trainer, PE teacher
Further information
Please contact: Miss L Davies (Teacher of Dance and PE)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
GCSE E
be taught using a combination of skills building tasks and project work.
In Year 10 students will concentrate on acquiring the technical skills necessary to produce a variety of practical outcomes whilst learning more about the design process In Year 11, a self-generated project showcases the techniques acquired in a creative way The project embraces all aspects of the design process and students will need to use current industrial practices to generate, evaluate, and implement design ideas.
The course allows learners to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.
Assessment
In Year 11 a project is completed that is worth 50% of the final grade; this is in the form of a controlled assessment project where students decide upon a product to make that responds to a particular contextual challenge There is also a theory examination worth 50% of the final grade which features a variety of short and longer mark questions, as well as mathematical problem solving questions.
engineering, quantity surveying, and architecture, engineering, mechanics, mechanical design manufacturing, aeronautical and automotive engineering, and product designing
Further information
Please contact: Mr N Barnett (Curriculum Leader of Design and Technology)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
Digital (Option)
You’ll explore User Interface (UI) design, learning how to create engaging and user-friendly digital experiences. You’ll also work on real-world scenarios, developing practical skills in areas such as website design and mobile app development.
Beyond design, you’ll dive into key technical topics like cloud storage and cybersecurity, understanding how data is stored and protected online. You’ll explore how these concepts apply to popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Assessment
Component 1: UI Design & Project Planning (30%) Learn how to create user-friendly interfaces and plan digital projects. Assessment: Internally assessed coursework (Year 10).
Component 2: Data Handling & Interpretation (30%)
Discover how data is collected, analysed, and used in the real world Assessment: Internally assessed coursework (Year 11)
Component 3: Digital Working Practices (40%) Learn how businesses use technology securely, manage cybersecurity risks, and handle data privacy. Assessment: final exam (1hr 30min) in Year 11.
Level 3 or A-level. It’s ideal for careers in web development, gaming, IT, or engineering, focusing on key IT skills.
With a BTEC Digital Information Technology qualification, you’ll be well-prepared for careers in the growing IT industry, which is in high demand for skilled professionals.
Further information
Please contact: Mr S Ali (Curriculum Leader for Computing)
Useful Website www.edexcel.com
GCSE
design for certain scenes, putting practical work at the heart of this course.
Assessment
● Component 1: Devising (40%)
In small groups you will create and develop an original performance piece There are two parts to the assessment:
1) a written document that is 1500-2000 words in length (45 marks).
2) a devised performance (15 marks)
● Component 2: Performance from Text (20%) You will perform two scripted extracts from a published play
● Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (40%)
This is a 1 hour 45 minute written exam
1) You will answer questions based on an extract from a set text from the view point of performer, director and designer (45 marks)
2) Evaluation of a live theatre performance (15 marks)
*Note – it is expected that students choosing this option will take part in school productions and other performance related extra-curricular activities
Career opportunities include:
Arts and theatre administration, arts journalism, director, actor, designer, playwright, stage management, theatre management.
Further information
Please contact: Mrs Cooper (Curriculum Leader of Drama)
Useful Website www edexcel com
Enterprise & Marketing CNAT (Option)
Enterprise and Marketing Course description
In this course you will understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Enterprise and Marketing including characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, market research, financial viability, the marketing mix and factors to consider when starting up and running an enterprise Assessment
The course is divided into two centre-assessed modules that students work on and complete in school plus a 1hr 15 minute examination.
Exam: In this unit, you will learn about the key factors to consider and activities that need to happen to operate a successful small start-up business
Unit 1: Design a Business Proposal - In this unit, you will identify a customer profile for a specific product, complete market research to generate product design ideas, and use financial calculations to propose a pricing strategy and determine the viability of their product proposal
Unit 2: Market and Pitch a Business Proposal - In this unit, you will develop pitching skills to be able to pitch your business proposal to an external audience
Where can it take me?
You may want to go on to further study such as A levels or BTECs in areas such as Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Computing or IT
Further information
Please contact: Mr McCormack (Faculty Director of Communications)
Useful Website https://www.ocr.org.uk/
GCSE French (Option)
Exam board: Edexcel
Course description
The GCSE French course is broken down into four units which cover the four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
You will develop and hone the skills and language you have been learning since Year 7 as well as deepen your knowledge of the countries where the language of your choice is spoken.
You will cover topics such as: identity; school; future plans and aspirations; travel and tourism; global and international issues; culture and celebrations.
Assessment
● Unit 1: Speaking (25% of GCSE)
● Unit 2: Listening (25% of GCSE)
● Unit 3: Reading (25% of GCSE)
● Unit 4: Writing (25% of GCSE)
Where can it take me?four
Languages lend themselves well to many sectors such as information technology, engineering, law, pharmaceutical industry, journalism, customer relations, travel and tourism, hospitality, sales and the car industry.
In an increasingly competitive job market, it is clear that foreign language proficiency adds significant value to a candidate’s portfolio of skills, and can give them the real competitive edge when applying for jobs
Further information
Please contact: Mr McCormack (Faculty Director of Communications)
Useful Website www edexcel com
GCSE
p y g g p y g g g p skills. Within physical geography, you will study issues around natural hazards, physical landscapes of the UK including coasts and rivers alongside ecosystems, tropical rainforests and either hot or cold environments
Your study of human geography will include urban issues and challenges, economics and resource management with a focus on food, water and energy in the UK with a global study of either energy or water. Throughout each unit, you will learn and develop a wide range of geographical skills including map skills, graph skills and statistical skills.
All students will have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork as part of the course Assessment
You will sit three external examinations at the end of Year 11 There is no controlled assessment
Paper 1 and Paper 2 examine your physical and human geography knowledge respectively.
Paper 3 assesses your ability to apply your geographical knowledge to current issues and fieldwork situations.
subject rich in skills, knowledge and understanding. As a subject linking the arts and the sciences it is highly flexible in what you can combine it with, both at GCSE and A-Level
The course strengthens many transferable skills: analysing data, solving problems, interpreting maps and graphs, thinking critically, and communicating ideas clearly, and can lead to careers in areas such as sustainability, urban planning, conservation, global politics and economics, disaster management, and climate sciences.
Further information
Please contact: Miss N Murray (Curriculum Leader for Geography)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
Health and Social Care BTEC (Option)
Exam board: Edexcel
Course description
This subject gives students the knowledge, understanding and technical skills through a vocational context.
The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main three areas cover:
● Skills and processes, such as interpreting data to assess an individual’s health, and designing a plan to improve their health and wellbeing
● Attitudes, namely the care values that are vitally important in the sector, and the opportunity to practice applying them
● Knowledge that underpins the effective use of skills, processes and attitudes, including human growth and development, health and social services, and factors affecting people’s health and wellbeing
Assessment
● Human Lifespan Development (Internal Unit)
● Health and Social Care Services and Values (Internal Unit)
● Health and Wellbeing (External Unit – 40%)
Where can it take me?
About three million people work in health or social care. Health care roles include doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives and health care assistants, while social care roles include care assistants, occupational therapists, counsellors and administrative roles. Together they account for nearly one in ten of all paid jobs in the UK. Demand for both health and social care is likely to rise so they will continue to play a key role in UK society, and the demand for people to fill these vital jobs will increase.
Further information
Please contact: Mrs G Purewal (Teacher of Health and Social Care)
Useful Website www edexcel com
GCSE
Our GCSE in History inspires students enthusiasm for history. They develop their understanding of the present by studying significant periods and themes from the past at a local, national and global level, engaging with a range of contemporary sources and later interpretations.
Paper 1: (30% of final mark) Medicine in Britain, c1250–present and The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches
Paper 2: (40% of final mark) Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88 and The American West, c1835–c1895
Paper 3: (30% of final mark) Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39
Assessment
You will sit three external examinations at the end of Year 11. There is no controlled assessment. Each paper will examine your source skills and ability to explain complex historical events.
Whether it is A Level History or other Level 3 courses, a GCSE in History is a relevant platform for continued learning
Many different and varied careers beyond school also still respect the qualification and view it as being very useful. Key examples include journalism, publishing, teaching, a career in politics, and heritage management
Further information
Please contact: Mrs J Naujeer (Faculty Director of Humanities)
Useful Website
https://qualifications pearson com/en /qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history2016.html
Hospitality and Catering WJEC (Option)
Exam board: WJEC
The course structure has been designed to develop in learners the knowledge and understanding related to a range of hospitality and catering providers; how they operate and what they have to take into account to be successful. There is the opportunity to learn about issues related to nutrition and food safety and how they affect successful hospitality and catering operations In this qualification, learners will also have the opportunity to develop some food preparation and cooking skills as well as transferable skills of problem solving, organisation and time management, planning and communication.
Assessment
● Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry: 1 hour 30 minutes examination
● Unit 2: Hospitality and catering in Action – controlled assessment
assistants to chefs, hotel and bar managers and food technologists in food manufacturing. All of these roles require further education and training either through apprenticeships or further and higher education.
Further information
Please contact: Mrs S Wray (Curriculum Leader of Hospitality and Catering)
Useful Website www.wjec.co.uk
GCSE
tasks. You will perform and compose in many styles. Examination compositions can be in the style of your choice, on any instrument (including the voice) or using GarageBand on the iPads. You will study how concertos developed from the Baroque era, through to later Classical and Romantic eras. You will study world music and descriptive music (including film music and video games) You will also explore the history and development of pop music styles from the 1950’s to the present day
Assessment
You will need to perform at least four minutes worth of music (consisting of a solo and ensemble performance) and compose at least four minutes of music, which will be based upon styles of your choice Coursework is internally assessed and then moderated externally. The listening exam is externally assessed by the examiners. It is vital that you can either perform on an instrument competently (instrumental tuition would be beneficial but highly skilled self-taught musicians can choose GCSE Music as well) or perform using your vocals. Listening exam 40%, Coursework – 60%
*Note – it is expected that students choosing this option will be proficient in at least one instrument or have strong singing ability. Instrumental tuition can be arranged to support students who opt for GCSE Music.
Music and A level Performing Arts and BTEC Performing Arts.
Career opportunities include: Music therapist, Arts journalism, director, musician/performer, sound technician, teacher or lecturer, Arts & theatre administration.
Further information
Please contact: Miss Abel (Assistant Headteacher - Personal Potential)
Useful Website www.ocr.org.uk
GCSE Religious Studies (Option)
Exam board: AQA
Course description
The course is divided into two sections:
● 1 The study of two religions exploring their beliefs, teachings and practices – the two religions studied are Christianity and Islam
● 2. The study of four ethical and philosophical themes
● We will choose four from the following:
○ Relationships and families - sex, marriage, divorce
○ Religion and the origins and value of human life
○ Philosophical arguments on the existence of God
○ Religion and war, peace, terrorism
○ Religion, crime and punishment
○ Religion, human rights, wealth and social justice
Assessment
Two written exam papers of 1 hour 45 minutes each.
Whether it is A Level or other Level 3 courses, a GCSE in Religious Studies is a relevant platform for continued learning.
Career Opportunities: solicitor, journalist, teacher, doctor or nurse, social worker
Further information
Please contact: Mrs G Purewal (Curriculum Leader of RE)
Useful Website www.aqa.org.uk
Where can it take me?
Sport
p g g , having a sports focus, from practical performance and leadership to contemporary issues within sport Students’ time is spent developing practical skills and expertise which is then placed in real life sporting assignments
This offers flexible learning, as students are able to complete assignments using word processing, video evidence, PowerPoint / verbal presentations and practical demonstrations. It also provides opportunities for additional qualifications in first aid, sports leadership and sports coaching.
Assessment
This is a vocational based qualification: 40% of the overall grade is a compulsory examination and 60% from two non-examined assessment units
These are assessed through a combination of practical and theoretical evidence gathered throughout the year There are a number of assignments that must be completed for each of the units. These are graded over seven different levels, Level 1 Pass, Merit and Distinction progressing to Level 2 Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*.
*Note – it is expected that students choosing this option will already be part of sporting clubs in school or outside of school and have a high level of personal fitness and commitment to sport.
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excellent platform to continue on to study BTEC Level 3 at college
Careers opportunities:
● Sports therapist
● Sports science
● Sports coach/consultant
● Nutritionist
● Fitness instructor
● Personal trainer
Further information
Please contact: Miss Holder (Faculty Director of PE); Mr Moore (Teacher of Sports Studies)
Useful Website www.ocr.org.uk
Choosing your Options
Our Options Process
This year, students have a wide range of subjects and types of course on offer. We endeavor to do our best to accommodate student preferences and give them subject allocations that fit in with their future goals and aspirations. We will prioritise student preferences where possible.
Subject combinations and clashes
Certain combinations are not permitted either because of the constraints of timetabling subjects or because there is considerable overlap in course content. We will do everything that we can to avoid subjects ‘clashing’ in order to ensure that students are able to study their first choices.
The following groups of subjects have similar course content, so students would only be able to choose one subject from each group of subjects:
● Art: Fine Art or Art: Textiles or Art, Craft and Design
● Computer Science or Digital Information Technology
● Enterprise and Marketing or Business Studies
Note: It is the policy of the school that all students commencing a course are entered for the examination. There is no opportunity to ‘drop’ a subject during Key Stage 4.
The Options Form
Parents and carers will receive an electronic link to the Options Form on Wednesday 5th March.
This is to ensure that all students have sufficient time to discuss their preferences with their parents/ carers.
Please complete each section and check the subject preferences carefully. Once the preferences have been collated and the provisional timetable planned, we will confirm subject allocations with students
If a student wishes to change an option preference after submission, please contact Mr Cannings directly
The final deadline for submitting the Options Form is Friday 27th March 2026
Options Agreement
We understand that when students enter Year 10 and begin to study their chosen subjects, the course content might not be as they expected. Due to this, we provide students with a window of time to change one of their subjects.
Next academic year, the deadline to change any optional subjects will be Friday 25th September 2026
Please note however, that this is dependent on a number of factors, including our ability to timetable the changes and also subject availability. Therefore, we are unable to guarantee that students will be able to change This is why it is very important for students, along with their parent or carer, to think carefully about which subjects they wish to take forward into Key Stage 4.
When students submit their option choices by the deadline stated above, we are assuming that they, along with their parents or carers, are agreeing to these terms.