GCSE
Vocational
Decisions about subject choices for Key Stage 4 are the most important educational decisions you have made so far. This section of our website is designed to help in that decision-making process. Though these choices are not decisions to be made lightly, you are not alone, there are lots of people to help and support you. You should consult widely to help you make informed choices, your Subject Teachers, Tutors, Head of Year and our Connexions Advisor are all excellent sources of advice. Parents also have an important role to play in guiding students – after all they know you the best of all!
Our options have been designed to give you maximum choice and flexibility whilst also ensuring that we equip you with the skills needed for future careers. We recognise that each of you have differing strengths, interests and learning styles. Our curriculum offer reflects this and allows you to choose a pathway which suits your individual needs so that you can achieve your personal best.
Over the next few weeks explore this section of our website and start to consider matching your strengths and interests with the subjects on offer. Consider what you will do at the end of Year 11 and how this may affect the choices you make now. Use your time in school to talk to Subject Teachers and your Tutor.
After you have made your choices, you will need to complete the online Options Form, details of which are on this page. It is an exciting time and we hope you find this whole process useful when making these choices about your future. Good luck in your decision making and remember we are all here to support you. We look forward to discussing your future plans with you.
Making Informed Decisions about your Option Subjects
Students and parents are asked to read and watch through the remainder of this webpage and look thoroughly at the resource material for the different subjects available to choose from. It is absolutely vital that students make sound, informed decisions about which subjects to opt for. All options subjects will lead to qualifications but remember all qualifications will need to be EARNED through hard work.
As you read through the booklet you should think about the following things:
- What are my strengths and weaknesses which I should take into account?
- What do I want to do in future which may affect the options I choose?
- What is the content of the courses I am about to choose?
- What subjects do I currently do which I enjoy and do well in?
- Are there any new subjects that I have not studied before which look interesting?
- What methods of assessment are there? Which method would suit me better?
- Will the subject involve any expense for equipment, materials or trips?
Some Do’s and Don’ts:
- DO think carefully about your next step.
- DO think carefully about your likes and dislikes.
- DO choose for yourself - after all, you will be taking the course for two years.
- DO look at the information in school and check out your options carefully.
- DO find out which subjects you will need to study for the careers you are interested in.
- DO ask for help and discuss your options with parents, teachers, and tutors.
- DON'T choose a subject just because you like the teacher - you may not be taught by them.
- DON’T choose a subject just to be with your friends - you may well be in different groups.
- DON'T think about “boys' subjects” and “girls' subjects” – all courses are open to you.
You are going to study these options for two years – so make sure you make the right choices for you based on sound information.
ONCE YOU CHOOSE YOUR OPTIONS,
YOUR DECISIONS ARE FINAL.