Year 8 Choices
Year 8 pupils choose their GCSE options (a Humanities choice plus 2 other subjects). The details of all the choice subjects we offer can be found on our website and are also in the booklet which gives pupils advice on how to make this decision. Booklets are given to all Year 8 pupils.
Please take the time to read our frequently asked questions.
Click the image at the side to view the Options Booklet for 2024.
As a school we are responding to government guidance that it is essential for schools to strive for high standards stating ‘it can be of more benefit for pupils to strive for good grades in fewer subjects with a strong emphasis on doing well in English and mathematics, than to take more subjects but achieve lower grades overall.’
In Year 8, pupils choose two subjects to study in depth in Year 9. This is a deliberate action to engage pupils and enable pupils to really enjoy their subject and learn the depth of their subject over a three-year course. The curriculum model allows pupils to choose two subjects in addition to the core maths, English, science, geography or history, Spanish or French and PE. These courses are not externally examined but lay the foundations for Key Stage 4. The year is purposely designed to be a gateway for pupils into Key Stage 4. Year 9 is our transition from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4. The focus here is on developing the skills and creating enthusiasm needed for examination study in Year 10 and Year 11.
All pupils who leave school are now judged on their success under the following GCSE measures as they progress on to sixth form education, college, apprenticeship or training:
- Progress 8 – progress in their best 8 GCSEs (must include 5 from English/maths/science/history or geography/modern foreign languages)
- Attainment 8 – best 8 GCSE pass grades (as above)
- English & maths GCSE pass grade
- The EBacc – 5 GCSE pass grades (English, maths, science or computer science, history or geography and modern foreign language)
The core subjects studied by pupils in Year 9 cover the government requirements fully, these are:
- English
- Maths
- Science (common Year 9 course leading to combined science or triple science in Year 10)
- PE
- Geography or History
- French or Spanish
Pupils may make TWO choices in the ‘open choice’ subject area:
- Art & Design (Fine Art)
- Art & Design (Graphic Communication)
- Art & Design (Textiles Art)
- Business
- Citizenship
- Computer Science
- Creative iMedia
- Dance
- Drama
- Design & Technology
- Hospitality & Catering
- Media Studies
- Music
- Outdoor Pursuits
- Physical Education
- Religious Studies
- Sport Studies
*the list above are those subjects offered to pupils is subject to change due to student choice or timetable constraints