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Options Information

At Birchwood High School, students complete their Key Stage 3 studies in Year 9.

In Year 9, as well as continuing with the core curriculum, students narrow down their subject focuses before finally committing to subjects that they will take on to GCSE level in Years 10 and 11. This allows students to maintain a balanced and varied curriculum, while working at a higher level and developing foundational skills and ensuring they can make more informed final GCSE choices.

It is vitally important that students dedicate time and thought to the options process. It will shape what they study in the next two academic years and influence further choices in the future. High quality qualifications can open doors in terms of further education, give future employers a clear picture of strengths and abilities, as well as provide the knowledge and skills required for the modern working environment, so the decisions made now are important.

In the Spring term, we will provide further information to the current Year 8 and Year 9 parents, carers and students.

 

Year 9 & GCSE Options Breakdown:

Year 9

Year 9 Options:

In Year 9, students will continue to study the Core Subjects (English, Maths, Science, PE, PSHCE).

They will also select 2 subjects from the Ebacc suite and 2 from the Creative suite. Plus, a further 2 free choices from either the Ebacc or Creative suite.

Ebacc Suite Creative Suite
French Art
German Music
Spanish Drama
Geography Dance
History Product Technology
Religious Studies Food Technology
Computer Science Computer Science

GCSE Options

GCSE Options:

In Year 10 and 11 students will continue to study the Core Subjects (English, Maths, Science, PE & PSHCE). Students will also select at least one subject from a set of compulsory subjects. They will then select 3 further subjects of their own choice.

This table details our full list of key stage 4 course:

Core Compulsory Open
English Geography Art
Maths History Business Studies
Science French Construction
PE German Dance
PSCHE Spanish Design Technology
  Computer Science Drama
    Film Studies
    Food Technology
    Hospitality
    ICT
    Media Studies
    Music
    PE
    Religious Studies
    Sport Science
    Statistics