Year 9 Options

The time has arrived for pupils to start making some decisions about the next two years at Houstone School and the courses they would like to study. The Options booklet explains the Options process, timeline and gives information about all the compulsory and optional subjects pupils will study at Key Stage 4 in Years 10 & 11. The choices pupils make at Key Stage 4 will start to shape their future learning and employment opportunities, so it is important that pupil undertake the necessary research prior to making their informed decisions.

We always advise pupils that they:

  • Should not make any choices based on the subjects their friends take, or the subjects taught by your favourite teachers.
  • Ask others for advice prior to reaching a decision. There are lots of people available for you to speak to, including your teachers, parents, older pupils, form tutors and senior leaders.
  • It is important to consider the Key Stage 4 choices as part of your long-term plans. Ensure that the subjects you choose are appropriate and support your future aspirations.

The Key Stage 4 curriculum is comprised of two sections: the ‘core’ subjects and ‘optional’ subjects. The good news is that much of what you study in Years 10 and 11 will not change from what you will have studied in Years 7 to 9. You will still have PE and Electives which means you can still do plenty of sport/exercise each week even if you don’t take GCSE PE.

Core Subjects

All pupils study the ‘core’ subjects of English Literature, English Language, Maths and Science. All pupils will obtain two GCSEs by studying ‘combined science’, they will study the three scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

Options Subjects

In addition to the core subjects all pupils need to choose three options subjects from the following list:

  • Art
  • Computer Science
  • BTEC Digital IT
  • Drama
  • Geography
  • History
  • Music
  • PE
  • BTEC Sport
  • RE
  • Spanish

The booklet below gives information about all the subjects we offer.

Year 9 Options Booklet

We want to support you and your child to make choices that will allow them to achieve their future goals, and we have a comprehensive process to do so. The timeline below gives more information:

Tuesday 25 February 2025

Options Evening and booklet shared.

Friday 7 March 2025

Options form submission deadline.

Monday 10 March 2025 (Week beginning)

Tutor work begins

May 2025

Options choices confirmed and shared with parents.