GCSE Options
Year 8 is an exciting and important year in your school career. This is the year you will make some decisions about the subjects you will study at GCSE, starting in Year 9.
The decisions you make could affect your future, so it is important that you make your choices carefully and from an informed position. We will do all we can to support you so that you make the right choices for you.
When the time comes to make your choices, you will be provided with lots of information, and both students and parents will be invited to an options evening where you will have the opportunity to meet subject staff. The information provided is intended to guide you through the options process and give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
You should also consider advice from others, such as:
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Your form tutor
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Careers staff
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Your subject teachers
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Parents and others in a position of responsibility
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Materials published by subject departments and careers websites
The Framework
Your curriculum will lead to GCSE qualifications and is made up of two parts:
1. The compulsory element
All students in Years 9 to 11 follow courses leading to GCSE qualifications in:
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English Language
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English Literature
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Mathematics (students may take an additional qualification in either FSMQ – Additional Mathematics or GCSE – Further Mathematics)
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Biology, Chemistry and Physics
There are also compulsory non-examined courses in Games, RE, and Personal Development.
2. A further choice element (four subjects)
Students will choose four additional subjects from the available options.
For students making their options choices in 2026, please see the GCSE Options Evening presentation and the GCSE Options Booklet for full details of all the compulsory and choice elements.