Options in Year 9
Until now, you’ll have had little choice (if any) in the subjects you study at school. However, in Year 9, you’ll be asked to choose some of the subjects that you’ll take in Years 10 and 11.
Compulsory subjects
There are some subjects that are so important, everyone has to study them – they are called compulsory subjects.
Everyone will take an exam (usually a GCSE) in the following:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
Other subjects that you must study (but not necessarily take an exam) are:
- Information and communication technology (ICT)
- Careers Education
- Citizenship
- Physical Education (PE)
- Religious Studies
- Sex and Relationship Education
- Work-related learning
Some schools have additional compulsory subjects – check this out at your school.
Options
‘Options’ are the subjects / qualifications that you can choose to study. You’ll receive an Options Leaflet from your school during Year 9. It will tell you about all the courses and qualifications you can take at your school in Years 10 and 11.
Different schools offer different courses, but your school must provide you with the choice of at least one course in each of the following four ‘entitlement areas.’
- Arts (including Art and Design, Music, Dance, Drama and Media Arts)
- Design and Technology
- Humanities (History and Geography)
- Modern Foreign Languages
It’s up to you to decide which ones you will study.
Click here to find out what you need to think about before you choose your options
