Key stage 4 options

Choosing Your Pathway

At The Henry Cort Community College, we are committed to providing a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that enables every student to achieve their potential and prepare successfully for their future.

As students move into Key Stage 4, they begin an exciting new stage of their education and have the opportunity to personalise part of their curriculum through the options process. The courses available have been carefully selected to provide a diverse range of pathways that support different strengths, interests and aspirations.

Our aim is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and qualifications they need to become confident, independent learners who are ready to thrive in further education, training and employment.

The Key Stage 4 Options Process allows students to shape over a third of their timetable while continuing to study a strong core curriculum. Students will select four option subjects, alongside reserve choices, creating a programme of study that reflects their interests and future goals.

The Option Choice Booklet provides detailed information about each course and should be used alongside discussions with teachers, tutors and parents or carers when making decisions.

Key Dates for the 2026-27 Options Process

Year 9 Options Information Briefing - 16 March 2027
Options Booklet Published - 16 March 2027
Subject Information and Guidance Period - 16 March 2027 to 25 March 2027
Options Deadline - 25 March 2027
Options Confirmation Issued - By the end of summer term
Year 10 Courses Begin - September 2027

We strongly encourage students and families to discuss option choices carefully and seek advice from subject teachers, tutors and college leaders before submitting final preferences.

Core Curriculum (Compulsory Subjects)

All students study a core curriculum throughout Years 10 and 11 and will work towards nationally recognised GCSE qualifications.

English - 2 GCSE Qualifications

English Language GCSE
English Literature GCSE

Mathematics - 1 GCSE Qualification

Mathematics GCSE

Science

All students study Combined Science, leading to 2 GCSE Qualifications.

Many students who achieve well in Combined Science continue to study science subjects at A Level.

A small number of students may be invited to study Triple Science. This pathway is designed for students who demonstrate particularly strong attainment in both Mathematics and Science and who are able to meet the increased academic challenge.

Additional Statutory Subjects

All students also continue to participate in:

Core Physical Education
Religious Education

These subjects form an important part of students' personal development and wellbeing.

Choosing Your Option Subjects

Students will choose:

4 primary option subjects
2 reserve choices

Reserve choices are important as they may be used if timetabling constraints or course demand mean that a student's preferred combination is not possible.

Students are encouraged to consider:

Subjects they enjoy
Subjects they perform well in
Future aspirations
Advice from teachers and parents/carers
The skills each subject helps to develop

Our advice is simple:

Choose subjects because they interest you, challenge you and support your future goals.

Option Subjects Available

Students choose one subject from each option block.

Option Block 1

3D Art
Art
Business Studies
French
Geography
History
PE vCert
Religious Studies

Option Block 2

Citizenship
Computer Science
Drama
Geography
History
Music (Performing Arts)
PE vCert
Spanish
Textiles

Option Block 3

Dance
Design and Technology
French
Geography
German
History
PE vCert
Spanish

Option Block 4

Art
French
Geography
History
Hospitality and Catering
iMedia
PE vCert
Photography

What is the EBacc?

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a performance measure that recognises achievement across a group of academic subjects that are valued by employers, universities and further education providers.

The EBacc consists of:

English Language and/or English Literature
Mathematics
Science
History or Geography
A Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish)

These qualifications help to keep a wide range of future pathways open and can support progression to sixth form, college, apprenticeships and university study.

Students do not have to achieve the EBacc, but many students choose option subjects that contribute towards it.

Making the Right Choice

Before submitting your option choices, ask yourself:

What subjects do I enjoy most?
Which subjects am I successful in?
What are my aspirations for the future?
Am I choosing for the right reasons?
Have I listened to the advice available to me?
Have I researched the courses carefully?

Remember: your choices should reflect your interests, strengths and ambitions.

While the decisions you make now are important, they do not determine your future career. There will continue to be many pathways and opportunities available to you in the years ahead.

**Aim High * Choose Wisely * Work Hard**

The options process is an opportunity to take greater ownership of your learning and begin shaping your future. We encourage all students to explore their choices carefully, ask questions and make informed decisions that will help them achieve success both at The Henry Cort Community College and beyond.

Review Information

Last reviewed: September 2026
Next review due: September 2027

The Henry Cort Community College