Year 9 GCSE options

Welcome to the 2025 options process for year 9. This is always an exciting and important time for students as they make decisions about the subjects they wish to study for the next two years, and often beyond. At John Cabot Academy, we seek to provide the breadth and choice that students desire, while providing educational balance, to enable our students to achieve the best possible range of qualifications. Students should follow the route that is best for them, and all will be given appropriate careers advice to help them make the right choice.

All students in years 10 and 11 follow a core curriculum which consists of English language, English literature, maths, combined science (two GCSEs but all three sciences studied), physical education (core PE) and personal education (PSHE).

Students then choose four additional subjects to study, as outlined in this booklet. This means that students study nine subjects in total. They should choose carefully, considering aptitude, enjoyment and future job or course requirements.

University pathway:

For students whose aim it is to apply to university, especially for competitive courses, our advice is to study both Spanish and at least history, geography or computer science. Having a modern foreign language shows universities that students have an aptitude for communication. Language skills can give a significant advantage to students as well as giving them links to another culture.

Science – triple or combined?

Students who are keen to pursue the study of science in more depth can also choose to study triple science. This would be one of their four option choices. The key difference from combined science (two GCSEs) is that they gain three GCSEs – one in each science and so this takes more lesson time across the week. If your child is in doubt about whether this would be the right route for them, they should speak to their science teacher.

Advice and guidance:

Helping students make the best choice for their future plans is an important aspect of the process. Throughout terms 3 and 4, all year 9 students will have access to a range of opportunities to guide their decisions including tutor discussions, assemblies, taster sessions and individual or small group meetings. Throughout year 9, they will also have the opportunity to meet with our careers advisor to discuss their future aspirations.

Parents and carers evening:

On Wednesday the 22nd of January, the parent/carer evening will also provide a useful overview of the process and will give you a chance to ask questions both of myself and of your child’s teachers. There will be a talk at 16:00, repeated at 17:00, to go through the process in more detail.

Getting subject choices:

We anticipate being able to meet the majority of our students’ first or second choices. However, we do reserve the right to make the final decision on choice, depending on timetable and staffing constraints or should low numbers preclude us from running a particular course. We will keep you informed of any changes.

Finally, please remember that it is the quality of outcomes and enjoyment of the subject that really matter. The aim of education remains to provide the necessary knowledge and skills that young people need for the future, whilst encouraging them to be lifelong learners.

If you have any questions or concerns about the options process, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] with year 9 options in the subject line.

The subjects are arranged in blocks. This means we can timetable lessons. Students will study one subject in each block. When choosing their subjects, they will indicate a first and second choice for each block.

The options form will be completed online and a link for this will be sent home via email and a text message will be sent to let you know during the week beginning 24th February. The deadline for option choices is Wednesday 6th March which allows just over two weeks to complete the online form.

Options Booklet 2025