Year 9 Options 2025
We are at the stage of the school year when students in Year 9 need to select the subjects that they want to study in key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11). Through our Options Evening, assemblies and the website, we aim to provide you with all the information and support you need in order to be able to make these important decisions.
There are 2 stages that you will need to go through to complete this process.
These are:
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Researching the different subjects and particularly looking in detail at the subjects that have been recommended for you. All of this can be found below on this page.
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Getting advice from subject teachers at parents' and options evening.
The key dates to bear in mind are:
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Thursday 6 March 5.00 - 7.00pm - Options and parents' evening
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Thursday 10 April - Deadline for option forms to be completed
If you have any questions, please email options@hphigh.co.uk
More detailed information can be found in the Guide to Year 9 options section below.
Guide to Year 9 options
Taking time to research and accurately complete the options process is very important as it will ensure that your child not only enjoys their curriculum in key stage 4 but also has the opportunity to fulfil their academic potential.
The first stage in the process is to carefully research the different subjects that are available to study in key stage 4. Each student needs to select a total of three options and a reserve choice. These are divided into three groups -
1. Core subjects - These are subjects that students must study. They are English language, English literature, maths and science. Students also continue to have core PE, PSHE and careers lessons but these are not examined.
2. English Baccalaureate subjects (EBacc) - These are French, geography and history and all students must select at least one of these.
3. Open block subjects - Students must select two of these and a reserve choice. These can be seen in the table below. When choosing subjects from this block there are some rules to remember -
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If a student wants to do more than one EBacc subject, the others can be selected here.
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Students who receive an invitation to do either computer science or triple science should select it here.
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In order to ensure a broad curriculum, the following subjects cannot be selected together - catering and H≻ music and drama.
It is important that you look in detail at what each subject offers and how it is structured. On the website you will find the following information to help you do this.
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The options booklet that gives written information about each of the subjects
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Subject videos with explanations from the subject leaders about the courses.
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Core Subjects study these subjects |
Ebacc block Select one subject from this block
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Open block. Select 2 subjects from this block plus a reserve choice
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|---|---|---|
|
English Language |
French |
Art and Design |
|
English Literature |
Geography |
Business Studies |
|
Maths |
History |
French |
|
Science |
Geography |
|
|
PSHE and Careers |
Health and Social Care |
|
| Core PE |
Computer science |
|
|
History |
||
|
|
Hospitality and Catering |
|
|
Media Studies |
||
|
Information Technology (IT) |
||
|
Performing Arts - Music |
||
|
Performing Arts - Drama |
||
|
Photography |
||
|
PE - Physical Education |
||
|
Religious Studies |
||
|
Science (Triple) |
||
|
Textiles |
2. Getting individual advice from subject teachers and the Year 9 options team.
Year 9 Options and parents evening - Thursday 6 March 5.00pm-7.00pm. This is an important opportunity to talk to teachers about what is involved in the subject and whether it is a course that you should consider.
3. Completing the option form
This form will be emailed to your child's school email account on Thursday 6 March and needs to be completed by Friday 10 April.
Once all students have completed their option choices, we will let you know if your child has been successful in securing the subjects that they have chosen. In the majority of cases, students will get their selected subjects. However, there are occasions when this may not be the case. This may happen when -
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Students have chosen a subject that is not suitable for them based on their previous performance in the subject.
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Students with low attendance who want to do vocational subjects.
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The combination students have chosen does not give them a broad curriculum.
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There are not enough students to run a class or course.
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A subject is oversubscribed
If this is the case, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.
If you are unable to attend the parents' evening, or you have any further questions about any aspect of the options process, please contact the school using the options@hphigh.co.uk email address.
Options Booklet
The options booklet includes written information about each of the subjects
Subject information
These videos will give you more information on each subject. This can also be found in the options booklet.
Art
Why should I study Art?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Studying Art as a GCSE can develop creative and critical thinking. It teaches you skills in dexterity , problem solving , communication and research, which are skills that can be highly advantageous in many professions. The course is based on 60% coursework and the exam is sat earlier than all other exams, which works well alongside academic subjects. To be successful in Art you need to enjoy it and want to be creative and reflective. You will explore a range of different media in Art not just drawing, but also printing, painting, 3-dimensional skills and some photography. If you like making things, creating pictures and exploring colour, this is a good subject to opt for.
Business Studies
Why should I study Business Studies?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Business will equip you with valuable transferable skills like communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and financial management, making you a well-rounded candidate for a wide range of careers across various industries, whether you plan to start your own business or work within an established company. To be successful, you will need to take an interest in the world around you both locally and nationally. You will need to demonstrate good decision making, communicate with different target audiences and to be able to show problem-solving skills. The course includes presenting skills, graphics work, finance and persuasive writing. If you have an interest in management or being your own boss, this is a good option. The course focusses on two main areas, finance and marketing, that underpin all successful UK businesses.
Computer Science
Why should I study Computer Science?
Technological advances have been staggering in the past decade and will only continue to be so. Studying Computer Science will give you the insight and skills needed to be relevant in a wide range of jobs in a technological world.
What do I need to do to be successful?
To be successful, you need an active interest in how computers work and to be actively developing your programming skills in your own time.
What skills and interests would help me?
Learning Python (or any other high-level programming language) and being interested in the latest trends and developments in the world of technology
English
Why should I study English?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
You will develop your reading and comprehension skills. You will also build upon your inferential skills and will explore aspects of plot, characterisation, events and settings. Students will also enhance their critical reading skills - identifying themes; supporting a point of view by referring to evidence in the text; recognising the possibility of and evaluating different responses to a text, and will evaluate a writer’s choice of vocabulary, grammatical and structural features.
French
Why should I study French?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Students who study languages are highly motivated to work on the key skills and build their knowledge of the language. You will work independently at times to practice.
Languages are the perfect choice for students who are interested in the world around them and the cultures and perspectives of others. It will appeal to those who enjoy the opportunity to read and discuss a variety of different topics which interest them.
Geography
Why should I study Geography?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
You should choose to study Geography if you want to learn about current issues in the world and the interactions between people and the planet, such as rainforest deforestation, river flooding, life in a slum or using volcanoes for geothermal energy.
To be successful in geography, you will need to be able to make links between different ideas and places, make decisions about how we should tackle global issues of poverty, pollution or climate change, and understand case study examples of events like earthquakes or typhoons.
If you are interested in your local area, the wider world or current affairs, geography is the subject for you. Skills that help in Geography are problem solving, making connections and having empathy for others.
Health and Social Care
Why should I study Health and Social Care?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Health and Social Care introduces students to the specialist knowledge and skills needed to work in various care settings. Students will be introduced to core values such as confidentiality and their needs within care settings. Students will also focus on communicating with individuals to maintain their dignity and sense of being valued. Other units that will be studied include health promotion campaigns and supporting individuals through life events.
History
Why should I study History?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Studying History enables you to broaden your knowledge of the world around you by focussing on past events and how they have shaped the present. By studying the subject, you are able to learn from the past and make informed judgements on the present.
Hospitality and Catering
Why should I study Hospitality and Catering?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Independent learners.
Working independently by observing and then applying to produce a range of products. This will help develop lifelong skills.
Good at evaluating and modifying.
Through various forms of feedback, you learn to evaluate your progress accurately. Through this you learn to plan and modify products and dishes by adding and enhancing them. This will help you to cater for all dietary needs.
Go above and beyond.
When at home and in lessons, be creative, experimental and relentless. Being able to replicate techniques and dishes again in school.
Watch relevant programmes, attend exhibitions and read.
This will allow you to get creative ideas for your own work. You will be able to develop your ideas quicker and have background knowledge to aid your work.
Be highly motivated and practice.
In food, it is important that you practice what you learn and this will enable you to get the best results for every piece of work.
Information Technology (IT)
Why should I study Information Technology (IT)?
No matter what job or industry you end up working in, it is more than likely that you will need some IT skills. This subject gives you an overview of a wide range of IT skills and concepts, including spreadsheet, Augmented Reality, cybersecurity, data collection, Internet of Everything and computer hardware.
What do I need to do to be successful?
To be successful, you need a solid foundation in IT and a passion to learn new IT skills.
What skills and interests would help me?
Being able to solve problems, think logically and be interested in developing technologies will help you be successful in this subject.
Maths
Why should I study Maths?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Mathematics is a fundamental part of human thought and logic and integral to attempts at understanding the world and ourselves. Through the study of mathematics you will develop an understanding and enjoyment of the subject by learning a rich and challenging programme of study. You will learn to become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics, reason mathematically and use acquired knowledge to solve routine and non-routine problems. Mathematics opens a multitude of opportunities and careers for life after school. We aim to inspire you to have a love of Mathematics and for you to use it to provide you with the necessary skills to be independent and successful throughout your life.
Media Studies
Why should I study Media Studies?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
In today's society, the media landscape is constantly changing, advancing and transforming. Careers that didn't exist 20 years ago are now thriving in a world where online, social and participatory media are vital to communication, sales, marketing, distribution, news, information and more. In order to be successful in media studies, you will need to think outside the box, interpret meanings created within media products, analyse the construction of media products, evaluate the effectiveness of media products and consider how these products influence, communicate and create meanings within society. Media Studies utilises a lot of the same skills required to succeed in English. An interest in film, television, social media, media production, camera angles, cinematography, sound and any other relevant aspects associated with a variety of media products, as well as an interest in creating your own media products, from magazines to music videos, would be well-rewarded on this Media Studies GCSE course.
Drama
Why should I study Drama?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
You will learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively. You will also gain the confidence to pursue your own ideas, reflect and refine your efforts. Whatever the future holds, students of GCSE Drama emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the work place
Music
Why should I study Music?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
You will study a wide variety of music and genres from around the world and from many different time periods. Alongside this, you will develop your instrumental, performing, and compositional skills. This subject builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired at KS3. The elements of performing, composing, listening, and appraising are incorporated through a wide variety of areas of study. To do music you should study or play an instrument. These include -
- Any instrument
- Voice (including rapping and beatboxing)
- D J-ing
- Sequencing
Photography
Why should I study Photography?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Students often choose Photography because they are artistic and interested in developing their creative skills by focussing on lens-based media. Others have developed a passion for taking photographs and are interested in observing and recording the world around them. A few choose to study Photography because they like the focus on the development of technical skills; they may have ambitions to pursue a career in IT or Media and want to develop skills that would facilitate this.
You will need both curiosity and commitment to ensure success in this subject - curiosity about the world around you and the ability to observe closely. No previous experience of using a DSLR or Adobe Photoshop is required, although an interest in art and / or IT are helpful.
Physical Education (PE)
Why should I study Physical Education (PE)?
The course combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge, offering students an in-depth understanding of the human body, fitness, and health, alongside performance in physical activities.
Development of Life Skills:
Students learn valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, resilience, and time management, which are beneficial in both personal and professional life.
Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle:
The course emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, nutrition, and mental well-being, encouraging students to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Pathway to Future Opportunities:
GCSE PE can open doors to further studies in sports science, physiotherapy, coaching, or fitness-related careers, while also being valued in non-sport-related fields for the skills it develops.
Engaging and Varied Content:
The OCR specification balances practical performance with theoretical topics like anatomy, psychology, and socio-cultural influences, making the course diverse and stimulating for students with an interest in sports and physical education.
What do I need to do to be successful and what skills and interests would help me?
Practical Skills:
Proficiency in at least one sport or physical activity, with experience in a range of others.
Teamwork and Leadership:
• Ability to work well with others in team sports and activities.
Tactical Understanding:
• Knowledge of basic rules, tactics, and strategies in various sports.
Theoretical Skills:
• A basic grasp of biology, particularly the human body systems (e.g., the skeletal, muscular, and cardiovascular systems).
• Ability to evaluate performances and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Personal Qualities:
• A strong work ethic and willingness to regularly engage in physical activity.
• A keen interest in topics related to exercise, nutrition, and general well-being.
Religious Studies
Why should I study Religious Studies?
There are many reasons to study RS, but we think the most important is because it will help you to better answer the ultimate questions for yourself. This will help form you as a person, and provide you with tools and ideas to draw on throughout your life.
What do I need to do to be successful?
To be successful in RS, you need to be curious, critical, and prepared to ask yourself difficult questions. Finding the truth isn't easy, but what more important thing is there to do?
What skills and interests would help me?
If you've found any of the topics that we've covered in key stage 3, these will help you in the GCSE. Also, if you've mastered the ability to answer 6-mark questions using POINT and EXPLAIN sentences, you already know how to answer the hardest GCSE exam questions!
Science
Why should I study Science?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Combined Science would be best for you if you want a broad range of subjects. You will still cover all 3 sciences and will have the potential to go onto study any of the disciplines at A-level.
Triple Science
Why should I study Triple Science?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Triple Science would be best for you if you really enjoy and are passionate about Science. If you are interested in a medical or engineering career, triple science will make the step-up to A-level science much smoother and will enable you to have the best start in your chosen career.
Spanish
Why should I study Spanish?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Studying languages will equip students with excellent communication skills, adaptability, confidence, and knowledge and new perspectives on the wider world. It will open doors to a variety of future careers and experiences.
Students who study languages are highly motivated to work on the key skills and build their knowledge of the language. They will work independently at times to practice.
Languages are the perfect choice for students who are interested in the world around them and the cultures and perspectives of others. It will appeal to those who enjoy the opportunity to read and discuss a variety of different topics which interest them.
Textiles
Why should I study Textiles?
What do I need to do to be successful?
What skills and interests would help me?
Studying GCSE Textiles offers creative freedom and practical skills that can be applied to various industries, from fashion design to interior decoration. It allows you to explore materials, learn techniques like sewing and printing, and develop problem-solving abilities through hands-on projects. To be successful, you’ll need to stay organised, manage your time well, and be proactive in experimenting with new ideas. A keen eye for detail, an interest in design, and creativity will help you excel. Having a passion for working with textiles, whether through fashion or art, is essential. Additionally, an understanding of colour, pattern, and texture, along with the ability to follow instructions, will enhance your outcomes. The subject also helps develop transferable skills like communication and critical thinking, valuable for further studies or careers in design and beyond.