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At St. Mary's, pupils can expect to study these subjects in Years 10 and Year 11:
In addition to this, pupils may be guided to choose French, German or Spanish.
Our optional GCSE and Level 1/2* subjects are as follows:
The Year 9 Options process is explained to pupils through a series of assemblies. They are then given an Options Booklet in order to make informed decisions about their choices, before being invited with their parents and carers to our Year 9 Options Evening, in January. During this event, there will be talks about the process, as well as input from History and Geography, and a chance to visit a stall promoting each department.
As well as their first report in Year 9, pupils can use Year 9 Parents' Evening in late January as an oppotunity to seek assurance that they are suited to their choices at Key Stage 4.
For more information about the process, courses and what pupils can expect to study at Key Stage 4, please see the Options Booklet below. After assemblies and the Options Evening have taken place, slides will be provided below, too.
What is the timeline for the Options process for 2026-27?
Wednesday November 11th 2025: Year 9 Options Introduction via assembly.
w/c December 14th: First Year 9 Reports Issued.
Wednesday January 13th 2026: Extended Year 9 Options Assembly with Options Booklets and Forms distributed.
Thursday January 14th, 4:15-7pm: Year 9 Options Evening for parents, carers and pupils.
Wednesday January 27th: Year 9 Parents' Evening.
Friday January 29th: Deadline for Options Forms to be returned to Form Tutors.
Friday May 28th: Last opportunity to change Options.
w/c July 19th: Final Key Stage 3 Report is issued, alongside a confirmation of pupils' Options at Key Stage 4.
Is it then possible to make changes to Option choices in Year 10?
We understand that sometimes there are factors that contribute to a student wanting to make a change once they start in Year 10. We always view this on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, courses are simply to full and so the request will be declined. However if in the first few weeks of term a change is practicable, we may allow this should we feel it is in the best interest of the student. Requests to change will not be considered after week five of the first half term.