Year 9 Options

At St. Mary's, pupils can expect to study these subjects in Years 10 and 11:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (Combined or Triple)
• Religious Studies
• History or Geography

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:

• Fine Art
• Child Development*
• Computer Science
• Drama
• Design and Technology
• Engineering*
• Hospitality and Catering*
• Information Technology*
• Music
• Sports Science (PE)

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 2025 Options Booklet below. After the assemblies and Options Evening have taken place, slides will be provided below, too.

What is the timeline for the Options process for 2024-25?

• Wednesday November 13th: Year 9 Options Introduction via assembly.
• w/c December 16th: First Year 9 Reports Issued.
• Wednesday January 15th: Extended Year 9 Options Assembly with Options Booklets and Forms distributed.
• Thursday January 16th, 4:45-7pm: Year 9 Options Evening for parents, carers and pupils.
• Wednesday January 29th: Year 9 Parents' Evening.
• Friday January 31st: Deadline for Options Forms to be returned to Form Tutors.
• Friday May 23rd: Last opportunity to change Options.
• w/c July 14th: Final Key Stage 3 Report is issued, alongside a confirmation of pupils' Options at Key Stage 4.