Key Stage 4 Options
Working Together to Shape Your Future
Year 9 marks an exciting and important point in a student’s journey through school. It is the moment when students begin to make key decisions about the subjects they will study in Years 10 and 11 – decisions that will lay the foundation for their future aspirations.
At The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School, we recognise that choosing GCSE subjects can feel both exciting and daunting. That’s why our options process is carefully designed to ensure that every student receives the guidance and support they need to make informed and confident decisions. We are committed to working in partnership with students and their families throughout this process, ensuring that choices reflect individual strengths, interests and long-term goals.
Our goal is to help each young person thrive academically and personally, supported by a curriculum that is ambitious, broad and balanced.
A Guided Process, Step by Step
We believe that the best decisions are made when families, teachers and students work together. Our Key Stage 4 Options Process includes a series of carefully planned events to help everyone feel informed and supported.
Please note: The timeline below outlines the typical sequence of events, but exact dates vary each year to reflect our school calendar. Dates for the 2025 process are shown below:
|
Aspire Lessons: |
All Year 9 students experience taster lessons that reflect GCSE-style content across both core and option subjects. |
| Year 9 Parent Support Evening: Wednesday 22 January 2025 |
An opportunity to hear from school leaders about the options process and how best to support your child. |
| Subject Information Booklet Published: Week commencing Monday 3 February 2025 |
A detailed booklet outlining every course on offer at Key Stage 4. |
| Options Launch Assembly: Wednesday 5 February 2025 |
A student assembly introducing the options process and next steps. |
| Year 9 Parents' Consultation Evening: Thursday 6 February 2025 |
Speak with subject teachers about your child’s progress and their suitability for different courses. |
| World of Work Opportunities: Wednesday 12 February 2025 |
Insight sessions from visiting apprentices and professionals in STEM careers. |
| Options Guidance Meeting (with Form Tutor): Monday 3 March 2025 | A dedicated appointment in school for each student and their parent/guardian to finalise subject choices. |
| Year 9 Careers Evening: Thursday 6 March 2025 |
A valuable event to explore future study, apprenticeship and career pathways. |
|
Final Deadline for Options Choices: |
All selections to be submitted by this date to enable timetabling for Year 10. |
For some students, additional follow-up meetings with senior staff may take place after the guidance meeting to ensure the best subject combinations are in place.
Key Documents
The full information and guidance about the Key Stage 4 curriculum and subject options are available to download below.
Please take time to read these documents carefully before your Options Guidance Meeting. If you have any questions, your child’s Form Tutor is the best first point of contact.
YEAR 9 Subject Information guide 2025
