Year 9 Options

Year 9 Options Process 2025–2026

Supporting every young person to make confident, ambitious, and informed choices for their future.

Choosing GCSE options is an exciting step in every pupil’s journey at BVGA. Our process ensures that students are supported to explore their strengths, interests and future ambitions while keeping as many pathways open as possible. We work closely with parents and carers so that every young person can make confident, informed decisions about their next stage of learning.

Our Year 9 Options Process for 2025–2026 will begin with the Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 10th December 2025, where pupils, parents/carers and teachers can discuss subjects and ask questions. The process continues through to Friday 13th February 2026, giving every pupil time to explore their options fully and make confident, informed decisions.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Duffield (Deputy Headteacher) at vicki.duffield@bvga.bdat-academies.org.

Supporting Every Learner

At BVGA, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil is supported to make ambitious and well-informed choices for Key Stage 4. Our inclusive Options process ensures that all pupils — including those with SEND, EAL, or additional learning needs — have access to clear guidance, high-quality resources, and courses that suit their interests, abilities, and future aspirations.

We ensure every pupil has access to personalised guidance and high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG), enabling them to make aspirational and well-informed choices for their future.

During the Options Process, Pupils Will:

• Attend a dedicated Options Assembly introducing pathways and subject choices.
• Take part in a Careers Information, Education, Advice and Guidance session, with additional support available where needed.
• Participate in tutor time sessions designed to explore each subject in detail.
• Attend our annual Careers Fair, engaging with local employers and post-16 providers.
• Take part in Q&A sessions with current Year 10 students, who share their experiences and insights.
• Have the opportunity to book a one-to-one Careers Advice and Guidance session for personalised support.

Resources and guidance can be provided in alternative formats or with additional support upon request.

Key Dates for the 2025–2026 Options Process

• Wednesday 10th December 2025: Year 9 Parents' Evening 
• Monday 12th January 2026: Students receive their options booklet
• Wednesday 14th January 2026: Pupil and Parent/Carer Options Showcase (3:00–4:00pm)
• Friday 13th February 2026: Year 9 Options submission deadline

The Year 10 and 11 Curriculum

In Years 10 and 11, students follow a personalised pathway that is appropriately challenging and designed to prepare them for future learning and employment.
Almost all students study nine GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.

Core Curriculum:

• English Language GCSE
• English Literature GCSE
• Maths GCSE
• Science (Dual Award) GCSE
• Core PE

In addition to the core curriculum, pupils choose *four option subjects from a broad range designed to cater for diverse interests, talents, and ambitions:

• Art and Design (GCSE)
• iMedia (ICT) (Cambridge National)
• Drama (BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award)
• Food and Nutrition (GCSE)
• Geography (GCSE)
• Health & Social Care (Cambridge National)
• History (GCSE)
• Language (GCSE)
• Music (BTEC Award)
• Filmmaking (BTEC Award)
• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion (GCSE)
• Sport (BTEC Award)
• Technology – choose one of: Graphic Products (GCSE) or Product Design (GCSE)

Please note: the availability of subjects and course combinations may vary slightly each year. Full guidance will be provided during the options process to help pupils make well-informed choices from the subjects available.

To help you and your child understand the process, we have included videos from last year below. While the specific subjects may vary, the information provides a useful overview of what to expect.

*The EBacc Pathway

Students following the EBacc Pathway study a Language GCSE as one of their option subjects and must choose either Geography or History as an additional subject. This route is open to all students and is encouraged for those aspiring to university or academic routes.

Inclusion and Guidance

We recognise that every learner’s journey is unique. Each pupil receives individual guidance to ensure their chosen subjects are ambitious, accessible, and aligned with their aspirations.
Where pupils require additional support — we work closely with families to ensure that appropriate and meaningful options are available.

Further Information

If you have any questions about the Options process or would like advice on course choices, please contact:

• Mrs Duffield (Deputy Headteacher) – vicki.duffield@bvga.bdat-academies.org
• Miss Firth (Year 9 Academic Leader) – hadriane.firth@bvga.bdat-academies.org