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

Key Stage 4 Options and Pathways

At Key Stage 4, all pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum that includes core subjects and four option subjects.
To ensure every pupil is supported to succeed, students follow one of five pathways.

How Pathways Are Decided

Pathways are not decided by one test, one teacher, or one moment in time.

We take a careful, holistic approach and consider: how pupils learn best in lessons, the subjects they enjoy and engage with, their progress over time, and what will best support them at GCSE

Core Subjects

All pupils study the following core subjects:

• English Language and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science
• Physical Education (PE)

 Option Subjects

All pupils study four option subjects alongside the core curriculum.

The number of subjects pupils actively choose depends on the pathway, as some pathways include required subjects.

Options are chosen from a broad range designed to cater for different interests, talents, and ambitions, including:

• Art and Design (GCSE)
• Business Studies (GCSE)*
• iMedia (ICT) – Cambridge National
• Food Preparation and Nutrition (GCSE)
• Geography (GCSE)
• Health and Social Care – Cambridge National
• History (GCSE)
• Language (GCSE)**
• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion (GCSE)
• Technology – choose one from:
• Graphic Products (GCSE)
• Product Design (GCSE)

* Business Studies is available as an option on the Blue and Orange pathways only.
** Pupils on the Blue and Yellow pathways study a Language GCSE as one of their four option subjects.

Our Pathways

🔵 Blue Pathway

Pupils on this pathway: study Languages GCSE, must choose Geography OR History and choose two further option subjects.

*Business Studies is available as an option on this pathway.

 🟡 Yellow Pathway

Pupils on this pathway: study Languages GCSE and then choose three further option subjects.

 🟠 Orange Pathway

Pupils on this pathway: choose 4 option subjects

*Business Studies is available as an option on this pathway.

 🌸 Pink Pathway

Pupils on this pathway:choose 4 option subjects

 🟣 Purple Pathway – ASDAN

The Purple Pathway follows the ASDAN route and is a bespoke package designed for a select number of pupils.

This pathway includes: Elements of the core curriculum, including English, Maths and Science, a range of specialised and practical options, and a stron focus on confidence, independence, and life skills. 

Parents will be contacted directly by our SENDCo Miss Wilde if the Purple Pathway is being considered for their child.

Inclusion and Guidance

We recognise that every learner’s journey is unique. All pupils receive individual guidance to ensure their pathway and subject choices are: ambitious, accessible, and aligned with future aspiration. 

Where additional support is required, we work closely with families to ensure that appropriate and meaningful options are available.

Options Videos

Our options videos are fully up to date and are available below. They provide a clear overview of the pathways, the options process and subject information.

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