Options

The Option Process at PGHS

During Year 9, students choose their options (currently consisting of GCSE and BTEC qualifications) with the support of their parents, form tutor, subject teachers and careers advisors as necessary. 

The process consists of:

• A pupil survey to ascertain levels of interest in existing / proposed options
• An options interview between a senior teacher, the pupil and their parents
• An options evening held in school where pupils and parents can find out more from their teachers and older students
• The completion of an online options form 

The GCSE subjects offered meet the demands of National Curriculum, ensuring that all students can study at least one subject from each of the four entitlement areas (Arts, Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages and Design Technology).  The Key Stage 4 curriculum also aligns us with the UK Government’s aspiration that 90% of students study the English Baccalaureate suite of qualifications by 2025. 

The subjects offered are reviewed annually and align with local labour market needs and progression routes into Further Education and Apprenticeships.  

Students are allocated to one of five options pathways: P, G, H, S and A. This is determined by the wealth of data we have regarding their performance to date, as well as reading ages. Consultation takes place with the Heads of English and Maths to identify those students who need some additional support, and those who need extensive additional support to fulfil their potential in English Language and maths. 

Finally, parents and students are consulted regarding the recommended pathway.  Depending on their chosen pathway, students will study between 9 and 7 qualifications.

More details concerning the options process and the options pathways can be found in the PGHS Curriculum Policy 

You can also find out more by getting in touch with Mr Ramsdale, Senior Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Curriculum: j.ramsdale@penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk

GCSE / BTEC Information Sheets

Subject Videos and Lesson Examples