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.  

The vast majority of students are required to select four option subjects. At least two of these should be a Language, Humanities, or an Art. This advice is to ensure students select an appropriately broad and balanced selection of subjects, a range of courses which will keep her future options as open as possible. 

Students are also required to select two reserve subjects. Whilst we always endeavour to maximise the number of students who receive their preferred choices, there are limits to the number of classes and places in some subjects.  If a course proves exceptionally popular or fails to attract sufficient interest to be a viable group, reserve choices will be used. In a typical year, around 10% of students receive one of their reserve subjects. So, it is important that these are also carefully considered. 

You can find out more by getting in touch with Mr Ward, Senior Assistant Headteacher Attendance and Achievement by emailing b.ward@penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk

GCSE / BTEC Information Sheets

Subject Videos and Lesson Examples