Key Stage 4 Choices

Students can choose from 38 GCSE and vocational options in Year 9 to study in Year 10 and 11 alongside their core subjects. They are guided through this choices process via informative assemblies, a comprehensive Choices Booklet and one to one guidance interviews with staff members.

The world of 14-19 education and beyond is in a period of significant change, and we have been developing the courses that we offer to reflect this. We are able to offer subjects as diverse as Ancient History, Engineering, BTEC Sport, Hair and Beauty, and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an AS qualification offered to both Year 11 and to Year 12 as part of enrichment.

We also endeavour to provide a curriculum that matches the need, aspirations and interests of our diverse community of pupils as fully as possible. We review our courses regularly to make sure they are:

Worthwhile – they are interesting and rewarding to study
Lead to high value qualifications that enable clear transition pathways to the next stage of education
Meet the range of students needs

It is essential that your son/daughter selects subjects for their final two years of pre-college study, which will enable them to fully develop and enhance their skills so they can progress to university, employment and ultimately lifelong learning and success. We recognise that choices made at Key Stage 4 will provide a firm foundation and passion to continue their successes within their education at Key Stage 5 here at Parrs Wood Sixth Form College. This is a very important time for our Year 9 students and we would urge students and their families to take full advantage of all the sources of advice available and to discuss the possibilities thoroughly. Our staff are here to support in making the right choices to ensure this future success.

Please note: this page is updated annually as GCSE Options time in January. This page was last updated in February 2024 and is due to be updated in February 2025.

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