Options Process
The option process allows students some choice over what they can study in key stage 4. The process is structured carefully to ensure the majority of students are able to access a broad and balanced curriculum at this stage of their secondary school careers. It is not possible for any school of 800 pupils to produce an individual curriculum for all students and it is important that they understand that an appropriate balanced mix is vital to the next stage of their education and career choices.
The school’s priority is to ensure that there is an appropriate collection of subjects to ensure that no future career opportunities are affected.
In the options booklet you will see that the schedule asks students to complete a ‘straw poll’ which is a practice selection of their option subjects. At this point students can indicate their preferred choices and we try to build option blocks which fit the majority of student choices, within the constraints that we have to work with.
In the past this strategy has enabled us to deal with spikes in demand for particular subjects.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum and Options Information 2026
An accessible version of Key Stage 4 Curriculum and Options Information 2026 can be found in the Downloads section.