The GCSE Options Process
Year 9 is an important time for making choices about your GCSE subjects. You will receive a detailed Options Guide at the start of January, when there will be an Options Evening (in the first full week of Spring Term). At this event, you will hear a presentation about your GCSE choices and then you can speak to the Heads of Department from each subject, to help you decide which subjects you would like to select. You will also have a one-to-one guidance meeting with Mrs Lenaghan, our Head of Careers.
You will finalise your GCSE choices by February and then in the second half of the Summer Term (from June), you will move to a new timetable where you will only have lessons in the subjects you have chosen, alongside the core subjects of English, Maths, PSR and PE. You will only take summer examinations in the subjects you have chosen and in English and Maths. All pupils take 9 GCSEs, and all pupils must take GCSEs in English Language, English Literature and Mathematics, alongside at least two sciences. All other subjects, plus some new subjects are called ‘Optional Subjects’, and you will choose four of them.
Don’t worry about this process – you will receive lots of help and guidance and all optional subjects are considered equal at Sutton High School. We will timetable around your choices to ensure that you get your four chosen subjects.
When you move to the new timetable in June, you will start your GCSE work in all subjects. In the core subjects (Maths, English and the Sciences), you will start some GCSE level work this year, so that you can be as prepared as possible. In the final half term, you will also complete the ‘Fiercely Independent’ Project – which is designed to develop your independent learning skills and equip you with the tools needed to succeed as a GCSE pupil.
