YEAR 9 OPTIONS
FOR STUDY IN 2026 - 2028
This is an exciting and important time for our Year 9 students when they choose which subjects to study as they move from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4.
The decisions they make now will impact the path they take in the future.
Year 9 Options
As our Year 9 students approach the end of Key Stage 3, this is an important time for them to reflect on their progress so far and choose their subjects for study in Key Stage 4. To support you and your child through this process, we have planned a number of key events.
Year 9 Options Booklet and Subject Guide
Following our Options Assembly on Monday 23 February, all Year 9 students have been given a printed copy of the Year 9 Options Booklet (also available to download here) and the Year 9 Options Subject Guide.
Here you will also find advice on choosing which subjects, who to speak to, and detailed information on each subject.
These documents are available in digital format below.
Core Subjects
There are certain subjects that EVERYONE has to take. The Core examination subjects are:
• English Language and English Literature (two GCSEs)
• Mathematics (one GCSE)
• Combined Science (two GCSEs) or *Triple Science (three GCSEs)
There are three other non-examination courses which all students will study:
• Physical Education
• Philosophy and Ethics
• PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) – iGEN and iDays
*Counts as an Option Choice
Options Subjects
We offer a wide range of optional subjects to choose from.
Students choose FOUR Optional Subjects in total, one from each of the four Options Blocks (cannot select the same subject twice).
Option Blocks A, B and C subjects are taught for 5 hours per fortnight, and Block D subjects are taught for 4 hours per fortnight.
Students must select at least one of these subjects:
• Geography
• History
• Spanish
• Computer Science
We encourage students to choose subjects they enjoy, are good at, and may be useful to them in the future.
Key Stage 4 Options - 1 subject from each block
Please read the Year 9 Subject Guide to find out about the curriculum for each subject. Some subjects are by teacher recommendation only. Further information is available in the Options Booklet and Subject Guide. If unsure, please contact your child’s Senior Leadership Buddy or their Subject Teacher.
All options subjects are run subject to demand. On the rare occasion that the number of students for a subject is too low to be viable to run, students will be offered another choice. Some vocational subjects are currently under review by the exam boards so they may change the content or assessment.
Block A
Computer Science
Geography
History
Spanish
Supported Learning (SEND only)
Block B
Art
Computer Science
Construction
Creative iMedia
Design & Technology
Enterprise & Marketing
Health & Social Care
Hospitality & Catering
Photography
PE / Sport Studies
Spanish
Statistics & Extended Maths
Block C
Art
Computer Science
Construction
Design & Technology
Drama
Enterprise & Marketing
Health & Social Care
History
Hospitality & Catering
Photography
Block D
Citizenship
Dance
Music
Religious Studies
Statistics
Travel & Tourism
Triple Science
Options Evening: 6.00pm to 8.00pm, Thursday 26 February
The purpose of the evening is to provide parents and carers with information about the subjects available to our students when they choose their subjects for Key Stage 4, as well as the process of submitting the options form.
Heads of Departments and subject teachers will be available to explain the specific subject requirements, contents and benefits at Key Stage 4. Mrs Duckworth, Careers Adviser and Key Stage 5 providers, will also be available to help you understand the requirements for the different pathways after high school.
We will hold a presentation in the hall, outlining the process of choosing and submitting your child's options. Due to the number of attendees and to ensure your maximum benefit, we have split the presentation into two groups and allowed for a 15 minute change over between the sessions:
Form Groups: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and 9.5
6.00pm to 6.45pm - Presentation in the hall
7.00pm to 7.45pm - Subject Carousel, Careers Adviser and Post-16 Providers
Form Groups: 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.10
6.00pm to 6.45pm - Subject Carousel, Careers Adviser and Post-16 Providers
7.00pm to 7.45pm - Presentation in the hall
Taster Day Options
On Thursday 12 March, we are holding a Year 9 Taster Day for students to experience two subjects they haven't yet studied.
Students will submit their Taster Day choices via an online form, which will be live from 5.00pm on Monday 23 February via Teams.
The deadline for Taster Day choices to be actioned is 9.00am on Wednesday 4 March 2026. Submission of their choices after this date may mean they don't get their first preferences.
Throughout the week commencing Monday 9 March, all other subjects will run a taster lesson to provide further information about the curriculum and assessment at Key Stage 4 and to answer any questions students may have.
Taster Day submission deadline: 9.00am, Wednesday 4 March 2026
Students can access the Library during break and lunchtime to submit their choices.
Don’t miss the deadline!
Here to help
Subject Teachers: the experts who know most about the courses and your abilities and skills
Form Tutors: know you best and can point you in the right direction
Employers: can give a wealth of advice about training and employment and are often happy to answer enquiries directly or via their business websites
Parents/carers: know you best as a person
Older siblings and friends: can share their experiences of going through the Options Process and Key Stage 4
Pastoral Support: our key staff are here to help support our students in making their decisions;
Mrs T Pilkington - Head of Year 9
Mrs S Bardell - SENDCo
Mrs K Nutall -Teacher in Charge of Additionally Resourced Provision
Students can also arrange a one-to-one discussion with their form’s Senior Leadership Options Buddy:
9.1 - Miss S Hansom
9.2 - Mrs E Lord
9.3 - Mr M Clee
9.4 - Mrs H Halliday
9.5 - Mr J Meads
9.6 - Mrs E Roby
9.7 - Miss F MacLarty
9.8 - Mr D Stephenson
9.9 - Mrs K Moylan
9.10 - Miss S Hansom
Additionally, Mrs Duckworth, Careers Adviser is also here to support students with options and careers. Mrs Duckworth is available in the Careers Office in the Library at lunchtimes for ‘drop-ins’ (Monday to Wednesday) or to make an appointment, and can also be emailed at k.duckworth@honley.tlt.school.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This is not a good basis for making your decision. Your friends will have different ideas to you and may enjoy different types of subjects. Choose subjects for yourself and try not to be influenced by your friends. Even if you do choose the same subjects you may be in a different class.
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The teacher you will be given will depend upon your choices and how the timetable is constructed. It is not possible to choose a teacher. Choose a subject because you like it and think you can do well, not because of the teacher.
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The different colleges have different entry requirements; these will even vary across subjects within the same college. For some academic courses, only GCSE qualifications count towards the entry criteria. However, no college wants to look at all 8/9 of your grades, so we allow everyone to take vocational courses. We strongly recommend that students explore the different college websites to learn more.
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No, but you should consider studying a language if you want to achieve the EBacc or are considering attending university.
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No. Making the right choices now is essential, as everyone will study their options subjects until the end of Year 11.
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All subjects are hard in Key Stage 4! Students must be dedicated and resilient. It’s important to work hard, be organised, complete classwork and homework to the best of your ability and meet deadlines. At GCSE level, it is also important not to just do the bare minimum but to be prepared to do additional work and revision to achieve the best results.
All students have their own login to the C&K Careers website MyDirections.
Username = school email
Password = set by the individual
Through MyDirections, students can access a wealth of information on choices, subjects, decisions, courses exams and qualifications and careers.
Plus, they students can access JED, officially known as the ‘Job Explorer Database’ is a careers programme with over 2500 career titles, 340 video case studies, pictures, quizzes, 'top tens', career facts of the day, and text. JED helps match a students personality and interests to careers that might suit them. It can be used to find out more about a specific job or to give some career ideas for those students who are undecided.
Choosing the right career option can be difficult - now is a good time for students to start to consider what opportunities are available.
Useful websites to support the Options process
The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities
WWW.UCAS.AC.UK
University degree search for course details & requirements across all UK universities
A wide range of information and useful video clips to help parents/carers support their child in choosing their options
Looking for more tips and advice?
Visit BBC Bitesize to find out more advice and tips on choosing your Options, including advice from students, myths busted and a step by step guide to choosing your options wisely for your future.
