The Year 9 Options Process
In Year 9, you will begin an exciting stage of your education by choosing some of the subjects you would like to study in Years 10 and 11. This is referred to as your ‘Options’.
Making curriculum choices in Year 9 is the first step in planning your future. It is an opportunity to think very carefully about your aspirations and how you can build on your strengths to achieve them.
At Hailsham Academy, we provide our students and their families with clear information and guidance to help you make informed decisions. These choices are important because they will shape your learning experience for the next two years and beyond.
Key Dates
- Thursday 15 January 2026: Year 9 Options Evening
- Tuesday 27 January 2026: Year 9 Parent Evening
- Friday 6 February 2026: Year 9 Options deadline
What will you study?
Everyone must study Maths, English and Science GCSE as well as PSHE/RE and Core PE. In addition, you must choose either Geography or History from options block A.
You will then be able to choose three further subjects from a broad and balanced range of choices in blocks B-D (which also includes the block A subjects again).
Alongside GCSEs, you can also choose work-related subjects also known as vocational qualifications, such as BTECs or Technical Awards.
What to do next
Select the following link to download the 2026-2027 Year 9 Options Booklet for full details on subjects and what to do next.
Log in and complete the Options Form HERE
What should I choose?
You might hear people ask, “what do you want to do?” or “where do you want to be in five, ten, twenty or even thirty years’ time?”. That is a tough question to answer right now, but rest assured you cannot choose the “wrong” options. Whatever you choose, commit to doing your very best, and it will open doors for you.
With that in mind, here are some important things to consider when making your choices:
- What subjects do you enjoy? You are more likely to be motivated to achieve if you enjoy the subject.
- In which subjects are you successful or likely to be successful?
- How do you like to learn? Are you more academic or do you prefer practical, hands-on learning?
- Do not choose a subject because of the teacher or because your friends are choosing it.
Why does it matter?
The decisions you make now may help with choices later. If you already have an idea of what you want to do after Year 11, this can help guide your choices. Some subjects are essential for progression:
- Certain A Level or Level 3 BTEC courses require a GCSE in that subject.
- Some university courses have specific entry requirements.
However, this isn’t always the case. Many subjects can be started from scratch later. However, it is still worth checking carefully.
Qualifications and Choices
Choosing a balance mix of subjects can help to keep your future options open. Think about how each option fits with your other GCSEs. Does a subject go well with your other choices or does a subject provide a welcome change?
At the end of Year 11 you will receive grades for individual subjects according to a numerical 9-1 grading system (9 being the highest). Your overall progress will also be measured across a range of 8 subjects (this measure is known as Progress 8 and Attainment 8). English and Maths remain vital subjects and schools will talk about the percentage of students achieving 4s and 5s, or above, in these two subjects. There is also a greater emphasis on students studying Humanities, Science and Languages.
Our Options process gives you access to a full range of subjects within the guidelines issued by the Government, giving you every opportunity to access to further education and beyond.
Consider the EBacc
You may also want to carefully consider selecting a Language as well as a Humanity. These subjects form part of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) which is strongly endorsed by the government. Choosing EBacc subjects helps keep your future options wide open.
For further information, visit English Baccalaureate (EBacc) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Summary
In Years 10 and 11 you will all study the following compulsory subjects.
You will all study GCSE English Language, GCSE English Literature and GCSE Maths.
You will all take GCSE Combined Science worth two GCSEs.
If you opt for Triple Science you will receive a distinct GCSE grade in all three Science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).
You will all study PSHE/RE and KS4 PE.
From September 2024, BTEC Sport became an option subject and no longer compulsory.
You will all choose four optional subjects that you will study for the next two years:
For your choice in Block A, you will need to select between Geography or History. You will be allocated one subject from this block.
For your choice in Block B-D, please select three other subjects you would like to study. Tick and number your three subjects (in the preferred column) and then at least two in the reserve column. The number indicates your preference 1=highest priority, 4=lowest priority. Should your preferred choices not be available then your reserved choices will be considered*.
*Please note that while we will do our best to allocate your child to their preferred subjects, we cannot guarantee that courses will run if they receive a low-level of interest. For this reason, we always request that students provide at least two reserve subjects that they would still be happy to study.