Options after Year 9

During Year 9 you will need to decide which subjects and courses you want to take in Years 10 and 11.

Your school should give you an options booklet which tells you about the courses you can choose from. Some courses may include time spent at college or on work experience. Courses you could take may include:

Subjects you have to study

You have to take exams in the following subjects:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Science

You have to study these subjects but you might not need to take exams or have them as separate lessons on your timetable: 

  • ICT (information and communication technology)
  • PSHE (currently includes citizenship and sex and relationships education)
  • PE (physical education)
  • RE (religious education)

Some schools include other subjects which are compulsory - so check their options information carefully.

Optional subjects

Ask at school about what optional subjects you can choose. They might include:

  • Art, music and drama
  • Design and technology
  • Humanities
  • Business studies
  • Modern foreign languages
  • Vocational or work-related subjects

Making your choice

To help you make up your mind, you could think about what subjects you like, the type of learning that suits you best and where you would like to study.

You need to consider:

  • The subjects you enjoy most
  • Things you are good at
  • Subjects you may need for your future career
  • Keeping your options open by choosing a wide range of subjects

Page last updated 18/10/12

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