- Home
- Curriculum
- Year 9 Options
At Hampton High we are committed to offering a broad and balanced curriculum, which prepares our students effectively for adult life. Our aim is to ensure that when students choose their GCSE options in Year 9, they feel prepared and are able to study courses that suit their needs and aspirations.
The rigorous pathways process, led by the Head of Year, ensures the best pathways are selected for each individual student. We take into account a multitude of considerations, with the students at the centre of the decisions. The families role in the process is vital, and therefore we have presentations and videos for you to browse so that you can support your child's decisions and help them to make informed choices.
To help provide the best opportunities for your child to achieve their full potential, we have reviewed the curriculum to include the following changes:
- Separate sciences will be studied by all students in Year 10 and 11
- All students will select 4 options
In addition to their option subjects they will study:
- English language
- English literature
- Maths
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
All students will study Physical Education and Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education (PSHCE) courses. These will not result in a qualification, but are a vital part of our curriculum.
Further Support
A fantastic article that sets out 19 questions for you to ask yourself when thinking about your GCSE pathways. The questions are below, but more information is available in the article. It is important to consider your response to many of these questions as it is likely you have thought them! Please note any starred questions as they may not be relevant to our school.
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/choosing-gcse-options-19-questions-ask/
- Should I base GCSE pathways on what I am good at?
- Should I base my GCSE pathways on what I enjoy?
- Should I choose a GCSE pathway because I like a teacher
- Should I choose a GCSE subject because my friends are doing it?
- How much should money and future salary be a factor when I am choosing GCSEs?
- Whose advice should I listen to when choosing GCSE pathways?
- **We require students to take 9 GCSE subjects, so you will not be able to chose more or less.
- Are my A-Level choices affected by the GCSE choices I make now?
- Do universities care about which GCSE pathways you choose?
- Should I think about how courses are marked when choosing GCSE pathways?
- What’s the difference triple or double sciences?
- How important is it to get good grades in my GCSEs?
- What’s the difference between ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ subjects?
- ** We only offer GCSE courses at Hampton High
- How useful is GCSE advice from online student forums?
- Does my final GCSE pathways list look balanced?
- Does it matter if I’m in a lower set for my GCSEs?
- Will I ever regret my GCSE choices?
- How can I cope with the immense stress of choosing GCSE pathways?
BBC Bitesize: Everything you need to know
The Uni Guide: How important are GCSEs when it comes to university?
