The Options process begins early in the Spring Term with an Options assembly, and outlines the Options programme. Pupils are given a Key Stage 4 Options Booklet that details the courses available for Years 10 and 11.
The Options programme is based on the best predictions of what will suit Hurstmere pupils, which includes a broad range of subjects leading to a GCSE qualification and some vocational Technical Awards.
Pupils are encouraged to discuss their Option subjects with parents/guardians and to seek the advice of people in school, including the Form Tutors and their Raising Standards Leader who are always ready to help.
The structure of the curriculum for the two-year course starts with the compulsory National Curriculum. The following curriculum subjects must be studied by all pupils in Years 10 and 11:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Combined Science
- Physical Education (non-exam)
- PSHE (non-exam)
- Religious Education (non-exam)
Option Subjects 2025-27 Process (for September 2025 teaching) *Subject to confirmation
- Art & Design
- Business
- GCSE PE
- Computer Science
- Design & Technology
- French
- Geography
- History
- Hospitality & Catering
- Media Studies
- GCSE Music
- Music Technology
- Psychology
- Religious Education
- Separate Science
Options Calendar 2025
W/C 27th January 2025 – Options Presentations from Departments go live
Wednesday 29th January 2025 - Year 9 Options Assembly
Thursday 30th January 2025 - Year 9 Subject Parents Evening
Thursday 6th February 2025 - Academic Mentoring Interview Day
(All Year 9’s will have a remote learning day)
Monday 10th February 2025 - Subject Selector Form deadline
Options Presentations
Making curriculum choices in Year 9 is an important part of your time in school and may influence what course or job you decide to do after Year 11. The following presentations from Curriculum Leaders and subject specialists were produced for the 2024 Options process and will be updated for next year.
Please take the time to view each of the presentations and particularly consider those Options subjects that are not taught at Key Stage 3. Some presentations are narrated and some are just the presentation. After viewing these, if you have any further questions, please contact the Curriculum Leader for that subject directly.
The Subject Selection Form will be available from Monday 3rd February 2025.
Art
Business
Computing
Design and Technology
English
French
Hospitality and Catering
Geography
History
Maths
Media
Music
PE
Psychology
RE
Science