Choosing courses

Option choices at Key Stage 4 are one of the most important decisions students take whilst at school and there is plenty of support, advice and information available. Sadly, every year a few students take courses for the wrong reasons and find themselves regretting it. Common reasons for making poor choices include:

  • It sounded good / cool
  • A number of their friends are doing it
  • A family member took it and liked it
  • They like their Year 9 teacher
  • "It's new & I've never done it before"
  • It sounded easy, exciting or 'different'

Changing courses later

Students must be aware that it is difficult and sometimes impossible to change choices once the courses have started in September. If a particular course is full and a child requests moving onto it, this will not be possible. Every year a few students take courses for the wrong reasons and later ask to swap to an alternative; whilst we try to accommodate requests where students genuinely misunderstood the nature of a subject, this is sometimes impossible and the student has to stick with the choice they made.

Dropping subjects

All students are expected to complete every course they start. Students will not be allowed to drop courses simply because they no longer like the subject or they have changed their mind and no longer wish to study it. It is essential therefore when selecting courses that students read the subject information carefully, talk to teachers and opt for subjects which will support their career aspirations as well as interest them.

Reserve choices

We will make every effort to ensure students get the courses they select. There are times, however, when due to circumstances such as timetable clashes, a course being very popular and over-subscribed, or so unpopular it does not recruit a viable group size, that a reserve choice is offered in place of the selected one. Students and their parents / carers will always be consulted in these circumstances.

Thinking ahead

During Years 10 and 11 students will start investigating and then applying for their chosen route for Years 12 and 13. These can include any of the following;

  • Full-time education, such as continuing to study at Blatch 6 or another college
  • Work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship
  • Work with training (at least 5 hours per week)
  • Part-time education or training if employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week

The most important thing for students to consider when selecting courses for Key Stage 4 is what they hope to do post 16, post 18 and possibly as a career. This is fine where they know what they want to do and are convinced they will not change their mind. Where a student is unsure or has many ideas of their possible career choice, however, they should select a broad range of courses to ‘keep their options open’. Combining a mix of subjects should not close any doors to later study and will provide a varied Key Stage 4 curriculum.

Irrespective of a student’s career intentions and aspirations, they are strongly advised to look at the careers websites and identify the subjects they need to take and at what ‘qualification level’ for any possible careers they might be interested in.

Making your choices - advice for students

Things to do:

  • Take your time.

If you rush you could end up making choices you’ll regret.

  • Listen to advice.

There are many people who are able to talk the decision over with you, including your parents, subject teachers, sixth form tutors, form tutors, senior staff and the careers advisor.

  • Think about the following.

What you might want to do in the future as a career.
What skills and qualities you’ll need to have for your career when you’re older.
What you might want to do at sixth form college e.g. Blatch 6?
What you won’t be able to do in the future if you don't choose certain subjects now.
What your preferred way of learning is; are you better with practical courses or very academic ones? Would a mix of the two suit you?
What you like studying now and what you’re good at.

Things NOT to do:

  • Don't get worried.

If something is unclear, ask for help and advice.

  • Don't choose subjects because your friends do.     

You will probably not end up in the same class.
Your friends may be much better / worse at the subject than you are.
You may not stay friends!

  • Don't choose a subject because of the teacher.

You may like or dislike certain teachers but you might not be taught by them next year. Every year some teachers leave the school and new ones arrive.