KS4 Options
Welcome to our KS4 Options
Selecting courses to study at KS4 is a very important step on the education journey for our students. We want to support all our students to make the right decisions, so that they can be successful and enjoy their learning and ensure that they have access to their future pathways into further or higher education and ultimately, into employment.
KS4 Curriculum Evening
Here you will find our KS4 Options booklet which gives further information about the KS4 curriculum offer and the choices within it. (Insert link to the booklet please)
Further information about our options and the process, will be shared at the KS4 Curriculum Evening which is running this year on Thursday 7th March from 4 – 7pm. We do hope that parents, carers and Year 9 students will be able to join us at this important event.
Making your choices
Once students have decided on their options, they should either return the paper copy of their completed options form or respond to the MS form which has been emailed to their school email account.
The deadline for completed options forms is Monday 18th March 2024.
KS4 Curriculum Pathways at MKA
Core Curriculum
All students at MKA follow the core curriculum. This consists of GCSE qualifications in English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Combined Science (double award).
All students also follow a non-examined curriculum in Physical Education and PSHE including Religious Studies.
Students then follow a guided options pathway of Red, Orange or Green, which are all made up of four options choices. The pathway choice is discussed with parents and some flexibility is allowed.
Red (Ebacc) Pathway – 1x Humanities 1x Language 2x Option (compulsory language)
Students on the Red Pathway follow our most academic curriculum which meets the criteria of the English Baccalaureate.
They make two guided choices:
1. Humanities choice of a GCSE in either History or Geography
2. A GCSE Modern Foreign language choice of either French, German or Spanish
Beyond these guided choices, students then select two further choices from the remaining options.
Orange (Core) Pathway – 1x Humanities 3x Option (non-compulsory language)
The majority of students will be recommended to follow the Orange Pathway.
They make one guided choice:
1. Humanities choice of a GCSE in either History or Geography
Beyond this guided choice, students then select three further option choices from the remaining options subjects.
Green (Access) Pathway – 3x Option 1x Access
Students on the Green Pathway follow an adapted curriculum designed to ensure they have the greatest success in their outcomes.
They select three option choices with their fourth option assigned as Access. The Access option comprises of a curriculum of literacy, numeracy and Asdan.
If we believe the green pathway is right for a student, we will have arranged a meeting with family, to discuss this pathway in more detail.
Some useful websites
BBC Bitesize – Everything you need to know about choosing your GCSE subjects
UCAS – GCSE Choices: Practical Ways to Guide Students
The Uni Guide – How important are GCSE choices when it comes to university?
Career pilot – Choosing your GCSEs
Frequently Asked Questions
Which subjects are compulsory?
Mathematics, English Literature, English Language and Combined Science are the core subjects which everyone must take at GCSE.
Which option subjects should I take?
This is down to a combination of things, including your own interests, and your future plans. You are in the driving seat now and can start to shape your own education. This is the first time you can focus on the subjects you like the most and feel you will do well at.
Should I base my option subjects on what I am good at?
It is worth including this as a factor when choosing your subjects. You are likely to enjoy the subjects which you are good at. What’s more, learning more about a subject you have natural ability in, might be useful when making career choices later down the line.
Should I base my option subjects on what I enjoy?
It is fine to consider choosing subjects you like. You will be studying these subjects for three periods a week for the next two years, so it will definitely help if there are aspects of the subject you enjoy.
Should I choose my option subjects because I like the teacher?
A great teacher can inspire you to do your best in a subject. However, how much you like your teacher should not be one a factor when choosing your subject options. Some subject areas have more than one teacher so you may not get your favourite teacher. And besides it is not guaranteed that your teacher will be teaching on the course next year.
Should I choose my option subjects because my friends are doing it?
It is better not to choose a GCSE option just because your friends are taking it. Doing different GCSEs should not have any effect on your friendships – it will just mean you have lots to talk about when you are together at other times. Plus, there’s a chance you will make new friends in the subjects you choose.
Whose advice should I listen to when choosing my option subjects?
Teachers at your school are really well-placed to offer you advice and support; do talk to your teachers if you have any questions about your option subjects and if you need any further information about a course. Your parents can also help – discuss any worries that you may have as they will have your best interests at heart. Your friends will be going through the same stress as you, so you can bounce ideas off them if you like… but it is important to remember it is your final decision.
What does EBaccs stand for and what is it?
EBacc stands for English Baccalaureate which is a combination of subjects that offer an important range of knowledge and skills, not a qualification in its own right. If you are thinking of going to one of the top universities, the EBacc is also recommended by Britian’s most prestigious universities. The EBacc comprises of Mathematics, English (Language and Literature), Science, a humanities subject (History or Geography) and a language.
What is Triple Science?
Triple Science is the route allowing students to study all three of the science disciplines: biology, chemistry and physics as separate subjects. It is ideal for students who have a real passion and interest in the sciences. Students who select Triple Science will spend a significant part of their week studying science. This curriculum would not be appropriate to all students and so applicants are reviewed before options are confirmed.
Can I choose any combination of subjects?
You should choose a set of options which is broad and balanced – this will prepare you well for your future choices and also shows employers that you are good at more than one thing! Please note that some subject curriculums are very similar and as a result, students are only permitted to choose one from each group;
Arts – Fine Art, Textiles Design, Graphic Communication or Photography.
Performing Arts – Drama or Music.
Health and Development – Child Development or Health and Social Care.
What does BTEC mean?
BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content.
Why do I have to select reserve subjects?
You need to select reserve subjects in case some of your options are not available. Sometimes courses are oversubscribed and sometimes the combination of options does not fit with the timetable. We will let you know if we need to use your reserve.
Is it a first come first serve process?
No – all option forms that are submitted within the deadline will be considered equally and we will aim to give students their option choices where possible.
What will happen if I hand the options form in late?
You will not get priority for your options. Forms submitted by the deadline are given priority for course places. Please ensure that you hand in your form by the deadline of Monday 18th March 2024.
Can I change my options once I have started them?
It can be difficult to change your options once you have started on the course. There could be timetable difficulties but also, classes may be full and have already completed important coursework. If you do have concerns about your options at the start of Year 10, please speak to your Head of Year who will discuss with your parent/carers and our Vice Principal in charge of the curriculum.
How can I cope if I am feeling the stress of choosing my option subjects?
Fear not – you can do this! It’s tough to choose, but you’ll feel good about your final list of options once you’ve done it. Remember to talk to your teachers and your year team or tutor. We are all here to support you through this process.
