Key Stage 4 Options
If your child/ward is in Year 9, they will be starting their GCSE options in September 2025, which is very exciting.
The process for this starts now, which can feel scary for students. We want to assure students that they will get a lot of support from their teachers and Leadership Team throughout the process.
Below we set out all the support we offer, as well as a clear timeline of events in the order they will occur. Should you have any specific questions regarding options for next year, please contact Chris Simmons, Vice Principal at c.simmons@harrisgarrard.org.uk.
At Harris Garrard Academy, all students follow courses in certain core areas, but there is choice for the remaining subjects.
Compulsory study and available options
The subjects which are compulsory to study are:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Combined Science (students can change this to Triple Science should they wish to)
- Spanish
- PE
- Geography or History
Details of options subjects will be added here later in the year.
Timeline
Stage 1: 20th January 2025. Options Assemblies with Mr Simmons (Vice Principal).
Stage 2: 27th January 2025. Students receive options booklets and website goes live for parents. Parents will be able to access the videos of assemblies from each Department via the website.
Stage 3: 3rd February 2025. Parents and students are able to access the options form online to make preliminary selections. Ms Ferran is now available for appointments with careers advice and guidance re. subject choices.
Stage 5: 12th February 2025. Year 9 Options Careers Fair, 4 - 7pm.
Stage 4: 27th February 2025: Parents' Consultation Evening with class teachers and scheduled final review of options selection with SLT.
