Options Information
At Birchwood High School, students complete their Key Stage 3 studies in Year 9.
In Year 9, as well as continuing with the core curriculum, students narrow down their subject focuses before finally committing to subjects that they will take on to GCSE level in Years 10 and 11. This allows students to maintain a balanced and varied curriculum, while working at a higher level and developing foundational skills and ensuring they can make more informed final GCSE choices.
It is vitally important that students dedicate time and thought to the options process. It will shape what they study in the next two academic years and influence further choices in the future. High quality qualifications can open doors in terms of further education, give future employers a clear picture of strengths and abilities, as well as provide the knowledge and skills required for the modern working environment, so the decisions made now are important.
In the Spring term, we will provide further information to the current Year 8 and Year 9 parents, carers and students.
Year 9 & GCSE Options Breakdown:
Year 8 into Year 9 Options
In Year 9, students will continue to study the Core Subjects (English, Maths, Science, PE, PSHCE).
They will also select 2 subjects from the Ebacc suite and 2 from the Creative suite. Plus, a further 2 free choices from either the Ebacc or Creative suite.
| Ebacc Suite | Creative Suite |
|---|---|
| French | Art |
| German | Music |
| Spanish | Drama |
| Geography | Dance |
| History | Product Technology |
| Religious Studies | Food Technology |
| Computer Science | Computer Science |
Year 9 into GCSE Options
In Year 10 and 11 students will continue to study the Core Subjects (English, Maths, Science, PE & PSHCE). Students will also select at least one subject from a set of compulsory subjects. They will then select 3 further subjects of their own choice.
This table details our full list of key stage 4 course:
| Core | Compulsory | Open |
|---|---|---|
| English | Geography | Art |
| Maths | History | Business Studies |
| Science | French | Construction |
| PE | German | Dance |
| PSCHE | Spanish |
Design Technology. (Product Design or Textiles) |
| Computer Science | Drama | |
| Film Studies | ||
| Food Technology | ||
| Hospitality | ||
| ICT | ||
| Media Studies | ||
| Music | ||
| PE | ||
| Religious Studies | ||
| Sport Science | ||
| Statistics |
2025 Year 9 into GCSE Options
We would like to extend our thanks to all the parents and carers who attended Year 9 Options Evening. We hope you found the event informative and helpful in supporting your child as they make their GCSE option choices.
Students should have received an email (to their Birchwood school account) from our online options system, Applicaa.
Parents will also receive an email containing their own login details. Please note that you will only be able to view and confirm your child’s subject choices once your child has submitted their application form. As soon as your child completes and submits their form, an automated email will be sent to you inviting you to log in and confirm their selections.
Students are now invited to complete their online Options Form. They must select:
-
One subject from the EBacc 1 Compulsory Choice section
-
Three subjects from the Open Choice section
-
One reserve choice
Full information about each course can be found in the Options Booklet.
Please note that if your child wishes to take Design & Technology, they must choose either the Product Design pathway or the Textiles pathway. It is not possible to select both.
The deadline for submitting all option choices is Friday 23 May.
If you have any questions or experience any issues accessing the form, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
2025 Year 8 into Year 9 Options Information
As part of our Year 8 Options process, students have now attended an assembly explaining the steps involved in choosing their Year 9 foundation year subjects. This is an exciting and important stage in their school journey, and we are here to support both you and your child throughout.
Resources to Support You
- You can view the full presentation from the student assembly here:
- We also encourage you and your child to explore our Year 8 Options Information Booklet, which includes detailed guidance and FAQs here.
A Quick Overview of the Options Structure
All students will study a core set of compulsory subjects. In addition, they will be asked to choose six further subjects, with the following requirements:
- At least two subjects must come from our EBACC suite (including subjects such as History, Geography, and Languages).
- At least one subject must come from our Creative suite (including Art, Drama, Music, etc.).
What Happens Next?
- Students will receive an email from our online options portal, Applicaa, sent to their school email address. They will be able to log in and complete their options form.
- Parents will also receive an email from Applicaa with login details. Once your child has completed the form, you’ll be able to log in and confirm their choices.
- Deadline for submissions: All applications must be completed and confirmed by Friday 23rd May.