The choice of options is often the first big decision in a secondary school student’s academic life and can have a huge impact on his future. It is vitally important that we work together to get this right. We aim to provide you with relevant information and advice so that each boy is happy and successful in the subjects he finally selects. The intention is to combine what each pupil needs for their future with what they are best at and overall find the right combination for each individual.

We have designed our curriculum to provide for the changing needs of our pupils. Now that all students are required to continue in education or training until the age of 18, there is an increasing emphasis upon the right qualifications for future courses or employment. We plan to provide the best opportunities for students who plan to progress to A Level study and then university degrees, but also those who may want to enter apprenticeships or vocational courses.

This booklet provides you with information about all the examination courses that are available in school from September 2022.
The first few pages contain general information and advice. There then follows a section with information about each subject. Subjects described are split into 3 categories; compulsory core subjects, optional GCSEs, optional vocational courses.

Each option course covers three years of work and we expect all students to complete the full course. Students and their parents/carers should read the information carefully and take time to determine the best combination of subjects.

Thursday 24th March 3:30pm – 7:30pm           Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Friday 1st April by 9:00am                            Option Forms completed online

21st February – 4th March                                 Subject information sessions

21st February – 4th March                                  Careers sessions in school

This is a very important stage of your school career. The decisions you make now will affect the opportunities open to you in the future. Read this information thoroughly and think carefully about the choices you are going to make. Ask for advice from those in a position to help you – your parents/ carers, your teachers and the careers staff. We all want the best for you.

When making your choices be realistic! Here are some points to help you:

• Choose subjects that give you the best pathway in the future
• Do choose subjects that you enjoy and/or interest you
• Do choose subjects because you like them and not because your friends have chosen them or simply because you like a teacher
• Do seek advice and help if in any doubt

Finally, please remember that the choices you make will not necessarily be possible. If too few people choose a subject then it will be unlikely to run. Therefore it is very important that you consider your reserve choices carefully. However, we will do our very best to satisfy your choices.

Please help and encourage your son in making his choices and feel free to ask the school for help and advice.

However, please remember that it is your son who has to do the studying for the next three years and choices made unwillingly may prove problematic. We are confident that the partnership of school, parents/carers and pupils will produce the best possible educational opportunity and we look forward to working with you towards that goal.

The options system is intended to perform the following functions:

• Provide some specialisation
• Give pupils some ownership of their learning
• Create a sense of responsibility amongst pupils

Some subjects offered in the option choices are new to the students. Before any subject is chosen, students should read carefully the information contained in this booklet. They should also talk to relevant staff to make sure that they understand what the subject is about, are confident in their choice and wish to study the subject for the next three years.

The options system operates within an important constraint – if insufficient numbers of pupils choose a particular subject within an option group it may not be offered.

If a subject is over-subscribed it may be necessary to allocate the reserve subject.

Please note: A great deal of advice is offered to all students regarding the choice of subjects. Once the final decision has been made and the online application is completed, we hope that the vast majority of pupils will have no need to change their option choices. However, we will always engage in conversations with pupils, parents and teachers to ensure that the decisions made are the best for the pupil and in exceptional circumstances we will consider making changes early in a course.

All online applications to be made by Friday 1st April 2022

All students at Birkdale High School will study a broad and balanced curriculum and have the opportunity for some degree of specialism through their option subjects.

Pathway A is designed for the majority of students and provides a broad range of study including completion of the EBacc.

Pathway B is designed to give a greater degree of flexibility for a small number of identified students who may benefit from a wider choice of subjects.

The core curriculum includes:

• English Language and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Combined Science (Trilogy)
• Religious Education and Personal Development
• Physical Education (Core) non-examined
• Humanities (Geography or History)
• Languages (Spanish or French)

Option Pathway A

• Humanities (Geography or History)
• Languages (Spanish or French)
• Option 1
• Option 2

Option Pathway B*

• Humanities (Geography or History)
• Option 1
• Option 2
• Option 3

*Students eligible for pathway B will be notified as appropriate. Pupils on pathway B still have access to the full suite of subjects on offer.

• Get as much advice as you can
• Talk to your teachers
• Talk to your parents
• Do not choose a subject based upon whether or not you like the teacher
• Research into any possible career paths you may be considering
• Choose subjects which will help you progress to post-16 education, university or employment
• Choose subjects in which you have an interest
• Choose subjects in which you are successful
• Do not choose a subject because your friend is taking it!