Year 9 - KS4 Options

Our Curriculum Vision

At Ashton Park School, our curriculum ensures that all students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to play an active role in society and live successful lives.

Our curriculum:

Encourages a love of learning

Offers breadth and depth of study

Builds knowledge and skills progressively

Prioritises literacy, reading and vocabularyls knowledge-rich and ambitious in content

Revisits key concepts regularly

Prepares students for examinations without being driven solely by them

Core Curriculum at Key Stage 4

All students in Years 10 & 11 follow a core programme of examined and non-examined subjects.

Examined Subjects:

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

GCSE Mathematics

GCSE Science (Double Award)

Non-Examined Subjects:

Physical Education (PE): All students follow a programme of Physical Education designed to encourage regular physical activity and promote healthy, active lifestyles.

Personal Development: This programme includes philosophical discussion alongside Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). Learning is delivered through timetabled lessons and specialist events, in line with current government guidance.

These programmes support students’ personal wellbeing, help them make informed and healthy choices, and include key elements such as Careers Education and Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG).

Optional Subjects

Alongside the core curriculum, students will choose four optional subjects to study in Years 10 and 11. These subjects allow you to explore areas such as humanities, languages, creative subjects and technical or vocational courses.

Each subject page in this booklet explains:

Why you might choose the subject

Course contentAssessment methods

How it supports future study or careers

Important notes:

All GCSEs are graded 9–1BTEC courses are graded Distinction*, Distinction, Merit or PassArt and Textiles are part of the same qualification — you may choose only one
Courses may not run if numbers are too low or if timetable clashes occur. Because of this, you will be asked to list subjects in order of preference and provide reserve choices. If a course cannot run, reserve options will be used.

Key Dates

Date	Activity	Students will...
Term 2/3	PSHE topic 2 to have a focus on careers.	Understand the qualities and skills required for a variety of roles and careers, have an understanding of enterprise and be able to feel confident in making the right choices
23rd January 2026	Options Assembly	Understand pathways and choices can lead to varying options. Gain an overview of the options process and the support available
19th January - 30th January 2026	Options foci within lessons	Understand what is involved in studying the subject and linked careers An opportunity to ask questions to subject teachers about the subject
23rd January 2026	Virtual Options Information	Have an in depth explanation of the options structure and process Watch a short video guide to each subject
29th January 2026	Year 9 Open House Event	Have an opportunity to come into school to look at your work with parents/carers Be able to discuss current performance and options with subject teachers
13th February 2026	Deadline making choices	Complete their option choices using a google form
w/c 6th July 2026	Course confirmation	Receive a letter confirming option choices

Options Subject - Further information

Welcome Video	This will explain the choices that are available to students this year.
KS4 Options subject videos	In the table below are links to all of the videos that provide more details about the courses.
KS4 Options booklet	The rest of this booklet provides more details about the courses in written format.
Contact Emails	If you have any specific questions, this link will take you to the email addresses for subject leaders.
Year 9 Open House	Thurs 29th January 16.00-18.30. An opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress with subject staff.
KS4 Options Choice Form	Students will need to complete their option choice google form by Friday 13th February.