Key Stage 4 Options

Towards the end of Key Stage 3 you will have to make a decision about what you wish to study at Key Stage 4. This would normally take place during Year 9 at your School. However in certain circumstances you may be asked to make this decision in Year 8.

There are many options available to you and your school may offer a variety of GCSE, Diploma or Vocational courses. Visit your school's web site or have a look at your school's prospectus to see which courses are on offer?

Whatever you decide to do, certain subjects are compulsory they are;

• English
• ICT (Information and communications and technology)
• Maths
• Science
• PSE (includes careers education and citizenship)
• PE (physical education)
• RE (religious education/ studies)

You will be able to choose subjects from the following areas:
• Arts (Dance, Art & Design, Music)
• Design and technology
• Humanities (geography or history
• Modern foreign languages 

GCSEs
There are different types of GCSE courses including:

GCSE - one full GCSE, often called a single award
Short course GCSE - often called a half GCSE because it covers half the material of a full GCSE
Double award GCSE - the equivalent of two full GCSEs

GCSEs offer a combination of written examinations and internal assessments. Most examinations take place at the end of the course but GCSEs that are split into units have end-of-unit assessments.

They are graded from A* to G. Grades D to G are Level 1 qualifications and A* to C are Level 2 qualifications.

You can use GCSEs as a stepping stone to further learning, training and employment.

Diplomas and Vocational Courses
Diplomas allow you to study an industrial sector, such as the creative and media industries, without limiting your options as to which job you may do in the future. They are ideal if you'd like some hands on experience of working with employers and on projects. With a Diploma qualification you can progress to University, further education or emplyments. Your school or college may offer Diploma courses or Vocational courses, click here for more information about Diplomas in the Wakefield area and here for Vocational Courses 

Don't feel ready for GCSEs?
Don't worry - there is an alternative learning option to taking GCSEs. Your school or college may run the new Foundation Learning Tier which offers extra support to help you develop quality qualifications through personal learning programmes. This step can help you to progress to Level 2 qualifications such as GCSEs or BTEC First Diplomas when you feel ready.


You will also take part in work experience, so think about what career you would like to have a try at. You may be able to combine learning at school with learning at a college or in a workplace. Ask your teacher for more details of what is available to you - gaining a range of skills and knowledge will help you when you go on to further study or work. Have a look at the 16-19 and the where to learn pages of this website. 

But most important of all you have the chance to make a new start and be positive about your future so you need to:

• Talk to people who can help you like your careers adviser, your tutor and your parents or carer
• Find out as much as you can about yourself, what you like, what interests you and what you’re good at
• Find out as much as you can about the courses you are thinking of choosing including how you will learn and be assessed and how successful previous learners have been
• Think ahead. What is your ultimate goal and what are the possible pathways you can take
• Think next steps. What will you need to have studied and achieved to progress 




To help you make your choices visit the useful links pages of this site or why not book an appointment with your Connexions PA?

Year 9 Choices from Direct.gov.uk