Year 9 Options
At Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys we follow a two-year Key Stage 4 programme. This means that students will select their examination subjects in year 9 and start their courses in year 10.
All students will study GCSEs in English Language, English Literature and Maths. In addition to this students will study either Combined Science (two GCSEs) or Triple Science. Students will then decide which three subjects they would like to study from a range of GCSE or other level 2 qualifications such as Btecs. Our aim is to offer a broad and balanced curriculum which enables accessibility for all and one which is varied and meets the needs and aspirations of our students. Ensuring the combination of courses our students study provides suitable progression routes into post16 study and beyond is of paramount importance to us at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys.
YEAR 9 OPTIONS BOOKLET 2025
Key dates for 2024-2025
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Friday 14th February – Careers Fair – A chance to meet and speak to careers and further education providers
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January/February – Careers and Course Information – during Personal Development sessions and assemblies, students will be introduced to the options process and gather information about the different courses available to them as well as thinking about their future careers. Head of Departments will present to the students about the courses available. Please ask your son to look at the following websites for additional guidance: GCSE Options: Everything you need to know about choosing your GCSE subjects - BBC Bitesize and Discover Careers, Apprenticeships And University With UCAS
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Wednesday 5th February 4.30pm-6.00pm – Parents Information Evening – a presentation about options followed by subject ‘market stalls’ and Q&A session with Head of Departments.
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W/B 24th February GCSE Taster Week – during lessons students will have a sample of a GCSE/Vocational lesson. There will be after school sessions for Business, Economics, Graphics and Photography; students will need to sign up for these.
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W/B Monday 3rd March Option Interview – Parents/Carers will be invited to attend an online interview with a senior member of staff to make final choices (an appointment time will be arranged in due course).
The options process
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January/February – Careers and Course Information – during Personal Development sessions and assembly, students will be introduced to the options process and gather information about the different courses available to them as well as thinking about their future careers. Head of Departments will present to the students about the courses available. Please ask your son to look at the following websites for additional guidance:
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GCSE choices: Practical ways to guide students | Undergraduate | UCAS.
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Wednesday 11th February 3.30pm-5.30pm – Academic Review Day (subject) – online appointments with subject teachers to discuss progress and suitability for courses at Key Stage 4.
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Wednesday 4th February 1.20pm-3.00pm – Parents Information Evening – a presentation about options, followed by subject ‘market stalls’ and Q&A session with Head of Departments.
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W/B Monday 9th February- GCSE Taster Week – an opportunity for students to experience GCSE level lessons withing their timetabled lessons, with additional workshops after school for Business; Economics; Photography; and Graphics
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W/B Monday 2nd March – Options Interview – Parents/Carers and students will be invited to attend an interview with a senior member of staff to make final choices (an appointment time will be arranged in due course).
Please refer to the Careers Education Advice Information and Guidance page for useful links to help guide your options.
How can parents/carers help at this stage?
Please start to have discussions about careers with your son.
- Would he want to go to university?
- What sort of career is he interested in?
- What are his strengths?
- Encourage him to speak to family members and friends about their careers.
- Encourage him to visit the suggested sites and start exploring different options.
PARENTS/CARERS - CAREER CONVERSATIONS TO HAVE WITH YOUR CHILD AT HOME
Questions
Theme: skills and interests
Questions for students to ask parents
- What were you good at in school?
- What do you enjoy doing most at home, work, with friends or family?
- What do you think your talents are / you are good at?
Questions for parents to ask students
- What do you enjoy most in and out of school/college?
- What do you feel you are good at in school/college?
- What is your favourite subject? Do you know what kind of jobs are related to these subjects?
- Which of your interests, skills and abilities do you think will help you most in your future career?
Theme: learning about careers
Questions for students to ask parents
- How did you learn about careers when you were at school?
- Do you think there are more/different career options available now?
- Do you know anyone who’s completed an apprenticeship? What did they tell you about it?
- Do you know anyone who’s been to university? What did they tell you about it?
- Do you know anyone who went straight into a job after school or college? What was that like for them?
Questions for parents to ask students
- What takes place in school/college to help you with your future?
- Who can help you at school/college with questions about careers? Is there a Careers Leader, Careers Advisor or Head of Careers?
- Do you hear from employers in school? Which ones did you like? What inspired you?
- Do ex pupils / students come back into school to talk about their post-education experience? Did some of their experiences inspire you?
- How much do you know about Further Education and employment options including apprenticeships, traineeships and T-levels? Do you know where to find out more about these routes?
- Is there anything you’re unsure of that you’ve been introduced to but need more information about?
Theme: making choices
Questions for both students and parents
- What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?
- If money wasn’t a factor what would be your dream job?
- What are the top five things that you think are important when choosing a job or career?
Questions for students to ask parents
- How did you choose the path you’ve taken?
- What advice would you give me about making choices?
Questions for parents to ask students
- What do you think of jobs that involve travel? Do you want a job that will give you the opportunity to travel, or would you prefer to stay near home?
- What sort of environment would you like to work in? An office / in a big team /independently / outside?
- My path has included (education, apprenticeship, university, work, homemaking etc). What would you like your future to include?
- What challenges do you need to overcome to get to your preferred option?
- What support do you need from me to help you research your options and make decisions?
- What do you think my job entails? What do I do day to day? What do you think are the main tasks?
Option Subjects Key Stage 4
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GCSEs |
Equivalent Level 2 Courses and Vocational Courses |
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Art |
Btec Business Enterprise
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