Choosing subjects in Year 9 is an important milestone. While the decisions made at this stage do not define a pupil’s entire future, they do shape the direction of travel for the next several years. By this point, many of our pupils will already have thoughts about their future pathways, and selecting the right subjects will help them move closer to those aspirations.

 

The guidance we provide, is designed to support pupils and families in making informed, well‑considered choices. Too often, pupils choose subjects for reasons that do not serve them in the long term, and may spend the next two years wishing they had chosen differently. We encourage our young people to pause, reflect, and ask themselves:

  • Will I enjoy this subject?

  • Do I need this subject to access a future course, apprenticeship, or career?

  • Do I perform well in written exams, or would a different style of assessment suit me better?

  • Am I choosing this because it genuinely interests me—or simply because my friends or a favourite teacher are linked to the subject?

At Forge Valley, we take a personalised approach to this process to ensure every pupil receives the guidance and support they need to succeed. We will host a Pathways Information Evening encourage parents and pupils to attend. We also run a series of assemblies for our pupils ran by each subject area lead, this provides deep insight into the subjects and allows pupils to develop a great understanding of the requirements for each.

Please take the time to read our Pathways booklet. It provides details on the options process, the pathways available, and the wide range of subjects offered at Forge Valley. 

Y9 Pathways - Free guide

Discover practical tips, guidance, course details, and the right people to speak to as you make informed decisions about your future. Explore different career paths and find out where each subject can lead.

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Y9 Resource Guide, Forge Valley School

 

At Forge Valley, we want our pupils to choose subjects that genuinely inspire them. We want every learner to feel empowered to set ambitious goals and work towards them with confidence. To support this, we encourage pupils to:

  • Ambition: Believe in your ability and aim high.

  • Endeavour: Work with determination to achieve your personal best.

  • Success: Inspire yourself and others, becoming a role model for future Forge Valley pupils.

We also recognise that every young person is different. Some pupils find Key Stage 4 more demanding than others, and for that reason we offer a range of pathways designed to support varied needs, learning styles, and career intentions.

No pupil will be prevented from choosing a particular subject. The only circumstance where a pupil may not receive their first choice is where a course has limited places. While we provide guidance and recommendations, the final decision rests with pupils and their families.

Key Dates

FAQ's

The Year 9 Pathways process helps pupils choose the subjects they will study in Years 10 and 11. These choices form part of their GCSE curriculum and allow them to begin shaping their future interests, ambitions, and possible career goals.

GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

GCSEs are traditional academic qualifications studied over two years. Most GCSE subjects are assessed primarily through formal examinations at the end of Year 11. Some subjects—such as Drama, Art, and other practical disciplines—also include elements of coursework or controlled assessments alongside the final exam.

GCSEs suit pupils who perform well in written examinations and enjoy a structured, theory‑based approach to learning.

BTEC and Other Vocational Qualifications

BTEC and vocational awards provide a more practical, applied route that is closely linked to real‑world contexts and employment sectors. These qualifications are equivalent to one GCSE and are assessed through a combination of:

  • Written assignments completed throughout the course

  • Portfolio‑based evidence

  • Externally assessed written examinations

This structure allows pupils to demonstrate their strengths over time rather than relying solely on end‑of‑course exams.

BTECs are graded as:
Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction*.

At Forge Valley, we aim for all pupils studying a BTEC to achieve a Level 2 qualification, which is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4+. In some circumstances, pupils may achieve a Level 1 qualification, depending on their assessed outcomes.

GCSE courses are designed to be taught over 2 years (Years 10 and 11) with final exams in May/June of the second year

At Forge Valley, all pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum designed to provide a strong foundation for future study and careers.

All pupils are expected to study nine GCSE qualifications in total.

The following subjects are compulsory:

  • English Language and English Literature – 2 GCSEs

  • Mathematics – 1 GCSE

  • Religious Education (RE) – 1 GCSE

  • Science – Combined Science (2 GCSEs) or Triple Science (3 GCSEs)

These compulsory subjects make up six or seven of the nine qualifications, depending on whether a pupil studies Combined or Triple Science.

This means that most pupils will choose three additional option subjects, allowing them to tailor their studies to their interests, strengths, and future aspirations.

At Forge Valley, we want every pupil to make choices that keep their future pathways open. If there is a subject you already know you would like to study at A level, we strongly recommend selecting it at GCSE. Building a solid foundation now will not only support your progress later, but also increase your confidence and readiness for the demands of post‑16 study.

Before finalising your options, please speak with your subject teachers. They will be able to offer personalised guidance, discuss course expectations, and help you understand how your GCSE choices can support your long‑term goals.

Yes. All pupils must choose at least one of the following:

  • History
  • Geography

Option subjects are arranged into Option Bands A, B and C.
Pupils select one subject from each band.
These bands are finalised after pupil choices are submitted, ensuring the timetable reflects pupil demand.

Pupils receive a wide range of support, including:

  • A detailed Pathways booklet
  • Subject information sessions
  • Assemblies and guidance activities
  • Advice from subject teachers
  • Support from form tutors and pastoral staff
  • Information, advice and guidance from the careers team

The Year 9 team and careers staff are always happy to help. Contact details can be found in the Pathways information pack and on the school website.