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Year 9 Options 2025

During Year 9, students decide which subjects they will study for GCSE. Please see below for a list of Compulsory subjects followed by the Option subjects from which students are expected to choose four subjects with one being a reserve choice.

Compulsory Subjects:

Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Sciences and Religious Education

Option Subjects:

Students will choose four subjects with one being their reserve choice

German, French, Spanish, Geography, History, Art, Photography, Business Studies, Food Technology, Drama, Music GCSE, Music Technology, Computer science, Design Technology and Physical Education.

It is compulsory for all students to study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Religious Education and Science in Years 10 and 11, with the exception that the Religious Education exams are at the end of Year 10. Students either study Combined Science (a mixture of Biology, Chemistry and Physics worth two GCSEs) or Single Sciences (three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

It is important for students to choose subjects that will interest and motivate them and, ideally, to have a broad balance of subjects as this helps keep options open for the future.

To help with this process, students are advised to complete the interest profile quiz on Unifrog (every student has his own individual login). The interest profile is based on John Holland’s theory of personality and job choices. It will help identify a student’s strengths and explore corresponding careers and subject choices.

Forest Hill staff are available to guide, advise and support students through this process. Please note the key dates for your diary: