GCSE Options
If your child/ward is in Year 9, they will be starting their GCSE options in September 2024, which is very exciting.
The process for this starts now, which can feel scary for students. We want to assure students that they will get a lot of support from their teachers and Leadership Team throughout the process. Below we set out all the support we offer, as well as a clear timeline of events in the order in which they will occur. Should you have any specific questions regarding options for next year, please contact Mr Spooner, Faculty Director for Year 9 at a.spooner@harrisorpington.org.uk
At Harris Academy Orpington, all students follow courses in certain core areas, but there is choice for the remaining subjects.
Compulsory study:
The subjects which are compulsory to study and are part of our core curriculum are:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Combined Science (students can change this to Triple Science should they wish to as one of their options))
- Core PE
- RS (students can also study a GCSE in RS if they wish, which they can choose as one of their options)
- PSHE
Available options:
We also highly recommend that your child selects at least one humanities subject and one modern foreign language. Studies have shown that students who study these subjects are more likely to have success at higher education and university or apprenticeships further in their educational journey. Therefore, your child should choose from:
- Either History or Geography
- Either French or Spanish
- Two other options as laid out in the options booklet.
Timeline (Dates to be confirmed)
A timeline of events can be seen below, so you can see the types of guidance students will receive over the year.
Stage 1: Options Assemblies with Faculty Director, and a copy of this can also be downloaded below.
Stage 2: Students receive options booklets and website goes live for parents. Parents will be able to access the assembly presentation as well as the options booklet online
Stage 3: Parents and students are able to access the options form online to make preliminary selections.
