Students moving into year 10 at Holgate will follow one of two distinct pathways with a wide variety of course options available. All students must study English literature and language, maths, personal development, core physical education and combined sciences. Students will also study either history or geography and, depending on their pathway, French. As well as these mandatory subjects, students have the opportunity to study two/three subjects of their choice.

It is important students think carefully about their choices, as they will be studying them for the next two years and they could affect options for A levels or further education choices.

On this page, you will find our full options course brochure, which gives all of the information needed about each of our GCSE courses. Please make sure some time is given to read through the guidance and ask tutors and teachers any questions you have before making final choices.

For more information about curriculum in year 10 please visit our year 10 curriculum page.

Top tips for choosing your options

  • Read about the different subjects on offer and what topics you could be studying
  • Sit down with your parents or carers to talk through your options
  • Choose subjects you enjoy and think about the subjects you are good at
  • If you have a particular job or career path in mind, find out what subjects might support you with that career choice
  • Don’t choose subjects just because your friends are doing them or you like the teacher – you may end up stuck studying a subject that you don’t enjoy
  • Speak to your tutor or subject teachers if you have any queries about your option choices

Year 9 pathways booklet 2023