There is loads of information and advice out there, about choosing your options. We would particularly recommend checking out CareerPilot and Youth Employment UK. You will also find information and useful links on the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance section of our site.

We have created a Careers Guidance Team, on Microsoft Teams, which all students can join. This is full of information about careers and options for the future, and we will continue to update this with resources. 

You can also speak to our Careers Advisor, Mr Towsey. The easiest way to contact him is via email (gtowsey@westhatch.net), or you can pop into the Careers Centre before school. You can find him on Lunch Duty at the Snack Shack.

Our Top Tips for picking your options are as follows;

1. Know the course, not just the subject.

Make sure you do your research and are familiar with what the content of each subject involves; do not judge it by the title alone. Also, remember that courses change, so what your friends or siblings may have covered in the past, is not necessarily what you will study.  

2. Pick something you like, not just because your friends pick it.

Your friends might enjoy a subject you do not and even if you pick the same subject, there is no guarantee you will be in the same class.

3. Do not base your choices on your current teacher.

Speak to your teachers about your options but remember that next year they might not be teaching your class. Do not pick a subject because of the teacher you think you will have.

4. If you are not sure, pick something you love.

If you are not sure which subjects to do, then pick something you find interesting or are good at.  

5. Do not stress, too much.

The reality is that it does not matter which subjects you choose, the most important thing is to achieve good results. The subjects you pick now will not limit your choices after Year 11.

If you have any questions about your Option choices, or you want a bit of advice about what subjects might be the best for you, there is loads of information and support available to you. 

If your question relates to a specific subject, check out the subject information below. You could also speak to the relevant teachers or Head of Department. 

You can speak to our Careers Advisor, Mr Towsey, who oversees the options process: the easiest way to contact him is via email (gtowsey@westhatch.net).

You could also either; 

1) e-mail options@westhatch.net
2) Click here to open a live chat.
3) Complete this question form: forms.office.com/r/wyRgDEkbgq

Welcome to your Year 9 Options

This webpage outlines all the information, advice and guidance that will help you to make the best decisions about which subjects to study over the next 2 years.

Why is it important?

The choices and decisions you make now may have a significant impact on your future. These decisions should not be made lightly, so we will offer you as much support as we can, to ensure you follow the right path.

What can I choose?

Year 9 GCSE option choices are designed to help you build for your future.  You will continue to study a core set of subjects that support the development of your essential knowledge, analytical, logical, and, creative skills.  You can then specialise if you choose through the options available to you.  For most of you, you will make 1 or 2 choices in total from a wide range of subjects available that support a very broad range of options for you to go on and study A-levels, apprenticeships or otherwise afterwards.

For a small number of students, there is one sensible restriction. Due to the level of mathematics needed to understand Economics, students studying Mathematics at the foundation level will not be able to opt for this subject.  If this applies to you Economics will not appear on your option form.

Who can help?

It is important that you have as much information and advice as possible. There are a number of people you can speak to from me to your Form Tutors, others in your Form and your teachers. You can also speak to Mr Towsey, our Careers Advisor. He is based in the Careers Centre (top of S block). If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

What next?

Look through all the information below. We will try to give you as much information and support as possible before you choose your options so that you make the best choices for yourself and your future.

Yours sincerely,

Mr A Sinfield

Deputy Headteacher

Why is this a good qualification to study?

•The qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Computer Science elements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study.

•This specification/qualification will enable learners to develop valuable thinking and programming skills that are extremely attractive in the modern workplace

• This specification/qualification will enable learners  to develop a deep understanding of computational thinking and how to apply it through a chosen programming language.

What will this qualification teach the learner?

•The student will be able to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation

•The student will be able to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs

•The student will need to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically

•The student will understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems

•The student will understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society

•The student will apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

 Why study this qualification ?

•This course has been designed to seamlessly transition into Computer Science at AS Level and/or A Level.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.
 

Course Content

In Year 10 we will be teaching to the Edexcel GCSE specification the papers we will cover are:

Paper 1: Crime and Punishment in Britain, c1000 – present with Whitechapel, c1870 – c1900: crime, policing and the inner city. This exam paper is worth 52 marks.

Paper 2: Period study (Superpower Relations and the Cold War) and British Depth Study (Early Elizabethan England). These papers are sat at the same time and both papers last about 50 minutes with the overall paper being worth 64 marks.

Paper 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany. This examined paper is worth 52 marks.

If you have any questions or would like any further advice please contact Ms Sterlini

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Business Studies Course:

Alongside the GCSE Business Studies, we are introducing a BTEC Technical Award. Both qualifications are equally weighted: providing students with the qualifications required to progress into post-16 studies. Although the content of both qualifications are very similar, the BTEC Technical Award focuses slightly more on entrepreneurship. Students do not need to select a particular business qualification, they simply pick Business Studies and, following a discussion with staff and students, we will assign students to a course based on their strengths and interests. We believe this approach will better prepare students for academic success.        

Why Study Business?:

Business Studies is a great choice for students to consider for a number of reasons:

1. Relevance to the Real World: Business Studies connects classroom learning to the real world. Students learn about businesses of all sizes, from small local shops to large multinational corporations. This helps them understand how the economy works and how businesses impact their daily lives.

2. Development of Transferable Skills: The course develops a wide range of transferable skills that are valuable in many different careers. These include:

   • Critical thinking and problem-solving
   • Communication and teamwork
   • Financial literacy
   • Decision-making
   • Analytical skills

3. Career Opportunities: A qualification in Business Studies can open doors to a wide range of career paths, including:

   • Management
   • Marketing
   • Finance
   • Human resources
   • Entrepreneurship

4. Understanding of Business Concepts: Students learn about key business concepts such as marketing, finance, operations, and human resources. This knowledge can be valuable even if they don't pursue a career in business.

5. Entrepreneurial Skills: The course can inspire and equip students with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses. They learn about business planning, marketing, and financial management.

6. Personal Development: Business Studies can help students develop their confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. It encourages them to think creatively and take initiative.

7. Informed Consumer: Understanding how businesses operate can make students more informed consumers. They can make better decisions about the products and services they buy.

8. Foundation for Further Study: Business Studies provides a solid foundation for further study. It can lead to qualifications in business, management, finance, and other related fields.

9. Engaging and Dynamic: Business Studies is a subject that is constantly evolving, reflecting the changes in the business world. This makes it an engaging and dynamic subject to study.

10. Practical Application: The course often involves real-life case studies, simulations, and projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a practical way.

Overall, Business Studies is a valuable subject that can benefit students in many ways, both personally and professionally. It provides them with essential knowledge and skills that are relevant to the modern world.

Quantitative Skills in Business:

This specification requires students, drawing on the knowledge and understanding, to apply quantitative skills to relevant business contexts.

Calculations in a business context, including; percentages and percentage changes, averages, revenue, costs and profit, gross profit margin and net profit margin ratios, average rate of return, cash flow forecasts, including total costs, total revenue and net cash flow.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Child Development and Care in the Early Years

Child Development and Care is designed for learners who want an introduction to child development and care that includes a vocational and projectbased element. The qualification will appeal to learners who wish to pursue a career in the early years sector or progress onto further study.

To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully demonstrate the knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of all 9 content areas of this qualification.

Content area 1: Child development
Content area 2: Factors that influence the child’s development
Content area 3: Care routines, play and activities to support the child
Content area 4: Early years provision
Content area 5: Legislation, policies and procedures in the early years
Content area 6: Expectations of the early years practitioner
Content area 7: Roles and responsibilities within early years settings
Content area 8: The importance of observations in early years childcare
Content area 9: Planning in early years childcare

The qualification has 2 assessments externally-set by NCFE: one non-exam assessment and one written examined assessment.

Progression to further relevant level 2 programmes of study or level 3 programmes of study. Learners may also progress to an Apprenticeship route in early years or child care at either level 2 or level 3.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Drama Matters! 

Drama Skills 

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*Entry Criteria: You must be in Set 1 or 2 for Maths, due to the mathematical content of the course.

Overview:

This is a linear qualification. In order to achieve the award, students must complete all assessments at the end of the course. At least 10 % of the total marks for GCSE economics will be awarded for quantitative skills demonstrated at the same level, or higher, than at Key Stage 3.

Learners will develop an economic awareness to benefit them personally and professionally for years to come. There are lots of opportunities to talk about today's economic issues and this will develop communication, critical thinking and analytical skills of learners through tasks based activities such as cutting the budget deficit, weighing up the pros and cons of inflation or being part of free-trade agreements.

Upon completion, students will have the skills, knowledge and confidence for further study or to embark on their career.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Qualification: WJEC Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering (Technical Award)

Hospitality and catering is a dynamic, vibrant and innovative sector delivering vital jobs, growth and investment in the heart of our local communities - important culturally, socially and economically. The sector is a major contributor to the UK economy, employing 2.9 million people and generating £130bn in economic activity, while paying £38bn in taxation to fund important local and national services. Hospitality is the 3rd largest private sector employer in the UK; double the size of financial services and bigger than automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace combined.

Businesses which make up the hospitality sector include hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and bars, leisure parks, stadia, nightclubs, contract caterers, food service operators, entertainment and visitor attractions. Employment can range from waiting staff, receptionists and catering assistants to chefs, hotel and bar managers, and food technologists working for supermarket chains. Some of these roles require further education and training either through apprenticeships or further and higher education.

Units of Study:

This is a unitised qualification consisting of 2 mandatory units:

Unit 1 enables learners to gain and develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the hospitality and catering industry including provision, health and safety, and food safety.

Unit 2 enables learners to develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the importance of nutrition and how to plan nutritious menus. They will learn the skills needed to prepare, cook and present dishes. They will also learn how to review their work effectively.

Summary of Assessment:

Below are the assessment objectives for this specification. Learners must:

AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding from across the specification.

AO2 Apply skills (including practical skills), knowledge and understanding in a variety of contexts and in planning and carrying out investigations and tasks.

AO3 Analyse and evaluate information, making reasoned judgements and presenting conclusions.

Unit Breakdown:

Click here to access the specification.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

To succeed at GCSE Music, it is important that you can play a musical instrument to a particular standard. As part of the overall assessment criteria for this course, you will be assessed on your musical ability.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

There is a strong practical element in GCSE Physical Education, as well as the theoretical content. Students are assessed in three practical elements; therefore, they must compete in at least one sport outside of school and another within school.

Considerations must be made on the sporting competency and competitiveness of pupils, as the practical grade has a substantial impact on the overall grade a student can achieve: merely ‘liking’ sport will not be sufficient to achieve a passing grade in GCSE Physical Education.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Did you know?

Dance can be chosen instead of Core PE; therefore, it doesn't take away one of your options.

There are no written examinations at the end of the course, but you will be expected to produce essays and written work throughout the course.

Three units will be covered, and you will be individually graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction *

Overview:

This course is taught within the KS4 Core PE programme The BTEC Level 1/2 Technical Award in Performing Arts (Dance) consists of three Mandatory units. The Award gives you the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment.
 

Topics Covered:

Component 1

EXPLORING THE PERFORMING ARTS

You will develop your understanding of the performing arts by examining practitioners´ work and the processes used to create a performance. You will produce 3 journals showcasing your knowledge.

Component 2

DEVELOPING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN THE PERFORMING ARTS

You will develop your dance skills and techniques through the reproduction of dance repertoire. You will study jazz, contemporary and street dance. You will perform a two-minute dance.

Component 3 (exam Unit)

PERFORMING TO A BRIEF

You will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to create a workshop performance in response to a given brief and stimulus.

This external component builds on knowledge, understanding and skills acquired and developed in Components 1 and 2. You will apply your skills and techniques creatively to a workshop performance for a selected audience.

You will capture your ideas on planning, development and effectiveness of the performance process in a written log and an evaluation report. A task worth 60 marks will be completed under supervised conditions.

For assessment, you will be given a brief and stimulus to create performance material. In groups consisting of a minimum of three and a maximum of seven members, you will respond to the stimulus and create a workshop performance that communicates ideas and creative intentions to a target audience of your choice.

If you would like further information and advice, or you have any questions, please speak to Miss Judge.

Click here for Careers in the Curriculum resources.

Physical Education is a compulsory element of the curriculum; if you do not select BTEC Dance, you will select Core PE. This is not the same as GCSE Physical Education.

There is no examinations or coursework for this course; this is "practical PE" and will be similar to the PE lessons you had in Years 7-9.

You will cover a range of different sports throughout the academic year.