Hire our facilities >>

Click here to access Arbor Parent Portal

Key Stage 4 Options

welcome to the key stage 4 options site

Soon, you will have to make the first major choices to put you on your future career path.

You will need to choose a minimum of three subjects to study and there will be a number of subjects that you will no longer study from the start of Year 10.

This is an exciting and crucial time and it is important that you research all of the choices thoroughly. This section of the website will help you to do this, and explain how the Options Process works. 

IMPORTANT NOTE

Subjects taken at this stage of your education may restrict the options that you will have available to you when you are looking to take Post-16 courses.

It is essential that you take the time to make well informed decisions. Below you can see the different parts of the Options Process.

We are all here to help and advise you every step of the way.

how does the options process work?

Careers Theme in L4L

Year 9 students study a ‘Careers’ theme within L4L lessons. Within this theme students will be introduced to a range of information to help them develop an understanding of the future pathways available to them at age 16, 18 and in their future career.

The Options Evening takes place on Tuesday 24th February 2026, from 4pm – 7pm.

During this evening you will learn about:

  • The Options Process and how it works
  • How options can link to future courses and careers
  • The compulsory subjects
  • The English Baccalaureate
  • Community Languages
  • The options subjects
 

Following the presentation from the Principal, you will have the opportunity to visit the subject marketplace in the Sports Hall. You will be able to meet and talk to subject staff to learn more about each course and to ask any questions you may have.

The Options Handbook can be found on our website here and will be provided as a paper copy. It is designed to be used with the Subjects and Options sections of the WBCA website where you can find information on every subject. 

The handbook also provides guidance and advice on:

  • the types of qualifications on offer
  • an explanation of the grading system
  • the English Baccalaureate
  • Community Languages
  • what to consider when choosing subjects
  • if subjects have any entrance requirements
  • how options are allocated
  • what happens if too many or too few students choose a subject

In Curriculum section of the WBCA website you can find out about the courses that are offered at Key Stage 4, including exam board information, what students will study and how these subjects can link to future careers. 

In addition to this, in the Options area, you can find more specific information provided by departments. Please take time to visit the Options area and take a look at the information that different departments have provided. This will give you some insight into what each course looks like, how they are assessed and what they can lead to later on in education and careers.

You will be given a form to complete where you will choose 1 subject from each of the 3 option blocks. You will also choose a 2nd and 3rd choice from each option block.

Sometimes it is not possible for everyone to be given all of their first choices, but we do everything we can to make sure that all students are placed within subjects that they are happy with. 

The Options Handbook contains information on any subject entry requirements and how choices are allocated.

If you are not happy with your subjects, there is an appeal process. This takes place in the summer term once subjects have been allocated.

Options Evening 2026
Options Handbook
Option Subjects Site

 Questions?

If you have questions about particular qualifications, Community Languages etc, please email exams@wbca.shirelandcat.net and Mrs McQueen our Exams Officer will be able to help.

For questions about the Options Process, please contact the Year 9 Head of Year.