Year 9 Options
Welcome to our Year 9 Options Hub 2026
At Harper Green School, we’ve made our process for picking Year 9 options simple so that every student gets the support they need to choose the right subjects. We know deciding on your options can feel tough, but it’s also an exciting step and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your Form Tutor or the Careers Team or contact us at head@harpergreen.net.
Year 9 Options Booklet 2026
year 9 options booklet 2026.pdf
Making your choices
The subjects you choose now may influence your choices after Year 11, including sixth form, college and apprenticeships.
If you already have an idea of your future pathway, it is worth checking whether specific GCSEs are recommended. However, the most important thing is that you choose subjects where you will work hard, enjoy learning and achieve well.
Choose subjects because…
- you enjoy them
- you have achieved well in them
- they suit the way you like to learn
- they will help you move on to your next steps
Don’t choose subjects because…
- your friends have chosen them
- you like the teacher (you may not be in their class)
- you think it will be ‘easy’
- someone else wants you to choose it
Key Dates
The deadline for submitting your options form is Monday, 9th March 2026. Before then, students will take part in a range of activities designed to help them make informed choices, including:
1. Options Taster Lessons: Monday, 26th January and Friday, 6th February 2026
Each subject that can be chosen at KS4 will provide at least one taster lesson, giving you a clear idea of what a KS4 lesson in that subject will be like. Take these lessons seriously, as they could be a deciding factor in whether you choose that subject.
2. Careers Expo: Friday, 30th January 2026
College providers will be in school on Friday, 30th January 2026 to talk to you about your aspirations for life after Harper Green. This could include discussing routes to university, how T Levels work, or which GCSE options may support a particular career interest. For more information, please speak to Mr Javed or Mr Richardson.
3. Options Drop-in Clinic: Lunchtime on Thursday, 5th February 2026 (Year 9 Common Room)
An Options Drop-in Clinic will be held at lunchtime on Thursday, 5th February 2026 in the Year 9 Common Room. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the options process and discuss your five choices. This may be a quick five-minute chat if you are clear about your decisions, or a longer discussion if you need further guidance or are unsure about certain subjects. Staff will be available with as much information as possible to support you, so please do not hesitate to ask any questions that are important to you.
4. Year 9 Options and Progress Evening: Thursday, 12th February 2026 from 4pm until 7pm
This combined evening gives students and parents/carers the opportunity to discuss both current progress and future subject choices.
During Progress Evening, you will meet with class teachers to discuss performance in the recent assessments completed before Christmas. You will receive a report showing attainment and Effort with Learning (EWL) grades, and teachers will highlight strengths as well as areas for development.
Alongside this, the Options element of the evening allows you to speak directly with subject departments about the GCSE and vocational courses available in Years 10 and 11. Staff will be available to explain course content, assessment methods and skills required, helping students to make informed and confident choices about their next steps.
Members of the senior leadership team will also be present throughout the evening to offer guidance and support with the options process.
5. Options Deadline: By 3pm on Monday, 9th March 2026
You will be given an Options Form on Friday, 6th March 2026. Please complete the form over the weekend, ensure it is signed by a parent/carer, and return it to Mr Richardson by 3pm on Monday, 9th March 2026, so that choices can begin to be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my choices?
In addition to your core curriculum subjects, which are mandatory, you will choose three option subjects and two reserve options. One of your three choices must be History, Geography, Spanish or Computer Science.
You can find more information about the subjects available to you next year throughout this booklet.
It is important that you enjoy your learning, so choose courses that interest you, play to your strengths and help you develop new skills. You should also consider how your choices may support your future at Harper Green School and beyond. Many of the courses offered link directly to Sixth Form study.
How many choices can I make?
You will select three option choices and two reserve options.
How do I indicate my option choices?
You will be given an Options Form on Friday, 6th March 2026. Please complete the form over the weekend, ensure it is signed by a parent/carer, and return it to Mr Richardson by 3pm on Monday, 9th March 2026, so that choices can begin to be reviewed.
What if I don’t know what I want to do in the future?
That is absolutely fine – there is no pressure to know right now. Many students are unsure at this stage, and the options process is designed to help you explore what interests you and what you enjoy learning.
Throughout the options process, you will have access to guidance through lessons, events and discussions with staff. You can also use opportunities such as the Options Evening and subject conversations to ask questions and learn more about where different subjects could lead in the future, including college, apprenticeships and Sixth Form pathways.
What will happen at the Options and Progress Evening?
You will be able to meet with Heads of Department to discuss what each subject will be like at KS4. This is an opportunity to ask questions about course content, assessment and how subjects can support future study at college or Sixth Form.
There will also be college, apprenticeship and other post-16 pathway providers available to speak to, helping you gain a well-rounded understanding of the options available to you at KS4 and beyond.
Will I automatically secure a place on my first choice courses?
We always do our best; however, this may not always be possible if:
-
classes are full
-
subjects have limited numbers
-
demand is higher than expected
-
staffing changes occur
This is why reserve choices are important. If a change is needed, this will be discussed with you.