Most students choose three or four option subjects in Year 9, on top of the core (English, Maths and Science). Here is a short guide to the most common options. Not every school offers all of them, and details vary by exam board.
How to choose: five quick tips
- Pick subjects you enjoy. You will study them for two years.
- Pick subjects you are good at, or where you are improving fast.
- Think ahead. If you have an A level or career in mind, check what it needs.
- Keep it balanced. A mix of subjects keeps doors open.
- Do not choose because of a friend or a teacher. Both may change.
The government has announced that the EBacc (English, Maths, Science, a language, and History or Geography) will be scrapped, but some schools may still encourage this mix. Ask your school what it advises.
Humanities
History – You study periods and events such as medieval England, the two World Wars or the Cold War, and learn to use sources and write strong arguments. It suits students who like reading, stories and debate. Assessed by exams, with a lot of essay writing.
Geography – Covers the physical world (rivers, coasts, weather, tectonics) and the human world (cities, development, resources). You also do fieldwork, which is tested in the exam. Good for students who like a mix of science, maps and current affairs.
Religious Studies – You study beliefs and practices of religions and debate ethical questions such as life, death, crime and relationships. Good for students who like discussion and clear writing. Mainly exams.
Languages
French, Spanish, German and others – You build listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, usually with equal weight. Languages are valued by universities and employers and suit students who are happy to learn vocabulary regularly. Some schools also offer Latin, which focuses on reading and translating.
Computing and technology
Computer Science – Covers how computers work, algorithms and programming (often in Python). It is assessed by exams. It suits logical thinkers who are fairly strong at Maths.
Design and Technology – You learn about materials, design and making, then complete a large design-and-make project that counts for about half the grade. Good for creative, practical students.
Food Preparation and Nutrition – Covers cooking skills, food science and nutrition. About half the grade comes from practical tasks, including planning and cooking dishes. Good for students who enjoy cooking and science.
Creative and performing arts
Art and Design – Most of the grade comes from a portfolio of work built up over the course, plus a final set task. It needs lots of time and steady effort, but suits students who love drawing, painting and making.
Music – Includes performing, composing and a listening exam. It helps a lot if you already play an instrument or sing.
Drama – You create and perform your own work, perform from scripts and sit a written exam about a set play. Good for confident, creative students who enjoy working in groups.
Other popular options
PE (GCSE) – A mix of theory (the body, fitness, sports psychology) and practical performance in chosen sports. The theory exams count for more than half, so it is not "just sport".
Business – Covers how businesses start, market themselves, manage money and grow. Good for students interested in how the world of work runs. Assessed by exams, with some calculations.
Media Studies – You study films, adverts, news and online media, and make your own media product as coursework.
Psychology and Sociology – Offered by some schools. Psychology looks at memory, behaviour and the brain; Sociology looks at families, education and crime in society. Both are essay-based exams.
Statistics – A short extra GCSE in some schools that supports Maths and Science. It suits strong Maths students.
Vocational options
Some schools offer practical courses such as Cambridge Nationals or BTEC Tech Awards in areas like sport, health and social care, or IT. They mix coursework with an exam and can suit students who learn best by doing.
In short
Choose options you enjoy and are good at, keep a sensible balance and check what any future plans need. Read your school's options booklet, go to options evening and ask your teachers. It is a big choice, but there is rarely a wrong one.
Notes, tests and papers for your exam board
AshACE® Revise is opening soon for Year 6 to GCSE.