Year 9 Options  

year 9 options info booklet 2026.pdf

Welcome to Year 9 Options

Hamstead Hall Academy is committed to providing all students with access to a broad, balanced and ambitious science curriculum.
In line with the Department for Education’s curriculum review and the national entitlement, the school recognises that any student who wishes to study Triple Science at GCSE should have the opportunity to do so, where this is educationally appropriate.

The school aims to ensure fair access, transparent decision-making, and appropriate guidance so that every student can achieve the best possible outcomes in science.

We will:

- Ensure students are aware of their entitlement to study GCSE Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).
- Determine the most suitable science pathway for each student.
- Provide equitable access to high-quality science teaching for all learners.
- Demonstrate compliance with DfE expectations and Ofsted inspection criteria.

The science pathways

In Key Stage 4, Hamstead Hall Academy offers two main science routes:
1. GCSE Separate Sciences (Triple Science) – three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

2. GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) – equivalent to two GCSE grades.
   
   Both pathways provide a strong foundation for post-16 science study, but Triple Science covers additional content and greater depth in each discipline.

Choosing the right science pathway

- All students are entitled to express interest in studying Triple Science.
- The school will consider each request individually.
- Placement on the Triple Science pathway will be based on:
  - Prior attainment and progress in Key Stage 3 Science and Mathematics.
  - Teacher assessments of conceptual understanding and ability to manage extended content.
  - Student motivation, learning habits, and post-16 aspirations.
  - Consultation with parents/carers where appropriate.

Students who are not initially placed on the Triple Science pathway will receive:
- A clear explanation of the decision.
- Opportunities for further challenge and enrichment within Combined Science.

Supporting fair access

Hamstead Hall Academy is committed to equity and inclusion.
The decision not to place a student on Triple Science will never be based solely on:
- Timetable convenience;
- Staffing or resourcing constraints;
- Predetermined ability bands.

Monitoring and review

- The Curriculum Leader for Science and Senior Leadership Team will review annually:
  - Student participation rates by gender, SEND status, and background.
  - Student outcomes and progression routes.
  - Feedback from students and parents.
- Our approach will be amended in response to appropriate feedback, reviews, and to DfE guidance changes.

Click the subjects below...

Core Subjects 
Subjects every pupil will take.

GCSE Optional Subjects 
Subjects which will form your personal Individual Learning Pathway.

Confirming your final options 
The link to choose your final options will be made available as a news item from early March. You can view our news by clicking here.
Before this is published make sure to research your chosen subjects and watch all the relevant videos.