NM23 257 NM23 274 NM23 291a NM23 296

Y9 to Y10

The transition between Year 9 and Year 10 is seen by many students as an opportunity to personalise their curriculum and study subjects they have a passion for in more depth. For some it is also a chance to take up new subjects that they haven't yet studied. At New Mills School, students begin the process of shaping their curriculum for Year 10 and 11 in the autumn of their Year 9. To begin the process, all Year 9 students have the options process explained to them in an assembly. The key points of this information are the timeline of events, and what choices they have. The information below shows the timeline of events in place to help guide students:

Autumn of Year 9 

  • Options Process Assembly
  • Y9 Parent Information Evening - An evening where parents and students gain an insight into the options process and have an opportunity to ask questions.
  • The electronic options booklet with details of courses and the options form are shared with students and parents for discussion. This year's booklet will available here once published
  • Options Taster Day: Short sessions of the subjects students have not experienced during Years 7-9 to provide an insight into that course at GCSE level
  • Report sent home. This supports decision making in terms of which courses a student may be successful in.
  • Parents' evening
  • Option form deadline (online submission) 

Spring of Year 9 

  • Senior team complete an analysis of student option selections. Discussions with students and staff will be held if any subjects are unable to run due to low interest

  • Report sent home. This gives up to date information on the subjects students study currently, and their progress towards their GCSE destination grades
  • Students have individual consultations with Senior Team about options. Confirmation or alteration of the options applied for will happen at these meetings

Summer of Year 9

  • Report sent home with final options offer letter
  • Deadline for final offers to be confirmed by parents

In terms of what students can choose to study, all students must study the core curriculum of tutorial time, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, Student Development and Physical Education. The Science studied will either be combined science or separate sciences. 

In addition to the core curriculum all students must choose at least one EBacc subject. The choices are: a Humanities (History or Geography), or a Modern Foreign Language (French or German or Spanish). In addition to the core curriculum and the EBacc subject all students must make a further three choices. Students can choose to study additional EBacc subjects or choose to pursue non-EBacc subjects. If a student would like to achieve the “EBacc” in full, they need to include both a Humanities (History or Geography), AND a Modern Foreign Language (French or German). This combination of subjects facilitates a wide range of A Levels and supports entry to university.

Option subjects currently include:
  • Art
  • Computer Science
  • Construction
  • Creative iMedia
  • Drama
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Hospitality & Catering
  • History
  • Health & Social Care
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Resistant Materials
  • Separate Sciences
  • Spanish
  • Sports Science