Guided Choices 2025

All students at Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy study a core curriculum of GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language, GCSE English Literature, GCSE Science, Core PE and Personal, Social and Health Education (including statutory Religious Education).

Students then choose four further subjects.

Choice 1 must be one choice from, GCSE Computer Science, GCSE Geography, GCSE History or GCSE Spanish.

The other three choices can be made from the list below:

  • GCSE Art*
  • GCSE Business
  • GCSE Citizenship
  • GCSE Religious Studies
  • GCSE Sociology
  • GCSE PE
  • GCSE Computer Science
  • GCSE Geography
  • GCSE History
  • GCSE Spanish
  • BTEC Enterprise (Business Studies)
  • BTEC Creative Media Production
  • BTEC Health & Social Care
  • BTEC Child Development
  • BTEC Media
  • BTEC Music
  • BTEC Performing Arts (Drama)
  • BTEC Digital Information Technology (IT)
  • BTEC Sport
  • Technology – maximum of one from:
    • Fashion & Textiles*
    • Design Engineering
    • Hospitality and Catering

 *GCSE Art and Fashion and Textiles cannot both be chosen

GCSEs vs BTECs

GCSE – Assessment at the end of Year 11

  • No coursework
  • Graded 9-1

BTEC – 3 components over 2 years: 2 PSAs* and 1 Final Exam/External Task

*Pearson Set Assignments – Internal assessment that must be completed under supervised conditions.

  • Component 1 – Pearson Set Assignment 30% of final grade (Y10 Jan – May)
  • Component 2 – Pearson Set Assignment 30% of final grade (Y11 Sept – Dec)
  • Component 3 – Examination/External Task 40% of final grade (Y11 May)
  • Equivalent of 1 GCSE
  • Graded Distinction * – Pass

The guided choices form

The link to the guided choices form will be sent via the ClassCharts app and to students’ academy email address on Thursday 13th March 2025.

Please choose your subjects in order of preference and remember to choose a reserve subject (just in case the curriculum cannot match your chosen subjects).

The deadline to submit the form is Thursday 20th March 2025.

We will use these initial choices to create our KS4 curriculum offer for 2025-26. We aim to create a bespoke curriculum where all students can study their chosen subjects. However, for a variety of reasons, this may not be possible for a small number of students each year. If the curriculum cannot accommodate the preferred choices for your child, I will meet with them to discuss their reserve choice option and contact parents/carers to confirm this decision.

Advice about choosing your subjects

Do

  • Choose a subject that will help you in your future career.
  • Choose a subject that you are good at.
  • Choose a subject that you enjoy and you know you will work hard in.

Don’t

  • Choose a subject just because you like the teacher.
  • Choose a subject because your friends have chosen it.
  • Choose a subject that you don’t like!

If you require further information about the guided choices process and the application process please email Mrs Davis: [email protected]

Further information about each subject can be found below:

Files