Guided Choices 2026

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

Students then choose three further subjects.

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

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

  • GCSE 3D Design*
  • GCSE Art*
  • GCSE Business Studies
  • GCSE Computer Science
  • GCSE Geography
  • GCSE History
  • GCSE PE
  • GCSE Religious Studies
  • GCSE Sociology
  • GCSE Spanish
  • BTEC Child Development
  • BTEC Creative Media Production
  • BTEC Digital Information Technology (IT)
  • BTEC Enterprise (Business Studies)
  • BTEC Health & Social Care
  • BTEC Media
  • BTEC Music
  • BTEC Performing Arts (Drama)
  • BTEC Sport
  • WJEC Hospitality and Catering

 *GCSE Art and 3D Design cannot both be chosen.

GCSEs vs BTECs

GCSE – Assessment at the end of Year 11

  • 100% External Written Assessment  (practical assessment in GCSE PE, listening and speaking assessment in Spanish)
  • 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 Arbor app and to students’ academy email address on Thursday 12th February 2026.

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 Friday 27th February 2026.

We will use these choices to create our KS4 curriculum offer for 2026-27. 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, this will be discussed with parents/carers and the student before final decisions are made. 

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