Pupils at Carnforth High School select their subject options during Year 9, ready to commence study of Key Stage 4 subjects at the beginning of Year 10. There is a clear process in place to support pupils through their option choices.
Year 9 Options Week
In addition to the careers education pupils receive throughout their time at Carnforth High School, Year 9 pupils receive focused input during Options Week. This includes a future career focus using the Unifrog software during form times, and a careers assembly. The aim is to support pupils to choose options subjects that will support their furture career goals, and to develop a wider understanding of the different employment sectors.
Year 9 Options Information Evening for Parents
As part of the options process, pupils and parents are invite into school to receive information and advice on the careers process and option subjects. Pupils and parents attend an information presentation from the Deputy Headteacher and then choose up to four subject presentations to visit to find out more about the qualification and the associated Post 16 progression routes.
This year’s event takes place on Tuesday 17th March at 5.25pm.
Parents can book onto subject presentations using the School Cloud link that has been emailed out to all parents or via the following link.
How the Options Process Works
All pupils follow a similar pathway at KS4, consisting of core subjects and option subjects.
Core Subjects
These are the subjects that ALL pupils continue to study. They are compulsory.
- GCSE English Language
- GCSE English Literature
- GCSE Mathematics
- GCSE Trilogy Science (2 GCSEs)
- Core PE (no qualification)
- Life Skills (no qualification)
The Option Process
Pupils will choose an additional four subjects to study during KS4. T
Option 1 must be either Geography or History.
Options 2, 3 and 4 can be any of the other option subjects. However, pupils cannot choose the same subject twice.
Pupils must then select a further three reserve subjects. These are the subjects pupils will study if their first choice is not available. The reserve subjects MUST be different subjects to the ones selected as first choice preferences.
We will always aim to provide pupils with their first choice preference but please be aware there may be times where this is not possible. When this is not possible, pupils will be given their second choice subject.
Option Choice Deadline
Parents should discuss their child’s option preferences with them. Once a final decision has been made, parents will need to fill out the ‘Option Choices 2026’ Microsoft Form that is linked below. It will also be sent to parent emails and via a Class Charts announcement.
The deadline for the Option Choices form to be submitted is:
Thursday 26th March 2026
If you are having any difficulties with accessing or submitting this form, please contact us at school.