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It sets expectations for choosing four optional subjects plus one reserve, explains how option blocks are created, and clarifies when choices are confirmed and when changes are restricted. The guide also highlights GCSE performance context, core and optional curriculum structures, science pathway implications, and supportive services such as careers advice and a supportive network.",{"@graph":69,"@context":116},[70,84,99],{"@type":71,"itemListElement":72},"BreadcrumbList",[73,77,79,82],{"item":74,"name":75,"@type":76,"position":8},"https://docshare.wps.com","Home","ListItem",{"item":78,"name":9,"@type":76,"position":14},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/",{"item":80,"name":20,"@type":76,"position":81},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/exam/",3,{"item":83,"name":65,"@type":76,"position":19},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/gcse-options-booklet-2026-2028-gcse-options/206671/",{"url":83,"name":65,"@type":85,"author":86,"headline":65,"publisher":89,"fileFormat":92,"inLanguage":63,"description":67,"dateModified":93,"datePublished":93,"encodingFormat":92,"isAccessibleForFree":94,"interactionStatistic":95},"DigitalDocument",{"name":87,"@type":88},"Genevieve","Person",{"url":74,"name":90,"@type":91},"DocShare","Organization","application/pdf","2026-09-05",true,{"@type":96,"interactionType":97,"userInteractionCount":4},"InteractionCounter",{"@type":98},"ViewAction",{"@type":100,"mainEntity":101},"FAQPage",[102,108,112],{"name":103,"@type":104,"acceptedAnswer":105},"How many GCSE option subjects can pupils choose, and what is the reserve option for?","Question",{"text":106,"@type":107},"Pupils choose four GCSE options from the optional subjects offered, plus one reserve option via a Microsoft Form shared in the Spring Term. 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Their education takes on a different format, and leads to national examinations at GCSE level. We aim to provide each pupil with a course of study which offers both breadth and balance and enables all pupils to gain the appropriate qualifications for their post-16 pathways and life after Ballard.  \nMr Oliver Rose  \nDirector of Teaching & Learning  \n[oliver.rose@ballardschool.co.uk](oliver.rose@ballardschool.co.uk)  \nThe options process presents an exciting opportunity to optimise pupils’ chances of success in subjects they enjoy and in which they have ability and interest. Our goal is to ensure all our pupils receive a challenging, broad and balanced education that stimulates their passion for learning and also prepares them for future success at post-16 and beyond.  \nThis selection of subjects presents pupils with exciting choices to make but this can also seem daunting. As a school, we pride ourselves in the support we offer our pupils and the guidance we give to make the right choices. This guide is intended as a first port of call to support pupils and their parents, together with members of staff, in planning the next two years of education.  \nWe wish our pupils the very best of luck as they make these important choices for their future. This isan exciting time, and we encourage all pupils to explore their options thoughtfully, remembering that weare here to support and guide them every step of the way.  \nOliver Rose  \nDirector of Teaching & Learning  \n [4 ](4  www.ballardschool.co.uk)[ www.ballardschool.co.uk](4  www.ballardschool.co.uk)  \nJUNE 2025 GCSE RESULTS  \nAnalysis  \n100%  \nPASS RATE  \nART, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, DRAMA, DESIGN, FOOD TECHNOLOGY, MUSIC, PHYSICS, & TEXTILES  \n92%  \nGRADE 9-4 ACROSS ALL SUBJECTS 24.9% ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE*  \n49%  \nPUPILS ACHIEVED TOP GRADES (9-7) MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE*  \n1.0  \n0.5  \n0.0  \nGCSE Value Added Scores*  \n\n| \u003Cbr>0.9\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>0.8\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>0.8 |\n| --- |\n| \u003Cbr>0.3 |\n\n2022 2023 2024 2025  \nA 0.9 value added score means that, on average, pupils achieved almost one grade higher per subject than expected from their prior attainment in 2025. This strong result highlights the school’s positive impact on progress and places outcomes well above national expectations.  \n100%  \n90%  \n80%  \n70%  \n60%  \n50%  \n40%  \n30%  \n20%  \n10%  \n0%  \nCohort Average 9-7 Grades Since 2022**  \n\n|  |  |  |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n|  |  |  |\n| | |  |\n|  |  |  |\n|  |  |  |\n| 26% 30% 21 6% 34% 21.6% 34% 21.7% 49% |  |  |\n| . |  |  |\n\n2022 2023 2024 2025  \n NATIONAL AVERAGE*  \n BALLARD SCHOOL  \n** Figures taken from Ofqual Analytics-GCSE (9 to 1) grade outcomes in England  \nYear 9 Options  5   \nCHOOSING YOUR OPTIONS  \nThe Process  \nBy the Spring Term, all pupils will have selected their GCSE options. We have a thorough and supportive process in place to help guide pupils to reach these important final decisions. There will be opportunities throughout the process to ask questions and explore proposed option choices with a range of staff.  \nPupils at Ballard can choose four out of any of the optional subjects offered at Ballard. Pupils need to select four options and one reserve using the Microsoft Form which will be shared with parents and pupils in the Spring Term.  \nUsing this information, option blocks will be established to allow the largest number of pupils to study their preferred subject choices. Every year a small number of pupils will not receive all four of their first-choice GCSE options due to opti","cbCaikuVITKPv7k7","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaikuVITKPv7k7","pdf",23764022,48,"English","# Welcome\n# The Process\n## Timeline\n# GCSEs at Ballard\n## Grade Conversion\n## Making Choices\n# Careers Advice\n# Supportive Network\n# Achieve your Potential\n# Co-Curricular\n# Core Curriculum Subjects\n# Science Pathways\n# PSHE\n# PE Core & Games\n# Option Subjects\n# Useful Contacts","[{\"question\":\"How many GCSE option subjects can pupils choose, and what is the reserve option for?\",\"answer\":\"Pupils choose four GCSE options from the optional subjects offered, plus one reserve option via a Microsoft Form shared in the Spring Term. The reserve supports a contingency if option blocks clash or a course does not run.\"},{\"question\":\"When are GCSE option decisions confirmed, and can pupils change their choices later?\",\"answer\":\"Confirmation of final options is provided as early as possible in the Spring Term. After option blocks are established, changes are not possible directly; pupils can only choose from newly created option blocks if they change after the date.\"},{\"question\":\"What is included in the core curriculum for all pupils at Ballard?\",\"answer\":\"All pupils study iGCSE English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and GCSE Combined Science, along with recreational Core Physical Education and PSHE. If a pupil takes Separate Science, it adds extra lessons per week and reduces the number of additional optional subjects available.\"}]","GCSE Options Booklet 2026-2028 - GCSE Options | PDF",121]