Nishkam School West London Year 9 Options Handbook 2021 - Key Stage 4 Options

Sep 5, 2026

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Nishkam School West London Year 9 Options Handbook 2021 guides students and families through choosing Key Stage 4 courses for the next two years. It outlines the aims of the curriculum, the structure of core and option subjects, weekly timetable allocations, and how pathways combine GCSE and vocational qualifications. The handbook explains what vocational qualifications involve, lists the vocational courses offered, and stresses informed decision-making with support from experienced staff and interviews.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages41

Reading Time1 h 43 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

Message from the Principal

Overview of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum

How to Use This Handbook

The Options Process

Careers Guidance

Subject Pages (Core)

Subject Pages (Options)

Example Options Form

Frequently Asked Questions

nishkamschool west london Year 9 Options Handbook 2021 CONTENTS 1. Message from the Principal Page 3 2. Overview of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum Page 4 3. How to Use This Handbook Page 7 4. The Options Process Page 8 5. Careers Guidance Page 9 6. Subject Pages (Core) Page 12 7. Subject Pages (Options) Page 21 8. Example Options Form Page 39 9. Frequently Asked Questions Page 40 1. Message from Mr T Cragg, Principal It is our pleasure to present you with the Nishkam School West London Key Stage 4 Options Handbook. The purpose of this publication is to assist you in the process of choosing the courses that are the most suitable for you to follow over the next two years. Your selection may include academic and / or vocational courses. What is important is that you choose subjects that you are confident you will enjoy learning more about, that are appropriate for the demands of future careers and higher education (university) courses that you may be interested in pursuing and that reflect the strengths you have demonstrated in Years 7 to 9. Four of the most common mistakes that students can make when choosing their options are: • Choosing subjects because they like the teacher who has taught them at Key Stage 3 • Choosing subjects that they think will be easy • Choosing subjects that don’t really interest them, only because their parents / carers tell them to • Choosing subjects because their friends have chosen them. These are your choices and whatever you choose will determine how you spend a considerable amount of your time over the next two years, the A level and other post-16 courses that you will be able to study in the Sixth Form and the careers for which you will be qualified in the longer-term future. This is unquestionably one of the most important times in your educational life so far. It is important, therefore, that you make sure you research and consider your options carefully. Ask lots of questions and talk to as many well-informed people as possible, just as you would about any other important decision in your life. Good luck with the process and remember, we are here to help and support you. Mr T A Cragg, Principal 2. Overview of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum What are we trying to achieve? Depth – Students are given a generous allocation of curriculum time to complete their courses, so they are as well prepared as they can be for the qualifications they are taking. Breadth – Students have 4 option choices alongside 6 core qualifications, allowing them to continue to study a wide range of subjects. There is a balanced variety of subjects to choose from to suit all learners. Skills and qualifications for life – All courses are recognised and valued by Sixth Forms, colleges, universities and employers and lead on to either further study or employment. Great importance is attached to the core, as these qualifications are central to students’ progression in life. Timetable allocation: For the majority of subjects, Key Stage 4 will run over two years, with students completing courses atthe end of Year 11. GCSEs in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Science are the exception, as students have already begun their studies in these subjects in Year 9. Core Subjects Core subjects account for a total of 18 lessons per week on the timetable. | Subject | Lessons per week | Qualifications | | --- | --- | --- | | English | 5 | 2 GCSEs – English Language and English Literature | | Maths | 4 | 1 GCSE | | Science | 6 | 2 GCSEs – Combined Science (Students who choose triple Science as an option will be entered for 3 separate Science qualifications) | | RE | 2 | 1 GCSE | | Core PE | 1 | Statutory (Sports Studies is available as an option in addition to core PE) | Option Choices Students have four option choices, therefore option subjects account for a total of 12 lessons per week on the timetable. | Option | Lessons per week | Qualifications | | --- | --- | --- | | Op

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Nishkam School West London Key Stage 4 Options Handbook 2021?

The handbook supports students in selecting courses that suit them over the next two years, including academic and/or vocational options aligned with future careers and higher education.

How is the Key Stage 4 timetable structured at NSWL?

Core subjects account for 18 lessons per week, while students choose four option subjects totaling 12 lessons per week. Most subjects run over two years ending at the end of Year 11.

What are vocational qualifications and which vocational courses are offered?

Vocational qualifications are practical qualifications linked to specific job or career sectors, combining theory and practical learning. NSWL runs BTEC Enterprise, Hospitality and Catering, and Sport Studies.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Jiven