Steps towards your GCSE choices

Making choices and decisions is as exciting as it is important, but can sometimes feel a little bewildering. There are many people in school who can help and advise you, and dedicated sessions will be run to support you throughout the decision-making process. The world you will face when you leave school is changing rapidly, so although you may have some idea of the general direction you may wish to follow, do try to keep your options open and aim for a broad and balanced education for the next two years. We have set out a timeline for making these choices which ensures that you can seek and take advice and reach decisions in a calm and unhurried way.

The schedule for choosing your GCSE options at Headington Rye Oxford is:

Friday 16th January 2026	In the first of your Next Steps PSHE series, you will hear all about the GCSE courses we offer here at Headington Rye Oxford from the Academic Director of Middle School, Mr Gerallt Skym, who will also talk you through the process of choosing the subject combination that is right for you. You will also have the opportunity to ask any initial questions you have about the courses, and what to expect as you begin your GCSE journey. You will also be given time to reflect on your initial thoughts in your form groups.
Friday 23rd January 2026	In the second PSHE session in the Next Steps series, you will hear about the range of alternative qualification options that are available for you to take alongside your GCSE subjects. Plus One course leaders from our well-established programme will brief you on course content and methods of assessment, as well as providing you with some examples of the knowledge and skills that you will gain if you choose one of these year-long qualifications to supplement your GCSE studies in Year 10. You will also hear from our GCSE Options Ambassadors; these Year 10 pupils will talk about their own experiences of choosing courses and their transition into the GCSE years.
Friday 30th January 2026	In the final session of your Next Steps PSHE series, you will hear from the Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Alice Barrett, who will provide valuable insight into the links between GCSE and A Level studies, including some really helpful information on facilitating subjects and educational pathways beyond school. You will also be introduced to the National Careers Service and Headington Rye Oxford's online research platforms and Career Profiling system, which will help you to investigate your future career interests and provide initial insights into professions and industries which might suit you.
Wednesday 25th February 2026	At GCSE Options Evening, you and your parents will have the chance to hear a presentation from Dr Anne-Marie Stanton-Ife, First Deputy (Academic), and Mr Gerallt Skym, Academic Director of Middle School, before touring the School's academic departments to hear more details about specific courses and ask any questions you might have.
Tuesday 3rd March 2026	This will be followed by Parents’ Evening (online). As Year 9 pupils, you may also attend. This is an excellent opportunity for your teachers to discuss your progress and chosen subjects with you and your parents.
Friday 13th March 2026	We will ask you for your option choices for GCSE by this deadline. On the basis of these choices, the option blocks will be set up. If you change your mind at a later date, you will only be able to select subjects from these option blocks and space may sometimes be limited.

The School will make every effort to accommodate all of your subject choice combinations but does reserve the right not to offer courses, should demand prove insufficient.