Introduction

You have reached a very important stage in your education. Here you have several decisions about the range of subjects you will study in Years 10 and 11.  This decision is complex and should be done in consultation with your parents/carers, teachers, and by using your academic report. 

To assist you in this process we have produced information about all the subjects that we offer at North Oxfordshire Academy. This is laid out in sections containing the compulsory subjects and the optional subjects that you can take. 

You should read the information carefully and speak with your teachers and parents/carers to help you consider which choices you will make. The decisions you make regarding optional subjects can affect your future opportunities. 

As an academy, we will continue to try our best to meet all your differing individual needs.  We encourage all students to choose subjects that will; prepare them for their future, are subjects that they enjoy and are subjects that they are likely to be successful in. Therefore, please look carefully at the entrance criteria for each subject.  

Compulsory Subjects

Optional Subjects

5 Stages

• EBacc – these students will be taking Spanish as one of their options.
• Triple Science/ EBacc – these students will be taking Spanish and Triple Science as one of their options.
• Open – these students have all choices open to them.

To aid your decisions, the following support and guidance is available: 

• The options booklet – containing information from each subject about entry criteria and course content. 

• Options video within the subject page – ALE to share this. 

• GCSE Options Evening – This will take place on March 12th 2026 evening, at 17.30  

• If additional guidance is needed you are then able to contact Mr Leyburn (adam.leyburn@northoxfordshire-academy.org)  

Completing your option choices 

On 13 March we will email you a link to the option selection form (this can be completed on a laptop or mobile device). Please check this carefully, ensuring the course choices and two second choice options are accurate. If you have not received the link by 16 March, please email me or contact the main reception. The deadline for returning the form is 17 April. 

Qualifications 

Many parents and carers have told us how confusing qualification names have become.  The following tables are designed to help you understand the range and standard of qualifications encountered. Each subject being studied has the type of qualification clearly marked. 

Types of Qualification available in School 

Courses may be assessed in different ways. At present the main forms of assessment are: 

Examinations All GCSE examinations are now taken at the end of the course at the end of Year 11. These are known as linear assessments. 
BTEC subjects sit exams throughout the duration of the course and there is now only one opportunity to resit BTEC exam units. 

Coursework (Non-Examined Assessment – NEA) Assessed as you go through the course. 

Controlled Assessments Externally set and assessed but the date is set within centre. The time can be divided over one or more sessions. For BTEC courses these will often be referred to as a PSA. 

Pathways 

The curriculum the Academy will provide in Years 10 and 11 has been designed to: 

• Be broad and balanced 

• Allow for the maximum number of students to achieve to their highest potential in nationally recognised qualifications (i.e. study appropriate courses in their ‘best’ subjects) 

• Allow students to select a coherent programme of study to enable them to access a meaningful progression through to post 16 routes and beyond 

• Meet the requirements of the National Curriculum 

It is a requirement that all students study English, Mathematics, Science and Core Physical Education. We call this our ‘compulsory curriculum’. 

The other subjects that we offer form our options and contains a range of level 2 qualifications that are either BTEC or GCSE. For some students we recommend following the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) pathway but we also recognise that all students are individuals with differing needs and try to offer a personalised ‘pathway’ tailored to each student. For most students, this means studying a selection of GCSE’s and BTEC’s in non-compulsory subjects in addition to the compulsory curriculum. For all students, the total number of courses available is limited to balance the need for breadth against the time required for each subject to attain the highest grades for everyone. 

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) Pathway 

This is an academic route which means students study a broad range of core GCSEs in English, Mathematics, at least two Sciences, a Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish) and a Humanities subject (Geography or History). Studying the full range of EBacc subjects is often beneficial when applying for university as it shows that you have a well-rounded academic background. This can be particularly important if applying to Russell Group universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, or Warwick.  
Studying a Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish) is particularly sought after by these universities.  
We would recommend that any students who may be considering university entrance in the future, seriously consider opting for subjects that follow this pathway. 

Experience has shown that all students need a substantial amount of help and advice to make decisions about their pathway at Key Stage 4. Students that require further guidance will be contacted by a member of the curriculum team to discuss and agree choices. These conversations will begin in the week beginning Monday 10th March 2025 during the school day.   

The programme of study that you will be advised to pursue will take into account: 

• Your strengths, weaknesses, and current performance in all subjects. 

• Likely future progression beyond the age of 16. 

• National practice in providing opportunities for all students, including recent government initiatives.