Pathways 2025

In Year 8 we ask students to make choices about the subjects they would like to study through to the end of Year 11.  Throughout the year they will take part in a planned programme to help them to make the right decision which includes:

• Information assemblies
• Pathways booklets with information about each subject
• Taster lessons (all students will have a taster lesson for all pathways subjects.  These are delivered within their current timeline
• Tutor Slides: How to complete your pathways form
• Year 8 Speed networking events linked to our careers programme

Useful Links

• Pathways FAQ Click Here
• Picking your pathways Subjects Video
• Completing your pathways form using SIMS (Setting up your login details support guide)
• Key reminders on completing your Pathways Form
• Support from their tutor through our Education for Life programme
• Pathway Information Evening Slides
• Why to choose a language
• How can I help my child make their choices:

• Please see the attached files at the bottom of this page

Pathways: Key dates 2025 

Thursday 23rd January	Pathways Information Assembly
Thursday 30th January	Parent Information Evening
Weeks beginning Monday 3rd February and Monday 10th February	Communications Lesson to complete SIMs login detail EL pathways Lesson
Thursday 6th February	Year 8 Parents Evening
Thursday 13th February	Year 8 Careers event
HALF TERM
Week beginning Monday 24th February	Pathways subject information assemblies and quizzes in tutor  Pathways booklets sent home
Weeks beginning Monday 24th February and Monday 3rd March	Pathways tutor sessions including Transition Leader visits to tutor time to answer any questions you may have
Week beginning Monday 10th March	Pathways Tutor sessions, including how to complete your pathways forms guidance
Monday 3rd March - Friday 14th March	Subject Taster Lessons (These are built in to your timetabled lessons)
Friday 14th March	Pathways forms emailed home
Monday 24th March	Deadline for Pathways forms

COMPLETING YOUR PATHWAYS FROM USING SIMS

Setting up your login details support guide (video here)

Making the right choice 

This is an exciting but very important new chapter in your child’s school life. It is important to consider these choices carefully so that your child is in a good position to make an informed decision.

It is important for your child to consider: 

• - Their interests and areas of strength 
• - What each subject involves, including examination and non-examination assessment requirements  (coursework) 
• - Future career paths or what they might like to study at College 

Advice for students: 

● Choose a subject you enjoy and are good at. 

● Don’t choose a subject because your friends are doing it or because you like a particular teacher.  Most probably your friends will be in a different class and you will have a change of teacher. 

● Do not select a subject thinking that you can change your mind later. 

● Talk to your subject teachers, form tutor, parents, or students who already study the subject. 

● Think carefully about what you are going to do when you are 16. Find out what subjects you will need to do the courses you might be interested in taking at college or university.

The English Baccalaureate 

The English Baccalaureate is a suite of subjects recommended by the Government to ensure students  study a broad and balanced curriculum.  

These subjects are: 

• English  
• Mathematics 
• The Sciences including Computing Science 
• An Ancient or Modern Foreign Language  
• History or Geography. 
• Modern Foreign Languages 

As a school, we have always acknowledged the importance of studying a language and believe that  gaining a GCSE qualification in a language is an important part of a rounded education. 

We encourage students to take a GCSE in an MFL subject to prepare them to become global citizens who  are curious and knowledgeable of the world that surrounds them.

Language learning promotes resilience, independence and an ability to problem solve; all skills that are  widely recognised and sought after by top colleges and universities. A GCSE in a language is attractive to  future employers and enables students to understand their own language with more depth and to explore  other cultures and people.

Pathways subjects

Within the core curriculum, all students will study English, Mathematics, Science, Core PE, EfL and either Geography or  History.

Students will select three further choices from the list below. They will be asked to rank order these choices. All students must select a reserve choice and places cannot be guaranteed.

Please be aware that we review the subjects we are able to offer annually and the list provided here is a guide only. Confirmation of pathways on offer for this academic year will be in your child's Pathways Booklets.