GCSE Options 2026
GCSE Options 2026
Manshead CE Academy aspires to serve every learner by encouraging and supporting them to flourish academically and personally. We are committed to enabling all our pupils to achieve their potential. Our values of Aspire, Serve and Flourish drive the academy’s commitment to provide an ambitious and successful education that fulfils all learners' needs so that all can prosper.
The curriculum is planned around the following key themes;
• It is ambitious to meet the needs of all pupils.
• It is well planned and sequenced, enabling the development of both the knowledge and skills to advance a deeper understanding of the world around us.
• To serve the needs of all pupils, the curriculum where necessary is adapted to ensure all can flourish.
• The curriculum provision is broad and balanced, both in terms of the subjects taught and content studied within each subject.
• The academy is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse curriculum that celebrates the community that it serves.
At Key Stage 4 the aim of the curriculum is to give each student an individualised curriculum offered through both the Core and Option subjects to enable students to progress on to the right 16-19 study programme or an Apprenticeship. We will aim to develop student knowledge and wisdom of contemporary living in modern Britain and focus on strategies that aid successful learning.
Students will also have access to enrichment through our extra-curricular offer such as trips and visits including those abroad, school teams, clubs, arts and drama opportunities and the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.
All students will have the opportunity to do a week of work experience at the end of Year 10 and will be able to develop employability skills through our Personal Development Education curriculum and volunteering opportunities. Students will have access to an outstanding Manshead employed Careers Advisor, external 16-19 programme providers and other external careers advice.
This booklet is intended to give you information to help you make informed choices about which subjects you will study in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4).
In Year 10 and Year 11, there is a core curriculum that all students follow. It consists of:
English Language and English Literature (AQA)
Mathematics (Edexcel)
Combined Science* (AQA)
Philosophy, Ethics & Religion ** (AQA)
Physical Education (Non Examined)
Personal Development Education (Non Examined)
* Some students may study a Triple Science programme of study of individual Science qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (AQA). This decision will be made in liaison with parents during Year 10 or 11.
** Manshead is a Church of England school and therefore all students study the full AQA GCSE Course.
All students then choose three options.
There is a very wide variety of courses available, and it is important to consider these choices carefully as it not only affects what is studied for the next two years but it also could affect your choices at 16+. We would advise you to talk to subject teachers about the subject choices on offer.
We cannot guarantee first choices (because of timetabling constraints), but we make every effort to accommodate student choices. All students should make a reserve choice in case other choices cannot be accommodated.
All option forms need to be returned by Thursday 19th March 2026 at the options evening appointment.
At GCSE Level, while students do get some choices, they should keep a broad and balanced curriculum. Therefore, choosing Art and Textiles is not possible and studying both Drama and Music is not advised.
Students should also consider getting the balance correct when considering the study of Health and Social Care, Sport, Art, Textiles and Catering as these subjects are coursework heavy and can place demands on students at various times of the year. For some students though, having assessment across the two year course is an advantage.
Please note that student options will NOT be dealt with on a first come first served basis. All forms handed in by the 19th March deadline will be treated equally.
If parents have any general queries or questions regarding their options they need to email options@mansheadschool.co.uk
and a designated member of staff who is dealing with your child’s options will contact you.
Any subject related questions can be emailed directly to your child’s class teacher.