Year 10 Curriculum 2026/2027 - Options Process
Welcome to the year 9 options process
This page will provide all the information you and your family need to make informed, ambitious choices for GCSE study.
Core Curriculum
In Years 10 and 11, all pupils will study the following core subjects:
- English Language and Literature (Double Award)
- Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award)
- Core Cymraeg (Single or Agored)
These core subjects are part of the new GCSEs developed by WJEC in alignment with the Curriculum for Wales reforms starting from 2025. GCSE September 2025
Additional Core Studies
In addition to the core subjects, all pupils will study:
- Science: Pupils can choose between a Double Award or Triple Science pathway, allocated across nine hours of science lessons every fortnight. Please note that the option for Triple Science will not be part of the separate option blocks process but will be available to all pupils. Pupils will express their preference for Double or Triple Award, and we will work closely with families to support this decision-making process.
- Skills Challenge Certificate (SCC): This qualification helps pupils enhance their essential and employability skills, providing them with a strong foundation for their future careers.
- Health and Wellbeing: Pupils will take part in timetabled games lessons alongside classroom-based sessions that explore their future aspirations. They will engage in structured post‑16 planning to support informed decisions about further study, training, or employment. Regular opportunities to reflect on their learning across the curriculum will help them understand their progress and identify their next steps. Where possible, pupils will also gain accreditation through the Agored framework.
- Religious Values and Education (RVE)and Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE): These integral components of the curriculum are designed to support pupils’ holistic development. They will be delivered through integrated lessons within the Health and Wellbeing framework, SCC, and focused drop-down delivery days.
- Financial Capability and Careers Development Certificate (Level 2), this nationally recognised qualification equips pupils with essential financial knowledge and skills, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, borrowing, and financial planning. Pupils will study this as part of the core curriculum, with additional focus during drop-down delivery days.
Structuring the Options
As we continue to enhance our support for pupils’ future careers, we understand the importance of gathering your preferences before finalising the option blocks. While we strive to accommodate as many choices as possible, some options may not run due to limited demand or resource availability.
Key Dates and Activities
The Gwernyfed Options Process includes several important milestones to ensure a smooth and informed decision-making process. Further details about these dates and activities will be shared in the coming weeks.
Year 10 Curriculum 2026 Booklet which contains lots of information and useful links: https://app.smore.com/n/egw70
Subject Awareness Assemblies
From 19th to 28th January, Year 9 pupils will attend assemblies focused on the options process. Subject teachers will provide insights into their subjects.
Copies of the presentations given by staff during the awareness assemblies can be downloaded from the links below (as PDF files):
Pupils will complete their free choice survey on Tuesday 28th January which will provide pupils the opportunity to select and rank their subject preferences and suggest any additional subjects they would like offered.
The free choice survey will ask pupils to:
- select and rank four subject preferences from the subjects that have been showcased
- suggest any additional subjects they’d like to see offered
- indicate a preferred route between double award and triple science. All pupils will study science during their 9 hours of allocated science time
- share information about potential post-16 aspirations
Based on the outcomes of the free choice survey, we will identify the options subjects we are able to offer this year group. An options booklet, outlining information on each subject, will be shared with pupils and families, with discussions available during the Year 9 parents evening on Thursday, 29th February.
Year 9 Parents Evening
Scheduled for Tuesday 3rd February, this evening offers an opportunity for parents to discuss course suitability with teachers. Mrs. Sian Jenkins and Miss Holly Griffin, will also present further details about the next stages of the options process.
Pupil Interest Form
On Thursday 5th February, pupils will complete an electronic interest form to rank their preferred subjects. This feedback will help us formulate the option blocks.
Option Blocks Released
The finalised option blocks will be released on Monday 2nd March, giving pupils the framework for selecting their courses.
Option Choice Deadline
Pupils must submit their option choices by Monday 9th March.
SLT Online Year 9 Options Confirmation Event
We will host an online session on Wednesday 11th March, providing a 1:1 opportunity for parents/carers and pupils to discuss their choices with a senior leader, confirm final decisions, and address any concerns.
At Gwernyfed, we are committed to meeting the option requests of every pupil. On rare occasions where this is not possible—due to low demand for certain courses or timetabling complexities—we will work collaboratively with pupils and parents to explore suitable alternatives.
Pupils who may require a more specialist vocational provision at the College, typically at Level 1 (GCSE grade equivalent D–G), are encouraged to arrange a meeting with Mrs. Helen Higgs, our Assistant Headteacher and ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator). Alternatively, an allocated appointment will be arranged for them during the 1:1 meeting towards the end of the options process.
If you have any questions about the options process, please contact:
- Miss Holly Griffin, Transition Coordinator
- Mr Aaron Williams Cross, Head of Lower School
- Mrs Sian Jenkins, Interim Headteacher