OPTIONS PATHWAYS

Our curriculum pathways are designed to allow pupils to study a wide range of subjects that keep their options open for further study and future careers. The vast majority of pupils at St James’ take options pathways that enable them to study the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).

THE EBACC SET OF SUBJECTS IS:

• English Language and Literature

• Maths

• the Sciences

• Geography or History

• French or Spanish

At St James’ we offer four options pathways so that we can tailor our curriculum to each pupil’s needs. The majority of pupils follow the EBacc Pathway.

THE FOUR PATHWAYS ARE:

1. EBacc Plus Pathway: Core curriculum + triple science award (Biology, Chemistry, Physics taken as 3 separate subjects) + either History OR Geography + French OR Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9) + one additional subject from the options lists

2. EBacc Pathway: Core curriculum + combined science + either History or Geography + French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9) + one additional subject from the options lists

3. Blended Pathway: Core curriculum + combined science + one of History, Geography, French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9) + two additional subjects from the options lists. Pupils will be guided to the most suitable subjects

4. Bespoke Pathway: Core curriculum + combined science + additional Mathematics & English; and two additional subjects will be chosen according to individual ability and interest (if a pupil chooses French or Spanish, it must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9)

All pupils, regardless of which option pathway they choose, study a core curriculum of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, RE, IT/ Computing and core PE.

WHICH OPTIONS PATHWAY IS MOST SUITABLE FOR ME?

The options pathway you choose will depend on your individual interests and ability. Your form tutor, subject teachers and Head of Year will be able to advise you on which pathway will be the best one for your individual success. You can also speak to Mr Stonehouse, our Careers Adviser, who is in school every Thursday and Friday.

Ebacc Plus Pathway

This options pathway is academically challenging and is suited to pupils on the KS3 Excellence pathway in all subjects, and who have shown a sustained interest and aptitude for Maths and Science.

Pupils accessing the EBacc Plus pathway will study, in addition to the Core curriculum, Biology, Chemistry, Physics taken as 3 separate subjects plus either History or Geography, as well as French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 & 9). They will also choose one additional subject from the options list.

Ebacc Pathway

This option pathway is the one taken by the majority of our pupils. Pupils who opt for this pathway are those who are on the KS3 Excellence or Secure pathway for most or all subjects.

Pupils accessing the EBacc pathway will study, in addition to the Core curriculum, Combined science award plus either History or Geography as well as French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9). They will also choose one additional subject from the options list.

Blended Pathway

The blended pathway is most suited to pupils who are on the KS3 developing or foundation pathway in the majority of subjects.

Pupils accessing the blended pathway will study, in addition to the Core curriculum, the Combined Science plus one of History, Geography, French or Spanish (This must be the same language studied in Year 7, 8 and 9) and two additional subjects will be chosen according to individual ability from the options list.

Bespoke Pathway

Bespoke Pathways are suitable for pupils in consultation with parents, the Head of Year and SENCO. The bespoke pathway is suitable for pupils who require a more focussed curriculum where additional English and Maths are available alongside the core curriculum. Options choices are still available and clear guidance will be given as to those which are best suited to your child.