year 9 pathways
discover. explore. achieve. Your Year 9 journey is an opportunity to discover your strengths, explore new interests and begin shaping your future. At Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, we believe every student has unique talents, ambitions and potential. Our Year 9 curriculum provides the opportunity to develop academically, creatively and personally while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead. As students move into Year 9, they begin to take greater ownership of their learning. Alongside a strong core curriculum, students personalise their education through specialist subject choices that reflect their interests, strengths and aspirations. Whether your passion lies in science, technology, languages, business, creativity, humanities or sport, your Year 9 pathway will help you build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed for future success.
Your future starts here.
Welcome to Your Year 9 Journey A Message from the Head of King's Magna Choosing your Year 9 subjects is an exciting milestone. It marks the beginning of a new stage of independence where you can explore your interests, develop your talents and prepare for future success. At Queen Ethelburga's, we believe education is about far more than examination results. It is about developing curiosity, confidence, resilience and character alongside academic achievement.
Take time to speak with your teachers, discuss your ideas with your family and choose subjects that genuinely inspire you. We look forward to supporting you as you continue your journey and become: "The best that I can with the gifts that I have."
Our Year 9 curriculum has been carefully designed to provide every student with: Challenge Choice Opportunity Personal Growth You will continue to develop strong foundations in English, Mathematics and Science while selecting four specialist subjects that allow you to explore areas where your passions and talents can flourish. There is no single perfect pathway. Every subject develops valuable knowledge, transferable skills and future opportunities. The most successful choices are those that reflect your interests, strengths and ambitions.
Joseph Birchall
Head of King's Magna
why year 9 matters
Year 9 represents an important bridge between Key Stage 3 and GCSE study. It is a year in which students begin to take greater responsibility for their learning while developing the confidence, independence and resilience needed for future success. Rather than simply studying subjects, students begin to explore where their strengths lie and how their interests may shape future academic and career pathways. Throughout Year 9, students develop:
Independence Students learn to organise their workload, manage their time effectively and become increasingly independent learners.
Specialist Knowledge Teaching is delivered by subject specialists who encourage deeper thinking, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
GCSE Readiness Students strengthen the skills needed for GCSE success, including: Critical thinking Research Problem solving Communication Analytical writing Independent study
Discovering Your Strengths Year 9 encourages students to ask important questions: What do I enjoy learning? What am I naturally good at? Which subjects challenge and inspire me? What could my future look like?
your year 9 curriculum
Every student studies a broad and balanced curriculum designed to prepare them for GCSE study while maintaining opportunities to explore new interests.
Core Subjects
English Develop communication, creativity, analytical thinking and confidence through the study of literature, language and writing. Mathematics Strengthen logical reasoning, mathematical fluency and problemsolving skills while preparing for future GCSE study. Science Investigate the world through practical experiments, enquiry and scientific investigation, developing curiosity and analytical thinking. Physical Education & Games Develop physical wellbeing, teamwork, leadership and resilience through a wide range of sporting opportunities.
Personal Development Personal Development supports students in becoming confident, responsible and resilient young adults. Through a broad programme of learning, students explore topics including wellbeing, healthy relationships, online safety, careers, financial education, citizenship and personal responsibility, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for life beyond school.
Alongside the core curriculum, every student selects four specialist option subjects. . These choices allow students to personalise their education and explore areas of particular interest. Your options should: Inspire you Challenge you Develop your talents Support your future ambitions Remember that there is no "best" combination of subjects. Every pathway develops valuable transferable skills that universities and employers value.
Choosing Your Subjects When making your choices, think carefully about what motivates and interests you. Ask yourself: Which lessons do I most enjoy? Which subjects challenge me in a positive way? Where do I perform well? What skills would I like to develop? Avoid choosing subjects simply because your friends have selected them. Your pathway should reflect your own ambitions and interests.
It is also worth considering how your Year 9 options may support: GCSE choices Sixth Form study University courses Apprenticeships Future careers Students wishing to study French, German or Spanish at GCSE are strongly encouraged to continue studying their chosen language during Year 9 to build the knowledge and confidence required for future success.
discover your Pathway
Specialist Subjects Each specialist subject has been designed to develop knowledge, skills and confidence while providing an excellent foundation for future GCSE study. Whether your interests are creative, practical, academic or technical, every subject offers opportunities to discover new talents and prepare for future success.
art & design Express your creativity. Develop your vision. Explore the theme of Culture through painting, sculpture, printmaking and textiles while experimenting with a wide range of artistic materials and techniques. Students develop observational drawing, creative thinking and practical skills as they create exciting personal outcomes inspired by artists, designers and different cultures from around the world.
What will you develop? Creativity Visual communication Design thinking Confidence Problem solving
“Art helped me discover a creative side I never knew I had.”
Future Pathways Art & Design provides an excellent foundation for GCSE Art & Design and future study in: Fine Art Graphic Design Architecture Fashion Interior Design Product Design Creative Industries
business studies Turn ideas into opportunities. Think creatively, solve problems and discover how successful businesses operate. Through practical projects, competitions and real-world case studies, students explore enterprise, marketing, finance and leadership while learning how businesses make decisions in an increasingly competitive global economy.
What will you develop? Enterprise Leadership Communication Teamwork Financial awareness Decision making
"Business gave me confidence to think like an entrepreneur."
Future Pathways Business Studies provides excellent preparation for GCSE Business and careers in: Business Finance Marketing Entrepreneurship Management Economics
COMPUTING Create. Innovate. Solve. Step into the digital world through programming, computational thinking and creative problem solving. Students learn how technology shapes modern society while developing coding skills, logical thinking and the ability to solve increasingly complex challenges.
What will you develop? Programming Logical thinking Computational thinking Problem solving Creativity Digital literacy
"Computing taught me that creativity and technology work together."
Future Pathways Computing supports progression into: Computer Science Software Development Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Engineering Digital Technology
drama Build confidence through performance. Drama develops creativity, communication and confidence both on and off the stage. Students explore acting, improvisation, devising and theatre-making while learning to collaborate effectively and present ideas with confidence.
What will you develop? Confidence Communication Collaboration Leadership Creativity Presentation skills
"Drama helped me find my voice."
Future Pathways Drama supports careers in:
Performing Arts Media Teaching Law Public Speaking Leadership
esports Turn your passion for gaming into future-ready skills. Explore the exciting world of competitive gaming while developing teamwork, communication and strategic thinking. Students investigate game design, event management, broadcasting and the rapidly growing global eSports industry.
What will you develop? Teamwork Communication Strategic thinking Digital literacy Leadership Event planning
"I discovered there is much more to gaming than simply playing."
Future Pathways eSports can lead towards careers in: Digital Media Game Design Broadcasting Marketing Technology Event Management
english for maths Building mathematical confidence through language. Designed specifically for students learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), English for Maths develops the academic language and mathematical vocabulary needed for success in Mathematics. Students strengthen their reading, reasoning and problem-solving skills while building confidence in applying mathematical concepts.
What will you develop? Mathematical vocabulary Reading comprehension Problem solving Mathematical reasoning Academic English
Future Pathways This specialist programme provides excellent preparation for: GCSE English GCSE Mathematics Further academic study across all subjects
english for science Building scientific understanding through language. Designed specifically for students learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), English for Science develops the academic language needed to access scientific learning with confidence. Students build scientific vocabulary, improve reading and writing skills and develop the communication needed for practical investigations and scientific enquiry.
What will you develop? Scientific vocabulary Academic reading Scientific writing Communication Investigation skills
Future Pathways This programme prepares students for: GCSE English GCSE Science Future STEM study
food & nutrition Cook. Create. Live Well. Develop valuable life skills while learning to prepare nutritious meals and explore food from around the world. Students gain practical cooking experience while understanding nutrition, health and food science.
What will you develop? Practical cooking Organisation Nutrition knowledge Creativity Independence Time management
Future Pathways Food & Nutrition supports future study and careers in: Hospitality Food Science Nutrition Healthcare Catering Dietetics
french Open the door to the French-speaking world. Develop confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing while exploring the language and cultures of French-speaking countries. Learning a language broadens cultural understanding and opens doors to international opportunities.
Future Pathways What will you develop? Communication Cultural awareness Listening Reading Writing Confidence
French supports careers in: International Business Diplomacy Tourism Education Languages Global Organisations
geography Understand the world. Shape its future. Explore the physical and human processes shaping our planet, including sustainability, climate change, migration, trade and inequality. Students investigate real-world issues while developing research, analytical and investigative skills. .
What will you develop? Research Analysis Investigation Problem solving Global awareness Critical thinking
Future Pathways Geography supports careers including Environmental Science Planning Business International Development Sustainability Government
german Learn the language of innovation. Study one of Europe's most important languages for business, engineering and science. Develop practical communication skills while exploring German culture, traditions and contemporary life.
Future Pathways What will you develop? Communication Listening Reading Writing Cultural understanding Confidence
German supports careers in: Engineering Science Business International Trade Languages Tourism
global politics Understand the world. Shape the future. Explore the issues and events that influence our increasingly connected world. Global Politics encourages students to investigate democracy, conflict, human rights, international organisations and the relationships between countries. Through discussion, debate and research, students develop the skills needed to understand complex global challenges and become informed, responsible global citizens.
What will you develop? Critical thinking Debate and discussion Research skills Communication Analysis of current affairs Understanding of global issues
"Global Politics helped me understand the world beyond my own experiences."
Future Pathways Global Politics provides an excellent foundation for future study and careers in: Politics Law International Relations Journalism Government Social Sciences Human Rights
history
Explore the events that shaped our world. History allows students to investigate the people, ideas and events that have influenced societies across time. Through analysing evidence, exploring historical debates and evaluating different perspectives, students develop the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. History is not just about the past; it helps us understand the present and prepare for the future.
What will you develop? Analytical thinking Research skills Evaluation Communication Argument and debate Understanding of different perspectives
"History taught me how to question, investigate and understand different viewpoints."
Future Pathways History provides an excellent foundation for careers in:
Law Journalism Politics Archaeology Education Research Public Service
mathematics extend invitation only Challenge yourself beyond the curriculum. Mathematics Extend is designed for students who enjoy mathematical challenge and want to explore concepts beyond the standard curriculum. Through investigations, problem-solving activities, statistics, finance and mathematical challenges, students develop resilience, independence and advanced reasoning skills. This programme encourages students to see mathematics as a creative and powerful tool for understanding the world.
Future Pathways What will you develop? Advanced problem solving Logical reasoning Mathematical confidence Independent thinking Resilience Investigation skills
Global Politics provides an excellent foundation for future study and careers in: GCSE Mathematics Further Mathematics Engineering Economics Computer Science Sciences Finance
photography Capture ideas. Tell stories. Create impact. Photography allows students to explore creative image-making while developing technical and artistic skills. Students learn how to use composition, lighting, digital editing and visual storytelling techniques to create meaningful photographic outcomes. Through experimentation and creativity, students develop their own style and creative voice.
What will you develop? Creativity Visual communication Digital skills Composition Editing techniques Storytelling
"Photography helped me see ordinary things in a completely different way."
Future Pathways Photography supports future study and careers in:
Visual Arts Media Marketing Graphic Design Film Creative Industries Communications
psychology Discover why people think, feel and behave the way they do. Psychology explores the fascinating study of human behaviour and the factors that influence how we think, learn and interact with others. Students investigate topics including memory, personality, emotions, relationships and social behaviour while developing research and analytical skills.
What will you develop? Research skills Critical thinking Communication Understanding of human behaviour Evaluation skills Data analysis
"Psychology helped me understand myself and the people around me."
Future Pathways Psychology supports future careers in:
Psychology Healthcare Education Business Human Resources Social Sciences Research
science extend invitation only Explore. Investigate. Discover. Science Extend provides ambitious students with the opportunity to explore scientific questions in greater depth through independent research. Students work towards the nationally recognised CREST Award, developing advanced practical, investigative and analytical skills. The programme encourages curiosity, creativity and scientific thinking beyond the classroom.
Future Pathways What will you develop? Scientific research Practical investigation Analysis Independent learning Presentation skills Problem solving
Science Extend provides excellent preparation for: GCSE Science STEM subjects Medicine Engineering Scientific Research Technology Careers
spanish Connect with the Spanish-speaking world. Develop language skills while exploring the diverse cultures, traditions and communities of Spanish-speaking countries. Students build confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing while developing the communication skills needed for future international opportunities.
What will you develop? Communication Cultural awareness Listening skills Reading skills Writing skills Confidence
"Learning Spanish has helped me communicate with people from different cultures."
Future Pathways Spanish supports future opportunities in:
International Business Travel Diplomacy Languages Education Global Careers
sports leaders Lead. Inspire. Achieve. Sports Leaders develops the confidence and skills needed to organise activities, motivate others and lead through sport. Students learn how to plan sessions, communicate effectively, work as part of a team and promote healthy, active lifestyles. The subject develops valuable leadership qualities that extend far beyond the sporting environment.
What will you develop? Leadership Teamwork Communication Organisation Confidence Responsibility
"Sports Leaders gave me the confidence to take responsibility and inspire others."
Future Pathways Sports Leaders supports future careers in:
Sport Coaching Physical Education Event Management Teaching Sports Development Leadership Roles
Making confident choices for your future Choosing your Year 9 subjects is an exciting opportunity to take greater ownership of your education. This guide has been created to help students and families understand the opportunities available and make informed decisions about the pathway ahead. Your choices should reflect who you are today while helping you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for tomorrow.