OPTIONS BOOKLET
Dear Pupils and Parents,
Welcome to the first step in your iGCSE, GCSE and BTEC option process. We understand the significance of this moment and the importance of making choices that will enable you to move into the next phase of your education at 16 years old with confidence and choice.
We are here to support you through this process and to provide you with as much information and support as possible.
In this booklet you will find the information you need about all the subjects we have to offer here at Sherborne School, Mall of Qatar, as well as the different option pathways we have to meet the varying needs and requirements of our pupils.
If you have any questions or require any further information or guidance about the options process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes,
Alexandra Blinkhorne-Mason
Options Timeline
Open Event & Year 9 Options Evening
Year 9 Option Form goes LIVE
Tutor check-in
Wednesday 10th December 2pm – 5pm
Wednesday 10th December 6pm
8th January 2026
Options Form DEADLINE 14th January 2026
Confirmation of Option choices
10th March 2026
At Sherborne School, Mall of Qatar, all pupils start their GCSE studies at the beginning of year 10 and will sit their final examinations in the summer examination series of year 11. All our pupils sit their examinations when they have been taught the full syllabus, have had opportunity to master their skills and knowledge, and are fully prepared for their examinations so that they are provided with the opportunity to meet, if not, exceed their potential.
The courses that we offer will follow either Pearsons Edexcel or Cambridge International Examination Board.
Awarding Grades
Since 2017, GCSEs have been graded on the 9 to 1 scale. This has replaced the previous A* to G scale.
The number scale is not directly equivalent to the old letter one. But if you are still used to thinking about the old A* to G grading scale, the old and current grading scales are comparable at the following points:
• The bottom of a grade 7 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade A
• The bottom of grade 4 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade C
• The bottom of grade 1 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade G
In the National Curriculum of England, a grade 4 is deemed as a standard pass, with grade 5 or better being deemed as a good pass.
The GCSE options that you make will form the foundation and will be the gateway to your post16 study, and level 3 qualification (AS/ A Level/ BTEC Level 3) generally require a grade 5 or better to be able to access the course fully.
How GCSEs are graded
After GCSE exams have been marked, they are graded using a combination of data and expert examiner judgment. New grade boundaries are set each year to reflect the difficulty of each paper, and to ensure that it is no easier or harder to get a grade in any given year.
Please find additional information through the Department for Education (UK) about the GCSE and A Level grading https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-and-a-level-gradingwhat-you-need-to-know/gcse-and-a-level-grading-what-you-need-to-know
Video summary from Ofqual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBx56qjS338
From GCSE to Sixth Form
At Sherborne School, Mall of Qatar, we have a fantastic Sixth Form provision which supports our pupils, not only through the academic rigour of A Level studies, but also through the university application process: whether in Qatar or at an International University.
The GCSE options are the first step onto this pathway, and it is important that pupils consider their next steps.
The access point for a Level 3 qualification (AS Level, A Level and BTEC Level 3) is a grade 5, however many subjects require a grade 6 or higher to be successful in accessing the higher grades. The Sixth Form Option process begins in the January of Year 11, but we encourage pupils to explore what they may be interested in now.
Option Pathways
To meet the varying needs of our pupils, we have reviewed our option pathways to ensure that all of our pupils are able to access the full breadth and depth that the curriculum has to offer. This means that all of our pupils will have access to languages, arts, humanities, sciences and more.
Al Thanawiya | Arab QID & Muslim
English Language Or
English Literature Maths
Biology Chemistry
MOEHE iGCSE First Language Arabic
MOEHE Islamic A
Double Award Geography
Single Award
History
Global Cit English Literature Or English Language Psychology
1Please note that this grade will be updated in accordance with the MOEHE – at time of publication the Ministry Circular for 2025-2026 stated that the Al Thanawiya was Option 1: 7 iGCSE grades 2 or above; 3 AS Levels grades E or above | Option 2: 7 iGCSE grades 2 or above; 1 AS Levels grade E or above and 1 A Level grade E or above | Option 3: 5 iGCSE grades 2 or above; 4 AS Levels grades E or above | Option 4: 5 iGCSE grades 2 or above; 2 AS Levels grade E or above and 1 A Level grade E or above. In the event of any update to the requirements, the school will notify parents and pupils.
Core 1
Core 2
Core 3
Core 4
Core 5
Pupils who are studying for their Al Thanawiya must achieve at least 7 iGCSE qualifications at a grade 21 or better.
BTEC Medica and BTEC PE do not qualify towards the Al Thanawiya and are not validated within Qatar, however pupils are permitted to study them as qualification beyond their 7 qualify subjects.
Business
Sociology
Core 6
Block A
Block B
Block C
Block D
Non-Arab QID & Muslim | Neither Arab QID nor Muslim
For all our non-Arab QID, Muslim and non-Muslim pupils, pupils have full access to the breadth and dept of the curriculum. Core 1
English Language Or English Literature Maths Biology Chemistry
2MOEHE Islamic Studies
Double Award 4(A) 4(B) Geography
Single Award
English Literature Or English Language Arabic as a Second Language History
Business French Global Cit
Travel Spanish
English Literature Or English Language
Sociology Art Psychology
2For our pupils of Muslim faith without an Arab QID, pupils are required to study Islamic Studies, however there is currently an exemption in place until a suitable MOEHE course has been provided. Therefore, pupils can access the full range of courses. However, should an approved MOEHE course become available all qualifying pupils will need to revert to the MOEHE course. This impacts core 5.
Non-exam
Arabic as a Second Language Geography
Business Music ** French History
Sociology
Psychology
Post-16 Options
If a pupil already has an idea about their career pathway, these are some of the GCSE routes that may help.
Career Pathway
Medicine
Engineer
Dentist
Lawyer
Psychologist
Accountant
Vet
Pilot
Architect
GCSEs/ Fields of Study
English Language
Maths Biology and Chemistry (and Physics) MFL History
Maths, Science (Double or Separate) English Language
English Language Double Award or Separate Sciences (Biology| Chemistry)
English Language | Literature Maths Science History
Maths
English Language Science (Double Award or Separate Sciences)
Maths English Language Statistics
Maths English Language Sociology
Maths
English Language
Maths
English Language Science
Computer Science Statistics
Maths ** Subjects you enjoy **
Geography MFL Economics Psychology
Psychology Statistics
Economics **Traditional academic subjects **
English Literature Double Award or Separate Sciences
** Subjects you enjoy **
Science (Physics) MFL
Art Design & Technology
Some pupils will make choices based on what their future aspirations are, however, it is also important to consider subjects that offer greater scope as well as subjects that offer enjoyment as well: universities look for both academic and personal development.
Degrees | Informed Choices
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zmskpg8 https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/ choosing-a-medical-school/gcse-requirements-formedicine/
Scan QR code for More information on Option Subjects
Your Next Steps
Choosing your GCSE options is an important milestone in your academic journey. The decisions you make now will open doors to your Sixth Form studies and beyond.
Remember
Choose subjects that genuinely interest you-enthusiasm and engagement are key to success at GCSE level.
Balance your choices across different disciplines to keep your options open for Sixth Form and university.
Consider both your strengths and your aspirations, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself in new areas.
Support Available
Your form tutor will discuss your choices with you during the tutor check-in on 8th January. Subject teachers are available to answer specific questions about course content and requirements. The Senior Leadership Team can provide guidance on pathways and future planning.
Important Dates
Options Form Deadline: 14th January 2026
Final Confirmation: 10th March 2026
We look forward to supporting you through this process and watching you thrive in your chosen subjects.
