Options

Choosing options is a watershed moment for every Year 9 student at High Tunstall College of Science and we are absolutely committed to providing the very best advice and guidance to students and parents/carers.

Here at High Tunstall College of Science, we operate an elective-based Options process. Students are assigned an Options Elective (either Main, Main+ or EBacc) based on academic ability, attitude, behaviour, attendance, and any pastoral issues.  This is to give our students the best possible options package which suits them.  It is our responsibility to give each student educational currency to take them on their next steps in life. Click on each tile below for more information.

All students must take the core subjects, which are known as ‘the core curriculum’, these are:

• English Language and Literature
• Mathematics
• Sciences
• Core PE

There are a number of opportunities to consider the best set of subjects to opt for, from the Option videos below, to the Year 9 Options Carousel, Year 9 Options Evening, the Options booklet, and conversations with teachers / Faculty Leaders. The process has been designed to be informative and supportive.  Full details of all the courses we offer will be made available to students and parents/carers at Options Evening on Thursday 30th January 2025.

Some courses have specific entry requirements due to the challenging nature of the specifications. Faculty Leaders can advise students carefully and sensitively on the suitability of these courses. The subjects are:

• GCSE Computer Science
• GCSE Psychology
• GCSE Statistics
• GCSE Triple Science

We encourage students to talk to their teachers, form tutors, parents/carers and as many other suitable people as possible before any final decisions are made and option preferences forms are completed. 

Please click on the tiles below to find out more information on the subjects available to students.