Key Stage Four Options 2025-26

The curriculum at Key Stage Four consists of a mixture of Core Subjects and Options Subjects. 

We aim to offer a broad and balanced curriculum that reflects the National Curriculum requirements, and the curriculum policy of Holland Park School.

Whilst all the qualifications offered have equal status, they do emphasise different skills and ways of learning. When making choices students must balance their skills and learning styles in order to pick courses on which they are likely to be successful. 

The core GCSE subjects at Holland Park are English – two GCSEs in Literature and Language, mathematics, science (combined for all, Triple Science if selected as an option) and Religious Education. Students will sit all core GCSE subject examinations at the end of Year 11, save for Religious Education which is externally examined at the end of Year 10.

Alongside the core and optional subjects, students at Key Stage 4 will continue to participate in personal development and PE as non-examined subjects.

Selecting your options

Holland Park students select their four GCSE option subjects during Year 9. The process is begun in tutor time, with form tutors leading discussions about the non-core subjects available, and how to identify the most appropriate course for each student.

The process is then developed in the following ways:

1. Options Booklet (updated version will be available during Autumn 2)
2. Options videos (available below)

Parents Information Evening – Thursday, 6^th February at 5pm (all parents and students should attend)

Selecting Your Options

Options forms are completed online using a website called TOOLS. A link to the website will be sent to student email addresses and the options form will be visible and editable by parents who have signed up. 

Deadline for Year 9 Option choices: Friday 7th March 2025.