KS4 Options Guidance
We believe that it is important that students study qualifications of the very highest quality and place them in the best position to move into further and higher education, employment and training.
As a student at Thurston Community College, you will take more responsibility for your education and your future.
Key Dates
Thursday 2 February - Year 9 Parent and Student Evening (virtual)
Tuesday 7 February - Year 9 Key Stage 4 Options assembly.
Thursday 23 February - Key Stage 4 Options Evening. Students and staff will be available to talk about all the courses and pathways which we offer. There will be a general presentation at 6:15pm in our auditorium and again at 7:00pm.
Friday 3 March - Deadline for Options Choices Form Submission. Forms must be submitted by 4pm.
Key Stage 4 Options Booklet
Click here to view the Key Stage 4 Options Booklet for 2023.
How to submit your options choices:
A Guide to Creating an Options Online Account for Students
Qualifications at Key Stage 4
There will be two types of qualifications available to students:
- GCSE qualifications which are linear qualifications where the course is assessed in one or more exams at the end of the course.
- Technical Awards such as RSL and Cambridge National courses involve more assessment throughout the course. You may be required to complete coursework, practical exams and/or complete shorter exams during Year 10 and 11. These courses are usually graded in terms of Distinction* (equivalent to GCSE 8/9), Distinction (GCSE 7), Merit (GCSE 6), Pass (GCSE 4/5).
Students will have the opportunity to take both types of qualification at Thurston Community College depending on your interests and future aspirations.
Where should I start?
It is important to talk to your parents, your tutor, your class teachers and other staff. Engage with assemblies, tutor time activities, watch the short films below, and attend our KS4 Options Evening on Thursday 23 February. You can also arrange a careers appointment with our Careers Advisor (Ms Johnson) for advice and guidance: careers@thurstoncollege.org
Will I get my preferred choices?
We will do our best to give you your preferred choices, but it is not always possible, so you will be asked to choose reserves. Most courses have a maximum number of students they can accept because of the limits of specialist rooms and staff.
For a course to be taught it must have been chosen by a sufficient number of students. We cannot, therefore, guarantee that all courses listed will definitely be available. Final decisions on whether courses run can be based on student uptake, staffing implications, timetabling and equipment practicalities.
The videos below are designed to provide you with further information about course content.
Please note, some videos may be unavailable due to recent changes in exam board specifications. Further information about all courses will be available at our Key Stage 4 Options Evening.
Acting
Art
Cambridge National: Sports Science
Child Development
Computing & ICT
Design Technology
Food Preparation & Nutrition
French / Spanish
Geography
Health & Social Care
History
Music
PE
Philosophy & Ethics
Psychology
RSL Dance
Music: BTEC